cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Prediagnostic toenail cadmium and zinc and subsequent prostate cancer risk.

BACKGROUND Cadmium is a recognized human lung carcinogen that has also been positively associated with prostate cancer mainly in occupationally exposed men. The association between dietary and supplemental zinc intake and prostate cancer has not been consistent in epidemiologic studies. We evaluated the association between prediagnostic toenail cadmium and zinc concentrations and risk of prostate cancer in a cohort in which the primary route of exposure to cadmium and zinc is the diet. METHODS Included in the analysis were 115 prostate cancer cases and 227 age-matched controls nested in the prospective CLUE II study located in Washington County, MD. Participants provided toenail samples at baseline in 1989. Furnace atomic absorption and flame atomic absorption were used to determine toenail cadmium and zinc concentrations, respectively. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated from conditional logistic regression models. RESULTS Median toenail cadmium and zinc concentrations did not statistically significantly differ between prostate cancer cases (cadmium, 45.9 ppb; zinc, 155.3 ppm) and controls (cadmium, 54.5 ppb; zinc, 164.0 ppm). Prostate cancer risk did not increase with increasing concentrations of cadmium (P trend = 0.9) and did not decrease with increasing concentrations of zinc (P trend = 0.2). For both metals, the ORs for the top four fifths were each below 1.0 when compared with the bottom fifth. CONCLUSION Men who have high toenail cadmium concentrations in the range observed in this general population sample were not at an increased risk for prostate cancer. Although there was no evidence of a linear dose-response, these findings suggest that risk of prostate cancer may be slightly lower among men with moderate and higher zinc intake. Prostate 52: 288–296, 2002. © 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Spirituality and Counselor Competence: A National Survey of American Counseling Association Members

A random sample of 505 American Counseling Association (ACA) members completed a questionnaire thaI evaluated respondents' ratings of the importance of 9 competencies developed at the Summit on Spirituality (G. Miller, 1999; "Summit Results," 1995) meetings to effectively address spiritual and religious issues in counseling practice. Results suggest that, in general, ACA members strongly support the importance of the competencies for effective counseling practice.
Effects of window overlapping on input/output interdependencies in median filters

Overlapping of the windows in median filtering causes interesting input/output interdependencies, propagated over time. The authors derive the monotone-envelope property of median filters, which provides upper and lower monotone bounds on future outputs in terms of the inputs in the present window. It is shown that the monotone-envelope property can be thought of as an extension of the finite sample breakdown point. The monotone-envelope property is then extended to provide more refined bounds and properties. >
Structure of a pheromone receptor-associated MHC molecule with an open and empty groove.

Neurons in the murine vomeronasal organ (VNO) express a family of class Ib major histocompatibility complex (MHC) proteins (M10s) that interact with the V2R class of VNO receptors. This interaction may play a direct role in the detection of pheromonal cues that initiate reproductive and territorial behaviors. The crystal structure of M10.5, an M10 family member, is similar to that of classical MHC molecules. However, the M10.5 counterpart of the MHC peptide-binding groove is open and unoccupied, revealing the first structure of an empty class I MHC molecule. Similar to empty MHC molecules, but unlike peptide-filled MHC proteins and non-peptide–binding MHC homologs, M10.5 is thermally unstable, suggesting that its groove is normally occupied. However, M10.5 does not bind endogenous peptides when expressed in mammalian cells or when offered a mixture of class I–binding peptides. The F pocket side of the M10.5 groove is open, suggesting that ligands larger than 8–10-mer class I–binding peptides could fit by extending out of the groove. Moreover, variable residues point up from the groove helices, rather than toward the groove as in classical MHC structures. These data suggest that M10s are unlikely to provide specific recognition of class I MHC–binding peptides, but are consistent with binding to other ligands, including proteins such as the V2Rs.
Near Infrared Imaging and Photothermal Ablation of Vascular Inflammation Using Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes

Background Macrophages are critical contributors to atherosclerosis. Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) show promising properties for cellular imaging and thermal therapy, which may have application to vascular macrophages. Methods and Results In vitro uptake and photothermal destruction of mouse macrophage cells (RAW264.7) were performed with SWNTs (14.7 nmol/L) exposed to an 808-nm light source. SWNTs were taken up by 94±6% of macrophages, and light exposure induced 93±3% cell death. In vivo vascular macrophage uptake and ablation were then investigated in carotid-ligated FVB mice (n=33) after induction of hyperlipidemia and diabetes. Two weeks postligation, near-infrared fluorescence (NIRF) carotid imaging (n=12) was performed with SWNT-Cy5.5 (8 nmol of Cy5.5) given via the tail vein. Photothermal heating and macrophage apoptosis were evaluated on freshly excised carotid arteries (n=21). NIRF of SWNTs showed higher signal intensity in ligated carotids compared with sham, confirmed by both in situ and ex vivo NIRF imaging ( P <0.05, ligation versus sham). Immunofluorescence staining showed colocalization of SWNT-Cy5.5 and macrophages in atherosclerotic lesions. Light (808 nm) exposure of freshly excised carotids showed heating and induction of macrophage apoptosis in ligated left carotid arteries with SWNTs, but not in control groups without SWNTs or without light exposure. Conclusions Carbon nanotubes accumulate in atherosclerotic macrophages in vivo and provide a multifunctional platform for imaging and photothermal therapy of vascular inflammation.
Competing Through Cooperation: The Organization of Standard Setting in Wireless Telecommunications

