cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
1768-P: Inflammation in Visceral and Subcutaneous Fat and Human Insulin Resistance

Background/Methods: Visceral adipose tissue (VAT) is associated with increased risk for T2D and CVD. This depot, which accounts for only 5-10% of total fat mass, may play a relatively important role in determining insulin resistance (IR) due to its proximity to gut lymphatics and liver. Immune cells in fat respond to adipocyte stress and bacterial antigens from the gut with cytokine release, adversely affecting hepatic and systemic glucose metabolism. Few human studies have examined inflammation in VAT with regard to systemic IR. We hypothesized that inflammation in VAT vs. SAT would be associated with IR. To test this hypothesis we recruited 25 nondiabetic bariatric surgery patients who underwent whole-body insulin sensitivity testing via steady-state plasma glucose (SSPG) test prior to surgery. Samples of SAT and VAT were harvested for collagenase digestion and flash freezing for flow cytometry and gene expression. Results/Conclusion: The cohort was 80% female, 20% male, age 48±10 years, BMI 43.7±6.1 kg/m2, fasting glucose 103±15 mg/dL. IR was defined as SSPG > 200, and IS as SSPG Disclosure T. McLaughlin: Advisory Panel; Self; January. Stock/Shareholder; Self; Eiger BioPharmaceuticals. E.J. Zanley: None. C.I. Petlura: None. L.L. Tolentino: None. O. Choi: None. J. Chuang: None. J. Morton: None. Funding American Heart Association
Unplanned In-Global Clinic Visits, Emergency Department Encounters and Hospital Readmissions following Urological Prosthetic Surgery: Data for Quality Improvement

AbstractIntroduction:Unplanned and potentially avoidable clinic encounters, emergency department visits and readmissions burden the health care system. We identified and characterized unplanned hea...
Elementary student and teacher perceptions of a mindfulness and yoga-based program in school: A qualitative evaluation

Abstract Research question What are the qualitative insights and perspectives about the implementation of a mindfulness and yoga-based program from elementary youth and teachers? Context A mindfulness and yoga-based curriculum was implemented in 15 schools. The curriculum was taught to students during a physical education or dance class by instructors who were within each school and received training on the curriculum. Sample selection Volunteer focus group elementary students who participated for one year and teachers who did not implement the program were qualitatively interviewed, by three trained University researchers. Data collection Nine focus groups were completed within three different elementary schools. Six focus groups were completed with 3rd and 5th grade students. Three focus groups were conducted with teachers within each school which received the program, excluding instructors. Analysis Focus group data were coded and a thematic analysis was completed among the 40 students and 23 teachers. Interpretation and main results Teachers had varying degrees of involvement with the program and communication emerged as a critical theme for buy-in as communication represents the underpinnings of creating and retaining stakeholders. Most students talked about perceived improvements in focus, emotional regulation, flexibility, breathing, and school work. A common theme to describe benefits of the program emerged with the idea of “increased focus”. Conceptually, it may be that increasing mindfulness increases “focus” thus increasing positive outcomes. More research is needed to understand if “focus” may serve as a mediating variable on emotional regulation, cognitive improvements, and other health outcomes.
Thyroid Disorders During Pregnancy, Postpartum, and Lactation

Abstract Thyroid disease is the most prevalent endocrine disorder (next to hyperglycemia) in pregnancy worldwide. Hypothyroidism is more common and affects women in both iodine sufficient and deficient areas. In areas of iodine sufficiency, autoimmune thyroid disease accounts for the majority of overt hypothyroidism and thyroid antibodies found to be detectable in up to 60% of pregnant women with an elevated TSH. Subclinical hypothyroidism remains a subject of controversy, as studies show variable outcomes. Hyperthyroidism due to Grave’s disease affects about 0.2%–0.4% of pregnant women, followed by gestational hyperthyroidism and toxic adenomas. Postpartum thyroid disorders are important to recognize, given their prevalence and impact on maternal and neonatal health. This chapter reviews in depth the diagnosis and management of the continuum of thyroid disorders, including issues arising in the preconception and postpartum periods, discusses the available evidence and clinical guidelines of thyroid disorders in pregnancy.
Detecting Sensors and Inferring their Relations at Level-0 in Industrial Cyber-Physical Systems

While there exist tools and techniques to discover, identify, map, and analyze cyber physical components at higher levels of the cyber space, there is a lack of capabilities to reach down to the sensors at the bottom-most levels, such as levels 0 and 1 of the Purdue Enterprise Reference Model for cyber-physical systems (CPS). Conventional information technology (IT)-based tools reach as far as the network-side of programmable logic controllers, but are inadequate to access and analyze the physical side of the CPS infrastructure that directly interfaces with the actual physical processes and systems. In this paper, we present our research and development efforts aimed at addressing this gap, by building a system called Deep-cyberia (Deep Cyber-Physical System Interrogation and Analysis) that incorporates algorithms and interfaces aimed at uncovering sensors and computing estimates of correlations among them.
Hardware Implementation of HEVC Inverse Transform in 45nm CMOS

The High Efficiency Video Coding (HEVC) standard relies on the use of the inverse discrete cosine transform (IDCT) to perform video decompression. HEVC has increased the complexity of the decoder and the inverse transform lends itself well to hardware acceleration due to repeated addition and multiplication on unit blocks. A hardware implementation of the inverse quantization and inverse transform, compliant to the HEVC standard, is presented. The design targets the 4×4 inverse quantization and transform performing a synthesis and place & route flow using the Nangate FreePDK45 Open Cell Library. The operational frequency of presented design supports 4K video at up to 30 frames/sec. The core area of the presented design takes up 14 664 μm2 and can operate at max. frequency of 367 MHz.
Antiviral T Cell Receptor Complementarity Determining Region-3 Sequences Are Associated with a Worse Cancer Outcome: A Pancancer Analysis.

