cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Insulinlike growth factor-binding proteins.

Publisher Summary This chapter provides an overview of insulin-like growth factor-binding proteins (IGF-BP). The insulin-like growth factors (IGFs)—or somatomedins—constitute a family of growth hormone (GH)-dependent peptides with both anabolic and mitogenic activities for a wide variety of tissues and cell lines. IGF-I and -II are characterized by a striking structural homology with human proinsulin. The human gene for IGF-II is located on the short arm of chromosome 11 in close proximity to the gene for insulin and spans over 30 kb of DNA. This gene is composed of at least eight exons. The preprohormone consists of a 24-amino-acid signal peptide, a 67-amino-acid mature peptide, and a carboxy-terminal peptide of 89 amino acids. Significant diversity exists in the 5'-untranslated regions, where different mRNA species arise as a result of distinct promoters and alternative RNA splicing. Both IGF-I and -II are synthesized in a wide variety of tissues. The close relationship between insulin and IGF-I receptors is not surprising, given the binding affinities and structural similarities of the two receptors. Unlike the insulin and IGF-I receptors, the type 2 IGF receptor is characterized by a long extracellular domain, containing 15 repeat sequences of approximately 150 residues, a 23-residue transmembrane domain, and a small 164-residue cytoplasmic domain. No homology exists between the type 2 IGF receptor and the insulin or type 1 receptor. The initial characterization of IGF-BPs was done by gel filtration chromatography. The chapter discusses radioreceptor assays, affinity labeling, western ligand blotting, and immune-precipitation among other methods of detection.
Fault in American Contract Law: How Fault Shapes Contract Law

This essay will appear as a chapter in a forthcoming book entitled Fault in American Contract Law, to be published by Cambridge University Press and edited by Omri Ben-Shahar and Ariel Porat. In the essay, I describe three defects in the strict liability paradigm of American contract law, and use these to demonstrate how fault in fact significantly shapes contract law. First, the justifications for strict liability frame the issue as one of implementing contractual intent, when the main problem of contract law is interpreting contractual intent. Fault helps interpret contractual intent. Second, the strict liability paradigm focuses too much on a single fault variable – the superior ability of the promisor to control his own performance – and downplays other relevant fault variables. In particular, the strict liability paradigm ignores the potential for opportunistic behavior by the promisee. A broader conception of fault recognizes and emphasizes the potential for fault by both parties as well as the need to make relative fault assessments. Third, the strict liability paradigm overlooks doctrinal avenues in contract law that incorporate or accommodate fault. I discuss one important set of such doctrines: the law of contract damages. Fault helps explain contract damages doctrine and fill doctrinal gaps.
Occlusive vascular stapling in a canine inferior vena cava model.

Abstract A canine model for inferior vena cava resection was devised to study the biomechanical and clinical applications of the cartridge stapler, which applies a triple staggered staple line. Eighteen mongrel dogs were subjected to subhepatic, suprarenal inferior vena cava occlusion with excision of the excluded segment. At 1 hour, six dogs were killed and inferior vena cava sizes and pressures were measured. All staple lines were intact. The inferior vena cava bursting pressure was 150 to 300 mm Hg. Ten dogs survived to 6 weeks and underwent repeat laparotomy with excision and measurement of the remaining inferior vena cava. Mean diameter was 1.9 cm. No evidence of staple line leakage was found despite chronic pressures to 39 cm H2O: median static bursting pressures were 250 mm Hg. Vein wall thickness of >0.24 mm were all satisfactorily stapled. Histologic examination revealed normal reendothelialization, with improved healing at higher chronic pressures. No evidence of inflammation at the staple line or foreign body reaction was found. We conclude that a triple staple line provides secure, rapid venous occlusion that can withstand supraphysiologic stresses immediately and at 6 weeks. (J V ASC S URG 1990;12:38-40.)
Imagination inflation for action events: Repeated imaginings lead to illusory recollections

In two experiments, subjects heard simple action statements (e.g., “Break the toothpick”), and, in some conditions, they also performed the action or imagined performing the action. In a second session that occurred at a later point (10 min, 24 h, 1 week, or 2 weeks later), subjects imagined performing actions one, three, or five times. Some imagined actions represented statements heard, imagined, or performed in the first session, whereas other statements were new in the second session. During a third (test) phase, subjects were instructed to recognize statements only if they had occurred during the first session and, if recognized, to tell whether the action statement had been carried out, imagined, or merely heard. The primary finding was that increasing the number of imaginings during the second session caused subjects to remember later that they had performed an action during the first session when in fact they had not (imagination inflation). This outcome occurred both for statements that subjects had heard but not performed during the first session and for statements that had never been heard during the first session. The results are generally consistent with Johnson, Hashtroudi, and Lindsay’s (1993) source monitoring framework and reveal a powerful memory illusion: Imagining performance of an action can cause its recollection as actually having been carried out.
Bird communication study using digital computer

