cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Bisphosphonates and bone fractures in long-term kidney transplant recipients.

Mineral bone disease is a common finding in long-term (>1 year) kidney transplant recipients. It results from risk-factors commonly associated with a longstanding history of pretransplant chronic kidney disease (CKD), including diabetes, secondary hyperparathyroidism, hypogonadism, metabolic acidosis, and poor nutrition and early post-transplant insults including steroids, hypophosphatemia, and persistent hyperparathyroidism (1-4). Both decreased bone mineral density (BMD) and increased fracture rates have been commonly described in the late posttransplant period (1-4). The rate of posttransplant bone loss is significantly greater in the initial 6 to 12 months, primarily because of high-dose steroids (5, 6). However, even with a decrease in steroid dose after the first 6 months, the annual rate of bone loss is approximately 1% (7). Fracture rates, already high in the dialysis population, rise further after transplantation (4, 8). It is therefore important to define transplant-specific risk factors and treatment strategies to address bone disease and fractures in kidney transplant recipients. Bisphosphonates are antiresorptive agents commonly used in the treatment of posttransplant bone disease (9). They have a high affinity for bone tissue and are rapidly absorbed onto the bone surface, inhibiting osteoclast activity and resulting in cell death. Although there is evidence that these drugs slow the rate of bone loss in kidney transplant recipients (3, 9-11), there is no data demonstrating a preventive effect on fractures (1, 7, 9). Yet bisphosphonates are commonly used in the late posttransplant period including in patients with suboptimal kidney allograft function. They are not inexpensive and may have significant adverse effects including glomerular injury (12, 13), jaw necrosis (14), esophageal irritation (15, 16), and adynamic bone disease (11). We aimed to determine whether bisphosphonate therapy prevents bone loss and fractures after the first posttransplant year, and examined demographic and biochemical risk factors for fractures in this context.
Education Affects Attitudes of Physical Therapy Providers Toward People with Dementia

A survey was sent to every skilled nursing home (N = 495) in Indiana regarding the demographics, education, and whether the severity of dementia impacts the attitudes of people in physical therapy practice. Physical therapists (PTs) and physical therapist assistants (PTAs) practicing in nursing homes spend considerable time (44.0%) working with patients who have a diagnosis of dementia. As patients with dementia disorders declined cognitively, attitudes of PTs/PTAs become increasingly negative, and respondents feel that education, training, and resources are insufficient to maximize outcomes in the later stages of the disease.
High-sensitivity NDE in concrete: enhancement of energy dispersion using acoustic perturbation

Experimentation at Wayne State University has lead to the development of a quasi acousto-ultrasonic method that utilizes an acoustic perturbation in the test region to enhance the dispersion of energy in the frequency domain. Analytical modeling has been used to explain this energy redistribution on two crucial levels; harmonic frequency generation, and sideband generation through amplitude modulation. Further refinement in both testing and modeling is planned.
Preparation and Storage of 72° Brix Orange Juice Concentrate

Each year, thousands of tons of citrus concentrate are stored and transported throughout the world at 62° Brix. Increasing this concentration to 72° Brix can result in substantial savings. Fresh orange juice, treated mechanically or with pectic enzymes to reduce its viscosity, was concentrated to 72° Brix in a commercial processing plant, then samples were stored in barrels in a tank farm at −7 or at 4°C. At monthly intervals, samples were blended to make 41.8° Brix Frozen Concentrated Orange Juice. The enzyme-treated samples had lower viscosity than those mechanically treated. Vitamin C retention levels were > 94% after 6 months storage at 4°C. Taste evaluations rated the product ‘very good’ and furfural levels were well below that which indicates off flavors. Browning tended to increase with storage time and temperature.
Association of a special strain of pleuropneumonia-like organisms with conjunctivitis in a mouse colony.

An outbreak of conjunctivitis, unaccompanied by involvement of the respiratory tract, is reported in a colony of white mice. A special strain of pleuropneumonia-like organisms was regularly isolated from the eyes and nasal passages of affected mice but not from the lungs or middle ears. Ocular carriage of these organisms in the absence of an inflammatory reaction occurred in at least 50 per cent of the adult mice. Transmission to the young was presumably initiated by parental contact, the organisms being recoverable after the eyes were open, and was continued after weaning by direct contact between cage mates. These organisms were repeatedly established on the conjunctiva of normal Swiss mice by direct contact with infected animals and subsequently maintained there for ten successive passages. Multiplication of the pleuropneumonia-like organisms, which was largely limited to the eye and its appendages, was accompanied by a low rate of conjunctivitis. The multiple conjunctival instillation of ocular washings from infected mice was the only additional method of implantation of the organisms which was successful.
Theoretical studies of linear and nonlinear optical properties of C60