Human papilloma virus has a clearly demonstrated role in cervical and head and neck cancers, but viral etiology for other solid tumors is less well understood. To expand this area of research, we o...
Application of packed bed reactor theory and Bayesian inference to upweller culture of juvenile oysters

Abstract The use of upweller culture units in bivalve nurseries is widely practiced as a technique that enhances the ability to rear large quantities in a semi-controlled environment. However, guidance has varied for optimal flow rates, and thus there is a need to develop a more mechanistic assessment. The application of packed bed reactor theory, including axial diffusion models, would improve optimization of these culture methods. The following paper presents a series of controlled experiments to determine the hydrodynamic properties of a packed bed of oysters. The data gained from these experiments was used to develop mechanistic models calibrated through Bayesian inference. Specifically, the Ergun equation and the axial diffusion model were used to predict the experimental data. The Ergun equation was able to predict the hydrodynamic equivalent diameter distribution of oyster shells (μ = 3.18 mm, σ = 0.74 mm). This oyster shell diameter and void ratio distribution gained through the Ergun equation were used in the relationship of axial diffusion and superficial velocity. The mean axial diffusion coefficient in the oyster bed was estimated 1.65 × 104 m2/s at 0.01 m/s and 7.26 × 104 m2/s at 0.08 m/s. The use of Bayesian inference allows for greater understanding of the credibility of individual parameter distributions (i.e., rates and physical attributes) within these mechanistic formulations. This work establishes a baseline methodology to systematically evaluate and optimize bivalve upweller culture systems.
Parents’ and adolescents’ perceptions of parental support as predictors of adolescents’ academic achievement and self-regulated learning

Abstract This study examined the inconsistencies in parents’ and adolescents’ reports of parental support, and how each report influences on adolescents’ academic achievement and self-regulated learning. The analyzed sample consisted of 6370 adolescents (7th grade; 51% female) and their parents from the Korean Educational Longitudinal Survey, which was collected in 2015. This study estimated t-test and ANOVA to test inconsistencies of parents' and adolescents' reports of parental support. Path analysis was conducted to confirm the relationship between each perception and adolescents’ academic outcomes. Finally, multigroup analysis was conducted on how the model between parental support and academic outcomes changes across the parent-adolescent dyads. This study found that there was the divergence of adolescents’ and parents’ reports of parental support. Adolescents’ report of parental support is more associated with higher adolescent academic outcomes compared to parents’ report, but parents’ report of academic support is the strongest predictor to adolescents’ academic achievement. This study also found some variations among the parent-adolescent dyads in how parents’ and adolescents’ reports of parental support relate to adolescent outcomes.
The impact of surgeon volume on total thyroidectomy outcomes among otolaryngologists.

Abstract Purpose To evaluate the impact of surgeon volume on total thyroidectomy complications and outcomes among otolaryngologists. Materials and methods This state-wide, multi-hospital retrospective review identified patients who underwent total thyroidectomy (TT) (ICD9–06.4) through the Statewide Planning and Research Cooperative System (SPARCS) between 1995 and 2015. Surgeons were categorized into high (>100), medium (10–99), and low ( Results 32,133 TT performed by 1032 otolaryngologists were identified. Overall complication rate in our cohort was 9.83% (CI: 9.48–10.18). The most common complication identified overall was hypocalcemia occurring in 3.85% of cases. Surgeons in the high volume group had a complication rate of 9.6%, compared to 10.0% and 11.6% in the medium and low volume groups. This represents a moderate, but statistically significant difference (rho: −0.4, p Conclusions Otolaryngologists who perform a high volume of total thyroidectomy were found to have overall less perioperative complications than those with less volume. In particular, the risk of temporary tracheostomy is higher among low volume surgeons. These findings are consistent with previous studies of the effect of thyroidectomy volume on surgical complications.
Calendar Month Variation in Alcohol and Marijuana Use in a Community Sample of Young Adults.

