cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The interplay between mutant p53 and the mevalonate pathway

Missense mutations in the TP53 gene lead to accumulation of dysfunctional TP53 proteins in tumors, showing oncogenic gain-of-function (GOF) activities. Stabilization of mutant TP53 (mutp53) is required for the GOF; however, the mechanisms by which mutp53 promotes cancer progression and how mutp53 stability is regulated are not completely understood. Recent work from our laboratory has identified statins, inhibitors of the mevalonate pathway, as degraders of conformational mutp53. Specific reduction of mevalonate-5-phosphate (MVP), a metabolic intermediate in the mevalonate pathway, by statins or mevalonate kinase (MVK) knockdown triggers CHIP ubiquitin ligase-mediated degradation of conformational mutp53 by inhibiting interaction between mutp53 and DNAJA1, a Hsp40 family member. Thus, the mevalonate pathway contributes to mutp53 stabilization. Given that mutp53 is shown to promote cancer progression by upregulating mRNA expression of mevalonate pathway enzymes by binding to the sterol regulatory element-binding protein 2 (SREBP2) and subsequently increasing activities of mevalonate pathway-associated oncogenic proteins (e.g., Ras, Rho, YAP/TAZ), there is a positive-feedback loop between mutp53 and the mevalonate pathway. Here, we summarize recent evidence linking the mevalonate pathway-mutp53 axis with cancer progression and further discuss the clinical relevance of this axis.
Epidemiology of Nontuberculous Mycobacterial Pulmonary Disease (NTM PD) in the USA

Population-based studies of pulmonary nontuberculous mycobacterial disease in the USA indicate increasing prevalence. Prevalence is higher among women, older populations, and persons of Asian ancestry. The most frequent species is Mycobacterium avium complex, although the proportion varies geographically, with high rates of Mycobacterium abscessus in areas including the Southeast. Both host and environmental factors modulate disease risk. Environmental risk factors include high vapor pressure and low soil pH, while host risk factors include structural lung disease, thoracic skeletal abnormalities, and immunomodulatory medications.
Quantification of CO2 sequestration capacity and carbonation rate of alkaline industrial byproducts

Abstract CO2 sequestration generally refers to the capture and permanent, safe storage of CO2. This study evaluates the CO2 sequestration potential by mineral carbonation of several alkaline industrial byproducts of high abundance, and some of them are landfilled in large part. These include cement kiln dusts, fly ashes, ground granulated blast furnace slag, and fine glass powder. Compacted cylindrical paste specimens made from each alkaline waste were subjected to a carbonation environment with tightly controlled CO2 concentration, temperature, and relative humidity in order to characterize the CO2 sequestration capacity, depth of carbonation, and associated material phase changes. The effect of water content and carbonation period are investigated, as is the use of binary and tertiary blends including Portland cement to enhance sequestration capacity. Sequestration capacity and phase changes are characterized by thermogravimetric and X-ray diffraction analyses. Carbonation depth is measured visually using phenolphthalein indicator. Cement kiln dusts exhibit the greatest sequestration potential, with 4% CO2 sequestration by mass.
Merging Strategies, Trajectory Planning and Controls for Platoon of Connected, and Autonomous Vehicles

This paper addresses the problem of connected and autonomous vehicles (CAVs) merging into platoons in a communication- enabled environment, and studies different aspects of platoon formation, merging strategies, control approaches, and emergency braking mitigation during the merging and formation process. First it introduces a strategy and the requirements for safe and effective execution of multi-vehicles merging into a platoon. Second, several longitudinal controllers benefiting from feedforward information -via communication- have been implemented and discussed comparatively under several interesting scenarios through simulations. Third, it proposes various safe and smooth lateral trajectory plans of vehicles merging into an existing platoon. Fourth, it investigates a common emergency situation in which the preceding vehicle experiences a sudden braking while a multi-vehicle merging task is executing. A method is proposed to safely handle such scenarios. Finally, this paper presents several simulation tests to evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed strategies and methods.
Language nutrition for language health in children with disorders: a scoping review

The quantity and quality of child-directed speech-language nutrition-provided to typically-developing children is associated with language outcomes-language health. Limited information is available about child-directed speech to children at biological risk of language impairments. We conducted a scoping review on caregiver child-directed speech for children with three clinical conditions associated with language impairments-preterm birth, intellectual disability, and autism-addressing three questions: (1) How does child-directed speech to these children differ from speech to typically-developing children? (2) What are the associations between child-directed speech and child language outcomes? (3) How convincing are intervention studies that aim to improve child-directed speech and thereby facilitate children's language development? We identified 635 potential studies and reviewed 57 meeting study criteria. Child-directed speech to children with all conditions was comparable to speech to language-matched children; caregivers were more directive toward children with disorders. Most associations between child-directed speech and outcomes were positive. However, several interventions had minimal effects on child language. Trials with large samples, intensive interventions, and multiple data sources are needed to evaluate child-directed speech as a means to prevent language impairment. Clinicians should counsel caregivers to use high quality child-directed speech and responsive communication styles with children with these conditions.
The association of sleep disturbances with glycemia and obesity in youth at risk for or with recently diagnosed type 2 diabetes.

