cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Biomarkers in the Identification of High-Risk Groups

Studies of the proliferation and differentiation of cells within the gastrointestinal tract have now identified stages of abnormal development that are associated with increased susceptibility to gastrointestinal cancer. In the large intestine, and in the esophagus and stomach of human subjects with either genetic predisposition to cancer, or whose susceptibility is believed due mainly to dietary factors, modifications of epithelial cell proliferation and differentiation occur in disorders that predispose individuals to this desease. In early stages before the development of gastrointestinal neoplasia, proliferative cell-cycle control mechanisms become modified, leading to continued DNA synthesis in maturing cells and a delayed onset of normal terminal differentiation. In more advanced stages of precancerous disease, more extensive changes occur in gastrointestinal cells which exhibit progressively increasing degrees of abnormally delayed maturation.
A Quality Improvement Intervention to Improve the Efficiency of Arteriovenous Access Placement for Pre-Dialysis Inpatients

The authors aimed to improve the rate of pre-dialysis arteriovenous (AV) access placement for hospitalized patients with advanced chronic kidney disease. The authors developed and implemented a protocol for hospitalized adult patients with an estimated glomerular filtration rate <20 mL/min to streamline the workflow for obtaining AV access. The protocol was piloted on 5 inpatient medical services over 3 months at 1 institution. Specific-Measurable-Achievable-Realistic-Timely (SMART) aims, Fishbone diagrams, Plan-Do-Study-Act cycles, and run charts were used to assess the process and outcomes of the intervention. There were 22 patients in the baseline group and 27 patients in the intervention group. Pre-dialysis AV access increased from 23% to 46%. Length of stay did not differ significantly between the baseline group (8.31 days) and the intervention group (8.4 days). Pathways can improve pre-dialysis AV access without significantly increasing length of stay.
Abstract P011: Hypoglycemia Unawareness is Associated With Impaired Cognition Among Older Adults With Type 1 Diabetes: the Study of Longevity in Diabetes

Introduction: Severe hypoglycemia is common among those with type 1 diabetes (T1D). Hypoglycemia unawareness (HU) in T1D increases the risk of severe hypoglycemia more than five-fold. Prior work ha...
Rosai–Dorfman disease simulating metastatic breast carcinoma

Rosai–Dorfman disease (RDD) is a benign non–Langerhans cell histiocytosis with a predilection for the head and neck lymph nodes, although it may present extranodally in the skin, soft tissue, or the central nervous system. The diagnosis depends on histopathologic features, including the classic finding of emperipolesis, along with immunohistochemical characteristics: S100+ and CD68+ and CD1a– cells (Table I).1 RDD has several postulated etiologies, although none have been definitively proven. It has been reported to mimic various metastatic cancers,2 including 1 reported case of RDD simulating metastatic breast cancer.3 We present a patient with RDD of the skin and bone simulating presumed recurrent metastatic breast cancer. The correct diagnosis of RDD based on dermatologic and hematologic clues led to a significant change in her treatment. Table I Rosai–Dorfman disease: An overview
Raw, Torrefied, and Alkaline-treated Biomass as a Sorbent for Lead in Water

Two dedicated biomass crops, shrub willow (Salix sp.) and miscanthus (Miscanthus giganteus), were evaluated for their ability to remove lead from contaminated water, both in raw ground form and after pretreatment by torrefaction or alkaline treatment. Sorption capacity experiments were conducted using a contaminant concentration that ranged from 1 mg to 15 mg per L and a biomass loading rate of 0.05 g biomass per mL. The results indicated that sorption capacities for the two feedstocks ranged from 0.15 mg to 0.26 mg of lead removed per gram of biomass, and the percentage of removal ranged from 54.3% to 93.6%. The sorption capacity of willow tended to decrease as particle size increased. Increasing torrefaction severity increased the sorption capacity of miscanthus, and alkaline treatment also increased the sorption capacity of miscanthus. The Langmuir isotherm, when fitted to measured data, characterized the samples’ sorption performance with a Mean Absolute Error (MAE) of 0.0014 mmol g-1.
Posterior Pituitary Hormones

Abstract The pituitary gland is composed of two functionally unique lobes known as the anterior and posterior pituitary. The primary purpose of the posterior lobe of the pituitary, also known as the neurohypophysis, is to act as a conduit whereby hormones made within the hypothalamus can be secreted directly into the peripheral circulation. The major hormones of the posterior pituitary are oxytocin (OT) and vasopressin (AVP). These two related neuropeptides are made by neurons in the paraventricular and supraoptic nucleus of the hypothalamus. They are structurally similar and are transcribed in opposite directions off the same chromosomal region where their genes are arranged in a tail-to-tail fashion. OT and AVP are phylogenetically ancient hormones and are conserved through evolution. Moreover, they operate by binding a distinct family of G protein–coupled receptors. Activation of the OT receptor induces changes in intracellular calcium to cause myometrial contraction necessary for parturition, whereas activation of AVP receptors (V1aR, V1bR, and V2R) is responsible for the effects of AVP on the regulation of blood pressure and water balance, both of which are essential for homeostasis. OT and AVP receptors are also found in brain, where OT and AVP regulate a number of behaviors as well as autonomic responses.
A Systemic Treatment of Families with a Child Diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder Using a Narrative Lens

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopment disorder that now affects one in 59 children, a 15% increase from the 2012 report. Although there have been numerous studies on the treatment of...
Social contact as a variable in the expressed attitudes of normal adolescents toward EMR pupils.

