cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Abstract 1324: Evaluation of KIF14 in a chemotherapeutic resistant breast cancer cell line

The purpose of this study is to elucidate the mechanisms of KIF14 in acquired paclitaxel chemoresistance in a breast cancer cell line by evaluating its expression, activity, and regulatory network. Chemoresistance remains the single greatest cause of therapeutic failure in cancer therapeutics. Development of chemoresistance for compounds that often only suppress growth and do not eliminate tumors has been shown to correlate with more severe clinical phenotypes. Paclitaxel, the microtubule stabilizing compound, has been shown to be of particular importance in the study of chemoresistance as its therapeutic efficacy has been directly shown to be tempered by resistance. Whole transcriptome analysis of long-term chemoresistant breast cancer cells generated at Indiana State University identified a gene not previously reported to play a role in the acquired chemoresistance of breast cancer, kinesin family member 14, KIF14 (Table 1). A knockdown of KIF14 in a chemoresistant breast cancer cell line was performed using Lipofectamine™ 3000 Transfection Reagent. Western Analysis and RT- PCR was performed to confirm the expression of the gene both before and after knockdown was performed. Once expression alterations were confirmed, a proliferation assay, population doubling assay, and a colony formation assay were performed to explore the effects of the gene knockdown in response to paclitaxel treatment. Findings from these studies identify a potential role for KIF14 and microtubule dynamics in acquired chemoresistance against paclitaxel. Citation Format: Keeley Cleghorn, Catherine E. Steding. Evaluation of KIF14 in a chemotherapeutic resistant breast cancer cell line [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2021; 2021 Apr 10-15 and May 17-21. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2021;81(13_Suppl):Abstract nr 1324.
Mental health outcomes after hospitalization with or without COVID-19.

General Hospital Psychiatry - Sous presse. Epreuves corrigees par l'auteur. Disponible en ligne depuis le mercredi 21 juillet 2021
Training Deep Network Ultrasound Beamformers with Unlabeled In Vivo Data.

Conventional delay-and-sum (DAS) beamforming is highly efficient but also suffers from various sources of image degradation. Several adaptive beamformers have been proposed to address this problem, including more recently proposed deep learning methods. With deep learning, adaptive beamforming is typically framed as a regression problem, where clean ground-truth physical information is used for training. Because it is difficult to know ground truth information in vivo, training data are usually simulated. However, deep networks trained on simulations can produce suboptimal in vivo image quality because of a domain shift between simulated and in vivo data. In this work, we propose a novel domain adaptation (DA) scheme to correct for domain shift by incorporating unlabeled in vivo data during training. Unlike classification tasks for which both input domains map to the same target domain, a challenge in our regression-based beamforming scenario is that domain shift exists in both the input and target data. To solve this problem, we leverage cycle-consistent generative adversarial networks to map between simulated and in vivo data in both the input and ground truth target domains. Additionally, to account for separate as well as shared features between simulations and in vivo data, we use augmented feature mapping to train domain-specific beamformers. Using various types of training data, we explore the limitations and underlying functionality of the proposed DA approach. Additionally, we compare our proposed approach to several other adaptive beamformers. Using the DA DNN beamformer, consistent in vivo image quality improvements are achieved compared to established techniques.
Introduction—Effective Expert Testimony

This symposium was organized, with the help of several academicians who have served as professors of Speech and related Communication Departments at Universities in and around Los Angeles, for a panel discussion held there during the 33rd Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences, 17–20 Feb. 1981. Serving as moderator under the sponsorship of the AAFS's Odontology Section, the topic of “Effective Expert Testimony” was considered in the following sequence, related to various aspects of court communications: (1) the expert witness and the use of videotape recordings; (2) the role of nonverbal communication in the course of expert testimony; (3) the nature of jury response to the expert witness; (4) the major components of source credibility of the expert witness; and, as a kind of concluding verbal “autopsy” (S) discussion of the legal dimensions and practical court experiences pertinent to effective testimony. Within AAFS the practical applications of forensic sciences have been encouraged by multidisciplinary cooperation, joint sessions, and so forth. Similarly, the basic contribution by academicians within the University family offers promise of a return in forensic science research and education. Not only does that apply to interdisciplinary participation by Schools of Dentistry, Law, Medicine, Public Health, and Social Sciences, but also by academic Campus Divisions dealing with the Humanities, including such Departments as Communication and Speech, as illustrated by the present Symposium on Effective Expert Testimony.
Electrophysiology of Clonal Nerve Cell Lines

In recent years it has become apparent that excitable cells grown in tissue culture provide some of the most advantageous preparations for investigating fundamental questions in neurobiology. Among the different in vitro neuronal systems presently available (for reviews, see Sato, 1973; Nelson, 1975; Fischbach and Nelson, 1977; Patrick et al., 1978; Patterson, 1978; Federoff and Hertz, 1977), clonal cell lines permit important types of experimentation that are impossible in other preparations in vivo or in vitro. The unique features of cell lines include: (1) the ability to multiply indefinitely with fairly consistent phenotypes from generation to generation; (2) the ability to differentiate in response to changes in culture conditions; (3) the feasibility of genetic manipulations such as somatic cell hybridization; (4) the ease in obtaining large quantities of homogeneous material for biochemical experiments; (5) the unusually large size of individual cells in some neuronal lines which makes them particularly accessible to detailed analysis of electrically and chemically activated ionic conductances; and (6) the possibility of obtaining large cells by artificial fusion.
Snowball Sampling: Introduction

