cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Identification of Novel Transcriptional Consequences of Activation and Inactivation of TP53 in Multiple Myeloma.

The genetic lesions important in the pathogenesis and prognosis of multiple myeloma (MM) continue to be elucidated. TP53 is deleted in approximately 10% of cases and is associated with a poor prognosis in MM. As a transcription factor, TP53 regulates the expression of genes involved in a variety of cellular functions, including cell-cycle arrest, DNA repair, and apoptosis. In the current study, we identified novel TP53 target genes and demonstrated the clinical relevance of alterations in this signaling pathway in disease progression. First, we examined the expression of 122 genes that were identified as direct TP53 target genes by paired-end diTags (PET) analysis and whose p53-dependent expression had been validated. The target genes were profiled in a collection of 351 newly diagnosed MM samples using the Affymetrix U133Plus2.0 microarrays. In this set of tumors, TP53 expression in the lowest 10th percentile was associated with a significantly shorter event-free ( P = 0.0004) and overall survival ( P = 0.0001). However, expression of only a few of the previously identified TP53 target genes correlated with TP53 expression in MM cells. This suggested that TP53 may regulate a distinct set of genes in MM. To elucidate the TP53 regulatory networks in MM, we used lentiviral transduction to over express TP53 in four MM cell lines (OCI-MY5, JJN3, ARP-1 and Delta 47). An increase in steady-state TP53 level was confirmed by Western blot analysis 24 hours post lentiviral transduction and massive cell death occurred within 36 hours. Gene expression profiling revealed that a total of 85 genes were affected by TP53 expression: 50 were up-regulated and 35 were down-regulated 1.5-fold or greater in at least 3 of 4 MM cell lines. Expression analysis of primary MM revealed that the 85 genes also exhibited differential expression in comparison of those with the lowest relative to the highest TP53 expression, suggesting that TP53 may directly or indirectly regulate the expression of these genes. Of the 85 genes, 4 genes ( ZMAT3 , TNFRSF10B , TRIM22 , and NOTCH1 ) were in the group of 122 P53 target genes identified by PET analysis. Consistent with known TP53 cellular functions, we found 69 of the 85 TP53 regulated genes in MM to be involved in apoptosis, cell cycle regulation, cell growth and differentiation, DNA repair and chromatin modification, and transcription regulation. Unsupervised hierarchical clustering of 351 newly diagnosed MM and 90 relapsed MM with the 85 TP5 3 associated genes identified 2 subgroups in each analysis. The subtype associated with lower TP53 expression had a significantly shorter EFS ( P = 0.0006) and OS ( P = 0.0010) in newly diagnosed MM and shorter post-relapse survival in relapsed disease (P < 0.0001). Thus we have identified MM-specific TP53 target genes by expression profiling in both cultured myeloma cells and primary tumors that correlate with clinical outcome. The identification and characterization of these pathways may lead to a better understanding of the critical role of TP53 loss in cancer.
Can patients find an Endocrine Surgeon? How hospital websites hide the expertise of these medical professionals.

Abstract Background With information on healthcare providers available on the internet, patient self-referral has become popular. This study serves to evaluate the ease with which patients can locate an Endocrine Surgeon using hospital websites. Methods Websites of the 16 top academic hospitals from The US News and World Report’s Hospital Rankings for 2018–2019 were accessed. Each “Find A Doctor” page was searched for: “thyroid nodule,” “hyperparathyroidism,” and “adrenal mass.” Data for suggested providers was collected and analyzed. Results Search results for “thyroid nodule” found Endocrine Surgeons as the predominant providers at 6% institutions, 25% suggested none. For “hyperparathyroidism,” 31% institutions suggested a majority of Endocrine Surgeons, 19% suggested none. For “adrenal mass,” 25% had Endocrine Surgeons as the predominant providers, 31% suggested none. Conclusion The majority of hospitals did not suggest Endocrine Surgeons as the predominant providers for the queried conditions, demonstrating the challenge patients face in finding an Endocrine Surgeon through hospital websites.
A randomized controlled trial of a web-based personalized feedback intervention targeting frequent indoor tanning bed users: Engagement, acceptability, and preliminary behavioral outcomes.

Frequent indoor tanning bed use is an established public health concern, yet research on tanning cessation interventions for frequent tanners is lacking. We describe the protocol for a brief, web-b...
Perioperative Continuation of Biologic Medications Increases Odds of Periprosthetic Joint Infection in Patients With Inflammatory Arthropathy.

