cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Changes in family leisure functioning following a family camp for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

The purpose of this study was to examine the immediate and long-term effect of participation in a family camp designed specifically for families with a child with ASD. The variables studied were family recreation, family recreation satisfaction, family communication, satisfaction with family function, and satisfaction with family life, as reported by the parents. Findings indicated changes in family functioning, family communication, satisfaction with family function, and satisfaction with family life. The trend analyses indicated the parents reported a general increase in satisfaction with their family function and family life, and a statistically significant increase was observed in satisfaction with family life (p = .045). These findings partially support previous research demonstrating that increased parental involvement has a positive effect on parental and family well-being for families with a child with ASD. Implications for recreational therapy practice in providing interventions for families with a child with ASD and future research are discussed. Subscribe to TRJ
Abstract 4935: T-DM1-resistant cells gain high invasive activity via EGFR and integrin cooperated pathways

Ado-trastuzumab emtansine (T-DM1) is an antibody-drug conjugate developed to treat trastuzumab-resistant cancer. Despite initial favorable outcomes, most patients eventually cease to respond by developing acquired resistance to T-DM1. Currently, there is no targeted therapy to treat T-DM1-resistant cancer. To explore novel therapeutic targets to overcome T-DM1 resistance, we generated T-DM1-resistant cells using trastuzumab-resistant JIMT1 cells. We found that the loss of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) confers T-DM1 resistance, which in turn activates a compensatory mechanism that increases epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) expression. Upregulation of EGFR increases the protein levels of α5β1 integrin, resulting in enhanced motility and invasion of T-DM1-resistant cells. However, silencing β1 integrin expression by siRNA or β1 integrin blockage induced by an inhibitory antibody, MAB 13, significantly increases invasion of T-DM1-resistant cells. The discovery of functional cooperation between EGFR and integrin in regulating cell growth and invasion provides an opportunity to develop novel therapeutic strategy by dual-targeting EGFR and specific integrin to overcome T-DM1 resistance. We now try to identify downstream molecules involved in the increased invasion using next generation sequencing (NGS) technology in β1 integrin-deficient T-DM1 resistant cells. Citation Format: Yukinori Endo, Zachary Olson, Wen Jin Wu. T-DM1-resistant cells gain high invasive activity via EGFR and integrin cooperated pathways [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research 2020; 2020 Apr 27-28 and Jun 22-24. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2020;80(16 Suppl):Abstract nr 4935.
Upregulation of polycistronic microRNA-143 and microRNA-145 in colonocytes suppresses colitis and inflammation-associated colon cancer.

Because ADAM17 promotes colonic tumorigenesis, we investigated potential miRNAs regulating ADAM17; and examined effects of diet and tumorigenesis on these miRNAs. We also examined pre-miRNA process...
Vibration attenuation in wind turbines: A proposed robust pendulum pounding TMD

Abstract A pendulum pounding tuned mass damper (PTMD), based on Hertz contact law, is proposed for vibration suppression in wind turbines. A boundary consisting of viscoelastic material is employed to dissipate energy. A wind turbine equipped with the pendulum PTMD is modeled following the Lagrangian method, to facilitate the numerical study. An example of a 5 MW wind turbine from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) is studied under both harmonic and variable frequency excitations. Optimum values of the dominant parameters of the pendulum PTMD are attained for a wide range of frequency ratios and pounding stiffness, under a variable frequency sinusoidal excitation. The performance of the device is investigated against several parameters including the coefficient of restitution, mass ratio, and stiffness uncertainty in the primary structure. The optimum frequency ratio of the pendulum PTMD can be far different from the corresponding tuned mass damper (TMD). Design charts are developed to enable the selection of optimal device properties, for the minimization of certain optimization objectives. The results show that the proposed pendulum PTMD has higher performance over the corresponding classical TMD, in terms of robustness and capabilities to reduce maximum accelerations and displacements under earthquakes. Overall, the proposed device outperforms the TMD under multiple hazard loadings, and can enhance the dynamic performance, for resilient and sustainable infrastructure.
Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis: A 2020 perspective

Despite recent advancement recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP) remains a rare but challenging benign airway neoplasm In recent years there has been significant shifts in incidence of this disease due to changes in vaccination and prevention for human papilloma virus (HPV) and its related pathology This review will highlight the epidemiology, prevention and treatment of RRP The PubMed database was searched using relevant MeSH terms including “recurrent respiratory papillomatosis ” The titles and abstracts were reviewed to assess relevance and unrelated articles were excluded A full‐text review for select articles was performed, the data and discussions were interpreted and synthesized to create a concise update on the management of RRP With the increasing utilization of the 9‐valent and quadrivalent HPV vaccine in Australia, we have seen a significant decrease in the incidence of RRP Preliminary data in the US shows a similar trend of decreased incidence after implementation of vaccination Single dose Gardasil in developing countries has shown sustained immunization for at least 7 years Preliminary clinical trials and retrospective studies have shown the HPV vaccine may have benefit as a treatment method in addition to prevention for HPV related diseases Bevacizumab (Avastin), a VEGF monoclonal antibody, has shown promise as a systemic treatment for RRP The Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic has affected perioperative management of RRP RRP continues to decline in incidence since the implementation of HPV vaccination Advancement in the medical management including Bevacizumab show promise as an additional option for the management of RRP [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] Copyright of Laryngoscope Investigative Otolaryngology is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use This abstract may be abridged No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract (Copyright applies to all Abstracts )
A cornucopia of research resources for the fourth rodent malaria parasite species.