Computer programs for sequential behavioral patterns analysis have been developed and used to study duetting of birds (White-crested Jay Thrush). The duetting songs are composed of four syllables for female and up to 20 syllables for male. Transition probabilities between syllables, pairs, triplets and subsequences have been measured. Programmed associative memory is used to efficiently store and display hundreds of songs in the form of one single tree. The tree pattern is a new method to present both the communication process and behavioral control. As the songs are displayed in a sorted and comparative way, one can read from the tree the basic message units, decision making points, variations in songs, frequencies and probabilities of transitions. It is found that both male and female follow their individual pattern inside one message unit, and also that switching to another message unit occurs as a response to the partner. Statistical variations in motor patterns have been analyzed. Present analysis shows that duetting songs are highly non-stationary processes: the probabilities of outcomes are very much different at the beginning of the song, from those in the middle or at the end of the song.
A fluorescence assay for dissolved oxygen using sol-gel encapsulated myoglobin and an analogy to the inner filter effect

Abstract In this study, we were interested in how the limit of detection for dissolved oxygen (DO) measurements in water would be affected when absorbances were translated into fluorescence intensities of a dye through a process analogous to the inner filter effect. The DO measurements were made through the oxygenation of deoxy-myoglobin trapped in a sol-gel matrix. First, the encapsulated myoglobin is reduced from met-myoglobin to deoxy-myoglobin by bathing the gel in a dithionite solution. Then, the gel is introduced to the sample of dissolved oxygen in water. Dissolved oxygen reacts with deoxy-myoglobin to give oxy-myoglobin. The observed spectroscopic changes are indicative of dissolved oxygen in water. In our system, the fluorescent dye, brilliant sulfaflavine, absorbs light at 430 nm and emits radiation at 520 nm. The excitation light for the dye is passed through the myoglobin-containing gel. The emission of the fluorescent dye changes as the absorbance of the myogoobin at 430 nm changes in response to dissolved oxygen in water. Theoretically, the change in fluorescence should be larger than the corresponding change in absorbance. From this work, it was concluded that the detection limit for dissolved air measurements could be enhanced through fluorescence provided that the sol-gels had long enough exposure to the water samples.
Pathology of otosclerosis: A review

Otosclerosis is a bone disorder of unknown etiology confined to the otic capsule. Failure of remodeling of newly formed vascular, woven bone (otospongiosis) results in sclerotic bone (otosclerosis) with abnormal osteons. Involvement of the oval window causes conductive hearing loss. Electron microscopic, histochemical, and biochemical studies identify normal cellular and matrix components of otosclerotic bone without providing clues to the abnormal bone formation and resorption. Plastic-embedded, nondecalcified histologic sections with in vivo tetracycline labels permit the study of mineralization rates to separate this disorder from other bone dyscrasias that have similar histopathologic appearances. Characterization of the cells, matrix, and their mediators can yield an understanding of abnormalities that disorder bone.
Traitement par stent couvert expansible par ballonnet des lésions endovasculaires complexes

Cette etude a ete concue pour etudier l'hypothese que les stents couverts expansibles par ballon fonctionnent bien au cours du suivi longitudinal chez des patients presentant une pathologie vasculaire complexe et sont une alternative adaptee au traitement des recidives de restenose intra-stent. Tous les stents etaient des Atrium iCast, qui sont des stents couverts de polytetrafluoroethylene montes sur ballon, avec un systeme de largage 6F/7F. Une revue retrospective a ete faite chez 49 patients avec 66 lesions stentees. Les donnees ont ete analysees avec des tables actuarielles et des tests t. Les arteres le plus souvent traitees etaient les arteres iliaques (61%) et renales (de 24%). Les indications des stents couverts etaient les lesions atheromateuses (50%), les recidives instables de restenose intra-stent (24%), les anevrismes (8%), les reconstructions de la bifurcation aortique (7,5%), les dissections (4,5%), des gestes lies au traitement endovasculaire des AAA (4,5%), et la rupture de stent (1,5%). La permeabilite etait evaluee par angiographie ou echographie duplex. Le critere principal primaire etait la permeabilite et les criteres secondaires etaient le succes technique et les complications au site d'acces. Le suivi moyen etait de 13 mois (extremes 1,5-25). Le taux de reussite technique etait de 97%. Les echecs etaient dus a des erreurs de largage (n=1) et d'implantation du stent (n=1). La cohorte (n=64) et les taux de permeabilite primaire a 6 et douze mois etaient respectivement de 96% et 84%. La permeabilite primaire assistee a un an etait de 98%. Les stents iliaques (n=38) avaient une permeabilite primaire de 97% a 6 mois et de 84% a 12 mois avec une permeabilite primaire assistee de 100% a 12 mois. Les stents de l'artere renale (n=16) avaient une permeabilite primaire de 92% a 6 mois et de 72% a 12 mois avec une permeabilite primaire assistee de 92% a 6 et 12 mois. Les stents places pour recidive de restenose intra-stent (n=16) avaient une permeabilite primaire de 85%, une permeabilite primaire assistee de 93%, et un taux de restenose de 15% a 12 mois. Specifiquement, les stents places pour recidive de restenose intra-stent de l'artere renale (n=10) avaient une permeabilite primaire de 73%, une permeabilite primaire assistee de 82%, et un taux de restenose de 27%. Le taux de restenose a inclus deux occlusions d'artere renale chez des patients non compliants au traitement par clopidogrel avec comme consequence la perte du rein homolateral dans les deux cas. Le pic de velocite systolique intra-stent diminuait de maniere significative (p
Expanding efforts to address Alzheimer's disease: The Healthy Brain Initiative

