cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Clinical Association of Progesterone Receptor Isoform A With Breast Cancer Metastasis Consistent With Its Unique Mechanistic Role in Preclinical Models

Luminal breast cancer (L-BCa) comprises the majority of incurable, distally metastatic breast cancer cases. Estrogen supports growth of L-BCa cells but suppresses invasiveness. Estrogen also induces the progesterone receptor (PR). Invasiveness and metastasis of L-BCa cells is supported by the short PR isoform (PR-A), in response to the range of pre- and post-menopausal plasma hormone levels, by counteracting the effects of estrogen via micro RNA-mediated cross-talk with the estrogen receptor (ER). PR-B directly supports L-BCa invasion and metastasis and also inhibits tumor growth, both only at high progesterone levels. As public datasets on L-BCa tumors cannot distinguish PR-A, this study was designed to seek clinical evidence for the role of PR-A in metastasis in comparison with PR-B and ER. Measurement of tumor PR-A, PR-B and ER mRNA expression in 125 treatment-naive primary L-BCa patients with differential node involvement and analysis using linear mixed effects models. Transcriptional activity assays of PR-A and PR-B. Lymph node involvement was strongly associated with PR-A expression (median, 3-fold higher vs. node-negative), independent of age, pathologic type, tumor grade, HER2 and PR-B. PR-B and ER correlated weakly with PR-A, but whereas PR-B and the PR-A/PR-B ratio were not significantly associated with node involvement, ER weakly negatively correlated with node positivity. PR-A was hypersensitive to mifepristone compared with PR-B. Taken together with previous mechanistic studies, the findings provide clinical evidence in support of the role of PR-A in L-BCa metastasis. They also suggest the possibility of developing selective PR-A modulators for future interventions in appropriate clinical situations.
Dietary niche and growth rate of the nonnative tubenose goby (Proterorhinus semilunaris) in the Lake Superior basin

Abstract The tubenose goby (Proterorhinus semilunaris) entered the Great Lakes in the 1990s via ballast water, but remains poorly studied within North America, making it difficult to predict its effects on native ecosystems. Dietary breadth and somatic growth rate have important ramifications for survival, competitiveness, and dispersal ability of a fish species, and thereby its ecological impact. We studied diet and growth of age-0 tubenose goby within the St. Louis River, a tributary to Lake Superior that contains the largest population within the Lake Superior basin. We sampled tubenose gobies from shallow, vegetated habitats during summer and fall. Stomach contents were identified and weighed to measure fullness and dietary breadth between seasons and several locations. We aged fish based on otolith daily increments to model somatic growth. Diet was dominated by isopods and amphipods, and dietary breadth was low and not significantly different between locations and seasons. Tubenose goby diet strongly overlapped with that of tadpole madtom (Noturus gyrinus), a native, demersal species. We tested several candidate growth models; the Gompertz growth function was the most parsimonious model among those examined. The model demonstrates that tubenose goby obtains a small maximum size and is short-lived. We conclude that tubenose goby presents a unique risk to the Great Lakes and other freshwater bodies because their life history is typical of invasive species, their diet overlaps with native fish, and because they occupy shallow, vegetated habitat which functions as both nursery and foraging habitat for many native fishes.
An endometrial organoid model of interactions between Chlamydia and epithelial and immune cells

Our understanding of how the obligate intracellular bacterial pathogen Chlamydia trachomatis reprograms the function of infected cells in the upper genital tract is largely based on observations made in cell culture with transformed epithelial cell lines. Here, we describe a primary organoid system derived from endometrial tissue to recapitulate epithelial cell diversity, polarity and ensuing responses to Chlamydia infection. Using high-resolution and time-lapse microscopy, we catalog the infection process in organoids from invasion to egress, including the reorganization of the cytoskeleton and positioning of intracellular organelles. We show this model is amenable to screening C. trachomatis mutants for defects in the fusion of pathogenic vacuoles, the recruitment of intracellular organelles and inhibition of cell death. Moreover, we reconstructed a primary immune cell response by co-culturing infected organoids with neutrophils, and determined that effectors like CPAF (also known as CT858) and TepP (also known as CT875) limit the recruitment of neutrophils to infected organoids. Collectively, our model can be applied to study the cell biology of Chlamydia infections in three-dimensional structures that better reflect the diversity of cell types and polarity encountered by Chlamydia in their animal hosts.
The Dark Side of Nighttime Off-Road Vehicle Use

Background: Off-road vehicles (ORVs), which include all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and side-by-sides (SxSs), are designed for off-road use only. Iowa law restricts roadway riding to occupational purposes and limits it to daylight hours. A growing number of Iowa counties are opening roadways to recreational ORV use and many counties are choosing not to include a daylight restriction. To better understand this issue, the study objective was to compare and contrast daytime and nighttime ORV crashes …
Novel Architected Material for Cardiac Patches

