cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
PMU-based vulnerability assessment of power systems

The proposed MLE method is validated for the assessment of one of the vulnerable patterns of power systems: transient rotor-angle instability. The main idea is to calculate MLE along the system dynamic trajectory in order to predict a loss of synchronism of power systems. Observability of PMU-based power system analysis is studied with a purpose of developing a method to quantify how well the available PMU measurements can be used to monitor dynamics of a power system. The research results in an innovative application of PMU data. Once an unstable power swing is captured and rotor-angle instability is predicted by the above method, self-healing actions, such as power system partitioning control.
When groups in glass houses throw stones: Public expectations of how activist groups respond to identity threats

Abstract This experimental study explores how the general public views an activist organization's affective threat appraisal as a function of three factors: the organization's anger level, efficacy level, and consistency of ascribed identity with avowed identity. Results shed light on the affective threat appraisal that activist organizations might use to manage emerging conflict with the general public. A typology of activist organizations is offered to account for levels of anger and likely efficacy when organizations face perceived disconnects between avowed identity and the identity ascribed to the activist group as a result of reported behavior. Empirical evidence suggests that an identity crisis involving identity discrepancies of an activist organization can have a profoundly negative impact on the organization's image, reputation, and even survival.
Cell-Based Approaches for Treating HIV Infection

Humanized mice have been used with a great deal of success to study many aspects of the human immune system, including immune system development, immune responses, and also viral infections of the human immune system itself. Regarding HIV infection, these models have proven robust for studying pathogenesis, antiviral responses, and novel therapeutic approaches. Herein we focus on how various humanized mouse models have been exploited to explore cellular-based therapeutics targeting HIV disease, including various stem cell gene therapy approaches. Continued development and utilization of humanized mouse models should provide further important contributions to speed the progress of cell-based therapeutics for HIV disease towards clinical utility.
Prediction of labour onset in women who present with symptoms of preterm labour using cervical length.

Diagnosis of preterm labour is difficult because initial symptoms and signs are often mild and may occur in continuing pregnancies. This study aims to investigate the utility of measuring cervical length, using transvaginal ultrasound, in women presenting to the delivery suite with symptoms of preterm labour. This was a prospective cohort study performed in KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Singapore from September 2017 to July 2018. Women with singleton pregnancies, presenting with symptoms of contraction pain, between 24+ 0 to 36+ 6 weeks gestation, were included. Transvaginal ultrasound cervical length measurements were done at presentation to the labour ward, after four hours and in the following morning. The primary outcome of the study was delivery within 1 week. All statistical analyses were conducted with Microsoft Excel and Statistical Package for the Social Sciences. A total of 95 subjects were included. A one-millimeter increase in the 1st cervical length increases scan-to-delivery time by 0.802 days (p-value 0.003, CI 0.280–1.323). Receiver Operator Characteristic (ROC) curve analysis for prediction of delivery within 1 week showed an Area Under Curve (AUC) of 0.667, optimal cut-off value of 27.5mm (sensitivity 77.8 %, specificity 61.6 %). A one-millimetre increase in the 3rd cervical length increases scan-to-delivery time by 0.770 days (p-value 0.023, CI 0.108–1.432). ROC curve analysis for prediction of delivery within 1 week showed an AUC of 0.915, optimal cut-off value of 25.5mm (sensitivity 100 %, specificity 73.6 %). However, the change in cervical length over a period of 1 day was not significant in predicting delivery within 1 week. Our results indicate that by using a cervical length cut off of 27.5mm at presentation, we would have predicted 77.8 % of deliveries within 1 week. If we were to repeat the cervical length scan the next day, with the same cut-off of 27.5mm, we would have predicted 100 % of deliveries within 1 week. In our study, measuring the transvaginal ultrasound cervical length is a reliable diagnostic test for delivery within 1 week. However, the results are limited by the small sample size. Further studies should be conducted with a larger sample size.
Abstract 49: Brain penetrant HDAC inhibitor RG2833 induces DIPG cell death and synergizes with lomustine

Diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) is a universally fatal pediatric brain tumor. The pan-histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor panobinostat showed great activity against DIPG in pre-clinical models, but has poor blood brain barrier penetration and demonstrated significant toxicity in clinical trials. RG2833 (RGFP109) is a selective HDAC1/3 inhibitor with established brain penetration. In clinical trials, the Cmax(plasma) of RG2833 was 32uM. RG2833 demonstrated cytotoxicity against temozolomide-resistant glioblastoma and downregulated the NFĸB pathway. Because this pathway is overexpressed in DIPG and may play a role in DIPG cell growth and survival, we hypothesized that RG2833 would kill DIPG cells. Treatment of DIPG cell lines with RG2833 as a single agent inhibits cell growth in the 5 to 10μM range (MTS assay for HSJD007 p=0.0004 10μM vs DMSO, JHH-DIPG1 p=0.001 10μM vs DMSO, SF-7761 p=0.04 10μM vs DMSO, SU-DIPG13 p=0.01 10μM vs DMSO by t-test). RG2833 induces apoptosis by 48 hours as measured by Western blot for cPARP and cleaved caspase 3 immunofluorescence (HSJD007 p Citation Format: Katherine K. Barnett, Orlandi Novak, Charles Eberhart, Eric Raabe. Brain penetrant HDAC inhibitor RG2833 induces DIPG cell death and synergizes with lomustine [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2021; 2021 Apr 10-15 and May 17-21. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2021;81(13_Suppl):Abstract nr 49.
A Case for Nonlinear Model Simplification in the Design of Flight Control Systems