Objective:Alcohol use among adults varies by season, and drinking among 4-year college students has been linked to holidays and the academic calendar. Little research has assessed calendar-related ...
Plant-based CO2 drawdown and storage as SiC

Since the 1950's the Earth's natural carbon cycle has not sufficiently sequestrated excess atmospheric CO2 contributed by human activities. CO2 levels rose above 400 ppm in 2013 and are forecasted to exceed 500 ppm by 2070, a level last experienced during the Paleogene period 25–65 MYA. While humanity benefits from the extraction and combustion of carbon from Earth's crust, we have overlooked the impact on global climate change. Here, we present a strategy to mine atmospheric carbon to mitigate CO2 emissions and create economically lucrative green products. We employ an artificial carbon cycle where agricultural plants capture CO2 and the carbon is transformed into silicon carbide (SiC), a valuable commercial material. By carefully quantifying the process we show that 14% of plant-sequestered carbon is stored as SiC and estimate the scale needed for this process to have a global impact.
A Three-Winding Coupled Inductor-Based Interleaved High-Voltage Gain DC–DC Converter for Photovoltaic Systems

In this article, an interleaved high-voltage gain dc–dc converter is proposed for use with photovoltaic (PV) systems. By integrating two three-winding coupled inductors (CIs) with switched capacitor cells, the voltage gain is further extended. Through passive diode-capacitor clamp circuits, the energy stored in the leakage inductances is absorbed; additionally, the voltage stress of the power switches is clamped to a value far lower than the output voltage, which enables designers to select switches with low-voltage ratings. Due to the interleaved structure of the proposed converter, the input current has a small ripple, which leads to the increased lifespan of the PV panels. In addition, the current stress on the components is reduced. Thanks to the leakage inductances of the CIs, the zero-current switching condition is intrinsically provided for the diodes; accordingly, the adverse impact of the diodes’ reverse-recovery is alleviated. The operating principles, steady-state analyses, and design considerations of the proposed converter are presented in this article. A comparison with other similar converters is carried out to verify the merits of the proposed converter. Finally, the theoretical analyses are confirmed through the experimental results of a 400-W prototype with an output voltage of 400 V.
Laser Treatment for Retinopathy of Prematurity

Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) has been established as the primary cause of visual impairment in premature infants. While cryotherapy used to be a method to treat this condition, laser photocoagulation with indirect ophthalmoscopic delivery has become the gold standard for threshold ROP treatment. This chapter discusses various defining criteria for stages of ROP, conclusions from significant studies such as the ETROP trial, as well as techniques for performing laser photocoagulation and achieving minimal complications. Addressing skip areas using wide-angle photography is a crucial step in ensuring angiogenesis. The next steps, including the role of anti-VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) agents in ROP as evident in the BEAT-ROP and RAINBOW trial is promising but requires further results.
Neosporosis in Cattle

Bovine neosporosis has emerged as an important reproductive disease since its first association with an abortion storm in 1987 on a dairy in New Mexico.46 Numerous reports of Neospora abortion have confirmed this infection as a significant cause of abortion, particularly among dairy cattle.2,7,18,23,25,26,36,45,46,47,48,55 It has a worldwide distribution, having been diagnosed in many countries from six continents, and is prevalent throughout North America. Bovine neosporosis is probably not a new disease, but rather a newly recognized one. Retrospective studies in California have confirmed that the parasite has been endemic since 1984, and a decade earlier the infection was identified retrospectively in a stillborn calf in Australia.23 Surveys in California, the Netherlands and New Zealand indicate that approximately 20% of all aborted bovine fetuses submitted to the diagnostic laboratory are diagnosed with this infection. In abortion submissions from dairy herds with a history of Neospora abortion, the proportion of Neospora infection in aborted fetuses is as much as 44%.4 Since fetal infection can result in either fetal death or the birth of a live congenitally infected calf, there are questions about what factors determine the clinical outcome of fetal infection and what are the appropriate methods to diagnose Neospora abortion. This will be discussed.
Association of the COVID-19 Pandemic With the Prevalence of Homebound Older Adults in the United States, 2011-2020.

This cohort study evaluates the prevalence of homebound older adults in the US from 2011 to 2020 and assesses whether the COVID-19 pandemic was associated with a change in prevalence.
The Cyclin Cln1 Controls Polyploid Titan Cell Formation following a Stress-Induced G 2 Arrest in Cryptococcus

The pathogenic yeast Cryptococcus neoformans produces polyploid titan cells in response to the host lung environment that are critical for host adaptation and subsequent disease. We analyzed the in vivo and in vitro cell cycles to identify key aspects of the C. neoformans cell cycle that are important for the formation of titan cells. We identified unbudded 2C cells, referred to as a G2 arrest, produced both in vivo and in vitro in response to various stresses. Deletion of the nonessential cyclin Cln1 resulted in overproduction of titan cells in vivo and transient morphology defects upon release from stationary phase in vitro. Using a copper-repressible promoter PCTR4-CLN1 strain and a two-step in vitro titan cell formation assay, our in vitro studies revealed Cln1 functions after the G2 arrest. These studies highlight unique cell cycle alterations in C. neoformans that ultimately promote genomic diversity and virulence in this important fungal pathogen. IMPORTANCE Dysregulation of the cell cycle underlies many human genetic diseases and cancers, yet numerous organisms, including microbes, also manipulate the cell cycle to generate both morphologic and genetic diversity as a natural mechanism to enhance their chances for survival. The eukaryotic pathogen Cryptococcus neoformans generates morphologically distinct polyploid titan cells critical for host adaptation and subsequent disease. We analyzed the C. neoformans in vivo and in vitro cell cycles to identify changes required to generate the polyploid titan cells. C. neoformans paused cell cycle progression in response to various environmental stresses after DNA replication and before morphological changes associated with cell division, referred to as a G2 arrest. Release from this G2 arrest was coordinated by the cyclin Cln1. Reduced CLN1 expression after the G2 arrest was associated with polyploid titan cell production. These results demonstrate a mechanism to generate genomic diversity in eukaryotic cells through manipulation of the cell cycle that has broad disease implications.
Effects of thermal treatments on the hydrophobicity and anticorrosion properties of as-grown graphene coatings

