cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Dose-dependent effects of corticosteroids on the expression of matrix-related genes in normal and cytokine-treated articular chondrocytes

Objective and Design: To assess the effects of glucocorticoids on the expression of multiple matrix-related genes in normal and cytokine-treated cultured equine articular chondrocytes in a phenotypically correct suspension culture.¶Material or Subjects: Articular cartilage harvested from the joints of 15 foals, 7 yearling horses, and 16 adult horses.¶Treatment: Glucocorticoids (dexamethasone, prednisolone, triamcinolone) at 10–10 to 10–4 M.¶Methods: Equine articular chondrocytes maintained in suspension cultures were treated with glucocorticoids with and without human recombinant interleukin 1-β (IL1-β) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). Northern blots of total RNA from the treated cells were probed with equine specific cDNA probes for a number of cartilage matrix-related genes. Zymography, Western blotting, and fluorography were also performed to study the effects on protein synthesis. Results: The glucocorticoids, dexamethasone, triamcinolone, and prednisolone, markedly decreased MMP1, MMP3, MMP13, TIMP1, and ferritin steady-state mRNA levels. There were no qualitative differences seen among the tested corticosteroids although dexamethasone and triamcinolone appeared to be slightly more potent than prednisolone. The effects of the glucocorticoids on MMP transcription occurred consistently at lower doses than those required to similarly downregulate type II collagen and aggrecan. Link protein and fibronectin mRNA were increased by the glucocorticoids, and biglycan and decorin were minimally affected. Fluorography of [14-C] proline-labeled media demonstrated that the decrease in type II collagen transcription (mRNA levels) was paralleled at the protein level. Zymography and Western blotting confirmed the decrease in functional metalloproteinases found in chondrocyte cultures following glucocorticoid treatment.¶Conclusions: The effects of glucocorticoids are complex inasmuch as they differentially affect numerous genes involved in the composition of cartilage matrix and the degradation of that matrix. This study provides new insight into the effects of glucocorticoids on the regulation of extracellular matrix and matrix-related genes by demonstrating that low doses of glucocorticoids can inhibit the degradative metalloproteinases with minimal negative effects on the transcription of extracellular matrix genes.
Lung cancer screening with chest radiography has no effect on lung cancer incidence or mortality

Commentary on: Oken MM, Hocking WG, Kvale PA, et al. Screening by chest radiograph and lung cancer mortality: the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal, and Ovarian (PLCO) randomized trial. JAMA 2011;306:1865–73.[OpenUrl][1][CrossRef][2][PubMed][3][Web of Science][4] In the 1970s and 1980s, randomised controlled trials of lung cancer screening with chest radiography and sputum cytology found no lung cancer mortality reduction among high-risk patients.1 Evidence-based guidelines have since recommended against lung cancer screening, although many physicians still endorse screening for high-risk patients, such as chronic smokers.2 The Mayo Lung Study, for example, compared screening with chest radiography and sputum cytology every 4 months to no screening among male, chronically heavy smokers over a 6-year period. Although screening was associated with higher incidence of lung cancer, no benefits in lung cancer mortality were observed, and the extra incidence was most likely attributable to overdiagnosis. Early trials, however, may have … [1]: {openurl}?query=rft.jtitle%253DJAMA%26rft_id%253Dinfo%253Adoi%252F10.1001%252Fjama.2011.1591%26rft_id%253Dinfo%253Apmid%252F22031728%26rft.genre%253Darticle%26rft_val_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Ajournal%26ctx_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ctx_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Actx [2]: /lookup/external-ref?access_num=10.1001/jama.2011.1591&link_type=DOI [3]: /lookup/external-ref?access_num=22031728&link_type=MED&atom=%2Febmed%2F17%2F5%2F149.atom [4]: /lookup/external-ref?access_num=000296376200020&link_type=ISI
THE INTERACTIONIST PERSPECTIVE Some Things Hagan Didn't Tell Us

This paper is concerned with the implications of Hagan's negative assessment of the contributions of symbolic interactionism to the study of deviance. The logic of evaluating selected seminal works without reference to recent contributions of the symbolic interactionists in deviance and other areas is challenged.
Efficient PDA synchronization

Modern personal digital assistant (PDA) architectures often utilize a wholesale data transfer protocol known as "slow sync" for synchronizing PDAs with personal computers (PCs). This approach is markedly inefficient with respect to bandwidth usage, latency, and energy consumption since the PDA and PC typically share many common records. We propose, analyze, and implement a novel PDA synchronization scheme (CPIsync) predicated upon previous information-theoretic research. The salient property of this scheme is that its communication complexity depends on the number of differences between the PDA and PC, and is essentially independent of the overall number of records. Moreover, our implementation shows that the computational complexity and energy consumption of CPIsync is practical and that the-overall latency is typically much smaller than that of slow sync or alternative synchronization approaches based on Bloom (1970) filters. Thus, CPIsync has potential for significantly improving synchronization protocols for PDAs and, more generally, for heterogeneous networks of many machines.
GWAS of blood cell traits identifies novel associated loci and epistatic interactions in Caucasian and African-American children

