cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Investing in Real Assets

Most individuals own real estate; in fact, approximately 65 percent of Americans own their own home as of the year 2012. In addition, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, in 2000, 32.3 percent of the typical American’s net worth consisted of the equity in their home. Although this percentage decreased considerably with the real-estate bust that began in the summer of 2007 in most areas of this country, it remains true that home ownership is an integral part of both the American Dream and the wealth-accumulation process.
Algebraic Properties of Linear Transformations

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses various tools—such as cyclic subspaces, minimal polynomial, and characteristic polynomial—that are useful in analyzing a given linear transformation on a finite-dimensional vector space. The definitive results obtained with these tools include a necessary and sufficient condition that some matrix of a linear transformation must be diagonal and a corresponding condition that some matrix of a linear transformation on an inner-product space must be triangular. A polynomial ring is a ring formed from the set of polynomials in one or more indeterminates with coefficients in another ring—a field. A linear transformation on a finite-dimensional vector space has a unique minimal polynomial. There are three characteristic values of various types of linear transformations: singular transformations, unitary or orthogonal transformations, and nilpotent transformations. Each characteristic value of a unitary or orthogonal transformation has absolute value one. The only characteristic value of a nilpotent linear transformation is zero.
Enzyme-based paper test for detection of lactose in illicit drugs

Lactose is commonly used as a cutting agent in illicit drugs. Currently, presumptive field color test kits for illicit drugs do not test for the presence of lactose or other cutting agents. A method was developed to detect lactose on a paper-based test card. A three-enzyme system comprised of lactase, glucose oxidase, and peroxidase was used to break down lactose into peroxide, which was then detected with a redox indicator. The test can detect lactose concentrations as low as 5% in solid samples and shows no interference when lactose is mixed with illicit drugs or commercial pharmaceuticals. Prepared test cards were stable on the shelf for up to five months. In a blinded study of samples composed of mixtures of heroin, methamphetamine, cocaine HCl, crack cocaine, fillers, and lactose, the sensitivity for detection of lactose across three readers was 100% and specificity was 96.4% (n = 96). When this test was incorporated into a 12-lane test card for the detection of illicit drugs, readers were correctly able to identify the illicit drug and the presence of lactose with 99.3% sensitivity and 100% specificity (n = 54). This test is a robust and affordable way to detect lactose in illicit drug samples.
Spaces of violence: A typology of the political geography of violence against migrants seeking asylum in the EU

Abstract This paper, based on research conducted with asylum seekers in three European Union (EU) member-states, examines the connections among various forms of violence against forced migrants in different state settings. Because violence that is produced within states is not uniform and often transcends borders, understanding how it varies across different geographical settings illustrates the complexity of the risks that migrants face. This paper presents a typology that examines interconnections between the production of various forms of violence and the complex spaces that constitute irregular migration into the EU to better understand these multifaceted factors and why we can anticipate certain forms of violence in a particular space. It also fosters future avenues of research as it provides a foundation for greater collaboration and advocacy to expose and rectify hierarchical imbalances of power and actors responsible for such violence.
A Decade of Experience with the Ovine Model of Myelomeningocele: Risk Factors for Fetal Loss.

Introduction The ovine model is the gold standard large animal model of myelomeningocele (MMC); however, it has a high rate of fetal loss. We reviewed our experience with the model to determine risk factors for fetal loss. Methods We performed a retrospective review from 2009 to 2018 to identify operative factors associated with fetal loss (early fetal demise, abortion, or stillbirth). Operative risk factors included gestational age at operation, operative time, reduction of multiple gestations, amount of replaced amniotic fluid, ambient temperature, and method of delivery. Results MMC defects were created in 232 lambs with an overall survival rate of 43%. Of the 128 fetuses that died, 53 (42%) had demise prior to repair, 61 (48%) aborted, and 14 (11%) were stillborn. Selective reduction of multiple gestations in the same uterine horn was associated with increased fetal demise (OR 3.03 [95% CI 1.29-7.05], p = 0.01). Later gestational age at MMC repair and Cesarean delivery were associated with decreased abortion/stillbirth (OR 0.90 [95% CI 0.83-0.90], p = 0.03, and OR 0.37 [95% CI 0.16-0.31], p = 0.02), respectively. Conclusion Avoiding selective reduction, repairing MMC later in gestation, and performing Cesarean delivery decreases the rate of fetal loss in the ovine MMC model.
Family Portraits in Global Perspectives: An Oral History Collection: By Soledad Quartucci. San Bernardino: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform, 2018. 506 pp. ISBN: 978-1-7231-88367, Softcover, $27.99

Family Portraits in Global Perspectives is a book that is difficult to measure. Soledad Quartucci immediately provides context of the work as a means to manage the expectations of the reader: she s...
Linguistic features of dysfluencies in Parkinson Disease