This study examines cooperative standard setting in wireless telecommunications. Focusing on the competition among firms to influence formal standardization, the roles of standard-setting committees, private alliances, and industry consortia are highlighted. The empirical context is Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), an international standards-development organization in the wireless telecommunication industry. Panel data analyses exploiting natural experiments caused by a consortium merger and entry of Asian firms suggest that participation in industry consortia increases firms' contributions to the development of new technical specifications in 3GPP committees. Moreover, connections to standard-setting peers formed in consortia facilitate change requests to ongoing specifications. These results suggest that if firms in network technology industries want to influence the evolution of their industry, they should identify both formal standard-setting committees and industry consortia in which the...
Mapping of locomotor behavioral arousal induced by microinjections of dopamine within nucleus accumbens septi of rat forebrain

Dopamine (DA) at ca. ED50 (16 μg) or saline was stereotaxically microinjected unilaterally 2 h after pretreatment with an MAO inhibitor into left or right nucleus accumbens septi of 697 freely moving rats (1394 injections) to define subregions involved in DA-induced behavioral arousal throughout the anatomical extent of the accumbens. Locomotion was quantified electronically and behavioral responses were assigned to histologically verified injection sites; postural or stereotyped behaviors characteristic of DA injections in caudate-putamen did not occur. Screening with 60 injections across mid-accumbens (2.2–3.2 mm rostral to bregma) indicated that locomotion was elicited non-homogeneously, and was particularly intense dorsomedially. Sites yielding intense arousal and their inactive surround were mapped along the rostrocaudal axis (1.4–4.2 mm anterior to bregma) in coronal sections. Responses to DA showed lateral symmetry and were similar across rostrocaudal levels, with intense responses in dorsomedial accumbens along its border with the caudate-putamen. This functional localization does not coincide closely with reported distributions of DA or its receptors, nor with histologically or histochemically defined core-shell regions of this limbic structure. Nucleus accumbens in rat brain thus appears to be organized functionally into distinct subregions differing markedly in ability to produce locomotor hyperactivity in response to exogenous DA.
Simultaneous diffusion of calcium and strontium in KCl single crystals

Concentration dependent diffusion coefficients for 45Ca2+ and 85Sr2+ in purified KCl were measured using a sectioning method. KCl was purified by an ion exchange — Cl2−HCl process and the crystals grown under 16 atmosphere of HCl. The tracers were purified on small disposable ion exchange columns to remove precessor and daughter impurities prior to use in a diffusion anneal. Isothermal diffusion anneals were made in the temperature range from 451% to 669%C. At temperatures above 580%C (the lowest melting eutectic in this system) diffusion was from a vapor source: below 580%C surface depositied sources were used. The saturation diffusion coefficients. enthalpies and entropies of impurity-vacancy associations were calculated using the common ion model for simultaneous diffusion of divalent ions in alkali halides. In KCl the saturation diffusion coefficients DS(ca) and Ds(Sr) are given by Ds(Ca) = 9.93 × 10−5 exp(−0.592 eVkT)cm2sec (1) and Ds(Sr) = 1.20 × 10−3 exp(−0.871 eVkT)cm2sec (2) for calcium and strontium, respectively. The Gibbs free energy of association of the impurity vacancy complex in KCl for calcium can be represented by Δg(Ca) = ∂-0.507 eV + (2.25 × 10−4eV%K)T (3) and that for strontium by Δg(Sr) = −0.575 eV + (2.90 × 10−4 eV%K)T . (4)
Design requirements and framework for a robotic infrastructure system

Robotic Infrastructure Systems will soon become an integral part of industry, offices, and our homes. They will be able to be controlled remotely from the Internet, and have interfaces to many systems and databases. However, current robots are mostly used for stand-alone manufacturing operations, toys, and scientific research. In order to exist as part of the critical infrastructure, robots must be able to interact with multiple users, authenticate users, track usage and users, and provide feedback to the user. The critical element that will allow such functionality is the communications channel - which will most likely be the Internet. To make proper use of the Internet, system architecture and protocols must be developed to support robots and the unique functions they will provide to the users. This paper addresses the issues that must be accounted for in developing architecture for robotics within the infrastructure. These issues are the basis for design decisions in developing robotic infrastructure systems.
The Effect of Oxygen in Cosputtered (Titanium + Silicon) Films

ABSTRACTThe effect of oxygen incorporation on the growth and microstructure of TiSi2 has been investigated. Cosputtered films, with Si/Ti ratios between one and three, were deposited on (100) Si substrates and reacted at temperatures from 650° to 1050°C. Both Auger electron spectroscopy, in conjunction with sputter profiling, and Rutherford backscattering spectrometry indicate that oxygen in the as-deposited films redistributes to the silicide-silicon interface upon heating. Cross sectional transmission electron microscope images show that the oxygen is present as an amorphous oxide.
Results of Disk Diffusion Testing with Cefoxitin Correlate with Presence of mecA in Staphylococcus spp.

