cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cystic fibrosis as a risk factor for recurrent venous thrombosis at a pediatric tertiary care hospital.

Objective To evaluate risk factors for recurrent thrombosis in pediatric patients. Study design This prospective observational cohort study enrolled 120 patients with acute venous thromboembolism from January 2003 to April 2005. Data collection included medical and family history, radiologic and laboratory studies, therapy, and follow-up. Results The overall prevalence of recurrent thrombosis in our cohort was 19/120 (15.8%). Patients with recurrence were older, with a median age of 14.8 years (range 2 weeks-23.6 years), compared with 10.1 years (range newborn 23.4 years) in patients without recurrence ( P = .03). Six of the 19 patients with recurrent thrombosis had cystic fibrosis (CF), compared with 0/101 without recurrence ( P Burkholderia cepacia in their sputum. Central venous catheters were associated with most, but not all, of the thromboses in patients with CF. Conclusions In this study, patients with CF had a high risk of recurrent venous thrombosis, as well as a high prevalence of colonization with B cepacia . The cause of this risk has not been defined. This observation may have important implications for thromboprophylaxis, particularly in the setting of central venous catheters.
Cytosolic redistribution and enhanced accumulation of Cu in gill tissue of Littorina littorea as a result of Cd exposure

Abstract Metallothionein (MT) binds Cd and Cu with differential affinity. The stability constant of Cu-thioneine is approximately two orders of magnitude greater than that of Cd-thioneine. Thus, it may be expected that MT, induced by Cd exposure, may sequester cytosolic Cu in preference to Cd, resulting in a concomitant redistribution of the metal. In this study, two groups of the marine gastropod, Littorina littorea, were exposed to NTA-buffered seawater solutions, which contained equal free-ion activities of Cu but either low or high Cd free-ion activities. ICP-MS analyses of gill-tissue cytosols show an increase in the concentrations of both Cd and Cu upon exposure to high concentrations of Cd. SE-HPLC profiles indicate that Cd is accumulated in a Cd and Cu metal-binding-ligand pool that may contain MT. Furthermore, a redistribution of Cu to this pool from two low-molecular-weight ligand pools is evident. If these results are reflective of the in-vivo situation and Cu is being sequestered from essential Cu-containing enzymes, then MT induction by Cd intoxication may ultimately result in metal-induced toxicity brought about by cellular Cu deficiency.
Status, distribution and conservation of two Madagascar bird species endemic to Lake Alaotra: Delacour's grebe Tachybaptus rufolavatus and Madagascar pochard Aythya innotata

Abstract Lake Alaotra constitutes the biggest lake in Madagascar and holds, almost exclusively, the range of two species of endemic bird, the Madagascar pochard Aythya innotata and Delacour's grebe Tachybaptus rufolavatus, both classified as endangered species. The Madagascar pochard had not been seen since 1971, and Delacour's grebe not since 1962. A survey made during September 1989–March 1990 did not find any evidence of these two species, thus they should be considered on the brink of extinction. However, an adult male Madagascar pochard was caught alive on Lake Alaotra in August 1991 and is currently held in captivity. An investigation of museum collections revealed that these two species are rare in collections and have almost all come from Lake Alaotra. The transformation of the natural habitat of Lake Alaotra for agricultural production, the practice of burning in the heart of aquatic vegetation, pressure of hunting and poaching, and the introduction of exotic species of fish and plants, provide explanations for the disappearance of these two birds. Recommendations to help protect the two species are proposed.
Pediatric otolaryngologists' actions regarding secondhand smoke exposure: Pilot data suggest an opportunity to enhance tobacco intervention

Objective To assess pediatric otolaryngologists' training, actions, and attitudes with respect to patients exposed to secondhand smoke. Study Design Cross-sectional survey. Subjects Pediatric otolaryngologists and senior residents. Methods An anonymous, Web-based survey of pediatric oloaryngologists was designed to capture demographics, tobacco-specific education, actions, and attitudes. Responses were analyzed descriptively and entered into logistic regression models to determine predictors of adherence to the basic tenets of the general pediatrics secondhand smoke exposure–prevention guidelines. Results One hundred-fifteen US physicians completed the survey. Descriptive analysis revealed low levels of training and low levels of tobacco-specific intervention among respondents. Logistic regression models showed that greater tobacco-specific knowledge/education and fewer perceived barriers predicted greater adherence to the basic tenets of the pediatrics guidelines. Conclusion Our pilot study provides preliminary evidence that can guide specific improvements in tobacco-intervention training for pediatric otolaryngologists and residents.
Molecular and Cellular Characterization of the Tomato Pollen Profilin, LePro1

