cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Altered estradiol-dependent cellular Ca2+ homeostasis and endoplasmic reticulum stress response in Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder.

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) is characterized by debilitating mood symptoms in the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. Prior studies of affected women have implicated a differential response to ovarian steroids. However, the molecular basis of these patients' differential response to hormone remains poorly understood. We performed transcriptomic analyses of lymphoblastoid cell lines (LCLs) derived from women with PMDD and asymptomatic controls cultured under untreated (steroid-free), estradiol-treated (E2), and progesterone-treated (P4) conditions. Weighted gene correlation network analysis (WGCNA) of transcriptomes identified four gene modules with significant diagnosis x hormone interactions, including one enriched for neuronal functions. Next, in a gene-level analysis comparing transcriptional response to hormone across diagnoses, a generalized linear model identified 1522 genes differentially responsive to E2 (E2-DRGs). Among the top 10 E2-DRGs was a physically interacting network (NUCB1, DST, GCC2, GOLGB1) involved in endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-Golgi function. qRT-PCR validation reproduced a diagnosis x E2 interaction (F(1,24)=7.01, p = 0.014) for NUCB1, a regulator of cellular Ca2+ and ER stress. Finally, we used a thapsigargin (Tg) challenge assay to test whether E2 induces differences in Ca2+ homeostasis and ER stress response in PMDD. PMDD LCLs had a 1.36-fold decrease in Tg-induced XBP1 splicing response compared to controls, and a 1.62-fold decreased response (p = 0.005), with a diagnosis x treatment interaction (F(3,33)=3.51, p = 0.026) in the E2-exposed condition. Altered hormone-dependent in cellular Ca2+ dynamics and ER stress may contribute to the pathophysiology of PMDD.
Application of Scratch Testing for the Assessment of the Adherent Properties of Scales and CO2 Corrosion Product Layers and their Relation to Corrosion

Abstract Protective corrosion product layers, such as iron carbonate, can govern pipeline corrosion; their formation being associated with operational conditions (high [Fe2+], pH > 6.0, T > 70 °C). Brines contain Ca2+ that can incorporate as a substitutional cation in the iron carbonate lattice, potentially compromising the mechanical integrity of the protective layer. This work utilized scratch testing as an analytical technique that provides more information on layer adherence than indentation methods. It was demonstrated that the presence of iron calcium carbonate layers contributes to the formation of a protective and mechanically stable iron carbonate layer adjacent to the steel surface.
Etiological Networks of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder during Childhood and Adolescence.

OBJECTIVE The purpose of the current study was to use network analysis techniques to parse relations between attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptom domains, domains of executive function, and temperament traits. METHODS Participants were 420 children aged 6-17 years (55% boys). The majority of the participants were Caucasian (72.86%) and 50% of the sample met diagnostic criteria for ADHD. Both parents and teachers provided ratings of participants' ADHD symptom severity. Parents completed questionnaires pertaining to participants' temperament traits, and participants completed well-validated laboratory measures of executive function. RESULTS Results suggested effortful control as demonstrating the strongest relations with ADHD, particularly the parent-reported inattentive symptom domain. Additionally, negative effects appeared to demonstrate weaker but still notable relations primarily with the parent-reported hyperactive/impulsive symptom domain. Measures of executive function did not appear to demonstrate relations with any measures of ADHD symptoms or temperament traits. The results were generally replicated in a distinct sample (n = 732, 7-13 years, 63% boys, 81% White), although differences emerged pertaining to the role of surgency (i.e., related to the hyperactive/impulsive symptom domain in the replication but not the primary sample). CONCLUSIONS Overall, findings provided support for the primary role of effortful control, as well as secondary roles for negative affect and surgency, as key risk markers for the characterization of ADHD. Additional exploration of the overlap between temperament and executive function, as pertaining to ADHD, may help clarify heterogeneity in phenotypes and suggest priorities for targeted interventions outside of traditional symptoms.
Should Tricuspid Annuloplasty be Performed With Pulmonary Valve Replacement for Pulmonary Regurgitation in Repaired Tetralogy of Fallot

Indications for prophylactic tricuspid annuloplasty in patients with pulmonary regurgitation (PR) after tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) repair are unclear and often extrapolated from acquired functional tricuspid regurgitation (TR) data in adults, where despite correction of primary left heart pathology, progressive tricuspid annular dilation is noted beyond a threshold diameter >4 cm (21 mm/m(2)). We hypothesized that unlike in adult functional TR, in pure volume-overload conditions such as patients with PR after TOF, the tricuspid valve size is likely to regress after pulmonary valve replacement (PVR). A total of 43 consecutive patients who underwent PVR from 2005 until 2012 at a single institution were retrospectively reviewed. Absolute and indexed tricuspid annulus diameters (TADs), tricuspid annulus Z-scores, grade of TR along with right ventricular size, and function indices were recorded before and after PVR. Preoperative and postoperative echocardiographic data were available in all patients. A higher tricuspid valve Z-score correlated with greater TR both preoperatively (P = 0.005) and postoperatively (P = 0.02). Overall reductions in the absolute and indexed TAD and tricuspid valve Z-scores were seen postoperatively, with greater absolute as well as percentage reduction seen with larger preoperative TAD index (P = 0.007) and higher tricuspid annulus Z-scores (P = 0.06). In pure volume-overload conditions such as patients with PR after TOF, reduction in the tricuspid valve size is seen after PVR. Concomitant tricuspid annuloplasty should not be considered based on tricuspid annular dilation alone.
Encapsulation of N-diazeniumdiolates within liposomes for enhanced nitric oxide donor stability and delivery