The cefoxitin disk diffusion (DD) test for predicting mecA-mediated oxacillin resistance in staphylococci was assessed during a three-phase study. In phase 1, one laboratory tested 62 and 53 strains of Staphylococcus aureus and coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS), respectively. These data were used to choose the provisional cefoxitin DD breakpoints (resistant/susceptible) of ≤19 mm/≥20 mm for S. aureus and ≤24 mm/≥25 mm for CoNS for the next phase of testing. In phase 2, 10 laboratories each tested approximately 40 in-house strains of staphylococci (half of which were S. aureus) using Mueller-Hinton agar from different manufacturers. In this phase, the sensitivity and specificity, respectively, of the cefoxitin disk test were 98 and 100% for S. aureus and 99 and 96% for CoNS. The cefoxitin DD test performed equivalently to oxacillin broth microdilution (BMD) and to oxacillin DD tests among S. aureus and mecA-positive CoNS strains but gave better results than oxacillin BMD or oxacillin DD for mecA-negative strains of CoNS. The cefoxitin DD test also was much easier to read and did not require the use of transmitted light for detection of resistance. Based on data from the first two phases, the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI; formerly NCCLS) adopted the use of the cefoxitin DD test for predicting mecA-mediated oxacillin resistance in staphylococci and revised Table 2C in CLSI document M100-S14 to reflect the change. In the third phase, an additional 61 challenge strains of CoNS for which the oxacillin MICs were 0.5 to 2 μg/ml were tested in a single laboratory to determine the effectiveness of the cefoxitin DD test for this group of borderline-resistant isolates. These data were used to refine the description of the test in CLSI document M100-S15. The cefoxitin DD test is preferred over the oxacillin DD test for predicting mecA-mediated oxacillin resistance in S. aureus and CoNS.
Thermochemistry and high temperature thermodynamic properties of rare earth-alkaline earth-copper oxide superconductors

Enthalpies of formation of the perovskite-related oxides, La1.85 Sr0.15CuO4, YBa2Cu3Oy, with y = 6.93, 6.69, and 6.47 have been determined at 298.15 K by perchloric acid solution calorimetry. Enthalpies of formation and free energies of reactions with H2 O(g) and CO2 (g) have been evaluated. The partial molar enthalpy of solution of oxygen in YBa2 Cu3Oy has been determined and compared with values derived from measurements or the equilibrium partial vapor pressures of oxygen. The significance of the defect state thermochemistry in conductivity is identified.
Interleukin 4 receptor-directed cytotoxin therapy for human head and neck squamous cell carcinoma in animal models

Receptors for interleukin 4 (IL-4R) are overexpressed on the surface of various human solid tumors including renal cell carcinoma, glioblastoma, Kaposi's sarcoma, and head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (SCCHN). On the basis of this preferential receptor overexpression, a novel IL-4R-targeted cytotoxin, IL-4 (38-37)-PE38KDEL, was developed in which circularly permuted IL-4 [IL-4 (38-37)] was fused to mutated form of Pseudomonas exotoxin (PE38KDEL). Despite the recognized expression of the IL-4R on SSCHN, the utility of a receptor-specific fusion protein for the treatment of this disease remains unknown. The purpose of this study was to establish the utility of IL-4 (38-37)-PE38KDEL for the treatment of established SSCHN in animal models of human disease. Expression of IL-4R in SCCHN was confirmed by immunohistochemistry with eight of eight tissue sections expressing IL-4R. Protein synthesis inhibition assays demonstrated growth inhibition of two cell lines in IL-4 (38-37)-PE38KDEL in a dose-dependent fashion. In two SCCHN s.c. xenografted nude mouse models, i.p. and intratumoral injection of IL-4 (38-37)-PE38KDEL mediated tumor regression with no visual toxicity observed in any of the animals. Subcultured tumor cells after intratumoral treatment with IL-4 toxin did not develop resistance to the drug. These data demonstrate that IL-4 (38-37)-PE38KDEL is effective in mediating significant antitumor effects in SCCHN and may represent an attractive therapeutic option for patients with advanced cancers of the upper aerodigestive tract.
Barium titanate thin film electro-optic modulator low half-wave voltage at 1310 nm

Ferroelectric barium titanate thin film electro-optic modulator 4 mm in length with low half-wave voltage of 2.85 V and effective electro-optic coefficient of 360 pm/V at 310 nm is reported. Contact poling effect on the modulator was investigated.
A Comparison of Psychometric and Piagetian Assessments of Symbolic Functioning in Down’s Syndrome Children

A comparison is made between the results of psychometric and Piagetian assessment of the symbolic functioning of young Down’s syndrome children. Complementary information is gained from the two assessment paradigms. Symbolic play intervention is suggested as one approach to stimulating cognitive growth for retarded subjects.
A Structural Factor Analysis of Vocabulary Knowledge and Relations to Age