Abstract The growing burden of Alzheimer's disease underscores the importance of enhancing current public health efforts to address dementia. Public health organizations and entities have substantial opportunities to contribute to efforts underway and to add innovations to the field. The Alzheimer's Association and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention worked with a 15-member leadership committee and hundreds of stakeholders to create The Healthy Brain Initiative: The Public Health Road Map for State and National Partnerships, 2013–2018 (Road Map). The actions in the Road Map provide a foundation for the public health community to anticipate and respond to emerging innovations and developments. It will be a challenge to harness the increasingly complex nature of public- and private-sector collaborations. We must strengthen the capacity of public health agencies, leverage partnerships, and find new ways to integrate cognitive functioning into public health efforts.
The stone heart. Development of a canine model, with ultrastructural survey and metabolic manipulation.

Abstract A reproducible canine model of stone heart (irreversible left ventricular rigor) is described. During the studies, perfusion of the coronary circulation with various concentrations and compositions of magnesium sulfate solutions did not significantly influence the development of stone heart. Approximately 90 minutes of normothermic, ischemic arrest appeared to be the turning point for the transition of left ventricles from a flaccid state to one of rigor. In spite of left ventricular rigor, right ventricles remained flaccid and could be defibrillated. Ultrastructural studies showed that mitochondria were destroyed in left ventricles in rigor while right ventricular mitochondria were preserved even after two hours of normothermic, ischemic arrest. In either ventricle, glycogen granules were dissipated after two hours. The increased incidence of left ventricular rigor after two hours of normothermic, ischemic arrest compared with one hour of ischemic arrest was highly significant.
A Queer Vision of Emerging Adulthood: Seeing Sexuality in the Transition to Adulthood

This paper seeks to demonstrate the importance of bringing sexuality more to the fore in scholarly work on the transition to adulthood. Sexuality not only brings needed attention to the commonplace sexual minorities that are largely overlooked in existing literature, connection with queer theory’s elemental insights stands to enrich the very frameworks through which transitions to adulthood are articulated. To that end, this paper provides a preliminary sketch of a “queer” vision of “emerging adulthood” and begins to elaborate the potential benefits of its deployment in scholarly treatments of transitions to adulthood. Inasmuch as a queered emerging adulthood lays a base for understanding additional forms of identity instability and perspectives on adulthood, it perhaps also indicates that scholarship on transitions to adulthood can profit by continuing to look to other theoretical perspectives that might shed added light on the shifting and manifold contours of (transitioning to) adulthood in the twenty-first century.
Automatic selection of best quality vessels from multiple-phase coronary CT angiography (cCTA)

We are developing an automated method to select the best-quality vessels from coronary arterial trees in multiplephase cCTA and build a best-quality tree to facilitate the detection of stenotic plaques. Using our previously developed vessel registration method, the vessels from different phases were automatically registered. Branching points on the centerline are projected onto the registered trees. The centerlines are split into branches based on the projected branching points. Each tree branch is then straightened. The registered trees and centerline branches are used to determine the correspondence of branches between phases so that each branch can be compared to its corresponding branches in the other phases. A vessel quality measure (VQM) is calculated as the average radial gradients at the vessel wall over the entire vessel branch. The quality of the corresponding branches from all phases is automatically compared using the VQM. An observer preference study was conducted with two radiologists to visually compare the quality of the vessels. For each branch, the pair that was automatically determined to be the best and worst quality by the VQM was used for the radiologists’ visual assessment. Each radiologist, blinded to the VQM, evaluated pairs of corresponding branches and provided their preference. The performance of the automatic selection using VQM was evaluated as the percentage of the total number of vessel pairs for which the automatic selection agreed with the radiologist’s selection of the higher quality branch in the pair. The agreement between the first radiologist and the automated selection was 80% and that between the second radiologist and the automated selection was 82%. In comparison, the agreement between the two radiologists was 90%. This preliminary study demonstrates the feasibility of using an automated method to select the best-quality vessels from multiple cCTA phases.
Forebrain norepinephrine involvement in selective attention and neophobia