Myocardial infarction (MI) can lead to scar tissue formation and even heart failure. Cardiac patches are a promising technology to strengthen scar tissue post-MI. In this work, we introduce a novel periodic architected material (PAM) for potential use as cardiac patches to prevent aneurysm. The PAM is formed by a set of triangular architectures that rotate as stretching is applied. Using a combination of analytical, computational, and experimental methods, we analyze the mechanical aspects and design of the rotating triangles PAM. We demonstrate that this new material can produce localized deformation in the heart tissue and improve the force generation in the infarcted tissue. Furthermore, we show that the mechanical behavior of the rotating triangles PAM can be easily tuned, facilitating the match between the mechanical behavior of the myocardium and the cardiac patch.
Non-local effects in graphene plasmonic devices operating at short wavelength infrared frequencies

Plasmons in graphene are known to be tunable and to exhibit extreme field confinement, making them useful for optoelectronic devices, and for exploring extreme light matter interactions. Thus far, these effects have been demonstrated at Thz to mid-IR frequencies, with the upper frequency limit set by limits of electron beam lithography, which can make graphene nanostructures as small as 15nm. In this talk, I will show that bottom-up block co-polymer lithography methods can create nanostructures with characteristic lengthscales as small as 12nm, and that in this regime the non-local interactions in graphene become strong, creating a significant blue shift of the plasmonic resonances. This allows for the creation of plasmonic cavities with resonances at wavelengths as short as 2.2um. The confinement factors of these cavities reach 135, which is exceedingly large, but less than what has been predicted by theory.
Macronutrient composition of olive baboon (Papio anubis) milk: A comparison to rhesus macaque (Macaca mulatta) milk

This study was designed to (1) characterize the macronutrient composition of olive baboon (Papio anubis) milk, (2) compare baboon milk composition to that of rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta), and (3) evaluate the association between the proportion of milk energy derived from protein and relative growth rate within anthropoid primates. A single milk sample was collected from each of eight lactating olive baboons ranging between 47- and 129-days postparturition and six rhesus macaques from 15- to 92-days living at the same institution under identical management conditions. Macronutrient composition (water, fat, protein sugar, and ash) was determined using standard techniques developed at the Nutrition Laboratory at the Smithsonian National Zoological Park. Baboon milk on average contained 86.0% ± 0.6% water, 4.7% ± 0.5% fat, 1.6% ± 0.04% protein, 7.3% ± 0.07% sugar, and 0.165% ± 0.007% ash. Baboon milk gross energy (GE) averaged 0.81 ± 0.04 kcal/g with 51.9% ± 2.6% from fat, 11.8% ± 0.7% from protein, and 36.2% ± 2.0% from sugar. Baboon milk demonstrated strong similarity to milk composition of the closely phylogenetically related rhesus macaque (86.1% ± 0.3% water, 4.1% ± 0.4% fat, 1.69% ± 0.05% protein, 7.71% ± 0.08% sugar, 0.19% ± 0.01% ash, and 0.78 kcal/g). There was no statistical difference between baboon and macaque milk in the proportions of energy from fat, sugar, and protein. Baboon milk can be described as a high sugar, moderate fat, and low protein milk with moderate energy density, which is consistent with their lactation strategy characterized by frequent, on-demand nursing and relatively slow life history compared to nonprimate mammal taxa. The milk energy from protein of both baboon and macaque (12.8% ± 0.3%) milk was intermediate between the protein milk energy of platyrrhine (19.3%-23.2%) and hominoid (8.9%-12.6%) primates, consistent with their relative growth rates also being intermediate. Compared to these cercopithecid monkeys, platyrrhine primates have both higher relative growth rates and higher milk energy from protein, while apes tend to be lower in both.
Acute and Chronic Subdural Hematoma Related to Intracranial Vascular Malformations

Intracranial vascular malformations such as arteriovenous malformations (AVM), cavernous malformations (CM), and dural arteriovenous fistulas (dAVF) typically cause intraparenchymal hemorrhage but have the potential to cause subdural hematoma (SDH). The gold standard for the diagnosis of AVMs and dAVFs is digital subtraction angiography, while CMs are angiographically occult and best characterized on MRI. AVMs are classified according to size, venous drainage, and location. These factors dictate surgical risk. Multimodal treatment with any combination of surgery, endovascular embolization, and radiosurgery is employed for high-risk lesions. CMs are classified by their appearance on MRI and treatment is limited to surgical resection. dAVFs are characterized by their venous drainage pattern, and treatment is usually endovascular. This chapter describes the natural history, classification, diagnosis, and treatment of these lesions in the context of patients presenting with SDH.
Multiple-Layer Insulation

Efficient storage and transport of cryogenic fluids are of prime importance because of the relatively high cost of liquid production. Vessels for holding liquid hydrogen and helium are always carefully insulated, usually with an insulation which includes vacuum. Less stringent requirements apply to vessels for nitrogen and oxygen. However, the same general rules and techniques apply to the insulation of any cryogenic device. The heat transport to the container holding the cryogenic fluid arises from conduction through mechanical supports and from heat transport across the insulation space.
Immunodetection of endorphins and enkephalins: a search for reliability.