An algorithm is presented for obtaining a reduced order or simplified nonlinear model of a nonlinear plant. The method provides a systematic approach for quickly finding the optimal simplified model of the system. Controllers are then designed around this nonlinear model and are used to control the original plant. An example design, for the F-8 aircraft, illustrates that the simplified model does indeed enable the design of a linear controller whose performance is indistinguishable from higher order optimal controllers for the original nonlinear plant. The net result is a simplified design procedure for effectively controlling complex nonlinear systems.
The use of epidemiology, scientific data, and regulatory authority to determine risk factors in cancer of some organs of the digestive system: 4. Colon cancer

Colon cancer accounts for over 10% of all cancers diagnosed from 1973 to 1976 in the United States. Many factors have been identified as having a role in its etiology, including the intestinal microflora, colonic mutagens, bile acids, cholesterol, estrogens, and diet. The evidence supporting or refuting the importance of each of these factors and others is discussed. Dietary factors appear to be the most important risk determinants for colon cancer. In particular, a high-fat, low-fiber diet has been most consistently incriminated as a promoting agent of this cancer. The incidence of colon cancer and consumption of total fat and animal protein are highly correlated internationally. However, further epidemiologic studies have given equivocal results. A high-fiber diet has been proposed as being protective against colon cancer although the mechanism of protection remains unclear. A major correlational study has shown that dietary fiber consumption was higher in areas with low incidence of colon cancer than in those areas with high incidence. A few case-control studies have been supportive of the fiber hypothesis but many more have shown no difference among cases and controls in their fiber consumption. More epidemiological studies are needed to clarify the role of diet in the etiology of colon cancer. Before a dietary change is recommended, the competing risks of other cancers and other diseases should be extensively researched.
Effect of an unsteady three-dimensional wake on elastic blade-flapping eigenvalues in hover

This paper describes the formulation of a finite-state inflow model based on an acceleration potential and a helical wake geometry. The states of the model are coefficients of an inflow expansion in terms of a Fourier series (azimuthally) and of special polynomials (radially). The integrals over the wake are done in closed-form to obtain a set of ordinary differential equations for the inflow coefficients. The forcing functions for these equations are generalized forces which are integrals of the blade loading exactly as in structural dynamics. This model implicitly includes (for the hover case) Prandtl-Goldstein tip losses, dynamic inflow, and Theodorsen/Loewy lift deficiency. Thus, it is a fully three-dimensional unsteady wake model. Here, this model is coupled with elastic-blade equations in hover and eigenvalues are found. The results show that the three-dimensional wake has a large effect on the flap damping of all modes.
Note on the systematics of many-particle systems

The direct product of many irreducible representations of the Poincare group is discussed. A procedure is suggested for the decomposition in the canonical (1) scheme, which is not an iteration of the 2-particles method, as described in ref. (2). Also, it is independent of the c.m.s. The corresponding expression forS-matrix elements of many-particle processes is given. The properties of the invariant functions associated with elastic scattering in case of parity, time reversal and crossing symmetries are discussed, as well as in case of identical particles.
Sperm Morphology and Preparation Method Affect Bovine Embryonic Development

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of sperm separation methods of semen samples collected from bulls subjected to scrotal insulation on embryonic development after in vitro fertilization (IVF) and to determine whether IVF results would be affected by various heparin concentrations. Morphologically abnormal semen samples were obtained and cryopreserved from Holstein bulls following scrotal insulation for 48 hours. Standard protocols using the Percoll gradient (90%/45%) method and the swim-up method were used to separate spermatozoa fractions in experiment I. The pellet (A(p)) and the 45% layer (B(p)) were isolated from the Percoll separation, while for the swim-up separation, the supernatant (A(s)) and the interphase (B(s)) were isolated. The overall blastocyst rate for our laboratory control semen was 23.1 +/- 2.1% for Percoll separations (A(p) and B(p)) and 18.2 +/- 2.0% for swim-up (A(s) and B(s)) separations. This rate was higher (P <.01) than the rate observed for the semen from the bull that had the greatest response to scrotal insult 5 days prior to the insult, when it was 9.2 +/- 2.1% for the Percoll separation and 20.7 +/- 2.3% for the swim-up separation, while semen from 27 days after scrotal insulation (D +27) resulted in no blastocyst formation for the Percoll separation and a 4.2 +/- 2.1% rate for the swim-up separation. In experiment II, semen was sampled from the bulls that responded in the greatest and least degrees to scrotal insult 5 days before scrotal insulation (D -5) and on days 23 (D +23) and 34 (D +34) after scrotal insulation. These samples were exposed to IVF mediums with 3 different heparin concentrations (0.1, 1.0, and 10 microg/mL). There was a significant difference (P <.05) in developmental scores between the D -5 (1.08 +/- 0.08), D +23 (0.9 +/- 0.08), and D +34 (0.8 +/- 0.08) samples, but no differences were observed in blastocyst formation based on the number of cleaved embryos. Increasing the heparin concentration resulted in higher (P <.01) embryonic developmental scores. In conclusion, when semen samples with high percentages of abnormal spermatozoa are used for IVF, semen separation preparation methods affect results. Our results show that the separation methods used under these conditions were inadequate in their ability to provide potentially competent sperm for IVF. However, selecting appropriate sperm separation procedures could improve in the IVF embryonic development of semen from bulls used in artificial insemination. Also, an increase in the heparin concentration was able to partially overcome deficiencies, which suggests that morphologically abnormal spermatozoa undergo capacitation despite possible structural changes to the plasma membrane.
Effect of Viral Double-Stranded RNA on Mammalian Cells in Culture: Cytotoxicity Under Conditions Preventing Viral Replication and Protein Synthesis