Abstract Purpose The purpose of this study was to examine dysfluency characteristics of individuals with Parkinson Disease (PD) relative to linguistic features of grammatical class and position within word. Few studies have reported dysfluency characteristics of PD relative to these characteristics. Those that do report on these characteristics include one case study and a study of six individuals with PD. No previous research is known to have examined dysfluency related to grammatical class and position within words for a large sample of individuals with PD. Method Dysfluencies from 32 individuals with PD were analyzed according to position within a word and grammatical class. Results Participants produced significantly more dysfluencies in the initial position of words compared to medial or final positions, and a significantly higher percent dysfluency for content words versus function words. Conclusion Effects of linguistic features of grammatical class and position within a word on dysfluencies are present within a population with PD and are similar to the linguistic features associated with developmental stuttering. Clinical implications of the effect of linguistic features on speech dysfluencies in PD are discussed.
A Novel Sliding Mode Control Method of Interior-Mounted PMSM

Energy efficiency and output uncertainty are two of the most challenges that dynamic conversion is facing. Controlling the dynamic system variables is complicated due to the variability and unpredictability of the parameters, especially fast transient response. Sliding mode control is one effective technique that has been used to control and improve dynamic conversion system efficiency and to reach the rated values. Most of the recent research focus on the design, performance, and behaver study of sliding mode control in order to enhance the control system's performance. This paper presents a new Sliding mode control method of Interior-mounted permanent magnet synchronous motor. The proposed model solves many controlling problems that many other controllers facing such as PI controller, LQ regulator, and even PID linear methods. Also, the model has fast control response to the IPMSM fast dynamic transient and can solve the overshoot problem which leads the system to have more efficient performance. The results of SMC have been compared to PID controller applied to the same system. The simulation results have shown better performance of sliding mode control over the PID controller. The results are simulated using MATLAB Simulink software.
Maurice Laserson (M. J. Larsons): A Note on His Diary and Pictures at the Hoover Institution Library & Archives

This note gives an overview of the papers and photographs held in the Maurice Laserson (Larsons) archives at Stanford’s Hoover Institution. It also provides a first introduction to his remarkable b...
Chemotherapy resistant side population (SP) has a higher sensitivity to TRAIL than the non-SP and a 10-fold higher expression of TRAIL receptor DR4

1633 A subset of cancer stem cells, termed the “side population” (SP), has been isolated from hematopoietic malignancies, solid tumors, and carcinoma cell lines. Chemotherapeutics target rapidly proliferating cells, and therefore slower-dividing MDR-expressing SP cells are enriched. We used the live cell DNA-binding dye Hoechst 33342 to characterize the SP by flow Cytometry in several human carcinoma cell lines (N=5). When the tumor cells were treated with TNF-Related Apoptosis Inducing Ligand (TRAIL), currently in Phase I clinical trials due to its ability to induce cancer apoptosis through death receptors DR4 and DR5, the relative percentage of total cells that comprised the SP decreased. We analyzed the SP using a fluoresecent cell-permeable active caspase detector (FLICA), following treatment with TRAIL and found significantly more SP cells undergoing apoptosis than non-SP cells. To investigate the mechanism of TRAIL sensitivity, we performed immunofluorescence staining for cell surface expression of DR4 and DR5 and observed a 10-fold higher expression of DR4 in SP cells as compared to non-SP cells, but no differences in DR5. Our previous work (Kim et al. Clin. Cancer Res. 6:335-346, 2000) showed that DR4 expression is a molecular determinant of TRAIL sensitivity whereas DR5 becomes important when TRAIL is combined with chemotherapy. We are characterizing SP cells as cancer stem cells by surface antigen expression including CD133 as well as expression of endogenous proteins specific to stem cells and TRAIL sensitivity, e.g. c-Myc (Ricci et al. Mol. Cell. Biol. 24:8541-8555, 2004). In addition, we are examining the mechanism of TRAIL-induced cancer stem cell death with regard to mitochondrial involvement and using single or double knock-downs of DR4 and DR5. Our results demonstrate that the SP is more sensitive to TRAIL than the non-SP cells due to a higher DR4 expression and suggest TRAIL or pro-apoptotic agonist antibodies that can target DR4 as promising therapeutics for eradication of cancer stem cells. We hypothesize that cancer stem cells express higher levels of DR4 as a safeguard against malignancy, thereby providing a target that may be uniquely exploited by death receptor therapeutics.
Placental Sars-Cov-2 distribution correlates with level of tissue oxygenation in Covid-19-associated necrotizing histiocytic intervillositis/perivillous fibrin deposition

Abstract Introduction Recent evidence supports the – rare – occurrence of vertical transplacental SARS-CoV-2 transmission. We previously determined that placental expression of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), the SARS-CoV-2 receptor, and associated viral cell entry regulators is upregulated by hypoxia. In the present study, we utilized a clinically relevant model of SARS-CoV-2-associated chronic histiocytic intervillositis/massive perivillous fibrin deposition (CHIV/MPFVD) to test the hypothesis that placental hypoxia may facilitate placental SARS-CoV-2 infection. Methods We performed a comparative immunohistochemical and/or RNAscope in-situ hybridization analysis of carbonic anhydrase IX (CAIX, hypoxia marker), ACE2 and SARS-CoV-2 expression in free-floating versus fibrin-encased chorionic villi in a 20-weeks’ gestation placenta with SARS-CoV-2-associated CHIV/MPVFD. Results The levels of CAIX and ACE2 immunoreactivity were significantly higher in trophoblastic cells of fibrin-encased villi than in those of free-floating villi, consistent with hypoxia-induced ACE2 upregulation. SARS-CoV-2 showed a similar preferential localization to trophoblastic cells of fibrin-encased villi. Discussion The localization of SARS-CoV-2 to hypoxic, fibrin-encased villi in this placenta with CHIV/MPVFD suggests placental infection and, therefore, transplacental SARS-CoV-2 transmission may be promoted by hypoxic conditions, mediated by ACE2 and similar hypoxia-sensitive viral cell entry mechanisms. Understanding of a causative link between placental hypoxia and SARS-CoV-2 transmittability may potentially lead to the development of alternative strategies for prevention of intrauterine Covid-19 transmission.
Integrating symbolic, numeric and graphics computing techniques