It has been reported that depletion of forebrain norepinephrine via 6-hydroxydopamine infusion into the dorsal bundle decreases the rat's ability to selectively attend to relevant stimuli and thus increases the rat's responsiveness to novelty. In this study we measured 6-hydroxydopamine lesion effects on 1) selective attention via the nonreversal shift task and extinction of continuous reinforcement bar pressing and on 2) neophobia via consumption of a novel solution in a familiar environment; exploratory behaviors and consumption of a familiar food in a novel environment; and consumption of familiar and novel foods in a novel environment. Our data do not support a role for the dorsal bundle in selective attention. Our data do support a role for forebrain norepinephrine in neophobia and suggest that the lesion effects on neophobia result from an interaction between novelty of environment and novelty of food.
Trisomy 20 mosaicism in two unrelated girls with skin hypopigmentation and normal intellectual development

The prenatal diagnosis of trisomy 20 mosaicism presents a challenge for practitioners and parents. The diagnosis implies an uncertain risk for an inconsistent set of physical and developmental findings, as well as a substantial chance for a child that is normal physically and developmentally. We report two girls (ages nine years one month and eight years one month) with normal intelligence and hypopigmented skin areas. Both girls were born after a prenatal diagnosis of trisomy 20 mosaicism in amniocytes. Case 1 had 83% and 57% trisomy 20 cells from two separate amniocenteses and Case 2 had 90% trisomy 20 cells from an amniocentesis. Trisomy 20 was confirmed after birth in urinary sediment (25%) and chorionic villus cells (15%) in Case 1, while cord blood lymphocytes (30 cells) and skin fibroblasts (50 cells) had only 46,XX cells. Trisomy 20 was confirmed after birth in urinary sediment (100%), placenta (100%), cord (10%), amniotic membrane (50%), and skin fibroblasts (30%) in Case 2, while cord blood lymphocytes (100 cells) had only 46,XX cells. This is the first report of a hypopigmented pigmentary dysplasia associated with isolated trisomy 20 mosaicism. Our patients are the oldest reported children with trisomy 20 mosaicism confirmed after birth.
First report of a 16sri (aster yellows) group phytoplasma on garlic (allium sativum) in the United States

During the growing season of 2012, 35 garlic plant samples were submitted to the University of Minnesota Plant Disease Clinic for disease diagnosis. Samples originated from multiple counties throughout Minnesota as well as Iowa, Wisconsin, and South Dakota. Symptoms first appeared at the time plants were starting to produce scapes. Symptoms included leaf discoloration that varied from yellow to purple, plant stunting, and leaf tip necrosis. In severe cases, the plants wilted and died. Bulbs of affected plants ranged from being soft and small to almost normal-looking. Symptoms were similar to those associated with phytoplasma infection in other plants. Total genomic DNA was extracted from 30 symptomatic samples and five asymptomatic leaf samples using a Qiagen DNeasy Plant Mini Kit (Qiagen, Germantown, MD) according to the manufacturer's instructions, and used with the universal phytoplasma primers P1/P7 in a direct PCR assay, and with P1/AYint in a nested PCR assay (2) to yield amplicons of 1.8 and 1.6 kb...
Biosynthesis of 24-methylene-25-methylcholesterol in Phaseolus vulgaris

Abstract Cell-free extracts of Phaseolus vulgaris were shown to convert 24-methyldesmosterol to 24-methylene-25-methylcholesterol. The formation of 24-methyldesmosterol from 24-methylenecholesterol, however, could not be demonstrated in these systems.
Multimodal Multiplex Raman Spectroscopy and Optical Coherence Tomography of Tissue for Drug Monitoring

We demonstrate efficient and high resolution Raman spectroscopy in tissue through a fiber bundle and the use of a custom multimodal multiplex spectrometer. Combined Raman and OCT measurements allow for drug monitoring in tissue explants.
ESTRADIOL SIGNALING IN THE REGULATION OF REPRODUCTION AND ENERGY BALANCE

Our knowledge of membrane estrogenic signaling mechanisms and their interactions that regulate physiology and behavior has grown rapidly over the past three decades. The discovery of novel membrane estrogen receptors and their signaling mechanisms has started to reveal the complex timing and interactions of these various signaling mechanisms with classical genomic steroid actions within the nervous system to regulate physiology and behavior. The activation of the various estrogenic signaling mechanisms is site specific and differs across the estrous cycle acting through both classical genomic mechanisms and rapid membrane-initiated signaling to coordinate reproductive behavior and physiology. This review focuses on our current understanding of estrogenic signaling mechanisms to promote: (1) sexual receptivity within the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus, (2) estrogen positive feedback that stimulates de novo neuroprogesterone synthesis to trigger the luteinizing hormone surge important for ovulation and estrous cyclicity, and (3) alterations in energy balance.
THE ROLE OF INFLAMMATION IN THE PATHOGENESIS OF PROSTATE CANCER

ABSTRACTPurpose: A new hypothesis for the etiology of prostate cancer is that chronic or recurrent prostate inflammation may initiate and promote prostate cancer development.Materials and Methods: ...
Complex dynamics in a minimal model of the alternative pathway of the complement system

Abstract Complement, an enzyme cascade that forms part of the immune system, involves a multiple-step mechanism that is quite complex. Two initiation pathways c
Osteopontin and interleukin-8 expression is independently associated with prostate cancer recurrence.