OBJECTIVE Poor sleep may increase obesity and type 2 diabetes (T2D) risk in youth. We explored whether subjective sleep duration, sleep quality, or risk for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) are associated with glycemia, body mass index (BMI), or blood pressure (BP) in overweight/obese youth. METHODS Two-hundred and fourteen overweight/obese youth of 10 to 19 years of age at risk for or recently diagnosed with T2D who were screened for the Restoring Insulin Secretion (RISE) Study had a 2-hour oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and completed a Cleveland Adolescent Sleepiness questionnaire and a Sleep Disturbances Scale questionnaire. Independent associations between sleep variables and measures of glycemia, BMI, and BP were evaluated with regression models. RESULTS The multiethnic cohort was 67% female, 14.1 ± 2.1 years, and BMI 35.9 ± 6.5 kg/m2 . Habitual sleep duration <8 hours was reported in 74%. Daytime sleepiness was reported in 51%, poor sleep quality in 26%, and 30% had high obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) risk. Daytime sleepiness was associated with higher HbA1c (0.2%, P = .02) and 2-hour glucose (13.6 mg/dL, P < .05). Sleep duration, sleep quality, and OSA risk were not associated with the evaluated outcomes. Poor sleep quality and OSA risk were associated with higher BMI (2.9 kg/m2 , P = .004 and 2.83 kg/m2 , P < .003, respectively). CONCLUSIONS In overweight/obese youth with or at risk for T2D, daytime sleepiness was associated with higher HbA1c. In addition, poor sleep quality and OSA risk were associated with higher BMI. These findings support intervention studies aimed at improving sleep quality in obese youth.
Push-out Tests for Determining Shear Strength and Stiffness of Perfobond Connector-Experimental Study

This study presents an experimental investigation for push-out tests in order to evaluate the performance of continuous perfobond connectors. A total of five specimens composed of light-weight concrete-filled steel tubes (square and circle sections) with two reinforced blocks were tested. The measured parameters are the compressive strength of the concrete blocks and the type of the section. The specimens were tested under a concentric load applied on the steel tube filled with lightweight concrete; the corresponding slip value was measured using two LVDTs. The experimental results showed that the ultimate shear strength and stiffness of the square steel tube filled with concrete were higher than that of circular samples. The ultimate shear strength and stiffness increased with an increase of concrete compressive strength, while the corresponding slips showed decreasing in their values with increase of the compressive strength of the concrete.
Assessing the Environment of Low Vision Persons: A Validation of Procedure:

The work environment is a concern to individuals having low vision. Eye care professionals have traditionally prescribed low vision aids for use on the job knowing only the visual requirements as d...
An exploratory data analysis of word form prediction during word-by-word reading

In 2005, we reported evidence indicating that upcoming phonological word forms—e.g., kite vs. airplane—were predicted during reading. We recorded brainwaves (electroencephalograms [EEGs]) as people read word-by-word and then correlated the predictability in context of indefinite articles that preceded nouns (a kite vs. an airplane) with the average event-related brain potentials (ERPs) they elicited [K. A. DeLong, T. P. Urbach, M. Kutas, Nat. Neurosci. 8, 1117–1121 (2005)]. Amid a broader controversy about the role of word-form prediction in comprehension, those findings were recently challenged by a failed putative direct replication attempt [M. S. Nieuwland et al., eLife 7, e33468 (2018); nine labs, one experiment, and 2.6e4 observations]. To better understand the empirical justification for positing an association between prenominal article predictability and scalp potentials, we conducted a wide-ranging exploratory data analysis (EDA), pooling our original data with extant data from two followup studies (one lab, three experiments, and 1.2e4 observations). We modeled the time course of article predictability in the single-trial data by fitting linear mixed-effects regression (LMER) models at each time point and scalp location spanning a 3-s interval before, during, and after the article. Model comparisons based on Akaike information criteria (AIC) and slope-regression ERPs [rERPs; N. J. Smith, M. Kutas, Psychophysiology 52, 157–168 (2015)] provide substantial empirical support for a small positive association between article predictability and scalp potentials approximately 300 to 500 ms after article onset, predominantly over bilateral posterior scalp. We think this effect may reasonably be attributed to prediction of upcoming word forms.
Spleen Injuries: Techniques

The spleen is one of the most commonly injured organs following blunt trauma. The injured spleen is a major source of morbidity and mortality and can be rapidly fatal if hemostasis is not promptly achieved. Up to one-third of patients with splenic injuries proceed directly to the operating room for surgical exploration. Patients who have had splenectomy are at risk for the usual morbidities of laparotomy but are also at increased risk for overwhelming sepsis syndromes due to asplenia. Nonoperative management also has risks including failure of nonoperative management, delayed hemorrhage, splenic infarction and abscess, and complications of angiography, if used. Given the common nature of the injury and the risks with all forms of management, the trauma surgeon must be well versed in the techniques required to care for this disease.
Contemporary Practice as a Board-Certified Pediatric Clinical Specialist: A Practice Analysis.