Hematological traits are important clinical indicators, the genetic determinants of which have not been fully investigated. Common measures of hematological traits include red blood cell (RBC) count, hemoglobin concentration (HGB), hematocrit (HCT), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), MCH concentration (MCHC), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), platelet count (PLT) and white blood cell (WBC) count. We carried out a genome-wide association study of the eight common hematological traits among 7943 African-American children and 6234 Caucasian children. In African Americans, we report five novel associations of HBE1 variants with HCT and MCHC, the alpha-globin gene cluster variants with RBC and MCHC, and a variant at the ARHGEF3 locus with PLT, as well as replication of four previously reported loci at genome-wide significance. In Caucasians, we report a novel association of variants at the COPZ1 locus with PLT as well as replication of four previously reported loci at genome-wide significance. Extended analysis of an association observed between MCH and the alpha-globin gene cluster variants demonstrated independent effects and epistatic interaction at the locus, impacting the risk of iron deficiency anemia in African Americans with specific genotype states. In summary, we extend the understanding of genetic variants underlying hematological traits based on analyses in African-American children.
Post-Transcriptional Regulation of Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase Expression by Polypyrimidine Tract–Binding Protein 1

Objective— Endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) is an important regulator of vascular function and its expression is regulated at post-transcriptional levels through a yet unknown mechanism. The purpose of this study is to elucidate the post-transcriptional factors regulating eNOS expression and function in endothelium. Approaches and Results— To elucidate the molecular basis of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α–mediated eNOS mRNA instability, biotinylated eNOS 3′-untranslational region (UTR) was used to purify its associated proteins by RNA affinity chromatography from cytosolic fractions of TNF-α-stimulated human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). We identified 2 cytosolic proteins, with molecular weight of 52 and 57 kDa, which specifically bind to eNOS 3′-UTR in response to TNF-α stimulation. Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometric analysis identified the 57-kDa protein as polypyrimidine tract–binding protein 1 (PTB1). RNA gel mobility shift and UV cross-linking assays demonstrated that PTB1 binds to a UCUU-rich sequence in eNOS 3′-UTR, and the C-terminal half of PTB1 is critical to this interaction. Importantly, PTB1 overexpression leads to decreased activity of luciferase gene fused with eNOS 3′-UTR as well as reduced eNOS expression and activity in human ECs. In HUVECs, we show that TNF-α markedly increased PTB1 expression, whereas adenovirus-mediated PTB1 overexpression decreased eNOS mRNA stability and reduced protein expression and endothelium-dependent relaxation. Furthermore, knockdown of PTB1 substantially attenuated TNF-α-induced destabilization of eNOS transcript and downregulation of eNOS expression. Conclusions— These results indicate that PTB1 is essential for regulating eNOS expression at post-transcriptional levels and suggest a novel therapeutic target for treatment of vascular diseases associated with inflammatory endothelial dysfunction. # Significance {#article-title-39}
Shotgun Injuries of the Spine: Neurosurgical Management of Five Cases

The role of neurosurgical intervention in penetrating spinal injury has not been clearly established. Functional outcome has not been shown to be influenced by operation. In fact, neurosurgical intervention has been shown to potentially increase the risk of serious complications. This paper examines a unique subset of patients with penetrating spinal injury—those secondary to shotguns. An analysis of five such cases and a review of the limited literature on the subject suggests that neurosurgical intervention is of limited value in such injuries and that initial management should focus primarily upon non-neurological injuries.
Laminated media for high-density recording

The magnetic recording properties of laminated media structures on hard disks are discussed, including an overview of work on this topic. The primary performance advantage of laminated media is a significant reduction in media noise. The various mechanisms proposed for this noise reduction are considered. Other issues discussed include the optimal properties for the nonmagnetic interlayers, the influence of lamination on bulk magnetic properties, soft error rate measurements, and process challenges. The most important mechanism for the improved performance that has been obtained is decoupling of the noise sources in the various layers. The optimum interlayer thickness is in the range of 20-50 AA and seems to depend on the sputtering system and process conditions used. >
Quasi-Resonant Converters-Topologies and Characteristics

In designing switching dc-dc converters, the effort to increase operating frequency to reduce weight, size, and cost of magnetic and filter elements is constantly hampered by higher switching stresses and switching losses. To overcome these obstacles, the concept of the "resonant switch" is proposed. By incorporating additional inductor and capacitor elements to shape the semiconductor switch's current waveform, a "zero-current switching" property can be realized. Based on the resonant switch technique, a new host of quasi-resonant converter circuits have been derived, which can be operated in the megahertz range.
Programmable 10 Mhz Optical Fiducial System For Hydrodiagnostic Cameras