Vocabulary knowledge may not be a unidimensional construct, and the relations between vocabulary knowledge and age may depend on the aspect of vocabulary knowledge being assessed. In this study, we examined the factor structure of a vocabulary test given to a large nationally representative sample of individuals (N ; 20,500). Results indicated that the vocabulary test is not unidimensional but bidimensional, with Basic Vocabulary and Advanced Vocabulary factors. An analysis of age differences indicates that basic vocabulary is highest around the age of 30, with a negative relation to age in late adulthood; in contrast, advanced vocabulary is unrelated to age between ages 35 and 70. Cohort effects may explain some of the differential age trend.
Processing nouns and verbs in the left frontal cortex: A transcranial magnetic stimulation study

Neuropsychological and neurophysiological studies suggest that the production of verbs in speech depends on cortical regions in the left frontal lobe. However, the precise topography of these regions, and their functional roles in verb production, remains matters of debate. In an earlier study with repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), we showed that stimulation to the left anterior midfrontal gyrus disrupted verb production, but not noun production, in a task that required subjects to perform simple morphological alternations. This result raises a number of questions: for example, is the effect of stimulation focal and specific to that brain region? Is the behavioral effect limited to rule-based, regular transformations, or can it be generalized over the grammatical category? In the present study, we used rTMS to suppress the excitability of distinct parts of the left prefrontal cortex to assess their role in producing regular and irregular verbs compared to nouns. We compared rTMS to sham stimulation and to stimulation of homologous areas in the right hemisphere. Response latencies increased for verbs, but were unaffected for nouns, following stimulation to the left anterior midfrontal gyrus. No significant interference specific for verbs resulted after stimulation to two other areas in the left frontal lobe, the posterior midfrontal gyrus and Broca's area. These results therefore reinforce the idea that the left anterior midfrontal cortex is critical for processing verbs. Moreover, none of the regions stimulated was preferentially engaged in the production of regular or irregular inflection, raising questions about the role of the frontal lobes in processing inflectional morphology.
Tissue Distribution of Monochloroacetic Acid and Its Binding To Albumin in Rats

Distribution of monochloroacetic acid (CA) was studied in rats given a single oral dose of 0.1 mmole/kg body weight [1-14C] CA, by gavage. The animals were sacrificed at 4, 8, 12, 24 and 48 hr following the treatment. The distribution of14C-label, determined in different tissues, suggests that CA is rapidly absorbed and eliminated from the body. The elimination phase appears to be fast for intestine and kidney as compared to other tissues. Maximum radioactivity was detected in intestine and kidney at 4 and 8 hr following the treatment which was followed by liver, spleen, testes, lung, brain and heart in a decreasing order. A group of rats treated with a single oral dose of 1 mmole/kg [1-14C]CA, by gavage, was also sacrificed at 24 hr following the exposure to study the effect of a higher dose on distribution of [1-14C]CA. The distribution of 14C-label at both dose levels indicates that toxicokinetic properties of CA are dose-dependent. Another group of rats administered 1 mmole/kg [1-14C] CA daily for thr...
Algorithmic Detection of Computer Generated Text

Computer generated academic papers have been used to expose a lack of thorough human review at several computer science conferences. We assess the problem of classifying such documents. After identifying and evaluating several quantifiable features of academic papers, we apply methods from machine learning to build a binary classifier. In tests with two hundred papers, the resulting classifier correctly labeled papers either as human written or as computer generated with no false classifications of computer generated papers as human and a 2% false classification rate for human papers as computer generated. We believe generalizations of these features are applicable to similar classification problems. While most current text-based spam detection techniques focus on the keyword-based classification of email messages, a new generation of unsolicited computer-generated advertisements masquerade as legitimate postings in online groups, message boards and social news sites. Our results show that taking the formatting and contextual clues offered by these environments into account may be of central importance when selecting features with which to identify such unwanted postings.
Tunable Bragg peak response in liquid-crystal-infiltrated photonic crystals

We report the dependence of the first-order Bragg peak position and width on the liquid-crystal and backbone refractive indices for liquid-crystal-infiltrated large-pore inverse shell opals, which offer increased volume for electro-optic infiltration. We also present the dependence of the photonic response on the template architecture or liquid-crystal volume fraction, which can be manipulated with a multilayer atomic layer deposition process. It is demonstrated from a three-dimensional finite-difference time-domain band structure and transmission-reflection coefficients computations that certain large-pore architectures exhibit an unusual optical response that cannot be explained by a classical Bragg peak theory. These structures potentially offer a pathway for all-optical photonic switching devices.
A comparative analysis of digital innovation ecosystems

In this paper, we examine how Apple and Google have used third-party led innovation to create viable digital innovation ecosystems, through the App Store and the Android platform respectively. In many ways, this is similar to the strategy adopted in an earlier decade by NTT DoCoMo in the mobile communications space, through the iMode platform. We compare and contrast alternative approaches to accelerating innovation through such an ecosystem oriented approach, and outline some key lessons for content providers, developers, and other stakeholders. We analyze these developments through the theories of network externalities, social network communication theory, and related frameworks in strategic management
Lymphovascular Invasion is a Pathological Feature of Biologically Aggressive Disease in Patients Treated With Radical Prostatectomy