Purpose The purpose of the 2019 practice analysis was to identify the elements of contemporary practice as a board-certified pediatric clinical specialist. Methods Consistent with the processes of the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties (ABPTS), a subject matter expert panel used consensus-based processes to develop a survey to gather information concerning the knowledge areas, professional roles and responsibilities, practice expectations, and practice demographics of board-certified pediatric clinical specialists. The web-based survey was divided into 3 parts and administered to 3 separate groups of board-certified pediatric clinical specialists. Results Survey responses from 323 clinical specialists provided data to support confirmation and revision of the Description of Specialty Practice (DSP) for pediatrics. Conclusions The revised DSP will provide contemporary practice information to inform the ABPTS specialist examination blueprint and the curricula of credentialed residency programs in pediatric physical therapy.
Independents' day? Analyst behavior surrounding the Global Settlement

In this paper, we examine the impact of NASD Rule 2711, NYSE Rule 472, and the Global Research Settlement on the recommendation performance of independent, affiliated, and unaffiliated analysts. We find that analysts from all three types of institutions issued fewer strong buys following these regulations designed to separate investment banking and equity research. Affiliated analysts were less likely to issue innovative recommendations. While downgrades became more prevalent following the regulations, they were significantly less informative. Independent research firms set up after the Global Research Settlement are of inferior quality; they issue more optimistic and less innovative recommendations that generate lower announcement period returns than independent firms existing prior to the Settlement. Our overall findings question whether investors will be better served via the shift in equity research to analysts at independent research firms.
Multiproduct Price Optimization and Competition Under the Nested Logit Model with Product-Differentiated Price Sensitivities

We study firms that sell multiple substitutable products and customers whose purchase behavior follows a nested logit model, of which the multinomial logit model is a special case. Customers make purchasing decisions sequentially under the nested logit model: they first select a nest of products and subsequently purchase one within the selected nest. We consider the multiproduct pricing problem under the general nested logit model with product-differentiated price sensitivities and arbitrary nest coefficients. We show that the adjusted markup, defined as price minus cost minus the reciprocal of price sensitivity, is constant for all the products within a nest at optimality. This reduces the problem's dimension to a single variable per nest. We also show that the adjusted nest-level markup is nest invariant for all the nests, which further reduces the problem to maximizing a single-variable unimodal function under mild conditions. We also use this result to simplify the oligopolistic multiproduct price competition and characterize the Nash equilibrium. We also consider more general attraction functions that include the linear utility and the multiplicative competitive interaction models as special cases, and we show that similar techniques can be used to significantly simplify the corresponding pricing problems.
Immunogenic priming with 177Lu-PSMA-617 plus pembrolizumab in metastatic castration resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC): A phase 1b study.

5053Background: Immune checkpoint inhibitors have limited single agent activity in microsatellite-stable mCRPC. 177Lu-PSMA-617 (Lu) is a PSMA-targeting radioligand therapy that has demonstrated pro...
Combined expectancies of alcohol and e-cigarette use relate to higher alcohol use

Electronic cigarettes (e-cigs) were created to approximate the look, feel, and experience of using a cigarette. Since cigarette and alcohol use co-occur, we hypothesized that e-cig and alcohol use also co-occur, likely due to shared positive drug expectations. Using self-report data from two independent samples of community-dwelling alcohol using adults, the present study: (1) modified the Nicotine and Other Substance Interaction Expectancy Questionnaire (NOSIE) to assess expectancies of combined e-cig and alcohol use (i.e. the individuals perceived likelihood of using e-cigs and alcohol together; NOSIE-ER); and (2) examined the relationships among e-cig use, expectancies, and alcohol use across e-cig use status. In the first sample (N=692, mean age=32.6, SD=9.74, 50.7% female, 82.2% Caucasian), exploratory factor analysis suggested the presence of two factors: (1) alcohol use leads to e-cig use (Scale 1; α=0.85); and (2) e-cig use leads to alcohol use (Scale 2; α=0.91). In the second sample (N=714, mean age=34.1, SD=10.89, 47.8% female, 75.6% Caucasian), confirmatory factor analysis supported this factor structure (χ(2)=47.00, p<0.01, df=19; RMSEA=0.08, 90% CI=0.05-0.11; TLI=0.99; CFI=0.99). Compared to non e-cig users, e-cig users had significantly higher problematic alcohol use in both samples (b's=0.09 to 0.14, p's<.05). Expectancies of combined e-cig and alcohol use were significantly related to problematic alcohol use (b's=-0.92 to 0.26, p's<.05). In sum, e-cig use is related to alcohol use and expectancies of combined e-cig and alcohol use; consequently, reshaping of beliefs about needs or desires to co-use could be a prime point of intervention.
Role of aspartate 27 in the binding of methotrexate to dihydrofolate reductase from Escherichia coli.