Publisher Summary The isolation and identification of the endogeneous opioid peptides called “enkephalins” and the discovery of the biologically and chemically related endorphins have generated one of the fastest growing fields in current neurobiological research. Investigations of the role played by these opiate-like substances in nervous function have posed to scientists methodological problems of identification and quantitation that demand more than the traditional neurochemical expertise. This is because of the greater chemical complexity of peptides compared to classical neurotransmitters and because peptide levels in nervous tissues are very low. The twin demands of high specificity and high sensitivity can be met by methods based on stereomolecular recognition—that is, the molecule-to-molecule interaction that occurs in antigen–antibody recognition. Thus, immunological detection has become a major tool in understanding the actions of biologically active peptides because it discriminates molecules on the basis of chemical structure rather than biological actions. Immunodetection has provided the possibility of using the same specific instrument for studying these peptides from both histological and biochemical aspects. This chapter discusses the usefulness and the limitations of immunological methods as reflected in the study of the opioid peptides in the laboratory and provides guidance for developing new methodologies and for evaluating the existing literature on endorphins and enkephalins. Special emphasis is given to testing the sensitivity and specificity of antisera in the experimental conditions used in radioimmunoassay (RIA) and immunocytochemistry (ICC); the differences and similarities between RIA and ICC are also discussed in the chapter.
1 – Regulatory developments with European health claims

Since Chapter 1 in the first volume of this series was completed (September 2013), the key developments have been further health claim authorisations and the publication of more positive European Food Safety Authority opinions through the available application routes, that is, for reduction of disease risk claims, children’s development and health claims, and for claims based on newly developed scientific evidence and/or requesting the protection of proprietary data. European Commission guidance has been published, setting out the rules for generic descriptor applications. However, there has been no further progress with setting nutrient profiles. A number of challenging areas for health claims have emerged, such as joint-health claims, appetite and satiety claims, immune function claims and claims for gut bacteria. A comparison is made of authorised health claims in the area of heart health with dietary recommendations for a heart-healthy diet.
Windrow Grazing and Baled-Hay Feeding Strategies for Wintering Calves

Management practices that lower livestock production costs are of interest to ranch enterprises. Windrow or swath grazing is a strategy where livestock directly graze windrow-stored forage, generally during a time when packaged hay or some other feed is provided. The objectives of this study were: 1) to quantify calf performance and forage intake and waste under windrow grazing (windrow) and bale-fed (bale) management strategies; 2) to quantify hay quality changes as affected by storage method and time; 3) to determine the effects of windrow coverage on subsequent meadow herbage yield and composition; and 4) to compare costs and returns associated with windrow and bale strategies. The forage source was wet meadow dominated by cool-season perennial species with alternating windrows baled and the remaining windrows left in place for direct grazing. Weaned steer calves were fed baled hay or grazed windrows during a November-January period each of 2 years. Windrow grazing calf gains were greater (P 0.05) during all sampling months (September-February). Crude protein content of standing (stockpiled) forage declined to 5.7% by February. Acid detergent fiber (ADF) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) were similar between windrow and standing storage treatments during all months and higher than bales from November through February. Herbage yield was 20% less in the area directly covered by windrows the previous fall and winter compared to the control (P < 0.05). However, only about 9% of the total area of a pasture is affected by windrow-coverage when 1-m wide windrows are created 11 m apart, resulting in an overall herbage yield reduction of 1.5%. Total forage production costs for the bale-fed strategy were about $63 ha(-1) (37%) higher than windrow grazing due to baling and bale moving costs. Feed costs averaged $0.16 head(-1) day(-1) for windrow and $0.30 head(-1) day(-1) for the bale strategy. When production data were applied to market prices for the previous 7 years, the mean net return ha(-1) for windrow exceeded the net return for the bale strategy by about $93 and the net return for a strategy that directly sold the hay by $174. DOI:10.2458/azu_jrm_v55i1_volesky
On properties of read and write sets in the Awerbuch-Peleg scheme for tracking mobile users

An important issue in the design of a wireless network is the scheme used for tracking the locations of its mobile users. A formal scheme for efficient location tracking proposed by Awerbuch and Peleg uses a localitydpreserving distributed directory server whose construction is based on the graphdtheoretic notion of a regional matching. Although this scheme has been theoretically shown to have low worstdcase communication complexity, its implementation behavior is not known. We have implemented the Awerbuch–Peleg scheme in order to evaluate its performance and practicality. This paper, which stems from our implementation, examines properties of the read and write sets that are a key component of the hierarchical directories used in the scheme. We are particularly interested in read set size since it directly influences the scheme’s communication cost and performance. Our experimental results indicate that read set sizes in randomlydgenerated networks are much smaller than the theoretical bound. We derive some analytical results that help explain this behavior. In particular, we establish tight constant bounds for read set size in linear, grid and uniform degree balanced tree networks that are independent of the number of network nodes.
Abstract P155: The Impact of Drinking Patterns on Differences in the Alcohol-Mortality Relationship between Blacks and Whites in the United States