The rapid decomposition of nitric oxide (NO) donors in aqueous environments remains a limitation for applications requiring extended NO release. Herein, we report the synthesis of dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine-based liposomes capable of extended NO release using low molecular weight NO donors and a reverse-phase evaporation technique. The encapsulation of the NO donors within the liposomes enabled both prolonged NO release and enhanced storage compared to free NO donors alone. The NO-releasing liposomes also demonstrated enhanced efficacy against human pancreatic cancer cells. These NO-release vehicles represent attractive anticancer therapeutics due to their potential to store the majority of their NO payload until reaching cancerous tissue at which time the lower pH inherent to such environments will trigger an avalanche of NO.
Analyzing the Small World Phenomenon Using a Hybrid Model with Local Network Flow (Extended Abstract)

Randomly generated graphs with power law degree distribution are typically used to model large real-world networks. These graphs have small average distance. However, the small world phenomenon includes both small average distance and the clustering effect, which is not possessed by random graphs. Here we use a hybrid model which combines a global graph (a random power law graph) with a local graph (a graph with high local connectivity defined by network flow). We present an efficient algorithm which extracts a local graph from a given realistic network. We show that the hybrid model is robust in the sense that for any graph generated by the hybrid model, the extraction algorithm approximately recovers the local graph.
Conformational isomerism in Na3[Co(NO2)6].

(1975). Conformational Isomerism in Na3[Co(NO2)6] Environmental Letters: Vol. 8, No. 2, pp. 117-120.
Energy input into the upper atmosphere associated with high‐speed solar wind streams in 2005

A 9 day periodic oscillation in solar wind properties, geomagnetic activity, andupper atmosphere has been reported for the year 2005. To understand the energytransfer processes from the high‐speed solar wind streams into the upper atmosphere, weexamined Joule heating and hemispheric power (HP) from the assimilative mapping ofionospheric electrodynamics (AMIE) outputs for 2005. There are clear 9 day periodvariations in all AMIE outputs, and the 9 day periodic oscillation in the global integratedJoule heating is presented for the first time. The band‐pass filter centered at 9 dayperiod shows that both Joule heating and HP variations are correlated very well to theneutral density variation. It indicates that the energy transfer process into the upperatmosphere associated with high‐speed solar wind streams is a combination of Jouleheating and particle precipitation, while Joule heating plays a dominant role. Thesensitivities of Joule heating and HP to the solar wind speed are close to 0.40 and0.15 GW/(km/s), respectively.
Rapid automatic analysis of sugar components of glycoproteins. II. Neutral sugars.

Abstract A rapid method for automatic analysis of neutral sugars is described. The method is based on borate-complex anion-exchange chromatography and an orcinol-sulfuric acid colorimetric method. Only 0.01-0.08 μmole of each sugar is necessary per analysis, and the results are highly reproducible.
Highly magnetic Upper Miocene sandstones of the San Francisco Bay area, California

[1] A high-resolution aeromagnetic survey of the San Francisco Bay area shows prominent positive anomalies over distinctive blue sandstones of Late Miocene age. The total-field survey was measured at a nominal height of 300 m above the land surface along flight lines spaced 0.5 km apart. Anomalies with amplitudes up to 200 nT correlate with sandstones of the San Pablo Group, and these anomalies are similar in strength to the magnetic signatures of serpentinites and basalts in the surveyed region. Andesitic sandstone of the Neroly Formation, the upper part of the San Pablo Group, has high magnetic susceptibility (0.013 SI units, volume) and relatively strong natural remanent magnetization (0.29 A/m). Total magnetization of the sandstone is two thirds induced and one third remanent magnetization. The presence of coarse-grained magnetite detritus, low coercivity of remanence, low thermal stability of remanence, and multidomain properties is consistent with the NRM being a viscous remanent magnetization that grew during the Brunhes normal-polarity chron. The strong magnetic signature of the Upper Miocene sandstones allows their delineation over distances as great as 100 km, through areas where they are concealed by landslides and younger deposits. The sandstones are important structural markers for understanding the complex folding and faulting associated with active fault systems in the San Francisco Bay area.
The use of finite element model and decentralized techniques to control a long-reach manipulator

This paper addresses the issues related to the modeling, control and dynamic stability of long-reach flexible robotic manipulators. A finite element based technique is suggested for developing the system equations of motion. Decentralization of the structure in terms if smaller components at the link level is considered and control laws at both local and global levels are discussed. Lyapunov methods are presented for deriving sufficient conditions for global stability based on the stability properties of the individual links and their dynamic interconnections.
Fluconazole for treatment of fungal infections of the urinary tract in children