Snowball sampling is a well-known, nonprobability method of survey sample selection that is commonly used to locate hidden populations. This method relies on referrals from initially sampled respondents to other persons believed to have the characteristic of interest. Limitations of this approach include nonrandom selection procedures, correlations between network size and selection probabilities, reliance on the subjective judgments of informants, and confidentiality concerns. Advantages include cost and efficiency. Keywords: chain referral sampling; nonprobability; hidden population; survey sample; referral; network size; subjective; confidentiality; social research; behavioral research
The use of aureomycin in obstetrics and gynecology

Abstract 1. 1. Aureomycin proved effective in the prevention of cystitis resulting from retention catheters or repeated catheterizations in 92 per cent of 112 cases. 2. 2. Intrapartum fever and endometritis may be treated with aureomycin but, in our hands, penicillin is the chemotherapeutic drug of choice. 3. 3. Aureomycin is a desirable chemotherapeutic agent for treatment of most urinary tract infections occurring in the obstetric and gynecologic patient. 4. 4. A case of peritonitis treated unsuccessfully with intravenous aureomycin is described.
Legionella Infection of Bone Marrow Dendritic Cells Induces Modulation by Catechins

In this chapter, primary murine (BALB/c) bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (DCs), a phagocytic monocytic cell essential for innate immunity to intracellular microorganisms like Legionella, were infected in vitro with the bacteria. In related studies, it was recently reported that epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) inhibited interleukin-12 (IL-12) production by lipopolysaccaride-treated DCs. EGCG has also been reported to decrease LPS-induced TNF- α production in a dose-dependent manner in the murine macrophage cell line RAW 264.7 and to similarly inhibit LPS-induced TNF- α production in elicited BALB/c mouse peritoneal macrophages, effects attributed in part through blocking NF- κ activation. In cultured human peripheral blood mononuclear cells, EGCG was also reported to stimulate production of TNF- α. All of these reports suggest that cytokine modulatory effects of catechins have varied effects depending upon the immune cell subpopulation studied. However, it is likely that concentrations of catechins at tissue sites are higher than in the blood. The short half-life of catechins in vivo might be overcome, however, by repeated administration, which is feasible given the reported low toxicity of this catechin and given that even high doses, such as 1,600 mg, are well tolerated by human subjects. In conclusion, authors present evidence that EGCG can inhibit IL-12 production while enhancing TNF- α production in bone marrow-derived DCs infected with Legionella.
Chapter 5 Methods for Isolation of Nuclei from Spermatozoa

Publisher Summary This chapter describes the methods for isolation of nuclei from spermatozoa. The examples of methods for isolating sperm nuclei appropriate for organisms with various types of sperm histones are described. Some modifications suitable for other species are also discussed. Sperm histones of eutherian mammals are rich in arginine and stabilized by disulfide bonds formed from their cysteine residues. Protamines contain arginine residues in amounts up to two-thirds of the total amino-acid content and have been found in some metatherian mammals, birds, reptiles, (amphibians), fish, and molluscs. As the properties of sperm chromatin depend on their histones, methods for isolation of sperm nuclei differ from case to case. Structural and chemical differences between spermatozoa of different species and at different stages make necessary many modifications in methods for isolation of nuclei. In principle, spermatozoa are isolated from seminal ejaculate or reproductive tissue; sperm heads are separated from sperm tails, after which nonnuclear materials of the heads are removed. Nuclei of species that share similarities in properties of sperm chromatin with those for which satisfactory methods are available might also yield if subjected to similar procedures.
Design and Development of Torque- Controlled Joints

This paper discusses the effect of basic manipulator characteristics upon the implementation of high performance joint torque control. Two manipulators with very different characteristics (high and low gear ratios) are used in this analysis: The PUMA 560 manipulator and ARTISAN, a ten degree-of-freedom manipulator currently under development at Stanford. The experimental results obtained with a prototype link of ARTISAN are presented and compared to those previously obtained with the PUMA. This paper also describes conceptually a new type of torque sensor, developed during the course of this project. With this new sensor, using inductive contactless transducers, torques are evaluated by distance measurements of deflections in the sensor's structure. The new sensor provides a substantial increase in accuracy over conventional strain gauge sensors, achieves higher mechanical robustness, and presents lower sensitivity to electrical noise.
The PlA Polymorphism of Glycoprotein IIIa Functions as a Modifier for the Effect of Estrogen on Platelet Aggregation

Abstract Background.—Although estrogen has been shown to contribute to retardation of the development of coronary heart disease in premenopausal women, the efficacy of hormone replacement therapy for coronary heart disease prevention in women with established coronary heart disease remains controversial. Hence, additional research is needed to clarify the effects of hormone replacement therapy on the cardiovascular and clotting systems. We investigated the effect of estrogen on platelet aggregation induced by standard agonists (epinephrine and adenosine diphosphate), with and without the platelet antagonist aspirin. Furthermore, we analyzed our data according to the presence or absence of a prevalent polymorphism of the glycoprotein (GP) IIIa subunit of the platelet fibrinogen receptor GPIIb-IIIa, PlA2. Methods and Results.—The effect of estrogen on aggregation of platelets was studied in healthy men (n = 20, 10 PlA1/A1 and 10 PlA1/A2) and premenopausal healthy women (n = 10, 5 PlA1/A1 and 5 PlA1/A2). The...
High‐resolution dynamically downscaled projections of precipitation in the mid and late 21st century over North America