Abstract Background Rates of prosthetic joint infection (PJI) are elevated among patients with inflammatory arthropathy (IA). The effect of continuing biologic drugs perioperatively with regard to PJI is unknown. The purpose of this study is to compare rates of perioperative biologic continuation in IA patients who did and did not develop PJI after primary total joint arthroplasty (TJA). Methods All cases of PJI within 1 year of primary TJA in IA patients on biologic medications were retrospectively reviewed from 2005 to 2018 in the US Veterans Affairs Corporate Data Warehouse. Matched controls who did not develop PJI after TJA were populated from the same database. Biologic suspension, defined as medication interruption prior to TJA with surgery occurring after the end of the dosing cycle and resumption after wound healing, was compared among cases and controls. Results Biologic medications were continued through surgery in 35% (9/26) of patients who developed PJI compared to 14% (8/58) of controls (P = .031; adjusted odds ratio of 3.46 [1.11-10.78]). No significant difference existed among cases (n = 26) and controls (n = 58) for age, gender, procedure, body mass index, rates of diabetes or chronic kidney disease, smoking status, or preoperative opioid use (all P > .05). Conclusion With the limited sample sizes available in this study, we found an association with perioperative continuation of biologic medications and PJI. This data may provide support for current guidelines from the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons to withhold biologics before TJA with surgery scheduled at the end of the dosing cycle and medication resumption only after wound healing.
The financial coping strategies of US cancer patients and survivors

Coping behaviors may play a mediating role in producing the negative health outcomes observed in financially burdened cancer patients and survivors. Exploratory factor and latent class analysis of survey data. A total of 510 people completed the survey, ages ranged from 25 to over 75 [over half greater than 55 years old (57.8%)]. Most respondents identified as female (64.7%), white (70.8%), or African American (18.6%). A four-factor model of financial coping was revealed: care-altering, lifestyle-altering, self-advocacy, and financial help-seeking. Respondents grouped into three financial coping classes: low burden/low coping (n = 212), high self-advocacy (n = 143), and high burden/high coping (n = 155). African American respondents were at far greater odds than white respondents of being in the high burden/high coping class (OR = 5.82, 95% CI 3.01–6.64) or the self-advocacy class (OR = 1.99, 95% CI 1.19–2.80) than the low burden/low coping class. Compared to respondents aged 65 years and older, those 35–44 were more likely in the high burden/high coping class (OR = 12.27, 95% CI 7.03–19.87) and the high self-advocacy class (OR = 7.08, 95% CI 5.89–8.28) than the low burden/low coping class. One-third of respondents were in the high burden/high coping class. Age and race/ethnicity were significantly associated with class membership. Some coping strategies may compromise health and well-being. Program and policy interventions that reduce the odds that patients will use strategies that undermine treatment outcomes and increase patient use of protective strategies are needed.
Toward A Multilingual and Multimodal Data Repository for COVID-19 Disinformation

The COVID-19 epidemic is considered as the global health crisis of the whole society and the greatest challenge mankind faced since World War Two. Unfortunately, the fake news about COVID-19 is spreading as fast as the virus itself. The incorrect health measurements, anxiety, and hate speeches will have bad consequences on people’s physical health, as well as their mental health in the whole world. To help better combat the COVID-19 fake news, we propose a new fake news detection dataset MM-COVID1 (Multilingual and Multidimensional COVID-19 Fake News Data Repository). This dataset provides the multilingual fake news and the relevant social context. We collect 3981 pieces of fake news content and 7192 trustworthy information from English, Spanish, Portuguese, Hindi, French and Italian, 6 different languages. We present a detailed and exploratory analysis of MM-COVID from different perspectives.
Design of a Low Power Passive Sigma Delta Modulator

Conventionally a sampled-data based sigma delta modulator consists of active blocks such as operational amplifiers (opamps) in the loop filter which consume the majority of the power in the modulator. It can be expected that a considerable amount of power could be saved if the active loop filter was replaced with a passive network.
Interaction of somatostatin receptors with G proteins and cellular effector systems

Somatostatin induces its multiple biological actions by interacting with a family of receptors, referred to as sstr1-sstr5. To determine the molecular mechanisms of action of somatostatin, we have investigated the interaction of the different cloned receptors with G proteins and cellular effector systems. sstr2, sstr3 and sstr5 associate with pertussis toxin-sensitive G proteins and are able to mediate the inhibition of adenylyl cyclase activity by somatostatin. Two forms of sstr2, sstr2A and sstr2B, are generated by alternative splicing and differ in their C-terminal amino acid sequence. sstr2B couples to adenylyl cyclase whereas sstr2A does not. To investigate the basis for the differential coupling to adenylyl cyclase, we truncated sstr2B to the point of amino acid sequence divergence from sstr2A. The truncated sstr2B mediated the inhibition of cAMP formation by somatostatin, indicating that the C-terminus is not needed for coupling sstr2 to adenylyl cyclase. It is likely that the C-terminus of sstr2A hinders coupling to adenylyl cyclase. sstr2A associates with Gi alpha 3 and G(o) alpha but does not effectively interact with Gi alpha 1, a G protein that is necessary for coupling somatostatin receptors to adenylyl cyclase. The differential association of the splice variants with Gi alpha 1 may explain their contrasting effects on adenylyl cyclase activity. sstr3 also couples to adenylyl cyclase. Gi alpha 1 links sstr3 to adenylyl cyclase and mutagenesis studies have shown that the C-terminus of Gi alpha 1 is necessary for this coupling. The C-terminus of the Gi alpha proteins differ by only a few amino acid residues and only Gi alpha 1 couples sstr3 to adenylyl cyclase.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Estimators for the Cauchy Distribution