Abstract Noninfectious bovine enterovirus double-stranded RNA induces cytopathic effects when added to mammalian cells in culture. This is demonstrated by 51Cr release from prelabeled murine lymphoma cells and trypan blue uptake. Also, the induction of cell death by this viral RNA occurs in the presence of inhibitors of protein synthesis (cycloheximide and puromycin). The possible role and mechanism of viral, double-stranded RNA as a cytopathic agent in virally infected cells are discussed.
Fourier Analysis and Response in the Frequency Domain

This chapter presents the application of Fourier series to determine: (1) the response of a system to periodic forces, and (2) the response of a system to nonperiodic forces in the frequency domain as an alternate approach to the usual analysis in the time domain. In either case, the calculations require the evaluation of integrals which, except for some relatively simple loading functions, employ numerical methods for their computation. Thus, in general, to make practical use of the Fourier method, it is necessary to replace the integrations with finite sums.
Sex the Invisible 833

The human habit of conducting the sex act in private is a near universal that has not received the attention it deserves. This essay discusses the possible evolution of the practice through changes in human brain structures that allowed for increased social intelligence for political maneuvers, and the ability to be conscious of self. It also examines the consequences of invisible sex for the education of children and for gender relations regardless of cultural and historical context
Fine Structure of Bacillus megaterium During Synchronous Growth

A fine-structure study of synchronously dividing Bacillus megaterium revealed the sequence of events involved in the division of the cell. First, a mesosome develops as a concentric fold of the plasma membrane at the site of septum formation. The mesosome contains membrane-bound vesicular structures, 300 to 500 A in diameter, plus a large membrane-bound structure, 2,000 A in diameter. These larger vesicles are peculiar to mesosomes in this stage of division and are not observed in the mesosomes involved in spore septum formation. The transverse septum originates within the mesosome and remains enclosed during its subsequent growth across the cell. An intimate association is observed between mesosome vesicles, mesosome membrane, and the growing edge of the transverse septum. Prior to completion of the septum, the membranes bounding the mesosome fuse, and further wall thickening occurs within the structure formed by this fusion. At this time, the septum only equals the parent cell wall in thickness. The doubling in thickness of the septum, which is required for the production of two normal daughter cell walls, occurs during a second phase of wall thickening, which is characterized by the appearance of a constriction at the base of the septum. As the constriction widens, the wall in this region thickens, forming the typical rounded poles of the daughter cells. Capsular synthesis at the poles occurs during this second phase of wall thickening. Throughout the division process, the nuclear material appears to be associated at one end with a mesosome at or near the pole of the cell and at the other end to the mesosome involved in septum formation. This association frequently takes the form of a stalklike extension of the mesosome penetrating into the chromatin fibrils.
Cross‐Cultural Approaches to Adoption; Cultures of Transnational Adoption

Cross-Cultural Approaches to Adoption. Fiona Bowie, ed. New York: Routledge, 2005. 279 pp. Cultures of Transnational Adoption. Toby Alice Volkman, ed. Durham, NC: Duke University Press, 2005. 232 pp.
Generalized and adaptive LUM smoothers for image filtering

We introduce an adaptive variant of the LUM smoother. The smoother operates on a sliding window and is designed to eliminate impulsive components with minimal distortion. In any particular window, the amount of filtering is adjusted based upon the quasi range measures of dispersion. As the results of simulations indicate, in most cases, the adaptive LUM smoother outperforms its fixed counterpart. Secondly, we generalize the two-stage LUM smoother to a multilevel order statistic filter. The generalization leads to the development of some useful filters: multiple window order statistic filters and asymmetric order statistic filters. We provide a detailed analytical and quantitative analysis of the proposed filters.© (1992) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Molecular predictors of human nervous system cancer responsiveness to enediyne chemotherapy.