A workstation-based integrated scientific computing system is a powerful tool for contemporary scientists and engineers. When symbolic, numeric and graphics computing techniques are integrated, a power environment for scientific computing results. The integrated tool is much greater than the sum of its constituent parts. We present some recent developments in this direction: (1) symbolic derivation of numerical code for finite element analysis; (2) automatic numeric code generation based on derived formulas; (3) interactive graphing of curves and surfaces for mathematical formulas; and (4) graphical user interface for mathematical systems. Prototype software systems in these directions are described with actual machine generated examples.
Guerra santa a las computadoras

Tras las rutas de Maqroll El Gaviero. Varios autores. Edicion a cargo de Santiago Mutis Duran, Proartes / Revista Gradiva, Cali, 1988.
Histerectomía radical vaginal en cáncer cérvicouterino de estadio precoz

RESUMEN Objetivo: Comunicar una tecnica minimamente invasiva para el manejo quirurgico del cancer cervicouterino en estadio precoz y sus resultados. Metodo: 40 pacientes con cancer cervicouterino en estadios IA2 y IB1 operadas en un periodo de 2,5 anos. Se les efectua linfadenectomia pelviana sistematica laparoscopica seguidas de histerectomia vaginal radical, excepto aquellas pacientes que tienen compromiso ganglionar detectado en biopsia contemporanea. Resultados: 40 pacientes son sometidas a esta tecnica. Cuatro pa-cientes son abortadas de su cirugia, 3 por presentar ganglios positivos para carcinoma en biopsia contem-poranea y 1 por tener un extenso compromiso cervical al momento de efectuar la histerectomia vaginal radical. Los 36 casos restantes tienen una edad promedio de 43,9 anos, ninguna nulipara y 8 tienen el antecedente de cesarea. El IMC promedio fue de 30,49 y 14 conizadas previas. El tiempo operatorio pro-medio fue de 238 minutos. La estadia postoperatoria promedio fue de 2,9 dias. El sangrado estimado fue de 139 cc y ninguna paciente requirio transfusion. Se conservan los anexos en 13 pacientes y en todas se suspenden por via laparoscopica. El promedio de ganglios obtenidos fue de 30. Cuatro pacientes sufren lesion vesical, 1 fistula vesicovaginal y 3 disfunciones vesicales.
Influence of repeated maximal testing on anxiety and work capacity in college women.

Abstract The purpose of this investigation was to examine the interaction between anxiety and physical work capacity (PWC). Thirty college-age females completed the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory and their physical work capacity was assessed by either a bicycle ergometer or treadmill test across 3 days within 1 week. The subjects in the ergometer group pedalled at 60 rpms and 25 watts for 4 minutes with increases of 25 watts each 4 minutes thereafter. The standard Balke treadmill test was employed for the treadmill group. PWC was evaluated by time in seconds to criterion heart rates of 150 and 170 beats per minute, as well as self-determined exhaustion (PWC150, PWC170, and the PWCmax). Analysis of variance revealed no significant difference in PWC or state anxiety across days, and PWC was not correlated with state or trait anxiety under any of the conditions. Also, the self-report anxiety data were in agreement with heart rate and blood pressure responses. It is concluded that a single test is ...
Open airway surgery for subglottic hemangioma in the era of propranolol: Is it still indicated?