Background: Moderate alcohol consumption appears to confer survival benefits, but previous studies suggest that blacks may not experience such benefits due to, for example, differences in genetic polymorphisms in ethanol metabolizing genes or societal/behavioral factors related to type and pattern of consumption. Investigating potential Black-White differences in the alcohol-mortality relationship may also help illuminate if apparent benefits of moderate alcohol consumption are confounded by lifestyle and socioeconomic characteristics. Few studies, however, have included a sufficient number of blacks. Objective: To investigate Black-White differences in the relationship between alcohol consumption and all-cause mortality. Methods: We pooled cross-sectional surveys of nationally representative samples of 145,143 adults in the National Health Interview Survey from 1997-2002 with mortality follow-up through 2006. Usual drinking days/week and level of alcohol consumed/day were based on self-report. Race-sex s...
Design of multiobjective H ∞ lopp-shaping SISO control systems by fuzzy logic

The H∞ loop-shaping design method is an effective way to design robust controllers. One of the main limitations in the design of H∞ loop-shaping controllers is that the design method concerns frequency domain specifications that do not precisely represent the underlying time domain performance requirements. Even if the time response constraints were not present, the approach is based on trial-and-error selection of the frequency-dependent weights that are used in the design. Selection of these weights becomes more difficult if time response constraints must be satisfied. This paper presents a systematic way of selecting the loop parameters for the frequency-dependent weights, and develops a fuzzy algorithm that selects these parameters so that the resulting H∞ loop-shaping controller yields a closed-loop system that satisfies the time response constraints for a linear single-input single-output (SISO) system. It is seen that although most of the time response characteristics of the system can be improved by changing any of the loop parameters, the frequency domain constraints normally set limits on some of these loop parameters in such a way that the latter cannot be changed further to improve the time response characteristics of the system.
Ontogeny of neuroembryology

This essay commemorates the 100th anniversary of the birth of neuroembryology. One cannot, of course, ascribe the beginning of a branch of science to a single year, but the years between 1885 and 1890 saw major publications by the German anatomist Wilhelm His (1831–1904) and the Spanish histologist S. Ramon y Cajal (1852–1934), both of whom laid the foundation to our present understanding of the structure and embryonic origin of the nervous system.
Toward Accurate Coastal Ocean Prediction

Several major problems, namely, uncertain surface forcing function, unknown open boundary conditions (OBC), and pressure gradient error using the σ-acoordinate, affect the accuracy of coastal ocean prediction. At open lateral boundaries where the numerical grid ends, the fluid motion should be unrestricted. Ideal open boundaries are transparent to motions. The most popular and successful scheme is the adjoint method. The disadvantages that may restrict its use are ocean-model dependency and difficulty in deriving the adjoint equation when the model contains rapid (discontinuous) processes, such as change of ocean mixed layer from entrainment to shallowing regime. Development of a ocean-model independent algorithm for determining the OBC becomes urgent.
Successful emergent literacy Head Start teachers of urban African American boys living in poverty

SUCCESSFUL EMERGENT LITERACY HEAD START TEACHERS OF URBAN AFRICAN AMERICAN BOYS LIVING IN POVERTY by John Michael Holland A dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy at Virginia Commonwealth University. Virginia Commonwealth University 2012 Director: Dr. Michael Davis Professor, School of Education This integrated methods study used a sequential explanatory design to explore the culturally relevant teaching beliefs of successful emergent literacy Head Start teachers of urban African American boys living in poverty. The study utilized emergent literacy gain scores as a measure of success, a survey of culturally relevant teaching beliefs to describe variation in beliefs within the sample, and two rounds of interviews to explore the context of teacher agency with urban African American boys living in poverty. The four teachers interviewed expressed culturally relevant beliefs integral to their teaching practices. These beliefs were conveyed through descriptions of relationships with parents in and out of the classroom, through awareness
A Conceptual Framework for Guiding Data Collection in Facilities Programming

Facilities programming involves data collection about users, their activities and behavior patterns, needs, values, and preferences. This part of programming has a social science nature and requires a well thought out research design. The purpose of this paper is to present a conceptual framework that can guide the research design, data collection, and data analysis in the programming process. The paper proposes a general and inclusive conceptual structure that will be further developed and operationalized when applied to a particular building type and a specific programming situation. The framework represents only the most fundamental dimensions of the social organization and its constituent elements. The framework will structure the cognitive domain so that the information can be handled more easily and will provide assurance that basic aspects of the social organism will not be overlooked. The process and method for project-specific adaptation and elaboration will be discussed in a subsequent paper.
On elasticity solutions for cracks on bimaterial and bicrystal interfaces

Abstract The two-dimensional problem of an interface crack between two anisotropic elastic solids is considered. A necessary and sufficient condition for no oscillations in the singular crack-tip fields is given, and then bicrystals associated with tilt boundaries that satisfy this condition are considered. Explicit solutions for a finite crack along interfaces satisfying this condition are given.
On the asymmetry of λ integration site

Abstract This work suggests that the attachment regions of Escherichia coli and λ do not carry identical recognition sites. This hypothesis is consequent to an analysis of the lysogenization pattern of the bacteriophages λdg and λ. A new λ particle has been isolated in order to test further this formal proposal. This particle is capable of co-transducing the bacterial markers gal and bio (λdgb). The analysis of the lysogenization pattern of λdgb confirms and extends the suggested dissimilarity of E. coli and λ recognition sites. Another proposal is made, namely, that the excision of the λ prophage is not a simple reversal of the integration process.
Pediatric anorectal disorders.