We discuss the properties of various estimators of the central position of the Cauchy distribution. The performance of these estimators is evaluated for a set of simulated experiments. Estimators based on the maximum and mean of the posterior probability density function are empirically found to be well behaved when more than two measurements are available. On the contrary, because of the infinite variance of the Cauchy distribution, the average of the measured positions is an extremely poor estimator of the central position. However, the median of the measured positions is well behaved. The rms errors for the various estimators are compared to the Fisher-Cramer-Rao lower bound. We find that the square root of the variance of the posterior density function is predictive of the rms error in the mean posterior estimator.
Selective evolutionary generation systems: theory and applications

This dissertation is devoted to the problem of behavior design, which is a generalization of the standard global optimization problem: instead of generating the optimizer, the generalization produces, on the space of candidate optimizers, a probability density function referred to as the behavior. The generalization depends on a parameter, the level of selectivity, such that as this parameter tends to infinity, the behavior becomes a delta function at the location of the global optimizer. The motivation for this generalization is that traditional off-line global optimization is non-resilient and non-opportunistic. That is, traditional global optimization is unresponsive to perturbations of the objective function. On-line optimization methods that are more resilient and opportunistic than their off-line counterparts typically consist of the computationally expensive sequential repetition of off-line techniques. A novel approach to inexpensive resilience and opportunism is to utilize the theory of Selective Evolutionary Generation Systems (SECS), which sequentially and probabilistically selects a candidate optimizer based on the ratio of the fitness values of two candidates and the level of selectivity. Using time-homogeneous, irreducible, ergodic Markov chains to model a sequence of local, and hence inexpensive, dynamic transitions, this dissertation proves that such transitions result in behavior that is called rational; such behavior is desirable because it can lead to both efficient search for an optimizer as well as resilient and opportunistic behavior. The dissertation also identifies system-theoretic properties of the proposed scheme, including equilibria, their stability and their optimality. Moreover, this dissertation demonstrates that the canonical genetic algorithm with fitness proportional selection and the (1+1) evolutionary strategy are particular cases of the scheme. Applications in three areas illustrate the versatility of the SECS theory: flight mechanics, control of dynamic systems, and artificial intelligence. The dissertation results touch upon several open problems in the fields of artificial life, complex systems, artificial intelligence, and robotics.
A Review of “Encyclopedia of Geographic Information Science; Encyclopedia of GIS”

The development of geographic information science (GIScience) has been influenced by many different disciplines, including geography, geodesy, cartography, computer science, and statistics. This mu...
Visual perception and illusions in a driving simulator - little cars, big signs

One of the tools that the United States Federal Highway Administration uses to evaluate highway infrastructure-signs, roadway markings, and geometric features-is a driving simulator. The nature of the research necessitates that important visual information is perceived similarly in the simulated world as in the real-world. Perceptual mismatches can lead to incorrect assumptions about driver behaviors and understanding of new or novel roadway designs. Because of limitations in simulator projector technology, and the lack of true depth in images projected onto a cylindrical scene, it is often necessary to adjust the size of projected objects. The objects may need to be scaled up or down relative to 1:1 equivalence of image projected on the retina in order to produce a detectable object or a desired apparent distance. For example, to achieve an appropriate legibility distance for highway signs, signs are scaled up to achieve a mean legibility distances of 1 inch of letter height per 60 feet of (simulated) viewing distance. On the other hand, to attain a 1:1 correspondence with real-world following distances between the subject vehicle and the vehicle ahead, simulated vehicles are scaled down to 75 percent of the correct retinal image size. The methods and theories for arriving at these scale factors are described. The need to scale up highway signs is believed to be related to resolution and contrast limitations of current technology projectors. The need to scale down vehicle sizes may be the result of a Ponzo illusion, in which the converging lines of highway lane markings distort the apparent size of vehicles ahead. Before using a driving stimulator to conduct studies of driver perception or behavior in response to out of vehicle stimuli, it is important to examine assumptions concerning the size of projected images and their detectability and perceived distance. Meeting abstract presented at VSS 2015. Language: en
Evidence That the Pathway of Dimethylsulfoniopropionate Biosynthesis Begins in the Cytosol and Ends in the Chloroplast

In the flowering plant Wollastonia biflora (L.) DC. the first step in 3-dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP) synthesis is conversion of methionine to S-methylmethionine (SMM) and the last is oxidation of 3-dimethylsulfoniopropionaldehyde (DMSP-ald) (F. James, L. Paquet, S.A. Sparace, D.A. Gage, A.D. Hanson [1995] Plant Physiol 108: 1439–1448). DMSP-ald was shown to undergo rapid, spontaneous decomposition to dimethylsulfide and acrolein. However, it was stable enough (half-life [greater than or equal to] 1 h) in tertiary amine buffers to use as a substrate for enzyme assays. A dehydrogenase catalyzing DMSP-ald oxidation was detected in extracts of W. biflora mesophyll protoplasts. This enzyme had a high affinity for DMSP-ald (Km = 1.5 [mu]M), was subject to substrate inhibition, preferred NAD to NADP, and was immunologically related to plant betaine aldehyde dehydrogenases. After fractionation of protoplast lysates, [greater than or equal to]90% of DMSP-ald dehydrogenase activity was recovered from the chloroplast stromal fraction, whereas the enzyme that mediates SMM synthesis, S-adenosylmethionine:methionine S-methyltransferase, was found exclusively in the cytosolic fraction. Immunohistochemical analysis confirmed that the S-methyltransferase was cytosolic. Intact W. biflora chloroplasts were able to metabolize supplied [35S]SMM to [35S]DMSP. These findings indicate that SMM is made in the cytosol, imported into the chloroplast, and there converted successively to DMSP-ald and DMSP.
Production of High-Titer Antibody in Serum and Ascitic Fluid of Hamsters for a Variety of Virus-induced Tumor Antigens