ABSTRACTWe examined whether invasion of lymphatic and/or vascular vessels (LVI), or perineural spaces (PNI) is associated with prostate cancer features and outcome.Materials and Methods: A total of 630 consecutive men underwent radical retropubic prostatectomy for clinically localized disease. LVI and PNI examination was part of the routine specimen evaluation.Results: Foci of LVI were identified in 32 patients (5%) and 381 (60.5%) had PNI. LVI and PNI were associated with clinical stage T2 disease, higher biopsy and final Gleason sum, extraprostatic extension, seminal vesicle involvement, positive surgical margins and a higher percent of positive biopsy cores (p <0.001). LVI was associated with metastases to regional lymph nodes and higher preoperative serum prostate specific antigen (p <0.001 and 0.004, respectively). PNI and LVI were associated with an increased risk of rapid biochemical progression after radical prostatectomy on univariate (p <0.001 and 0.001, respectively) but not on multivariate ana...
Medication Assessments by Care Managers Reveal Potential Safety Issues in Homebound Older Adults

BackgroundOver-the-counter (OTC) medications, benzodiazepines, and barbiturates are not covered under many Medicare drug benefit plans; hence, their use by homebound older adults is largely unreported. Furthermore, the tiered design of Medicare drug formularies may in fact promote the use of older but potentially inappropriate medications. Little is known about the use of these medications in the homebound older adult population.Objective:To determine the prevalence of the use by homebound older adults of OTC drugs, dietary supplements (vitamins, minerals, and herbal products), Part D-excluded medications (benzodiazepines and barbiturates), and potentially inappropriate medications (according to Beers criteria).Methods:Patients were enrollees in a home and community-based Medicaid waiver provider. All clients were older than 65 and were dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid. All clients met Florida Medicaid's medical and financial criteria for nursing home placement. The medication list was obtained b...
Analysis of a Planar Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Based Automotive Auxiliary Power Unit

The solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) system has emerged as an important technology for automotive and stationary applications. Modeling and simulation of the SOFC system have been utilized as an integral tool in an accelerated joint SOFC system development program. Development of unique modeling approaches and their results are discussed and compared with experimental performance. One dimensional system level analysis using Aspen with an embedded stack electro-chemical model was performed resulting in effective sub-system partitioning and requirements definition. Further, a three-dimensional integrated electro-chemical/thermal/computational fluid dynamics analysis of steady-state operation was employed. The combination of one-dimensional and three-dimensional environments led to effective performance projection at all levels in the system, resulting in optimization of overall system performance early in the design cycle.
Conservative evolution in duplicated genes of the primate Class I ADH cluster.

Abstract Humans have seven alcohol dehydrogenase genes ( ADH ) falling into five classes. Three out of the seven genes ( ADH1A , ADH1B and ADH1C ) belonging to Class I are expressed primarily in liver and code the main enzymes catalyzing ethanol oxidization. The three genes are tandemly arrayed within the ADH cluster on chromosome 4 and have very high nucleotide similarity to each other (exons: > 90%; introns: > 70%), suggesting the genes have been generated by duplication event(s). One explanation for maintaining similarity of such clustered genes is homogenization via gene conversion(s). Alternatively, recency of the duplications or some other functional constraints might explain the high similarities among the genes. To test for gene conversion, we sequenced introns 2, 3, and 8 of all three Class I genes (total > 15.0 kb) for five non-human primates – four great apes and one Old World Monkey (OWM) – and compared them with those of humans. The phylogenetic analysis shows each intron sequence clusters strongly within each gene, giving no evidence for gene conversion(s). Several lines of evidence indicate that the first split was between ADH1C and the gene that gave rise to ADH1A and ADH1B . We also analyzed cDNA sequences of the three genes that have been previously reported in mouse and Catarrhines (OWMs, chimpanzee, and humans) and found that the synonymous and non-synonymous substitution ( d N / d S ) ratios in all pairs are less than 1 representing purifying selection. This suggests that purifying selection is more important than gene conversion(s) in maintaining the overall sequence similarity among the Class I genes. We speculate that the highly conserved sequences on the three duplicated genes in primates have been achieved essentially by maintaining stability of the hetero-dimer formation that might have been related to dietary adaptation in primate evolution.
Impact of a Transposon Insertion in phzF2 on the Specialized Metabolite Production and Interkingdom Interactions of Pseudomonas aeruginosa

ABSTRACT In microbiology, gene disruption and subsequent experiments often center on phenotypic changes caused by one class of specialized metabolites (quorum sensors, virulence factors, or natural products), disregarding global downstream metabolic effects. With the recent development of mass spectrometry-based methods and technologies for microbial metabolomics investigations, it is now possible to visualize global production of diverse classes of microbial specialized metabolites simultaneously. Using imaging mass spectrometry (IMS) applied to the analysis of microbiology experiments, we can observe the effects of mutations, knockouts, insertions, and complementation on the interactive metabolome. In this study, a combination of IMS and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) was used to visualize the impact on specialized metabolite production of a transposon insertion into a Pseudomonas aeruginosa phenazine biosynthetic gene, phzF2 . The disruption of phenazine biosynthesis led to broad changes in specialized metabolite production, including loss of pyoverdine production. This shift in specialized metabolite production significantly alters the metabolic outcome of an interaction with Aspergillus fumigatus by influencing triacetylfusarinine production.
Developmental and contextual considerations for adrenal and gonadal hormone functioning during adolescence: Implications for adolescent mental health