Dihydrofolate reductase from wild-type Escherichia coli (WT-ECDHFR) and from a mutant enzyme in which aspartate 27 is replaced by asparagine have been compared with respect to the binding of the inhibitor methotrexate (MTX). Although the Asp27----Asn substitution causes only small changes in the association rate constants (kon) for the formation of binary and ternary (with NADPH) complexes, the dissociation rate constants for these complexes (koff) are increased for the mutant enzyme by factors of about 5- and 100-fold, respectively, at pH 7.65. In binding experiments, the initial MTX binary and ternary complexes of the mutant enzyme were found to undergo relatively rapid isomerization (kobs approximately 17 and 145 s-1, respectively). Although such rapid isomerization of complexes of WT-ECDHFR could not be detected in binding experiments, evidence of a slow isomerization (k = 4 x 10(-3) s-1) of the ternary WT-ECDHFR.MTX.NADPH complex was obtained from progress of inhibition experiments. This slow isomerization increases binding of MTX to WT-ECDHFR only 2.4-fold (much less than previously estimated). From presently available data, we could not determine the contribution of the rapid isomerization of complexes to the binding of MTX to the mutant enzyme. The Asp27----Asn substitution increases the overall dissociation constant (KD) 9-fold for the binary complex and 85-fold for the ternary complex. When it is also taken into account that a proton ultimately derived from the solvent must be added to MTX bound to the WT enzyme, but not to MTX bound to the mutant enzyme, these increases in KD for the mutant enzyme correspond to decreases in binding energy for MTX of 3.9 and 5.2 kcal/mol at pH 7.65 for the binary and ternary complexes, respectively.
Abstract 177: Risk of Thrombolysis-induced Hemorrhagic Transformation in Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Predictive Model Using Combined MR Perfusion Biomarkers

Purpose: Hemorrhagic transformation (HT) is a potential devastating complication of thrombolysis in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the predictive role of MR perfusion biomarkers including increased microvascular permeability (K2) and decreased cerebral blood volume (CBV) in the infarction core to predict the risk of HT in a cohort of patients with AIS who received thrombolysis. Methods: In this retrospective study, patients were included if they: had AIS, received thrombolysis, had pre-treatment MRI (including diffusion and perfusion) and had follow-up MRI for evaluation of HT within 7 days. MR perfusion data were processed employing a Bayesian probabilistic method. Using coregistered images, voxel-based K2 and rCBV values were obtained in the region of infarction (defined by ADC < 600 10–6 mm 2/s) and compared in patients with and without HT. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed to determine the optimal parameter/s and threshold for predicting HT. Results: Forty-eight patients met study criteria: mean (SD) age was 67.5 ± 15, median baseline NIHSS was 9 (IQR: 5-24) and mean infarct volume of 34 ± 18 ml (range 11-78 ml). Thirty percent of patients (14/48) had HT. The mean K2 value was significantly ( p< . 0001) higher in patients with HT (0.24 ± 0.17) versus patients without HT (0.08 ± 0.03). Mean rCBV was significantly ( p=0 .0001) lower in patients with HT (0.21 ± 0.02) compared to patients without HT (1.28 ± 0.66). ROC analysis showed a threshold and corresponding sensitivity/specificity of 0.104, 94%/84% for K2 and 0.38, 94/97% for rCBV. The combination of K2 and rCBV resulted in a higher discriminative power with an AUC of 0.97, sensitivity of 94% and specificity of 100%. In a multivariable logistic regression model that included NIHSS and infarct volume, the combined K2-rCBV classifier was an independent predictor of HT. Conclusion: Combined increased permeability and decreased CBV derived from MR perfusion have improved sensitivity and specificity, compared to either measure alone, for prediction of HT following thrombolysis. A larger clinical study is required to validate our results in an independent cohort.
Transmembrane versus soluble stem cell factor expression in human testis.

The interaction between stem cell factor (SCF), a ligand produced by Sertoli cells, and its c-kit receptor on germ cells is necessary for successful spermatogenesis in animal models. SCF can be alternatively spliced into soluble and transmembrane forms, and it is the transmembrane form that is required for spermatogenesis in rodents, c-Kit receptors are also present on Leydig cells, and soluble SCF has been implicated in the regulation of testosterone production. This study had two goals: To test the hypothesis that the extent of germ cell production in human males is correlated with the expression of transmembrane SCF, and to examine the relationship between testosterone production and the expression of soluble SCF in humans. Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction was used to determine the ratio of transmembrane-to-soluble SCF in testicular tissue. Clinical analysis, hormonal measurements, and histological methods were used to evaluate the causes of infertility and to seek correlations with the pattern of SCF expression. SCF was preferentially expressed as the transmembrane type in all testicular samples, regardless of the state of germ cell production. Furthermore, the percent of transmembrane SCF expression was independent of clinical and histopathological diagnosis (r s = -0.111, n = 28) and unrelated to the extent of spermatogenesis. This contrasts with rat models of testicular injury that exhibit a decreased proportion of transmembrane SCF with atrophy. A significant correlation (r s = 0.665, P <.02, n = 16) was found between testosterone levels and percent soluble SCF, which suggests that, in humans, there may be a regulatory interaction between soluble SCF and testosterone.
Transformation-defective v-ski induces MyoD and myogenin expression but not myotube formation.