Methods not involving the use of viable tumors were developed for production of high-titer antibodies. The methods involved use of tumor homogenates. Homogenates from all tumor lines tested contained the characteristic tumor antigen. Attempts to isolate virus failed, and virus antigens could not be demonstrated. Immunization with tumor homogenates, in Freund9s complete adjuvant, resulted in high antibody levels. None of the animals so immunized developed tumors.
Prospective evaluation of the clinical application of the American College of Cardiology Foundation/American Society of Echocardiography Appropriateness Criteria for transthoracic echocardiography.

We sought to prospectively evaluate the clinical application of the American College of Cardiology Foundation/American Society of Echocardiography Appropriateness Criteria (AC) for transthoracic echocardiography in a single-center university hospital. Indications for transthoracic echocardiograms (TTE) were prospectively determined for consecutive studies by 2 reviewers and categorized, according to the AC for TTE, as appropriate (A) or inappropriate (I). The overall level of agreement in characterizing appropriateness between reviewers was high (kappa = 0.83). Among the 1,553 studies for which a primary indication was determined, 89% were covered in the AC for TTE. Of these studies, 89% were A, and 11% were I. New important TTE abnormalities were more common on A compared with I studies (40% vs. 17%, p
Assessing the impact of vulnerability modeling in the protection of critical infrastructure

This paper examines the impact of arc metrics on the computational performance and spatial similarity in network interdiction modeling. Computational impact is measured in the number of iterations and total time required to reach an optimal solution. A combination of spatial analytical tools is offered as a methodology to assess the similarity in defense resource allocation when applying different arc interdiction metrics. An experimental design was devised and implemented using two real-world sub-networks of the Los Angeles County roadway system. This paper shows that arc metric selection has a limited effect on the spatial allocation of defense resources though metric choice does directly impact computation time. These results have direct implications to public policy and decision-making by enabling a modeler to increase his/her situational awareness and also their confidence in resource allocation decisions by selecting metrics that will improve their solution capabilities.
Laser oriented 36K for time reversal symmetry measurements.

We have produced very large nuclear alignments in radioactive {sup 36}K (half-life 0.34 sec) through laser optical pumping techniques. The {sup 36}K was created through ({ital p},{ital n}) reactions using a 50 nA, 22 MeV proton beam, and a 3.3 atmosphere {sup 36}Ar target. Measurements were made with the target cell at room temperature, when direct optical pumping produces nuclear orientation in the {sup 36}K, and at elevated temperatures 160 {degree}C and 180 {degree}C where the {sup 36}K is oriented through a combination of direct optical pumping and spin exchange. The fraction of the maximal nuclear alignment for the 180 {degree}C data was determined to be 0.46{plus_minus}0.07 stat{plus_minus}0.05 syst through measurements of the {gamma}-ray anisotropy following positron decay. Roughly 10{sup 5} or more decays of oriented {sup 36}K occurred each second. The application of the superallowed decay of {sup 36}K to measurements of time-reversal symmetry in {beta} decay is discussed.
SORPTION OF RADON-222 TO NATURAL SEDIMENTS

Abstract The sorption of Rn to sediments was investigated, since this may affect the use of porewater Rn profiles for estimating bed irrigation rates. Batch experiments showed that Rn has an organic carbon normalized sediment-water partition coefficient (Koc) of 21.1 ± 2.8 for a Boston Harbor sediment, 25.3 ± 2.1 for a Charles River sediment, and 22.4 ± 2.0 for a Buzzards Bay sediment. These values are in close agreement with predictions using the octanol-water partition coefficient (Kow) which we measured to be 32.4 ± 1.5. Temperature and ionic strength effects on Koc were estimated to be small. Given rapid sorption kinetics, we suggest that slurry stripping techniques used by many investigators to measure 222Rn in sediment samples collect both sorbed and dissolved radon. Sorption effects were included in a transport model to obtain revised estimates of irrigation rates from existing literature profiles. Irrigation rates had to be increased over previously reported values in proportion to the sediment organic matter content.
Oviposition Preferences of Some Tabanidae (Diptera)

Oviposition preferences among some members of the family Tabanidae inhabiting a pond near Auburn, Alabama, were investigated using a series of experimental stations containing several species of aquatic plants. Females of Chrysops callidus Osten Sacken, C. cincticornis Walker, and a Chrysops species, randomly deposited egg masses on Typha latifolia (L.) placed at distances of 2, 5, 10, 25, 50, and 100 feet from the shore. At stations near the shore, deer flies showed a definite oviposition preference for Polygonum hydropiperoides Michx. over Leersia oryzoides (L.), Typha latifolia L., Juncus acuminatus Michx., Polygonum caespitosum Blume, and a small wooden stick. The 2nd highest number of egg masses was deposited on L. oryzoides . No eggs were found on P. caespitosum or the wooden stick.
Structural changes and Raman analysis of single-walled carbon nanotube buckypaper after high current density induced burning

