cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Enhancer of Zeste 2 Polycomb Repressive Complex 2 Subunit Is Required for Uterine Epithelial Integrity

Normal proliferation and differentiation of uterine epithelial cells are critical for uterine development and function. Enhancer of zeste 2 polycomb repressive complex 2 subunit (EZH2), a core component of polycomb repressive complexes 2, possesses histone methyltransferase activity that catalyzes the trimethylation of lysine 27 of histone H3. EZH2 has been involved in epithelial-mesenchymal transition, a key event in development and carcinogenesis. However, its role in uterine epithelial cell function remains unknown. To determine the role of uterine EZH2, Ezh2 was conditionally deleted using progesterone receptor Cre recombinase, which is expressed in both epithelial and mesenchymal compartments of the uterus. Loss of EZH2 promoted stratification of uterine epithelium, an uncommon and detrimental event in the uterus. The abnormal epithelium expressed basal cell markers, including tumor protein 63, cytokeratin 5 (KRT5), KRT6A, and KRT14. These results suggest that EZH2 serves as a guardian of uterine epithelial integrity, partially via inhibiting the differentiation of basal-like cells and preventing epithelial stratification. The observed epithelial abnormality was accompanied by fertility defects, altered uterine growth and function, and the development of endometrial hyperplasia. Thus, the Ezh2 conditional knockout mouse model may be useful to explore mechanisms that regulate endometrial homeostasis and uterine function.
Grease Lubrication of Self-Mated 60NiTi Bearing Materials

60NiTi is an intermetallic alloy of nickel and titanium that exhibits a unique combination of properties, including hardness comparable to steel, almost twice the elasticity of steel, high corrosion resistance, and tensile strength comparable to ceramics. These properties are very desirable for bearing materials, especially those used in space applications where components must operate efficiently and reliably in harsh conditions. However, despite the fact that most bearings are grease lubricated, there has not been a systematic study of the tribo-performance of greases for 60NiTi lubrication. To address this, we compare the wear and friction of self-mated 60NiTi lubricated by different greases, including those currently used in space missions and general-purpose grease, in boundary lubricated contact. The results provide valuable information to guide selection of grease for 60NiTi contacts as well as lay the groundwork for possible development of new greases specifically for 60NiTi tribo-contacts.
A Randomized Comparative Effectiveness Trial of Family-Problem-Solving Treatment for Adolescent Brain Injury: Parent Outcomes From the Coping with Head Injury through Problem Solving (CHIPS) Study.

Objective To examine changes in depression and distress in parents of adolescents receiving family-problem-solving therapy (F-PST) following traumatic brain injury. Method Families of adolescents hospitalized for moderate to severe traumatic brain injury were randomized to face-to-face F-PST (34), therapist-guided online F-PST (56), or self-guided online F-PST (60). Outcomes were assessed pretreatment and 6 and 9 months later. Parents rated depression and distress on the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale and the Brief Symptom Inventory, respectively. Mixed modeling was used to examine changes over time and treatment moderators. Results The therapist-guided online group had significant reductions in parental depression over time. Analyses of slopes of recovery revealed differential improvement on the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale between the 2 online groups, with no significant change in depressive symptoms following self-guided F-PST. On the Brief Symptom Inventory Global Severity Index, the therapist-guided online group reported significant improvement from baseline to 6 months that was maintained at 9 months. The face-to-face and self-guided online groups reported significant reductions in distress between 6 and 9 months with corresponding large effect sizes. Differences on the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale between therapist-guided and self-guided online groups at the 9-month follow-up were more pronounced in families of lower socioeconomic status, t103 = -2.87; P = .005. Conclusions Findings provide further support for the utility of therapist-guided online F-PST in reducing parental depression and distress following pediatric traumatic brain injury and offer limited evidence of the efficacy of self-guided online treatment for these outcomes. Families of lower socioeconomic status may benefit more from therapist involvement.
Navigating Newborn Screening in the NICU: A User’s Guide

Newborn screening (NBS) is the largest public health program in the United States, affecting every newborn. The purpose of newborn screening is to identify newborns at risk for selected disorders during the presymptomatic phase, with the hope that early intervention can prevent disease progression. NBS began in the early 1960s following the pioneering work of Robert Guthrie with phenylketonuria. Since then, NBS has expanded, with testing available for more than 50 disorders in most states. Screening tests need to be highly automated, with high sensitivity and specificity to avoid missing patients with disease, and ensuring manageable false-positive rates. Current initiatives in NBS include timeliness to ensure that results of the screen are available by 5 days after birth for a core set of critical conditions. This has resulted in the current recommendation for NBS specimens to be collected at 24 to 48 hours after birth. False-positive rates are higher in the NICU, because of the metabolic instability of sick neonates and the immaturity of premature enzyme systems. The recommended uniform screen panel (RUSP) contains the current list of disorders screened for by most states. Additional disorders continue to be added to the RUSP as medical progress allows previously untreatable disorders to be managed successfully, and thus the need to screen emerges. The costs associated with NBS continue to climb, because despite state-mandated screening, the diagnostic evaluation and treatment of these conditions has no such mandate. This is a particular concern for disorders with annual treatment costs of several hundred thousand dollars.
29 – Equilibrium Search and Unemployment