Anorectal disorders are common in children. More than one third of toddlers in the United Kingdom and children younger than 12 years in Brazil were considered by their parents to be constipated.30 It has been estimated that 10% of children are brought to medical attention because of a defecation disorder, and constipation is the chief complaint in 3% to 5% of all visits to pediatricians. Most of these children suffer from functional constipation, a condition that has been called psychogenic megacolon, functional fecal retention, idiopathic constipation, and stool withholding. There are substantial differences in the approach to children and adults with anorectal disorders (Table 1). The child's developmental stage; the interaction between patient, family, and peers; and the presence of behavioral and psychologic comorbidity need to be assessed carefully. This article discusses the most common pediatric anorectal disorders, emphasizing the differences between children and adults in terms of clinical presentations, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment.
Haploidentical hematopoietic cell transplantation

Haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) provides an opportunity for nearly all patients to benefit from HCT when a HLA genotypically matched sibling is not available. Initial results with the use of mismatched allografts led to limited enthusiasm due to GVHD and infectious complications resulting in unacceptable treatment-related morbidity and mortality. Recent advances with effective T-cell depletion, the use of 'megadoses' of stem cells, better antimicrobial therapy and reduced intensity conditioning has significantly decreased the early transplant-related mortality and GVHD. These modifications also enabled robust and prompt engraftment and led to enhancing the therapeutic benefits of haploidentical transplantation. However, the cardinal problems related to delayed immune reconstitution causing post-transplant infectious complications and relapse remain, limiting the efficacy of haploidentical transplant. Preliminary data have demonstrated the great potential in the use of adoptive cellular immunity and selective allodepletion in rapidly reconstituting immunity without GVHD. The encouraging reports from haploidentical transplant using noninherited maternal antigen (NIMA)-mismatched donors or natural killer (NK) alloreactive donors may greatly increase the donor availability and open a way to more appropriate donor selection in HLA-haploidentical HSCT. Future challenges remain in determining the safest approach for haploidentical transplant with minimal risk of GVHD, while preserving effective GVL activity and promoting prompt immune reconstitution.
Tilted Logpile Photonic Crystals using the LIGA Technique

ABSTRACT The LIGA microfabrication technique offers a unique method for fabricating 3-dimensional photonic lattices based on the Iowa State logpile structure. These structures represent the [111] orientation of the [100] logpile structures previously demonstrated by Sandia National Laboratories. The novelty to this approach is the single step process that does not require any alignment. The mask and substrate are fixed to one another and exposed twice from different angles using a synchrotron light source. The first exposure patterns the resist at an angle of 45 degrees normal to the substrate with a rotation of 8 degrees. The second ex posure requires a 180 degree rotation about the normal of the mask and substrate. The resulting pattern is a vertically oriented logpile pattern that is rotated slightly off axis. The exposed PMMA is developed in a single step to produce an inverse lattice structure. This mold is filled with electroplated gold and stripped away to create a usable gold photonic crystal. Tilted logpiles demonstrate band characteristics very similar to those observed from [100] logpiles. Reflectivity tests show a band edge around 5 P m and compare well with numerical simulations. Keywords: LIGA, Photonic Crystal, PBG, woodpile, tilted logpile
Predictability-oriented defense against adaptive adversaries

There are substantial potential benefits to considering predictability when designing defenses against adaptive adversaries, including increasing the ability of defense systems to predict new attacker behavior and reducing the capacity of adversaries to anticipate defensive actions. This paper adopts such a perspective, leveraging the coevolutionary relationship between attackers and defenders to derive methods for predicting and countering attacks and for limiting the extent to which adversaries can learn about defense strategies. The proposed approach combines game theory with machine learning to model adversary adaptation in the learner's feature space, thereby producing classes of predictive and “moving target” defenses which are scientifically-grounded and applicable to problems of real-world scale and complexity. Case studies with large cyber security datasets demonstrate that the proposed algorithms outperform gold-standard techniques, offering effective and robust defense against evolving adversaries.
Basilar tip aneurysms: a microsurgical and endovascular contemporary series of 100 patients.

