cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Tenascin and β6 integrin are overexpressed in floor of mouth in situ carcinomas and invasive squamous cell carcinomas

Floor of the mouth squamous cell carcinomas exhibit many characteristics that suggest they represent a distinct biological subset within head and neck tumors. The features of preinvasive lateral intraepithelial spread, high rate of conversion of intraepithelial neoplasia to invasive carcinoma, and high incidence of occult metastases, suggest the importance of motility-associated proteins in the pathogenesis of these lesions. Two such proteins, tenascin and beta 6 integrin, are generally overexpressed in squamous carcinomas, and may play a central role in the invasive process of floor of the mouth lesions. The purpose of this study was to evaluate in situ and invasive squamous cell carcinomas from the floor of the mouth for the expression of tenascin and beta 6 integrin. Twenty lesions each of floor of the mouth in situ carcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas, and 10 normal controls were stained for tenascin and beta 6 using a standard immunohistochemical protocol for formalin-fixed specimens. Sections were assessed for staining intensity, pattern, and co-localization. Tenascin was highly expressed at the keratinocyte-connective tissue interface of both in situ and invasive carcinomas. beta 6 was expressed in basal keratinocytes of all in situ and invasive lesions, but was not evident in any of the control epithelia. There was no significant difference in staining of in situ and invasive carcinomas, but there was a significant difference in staining between these lesions and controls. Staining was colocalized in serial sections, supporting a receptor-ligand relationship. Both tenascin and beta 6 were weakly expressed in dysplastic areas adjacent to carcinomas suggesting that changes in the expression of these proteins occurs prior to the invasive phenotype. We conclude that tenascin and beta 6 are overexpressed in in situ and invasive floor of the mouth carcinomas, but that transgression of the basement membrane by neoplastic epithelial cells requires additional changes to the keratinocyte molecular profile.
Conditional Moment Representations for Dependent Random Variables

The question considered in this paper is which sequences of $p$-integrable random variables can be represented as conditional expectations of a fixed random variable with respect to a given sequence of sigma-fields. For finite families of sigma-fields, explicit inequality equivalent to solvability is stated; sufficient conditions are given for finite and infinite families of sigma-fields, and explicit expansions are presented.
COMPUTER SIMULATIONS ON FILLED ELASTOMERIC MATERIALS

Abstract Monte Carlo computer simulations have been carried out on filled networks of (amorphous) polyethylene and poly(dimethylsiloxane) using a method based on the authors' general theoretical approach for filled elastomeric materials [Kloczkowski , Comput. Polym. Sci. 3 (1993) 39–45]. This approach enables estimation of the effect of the excluded volume of filler particles and non-Gaussian characteristics of the chains on the elastic properties of the filled networks. It is assumed (i) that the filled polymer network consists of a cross-linked mixture of two types of chains, specifically those attached at one end to spherical filler particles and those that are unattached, and (ii) that the elastic modulus of the filled polymer is the sum of contributions from these two types of chains. Distribution functions for the end-to-end vectors of both types of chains were obtained using the Monte Carlo rotational isomeric state technique proposed by Mark and Curro. In the present application, however, conformations of attached chains which overlapped with a spherical particle during the simulation were rejected. The elastic moduli of both types of chains were calculated as a function of the length of the chains, the size of the filler particles, and the temperature.
A region of Bacillus subtilis CodY protein required for interaction with DNA

Bacillus subtilis CodY protein is the best-studied member of a novel family of global transcriptional regulators found ubiquitously in low-G+C gram-positive bacteria. As for many DNA-binding proteins, CodY appears to have a helix-turn-helix (HTH) motif thought to be critical for interaction with DNA. This putative HTH motif was found to be highly conserved in the CodY homologs. Site-directed mutagenesis was used to identify amino acids within this motif that are important for DNA recognition and binding. The effects of each mutation on DNA binding in vitro and on the regulation of transcription in vivo from two target promoters were tested. Each of the mutations had similar effects on binding to the two promoters in vitro, but some mutations had differential effects in vivo.
Visible Gizmos connecting circuits to student life

Often students first studying circuits become so tangled in series, parallel, Kirchhoff, Thevenin and Norton that they do not see that circuits are abstract representations of real objects in the real world, objects that they use every day. The Visible Gizmo project is used in a first circuits course to help students make the connection between textbook circuits and electrical devices in their own lives. Each student chooses an electrical device and obtains one. They must identify the circuits present, and measure physical quantities to confirm the ratings or other numerical information on the device. Then the student prepares a presentation of the gizmo, making it "visible" like the Visible People many students assembled in early forays into human anatomy. At the end of the project, the class holds a Visible Gizmo Fair, in which all the gizmos are displayed. Each student makes a presentation and prepares a written report.
Maternal and Breast Pump Factors Associated with Breast Pump Problems and Injuries