Abstract The ski oncogene induces muscle differentiation in otherwise nonmyogenic quail embryo cells (C. Colmenares and E. Stavnezer, Cell 59:293-303, 1989). Here we report that v-ski induces both MyoD and myogenin expression, suggesting that activation of these muscle regulatory genes may be a critical step in ski-induced myogenesis. We also describe a transformation-defective mutant of v-ski (tdM5i) that fails to induce myotube formation, although it induces the expression of many muscle-specific genes, including the MyoD and myogenin genes. Therefore, if activation of MyoD and myogenin expression is a necessary component of the myogenic program triggered by ski, it is clearly insufficient to account for complete muscle differentiation.
Abstract 174: Role of Cardiomyocyte-Localized Nuclear Factor (NF)-κB in Diet-Induced Diabetic Cardiomyopathy

Role of Inflammatory signaling in the development of obesity- and type 2 diabetes (T2D)-associated cardiomyopathy remains unclear. We hypothesized that cardiomyocyte-specific inflammatory activation, independent of systemic inflammation, is sufficient for the genesis of diabetic cardiomyopathy. Wild-type (WT) and transgenic (Tg) C57BL/6 mice with myocyte-restricted overexpression of phosphorylation-resistant IκBα (IκBαS32A,S36A) were fed a high fat (HFD, 45% kcal fat) or control diet (CD, 10% kcal fat) for 28 weeks to induce obesity and T2D. These Tg mice exhibit attenuated NF-kB activation, a central regulator of inflammation. After 28 weeks of feeding, WT HFD mice exhibited increased body weight, hyperglycemia, hyperinsulinemia, insulin resistance, and glucose intolerance. In contrast, although HFD-fed Tg mice exhibited significantly (p
Metallurgical study of thermionic converters

This paper describes some of the observations made as a result of the test of 180 thermionic converters and of the postmortem metallographic examination of approximately 50 converters. The causes and effects of converter abnormal performance are related to the results of the metallographic examinations. The materials and fabrication methods utilized in converter construction are discussed together with areas of possible improvement, the goal being long-life converters capable of reliable performance.
Elongational flow behavior of viscoelastic liquids: Part II. Definition and measurement of apparent elongational viscosity

The collapse of a single spherical gas bubble within a large body of fluid creates a uniaxial elongational flow in the surrounding fluid. Collapse under constant bubble pressure is observed to produce nearly constant strain rate kinematics. If the steady state stress at the bubble/fluid boundary could be measured, it would be possible to estimate the elongational viscosity of the fluid. Unfortunatley the experiment does not yield the desired stress data, except in the special case of the Newtonian fluid. We are led to define an apparent elongational viscosity, and for specific constitutive models we can evaluate the deviation between the apparent and true viscosity. The experimental and theoretical work indicate that the apparent elongational viscosity provides a good estimate of true elongational viscosity for the tow viscoelastic solutions studied so far.
Behavioural ecology in traditional societies

Can models from behavioural ecology explain cultural diversity in human populations? Studies of variation in reproductive and productive behaviour, both within and between traditional societies, are beginning to show that specific predictions from sexual selection and optimal foraging theory can be developed and tested with human data. Greatest success has been in the study of foraging; whereas attempts to understand patterns of marriage and parental investment have been most convincing in those cases where behaviour is related to specific ecological and social conditions. The aim of human behavioural ecologists in the future will be to determine the constraints that the dual goals of reproduction and production place on individuals.
A unit density method of grain analysis used to identify GABAergic neurons for electron microscopic autoradiographs.

The distribution of electron microscopic autoradiographic grains over neurons in cerebellar cultures incubated with [3H]gamma-aminobutyric acid ([3H]GABA) was examined. With the unit density method of grain analysis, the number of grains over each structure was tested against the total grain density for the entire section. If an individual structure has a grain density higher than the expected grain density, it is considered one of the group of heavily labeled structures. The expected grain density for each structure is calculated based on the area for that structure, the total grain density and the Poisson distribution. A different expected grain density can be calculated for any P value required. The method provides an adequate population of structures for morphological analysis but excludes weakly labeled structures and thus may underestimate the number of labeled structures. The unit density method of grain analysis showed, as expected, a group of cell bodies and synapses that was labeled heavily. Cultures incubated with other [3H]amino acids did not have any heavily labeled synaptic elements. In addition, serial section analysis of sections showed that synapses heavily labeled with [3H]GABA are seen in adjacent sections. The advantage of the unit density method of grain analysis is that it ca be used to separate two groups of metabolically different neurons even when no morphological differences are present.
Reversible and irreversible dc magnetization of AuMn alloys

Abstract Measurements of the temperature dependence of the reversible and irreversible parts of the dc magnetization of Au Mn alloys in the spin-glass regime show the irreversible part reduces to zero with increasing temperature at progressively lower temperatures as the applied field is increased.
The relationship between depth profiles of nitrogen concentration, hardness, and wear rate in ion-implanted Ti—6Al—4V