Background Endovascular therapy has largely replaced microsurgical clipping for the treatment of basilar tip aneurysms. Objective We describe the variables our center evaluates when choosing to clip or coil basilar tip aneurysms and our outcomes. Four case illustrations are presented. Methods All patients with ruptured or unruptured basilar tip aneurysms from 2005 to April 2012 were examined. The patients were treated by 2 interventional neuroradiologists and 2 dually trained neurosurgeons. Results There were 63 ruptured (clipped 38%, coiled 62%) and 37 unruptured (clipped 35%, coiled 65%) aneurysms in this 100-patient study. Seventy percent of the patients with ruptured aneurysms and 92% of the patients with unruptured aneurysms had a good outcome (modified Rankin scale 0-2) at 3 months. For ruptured aneurysms, there was a statistically significant difference in clipping and coiling with respect to age and treatment modality (clip 48.8 years, coil 57.6 years). Patients in the coiled group had higher dome-to-neck (1.3 vs 1.1) (P = .01) and aspect ratios (1.6 vs 1.2) (P = .007). In the ruptured coiling group, 69.5% achieved a Raymond 1 radiographic outcome, 28% Raymond 2, and 2.5% Raymond 3. Eleven (17.4%) patients required re-treatment, and 3 (4.4%) patients were re-treated more than twice. Coiling of unruptured aneurysms resulted in 75% Raymond 1. There were no residual lesions for unruptured clipped aneurysms. There were no differences in outcome between clipping and coiling in the ruptured and unruptured group. Conclusion In our current management of basilar tip aneurysms, the majority can be treated via endovascular means, albeit with the expectation of a higher percentage of residual lesions and recurrences. Microsurgery is still appropriate for aneurysms with complex neck morphologies and in young patients desiring a more durable treatment.
Long-term stable expression of human growth hormone by rAAV promotes myocardial protection post-myocardial infarction.

Abstract Recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV)-based gene therapy represents a promising approach for the treatment of heart diseases. It has been shown that growth hormone (GH) exerts a favorable effect on cardiovascular function in clinical and animal studies. This study explores a chronic stage after myocardial infarction and the potential therapeutic effects of delivering a human GH gene by rAAV following coronary artery ligation in Sprague–Dawley rats. rAAV vectors stably transduced heart muscle for up to 22 weeks after myocardial infarction (MI). Overexpression of GH via rAAV vectors significantly improved not only cardiac function but also LV pathologic remodeling was attenuated post-MI compared to the control rAAV-lacZ injected group. rAAV-mediated expression of GH also resulted in a significant induction of several angiogenic genes such as eNOS, VEGF and bFGF in rat hearts. Immunohistochemistry revealed an increase in capillary density and proliferation of cells and a decrease in the number of TUNEL-positive cardiomyocytes in the rAAV-GH group. Based on these data, we conclude that rAAV-mediated GH delivery can render a long-term transduction in the infarcted heart and improve cardiac function through promoting angiogenesis and proliferation of cells and protecting cardiomyocytes from ischemia-induced apoptosis.
Hematologic, Blood Gas, Blood Chemistry, and Serum Mineral Values for a Sample of Clinically Healthy Adult Goats

Fifty-five hematologic, blood gas, blood chemistry, and serum mineral values were determined from a random sample of 29 clinically healthy goats from an equal number of randomly selected herds in the piedmont of North Carolina. Descriptive statistics and equations for calculated values are presented. The internal and external validity of the data is discussed.
Inactivation of Surfactant by Meconium in vitro is Reversed by Surfactant Proteins † 1152

The purpose of these experiments was to find whether surfactant proteins have a protective effect on meconium inactivation of surfactant. Either Survanta or Exosurf was used with or without addition of dilute freshly passed meconium from human newborns. Human SP-A was isolated from patients with alveolar proteinosis using differential detergent solubilization (Courtesy of S. Hawgood). Full length SP-B according to the sequence determined for humans was synthesized by Dr. Alan Waring. Aqueous SP-A or SP-B in trifluoroethanol were added to surfactant/meconium mixtures with Vortex mixing. Final mixtures were tested at 37C in a pulsating surfactometer. Results in terms of minimum surface tension (mN/m) after 10 seconds of pulsation are shown in the table. Means are of quadruplicates. SD's ca. 12% of means. Under these conditions, surfactant proteins do not improve the surface lowering capabilities of Exosurf in the presence or absence of meconium. This pattern of results is similar to that found using serum inactivation (data not shown). SP-A alone has the largest effect on meconium inactivation of Survanta.
Acetonitrile­bis­(2-methyl-1,10-phenanthroline)copper(II) tetra­fluoridoborate

In the title compound, [Cu(CH3CN)(C13H10N2)2](BF4)2, the fivefold-coordinate CuII atom is located on a twofold rotation axis, imposing twofold symmetry to the complete cation. The structure exhibits disorder of the anion, which was successfully refined using a two-site model with 0.810 (3):0.190 (3) occupancy. The methyl group of the acetonitrile ligand is likewise disordered, here about the twofold rotation axis in a 1:1 ratio.
Accurate efficiency calibration and properties of semiconductor detectors for low-energy photons