Profilin is an actin-binding protein involved in the dynamic turnover and restructuring of the actin cytoskeleton in all eukaryotic cells. We previously cloned a profilin gene, designated as LePro1 from tomato pollen. To understand its biological role, in the present study, we investigated the temporal and spatial expression of LePro1 during pollen development and found that the transcript was only detected at late stages during microsporogenesis and pollen maturation. Using antisense RNA, we successfully knocked down the expression of LePro1 in tomato plants using stable transformation, and obtained two antisense lines, A2 and A3 showing significant down-regulation of LePro1 in pollen resulting in poor pollen germination and abnormal pollen tube growth. A disorganized F-actin distribution was observed in the antisense pollen. Down-regulation of LePro1 also appeared to affect hydration of pollen deposited on the stigma and arrested pollen tube elongation in the style, thereby affecting fertilization. Our results suggest that LePro1 in conjunction with perhaps other cytoskeletal proteins, plays a regulatory role in the proper organization of F-actin in tomato pollen tubes through promoting actin assembly. Down-regulation of LePro1 leads to interruption of actin assembly and disorganization of the actin cytoskeleton thus arresting pollen tube growth. Based on the present and previous studies, it is likely that a single transcript of profilin gives rise to multiple forms displaying multifunctionality in tomato pollen.
Long-term fracture risk among women with proven endometriosis.

Objective To determine whether women with pelvic endometriosis are at increased fracture risk. Design Historical cohort study. Setting Population-based investigation using the data resources of the Rochester Epidemiology Project. Patient(s) From Olmsted County, Minnesota, 987 women with endometriosis that was first surgically visualized or histologically proven in 1970–1989. Intervention(s) None, observational study. Main Outcome Measure(s) Follow-up for fractures through complete inpatient and outpatient community medical records. Result(s) In 17,408 person-years of follow-up, 256 women experienced 449 different fractures. The cumulative incidence after 20 years (30.8%) was not elevated relative to that expected (30.6%). The independent predictors of any fracture included age (hazard ratio [HR] per 10 years: 1.61; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.42–1.84]), corticosteroid use (HR: 2.78; 95% CI 1.48–5.24), prior hip, spine, or forearm fracture (HR: 1.82; 95% CI 1.10–3.02), and use of the selective estrogen receptor modulators, tamoxifen or raloxifene (HR: 4.34; 95% CI 2.14–8.81); physical activity was protective (HR: 0.40; 95% CI 0.18–0.88). There was no significant influence on fracture risk of surgery or other medical treatments for endometriosis. Conclusion(s) Despite reported adverse effects of treatment on bone density, there was no overall increase in long-term fracture risk in this unselected cohort of women with proven endometriosis.
Increased diagnosis of pulmonary embolism without a corresponding decline in mortality during the CT era.

Aim To determine the association between the increasing computed tomography (CT) use for suspected pulmonary embolism (PE) on the annual rates of PE diagnosis and mortality, using time as a surrogate for CT use. Materials and Methods New York State's (NYS) Statewide Planning and Research Cooperative System (SPARCS) database was used to determine the rate of PE diagnosis and mortality between 1 January 1994 and 31 December 2004. Risk factors for PE were investigated. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed to determine the relationships between variables. Results The study population consisted of 24,871,131 NYS patients. The number of patients with a primary diagnosis of PE nearly doubled over the study period, from 2590 in 1994 to 4920 in 2004, while total admissions remained stable. PE deaths did not vary significantly over time, from 157 in 1994 to 159 in 2004 and did not vary with the diagnoses of PE. Age-adjusted multivariate analysis did not reveal a significant association between the rates of PE diagnosis or mortality and corresponding risk factors. Conclusion This study suggests that the increased use of CT in patients with suspected PE has led to an increase in the diagnosis of PE without a corresponding decline in mortality. Further evidence, using data on individual patients, is needed to determine the appropriate role of CT in evaluating patients with suspected PE.
Quantum mechanical modelling and calculation of two-photon absorption properties of new class ‘Λ’-shaped conjugated molecules

Organic material with high intensity of two-photon absorption (TPA)-induced fluorescence can be used as the up-converter material for photovoltaic devices. In this work, quantum mechanics modelling techniques were applied to theoretically investigate one- and two-photon absorption properties of new ‘Λ’-shaped conjugated molecules. Fluorene and diphenylmethylene analogues as the π centres were chosen for building the π-conjugated bridges to connect the two types of strong electron donors, N,N-diphenylamino and carbazole groups. In these molecular structures, cyano and ketone groups were also selected to modify the π centres as electron acceptors. The TPA cross sections of these derivatives were calculated using two-state, three-state and sum-over-state models, respectively. Geometrical structures of these molecules were optimised using Hartree–Fock theory, and properties of excited states of these molecules were obtained based on configuration interaction with single excitations method. The effects of dono...
Colloquium 9: Structural and Molecular Dissection of the Node of Ranvier