A solid state light control system was designed and fabricated for use with hydrodiagnostic streak cameras of the electro-optic type. With its use, the film containing the streak images will have on it two time scales simultaneously exposed with the signal. This allows timing and cross timing. The latter is achieved with exposure modulation marking onto the time tick marks. The purpose of using two time scales will be discussed. The design is based on a microcomputer, resulting in a compact and easy to use instrument. The light source is a small red light emitting diode. Time marking can be programmed in steps of 0.1 microseconds, with a range of 255 steps. The time accuracy is based on a precision 100 MHz quarts crystal, giving a divided down 10 MHz system frequency. The light is guided by two small 100 micron diameter optical fibers, which facilitates light coupling onto the input slit of an electro-optic streak camera. Three distinct groups of exposure modulation of the time tick marks can be independently set anywhere onto the streak duration. This system has been successfully used in Fabry-Perot laser velocimeters for over four years in our Laboratory. The microcomputer control section is also being use in providing optical fids to mechanical rotor cameras.
Family presence during pediatric resuscitation: a focus on staff.

The 8-year-old girl who was recovering from a near drowning 3 days earlier had had a relatively stable day. It was 2 AM. Suddenly, her oxygenation and hemodyonamic stability deteriorated. Within seconds, her bedside was surrounded by members of the healthcare team participating in her resuscitation. When the attending physician arrived 15 minutes into the resuscitative efforts, she immediately requested that the girl’s parents be brought to the bedside to participate in the event by observing the team’s efforts. Some staff members grumbled under their breath. Others, on the basis of previous experiences when this attending physician brought a patient’s family to the bedside, commented in defense of the potential benefit to the girl’s family. The child’s parents arrived and stood unaccompanied at the door of the room. After almost an hour of aggressive interventions, there were no signs of improvement. The parents pleaded for the team to terminate efforts to save their little girl. The resuscitation attempt ended. The family began stroking the child’s cold body. The staff walked away, unsettled by the family’s presence during the resuscitation. To receive CE credit for this article, visit the American Association of CriticalCare Nurses’ (AACN) Web site at http://www.aacn .org, click on "Education" and select “Continuing Education,” or call AACN’s Fax on Demand at (800) 222-6329 and request item No. 1160. Online
Auditory Memory and Perception in Younger and Older Adult Second Language Learners

This study compared younger and older adult monolingual English speakers and bilingual (English/Spanish) speakers on aspects of language learning aptitude, specifically, measures of auditory perception and memory span, in English and Spanish. Multivariate analyses of variance revealed no age difference in auditory memory span in English; however, both older and younger bilinguals performed better than monolinguals on these tasks. Younger subjects performed better than older subjects on measures of auditory perception in English. Older and younger monolinguals performed similarly on a measure of auditory memory span in Spanish, whereas younger monolinguals demonstrated more accuracy on Spanish perception tasks. The Spanish proficiency of the younger bilinguals far exceeded that of the older bilinguals, and their performance was better on measures of auditory memory and perception in Spanish even when differences in proficiency were statistically controlled. However, a comparison of subgroups of older and younger bilinguals showing a similar level of Spanish proficiency revealed that the performance of the older bilinguals approached fairly closely the performance of the younger subjects on the Spanish auditory memory and perception tasks.
Maternal Transmission Ratio Distortion at the Mouse Om Locus Results From Meiotic Drive at the Second Meiotic Division

We have observed maternal transmission ratio distortion (TRD) in favor of DDK alleles at the Ovum mutant (Om) locus on mouse chromosome 11 among the offspring of (C57BL/6 × DDK) F1 females and C57BL/6 males. Although significant lethality occurs in this backcross (∼50%), differences in the level of TRD found in recombinant vs. nonrecombinant chromosomes among offspring argue that TRD is due to nonrandom segregation of chromatids at the second meiotic division, i.e., true meiotic drive. We tested this hypothesis directly, by determining the centromere and Om genotypes of individual chromatids in zygote stage embryos. We found similar levels of TRD in favor of DDK alleles at Om in the female pronucleus and TRD in favor of C57BL/6 alleles at Om in the second polar body. In those embryos for which complete dyads have been reconstructed, TRD was present only in those inheriting heteromorphic dyads. These results demonstrate that meiotic drive occurs at MII and that preferential death of one genotypic class of embryo does not play a large role in the TRD.
Weak ordering-a new definition

A memory model for a shared memory, multiprocessor commonly and often implicitly assumed by programmers is that of sequential consistency. This model guarantees that all memory accesses will appear to execute atomically and in program order. An alternative model, weak ordering, offers greater performance potential. Weak ordering was first defined by Dubois, Scheurich and Briggs in terms of a set of rules for hardware that have to be made visible to software.The central hypothesis of this work is that programmers prefer to reason about sequentially consistent memory, rather than having to think about weaker memory, or even write buffers. Following this hypothesis, we re-define weak ordering as a contract between software and hardware. By this contract, software agrees to some formally specified constraints, and hardware agrees to appear sequentially consistent to at least the software that obeys those constraints. We illustrate the power of the new definition with a set of software constraints that forbid data races and an implementation for cache-coherent systems that is not allowed by the old definition.
Heparin Stimulates Staphylococcus aureus Biofilm Formation