This study performs high-spatial-resolution (12 km) Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) simulations over a very large domain (7200 km × 6180 km, covering much of North America) to explore changes in mean and extreme precipitation in the mid and late 21st century under Representative Concentration Pathways 4.5 (RCP 4.5) and 8.5 (RCP 8.5). We evaluate WRF model performance for a historical simulation and future projections, applying the Community Climate System Model version 4 (CCSM4) as initial and boundary conditions with and without a bias correction. WRF simulations using boundary and initial conditions from both versions of CCSM4 show smaller biases versus evaluation data sets than does CCSM4 over western North America. WRF simulations also improve spatial details of precipitation over much of North America. However, driving the WRF with the bias-corrected CCSM4 does not always reduce the bias. WRF-projected changes in precipitation include decreasing intensity over the southwestern United States, increasing intensity over the eastern United Sates and most of Canada, and an increase in the number of days with heavy precipitation over much of North America. Projected precipitation changes are more evident in the late 21st century than the mid 21st century, and they are more evident under RCP 8.5 than under RCP 4.5 in the late 21st century. Uncertainties in the projected changes in precipitation due to different warming scenarios are non-negligible. Differences in summer precipitation changes between WRF and CCSM4 are significant over most of the United States.
Radiative Decay of the Neutral K Meson: K 0 -->γ+γ

The consequences of the particle mixture theory of the neutral $K$ meson are investigated for the rare radiative decay mode: ${K}^{0}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}\ensuremath{\gamma}+\ensuremath{\gamma}$. The two photon decay rates of the ${{K}_{1}}^{0}$, ${{K}_{2}}^{0}$ mesons are estimated as \ensuremath{\approx}1.3\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{5}$ ${\mathrm{sec}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ (Cabibbo and Ferrari) and $\ensuremath{\approx}{\frac{1.6\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{5}}{(\frac{{{g}_{\ensuremath{\Sigma}\mathrm{nK}}}^{2}}{4\ensuremath{\pi}})}}$ ${\mathrm{sec}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ \ensuremath{\approx}${10}^{5}$ ${\mathrm{sec}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$. It is shown that a time-dependent net circular polarization of each of the two photons results from the interference between the ${{K}_{1}}^{0}$ and ${{K}_{2}}^{0}$ channels feeding the $2\ensuremath{\gamma}$ state. The correlated linear polarizations of the two photons also exhibit a similar time-dependent behavior. The possibility of experimental detection of the effects discussed, from which the sign as well as the magnitude of the ${{K}_{1}}^{0}$, ${{K}_{2}}^{0}$ mass difference can be determined, is very briefly explored.
Case Study in Parametric Survival Modeling and Model Approximation

Consider the random sample of 1000 patients from the SUPPORT study, 241 described in Section 3.10. In this case study we develop a parametric survival time model (accelerated failure time model) for time until death for the acute disease subset of SUPPORT (acute respiratory failure, multiple organ system failure, coma). We eliminate the chronic disease categories because the shapes of the survival curves are different between acute and chronic disease categories. To fit both acute and chronic disease classes would require a log-normal model with σ parameter that is disease-specific.
Signaling over distances

Neurons are extremely polarized cells. Axon lengths often exceed the dimension of the neuronal cell body by several orders of magnitude. These extreme axonal lengths imply that neurons have mastered efficient mechanisms for long distance signaling between soma and synaptic terminal. These elaborate mechanisms are required for neuronal development and maintenance of the nervous system. Neurons can fine-tune long distance signaling through calcium wave propagation and bidirectional transport of proteins, vesicles, and mRNAs along microtubules. The signal transmission over extreme lengths also ensures that information about axon injury is communicated to the soma and allows for repair mechanisms to be engaged. This review focuses on the different mechanisms employed by neurons to signal over long axonal distances and how signals are interpreted in the soma, with an emphasis on proteomic studies. We also discuss how proteomic approaches could help further deciphering the signaling mechanisms operating over long distance in axons.
Biocompatible electrospun polymer blends for biomedical applications

Blends of natural and synthetic polymers have received considerable attention as biomaterials due to the potential to optimize both mechanical and bioactive properties. Electrospinning of biocompatible polymers is an efficient method producing biomimetic topographies suited to various applications. In the ultimate application, electrospun scaffolds must also incorporate drug/protein delivery for effective cell growth and tissue repair. This study explored the suitability of a ternary Polymethylmethacrylate-Polycaprolactone-gelatin blend in the preparation of electrospun scaffolds for biomedical applications. Tuning the blend composition allows control over scaffold mechanical properties and degradation rate. Significant improvements were observed in the mechanical properties of the blend compared with the individual components. In order to study drug delivery potential, triblends were impregnated with the model compound Rhodamine-B using sub/supercritical CO2 infusion under benign conditions. Results show significantly distinct release profiles of the impregnated dye from the triblends. Specific factors such as porosity, degradation rate, stress relaxation, dye-polymer interactions, play key roles in impregnation and release. Each polymer component of the triblends shows distinct behavior during impregnation and release process. This affects the aforementioned factors and the release profiles of the dye. Careful control over blend composition and infusion conditions creates the flexibility needed to produce biocompatible electrospun scaffolds for a variety of biomedical applications. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 102B: 1517–1527, 2014.
Recommendations on the Testing and Use of Pseudo-Random Number Generators Used in Monte Carlo Analysis for Risk Assessment