Graphene grown on metal substrates has been reported to provide efficient and robust hydrophobicity during water vapor condensation on metal surfaces. However, due to the intrinsic negative coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) of graphene, the potential thermal stress in real application environments can cause CTE mismatch and then damage the protective graphene coatings, leading to loss of surface hydrophobicity and anticorrosion properties. In this study, the effect of thermal treatments on anticorrosion properties and subsequent hydrophobicity of the graphene surface has been investigated. The as-grown graphene on nickel (Ni–Gr) is explored in terms of survival under severe thermal cycling (up to 14.62 °C s−1) and effectively maintains its surface properties. As a comparison, the as-grown graphene on copper (Cu–Gr) easily peeled off from the metal surface due to the thermal stress and intercalation of oxides. The thermal treatment at 200 °C under ambient atmosphere can elevate the corrosion rate 2.2 times and 29 times on the Ni–Gr and Cu–Gr surfaces compared to situations without thermal treatments, respectively. This study shows that the Ni–Gr surface is significantly more robust than the Cu–Gr surface as a sustainable hydrophobic surface in a complicated thermal environment.
Single-session attention bias modification and error-related brain activity

An attentional bias to threat has been implicated in the etiology and maintenance of anxiety disorders. Recently, attention bias modification (ABM) has been shown to reduce threat biases and decrease anxiety. However, it is unclear whether ABM modifies neural activity linked to anxiety and risk. The current study examined the relationship between ABM and the error-related negativity (ERN), a putative biomarker of risk for anxiety disorders, and the relationship between the ERN and ABM-based changes in attention to threat. Fifty-nine participants completed a single-session of ABM and a flanker task to elicit the ERN—in counterbalanced order (i.e., ABM-before vs. ABM-after the ERN was measured). Results indicated that the ERN was smaller (i.e., less negative) among individuals who completed ABM-before relative to those who completed ABM-after. Furthermore, greater attentional disengagement from negative stimuli during ABM was associated with a smaller ERN among ABM-before and ABM-after participants. The present study suggests a direct relationship between the malleability of negative attention bias and the ERN. Explanations are provided for how ABM may contribute to reductions in the ERN. Overall, the present study indicates that a single-session of ABM may be related to a decrease in neural activity linked to anxiety and risk.
The Balby Seekers and Richard Farnworth

This paper describes the group of Seekers which flourished briefly in 1650 and 1651 around Balby,' Warmsworth and Tickhill in South Yorkshire, and e:<.:plores their origins. They may have numbered up to thirty, and had developed as radical puritans independ­ ently of any immediate local Separatist tradition or Grindletonian int1uence. They joined with Ge)rge Fox on his arrival around December 1651, providing several pioneers who helped i_1launching the Quaker movement. These included Richard Farnworth, Thomas Aldam, Benjamin Nicholson, and John, Thomas and Margaret Killam, with Thomas and Elizabeth Stacy from Ballifield near Sheffield. Evidence is presented that Farnworth was born on 14th October 16.27, and that he may have first encountered George Fox at Derby in early 1650.
Modified Nucleosides in RNA

Natural and unnatural modified nucleosides play important roles in chemistry and biology. Over 100 different functional group modifications occur on natural nucleosides, which range from sugar methylations to base isomerization reactions. Unnatural modifications are also broad in their range of possible structures and applications. Both types of modifications have been incorporated site specifically into RNAs to understand their biological roles or to be used as biophysical, structure, and mechanistic probes. More recently, modified RNAs have been applied as therapeutic agents. This article summarizes the approaches toward generation of modified nucleosides and their incorporation into RNA using chemical, biochemical, or combined (semisynthesis) approaches. Some examples of applications with modified RNAs will also be discussed.
Intermediate Filament and Cross-Linked Envelope Expression in Human Lung Tumor Cell Lines

Abstract Human lung tumor cell lines established from the major histological types of lung cancer were examined by immunofluorescent staining techniques for their patterns of intermediate filament (keratin, vimentin, and neurofilament triplet protein) expression. All cell lines examined, both small cell lung carcinoma (SCLC) and non-SCLC (squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma, large cell carcinoma, and mesothelioma) contained keratin, consistent with their epithelial derivation. These lung carcinoma cell lines also expressed vimentin, the characteristic intermediate filament of mesenchymal cells in vivo. In light of the proposed neuroectodermal origin of SCLC, cell lines were also studied for neurofilament expression. Two of four SCLC tumor cell lines, as well as non-SCLC cell lines, showed no reactivity with antibodies to neurofilament triplet protein. Two of the SCLC cell lines stained weakly with anti-neurofilament antibody. Examination of specific keratin patterns in human lung tumor cell lines by selective immunoprecipitation with keratin antiserum and sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis indicated that small-sized keratin proteins (Mr 44,000 to 52,000) were present in cell lines derived from SCLC and non-SCLC types of lung cancer. Tumor cell lines exhibiting squamous differentiation by light microscopic criteria (i.e., intracellular keratin, intercellular bridging, “pearl” formation, and/or individual cell keratinization) also displayed a preponderance of intermediatesized keratins (Mr 57,000 and 59,000) and exhibited another feature of terminal keratinocyte differentiation (cross-linked envelope formation). Mesothelioma cell lines had varying keratin profiles. The presence of keratin proteins in all SCLC cell lines examined argues against a neuroectodermal origin for these tumors and is consistent with the notion that these tumors arise from a common bronchial “stem cell,” similar to that from which other types of bronchogenic carcinomas arise.
The Middle Ages

