cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Thalidomide- and Lenalidomide-Associated; Thromboembolism; NMS with Delayed Fever Associated with Risperidone Another Interesting Adverse Effect to Risperidone – Priapism; Hyperlactatemia due to Nevirapine; Recurrent Anaphylaxis with Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Analogs; Psychotropic Effects of Antiepileptic Drugs; Literacy and Misunderstanding of Prescription Drug Labels:

THALIDOMIDEAND LENALIDOMIDE-ASSOCIATED THROMBOEMBOLISM A few years ago, this column reviewed reports of thromboembolism associated with the use of thalidomide. A recent review in JAMA looked at over 1,100 cases of thromboembolism associated with thalidomide (Thalomid) and eight cases caused by lenalidomide (Revlimid). These numbers were culled from the MedWatch database. An additional 585 case reports with thalidomide were gleaned from published phase 2 and 3 studies and abstracts. There were another 110 reports of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in these same published accounts that were associated with lenalidomide. About half of all of the reported cases of VTE developed even when prophylaxis was administered. Most of the cases involved concomitant treatment with dexamethasone or prednisone therapy. The majority of the case reports of VTE occurred in patients treated for multiple myeloma, for which these two immunomodulatory agents have gained treatment approval. Both thalidomide and Hospital Pharmacy Volume 42, Number 2, pp 103–108 2007 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.
DEHYDROEPIANDROSTERONE SULFATE (DS)IN NEWBORNS WITH ABNORMAL GROWTH PATTERNS

To examine the link between DS and fetal growth patterns, DS was measured by RIA following enzymolysis in 178 cord sera of twins, triplets, infants of diabetic mothers (IDM's), LGA newborns of non IDM's, and SGA newborns. Normal levels for AGA preterm and term infants were generated and agreed with previously published data, (29-35 wks. Mean DS 139±59 vs term mean DS 234±39 p <.01). DS did not vary with mode of delivery. AGA premature infants of multiple gestation pregnancies had significantly lower levels in the 35 wk group (74±32 vs 139±59 p<.01), in the 36-37 wk group (119±51 vs 190±60 p <.01) and in the term group (156±36 vs 234±87 p <.01). Furthermore, the sum of the DS in AGA twins was not significantly different than that of the mean values for singletons at matched gestational ages despite twice the adrenal tissue. In 4 of 5 discordant twin pairs the growth retarded twin had a much lower cord DS. The DS did not differ between term LGA IDM infants (classes A-C) and term non-IDM's (211±53 vs 234±87) although non IDM LGA infants had higher DS (M 295±42 vs 211±53 p <.05). Term SGA infants without major congenital anomalies had lower DS than term AGA infants (125±16 vs 234±87 p <.01). DS in cord sera closely parallels the abnormal growth of non-IDM LGA or SGA infants and depressed levels precede the fall in the growth rate of multiple gestational births.
Longitudinal dynamics in storage rings

We derive the single-particle equations of motion for charged particles in a storage ring. Longitudinal space charge is included in the potential assuming an infinitely conducting circular beam pipe with a distributed inductance. The framework uses Hamilton's equations with the canonical variables φ and W. The Twiss parameters for longitudinal motion are also defined for the small amplitude synchrotron oscillations. The space-charge Hamiltonian is calculated for both parabolic bunches and “matched” bunches. We also give a brief analysis that includes second-harmonic rf contributions. In the final sections, we calculate dynamical quantities and particle simulations with the space-charge effects neglected.
Prenatally diagnosed fetal lung lesions with associated conotruncal heart defects: Is there a genetic association?