Methods are given for investigating the properties and determining precision detection efficiencies of semiconductor Si(Li), Ge(Li), and intrinsic Ge photon detectors in the energy range 3 to 100 keV. The accuracy with which the efficiency curves can be established depends in part on the individual detector; an accuracy of ≈±3% between 6 and 60 keV could be achieved for the intrinsic Ge detector due to the relative simplicity of its sensitive volume and its low tail/peak ratio. In general, accuracies of 3 to 5% between 5 and 100 keV are achieved. Four typical detectors have been investigated extensively and a theoretical physical model developed for calculation of detection efficiencies to assist in the interpolation between the experimental points. For each detector, the procedure involves three separate steps: (1) accurate experimental measurement of the absolute detection efficiency at a standard geometry with calibrated photon-emitting radioactive standards; (2) accurate determination of the parameters required to predict from the theoretical physical model the absolute detection efficiency, such as source-to-detector distance, thickness of the gold and the Si or Ge deadlayers, the sensitive depletion depth, the sensitive detection area, collimation geometry, and charge collection efficiency; and (3) a fit of the experimental points with the theoretical model to minimize errors in interpolating between the points and to reveal anomalies. Results of narrow-beam photon scanning across the face of the detectors are presented and tail/peak ratios are given and discussed. A useful compilation is included of the photon energies and latest values of the emission rates per decay for the following radioactive standards: 241Am, 57Co, 60Co, 137Cs, 203Hg, 54Mn, 22Na, 88Y and 182Ta. In addition to these sources, others were calibrated by a new multiwire proportional counter technique or by application of the conversion electron-X-ray coincidence (CEX) technique. Rather substantial changes (≈20%) in efficiency and in tail/peak ratios were observed in some detectors with ageing, or, in the case of a Si(Li) detector, after a one-hour warmup cycle. It is concluded that each detector requires an individual determination of efficiency, as no two detectors are alike in all of their properties even though their nominal specifications may be identical, and that such efficiency determinations must be repeated, since changes occur with time, temperature, and other treatments. The mean life of cooled semiconductor X-ray detectors against failure appears to be approximately 18 months.
Testing the Proclaimed Affordances of Online Support Groups in a Nationally Representative Sample of Adults Seeking Mental Health Assistance

In this study, explanations for why people turn to the Internet for social support are tested using a nationally representative sample of adults who sought mental health support through a traditional treatment outlet, an in-person support group, or an online support group. Results indicate that the more adults report having social stigma concerns, the more likely they are to seek support online instead of help from an in-person support group or traditional treatment. Likewise, as the reported number of logistical barriers to mental health treatment increases, a corresponding increase occurs in the odds of adults seeking online support instead of traditional treatment. These findings as well as estimates of demographic variation in the use of online support are discussed.
Subjective objectivity: negotiating emotional meaning

Affective computing systems face challenges in relating objective measures with subjective human experiences. Many systems have either focused on objective measures as a substitute for subjective experience (e.g. skin conductance as a direct representation of arousal) or have abandoned objective measures to focus purely on subjective experience. In this paper, we explore how to negotiate the relationship between objective signals and subjective experiences by highlighting the role of human interpretation. Our approach is informed by a reflective analysis drawing on the arts and the humanities and by a participatory study examining the emergence of emotional meaning. We demonstrate the potential of our approach for interactive affective systems through a series of conceptual designs that embody these understandings.
Synthesis and characterization of copper-modified zinc chromites by the high temperature aerosol decomposition process for higher alcohol synthesis

Abstract The copper substitutional series CuxZn1−xCr2O4 where x=0.0–1.0 was synthesized for an investigation of their properties as catalysts for higher alcohol synthesis. The catalysts were prepared by the high temperature aerosol decomposition technique. The process resulted in the formation of the series of metal oxides as uniform hollow spheres having surface areas of 21–35 m2 g−1. Characterization of the solid state materials by X-ray diffraction, d.c. arc plasma elemental analysis, BET surface area, EDX mapping, and scanning electron microscopy demonstrated that the particles were homogeneous solid solutions up to a copper substitution of 90% having an unusual cubic spinel structure throughout the series. The copper chromite structure was observed only at copper substitutions greater than 90%. Cesium was also added in varying concentration from 1 to 10 mol.% as a promoter, and these materials were shown by EDX mapping to have a homogeneous cesium dispersion. Comparison of these syntheses to classical methods of preparation demonstrated that the aerosol process resulted in a much higher phase purity with direct formation of the metastable, cubic spinel rather than the normal tetragonal structure.
A molecular defect of myelination

Abstract A molecular defect has been found in metachromatic leucodystrophy (MLD), a rare hereditary disorder of myelin formation in which cerebroside sulfates accumulate. In normal white matter, cerebrosides and sphingomyelins contain large proportions of very long chain fatty acids (21–26 carbons) but in MLD these lipids are nearly depleted of these fatty acids. In this report these findings are documented and a working hypothesis is presented to partially explain the biochemical defect and the pathogenesis of MLD.
The effect of residual carbon on the phase stability of LaPO4 at high temperatures