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on equilibrium search and unemployment. It presents a study on wage and employment determination in a single market and discusses the impact of the rest of the economy on this market by certain given parameters. This impact takes three forms. First, product demand functions shift in an exogenously determined, stochastic manner. Second, the outside economy offers alternative employment to workers. Third, new workers arrive from the rest of the economy, augmenting the local work force. The chapter also presents an equilibrium model that provides a complete description of the time paths of all variables involved, both at an aggregate and the individual market level.
Selective promiscuity in the binding of E. coli Hsp70 to an unfolded protein

Heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70) chaperones bind many different sequences and discriminate between incompletely folded and folded clients. Most research into the origins of this "selective promiscuity" has relied on short peptides as substrates to dissect the binding, but much less is known about how Hsp70s bind full-length client proteins. Here, we connect detailed structural analyses of complexes between the Escherichia coli Hsp70 (DnaK) substrate-binding domain (SBD) and peptides encompassing five potential binding sites in the precursor to E. coli alkaline phosphatase (proPhoA) with SBD binding to full-length unfolded proPhoA. Analysis of SBD complexes with proPhoA peptides by a combination of X-ray crystallography, methyl-transverse relaxation optimized spectroscopy (methyl-TROSY), and paramagnetic relaxation enhancement (PRE) NMR and chemical cross-linking experiments provided detailed descriptions of their binding modes. Importantly, many sequences populate multiple SBD binding modes, including both the canonical N to C orientation and a C to N orientation. The favored peptide binding mode optimizes substrate residue side-chain compatibility with the SBD binding pockets independent of backbone orientation. Relating these results to the binding of the SBD to full-length proPhoA, we observe that multiple chaperones may bind to the protein substrate, and the binding sites, well separated in the proPhoA sequence, behave independently. The hierarchy of chaperone binding to sites on the protein was generally consistent with the apparent binding affinities observed for the peptides corresponding to these sites. Functionally, these results reveal that Hsp70s "read" sequences without regard to the backbone direction and that both binding orientations must be considered in current predictive algorithms.
The Effects of Immigration on Entrepreneurship and Innovation

This paper reviews evidence about the effects of immigration on entrepreneurship and innovation. The number of immigrants has increased both in absolute numbers and as a share of the US population. The countries of origin have shifted from Europe to Latin America and Asia. The share of higher skilled immigrants has risen, while the share of lower-skilled immigrants has declined. Immigrants tend to be entrepreneurial and to start a significant share of US businesses. Those new firms make a significant contribution to employment growth in the United States. Research indicates that immigrants tend to be innovative. This finding is partially the result of a large percentage of immigrants with science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) degrees. The share of US patents going to immigrants has significantly increased over time. Immigrant inventors are a complement to native inventors, thus raising total productivity over time.
La genesis de la sustitucion de importaciones en america latina

El proceso de sustitucion de importaciones que se pone en marcha en America Latina tras la Gran Depresion fue principalmente una respuesta espontanea al deterioro radical de los precios internacionales de los productos primarios, al fracaso del sistema de comercio internacional multilateral (y el colapso del comercio mundial) y a) cambio abrupto de direccion de las transferencias de recursos.
Tubal sterilization in an indigent population: Report of fourteen years’ experience

This study comprises follow-up data of 790 patients undergoing tubal ligation at a hospital serving a medically indigent population. The incidence of tubal ligation for the study years of 1955 through 1968 was 2.1 per cent. The most common indications were multiparity, previous cesarean section and sociomedical circumstances. The Patients studied were at high risk of subsequent gynecologic disease. Four hundred and eighty-nine patients were followed for a period of 3.5 years or more. There were 10 failures (2 per cent) of the operation and 178 (36.2 per cent) patients underwent some form of gynecologic operative procedure during the follow-up period, 63 (12.9 per cent) of whom required total hysterectomy. Fifteen patients developed carcinoma of the cervix, 2 of whom died of their disease. The authors conclude that patients whose history identifies them as at high risk of subsequent gynecologic disease, in general, and to carcinoma of the cervix, in particular, might be better served were hysterectomy chosen as a method of sterilization rather than tubal ligation.
Marine Vertebrate and Other Higher Animal Biosynthetic Products

Neoplastic disease and its fatal consequences is an all-too-frequent occurrence among many species of higher animals. But cancer is relatively rare among many types of lower vertebrates, and even the higher vertebrates must have elaborately sophisticated biosynthetic products that normally prevent transgression by neoplastic invasion. In the lower vertebrates, known cases of cancer can be summarized as follows. Among the marine and fresh-water fish (superclass Pisces, phylum Chordata, sub-phylum Vertebrata), Harshbarger at the Smithsonian Institution has recorded a large number of species with neoplasms, including epizootic hepatomas in a population of Atlantic hag-fish, a metastatic melanoma in a single lamprey, and neoplasms in some five families of Chondrichthyes, including cat sharks, requiem sharks, ratfish, and skates.134 Interestingly neoplastic disease among such marine vertebrates is generally of the mesenchymal type, unlike that of human cancer.260
DNA-hybridization electron microscopy. Localization of five regions of 16 S rRNA on the surface of 30 S ribosomal subunits.