Abstract Objectives With the emergence of propranolol as the primary treatment for hemangiomas the indications for surgical intervention have been greatly reduced. There remains a role for surgical management in those patients who fail medical therapy, particularly for hemangiomas involving the airway. Detailed is our experience with subglottic hemangiomas, including three patients who failed propranolol treatment and were successfully treated with surgical excision and single stage laryngotracheoplasty (LTP) with thyroid ala graft. Methods Retrospective case series (level of evidence: 4). Results Six patients were treated with propranolol for subglottic hemangiomas over a 6 year period (2008–2014). Three patients responded to propranolol therapy and required no adjunctive surgical procedures. Three patients failed propranolol treatment, and required open resection of their subglottic hemangiomas and thyroid ala graft placement. Indications for resection were complete lack of response to propranolol in one patient, and initial response to propranolol with subsequent regrowth in the other two patients. All three patients were treated with submucosal extirpation of their hemangioma and single stage LTP; hemangioma was confirmed in all cases by positive GLUT-1 staining. All three surgical patients were successfully extubated post-operatively and none had hemangioma regrowth. Conclusions Fifty percent of patients in our series did not have long-term response to propranolol for subglottic hemangioma, highlighting the importance of close follow-up. When identified early, subglottic hemangiomas refractory to propranolol treatment can be successfully addressed with single stage LTP and tracheotomy can be avoided.
Trends in contraceptive and preconception care in United States ambulatory practices.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Since 2005 the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) and American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) have recommended incorporating family planning and preconception counseling into routine primary care visits. We compared rates of reproductive health service provision to women aged 15--44 years before and after these guidelines were issued and identified patient physician and visit characteristics associated with the likelihood of provision of preconception or contraceptive services. METHODS: The National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NAMCS) and the National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NHAMCS) collected nationally representative data on provision of preconception and contraceptive services in 1998--2000 and 2009--2010. We used multivariable logistic regression with appropriate survey weights to assess changes over time in provision of these services while controlling for patient demographics medical comorbidities and physician or clinic specialty. RESULTS: Among ambulatory encounters with women of reproductive age provision of reproductive health services increased from 9.5% to 14% between 1998--2000 and 2009--2010 largely due to increased provision of prescription contraception. CONCLUSIONS: Despite CDC recommendations a minority of ambulatory visits made by US women of reproductive age currently include either preconception or contraceptive services. Future work should focus on understanding barriers and developing interventions to facilitate incorporation of recommended services into primary care.
Method Choice, Intent, and Gender in Completed Suicide

Women who commit suicide use less violent methods, such as drugs and carbon monoxide poisoning, than do men, who more often use violent methods such as guns and hanging. Theories that attempt to explain this finding focus on gender differences in suicidal intent, socialization, emotions, interpersonal relationships, orientation and access to methods, and neurobiological factors. Data from a psychological autopsy study were used to test the theory that women who commit suicide use less violent means because they are less intent on dying. Although women were significantly less likely to use a violent method than men, there was no difference in the lethality of their suicidal intent.
Entrepreneurial behavior of academic scientists: : network and cognitive determinants of commitment to grant submissions and award outcomes

We employ the individual-opportunity nexus perspective to conceptualize entrepreneurial commitment of academic scientists as the pursuit and attainment of external grant funding. We develop and test a model of network characteristics and cognitive biases that predict the likelihood that scientists will commit to a grant opportunity and the likelihood of receiving an award. Using data from our national survey of faculty, we find that the illusion of control and overconfidence reduce grant submissions but increase awards. Collaboration network size increases submissions and awards. Strong ties are positively related to submissions and smaller networks of strong, highly capable collaborators receive more awards.
“Cripping” the Curriculum Through Academic Activism: Working Toward Increasing Global Exchanges to Reframe (Dis)Ability and Education

This article illustrates a work in progress about why and how a small yet growing network of international scholars have forged alternative frameworks for understanding what is termed “disability.” First, we discuss the definition of disability calling attention to its social contexts, including schools, and the hegemony of special education. Second, we critique the knowledge base of special education as insufficient for understanding the lived complexities of people identified as disabled. Third, we describe Disability Studies in Education (DSE) as an example of academic activism that counters the master narrative of deficiency. Fourth, we illustrate the global exchanges around disability explored through DSE. Fifth, we consider implications for DSE in theory, research, policy, and practice. Finally, given that DSE's academic activism is rooted in social justice, we discuss some of the tensions, paradoxes, and unresolved questions that broaden what constitutes diversity within classrooms.
Parent education in youth-directed nutrition interventions

Since parents play a pivotal role in helping their children to implement eating pattern changes, interest in parent education in youth-directed nutrition interventions is likely to increase along with heightened interest in primary prevention. Previous experience indicates, however, that it may be difficult to recruit and sustain parent involvement. This article describes an evaluation of the effect on parents of two youth-directed interventions with a parent component, a classroom curriculum called Hearty Heart and Friends and a mailed-home, parent-taught approach called Hearty Heart Home Team. Using incentives, a participation rate of 85.6% was achieved in Hearty Heart Home Team. This parent-taught intervention had significantly greater impact on parent than did the school-only curriculum in the following areas: knowledge about diet and heart disease; attitudes of efficacy, intention, outcome expectation and modeling; and parent-child communication and child involvement in food or nutrition-related issues in the home. In addition, the parent-taught approach influenced foods present in the home as evidenced by Home Team groups having significantly more encouraged foods and more positive choices in six scores on a shelf inventory measure conducted by in-home interviewers.
More Clinical Lessons from the FIELD Study