We present here the results for frequency-dependent linear polarizability, (alpha) , and second hyperpolarizability, (gamma) , coefficients of the icosahedral C60 molecule calculated from minimal basis ab initio and semiempirical methods in the framework of the time-dependent purturbation theory. The ab initio results of (alpha) are too small by a factor of two compared to their experimental counterpart. The semiempirical methods predict yet smaller values of (alpha) . The (gamma) coefficients obtained by the ab initio calculations are two orders of magnitude smaller than those derived from experiments. The corresponding values obtained by semiempirical calculations show improved agreement with the experiment. The ratio xxxx/xyyx for (gamma) (-3(omega) ;(omega) ,(omega) ,(omega) ) is calculated to be 1/3 up to an optical wavelength of 1.37 micrometers . The calculated values of (gamma) for the various third order effects follow the order: (gamma) (-3(omega) ;(omega) ,(omega) ,(omega) ) > (gamma) (-2(omega) ;0,(omega) ,(omega) ) > (gamma) (-(omega) ;(omega) ,(omega) ,-(omega) ) > (gamma) (-(omega) ;0,0,(omega) ) > (gamma) (0;0;0;0).© (1994) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
In situ characterization of structural changes and the fraction of aligned carbon nanotube networks produced by stretching

The mechanism of carbon nanotube (CNT) alignment during stretching was examined by the in situ characterization of carbon nanotube networks (CNTNs) under tensile strains using X-ray and Raman scattering techniques. A method of quantifying the inhomogeneous alignment of macroscopic CNTNs is explored based on bulk property measurements of their electrical anisotropy and X-ray diffraction diagrams. The results show that the process of stretch-induced alignment of CNTNs included straightening the waviness of the long nanotube ropes, as well as the self-assembling and denser packing of the nanotubes. For samples at a strain of 40%, the fraction of aligned nanotubes was as high as 0.85. The aligned fraction of CNTs serves as an important parameter for the quality control of the alignment process and numerical simulations of structure–property relationships of CNTNs and their composites.
The intersection of African American English and Black American Sign Language

This article reports on the intersection of African American English (AAE) and a variety of American Sign Language (ASL) used by Black signers and known as Black ASL. Based on an extensive videotaped corpus collected from 96 African American signers in the southern United States, we explore the conditions that led to the development of a separate African American variety and document its features. Starting in 1869, 17 states and the District of Columbia had separate schools or departments for Black Deaf children within already-established schools. The last school to desegregate was in Louisiana, in 1978. We filmed Black signers in six of the 17 states, in free conversation and interviews, and we also elicited lexical items. Signers were divided into two groups, those over 55 who attended segregated schools and signers under 35 who attended integrated schools. Of the eight linguistic features investigated, two result from the contact of Black ASL with spoken English: the mouthing of English words and the incorporation of African American words and phrases. Older signers who attended segregated schools mouth very little, while younger signers who attended integrated schools mouth as frequently as young white signers. The young Black signers also spontaneously produce and discuss words and phrases from AAE that have made their way into Black ASL, such as "Stop trippin"!", "My bad", and "Girl, please." The presence of these AAE features in Black ASL shows the effects of attendance in mainstreaming programs starting in the mid-1970s, including contact with hearing AAE speakers, and an increased focus on the learning of spoken English.
Parent Questionnaire for Screening Early Language Development in Children with Cleft Palate

This study investigated the efficacy of a parent questionnaire as a component for screening early language development of children 16 to 30 months of age with cleft lip and palate. Thirty nonsyndromic children with cleft lip and palate and 30 children without clefts received the MacArthur Communicative Development Inventory: Toddler (CDI: Toddler), administered by a pediatrician. In addition, a speech-language screening was performed by a speech-language pathologist. Results of the two assessments indicated that the CDI:Toddler was a valid screener of language development when compared with a comprehensive speech-language screening. Language and speech characteristics of the subject populations are discussed. In particular, differences between the cleft and noncleft groups demonstrated evidence of delays in expressive language development in the children with cleft lip and palate.
PHYSICAL PROCESSES INVOLVING MAJORANA NEUTRINOS

The Feynman rules for Majorana neutrinos are reviewed and applied. The processes discussed are ${\ensuremath{\nu}}^{\ensuremath{'}}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}\ensuremath{\nu}\ensuremath{\gamma}$, ${\ensuremath{\nu}}^{\ensuremath{'}}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}\ensuremath{\nu}{e}^{+}{e}^{\ensuremath{-}}$, and neutrino oscillations, especially with regard to the difference between Dirac and Majorana neutrinos. Some special features of CP violation in the neutrino sector are pointed out.
Numerical studies of femtosecond carrier dynamics in GaAs.