Purpose To identify and mathematically model molecular predictors of response to the enediyne chemotherapeutic agent, neocarzinostatin, in nervous system cancer cell lines.
Use of Spatial Deconvolution to Compensate for Distortion of EEG by Volume Conduction

EEG waves recorded with electrode arrays on the brain surface give spatial patterns of cortical neural activity that are smoothed by the volume conductor properties of brain tissue. If the geometry of the EEG generators is known, the smoothing process can be described quantitatively, and the spatial patterns of underlying neural activity can be restored within limits imposed by noise and instrumental imprecision.
Cocaine and Selective Monoamine Uptake Blockers (Sertraline, Nisoxetine, and GBR 12935) Prevent the d-Fenfluramine-Induced Head-Twitch Response in Mice

Serotonin release subsequent to 5-HT precursor loading mainly occurs via exocytosis. Acute cocaine or sertraline administration promote the ability of 5-HT precursors (e.g. L-tryptophan) to induce the 5-HT2A receptor-mediated head-twitch response (HTR) in rodents. The 5-HT releaser, d-fenfluramine, at behaviorally active doses, can induce the head-twitch response in rodents by releasing cytoplasmic 5-HT via the serotonin uptake carrier working in reverse. The purpose of the present study was to utilize the d-fenfluramine-induced HTR to determine the serotonergic and nonserotonergic components of cocaine's actions on the d-fenfluramine-sensitive pool of cytoplasmic 5-HT. Because a dramatic differential potentiation in HTR frequency is obtained when cocaine is administered prior relative to after L-tryptophan injection, the effects of varying doses of cocaine and the selective serotonin (sertraline), dopamine (DA) (GBR 12935), and norepinephrine (NE) (nisoxetine) uptake blockers were investigated on the d-fenfluramine-induced behavior in two experimental protocols. Thus, each uptake inhibitor was administered either 10 min following (protocol 1) or 10 min prior to (protocol 2) d-fenfluramine injection. All the tested uptake inhibitors attenuated the d-fenfluramine-induced HTR in a dose-dependent manner in both experimental protocols. However, their order of potency in either protocol 1 (nisoxetine > GBR 12935 > cocaine > sertraline) or protocol 2 (cocaine > GBR 12935 > nisoxetine = sertraline) does not agree with in vitro affinity of these drugs for the 5-HT transporter. In addition, the potency order for cocaine and nisoxetine in protocol 1 was significantly reversed in protocol 2. The inhibitory effects of the cited drugs on the d-fenfluramine-induced HTR are discussed in terms of: 1) high doses of selective monoamine uptake blockers may not exhibit as much selectivity for their target uptake sites as indicated by in vitro tests; and 2) possible pharmacokinetic interactions between d-fenfluramine and the monoamine uptake blockers.
Bandwidth management for high speed LANs using wavelength division multiplexing

Extensive research and considerable progress in the dense WDM technology has made it most likely to be used in the next-generation of high performance switches, LANs and MANs. A truly multi-channel network, with each channel capable of transmitting several (even several tens of) Gigabits per second, has become technically feasible. The key challenge, beside the continuous development of the cost-effective optical components, in order to realize real systems is to design an effective protocol which, by taking full advantage of the existing and emerging optical technologies in the areas of optical transmitters, receivers, filters, amplifiers and couplers, can successfully coordinate between all the source and destination nodes (access control), and efficiently manages the huge fibre bandwidth (bandwidth management). There have been numerous protocols proposed for WDM networks, each with its characteristics reflecting the background of the community from which it originated. The objectives of this paper are twofold: (1) to demonstrate key trade-offs in the design of such a protocol, through close examination of some existing proposals; (2) to advocate the application of recent development of optical components in the WDM networks, in particular transmitters and receivers with a very fast tuning speed but very limited tuning range. Our intent is not to claim the superiority of any particular protocol. We feel that no single approach can provide a ubiquitous solution. Throughout the paper, rather than arguing the respective merits of each proposal, we illustrate the key issues addressed within each protocol and limitations it has. Additionally, we briefly describe a new protocol based on an in-band signalling scheme targeting such networks, and discuss its performance. Finally, we highlight some outstanding issues.
Supply Chain Rationalization and Optimization

As many authors have pointed out, more and more today, raw materials and finished goods supply chains stretch around the world and require considerable managerial effort to develop and manage on a day to day basis. Currently, we have had the opportunity to model worldwide supply chain movements for firms such as Emerson, Federal Mogul, Sigma Aldrich, and Israeli Chemical Limited (ICL). From these modeling efforts and studies a great deal was learned regarding the need for engineering like precision in data input, analyses, and interpretation. It is this writer's belief that logistics and supply chain managers of the future will bring such strategic modeling into daily operational and even tactical use as they source and distribute on a global scale. This presentation will detail some of these observations of modeling large supply chains, the difficulties incurred in collecting and cleaning shipment data, and the time required to test and verify the accuracy of data for model generation. In addition, the presentation will demonstrate the types of strategic, operational, and tactical decisions such modeling can assist in making. Finally, the presentation will conclude with some general recommendations as to what industry and academia should be doing to create personnel capable of developing and running these models - taking them from occasional strategic decision making exercises to more of the operational context we see them in the future.
Determination of mean valproic acid serum level by assay of a single pooled sample

Determinations of single serum drug concentrations are useful in monitoring drug therapy. A mean serum level would supply more information but is expensive and laborious because of the multiple blood samples and assays, calculation of area under the curve (AUC) by the trapezoidal rule, and division of the AUC by the time interval during which the samples were drawn. A method was devised that pools aliquots from individual serum samples taken during the testing period to form on composite sample. A single assay of this sample provides the mean serum level of the testing period. The method was successfully tested with amaranth and then applied to valproic acid serum levels. AUC and mean serum levels were determined by the standard procedure of assays of multiple samples and the trapezoidal rule. Mean serum level was also determined by the pooled sample technique. The correlation coefficient for the comparison of the mean serum levels determined by the two techniques is 0.907 (p less than 0.001). There was no difference between the estimates of the mean serum levels by Student's paired t test (t = 0.693, p greater than 0.2). The good correlation and lack of difference between the conventional method and the pooled sample method indicates that the method is valid.
Hydrolases in the mucosa of rat small intestine for phenylalanine-containing dipeptides.