The Fenofibrate Intervention and Event Lowering in Diabetes (FIELD) Study investigated the effect of fenofibrate treatment in 9,795 patients with type 2 diabetes. Reduction in major coronary events (the primary endpoint) and total cardiovascular disease (CVD) events (the secondary endpoint) was similar (relative risk reduction 11%), but only significant for total CVD events (p = 0.035). The benefit of fenofibrate treatment was greater in patients with mixed dyslipidaemia, especially in those with triglycerides >2.3 mmol/L and low plasma levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (relative risk reduction 27%, p = 0.005). There were also microvascular benefits associated with fenofibrate treatment, specifically reduction in the rate of laser therapy for retinopathy (by 30%, p < 0.001), non-traumatic amputation (by 38%, p = 0.011) and progression of albuminuria (p < 0.002). Fenofibrate was generally well tolerated alone or in combination with a statin. Overall, the FIELD study data support the use of fenofibrate for CVD prevention in diabetes, ideally in patients without prior macrovascular or microvascular complications. Fenofibrate may also have a role as a preventive treatment for diabetic retinopathy. Addition of fenofibrate to statin therapy may a logical progression from the FIELD study data, although the efficacy and tolerability of this approach needs to be evaluated in prospective outcome studies.
Exploring international gender differences in mathematics self-concept

This study provides an international perspective on mathematics by examining mathematics self-concept, achievement, and the desire to enter a career involving mathematics among eighth graders in 49 countries. Using data from the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study, this study shows that self-concept in mathematics is more closely related to the desire to enter a career using mathematics than achievement is. Further, while gender differences in mathematics self-concept are smaller in more egalitarian countries, both girls and boys have lower mathematics self-concepts and less interest in mathematics careers in these countries. These findings reveal a policy paradox: policies aimed at training the next generation of STEM professionals often highlight the need to close the gender gap, but countries with smaller gender gaps have fewer boys and girls interested in mathematics-intensive careers. We conclude by highlighting the importance of disentangling instrumental and expressive aspects of ...
The Stirrings of a Stubborn and Difficult Freedom: Assimilation, Education, and Levinas’s Crisis of Humanism

In several places, Levinas identifies the problem that concerns him as a “ crisis of humanism.” This problem finds its seeds in modernity but comes to fruition in the inhumanities of the 20 th century. Like his philosophical predecessors, Levinas offers an educational model as a solution to a problem he has identified. But this model--Jewish education—is uniquely different from those offered by those who came before him. This essay examines Levinas‘s interest in Jewish education as a solution to this crisis in humanism and considers what the implications of this solution are for his project as a whole.
A rheological study of aqueous separan solutions

The concentration dependence of the rheological response of aqueous Separan solutions was measured. The shear and primary normal stress response in steady shearing flow, and the relaxation of shear stress following cessation of steady shear flow, were measured with four different polymer solution concentrations. Two different nonlinear constitutive equations, Bird-Carreau and Meister, were used to analyse the data. The Bird-Carreau model fit the steady shear data very well and the parameters obtained from steady shear data allow reasonable estimates of the stress relaxation of these systems. The Meister model provided a fit of the transient stress relaxation data and could be used to estimate the steady shear response. No quantitative molecular theory was developed in this work. However, the nature of the concentration dependence of the Bird-Carreau parameters suggests that as the polymer concentration of aqueous Separan solutions decreases from 2.0 to 0.05 weight percent the solutions should be modeled less by an entangled network theory and more as slightly overlapping hydrodynamic units. The concentration where this behavior seems to be changing appears to be about 0.25 percent by weight of polymer.
A longitudinal analysis of the impact of health shocks on the wealth of elders

We investigate the impact of health shocks on wealth, using all four waves of the Health and Retirement Study, and estimate not only the short-term effect but also the long-term effect of health shocks on wealth of the elderly. We find that new health events lower wealth in elders during the period in which such health shocks occur, but the impact tends to disappear over time. We also find that health shocks result in greater wealth depletion when they occur later in life. Together with existing health problems, the overall impact of health problems on wealth increases over time.
Tertullian's motto and Callahan's method

The purposes of this commentary are to provide a critique of Callahan's (this issue) article on Thought Field Therapy (TFT) and to discuss when our commitment to intellectual open-mindedness requires that we attend to nontraditional treatment interventions in clinical psychology. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Clin Psychol 57: 1171–1174, 2001.
The impact of alcohol use on HIV/STI intervention efficacy in predicting sexually transmitted infections among young African-American women.

The impact of alcohol use on the efficacy of an HIV/STI intervention designed for young African-American women in predicting STIs was examined. Eight hundred forty-eight African-American women, 18–29 years, were randomly assigned to either the HIV/STI intervention or a control condition. Participants were assessed on alcohol use and provided two vaginal swab specimens for STI testing. Women in the intervention who consumed alcohol were less likely to test STI-positive than women in the control and abstainers (AOR = 2.47, 95 % CI = 1.01–6.22). STI risk factors may vary across different populations. Further research on heavy drinking and HIV intervention efficacy is needed.
Epithelial laminin α5 is necessary for distal epithelial cell maturation, VEGF production, and alveolization in the developing murine lung