In the history of Europe, the period between the political downfall of the Western Roman Empire in 576 and the discovery of America in 1492 is usually called the Middle Ages. The concept of ‘ages lying in between’ arose in the Renaissance, which strove to imitate a strongly idealized antiquity.
Principles and Guidelines for Equitable Mathematics Teaching Practices and Materials for English Language Learners.

In this essay, the author describes principles for equitable mathematics teaching practices for English Language Learners (ELLs) and outlines guidelines for ma-terials to support such practices. Although research cannot provide a recipe for equitable teaching practices for ELLs, teachers, educators, and administrators can use this set of research-based principles and guidelines to design equitable mathematics instruction, developing their own approaches to supporting equitable practices in mathematics classrooms. The recommendations presented use a complex view of mathematical language as not only specialized vocabulary but also as extended discourse that includes syntax, organization, the mathematics register, and discourse practices. The principles and guidelines stress the im-portance of creating learning environments that support all students (but specifically those learning English) in engaging in rich mathematical activity and dis-cussions.
Control of kidney 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 metabolism: Strontium and the involvement of parathyroid hormone☆

Abstract The action of parathyroid extract (PTE) on the renal metabolism of 25-hydroxyvitamin D 3 (25-OHD 3 ) was evaluated in rat models for strontium rickets and hypoparathyroidism. PTE elevated the production of 1α,25-(OH) 2 D 3 and suppressed the synthesis of 24,25-(OH) 2 D 3 in both animal models. Part of strontium's action in suppressing 1α,25-(OH) 2 D 3 and stimulating 24,25-(OH) 2 D 3 synthesis in strontium rickets appears to involve a decrease in parathyroid hormone (PTH) secretion and/or action. Calcitonin (CT) was not implicated in the cation's action. Thyroparathyroidectomized rats showed a low level of 1α,25-(OH) 2 D 3 production which increased four- to eightfold following chronic PTE treatment. PTH appears to be the major calcium regulatory hormone involved in modulation of renal 25-OHD 3 metabolism.
Rapid Diagnosis of Bacteremia

Early appropriate treatment of bacteremia is important in minimizing morbidity and mortality. Standard blood culture methods are not optimal since several days are often required for recovery and identification of organisms which may be present in the blood. The use of a membrane filter technique allows one to grow any organisms present in blood much more rapidly than by broth or pour plate culture. Furthermore, growth is in the form of typical colonies on the surface of solid media, and a series of rapid diagnostic tests may be used to provide speedy identification. Use of membrane filters also facilitates removal by washing of normal antibacterial factors and antimicrobial drugs which may be present in blood. Although the filter technique yielded the most rapid growth, broth culture and whole blood pour plates yielded more positive cultures and use of all three systems was necessary for maximal recovery of organisms in blood cultures. Data on quantitative aspects of bacteremia in the antimicrobial era are also presented. The number of low level bacteremias (10 colonies/ml or less) is surprisingly high. This is particularly true for gram-negative bacilli; antimicrobial therapy at the time of culture undoubtedly influenced these results greatly. Finally, suggestions are given for a much simpler and more efficient membrance filter blood culture technique.
Representation Unbound: Gouverneur Morris on the 'Revolution of 1800'

The confrontation between Federalists and Republicans over repeal of the Judiciary Act of 1801 was the first one after the Republicans controlled the government. As both sides presented their positions, it was clear that from here on, the Constitution would assume a central role in deliberations about American government.
Differential patterns of connexins in colon cancer progression

AACR Annual Meeting-- Apr 12-16, 2008; San Diego, CA 3611 Colon cancer is one of the most common cancers in the United States with a high predisposition to metastasize. Furthermore, 30-40% of patients have metastatic disease at the initial diagnosis. Cancer cells exhibit deficiencies in cell-to-cell communications, particularly gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC). Gap Junctions are intercellular channels composed of connexin proteins, which mediate the direct passage of small molecules from one cell to the next. These small molecules are involved in the regulation of cell cycle, cell differentiation, and cell signaling. Previous studies have suggested that gap junctions in part play a role in tumor formation and progression. However, the mechanisms involved in colon cancer progression remain unclear and the physical and functional interactions among Cx26, 32 and 43 has not been investigated. Thus, the goal of this study is to examine the differential patterns of Cx 26, 32 and 43 expressions using western blot, immunoprecipitation and immunofluorescence. We have examined the expression of Cx26, Cx32 and Cx43 in different cell models of malignancy of colon cancer: SW480, SW620, HT29 and Caco-2 cell lines. Previously studies have demonstrated that Cx26, 32 and 43 express in normal human epithelium cells and colon tissues. We also found that these connexins express in normal mouse colon tissues. The results show that expression of Cx26 and Cx32 was highly expressed in SW480 and SW620 cells, respectively. Furthermore, a functional interaction was observed between Cx26 and Cx32 proteins in SW480 and SW620 cells by immunoprecipitation and immunofluorescence studies. Our findings suggest that interaction among connexins may contribute to facilitate colon cancer progression.
Line optical tweezers for measurement of entropic forces in complex fluids