Voltage-gated sodium channels are unique in that they combine action potential conduction with cell adhesion. Mammalian sodium channels are heterotrimers, composed of a central, pore-forming α subunit and two auxiliary β subunits. The α subunits are members of a large gene family containing the voltage-gated sodium, potassium, and calcium channels. Sodium channel α subunits form a gene subfamily with at least 11 members. Mutations in sodium channel α subunit genes have been linked to paroxysmal disorders such as epilepsy, long QT syndrome (LQT), and hyperkalemic periodic paralysis in humans, and motor endplate disease and cerebellar ataxia in mice. Three genes encode the sodium channel β subunits with at least one alternative splice product. Unlike the pore-forming α subunits, the sodium channel β subunits are not structurally related to β subunits of calcium and potassium channels. Sodium channel β subunits are multifunctional. They modulate channel gating and regulate the level of channel expression at the plasma membrane. We have shown that β subunits also function as cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) in terms of interaction with extracellular matrix molecules, regulation of cell migration, cellular aggregation, and interaction with the cytoskeleton. A mutation in SCN1B has been shown to cause GEFS + 1 epilepsy in human families. We propose that the sodium channel signalling complex at nodes of Ranvier involves β subunits as channel modulators as well as CAMs, other CAMs such as neurofascin and contactin, RPTPβ, and extracellular matrix molecules such as tenascin.
Redox Processes of Methionine Relevant to β-Amyloid Oxidation and Alzheimer's Disease

Abstract This minireview gives an overview over the oxidation mechanisms of methionine (Met) relevant for analogous processes which may lead to the oxidation of β-amyloid (βA) peptides. The Cu II -catalyzed oxidation of a C-terminal Met 35 residue in βA peptides may be a key to the known propensities of these peptides to form H 2 O 2 and free radicals. Though the reduction potentials of Cu II and Met would seem unfavorable, there are several structural features of βA, which may promote a one-electron oxidation of Met. The potentially close association of the Met sulfur with the C=O group C-terminal of Ile 31 in the C-terminus of βA may support the formation of an S–O bonded radical cation intermediate. Evidence for such S–O bond formation has recently been obtained for a model, N -acetylmethionine amide. Additional support for a potential catalytic role of an oxygen-containing functional group comes from numerous studies with organic model sulfides.
Local Government Spending and At-Large Versus District Representation; Do Wards Result in More “Pork”?

The issue of at-large versus ward representation has recently again become controversial. Wards are argued to better represent minorities, both ethnic and preference. However, an opposing argument is that wards encourage spending. It is suggested that one reason for this is that, with ward representation, a coalition can be put together to exploit other areas of the city. This question is tested empirically and it is found that spending, debt, and taxes are both significantly and substantially higher in cities where ward representatives have greater power than in cities where at-large representatives have the greater power. It is conjectured that this same effect results in higher state and federal expenditures than would be desired by the majority of voters.
Accurate measurement of out-of-plane particle displacement from the cross correlation of sequential digital in-line holograms

A new method to quantify three-dimensional particle fields using digital in-line holography is presented. From sequentially recorded holograms, the maximum cross correlation of edge sharpness within local particle windows yields an accurate measurement of particle displacements. Experiments demonstrate out-of-plane displacement uncertainty of approximately 0.15 mean particle diameters, which is roughly an order-of-magnitude improvement compared with alternative methods. Application to shotgun pellets demonstrates robustness despite experimental noise.
Melon bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) library construction using improved methods and identification of clones linked to the locus conferring resistance to melon Fusarium wilt (Fom-2).

Utilizing improved methods, two bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) libraries were constructed for the multidisease-resistant line of melon MR-1. The HindIII library consists of 177 microtiter pl...
Integration of Workflow Partitioning and Resource Provisioning

The recent increased use of workflow management systems by large scientific collaborations presents the challenge of scheduling large-scale workflows onto distributed resources. This work aims to partition large-scale scientific workflows in conjunction with resources provisioning to reduce the workflow make span and resource cost.
Vasopressin-mediated mitogenic signaling in intestinal epithelial cells.

The role of G protein-coupled receptors and their ligands in intestinal epithelial cell signaling and proliferation is poorly understood. Here, we demonstrate that arginine vasopressin (AVP) induce...
Using partial least squares regression to analyze cellular response data.

This Teaching Resource provides lecture notes, slides, and a problem set for a lecture introducing the mathematical concepts and interpretation of partial least squares regression (PLSR) that were part of a course entitled “Systems Biology: Mammalian Signaling Networks.” PLSR is a multivariate regression technique commonly applied to analyze relationships between signaling or transcriptional data and cellular behavior.
Improved Customer Service Using RFID Technology

Customer service is an important aspect of the service supply chain. Radio frequency identification (RFID) can be used to improve customer service in the service supply chain. This paper examines the use of RFID in the service supply chain by examining case studies and illustrating RFID usage with respect to both internal and external customer service.
Transient simulation of millimeter-wave circuits incorporating numerical device modeling

A fast convolution-based computational approach is employed to integrate numerical solid-state device simulation with nonlinear millimeter-wave circuit simulation. Unlike previous combined harmonic-balance/device approaches, the high-frequency circuit/physical device response is allowed to evolve in time to its natural steady-state mode of operation, permitting insight into harmonic and parametric energy exchange, stability, load pulling, and frequency tuning effects. To demonstrate this computationally efficient approach, a second-harmonic 150-GHz transferred electron oscillator is simulated using both conventional Gunn and novel stable-depletion-layer InP devices. The integrated device/circuit simulations in the time domain enable us to investigate the formation and buildup of the oscillation modes in detail.
Molecular Characterization of the α-Glucosidase Gene (malA) from the Hyperthermophilic Archaeon Sulfolobus solfataricus