Laminin alpha5 is prominent in the basement membrane of alveolar walls, airways, and pleura in developing and adult lung. Targeted deletion of laminin alpha5 in mice causes developmental defects in multiple organs, but embryonic lethality has precluded examination of the latter stages of lung development. To identify roles for laminin alpha5 in lung development, we have generated an inducible lung epithelial cell-specific Lama5 null (SP-CLama5(fl/-)) mouse through use of the Cre/loxP system, the human surfactant protein C promoter, and the reverse tetracycline transactivator. SP-CLama5(fl/-) embryos exposed to doxycycline from E6.5 died a few hours after birth. Compared to control littermates, SP-CLama5(fl/-) lungs had dilated, enlarged distal airspaces, but basement membrane ultrastructure was preserved. Distal epithelial cell differentiation was perturbed, with a marked reduction of alveolar type II cells and a virtual absence of type I cells. Cell proliferation was reduced and apoptosis was increased. Capillary density was diminished, and this was associated with a decrease in total lung VEGF production. Overall, these findings indicate that epithelial laminin alpha5, independent of its structural function, is necessary for murine lung development, and suggest a role for laminin alpha5 in signaling pathways that promote alveolar epithelial cell differentiation and VEGF expression.
Rotational dynamics of type I Fc epsilon receptors on individually-selected rat mast cells studied by polarized fluorescence depletion

We report the first application of polarized fluorescence depletion (PFD), a technique which combines the sensitivity of fluorescence detection with the long lifetimes of triplet probes, to the measurement of membrane protein rotational diffusion on individually selected, intact mammalian cells. We have examined the rotation of type I Fc epsilon receptors (Fc epsilon RI) on rat mucosal mast cells of the RBL-2H3 line in their resting monomeric and differently oligomerized states using as probes IgE and three monoclonal antibodies (mAbs; H10, J17, and F4) specific for the Fc epsilon RI. PFD experiments using eosin (EITC)-IgE show that individual Fc epsilon RI on cells have a rotational correlation time (RCT) at 4 degrees C of 79 +/- 4 microseconds. Similarly, Fc epsilon RI-bound EITC-Fab fragments of the J17 Fc epsilon RI-specific mAb exhibit an RCT of 76 +/- 6 microseconds. These values agree with previous measurements of Fc epsilon RI-bound IgE rotation by time-resolved phosphorescence anisotropy methods. Receptor-bound EITC-conjugated divalent J17 antibody exhibits an increased RCT of 140 +/- 6 microseconds. This is consistent with the ability of this mAb to form substantial amounts of Fc epsilon RI dimers on these cell surfaces. The ratio of limiting to initial anisotropy in these experiments remains constant at about 0.5 from 5 degrees C through 25 degrees C for IgE, Fab, and intact mAb receptor ligands. Extensive cross-linking by second antibody of cell-bound IgE, of intact Fc epsilon RI-specific mAbs or of their Fab fragments, however, produced large fixed anisotropies demonstrating, under these conditions, receptor immobilization in large aggregates. PFD using the mAbs H10 and F4 as receptor probes yielded values for triplet lifetimes, RCT values, and anisotropy parameters essentially indistinguishable from those obtained with the mAb J17 clone. Possible explanations for these observations are discussed.
STUDIES ON THE IMMUNOCHEMISTRY OF STREPTOCOCCAL MUCOPEPTIDE

Streptococcal mucopeptide, solubilized by either ultrasonic treatment or lysozyme, gave a precipitin reaction with rabbit antimucopeptide serum. A haptenic inhibitor of this reaction, which was composed of alanine, glutamic acid, and lysine in a mole ratio of 4:1:1, was isolated from a Streptomyces albus enzymes digest of Group D cell walls by ion exchange chromatography. When selected antisera were employed, greater than 90% inhibition of the mucopeptide quantitative precipitin reaction was achieved with 2 mg/ml of this inhibitor, whereas a hexosamine fraction with minimal concentrations of amino acid residues was inactive in this respect. These results suggest that the peptide moiety is an antigenic determinant of mucopeptide. Preliminary results indicate that the hexosamine polymer of the mucopeptide is a secondary antigenic determinant.
Biochemical interactions among silicon, iron and ascorbic acid in the rat

A 2 x 2 x 2 factorial experiment was conducted using two dietary levels each (mg/kg of diet) of silicon, 0 and 500; iron, 35 and 187; and ascorbic acid, 0 and 900, to identify biochemical interactions occurring among these nutrients. Supplemental silicon, in conjunction with the higher dietary-iron level, prevented the plasma-iron decreasing effect observed for the higher level of iron in the absence of silicon. In the absence of ascorbic acid, silicon also increased iron concentration in the liver. Lower growth of the silicon and iron-supplemented rats is believed to be a response to a subsequent iron-imposed aberration of copper or zinc metabolism. This is supported by decreased intestinal metallothionein, increased weights (g/100 g body weight) of liver, heart, and testes, and decreased packed-cell volume and hemoglobin concentration. The lower plasma-iron level associated with the higher level of dietary iron appeared to be an expression of the iron-imposed reduction of liver copper stores. Ascorbic acid decreased plasma-iron concentration and prevented the silicon-related increase in liver iron.
Molecular modeling of the major benzo[a]pyrene N2-dG adduct in cases where mutagenesis results are known in double stranded DNA

