cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Breast and prostate cancer expression similarity analysis by iterative SVM based ensemble gene selection

Epidemiologic and phenotypic evidences indicate that breast and prostate cancers have high pathological similarities. Analysis of pathological similarities between cancers can be beneficial in several aspects such as enabling the knowledge transfer between the cancer studies. To gain knowledge of the similarity between the breast and prostate cancer pathology, common genes that are affected by the two carcinomas are investigated. Gene expression data extracted from RNA-seq experiments, provided through TCGA consortium, is used for gene selection. Gene selection was performed using an iterative SVM based ensemble feature selection approach. Iterative SVM-based gene selection methods enable correlated gene expressions to be considered simultaneously and ensemble approach stabilizes the selection. As results of the analysis, two genes, Transglutaminase 4 (TGM4) and complement component 4A (C4A), were selected as commonly altered genes. Direct relationships of the two genes to the two cancers are not confirmed. However, TGM4 is known to be associated with adenocarcinomas and C4A with ovarian cancer. Thus provides evidence that they maybe pathologically important genes for the two cancers.
Neutralizing antibodies detect a disulfide-linked glycoprotein complex within the envelope of human cytomegalovirus

The specificity of neutralizing antibodies for human cytomegalovirus (CMV) envelope proteins was studied by comparing the reactivity of human CMV immune sera with that of a group of CMV-specific monoclonal antibodies. Characterization of this group of monoclonal antibodies revealed that six antibodies bound intact virions, and four of these antibodies neutralized infectious virus in vitro. All of the monoclonal antibodies, as well as human immune sera, precipitated three virion glycoproteins of estimated molecular weights of 160-K 116K, and 55K. Human immune sera also precipitated proteins of estimated molecular weights of 200K, 145K, 100K, 66K, and 34K. The three envelope glycoproteins detected by both the neutralizing monoclonal antibodies and immune human sera were shown to exist as a covalently linked, disulfide-bonded protein complex within virions. This result provided an explanation for the reactivity with multiple proteins of such highly specific reagents as monoclonal antibodies. Furthermore, these findings suggested that determinant(s) detected by CMV-neutralizing antibodies were expressed by this complex of envelope proteins.
Stability constants of lighter lanthanide(III) chloride complexes by a potentiometric method

Abstract The stability constants for the formation of LaCl2+, PrCl2+, NdCl2+, and SmCl2+ have been obtained potentiometrically at an ionic strength of 1·0 M and at 25·0°C in a NaClO4 medium. The values were 1·60 ± 0·03, 1·58 ± 0·05, 1·62 ± 0·04 and 1·62 ± 0·06 for La, Pr, Nd and Sm, respectively. It was shown that from a statistical viewpoint there is no significant difference among the values obtained.
Merging Metabolism and Power: Development of a Novel Photobioelectric Device Driven by Photosynthesis and Respiration

Generation of renewable energy is one of the grand challenges facing our society. We present a new bio-electric technology driven by chemical gradients generated by photosynthesis and respiration. The system does not require pure cultures nor particular species as it works with the core metabolic principles that define phototrophs and heterotrophs. The biology is interfaced with electrochemistry with an alkaline aluminum oxide cell design. In field trials we show the system is robust and can work with an undefined natural microbial community. Power generated is light and photosynthesis dependent. It achieved a peak power output of 33 watts/m2 electrode. The design is simple, low cost and works with the biological processes driving the system by removing waste products that can impede growth. This system is a new class of bio-electric device and may have practical implications for algal biofuel production and powering remote sensing devices.
Capillary Instability of a Liquid Film on a Wire

Capillary instability of a liquid film on a wire in another fluid (gas or liquid) is investigated. The liquid film is found to be unstable whenever the wavelength of the surface disturbance exceeds the circumference of the film surface-this criterion for instability of the liquid film is the same as that established by Rayleigh for a liquid thread. Analysis shows that instability of the liquid film is strongly influenced byfilm thickness and the properties of the film and the ambient fluid, and that thin, highly viscous liquid films are more stable than thick, low viscosity liquid films.
Enriched mantle: Nd and Sr isotopes in diopsides from kimberlite nodules

Nd and Sr isotope compositions of diopsides from micaceous garnet Iherzolite nodules found in kimberlite pipes at Bultfontein and Kimberley, South Africa are reported. The diopside data extend the mantle array, as defined by uncontaminated oceanic and continental basalts, to radiogenic 87Sr/86Sr values. These data are used to demonstrate the ancient enriched, grossly heterogeneous nature of the sub-continental mantle, which complements the predominantly depleted nature of the sub-oceanic mantle.
Application of ultrasonic testing techniques on austenitic welds for fabrication and in-service inspection

Abstract This paper describes some practical considerations relating to the ultrasonic testing of weld joints in austenitic components, based on the author's experience with components manufactured for, and in service in, nuclear power stations. Problems caused by the effect of grain structure, spurious indications and attenuation of the ultrasound are discussed. The importance of acquiring adequate data from reference blocks is emphasized, and the uses and limitations of various types of angle probe are illustrated.
Comments on “Frictional effects on thermally forced waves”