We present simulations of 2-eV femtosecond differential transmission experiments in GaAs. Electron and heavy-, light-, and split-off-hole dynamics are calculated by an ensemble Monte Carlo method. To account for valence-band nonparabolicity and anisotropy, a 30-band k\ensuremath{\cdot}p method is used to determine hole band structure, optical matrix elements, density of states, and Bloch overlap factors. Using the distribution functions obtained from the Monte Carlo simulations, we calculate the differential transmission and compare directly with experimental spectra. We show that the inclusion of both collisional broadening during photoexcitation and holes is essential to reproduce accurately the experimental results. We also discuss the effects of intervalley and carrier-carrier scattering in these measurements.
Migration of 137Cs through quartz sand: experimental results and modeling approaches

We present results from experiments on the migration of 137Cs through columns containing quartz sand. Times for 137Cs movement through these columns and the quantity of 137Cs adsorbed by the sand decreased as the ionic strength of the pore water increased from 0.002 to 0.1 m. The breakthrough curves were characterized by a slow approach towards steady-state concentrations as well as by long tails, indicating that 137Cs adsorption to the sand grains was, at least in part, controlled by rate-limited reactions. Various formulations for solute mass transfer were tested for their ability to fit the experimental breakthrough curves. Based on a statistical analysis, a nonlinear, two-site model was identified as the most appropriate for describing the suite of experimental data. Variation in the model parameter that describes the rate of 137Cs adsorption to the sand showed no consistent pattern with changes in ionic strength. In contrast, model parameters describing the sorption capacity of the sand grains and the fraction of kinetic sorption sites on the sand decreased with increasing ionic strength. The parameter describing the rate of 137Cs desorption varied directly with changes in ionic strength.
Miospores from the Upper Devonian (Frasnian) Greenland Gap Group, Allegheny Front, Maryland, West Virginia and Virginia, U.S.A.

Abstract A dispersed spore assemblage is identified from the Upper Devonian Greenland Gap Group along the Allegheny Front in Maryland, West Virginia and Virginia. Two new species of miospores, Anapiculatisporites crassisetus and Samarisporites grossicorrugatus are described; and two new combinations, Punctatisporites calamites (Naumova) nov. comb. and Verrucosisporites rarituberculatus (Naumova) nov. comb. are proposed. The composition of the assemblages is discussed, and the assemblage is compared with those previously described from Middle and Upper Devonian sediments. The palynomorph assemblage supports published stratigraphic and paleontologic data used in assigning a Frasnian age to the Greenland Gap Group.
The evidence for the existence of chymotrypsin-like esterase activity in the plasma membranes of rabbit neutrophils and the specific chemotactic peptide binding activity of the subcellular fractions.

Abstract 1. 1. Light- and heavy-plasma membrane fractions have been isolated from rabbit neutrophils and a chymotrypsin-like esterase has been shown to be present in these fractions. 2. 2. The molecular weight of the chymotrypsin-like esterase of rabbit neutrophil plasma membrane was estimated to be about 200 000. 3. 3. About 93% of the chymotrypsin-like esterase of the plasma membranes is esterase 1 and the susceptibility to potential inhibitors was similar in light- and heavy-plasma membrane. 4. 4. Chemotactic peptide, [ 3 H]formyl-norleucyl-leucyl-phenylalanine ([ 3 H]-formyl-Nle-Leu-Phe) binding by subcellular fractions shows that the highest specific binding was observed in the light-plasma membrane fraction. The specific chemotactic peptide binding activity of light-plasma membrane was about 2-fold higher than the heavy-plasma membrane, about 37-fold higher than the nuclear fraction, about 3-fold higher than lysosomal fraction and about 10-fold higher than the microsomal fraction.
Aggregate Flow Model for Air-Traffic Management

Traditionally, models used in air-traffic control and flow management are based on simulating the trajectories of individual aircraft. This approach results in models with a large number of states, which are intrinsically susceptible to errors and difficult for designing and implementing optimal strategies for traffic flow management. This paper outlines an innovative approach for the development of linear-time-variant dynamic traffic flow system models based on historical data about the behavior of air traffic. The resulting low-order, linear, robust models can be used both for the analysis and synthesis of traffic flow management techniques for current and future systems.
Complete PMR analysis of naphthalene as an eight spin system

The PMR spectrum of naphthalene has been completely analyzed as an eight-spin system for the first time. It was found that inter-ring long-range couplings exist between all combinations of the α and β protons on adjacent rings. The signs and magnitudes of the coupling values have been determined and compared to couplings reported in the literature for other polynuclear compounds.
Astronomical Refraction: Computational Method for All Zenith Angles

It is shown that the problem of computing astronomical refraction for any value of the zenith angle may be reduced to a simple, nonsingular, numerical quadrature when the proper choice is made for the independent variable of integration. The angle between the radius vector and the light ray is such a choice. The implementation of the quadrature method is discussed in its general form and illustrated by means of an application to a piecewise polytropic atmosphere. The flexibility, simplicity, and computational efficiency of the method are evident.
Tibial intramedullary nail distal interlocking screw placement: comparison of the free-hand versus distally-based targeting device techniques.