Abstract The property changes induced by nitrogen ion implantation of Ti 6Al 4V alloys are considered, with emphasis on the effects of the nitrogen concentration profiles on hardness and wear rate. The comparison of the measured hardness profile to the profile from a finite element simulation reinforces the assumption that nitride formation, rather than damage, is the primary hardening mechanism. In addition, these techniques allow determination of the increase in the yield stress caused by the ion implantation. In this case, a ten-fold increase in the yield stress is found. Wear rate profiles are compared to the nitrogen concentration profile and are found to be low at depths greater than the nitrogen profile depth. This is assumed to occur because of the geometry of the wear test device.
Width of resonances in pair production by strong electric fields

Abstract We examine resonant pair creation in the presence of strong electric fields, such as would be produced in heavy-nucleus collisions. Including the current from the e+e− pairs as a perturbation to earlier results which showed the possibility of infinitely-narrow resonances, we compute the width of the resonances. This turns out to be about 30 keV, which is in the range of the experimentally observed width of pairs created in collisions of heavy nuclei.
Ocean mining - 1985

Several reasons for the continuing reduction of activity in ocean mining are presented in the historic context of the 1965 to 1980 governmental, academic and industrial programs. The causes are identified as primarily economic with uncertainties raised by the Law of the Sea Treaty debate and political indecisiveness contributing to restriction of private sector investment. Revitalization of ocean mining is shown to depend upon the jettisoning of the outer Continental Shelf Lands Act, the development of a strong exploration data base by Government programs and sponsored research, and the marked improvement of the free world metals market. The inevitability of the eventual development of marine hard minerals is emphasized.
PPARγ Agonists Enhance Human Vascular Endothelial Adhesiveness by Increasing ICAM-1 Expression

Abstract Early atherosclerotic lesions are characterized by increased monocyte adhesion to the overlying endothelium. Oxidized LDL (oxLDL) stimulates the adhesion of human monocytes to endothelial cells, in part, by increasing expression of ICAM-1. However, the cellular role of oxLDL in endothelial adhesiveness is not well understood. The peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ), a member of the nuclear receptor superfamily, is expressed in vascular endothelial cells. Whether it can be activated by a synthetic ligand, troglitazone, as well as by natural ligands, oxLDL and its lipid components (i.e., 9- and 13-HODE), has not yet been explored. This study was undertaken to determine whether PPARγ is expressed in ECV304 human vascular endothelial cells and if so to define the biological effects of its activation by these agonists. Our results demonstrate that PPARγ mRNA is expressed in ECV304 cells, and transfected cells with a PPARE luciferase construct respond to these agonists. In addition, ligand-dependent PPARγ activation increased ICAM-1 protein expression and enhanced adherence of monocytes to ECV304 cells by two- to threefold. These findings suggest that the PPARγ signaling pathway might contribute to the atherogenicity of oxLDL in vascular endothelial cells.
Suicide in Late Life: Review and Commentary

Increasing attention has been directed to recent increases in suicide rates for children, adolescents, and young adults. Nevertheless, persons 65 years and older continue to commit suicide at a higher rate than any other age group in the United States. In this paper various aspects of suicide are examined by analyzing recent trends among young and elderly populations, cohort suicide rates, and future projection of the number of suicides in late life. Data are derived from US death certificates. Consideration of the epidemiologic data and projections may be helpful both to those interested in public policy and to clinicians serving the elderly. J Am Geriatr Soc 34:519–525, 1986
Timing Fungicide Applications for Managing Sclerotinia Stem Rot of Potato

Fungicides were applied to potato foliage at row closure (between rows) and at full bloom of primary inflorescences to control Sclerotinia stem rot during replicated trials in 2003, 2004, and 2005. Application at row closure followed labeled recommendations from manufacturers. Incidence of Sclerotinia stem rot did not vary significantly among fungicides when full labeled rates of thiophanate-methyl, fluazinam, and boscalid were applied at full bloom of primary inflorescences. Incidence of Sclerotinia stem rot was significantly less when fungicides thiophanatemethyl, fluazinam, or boscalid were applied to potato foliage at full bloom of primary inflorescences than at row closure or when fungicides were not applied in 2004 and 2005, and when thiophanate-methyl or fluazinam was applied to potato foliage at full bloom of primary inflorescences than at row closure or when fungicides were not applied in 2003. Mean percentage of control for the fungicides combined, relative to the nontreated control, was 43, 48, and 20% in 2003, 2004, and 2005, respectively, when application was made at row closure; whereas, it was 77, 83, and 80% in 2003, 2004, and 2005, respectively, when application was at full bloom of primary inflorescences. Mean disease incidences of infected stem were significantly less when fluazinam was applied at 100% bloom of primary inflorescences than at 20% drop of blossoms from primary inflorescences in 2004 and 2005. In summary, control of Sclerotinia stem rot was significantly better when fungicides were applied at full bloom of primary inflorescences than at row closure during all 3 years of the study.
Oxidation Kinetics of Hydrogenated Amorphous Carbon (a-CHx) Overcoats for Magnetic Data Storage Media

The oxidation kinetics of a-CHx overcoats during exposure to oxygen and water vapor have been measured using X-ray photoemission spectroscopy (XPS) in an apparatus that allows oxidation and analysi...
Measurement and modelling of high-linearity partially depleted absorber photodiode