Two children with fungal urinary tract infections (UTI) were treated with fluconazole. One had bilateral megaureters, an almost non-functioning right kidney, and a moderately functioning left kidney because of severe vesicoureteric reflux. He underwent a ureteric reimplantation procedure but developed a fungal UTI postoperatively. The other child had bilateral refluxing megaureters, one of which appeared to open ectopically into the urethra. He acquired a fungal infection during intensive and prolonged antibiotic therapy for a bacterial UTI and septicaemia in the neonatal period. Both fungal infections were cured successfully. We recommend fluconazole as a safe and effective antifungal agent that may be used as a drug of choice for this difficult problem.
HIGH-PRESSURE STUDY OF THE RAMAN MODES IN YBA2(CU0.96NI0.04)4O8

We present a study of the Raman phonons in YBa{sub 2}(Cu{sub 0.96}Ni{sub 0.04}){sub 4}O{sub 8} under hydrostatic pressure in the superconducting phase. A comparison with our earlier work on the undoped YBa{sub 2}Cu{sub 4}O{sub 8} shows that the pressure coefficients of two vibrational modes involving oxygen atoms differ significantly from those of the corresponding modes in the undoped material. These are the O(1) chain mode which shifts 33{percent} faster and the O(2)-O(3) in-phase mode which shifts 23{percent} slower than the undoped counterparts. The other Raman modes in the Ni-doped sample shift in a manner similar to the undoped material. The observed behavior of the O(1) chain and O(2)-O(3) in-phase modes in YBa{sub 2}(Cu{sub 0.96}Ni{sub 0.04}){sub 4}O{sub 8} under pressure and the softening of the Cu(1) A{sub g} mode frequency with increasing Ni doping suggest that the Ni atoms substitute for the Cu atoms in the chain, which in turn decreases the compressibility in the vicinity of the Cu(Ni) chain atom. {copyright} {ital 1999} {ital The American Physical Society}
Baclofen-Induced Bronchoconstriction

OBJECTIVE:To report the occurrence of acute bronchospasm in one asthmatic patient and increased bronchial reactivity in another following the administration of a single dose of oral baclofen.CASE SUMMARY:On two separate occasions, a 46-year-old asymptomatic asthmatic man developed dyspnea and chest tightness one hour after the ingestion of baclofen 40 mg. Pulmonary function studies revealed a significant decrease in airflow relative to baseline. A 33-year-old asymptomatic woman with a history of exercise-induced dyspnea and wheezing displayed bronchial hyperresponsiveness to inhaled methacholine 2 hours after ingesting 40 mg of baclofen. The patient had had a negative methacholine challenge test 72 hours earlier.DISCUSSION:The gamma-aminobutyric acid-agonist baclofen has been shown to reduce airway responsiveness to various bronchoconstricting agents in animal studies. The etiology of this seemingly paradoxical response in two patients is unclear, but may offer insight into the neurally mediated airway co...
Recurrent candida prosthetic endocarditis over fifteen years managed with medical therapy and four valvular surgeries: a case report and review of literature

Candida prosthetic endocarditis (CPE) is an uncommon disease involving less than 1 % of infective endocarditis patients and associated with high recurrence rate. Immunosuppresion, intravenous drug abuse, cardiac surgery and indwelling foreign bodies are the major risk factors for CPE. There are very few reported cases of CPE where more than one surgery was performed and there has generally been limited follow up on these cases.
Discussion on preservation mechanism of Yersinia pestis by Citellus undulatus

Studies prove that plague in _Citellus undulatus_ exists in the nature with the pattern of successive prevalence every year. _Citellophilus tesquorum altaicus_ is not only the main transmission vector, but also the reservoir of _C. undulatus_ plague. And the latter can spread _Yersinia pestis_. The fact challenges to the traditional theory of natural focus and carries out a theory breakthrough.
Experimental Study of Sustainable Asphalt Binder: Influence of Thermochromic Materials

Asphalt pavements are widely used in highways because of their good performance and relatively low construction and maintenance costs. However, the black color of asphalt binder implies that sunlight is not reflected but absorbed; the absorption raises the temperature of the asphalt pavement and impairs its long-term durability. Thermochromic materials can change their colors in response to temperature. These materials reflect solar energy at high temperatures and absorb it at low temperatures. This study investigated the use of thermochromic materials in asphalt binder to develop a thermochromic asphalt binder that would reduce the surface temperature of asphalt pavement during the summer and lead to improved durability. The thermal and phase transition properties of thermochromic materials were characterized by differential scanning calorimetry and modulated differential scanning calorimetry. Comparison measurements showed that the surface temperature of thermochromic asphalt binder was lower than that ...
Metal Ions as Stabilizers or Destabilizers of the Deoxyribonucleic Acid Structure

RECENTLY there has been considerable interest in the interaction of metal ions with nucleic acids and polynucleotides, primarily as a consequence of the fact that the hydrogen-bonded structure of these macro-molecules collapses in solution in the absence of metallic salts1–4. It is perhaps of equal importance that some metal ions are as effective in destroying the native structure of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) as others are in maintaining it. Such destabilization has previously remained largely undetected because investigations of metal interactions with DNA have generally been carried out in approximately 0.1 M solution of an electrolyte such as sodium chloride, in which the destabilization effects are masked5. However, the double-stranded helical configuration of DNA is stable in solutions containing as low as 10−3 M concentration of electrolyte6. In the present work, various divalent metal ions have been added in 10−4 M concentration to solutions of calf-thymus DNA (5 × 10−5 M in phosphate) in 5 × 10−3 M sodium nitrate. Changes in optical density at 260 mµ ara then observed in a Beckman DU spectrophotometer on heating these solutions at the rate of 1° per min. to 90° and then cooling at the same rate7. The conversion of the low optical density solution to the high optical density solution is correlated with the transformation of the double-stranded helix to single strands, and the mean temperature of transition (Tm) is a measure of the stability of the molecule7.
Phospholipase C-β in immune cells