Monte Carlo simulation requires a pseudo-random number generator with good statistical properties. Linear congruential generators (LCGs) are the most popular and well-studied computer method for generating pseudo-random numbers used in Monte Carlo studies. High quality LCGs are available with sufficient statistical quality to satisfy all but the most demanding needs of risk assessors. However, because of the discrete, deterministic nature of LCGs, it is important to evaluate the randomness and uniformity of the specific pseudo-random number subsequences used in important risk assessments. Recommended statistical tests for uniformity and randomness include the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, extreme values test, and the runs test, including runs above and runs below the mean tests. Risk assessors should evaluate the stability of their risk model's output statistics, paying particular attention to instabilities in the mean and variance. When instabilities in the mean and variance are observed, more stable statistics, e.g., percentiles, should be reported. Analyses should be repeated using several non-overlapping pseudo-random number subsequences. More simulations than those traditionally used are also recommended for each analysis.
A Scale to Measure Emotive Imagery

Summary.-The Guy Emotive Imaging Scale was developed to measure the vividness of one's emotive images. A total of 167 undergraduate students completed the questionnaire which yielded an alpha coefficient of .87, indicating that the internal consistency of the scale is satisfactorily high and that further research is appropriate. Each of the 6 emotional modalities, plui the total emotive imagery score, was correlated with each of the 7 sensory modalities on the Betts Questionnaire Upon Mental Imagery, plus the total sensory imaging score. The correlation of .50 between the Betts questionnaire and the Guy scale indicates that, although there is some similarity between sensory imaging and emotive imaging, probably the imaging process, there is also a difference, which this paper suggests represents a person's ability to image sensations as compared to a persods ability to image emotions. Uses of the Guy scale in behavioral therapies are discussed. The purpose of this paper is to present a scale which is designed to measure the vividness of respondents' emotive images. Although there are several scales currently in use to measure one's ability to image sensations (see Betts, 1909; Sheehan, 1966% 1966b, 1967; Leonard & Lindauer, 1973; Fusella, 1973; Gordon, 1949), no reliable measure has been developed to measure one's images of emotions. Such a scale is useful because it demonstrates a domain of imaging similar to, but discriminable from, sensory imaging, and it also may provide a useful research tool for clinicians using therapies whose success depends upon the clients' abilities to image emotional states. This is because emotive therapies rely on the client's being able to image an emotion concurrently with his imaging a situation. Relevant therapeutic techniques are described in Singer ( 1974), Bandura and Menlove ( 1968), Friedman ( 1966), Lazarus and Abramowitz ( 1962), Wolpe and Lazarus ( 1968), Wolpe ( 1958), Starnpfl and Levis (1967), Rachman ( 1966), Gendlin ( 1969), and Cautela ( 1970). The following studies exemplify the need to recognize emotive imagery as being separate from sensory imagery. Using snake phobic subjects, Beere (1971) hypothesized, and found, that the induction of vivid imagery is as effective as systematic desensitization therapy in reducing the snake phobia. In his discussion Beete was reluctant to equate desensitization techniques with pure imaging, but he did state that the treatment was more effective with the high imagers as measured by their performance on the Betts Questionnaire Upon Mental Imagery, the Gordon Test of Visual Imagery Control, and their performance on a Necker cube task. A weakness of this research was that Beere did not
Submillimeter-wave fourier transform spectroscopy of biological macromolecules

In this article we report experimental results on Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) macromolecules and related biological materials in the submillimeter range (i.e., ∼10–500 cm−1). Film samples made from commercial DNA fibers, polyadenylic acid potassium salt, and cellular agents such as the spore form of Bacillus subtillis have been prepared and measured. A broad series of measurements carried out in the low frequency region (10–50 cm−1) with a higher resolution of 0.2 cm−1 revealed fine features—multiple dielectric resonances in the submillimeter-wave spectra obtained from DNA samples. These long-wave absorption features are shown to be intrinsic properties of biological materials determined by phonon modes. The emphasis is on reproducibility of experimental spectra and on receiving reliable results. The effects of differences in sample preparation, including sample geometry, orientation, and aging are studied and separated from the phonon effects that determine the ...
Analysis of gene expression in the tumor-associated macrophage.