A semantic differential was administered to compare the expressed attitudes of 62 normal adolescents who had considerable school contact with EMR pupils with attitudes of 62 normal adolescents who had not experienced such school contact. An analysis of variance indicated there was significant social contact effect at the .05 level. In a followup test, the social contact effect was found to be accounted for primarily by the expressed attitudes toward the concept of normal people. Suggestions are presented on how to promote attitude change among normal pupils toward the mentally retarded and other handicapped groups.
A Switched Systems Approach to Unknown Environment Exploration with Intermittent State Feedback for Nonholonomic Systems

A method is provided to enable a nonholonomic vehicle to explore an unknown environment with intermittent state feedback. A maximum dwell-time condition is determined via a Lyapunov-based switched systems approach to maintain overall system stability despite the intermittent loss of state feedback and the presence of external disturbances. A minimum dwell-time condition is determined via a Lyapunov-based switched systems approach to ensure the tracking error converges within a desired neighborhood of the desired trajectory. Utilizing the proposed maximum and minimum dwell-time conditions, a nonholonomic vehicle's tracking error remains globally uniformly ultimately bounded, enabling the exploration of the feedback-denied region for a predetermined period of time, before acquiring state feedback.
Hot and bothered: The role of behaviour and microclimates in buffering species from rising temperatures.

In Focus: Bladon, A. J., Lewis, M., Bladon, E. K., Buckton, S. J., Corbett, S., Ewing, S. R., … Turner, E. C. (2020). How butterflies keep their cool: Physical and ecological traits influence thermoregulatory ability and population trends. Journal of Animal Ecology. https://doi.org/10.1111/1365-2656.13319 Threatened with rising average temperatures and the new normal of climate extremes, species that cannot keep pace with climate change must adapt where they are, or face extinction. The ranges of many British butterflies have indeed extended northwards as the climate has warmed, but this option is increasingly restricted by the expansion and intensification of urban and agricultural lands. On a day-to-day basis, butterflies can thermoregulate using behaviours such as adjusting their wing positioning or moving into suitable microclimates. The extent to which these two options buffer individuals from free-air temperature, however, is not well known. Nor is the extent to which the different mechanisms are exploited by different species, and whether that has had any bearing on species' population trends over the time-scale of recent climate change. Using a simple and easily replicated approach, Bladon et al. (2020) were able to quantify intra- and interspecific variation in buffering ability, and species' relative reliance on the two thermoregulatory mechanisms of wing adjustment versus microclimate selection. The authors report marked variation in buffering capacity, correlated with wing size, wing colouration and taxonomic family. Species also differed in their thermoregulatory behaviours, with some - such as the Ringlet Aphantopus hyperantus and Large Skipper Ochlodes sylvanus-achieving impressive buffering through wing positioning. Others, like the Brown Argus Aricia agestis and Small Heath Coenonympha pamphilus, were more reliant on microclimate selection, and these were the species most likely to have shown declining population trends over the past 40 years. The study underscores the importance of individual thermoregulatory behaviours for understanding species' vulnerability to climate change. In combination with much improved methods for measuring and modelling climate at biologically relevant scales, the approach of Bladon et al. (2020) can and should be extended to identify the places and species most at risk, and the steps that conservation practitioners can take to maximise resilience to climate change. Much attention has been given to improving habitat connectivity to facilitate range shifts, but we should also consider how microclimate availability can be enhanced to allow species to manage when they cannot move.
Endoscopic band ligation with hypertonic glucose cushion in the treatment of ileal pouch prolapse

Restorative proctocolectomy with ileal pouch–anal anastomosis (IPAA) is the surgical treatment of choice of patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) or familial adenomatous polyposis who require the removal of the colon. While this reconstructive surgery significantly improves patients’ quality of life, post-operative structural, inflammatory, and functional complications are common. In our Pouch Center, we have noticed a growing number of patients presenting with dyschezia, feeling of incomplete evacuation, and frequent bowel movements. Clinical, endoscopic, and radiographic evaluation of cohorts of patients has identified a cluster of disease phenotypes that are collectively diagnosed with floppy pouch complex (FPC) [1]. Common forms of FPC are pouch prolapse, afferent limb syndrome, and pouch folding. In a survey of 269 surgeons, 35 indicated that they had been taking care of a total of 83 patients with symptoms suggestive of pouch prolapse, such as external prolapse of tissue, sense of obstructed defecation, seepage, and pain [2]. In an early study of 3,176 patients who underwent ileal pouch surgery, 11 were diagnosed with pouch prolapse (0.3%) [3]. The true prevalence may be higher in clinical practice. Pouch prolapse may be mucosal or full-thickness; and anterior, posterior, or circumferential. The treatment of pouch prolapse has traditionally been medical (such as suppositories and creams) and surgical (such as pouch pexy, mesh placement, and excision) [1, 2, 4]. Over the past decade, we have developed a novel endoscopic approach for the treatment of pouch prolapse.
Circulating macroprolactin exhibits molecular heterogeneity and is not exclusively an antibody complex.