Abstract Intramedullary nailing is the standard treatment for closed and some open unstable diaphyseal tibia fractures. Fluoroscopy, while essential for proper nail placement can subject the surgical team and patient to substantial radiation. A new targeting system for tibia nail distal interlocking was developed by Orthofix® to limit fluoroscopy. This prospective clinical study compares the Orthofix® targeting system versus a free-hand technique for the tibial nail distal interlocking. Fifty eight consecutive patients with sixty tibial fractures amenable for nail fixation were randomly assigned into two equal groups: Group 1: Orthofix® distally based distal targeting device and Group 2: a free-hand technique. In all the cases stabilization was achieved with a reamed statically locked tibial nail. Recorded data included accuracy of screw placement, duration of surgery prior to and during distal interlocking, and the fluoroscopy time prior to and during distal interlocking. Both groups revealed comparable fracture patterns. In all fractures the technical aspects of the surgical treatment were performed without complications. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in the mean time of surgery prior to (62.02 vs. 61.01 min, P=0.92) and during distal interlocking (17.06 vs. 19.08 min, P=0.55), or in the total surgical time (81 vs. 85 min), respectively. Neither was there a statistically significant difference in the mean fluoroscopy time prior to distal interlocking (69 vs. 81 s, p=0.22) nor in the total fluoroscopy time (84 vs. 117 s). There was however, a statistically significant difference between the Orthofix and free-hand groups with regards to the mean fluoroscopy time during distal interlocking (15 vs. 36 s, P=0.01, respectively). This study demonstrates that the distally based distal targeting device by Orthofix® for tibial nailing can significantly decrease the mean fluoroscopy time necessary to complete distal interlocking versus free-hand technique.
Zebrafish model for congenital myasthenic syndrome reveals mechanisms causal to developmental recovery

Mutations in muscle ACh receptors cause slow-channel syndrome (SCS) and Escobar syndrome, two forms of congenital myasthenia. SCS is a dominant disorder with mutations reported for all receptor subunits except γ. Escobar syndrome is distinct, with mutations located exclusively in γ, and characterized by developmental improvement of muscle function. The zebrafish mutant line, twister, models SCS in terms of a dominant mutation in the α subunit (αtwi) but shows the behavioral improvement associated with Escobar syndrome. Here, we present a unique electrophysiological study into developmental improvement for a myasthenic syndrome. The embryonic αtwiβδγ receptor isoform produces slowly decaying synaptic currents typical of SCS that transit to a much faster decay upon the appearance of adult e, despite the αtwi mutation. Thus, the continued expression of αtwi into adulthood is tolerated because of the e expression and associated recovery, raising the likelihood of unappreciated myasthenic cases that benefit from the γ−e switch.
Demographic modernization: Continuities and transitions

El tiempo, tipo de la modernization y el sector del movimiento de esa modernization, se supone deben ser la dimensiones de la diferenciatioy transition demografica. En los paises desarrollados, industrialization, urbanization, education avanzada, transition demografica hacia bajas ratas vitales y eventualmente declinantes ratas de crecimiento de poblation, son procesos asociados. Si esta asotiacion de desarrollo social y economico y fertilidad declinante es escencial, la declination de la fertilidad en areas menos desarrollados puede retardar cuando no impedir la modernization.
Preclinical evaluation of the reinforcing and discriminative stimulus effects of agomelatine (S-20098), a melatonin agonist

Agomelatine (S-20098), an analog of melatonin, has shown promise as a chronobiotic in animal models of sleep phase disorders and is being developed for clinical use. Previous research has shown that the pharmacological profile of melatonin-like drugs overlaps that of γ-amino butyric acid (GABA) agonists. Given the potential of drugs within the latter class for recreational abuse in humans, evaluation of this potential for melatonin analogs that target similar therapeutic indications is important. In the present study, agomelatine was tested in animal models of the subjective and reinforcing effects of CNS depressant drugs; i.e., diazepam discrimination in rats and IV methohexital self-administration in rhesus monkeys, respectively. Neither agomelatine nor melatonin substituted for diazepam in rats trained to discriminate 2.5 mg/kg diazepam from vehicle. Further, agomelatine was not self-administered by rhesus monkeys. These results suggest that agomelatine would not produce diazepam-like intoxication in humans, nor would it likely be subject to abuse.
CD94-NKG2A receptors regulate antiviral CD8(+) T cell responses.

CD8+ T lymphocytes mediate immunosurveillance against persistent virus infections and virus-induced neoplasia. Polyoma virus, a highly oncogenic natural mouse DNA virus, establishes persistent infection, but only a few mice are highly susceptible to tumors induced by the virus. Mature antiviral CD8+ T cells expand in tumor-susceptible mice, but their cytotoxic effector activity is nonfunctional in vivo. Here we show that the natural killer cell inhibitory receptor, CD94-NKG2A, is up-regulated by antiviral CD8+ T cells during acute polyoma infection and is responsible for down-regulating their antigen-specific cytotoxicity during both viral clearance and virus-induced oncogenesis.
Obesity in middle age and future risk of dementia: Authors' reply

EDITOR—The study that Goble referenced as also investigating midlife obesity and dementia was conducted in subjects with obesity measurements at age 70.1 Goble questions whether the midlife health status of those who left the health plan was similar to those who remained, and the comparison of dementia cases between this study and another from the same cohort.2 The midlife physical characteristics (cholesterol, blood pressure, and diabetes) did not differ between those who left or stayed in the plan. The eight count difference in dementia cases in our two studies is the result of a …
Astronomical pipeline processing using fuzzy logic