Background:Benefits of using a breast pump are well documented, but pump-related problems and injuries and the associated risk factors have not been reported.Objectives:This study aimed to describe breast pump-related problems and injuries and identify factors associated with these problems and injuries.Methods:Data were from the Infant Feeding Practices Study II; mothers were recruited from a nationally distributed consumer opinion panel. Mothers were asked about breast pump use, problems, and injuries at infant ages 2, 5, and 7 months. Survival analysis was used to identify factors associated with pump-related problems and injuries.Results:The sample included 1844 mothers. About 62% and 15% of mothers reported pump-related problems and injuries, respectively. The most commonly reported problem was that the pump did not extract enough milk and the most commonly reported injury was sore nipples. Using a battery-operated pump and intending to breastfeed less than 12 months were associated with higher risks...
Jaw muscle fiber type distribution in Hawaiian gobioid stream fishes: histochemical correlations with feeding ecology and behavior.

a b s t r a c t Differences in fiber type distribution in the axial muscles of Hawaiian gobioid stream fishes have pre- viously been linked to differences in locomotor performance, behavior, and diet across species. Using ATPase assays, we examined fiber types of the jaw opening sternohyoideus muscle across five species, as well as fiber types of three jaw closing muscles (adductor mandibulae A1, A2, and A3). The jaw mus- cles of some species of Hawaiian stream gobies contained substantial red fiber components. Some jaw muscles always had greater proportions of white muscle fibers than other jaw muscles, independent of species. In addition, comparing across species, the dietary generalists (Awaous guamensis and Stenogobius hawaiiensis) had a lower proportion of white muscle fibers in all jaw muscles than the dietary specialists (Lentipes concolor, Sicyopterus stimpsoni, and Eleotris sandwicensis). Among Hawaiian stream gobies, gen- eralist diets may favor a wider range of muscle performance, provided by a mix of white and red muscle fibers, than is typical of dietary specialists, which may have a higher proportion of fast-twitch white fibers in jaw muscles to help meet the demands of rapid predatory strikes or feeding in fast-flowing habitats. © 2011 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.
Vaccine and Immunization Resources on the World Wide Web

Abundant information regarding immunizations and vaccines is available on the World Wide Web. This report was prepared as a guide to reliable Internet sources for health care providers, researchers, and patients or parents interested in gaining Web-based information on these topics. I describe comprehensive Web sites about immunizations, meetings on immunizations, and clinical trials on vaccines and for journals and publications on vaccines, organizations providing immunization information, and pharmaceutical companies and vaccine manufacturers.
Potential of hypertonic medium treatment for embryo micromanipulation: I. Survival of rabbit embryos in vitro and in vivo following sucrose treatment.

Rabbit zygotes and embryos were exposed to hypertonic sucrose in phosphate-buffered saline (SPBS). In experiment one, 144 zygotes shrank to 32-36% of their initial volume in 1.0 M SPBS within 30 min. Neither hypertonic treatment with 0.5 M or 1.0 M SPBS nor micropuncture of the zona pellucida after shrinkage affected embryo development into blastocysts in vitro (88%, 83%, and 82%, respectively), compared to that of the controls (93%, P greater than .05). In experiment two, 252 two- to four-cell- and 177 morula-stage embryos were exposed to isotonic PBS control or 0.5 M, 1.0 M, or 1.5 M SPBS for 30, 60, 90, 120, and 150 min before transfer to PBS (290 mOsm). Embryo development was significantly reduced (P less than .05) when embryos were exposed in 0.5 M and 1.0 M SPBS for more than 60 min or in 1.5 M SPBS for more than 30 min. In experiment 3, morulae exposed for 60 min to 0.5 M or 1.0 M SPBS shrank to 37-39% or 32-35% of their initial volume and then expanded to 87-94% or 81-90% of their initial volume, respectively, after being returned to isotonic PBS for 60 min, but embryos in 1.5 M SPBS had erratic osmotic behavior. In experiment four, 192 two- to four-cell embryos exposed to 0.5 M SPBS for 0, 30, and 60 min before transfer to oviducts of recipients resulted in the production of 39%, 42% and 31% young, respectively (P greater than .05).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Effect of Genre, Speaker, and Word Class on the Realization of Given and New Information

There is much evidence in the literature that speakers tend to deaccent discourse-given entities, while accenting new ones. However, speakers do not always follow this simple strategy and the causes for such variation are not yet well understood. In this paper, we describe several new forms of variability in the relationship between given/new information and accenting behavior, variation due to individual differences and to word class. We present results indicating that different speakers have different strategies for making new words prominent. We analyze two word-classes – nouns and verbs – in a corpus of spontaneous and read direction-giving monologues, and show that speakers use different combinations of pitch, intensity and inter-word pauses to distinguish between given and new information. Most interestingly, we find that in both genres all speakers tend to produce given verbs with higher intensity than new verbs. Index Terms: prosody, information status, given/new information, accenting.
Reciprocal-Space and Real-Space Analyses of Compositional Modulation in InAs/AlAs Short-Period Superlattices