In an article in this issue of Tellus Shapiro (1977) presents an interesting mathematical analysis of the role of boundary layer friction for idealized neutral “wave-CISK” disturbances. This article criticizes the study of boundary layer frictional effects on mixed Rossby-gravity waves by Holton (1975-treferred to by Shapiro as “the inconsistent solution”. The purpose of this note is to help resolve the misleading impression of Holton’s solution given in Shapiro’s paper. DOI: 10.1111/j.2153-3490.1977.tb00738.x
A structural characterization of the simple Lie algebras of generalized Cartan type over fields of prime characteristic

Abstract Lie algebras of Cartan type over fields of prime characteristic were introduced by 15. , 16. [15]. More general definitions were later given in [12, 13, 16, 23]. In this paper we give a further generalization of the definition of Lie algebra of Cartan type and a structural characterization of the simple finite dimensional Lie algebras of generalized Cartan type over algebraically closed fields.
Age predicts cancer incidence better than statin-induced low-density lipoprotein level.

I disagree with the data analysis in the recently published article in the Journal suggesting an association between lower statin-induced low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels and increased incidence of cancer ([1][1]). My analysis of the 8 larger and longer trials (>3 years and >1,000 patients)
VTQuest: a voice-based multimodal web-based software system for maps and directions

Finding our way out at a large university campus is a problem. We developed VTQuest, http://sunfish.cs.vt.edu/VTQuestV, as a web-based software system to solve this problem for the campus of Virginia Tech (http://www.vt.edu/). VTQuest enables (a) multimodal interaction with voice, mouse, and keyboard, (b) browsing the campus map, (c) locating a building by name, abbreviation, category, or within a distance on the campus map, (d) locating a room on the floor plan of a building, and (e) obtaining walking directions from one building to another. VTQuest provides these capabilities for 103 buildings with floor plans for most of the buildings. VTQuest is engineered based on Java 2 Platform, Enterprise Edition (J2EE) using Scalable Vector Graphics (SVG) and Speech Application Language Tags (SALT). SVG enables zooming into the maps without losing image quality. The voice interface offers a variety of features including an extensive grammar and out-of-turn interaction.
Gaussian Maximum Likelihood and Contextual Classification Algorithms for Multicrop Classification

In this paper we review some of the ways in which context has been handled in the remote-sensing literature, and we introduce additional possibilities. The problem of computing exhaustive and normalized class-membership probabilities from the likelihoods provided by the Gaussian maximum likelihood classifier (to be used as initial probability estimates to start relaxation) is discussed. An efficient implementation of probabilistic relaxation is proposed, suiting the needs of actual remote-sensing applications. A modified fuzzy-relaxation algorithm using generalized operations between fuzzy sets is presented. Combined use of the two relaxation algorithms is proposed to exploit context in multispectral classification of remotely sensed data. Results on both one artificially created image and one MSS data set are reported.
The ultrastructure of primary cilia in quiescent 3T3 cells.

Abstract Electron microscopy was used to investigate primary cilia in quiescent 3T3 cells. As in the case of primary cilia of other cell types, their basal centriole was found to be a focal point of numerous cytoplasmic microtubules which terminate at the basal feet. There are also intermediate filaments which appear to converge at the basal centriole. Cross-striated fibers of microtubular diameter, reminiscent of striated rootlets of ordinary cilia, appear associated with the proximal end of the basal centriole. Usually less than nine cross-banded basal feet surround the basal centriole in a well-defined plane perpendicular to the centriolar axis. The ciliary shaft was found to be entirely enclosed in the cytoplasm of fully flattened cells. In rounded cells, it could be found extending to the outside of the cell. Periodic striations along the entire shaft were observed after preparing the cells in a special way. The tip of the shaft showed an electron-dense specialization. Several unusual forms of primary cilia were observed which were reminiscent of olfactory flagella or retinal rods. Using tubulin antibody for indirect immunofluorescence, a fluorescent rod is visible in the cells [18] which we demonstrate is identical with the primary cilium.
Chloride self exchange in Ehrlich ascites cells. Inhibition by furosemide and 4-acetamido-4'-isothiocyanostilbene-2,2'-disulfonic acid.