Fundamental astronomical questions on the composition of the universe, the abundance of Earth-like planets, and the cause of the brightest explosions in the universe are being attacked by robotic telescopes costing billions of dollars and returning vast pipelines of data. The success of these programs depends on the accuracy of automated real time processing of images never seen by a human, and all predicated on fast and accurate automatic identifications of known astronomical objects and new astronomical transients. In this paper the needs of modern astronomical pipelines are discussed in the light of fuzzy-logic based decision-making. Several specific fuzzy-logic algorithms have been develop for the first time for astronomical purposes, and tested with excellent results on a test pipeline of data from the existing Night Sky Live sky survey.
“A little compulsion with our persuasion”: “De facto coercion” in Mrs. Gandhi's family planning campaign

Abstract The analysis considers the elements of power versus resistance with respect to persuasion in answering the question, “When has coercion occurred?” The family planning persuasion in India under the rule of Indira Gandhi is examined in light of the proposed system of analysis to determine that a form of psychological but not usually physical coercion was practiced during India's family planning effort. The persuasion campaign is described and a rationale is offered from the perspective of Indian elites.
Collagen-induced arthritis in mice: synergistic effect of E. coli lipopolysaccharide bypasses epitope specificity in the induction of arthritis with monoclonal antibodies to type II collagen.

DBA/1 mice develop a chronic peripheral arthritis after immunization with type II collagen termed collagen-induced arthritis. We have localized the main arthritogenic determinants of CB11, a CNBr-generated arthritogenic fragment of chick type II collagen (CII), using 3 smaller peptide fragments of CB11 generated by endoproteinase LysC, LysC1 (CII 124-290), LysC2 (CII 291-374) and LysC3 (CII 375-402) and a panel of monoclonal antibodies (mAb) specific to CB11. MAb specific to the arthritogenic region of CB11 were also used to study the synergistic effect of E. coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on antibody-mediated arthritis in naive DBA/1 mice. LysC2 contained a minimum essential arthritogenic fragment of type II collagen: LysC2 induced arthritis by active immunization, also, a combination of four mAb specific to LysC2 passively transferred arthritis to naive mice. A single i.p. injection of LPS (50 micrograms/mouse) reduced the threshold values of the arthritogenic dose of mAb from 1 mg to 50 micrograms/clone per mouse, and decreased the number of mAb required for inducing arthritis from 4 to 2 clones. These observations suggest that LysC2, an 84 amino acid residue fragment, contains the main arthritogenic determinants within chick CB11. Importantly, LPS, a strong inducer of pro-inflammatory cytokines, negates the required multiple epitope specificity of autoantibodies in the passive transfer model and acts synergistically in the induction of arthritis by autoantibody.
Plant and Pollinator Communities of High Elevation Rock Outcrops

ABSTRACT: High-elevation rock outcrop ecosystems are home to a unique flora, with endemic and disjunct species hypothesized to be susceptible to shifts in species composition or phenology with climate warming. Easily accessed outcrops also are susceptible to human disturbance. We surveyed vegetation, flowering plant species, and insect pollinators on seven outcrops that range from relatively inaccessible to frequently visited to determine if: (1) vegetation composition or abundance correlates with accessibility; (2) establish baseline information on species composition and abundance; and (3) determine if specialized plant-pollinator interactions indicate susceptibility to shifts in flowering time. Richness of plant cover was not related to outcrop accessibility; however, the least accessible outcrop had the lowest frequency of bare rock, relatively high lichen cover, and vegetation patches with a distinct flora of spikemoss (Selaginella sp.), mosses, lichens, and vascular plants. Bare rock was most abunda...
FIML estimation of the dynamic simultaneous equations model with ARMA disturbances

Abstract A method is presented for the estimation of the parameters in the dynamic simultaneous equations model with vector autoregressive moving average disturbances. The estimation procedure is derived from the full information maximum likelihood approach and is based on Newton-Raphson techniques applied to the likelihood equations. The resulting two-step Newton-Raphson procedure involves only generalized instrumental variables estimation in the second step. This procedure also serves as the basis for an iterative scheme to solve the normal equations and obtain the maximum likelihood estimates of the conditional likelihood function. A nine-equation variant of the quarterly forecasting model of the US economy developed by Fair is then used as a realistic example to illustrate the estimation procedure described in the paper.
Merkel Cells Are a Touchy Subject

How the Merkel cell-neurite complex transduces and encodes touch remains unclear. Ikeda et al. now implicate Merkel cells as the primary sites of tactile transduction and the ion channel Piezo2 as the chief mechanotransducer. Surprisingly, Merkel cells also mediate allodynia, providing a new cellular target for chronic pain treatment.
Intrinsic Contractures of the Hand

Contractures of the intrinsic muscles of the fingers disrupt the delicate and complex balance of intrinsic and extrinsic muscles, which allows the hand to be so versatile and functional. The loss of muscle function primarily affects the interphalangeal joints but also may affect etacarpophalangeal joints. The resulting clinical picture is often termed, intrinsic contracture or intrinsic-plus hand. Disruption of the balance between intrinsic and extrinsic muscles has many causes and may be secondary to changes within the intrinsic musculature or the tendon unit. This article reviews diagnosis, etiology, and treatment algorithms in the management of intrinsic contractures of the fingers.
Abstract A44: Carnosol, a dietary diterpene functions as a dual AR and ER-alpha antagonist in prostate cancer.