The microstructure of lateral composition modulation in InAs/AlAs superlattices grown by MBE on InP is examined. The use of x-ray diffraction, TEM, AFM, and STEM to characterize the modulations is discussed. Combining the information from these techniques gives increased insight into the phenomenon and how to manipulate it. Diffraction measures the intensity of modulation and its wavelength, and is used to identify growth conditions giving strong modulation. The TEM and STEM analyses indicate that local compositions are modulated by as much as 0.38 InAs mole fraction. Plan-view images show that modulated structures consists of short ({approx_lt}0.2 {micro}m) In-rich wires with a 2D organization in a (001) growth plane. However, growth on miscut substrates can produce a single modulation along the miscut direction with much longer wires ({approx_gt}0.4 {micro}m), as desired for potential applications. Photoluminescence studies demonstrate that the modulation has large effects on the bandgap energy of the superlattice.
The 2014 Ukraine-Russia crisis: Implications for energy markets and scholarship

Abstract While the 2014 Ukrainian crisis is far from over, policy debates surrounding the standoff between Russia and the United States and Europe already offer some important lessons on the gap between the policy world and the realities of energy markets. In this communication, we will discuss three policy proposals proposed between February and April 2014 as an illustration of the aforementioned mismatch, and explain their broader implications. As we will show, while the energy world is entering the next phase with renewed emphasis on renewables and energy efficiency, and markets for energy becoming increasingly global and interconnected, a substantial number of politicians and foreign policy makers seem to be stuck in a Cold War paradigm. Though things do not necessarily bode well from a political standpoint, the observed tendencies may offer intriguing opportunities for research related to energy policy far beyond the traditional realms of economics and geopolitics.
Bax-Dependent Spermatogonia Apoptosis Is Required for Testicular Development and Spermatogenesis

Bax is a multidomain, proapoptotic member of the Bcl-2 family that is required for normal spermatogenesis in mice. Despite its proapoptotic function, previous results found that Bax-deficient mature male mice demonstrate increased cell death and dramatic testicular atrophy. The present study examined the role of Bax during the normal development of the testis to determine whether the increased cell death in mature mice could be explained by decreased apoptosis earlier in development. Consistent with this hypothesis, testicular atrophy is preceded by increased testicular weight and hypercellular tubules in immature Bax-deficient mice. TUNEL staining at Postnatal Day (P) 7 and morphological quantitation between P5 and P15 demonstrates decreased germ cell apoptosis in Bax-deficient mice. By P15, increased numbers of type A spermatogonia, and at P12 and P15, an increase in intermediate type spermatogonia were noted in Bax-deficient animals. By P25, the number of basal compartment cells was greatly increased in Bax-deficient animals compared with controls such that four or five layers of preleptotene spermatocytes were routinely present within the basal compartment of the testis. Although the Sertoli cell barrier was significantly removed from the basement membrane, it appeared intact as judged by the hypertonic fixation test. During late pubertal development, massive degeneration of germ cells took place, including many of those cell types that previously survived in the first wave of spermatogenesis. The data indicate that Bax is required for normal developmental germ cell death in the type A spermatogonia, specifically dividing (A(2), A(3), and A(4)) spermatogonia, at a time at which the number of spermatogonia is regulated in a density-dependent manner. The massive hyperplasia that occurs in Bax-deficient mice subsequently results in Bax independent cell death that may be triggered by overcrowding of the seminiferous epithelium.
The adventures of unemployed man, by Erich Origen and Gan Golan

Erich Origen and Gan Golan have teamed up once more to take another satirical look at American Life. Their first effort was the highly successful Goodnight Bush: An Unauthorized Parity (Boston, MA:...
Effects of Depletion of Intracellular Tetrahydrobiopterin in Murine Erythroleukemia Cells

The biosynthesis of 6(R)-5,6,7,8-tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) in murine erythroleukemia (MEL) cells is almost completely inhibited by 10 mM, 2,4-diamino-6-hydroxypyrimidine (DAHP), which targets GTP cyclohydrolase. The inhibition results in dephosphorylation of the retinoblastoma gene product, prolongation of the G1-phase in the cell cycle, and subsequent commitment to terminal differentiation of MEL cells. Reversal of the processes by repletion of cellular BH4 with biopterin-related compounds including BH4, 7,8-dihydrobiopterin (7,8-BH2), sepiapterin, and 7,8-dihydroneopterin has generated complicated results. Low micromolar exogenous pterin compounds had little or no effect. At 300 microM or higher, the synthesis of hemoglobin by DAHP-induced MEL cells is significantly inhibited by 7,8-dihydrobiopterin and sepiapterin. However, further cell cycle analysis shows that the inhibition of cell differentiation by 7,8-BH2 and sepiapterin may not be due to the reversal of cell proliferation. Inhibition of BH4 biosynthesis in MEL cells by inhibitors of sepiapterin reductase has also been studied. None of the inhibitors that were tested, including N-chloroacetyl-dopamine and N-acetylserotonin, which are specific for sepiapterin reductase, can block MEL cells in G1-phase or induce the cells to commit to terminal differentiation. Furthermore, inhibitors of sepiapterin reductase are found to reduce or to abolish hemoglobin synthesis in differentiating MEL cells induced by hexamethylene bisacetamide. The mechanism for this is not clear. Not all of the effects caused by the depletion of BH4 synthesis can be rescued by repletion of BH4. These results suggest that BH4 may not regulate proliferation or differentiation of MEL cells as previously thought. Its function in MEL cells is still not clear.
Multi-arm star polyisobutylenes: 3. New insight into the chemistry of star formation: Star-star coupling and core contraction