Abstract A qualitative survey, made with a high-voltage paper electrophoresis screening technique, showed that mucosa of rat small intestine catalyzes the hydrolysis of 15 dipeptides containing 7 different amino acids. A recently described assay method was used for the quantitative determinations of hydrolase activities for Gly- l -Phe, Gly- l -Try, l -Met- l -Phe, l -Ala- l -Phe, l -Leu- l -Phe, Gly- l -Tyr, l -Phe- l -Met, l -Phe- l -Phe, l -Phe-Gly and l -phenylalanine amide in rat intestinal mucosa. The l -Ala- l -Phe hydrolase activity was studied extensively. It is rapidly inactivated above 45°, is unable to catalyze the hydrolysis of l -Ala l -Phe diketopiperazine and d -Ala- d -Phe, is only slightly active with d -Ala- l -Phe or l -Ala- d -Phe and is inhibited by p- chloromercuribenzoate but not by DFP or β-phenylpropionic acid. The soluble l -Ala- l -Phe hydrolase activity of intestinal mucosa requires a divalent cation, probably Zn 2+ , for full activity and is distinct from the mucosal l -leucyl-β-naphthylamidase, Gly- l -Ala- l -Phe aminopeptidase, and l -Phe-Gly hydrolase activities. In mucosal homogenates approx. 90% of the activity of the l -Ala- l -Phe hydrolase, and of 6 of the other dipeptide hydrolases studied, is in the soluble fraction. The specific activity of soluble l -Ala- l -Phe hydrolase in intestinal mucosa is 30-fold higher than gastric, 4-fold greater than colonic and slightly less than renal specific activity. Specific activity in intestinal mucosa is 4-fold greater than in the remaining layers of the intestinal wall. Specific activities of hydrolases for l -Ala- l -Phe or l -Phe-Gly in mucosa from upper, middle and lower small intestine show no significant regional differences. l -Ala- l -Phe hydrolase activity of rat intestinal mucosa increases almost 4-fold between approximately the 7th and 25th days of life. Fasting a rat for 48 h does not significantly change the specific activity of l -Ala- l -Phe or l -Gly hydrolase of intestinal mucosa or kidney.
Update: health insurance and utilization of care among rural adolescents.

Context Adolescence is critical for the development of adult health habits. Disparities between rural and urban adolescents and between minority and white youth can have life-long consequences. Purpose To compare health insurance coverage and ambulatory care contacts between rural minority adolescents and white and urban adolescents. Methods Cross-sectional design using data from the 1999-2000 National Health Interview Survey, a nationally representative sample of US households. Analysis was restricted to white, black, and Hispanic children aged 12 through 17 (8,503 observations). Outcome measures included health insurance, ambulatory visit within past year, usual source of care (USOC), and well visit within past year. Independent variables included race, residence, demographics, facilitating/enabling characteristics, and need. Results Across races, rural adolescents were as likely to have insurance (86.8% vs 87.7%) but less likely to report a preventive visit (60.1% vs 65.5%) than urban children; residence did not affect the likelihood of a visit or a USOC. Minority rural adolescents were less likely than whites to be insured, report a visit, or have a USOC. Most race-based differences were not significant in multivariate analysis holding constant living situation, caretaker education, income, and insurance. Low caretaker English fluency, limited almost exclusively to Hispanics, was an impediment to all outcomes. Conclusions Most barriers to care among rural and minority youth are attributable to factors originating outside the health care system, such as language, living situation, caretaker education, and income. A combination of outreach activities and programs to enhance rural schools and economic opportunities will be needed to improve coverage and utilization among adolescents.
Hypoxia-inducible factor-1 activation by (-)-epicatechin gallate: potential adverse effects of cancer chemoprevention with high-dose green tea extracts.

Hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1) is a transcription factor that induces oxygen-regulated genes in response to reduced oxygen conditions (hypoxia). Expression of the oxygen-regulated HIF-1α subunit correlates positively with advanced disease stages and poor prognosis in cancer patients. Green tea catechins are believed to be responsible for the cancer chemopreventive activities of green tea. We found that (−)-epicatechin-3-gallate (ECG, 1), one of the major green tea catechins, strongly activates HIF-1 in T47D human breast carcinoma cells. Among the green tea catechins tested, 1 demonstrated the strongest HIF-1-inducing activity, while (−)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG, 2) was significantly less active. However, 2 is relatively unstable in the in vitro system studied. Compound 1 also increases the expression of HIF-1 target genes including GLUT-1, VEGF, and CDKN1A. In T47D cells, 1 induces nuclear HIF-1α protein without affecting HIF-1α mRNA. Both the induction of HIF-1α protein and activation of HIF-...
Expression of Matrix Metalloproteinases and Their Tissue Inhibitor Messenger Ribonucleic Acids in Macaque Periovulatory Granulosa Cells: Time Course and Steroid Regulation

Progesterone appears essential for ovulation and luteinization of the primate follicle, but specific gene targets of progesterone action remain elusive. Limited evidence supports a role for progesterone in the induction of collagenolytic activity in the periovulatory follicle of primate and nonprimate species. This study was designed to elucidate the pattern of expression and progesterone regulation of mRNAs for the matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their tissue inhibitors (TIMPs) in macaque granulosa cells during controlled ovarian stimulation cycles before (0 h) and after (up to 36 h) administration of an ovulatory hCG bolus. Levels of mRNAs for interstitial collagenase, gelatinase A, matrilysin, TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 increased (p < 0.05) within 12 h of hCG, while gelatinase B mRNA increased later, by 36 h after hCG. Administration of a 3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase inhibitor (Trilostane [TRL]) during hCG treatment decreased (p < 0.05) mRNA levels for interstitial collagenase, gelatinase B, matrilysin, TIMP-1, and TIMP-2. Progestin (R5020) replacement during hCG+TRL treatment returned interstitial collagenase and TIMP-1 mRNAs to control levels. These data suggest that one action of progesterone, and possibly other steroids, in the cascade of events leading to ovulation and luteinization of the primate follicle is to regulate the expression of specific ovarian proteases and protease inhibitors.
Spontaneous rupture of the thoracic aorta.

Rupture of the aorta is usually a complication of aneurysm formation associated with atherosclerosis.1–5 Rupture also may be associated with cystic medial necrosis and Marfan's syndrome, aortitis, mycotic infection, or syphilis. In these instances, rupture usually is preceded by aneurysm.2,4,5 In children and adolescents, coarctation of the aorta may lead to aneurysm formation and rupture.6 Dissection of the intima from the rest of the wall may follow an intimal tear and eventually lead to rupture. These instances are associated usually with hypertension and frequently not preceded by an aneurysm.7,8 Finally, trauma such as deceleration injuries from motor vehicle accidents may lead to rupture in the absence of antecedent disease.2,4 This report is of an elderly man with the unusual occurrence of rupture of the aorta unassociated with aneurysm, dissection, or trauma.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea Indicators and Injury in Older Farmers

The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between sleep apnea indicators and injury in older farmers from Kentucky and South Carolina. Participants reported at least 1 day of farm work during the preceding year (n = 756) and received income from farming. The primary outcome variable was occurrence of injuries because of farm work in the past year. Main explanatory variables of interest included snoring, gasping, snorting, or cessation of breathing while asleep; trouble sleeping; consumption of sleep medications; trouble staying awake during daytime; and sleep quality. Simple logistic regressions established bivariate associations between explanatory and outcome variables. Explanatory variables significantly associated with the outcome in the bivariate analyses were used to fit a multivariable logistic regression model. The results show that just over 10% of participants experienced a farm injury in the past year. Significant bivariate associations were detected between the occurrence of injuries and number of days of farm work (odds ratio [OR] = 1.003, p = .0002); number of hours of farm work during the last week (OR = 1.017, p = .0047); male gender (OR = 2.48, p = .0007); arthritis or rheumatism conditions (OR = 1.981, p = .004); stopped breathing while sleeping (OR = 2.338, p = .0027); and problems staying awake during the past month (OR = 2.561, p = .001). In the final multivariable model, "stopping breathing while asleep" (p <or= .05) and "problems staying awake last month" (p <or= .01) were retained. These results show that sleep problems were associated with injury in this sample of older farmers. Future studies are necessary to screen and diagnose older farmers with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) to empirically determine the effect of this sleep disorder on injury.
Mineralogy of Magnetic Minerals and Revised Magnetic Polarity Stratigraphy of Continental Sediments, San Juan Basin, New Mexico

Detailed paleomagnetic and rock-magnetic analyses have been performed on samples from multiple sections through the Cretaceous/Tertiary (K/T) boundary and throughout a 750 m thick sequence of late Cretaceous through middle Paleocene continental deposits in the San Juan Basin, New Mexico. Curie temperatures have been determined for magnetic separates from 52 levels and, with only two exceptions, they range from 180 to 300°C. Along with microprobe and X-ray analyses these data indicate that the detrital ferrimagnetic mineral is titanohematite with composition 0.45 < x < 0.60. This magnetic mineralogy indicates derivation of the continental San Juan Basin sediments from a volcanic (probably dacitic or andesitic) source. These mineralogical data, along with other geological data and the pattern of magnetic polarity zonation in multiple sections across the basin, argue strongly for deposition of the late Cretaceous and Paleocene continental deposits in the San Juan Basin as a clastic wedge derived from a sourc...
Comprehensive Approach to Verification and Validation of CFD Simulations—Part 2: Application for Rans Simulation of a Cargo/Container Ship