Purpose: Lack of reliable biomarkers limits accurate prediction of prostate-specific antigen biochemical recurrence (disease progression) in prostate cancer. The two inflammatory chemokines, osteopontin and interleukin-8 (IL-8), are associated with tumor angiogenesis and metastasis. We investigated whether osteopontin and IL-8 expression in prostate cancer correlates with disease progression. Experimental Design: Archival prostatectomy specimens ( n = 103) were obtained from patients with minimum 72-month follow-up. Osteopontin and IL-8 expression was evaluated by immunohistochemistry and graded for intensity and the area. Association of osteopontin and IL-8 staining with biochemical recurrence was evaluated by univariate and multivariate models. Results: In tumor cells, osteopontin and IL-8 staining was higher in the recurred group (203.2 ± 78.4; 181.1 ± 89.3) than in the nonrecurred group (122.7 ± 76.6; 96.4 ± 85.6; P P Conclusion: In prostatectomy specimens, osteopontin expression is independently associated with biochemical recurrence. Both osteopontin and IL-8 may be predictors of early disease progression.
Harvest management of 'Tifton 85' Bermudagrass for cellulosic ethanol production.

Bermudagrass (Cynodon spp.) is a common perennial summer forage crop in the southeastern USA that could also be used for cellulosic ethanol. This study was conducted on two sites near Midville, GA to assess biomass yields, nutrient utilization, and cellulosic ethanol production from bermudagrass over 2 years (2010 and 2011). The crop was harvested either three times (June, midsummer, and fall), twice (midsummer and fall), or only once in the fall. The first harvest tended to yield the same amount of biomass regardless of season. In 2010, the three-cut system yielded the most biomass overall, while there was little difference in total yields between the three systems in 2011. The concentrations of N, P, and K in harvested biomass changed with age of the crop and harvest timing. Total N and K removal was greatest in the three-cut system, particularly in 2011. Biomass fiber properties were slightly affected by harvest timing, but these data did not show correlations with ethanol yield. Ethanol production was measured by subjecting biomass to dilute acid pretreatment and simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF) at bench scale in the laboratory. Some variation in ethanol production was observed among treatments in 2011. Though harvest timing had minor effects on conversion of the biomass to ethanol, biomass yield is still the major factor that determines per hectare production of cellulosic ethanol from bermudagrass. Under the conditions in this study, a single harvest appears to be the most economical system for producing cellulosic ethanol from this crop. To maximize yield, two or three cuts should be possible, but much more N would be removed in the three-cut system, with little additional yield.
Bone Elasticity and Ultrasound Velocity Are Affected by Subtle Changes in the Organic Matrix

The mechanical competence of bone can be studied through the measurement of the components of its material elasticity, a property which can vary both in magnitude and in dependence upon orientation (anisotropy). While it is known that the elasticity is largely determined by the mineral constituents of the bone matrix, it is nonetheless clear that it must be also dependent upon the remaining constituents of bone material. In this work, the influence of organic components on the elasticity is explored by altering specific constituents of the bone matrix to varying degrees. This study addresses two questions: first, are the resulting changes in elasticity strongly or weakly dependent upon direction, and second, are they substantially dependent upon the nature and magnitude of the induced matrix alteration? To answer these questions, we performed different chemical manipulations of the bone matrix and measured the changes in elasticity and velocity using the technique of ultrasound critical angle reflectometry. Altering the properties of the organic matrix resulted in substantial and complex changes in the elasticity of bone. The observed changes were strongly dependent upon direction, could not be explained by changes in density alone, and varied strongly with the specific chemical treatment of the matrix. Immersion in urea selectively affected protein components of the organic matrix and resulted in reversible changes in velocity and elasticity, while removal of collagen caused anisotropic decreases and removal of all organic matter caused a collapse of all components of the elasticity. In conclusion, this study confirms that the organic matrix exerts a profound influence on the elasticity and indicates that the measurement of elastic properties at multiple directions is necessary in the assessment of bone mechanical competence.
A fluorometric assay for cholesterol reductase activity.

Abstract A fluorometric method for the assay of cholesterol reductase activity from pea leaves ( Pisum sativum ) is presented. This method is based on the decrease in relative fluorescence occurring as a result of the oxidation of NADH when cholesterol is reduced catalytically to coprostanol by cholesterol reductase. The reaction mixture consisted of micellar cholesterol, NADH, and cytosol of pea leaves in a phosphate buffer. After incubation for 1 h, the reaction mixtures were diluted with 2-( N -cyclohexylamino)ethanesulfonic acid buffer (50 m m , pH 10.0) to an appropriate concentration for NADH quantification. The relative fluorescence was measured at an excitation wavelength of 360 nm and at an emission wavelength of 460 nm. This fluorometric method is relatively rapid, simple, and inexpensive. The results obtained show close correlation ( R = 0.997) with those obtained by the more time-consuming and expensive radiometric method for assay of cholesterol reductase activity. Results suggest that the fluorometric method is useful for the accurate determination of cholesterol reductase activity in biological specimens.
Serotonin-Induced Cortisol Release in CPAP-Treated Obstructive Sleep Apnea Patients