Acidic hot springs are colonized by a diversity of hyperthermophilic organisms requiring extremes of temperature and pH for growth. To clarify how carbohydrates are consumed in such locations, the structural gene (malA) encoding the major soluble a-glucosidase (maltase) and flanking sequences from Sulfolobus solfataricus were cloned and characterized. This is the first report of an a-glucosidase gene from the archaeal domain. malA is 2,083 bp and encodes a protein of 693 amino acids with a calculated mass of 80.5 kDa. It is flanked on the 5* side by an unusual 1-kb intergenic region. Northern blot analysis of the malA region identified transcripts for malA and an upstream open reading frame located 5* to the 1-kb intergenic region. The malA transcription start site was located by primer extension analysis to a guanine residue 8 bp 5* of the malA start codon. Gel mobility shift analysis of the malA promoter region suggests that sequences 3* to position 233, including a consensus archaeal TATA box, play an essential role in malA expression. malA homologs were detected by Southern blot analysis in other S. solfataricus strains and in Sulfolobus shibatae, while no homologs were evident in Sulfolobus acidocaldarius, lending further support to the proposed revision of the genus Sulfolobus. Phylogenetic analyses indicate that the closest S. solfataricus a-glucosidase homologs are of mammalian origin. Characterization of the recombinant enzyme purified from Escherichia coli revealed differences from the natural enzyme in thermostability and electrophoretic behavior. Glycogen is a substrate for the recombinant enzyme. Unlike maltose hydrolysis, glycogen hydrolysis is optimal at the intracellular pH of the organism. These results indicate a unique role for the S. solfataricus a-glucosidase in carbohydrate metabolism.
The Intermediate-Period Cepheid Strip Stars

To explore the population of variable stars that fall between RR Lyrae stars and classical Cepheids, we have obtained extensive photometric observations for 56 stars with periods between 0.6 and 1.0 days. For these stars and an additional 10, we have examined the form and stability of the light curves to explore the variety of types of stars in this period regime. We conclude that the majority of the sample are Bailey type ab RR Lyrae stars. However, a surprising number that possibly exhibit the Blazhko effect are found. There are a half-dozen other stars that do not appear to be in either of these two groups. One is the well-known multimode pulsator AC And. We suggest that two of the others may be anomalous Cepheids and two may be type II Cepheids.
The clinical challenge of preventing sudden cardiac death immediately after acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction.

Unfortunately, of all patients experiencing acute myocardial infarction (MI), usually in the form of ST-elevation MI, 25–35% will die of sudden cardiac death (SCD) before receiving medical attention, most often from ventricular fibrillation. For patients who reach the hospital, prognosis is considerably better and has improved over the years. Reperfusion therapy, best attained with primary percutaneous coronary intervention compared to thrombolysis, has made a big difference in reducing the risk of SCD early and late after ST-elevation MI. In-hospital SCD due to ventricular tachyarrhythmias is manageable, with either preventive measures or drugs or electrical cardioversion. There is general agreement for secondary prevention of SCD post-MI with implantation of a cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) when malignant ventricular arrhythmias occur late (>48 h) after an MI, and are not due to reversible or correctable causes. The major challenge remains that of primary prevention, that is, how to prevent SCD during...
Adjuvant Therapy for Rectal Cancer

Background: Adjuvant therapy is an integral component in the management of rectal cancer. Two broad approaches have been used: preoperative and postoperative. Although there are relative advantages and disadvantages of each approach, investigators from Scandinavia, Great Britain, the Netherlands, and other selected European countries advocate preoperative radiation therapy, most commonly delivered with an intensive short course (25 Gy in 5 treatments followed by surgery one week later), without chemotherapy. In contrast, most investigators in North America have advocated the postoperative approach with conventional radiation and 5-FU-based chemotherapy. Methods: Our own results and the relevant literature regarding adjuvant and neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy for rectal cancer are reviewed with an emphasis on clinical management and future directions. Results: More recently, in North America as well as in an increasing number of European and South American countries, there has been a shift toward preoperative combined modality therapy. This shift is based on data that suggest less acute toxicity and an increase in sphincter preservation with preoperative compared with postoperative combined modality therapy. Conclusions: There is still much controversy regarding the ideal sequencing (preoperative vs. postoperative), techniques (intensive short course vs. conventional course), and the use of concurrent chemotherapy in rectal cancer. Randomized trials should provide a definitive answer to these questions within the next few years. Phase I/II trials examining the use of new chemotherapeutic agents in combination with pelvic radiation therapy are in progress.
Regulation of human 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 by adrenal corticosteroids and product-feedback by androstenedione in human adrenarche