Part 2 of this two-part paper provides an example case study following the recently developed comprehensive verification and validation approach presented in Part 1. The case study is for a RANS simulation of an established benchmark for ship hydrodynamics using a ship hydrodynamics CFD code. Verification of the resistance (integral variable) and wave profile (point variable) indicates iterative uncertainties much less than grid uncertainties and simulation numerical uncertainties of about 2%S 1 (S1 is the simulation value for the finest grid). Validation of the resistance and wave profile shows modeling errors of about 8%D (D is the measured resistance) and 6% z max (z max is the maximum wave elevation), which should be addressed for possible validation at the 3%D and 4%z max levels. Reducing the level of validation primarily requires reduction in experimental uncertainties. The reduction of both modeling errors and experimental uncertainties will produce verified and validated solutions at low levels for this application using the present CFD code. Although there are many issues for practical applications, the methodology and procedures are shown to be successful for assessing levels of verification and validation and identifying modeling errors in some cases. For practical applications, solutions are far from the asymptotic range; therefore, analysis and interpretation of the results are shown to be important in assessing variability for order of accuracy, levels of verification, and strategies for reducing numerical and modeling errors and uncertainties. @DOI: 10.1115/1.1412236#
Allergy to snake venom: the use of radioimmunoassay for the detection of IgE antibodies against antigens not suitable for cutaneous tests.

Summary A case of a severe immediate-type respiratory reaction to rattlesnake venom is reported. Reaginic antibody to the snake venom was demonstrated in the patient's serum by long latency passive cutaneous anaphylaxis in a monkey. IgE antibody against the venom was demonstrated in the patient's serum by a solid phase radioimmunoassay. This report confirms the immediate-type respiratory reactions that have been observed by others. The study also confirms that these reactions are associated with reaginic antibodies against the venom and that these antibodies are probably of the IgE class. It thus appears most likely that this patient's reaction was due to IgE reaginic antibody. In vitro assays for specific IgE activity may be particularly valuable in cases where antigen may be toxic for skin testing.
Evolution, sex and ideology

Is Science Sexist? And Other Problems in the Biological Sciences. By Michael Ruse. Pp.299. Hbk ISBN 90-277-1249-2; pbk ISBN 90-277-1250-6. (Reidel: 1981.) Hbk Dfl.80, $42; pbk Dfl.32.50, $14.95.
Time and money: an analysis of the legislative efforts to address the prescription drug shortage crisis in America.

The entire oncology community, as a whole, has been kept in the dark as to the exact causes for the shortages of these medications. … [O]ur patients and their families are the ones suffering. Their...
Engaging multiple perspectives: A value-based decision-making model

In some decision contexts, such as a crisis or when confronted by a new or novel set of circumstances, people may be forced to make decisions with limited information or time available for analysis. In such contexts, the set of alternative solutions developed may be greatly affected by the personal values and the perspective those values precipitate. Being able to view the decision environment from multiple perspectives enhances the decision-maker's ability to make better-informed choices. This article introduces the value-based decision-making model that suggests that multiple perspectives may be achieved by considering a foundation of individual values. Empirical testing indicates that this model provides a viable framework that decision-makers and researchers can use to better understand and facilitate multiple perspectives in decision-making.
Alcoholism and severe child maltreatment

A controlled study of the association between parental alcoholism and severe child maltreatment--i.e., physical abuse, sexual abuse, or neglect requiring court-ordered removal of the child from the home--reveals a significant overrepresentation of alcoholism in the parent population. Language: en
Multiple intracardiac recordings in evaluation of patterns occurring during attempted his bundle pacing in man

Abstract The various patterns resulting from stimulation through the catheter electrodes recording His bundle activity were evaluated in 30 patients using intracardiac electrograms from the right ventricular apex (RVA), posterosuperior wall of the left ventricle (LV), high right atrium (HRA) and left atrium (LA) in the vicinity of the coronary sinus. His bundle pacing was characterized by a QRS complex and stimulus (St)-V, St-RVA and St-LV intervals that equaled the QRS configuration, H-V, H-RVA and H-LV intervals of sinus beats. Right septal pacing produced a pattern of “complete” left bundle branch block (with normal electrical axis) associated with St-V intervals of 0 msec, and St-RVA and St-LV intervals of different duration from that of the H-RVA and H-LV intervals recorded during sinus rhythm. Fusion beats resulting from simultaneous activation of His bundle and right septal muscle were characterized by St-V Intervals of 0 msec and St-RVA or St-LV Intervals of similar duration to that of the H-RVA or H-LV intervals of sinus beats. Fusion QRS configuration depended on the type of ventricular complex present during sinus rhythm. Analysis of the retrograde atrial activation intervals permitted differentiation among impulse initiation at the low right atrium, His bundle or right septal muscle. Simultaneous recording of multiple atrial and ventricular electrograms has enhanced understanding of the complex patterns observed during attempted His bundle pacing in man.
A theoretical study of the influence of dopant concentration on the hydration properties of yttrium-doped barium cerate