Abstract Samples containing LaPO4 and polymeric binders were heated or hot-pressed in oxygen-poor environments to temperatures as high as 1585°C. Carbon analysis, powder X-ray diffraction and thermogravimetric analysis revealed that the residual carbon from the binders caused the LaPO4 to decompose into a lanthanum-rich phosphate compound, La3PO7, or a lanthanum oxide, La2O3, at temperatures above 750°C. These results agree with thermodynamic data, indicating that the driving force responsible for this carbothermic reduction reaction is the free energy of formation of P2O5, which is higher than the free energy of formation of CO above 750°C. It was also observed that this phenomenon would be detrimental to composites of LaPO4 and Al2O3, because LaAl11O18 and LaAlO3 were found to form at the interface, unless the samples were annealed in air after binder burnout.
Interactions of norepinephrine and strophanthidin in cardiac Purkinje fibers.

Abstract The actions and interactions between strophanthidin and norepinephrine on electrical and mechanical events were studied in cardiac canine Purkinje fibers perfused in vitro. The results obtained show that norepinephrine (but not strophanthidin) shifts phase 1 and the beginning of the plateau to a more positive potential, an effect reduced by beta-receptor blockade. Norepinephrine increases the contractile force to the maximal value sooner than strophanthidin. In low Ca solution, the inotropic action of strophanthidin far exceeds that of norepinephrine. Norepinephrine does not cause spontaneous discharge in the driven fibers, whereas strophanthidin eventually induces fast spontaneous rhythms. When norepinephrine is given in the presence of strophanthidin (or vice versa) spontaneous activity is induced which consists either of a slow rhythm (characterized by large action potentials) or of a fast rhythm (characterized by small action potentials). The latter is typically induced by strophanthidin alone but occurs sooner in the presence of both agents. Propranolol prevents the onset of the slow rhythm but not that of the fast rhythm. It is concluded that norepinephrine and strophanthidin increase force by different mechanisms and that the potentiation between these agents in causing spontaneous discharge may involve an enhancement of diastolic depolarization (slow rhythm) or of the oscillatory potential (fast rhythm).
A Delicate Balance: The Praxis of Empowerment at a Midwestern Montessori School

This study examines empowerment as a communicative process among teachers and students at a Midwestern Montessori school. The Montessori method, developed by Maria Montessori in the early twentieth century, is attentive to the tension individuals experience as they attempt to balance their individual freedom with the good of their community. This educational philosophy suggests that empowerment occurs on a systems level as teachers and students learn to manage this tension. Through longitudinal research, I explored the praxis of empowerment in the organizational context of three Montessori classrooms. My analysis of field notes and transcribed interviews yielded three specific areas in which I observed the praxis of empowerment: the nature of the environment, the management of discipline, and the social construction of learning.
Phenotypic drug adaptation inMucor racemosus: Constitutively adapted and nonadaptive mutants

Abstract Wild-type Mucor racemosus acquires phenotypic resistance to cycloheximide after a characteristic lag period. Adapted cultures are cross-resistant to the unrelated drugs trichodermin and amphotericin B. Mutants were isolated as either constitutively resistant (COR mutants) or nonadaptive (NAD mutants) to cycloheximide. Mutant COR 2A was constitutively resistant to cycloheximide alone, and adapted normally to trichodermin and amphotericin B. Mutant COR 3A was constitutively resistant to both cycloheximide and trichodermin, and had partially induced resistance to amphotericin B. Mutant NAD 67 was also pleiotropic, as it was unable to adapt to any of these drugs. Phenotypic drug adaptation in M. racemousus thus appears to involve both general and drug-specific components.
Home Dialysis in New York State

A description of New York State's program for providing assistance to patients on home dialysis. This program, which antedates the Medicare benefits provided under P.L. 92–603, Section 2991, was designated a Medicare provider in September 1975. Through its program, the Institute is able to provide home dialysis patients in the State with equipment, supplies and medications at a savings to the payors of these services, and presents a viable alternative to in-center dialysis.
Transient vibrations of a tau inclined cable with a riding accelerating mass

The objective of this paper is a theoretical and numerical study of the dynamics of a taut inclined cable with a riding accolerating mass, which is suspended from two points of different elevation. The moving mass is a trolley that is accelerated by a solid fuel rocket down the inclined cable and is aerodynamically brought to a halt. The thrust of the rocket is tangential to the deformed configuration of the cable. Methods of analysis consist of the dynamics of small deformations superimposed on the static catenary state. The problem is nonlinear due to presence of friction and the convective acceleration interaction of the moving mass and the cable. Galerkin's procedure for removal of spatial dependence and numerical integration are used to obtain convergent solutions.
Adult Amateur Experiences in Entomology: Breaking the Stereotypes

In The Pleasures of Entomology , Howard Evans (1985, p. 27) concludes his first chapter by musing that Entomologists, after all, do have to earn their keep … no one will pay them for enjoying themselves. The day of the amateur, defined as one who has other means of support and studies insects just for sport, is largely past.