Great progress has recently been made in structural and functional research of phospholipase C (PLC)-β. We now understand how PLC-β isoforms (β1-β4) are activated by GTP-bound Gαq downstream of G protein-coupled receptors. Numerous studies indicate that PLC-βs participate in the differentiation and activation of immune cells that control both the innate and adaptive immune systems. The PLC-β3 isoform also interplays with tyrosine kinase-based signaling pathways, to inhibit Stat5 activation by recruiting the protein-tyrosine phosphatase SHP-1, with which PLC-β3 and Stat5 form a multi-molecular signaling platform, named SPS complex. The SPS complex has important regulatory roles in tumorigenesis and immune cell activation.
Plasmon Resonant Enhancement of Carbon Monoxide Catalysis

Irradiating gold nanoparticles at their plasmon resonance frequency creates immense plasmonic charge and high temperatures, which can be used to drive catalytic reactions. By integrating strongly plasmonic nanoparticles with strongly catalytic metal oxides, significant enhancements in the catalytic activity can be achieved. Here, we study the plasmonically driven catalytic conversion of CO to CO2 by irradiating Au nanoparticle/Fe2O3 composites. The reaction rate of this composite greatly exceeds that of the Au nanoparticles or Fe2O3 alone, indicating that this reaction is not driven solely by the thermal (plasmonic) heating of the gold nanoparticles but relies intimately on the interaction of these two materials. A comparison of the plasmonically driven catalytic reaction rate with that obtained under uniform heating shows an enhancement of at least 2 orders of magnitude.
Modeling heavy metal mass releases from urban battery litter

Consumer batteries littered on urban pavements release metals of environmental significance (Ag, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Li, Mn, Ni, Pd, Ti, Zn) to stormwater runoff. Predicting the mass loading of any one metal is difficult because of the random composition of battery litter. However, when littering is modeled as a conditional filtered Poisson process, bounds may be estimated for the mean and variance of site mass loading for any metal if the site litter rate and battery product contributions are known. Site-specific data on the battery brand distribution in litter can improve load estimates, but statistics computed from 5500 littered batteries collected in the Cleveland area may be used to approximate the brand distribution. Zinc load calculations based on battery litter size, type and brand discretizations are implemented in a model titled BLML and illustrated for a case-study location. Results indicate that, at some urban sites, zinc released from battery litter can be the largest source of zinc in urban pavement runoff.
Targeting ROR1 Inhibits Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition and Metastasis

Metastasis is responsible for 90% of cancer-related deaths. Strategies are needed that can inhibit the capacity of cancer cells to migrate across the anatomic barriers and colonize distant organs. Here, we show an association between metastasis and expression of a type I receptor tyrosine kinase-like orphan receptor, ROR1, which is expressed during embryogenesis and by various cancers, but not by normal postpartum tissues. We found that expression of ROR1 associates with the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), which occurs during embryogenesis and cancer metastasis. Breast adenocarcinomas expressing high levels of ROR1 were more likely to have gene expression signatures associated with EMT and had higher rates of relapse and metastasis than breast adenocarcinomas expressing low levels of ROR1. Suppressing expression of ROR1 in metastasis-prone breast cancer cell lines, MDA-MB-231, HS-578T, or BT549, attenuated expression of proteins associated with EMT (e.g., vimentin, SNAIL-1/2, and ZEB1), enhanced expression of E-cadherin, epithelial cytokeratins (e.g., CK-19), and tight junction proteins (e.g., ZO-1), and impaired their migration/invasion capacity in vitro and the metastatic potential of MDA-MB-231 cells in immunodeficient mice. Conversely, transfection of MCF-7 cells to express ROR1 reduced expression of E-cadherin and CK-19, but enhanced the expression of SNAIL-1/2 and vimentin. Treatment of MDA-MB-231 with a monoclonal antibody specific for ROR1 induced downmodulation of vimentin and inhibited cancer cell migration and invasion in vitro and tumor metastasis in vivo. Collectively, this study indicates that ROR1 may regulate EMT and metastasis and that antibodies targeting ROR1 can inhibit cancer progression and metastasis.
Mobile sensor data collector using Android smartphone

In this paper, we present a system using an Android smartphone that collects, displays sensor data on the screen and streams to the central server simultaneously. Bluetooth and wireless Internet connections are used for data transmissions among the devices. Also, using Near Field Communication (NFC) technology, we have constructed a more efficient and convenient mechanism to achieve an automatic Bluetooth connection and application execution. This system is beneficial on body sensor networks (BSN) developed for medical healthcare applications. For demonstration purposes, an accelerometer, a temperature sensor and electrocardiography (ECG) signal data are used to perform the experiments. Raw sensor data are interpreted to either graphical or text notations to be presented on the smartphone and the central server. Furthermore, a Java-based central server application is used to demonstrate communication with the Android system for data storage and analysis.
Analyte Recovery from Deproteinized Serum for HPLC