Abstract The effects of furosemide and 4-acetamido-4′-isothiocyanostilbene-2,2′-disulfonic acid (SITS) on steady-state Cl− flux were studied in Ehrlich mouse ascites cells. At 10 mM, furosemide inhibited isotopically-determined Cl− flux by 86% without changing cell Cl− content, indicating that influx and efflux were depressed by the same amount. These results suggest that at least 86% of the steady-state Cl− flux may occur as a one for one exchange. Half of the inhibitory effect was not reversed by vigorous washing with albumin-Ringer. A smaller portion of steady-state Cl− flux was inhibited by SITS. The maximum effect of SITS was reached near 0.6 mM; at this concentration Cl− flux was reduced by 37% without an alteration in cell Cl− content. Possible competition of environment Cl− and SITS was investigated by replacing environment Cl− with acetate or NO3. These anions reduced the efficacy of SITS because they depressed cell Cl− turnover themselves, apparently acting on the same exchange process.
Hydrolysis and photolysis of paroxetine, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, in aqueous solutions

The hydrolysis and photolysis of paroxetine HCI, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, in aqueous buffer solutions (pH 5, 7, and 9), in synthetic humic water, and in lake water were investigated at 25 degrees C in the dark and in a growth chamber outfitted with fluorescent lamps simulating the ultraviolet (UV) output of sunlight. Paroxetine was degraded completely within 4 d by simulated sunlight in all aqueous media. Photolysis of paroxetine HCI was accelerated by increasing pH. The t1/2 values at pH 5, 7, and 9 were 15.79, 13.11, and 11.35 h, respectively. The half-lives of paroxetine in synthetic humic water and two lake waters were slightly longer than in pH 7 buffer. Two photoproducts were detected and their structures were identified by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry in positive mode. Photoproduct I was found to be photolytically unstable, being gradually degraded after 12 to 18 h of irradiation. However, photoproduct II was photolytically very stable throughout the experiment period, indicating that it was persistent to further photodegradation. In the dark, paroxetine in all aqueous solutions was found to be stable over a 30-d period. In conclusion, paroxetine is a relatively photolabile drug that has a possibility of photodegradation by sunlight in surface water.
Chest Wall Expansion Values in Supine and Standing Across the Adult Lifespan

PURPOSE: Chest expansion measurements are used to assess a patient's baseline status, treatment effectiveness, and progression of disease with regards to chest wall mobility and respiratory muscle ...
Work in progress - student learning outcomes in an engineering distance education setting

Distance education provides an avenue for students not close to a university center to complete an ABET accredited electrical engineering or computer engineering degree in a timely fashion. This paper describes a nontraditional situation in which students at remote locations attend lectures with students at the university center. Interaction takes place between the instructor and students as well as between students at all locations via an interactive distance learning studio (IDLS). The IDLS supports two-way, real-time communication, which includes audio, video and lecture material, between multiple locations. The required facilities are presented, and the unique challenges faced by both students and faculty in this environment are discussed. Student learning outcomes will be investigated in order to validate the established lecture course delivery method.
Disseminated intravascular coagulation and excessive fibrinolysis in a patient with metastatic prostate cancer. Response to epsilon-aminocaproic acid.

Background. Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) and primary fibrinolysis have both been reported in association with prostate carcinoma. The correct diagnosis of the coagulopathy can be difficult and the appropriate management controversial. Methods. A case is presented of a man in whom DIC and soft tissue hemorrhage developed after prostatic biopsy. The results of therapy and a review of the literature are discussed. Results. Fibrinogen levels continued to decrease despite high-dose estrogen therapy, but they rapidly returned to normal after therapy with epsilon-aminocaproic acid. Although routine coagulation tests were suggestive of primary fibrinolysis, the results of the D-dimer assay confirmed that the patient had DIC associated with excessive fibrinolysis. Conclusion. A review of the literature suggests that most cases of primary fibrinolysis are probably DIC with excessive secondary fibrinolysis. In cases in which bleeding is the primary manifestation of DIC and there is a significant reduction in alpha-2-plasmin inhibitor activity, a trial of epsilon-aminocaproic acid and low-dose heparin should be considered. The failure in this case of estrogen therapy to correct the coagulopathy, despite a later good tumor response, is consistent with the delay in which anorchid testosterone levels are obtained after initiating treatment. Cancer 1992; 70:656–658.
Clinically relevant characteristics associated with early treatment drug use versus abstinence

Background: This study describes early treatment drug use status and associated clinical characteristics in a diverse sample of patients entering outpatient substance abuse psychosocial counseling treatment. The goal is to more fully characterize those entering treatment with and without active use of their primary drug in order to better understand associated treatment needs and resilience factors. Methods: We examined baseline data from a NIDA Clinical Trials Network (CTN) study (Web-delivery of Treatment for Substance Use) with an all-comers sample of patients (N = 494) entering 10 outpatient treatment centers. Patients were categorized according to self-identified primary drug of abuse (alcohol, cocaine/stimulants, opioids, marijuana) and by baseline drug use status (positive/negative) based on urine testing or self-reports of recent use (alcohol). Characteristics were examined by primary drug and early use status. Results: Classified as drug-negative were 84%, 76%, 62%, and 33% of primary opioid, stimulant, alcohol, and marijuana users; respectively. Drug-positive versus -negative patients did not differ on demographics or rates of substance abuse/dependence diagnoses. However, those negative for active use had better physical and mental health profiles, were less likely to be using a secondary drug, and were more likely to be attending 12-step self-help meetings. Conclusions: Early treatment drug abstinence is common among substance users entering outpatient psychosocial counseling programs, regardless of primary abused drug. Abstinence (by negative UA) is associated with better health and mental health profiles, less secondary drug use, and more days of 12-step attendance. These data highlight differential treatment needs and resiliencies associated with early treatment drug use status. Trial registration: NCT01104805.
Fibrate Therapy in the Management of Diabetic Dyslipidemia: There is No ACCORD to be Found