In human adrenarche during childhood, the secretion of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) from the adrenal gland increases due to its increased synthesis and/or decreased metabolism. DHEA is synthesized by 17α-hydroxylase/17,20-lyase, and is metabolized by 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 (3βHSD2). In this study, the inhibition of purified human 3βHSD2 by the adrenal steroids, androstenedione, cortisone, and cortisol, was investigated and related to changes in secondary enzyme structure. Solubilized, purified 3βHSD2 was inhibited competitively by androstenedione with high affinity, by cortisone at lower affinity, and by cortisol only at very high, nonphysiologic levels. When purified 3βHSD2 was bound to lipid vesicles, the competitive Ki values for androstenedione and cortisone were slightly decreased, and the Ki value of cortisol was decreased 2.5-fold, although still at a nonphysiologic level. The circular dichroism spectrum that measured 3βHSD2 secondary structure was significantly altered by the binding of cortisol, but not by androstenedione and cortisone. Our import studies show that 3βHSD2 binds in the intermitochondrial space as a membrane-associated protein. Androstenedione inhibits purified 3βHSD2 at physiologic levels, but similar actions for cortisol and cortisone are not supported. In summary, our results have clarified the mechanisms for limiting the metabolism of DHEA during human adrenarche.
Effect of creatine supplementation on body composition and performance: a meta-analysis.

Background: Creatine supplementation (CS) has been reported to increase body mass and improve performance in high-intensity, short-duration exercise tasks. Research on CS, most of which has come into existence since 1994, has been the focus of several qualitative reviews, but only one meta-analysis, which was conducted with a limited number of studies. Purpose: This study compared the effects of CS on effect size (ES) for body composition (BC) variables (mass and lean body mass), duration and intensity (≤30 s, [ATP-PCr = A]; 30‐150 s [glycolysis = G]; >150 s, [oxidative phosphorylation = O]) of the exercise task, type of exercise task (single, repetitive, laboratory, field, upper-body, lowerbody), CS duration (loading, maintenance), and subject characteristics (gender, training status). Methods: A search of MEDLINE and SPORTDiscus using the phrase “creatine supplementation” revealed 96 English-language, peer-reviewed papers (100 studies), which included randomized group formation, a placebo control, and human subjects who were blinded to treatments. ES was calculated for each body composition and performance variable. Results: Small, but significant (ES > 0, p ≤ .05) ES were reported for BC (n = 163, mean ± SE = 0.17 ± 0.03), ATP-PCr (n = 17, 0.24 ± 0.02), G (n = 135, 0.19 ± 0.05), and O (n = 69, 0.20 ± 0.07). ES was greater for change in BC following a loading-only CS regimen (0.26 ± 0.03, p = .0003) compared to a maintenance regimen (0.04 ± 0.05), for repetitive-bout (0.25 ± 0.03, p = .028) compared to single-bout (0.18 ± 0.02) exercise, and for upper-body exercise (0.42 ± 0.07, p < .0001) compared to lower (0.21 ± 0.02) and total body (0.13 ± 0.04) exercise. ES for laboratorybased tasks (e.g., isometric/isotonic/isokinetic exercise, 0.25 ± 0.02) were greater (p = .014) than those observed for field-based tasks (e.g., running, swimming, 0.14 ± 0.04). There were no differences in BC or performance ES between males and females or between trained and untrained subjects. Conclusion: ES was greater for changes in lean body mass following short-term CS, repetitivebout laboratory-based exercise tasks ≤ 30 s (e.g., isometric, isokinetic, and isotonic resistance exercise), and upper-body exercise. CS does not appear to be effective in improving running and swimming performance. There is no evidence in the literature of an effect of gender or training status on ES following CS.
Relative Quantitation in Single-Cell Metabolomics by Laser Ablation Electrospray Mass Spectrometry

Single-cell analysis of metabolites by mass spectrometry (MS) is challenging due to the very limited volume and inherent molecular complexity of the sample. Quantitative metabolomic analysis of individual cells provides information on the metabolic heterogeneity of cells unattainable by aggregate analysis of multiple cells. Depending on the ionization method, MS can offer quantitative analysis for a broad class of metabolites exhibiting both high sensitivity and selectivity. Laser ablation electrospray ionization (LAESI) has been successfully exploited to analyze metabolites from broad range of biological samples, including single cells and small cell populations. In this work, we describe a protocol for the relative quantitation of metabolites in single cells by LAESI-mass spectrometry.
Maternal ethanol consumption induces transient compensatory hyperplasia of developing cardiac tissue in the neonatal rat