Serum deproteinization is often used as a rapid method for analysis of drugs and small molecules in serum in HPLC. When the recovery of these compounds is calculated based on peak height of aqueous standards treated also by the acetonitrile similar to serum, a high recovery is obtained. However, when these drugs treated with the acetonitrile are calculated based on aqueous standards diluted in the mobile phase (pump solvent) a low recovery is obtained. Acetonitrile in the sample decreases the peak height and limits the amount of sample to be injected on the column in drug analysis in serum due to formation of a short gradient leading to a non-symmetrical peak shape with a decrease in the plate number. We present two general mixtures for serum deproteinization as an alternative to acetonitrile: trichloroacetic acid-methanol and zinc sulfate-methanol. Both of these solvents allow the injection of larger sample volume without the decrease in peak height or affecting too much the plate number.
Cryostat sectioning; modification of the antiroll plate.

A replaceable antiroll plate and holder have been designed for use in the Ames Lab-Tek cryostat which replace the plastic plate supplied with the instrument and insure a flawless, properly aligned plate for maximum efficiency in thin section cutting. A metal plate holder is attached to the existing screw-driven bracket provided with the instrument by the manufacturer. Glass plates made from one half of a 1.5 × 3 inch microscope slide are coated on the leading edge with spray-on Teflon and provided with tape spacers. These plates slip into the holder and can be adjusted for angular inclination and alignment with the cutting edge by movement within the holder or manipulation of the adjustment screw.
Neuropsychological evaluation of adults with Down's syndrome: patterns of selective impairment in non-demented old adults

A battery of neuropsychological tests, developed to study patterns of age-related differences in adults with Down's syndrome (DS), was administered to 10 DS adults over age 35 and 19 younger DS adults. Although all adults with DS are reported to develop the neuropathological changes of Alzheimer's disease by the fourth decade of life, only four of the 10 old DS adults were judged to have dementia based on clinical criteria. Demented old DS adults had global neuropsychological deficits, as indicated by significant differences on all functions tested except some simple language functions. In contrast, non-demented old adults had a selective pattern of neuropsychological reductions relative to young adults. Ability to form new long-term memories and visuospatial construction were consistently diminished, whereas immediate memory span and language were not. The global mental decline observed in demented adults suggests a stage of disease progression that corresponds to severe dementia in premorbidly normal adults with dementia of the Alzheimer type (DAT). The prominent long-term memory impairment with selective reductions of nonmemory functions in non-demented adults suggests a correspondence to early and intermediate DAT.
Habitat Use of the Tuxedo Darter (Etheostoma lemniscatum) at Macrohabitat and Microhabitat Spatial Sclaes

ABSTRACT Underwater observation was used to quantify patterns of habitat use for the tuxedo darter (Etheostoma lemniscatum) throughout its range in the Big South Fork of the Cumberland River. Macrohabitat and microhabitat variables were recorded at 12 sites from July through early October in summer of 2008 and 2009. Probability of tuxedo darter presence at a site increased with available cobble substrate and shallow pool habitat. Preferred summer microhabitat included depths between 20 and 80 cm, velocities less than 0.1 m/s, and cover rocks with surface areas between 200 and 1400 cm2. Although other variables may affect presence, tuxedo darter distribution was limited by the availability of suitable habitat. Due to environmental variation in annual flow regimes, our models describe habitat use during drought and during above average flows. Models from this study identify critical tuxedo darter habitats, which can aid recovery efforts by identifying potential monitoring and reintroduction sites.
Effects of therapeutic radiation on microstructure of the human mandible.

Mandibular bone from eight patients who had received therapeutic radiation (6000 to 7200 rads) for intra-oral cancer was obtained at surgery (1 month to 9 years after radiation) and compared histologically with non-irradiated mandibular bone from five subjects. Measurements made on the internal remodeling process of cortical bone included the extent of internal surface and the fraction indicating resorption, and the proportions of osteones which were incomplete (less than 3/4 filled with matrix), complete, and plugged. Appreciable differences were observed in all parameters except plugged osteones. The findings suggested early cessation of osteogenesis, and somewhat later cessation of resorption, without subsequent resumption of either process. The histologic appearance of the osteoblasts, osteoclasts, and osteones was in accord. Microfractures found in the irradiated bone were not seen to have healed. Radiation damage to the osteoprogenitor cells is postulated.
Forkhead Box Protein A2 (FOXA2) Protein Stability and Activity Are Regulated by Sumoylation