Abstract The potent mutagen/carcinogen benzo[ a ]pyrene (B[ a ]P) is metabolically activated to (+)-anti-B[ a ]PDE, which induces a full spectrum of mutations (e.g. GC→TA, GC→AT, etc.). One hypothesis for this complexity is that different mutations are induced by different conformations of its major adduct [+ta]-B[ a ]P–N 2 -dG when bypassed during DNA replication (probably by different DNA polymerases). Previous molecular modeling studies suggested that B[ a ]P–N 2 -dG adducts can in principle adopt at least 16 potential conformational classes in ds-DNA. Herein we report on molecular modeling studies with the eight conformations most likely to be relevant to base substitution mutagenesis in 10 cases where mutagenesis has been studied in ds-DNA plasmids in E. coli with B[ a ]P–N 2 -dG adducts of differing stereoisomers and DNA sequence contexts, as well as in five cases where the conformation is known by NMR. Of the ∼11,000 structures generated in this study, the computed lowest energy structures are reported for 120 cases (i.e. eight conformations and 15 examples), and their conformations compared. Of the eight conformations, four are virtually always computed to be high in energy. The remaining four lower energy conformations include two with the BP moiety in the minor groove (designated: BPmi5 and BPmi3), and two base-displaced conformations, one with the dG moiety in the major groove (designated: Gma5) and one with the dG in the minor groove (designated: Gmi3). Interestingly, these four are the only conformations that have been observed for B[ a ]P–N 2 -dG adducts in NMR studies. Independent of sequence contexts and adduct stereochemistry, BPmi5 structures tend to look reasonably similar, as do BPmi3 structures, while the base-displaced structures Gma5 and BPmi3 tend to show greater variability in structure. A correlation was sought between modeling and mutagenesis results in the case of the low energy conformations BPmi5, BPmi3, Gma5 and Gma3. Plots of log[(G→T)/(G→A)] versus energy[ ( conformation X )−( conformation Y ) ] were constructed for all six pairwise combinations of these four conformations, and the only plot giving a straight line involved Gma5 and Gmi3. While this finding is striking, its significance is unclear (as discussed).
A new achievable region for interference channel with generalized feedback

Interference channels (IFC) model peer-to-peer networks where several source-destination pairs compete for the same channel resources. IFCs with generalized feedback (IFC-GF) further model scenarios where the sources can sense the current channel activity, like in wireless channels. The signal overheard from the channel provides information about the messages sent by the other users, and furnishes the basis for cooperation among otherwise uncoordinated users. Although cooperative communications is not equivalent to virtual MIMO communications, it has been shown that it benefits the performance of all the involved source-destination pairs without increasing neither the transmit powers nor the channel bandwidth. In this paper, we describe a new achievable region for IFC-GFs that generalizes, and simplifies, previously known inner bound regions. The new region is based on the idea of binning the users' codebook known at all transmitters against each other (in order to pre-cancel part of the interference, as in broadcast channels), and superposition binning for the rest of the codebooks (as in cognitive IFCs).
Synthesis and reactivity of tris(imido)rhenium complexes containing rhenium-main group element bonds. silicon-carbon bond activations of PhSiH(3) by silyl complexes.

The synthesis and reactivity of a series of complexes of the (DippN)3Re (Dipp = 2,6-iPr2C6H3) fragment are reported. The anionic, Re(V) complex (THF)2Li(μ,μ-NDipp)2Re(NDipp) (1), prepared by the reaction of (DippN)3ReCl with (THF)3LiSi(SiMe3)3 or tBuLi (2 equiv) in the presence of THF (4 equiv), served as an important starting material for the synthesis of rhenium−element-bonded complexes. For example, treatment of 1 with ClSiR3 gave the corresponding silyl complexes (DippN)3ReSiR3 (SiR3 = SiMe3 (2a), SiHPh2 (2b), SiH2Ph (2c)). Complexes 2a−c are thought to exist in equilibrium between the Re(VII) (DippN)3ReSiR3 and Re(V) (DippN)2ReN(SiR3)Dipp isomers. Complexes 2a,b reacted with PhSiH3 to give reaction mixtures that included 2c, Ph2SiH2, SiH4, and C6H6. The silane and organic products arise from Si−C bond formation and cleavage. Treatment of 2a with CO gave (DippN)2Re[N(SiMe3)Dipp](CO) (3), which appears to result from trapping of the reactive Re(V) isomer of 2a by CO. Complex 1 reacted with the main gro...
Use of jaw tracking in intensity modulated and volumetric modulated arc radiation therapy for spine stereotactic radiosurgery

Abstract Purpose This study was conducted to evaluate the advantages of jaw tracking for intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) in spine radiosurgery. Methods and materials VMAT and IMRT plans were retrospectively generated for 10 RTOG 0631 spine radiosurgery protocol patients. A total of 8 plans for each patient were created for a Varian TrueBeam equipped with a Millennium 120 multileaf collimator. Plans were created to compare IMRT and VMAT plans with and without jaw tracking, as well as with different flattening-filter-free energies: 6 MV unflattened (6U) and 10 MV unflattened (10U). The plans were prescribed to the 90% isodose line to either 16 or 18 Gy in 1 fraction. Planning target volume coverage, conformity index, dose to the spinal cord, and distance to falloff from the 90% to 50% isodose line were evaluated. Ion chamber and film measurements were performed to verify calculated dose distributions. Results Jaw tracking decreased spinal cord dose for both IMRT and VMAT plans, but a larger decrease was seen with the IMRT plans ( P = .004 vs P = .04). The average D 10% for the spinal cord (dose that covered 10% of the spinal cord) was least for the 6U IMRT plan with jaw tracking and was greatest for the 10U IMRT plan without jaw tracking. Measurements showed greater than 98.5% agreement for planar dose gamma analysis and less than 2.5% for point dose analysis. Conclusions The addition of jaw tracking to IMRT and VMAT can decrease spinal cord dose without a change in calculation accuracy. A lower dose to the spinal cord was achieved with 6U than with 10U, although in some cases, 10U may be justified.
Neoplasia and hormonal contraception