Heparin, known for its anticoagulant activity, is commonly used in catheter locks. Staphylococcus aureus, a versatile human and animal pathogen, is commonly associated with catheter-related bloodstream infections and has evolved a number of mechanisms through which it adheres to biotic and abiotic surfaces. We demonstrate that heparin increased biofilm formation by several S. aureus strains. Surface coverage and the kinetics of biofilm formation were stimulated, but primary attachment to the surface was not affected. Heparin increased S. aureus cell-cell interactions in a protein synthesis-dependent manner. The addition of heparin rescued biofilm formation of hla, ica, and sarA mutants. Our data further suggest that heparin stimulation of biofilm formation occurs neither through an increase in sigB activity nor through an increase in polysaccharide intracellular adhesin levels. These finding suggests that heparin stimulates S. aureus biofilm formation via a novel pathway.
Disseminated Blastomyces dermatitidis, genetic group 2, infection in an alpaca (Vicugna pacos)

A 7-year-old, female Huacaya alpaca presented with a 3-week history of left-sided head tilt and mild ataxia. Despite aggressive supportive therapy with empirical antibiotic, anti-inflammatory, thiamine, and anthelminthic therapy, neurologic signs progressed to a right-sided head tilt, positional nystagmus, and episodes of severe ataxia and obtundation. On necropsy, discrete expansile to poorly delineated infiltrative masses with tan, creamy to grumous exudate were observed in the right petrous temporal bone, right middle and inner ear, right cerebellum and medulla as well as in lung, kidney, liver, spleen, lymph nodes, and the gastrointestinal tract. Impression cytology and histology revealed a myriad of intralesional yeast, 10-25 μm in diameter, with double-contoured walls, granular protoplasm, and broad-based budding. Culture characteristics, including conidial morphology and temperature-dependent yeast phase transformation, were consistent with Blastomyces sp. Positive Blastomyces antigenuria was identified on a postmortem sample of urine. Microsatellite typing and sequencing of the internal transcribed spacer region 2 identified the infecting strain as a genetic group 2 isolate of Blastomyces dermatitidis. The present report of camelid blastomycosis adds intracranial blastomycosis to the differential list for camelid neurologic disease in endemic regions.
Robust estimation of nonlinear constitutive law from static equilibrium data for modeling the mechanics of DNA

Long length-scale structural deformations of DNA play a central role in many biological processes including gene expression. The elastic rod model, which uses a continuum approximation, has emerged as a viable tool to model deformations of several biofilaments including DNA molecules. The elastic rod model predictions are however very sensitive to the model of constitutive law (material properties) of the molecule. Robust estimation of the constitutive law from experimental data and feasible molecular dynamics simulations remains a significant challenge. In this paper, we develop a two-step technique to use elastic rod model equations in combination with limited data to estimate the nonlinear constitutive law governing DNA molecules. We first cast the elastic rod model equations in state-space form and express the effect of the unknown constitutive law as an unknown input to the system. We then describe the two-step technique to estimate the unknown constitutive law. Finally, we investigate the robustness of this technique through simulations and discuss various generalizations.
"Frits" and Specialized Hide Preparation in the Belgian Early Neolithic

Abstract This paper describes the unique microwear pattern found on "frits", a peculiar type of Early Neolithic stone implement found in Northwestern Europe, and examines its implications for LBK (LinienBandKeramic or Linear Pottery Culture) village craft specialization. Previous hypotheses regarding the cause of the dual-natured frit polish are discussed and found to be inadequate in terms of logic and/or experimental support. It is argued here, and supported by experiments conducted by the authors, that the polish is the result of using frits to clean and soften animal hides which had been treated with a damp plant-based compound. Archaeological data from Belgian LBK sites indicate that this hide treatment was a much more common activity at some villages than at others and that this village specialization involved not only leather production but also the production of the frits themselves.
Recovery following extinction of a locomotor response

Albino rats were given acquisition training in a runway with either consistent delay or partial delay of reward. Following a subsequent extinction series, delay of reward was reinstated resulting in a performance increase for the animals previously given partial delay training but not for animals given consistent delay training. The results were discussed in terms of a modified aftereffects position.
Challenges and realities of teaching psychotherapy: a survey of psychiatric-mental health nursing graduate programs.

PURPOSE. This study was conducted in order to determine what and how psychotherapy content is taught in graduate psychiatric nursing programs in the United States. DESIGN AND METHODS. This survey was conducted of 120 psychiatric-mental health nursing graduate programs in the United States in order to determine what and how psychotherapy content is taught in these programs. FINDINGS. The results of this survey revealed a diversity of programs with a plurality of psychotherapy approaches and models taught. Implications for education, research, and practice are delineated. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS. Results provide evidence that further clarity, consensus, and curriculum guidelines are needed for teaching psychotherapy in psychiatric graduate nursing programs.
Acetate supplementation reduces microglia activation and brain interleukin-1β levels in a rat model of Lyme neuroborreliosis.