Abstract Background Macroprolactin (macPRL) is considered to be solely a prolactin antibody complex. We examined macPRL heterogeneity in samples from thirteen patients suspected of macroprolactinemia. Methods Polyethylene glycol (PEG) precipitation, gel permeation (GPC), protein-G affinity, and Lectin affinity chromatography were used to investigate the nature of macPRL. Results Using PEG, 8, 3, and 2 samples were macPRL positive, negative, and indeterminate respectively. Using GPC, prolactin appeared at high (H) (≥150 kDa), mid (M) (≥30 Conclusions Samples with (H) and (M) macPRL forms showed significant positive bias in 2 immunoassays. The study is limited by the small number of samples and a larger scale study is required.
Reduced cellular glucose transport confers natural protection against dextrose-induced superoxide generation and endoplasmic reticulum stress in domestic hen

Normal blood glucose levels in avian species are two to fourfold higher than that in humans and the higher blood glucose levels in birds do not cause adverse effects. Endothelial cells isolated from the aorta of the domestic hen (Gallus gallus domesticus) and chicken aortic smooth muscle cells (CAOSMC) were compared to human coronary artery endothelial cells (HCAEC) and human primary aortic smooth muscle cells (HASMC). Superoxide (SO) generation was measured using a superoxide-reactive probe. ER stress was measured using the placental alkaline phosphatase assay (ES-TRAP). Glucose transport kinetics were determined using the 3 H-2-deoxyglucose tracer. Dextrose-induced SO generation and ER stress were significantly blunted in avian endothelial cells compared to human cells. The Vmax of glucose uptake (in nmoles/mg protein/min) in avian endothelial cells (0.0018 ± 0.0001) and smooth muscle cells (0.0015 ± 0.0007) was approximately 18-25 fold lower compared to the Vmax in HCAEC (0.033 ± 0.0025) and HASMC (0.038 ± 0.004) (all p < 0.0001). The Michaelis-Menten constant (Km) of transport was also significantly different (p < 0.0001) in avian species. The relative resistance of avian cells to dextrose-induced oxidative stress and ER stress is mostly the result of reduced cellular dextrose transport.
Transportation mobility and health among older adults: Examining missed trips and latent demand

Abstract Objectives To investigate the frequency of both actual and missed transportation among lower-income older adults within the context of physical health status. Methods This study utilizes an ecological momentary assessment (EMA) design. EMA occurs in real world settings, using real-time data collection with repeated assessments. Ten adults (70% female, 50% African American, mean age = 69.56, SD = 3.75) logged trips completed and trips missed, including destinations and impact on perceived well-being in a custom-designed app, MyAmble, for 14 days. Results: Participants logged an average of about 5 trips, the plurality to grocery stores. The ten participants logged a total of 95 daily trip plans throughout the two-week study period. Of those trips, more than half were planned (n = 54, 56.8%%), and most were reported as very important to participants (n = 59, 71.1%). Trip destinations most often included the grocery store (n = 28, 29.5%), medical appointments (n = 11, 11.6%), social visits (n = 10, 10.5%), and the bank (n = 12, 12.6%). Nearly half of grocery store trips were unplanned, and a fourth of planned grocery store trips were missed. The pattern was similar for doctor appointment destinations. Discussion Findings show that older adults were unable to complete nearly 16% of the trips that they planned during the two-week study period, or nearly one in five trips. This rate of missing desired transportation is troubling given the destinations and the self-reported importance of the planned trips and suggests that individuals may be missing out on opportunities that directly relate to their health. Findings imply that healthy, livable communities must offer access to equitable, quality transportation. Future research ought to also investigate the link between transportation mobility, access to nutritious food, and its impact on health promotion and disease management.
Corrections to “Electrical Characteristics of Vertical GaN Nanowire Vacuum Field Emitter Devices”

In the above article [1] , the units of the y-axis in Fig. 4(a) should be kA/cm2 instead of A/cm2. The figure with the correct units is presented here.
A NOTE ON Q-ORDER OF CONVERGENCE ∗

To complement the property of Q-order of convergence we introduce the notions of Q-superorder and Q-suborder of convergence. A new definition of exact Q-order of convergence given in this note generalizes one given by Potra. The definitions of exact Q-superorder and exact Q-suborder of convergence are also introduced. These concepts allow the characterization of any sequence converging with Q-order (at least) 1 by showing the existence of a unique real number q ∈ [1,+∞] such that either exact Q-order, exact Q-superorder, or exact Q-suborder q of convergence holds.
GPS suggests low physical activity in urban Hispanic school children: a proof of concept study