Previously, we demonstrated elevated cortisol production/release in response to the administration of the serotonin precursor, L-5-hydroxytryptophan (L-5-HTP) in untreated patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). We hypothesized that if this elevated cortisol response to L-5-HTP was related to OSA, this finding would not be present in OSA patients treated with nasal continuous positive airway pressure (nCPAP). Eleven OSA patients treated for at least 1 month with nCPAP were studied. On two different days, we measured blood cortisol level every 15 min for 4 h following the ingestion of L-5-HTP, 0.4 mg/kg, or placebo, both given with carbidopa, a peripheral tryptophan decarboxylase inhibitor, used to prevent peripheral L-5-HTP metabolism before brain absorption. For a given subject, the cortisol response was calculated as the difference between the area under the curve of the L-5-HTP and placebo responses. In the nCPAP-treated OSA patients, this net cortisol response, 577 ± 240 min· μg/dL, was less than the value found in the previously studied untreated OSA group, 1,198 ± 227 min· μg/dL (p
Enterovirus in pregnant women and the perfused placenta

A survey of all nonpolio enterovirus infections in adults for a 10-year period revealed that most such infections will occur in the child-bearing age group during the third quarter of the year. Coxsackieviruses occurred more often than echovirus infection. Fourteen pregnant women, including four with meningitis, who had an enterovirus infection from 16 to 37 weeks of gestation delivered uninfected, healthy infants. Attempts to demonstrate transplacental passage of Coxsackie B-3 or ECHO-11 viruses by use of the dual, recirculating, in vitro perfusion of an isolated placental lobule were unsuccessful even with a maternal virus input of 200,000 median tissue culture infectious doses. This suggests that transplacental passage of virus does not occur readily, and that most neonates of infected mothers will be unharmed.
Tricritical phenomena in rotating Couette-Taylor flow.

On presente des mesures de la vitesse d'un fluide dans un systeme tournant de Couette-Taylor de rapport d'aspect L≃1. A une petite vitesse angulaire w du cylindre interieur, le systeme contient une paire de tourbillons symetriques
A Ljusternik–Schnirelmann type theorem for eigenvalues of a prescribed mean curvature problem

Abstract This paper is about the following eigenvalue problem: - div ∇ u 1 + | ∇ u | 2 = λ g ( x , u ) in Ω , u = 0 on ∂ Ω . By using a Ljusternik–Schnirelmann theory for variational inequalities in a space of functions of bounded variation, we show the existence of infinite sequences of eigenvalues and eigenfunctions on each level of the area functional. Properties and finite dimensional approximation of these eigenvalues and eigenfunctions are also described.
An Examination of Stroke-Related Knowledge in Male Stroke Survivors Living in the South Carolina Stroke Belt

Racial differences have been observed in stroke-related knowledge and knowledge of specific stroke risk factors and stroke prevention practices. Using data from 134 male stroke survivors, racial differences in overall knowledge, risk factor knowledge, and stroke prevention practices were examined using the Stroke Knowledge Test. Knowledge that diabetes doubles ones risk of stroke was present in 48% of the participants, while knowledge of aspirin in the prevention of stroke by stopping blood clot formation was reported in 83% of the participants. Findings indicate participants were knowledgeable that obesity increased risk of stroke (71%) and high blood pressure was the most important stroke risk factor (70%). Participants indicated knowledge that diet, exercise, and controlling blood pressure and cholesterol reduces risk of stroke (86%). In regression models, there were no significant race differences in overall stroke knowledge or the odds of knowledge of information related to stroke risk factors and st...
Mechanisms of resistance to EGFR inhibitors in head and neck cancer

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), a receptor tyrosine kinase that activates multiple signaling pathways, including phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/v-AKT murine thymoma viral oncogene homolog protein (Akt), has long been a target of novel therapies. Despite universal EGFR expression in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), the majority of patients do not respond to EGFR inhibitors. This review focuses on mechanisms of resistance to these agents in HNSCC, and how these may be unique when compared with other malignancies such as non-small cell lung and colorectal cancers. Published studies and abstracts reveal that there are likely several mechanisms underlying resistance, suggesting that different strategies will be required to improve efficacy of EGFR inhibitors in HNSCC.
Imaging Transforms for Visualizing Surfaces and Volumes

Three-dimensional (3D) visualization in biomedical and other imaging areas is a rapidly emerging discipline. The major developments in this field are described in a unified and concise way. To this end, we introduce an operator notation to describe the basic imaging transforms commonly used in 3D visualization and to identify a comprehensive set of basic transforms. We also introduce several new basic transforms for filtering and interpolating scenes and structures and for rendering surfaces and volumes. We demonstrate not only how the existing visualization methodologies can be described concisely, but we also show how a great variety of new methodologies can be generated using both the existing imaging transforms and the new transforms introduced in this paper. A comprehensive evaluation method to compare objectively rendering methods used in visualization based on task-specific mathematical phantoms is described. We examine in detail separate transform sequences that are best suited for rendering robust and frail structures (ie, structures with well- and poorly defined boundaries).
On the function S(T) in the theory of the Riemann zeta-function