Optical tweezers are exciting and relatively new measurement tools that have been used to exert forces on micron-sized particles and on molecules attached to particles. In this contribution we introduce the optical line tweezer as means to measure interaction potentials between two particles in various complex fluids. Interestingly, the method enables us to study structure and dynamics of the background fluids as well as to probe the direct particle electrostatic interactions. We have used the technique to make sensitive measurements with spatial resolutions of 10 nm and energy resolutions less than 0.1 kT. Entropic effects in hard-sphere colloids and in DNA polymer solutions have been observed and are described.
32 FAT-FREE MASS (FFM) ESTIMATIONS IN INFANTS BY TOTAL BODY ELECTRICAL CONDUCTIVITY (TOBEC) AND 18-OXYGEN DILUTION

Infant FFM can be safely and rapidly measured with good reproducibility by TOBEC. However, calibration of instruments until now has been based on carcass analysis data from minipigs. No data have been published for human infants comparing FFM estimated by TOBEC (using the minipigs calibration) with FFM calculated from TBW measurements by 18-oxygen dilution. We performed this comparison by measuring FFM by both methods in 131 healthy full-term infants aged between 1 and 12 months (♂/♀ =0.98). After a predose baseline urine sample a preweighted oral dose of 18-O enriched water was administered and a post-dose sample on days 1 and 9 was collected. TBW was calculated by extrapolation to time zero. Regression analysis of FFM by TOBEC (X) against FFM by 18-O (Y) showed a straight linear relation: Y= −0.122 (±0.078) + 0.985(±0.016) X, r=0.98, SEE=0.214 kg. No bias in the distribution of the residuals was seen. Conclusions: 1] FFM values in healthy infants measured by TOBEC and 18-oxygen are highly and strictly linearly correlated. 2] Estimation of FFM in healthy infants by TOBEC results in slightly higher FFM values than by 18-O dilution. This systematic difference is constant during the first year of life. 3] Both methods can be used for accurate estimations of fat-free mass and body fat in infants between 1 and 12 months of age.
CAY-1, a fungicidal saponin from Capsicum sp. fruit

Saponins are steroidal or terpenoid-based glycosides with surface active properties. A steroidal saponin, CAY-1, with a molecular weight of 1243.35 Da, was isolated and purified to homogeneity from commercially available dry, ground fruit of Capsicum frutescens. CAY-1 was shown to be a potent fungicide for the germinating conidia of Aspergillus flavus, A. fumigatus, A. parasiticus and A. niger with species-dependent LD90 values between 3 and 20 microM. Activity against some Aspergillus species was affected by the test medium used. In vitro assays, CAY-1 was effective against Pneumocystis carinii (IC50): 9.5 microM) and Candida albicans (IC90: 6.2 microM). CAY-1 had no effect on the viability of the nongerminating conidia of the two filamentous fungi, P. carinii and C. albicans, nor on the conidial type of Fusarium oxysporum. It was ineffective against the bacteria Enterobacter agglomerans, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. CAY-1 was not cytotoxic to A 549 lung carcinoma cells or HeLa cells at effective fungicidal concentrations. The results indicate that CAY-1 is an effective fungicide for Aspergillus species, C. albicans and P. carinii at concentrations below the threshold for mammalian cell toxicity.
Dual plant host effects on two arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi

Abstract Mycorrhizal fungi may simultaneously associate with multiple plant hosts, and the implications of this for the fungi involved are not well understood. To address this question, two arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), Glomus clairoideum (a treatment referred to as “Glo”) and Scutellospora fulgida (a treatment referred to as “Scut”), were grown separately in pots that each consisted of two plant compartments separated by a root-free-compartment (RFC). Fungi within each two-plant-compartment pot were exposed to either two individuals of indiangrass (Sorghastrum nutans), two individuals of big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii), or one of each. A non-inoculated treatment (“Non”) was included to help gauge the potential influence of greenhouse contaminant fungi, cross-contamination, or any misidentification of non-AMF hyphae. The two host species had additive effects on the growth of AM hyphae in plant compartments of Scut, Glo, and Non pots, and in the RFCs of Scut pots. In Glo RFCs, however, they were antagonistic in their effects. Synergism between hosts in Non RFCs suggested that any potential contaminants or misidentification could not explain this result. Underyielding was not seen in shoot weight, root weight, or root length in dual host pots, and also therefore could not explain the result. Hyphal growth in the Scut treatment was evenly distributed between the RFC and plant compartments (or marginally skewed toward the RFC), while hyphal growth in the Glo treatment was skewed toward plant compartments (nearer roots). However, hyphal lengths were more highly correlated across plant compartments within a common pot in the Glo treatment, suggesting that this AMF bridged the RFC to experience the entire two-host pot as a single environment to a greater extent than Scut did. These AMF differed in how they responded to both the species composition of the two-host environment and its spatial structure; potential implications for mycorrhizal community dynamics are discussed.
Centrioles in symmetric spaces