Abstract DNA-hybridization electron microscopy has been used to locate five regions of 16 S rRNA on the surface of 30 S ribosomal subunits. Biotinylated DNA probes that are complementary to selected regions of 16 S rRNA were hybridized to activated 30 S ribosomal subunits. These hybridized probes were reacted with avidin and localized by electron microscopy. The specificity of DNA binding was monitored with RNase H, which recognizes RNA-DNA hybrids and cleaves the RNA. Three of the five sequences examined were mapped on the platform. These sequences are 686–703, 714–733 and 787–803. Region 1492–1505 is mapped in the cleft and region 518–533 is at the neck on the side opposite the platform, respectively.
Socialism and the American labor movement: Some new reflections

(1967). Socialism and the American labor movement: Some new reflections. Labor History: Vol. 8, No. 2, pp. 136-155.
The Clamping Force of Heat Shrinkable Fittings

A number of alloys exhibit a phenomenon which has come to be known as ‘shape memory’. Without exception these alloys undergo a rather special type of martensitic transformation which results from one or another of the elastic constants1–7 weakening with changing temperature to the point that at the transformation temperature the transforming phase becomes both mechanically and thermodynamically unstable. ‘Shape memory’ is exhibited in the following way. A specimen at a temperature above the martensitic transformation is shaped to some desired form. The specimen is then cooled below its transformation temperature and deformed. Subsequent heating of the specimen through the transformation temperature causes reversion to the originally fabricated shape.
Treynor, Lawrence Jack

Jack L. Treynor, a pioneer in the use of quantitative methods in finance, helped establish the foundation of academic research in the field of finance and promoted notions such as random walks, efficient markets, risk/return trade-off and betas that others in the field actively avoided. Treynor is renowned not only for pushing the envelope with new ideas, but also for encouraging others to do the same as well. His articles have also received widespread acclaim in the finance and business communities. In 2008, the International Association of Financial Engineers (IAFE) named him as the 2007 IAFE/SunGard Financial Engineer of the Year. Keywords: capital asset pricing model; CAPM; Treynor–Sharpe–Lintner–Mossin CAPM; Treynor–Black model; asset pricing; security selection; active portfolio management; beta; alpha; inflation
Some Radio Telescope Considerations in Millimeter and Submillimeter Radio Astronomy

We review some aspects of radio telescope performance, particularly those relating to the characteristics of the feed system used for illuminating the antenna. We discuss the aperture efficiency, radiation pattern, beam width, and coupling and beam efficiencies, emphasizing the effect of the aperture illumination on these quantities. The discussion should be useful for understanding calibration of and interpretation of millimeter and submillimeter observations of molecular clouds and other sources.
Genetics of Reoviruses

The ultimate goal of genetic analysis of the mammalian reoviruses is to gain a detailed understanding of the structure and function of the genome and each of the viral polypeptide products. The early phases of genetic analysis were directed toward the isolation and physiological and genetic characterization of a collection of genetic markers, in this case, conditional lethal mutants of the temperature-sensitive type. More recent studies, particularly those since 1975, have emphasized the use of recombinant viruses generated during mixed infection of tissue-culture cells with pairs of viruses, most often of two different reovirus serotypes.
The structure and function of bryophyte-dominated peatlands

Introduction Peatlands are unbalanced ecosystems where plant production exceeds decomposition of organic material. As a result, considerable quantities of organic material, or peat, accumulate over long periods of time: millennia. This organic material is composed primarily of plant fragments remaining after partial decomposition of the plants that at one time lived on the surface of the peatland. Decomposition occurs through the action of micro-organisms that have the ability to utilize dead plant components as sources of carbon for respiration (Thormann & Bayley 1997) in both the upper, aerobic peat column (the acrotelm) and the lower, anaerobic peat (the catotelm) (Ingram 1978, Clymo 1984, Wieder et al . 1990, Kuhry & Vitt 1996). Labile cell contents, cellulose, and hemicellulose are more readily available sources of carbon than recalcitrant fractions that contain lignin-like compounds, with these latter compounds being concentrated in peat by decomposition (Williams et al . 1998, Turetsky et al . 2000). The vascular plant-dominated, tree, shrub, and herb layers produce less biomass (Campbell et al . 2000) and decompose more readily than the bryophyte-dominated ground layer (Moore 1989). Surfaces of northern peatlands are almost always completely covered by a continuous mat of moss (National Wetlands Working Group 1988, Vitt 1990), and the large amount of biomass contained in this layer is composed of cell wall material that decomposes slowly. This slow decomposition, coupled with water-saturated, anaerobic conditions in the peat, cool climate, and a cool moist growing season conducive to bryophyte growth, allows organic matter to accumulate over large areas.
Measurement of Muscle Exudate Protein Composition as an Indicator of Beef Tenderness