Details of the chemistry of linking living polyisobutylene (PIB⊕) pre-arms with divinylbenzene (DVB) to multi-arm PIB stars have been studied by triple-detector size-exclusion chromatography (SEC). Computer-aided deconvolution of multimodal differential refractive index (RI), laser light scattering (LLS), and ultraviolet (UV) traces obtained by SEC indicates the formation of complex product mixtures. The observations were interpreted in terms of inter-and intramolecular reactions of initially-formed active stars. Thus intermolecular or star-star couplings are proposed to lead to higher order (secondary, tertiary, etc.) stars, whereas intramolecular reactions result in core-contraction. The mechanism of these reactions has been outlined. The effect of PIB⊕ pre-arm length on star-star coupling was analyzed.
Fascism as a Transnational Movement: The Case of Inter-War Alsace

The idea of fascism spread quickly and transnationally in the inter-war era. Fascist groups identified themselves as sharing fundamental characteristics and ideas. At the same time, they distorted fascism for their own purposes, adapting it to their specific contexts. As a border region, Alsace provides a number of examples of fascist groups claiming solidarity with fascism, yet distinguishing themselves from each other. Looking at fascism as a transnational phenomenon provides insight into the evolution of fascist ideology and will help explain why it is so difficult to define.
Are Lengthy Audit Report Lags a Warning Signal

SUMMARY: In this paper, we summarize our recent research into the association between abnormal audit report lags (the length of time between the fiscal year-end and the audit report date) and the likelihood of future restatements (Blankley, Hurtt, and MacGregor 2014). We find that as the audit report lag increases, the likelihood of a future restatement increases, and this dynamic appears to be associated with the effect of time pressure on the auditor. We will first summarize the motivation for the study, then discuss the empirical methods used, explain our results, and conclude with a discussion of the practical applications to practitioners.
A "large and graceful sinuosity". John Herschel's graphical method.

ABSTRACT In 1833 John Herschel published a graphical method for determining the orbits of double stars. He argued that his method, which depended on human judgment rather than mathematical analysis, gave better results than computation, given the uncertainty in the data. Herschel found that astronomy and terrestrial physics were especially suitable for graphical treatment, and he expected that graphs would soon become important in all areas of science. He argued with William Whewell and James D. Forbes over the process of induction, over the application of probability, and over the moral content of science. Graphs entered into all these debates; but because they constituted a method, not a metaphysics, they were acceptable to most practicing scientists and became increasingly popular throughout the nineteenth century.
Toward a Philosophical Basis for Community Development: Discussion

The three papers dealing with community development are the result of several years of affiliation among the scholars who presented them. I have been on the fringes of this affiliation, and this group of papers does not represent the best work of the group. Perhaps the group's best work comes only in intimate communication and does not transfer easily to the printed page. The group is concerned with community in its grandest sense. Sometimes this concern focuses on development, sometimes on interpersonal relations, and sometimes on more pedestrian themes such as individual community facilities. Unfortunately, in this airing, only the Simpkins paper is involved with community. Hartman and Moles became mired in considerations of science and its relationship to culture and to truth. While these topics are of vital concern, they serve only to detract from the stated purpose of this session. The Hartman paper is a misplaced tour de force, but it is not without precedent in the subdiscipline of agricultural economics. From time to time a number of agricultural economists have been frustrated by what they have been doing and how they have been construing reality. They bemoan irrelevance and admonish their followers to be more careful in selecting problems, stating assumptions, manipulating data, and inferring from small samples to large populations. These admonitions are healthy and sometimes lead to magnificent pieces of work. The best examples include Salter, Kelso, and Castle. These works make no pretense about focus; they are directed at the entire profession. The Hartman paper, too, is directed at the profession but for some reason harbors a minor pretension about community development. In my opinion, the pretension (or the foil) could as well have been dairy marketing or land tenure. Hartman is stating some serious problems. Economists, especially applied economists, are indeed wont to confuse assumptions with postulates; they do live in a world guided by incomplete specification; they do have limited and self-serving objectives; and their thinking is dominated by objectivity while subjectivity is relegated to philosophers, theologians, politicians, and the very young. These points are well taken. The problem of culture, however, is not. There may be a western culture existing in opposition to an eastern culture or a third world culture. The western culture is large and diverse. It has so many dimensions that it cannot become an adequate framework for a discussion of the frailties and limitations of science or scientists. A discussion of a subculture centered in the academy would have been preferable. It is no doubt true that the academy has become very narrow in its goal orientation. Those of us on the inside have responded to pressure to secure outside funding-funding that is often tied to very selective objectives and leads to research results that can be
Chromatographic methods for the bioanalysis of pyrethroid pesticides

Reliable analytical methods are needed for the determination of pyrethroid pesticides residues in biological tissues such as whole blood and plasma, meat, eggs, milk, brain, liver, and adipose tissue for monitoring of levels in livestock and for human risk assessment. A review of the current literature is given, with consideration to extraction techniques, sample preparation, and chromatographic approaches including both conventional and new technologies.
Maximum-Reward Motion in a Stochastic Environment: The Nonequilibrium Statistical Mechanics Perspective