Background We have found that acetate supplementation significantly reduces neuroglia activation and pro-inflammatory cytokine release in a rat model of neuroinflammation induced with lipopolysaccharide. To test if the anti-inflammatory effect of acetate supplementation is specific to a TLR4-mediated injury, we measured markers of neuroglia activation in rats subjected to B. burgdorferi-induced neuroborreliosis that is mediated in large part by a TLR2-type mechanism.
The Culture of Obedience and the Politics of Stealth: Mormon Mobilization Against ERA and Same-Sex Marriage

Political mobilization by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints against ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) was more widespread and important than most studies of the episode have acknowledged. Several decades later, the Church is again organized and active in opposing legal recognition of same-sex marriage. In this article, we explore why and how the Latter-Day Saints mobilized on these two issues. We argue that their mobilization can be understood through classic social movement theory, even though the Church is not an economic-based interest group. Furthermore, the Mormons' approach in fighting the ERA — drawing on centralized authority, tapping into established volunteer and communications networks, effectively channeling money and personnel to where they are most needed, and engaging in stealth politics (obscuring the centralized nature of apparently spontaneous action) — is echoed in the fight against same-sex marriage, even though the times and technology have somewhat changed the mobilization dynamic.
Modeling of the Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor (AhR) ligand binding domain and its utility in virtual ligand screening to predict new AhR ligands

The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a ligand-activated transcription factor; the AhR Per-AhR/Arnt-Sim (PAS) domain binds ligands. We developed homology models of the AhR PAS domain to characterize previously observed intra- and interspecies differences in ligand binding using molecular docking. In silico structure-based virtual ligand screening using our model resulted in the identification of pinocembrin and 5-hydroxy-7-methoxyflavone, which promoted nuclear translocation and transcriptional activation of AhR and AhR-dependent induction of endogenous target genes.
Labor Enforcement Theory: The Case of Public vs. Private Enforcement

Labor laws are enforced in many different ways. Sometimes public agencies enforce the laws and sometimes workers are authorized to do so. Sometimes employer/violators pay for litigation costs and sometimes not. Sometimes the sanctions for violations are set by the harm caused (such as loss of backpay) and sometimes the sanctions are fines and penalties. Sometimes agencies are the primary fora for hearing disputes and sometimes courts. The consequences of these types of differences in labor enforcement are under-studied empirically. Labor enforcement theory, if anything, is even less well-studied. This book chapter examines labor enforcement theory with a focus on the choice between public or private enforcement. The article begins by presenting a standard economic model of enforcement. The chapter then applies the model to private and public enforcement and argues, among other things, that private enforcement adjusts better than public enforcement to economic downturns, but is less effective at enforcing violations that affect current employees. The chapter concludes with a critique and call for re-evaluation of the standard economic model of enforcement.
Alignment of interstellar grains by mechanical torques: suprathermally rotating Gaussian random spheres

Collisions of gas particles with a drifting grain give rise to a mechanical torque on the grain. Recent work by Lazarian & Hoang showed that mechanical torques might play a significant role in aligning helical grains along the interstellar magnetic field direction, even in the case of subsonic drift. We compute the mechanical torques on 13 different irregular grains and examine their resulting rotational dynamics, assuming steady rotation about the principal axis of greatest moment of inertia. We find that the alignment efficiency in the subsonic drift regime depends sensitively on the grain shape, with more efficient alignment for shapes with a substantial mechanical torque even in the case of no drift. The alignment is typically more efficient for supersonic drift. A more rigorous analysis of the dynamics is required to definitively appraise the role of mechanical torques in grain alignment.
Ground Zero: Walter Benjamin’s Urban Politics

AbstractThis article explores “urban atmosphere” through the lens of Walter Benjamin’s utopian politics. While a city can be defined as a built environment enjoying relative longevity, this stands in tension with the fact that cities are objects of intense technological transformation and hence transitory. Benjamin looked to the aesthetics of architectural purism (Le Corbusier) and surrealist encounter (Andre Breton) in order to find a redemptive obverse to the destructive technology of capitalist production. Walter Benjamin explores the theme of atmosphere in his 1929 essay on Surrealism. Here he attributes to Andre Breton the discovery of revolutionary energies concealed in the processes of technological obsolescence. Outmoded objects exude an atmosphere or mood that Surrealism seeks to convert into revolutionary energy. The modern city is the environment in which innumerable processes of obsolescence take place. Hence, Benjamin’s utopian politics inevitably centers on the revolutionary interpretation o...
Reactions at Ceramic Superconductor/Metal Interfaces

Joining technology for ceramic superconductors is currently a major problem. The possible reactions which occur at ceramic superconductors/metal interfaces are discussed and examples are shown of interfaces between YBa2Cu3Ox and Nd1.85Ce0.15CuO4-x vs. a series of metals (Ag, Ni, Fe) now being considered for joining and cladding applications. Various characterization techniques, including EPMA and x-ray mapping, are utilized for analyzing the spatial distribution of reaction products. In a composite configuration, Ag interlayer is found to promote interfacial reactions.
Physiologic behavior of the in situ papillary muscles.