UNLABELLED The objective of this study was to determine the relationship between the protein composition of muscle exudates and meat tenderness in beef. Frozen, intact beef strip loins (n = 24) were each divided into 3 equal portions (anterior, middle, and posterior). Steaks were removed from each portion, individually vacuum packaged, thawed at 4 °C, and aged for 0, 7, or 14 d. After the designated aging period, exudate was collected from the packaging and 1 steak from each strip loin portion was utilized for shear force measurements. Muscle exudates were analyzed for protein content (biuret assay) and composition (sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis). Shear force decreased (P < 0.0001) with aging from 0 to 14 d. The protein concentrations of the muscle exudates were not influenced by the aging period and were not related to the amount of exudate expressed. Electrophoretic analyses of the muscle exudates indicated that with aging the relative abundance of 4 proteins decreased (P < 0.01) and 10 proteins increased (P < 0.05) within the protein profiles of the exudates. The relative abundance of the 167, 97, and 47 kDa proteins in exudates at day 0 were significantly correlated (|r| = 0.57 to 0.77) to shear force at day 14. These data demonstrate that exudate protein composition changes with postmortem aging and beef tenderness. PRACTICAL APPLICATION This research showed that the protein profiles of exudates that accumulate on the surface and in the packaging of beef change with meat aging and tenderness. These data suggest that muscle exudates may be a good source of protein markers that are useful in the development of rapid, noninvasive methodologies for predicting beef tenderness.
An American Hybrid Vineyard in the Texas Gulf Coast: Analysis within a Pierce's Disease Hot Zone

The incidence of Pierce’s disease (PD) within an American hybrid vineyard in the Texas Gulf Coast was evaluated. Multiple viticultural parameters and Xylella fastidiosa levels were assessed for the varieties Black Spanish, Blanc du Bois, and Cynthiana in this region of intense disease pressure. Potential PD symptoms were observed uniformly in Cynthiana and sporadically in Blanc du Bois and Black Spanish postharvest. Consistent with these symptoms, Cynthiana showed significantly lower crop yield than either Blanc du Bois or Black Spanish and had significantly higher positive ELISA values for X. fastidiosa in summer petioles. Individual Cynthiana vines with higher bacterial levels as determined by ELISA exhibited correspondingly lower yields ( p = 0.06). Indirect immunofluorescence microscopy of petiole xylem sap and PCR of petiole DNA confirmed positive X. fastidiosa ELISA readings in all three varieties. Cynthiana petioles tested by ELISA showed a dramatic increase in bacterial levels over the growing season. In contrast, bacterial levels in Black Spanish and Blanc du Bois remained lower all season despite high disease pressure. An evaluation of potential local plant reservoirs for X. fastidiosa demonstrated that at least six asymptomatic plant species tested positive by both ELISA and PCR: Ilex vomitoria , Vitis mustangensis, Rubus trivialis , Platanus occidentalis , Lippia nodiflora, and Lonicera japonica . In addition, June insect traps contained a significant number of X. fastidiosa -positive glassy-winged sharpshooters, Homalodisca coagulata , and several positive sharpshooters identified as Oncometopia orbona, suggesting the presence of multiple species of insect vector in this region.
Oxazine derivatives of γ- and δ-tocotrienol display enhanced anticancer activity in vivo.

Background: Oxazine derivatives of tocotrienols display enhanced anticancer activity. Studies were conducted to further characterize these effects in vivo. Materials and Methods: Tetrazolium assay was used to determine the inhibitory effects of oxazine derivatives of γ-tocotrienol and δ-tocotrienol in vitro. These compounds were further formulated as lipid nanoemulsions and intralesional administration was used to examine their anticancer activity in vivo. Results: Tocotrienol oxazine derivatives significantly inhibited +SA mammary tumor growth in syngeneic mice as compared to their respective parent compound, and these effects were associated with a reduction in cell proliferation and survival (phosphorylated protein kinase B (AKT) and nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NFκB), and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX2) and cell-cycle progression (cyclin D1, cyclin-dependent kinase 2 (CDK2), CDK4 and CDK6) markers, and increase in cell-cycle arrest proteins (p21 and p27). Conclusion: Tocotrienol oxazine derivatives may provide benefit as therapeutic agents against breast cancer.
Transition state spectroscopy of the I + HI reaction in clusters: photoelectron spectroscopy of IHI-.Arn (n = 1-15).

We have investigated effects of solvation on the transition state spectroscopy and dynamics of the I + HI reaction by measuring the anion photoelectron (PE) spectra of the clusters IHI-.Arn (n = 1-5). Argon clustering results in a successive shift of the PE spectra to lower electron kinetic energies with increasing cluster size. It also leads to significant vibrational cooling in the PE spectra and facilitates the observation of features associated with symmetric stretch vibrations and hindered rotational motions of the transition state complex IHI. The shifts in electron binding energy suggest that the first six argon atoms form a ring around the waist of the IHI- anion, just as in I2-.Arn. The spacing of the antisymmetric stretch features evolves with cluster size and is attributed at least in part to perturbation of the IHI- geometry in larger argon clusters. Intensities of features due to hindered rotation are enhanced for larger clusters, possibly due to solvent perturbation of the neutral transition state region.
The effective mobility of MOS transistors on insulating substrates