The study of human malaria caused by species of Plasmodium has undoubtedly been enriched by the use of model systems, such as the rodent malaria parasites originally isolated from African thicket rats. A significant gap in the arsenal of resources of the species that make up the rodent malaria parasites has been the lack of any such tools for the fourth of the species, Plasmodium vinckei. This has recently been rectified by Abhinay Ramaprasad and colleagues, whose pivotal paper published in BMC Biology describes a cornucopia of new P. vinckei ‘omics datasets, mosquito transmission experiments, transfection protocols, and virulence phenotypes, to propel this species firmly into the twenty-first century.
Local deformation rings for GL2 and a Breuil–Mézard conjecture when l≠p.

We compute the deformation rings of two dimensional mod l rep- resentations of Gal(F/F) with fixed inertial type, for l an odd prime, p a prime distinct from l, and F/Qp a finite extension. We show that in this set- ting an analogue of the Breuil–M´ezard conjecture holds, relating the special fibres of these deformation rings to the mod l reduction of certain irreducible representations of GL2(OF ).
EDITORIAL: New Academic Year and New Beginnings

This volume introduces three especially enlightening and astute works that aid in our navigation and understanding of learning technologies. First is Rebecca Smith’s article, which determines that technology is compelling in its ability to increase teacher confidence. The second is by Donna Hess, which exemplifies that instructional design principles backed by a theoretical approach are critical in conceiving compelling foreign language practices. The third, by Megan Motto, establishes that routine practice and contemplation with a coaching peer facilitates more efficient technology use within the classroom. These three papers come to the conclusion that technology within the classroom does not assure achievement unless that technology is used alongside a theoretical and pedagogical foundation. Furthermore, our journal will be undergoing important changes, as I am stepping down as editor and Dr. Gerald Ardito will assume my position in January of 2022.
Photosynthesis and root growth in Spartina alterniflora in relation to root zone aeration

Spartina alterniflora Lois. is a dominant species growing in intermediate and saline marshes of the US Gulf coast and Atlantic coastal marshes. S. alterniflora plants were subjected to a range of soil redox potential (Eh) conditions representing a well aerated to reduced conditions in a rhizotron system under controlled environmental conditions. The low soil Eh resulted in inhibition of root elongation shortly after treatment initiation. Root elongation was reduced as soil Eh approached values below ca. +350 mV. Substantial decrease in root elongation was noted when soil Eh fell below +200 mV. Generally, net photosynthetic rate (PN) decreased as soil Eh was reduced, with substantial reductions in PN found when Eh approached negative values. Average PN was reduced to 87, 64, and 44% of control under +340, +245, and -180 mV treatments, respectively. The reductions in root elongation and PN in response to low soil Eh indicated the adverse effects of low soil Eh on plant functioning and the need for periods of soil aeration that allow plants to resume normal functioning. Thus periods of drainage allowing soil aeration during the growing season appear to be critical to S. alterniflora by providing favorable conditions for root growth and gas exchange with important implications for plant carbon fixation.
Ethnicity and Lottery Ticket Purchase: An Analysis of Florida Lottery Participation

This Florida-based study expels the common misconception that poor minorities purchase a disproportionate amount of lottery tickets when compared to their white counterparts. Lottery participation across race, income, and education levels is analyzed.
The Impact of Climate Change on Agriculture: A Global Perspective

There is growing concern about the prospect of global warming caused by the accumulation of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Several studies address the impact of climate change on the agricultural sector in various countries (Marland, McCarl, and Schneider, 1999). While many of these studies assess the impact of climate change on farm commodity yields and prices, only a few address the problems of rising seawater levels, water supplies, pest dynamics, and energy price increases. This chapter focuses on each of these issues. We present a comprehensive overview of the implications of climate change on agricultural productivity, including changes in yield from increased temperatures, variations in water supply, increased carbon concentration in the atmosphere, pest movement, and other factors. We also address the implications of climate change on water and land resources, in particular, the issues associated with rising water levels. We discuss strategies to slow the pace of global warming, the effects of incentives to conserve energy, and the benefits and institutional changes resulting from the implementation of soil carbon sequestration in farming and agro-forestry. We conclude with a presentation of policy implications for developed and developing countries.
An overview of intracranial aneurysms