We consider the problem of computing the maximum-reward motion in a reward field in an online setting. We assume that the robot has a limited perception range, and it discovers the reward field on the fly. We analyze the performance of a simple, practical lattice-based algorithm with respect to the perception range. Our main result is that, with very little perception range, the robot can collect as much reward as if it could see the whole reward field, under certain assumptions. Along the way, we establish novel connections between this class of problems and certain fundamental problems of nonequilibrium statistical mechanics . We demonstrate our results in simulation examples.
1130 ISOLATED HYPERMETHIONINEMIA WITH BILATERAL OPTIC NERVE HYPOPLASIA

Persistent hypermethioninemia unassociated with homocystinuria, cystathioninuria, or liver disease has been reported in a clinically normal infant (Science 186:59, 1974). We know of two unreported cases and have recently encountered a fourth case in a 9-month-old infant evaluated for apparent blindness and developmental delay. Pregnancy was complicated in the first trimester by excessive alcohol intake, ten-pound weight loss, and ingestion of diethylpropion HC1 (Tenuate). Birth weight was 2460 gm., small for gestational age of 39 weeks, with APGAR's of 71 and 105 following fetal distress. Family history was not contributory. At nine months the baby was unable to fixate or follow and had roving, nystagmoid eye movements with poor pupillary reactions to light. Optic discs were less than one-half the normal size for age. A 3-4 month lag was seen in motor and language development. EEG showed occipital spike discharges. CT scan demonstrated enlarged occipital horns of the lateral ventricles. Serum methionine value was 164 μmoles/dl (normal 2.7 ± 0.5). All other serum amino acid concentrations were normal. Urine amino acids and organic acids were normal except for elevated methionine. Spinal fluid methionine was 14.5 μmoles/dl (normal 0.26 ± 0.16). The ratio of serum to spinal fluid methionine was 11.3 (normal 9-13). A link between the findings of isolated hypermethioninemia and optic nerve hypoplasia is suggested by the association of hyperornithinemia and gyrate atrophy of the retina as well as homocystinuria and ectopia lentis.
Cross-linked perylene diimide-based n-type interfacial layer for inverted organic photovoltaic devices.

This contribution describes the synthesis and characterization of a perylene diimide (PDI)-based n-type semiconductor and its application to organic photovoltaic (OPV) devices having inverted architecture. Films of N,N′-bis(3-trimethoxysilylpropyl)-1,6,7,12-tetrachloroperylene-3,4,9,10-tetracarboxyldiimide (Cl4PSi2) and blends of this material with various polymers are solution-deposited on tin-doped indium oxide (ITO) substrates as interfacial layers (IFLs). The organic IFL described in this work is based on the air- and light-stable PDI core, annealed at low temperatures compatible with flexible substrates, and crosslinks in air for compatibility with device fabrication. Morphological, optical, and electrochemical analysis of these IFL films demonstrate predominantly smooth surfaces and HOMO and LUMO energies of ∼4.5 and 7.0 eV, respectively, which are ideal for accepting electrons and blocking holes in inverted devices. A cationic silane species is added to the Cl4PSi2 at an optimum ∼2–5 wt % to reduce...
Abstract 547: Inhibition of PI 3-K isoforms lead to reactivation of Akt signaling in a subset of breast cancer cell lines.

The aggressive behavior of malignant breast cancer cells is determined by a complex array of signaling pathways that regulate functions such as growth, survival, and migration. Production of phosphatidylinositol-3,4,5-P3 (PIP3) by phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI 3-K) results in activation of downstream targets including the protein kinase Akt that plays critical roles in cell survival and growth. Recent studies have highlighted alternate, PI 3-K independent pathways often associated with malignancy that lead to Akt reactivation. The goal of our studies is to investigate the role of PI 3-K catalytic subunits in Akt reactivation in breast cancer. Surprisingly, knock-down of the catalytic subunit of class I PI 3-K PIK3CA actually enhances phosphorylation of Akt, as well as the downstream targets S6K1 and GSK3β in a subset of triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) cell lines. The resulting increase in Akt phosphorylation is mTORC2-dependent and is insensitive to the class I PI 3-K inhibitors. Rescue experiments with wild type PIK3CA alleles reveal a further enhancement of Akt phosphorylation, when compared to PIK3CA knock-down alone. Moreover, silencing of distinct class I subunits PIK3CB and PIK3CD also enhanced Akt phosphorylation in TNBC. However, this effect is not universal and is not observed in numerous other breast cancer cell lines, or using specific PIK3CA inhibitors. This reactivation of Akt signaling suggests the interruption of a feedback loop similar to the mTOR-S6K-IRS1 negative feedback loop. It also indicates specific roles for individual PI 3-K isoforms in breast cancer and dependent on the mutational status of PTEN and PIK3CA. This research is supported by Susan G. Komen for the Cure postdoctoral fellowship KG111139 to EC and AT. Citation Format: Emilie Collmann, Alex Toker. Inhibition of PI 3-K isoforms lead to reactivation of Akt signaling in a subset of breast cancer cell lines. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 547. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-547
Laboratory Medicine Parameter: Utilizing Monospecific Antihuman Globulin to Test Blood-Group Compatibility