Mixed dyslipidemia is a complex clinical entity that contributes significantly to the increased risk for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality that is observed in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Insulin resistance is associated with reduced serum lipoprotein lipase activity, increased serum levels of very low-density lipoproteins and triglyceride, low serum high-density lipoproteins, and increased concentrations of small, dense low-density lipoproteins. Combinations of medications are frequently required in order to achieve guideline-specified goals for the various lipid fractions of diabetic patients. The fibric acid derivatives (fibrates) are effective agents for raising serum levels of high-density lipoproteins and decreasing levels of triglycerides. A number of trials have demonstrated that among patients with high triglycerides and low HDL, fibrates do beneficially impact cardiovascular morbidity in diabetic and nondiabetic individuals. The Action to Control Cardiovascular Risk in Diabetes (ACCORD) trial suggests that the addition of fenofibrate to ongoing statin therapy in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus offers limited benefit.
Langevin acoustic radiation force of a high-order bessel beam on a rigid sphere

The acoustic radiation force of Langevin type resulting from the interaction of a high-order Bessel beam with a rigid immovable sphere in an ideal fluid is theoretically investigated. The analysis is based on applying the generalized Rayleigh series used in the near-field acoustic scattering problem to calculate the force. With appropriate selection of specific Bessel beam parameters, results for the rigid sphere unexpectedly reveal a negative radiation force caused by the Lagrangean energy density. Specifically, the negative force on the rigid sphere arises when the kinematic energy density is larger than the potential energy density. This condition provides an impetus for further designing acoustic tweezers operating with high-order Bessel beams of progressive waves for potential applications in particle entrapment and manipulation.
The FCC and Indecency: Local Television General Managers' Perceptions

Since the 2004 Super Bowl, the Federal Communications Commission has issued a record number of fines for televised indecency. Local television stations perceive themselves as having little control over network programming, which is usually the source of controversial material. A mail survey of 453 local network affiliate general managers (GMs) was conducted to identify opinions about this situation. Most of the respondents felt it unfair local stations were held accountable for the programming of national networks, but did not want more government regulations to control network programming. GMs felt their hands were tied because of network affiliation agreements that limit the number of allowable preemptions at the local level. A significant number of respondents were not able to describe their own personal criteria of broadcast indecency. ACCESS TO FULL TEXT
Motivation in Mental Accessibility: Relevance of a Representation (ROAR) as a New Framework

The notion of accessibility of mental representations has been invaluable in explaining and predicting human thought and action. Focusing on social cognition, we review the large corpus of data that has accumulated since the first models of mental activation dynamics were outlined. We then outline a framework that we call Relevance of a Representation (or ROAR for short), the main tenant of which is that not all stimulated representations are in fact activated (i.e., influence thought and action processes). More specifically, we propose that the degree to which a representation is available to processes of thought and action is a function of that representation’s motivational relevance. We end by demonstrating how the framework enables re-addressing the notions of accessibility, automaticity, and selective attention.
Parental Stress in Grandparents Versus Parents Raising Children With Behavior Problems

Primary caregivers of 82 children exhibiting behavior problems were categorized into 3 family types: grandparent, single-parent, or two-parent. Each caregiver completed the Parenting Stress Index and the Child Behavior Checklist. Results of statistical comparisons revealed that although all caregivers reported significant levels of behavior problems in their children, parents from both single- and two-parent families reported higher levels of parental stress relative to grandparents. Discussion focuses on the need to identify the specific types of stressors affecting families of different constellations to develop appropriate treatment programs for clinic-referred children and their families.
Neuroendocrine tumor cell growth inhibition by ZM336372 through alterations in multiple signaling pathways.

Background We have shown previously that activation of the Raf-1/mitogen-activated protein kinase (MEK)/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)1/2 signaling pathway by ZM336372 inhibits carcinoid cells growth. In the present study, we further characterize the molecular details of the growth inhibition by the signaling-based compound ZM336372 in neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs). Methods NEN cells were treated with ZM336372 (20 to 100 μmol/L) or carrier (DMSO). Western Blot was used to determine the activation of the Raf-1/MEK/ERK, other pathways activation, and cellular bioactive hormone production. Results ZM336372 in NEN cells resulted in increasing raf-1 activation and inactivation of glycogen synthase kinase-3 beta (GSK-3β) as measured by phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and GSK-3β, respectively. There was no alteration in the levels of phosphorylated Akt, an important mediator of the phosphatidyl inositol 3 kinase pathway. Importantly, blocking of raf-1 pathway by U0126, a potent inhibitor, in the presence of ZM336372 did not reduce the levels of p-GSK-3β, indicating that GSK-3β inactivation is independent of raf-1 pathway activation. Moreover, the levels of chromogranin A and achaete–scute complex like-1 reductions were persistent even after blocking the raf-1 pathway. Treatment with ZM336372 in the presence of small interfering RNA against raf-1 resulted in an increase in Raf-1 production, suggesting that ZM336372 upregulates raf-1 at the transcriptional level. Conclusion This is the first description of a novel compound ZM336372 that regulates multiple pathways in NEN cells.
South Korea in 2004: Peninsular Flux