Intracranial aneurysms are relatively common, with a prevalence of approximately 4%. Unruptured aneurysms may cause symptoms mainly due to a mass effect, but the real danger is when an aneurysm ruptures, leading to a subarachnoid hemorrhage. Most aneurysms are asymptomatic and will not rupture, but they grow unpredictably and even small aneurysms carry a risk of rupture. Intracranial aneurysms are diagnosed and monitored with imaging including intra-arterial digital subtraction angiography, computed tomography angiography, magnetic resonance angiography, and recently transcranial Doppler ultrasonograpy has been proposed as a potential modality. Treatment options include observation, endovascular coiling, and surgical clipping. This paper will review the epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical presentation, diagnosis, natural history, and management of unruptured saccular intracranial aneurysms.
Modeling the Oxidation Kinetics of Continuous Carbon Fibers in a Ceramic Matrix

Abstract : A finite difference model has been developed and was used to study the oxidation kinetics of carbon fibers exposed by the presence of a through-thickness matrix crack in a ceramic matrix composite. Air was the environment of interest so that the model could be compared to experimental testing. The limiting steps of diffusion controlled and reaction controlled kinetics were investigated by changing the value of the simulated temperature which, in turn corresponds to a change in the diffusion coefficient and reaction rate constant. The reaction rates for the oxidation of carbon fibers were compared to theoretical values and oxidation trends predicted by the model were compared to experimental trends.
Stimulation of Reductive Dechlorination of Tetrachloroethene in Anaerobic Aquifer Microcosms by Addition of Short-Chain Organic Acids or Alcohols

The effect of the addition of common fermentation products on the dehalogenation of tetrachloroethene was studied in methanogenic slurries made with aquifer solids. Lactate, propionate, crotonate, butyrate, and ethanol stimulated dehalogenation activity, while acetate, methanol, and isopropanol did not.
Dielectric-semiconductor interface for high-k gate dielectrics for sub-16nm CMOS technology

Scaling for sub-16 nm CMOS technology requires EOT scaling of gate dielectric beyond 0.7 nm. Various atomic layer deposition (ALD) methods of HfO 2 -based high-k gate dielectrics are currently underway to enhance the dielectric constant and reliability in order to meet the above requirements. In this work we evaluated the interface of samples with cyclic deposition of ALD Hf 1−x Zr x O 2 where the dielectrics were exposed to intermediate slot plane antenna (SPA) Ar plasma (DSDS) or annealing (DADA). Zr addition in HfO 2 seems to modify the charge state of the oxygen vacancy formation. The cyclic SPA plasma exposure further reduces the oxygen vacancy formation because of the film densification. We also studied the High-k/Si interface by varying the Al percentage and distribution in HfO 2 when HfAlO x and HfO 2 are deposited by ALD in a multi-layered structure. Presence of excess Al in the interfacial layer moderately increased the interface state density. It is because of the structure of hafnium aluminum oxide film. Devices with less than 2% Al/(Hf+Al)% showed a resistance to stress. When high-k dielectrics are deposited on high-mobility substrates like Ge and III-V materials the electrical performance in these devices depends on the high-k deposition process, precise selection of deposition parameters, predeposition surface treatments and subsequent annealing temperatures. This work outlines some of the recent developments of EOT scaling of high-k gate dielectrics on Ge and how it impacts the interface.
Knee separation distance and lower extremity kinematics during a drop land: implications for clinical screening.

Context: Excessive knee valgus during dynamic tasks is thought to contribute to lower extremity overuse and traumatic injuries. Clinically, assessments of frontal-plane knee motion typically include measures of the distance between the knees during landing. However, it is not clear how this clinical assessment relates to knee-abduction angle or how it is influenced by the position of the lower extremities in the transverse and frontal planes. Objective: To determine whether normalized knee separation distance (NKSD) is a predictor of knee-abduction angles and to assess the influence of lower extremity transverse-plane and frontal-plane angles on NKSD during a drop land. Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: Motion analysis laboratory. Patients or Other Participants: Twenty-five healthy female athletes. Intervention(s): The frontal-plane distance between the 2- dimensional coordinates of markers over the greater trochanters (intertrochanteric distance), lateral femoral epicondyles (knee separation distan...
Teaching oddity and insertion to Head Start children: An economical cognitive intervention

Two interventions were offered to Head Start preschoolers. Half of the children played numerous learning set games designed to teach the children (1) the oddity principle and (2) how to insert objects into a series. Mastery of these concepts is theoretically an important aspect of school readiness. The other half of the children engaged in the I Can Problem Solve (ICPS) exercises, a program designed to increase the children's competency in recognizing and responding to other people's feelings. The children who played the learning set games became superior at oddity and insertions with manipulable objects, and generalized these games to workbook-like formats resembling those encountered in kindergarten. They also scored higher on the numeracy and memory scales of the McCarthy Scales of Children's Abilities, indicating that mastery of oddity and insertions may have served as foundations for further cognitive growth. The children who participated in the ICPS exercises became superior at creating solutions to interpersonal problems, as measured by the Preschoolers Interpersonal Problem Solving Scale. The differences in the outcomes indicate that both interventions were successful in their own domains. The advantage the cognitive intervention produced on the McCarthy Scales suggests that oddity and insertion abilities may be a foundation in fact as well as in theory for general cognitive growth at this age.
Automated coronary artery calcium scoring from non-contrast CT using a patient-specific algorithm