When using polyspecific antihuman globulin (AHG) reagents to detect unexpected antibodies or for crossmatching, reactivity in the AHG phase may be due exclusively to the AHG anticomplement component. A lengthy evaluation may be needed to prove that the reactivity is caused by a nuisance antibody, one that is clinically insignificant. Clinically significant transfusion intolerance is rare when caused by blood group alloantibodies, which are detected only with AHG sera that contain anticomplement activity. Using monospecific anti-lgG AHG reagents to detect unexpected antibodies offers reliability while avoiding interference from some common and clinically insignificant IgM complement-fixing antibodies, and thereby saves time and expense. (Key words : Practice parameter ; Practice guidelines ; Antihuman globulin; Antiglobulin testing ; Antibody detection ; Monospecific antihuman globulin ; Polyspecific antihuman globulin) Am J Clin Pathol 1995 ;104 : 122-125.
Painting magnetism on a canvas of graphene

An inherent aspect of any two-dimensional (2D) sheet is that all atoms in the material lie on the surface. This leads to a concept of 2D crystals as a “canvas,” where different chemical groups or “ink” on the surface can lead to a palette of distinct materials properties. The most well-studied 2D crystal is graphene, a one-atom-thick sheet of carbon atoms arranged in a honeycomb lattice. Although graphene's superlative materials properties and novel physical phenomena have led to a variety of applications ( 1 ), better tunability of these properties is still required. Toward this end, hydrogenated graphene (graphane) was predicted to have a wide band gap and exhibit magnetic order ( 2 – 4 ), in contrast to graphene, which is (semi)metallic and diamagnetic. The chemical stability of graphene makes hydrogenation difficult to control, and this has hampered efforts to tune its electronic or magnetic properties. On page [437][1] of this issue, Gonzalez-Herrero et al. ( 5 ) report direct evidence that hydrogen atoms on graphene do indeed yield a magnetic moment and that these moments can order ferromagnetically over relatively large distances. If these methods can be extended to industrial scales, then one can imagine storing information at unprecedented densities by painting magnetic bits on graphene canvases (see the figure). [1]: /lookup/doi/10.1126/science.aad8038
A Fast Recognition Method of Transmission Section Based on Cut-vertex and Path Search

This paper proposes an intelligent recognition method of transmission section based on cut-vertex and path search. The transmission section is defined according to the characteristics of power flow transfer after the overload branch is cut. By drawing on the conceptions of cut-vertex,block and the shortest path possible in the graph theory,this paper presents an in-deep analysis on the topological characteristic of the transmission section. Through a series of matrix operations,the proposed method will find out the k shortest paths between two nodes of the overload line in a block with overload with the overload line as its center,and finally recognize the transmission section suffering the greatest harm from branch outage. Considerable improvement in power network model dimensionality reduction is reported,and optimal selection of k and path searching algorithm,the value of k and the shortest path determination are given,effectively avoiding omission of the key branch,greatly reducing the analysis computation workload,achieving rapid recognition of the transmission section,and laying a foundation for preventing cascading tripping due to grid faults. Simulation results of a New England 39-bus testing system and an IEEE 118-bus testing system show the correctness and validity of the method.
Research of spectrum sensing algorithm based on modified support vector machine

Aiming at the low accuracy rate of the primary user detection in the wireless channel environment which caused by channel multipath fading and noise uncertainty,a method was proposed based on modified support vector machine(MSVM)for the primary user spectrum sensing of cognitive radio environment in the case of low SNR.Cyclostationary characteristic parameters were extracted as training samples and testing samples,then the MSVM was trained through the samples.Finally,the trained MSVM was utilized to detect the primary user.The experimental results show that the proposed algorithm is not affected by uncertainty factors of noise and better performs in terms of classification detection compared with energy detection(ED)and cyclostationary feature detection(CD).
National resident matching program violations.

Despite the temptation to lie to residency programs in order to increase one's chance of matching with them, applicants are better off avoiding dishonesty and ranking programs in order of true preference.
Coalitions and the Bottom Line: Strikes, Allies, and Company Stock Returns:

Scholars have long recognized how coalitions are critical for many social movements. This is especially evident in the labor movement, which has begun to seek external allies in the face of corpora...
MDSC suppression of B cell responses in murine retrovirus-induced immunodeficiency: a role for VISTA (IRC4P.603)