The effect of continuous exposure to ethanol in utero and postpartum on growth and cell division in developing cardiac tissue was studied in neonatal Fischer rats. Pregnant and lactating females were maintained on three dietary regimens; a control group fed rat chow ad libirum , an experimental group receiving an ethanol-containing (6% by volume) liquid diet, and a pair-fed control group, which received an isocaloric amount of control liquid diet. At days 1, 5, and 10 postpartum, five litters of pups from each control and experimental group were sacrificed and the body weights, heart weights, heart-to-body weight ratios, and mitotic frequency of the ventricular myocardium were measured. When compared to either group of controls, pups continuously exposed to dietary ethanol expressed significantly ( P < 0.01) lower body weights. Pups maintained by the pair-fed females had significantly ( P < 0.01) lower body weights at days 5 and 10 than pups maintained by the chow-fed females, indicating a pair-fed effect of suboptimal nutrition of the model. As the pups developed, the heart weights of pups maintained by the chow-fed females became progressively greater ( P < 0.01) than the heart weights of pups maintained by the pair-fed and ethanol-fed females, which expressed no weight difference. The reduction of heart weight present in the ethanol-fed and pair-fed pups represents a pair-fed effect of suboptimal nutrition and not an obvious effect of exposure to dietary ethanol. The ratio of heart weight to body weight and mitotic frequency were significantly greater ( P < 0.01) in 1- to 5-day-old pups exposed to ethanol. Following day 5, these parameters decreased and approached the control values. This indicates that growth of cardiac tissue is not suppressed in the 1- to 5-day-old rat pups exposed continuously to dietary ethanol. These observations further suggest the presence of a mechanism intrinsic to the heart which can provide stage-dependent protection from the adverse effects of ethanol during early development. The decline in heart weight to body weight ratios and mitotic frequency in pups of ethanol-fed females also suggests that ethanol may initiate suppression of the growth of cardiac tissue or may incur stage-dependent injury during the later stages of development. The possible mechanism of this stage-dependent protection during early neonatal development is an increased mitotic activity of the cardiac myocytes.
Effects of halothane on [Ca2+]i transient, SR Ca2+ content, and force in intact rat heart trabeculae

The goal of this study was to test whether the well-known cardiodepressant effect of halothane is caused mainly by depression of the transient increase in intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i)...
Vocal Sound Produced by the Kangaroo Rat, Dipodomys spectabilis

The sounds produced by kangaroo rats have been sparingly mentioned in the literature. The principal noise seems to be a tapping or scratching by the hind feet. Vocal sounds are apparently rare, most reports of them being negative. Price (in Allen, Bul. Amer. Mus. Nat. Hist., 7, Art. 6:193–258, 1895) describes a low chuckle in Dipodomys spectabilis . This observation has been corroborated by Vorhies and Taylor (U. S. Dept. Agric. Bul. 1091: 1–40, 1922) for D. spectabilis and by Tappe (Jour. Mamm., 22: 117–148, 1941) for D. heer-manni tularensis , but these authors heard the sound only when the animals were disturbed. Vorhies and Taylor also …
Abstract B80: Role for sphingosine kinase 1 in colon carcinogenesis

Colorectal cancer remains the 2nd leading cause of cancer‐related deaths in the US despite recent advances in screening and therapeutic technology. Recent studies suggest that bioactive sphingolipids are key in regulating the arachidonic acid cascade of inflammation, which is significant in colon cancer pathogenesis. Sphingolipid metabolites such as ceramide, sphingosine, and sphingosine‐1‐phosphate (S1P) are a new class of lipid messengers that regulate cell functions. Sphingosine kinase 1 (SphK1), phosphorylates sphingosine to form S1P, is a critical regulator of sphingolipid‐mediated functions, as it not only produces the pro‐growth, anti‐apoptotic messenger S1P, but also decreases pro‐apoptotic ceramide and sphingosine. Our previous studies implicated the SphK1/S1P pathway in induction of the arachidonic acid cascade, a major inflammatory pathway involved in colon carcinogenesis (FASEB J., 20: 386–388, 2006). Then, we investigated whether the SphK1/S1P pathway is necessary for mediating carcinogenesis in vivo. We report that 89% (n=47) of human colon cancer samples stained positively for SphK1 whereas normal colon mucosa had negative or weak staining. Adenomas had higher SphK1 expression versus normal mucosa, and metastatic colon cancers had higher SphK1 expression than those without metastases. In an azoxymethane (AOM) murine model of colon cancer, SphK1 and S1P were significantly elevated in colon cancer tissues compared to normal mucosa. Moreover, blood levels of S1P were higher in mice with colon cancers than in those without cancers. Importantly, SphK1−/− mice subjected to AOM had significantly less aberrant crypt foci (ACF) formation and significantly reduced colon cancer development. These results suggest that the SphK1/S1P pathway contributes to colon carcinogenesis and that inhibition of this pathway is a potential target for chemoprevention. In this paper, we discuss more details of the role of the SphK1/S1P pathway in colon carcinogenesis and the effects of SphK1 inhibition in cardiovascular risk. Citation Information: Cancer Prev Res 2010;3(1 Suppl):B80.
Assessing the validity of sales self-efficacy: A cautionary tale.