Congenital lung malformation can easily be diagnosed by prenatal ultrasound. Associated extrapulmonary malformations such as heart defects and chromosomal aberrations are rare. Objective The objective of this study was to describe the natural history, outcome and other associated malformations in fetuses with lung lesions and an associated heart defect. Methods Retrospective analysis of 4 cases of prenatally diagnosed fetal CCAMs and hybrid lesions with an associated heart defect and review of 8 cases in the literature. Results At a single referral center 1.9% of the fetuses with Congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation (CCAM) were diagnosed with an associated heart defect. Seven of the total 12 cases (58%) reviewed had a conotruncal heart abnormality. Chromosomal abnormalities were found in 5 (42%) of the cases. Conclusion This retrospective review shows that karyotyping in fetal lung lesions with an associated heart defect or isolated large lung lesions is indicated. It also suggests that there is a subpopulation of fetuses with CCAMs who have conotruncal heart defects. This finding may suggest a common genetic background. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Subconjunctival Palomid 529 in the treatment of neovascular age-related macular degeneration

Background Recent evidence suggests that neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD) may have an immune mediated component. Palomid 529, an investigational medication involving the immune Akt/mTOR pathway, is unique in dissociating both targets of rapamycin complexes TORC1 and TORC2. This small short-term pilot study assesses the safety of subconjunctival Palomid 529 in the treatment of neovascular AMD, with some limited efficacy information.
Pain physiology: basic science

LTHOUGH there is considerable informa-tion about the mechanisms through whichinjury stimuli produce acute pain, recentstudies have established that there are signif-icant long-term consequences of persistent injury. Painis exacerbated, in part, because of a reorganization ofspinal cord circuitry in the setting of persistent injury. Inthis brief review I will address some of the mechanismsthat have been identified, focusing on issues of interestto our own laboratory, and indicate how they are likelyto operate in the production of the intense pain associ-ated with tissue or nerve injury. A major interest of our laboratory is in the contri-bution of the primary afferent neurotransmitter, sub-stance P (SP), to these changes. By followinginternalization of the SP receptor in spinal cord dorsalhorn neurons, we have identified the stimuli thatevoke SP release and the neurons that respond tothese stimuli. Importantly, based on the intensities ofstimuli required to evoke internalization, we concludethat SP, in the normal animal, is only released underconditions in which severe pain would be produced.
Advanced propulsion activities in the USA

An evaluation is made of technology development prospects for launch vehicle, orbit transfer vehicle, satellite, and planetary exploration spacecraft propulsion systems being contemplated by NASA and its research contractors. Attention is given to such electric propulsion systems as arcjet, pulsed plasma, ion, and resistojet thrusters, as well as to solar thermal heat exchanger powerplants, beamed energy propulsion systems, and ultra-advanced nuclear fission and fusion propulsion concepts.
Spectrum of Sjögren syndrome in children

Sjogren syndrome, consisting of keratoconjunctivitis sicca and xerostomia with or without another autoimmune disease, is uncommon in children. We describe our retrospective experience with eight pediatric patients with SS. All had recurrent parotid enlargement and abnormal salivary gland biopsies, six had keratoconjunctivitis sicca, and five had other autoimmune manifestations, although only two of these had other clearly defined autoimmune disorders (mixed connective tissue disease and hypergammaglobulinemic purpura). Our patients had a higher incidence of primary SS, parotid enlargement, and hematologic abnormalities than did children previously reported with SS. Children with SS demonstrate a clinical heterogeneity comparable to that seen in adults.
Down's syndrome patients are less likely to develop cancer.

Down's syndrome suppression of tumour growth and the role of the calcineurin inhibitor DSCR1 Baek et al. (2009) Nature 459:1126–1130
A COMPUTER SIMULATION OF THE NON-NEWTONIAN BLOOD FLOW AT THE AORTIC BIFURCATION

A two-dimensional numerical model was developed to determine the effect of the non-Newtonian behavior of blood on a pulsatile flow at the aortic bifurcation. The blood rheology was described by a weak-form Casson equation. The successive-over-relaxation (SOR) method was used to solve both the vorticity and Poisson equations numerically. It was disclosed that the non-Newtonian property of blood did not drastically change the flow patterns, but caused an appreciable increase in the shear stresses and a slightly higher resistance to both flow separations and the phase shifts between flow layers.
Influence of Sex Hormones on Frequency of Micturition

THE frequency of micturition during pregnancy is regarded as a normal reaction to this physiological state. The mechanism which is responsible for this action, however, remains a matter of conjecture. It was once assumed that, during pregnancy, frequent micturition resulted from the impingement of the enlarging uterus on the urinary bladder. It has since been recognized that this is not the complete answer to the problem1,2.
Mechanism for down-regulation of CD28 by Nef.