We describe all centrioles in irreducible simply connected pointed symmetric spaces of compact type in terms of the root system of the ambient space, and we study some geometric properties of centrioles.
Numerical simulation of roughness effect on the stability of a hypersonic boundary layer

Abstract A new high-order cut-cell method is used to numerically simulate two dimensional roughness effects on modal growth in a hypersonic boundary layer. The steady base flow is simulated first by solving the compressible Navier–Stokes equations. Perturbations correspond to Mode S wave at 100 kHz and a wall normal velocity pulse with a continuous frequency spectrum up to 1 MHz are imposed onto the mean flow with roughness separately. A Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) is used to decompose the perturbation and to study the evolution of perturbations at different frequencies. The number of roughness elements in the boundary layer is changed for two test cases. Moreover, the effect of roughness height is studied in the Mode S simulation. It is found that when the roughness element is located at the synchronization point of a particular frequency (i.e. synchronization frequency), perturbations at frequencies higher than the synchronization frequency are damped. On the other hand, perturbations at frequencies lower than the synchronization frequency are amplified by the roughness. The same conclusion is drawn in cases where the roughness location is changed. The relation between roughness and the synchronization point is a candidate to explain roughness delayed transition seen experimentally.
Ischemia-reperfusion injury induces occludin phosphorylation/ubiquitination and retinal vascular permeability in a VEGFR-2-dependent manner.

Retinal ischemia–reperfusion (IR) induces neurodegenaration as well as blood–retinal barrier (BRB) breakdown causing vascular permeability. Whereas the neuronal death has been extensively studied, the molecular mechanisms related to BRB breakdown in IR injury remain poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the early changes in tight junctional (TJ) proteins in response to IR injury. Ischemia–reperfusion injury was induced in male rat retinas by increasing the intraocular pressure for 45 minutes followed by natural reperfusion. The results demonstrate that IR injury induced occludin Ser490 phosphorylation and ubiquitination within 15 minutes of reperfusion with subsequent vascular permeability. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed a rapid increase in occludin Ser490 phosphorylation and loss of Zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) protein, particularly in arterioles. Ischemia–reperfusion injury also rapidly induced the activation and phosphorylation of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 (VEGFR-2) at tyrosine 1175. Blocking vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) function by intravitreal injection of bevacizumab prevented VEGFR-2 activation, occludin phosphorylation, and vascular permeability. These studies suggest a novel mechanism of occludin Ser490 phosphorylation and ubiquitination downstream of VEGFR2 activation associated with early IR-induced vascular permeability.
Postoperative analgesia by nicomorphine intramuscularly versus high thoracic epidural administration: Effects on ventilatory and airway occlusion pressure responses to CO2

In this study the effects of nicomorphine, administered either intramuscularly or by high thoracic epidural route, on the ventilatory and airway occlusion pressure response to CO2 were investigated and compared. Twenty-four patients scheduled for thoracic surgery were allocated randomly to postoperative pain relief by i.m. nicomorphine or by high thoracic epidural nicomorphine. The ventilatory response to 5% carbon dioxide was measured in all patients: first 1 day before operation, secondly on the first day after surgery immediately before nicomorphine administration and finally after the administration, at the moment when no further rise in end-tidal PCO2 (PETCO2) was measured. Respiratory response was assessed in two ways, by measuring minute ventilation (VE) and mouth occlusion pressure (P0.1). There was a significant depression in ventilatory response to CO2 in the intramuscular group (P = 0.03) due to nicomorphine as assessed by the slope of VE vs PETCO2. No significant depression was found in the epidural group, irrespective of measurement of VE or P0.1. No significant shift of apnoeic threshold-PETCO2 was observed in either group.
Specially ordered groups

(1984). Specially ordered groups. Communications in Algebra: Vol. 12, No. 19, pp. 2315-2333.
Administrative Organization in Diagnostic Radiology Residency Program Leadership

Purpose The aim of this study was to document the current state of administrative structure in US diagnostic radiology (DR) residency program leadership. A secondary objective was to assess for correlation(s), if any, with DR residency programs that equipped positions such as assistant, associate, and emeritus program director (PD) with respect to residency size and region of the country. Methods The Fellowship and Residency Electronic Interactive Database, as well as direct communication and programmatic Web site searches, were used to gather data regarding current US DR residency leadership. Data collected included the presence of additional leadership titles, including assistant PD, associate PD, and PD emeritus, and how many faculty members currently held each position. Programs were excluded if results could not be identified. Analysis of variance and t tests were used to estimate the correlations of the size of a residency with having additional or shared PD positions and the types of positions, respectively. Chi-square tests were used to assess for any regional differences. Results As of the time of this project, the Fellowship and Residency Electronic Interactive Database defined 186 US DR residency programs. A total of 173 programs (93%) were included in the analysis; the remainder were excluded because of unavailability of relevant data. Seventy-two percent (124 of 173) of programs had additional DR leadership positions. Of these, 30 programs (17%) had more than one such position. There were no significant differences in the sizes of the programs that used these additional positions (mean, 25 ± 12; range, 6-72) compared with those that did not (mean, 24 ± 12; range, 7-51). There were no significant differences between programs that had additional positions with respect to region of the country. Conclusions The majority of US DR residency programs used some form of additional DR leadership position. In the majority of cases, this was in the form of an assistant or associate PD. Nearly one-fifth of programs studied had more than one such position. This is a positive model for the depth and breadth of management of US residency programs, serving both as a template for matrixed leadership and as a source of leadership succession planning.
Structural and functional models of the dimanganese catalase enzymes. 3. Kinetics and mechanism of hydrogen peroxide dismutation