Urban environments can increase risk for development of obesity, insulin resistance (IR), and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) by limiting physical activity. This study examined, in a cohort of urban Hispanic youth, the relationship between daily physical activity (PA) measured by GPS, insulin resistance and cardiovascular fitness. Hispanic middle school children (n = 141) were assessed for body mass index (BMI), IR (homeostasis model [HOMA-IR]), cardiovascular fitness (progressive aerobic cardiovascular endurance run [PACER]). PA was measured (GPS-PA) and energy expenditure estimated (GPS-EE) utilizing a global positioning mapping device worn for up to 7 days. Students (mean age 12.7 ± 1.2 years, 52% female) spent 98% of waking time in sedentary activities, 1.7% in moderate intensity PA, and 0.3% in vigorous intensity. GPS analysis revealed extremely low amounts of physical movement during waking hours. The degree of low PA confounded correlation analysis with PACER or HOMA-IR. Levels of moderate and vigorous intensity PA, measured by GPS, were extremely low in these urban Hispanic youth, possibly contributing to high rates of obesity and IR. Physical movement patterns suggest barriers to PA in play options near home, transportation to school, and in school recess time. GPS technology can objectively and accurately evaluate initiatives designed to reduce obesity and its morbidities by increasing PA.
Exploring Salespersons' Customer Orientation as a Mediator of Organizational Culture's Influence on Buyer-Seller Relationships

This manuscript reports the results of a theoretically-based empirical study which incorporates the paradigm of relationship marketing. The study specifically examines the relationships among three major variables: organizational culture, customer orientation, and buyer-seller relationship development. Both organizational culture and customer orientation are expected to directly effect relationship development. However, customer orientation is hypothesized to mediate the relationship between organizational culture and relationship development. Thus, the influence of organizational culture on relationship development would be through the customer-oriented behavior of a firm's salespeople. The results from a study of 459 buyer-seller combinations confirm the mediational effect of customer orientation between the selling firms' culture and relationship development.
Interdisciplinary Rapid Field Appraisals

Abstract Rapid assessment is a tool to understand and address complex sustainability problems as well as a learning device for education of future professionals who need opportunity to develop their skills. Professionalism involves a four-part skill setcritical thinking, observation, management, and technical concerns-which can be taught in rapid assessment field trips. Our course teaches this four-part skill set through pre-field trip activities (lectures, readings, discussion, exercises, and presentations), the field trip (about 14-days in country) to Central or South America (and elsewhere), and in post-field trip analysis and report preparation. The basic interdisciplinary educational approach is introduced, a list of basic questions to be researched and worksheets are provided, and an outline for writing reports is offered. Readings give explanation of the interdisciplinary approach and illustrate its use worldwide. Reports based on the field trip are published and circulated widely. At the invitatio...
Dynamic Provenance for SPARQL Updates

While the Semantic Web currently can exhibit provenance information by using the W3C PROV standards, there is a "missing link" in connecting PROV to storing and querying for dynamic changes to RDF graphs using SPARQL. Solving this problem would be required for such clear use-cases as the creation of version control systems for RDF. While some provenance models and annotation techniques for storing and querying provenance data originally developed with databases or workflows in mind transfer readily to RDF and SPARQL, these techniques do not readily adapt to describing changes in dynamic RDF datasets over time. In this paper we explore how to adapt the dynamic copy-paste provenance model of Buneman et al.[2] to RDF datasets that change over time in response to SPARQL updates, how to represent the resulting provenance records themselves as RDF in a manner compatible with W3C PROV, and how the provenance information can be defined by reinterpreting SPARQL updates. The primary contribution of this paper is a semantic framework that enables the semantics of SPARQL Update to be used as the basis for a 'cut-and-paste' provenance model in a principled manner.
Androgen biosynthesis in developing ovarian follicles: evidence that luteinizing hormone regulates thecal 17 alpha-hydroxylase and C17-20-lyase activities.

In the pregnant rat, small antral follicles require increased LH activity to promote estradiol synthesis and preovulatory follicular development. To determine which steps in the biosynthesis of estradiol require increased LH activity, we compared the abilities of small antral follicles (from rats on day 16 of pregnancy) and preovulatory follicles (from rats on day 23 of pregnancy) to 1) produce progesterone, androgen, and estradiol (measured by RIA), and 2) metabolize [3H]progesterone or [3H]17α-hydroxyprogesterone to successive steroids in the Δ4- pathway. Although small antral follicles produce 6 ng progesterone during a 4-h incubation with hCG, 8-bromo-cAMP, or human FSH, less than 50 pg testosterone or estradiol were detected by RIA in the same incubates. Small antral follicles incubated in the presence of [3H]progestins produced little authentic tritiated 5α-pregnan-3,20-dione, 3β-hydroxy-5α-pregnane-20-one, pregnan-20-one, 17α-hydroxyprogesterone, androstenedione, testosterone, or estradiol. In cont...
A Cre gene directed by a human TSPY promoter is specific for germ cells and neurons.