We developed a focused, context-specific measure of sales self-efficacy and assessed its incremental validity against the broad Big 5 personality traits with department store salespersons, using (a) both a concurrent and a predictive design and (b) both objective sales measures and supervisory ratings of performance. We found that in the concurrent study, sales self-efficacy predicted objective and subjective measures of job performance more than did the Big 5 measures. Significant differences between the predictability of subjective and objective measures of performance were not observed. Predictive validity coefficients were generally lower than concurrent validity coefficients. The results suggest that there are different dynamics operating in concurrent and predictive designs and between broad and contextualized measures; they highlight the importance of distinguishing between these designs and measures in meta-analyses. The results also point to the value of focused, context-specific personality predictors in selection research.
Stability of HER-2/neu Expression Over Time and at Multiple Metastatic Sites

BACKGROUND Amplification and over-expression of the HER-2/neu oncogene (also known as c-erbB-2) occurs in 20%-30% of invasive breast carcinomas. The extent to which HER-2/neu expression changes over time in association with tumor progression or is heterogeneous at different metastatic sites has received only limited study. PURPOSE Our purpose was to determine whether primary tumors differ from metastases in HER-2/neu protein content or whether metastases are heterogeneous in regard to HER-2/neu expression. METHODS In a retrospective study, we examined tumor tissue obtained at autopsy from two to five metastatic organ sites in each of 30 patients who died with metastatic breast carcinoma. Using an immunoperoxidase technique, we stained archival formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue sections with a monoclonal antibody to the 185-kilodalton protein product (p185) of the HER-2/neu gene. RESULTS The tissue from eight of 30 patients showed strong diffuse reactivity for p185 at all metastatic sites examined. Tissues from six patients showed faint staining and tissues from 15 were negative, again with a congruent staining pattern. A single case showed discordant staining, in that two of four metastases showed faint staining, whereas the other two showed strong immunoreactivity. In 14 cases, we were able to obtain paraffin blocks from the original biopsy or surgical resection of the primary breast lesion. For these 14 patients, the average length of time between initial diagnosis and death was 4 years (range, 2-9). There was good correlation between results from autopsy and original surgical tissues. CONCLUSIONS Expression of HER-2/neu appears to be relatively stable over time and is generally congruent at different metastatic sites. IMPLICATIONS The fact that p185 immunoreactivity is rarely heterogeneous is encouraging, both for the potential use of HER-2/neu-related proteins as serum tumor markers and for innovative therapies targeted at p185 expression.
The Gravity of It All : From osteoporosis to immunosuppression, exploring disease in a microgravity environment holds promise for better treatments on Earth.

Today, exploration into the universe beyond our planet takes many forms and has led to fascinating discoveries in the life and physical sciences, many of which inform our understanding of health and medicine here on Earth. These new voyages of discovery include telescopes that peer deep into space and time, rovers that crawl about on other planets, and, most remarkably, a permanently crewed orbital outpost: the International Space Station (ISS). Like the voyages of discovery long ago, the ISS is a ship with human pioneers looking outward to the next horizon, exploring the physical universe beyond?but also inward, to define the limits of our existence when living in the new frontier of space.
SURGICAL CHALLENGE OF AORTIC VALVE DISEASE; A FOLLOW-UP STUDY.

The technic of prosthetic replacement of the aortic valve has developed rapidly. Long-term follow-up of 51 hospital survivors of valvuloplasty is presented, showing worthwhile results at three years following operation and, in a very few cases, at four, five or more years. A recent 15 months' experience with 84 valve replacements and 22 valvuloplasties shows an 18 per cent hospital mortality in each group. Results of valve replacement are immeasurably superior to those achieved with incision and debridement in patients with significant aortic regurgitation or heavily calcified valves.
Cerebral Folate Deficiency & Receptor Mutations

Researchers at University Medical Centre Gottingen, other centers in Germany, and Helsinki University Central Hospital, Finland screened 72 children with low 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF) concentrations in the CSF who developed neurological abnormalities after infancy.
Obesity and fasting—effects on drug metabolism and drug action in man

Drug metabolism and distribution were studied in severely obese subjects who underwent a 2-wk fast as part of a weight reduction program. Drug studies were done before fasting and repeated during the fast after ketoacidosis had developed and weight loss had occurred. The half-life values of 5 drugs—antipyrine and tolbutamide metabolized by the microsomal oxidation pathway, sulfisoxazole and isoniazid by acetylation, and procaine by the pseudocholinesterase hydrolysis pathway—were found to be normal in the obese but otherwise healthy subjects when allowance was made for the body weight. The dose-response curve, as demonstrated by the effect of atropine, 0.24 mg every 4 min given intravenously, on the heart rate was the same in obese as in normal weight subjects when the dose was calculated on a weight basis. The apparent volumes of distribution of antipyrine and tolbutamide and the metabolic clearance rates were normal, again if corrected for body size. In some patients (those with edema) a discontinuity was noted in the plasma elimination curve of tolbutamide, apparently because of a decrease in the volume of distribution of this protein-bound drug when the subjects changed from the recumbent to the sitting position. The same effect had been reported by others with protein-bound sulfonamides and benzylpenicillin during change from the recumbent to the upright posture, an effect to be considered in interpreting pharmacokinetic data. Fasting for 7 to 10 days decreased the volume of distribution in proportion to the loss of weight and body water. The excretion rate of sulfisoxazole was decreased by fasting, one reason being that fasting caused a decrease in urine flow rate and a fall in pH, both favoring nonionic diffusion of the drug from the renal tubule back to the blood. Regardless of the different transformation pathways, the rate of metabolism of the drugs studied remained unchanged by fasting. This observation is in sharp contrast to changes seen in laboratory animals, varying with the species, sex, and drug substrate used among other factors. Extrapolations of data from species to species concerning the effects of fasting on drug metabolism may, therefore, lead to erroneous conclusions.
Temporal experiment for storms and tropical systems - technology demonstration (TEMPEST-D) mission to enable future 6U-class nanosatellite constellation missions(Conference Presentation)