Non-contrast cardiac CT is used worldwide to assess coronary artery calcium (CAC), a subclinical marker of coronary atherosclerosis. Manual quantification of regional CAC scores includes identifying candidate regions, followed by thresholding and connected component labeling. We aimed to develop and validate a fully-automated, algorithm for both overall and regional measurement of CAC scores from non-contrast CT using a hybrid multi-atlas registration, active contours and knowledge-based region separation algorithm. A co-registered segmented CT atlas was created from manually segmented non-contrast CT data from 10 patients (5 men, 5 women) and stored offline. For each patient scan, the heart region, left ventricle, right ventricle, ascending aorta and aortic root are located by multi-atlas registration followed by active contours refinement. Regional coronary artery territories (left anterior descending artery, left circumflex artery and right coronary artery) are separated using a knowledge-based region separation algorithm. Calcifications from these coronary artery territories are detected by region growing at each lesion. Global and regional Agatston scores and volume scores were calculated in 50 patients. Agatston scores and volume scores calculated by the algorithm and the expert showed excellent correlation (Agatston score: r = 0.97, p < 0.0001, volume score: r = 0.97, p < 0.0001) with no significant differences by comparison of individual data points (Agatston score: p = 0.30, volume score: p = 0.33). The total time was <60 sec on a standard computer. Our results show that fast accurate and automated quantification of CAC scores from non-contrast CT is feasible.
Nonfunctioning interstitial cell carcinoma of testis

Abstract The authors add an additional case to the 13 cases of malignant interstitial cell tumor of the testis previously reported in the literature. It has been thought that the hallmark of metastatic intertitial cell tumor of the testis is endocrinopathy secondary to production of hormones by the tumor. In the case reported here there were no clinical or chemical manifestations of any endocrinopathy, making this case unique.
Dual Alu polymerase chain reaction primers and conditions for isolation of human chromosome painting probes from hybrid cells

A method for rapid and efficient production of chromosome- and chromosome-region specific probes for fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) detectable by simple fluorescent microscopy is described. The procedure is based on simultaneous use of two inter-Alu-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) primers for extraction of highly heterogeneous human DNA from interspecific somatic cell hybrids containing the chromosome regions of interest. Probes so produced do not hybridize to centromeric sequences and simultaneously band the target chromosomes, making them useful for unambiguous identification of chromosomal elements and breakpoints associated with cancer.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome in Children

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), formerly called chronic Epstein-Barr virus syndrome, chronic mononucleosis, and numerous other names, is a symptom complex characterized by marked functional limitation which affects children as well as adults. The symptom complex, physical examination, laboratory evaluation, clinical course, and differential diagnosis are reviewed with particular emphasis upon CFS in children. Management consists of a comprehensive treatment plan including medical, educational, and psychosocial support wiih the aim of reducing both symptom and activity limitation. While etiology is unknown, the use of the term "chronic fatigue syndrome" is appropriate for children with marked functional limitation due to unexplained fatigue who have the associated symptom complex and physical examination findings characteristic of this condition.
A Multiple-Plate Sampler for Aquatic Macroinvertebrates

(1962). A Multiple-Plate Sampler for Aquatic Macroinvertebrates. Transactions of the American Fisheries Society: Vol. 91, No. 4, pp. 420-421.
Possible Mechanism of Blast-Induced Neuronal Damage in Hippocampus May Explain Cognitive Deficits

Traumatic brain injury due to blast exposure is quickly becoming the most frequently seen injury in today’s battlefields. Alterations in cognitive function, such as attention, memory, language and problem solving skills appear to occur as a result of blast-induced TBI. Furthermore, behavioral symptoms such as mood changes, depression, anxiety, impulsiveness and emotional outbursts are associated with blast-induced TBI (Okie et al, 2005). Observed overlaps between symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and TBI confound the differential diagnosis. Thus, soldiers with blast-induced TBI may be substantially under-diagnosed after exposure to blast waves. Animal models of blast-induced TBI are underdeveloped and there is a vital need for blast exposure biomarkers to help effectively diagnosis blast-induced TBI. In this study, we have investigated the mechanisms that underlie cognitive impairment of blast-induced neurotrauma. We have studied the cascade of neurochemical changes within the hippocampus of blast-exposed animals using 1H-Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (1HMRS). Furthermore, we examined changes in TBI protein markers using Western blotting and immunohistochemistry. Results suggest that exposure to blast waves has a significant effect on the hippocampus.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
STAIRSTEP: An interdisciplinary program fo retention and outreach in STEM