Substantial research has implicated the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) and hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axes independently in adolescent mental health problems, though this literature remains largely inconclusive. Given the cross-talk between the HPA and HPG axes and their increased activation in adolescence, a dual-axis approach that examines both axes simultaneously is proposed to predict the emergence and persistence of adolescent mental health problems. After briefly orienting readers to HPA and HPG axis functioning, we review the literature examining associations between hormone levels and changes with behavior during adolescence. Then, we provide a review of the literature supporting examination of both axes simultaneously and present the limited research that has taken a dual-axis approach. We propose future directions including consideration of between-person and within-person approaches to address questions of correlated changes in HPA and HPG hormones. Potential moderators are considered to increase understanding of the nuanced hormone–behavior associations during key developmental transitions.
Dynamic Testicular Adhesion Junctions Are Immunologically Unique. II. Localization of Classic Cadherins in Rat Testis

In the seminiferous epithelium, morphologically diverse junctions mediate inter-Sertoli and Sertoli-germ cell adhesive contact and likely transmit signals between contacting cells. Defining the molecular composition of testicular cell-cell junctions is an important step in determining their function. Proteins belonging to the cadherin superfamily are important mediators of cell-cell adhesion, as well as cell signaling. Here, we determined the spatial and temporal protein expression of four classic cadherins in rat testis: N-cadherin, cadherin-6, cadherin-11, and a cadherin defined by an antiserum generated against a conserved classic cadherin peptide (L4). Through Western blot analysis, all antibodies recognized unique proteins. Similarly, each cadherin displayed unique, cell-type specific immunostaining patterns. Whereas N-cadherin, cadherin-11, and L4-positive cadherin were expressed from Postnatal Day 7 through adulthood, cadherin-6 protein was not present at Postnatal Day 7 and first appeared at Day 21. Immunostaining of testis cryosections on Postnatal Days 7, 21, 31, 43, and those of adults indicated that cadherin-11 localized to peritubular cell junctions. N-cadherin immunostaining localized to basal inter-Sertoli junctions, Sertoli-spermatocyte junctions, and at about stages I‐VII in Sertoli-elongate spermatid junctions. Cadherin-6 immunostaining was restricted to Sertoli-round spermatid and in Sertoli-elongate spermatid junctions at approximately stages XII‐I. Finally, L4positive immunostaining also detected Sertoli-round spermatid junctions in addition to Sertoli-elongate spermatid junctions at approximately stages XII‐I. These data show that the various testicular cell-cell junctions are molecularly unique and dynamic complexes. male reproductive tract, Sertoli cells, spermatid, spermatogenesis, testis
It’s (Not) Over: Relationship Instability and Recovery Between Victims and Detained Domestic Abusers:

We used an innovative data set involving audio-recorded conversations between abusers and victims to explore the interactional patterns that occur within violent relationships, following severe violence and the abuser’s detainment. Using micro-level conversational data, our analysis sequenced the hopes/desires that victims and abusers expressed around their expectations for continuing or discontinuing a connection with each other. Conversations commonly included an expressed statement to end the relationship. Although it was common for both victims and abusers to express hope of ending the relationship, victims were most likely to initiate this desire. In response, abusers used multiple strategies to regain connection, including 1) challenging the victim, 2) declaring love or a desire to continue the relationship, 3) appealing for sympathy or help from the victim, and 4) mirroring or accepting the victim’s desire to end the relationship (when other strategies were unsuccessful). Abusers’ responses served ...
Cooperativity of the SUMO and Ubiquitin Pathways in Genome Stability

Covalent attachment of ubiquitin (Ub) or SUMO to DNA repair proteins plays critical roles in maintaining genome stability. These structurally related polypeptides can be viewed as distinct road signs, with each being read by specific protein interaction motifs. Therefore, via their interactions with selective readers in the proteome, ubiquitin and SUMO can elicit distinct cellular responses, such as directing DNA lesions into different repair pathways. On the other hand, through the action of the SUMO-targeted ubiquitin ligase (STUbL) family proteins, ubiquitin and SUMO can cooperate in the form of a hybrid signal. These mixed SUMO-ubiquitin chains recruit “effector” proteins such as the AAA+ ATPase Cdc48/p97-Ufd1-Npl4 complex that contain both ubiquitin and SUMO interaction motifs. This review will summarize recent key findings on collaborative and distinct roles that ubiquitin and SUMO play in orchestrating DNA damage responses.
Roughness-Induced Instability in a Laminar Boundary Layer at Mach 6