Single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) buckypaper (BP) was exposed to high temperatures with electrical current-driven thermal heating either in the air or a vacuum. High electrical currents generate Joule heating and then cause breakdown of the BP in the air at over 400 °C due to rapid oxidation. In the vacuum, electrical resistive heating can generate temperatures of more than 2000 °C for the samples. Structural changes of SWCNTs after electrical current heating were observed using electron microscopy and Raman spectra. After breakdown of BP, the disorder-induced D-band increased and a smaller diameter related radial-breathing mode was reduced in the high temperature region. Structural transformations of SWCNT to other carbon nanostructures were observed after current-driven high-temperature treatment in the vacuum. In addition, surface-enhanced Raman scattering with intensity enhancement more than ten times was observed in the BP with agglomerated Fe or Ti particles.
ELECTROCARDIOGRAPHIC CHANGES IN INFANTS OF DIABETIC MOTHERS

To investigate the electrocardiographic abnormalities that might occur in infants of diabetic mothers (IODM), we compared electrocardiograms obtained from 35 such infants with those from 23 normal newborns of average weight and 18 normal new-borns whose weight ≥ 9 pounds. Tracings were obtained on the first and second days, and in the IODM, additional records were obtained at 4-6 weeks. Of the 35 IODM, 2 were found to have congenital heart disease (CHD) and were excluded from this study. Fifteen others had radiographic evidence of cardiomegaly. Electrocardiograms from both normal groups were comparable in all respects. Significantly increased posterior voltage was noted in the IODM [normals, SV1 = 5.6 mm ± 4.4; IODM, SV1 = 12.4 mm ± 11.8 (P = 3 mm) was found significantly more often in IODM. T wave changes were more likely in the IODM but were non-specific in character. The initial abnormalities noted in IODM disappeared by 6 weeks of age if CHD was not present. We have recognized what seems to be a common electrocardiographic pattern in IODM that may be the consequence of transient myocardial changes related to the metabolic abnormalities of this entity.
Troubling the waters of a ‘wave of homophobia’: Political economies of anti-queer animus in sub-Saharan Africa

During the debate over Uganda’s Anti-Homosexuality Bill in 2009 and 2010, journalists and activists warned of a ‘wave of homophobia’ in sub-Saharan Africa. In this article, I illustrate how this tr...
Primary Malignant Fibrous Histiocytoma of the Heart Treated With Orthotopic Heart Transplantation

A24-year-old white man presented with dyspnea and fatigue. Physical examination revealed hepatosplenomegaly. A chest roentgenogram showed small pleural effusions without infiltrates. Ultrasound examination revealed ascites of the abdomen and pelvis and echogenic liver vessels that suggested congestive heart failure. A nuclear magnetic resonance image of the chest (Fig 1A⇓) showed a 4×6-cm mass occupying the right ventricle. The mass filled the apex and obstructed the right ventricular cavity. A computerized tomogram (Fig 1B⇓) localized the mass to the anterior and inferior right ventricular wall. For treatment, the tumor was debulked to reduce right ventricle obstruction. …
Histone deacetylase inhibitors: Potential in cancer therapy.

The role of histone deacetylases (HDAC) and the potential of these enzymes as therapeutic targets for cancer, neurodegenerative diseases and a number of other disorders is an area of rapidly expanding investigation. There are 18 HDACs in humans. These enzymes are not redundant in function. Eleven of the HDACs are zinc dependent, classified on the basis of homology to yeast HDACs: Class I includes HDACs 1, 2, 3, and 8; Class IIA includes HDACs 4, 5, 7, and 9; Class IIB, HDACs 6 and 10; and Class IV, HDAC11. Class III HDACs, sirtuins 1–7, have an absolute requirement for NAD+, are not zinc dependent and generally not inhibited by compounds that inhibit zinc dependent deacetylases. In addition to histones, HDACs have many nonhistone protein substrates which have a role in regulation of gene expression, cell proliferation, cell migration, cell death, and angiogenesis. HDAC inhibitors (HDACi) have been discovered of different chemical structure. HDACi cause accumulation of acetylated forms of proteins which can alter their structure and function. HDACi can induce different phenotypes in various transformed cells, including growth arrest, apoptosis, reactive oxygen species facilitated cell death and mitotic cell death. Normal cells are relatively resistant to HDACi induced cell death. Several HDACi are in various stages of development, including clinical trials as monotherapy and in combination with other anti-cancer drugs and radiation. The first HDACi approved by the FDA for cancer therapy is suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid (SAHA, vorinostat, Zolinza), approved for treatment of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma.
Release of metabolic enzymes from platelets during blood clotting of man, dog, rabbit and rat☆