The testis-specific protein Y-encoded (TSPY) gene is a candidate for the gonadoblastoma locus on the Y chromosome and is expressed in normal testicular germ cells and gonadoblastoma cells of XY sex-reversed females. Although TSPY expression has been demonstrated in gonadoblastoma tissues, it is uncertain if such expression is involved in a causative or consequential event of the oncogenic process. We postulate that if TSPY is involved in gonadoblastoma development, its promoter should be functional in the female gonad before and/or at early stages of tumorigenesis. To test this hypothesis, we generated several lines of transgenic mice harboring a Cre-recombinase transgene directed by a 2.4-kb hTSPY promoter. These mice were crossed with the Z/EG reporter line that expresses EGFP only after a Cre-mediated recombination. Our results showed that hTSPY-Cre;Z/EG double transgenic mice expressed EGFP specifically in the germ cells of both male and female gonads. Further, neurons of the central and peripheral nervous systems also expressed EGFP as early as E12.5 embryonic stage. EGFP was particularly observed in the trigeminal nerve, trigeminal ganglion, dorsal root of the ganglia, and in postnatal and adult brains. These observations support the hypothesis that TSPY plays an active role in gonadoblastoma. The tissue-specific expression of the hTSPY-Cre transgene should also be useful in studies utilizing Cre-mediated gene activation/inactivation strategies in gamatogenesis and/or neurogenesis. genesis 42:263–275, 2005. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Fresh sweet corn acreage response in the selected states of the USA

Seemingly Unrelated Regression models were used to examine the factors that influence the corn acreage in selected states in the US. Planted acre was modelled as a function of lagged planted acres, lagged production, and lagged price for states California, Florida, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and the US. States such as New Jersey and New York which have a short growing season compared to California and Florida. Also there is a notion that the small acreage in New Jersey is affected by production from other states such as California, Florida, New York, and Pennsylvania. The results indicate that lagged planted acreage significantly contributes toward current planted acres of sweet corn in all the five states and in the US. Production lag significantly contributes toward planted acres only in New York. Finally, the price lag significantly contributes toward planted acres in New York and Pennsylvania. The sign of the significant variable indicates that the current planted acre is positively influence...
Treatment of agrammatism in long-term Broca's aphasia

This study describes the response of six, long-term (mean = 7.9 years) aphasic patients to a treatment programme (HELPSS) for agrammatism. Comparison of dependent test scores obtained before and after treatment showed that significant improvement occurred in verbal expression as measured by the Northwestern Syntax Screening Test (Lee, 1968) and the Boston Diagnostic Aphasia Examination (Goodglass & Kaplan, 1972). These results indicate that differential aphasia therapies designed for specific aphasia syndromes can be effective even when administered many years after onset of aphasia.
Robotic Thyroid Surgery

While thyroid surgery has been performed safely for nearly a century, the societal desire for a smaller and less visible surgical incision and consequent neck wound have become increasingly important for some patients. Within the last 5 years, thyroid surgical methods have been adapted by several groups to utilize robotic platform technology with the goal of achieving safe resection of the thyroid gland without a visible neck blemish. We review the currently published data regarding the use of surgical robotic platforms to perform remote access thyroid surgery. In particular, the currently described approaches, outcomes, complication profile, learning curve, and cost are examined. We also discuss the utility of the approach in populations of special interest to the endocrine surgeon, and a rational framework for adoption of the technology among surgeons interested in adding this technique to their armamentarium.
Comparative study of CoFeNx/C catalyst obtained by pyrolysis of hemin and cobalt porphyrin for catalytic oxygen reduction in alkaline and acidic electrolytes

Abstract Comparative studies of the oxygen reduction kinetics and mechanisms of CoFeNx/C catalysts have been conducted with rotating disk electrode (RDE) and rotating ring-disk electrode (RRDE) in aqueous acid and alkaline solutions, as well as acidic and alkaline polymer electrolytes. The CoFeNx/C catalysts in this study were obtained by the pyrolysis of hemin and a cobalt porphyrin. In an alkaline electrolyte, a larger electron transfer coefficient (0.63) was obtained in comparison to that in an acidic electrolyte (0.44), signifying a lower free energy barrier for oxygen reduction. The kinetic rate constant (2.69 × 10−2 cm s−1) for catalytic oxygen reduction in alkaline solution at 0.6 V (versus RHE) is almost 4 times larger than that in acidic solution (7.3 × 10−3 cm s−1). A synergetic catalytic mechanism is proposed. The overall reduction is a 4-electron reduction of oxygen. The obtained CoFeNx/C catalyst was further evaluated as a cathode catalyst in single fuel cells with acidic, neutral and alkaline electrolyte membranes. The order of the single cell performances either for power density or for stability is acidic > neutral > alkaline. The different behaviors of the CoFeNx/C catalyst in half cell and single cell are discussed.
The puzzle of conscious experience.