SummaryDistention of the intact right ventricular papillary muscles induced both mechanical and electrophysiologic changes in the whole heart. Severe dysrhythmia accompanied tension exerted upon the right, but not upon the left ventricular chordae tendineae. The right ventricular papillary muscles contain numerous receptors, stimulation of which induces marked changes in afferent impulse traffic in the cardiac nerves. Local papillary muscle contractile force was initially depressed and then elevated while that of distant myocardial segments was augmented during local papillary muscle distention. These responses were shown to be influenced by both sympathetic and parasympathetic cardiac nerves. A physiologic cardio-cardiac neural control mechanism is proposed to account for these dynamic cardiac events.
Mechanical Alloying Process of Fe-25mol%Al Powde Mixture

Mechanical alloying process was studied in the Fe75Al25 system from elemental powders using a dry tumbler ball mill. In the X-ray diffractions, the peaks of the Fe and the Al phases became weak with milling time. The powder milled for 1800ks showed the same patterns as a case of supersaturated solid solution, α-Fe(Al), or very fine Fe3Al. The particles became large in size and lamellar structure formed in the initial milling stage. Scanning electron microscope observations showed that the difference in the contrast of the back scattered electron micrograph of each layer in the lamellar structure was diminished as milling time. The powder became fine (particle size: from 5 to 20μm) after 1800ks. An (Fe3A1+α-Fe) phase formed after milling for 1800ks and annealing at 1500K.
Dietary γ-Tocopherol–Rich Mixture Inhibits Estrogen-Induced Mammary Tumorigenesis by Modulating Estrogen Metabolism, Antioxidant Response, and PPARγ

This study evaluated the anti-cancer activity and mechanism of action of a γ-tocopherol rich tocopherol mixture, γ-TmT, in two different animal models of estrogen-induced breast cancer. The chemopreventive effect of γ-TmT at early (6 weeks), intermediate (18 weeks) and late (31 weeks) stages of mammary tumorigenesis was determined using the ACI rat model. Female rats receiving 17β-estradiol (E2) implants were administered with different doses (0, 0.05%, 0.1%, 0.3% and 0.5%) of γ-TmT diet. Treatment with 0.3% and 0.5% γ-TmT decreased tumor volume and multiplicity. At 31 weeks, serum concentrations of E2 were significantly decreased by γ-TmT. γ-TmT preferentially induced expression of the E2 metabolizing enzyme CYP1A1, over CYP1B1 in the rat mammary tissues. Nrf2-dependent antioxidant response was stimulated by γ-TmT, as evident from enhanced expression of its downstream targets, NQO1, GCLM and HMOX1. Serum concentrations of the oxidative stress marker, 8-isoprostane, were also decreased in the γ-TmT treated groups. Treatment with γ-TmT increased expression of PPARγ and its downstream genes, PTEN and p27, while the cell proliferation marker, PCNA, was significantly reduced in γ-TmT treated mammary tumors. In an orthotopic model in which human MCF-7 breast cancer cells were injected into the mammary fat pad of immunodeficient mice, γ-TmT inhibited E2-dependent tumor growth at all the doses tested. In conclusion, γ-TmT reduced mammary tumor development, in part through decreased E2 availability and reduced oxidative stress in mammary tissues; γ-TmT could thus be an effective agent for the prevention and treatment of E2-induced breast cancer.
Evidence-Based Pharmacotherapy for Mood and Anxiety Disorders with Concurrent Alcoholism

Co-occurring psychiatric and alcohol use disorders can have devastating personal and societal effects, yet little evidence exists to guide clinical treatment. In the face of scant data, individual practitioners must rely instead on professional experience and those limited practice guidelines that currently exist. The American Psychiatric Association (APA) advises that failure to treat a concurrent psychiatric disorder reduces the likelihood that the treatment for a substance use disorder (SUD) will be effective. Indeed, the effects of nontreatment were demonstrated in a prospective study assessing alcohol-dependent patients for 1 year following hospitalization for alcohol dependence, in which untreated depression was directly associated with a shorter time to first drink. The results also showed that among those patients with depression (Slide 1), taking antidepressants at the time of discharge increased the likelihood of an individual remaining abstinent during the follow-up period.
SU-D-207A-05: Investigating Sparse-Sampled MRI for Motion Management in Thoracic Radiotherapy