Abstract The function S(T) is the error term in the formula for the number of zeros of the Riemann zeta-function above the real axis and up to height T in the complex plane. We assume the Riemann hypothesis, and examine how well S(T) can be approximated by a Dirichlet polynomial in the L2 norm.
Human Insulin: Facile Synthesis by Modification of Porcine Insulin

Human insulin differs from porcine insulin by a single amino acid- the carboxyl terminal residue of the B chain. By means of chemical and enzymatic treatment, it is possible to remove quantitatively and selectively the carboxyl terminal octapeptide from porcine insulin B chain. This fragment can be replaced by an analogous synthetic human octapeptide to give a protein which is identical to human insulin by a number of criteria. By this method, human insulin can be prepared on a large scale simply and inexpensively from porcine insulin. The method is also useful for preparing specifically labeled radioactive human insulin, as well as insulins with modified amino acid sequences, for research purposes.
Combining lexical, syntactic, and semantic features with maximum entropy models for extracting relations

Extracting semantic relationships between entities is challenging because of a paucity of annotated data and the errors induced by entity detection modules. We employ Maximum Entropy models to combine diverse lexical, syntactic and semantic features derived from the text. Our system obtained competitive results in the Automatic Content Extraction (ACE) evaluation. Here we present our general approach and describe our ACE results.
Modulation of in vitro lymphocyte transformation by antibodies: enhancement by antigen-antibody complexes and inhibition by antibody excess.

Abstract The in vitro lymphoproliferative responses to diphtheria and tetanus toxoids by lymph node lymphocytes from guinea pigs immunized to manifest both antibody production and delayed hypersensitivity were inhibited by antisera to these antigens. These inhibitory effects were greater in the presence of fresh sera containing complement than in heat inactivated sera. The antitoxins interfered to a lesser extent with the lymphocyte response to phytohemagglutinin, purified protein derivative, bovine serum albumin, and dinitrophenol guinea pig albumin than with tetanus toxoid and were therefore not nonspecifically cytotoxic. After 60 min of exposure the inhibitory effects of the antisera could still be reversed by washing the lymphocytes free of antibodies and restimulating them with either of the toxoids. Conversely, partial inhibition by antitetanus was achieved even when the antiserum was added 18 hr after the tetanus toxoid. This suggests that even after initiation of the lymphocyte response to antigen it could be reversed by the addition of antibodies. Antigen-antibody (Ag-Ab) complexes were prepared and the precipitates separated from the supernatants. The supernatants of the Ag-Ab complexes in antibody excess often stimulated lymphocytes to a limited extent and concomitantly inhibited the lymphocyte from responding to any additional antigen. Supernatants of Ag-Ab complexes at equivalence and in antigen excess stimulated the lymphocytes more effectively. In contrast all the precipitated Ag-Ab complexes including those prepared in antibody excess stimulated the lymphocytes significantly and often up to twice as effectively as the uncomplexed antigen. The presence of fresh sera containing complement was not a prerequisite for obtaining lymphocyte stimulation with the precipitated complexes. The precipitated Ag-Ab complexes did not stimulate lymphocytes from unsensitized guinea pigs. These findings indicate that an excess of soluble antibodies can block the response of sensitized lymphocytes to specific antigens, whereas antigen aggregated by antibody could enhance the proliferative response. These in vitro studies suggest that antibodies can affect the cellular immune response by modulating the lymphoproliferative reaction to antigens.
Myocbacterium-Avium Intracellulare Associated Inflammatory Pseudotumor of the Anterior Nasal Cavity

In this case report, we describe an unusual case of mycobacterial associated inflammatory pseudotumor that occurred in a patient with a previous history of cocaine abuse. We discuss inflammatory pseudotumor (IPT) in general and emphasize the rare entity where an associated mycobacterial infection is seen. The histogenesis is not yet completely understood. The lesion can pose challenges for practicing pathologists and a misdiagnosis of malignancy can occur at multiple facets. A discussion about the differential diagnosis and clues to make the distinction is presented. In addition to spindle cell proliferation, the presence of a background of mixed inflammatory cell infiltrate and foamy macrophages are clues to make the diagnosis. In the case of mycobacteria associated IPT, Acid Fast Bacilli (AFB) stains will easily highlight the organisms confirming the diagnosis.
Too many simple clerical scoring errors: the Rey Figure as an example.