Lamar University's Students Advancing through Involvement in Research Student Talent Expansion Program (STAIRSTEP) is designed to increase the number of United States students receiving undergraduate degrees in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). The program's goals are to attract students to STEM, retain them through to graduation, and help them transition to careers or advanced study in STEM. The STAIRSTEP program targets talented “at risk” students who face social and economic barriers that can make it difficult for them to complete degrees in STEM. This includes women and minorities who are underrepresented in STEM, low income and first generation students. It uses recognized strategies from the literature for increasing participation in STEM and implements them in an innovative way. The program has been very successful in its first two years. This paper describes the program's strategies, activities and results achieved during this time. Benefits and challenges of the interdisciplinary approach are discussed, and key elements essential to the program's success are identified.
Vehicle/guideway transmission systems for automated guideway transit

This paper presents a general overview of the guideway communication systems for an automated guideway transit system. The basic functions and requirements of the communication systems are discussed. A variety of transmission media will be discussed. These media consist of third rail, inductive wires, leaky coaxial cables, leaky waveguide, surface waveguide, and radio transmission. The basic characteristics of each transmission medium will be presented. The possible applications of each transmission such as data communications, audio, and video communications will be discussed as well as their limitations. Finally the general design considerations are to be discussed.
Three-Dimensional Culture Alters Primary Cardiac Cell Phenotype

The directed formation of complex three-dimensional (3D) tissue architecture is a fundamental goal in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. The growth of cells in 3D structures is expected to influence cellular phenotype and function, especially relative cell distribution, expression profiles, and responsiveness to exogenous signals; however, relatively few studies have been carried out to examine the effects of 3D reaggregation on cells from critical target organs, like the heart. Accordingly, we cultured primary cardiac ventricular cells in a 3D model system using a serum-free medium to test the hypothesis that expression profiles, multicellular organizational pathways, tissue maturation markers, and responsiveness to hormone stimulation were significantly altered in stable cell populations grown in 3D versus 2D culture. We found that distinct multi-cellular structures formed in 3D in conjunction with changes in mRNA expression profile, up-regulation of endothelial cell migratory pathways, decreases in the expression of fetal genes (Nppa and Ankrd1), and increased sensitivity to tri-iodothyronine stimulation when compared to parallel 2D cultures comprising the same cell populations. These results indicate that the culture of primary cardiac cells in 3D aggregates leads to physiologically relevant alterations in component cell phenotype consistent with cardiac ventricular tissue formation and maturation.
The Rhetoric of Explanation Explanatory Rhetoric from 1850 to the Present

Most rhetorical history has concerned itself with the theory of argumentation discourse as it developed from classical to modern times. This article traces a parallel but much less investigated str...
Gravitational collapse of magnetic neutron stars

Pulsars are presently believed to be rotating neutron stars with frozen-in magnetic fields. Because of the high density of neutron stars, general relativistic effects are important since they effect both the structure and stability of such stars. Besides this, the magnetic field outside the star is also affected. Instead of falling of asr (2+l) as in flat space, it is shown that each magnetic multipole varies as a hypergeometric function of radius. A closed form of these hypergeometric functions is given in terms of Legendre functions of the second kind. If the mass of a neutron star exceeds about 2.4m ⊙, the star becomes unstable and coliapses. For a quasistatically collapsing body, it is shown that the magnetic field seen by a distant observer vanishes as the radius approaches the gravitational radius.
Differential Vicia villosa Agglutinin Reactivity Identifies Three Distinct Dystroglycan Complexes in Skeletal Muscle

Abstract We present evidence for the expression of three α-dystroglycan glycoforms in skeletal muscle cells, including two minor glycoforms marked by either patent or latent reactivity with the N-acetylgalactosamine-specific lectinVicia villosa agglutinin. Both minor glycoforms co-isolated with β-dystroglycan, but not with other dystrophin/utrophin-glycoprotein complex components, suggesting that they may perform distinct or modified cellular functions. We also confirmed that both patent and latent V. villosaagglutinin-reactive α-dystroglycan glycoforms are expressed in C2C12 myotubes. However, we found that the combined effect of saturating concentrations of V. villosa agglutinin and laminin-1 were strictly additive with respect to acetylcholine receptor cluster formation in C2C12 myotubes, which suggests that laminin-1 and V. villosa agglutinin do not compete for the same binding site on the cell surface. Finally, although β-N-acetylhexosaminidase digestion dramatically inhibited agrin-, V. villosa agglutinin-, and laminin-1-induced acetylcholine receptor clustering in C2C12 myotubes, treatment with this enzyme had no effect on the amount of α-dystroglycan that was bound to V. villosa agglutinin-agarose. We conclude that α-dystroglycan is not the V. villosa agglutinin receptor implicated in acetylcholine receptor cluster formation. However, our data provide new support for the hypothesis that different glycoforms of α-dystroglycan may perform distinct functions even within the same cell.
Diabetic keratopathy as a manifestation of peripheral neuropathy