Conscious experience is at once the most familiar thing in the world and the most mysterious. There is nothing we know about more directly than consciousness, but it is extraordinarily hard to reconcile it with everything else we know. Why does it exist? What does it do? How could it possibly arise from neural processes in the brain? These questions are among the most intriguing in all of science.
1448 GROWTH UNDER RADIANT WARMER (RW)

Based on the hypothesis that the thermal demands of an open RW as distinct from convection incubator (CI), may be responsible for a reduction in the metabolizable energy a premature infant has available for growth, we evaluated the relation between environment, metabolism and growth of 13 LBW infants on a given level of food intake. During the 9 day metabolic balance, infants (wt. 1319±149g, age 25±12d, concep age 34±3wk, m±SD) were randomized to RW (servocontrolled to maintain Tabd=36.5°C) and CI (Tinc within thermoneutral zone) each serving as his own control. Energy utilization and substrate oxidation rates (VO2, VCO2, indirect calorimetry), protein utilization (urine N), protein degradation (urine 3-methylhistidine) and sympathomedullary response (cathecholamines) were measured. Metabolic rate (MR) was 10% higher for infants under RW (2.42±.42 vs 2.19±.28kcal/kg/hr, m± SD, p=.05 vs CI). The significant reduction (p=.03) in nonprotein RQ for infants in CI (0.99 vs 1.07) indicates ↑ lipogenesis under RW. Protein utilization accounted for ∼ 3.5% of energy expended in both conditions. Urine 3MH, epinephrine, norepinephrine, volume and SG did not differ significantly from control conditions. Increments of weight, length, head circumference, midarm muscle circumference, dynamic skin fold thickness and body temperatures were similar. Under RW: 1) rate of energy utilization increases and is associated with shift to lipogenesis, 2) growth is not compromised acutely although methods of assessment may be too insensitive, 3)↑ MR is not mediated by catecholamine response to cold stress but rather by other environmental and/or behavioral causes.
β2 adrenergic activation induces the expression of IL-18 binding protein, a potent inhibitor of isoproterenol induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy in vitro and myocardial hypertrophy in vivo

Both the sympathetic nervous system and the proinflammatory cytokine interleukin-18 (IL-18) play key roles in the pathophysiology of the hypertrophied failing heart. IL-18 binding protein (IL-18BP), a natural inhibitor of IL-18, counters its biological effects. β-AR stimulation induces IL-18 expression, but whether it also regulates IL-18BP is not known. Here we demonstrate that the β-AR agonist isoproterenol (ISO) increases steady state IL-18BP mRNA and protein levels in adult mouse cardiomyocytes in a β(2)-AR-dependent manner. We cloned mouse Il18bp 5'cis-regulatory region, and identified putative CREB and C/EBPβ transcription factor-binding sites. Forced expression of mutant CREB or C/EBPβ knockdown markedly attenuated ISO-induced Il18bp transcription and deletion or mutation of CREB and C/EBP motifs in the Il18bp promoter reduced ISO-induced promoter-reporter gene activity. ISO induced CREB and C/EBPβ activation in cardiomyocytes via PI3K/Akt and ERK1/2. Importantly, ISO-induced hypertrophy in vitro was dependent on IL-18 induction as it was blunted by IL-18 neutralizing antibodies and forced expression of IL-18BP. Moreover, ISO-induced hypertrophy was markedly attenuated in IL-18 null and IL-18BP transgenic mice. These data support the novel concept that β-AR activation, in addition to inducing cardiomyocyte hypertrophy via IL-18, concomitantly induces a countering effect by stimulating IL-18BP expression, and that ISO-induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy may result from a net effect of IL-18 and IL-18BP induction.
Lattice Model of Polymer Melt Intercalation in Organically-Modified Layered Silicates

A mean-field, lattice-based model of polymer melt intercalation in organically-modified mica-type silicates (OLS) has been developed. In general, an interplay of entropic and energetic factors determines the outcome of polymer intercalation. Free energy curves and their dependence on energetic and entropic factors suggest three possible equilibrium statesimmiscible, intercalated, and exfoliatedall of which have been experimentally observed. The entropic penalty of polymer confinement may be compensated for by the increased conformational freedom of the surfactant chain as the layers separate. When the total entropy change is small, small changes in the system's internal energy will determine if intercalation is thermodynamically possible. Complete layer separation, though, depends on the establishment of very favorable polymer−OLS interactions to overcome the penalty of polymer confinement. For alkylammonium-modified layered silicates, a favorable energy change is accentuated by maximizing the magnitude a...
Microstructure Development in Reactive‐Templated Grain Growth of Bi1/2Na1/2TiO3‐Based Ceramics: Template and Formulation Effects

“Reactive-templated grain growth” (RTGG) processing of Bi1/2Na1/2TiO3 (BNT)-based ceramics is reported. Molten salt synthesis was used to prepare platelike (∼0.2 μm × 5 μm × 5 μm) Ruddlesden–Popper (Sr3Ti2O7 (ST)) and Aurivillius (BaBi2Nb2O9 (BBN)) phases which were used as “templates” in studies of RTGG with BNT-based matrixes. A “citrate-gel” route was designed to produce intimately mixed, fine-grain matrixes for these studies. The analytical techniques used were powder X-ray diffraction and microstructural examination of dry-pressed and fired compacts. For mixtures templated with BBN, single-phase perovskite readily formed, and an initially heterogeneous microstructure evolved toward a dense assemblage of anisometric, micrometer-scale grains. Perovskite formation was more sluggish in the mixtures templated with ST, and the final sintered microstructure featured larger, porous grains in an equiaxed, micrometer-scale matrix. A qualitative model, which examined the excess constituents in the matrix after formation of stoichiometric ABO3 perovskite, is proposed to explain the observations. The model predicted an excess of Na2O and TiO2 in the matrix in the case of BBN templates and only excess TiO2 in the case of ST templates. The results indicate that careful examination of matrix and template chemistry could be important in the selection of systems for RTGG processing.
Cell‐free Conversion of a Ubiquitous Nuclear Protein into a Killer‐Cell‐Specific form that Binds to the Nf‐P Enhancer Element of the Mouse Perforin Gene