The forkhead box protein A2 (FOXA2) is an important regulator of glucose and lipid metabolism and organismal energy balance. Little is known about how FOXA2 protein expression and activity are regulated by post-translational modifications. We have identified that FOXA2 is post-translationally modified by covalent attachment of a small ubiquitin related modifier-1 (SUMO-1) and mapped the sumoylation site to the amino acid lysine 6 (K6). Preventing sumoylation by mutating the SUMO acceptor K6 to arginine resulted in downregulation of FOXA2 protein but not RNA expression in INS-1E insulinoma cells. K6R mutation also downregulated FOXA2 protein levels in HepG2 hepatocellular carcinoma cells, HCT116 colon cancer cells and LNCaP and DU145 prostate cancer cells. Further, interfering with FOXA2 sumoylation through siRNA mediated knockdown of UBC9, an essential SUMO E2 conjugase, resulted in downregulation of FOXA2 protein levels. Stability of sumoylation deficient FOXA2K6R mutant protein was restored when SUMO-1 was fused in-frame. FOXA2 sumoylation and FOXA2 protein levels were increased by PIAS1 SUMO ligase but not a SUMO ligase activity deficient PIAS1 mutant. Although expressed at lower levels, sumoylation deficient FOXA2K6R mutant protein was detectable in the nucleus indicating that FOXA2 nuclear localization is independent of sumoylation. Sumoylation increased the transcriptional activity of FOXA2 on Pdx-1 area I enhancer. Together, our results show that sumoylation regulates FOXA2 protein expression and activity.
Design, Synthesis, and Biological Characterization of Bivalent 1-Methyl-1,2,5,6-tetrahydropyridyl-1,2,5-thiadiazole Derivatives as Selective Muscarinic Agonists

Selective muscarinic agonists could be useful in the treatment of neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, schizophrenia, and chronic pain. Many muscarinic agonists have been developed, yet most exhibit at best limited functional selectivity for a given receptor subtype perhaps because of the high degree of sequence homology within the putative binding site, which appears to be buried within the transmembrane domains. Bivalent compounds containing essentially two agonist pharmacophores within the same molecule were synthesized and tested for receptor binding affinity and muscarinic agonist activity. A series of bis-1,2,5-thiadiazole derivatives of 1,2,5,6-tetrahydropyridine linked by an alkyloxy moiety exhibited very high affinity (Ki < 1 nM) and strong agonist activity. The degree of activity depended on the length of the linking alkyl group, which could be replaced by a poly(ethylene glycol) moiety, resulting in improved water solubility, binding affinity, and agonist potency.
Synchronous-clock, one-way-travel-time acoustic navigation for underwater vehicles

This paper reports the development and deployment of a synchronous-clock acoustic navigation system suitable for the simultaneous navigation of multiple underwater vehicles. Our navigation system is composed of an acoustic modem–based communication and navigation system that allows for onboard navigational data to be broadcast as a data packet by a source node and for all passively receiving nodes to be able to decode the data packet to obtain a one-way-travel-time (OWTT) pseudo-range measurement and navigational ephemeris data. The navigation method reported herein uses a surface ship acting as a single moving reference beacon to a fleet of passively listening underwater vehicles. All vehicles within acoustic range are able to concurrently measure their slant range to the reference beacon using the OWTT measurement methodology and additionally receive transmission of reference beacon position using the modem data packet. The advantages of this type of navigation system are that it can (i) concurrently navigate multiple underwater vehicles within the vicinity of the surface ship and (ii) provide a bounded-error XY position measure that is commensurate with conventional moored long-baseline (LBL) navigation systems [i.e., ${\cal O}(1\ {\rm m})$ **image** ] but unlike LBL is not geographically restricted to a fixed-beacon network. We present results for two different field experiments using a two-node configuration consisting of a global positioning system–equipped surface ship acting as a global navigation aid to a Doppler-aided autonomous underwater vehicle. In each experiment, vehicle position was independently corroborated by other standard navigation means. Results for a maximum likelihood sensor fusion framework are reported. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Upconversion-pumped population kinetics for4I13/2 and4I11/2 laser states of Er3+ ion in several host crystals

Population kinetics of the upper4I11/2 and lower4I13/2 laser states of the Er3+ ion were studied experimentally and theoretically in (Er)BaY2F8, (Er)YLF, (Er)YSGG, (Er)CaF2 and (Er)YALO. Fluorescence from these states to the4I15/2 ground state was excited through upconversion simultaneously with the4I11/2 →4I13/2 lasing using 1.53 µm radiation from an erbium : glass laser for optical pumping. Lifetimes of both states are altered during lasing by co-operative energy transfer processes: the lifetime of the lower state τ1 is shortened and that of the upper state τ2 increased with the resultant ratio τ2/τ1>1. After lasing the lifetime ratio returns to the ‘normal’ value τ2/τ1 <1; that is, one obtained under weak ultraviolet excitation. Kinetic rate equations for the population density functions for both laser states were set up and solved by approximation in three time domains. It was assumed that only one co-operative energy transfer process operates in the laser crystals and determines the population inversion kinetics. Consistency relationships for comparison of the theoretical results with the experiment were developed. Only (Er)BaY2F8 spectral features showed close agreement with theory, resulting in a high score of 94% for the overall correlation in the consistency test, whereas all other crystals scored <50%. As a result of this high correlation, a close match between theoretical and experimental population decay curves was shown for (Er)BaY2F8. Most probably, more than one energy transfer process shapes the decay curves and determines the population inversion kinetics for the other laser crystals. (Er)YALO showed little lifetime change for the laser states, apparently due to inefficient co-operative energy transfer processes. As a result it probably lased in a self-terminating short-pulse mode.
Natural Antisense mRNAs to Hyaluronan Synthase 2 Inhibit Hyaluronan Biosynthesis and Cell Proliferation