Abstract The release of metabolic enzymes from platelets during clotting of blood and the subsequent increase of enzyme activities in serum were studied in man, dog, rabbit and rat. The activities of enzymes were measured which are present in blood cells with high activity (lactate and malate dehydrogenases) and low activity (aspartate aminotransferase). Alanine aminotransferase was included because its activity in blood cells is at the limit of being detectable. Serum was prepared from native plasma and from blood at various times during clotting. The activities of lactate and malate dehydrogenases and of aspartate aminotransferase increased in serum with time during clotting; the increases in man were not large enough to be of significance in routine diagnostic enzymology. The magnitude of the activity increases in serum of the animals was such that enzyme measurements must be made either in plasma or in serum prepared from native plasma. Enzymes are mainly released from platelets and not from other formed elements in the blood. When platelet-rich plasma was allowed to clot, the increase of enzyme activities was similar to the increase observed during the clotting of blood. The pattern of enzyme activity increase in serum resembled closely the activity pattern in platelets.
Response of large space structures with stiffness control

For large space structures, such as the 100-meter-diameter wrap-rib deployable antenna and spinning solar sail, whose out-of-plane stiffness is derived from in-plane tension, the out-of-plane motion can be actively controlled by time-varying in-plane tension. An elastic string is used to demonstrate the proposed approach, which results in a nonlinear ordinary differential equation. An approximation method is outlined from which the magnitude of time-varying tension can be determined based on the efficiency factor, the time factor or the optimal factor.
Use of carbonate and alkali to eliminate Escherichia coli from dairy cattle manure

A procedure to eliminate Escherichia coli in dairy cattle manure was developed. E. coli persisted in fresh manure and farm storage tanks, and viable counts ranged from 105 to 108/g. If the feces to...
Infrared Optical Wave Mixing And Beam Amplification With Liquid Crystal Nonlinearity

We present a detailed theory and experimental study of infrared optical wave mixing based on thermal nonlinearity in nematic liquid crystal films. Because of the longer wavelength of infrared laser, lower scattering loss, transparency and other unique physical characteristics, very efficient degenerate optical wave mixing effects can be realized in nematic liquid crystal films. Applications to fairly fast (submillisecond) phase conjugations, beam and image amplification and self-pumped phase conjugation are also discussed.© (1988) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Characterisation of phenolics by LC-UV/Vis, LC-MS/MS and sugars by GC in Melicoccus bijugatus Jacq. 'Montgomery' fruits

Fruits of the native South American tree Melicoccus bijugatus Jacq. (Sapindaceae) are consumed for both dietary and medicinal purposes, but limited information is available about the phytochemistry and health value of M. bijugatus fruits. Fruit tissues of the Florida Montgomery cultivar were assessed for sugars, using gas chromatography, and for total phenolics, using UV spectroscopy. Reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) fingerprints of crude methanolic pulp, embryo and seed coat extracts were obtained at 280 nm. Phenolics were characterised by both HPLC UV/vis analysis and HPLC electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry. Major sugars detected in the pulp and embryo extracts were sucrose, followed by glucose and fructose. The glucose:fructose ratio was 1:1 in the pulp and 0.1:1 in the embryo. Total phenolic concentrations of the fruit tissues were in the order: seed coat > embryo > pulp. Phenolic acids were identified mostly in pulp tissues. Phenolic acids, flavonoids, procyanidins and catechins were identified in embryo tissues, and higher molecular weight procyanidins were identified in seed coat tissues. This study provides new information about the phytochemistry and the potential health value of the Montgomery cultivar M. bijugatus fruit tissues.
Locational efficiency in a federal system

A number of recent studies have concluded that differing local government tax and expenditure packages necessarily create incentives for households to locate in a non-optimal fashion. This paper shows, on the contrary, that the locational equilibrium may be optimal. For example, if migration produces no congestion costs, then as long as localities tax the locationally-fixed commodity, land, the equilibrium will be optimal. In fact, there are only two reasons why non-optimality may result: local taxes may be distortionary (by taxing the mobile rather than immobile factor), or there may be non-internalized externalities.
When to puncture, when not to puncture: Submucosal tumors

Subepithelial masses of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract are a frequent source of referral for endosonographic evaluation. Subepithelial tumors most often appear as protuberances in the GI tract with normal overlying mucosa. When there is a need to obtain a sample of the mass for diagnosis, endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) - guided fine-needle aspiration (FNA) is superior to other studies and should be the first choice to investigate any subepithelial lesion. When the decision is made to perform EUS-guided FNA several technical factors must be considered. The type and size of the needle chosen can affect diagnostic accuracy, adequacy of sample size and number of passes needed. The use of a stylet or suction and a fanning or standard technique during EUS-guided FNA are other factors that must be considered. Another method proposed to improve the efficacy of EUS-guided FNA is having an on-site cytopathologist or cytotechnician. Large or well-differentiated tumors may be more difficult to diagnose by standard EUS-FNA and the use of a biopsy needle can be used to acquire a histopathology sample. This can allow preservation of tissue architecture and cellularity of the lesion and may lead to a more definitive diagnosis. Alternatives to FNA such as taking bite-on-bite samples and endoscopic submucosal resection (ESMR) have been studied. Comparison of these two techniques found that ESMR has a significantly higher diagnostic yield. Most complications associated with EUS-FNA such as perforation, infection and pancreatitis are rare and the severity and incidence of these adverse events is not known. Controversy exists as to the optimal method in which to perform EUS-FNA and larger prospective trials are needed.
Risk of surgical site infection in 401 consecutive patients with glioblastoma with and without carmustine wafer implantation