The variables presaging fundamental change on the Korean Peninsula are many. This assessment of South Korea seeks to lay out the political, economic, and military events of 2004 and their relationship to South Korean grand strategy. It also seeks to analyze the linkages between Seoul9s grand strategy and the U.S.-led global war on terror.
Bargaining in the Shadow of War: When Is a Peaceful Resolution Most Likely?

This article derives the optimal bargaining strategies of the belligerents when each side has private but incomplete information about the expected outcome of a war, should it take place. I show that the aggressor's demand curve can be below the defender's offer curve, that wars are possible even when both sides are jointly pessimistic, and that the relative cost of a war can radically alter the types of disputes that end in war. A simple diagram provides the intuition for most of the major propositions.
Heidegger's Philosophic Pedagogy – By M. Ehrmantraut

(2012). Heidegger's Philosophic Pedagogy – By M. Ehrmantraut. Educational Philosophy and Theory: Vol. 44, No. 5, pp. 568-570.
The cofinality of the random graph

We show that under Martin's Axiom, the cofinality cf ( Aut (Γ)) of the automorphism group of the random graph Γ is 2ω.
Visual signals of individual identity in the wasp Polistes fuscatus

Individual recognition is an essential component of interactions in many social systems, but insects are often thought incapable of the sophistication necessary to recognize individuals. If this were true, it would impose limits on the societies that insects could form. For example, queens and workers of the paper wasp Polistes fuscatus form a linear dominance hierarchy that determines how food, work and reproduction are divided within the colony. Such a stable hierarchy would be facilitated if individuals of different ranks have some degree of recognition. P. fuscatus wasps have, to our knowledge, previously undocumented variability in their yellow facial and abdominal markings that are intriguing candidates for signals of individual identity. Here, I describe these highly variable markings and experimentally test whether P. fuscatus queens and workers use these markings to identify individual nest–mates visually. I demonstrate that individuals whose yellow markings are experimentally altered with paint receive more aggression than control wasps who are painted in a way that does not alter their markings. Further, aggression declines towards wasps with experimentally altered markings as these novel markings become familiar to their nestmates. This evidence for individual recognition in P. fuscatus indicates that interactions between insects may be even more complex than previously anticipated.
Iron enhances the antituberculous activity of pyrazinamide

Background: Pyrazinamide is a paradoxical frontline tuberculosis drug characterized by high in vivo steril- izing activity but poor in vitro activity. This separation in pyrazinamide activity reflects differences between the in vivo tissue environment and in vitro culture conditions. The well-known acid pH requirement for pyrazin- amide activity was discovered previously based on such reasoning but does not completely explain the discrepancy between in vivo and in vitro activity of pyrazinamide. This study examined the effect of iron, which could potentially be elevated in local inflammatory lesions, on pyrazinamide activity in vitro. Materials and methods: The effect of iron on the activity of pyrazinamide or its active derivative pyrazinoic acid against Mycobacterium tuberculosis was assessed in liquid medium in a drug exposure assay or in solid medium with pyrazinamide plus iron or pyrazinamide alone. The effect of iron on pyrazinamide or pyrazinoic acid was expressed as percentage of growth inhibition. Results: We have shown that iron enhances the activity of pyrazinamide and pyrazinoic acid against M. tuberculosis in both liquid and solid media at acid pH 5.6. Iron enhanced the activity of pyrazinoic acid but not pyrazinamide against the naturally pyrazinamide-resistant Mycobacterium bovis BCG. Other metal ions such as magnesium, calcium and zinc did not enhance the activity of pyrazinamide or pyrazinoic acid. Conclusions: Iron increased the activity of pyrazinamide or pyrazinoic acid against M. tuberculosis in vitro. These findings may have implications for the study of mechanism of action of pyrazinamide and possible iron supplement for improving the activity of pyrazinamide.
In the Eye of the Beholder: Archives Administration from the User's Point of View

The author proposes that we learn systematically, not impressionistically, who our users are and might be, what kinds of projects they pursue, and, most important, how they approach records. We must begin to think of archives administration as being centered on our clients, not on materials.Freeman presents a series of misassumptions on which archivists operate and thereby render their work with users far less effective than it might be. The misassumptions are that: as a profession we are oriented toward users; we know who these users are; we understand the nature of research; and we provide adequate help in doing it. She discusses three of these misassumptions at length and examines the changing nature of research, the problems inherent in our finding aids, and the likelihood of a useful connection between how the researcher approaches information and the development of realistic appraisal standards. She then proposes a series of national, regional, and local efforts intended to retrain our thinking abou...
Impact of Robotic Platforms on Surgical Approach and Costs in the Management of Morbidly Obese Patients with Newly Diagnosed Uterine Cancer

Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) is associated with decreased complication rates, length of hospital stay, and cost compared with laparotomy. Robotic-assisted surgery—a method of laparoscopy—addresses many of the limitations of standard laparoscopic instrumentation, thus leading to increased rates of MIS. We sought to assess the impact of robotics on the rates and costs of surgical approaches in morbidly obese patients with uterine cancer. Patients who underwent primary surgery at our institution for uterine cancer from 1993 to 2012 with a BMI ≥40 mg/m2 were identified. Surgical approaches were categorized as laparotomy (planned or converted), laparoscopic, robotic, or vaginal. We identified two time periods based on the evolving use of MIS at our institution: laparoscopic (1993–2007) and robotic (2008–2012). Direct costs were analyzed for cases performed from 2009 to 2012. We identified 426 eligible cases; 299 performed via laparotomy, 125 via MIS, and 2 via a vaginal approach. The rates of MIS for the laparoscopic and robotic time periods were 6 % and 57 %, respectively. The rate of MIS was 78 % in this morbidly obese cohort in 2012; 69 % were completed robotically. The median length of hospital stay was 5 days (range 2–37) for laparotomy cases and 1 day (range 0–7) for MIS cases (P < 0.001). The complication rate was 36 and 15 %, respectively (P < 0.001). The rate of wound-related complications was 27 and 6 %, respectively (P < 0.001). Laparotomy was associated with the highest cost. The robotic platform provides significant health and cost benefits by increasing MIS rates in this patient population.
Mass Spectrometry of Metallofullerenes

Fullerenes with a metal atom inside of the cage, metallofulierenes, were produced by either laser vaporization or a graphite arc and characterized using a variety of mass spectrometric methods. First, yttrium-fullerene adducts were formed by direct laser vaporization of samples consisting of graphite, yttrium oxide and fullerenes. Fragmentation and oxidation ion/molecule reactions showed that the laser-generated adducts are endohedral complexes (Yx@Cn), in contrast to externally-bound Y(Cn)+ species formed by gas-phase reactions. In addition, evidence was obtained for laser-induced bulk coalescence reactions yielding the metallofullerenes. Second, negative ion/desorption chemical ionization mass spectrometry was used to characterize metallofullerenes in arc-generated soot, pyridine extracts and the extract residue. The pyridine extracts of La2O3/graphite soot contain mostly La@C82 and La2@C80, in addition to (empty) fullerenes. However, the raw soot and the extract residue contain a broader range of metallofullerenes with relative abundances different than those observed from the extract (e.g. abundant La@C60, La@C70) and La@C74). The thermal desorption behavior of the doped and undoped fullerenes indicate an interaction between the Cn and Lax@Cn species. Analysis of aqueous solutions of dried pyridine extracts of La2O3/graphite soot show Cn and Lax;@Cn, which is consistent with the possible presence of metallofullerene/fullerene ionic complexes, (Lax@Cn)+Cn−.
Abstract PR10: The chromatin remodeler CHD4 as a potential specific target for alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma therapy

Fusion-positive alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma (FP-RMS) is a paediatric tumour driven by an oncogenic fusion transcription factor, PAX3-FOXO1. Conventional chemotherapy is only effective for low risk patients which carry no metastasis, achieving a 5-year overall survival of 65%. The unique presence of this fusion protein in FP-RMS as well as the tumour cell survival dependency on PAX3-FOXO1 make this transcription factor a promising target for therapy. However, due to the difficulties associated with drug development targeting transcription factors, we performed a combined proteomic and genetic screen to identify new druggable co-regulators of PAX3-FOXO1 transcriptional activity. Interactor candidates were defined by mass spectrometry analysis of proteins co-purified with the fusion protein and individually validated for their relevance for PAX3-FOXO1 activity through siRNA silencing. The chromodomain-DNA-binding protein 4 (CHD4), a nucleosome remodeler and core member of the NuRD complex (Nucleosome Remodelling and Deacetylase), was identified as an essential positive co-regulator of PAX3-FOXO1 transcriptional activity. ChIP-qPCR experiments demonstrated that CHD4 not only co-localizes with PAX3-FOXO1 in the FP-RMS genome but also it is necessary for the binding of the fusion protein to cis-regulatory sites for a subset of its target genes. Consequently, CHD4 silencing affected the expression of more than 50% of PAX3-FOXO1 regulated target genes. Additionally, depletion of CHD4 impaired FP-RMS cell proliferation and caused a complete regression of xenograft tumours in mice. Moreover, CHD4 silencing had no effect in cell proliferation of human myoblasts or fibroblasts, suggesting a unique tumour dependency on this chromatin remodeler. In summary, our data propose that CHD4 has a crucial role as a co-regulator of PAX3-FOXO1 driven gene expression whose presence is required for FP-RMS cell viability. To our knowledge, CHD4 is the first identified chromatin remodeler associated with PAX3-FOXO1 transcriptional activity, thus highlighting the relevance of epigenetic regulation in FP-RMS tumour development. Collectively, our findings suggest CHD4 as a potential novel therapeutic target in this childhood malignancy, and are motivating ongoing work aimed at finding first-in-class small molecules to inhibit CHD4. This abstract is also presented as Poster A20. Citation Format: Joana Marques, Maria Boehm, Marco Wachtel, Beat Schaefer. The chromatin remodeler CHD4 as a potential specific target for alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma therapy. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Advances in Pediatric Cancer Research: From Mechanisms and Models to Treatment and Survivorship; 2015 Nov 9-12; Fort Lauderdale, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(5 Suppl):Abstract nr PR10.
Multiple families of proteins in the secretory granules of Paramecium tetraurelia: immunological characterization and immunocytochemical localization of trichocyst proteins