Introduction The tumor-associated macrophage (TAM) is at the front line of the host’s defense against malignancy and provides an attractive target for immune-modulatory therapy. However, factors present within the tumor microenvironment can alter macrophage phenotype, preventing its cytotoxic activity and reducing its susceptibility to interferon-γ and lipopolysaccharide-mediated stimulation. Methods Macrophages were isolated from subcutaneous B16 melanoma tumors implanted in C57 BL/6 mice. Wound macrophages were harvested from subcutaneously-implanted PVA sponges, and resting peritoneal macrophages were harvested by peritoneal lavage. Gene expression was analyzed using an Atlas cDNA array (Clontech, Mountain View, CA). Results TAM demonstrated a pattern of gene expression distinct from both wound and peritoneal macrophage. There is an increase in proliferation-associated genes and in genes encoding the ultrastructural proteins cofillin, zyxin, and vimentin more commonly associated with fibroblast-like cells. In addition, an observed decrease in expression of the CD14 gene, and increase in inhibitory pathways including osteopontin and its receptor CD44, the inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate receptor, and the receptors for interleukin-4 and granulocyte monocyte-colony stimulating factor could explain the resistance of TAM to lipopolysaccharide-mediated stimulation. There was also a significant decrease in the expression of the interferon-γ second messenger, IRF-1. Conclusions This study has identified a number of pathways involved in the suppression of TAM function. Targeting of these pathways may allow for the generation of more effective immune-modulatory anti-neoplastic therapy.
A Grating Monochromator for the Schumann Region

A vacuum grating monochromator is described, suitable for photoelectric research in the Schumann region. A hydrogen discharge tube serves as a light source, and radiation intensities are measured with a potassium photo-cell and fluorescent filter. Photo-currents are measured with a Compton electrometer, using the steady deflection method. The photoelectric yield of cadmium has been measured from the threshold to 1000A, and curves are given showing a maximum for the surface effect and the onset of the volume effect.
On the role of histidine 351 in the reaction of alcohol oxidation catalyzed by choline oxidase.

Choline oxidase catalyzes the four-electron, flavin-linked oxidation of choline to glycine betaine with transient formation of an enzyme-bound aldehyde intermediate. The recent determination of the crystal structure of choline oxidase to a resolution of 1.86 A established the presence of two histidine residues in the active site, which may participate in catalysis. His466 was the subject of a previous study [Ghanem, M., and Gadda, G. (2005) Biochemistry 44, 893−904]. In this study, His351 was replaced with alanine using site-directed mutagenesis, and the resulting mutant enzyme was purified and characterized in its mechanistic properties. The results presented establish that His351 contributes to substrate binding and positioning and stabilizes the transition state for the hydride transfer reaction to the flavin, as suggested by anaerobic substrate reduction stopped-flow data. Furthermore, His351 contributes to the overall polarity of the active site by modulating the pKa of the group that deprotonates ch...
Effect of Ablation or Inhibition of Stromal Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 on Lung Metastasis in a Breast Cancer Model Is Dependent on Genetic Background

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) are a family of enzymes with a myriad of functions. Lately, we have come to realize that broad-spectrum inhibition of these enzymes, as was tried unsuccessfully in multiple phase III trials in cancer patients, is likely unwise given the protumorigenic and antitumorigenic functions of various family members. Here, we used the multistage mammary tumor model MMTV-PyVT to investigate roles for either MMP7 or MMP9 in tumor progression. We found no effect of genetic ablation of MMP7 or MMP9 on the multifocal tumors that developed in the mammary glands. Lack of MMP7 also had no effect on the development of lung metastases, suggesting that MMP7 is irrelevant in this model. In contrast, MMP9 deficiency was associated with an 80% decrease in lung tumor burden. The predominant cellular source of MMP9 was myeloid cells, with neutrophils being the largest contributor in tumor-bearing lungs. Experimental metastasis assays corroborated the role of host-derived MMP9 in lung metastasis and also facilitated determination of a time frame most relevant for the MMP9-mediated effect. The lung tumors from MMP9-deficient mice showed decreased angiogenesis. Surprisingly, the antimetastatic outcome of MMP9 ablation seemed to be dependent on strain. Only mice that had genetic background derived from C57BL/6 showed reduced metastasis, whereas mice fully of the FVB/N background showed no significant effect. These strain-specific responses were also observed in a study using a highly selective pharmacologic inhibitor of MMP9 and thus suggest that responses to MMP inhibition are controlled by genetic differences. [Cancer Res 2008;68(15):6251–9]
Topological characterization of charge quantization

Weinberg has written a paper showing how to calculate gauge coupling constants in (4 +N)-dimensional models withN dimensions forming a compact manifold. Each coupling constant is related to the inverse of an appropriate rootmean-square circumference of the manifold. We extend this work by showing that this charge is quantized, in the sense of a tower of particles each carrying a charge which is an integer multiple of a basic unit, if and only if Π1(I) =ZZ where Π1 is the first homotopy group,I is the isometry group of the compact manifold, andZZ is the additive group of integers.
Infections in pregnancy: Highlights from the collaborative perinatal project