One of the most important electrical parameters in evaluating the performance of MOS transistors is the effective mobility of minoprity carriers in the inversion layer of the device. Published results have examined the dependence of the effective mobility on substrate orientation and doping, Si-SiO 2 interface state density, gate electric field, and temperature. All of the above work has been performed on bulk silicon having a high degree of crystal perfection.
Mott and Superfluid Transitions in a Strongly Interacting Lattice Boson System

We present numerical simulations on a lattice model of bosons in two dimensions using a path integral quantum Monte Carlo algorithm. At finite temperature we observe the Kosterlitz-Thouless transition and by a finite-size analysis determine the transition temperature. In the limit of zero temperature we find two distinct phases: at a special commensurate density (number of bosons integer multiple of the number of sites), the system is superfluid for small values of the interaction, but the superfluidity vanishes at a critical value of the interaction and the system becomes a Mott insulator. For an incommensurate density, the system remains superfluid at all values of the repulsive interaction between bosons. The superfluid density, however, vanishes as a commensurate density is approached for sufficiently large interaction. We estimate the critical exponents for these transitions.
Expression of NALPs in adipose and the fibrotic progression of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in obese subjects

Visceral obesity is often accompanied by non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Activation of NACHT, LRR and PYD domains-containing proteins (NALPs) may contribute to the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines by adipose and the obesity-associated progression of NAFLD to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). We analyzed visceral adipose expression of various NALPs and its downstream effectors caspase-1, ASC (Apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD), IL-18 (Interleukin-18) and IL-1β (Interleukin- 1Beta) in obese subjects (BMI ≥ 35) with biopsy proven NAFLD. In adipose samples collected from NASH and pericellular fibrosis patients cohorts, expression levels of NALPs and IL-1β were lower than that in non-NASH patients. In portal fibrosis, the levels of mRNA encoding anti-inflammatory NALP6 were upregulated. The expression levels of all NALPs were significantly co-correlated. Circulating IL-18 levels were associated with increased liver injury markers AST and ALT and portal fibrosis. Our observations point at a possible shift in inflammation and fibrotic response from adipose tissue to liver and a possible negative feedback regulation of tissue inflammation that may instigate NAFLD severity.
Simultaneous homogeneous nucleation and aerosol growth

Abstract A growing aerosol influences homogeneous nucleation rates by changing the vapor concentration around the particles. A theoretical analysis is undertaken to determine the nucleation rates in the presence of particles ranging from the free-molecular to the continuum regime. The results are combined with particle growth laws to predict the time, evolution of the aerosol produced by a condensing vapor.
Atrial sensing to augment ventricular tachycardia detection by the automatic implantable cardioverter defibrillator: a utility study.

The triggering of automatic implantable cardioverter defibrillator (AICD) discharges by supraventricular tachycardias, despite the presence of a probability density function algorithm, remains a limitation of an otherwise highly effective device. We systematically investigated the diagnostic utility which theroretically could derive form the addition of atrial sensing capability to the AICD in 25 patients with 30 inducible sustained monomorphic ventricular tachycardias (VTs) at clinically relevant rates ( 150 beats/min). Patients were included only if they were not taking medication capable of depressing ventriculoatrial (VA) conduction for at least 5 half-lives prior to electrophysiological testing. We tested the simple criterion for VT that ventricular cycle length (CL) be shorter than the atrial CL (not met in sinus or most other supraventricuilar tachycardias). Mean VTCL was 283 ± 47 ms (range 210 to 370). In 25 (83%) VTs, the VT criterion was consistently satisfied. Of the five cases in which the criterion was not met, 1:1 VA conduction during VT was present in four, three of which initially manifested 2:1 VA conduction lasting from 14 to 28 s and therefore would have transiently fulfilled the VT criterion. The remaining patient who failed to satisfy the VT criterion had ongoing atrial flutter during a relatively slower sustained VT, but this circumstance could be recognized because of the varying AV interval. The absence of 1:1 VA conduction at CLS 400 ms during ventricular pacing accurately predicted the absece of 1:1 VA conduction during VT in 95% of patients. Overall, then, use of the simple VT criterion early after tachycardia onset - in tandem with AV interval tracking - would have correctly identified 29/30 (97%) VTs. We conclude that simple incorporation of atrial sensing capability into the AICD, with corresponding software modification, is likely to facilitate differentiation of VT from supra-ventricular tachycardia in the vast majority of patients.
The synergism of γ-interferon and tumor necrosis factor in whole body hyperthermia with vitamin C to control toxicity

In a previous paper, the synergism of gamma-interferon and tumor necrosis factor was considered with whole body hyperthermia. Because of the toxic effect of TNF due to oxygen radicals, it is suggested that vitamin C be added.
Penile orthoplasty using dermal grafts in the outpatient setting