AbstractObjectives:Patients with glioblastoma (GBM) have an inherently shortened survival because of their disease. It has been recently shown that carmustine wafers in addition to other therapies (surgery, temozolomide, and radiation) can further extend survival. There is concern, however, that these therapies may increase infection risk. The goals of this study were to calculate the incidence of postoperative infection, evaluate if carmustine wafers changes the risk of infection and identify factors independently associated with an infection following GBM surgery.Methods:All patients who underwent non-biopsy, surgical resection of an intracranial GBM from 2007 to 2011 at a single institution were retrospectively reviewed. Stepwise multivariate proportional hazards regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with infection, including the use of carmustine wafers. Variables with P < 0.05 were considered statistically significant.Results:Four hundred and one patients underwent resection of ...
Chronopotentiometric study of thallium1 ion in glacial acetic acid

The thallous ion-thallium amalgam system has been studied chronopotentiometrically in glacial acetic acid (HAc) as a solvent, using 0.25M ammonium acetate as supporting electrolyte. The transition time relationships between the cathodic transition time and the first anodic transition time on current reversal were verified. Analogous studies were carried out at the thallium amalgam electrode, determining the anodic transition time and the cathodic transition time on current reversal. The predicted potential-time relationships for the above-mentioned chronopotentiometric processes were verified, and it was established that the thallous acetate-thallium amalgam couple is reversible with the formal potential of 0.347 ± 0.005 V vs. the saturated aqueous calomel electrode. The diffusion coefficients of thallous ion and thallium in mercury were found to be identical, 4.3 × 10−6 cm2, sec−1.
Estimation of genotype effects for milk proteins with animal and sire transmitting ability models.

Abstract The objective of this work was to estimate the contribution of milk protein genotype to production traits of Holstein cattle. Two approaches were employed. The first was based on an animal model analysis of milk records in which cows were genotyped for milk protein variants. The second approach was the analysis of PTA of sires in which the sires were genotyped for their milk protein variants. Results of the animal model analysis agreed qualitatively with previously published analyses of cow records, indicating only a minor contribution of milk protein genotype to production traits. Qualitative similarity was also found between the analysis of sire transmitting abilities and the animal model. Algebraic results suggested, however, that an indirect analysis of published sire transmitting abilities does not provide unbiased estimates of differences in milk protein genotypes. Although analysis of FTA is simple, only a direct analysis of genotyped cows with an animal model provides unbiased estimates of genotype differences.
Versatile isocratic high-performance liquid chromatographic assay for propranolol and its basic, neutral and acidic metabolites in biological fluids.

Abstract A comprehensive high-performance liquid chromatographic method was developed for quantitating propranolol and its known metabolites in serum, bile and urine. Analysis was performed before and after incubation of the samples with β-glucuronidase-arylsulfatase to quantitate both free and conjugate forms of the oxidative metabolites. Fractionation of the basic, neutral and acidic metabolites was achieved by differential pH solvent extraction. The basic and neutral metabolites were extracted from the biological samples at pH 10.5 with 2% n -butanol in dichloromethane. Additional clean-up of the basic fraction by back-extraction into dilute acid was needed for those samples that were subjected to enzymatic hydrolysis. The original aqueous sample was titrated with acid to pH 1, followed by extraction of the remaining acidic metabolites into either n -butanol-dichloromethane (with unhydrolyzed serum) or carbon tetrachloride (with all other samples. Chromatographic separation of the metabolites in the different extracts was achieved on a reversed-phase C 18 column, using a single isocratic mobile phase consisting of 0.044 M pH 2.7 phosphate buffer, tetrahydrofuran, methanol and acetonitrile, with the addition of n -butylamine as a competing base to control retention volume and peak shape. Detection and quantitation of propranolol and its metabolites in the low nanogram to sub-nanogram range was afforded by fluorescence at a low UV excitation wavelength. The coefficients of variation for replicate assay of spiked samples were uniformly less than 6% for all the analytes.
Genetic Variability in Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) II. Mutations Causing Structural Modifications

In the course of an inbreeding program to analyze heterozygosity in Aedes aegypti (L.) 30 inherited factors causing modifications of body structures were isolated. These include modifications of the antennae (4), palpi (5), legs (4), proboscis (2), wings (13), genitalia (1), and body proportions (1). Some information on mode of inheritance of these factors is given. Many of them are available for use as marker genes.
An Application of the Continuous Response Level Model to Personality Measurement

This paper reports an application of Samejima's latent trait model for continuous responses. A brief review of latent trait theory is presented, including an elaboration of the theory for test resp...
Condensed-matter physics: Rotating molecules as quantum magnets

The push to engineer and probe quantum many-body systems using ultracold gases has reached a milestone with the observation of controlled dynamics caused by interactions between distant molecules trapped in a lattice. See Letter p.521 The long-range dipolar interactions between polar molecules in ultracold molecular gases allow the spin dynamics to be fully decoupled from motion of the molecules — an attractive feature for the realization of lattice spin models for exploring quantum magnetism. Measured effects of such dipolar interactions have so far been limited to the modification of inelastic collisions and chemical reactions. Here the authors use dipolar interactions of polar molecules pinned in a three-dimensional optical lattice to realize a lattice spin model. The results open the possibility of realizing a wide range of spin models with long-range interaction, and lay the groundwork for future studies of many-body dynamics in spin lattices.
Bifurcation in the presence of small noise