Inhibition by myeloid derived suppressor cells (MDSC) of T cell responses is well established in tumor microenvironments. We demonstrated (Green et al., 2013) induction of monocytic MDSCs during infection of B6 mice by LP-BM5 retrovirus, which causes profound immunodeficiency. These MDSCs suppressed not only T, but also B cell, responsiveness ex vivo . Whereas MDSC inhibition of stimulated T cell proliferation and IFN-gamma production was ~100%, iNOS/NO dependent, MDSC suppression of B-cell responses was only ~50% dependent on iNOS/NO - as shown by using iNOS inhibitors and iNOS k.o. mice as a source of MDSCs. We then discovered an additional mechanism(s) in MDSC inhibition of (only) B cell responsiveness that involved VISTA, a new negative checkpoint regulator. Using anti-VISTA blocking mAb, or LP-BM5 infected VISTA-/- MDSCs, MDSC inhibition of B cell responses was dependent on MDSC-expressed VISTA — again accounting for ~50% of total MDSC suppression. Combining the use of reagents to block both iNOS/NO and VISTA lead to an additive, if not synergistic, abrogation of MDSC suppression of B cell responsiveness. Consistent with a direct role of VISTA, in the absence of MDSCs, a VISTA-Ig fusion protein also partially inhibited B cell responsiveness. These results were compatible with a role for MDSC in LP-BM5-induced immunodeficiency and highlight involvement of multiple and unique suppressive pathways in the under-studied area of MDSC suppression of B cell responses.
Abstract 3028: Tolerance and intolerance of proximal thymine glycol in DNA double-strand break repair by nonhomologous end joining

Double-strand breaks (DSBs) induced by ionizing radiation are often accompanied by ancillary oxidative base damage that could prevent or delay their repair. In order to better define the features that make some DSBs repair-resistant, plasmid DSB substrates were constructed with two blunt ends, one having the oxidatively modified nonplanar base thymine glycol at the first, second or third positions from the 3′ terminus (Tg1, Tg2 and Tg3, respectively). End joining was examined in extracts of Bustel fibroblasts, wherein end joining is completely dependent on addition of exogenous recombinant XLF, and therefore reflects classical nonhomologous end joining. Tg at the third position had almost no effect on end-joining even when present on both ends of the break. However, the Tg1 and Tg2 substrates yielded tenfold to twentyfold less head-to-tail joins and no detectable head-to-head joins, suggesting that Tg as the terminal or penultimate base is a serious barrier to NHEJ and an absolute barrier when present at both ends. For all substrates, Tg-containing ligation products predominated at early times, and remarkably, a 3′ terminal Tg was in some cases directly ligated to an undamaged blunt end. Dideoxy trapping of base excision repair intermediates indicated that Tg was excised in the extracts, but largely if not exclusively after DSB ligation. For all substrates, accurate blunt end ligation without end trimming predominated. However addition of excess Artemis nuclease to the extracts resulted in a slightly shorter ligation product, and a slight increase in yield, for the Tg2 substrate only. For the Tg1 substrate, there was a distinct 2-hr delay between addition of substrate and the detection of ligated products, while the unmodified and Tg3 products showed a much shorter delay of ∼30 min. Overall, the results suggest that Tg can be a major impediment to DSB repair when present as the terminal or penultimate base, being relatively resistant to both trimming and ligation. Citation Format: Duaa Bafail, Sri Lakshmi Chalasani, Mohammed Al mohaini, Konstantin Akopiants, Lawrence F. Povirk. Tolerance and intolerance of proximal thymine glycol in DNA double-strand break repair by nonhomologous end joining. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 106th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2015 Apr 18-22; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(15 Suppl):Abstract nr 3028. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2015-3028
Surveillance in Hereditary Nonpolyposis Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer surveillance based on a positive family history is gaining widespread acceptance. Because subjects with a positive family history are a heterogeneous group, critical assessment of the history should be made so that a clinical likelihood of hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC) can be established. Findings from surveillance of asymptomatic subjects with HNPCC, and more modest family histories, are contrasted in this article. The threshold for colonoscopic surveillance should be low in subjects with any immediate family history of early-onset colorectal cancer, and in subjects with multiple relatives affected at any age.
Evaluation of high blood pressure and obesity among US coal miners participating in the Enhanced Coal Workers' Health Surveillance Program.

Abstract Since 2005, the Enhanced Coal Workers' Health Surveillance Program (ECWHSP) has offered respiratory examinations to coal miners in a mobile examination unit. As little is known about the cardiovascular health of coal miners, we describe the prevalence of high blood pressure (BP) and obesity among ECWHSP participants. During 2015, 1402 ECWHSP health examinations were performed. The prevalence of BP consistent with hypertension (systolic BP ≥ 140 mm Hg or diastolic BP ≥ 90 mm Hg), prehypertension (systolic BP 120–139 mm Hg or diastolic BP 80–89 mm Hg), and hypertensive crisis (systolic BP ≥ 180 mm Hg or diastolic BP ≥ 110 mm Hg) were calculated and compared with the US adult population using standardized morbidity ratios (SMRs). Most participants were male ( N = 1317, 94%), White (N = 1303, 93%) and non-Hispanic ( N = 1316, 94%). Thirty-one percent ( N = 440) of participants had BP in the hypertensive range and 87% ( N = 1215) were overweight/obese. Twenty-four participants (2%) had a BP reading consistent with a hypertensive crisis. Prevalence of obesity (52%, SMR = 1.52, 95% confidence interval = 1.41–1.64) and BP consistent with hypertension (31%, SMR = 1.60, 95% confidence interval = 1.45–1.76) was higher than the US adult population.The prevalence of obesity and BP consistent with hypertension in this population of coal miners is substantial, indicating a need for cardiovascular health interventions in coal mining communities.
Translational Aspects of Diet and Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a spectrum of diseases ranging from simple steatosis without inflammation or fibrosis to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Despite the strong association between dietary factors and NAFLD, no dietary animal model of NAFLD fully recapitulates the complex metabolic and histological phenotype of the disease, although recent models show promise. Although animal models have significantly contributed to our understanding of human diseases, they have been less successful in accurate translation to predict effective treatment strategies. We discuss strategies to overcome this challenge, in particular the adoption of big data approaches combining clinical phenotype, genomic heterogeneity, transcriptomics, and metabolomics changes to identify the ideal NAFLD animal model for a given scientific question or to test a given drug. We conclude by noting that novel big data approaches may help to bridge the translational gap for selecting dietary models of NAFLD.
Insulin modulates hippocampally-mediated spatial working memory via glucose transporter-4