Third-order intermodulation distortions of an InGaAs/InP partially depleted absorber photodiode (PDA-PD) using high doping levels for both p -type and n -type absorbers are characterised using a two-tone measurement technique. The third-order local intercept point (IP3) of the device increases only slightly with frequency, and remains as high as 39 dBm up to 20 GHz. The frequency characteristics of the IP3 can be well explained by an equivalent circuit model.
The influence of molecular weight of the donor polymer on the solid-state behavior of interchain EDA complexes

N-(2-hydroxyethyl)carbazolyl methacrylate (HECM) and N-ethyl-3-hydroxymethyl carbazolyl methacrylate (HMCM-2) were polymerized by group transfer polymerization to varying molecular weights of somewhat narrow molecular weight distribution. The thermal behavior of the homopolymers and of their EDA complexes with poly(β-hydroxyethyl-3,5-dinitrobenzoyl methacrylate) (PDNBM-2) was studied as a function of molecular weight. The Tg′s of both polymers and their miscible complexes increase steadily as molecular weight increases and then become constant at about Mn = 6000. Both the PHECM–PDNBM-2 and PHMCM-2—PDNBM-2 systems are thermally reversible miscible networks over all polymer molecular weights. Miscibility is thermodynamically controlled over the entire range of molecular weights in the first system and decomplexation does not occur below the decomposition temperature. However, miscibility is thermodynamically controlled in the second system when the molecular weight of PHMCM-2 is less than 5000, and kinetically controlled for higher molecular weights. The decomplexation temperature or LCST of the PHMCM-2–PDNBM-2 system occurs below the decomposition temperature and increases with decreasing PHMCM-2 molecular weight, in agreement with theoretical predictions on the dependence of LCST on polymer molecular weight.
Vigilance and Validation: Keys to Success in RNAi Screening

In the 12 years since the process of RNA interference (RNAi) was first discovered, great progress has been made in understanding its mechanism and exploiting its ability to silence gene expression to study gene function at a genome-wide level. Its extensive use as a screening method has yielded many published lists of genes that play novel roles in higher eukaryotes. However, the usefulness of this information is potentially limited by the occurrence of unintended off-target effects. Here we review the potential causes of off-target effects and the impact of this phenomenon in interpreting the results of high-throughput RNAi screens. In addition to targeting the intended gene product, artificial short interfering RNAs (siRNAs) can produce off-target effects by down-regulating the expression of multiple mRNAs through microRNA-like targeting of the 3′ untranslated region. We examine why this phenomenon can produce high hit rates in siRNA screens and why independent validation of screening results is critica...
A verbal protocol analysis of choice under ambiguity

Abstract Einhorn and Hogarth's (1985) ambiguity model was used as a theoretical framework for analyzing the verbal protocols of decision makers faced with a choice between an uncertain option and an ambiguous option. The presentation of the ambiguous option was varied to examine the effect of presenting a point estimate versus an interval estimate on choice. The results of these analyses provided some support for the proposition that ambiguity avoidance is due to an anchoring and adjustment process in which decision makers underweight imagined probabilities above an estimate anchor. Ambiguity-avoiding decision makers were more likely to consider pessimistic probabilities of success and ambiguity-seeking decision makers were more likely to consider optimistic probabilities. Contrary to the predictions of previous researchers, the presentation of an interval estimate led to ambiguity seeking and the presentation of a point estimate led to ambiguity avoidance. Exploratory analyses revealed some themes that may guide future research on choice under ambiguity.
Are emergency departments really a “safety net” for the medically indigent?

Abstract This study was designed to quantify the willingness of emergency departments (EDs) and private care practitioners to see medically indigent patients. Three case scenarios were developed to represent severe, moderate, and mild problems that typically confront ED physicians. A female investigator made telephone calls using these scenarios, each time declaring herself to be medically indigent. All EDs received calls about all three scenarios, but only the least severe scenario was used for private practitioners. The timing and order of all calls were randomized. A control survey of the same population was subsequently performed in which the caller related that she had third-party insurance and had the minimal (rash) problem. The participants were all 54 nonmilitary EDs in Arizona and 69 randomly chosen private primary care practitioners in the same locales as the EDs. Calls to EDs were made during all time periods and days of the week; private practitioners were called only during their weekday office hours. The majority of all EDs were willing to see medically indigent patients, recommending that the caller come to the ED immediately 76% of the time. This response did not vary by geography or the facility's size, although ED personnel suggested initial home treatment more commonly at smaller hospitals ( P = .02), and suggested coming to the ED more often on weekends ( P P P
Model Studies for the Synthesis of Tetracyclic Sesquiterpenes

Abstract While considering potential routes for the synthesis of several tetracyclic sesquiterpenes (1–3),2 we were attracted by the possibility that this basic ring system might be constructed by solvolysis of an appropriately substituted norbornene derivative. By this scheme the homoallylic carbonium ion of a norbornenyl-nortricyclyl system would be captured by an attached carbon nucleophile to form the final two rings of these highly condensed molecules in a single step. Although nucleophilic capture could presumably occur at either end of the fluxional homoallylic ion, the generally high proportion of nortricyclic material formed by solvent capture in simpler systems led us to anticipate a similar result int he present case.3
Déambulation précoce après abord fémoral percutané et utilisation de dispositifs de fermeture et d’agents hémostatiques