We report the identification of a natural antisense mRNA of hyaluronan synthase 2 that we have chosen to designate as HASNT (for HA synthase 2 antisense) in human and mouse. HASNT is transcribed from the opposite strand of the HAS2 gene locus and is represented by several independent expressed sequence tags in human. Portions of the mouse Hasnt gene were identified through an exon-trapping approach. Sequence conservation is extremely low between human and mouse HASNT, and it is not clear whether these mRNAs contain functional open reading frames. HASNT has an alternate splice site in both human and mouse. This splice site is located at an identical position within the gene in both species and results in mRNAs of two different lengths. In each species, the antisense portion of the HASNT gene is complementary to the first exon of HAS2, which represents the 5'-untranslated region. To study the biological activity of HASNT, two human expressed sequence tag clones, representing long and short HASNT splice variants, were cloned into a tetracycline-inducible vector and were stably transfected into human osteosarcoma U2-OS Tet-on cells. The long and short HASNT-expressing cells had a reduction in HAS2 mRNA levels up to 94 and 86%, respectively, whereas hyaluronan biosynthesis was inhibited by 40 and 37%, respectively. Cell proliferation was reduced throughout the time frame of the experiment. Exogenous high molecular mass hyaluronan failed to rescue the suppressed cell proliferation, whereas adenoviral-mediated overexpression of hyaluronan synthase 3, which stimulated endogenous hyaluronan biosynthesis, was able to rescue. Collectively, our data suggest that natural antisense mRNAs of HAS2 are able to regulate HAS2 mRNA levels and hyaluronan biosynthesis in a cell culture model system and may have an important and novel regulatory role in the control of HAS2, HA biosynthesis, and HA-dependent cell functions in vivo.
Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis functioning and cerebrospinal fluid corticotropin releasing hormone and corticotropin levels in alcoholics after recent and long-term abstinence

• We assessed the plasma corticotropin (adrenocorticotropic hormone) and cortisol responses to ovine corticotropin releasing hormone (oCRH) and the cerebrospinal fluid levels of CRH and corticotropin in alcoholics at various durations of abstinence and compared these variables with age-equivalent controls. Alcoholics who were tested at 1 week of abstinence (n = 11) demonstrated a significantly attenuated corticotropin response to oCRH compared with their response at 3 weeks of abstinence. Nine of these alcoholic patients demonstrated a significantly blunted corticotropin response at both 1 and 3 weeks of abstinence compared with controls (n =15). A markedly exaggerated corticotropin response to oCRH, associated with tachycardia, was exhibited by 2 alcoholics at both 1 and 3 weeks of abstinence. Alcoholics who were abstinent greater than 3 weeks did not differ in their response to oCRH compared with controls. Controls demonstrated a significant inverse correlation between baseline cortisol levels and the cortisol response to oCRH. This correlation was not evident in any of the alcoholic groups, including those patients who were abstinent greater than 6 months. There was a positive correlation between cerebrospinal fluid concentrations of CRH and corticotropin in all patient groups. These findings indicated that alcoholics have significantly altered hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis functioning up to 3 weeks following the cessation of drinking, with a more subtle impairment present for greater than 6 months following abstinence.
Assessment of Spinal Cord Injury Spasticity in Clinical Trials

Spasticity continues to be a significant problem for many people with spinal cord injury, and current therapies are not ideal. Attempts to identify and test new interventions for spasticity are hampered by the lack of a consensus definition of spasticity. Because of the complexity of this disorder, a multidimensional approach to assessment is necessary to understand the scope of functionally important symptoms experienced by patients. This multidimensional assessment should include both objective and subjective assessments of tonic spasticity, phasic spasticity, and involuntary spasms as well as function and quality of life. Measuring only one component of spasticity in a clinical trial is likely to underestimate the benefits of a new intervention.
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) as inducers of microsomal enzyme activity in the house fly.

Induction of aldrin epoxidase activity by polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) (Arochlor 1221, 1242, and 1254) was studied with five strains of house flies which differed in their level of microsomal enzyme activity, as measured by the epoxidation of aldrin. The strains with a low basal level of aldrin epoxidase activity are inducible whereas those with a high level of epoxidase activity are not. As an inducer, Arochlor 1254 is the most effective of the three PCBs, followed by Arochlor 1242 and Arochlor 1221, in decreasing order of activity. Thus, PCBs with higher chlorine content are apparently better inducers of the enzyme. A “no-effect” level for enzyme induction by PCBs apparently does not exist because a measurable degree of induction occurrs even after exposure to extremely low doses of PCBs. Differences among house fly strains exist in the dose dependency and in the time course of enzyme induction.
Experimental measurement and modeling of the vapor–liquid equilibrium of carbon dioxide + chloroform