The clerical errors from 325 scored Rey Figure drawings were tabulated using the procedures outlined in the Boston Qualitative Scoring System manual. The error types investigated were avoidable quantitative scoring errors (e.g., addition, using conversion tables, and plotting scores). The three scorers made errors on 18.3%, 22.4%, and 24.7% of the Rey Figures they scored.
Abstract P5-12-05: Racial and gender disparity in breast cancer: A review on African American men

Background: Secondary to their comparable racial and socio-demographic background, African American (AA) men and women with breast cancer are expected to have similar outcomes. However, there is a paucity of data demonstrating gender-specific differences in breast cancer across racial/ethnic groups. Our objective is to investigate potential differences between AA men, AA women and White men with breast cancer by evaluating risk factors using a population-based tumor registry. Methods: A retrospective review of the Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) database from 1988 to 2008 was conducted. We identified AA men and AA women aged 20 years or older with a primary breast cancer diagnosis or in whom the index breast cancer is the first cancer. A similar group of White men were included to serve for comparison. All available treatment modalities were reviewed. Bivariate analysis of patient characteristics, tumor grade, stage, hormonal assay, and treatment modality was performed using Chi squared test. Survival was estimated and Cox proportional model was used to investigate survival differences comparing AA men, AA women and White men (with AA men as reference), adjusting for age, year of diagnosis, tumor characteristics, as well as treatment received. Subset analyses were done within stage strata. Results: We reviewed 62 758 patient records comprising 506 (0.81%) AA male, 59 234 (94.38%) AA female and 3 018 (4.81%) White males. Most were 50 years or older (57.5%), married (39.4%), had invasive ductal carcinoma (61.9%) and localized disease (42.5%). Mean age at diagnosis was 59 (±11), 55 (±12) and 63 (±11) years for AA males, AA females and White males, respectively. Men were more likely to have moderately differentiated tumors (37.6% and 40.4% for AA males and White males, respectively) compared to AA women who were more likely to have poorly differentiated tumors (39.2%) (p Conclusion: Using a large population-based database, our study demonstrates absence of gender specific difference in breast cancer survival among African Americans. However, AA men were found to have larger tumors, worse stage, and despite presenting with similar grade and receiving similar treatment as White males, had worse outcome. Citation Information: Cancer Res 2013;73(24 Suppl): Abstract nr P5-12-05.
Estimation of the nitrogen ionization reaction rate using electric arc shock tube data and Bayesian model analysis

In this paper, we apply a Bayesian analysis to calibrate the parameters of a model for atomic nitrogen ionization using experimental data from the electric arc shock tube (EAST) wind-tunnel at NASA. We use a one-dimensional plasma flow solver coupled with a radiation solver for the simulation of the radiative signature emitted in the shock-heated air plasma as well as a Park’s two-temperature model for the thermal and chemical non-equilibrium effects. We simultaneously quantify model parameter uncertainties and physical model inadequacies when solving the statistical inverse problem. Prior to the solution of such a problem, we perform a sensitivity analysis of the radiative heat flux in order to identify important sources of uncertainty. This analysis clearly shows the importance of the direct ionization of atomic nitrogen as it mostly influences the radiative heating. We then solve the statistical inverse problem and compare the calibrated reaction rates against values available in the literature. Our calculations estimate the reaction rate of the atomic nitrogen ionization to be (3.7 ± 1.5) × 1011 cm3 mol−1 s−1 at 10 000 K, a range consistent with Park’s estimation. Finally, in order to assess the validity of the estimated parameters, we propagate their uncertainties through a statistical forward problem defined on a prediction scenario different from the calibration scenarios and compare the model predictions against other experimental data.
VacA pores as portable portals for urea.

and survive at low pH or might trigger inflammation in the infected stomach. VacA, a toxin expressed by most clinical isolates of H. pylori, meets both criteria. Coincubation of recombinant VacA protein with gastric cell lines induces vacuole formation in the cytoplasm (4), and VacA-expressing strains appear to colonize the stomach more efficiently (5). However, isogenic vacA mutants can colonize and trigger gastritis in both gnotobiotic piglets and Mongolian gerbils (6, 7). Thus, while VacA is clearly a type of virulence factor, it does not appear to be absolutely required for H. pylori virulence. VacA is expressed as a 140-kDa precursor that is processed to a functional 94-kDa toxin. Following export and exposure to acid, this toxin assembles spontaneously into oligomers. Three domains are required for its activity: a 33‐amino acid N-terminal signal sequence, which is cleaved from the mature protein but is required to direct the toxin to the periplasm; an Nterminal 37-kDa region, which contains the vacuolating activity; and a Cterminal 58-kDa region, which is required for binding of the protein to
Agency Theory and Participative Budgeting Experiments

ABSTRACT: A series of participative budgeting experiments has examined the effect of incentive structures and/or information environments on employees' reporting and production decisions. We analyze the previous experiments in terms of the insights they offer regarding agency theory. We expand the previous analyses of the incentive contracting experiments in three ways. First, we classify the earliest set of participative budgeting experiments based on the type of incentive and information structures examined in each study. Second, from the 21 papers we review, we identify eight specific cases for which the experimental evidence contradicts an agency theory prediction (i.e., anomalies). Third, we develop a classification scheme that can be used to organize hypotheses in terms of whether they rely on an agency theory prediction, a competing behavioral prediction, or a combination of the two. We use this classification to illustrate why we believe that studies that test both an agency theory prediction and ...