Rationnelle La satisfaction des malades apres les procedures endovasculaires percutanees est significativement influencee par le nombre d’heures post-procedure avant deambulation. Le but de cette etude etait d’evaluer les taux de complication apres deambulation precoce apres utilisation de dispositifs de fermeture ou d’agents hemostatiques topiques au niveau des sites d’acces femoraux pour procedures endovasculaires. Methodes Une revue retrospective a ete menee chez tous les malades ayant eu un geste endovasculaire par un acces femoral entre janvier 2004 et mars 2008. Le site d’acces etait ferme avec un Angio-Seal, un StarClose, ou un D-Stat Dry avec pression. Les malades marchaient 2 heures apres l’intervention quand un dispositif de fermeture etait employe et 4 heures apres la procedure quand un dispositif D-Stat etait utilise. Les complications hemorragiques au site d’acces etaient evaluees. La taille d’introducteur, la methode de fermeture, les caracteristiques des malades, et le traitement antiplaquettaire etaient analyses. Resultats 245 malades d’un âge moyen de 70 ans ont ete identifies. Chez ces malades, 154 (63%) ont ete traites avec un pansement D-Stat avec pression, 83 (34%) avec un Angio-Seal, et huit (3%) avec un dispositif StarClose. Le taux de complication global etait de 5,7%. Les complications augmentaient avec l’âge ( p = 0,003) et l’utilisation de StarClose ( p = 0,0001). Le pansement D-Stat etait associe a un taux de complication diminue ( p = 0,03). La taille de l’introducteur n’influencait pas l’incidence du saignement. Il n’y avait aucune augmentation significative des complications dans les patients prenant un agent antiplaquettaire. Conclusion Avec un protocole utilisant des dispositifs de fermeture et des agents hemostatiques, une deambulation precoce apres acces femoral percutane peut etre reprise sans risque avec un taux de complications acceptable chez les malades ayant une atteinte vasculaire peripherique.
Unraveling how Giardia infections cause disease

A 40-year-old NIH male scientist camped and fished in a remote lake in Alaska. On his return, he developed diarrhea, cramps, and loose stools without blood or mucus in the absence of fever and was diagnosed with giardiasis. A 3-year-old female living in the Florida Keys complained of intermittent stomachaches over a 2-month period. Her stools were variably loose. The patient was diagnosed with giardiasis, which led to examination of her mother, father, and brother, who were mildly symptomatic; all 3 were subsequently diagnosed with giardiasis. The child’s only exposure was from swimming in a local community pool. A 40-year-old male from Mexico, who resided in Virginia and worked as a cook in a fast food restaurant, was diagnosed with giardiasis. He denied any symptoms and was not allowed to prepare food. Treatment with metronidazole, nitazoxanide, and albendazole failed to eradicate the infection. He was successfully treated with the combination of paromomycin and metronidazole.
“New syndromes,” part II: “European” syndromes

This report surveys literature on four syndromes with major manifestations in the craniofacial region, i.e., Laband syndrome, de Barsy syndrome, Wiedemann-Rautenstrauch syndrome, and LADD syndrome. In general, these four syndromes are better described in the European than in the North American literature. In addition, we report on a newly diagnosed woman having the Laband syndrome and normal intelligence. Finally, we describe a possibly "new" craniofacial syndrome in a mother and her son.
“Neophobia”: The effects of initial duration of exposure on subsequent saccharin intake in rats

Upon their first exposure to a .02% saccharin solution, rats showed a robust “neophobic” avoidance of the solution throughout a 30-min exposure period. Furthermore, their subsequent saccharin preferences were found to be positively ralated to the duration of their initial exposure. The pertinence of these findings to conditioned taste aversions is discussed.
Stable Transgene Expression From HSV Amplicon Vectors in the Brain: Potential Involvement of Immunoregulatory Signals

The herpes simplex virus (HSV) amplicon is a plasmid-based, infectious gene delivery system that carries up to 150 kilobase (kb) of exogenous DNA. We previously characterized early host responses and stability of transgene expression in mice systemically injected with HSV amplicon vectors. Transgene expression was readily detected primarily in the liver but rapidly declined to undetectable levels within 2 weeks. Molecular analyses revealed induction of type I interferons (IFN) as the primary response, and early transcriptional silencing of the vector followed IFN's activation of signal transducers and activators of transcription 1 (STAT1). In this study, we investigate vector administration by stereotactic injection into the striatum. In the brain, induction of type I IFN was rather modest, and transgene expression lasted more than 1 year despite dose-dependent inflammation and infiltration of immune cells around injection sites. Further analyses revealed dose-dependent upregulation of immunosuppressive cytokines and molecular markers specific to regulatory T cells in the injected brain regions, which supported the immune-privileged properties of the brain parenchyma. Overall, our findings indicate that the spectrum of host responses can differ significantly depending on target organs and administrative routes, and that HSV amplicon vectors hold great potential for gene therapy of chronic neurological disorders.