A44 Emerging evidence suggest that androgens may not be the only hormone responsible for the etiology of prostate cancer (PCa). Recent data has suggested that estrogens may be another important piece to the PCa puzzle. For example the use of the Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulator (SERM) toremifene in HG-PIN patients for one year resulted in a 21% reduction in the conversion of HG-PIN to PCa after one year of treatment. It is well established that race correlates with the levels of androgens with African Americans having the highest, followed by Caucasians and lowest in Japanese males. A similar trend has been observed in regard to serum estrogen levels and it is noteworthy that with age estrogen levels remain constant while androgens levels decrease. Given that experimental animal models suggest that both estrogens and androgens are necessary for PCa development it may be a reasonable approach to simultaneously disrupt both androgen and estrogen signaling in PCa. Several SERMs that include tamoxifen, toremifine, and fulvestrant have been evaluated for their ability to also target the AR and function as a dual AR and ER antagonist, however, experiments have suggested these effects are saturable and in some instances SERMs exert AR agonist properties. In our quest to find a dual AR and ER antagonist present in dietary substances that humans consume we found that the dietary diterpene Carnosol displays growth inhibitory properties in the hormone sensitive prostate (LNCaP and CWR22Rv1) and breast (MCF7 and AU565) cancer cell lines. Given the structural similarity between Carnosol to dihydrotestosterone and estradiol we hypothesized that it may interact with both the androgen and estrogen receptor alpha (ER-α). Using a TR-FRET cell free biochemical assay we found that Carnosol can interact with both AR and ER-alpha with similar potencies. Next, we evaluated the antagonist and agonist properties of Carnosol using a functional assay where the AR and ER-alpha ligand binding domains are expressed as a fusion protein in HEK293 cells. We observed that Carnosol exhibits antagonist properties that are dose responsive and even more interestingly, regardless of dose, did not exert agonist properties. In LNCaP, CWR22Rv1, and MCF7 cells Carnosol was found to disrupt both androgen and estrogen signaling in a dose and time dependent manner. Our finding that Carnosol displays the ability to disrupt both androgen and estrogen signaling simultaneously suggesting that Carnosol may be developed or chemically modified through more rigorous structure activity relationship studies of other such chemical entities for a new class of investigational agents - a dual AR/ER modulator. Citation Information: Cancer Prev Res 2008;1(7 Suppl):A44.
Directed patterned adsorption of magnetic beads on polyelectrolyte multilayers on glass.

Here we present a study of patterning micrometer-sized features on glass surfaces with magnetic colloids. We employ a polyelectrolyte foundation composed of five bilayers on the surface of a glass slide. The directed assembly of carboxylate-modified superparamagnetic particles is accomplished by creating patterned regions of opposite charge via polymer-on-polymer stamping. Dot patterns created in a two-dimensional square array produce colloidal clusters with diameters ranging from 1 to 12 μm. Individual magnetic particles were patterned on the glass surface with micrometer-scale precision. Striped patterns also produced lines of magnetic particles varying in spacing and width from 1 to 7 μm.
Eating pathology and obesity in women at risk for breast cancer recurrence.

OBJECTIVE: This cross-sectional study investigated the relationship among obesity, depressive symptoms, eating attitudes and behaviors, and dietary intake. It compared women at risk for recurrence of breast cancer and women who had not been diagnosed with breast cancer and were recruited from the same community and age group (middle-aged and older). METHOD: Body mass index (BMI), dietary intake, self-reported depressive symptoms, and eating disorder psychopathology (assessed with the Eating Disorder Examination - Questionnaire [EDE-Q]) were examined in women who had been diagnosed with breast cancer (n = 56) and the comparison group of women with no breast cancer history (n = 52). Multivariate regression analysis was used to identify factors independently associated with global and subscale EDE-Q scores and BMI. RESULTS: BMI and depressive symptoms were significantly and independently associated with global and subscale EDE-Q scores in women at risk for breast cancer recurrence and women with no breast cancer history. Dietary restriction was also significantly associated with EDE-Q scores in the group with no breast cancer history. CONCLUSIONS: An association among obesity, depressive symptomatology, and abnormal eating attitudes and behavior may affect response to standard nutritional interventions in women at risk for breast cancer recurrence.
Waste-Incorporated Subbase for Porous Landscape Detention Basin Design

Porous landscape detention basins (PLDBs) capture and filter storm water while taking advantage of the intrinsic quality of plants to act as water treatment systems. A two-layered subbase filtering medium is recommended for building PLDBs. The current design method creates the opportunity for incorporating waste symbiosis. In this study, the beneficial reuse of mixing urban waste stream materials into the subbase filtering media is identified. Based on the waste screening tests conducted in this study, three mixes were selected and examined for their leaching and clogging potentials over the years of service. They are (1) peat-sand mix, (2) compost-paper-sand mix, and (3) compost-paper-sand-tire mix. Laboratory tests showed no significant differences among these three mixes in infiltration capacity and leaching contents of nutrients, pathogens, and total metals. Subbase clogging tests were also conducted for these three mixes using sample storm water. The decay of clogged infiltration rate was measured as...
Classroom note: An alternative approach to the total probability formula