In a study of 102 patients (64 women and 38 men; 63 whites and 39 nonwhites; 77 with adult-onset disease and 25 with juvenile-onset disease), the data, after being adjusted for age, showed that diabetic peripheral neuropathy was associated with diabetic keratopathy. The strongest predictor of both keratopathy and corneal fluorescein staining was vibration perception threshold in the toes (P
A Molecular MoS2 Edge Site Mimic for Catalytic Hydrogen Generation

Inorganic solids are an important class of catalysts that often derive their activity from sparse active sites that are structurally distinct from the inactive bulk. Rationally optimizing activity is therefore beholden to the challenges in studying these active sites in molecular detail. Here, we report a molecule that mimics the structure of the proposed triangular active edge site fragments of molybdenum disulfide (MoS(2)), a widely used industrial catalyst that has shown promise as a low-cost alternative to platinum for electrocatalytic hydrogen production. By leveraging the robust coordination environment of a pentapyridyl ligand, we synthesized and structurally characterized a well-defined Mo(IV)-disulfide complex that, upon electrochemical reduction, can catalytically generate hydrogen from acidic organic media as well as from acidic water.
Evolutionary morphology of the caecilian urogenital system. IV. The cloaca.

The gross and microscopic anatomy of male and female cloacae of caecilians (Amphibia: Apoda or Gymnophiona) is described and analyzed in terms of structure and function. The arrangement of musculature and cloacal accessory structures is species-specific in males. Contraction of certain cloacal and body wall musculature facilitates eversion of the male cloaca for use as an intromittent organ. The cloacae of females show less marked morphological differences from species to species, and are modified as receptors of male phallodea.
901-34 Is Avoidance of Cardioversion in the Elderly Warranted?

The prevalence of atrial fibrillation increases markedly with age. Older age (g70 years) has been considered by some as a contraindication for cardioversion. We prospectively identified 183 patients with a diagnosis of atrial fibrillation who were admitted to the Beth Israel Hospital between June 1990 and January 1994. The study group ranged from 29 to 96 years in age, with a mean age of 72 ± 14 years. The clinically estimated duration of atrial fibrillation was known in 57% of patients and ranged from 1 to 913 days. Results Cardioversion, either pharmacological or DC electrical was attempted in 115 (63%) of patients. Of the remainder, 17 spontaneously converted to sinus rhythm, 3 were found to have a left atrial clot on trans-esophagtal echocardiography prior to planned cardioversion and 4 died before cardioversion could be considered. The attending physician chose rate control alone in 44 patients. The age of patients who had cardioversion attempted was significantly younger (70.0 ± 14.2 years) as compared with the group in which cardioversion was not attempted (75.5 ± 12.8 years; p = 0 01). However, in the group who were successfully cardioverted pharmacologically (n = 34), the mean age was older (74.8 ± 15.2 years), as compared with those who failed pharmacological cardioversion (67.4 ± 13.2 years; p = 0.01). There was no age difference between those who responded to electrical cardioversion. In patients less than seventy years, the average duration of atrial fibrillation was 46 ± 75 days, while in those over seventy it was 45 ± 131 days(p = NS). Conclusion Aged patients with atrial fibrillation are less likely to have cardioversion attempted, yet pharmacologic cardioversion is more likely to be successful. These data suggest the presence of an inappropriate reluctance to attempt cardioversion in the elderly.
Fine-needle aspiration diagnosis of ectopic thyroid: Report of one case

Fine-needle aspiration (FNA) of a mass of the floor of the mouth in a teenage woman showed many foamy and pigmented histiocytes, cholesterol crystals, and few sheets of follicular cells with paravacuolar granules and cytoplasmic flares. The cytologic findings were consistent with adenomatous thyroid tissue. This was confirmed by subsequent surgical excision and histologic diagnosis of the surgical specimen. The differential diagnosis and value of preoperative diagnosis by FNA of lesions of the floor of the mouth in general and ectopic thyroid in particular, are briefly discussed.
Nonlinear effect of uniaxial pressure on superconductivity in CeCoIn 5

We study single-crystal CeCoIn${}_{5}$ with uniaxial pressure up to 3.97 kbar applied along the $c$ axis. We find a nonlinear dependence of the superconducting transition temperature ${T}_{c}$ on pressure, with a maximum close to 2 kbar. The transition also broadens significantly as pressure increases. We discuss the temperature dependence in terms of the general trend that ${T}_{c}$ decreases in anisotropic heavy-fermion compounds as they move toward three-dimensional behavior.
Pitfalls in the Drug Approval Process: Dose-Effect, Experimental Design, and Risk-Benefit Issues:

Delays in the approval of new drugs are often due to the failure of pharmaceutical sponsors to address particular scientific issues necessary to the preparation of adequate labeling. This may result in the issuance of extensive deficiency letters which prolong review of applications by The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and hence, drug development. The purpose of this paper is to outline the most common problems or pitfalls in drug development which often contribute to these delays. Some of the more common pitfalls are: (a) failure to adequately characterize dose-effect relationships; (b) designing experiments which do not address proposed indications and/or developing clinical plans which become overextended; and (c) failure to adequately address risk-benefit issues. It is concluded that attention be payed to these variables early on in drug development. A formalized developmental plan which incorporates dose-response studies, specifics of the experimental designs of pivotal studies and a risk-benefi...
DIRECT CYCLIC AMP (cAMP) STIMULATION OF RENAL VASODILATION IS GREATER IN FETAL (F) COMPARED TO NEWBORN AND ADULT (A) SHEEP

We have previously demonstrated increased β-adrenoceptor mediated renal vasodilation in F compared to N and A sheep. The intra-cellular mechanism mediating this age-dependent β-adrenergic difference was studied by infusing forskolin, a direct stimulator of adenyl cyclase that bypasses the hormone-receptor interactions, into the renal artery of chronically instrumented F (129-139 days gestation; term 145 days), N (7-14 days), and A sheep to test concentration-dependent vasodilation. % changes (%A) in RBF velocity were measured by doppler flowmeter. Estimated concentration (M) of forskolin in renal blood ranged from 4 × 10−7 to 4 × 10−6 M, 3 × 10−7 to 5 × 10−6 M, and 2 × 10−7 to 3 × 10−6 M, in F, N and A, respectively. %A RBF ranged from 21±4 to 47±6 in F (n=5), 9±1 to 39±4 in N (n=5) and 11±2 to 36±3 in A (n=5), respectively. No difference was found between N and A (p=0.21). However, renal vasodilation was significantly greater in F compared to N and A (p=0.004), with a potency ratio F:N and F:A of 3:1. Results demonstrate: 1) an age-dependent cAMP mediated renal vasodilator mechanism; 2) that forskolin produces increased renal vasodilation in F compared to N and A; and 3) that differences in intra-cellular mechanisms may account in part for changes in renal β-adrenergic responses during development.
AVIVA: a health and fitness monitor for young women

In this paper we describe AVIVA, a prototype health and fitness monitor for young women. The device helps and encourages the user to balance the many aspects of attaining good health, including nutrition, exercise, and the social aspects of health. We describe the process used in developing the AVIVA monitor as well as our final design.
Some Effects of Irradiation and Delayed Amputation upon Regeneration in Tubularia Crocea

Tubularia crocea stems 10 to 15 mm long were cut from colonies and ligated at both ends to prevent regeneration. Observations of unirradiated specimens showed that by 40 hr after cutting all the T. crocea had regenerated. Observation for 7 days after a dose of 150,000 R, showed no regeneration of hydranths. When regeneration was allowed to take place at 22 deg to 24 deg C, a dose of 50,000 R delayed the process by about 1 day in specimens cut at 0 and 1 day after irradiation. Nine of the 10 stems cut at 1 day and 5 cut at 2 days after irradiation regenerated. When regeneration took place at 24 deg to 25 deg C, it was found that 6 of the 10 stems cut at one day and 2 of those cut at 2 days regenerated. Stems cut immediately after irradiation showed regeneration in 7 out of 10 cases, All controls regenerated, though at the higher temperature many of the controls and irradiated specimens fuiled to keep their regenerated hydranths, the irradiated stems losing regenerates faster. Some delay was also seen in stems receiving a dose of 5000 R and maintained at 22 deg to 25 degmore » C. Delayed amputation effects were also seen. A 1-day delay after irradiation reduced the number of stems completing regeneration by 10%; 2 days by 40%, and 3 days by 70%. (UK)« less
Regulation of lipid synthesis by low density lipoproteins in cultured skin fibroblasts in homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia.

Abstract The regulation of cholesterol and fatty acid syntheses by low density lipoproteins (LDL) was studied in cultured skin fibroblasts from a normal subject and a subject with homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia the fibroblasts of which had no LDL binding to specific cell surface receptors (receptor negative) and no cholesterol esterifying activity. Assays were done in cells preincubated in media containing lipoprotein-deficient serum (serum A) or serum A delipidated with ether-ethanol (serum B). In homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia cells preincubated in serum B a second preincubation with saturating levels of LDL caused a 34% suppression in acetate incorporation into cholesterol and a 32% reduction of the activity of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase compared to 98 and 93% reduction, respectively, in the normal cell line. In homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia cells grown in 10% fetal calf serum there was an increased incorporation of acetate into total fatty acids as well as into phospholipids and triacylglycerols, indicating a lack of suppression of fatty acid synthesis by medium lipids in the mutant cells. In homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia cells preincubated in serum B a second preincubation with LDL caused a 51% suppression of acetate incorporation into phospholipids compared to 76% in normal cells. Our data indicate that in homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia there is a derangement in the regulation of fatty acid synthesis. It is, however, less marked than the derangement of sterol synthesis. The inhibitory action of LDL both on sterol and fatty acid syntheses in cells that do not show any LDL binding activity by the presently available technique is in contrast to the findings of Goldstein et al. ((1975) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S. 72, 1092–1096) which indicate that LDL has no inhibitory effect in receptor negative cell lines.
Inhibition of lymphocyte transformation by a naturally occurring metabolite: 5′-Methylthioadenosine