The longitudinal study of approximately 60,000 pregnant women was conducted at 14 major medical centers throughout the United States. Clinical data was obtained under prescribed protocols for each of the study women throughout their pregnancy, at delivery, and through the postpartum period. The children were followed with uniform examinations from birth through seven years of age. In addition blood samples were taken from the pregnant women at registration, every two months through pregnancy, at delivery, and six weeks postpartum. Cord blood samples were also taken from the children during the last half of the study. We have used this material from the Collaborative Perinatal Project for the investigation of the role of infections in the production of damage to the fetus and newborn. The frequency of clinically recognizing infections during pregnancy was determined and geographic variation was demonstrated. Serological tests were used to document certain diseases. The frequency of confirmed clinical cases per 10,000 were: rubella, 8; rubeola, 0.6; mumps, 10; varicella-zoster, 5. The epidemiology and clinical findings associated with infections were studied using serological methods. This has provided data on the frequencies of infections such as cytomegalovirus, herpes simplex, mumps, rubeola, respiratory syncytial virus, and others. The study of abnormal pregnancies and matched controls is in progress using serological techniques. A number of specific studies have been reported on infections including rubella, neonatal meningitis, cytomegalovirus, maternal urinary tract infections, and toxoplasmosis. Further testing is now in progress employing more sophisticated laboratory methods and more complete data analysis.
Signaling biomarker pattern discovery using reverse phase protein microarray

Understanding the molecular mechanism of aging will allow human beings to develop rationale strategies for therapeutic interventions in aging related diseases. The goal of this study is to investigate the effect of a new protein, Klotho protein, on FGF (fibroblast growth factor) signaling. To identify the signaling molecules, two emerging technologies, high-throughput siRNA (small inference RNA) and reverse phase protein microarray (RPPM) are utilized. To quantitatively analyze the patterns of siRNA knockdowns, we present a Discriminative Feature Pattern Identification System (DFPIS) to identify contributing nuclear hormone receptors. Computational analysis results using HEK293 (human embryonic kidney) cells knocked down from siRNAs and screened by protein microarray were presented.
Essential fatty acids and glucose permeability of lecithin membranes.

Abstract Lecithins were isolated from egg yolk, and from internal organs of fish, essential fatty acid-deficient rats and normal rats. Fatty acid composition of each preparation was determined by gas-liquid chromatography. From each lecithin, liposomes were formed in 0.3 M glucose. Extraparticulate glucose was removed by dialysis, and the subsequent rates of glucose efflux from within the particles were determined at various temperatures. The liposomes prepared from essential fatty acid-deficient lecithin permitted a slower rate of glucose diffusion than those of normal rats and fish at all temperatures, and had a comparable rate with that of egg lecithin. Energies of activation for diffusion were 26.3 ± 1.6, 28.9 ± 5.8, 26.2 ± 3.9 and 26.7 ± 2.4 kcal/mole glucose, for lecithins from egg, essential fatty acid-deficient rats, normal rats and fish, respectively. Differences in glucose diffusion rates were largely dependent upon the degree of unsaturation of the fatty acid residues in the lecithin molecules.
Thoracic irradiation in Hodgkin's disease: disease control and long-term complications.

Abstract A total of 590 patients with Stage IA-IIIB Hodgkin's disease received mantle irradiation at the Joint Center for Radiation Therapy between April 1969 and December 1984 as part of their initial treatment. Recurrence patterns as well as pulmonary, cardiac and thyroid complications were analyzed. Pulmonary recurrence was more frequently seen in patients with large mediastinal adenopathy (LMA); 11% of patients with LMA recurred in the lung in contrast to 3.1% with small or no mediastinal disease, p = 0.003. Hilar involvement, when corrected for size of mediastinal involvement, was not predictive of lung relapse. Patients with LMA also had a high rate of nodal relapse above the diaphragm (40%) following radiation therapy (RT) alone as compared to similarly treated patients with small or no mediastinal adenopathy (6.5%), p p p = 0.006. The risk of pneumonitis was also significantly increased with the use of chemotherapy (11%), p = 0.0001. Cardiac complications were uncommon with pericarditis being the most common complication (2.2%). Thyroid dysfunction was seen in 25% of patients and appeared to be agerelated. These data suggest that the long-term complications of mantle irradiation are uncommon with the use of modern radiotherapeutic techniques. The use of prophylactic whole lung irradiation is no longer recommended since its use did not reduce pulmonary relapse but did increase the risk of pneumonitis. Chemotherapy is also associated with an increased risk of pneumonitis, however, its use in patients with large mediastinal adenopathy appears justified.
Long-term survival following relapse after 5-FU but not CMF adjuvant breast cancer therapy.

Beginning in 1974, patients with ≥4 nodes positive following mastectomy were randomized to receive either 5-FU i.v. weekly or CMF i.v. every 2 weeks, both given for 12 months. Median follow-up now exceeds 112 months with nine year results below: Early results based on relapse-free survival favored CMF, but more patients currently are alive on the 5-FU arm. As the survival curves cross at 40 months, the 20% survival advantage for 5-FU did not achieve statistical significance. For 34% of patients failing adjuvant 5-FU, use of combination chemotherapy after relapse (commonly with CMFVP or CMF) resulted in long term survival. In contrast, long-term survival for patients failing adjuvant CMF was unusual. Relapse was detected while under weekly observation in a greater proportion of patients on 5-FU (36%) compared to CMF (6%) adjuvant treatment (p 10 kg associated with a poor prognosis. We conclude that initial improvement in relapse-free survival may not predict long term survival in adjuvant breast cancer trials since both the specific adjuvant therapy given pre-relapse as well as the type of salvage therapy given post-relapse may influence ultimate patient outcome.
Twin Transfusion Syndrome