Abstract Objectives. To review and evaluate our extensive outpatient experience in the use of dermal grafts for the correction of significant residual chordee in patients requiring penile orthoplasty. Methods. The medical records of all patients requiring surgical correction for severe penile curvature over the past 5 years were reviewed. Among these, 51 patients were identified in whom dermal grafts were used to correct severe residual chordee. Of these patients, 41 had severe hypospadias, 9 had epispadias, and 1 had urethral atresia. Graft harvest and placement technique, any resulting complications, and parental satisfaction with cosmetic and functional results were all evaluated. Results. The dermal grafts were harvested from the hairless skin of the inguinal area, using one of two techniques. All were used to fill a tunical defect created by incising the tunica at the point of maximal penile curvature. No complications or postoperative hospitalizations resulted from any of the orthoplasty procedures. At a mean follow-up of 27 months, all patients had excellent cosmetic and functional results. Conclusions. In patients with significant residual chordee, a dermal graft is our preferred method of penile orthoplasty. This technique provides a straight phallus with a very minimal complication rate, it can easily and successfully be performed as an outpatient procedure, and it has assured an excellent cosmetic and functional result.
1374 PHENYLEPHRINE INFUSION AS A MODEL FOR THE HEMODYNAMIC SEQUELAE OF GROUP B BETA STREP (GBS) BACTEREMIA IN THE NEWBORN PIGLET

1374 PHENYLEPHRINE INFUSION AS A MODEL FOR THE HEMODYNAMIC SEQUELAE OF GROUP B BETA STREP (GBS) BACTEREMIA IN THE NEWBORN PIGLET
Multiple nucleotide preferences determine cleavage site recognition by the HIV-1 and M-MuLV RNases H

The RNase H activity of reverse transcriptase is required during retroviral replication and represents a potential target in antiviral drug therapies. Sequence features flanking a cleavage site influence the three types of retroviral RNase H activity: internal, DNA 3'-end-directed, and RNA 5'-end-directed. Using the reverse transcriptases of HIV-1 (human immunodeficiency virus type 1) and Moloney murine leukemia virus (M-MuLV), we evaluated how individual base preferences at a cleavage site direct retroviral RNase H specificity. Strong test cleavage sites (designated as between nucleotide positions -1 and +1) for the HIV-1 and M-MuLV enzymes were introduced into model hybrid substrates designed to assay internal or DNA 3'-end-directed cleavage, and base substitutions were tested at specific nucleotide positions. For internal cleavage, positions +1, -2, -4, -5, -10, and -14 for HIV-1 and positions +1, -2, -6, and -7 for M-MuLV significantly affected RNase H cleavage efficiency, while positions -7 and -12 for HIV-1 and positions -4, -9, and -11 for M-MuLV had more modest effects. DNA 3'-end-directed cleavage was influenced substantially by positions +1, -2, -4, and -5 for HIV-1 and positions +1, -2, -6, and -7 for M-MuLV. Cleavage-site distance from the recessed end did not affect sequence preferences for M-MuLV reverse transcriptase. Based on the identified sequence preferences, a cleavage site recognized by both HIV-1 and M-MuLV enzymes was introduced into a sequence that was otherwise resistant to RNase H. The isolated RNase H domain of M-MuLV reverse transcriptase retained sequence preferences at positions +1 and -2 despite prolific cleavage in the absence of the polymerase domain. The sequence preferences of retroviral RNase H likely reflect structural features in the substrate that favor cleavage and represent a novel specificity determinant to consider in drug design.
Ca2+-activated potassium channels and ATP-sensitive potassium channels as modulators of vascular tone

Membrane hyperpolarization through activation of potassium channels in arterial smooth muscle appears to be an effective mechanism to dilate arteries. Conversely, membrane depolarization through inhibition of potassium channels can lead to vasoconstriction. Here, I briefly review the roles of Ca(2+)-activated K(+) (K(Ca)) channels and ATP-sensitive K(+) (K(ATP)) channels in the control of arterial smooth muscle function. K(Ca) channels regulate arterial tone in response to changes in intravascular pressure and possibly to a variety of vasoconstrictors. K(ATP) channels respond to changes in the cellular metabolic state and are targets of a variety of synthetic and endogenous vasodilators. Copyright � 1993. Published by Elsevier Inc.
Clostridium difficile-associated ileocecitis in clindamycin-treated infant hamsters

Infant hamsters, four days of age or older, developed aClostridium difficile-associated ileocecitis following clindamycin administration, whereas non-antibiotic-treated infant hamsters and hamsters less than four days old given clindamycin were asymptomatically colonized withC. difficile. The incidence of lethality among clindamycin-treated infant hamsters increased with age of the animals, such that all adult hamsters given clindamycin died within 72 h of treatment. Adult hamsters given clindamycin had significantly higher titers of cytotoxin throughout the intestinal tract compared with infant hamsters given clindamycin.
Gambare, Amae, and Giri: A cultural explanation for Japanese children's success in mathematics

Abstract This article discusses a new conceptual framework to explain the differential success of Japanese children in math learning based on Stevenson and Stigler's effort versus ability model. In this article, we have argued that the Japanese effort (or gambare) model needs to be examined in a proper social context. Namely, in order to explain how and why Japanese children exert their efforts in academic pursuits, two other interrelated Japanese concepts, amae (dependence) and giri (obligation) need to be considered. It is our contention that these two elements are a sine qua non for the Japanese effort model. We hope that this article will provide a new dimension to the existing cross-cultural studies on math learning, and in particular, on U.S. versus Japanese comparative studies.
Phase II trial of bevacizumab + cetuximab + cisplatin with concurrent intensity-modulated radiation therapy for patients with stage III/IVB head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