Abstract Yttrium-doped barium cerate (BCY) exhibits among the highest proton conductivities of perovskite materials, but a detailed understanding of BCY hydration properties and their relationship to material structure is not yet available. In this paper, density functional theory (DFT) was used to investigate how dopant concentration influences the hydration properties of BCY. Consistent with experimental results, the hydration enthalpy was found to become more favorable with increasing dopant concentration. A Bader charge analysis confirmed that increasing the doping level increases oxygen basicity, stabilizing protonic defects. A statistical thermodynamic model was developed to predict BCY hydration entropy. The model is shown to be consistent with previously reported experimental results, indicating that increased dopant concentrations lead to more negative hydration entropies. Finally, the in silico enthalpy data and a priori derived entropy model was used to develop an equation that describes the extent of material hydration, which compared well to experimental data. This work demonstrates a method to predict hydration behavior in this class of ionic conducting materials using solely first-principles techniques.
Multiple epinephrine doses for stinging insect hypersensitivity reactions treated in the emergency department.

Background Data are sparse on epinephrine treatment for stinging insect hypersensitivity (SIH) reactions. Objective To establish the frequency of receiving more than 1 dose of epinephrine in patients presenting to the emergency department (ED) with SIH reactions. Methods We performed a medical record review of all 153 patients with SIH reactions presenting to 3 EDs in Boston, Massachusetts, between January 1, 2001, and December 31, 2006. Patients were identified by International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision (ICD-9) codes (989.5, 995.0, and 995.3). We focused on clinical presentations and treatments, including epinephrine treatments given before and during the ED visit. Results The cohort was 54% male, with a median age of 33 years. Bees were the most frequently reported triggering insect (74%). A total of 59% of patients experienced large local reactions, whereas 36% had systemic reactions (10% cutaneous systemic and 26% anaphylaxis). The remaining 5% presented with normal local reactions to insect stings. Among patients with systemic reactions, 82% were stung within 3 hours of arrival at the ED. Most (60%) received treatments before arrival at the ED, including 26% who received epinephrine. While in the ED, these patients received antihistamines (76%), systemic corticosteroids (55%), and epinephrine (9%). Overall, 35% of patients with systemic reactions received epinephrine, and among this subset, 16% received more than 1 dose. Most patients with systemic reactions (67%) were discharged to home. At ED discharge, 68% received a prescription for self-injectable epinephrine, but only 11% had documentation of referral to an allergist. Conclusions Among patients with systemic SIH reactions who received epinephrine, 16% received a second dose. Physicians should consider prescribing 2 doses of self-injectable epinephrine for patients at risk for systemic SIH reactions.
Opportunities for tuberculosis diagnosis and prevention among persons living with HIV: a cross-sectional study of policies and practices at four large Ryan White Program-Funded HIV clinics.

Objective: We describe the frequency and attributes of tuberculosis testing and treatment at four publicly-funded HIV clinics. Methods: We abstracted medical records from a random sample of 600 HIV-infected patients having at least one clinic visit in 2009 at four clinics in New York and Los Angeles Metropolitan Statistical areas. We described testing and treatment for tuberculosis infection (TBI), 2008–2010, and estimated adjusted odds ratios (aORs). We interviewed key informants and described clinic policies and practices. Results: Of 600 patients, 500 were eligible for testing, and 393 (79%) were tested 2008–2010; 107 (21%) did not receive at least one tuberculin skin test or interferon gamma release assay. Results were positive in 20 (5%) patients, negative in 357 (91%), and unknown in 16 (4%). Fourteen (70%) of 20 patients with TBI initiated treatment at the clinics; only three were documented to have completed treatment. Three hundred twenty three (54%) patients had chest radiography, 346 (58%) had tuberculosis symptom screening, and three had tuberculosis disease (117 per 100,000 person-years, 95% confidence interval (CI)=101–165). Adjusting for site, non-Hispanic ethnicity (aOR=4.9, 95% CI=2.6–9.5), and employment (aOR=1.9, 95% CI=1.0–3.4) were associated with TBI testing; female gender (aOR=2.0, 95% CI=1.4–3.3), non-black race (aOR=1.7, 95% CI=1.3–2.5), and unemployment (aOR=1.5, 95% CI=1.1–2.1) were associated with chest radiography. Clinics evaluated TBI testing performance annually and identified challenges to TB prevention. Conclusions: Study clinics routinely tested patients for TBI, but did not always document treatment. In a population with a high TB rate, ensuring treatment of TBI may enhance TB prevention.
Surfing tissue factor. From the predicted to the discovery and elucidation of unanticipated functions and biology of potential significance.

Surfing tissue factor From the predicted to the discovery and elucidation of unanticipated functions and biology of potential significance -
Plant regeneration from callus tissue of Gossypium hirsutum L.

Abstract The regeneration of plants from cotton callus (Gossypium hirsutum L. cv. Coker 310) is described. Somatic proembryoids developed spontaneously after two years in culture on a modified Linsmaier and Skoog (LS) medium. The percentage of calli-forming proembryoids was increased to about 30% by prolonged culture without naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) and kinetin. Development of proembryoids was enhanced by transferring proembryoids to media lacking NH4NO3 but containing double the standard KNO3 concentration and gibberellic acid (GA). Root initiation and growth was promoted by lowering the glucose concentration to 5 g/1.