Paramecium tetraurelia has thousands of secretory granules (trichocysts), which release their protein contents by regulated exocytosis. The secretory proteins that fill the granule comprise the condensed trichocyst matrix (ctmx), a paracrystalline structure that, upon exocytosis, expands about eightfold in length within milliseconds. The resulting needle-like extended trichocyst matrix (xtmx), also paracrystalline, is released outside the cell. Both ctmx and xtmx are composed of 35 or more small (Mr 14–25 × 10(3)), acidic (pI 4.4-5.8) proteins. We used monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) raised against proteins of the xtmx to study the relationship among these proteins, and to determine their locations within the paracrystalline ctmx and xtmx. The antibodies defined four distinct protein groups. Group I proteins (defined by mAb A1-3 and B5-5) showed a relatively wide range of pI values, and existed in xtmx as disulfide-linked heterodimers. They were distributed throughout the matrix of condensed and extended trichocysts, as judged by electron-microscopic immunocytochemistry. Group II proteins (defined by mAb B4-4 and B3-5) were more acidic, also present as heterodimers and specifically localized in a 150 nm wide cortex in ctmx and in a much thinner cortex in xtmx. In xtmx, antibodies against group II proteins stained the outer surface on the regions between the electron-dense striations with 55 nm intervals. However, these regions were not accessible to antibody B4-4 in ctmx. Group III proteins (defined by mAb B7-4) are monomeric proteins; group IV are two subunits of heterodimers. Proteins of groups IV are two subunits of heterodimers. Proteins of groups III and IV were localized in the core of ctmx, but were distributed uniformly in xtmx. Our results show that these very similar tmx proteins are not structurally equivalent. Within the highly regular structures of condensed and extended tmx, immunologically distinct families of tmx proteins occupy specific and different positions in the paracrystalline array. One family of tmx proteins (group II) is buried in the condensed tmx and only becomes accessible to antibodies upon trichocyst extension. Our results suggest that the 150 nm cortex of condensed tmx expands lengthwise, while decreasing in the thickness, to form the outer shell of extended tmx, and the core expands in length without decreasing in diameter to form the inside structure of the extended tmx.
The Use of Fertilizer and its Environmental Consequences

The increase in the use of fertilizer in agricultural production has been associated with a substantial increase in agricultural productivity in the United States. This increase in fertilizer use h...
Antiepileptic Drug Withdrawal in Partial Epilepsy

The optimal time of discontinuing anticonvulsant treatment in children with cryptogenic partial epilepsy was evaluated at the Universities of Chieti and Siena, Italy.
Priming Neural Circuits to Modulate Spinal Reflex Excitability

While priming is most often thought of as a strategy for modulating neural excitability to facilitate voluntary motor control, priming stimulation can also be utilized to target spinal reflex excitability. In this application, priming can be used to modulate the involuntary motor output that often follows central nervous system injury. Individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) often experience spasticity, for which antispasmodic medications are the most common treatment. Physical therapeutic/electroceutic interventions offer an alternative treatment for spasticity, without the deleterious side effects that often accompany pharmacological interventions. While studies of physical therapeutic/electroceutic interventions have been published, a systematic comparison of these approaches has not been performed. The purpose of this study was to compare four non-pharmacological interventions to a sham-control intervention to assess their efficacy for spasticity reduction. Participants were individuals (n=10) with chronic SCI (≥ 1 year) who exhibited stretch-induced quadriceps spasticity. Spasticity was quantified using the pendulum test before and at two time points after (immediate, 45 minutes delayed) each of 4 different physical therapeutic/electroceutic interventions, plus a sham-control intervention. Interventions included stretching, cyclic passive movement (CPM), transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation (tcSCS), and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS). The sham-control intervention consisted of a brief ramp up and down of knee and ankle stimulation while reclined with legs extended. The order of interventions was randomized, and each was tested on a separate day with at least 48 hours between sessions. Compared to the sham-control intervention, stretching, CPM, and tcSCS were associated with a significantly greater reduction in spasticity immediately after treatment. While the immediate effect was largest for stretching, the reduction persisted for 45 minutes only for the CPM and tcSCS interventions. tDCS had no immediate or delayed effects on spasticity when compared to sham- control. Interestingly, the sham-control intervention was associated with significant within-session increases in spasticity, indicating that spasticity increases with immobility. These findings suggest that stretching, CPM, and tcSCS are viable non-pharmacological alternatives for reducing spasticity, and that CPM and tcSCS have prolonged effects. Given that the observed effects were from a single-session intervention, future studies should determine the most efficacious dosing and timing strategies.
Profiles in health: Multiple roles and health lifestyles in early adulthood