Background The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of the addition of 2 monoclonal antibodies, bevacizumab and cetuximab, to 2 cycles of high-dose cisplatin administered concurrently with intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Methods Patients with newly diagnosed stage III/IVB (M0) HNSCC received cetuximab (400 mg/m2 loading dose, followed by 250 mg/m2 weekly), bevacizumab (15 mg/kg, days 1 and 22), and cisplatin (50 mg/m2, days 1, 2, 22, and 23) concurrently with IMRT (70 Gy). The primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS). Secondary endpoints were overall survival (OS) and safety and tolerability. Results Among 30 patients enrolled in this study, the primary tumor site was the oropharynx in 24 patients (p16 immunohistochemistry was positive in 17, negative in 1, and not done in 6 of the oropharyngeal tumors). Median age was 57 years (range, 38–77 years) and 27 patients had clinical stage IVA disease. All patients completed the full planned dose of radiation therapy. The most common ≥ grade 3 adverse events were lymphopenia, mucositis (functional), and dysphagia. With a median follow-up of 33.8 months, 2-year PFS was 88.5% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 68.1–96.1) and 2-year OS was 92.8% (95% CI = 74.2–98.1). Conclusion The addition of bevacizumab and cetuximab to 2 cycles of cisplatin, given concurrently with IMRT, was well-tolerated and was associated with favorable efficacy outcomes in this patient population. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2015
Personalized medicine in patients with Osteogenesis imperfecta

Results With this change of therapy we were able to reduce bone resorption to the normal range [2]. After two years of treatment both patients show an increase of bone mineral density of the lumbar spine with a z-score from – 2.4 to -2.0 and -4.3 to 2.5 respectively and an increase of projected vertebral area L2 – L4 [mm2] from 1670 to 2152 and from 1424 to 1528. No severe side effects were seen and the drop of serum calcium after the subcutaneous injection could be treated by oral calcium supplementation. Conclusion Clinical observation and molecular analysis lead to a new understanding of OI VI and to a more specific therapeutic approach. The new therapy resulted in a better therapeutic effect and is a striking example of a fast transfer from basic research to therapeutic use.
Exposure to Community Violence and Post‐Traumatic Stress Symptoms: Mediating Factors

Children's perceptions of safety and family conflict were examined as mediators of the relation between exposure to community violence and post-traumatic stress symptoms. Results indicated that exposure to community violence was related to perceptions of decreased neighborhood safety and increased family conflict, and that this, in turn, mediated the impact of violence exposure on children's post-traumatic stress symptoms. Implications for research are discussed.
Grappling with Groups: Protecting Collective Interests in Biomedical Research

Strategies for protecting historically disadvantaged groups have been extensively debated in the context of genetic variation research, making this a useful starting point in examining the protection of social groups from harm resulting from biomedical research. We analyze research practices developed in response to concerns about the involvement of indigenous communities in studies of genetic variation and consider their potential application in other contexts. We highlight several conceptual ambiguities and practical challenges associated with the protection of group interests and argue that protectionist strategies developed in the context of genetic research will not be easily adapted to other types of research in which social groups are placed at risk. We suggest that it is this set of conceptual and practical issues that philosophers, ethicists, and others should focus on in their efforts to protect identifiable social groups from harm resulting from biomedical research.
Cryogenic sampling for aniline vapor with subsequent liquid chromatography-electrochemical detection analysis

Abstract A cryogenic sampler for aniline vapors was evaluated by collecting samples of 10 ppm aniline in air and directly analyzing the collected aniline by liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection. The cryogenic sampler achieved nearly 100% collection and recovery efficiency, with a detection limit of ≈ 4 parts-per-billion (109) aniline in air for a sample collected at 10 cm3/min for 40 s in a 200-μl stainless-steel loop at — 10°C. About 5 min was necessary to dissolve the trapped aniline into 200 μl of a mobile phase desorbing solution at 20°C.
The effects of scope condition-based participant exclusion on experimental outcomes in expectation states research: A meta-analysis

Abstract Expectation states theory employs several scope statements to specify the situational conditions that must be met for any test of the theory to be considered valid ( Foschi, 1997 ). Collective orientation and task orientation are two scope conditions that researchers frequently implement as selection criteria for a participant’s inclusion in an analytic sample. Although excluding participants who fail to meet scope conditions is theoretically consistent, researchers have yet to establish how this practice affects experimental outcomes. I employ meta-analysis to compare studies within the expectation states tradition in which participants are excluded for failure to meet scope conditions to studies in which no similar exclusions are made. Results suggest that studies that exclude participants for scope violations demonstrate a decreased baseline tendency to reject influence. I contend that adopting a more universal approach to the measurement and application of scope conditions would be methodologically and theoretically beneficial to expectation states research.
Pomc to the Rescue

Obesity has reached epidemic proportions, affecting the health of more than one-third of U.S. adults and 17% of children and adolescents. Prior studies suggest that chronic obesity may trigger compensatory physiological responses that promote the state of constant positive energy balance. Although
Modeling Seismic Wave Propagation In Granular Rock