Twin transfusion syndrome (TTS) is a rare, yet frequently fatal, complication of twin gestations. Recently published data demonstrate a reduction in the perinatal mortality rate associated with TTS from nearly 100% to 20‐40%. This article explains the pathophysiology of TTS, newly described treatments, complications, and specific aspects of nursing care for patients with this complication of multiple gestation.
The kinetics and thermochemistry of S2F10 pyrolysis

Data on the kinetics of S2F10 pyrolysis, which gives SF4 + SF6, have been reinterpreted to give a value for the equilibrium constant of S2F10 ⇆ SF4 + SF6. This, together with statistical estimates of the entropy and heat capacity of S2F10, can be used to give for this reaction values of ΔH = 19.7 ± 1.0 kcal/mole and ΔS = 47.6 ± 2 gibbs/mole. ΔH(S2F10) = –494 kcal/mole. A compatible mechanism is shown to be S2F10 ⇆ 2SF5 (fast); 2SF5 ⇆ SF6 + SF4 (slow) with step 2 rate-determining. The overall, best first order rate constant is proposed as kmeas = 1017.42–43.0/θ sec−1 = K1k2, where θ = 2.303RT in kcal/mole. Independent measurements of δH and S° for the SF5 radical, permits the evaluation of the equilibrium constant K1 = 108.92–(27.1 ± 6)/θ l./mole-sec and yields k2 = 108.50–15.9/θ l./mole-sec. The observed homogeneous catalysis by NO and CHCl CHCl can be explained in terms of a direct abstraction of F from S2F10 : C + S2F10 CF + S2F9, followed by S2F9 SF5 + SF4 and SF5 + CF ⇆ SF6 + C (C NO or C2H2Cl2).
Spatial Distribution of Extracellular Polymeric Substances in Biofilms

This study investigated the spatial distribution of biofilm extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) with depth in biofilms. Heterotrophic biofilms were grown in a rotating drum biofilm reactor fed with synthetic wastewater with a COD of 150 mg/L. Biofilm was found to be heterogeneously structured, represented not only by the spatial distribution of EPS yields but also by clearly defined aerobic/anoxic zones, increased density, decreased porosity, decreased soluble COD concentrations, and decreased viable biomass concentrations along the biofilm depth. Thicker biofilms exhibited greater soluble COD concentrations, EPS yields, and viable biomass than thinner biofilms. The net EPS yields in the biofilms are proportionally related to the amount of viable biomass present, and viable biomass loses its ability to produce EPS at the deeper sections because of its lower microbial activity resulting from lower nutrient availability. Also, it is possible that the naturally produced EPS was consumed as a substrate in the deeper layers, where more readily degradable organics were absent. The results of the spatial distribution of EPS yields gained in this paper provide helpful information to achieve a more complete description of heterogeneous biofilm structure. New biofilm models need to be developed to incorporate the EPS information to accurately reflect the heterogeneity of biofilms.
Suppression of the avian reticuloendothelial system and enhancement of a Plasmodium lophurae infection in diethylstilbestrol treated chickens.

Abstract 1. 1. The influence of diethylstilbestrol (DES) on the avian reticuloendothelial system (RES) and a Plasmodium lophurae infection was evaluated. 2. 2. DES profoundly depressed the avian RES as evaluated by the intravascular clearance of colloidal carbon. 3. 3. Associated with the depressed phagocytic activity was a concomitant increase in P. lophurae parasitemia in those animals receiving DES concurrently during the course of the infection. 4. 4. Since the avian response to estrogens is strikingly different from that observed in mammals, it is suggested that the unique response of the avian RES to estrogens is a function of the evolution of viviparity.
Evaluation of a passive dosimeter for collection of 2-bromo-2-chloro-1,1,1-trifluoroethane and 2-chloro-1,1,2-trifluoroethyl difluoromethyl ether in hospital operating rooms

Operationally, passive dosimeters are ideally suited for monitoring organic vapors in hospital operating rooms as they are compact, lightweight and do not require tubing or pumps. In this study, a recently developed passive diffusion sampler was used to collect 2-bromo-2-chloro-1,1,1 -trifluoroethane (Halothane) and 2-chloro-1,1,2-trifluoroethyl difluoromethyl ether (Enflurane) in standard air mixtures over the range of 0.2–10 ppm. Additionally, exposures to known concentrations were conducted for various lengths of time. A side-by-side comparison of charcoal tubes (CT) and passive dosimeter collection characteristics were made on known air mixtures and samples collected in operating rooms. The material adsorbed on charcoal from dosimeters and CT was desorbed with carbon disulfide and quantified using gas-liquid chromatography. The overall efficiency of the dosimeters along with quality control data are presented.
Labyrinthine Artery Aneurysm as an Internal Auditory Canal Mass