Abstract Rationale Despite theoretical work suggesting that health behaviors should be considered in tandem rather than as individual and disconnected practices, little quantitative work has examined different lifestyles of health behavior practices. In addition, while a significant body of work has examined the association of holding multiple social roles and health outcomes, little work has examined how acquiring multiple roles in early adulthood influences health behavior. Objective This article (a) illustrates the utility of examining health lifestyles—defined as constellations of individual health behavior practices—and (b) contributes to the literature on how accumulating multiple social roles is associated with health. Methods Using two waves of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (N = 12,098) a structural equation modeling approach is used to both (a) model latent health lifestyles from observed health behavior indicators, and (b) to predict health lifestyle membership based on changes in role-occupancy during the transition to early adulthood. Results Results suggest that the type of social role matters, with intensive obligatory roles associated with lifestyles of less tobacco, alcohol, and marijuana use but also with physical inactivity. In contrast, voluntary roles are associated with more active lifestyles but increased alcohol use. Conclusion The results illustrate the importance of modeling overall health lifestyles rather than focusing only on individual health behaviors. The results also advance our understanding of how holding multiple roles is associated with health by extending the framework to an examination of health behavior.
Agricultural Insurance and Economic Development

This article provides a review of recent research on agricultural insurance (AI) in developing countries. Agricultural producers face a variety of significant risks; historically, only government-subsidized products have achieved widespread adoption. A recent contractual innovation, which links insurance payouts to realized weather rather than farmer indemnity, has spurred substantial research in the past decade. This review begins by describing the experience in developed economies and then turns to developing countries, covering the following topics: farmers' adoption of AI, how AI affects their decision to invest in risky assets, and the extent to which AI helps farmers smooth income and consumption. We conclude with suggestions for future research and practice related to AI in developing countries.
Relevant Causes: Their Designation in Medicine and Law

Kenneth Schaffner has given an important and useful treatment of the meaning of causality and the extent to which it is best understood through an inductive statistical or a statistical relevance view of causality. Etiological accounts in biomedicine do indeed refer back to gappy universals and employ both deductive and statistical reasonings. However, there is an important point made by Hart and Honore, and acknowledged by Professor Schaffner, which must be underscored in order to understand the role of causal language in law and medicine. Schaffner acknowledges the dependence upon practical interests in Hart and Honore’s concept of cause. Causes are abnormal conditions which are contrasted with conditions, which are the expected or proper state of affairs. As Schaffner notes, following Hart and Honore, A special laboratory from which oxygen is normally excluded suggests that the presence of oxygen will be construed as a cause of fire rather than a condition. Practical interests including controllability may also dictate which element is identified as the cause, i.e., what ‘makes the difference’ in a series of conditions ([2], pp. 2–3).
Hydrogen generation from hydrous hydrazine over Ni/CeO2 catalysts prepared by solution combustion synthesis

Abstract Hydrous hydrazine is a promising hydrogen carrier for fuel cell vehicles owing to its high hydrogen content (8.0 wt% for N2H4·H2O), low cost and stable liquid state at ambient temperature. The development of cost effective catalysts with high activity and 100% selectivity for hydrogen generation under mild conditions, however, is a significant challenge for its practical use. In this work, a series of Ni/CeO2 catalysts were prepared by solution combustion synthesis (SCS), varying the SCS parameters in terms of ratio of precursor oxidizers (nickel nitrate and ammonium cerium nitrate), fuel-to-oxidizer ratio (0.5–3) and fuel type (hydrous hydrazine and glycine). These parameters influence the combustion behavior and, in turn, the physicochemical properties of catalysts such as crystallinity, Ni particle size, surface area and pore size as well as formation of Ni O Ce solid solution. The reaction mechanism for the SCS process is discussed. The tailored 6 wt% Ni/CeO2 catalyst synthesized with fuel-to-oxidizer ratio 2 and hydrous hydrazine fuel, exhibited 100% selectivity for hydrogen generation and good activity with a TOF value 34.0 h−1 at 50 °C, which is the highest catalytic performance among all prior reported catalysts containing Ni alone.