We present a numerical approach for modeling seismic wave propagation i granular ock. Grains of arbitrsry shape and size are assembled in a packing. The contacts between individual grains are characterized by a contact stiffness which can be real or complex. The surfaces of the grains are divided into boundary elements and the response of the entire grain packing is determined using a dynamic boundary integral equation method.
TLR9 bone marrow chimeric mice define a role for cerebral TNF in neuroprotection induced by CpG preconditioning

Systemic preconditioning with the TLR9 ligand CpG induces neuroprotection against brain ischemic injury through a tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-dependent mechanism. It is unclear how systemic administration of CpG engages the brain to induce the protective phenotype. To address this, we created TLR9-deficient reciprocal bone marrow chimeric mice lacking TLR9 on either hematopoietic cells or radiation-resistant cells of nonhematopoietic origin. We report that wild-type mice reconstituted with TLR9-deficient hematopoietic cells failed to show neuroprotection after systemic CpG preconditioning. Further, while hematopoietic expression of TLR9 is required for CpG-induced neuroprotection it is not sufficient to restore protection to TLR9-deficient mice that are reconstituted with hematopoietic cells bearing TLR9. To determine whether the absence of protection was associated with TNF, we examined TNF levels in the systemic circulation and the brain. We found that although TNF is required for CpG preconditioning, systemic TNF levels did not correlate with the protective phenotype. However, induction of cerebral TNF mRNA required expression of TLR9 on both hematopoietic and nonhematopoietic cells and correlated with neuroprotection. In accordance with these results, we show the therapeutic potential of intranasal CpG preconditioning, which induces brain TNF mRNA and robust neuroprotection with no concomitant increase in systemic levels of TNF.
Toddlers’ acceptance of whole maize meal porridge fortified with Ferrous Bisglycinate

Abstract Consumer acceptance of maize fortified with ferrous bisglycinate (BIS), and with or without the antioxidant BHA, was measured in forty toddlers (6–24 months) and their mothers, as part of a research project investigating the suitability of BIS for use as an iron fortificant in developing countries. Porridge was prepared from unfortified maize (CTRL), or maize meal fortified with 30 mg/kg iron as BIS, with or without 50 ppm BHA, and stored at 30 °C for 20 days. Toddlers (responses interpreted by the mothers) and their mothers evaluated the porridges in triplicate on a 9-point hedonic scale, in a double-blind, randomized design. In toddlers, no significant differences were found among the porridges for overall liking. Means for the three porridges were >7.0, indicating a general liking of the porridge, regardless of treatment. As expected, parents preferred the control porridge, followed by BIS+BHA ( p
Health evaluation of a pronghorn antelope population in Oregon.

During 1996 and 1997, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service conducted a study to determine the cause(s) of population decline and low survival of pronghorn antelope (Antilocapra americana) fawns on Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge (HMNAR) located in southeastern Oregon (USA). As part of that study, blood, fecal, and tissue samples from 104 neonatal fawns, 40 adult does, and nine adult male pronghorns were collected to conduct a health evaluation of the population. Physiological parameters related to nutrition and/or disease were studied. No abnormalities were found in the complete blood cell counts of adults (n = 40) or fawns (n = 44 to 67). Serum total protein and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels were lower compared to other pronghorn populations. Does had mean BUN values significantly lower (P < 0.001) in December 1996 than March 1997. Serum copper (Cu) levels in does (range 0.39 to 0.74 ppm) were considered marginal when compared to domestic animals and other wild ungulates. Fawns had low (0.28 ppm)...
8 Echocardiography in aortic disease

Transoesophageal echocardiography has rapidly become an important diagnostic modality for patients with aortic atherosclerosis or aortic dissection. Use of this modality can help direct patients to proper therapeutic modalities. This paper will review the role of transoesophageal echocardiography in these disease processes.
Why I chose psychiatry

‘Most of you will become GPs’, said the smooth lecturer, himself a consultant, a word which once meant Great Beast of the Swamplands. But gene dilution diminished its potency; thus it begat consultant nurse, consultant physiotherapist, consultant (car sales) and consultant hospital cardiac
THE USE OF HERBS AND DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS IN GYNECOLOGY: AN EVIDENCE-BASED REVIEW

Consumers frequently use herbs and dietary supplements to treat chronic conditions that are poorly responsive to prescription drugs or when prescription drugs carry a high side effect burden. Women may use herbs and supplements for chronic gynecologic conditions, such as menopause, premenstrual syndrome, dysmenorrhea, cyclic mastalgia, and infertility. This review is an evidence-based evaluation of herbs and supplements for these conditions. Therapies that carry a higher level of support from randomized controlled trial evidence include black cohosh for menopause; vitamins B1 and E for dysmenorrhea; calcium, vitamin B6, and chasteberry for premenstrual syndrome; and chasteberry for cyclic mastalgia. There were too few trials involving herbs and supplements in infertility to warrant a solid recommendation, but chasteberry, antioxidants, and Fertility Blend have some preliminary support. Midwives may want to consider these alternatives in addition to more traditional treatment options when meeting with patients.