Roughness can cause a boundary layer to become turbulent, increasing aeroheating from the laminar rate. Empirical correlations are currently extrapolated to predict the onset of roughness-induced transition but are only simple approximations of the flow physics that cause it. More accurate physics-based prediction methods must be developed, based on the growth of instabilities within the wake of the roughness. A cylindrical roughness element was used to introduce instabilities into a laminar nozzle-wall boundary layer in the Boeing/AFOSR Mach-6 Quiet Tunnel. Pitot and hot-wire probes were used to measure an instability in the wake of the roughness. These measurements are believed to be the first at hypersonic speeds. The instability was observed to grow downstream of the roughness and was strongest off the wake centerline at a height near the roughness height. Mean-flow pitot pressures in the wake of the roughness were recorded for comparison to future computations of the wake. Further characterization of this instability can assist development and validation of a physics-based prediction method for roughness-induced transition.
Management of the Aging Forehead and Brow

The appearance of the forehead and brow conveys both a state of aging as well as the dynamic status of human emotion. Maintaining a youthful and pleasant appearance of this region is often integral to facial rejuvenation. Conditions that are often addressed include transverse rhytids and glabellar frown lines, ptotic eyebrows, skin deterioration, and volume loss. Surgical treatments to improve the forehead/brow might be open, endoscopic or combined. Common nonsurgical methods used to improve the region include neuromodulation, volume replacement, ablative and nonablative skin resurfacing, as well as phototherapy. Whatever treatments might be indicated, aim is to achieve optimum and natural-looking results.
Prevulcanization Inhibitor the Chemistry of Scorch Delay

Abstract Sulfenamide accelerators serve to perform two functions. They provide the necessary time period required to mix, process and shape rubber compounds. This portion of the overall vulcanization process is usually referred to as scorch delay. In addition, sulfenamides function as accelerators, in that once the crosslinking process has begun, they speed up this reaction. The delay period occurs because the sulfenamide must be converted to polythiobenzothiazoles, the precursors to crosslinking, before crosslinking can take place. The overall reaction of sulfenamide with sulfur is an autocatalytic process with MBT the autocatalyst. The role of PVI in this scheme is to remove MBT from this autocatalytic sequence of reactions, thus delaying those reactions which preceed crosslink formation.
A personal recollection: 60 years in thermoregulation.

This subjective essay is a personal reminiscence of my 60 y as a thermophysiologist. I recall the academic environment that I entered in the mid-50s, review our knowledge of thermoregulatory mechan...
High Activity and Selectivity for Silane Dehydrocoupling by an Iridium Catalyst

Iridium complexes bearing a bis(phosphinite) pincer ligand are highly active for the dehydrocoupling of phenylsilane, comparable to other catalysts for this reaction. Interestingly, this catalysis produces primarily a single product, the decasilane ring cyclo-(PhSiH)10 in what is unusually high selectivity for a single product in silane dehydrocoupling.
Clinical Features of Congenital Syphilis in Term Infants and Preterm Infants

Objective To compare the clinical manifestations of term infants and preterm infants with congenital syphilis,so as to confirm diagnosis and initiate therapy as early as possible.Methods Forty-five cases of congenital syphilis were retrospectively studied from Jun.2003 to Mar.2009,who were divided into 2 groups:24 infants in the term infants group and 21 cases in the preterm infants group.The manifestations of them,and the differences between term infants and preterm infants were summarized.SPSS 11.5 software was used to analyze the data.Results Manifestations of congenital syphilis were more significant in preterm infants.The incidences of liver damage was 90.5%,bone damage was 66.7%,thrombocytopenia was 52.4%,and hepatosplenomegaly was 38.1% in preterm infants,which were significantly higher than those in term infants(33.3%,20.8%,12.5% and 8.3%,respectively,Pa0.05).But there was no statistical difference in skin damage(52.4% vs 33.3%) between both groups(P0.05).The patients were treated with penicillin G,and 44 patients of them were cured and discharged.Conclusions The main manifestations of congenital syphilis in the early stage are skin damage,liver damage,bone damage,hepatosplenomegaly and thrombocytopenia.Manifestations in preterm infants are more significant than those in term infants.Penicillin G is effective to congenital syphilis.
Fine Structural Aspects of Reticuloendothelial Blockade

Aschoff first introduced the term “reticuloendothelial system (RES)” to designate cells with marked ability to take up dyes [1]. Much literature has accumulated since the early studies pertaining to the incorporation of both particulate and soluble materials by the cells of the RES. The subject of RES blockade has also attracted considerable attention. The following mechanisms have been proposed for blockade: (1) Saturation of phagocytic cells [2], (2) Clones of phagocytic cells [3] with one substance preventing further phagocytic activities, (3) the blockading agent damages the phagocytic cells [4–6], (4) RES blockade results from the depletion of serum opsonins [7–8] or other serum factors [9] that are essential for the phagocytic process.
Sexual exploitation and abuse in UN peacekeeping missions: A case study of MONUC and MONUSCO

ABSTRACTPeacekeepers are, at once, both protectors and perpetrators of violence. They themselves suffer from crises of masculinity as warriors sent to “wage peace.” Thus, this article highlights the troubling paradox of male identities in conflict by examining the high rates of sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA) by UN peacekeepers in the United Nations Organization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUC) and the subsequent United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO). Although SEA in the DRC has declined in recent years as the UN has taken important steps to address the problem, this case study reveals the pertinent social, legal, and political institutions impacting UN peacekeeping and identifies four factors that continue to contribute to the high rates of SEA amongst UN peacekeepers in the DRC. This study also identifies and formulates significant structural changes in training and enforcement methods in order to prevent SEA in fut...
Ginkgo biloba Extract in Prevention of Age-Associated Diseases in Elderly Population