Abstract Isothermal bubble and dew points, saturated molar volumes, and mixture critical points for binary mixtures of carbon dioxide+chloroform (trichloromethane) (CO 2 /CHCl 3 ) have been measured in the temperature region 303.15–333.15 K and at pressures up to 100 bar. Mixture critical points are reported at 313.15, 323.15, and 333.15 K. The data were modeled with the Peng–Robinson equation of state using both the van der Waals-1 (vdW-1) mixing rule and the Wong–Sandler (WS) mixing rule incorporating the UNIQUAC excess free energy model. The WS mixing rule provided a better representation of the data than did the vdW-1 mixing rule, though with three adjustable parameters instead of one. The extrapolating ability of both of the mixing rules was investigated. Using the parameters regressed at 323.15 K, the WS mixing rule yielded better extrapolations for the composition dependence at 303.15, 313.15, and 333.15 K than the vdW-1 mixing rule.
Informatics minor for non-computer students

The Rochester Institute of Technology's School of Informatics has developed a minor in Applied Informatics that allows non-computing students from throughout the university to learn problem solving, data retrieval, and information processing and presentation skills so that they can be productive knowledge workers in the 21st century. The minor is strongly problem-oriented with students being taught how to apply deductive, inductive, and abductive reasoning, as well as fundamental information technology skills, to problems in their specific domains. It is the coursework's relevance and applicability to the students' majors that eases the acquisition of these skills.
Craniofacial neurofibromatosis and tissue expansion: Long-term results

The role of tissue expansion for coverage of soft-tissue defects of the face following neurofibroma resection has been briefly described previously with good results but limited follow-up. Recent scientific evidence has arisen that neurofibromas adversely affect the rheological properties of normal surrounding skin resulting in hyper-extensibility of dermal elements. In this context, we believe that long-term outcomes of tissue expansion for treatment of soft-tissue defects in patients with craniofacial neurofibromatosis would demonstrate suboptimal results because of loss of contour. Between June 1981 and June 2011, two patients underwent five tissue expander placements during the course of treatment for craniofacial neurofibromatosis at our institution. In both patients, tissue expansion was used to recruit tissue for fascio-cutaneous flaps following radical excision of adjacent neurofibromas. Three cervical expansions were performed for cheek and lateral face recontouring. One forehead expansion was used for nasal reconstruction and a second forehead expansion was performed for temporo-orbital recontouring. No perioperative complications occurred related to the tissue expander placement, expansions or radical excisions. Photographic follow-up of 15 years is available in each case. Cervical tissue expanded to provide cheek coverage demonstrated early loss of contour. Loss of lateral cheek contour resulted in increased morbidity from lateral and caudal displacement of the mid-face and orbital tissues requiring multiple revisional procedures. Tissue expansion of the forehead for both nasal reconstruction and temporo-orbital reconstruction demonstrated excellent long-lasting results.
Walking Age of Infants with Idiopathic Clubfoot Treated Using the Ponseti Method

Background: The Ponseti method is an established approach to treating idiopathic clubfoot in infants. The method involves a period of cast immobilization and postcorrective bracing that potentially interferes with normal movements of the lower extremities. In the present study, we investigated the age at which infants who had idiopathic clubfoot treated using the Ponseti method achieved independent walking. Methods: We prospectively evaluated patients of a single surgeon. Included in the study were all patients with idiopathic clubfoot who were full term at birth, were no more than twelve weeks of age at the start of treatment, had received no prior outside treatment, and were followed for a minimum of twenty-four months. Results: Ninety-four patients were included. The mean age at which patients began walking independently was 14.5 ± 2.6 months (range, ten to twenty-two months). By eighteen months, 90% of the patients were walking without assistance. Patients with moderate or severe clubfoot deformity began walking earlier than did patients with very severe deformity (a mean of 14.2 months compared with 15.8 months; p = 0.03). Patients who experienced a relapse before learning to walk began walking later than those who did not relapse (a mean of 15.9 months compared with 14.2 months; p = 0.04). Other patient and treatment-related variables had no significant influence on the onset of walking. Conclusions: On the basis of our findings, parents of infants with idiopathic clubfoot treated using the Ponseti method may expect their child to achieve independent walking approximately two months later than infants without clubfoot deformity. A greater delay may be expected for those patients who have a very severe deformity or those who experience a deformity relapse. Level of Evidence: Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Modulation of peripheral blood mononuclear cell cyclic adenosine monophosphate levels by human very low density lipoprotein

Abstract Normal human plasma very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) can inhibit mitogen-induced lymphocyte DNA synthesis. Since early events in lymphocyte activation (e.g., cyclic nucleotide metabolism) are thought to influence the magnitude of later events (e.g., [3H]thymidine uptake) we designed the current studies to compare the effects of VLDL on these two cellular processes. Two separate effects of VLDL on peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBM) cyclic adenosine monophosphate (AMP) metabolism were observed at VLDL concentrations which inhibit phytohemagglutinin (PHA)-induced [3H]thymidine uptake. VLDL suppressed the early, transient increase in PBM cyclic AMP which occurs within minutes of the addition of mitogen. VLDL exposure also stimulated a delayed (greater than 24 hr) and spontaneous increase in PBM cyclic AMP levels which corresponded temporally with progressive cellular refractoriness to mitogen stimulation. If mitogen-induced lymphoproliferation is influenced by early changes in cyclic nucleotide metabolism, as claimed by some investigators, then perhaps the ability of VLDL to modulate intracellular cyclic AMP levels may explain some of the antiproliferative properties of this bioregulatory lipoprotein.