Purpose: Sparse sampling and reconstruction-based MRI techniques represent an attractive strategy to achieve sufficiently high image acquisition speed while maintaining image quality for the task of radiotherapy guidance. In this study, we examine rapid dynamic MRI using a sparse sampling sequence k-t BLAST in capturing motion-induced, cycle-to-cycle variations in tumor position. We investigate the utility of long-term MRI-based motion monitoring as a means of better characterizing respiration-induced tumor motion compared to a single-cycle 4DCT. Methods: An MRI-compatible, programmable, deformable lung motion phantom with eleven 1.5 ml water marker tubes was placed inside a 3.0 T whole-body MR scanner (Philips Ingenia). The phantom was programmed with 10 lung tumor motion traces previously recorded using the Synchrony system. 2D+t image sequences of a coronal slice were acquired using a balanced-SSFP sequence combined with k-t BLAST (accn=3, resolution=0.66×0.66×5 mm3; acquisition time = 110 ms/slice). kV fluoroscopic (ground truth) and 4DCT imaging was performed with the same phantom setup and motion trajectories. Marker positions in all three modalities were segmented and tracked using an opensource deformable image registration package, NiftyReg. Results: Marker trajectories obtained from rapid MRI exhibited <1 mm error compared to kv Fluoro trajectories in the presence of complex motion including baseline shifts and changes in respiratory amplitude, indicating the ability of MRI to monitor motion with adequate geometric fidelity for the purpose of radiotherapy guidance. In contrast, the trajectory derived from 4DCT exhibited significant errors up to 6 mm due to cycle-to-cycle variations and baseline shifts. Consequently, 4DCT was found to underestimate the range of marker motion by as much as 50%. Conclusion: Dynamic MRI is a promising tool for radiotherapy motion management as it permits for longterm, dose-free, soft-tissue-based monitoring of motion, yielding richer and more accurate information about tumor position and motion range compared to the current state-of-the-art, 4DCT. This work was partially supported through research funding from National Institutes of Health (R01CA169102).
Radiation Protection for the Fluoroscopy Operator and Staff

OBJECTIVE. The purposes of this article are to review available data regarding the range of protection devices and garments with a focus on eye protection and to summarize techniques for reducing scatter radiation exposure. CONCLUSION. Fluoroscopy operators and staff can greatly reduce their radiation exposure by wearing properly fitted protective garments, positioning protective devices to block scatter radiation, and adhering to good radiation practices. By understanding the essentials of radiation physics, protective equipment, and the features of each imaging system, operators and staff can capitalize on opportunities for radiation protection while minimizing ergonomic strain. Practicing and promoting a culture of radiation safety can help fluoroscopy operators and staff enjoy long, productive careers helping patients.
Too Scared to Learn? The Academic Consequences of Feeling Unsafe in the Classroom:

A safe environment is a prerequisite for productive learning. Using a unique panel data set of survey responses from New York City middle school students, the article provides insight into the rela...
Cosmic microwave background limits on accreting primordial black holes

The LIGO observation of black hole merger has revivified interest in the idea whether primordial black holes might comprise some or all of the dark matter. The authors scrutinize the impact of primordial black holes on the CMB, analytically calculating spherical accretion onto black holes. The paper provides stringent constraints on models purporting to connect dark matter to primordial black holes.
Electronic Performance Support Systems: An Assistive Technology Tool for Secondary Students with Mild Disabilities:

This article presents the results of a qualitative study investigating the usability and perceived effectiveness of StrategyTools™, an electronic performance system support designed for secondary students with mild disabilities to use independently in classroom and home situations. The StrategyTools software contains 39 computerized research-based strategy tools to support learning, behavior, and transition in high school and beyond. Two special education teachers each used the software with their high school students for one semester. Interviews were subsequently conducted with the two teachers and four students with behavior disorders who used the software. Interview responses were analyzed inductively for themes related to benefits, concerns, and usability. Design features of the software, the systems to support use of the software, and results of the qualitative analysis are reported. Recommendations for future research and suggestions for use of the StrategyTools software and support system are provided.
The oncology prognosis and informed consent: Presentation of a new model to best inform patients.

146Background: Receiving a malignant diagnosis is challenging and patients must be properly informed of their prognosis to make the best decisions for themselves and their families. The general population has a low degree of statistical literacy and therefore approximations should be considered favorable. However, given that half of patients desire quantitative data, physicians must provide this information within a context that is relevant and comprehensible. Single-point median survival data is less meaningful for patient decision-making. What is preferable is that physicians give experience-based estimations on how a patient might compare to the ‘average’. Including this information leads to more informed consent and best follows the ethical principle of autonomy. Methods: This is a novel framework for providing a prognosis that builds upon the multiples-of-the-mean model established in 2010 by Kiely, Tattersall, and Stockler. This framework was derived from original ethics research involving patient p...
"Doing our best to keep a routine:" How low-income mothers manage child feeding with unpredictable work and family schedules.

Significant changes in work and family conditions over the last three decades have important implications for understanding how young children are fed. The new conditions of work and family have placed pressures on families. The aim of this study was to explore the work and family pressures shaping the ways parents feed their young children on a day-to-day basis. Twenty-two purposively recruited low-income employed mothers of 3-4 year old children from a rural county Head Start program in Upstate New York reported details about the context of their children's eating episodes in a 24-h qualitative dietary recall. Participating mothers were employed and/or in school at least 20 h a week and varied in partner and household characteristics. Interview transcripts were open coded using the constant comparative method for usual ways of feeding children. A typology of three emergent child feeding routines was identified based on mothers' accounts of the recurring ways they fed their child. Mothers' feeding routines were distinguished by a combination of four recurring key strategies - planning ahead, delegating, making trade-offs, and coordinating. Work schedule predictability and other adults helped mothers maintain feeding routines. Unexpected daily events, such as working overtime or waking up late, disrupted child feeding routines and required modifications. These findings suggest that understanding how young children are fed requires recognizing the socio-ecological environments that involve working mothers' daily schedules and household conditions and the multiple ways that mothers manage food and feeding to fit environmental constraints. There is a need to look at more than just family meals to understand parents' daily strategies for feeding young children and their implications for child nutrition.
Regional Variation in Attitude of Mental Health Professionals Towards Tackling Illicit Drug-use and Drug-related Disorders