Given a set of urns, each filled with a mix of black chips and white chips, what is the probability of drawing a black chip from the last urn after some sequential random shifts of chips among the urns? The Total Probability Formula (TPF) is the common tool to solve such a problem. However, when the number of urns is more than two and the number of shifted chips is not small, using the TPF becomes impractical or even impossible. This note presents a much simpler alternative formula to the TPF in dealing with the probability problem. As a byproduct, a recursive formula for computing the probabilities of sequential events is derived and a closed form of the recursive solution is also presented. These results could potentially be applied to estimating the demographic distribution of students after a chain of transfers as well as the biological studies of mutation.
Infantile subglottic hemangioma: a review and presentation of two cases of surgical excision

Subglottic hemangioma in infants is a well-defined entity with which otolaryngologists should be familiar. Although benign lesions with a natural history of regression, they may demand the attention of an otolaryngologist to maintain a secure airway. Throughout the years, multiple treatment options have been proposed and utilized for subglottic hemangioma. As of yet, however, there is no consensus as to the best treatment. Surgical excision is one treatment option available to the otolaryngologist which has previously received less attention. We review treatment options and report two cases of surgical excision of infantile subglottic hemangioma. Both patients were extubated by postoperative day number three and have remained symptom free. We support surgical excision as a valuable treatment option.
Invited review: Some challenging unsolved problems in atomic collisions in solids

This paper offers different perspectives from which to analyze the field of atomic collisions in solids, highlights some current problems, suggests strategies for future research, and poses some challenging unsolved problems.
Radar imaging from ramp response signatures

A new approach to synthetic image generation of radar targets from electromagnetic scattering measurements is described and illustrated. Complex harmonic samples of the backscattered response at ten frequencies lying in the low resonance range of the target response spectrum are used as input data for this approach. A periodic ramp response waveform synthesized from these data is shown to be correlated to the cross-sectional area versus distance along the line-of-sight, or profile function, of the targets measured. A technique using profile function data at three orthogonal target look angles for the mathematical specification of a three-dimensional "approximate limiting surface" is described. Visual images simulating an isometric view of the surface are then constructed. Images produced from model measurements of several target shapes are presented to illustrate some characteristics of this imaging process.
Evidence-based practice in action.

Abstract As Associate Editor for Journal of Pediatric Nursing (JPN), I will be assisting with evidence-based practice (EBP) submissions or other clinically based articles. I welcome questions, works-in-progress for constructive criticism, and finished submissions for review. This article comprises an overview of the EBP process, an EBP submission format for JPN, and 4 examples of EBP in a variety of pediatric clinical settings. Copyright 2002, Elsevier Science (USA). All rights reserved.
Video-assisted thoracic surgical repair of a foramen of Bochdalek hernia

A case report of a congenital posterolateral diaphragmatic hernia in an adolescent is presented and a technique for thoracoscopic repair of Bochdalek hernia is described. Postoperative discomfort was minimal and the hospital stay was less than 24 hours. Video-assisted thoracic surgery may be the technique of choice for repair of certain congenital diaphragmatic hernias when identified after infancy.
Stress-induced χ (2) in silicon — Comparison between theoretical and experimental values

We provide a new theoretical estimation of stress-induced χ(2) in silicon and highlight the fact that there exists a large difference between theoretical and experimentally measured values. Possible reasons for this discrepancy are discussed.
Respiration and phosphorylation in liver mitochondria and homogenates from adrenalectomized rats.

Abstract Polarographic measurements revealed no alteration in ADP:O values of liver mitochondria or homogenates following adrenalectomy. The maximal respiratory activity per mg. DNA of homogenates containing ADP and α-ketoglutarate, β-hydroxybutyrate, or succinate was decreased by adrenalectomy. A corresponding decrease was observed in the respiration of homogenates in the presence of exogenous substrate or substrate plus ATP, indicating a decreased ATPase activity relative to DNA. On the other hand, the respiratory rates per mg. protein N of mitochondria and homogenates were unaffected by adrenalectomy. In rats fed ad libitum, adrenalectomy appeared to decrease the total protein and thereby the phosphorylative capacity per cell. The decline in cellular phosphorylative capacity was accentuated when adrenalectomized rats were placed on food restriction. The decreased protein to DNA ratio observed in adrenalectomized rats seemed to be due largely to a lower caloric intake in comparison with sham-operated rats. Adrenalectomy did not alter liver DNA/100 g. of initial body weight.
Resonance mitigation and dynamical behavior of systems with harmonic filters for improving reliability in mining plants