We present the first case report of a labyrinthine artery aneurysm masquerading as an internal auditory canal tumor. A 72-year-old woman presented with sudden onset right facial paralysis, facial pain, hearing loss, and vertigo. She demonstrated dense right-sided facial paralysis involving all branches of the facial nerve, left beating horizontal nystagmus, and anacusis of the right ear. Magnetic resonance imaging with contrast demonstrated a 6 × 7 mm peripherally enhancing lesion with lack of central uptake filling the right internal auditory canal. The patient elected to proceed with translabyrinthine approach to the internal auditory canal for definitive resection of the mass as well as to decompress the neural structures of the internal auditory canal in an attempt to recover neural function, particularly of the facial nerve. Intraoperatively, the internal auditory canal mass was resected with minimal difficulty, with intraoperative dissection notable for brisk bleeding at the medial base of the tumor just as the tumor was dissected off its medial fibrous attachments. Final pathology of the resected mass revealed a blood vessel with mucinous degeneration of the medial layer of the vessel wall, with immunohistochemical staining confirming the presence and structure of aneurysmal blood vessel.
Laparoscopic management of complications following laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass for morbid obesity

Background: We reviewed our experience with complications following laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) that were managed laparoscopically. Methods: A total of 246 consecutive morbidly obese patients (mean body mass index, 50.9 kg/m2) underwent LRYGB by three surgeons at two institutions. All patients met National Institutes of Health criteria for surgical treatment of morbid obesity. Patients were followed prospectively. Results: A total of 62 patients (25.2%) developed 64 complications, 34 of which (13.8%) required a surgical intervention. Twenty-seven of the 34 procedures were performed laparoscopically. Gastrojejunostomy stricture was the most common complication (8.9%), followed by intestinal obstruction (7.3%) and gastrointestinal bleeding (4%). The intestinal obstruction was secondary to adhesions (n = 6), internal hernia at the level of the transverse mesocolon (n = 3), jejunojejunostomy stricture (n = 3), and cicatrix around the Roux limb at the level of the transverse mesocolon (n = 3). Other complications included gastrojejunostomy leak (1.6%), symptomatic gallstone disease (2.8%), and gastric remnant perforation (0.8%). One patient underwent a negative laparoscopy to rule out anastomotic leak. There were 3 deaths in this series of patients, 2 attributable to anastomotic leak. Conclusions: A variety of complications can present after LRYGB. Laparoscopy is an excellent technique to treat these complications.
Interpretation of atomic mass systematics in terms of the valence shells and a simple scheme for predicting masses.

A new semiempirical method that significantly simplifies atomic mass systematics and which provides a method for making mass predictions by linear interpolation is discussed in the context of the nuclear valence space. In certain regions complicated patterns of mass systematics in traditional plots versus Z, N, or isospin are consolidated and transformed into linear ones extending over long isotopic and isotonic sequences.
Improvements for Measuring1H–1H Coupling Constants in DNA via New Stripe-COSY and Superstripe-COSY Pulse Sequences Combined with a Novel Strategy of Selective Deuteration

Abstract Three bond proton-proton vicinal coupling constants are of potential value for analyzing sugar conformations in DNA. However, self-cancellation in antiphase cross peaks and modulation of peak splittings by transverse cross relaxation can alter the apparent coupling constants such that they do not accurately reflect the sugar conformations. Transverse cross relaxation is most effective between strongly coupled geminal proton pairs. Here we report the use of stereospecific deuteration at the H2″ position in the A5 and A6 residues in the 12 base pair DNA sequence [ d (CGCGAATTCGCG)2] as a means of investigating the effect of transverse cross relaxation on P.E.COSY type cross peaks. Deuteration of the H2″ proton is expected to reduce the transverse cross relaxation rate by the square of ratio of the proton to deuteron gyromagnetic ratios, i.e., by a factor of 42. Additionally, a striking eight- to ninefold increase in the signal intensity was observed for cross peaks involving the remaining H2′ proton resulting from diminished dipolar relaxation. Further improvements in signal-to-noise ratio were realized by collecting P.E.COSY spectra in strips, using an experiment referred to as stripe-COSY, employing selective excitation pulses which reduced the number of required t 1 increments by a factor of four. A final improvement was achieved by employing selective time-shared homonuclear decoupling during the acquisition period, in an experiment referred to as superstripe-COSY, to collapse splittings due to passive couplings. Collectively, these approaches provide P.E.COSY-type spectra with two to three orders of magnitude increased sensitivity per unit time and that are relatively free from artifacts.
Is the hope for a cellulosic biofuel a lot of rot

Compared with the small amount of fermentable sugars in corn kernels, lignocellulose obtained from agricultural waste products or non-food crops is an abundant natural resource that can be used for the production of ethanolbased biofuel. However, the rigid structure linking cellulose and hemicellulose to lignin, while rather handy for plants, restricts the availability of fermentable sugars necessary to produce ethanol. As a result, current biofuel production relies on expensive and toxic pretreatment to detach the cellulose from lignin and render it susceptible to hydrolysis (Scharf and Tartar, 2008). But alternative approaches recently have been deduced from the genomes of organisms that naturally convert lignocellulose into fermentable sugars. Several animals, such as termites and ruminant mammals, use symbiotic microbes to degrade lignin and cellulose. In all termites, this occurs in the digestive tract, but involves different types of symbionts in ‘lower’ and ‘higher’ termites: lower termites harbour both protozoa and bacteria, whereas higher termites only contain bacterial symbionts (Scharf and Tartar, 2008). To find