PIP: There are an estimated 8-10 million oral contraceptive (OC) users in the U.S. Investigation of the effects of OCs on neoplasia is not easy; currently 4 investigative methods are used: 1) case reports, 2) disease rate and trends, 3) case-control studies, which are the main source of careful retrospective information, and 4) cohort studies, which compare the incidence of disease in patients exposed to suspected environmental factors, and in those who are not exposed. Major risk factors for carcinoma of the breast are female sex, age, genetic predisposition, previous benign breast disease, and previous cancer of one breast; undetected breast cancer may be present for many years before diagnosis, and risk is increased in patients with chronic cystic mastitis or fibrocystic disease of the breast. Clinical observations have suggested a strong association between endocrine influence and the incidence or progression of breast cancer; current evidence tends to support the role of estrogens in the etiology of carcinoma of the breast with respect to long-term estrogen administration, but this evidence is not valid for young patients who are on combined OCs. Most studies have documented a decreased risk of benign breast disease with length of OC use persisting for 4 years; these studies, however, did not analyze lesions by histologic type. Studies that show a protective effect on benign disease do not show the same protective effect for breast cancer. Data from cohort studies show no association of OCs with breast cancer. Since 1972 a number of reports have associated OCs with liver tumors, stating that risk increases with duration of use. A national survey revealed that the frequency of malignant tumors increased with age, but that the frequency of benign lesions had a peak in the 26-30 age group which corresponds to increased use of OCs. Benign tumors are dangerous because they tend to rupture spontaneously. The association between pituitary adenoma, causing postpill amenorrhea, and OC use is very controversial. OC use may also cause endometrial hyperplasia; postmenopausal estrogen use has also been associated with endometrial carcinoma, although the causal relationship has never been proven; progestogens may be useful in the therapy of some endometrial carcinomas. Carcinoma of the cervix seems to be more influenced by age at 1st intercourse and by multiple sexual partners than by OC use; several case-control studies have shown that there is no significant difference between incidence among OC users and nonusers. Data about the association between OCs and ovarian carcinoma are reassuring but incomplete. OCs should not be used in patients with positive chorionic gonadotropin titers who have been treated for hydatidiform mole.
Aldicarb immunotoxicity: Functional analysis of cell-mediated immunity and quantitation of lymphocyte subpopulations

Adult female B6C3F1 mice received distilled water only or water containing 1.0, 10, or 100 ppb of aldicarb daily for 34 days. The target concentration of aldicarb present in the 100 ppb dosing solution was analytically verified. To further develop an immune profile of this compound, following aldicarb exposure, the ability of splenic natural killer cells and specifically sensitized cytotoxic T-lymphocytes to lyse YAC-1 lymphoma and P815 tumor cells, respectively, was evaluated. To supplement the functional assays, the impact of aldicarb exposure on the percentages and absolute numbers of total T-cells, T-suppressor, T-helper, and B-cells was evaluated. The absence of statistically significant effects on any of these parameters supports earlier reports that aldicarb does not result in adverse effects on the immune system of mice.
Two-magnon Raman scattering in cuprates: Evidence for antiferromagnetic fluctuations in cuprate superconductors

Abstract We report observation and resonance-Raman studies of spin-pair excitations in Y Ba 2 Cu 3 O 6+ x (0.37 x YBa 2 Cu 4 O 8 superconductors. These citations at energy ∼ 3 J (2700±150 cm −1 ), similar to two-magnon excitations in insulators, are evidence that antiferromagnetic fluctuations with spatial extent of at least three lattice constants are not overdamped in the underdoped superconductors. With optimal hole doping, where T c >80 K , and in the overdoped TlBa 2 CuO 6 superccconductors the two-magnon peak can no longer be seen above the flat Raman continuum.
Spectral barriers and inertial manifolds for time- discretized dissipative equations

The existence of inertial manifolds for dissipative nonlinear evolutionary equationsunder time discretizations of the semi-implicit Euler method is proved by using a generalized concept of spectral barrier for time-discretized equations.
What We're Teaching Teachers: An Analysis of Multicultural Teacher Education Coursework Syllabi.

This study is an examination of syllabi from multicultural teacher education (MTE) courses taught across the United States. Using qualitative content analysis and drawing on existing typologies for multicultural education, I analyzed the theories and philosophies underlying MTE course designs. The analysis revealed that most of the courses were designed to prepare teachers with pragmatic skills and personal awareness, but not to prepare them in accordance with the key principles of multicultural education, such as critical consciousness and a commitment to educational equity. An unexpected outcome was a new five-layer typology for MTE.