This study sought to assess the attitudes of Mental Health Professionals (MHPs) towards tackling illicit drug use and drug-related disorders in Nigeria and to explore regional variations in attitude. Based on the validated Substance Abuse Attitude Survey (SAAS), a quantitative cross-sectional survey was conducted in a randomized sample of 292 MHPs practicing in neuropsychiatric hospitals and mental health departments of teaching hospitals from four geopolitical zones of Nigeria. A response rate of 81.1% was achieved. MHPs tended towards non-permissive, moralistic and stereotypic spectrum and exhibited distinctly defined attitude towards their professional role. The Kruskal-Wallis analysis established significant regional variation in the attitude of multidisciplinary MHPs, H (3)=18.727, p < .0001 reflecting a stochastic domination across the region; therefore a step-down follow-up analysis was conducted. This analysis revealed that the distribution of attitude total-score varies significantly between the South-south and the Southwestern region ( p < .0001), the northeastern and southwestern region of the country ( p < .028). A holistic approach towards standardization of drug treatment and care that takes into consideration possible regional variation in attitudes of MHPs should be implemented to foster the reintegration and rehabilitation of drug-using populations into the mainstream society.
Evidence that a Leaf-Disk Test Allows Assessment of Isolate-Specific Resistance in Brassica oleracea Crops Against Downy Mildew ( Peronospora parasitica )

A rapid resistance/susceptibility test for Peronospora parasitica (downy mildew) was established by inoculating leaf-disks of four Brassica oleracea accessions. Several conditions were tested: disk disinfection or not, agar medium with or without nutrients and with 50 or 100 ppm of benzimidazole. Using disinfected disks placed on agar (no nutrient and benzimidazole at 50 or 100 ppm), the responses of leaf-disks to four isolates were similar to those obtained using the classical cotyledon test, whereas undesired contaminations occurred in all other conditions. The possible effect of the particular leaf used for obtaining the disks was also studied. In each incompatible interaction tested, disks were resistant whatever the leaf used. In compatible interactions, susceptible phenotypes were observed on disks derived from the six lowest leaves, but disks from upper leaves were resistant. The genetic basis of resistance in a F1 hybrid broccoli was assessed, by testing six isolates on an F2 population derived from this hybrid. The cotyledon test only allows inoculation of two isolates per seedling, whereas many isolates can be tested on each plant by using leaf-disks. The segregation of the resistance to each of the six isolates was analysed: two dominant genes (tightly linked) control resistance to all isolates (one to five isolates; the other to only one isolate).
Prospective Phase 2 Trial of Permanent Seed Implantation Prostate Brachytherapy for Intermediate-Risk Localized Prostate Cancer: Efficacy, Toxicity, and Quality of Life Outcomes.

Purpose To report the efficacy, physician-reported toxicity, and patient-reported outcomes of men with intermediate-risk prostate cancer after brachytherapy in a prospective phase 2 trial. Methods and Materials This prospective phase 2 trial involved 300 patients with previously untreated prostate cancer treated from 2006 through 2013. Eligible patients had ≤cT2b (T3 excluded according to magnetic resonance imaging), Gleason score (GS) 6 with prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level 10-15 ng/mL, or GS 7 with PSA Results Median patient age was 64.9 years; 3.7% had GS 6, 78.7% had GS 7 (3+4), and 17.7% had GS 7 (4+3). Median follow-up time was 5.1 years. Median PSA at 5 years was 0.01 ng/mL (range, 0-6.0 ng/mL). Ten biochemical failures occurred, for a 5-year freedom from biochemical failure rate of 97.3% (95% confidence interval [CI], 95.1-99.5), and 16 patients died, only 1 from prostate cancer, for 5-year rates of overall and biochemical progression–free survival of 94.9% (95% CI, 92.1-97.9) and 92.7% (95% CI, 89.3-96.2%). Four patients had late grade 3 genitourinary toxicity, and 2 patients had late grade 3 rectal toxicity; no grade 4 or 5 toxicity was observed. Rates of “moderate or big problems” at 4 years were 7.4% for urinary (vs 0.4% at baseline), 2.9% bowel (vs 0.4%), and 29.7% sexual function (vs 19.7%). Most men were “satisfied or extremely satisfied” (91% at 2 years after treatment and 93% at 4 years). Conclusions Brachytherapy monotherapy is safe and effective and leads to good quality of life for some men with localized intermediate-risk prostate cancer.