The insulin-regulated glucose transporter, GluT4, is a key molecule in peripheral insulin signaling. Although GluT4 is abundantly expressed in neurons of specific brain regions such as the hippocampus, the functional role of neuronal GluT4 is unclear. Here, we used pharmacological inhibition of GluT4-mediated glucose uptake to determine whether GluT4 mediates insulin-mediated glucose uptake in the hippocampus. Consistent with previous reports, we found that glucose utilization increased in the dorsal hippocampus of male rats during spontaneous alternation (SA), a hippocampally-mediated spatial working memory task. We previously showed that insulin signaling within the hippocampus is required for processing this task, and that administration of exogenous insulin enhances performance. At baseline levels of hippocampal insulin, inhibition of GluT4-mediated glucose uptake did not affect SA performance. However, inhibition of an upstream regulator of GluT4, Akt, did impair SA performance. Conversely, when a memory-enhancing dose of insulin was delivered to the hippocampus prior to SA-testing, inhibition of GluT4-mediated glucose transport prevented cognitive enhancement. These data suggest that baseline hippocampal cognitive processing does not require functional hippocampal GluT4, but that cognitive enhancement by supra-baseline insulin does. Consistent with these findings, we found that in neuronal cell culture, insulin increases glucose utilization in a GluT4-dependent manner. Collectively, these data demonstrate a key role for GluT4 in transducing the procognitive effects of elevated hippocampal insulin.
Utilization of Christian Beliefs in Psychotherapy

Past evidence has indicated that strong religious faith has had therapeutic effects on individuals suffering from a variety of problems. Christian beliefs should be used in therapy rather than igno...
Prevention of urinary tract infection and sepsis following transrectal prostatic biopsy.

AbstractTransrectal biopsy is one of the more popular methods for the diagnosis of prostatic cancer. However, there is disagreement as to whether the use of prophylactic antimicrobials decreases the incidence of fever and urinary tract infections, which may follow this procedure. A prospective randomized double-blind study involving 63 patients was instituted to determine the efficacy of carbenicillin indanyl sodium in reducing these complications. The protocol consisted of administration of 2 tablets 4 times daily of a placebo or the treatment drug 24 hours before and after biopsy. Clean catch urine cultures were obtained 24 hours before biopsy and at 48 hours and 2 weeks after the procedure. Blood cultures were performed 15 minutes after biopsy. In addition, clinical parameters were monitored closely in the hospital for 48 hours after biopsy. A total of 48 patients was considered evaluable. Of 23 patients who received the study drug 2 (8.6 per cent) had positive urine cultures at 48 hours compared to 9 ...
Scaling distributions and income maximization

Judged by the illustrations, this chapter is an exercise in something close to linear programming. The formulas show that this exercise is carried out in a random context ruled by scaling distributions, including the Pareto law for the distribution of personal income. To help both concepts become “broken in” and better understood, I inves?tigated this and other standard topics afresh with the Gaussian replaced by the scaling distribution. For many issues, major “qualitative” changes follow. As is often the case, the root reason lies in sharp contrast in the convexity of probability isolines, between the circles of the form “ x 2 + y 2 = constant, ” which characterize independent Gaussian coordinates, and the hyperbolas of the form “ xy = constant, ” which characterize independent scaling coordinates. The resulting changes concern an issue central to this book and especially in Chapter E5: evenness of distribution associated with the Gaussian, versus concentration associated with the scaling.
Oral Immunization: Past and Present

Diverse environmental antigens of microbial and food origin constantly stimulate the entire immune system. Mucosal membranes which represent a vast area of contact with the environment, are exposed daily to antigenic substances that induce specific humoral as well as cell-mediated immune responses not only at the site of the stimulation — mucosa-associated lymphoid tissues — but also in the draining lymph nodes, spleen, and the bone marrow (Fig. 1). Therefore, it should not be surprising that mucosa-associated organs, especially the intestines, contain the largest accumulation of lymphoid cells, including B and T lymphocytes and plasma cells, as well as accessory and antigen- processing and-presenting cells (Brandtzaeg this volume). Quantitatively, the intestinal tract is the most active organ engaged in immunoglobulin production and antibodies, particularly those of the IgA isotype, are selectively transported into the gut lumen (Conley and Delacroix 1987; Mestecky and McGhee 1987).