The TEMPEST-D in-space technology demonstration mission will reduce the risk, cost and development time of a future constellation of 6U-Class nanosatellites observing the temporal evolution of clouds to the onset of precipitation. TEMPEST-D provides passive millimeter-wave observations using a compact instrument that fits well within the 6U-Class nanosatellite architecture. TEMPEST millimeter-wave radiometers with five frequencies from 89 GHz to 182 GHz penetrate into the cloud to observe key changes as precipitation begins or as ice accumulates inside the storm. A full TEMPEST constellation mission would enable study of the conditions controlling the transition from non-precipitating to precipitating clouds using high-temporal resolution observations. Knowledge of cloud processes is essential to our understanding of climate change. Uncertainties in the representation of key processes that govern the formation and dissipation of clouds and, in turn, control the global water and energy budgets lead to substantially different predictions of future climate in current models. For the full TEMPEST constellation mission, five identical 6U-Class nanosatellites would be deployed in the same orbital plane with 5-minute spacing, initially at 450 km altitude and 51° inclination. A one-year mission would capture 3 million observations of precipitation, including at least 100,000 deep convective events. Passive drag-adjusting maneuvers would separate the five CubeSats in the same orbital plane, similar to those planned for NASA’s CYGNSS mission scheduled for launch in October 2016. TEMPEST-D was selected by NASA’s CubeSat Launch Initiative (CSLI) in February 2015 and TEMPEST-D manifested for a March 2018 launch on Firefly Space Systems Alpha.
Advances on Molecular Characterization and Targeted Therapies on GIST

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) are the most common mesenchymal neoplasms of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. GIST can arise virtually anywhere along the GI tract, but most commonly they develop in the stomach and small intestine. The precision of the histopathological diagnosis of GIST has been improved based on recent molecular discoveries. The irruption of tyrosine kinase inhibitors in the field revolutionized the treatment of patients with GIST and became a paradigm of translational research in modern oncology. In this chapter, we would like to discuss the most recent advances in targeted therapy for patients with GIST.
Individual relationship education program as a prevention method for intimate partner violence

ABSTRACTIntimate partner violence (IPV) can have detrimental effects on the lives of partners and children. The authors examined the effectiveness of a relationship education program, titled Within My Reach (WMR), to prevent IPV in a naturalistic nonrandomized adult sample. The sample included participants who endorsed no physical violence in their relationship and no to very low controlling behaviors at pretest. At 6-month follow-up the participants in the WMR group reported statistically significant fewer controlling behaviors than the comparison group (d = .45). Although there were no statistically significant differences between the WMR and comparison group in physical violence at 6-month follow-up, the findings were in still favor of the WMR group (d = .15).
Improving Patient Satisfaction Using a Video-Based Patient Education Platform

Patient education is a critical component in a patient’s preparation for, and recovery from, a medical procedure. The research team utilized a novel approach in the development and presentation of patient education material in an effort to address gaps between health education and patient health literacy and to utilize the flexibility of technology in disseminating health education. Patient and healthcare provider responses were collected and analyzed to determine the feasibility of using this approach to create future education. Overall responses to the ease of use and educational experience of the patient education center were positive.
Practical Integration of Positive and Normative Approaches to Cost-Benefit Analysis of National Defense Spending

Cost-benefit analyses for national defense spending can suffer from industry trade association biases evident in inflated supposed gains from industrial multiplier effects. At the same time, ideological presumption of normative values to either increasing or decreasing defense spending (and therefore presence) by the US ignores a more effective analytic framework: first quantifying the purely financial costs of defense spending: immediate cash expense, and increased borrowing costs and slower growth due to increased debt; and the purely financial benefits: the most accurate multiplier effect.This is still only the first part of the story. Quantifying the above first allows us to evaluate the premium we may be paying for defense as a public good. This positive approach could be complemented by a normative one that ignores rhetoric, but simply attempts to assign particular defense spending line items to the particular percent reduction in the chance of a possible conflict (with an identifiable cost) to which it contributes, and use this expected value to determine the return-on-investment of defense as public good. While this framework is tested on the sequestration cuts (for the positivist component) and the costs of potential conflict in Sudan (for the normative one, where ideally defense spending items could be traced to the expected value of their ability to reduce the chance of that conflict occurring), it can be extended to any defense investment decision. This framework is hopefully preferable to anything short of combining sophisticated input-output models with a wargaming simulation.
Community Worship and Ritual

Communities often engage in faith-based and/or secular rituals that may serve any number of purposes, including community bonding , reconciliation, and community-wide healing. The significance of such events to their respective communities and their relevance to social work practice with communities are explored in this chapter.