The mechanism of peroxide dismutation by synthetic mimics of the dimanganese catalase enzymes has been investigated by steady-state kinetic methods. These compounds, [LMn 2 II,II (μ-X)] (ClO 4 ) 2 , X - =CH 3 CO 2 - ClCH 2 CO 2 - , were found to share structural, redox, and spectroscopic properties analogous to the catalase enzymes (Pessiki et al. J. Am. Chem. Soc. preceding paper in this issue). The dismutation mechanism proceeds by two consecutive two-electron steps: H 2 O 2 +2e - +2H + →2H 2 O and H 2 O 2 →O 2 +2e - +2H + which are coupled to redox transformation of the catalyst: Mn 2 III,III ↔Mn 2 II,II . The μ-carboxylate derivatives are inactive, but autocatalytically dismutate H 2 O 2 after an initial hydration reaction in which the μ-carboxylate ligand appears to dissociate, as judged by inhibition with acetate
The presence of a glucose-derived Maillard reaction product in the human lens.

Pyrraline is an advanced Maillard reaction product formed by the non-enzymatic reaction initiated by glucose with lysine residues on proteins. This reaction involves an intermediate, 3-deoxyglucosone, concentration of which is shown to be elevated in plasma and lenses during diabetes. Bovine lens alpha crystallins incubated with 3-deoxyglucosone showed that pyrraline formation was a major modification and its quantification by two different methods revealed time-dependent accumulation. Pyrraline was quantified in normal, senile cataractous and diabetic lenses. Although a wide variation was observed, the mean value in cataractous lenses (mean ± S.E.: 48.4 ± 12.67 pmol/mg protein) was higher than in age-matched normal lenses (30.9 ± 10.26 pmol). Surprisingly, in diabetic lenses, the mean value was lower than normal lenses (28.4 ± 15.3 pmol). These results suggest that glucose-specific advanced Maillard products occur in the human lens and such modifications may play a role in lens aging and cataract formation.
Audiometer and AudioScope hearing screening compared with threshold test in young children.

L'audioscope associe un audiometre et un otoscope a fibres optiques. Etude realisee chez des enfants âges de 2,5 a 6 ans. L'audiometrie de sons purs doit etre la methode de choix pour les enfants âges de 2,5 a 5 ans
Near critical phase behaviour of dilute mixtures

Predictions of the limiting phase behaviour of dilute mixtures of n-decane, n-tetradecane, n-octadecane, and n-docosane with n-hexane in the highly compressible region close to the critical point of n-hexane are presented. The predictions are based on a classical Taylor expansion of the Helmholtz energy about the critical point of the solvent [1, 2] and make use of the measured critical properties of the dilute mixtures. The importance of the Krichevskii parameter as a key factor influencing the limiting phase behaviour of dilute mixtures is demonstrated in the case of infinite dilution partition coefficients as well as solute partial molar volumes, and the link to a statistical mechanical description is made.
Assembly of New Coordination Frameworks in a pH-Controlled Medium: Syntheses, Structures, and Properties of 3∞[Cd(Hpdc)(H2O)] and 3∞[Cd3(pdc)2(H2O)2]

Abstract Two 3D cadmium coordination networks 3∞[Cd(Hpdc)(H2O)] (1) and 3∞[Cd3(pdc)2(H2O)2] (2) have been synthesized from hydrothermal solutions at 150°C. Single-phased samples of both compounds can be isolated by adjusting the acidity level of the reactions. Both structures are constructed by a single, multifunctional ligand, 3,5-pyrazoledicarboxylic acid (H3pdc), in different coordination modes. Both 1 and 2 crystallize in the monoclinic crystal system, space group P21/c (No. 14) with a=6.436(1) A, b=12.283(2) A, c=8.934(2) A, β=104.23(3)°, Z=4 for 1, and a=9.744(2) A, b=9.821(2) A, c=7.496(1) A, Z=2 for 2. Both compounds represent new structure types. All metal atoms are seven-fold coordinated in 1 and six-fold coordinated in 2. A comparison is made between the title compounds and related lanthanide series on the coordination habit of the metals and the ligand, as well as the effect of pH on the final products. TGA studies indicate that loss of coordinated water molecules in 1 and 2 occurs at around 213 and 179°C, respectively, and the decomposition process completes at about 620 and 480°C for 1 and 2, respectively.