Two nuclear factors, designated NF-PI and NF-P2, have been shown to bind to an enhancer 9-base motif (5'-ACAGGAAGT-3', NF-P motif) present within the 5'-flanking region of the mouse perforin gene. Our previous studies have shown that, although NF-P1 and NF-P2 differ in cell-type distribution and molecular mass, with NF-P2 being killer-cell-specific and smaller, the two factors appear to share common DNA-binding subunit(s). We have postulated that the biochemical event involved in the induction of NF-P2 could be the dissociation of a non-DNA-binding subunit from NF-P1, rendering the newly formed NF-P2 transcriptionally active. By using a cell-free system in the present study, we have demonstrated that a variety of chemical agents capable of denaturing or dissociating protein complexes, including guanidinium/HCl, detergents (SDS plus Nonidet P-40) and high-salt solutions, could convert NF-P1 into NF-P2. Unlike in intact cells, where induction of NF-P2 is restricted to killer lymphocytes, this conversion occurred in nuclear extracts derived from both cytotoxic lymphocytes and non-cytotoxic cells. Although the mechanism that restricts the induction of NF-P2 to killer- lymphocytes in vivo remains unresolved, these results support the hypothetical 'dissociation' model for the generation of NF-P2. The results also imply that the absence of perforin expression in non-cytotoxic cells may be due to the suppression of the induction of the killer-cell-specific trans-acting factor NF-P2.
The imaging evaluation of cholelithiasis in the obese patient-ultrasound vs CT cholecystography: our experience with the bariatric surgery population.

Background The purpose of this study was to compare computed tomography (CT) cholecystography and ultrasound for gallstone detection in preoperative bariatric surgery patients.
Characterization of the rat cytoplasmic C1-tetrahydrofolate synthase gene and analysis of its expression in liver regeneration and fetal development

Abstract The eukaryotic trifunctional enzyme, C1-tetrahydrofolate (THF) synthase, interconverts folic acid derivatives between various oxidation states and is critical for normal cellular function, growth, and differentiation. Using a rat C1-THF synthase cDNA and synthetic oligonucleotides, the rat C1-THF synthase gene was isolated and characterized. The gene consists of 28 exons and spans 67.5 kbp. Primer extension, RNase protection, and rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE) experiments indicate the presence of multiple transcription start points (tsp) within a 250-bp window located between 50 and 300 bp upstream from the start codon. The 5′ flanking region is devoid of a TATA consensus sequence motif, but putative regulatory elements, including NF-κβ, HNF-4α1, RARα1, C/EBP, and PPAR are present in the promoter region. The 5′ flanking region also contains two sets of tetranucleotide repeats and two short interspersed nuclear elements (SINES). The initial 2500 bp of 5′ flanking sequences of the rat and mouse cytoplasmic C1-THF synthase genes share 70% identity. However, comparison with the human gene from the Human Genome Data Bank revealed no significant homology in the 5′ flanking region. The gene structure characterization led to the identification of a pseudogene that is 94% identical to the C1-THF synthase gene and probably diverged 10–12 million years ago. In addition, the gene expression patterns of C1-THF synthase were investigated during liver regeneration and liver and kidney organogenesis, two highly regulated events. In both processes, C1-THF synthase expression correlated with increased nucleotide metabolism. This pattern suggests that the gene is regulated in response to changes in the demand for folate-dependent one-carbon units.
Uptake, disposition, and persistence of nonylphenol from water in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

1. Nonylphenol is an environmental estrogenic compound. Little is known about its interaction with aquatic species since most of the work on oestrogenic alkylphenols has been done in vitro using cells in culture. 2. Rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) were exposed to 14C-nonylphenol at 18 and 36 ppb in water to study its distribution, persistence, and bioaccumulation. 3. Nonylphenol, or its metabolites, were distributed through the body of rainbow trout including the edible tissues of dorsal muscle and fat. 4. Nonylphenol was rapidly taken up into most tissues and had an apparent half-life of 19-20 +/- 4 SE hours in the muscle and fat. 5. The apparent bioaccumulation factor in viscera and carcass ranged from 40 in carcass to 100 in viscera. 6. Three glucuronide metabolites were separated by thin-layer chromatography following treatment of bile with beta-glucuronidase.
Effects of Fitness and Age on the Response to Vagotonic Atropine