The methods of deterministic bifurcation arc sensitive to the addition of small amounts of white noise. Thus, for example, in systems whose macroscopic (deterministic) description arises from an aggregation of microscopically fluctuating dynamics the predictions of deterministic bifurcation may be incorrect. Here we use Laplace's method of steepest descent to study bifurcation in the presence of small noise. Motivation for this study arises from Maxwell's equal-area rule for phase transitions in Van der Waals gases. The theory is then applied to the study of the dynamics of noisy, constrained or implicitly defined dynamical systems.
Leave no text behind: Teaching the psychology of women during the emergence of second wave feminism.

The purpose of this paper is to explore the resources (especially the textbooks) used to teach early courses in the psychology of women. Textbooks represent an underutilized vehicle by which to explore ideological change because they are documents frozen in time that reflect the way their authors responded to particular historical and scholarly circumstances. The early textbooks reflect how perceptions about the methods and content of psychology changed in response to alterations in professional and personal consciousness induced by the emergence of second wave feminism. The structure and content of a sample of early and more recent textbooks (some that I authored as well as some written by others) is analyzed to help chart how and why the field has changed since the first textbooks were published in 1971.
Curves of marginal stability in two-dimensional CP(N ? 1) models with ZN-symmetric twisted masses

We consider curves of marginal models in two dimensions with supersymmetry. In these theories, one can introduce twisted mass terms. The BPS spectrum has different numbers of states in the weak and strong coupling regimes. This spectral restructuring can be explained by the fact that two regimes are separated by CMS on which some BPS states decay. We focus on a special case of ZN-symmetric twisted masses. In this case, the general solution due to Dorey greatly simplifies, and CMS can be found explicitly. For small-N values numerical results are presented. In the large-N limit, we find CMS analytically up to ln N/N corrections.
Three-phase equilibrium in solutions of polystyrene homologues in cyclohexane

Abstract The equilibrium of three liquid phases in solutions of two polystyrene homologues in cyclohexane has been studied experimentally for different values of the average molecular weights of the two polymer species. The compositions of the phases have been determined in some cases. The variation in the size of the three-phase region with change in the molecular weights is discussed, particularly in connection with the occurrence of a tricritical point. Some qualitative observations of the phase behavior in mixed solvent systems are mentioned.
Increased Recognition of Type II Endoleaks Using a Modified Intraoperative Angiographic Protocol: Implications for Intermittent Endoleak and Aneurysm Expansion

Retrograde arterial perfusion of the aneurysm sac (type II endoleak) may complicate endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair and may lead to AAA expansion and rupture. Aneurysm expansion may also occur in the absence of a demonstrable endoleak. Current intraoperative assessment techniques may underrepresent the incidence of type II endoleaks. This study evaluated the incidence and impact of previously unrecognized type II endoleaks using a modified intraoperative angiographic protocol. A total of 391 patients undergoing endovascular AAA repair were evaluated. In 264 patients standard completion angiograms were performed. In 127 patients a modified angiographic protocol was used to visualize collateral lumbar and inferior mesenteric arteries as well as the aneurysm sac. The modified protocol uses digital subtraction fluoroscopy continuously for 60 sec after injections of 20 mL iodinated contrast both in the pararenal aorta and within the endovascular graft. Postoperative CT scans were performed at 1, 6, and 12 months and annually thereafter. The average age was 73.3 years; 324 patients were men and 67 were women. Mean follow-up was 11.4 months (range, 1-60 months). Type II endoleaks were documented intraoperatively in a significantly increased proportion of patients in whom the modified angiographic protocol was used: modified, 53/127 = 41% vs. standard, 17/264 = 6%; p < 0.001. No significant difference in the incidence of type II endoleaks was present on CT scan at 6 or 12 months after surgery (6 months: modified, 6/72 = 8% vs. standard, 10/159 = 6%, p = NS; 12 months: modified, 2/36 = 5% vs. standard, 6/138 = 4%, p = NS). Forty-six type II endoleaks resolved spontaneously (10 in the standard cohort, 36 in the modified cohort). One patient had a 10-mm increase in AAA diameter after spontaneous thrombosis of a type II endoleak 18 months postoperatively. One patient had a type II endoleak intraoperatively and at 12 months after surgery but the endoleak was absent at 1 and 6 months. Thirteen patients from the standard protocol cohort and 1 from the modified protocol cohort developed newly visualized type II endoleaks during follow-up. These findings may imply intermittent patency of the artery supplying the type II endoleak. The overall morbidity rate was 14% and the perioperative mortality rate was 1.8%. Retrograde (type II) endoleaks originating from AAA side branches occur intraoperatively more frequently than is currently recognized. Intermittent patency and thrombosis of these vessels may also occur and may contribute to AAA expansion. The full significance of these previously unrecognized endoleaks with respect to risk of aneurysm rupture remains to be definitively determined.