Abstract 5′-Methylthioadenosine (MTA), a degradation product of S-adenosylmethionine, inhibits DNA and protein synthesis as well as cellular proliferation in human lymphocyte cultures stimulated with mitogens, antigens, or allogeneic cells. MTA (10−3M) inhibited [3H]Tdy uptake in PHA- or Con A-induced transformation greater than 95%, and inhibited the uptake of both [3H]Tdy and [14C]Leu to the same degree in lymphocytes stimulated with PPD or allogeneic lymphocytes. MTA inhibition was dose dependent, inhibition being lost when exogenous levels reached approximately 10−5M. The inhibitory effects of MTA were not produced by cytotoxicity since MTA-inhibited cells washed free of this compound could be stimulated at least as well as uninhibited cells. Understanding the mode of action of MTA and the mechanisms controlling its metabolism may lead to new approaches for regulating cellular proliferation.
A measurement of Γrad/Γ for the 7.654 MeV state of 12C and the rate of the stellar 3α reaction

Abstract The branching ratio Γrad/Γ for the radiative de-excitation of the 7.654 MeV, 0+ state in 12C has been measured. Coincidences between α-particles from 12C(α, α')12C(7.654 MeV) and recoil 12C ions at the proper energy and angle were the signature of radiative decay. Conservative techniques were used throughout to avoid the need for large corrections. A value, of Γrad/Γ = (3.87±0.25) × 10−4 was obtained in good agreement with other recent results but substantially higher than the previously accepted value of (2.9±0.3) × 10−4. Available results are reviewed and a recommended value of Γrad/gG is presented. The implication of this result for the rate of the 3α process in stellar helium burning is discussed and a recommended reaction rate is presented.
Dissociative photodetachment dynamics of O2− · (H2O)

Photoelectron-photofragment coincidence spectroscopy is employed to study the dissociative photodetachment (DPD) dynamics of S2O2- at 258 nm. Experimental data and theoretical calculations show evidence for photodetachment from a trigonal form of S2O2-. The vertical detachment energy of this isomer was determined to be 3.73 ± 0.02 eV. An upper bound of 2.41 ± 0.14 eV is determined for the enthalpy of the reaction S2O2- → S + SO2 + e- at 0 K. The observed dynamics are interpreted in terms of dissociative photodetachment of S2O2- to S(3P) + SO2(1A1) + e-, S(1D) + SO2(1A1) + e-, and S2(3Σg-) + O2(3Σg-) + e- product channels. The S-atom channels are characterized by a large photofragment kinetic energy release and an anisotropic photofragment angular distribution peaked along the electric vector of the laser. The S2 channel has a low kinetic energy release consistent with elimination of highly vibrationally excited O2 from a strained form of the trigonal isomer.
Targeted molecular dynamics study of C-loop closure and channel gating in nicotinic receptors.

The initial coupling between ligand binding and channel gating in the human α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) has been investigated with targeted molecular dynamics (TMD) simulation. During the simulation, eight residues at the tip of the C-loop in two alternating subunits were forced to move toward a ligand-bound conformation as captured in the crystallographic structure of acetylcholine binding protein (AChBP) in complex with carbamoylcholine. Comparison of apo- and ligand-bound AChBP structures shows only minor rearrangements distal from the ligand-binding site. In contrast, comparison of apo and TMD simulation structures of the nAChR reveals significant changes toward the bottom of the ligand-binding domain. These structural rearrangements are subsequently translated to the pore domain, leading to a partly open channel within 4 ns of TMD simulation. Furthermore, we confirmed that two highly conserved residue pairs, one located near the ligand-binding pocket (Lys145 and Tyr188), and the other located toward the bottom of the ligand-binding domain (Arg206 and Glu45), are likely to play important roles in coupling agonist binding to channel gating. Overall, our simulations suggest that gating movements of the α7 receptor may involve relatively small structural changes within the ligand-binding domain, implying that the gating transition is energy-efficient and can be easily modulated by agonist binding/unbinding.
Application of the theory of two-dimensional spectroscopy to the real-time femtosecond transition state spectroscopy

Abstract This communication presents a theoretical treatment of the real-time femtosecond transition state spectroscopy which has been recently developed by Zewail and co-workers. An application of the theoretical results is presented.