Previous work indicates compromised cardiac vagal control plays a prominent role in reducing arterial baroreflex gain with age, however older fit individuals display cardiovagal baroreflex responses similar to young individuals. The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that chronic aerobic exercise mitigates against age-related declines in cardiac parasympathetic receptor function. In forty-four young and old (fit and unfit) individuals, we used the parasympathomimetic responses to low doses of atropine to probe cardiac cholinergic receptor responses. Data were collected before and after eight doses of atropine sulfate from 0.4 to 7.2 microg/kg. Chronotropic responses were assessed from average RR intervals and heart rate variabilities were derived in time and frequency domains. All subjects exhibited bradycardia with at least one dose of atropine and peak bradycardia occurred at a similar dose in each group. However, changes in heart rate variability did not consistently track the chronotropic responses within subjects (r-square from 0.90 down to 0). As expected, basal RR interval was longer in the fit groups and was unaffected by age. However, the degree of RR interval lengthening with parasympathomimetic atropine was unaffected by physical fitness and was significantly less in all older subjects. These data indicate there are certain prepotent age-related declines in the cardiac parasympathetic system that cannot be prevented by regular physical activity.
Teaching computer design using macromodules

This paper describes the teaching of computer design using a new and quite unusual hardware aid, macromodules. Of all the new areas emerging in Computer Science the teaching of computer structures, from an engineering viewpoint, has continually challenged the professional educator. This has in a sense presented a dilemma to him: for digital computer system design requires a broad look at a variety of configurations, but also seems to require a comprehensive examination of individual circuit details in order to remain in a practical atmosphere. As is well known, such detailed investigation of many systems is virtually impossible in the time allotted in most cirricula.Introduction of the macromodular concept, however, has permitted individual students, in one or two semesters, to achieve realizable designs of such devices as I/O channels, microprogrammed machines, complete small digital computers, floating point arithmetic systems and list processing hardware.
The reaction of a titanium alloy with hydrogen gas at low temperatures

An investigation of the effect of temperature on the surface hydriding reaction of Ti-5Al-2.5Sn alloy exposed to hydrogen at 250 psig was made. The temperature range studied extended from 160 to -160 F. Reaction conditions were controlled so as to expose a vacuum-cleaned, oxide-free alloy surface to an ultra-pure hydrogen atmosphere. Reaction times up to 1458 hr were studied. The hydriding reaction was extremely sensitive to experimental variables and the reproducibility of reaction behavior was poor. However, it was demonstrated that the reaction proceeded quite rapidly at 160 F; as much as 1 mil surface hydriding was observed after exposure for 162 hr. The amount of hydriding was observed to decrease with decreasing temperature at 75, 36, and -76 F. No surface hydriding was detected either by vacuum fusion analysis or by metallographic examination after exposure for 1458 hr at -110 or -160 F.
SU-E-J-204: The Dosimetric Impact of Daily Setup Error and Inter-Fraction Prostate Motion on the Calculated Treatment Plan for Patients Receiving IMRT Based Radiation Therapy.

Purpose: Evaluate the dosimetric impact of daily setup error and inter‐fraction organ motion on the radiation treatment plan. Methods: Twelve patients undergoing definitive IMRTtreatments for prostate cancer were evaluated. All patients underwent fiducial marker placement prior to treatment planningCT scan, and were treated to a dose of 8100cGy given in 45 fractions. We retrospectively created a plan for each treatment day that had a shift available. To calculate the dose the patient would have received with no setup correction, we mathematically ‘negated’ the shift by moving the isocenter in the opposite direction of the shift. The individualized daily plans were combined to generate an overall plan sum. The dose distribution from these uncorrected plans was compared to the actual treatment plans. Results: A total of 390 shifts were negated and their corresponding plans evaluated. The mean isocenter shift based on the location of the fiducial markers was 3.3±6.5mm to the right, 1.6±5.1mm posteriorly, and 1.0±5.0mm along the caudal direction. The mean D95 dose when setup error was corrected and uncorrected for the PTV8100 volume was 8089cGy and 7303cGy (p < 0.001) and for prostate volume was 8228cGy and 7844cGy (p < 0.002). The mean V95 values when setup error was corrected and uncorrected for the PTV8100 volume was 99.9% vs. 87.3% (p < 0.0001). At an individual level, the difference in D95 value approached 1200cGy for the prostate volume and 2000cGy for the PTV8100 volume. There was no statistically significant difference in the D35 parameter for the surrounding normal tissue except for the dose received by the right hip and the penile bulb. Conclusion: This work indicates that significant underdosing, approaching 2000cGy for the PTV8100 volume, can occur as a Result of inaccurate patient setup, and emphasizes the importance of accurate patient setup and target localization.
Acoustic interneuron responses compared in certain hawk moths.

Abstract A comparison is made of the interneuron responses to acoustic stimuli delivered under comparable conditions in hawk moths of six choerocampine species. There are marked interspecific differences in the duration of the afterdischarge and also in the pattern of the spike response train. The possible adaptive significance and the neurophysiological basis for these differences are discussed. Two non-choerocampine but mutually related hawk moth species show simpler patterns of interneuron response to acoustic stimulation. One of these moths appears to be able to detect the cries of bats flying nearby. However, the reception of sound in these two species does not involve the palp and pilifer, as it does in the choerocampines. Their auditory mechanism lies in the cranial-cervical region but it has not been identified. These analogous means of detecting ultrasonic pulses are discussed in relation to the sensitivity of comparable interneurons to vibrational (not airborne) sensitivity in other non-choerocampine hawk moths and in insects in general.