Mining systems have complex power networks including high-power equipment, variable configuration and distributed harmonic injections. This paper presents the problem of resonance mitigation and dynamical behavior of a power system with harmonic filters (HF) for improving reliability in mining plants. It is known that the main objective of the harmonic filters is to provide power factor correction and limiting the harmonic distortions. Nevertheless, until now it is not well covered in the literature that HF also provides mitigation of impedance resonances. Simulation results obtained of the transient behavior analysis of industrial electrical system when harmonic filters are switched are presented, with good correlation between steady and transient behavior, supporting the results given by tools intended for stationary analysis of harmonics performance. Different operating conditions of an industrial power system given by variable topology, multiple harmonic injections and loading factor should be taken into account for the proper design of HF systems. The presented methodology supports the risk assessment, failure analysis and reliability improvement of industrial systems as well as the decision making process at the design stage of power systems
Modified ASTM C 1293 Test Method to Investigate Potential of Potassium Acetate Deicer Solution to Cause Alkali–Silica Reaction

Following the recent investigations by FAA into premature deterioration of some airfield concrete pavements that were exposed to deicing chemicals, a comprehensive research study was undertaken to examine the role of deicing solutions in causing alkali-silica reaction (ASR) in mortar and concrete test specimens. It was conducted to evaluate the influence of a potassium acetate deicer and anti-icer in causing ASR distress in concrete specimens. A modified ASTM C 1293 test method was employed in this investigation, in which concrete prisms prepared with aggregates of known reactivity were exposed to 50% solution of potassium acetate (KAc) or 1 normal solution of sodium hydroxide (1N NaOH) during the course of testing. Expansion of the concrete test prisms was monitored periodically, along with changes in their dynamic modulus of elasticity. In addition, visual and scanning electron microscopic examinations were conducted on polished specimens at the conclusion of tests. The pH of the deicer soak solution wa...
Muscimol Infusions to Infralimbic Cortex Impair Extinction but Not Acquisition of a Trace Eyeblink Conditioned Response in Rabbits

This study assessed the effects of reversible lesions with microinfusions of the GABAA agonist muscimol (MUSC) to infralimbic cortex (IL; Brodmann’s area 25) of the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) on trace eyeblink conditioning and extinction in rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus). Four groups were tested: rabbits receiving MUSC infusions 5 min before acquisition and extinction sessions (MUSC/MUSC group), rabbits receiving vehicle (VEH) 5 min before acquisition and extinction sessions (VEH/VEH group), rabbits receiving MUSC before acquisition and VEH before extinction sessions (MUSC/VEH group), and rabbits receiving VEH before acquisition and MUSC before extinction sessions (VEH/MUSC). Results revealed that MUSC infusions to IL had no effects on acquisition but retarded extinction when injected before either acquisition or extinction sessions. These findings are among the first to demonstrate that MUSC infusions to the IL disrupt extinction of an EB CR in rabbits, and are in agreement with data from rodent studies noting the critical role of IL for the extinction of aversive fear-conditioned responses.
Effects of Diet on Short-Term Regulation of Feed Intake by Lactating Dairy Cattle

Physical and chemical characteristics of dietary ingredients and their interactions can have a large effect on dry matter intake (DMI) of lactating cows. Physical limitations caused by distension of the reticulo-rumen or other compartments of the gastrointestinal tract often limit DMI of high producing cows or cows fed high forage diets. Fermentation acids also limit DMI from a combination of increased osmolality in the reticulorumen and specific effects of propionate, although the mechanisms are not clear. The specific physical and chemical characteristics of diets that can affect DMI include fiber content, ease of hydrolysis of starch and fiber, particle size, particle fragility, silage fermentation products, concentration and characteristics of fat, and the amount and ruminal degradation of protein. Site of starch digestion affects the form of metabolic fuel absorbed, which can affect DMI because absorbed propionate appears to be more hypophagic than lactate or absorbed glucose. Dry matter intake is likely determined by integration of signals in brain satiety centers. Difficulty in measurement and extensive interactions among the variables make it challenging to account for dietary effects when predicting DMI. However, a greater understanding of the mechanisms along with evaluation of animal responses to diet changes allows diet adjustments to be made to optimize DMI as well as to optimize allocation of diet ingredients to animals. This paper discusses some of the characteristics of dietary ingredients that should be considered when formulating diets for lactating dairy cows and when allocating feeds to different groups of animals on the farm. (Key words: dry matter intake, diet effects, lactating cows) Abbreviation key: bm 3 = brown midrib 3, Ca-PFA = calcium salts of palm FA, CCK = cholecystokinin, FA = fatty acids, LCFA = long chain FA, NFFS = nonforage fiber source, PEG = polyethylene glycol, RR = reticulorumen, TG = triglycerides.
Novel Tunable Millimeter-Wave Grating-Gated Plasmonic Detectors

We present the development of tunable, narrow-band plasmonic millimeter wave detectors. The current generation of this class of detector monolithically integrates a 2-D plasmonic absorber and a bolometric sensor in a GaAs/AlGaAs HEMT located at the vertex of a broad-band antenna. Response and transport measurements demonstrate absorption by high-order plasmon modes sensed by the integrated bolometer and with a two order of magnitude improvement in sensitivity and noise equivalent power over prior generations of 2-D plasmonic detectors. We compare these recent results with the state of the art in millimeter and submillimeter wave-detection technology.