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the therapeutic and preventive effects of Ginkgo biloba extract for age-associated diseases in older people. The standard leaf extract of Ginkgo biloba EGb 761 is a routine prescribed drug as well as a dietary supplement for Alzheimer's dementia. Neurodegenerative diseases are a result of gradual and progressive loss of neuronal cells and among the neurodegenerative diseases, Alzheimer's disease (AD) is mentioned to be the most threatening in the elderly population. Another age-related disorder is sarcopenia which is a progressive loss of skeletal muscle mass and strength in senescence. The current therapeutic agents for AD include cholinesterase inhibitors and memantine, a N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist. The pharmacological properties of EGb 761, its potential effects for extending life span and inhibition of Amyloid-beta protein oligomerization and deposition is given. The clinical evidence that show the efficacy of EGb 761 for Alzsheimer's dementia is further mentioned. It gives a summary of the common side effects of EGb 761 and discusses its safety measures.
Head Injury in Infants and Children

Of 738 children with head injuries (0-16 yrs) admitted to the Children’s Memorial Hospital, Chicago, IL, during a 5-year period from 1981-85, 318 (43%) were less than 3 years of age and almost half of the younger group were under 1 year.
Abstract 4690: Next-generation screen for integrative subtyping and target discovery for KRAS-mutant cancer

Mutations in the small GTPase, KRAS, are found in ∼140,000 new cases of cancer every year in the United States. This heterogeneous class of cancers manifests primarily as adenocarcinomas of the lung, colon and pancreas. These cancers display a wide spectrum of KRAS-dependency and differentially activate downstream effector signaling. The tumors further diverge in their array of co-occurring secondary mutations, expression signatures and KRAS mutant allele. Ultimately, the sole trait these cancers share in common is an obstinate resistance to chemo- and targeted-therapies, making identification of effective treatments an urgent need. To identify treatments for such a heterogeneous class of cancers, we developed a strategy to stratify KRAS-mutant cell lines into subtypes by integrating next-generation RNAi screening and “Omics” database mining. Each subtype is characterized by unique biomarkers and distinct patterns of effector dependency, both of which represent potential targets for personalized therapeutic strategies. Our RNAi screen systematically evaluates sensitivity to siRNA-mediated knockdown of 40 KRAS effector nodes in a panel of 135 lung, colorectal and pancreatic cancer cell lines. Data is analyzed on the single cell level, through the simultaneous measurement of 5 functional parameters. This single-cell, multi-dimensional approach allows for a comprehensive assessment of cellular homeostasis, with unprecedented depth and dynamic range that allows robust classification of cell lines by similarity. We identify subtypes of KRAS-mutant cell lines that rely on particular effector pathways such as the RAL, RSK, MTOR and autophagy pathways, which are not engaged by all KRAS-mutant cell lines, and thus may represent targets for personalized treatment. We further identify widely shared dependencies such as on the RAF, glycolytic and cell cycle pathways. Through integrative data mining of exome, transcriptome and drug/siRNA sensitivity databases for each KRAS-mutant subtype, we can identify unique biomarkers that will serve to stratify patients in the clinic and recommend personalized treatment strategies. Citation Format: Tina L. Yuan, Rachel Bagni, Ming Yi, Arnaud Amzallag, Shervin Afghani, Katie Beam, William Burgan, Nicole Fer, Leslie Garvey, Brian Smith, Andrew Waters, Robert Stephens, Cyril Benes, Frank McCormick. Next-generation screen for integrative subtyping and target discovery for KRAS-mutant cancer. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 106th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2015 Apr 18-22; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(15 Suppl):Abstract nr 4690. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2015-4690
Targeting the upregulation of the AKT pathway and homologous recombination repair as a therapeutic strategy for epithelial ovarian cancer.

e13125 Background: Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is the second most common gynecologic cancer in the United States, and carries the highest mortality in this category in the West. The progression...
A phase I trial of binimetinib in combination with gemcitabine (G) and cisplatin (C) patients (pts) with untreated advanced biliary cancer (ABC).

e15125 Background: Activating mutations in the RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK signaling pathway are commonly found in ABC. Binimetinib is an oral, selective small molecule inhibitor of MEK1/2; single agent activity of Binimetinib in ABC has previously been observed. Preclinical data support anti-tumor synergy for Binimetinib when combined with G & C, administered in an interrupted dosing schedule. Methods: A Single arm, non-randomized, open-label, phase I,evaluated Binimetinib in combination with G and C in pts with untreated ABC, who had advanced measurable disease, ECOG 0-1, adequate bone marrow, renal, hepatic and cardiac function. The primary endpoint was to determine the MTD. Tumor tissue for targeted gene sequencing, blood samples for peripheral blood pERK expression and cell cycle analysis were evaluated. Patients received oral Binimetinib twice daily with G and C IV infusions day 8 and 15 of a 21 days cycle in a standard 3 + 3 dose escalation scheme. Binimetinib was held for 2 days prior to and on day of each G ...