SIV and HIV Nef proteins disrupt T-cell receptor machinery by down-modulating cell surface expression of CD4 and expression or signaling of CD3–TCR. Nef also down-modulates class I major histocompatibility complex (MHC) surface expression. We show that SIV and HIV-1 Nefs down-modulate CD28, a major co-stimulatory receptor that mediates effective T-cell activation, by accelerating CD28 endocytosis. The effects of Nef on CD28, CD4, CD3 and class I MHC expression are all genetically separable, indicating that all are selected independently. In cells expressing a Nef–green fluorescent protein (GFP) fusion, CD28 co-localizes with the AP-2 clathrin adaptor and Nef–GFP. Mutations that disrupt Nef interaction with AP-2 disrupt CD28 down-regulation. Furthermore, HIV and SIV Nefs use overlapping but distinct target sites in the membrane-proximal region of the CD28 cytoplasmic domain. Thus, Nef probably induces CD28 endocytosis via the AP-2 pathway, and this involves a ternary complex containing Nef, AP-2 and CD28. The likely consequence of the concerted down-regulation of CD28, CD4 and/or CD3 by Nef is disruption of antigen-specific signaling machineries in infected T cells following a productive antigen recognition event.
Salvatore model with equiproportional preservation of forests

A a condition for preserving their tropical rainforests, countries in the southern hemisphere are demanding equiproportional protection of temperate forests in the northern hemisphere. The Salvatore version of the Heckscher-Ohlin-Samuelson model is used to simulate the case in which it is efficient for both North and South to preserve the same proportion of their national forests. The extreme assumptions of the Salvatore model are then relaxed and the resulting effects on forest preservation examined. Although the model is highly abstract, it lends credibility to the calls for equal protection of old-growth forests.
Gain Scheduled H^ Controllers for a Two Link Flexible Manipulator

The dynamics of a two link flexible manipulator are highly nonlinear and vary with the configuration of the second link over the operating range of the manipulator. This fact makes it difficult for a single linear time invariant controller to achieve the desired closed-loop specifications. This paper investigates the use of robust gain scheduled H^ controllers for endpoint trajectory tracking of a two link flexible manipulator with the angular position of the second link used as a scheduling parameter. A new method of gain scheduling with guaranteed stability at all frozen intermediate operating points is proposed. The method exploits the explicit and observer based compensator form of H^ controllers resulting from the normalized coprime factor robust stabilization approach. Simulation results corresponding to straight line motion of the tip of the second link are shown to illustrate the use of the proposed method.
Biogeomorphic Relationships and Riparian Vegetation Changes Along Altered Ephemeral Stream Channels: Florence to Marana, Arizona

This study examines riparian vegetation cover changes along ephemeral channels due to the emplacement of the Central Arizona Project (CAP) canal. Two research questions examined are the following: (1) How has riparian vegetation changed over the course of twenty-eight years due to altered flow conditions? (2) How has channel morphology affected changes in vegetation cover? Five Landsat TM images acquired in 1982, 1989, 1996, 2003, and 2010 were classified. The average change of vegetation cover per 0.5-km section over the twenty-eight-year period is approximately 100,436 m2 over 25.5-km length of the canal on the upstream section. In addition, the total amount of vegetation cover increase in the twenty-eight years over the 25.5-km length of the canal is approximately 5,122,239 m2. Larger streams experienced a greater increase in vegetation cover upslope than smaller streams. In addition, streams of similar width dimensions that were completely closed off resulted in greater vegetation cover than streams t...
The Dualistic Nature of Immune Modulation In Alzheimers Disease: Lessons from the Transgenic Models

There is extensive evidence that changes in immune system activation accompany the pathological changes of Alzheimer's disease (AD), but a mechanistic understanding of how the immune system actually participates in disease pathogenesis is still largely lacking. Because of the complexity of the immunological response, and the difficulty in identifying the key molecular players that underlie any given immunological response, expanding our understanding of the immunological response in AD beyond its descriptive stages has not been a straightforward exercise. The development of transgenic animals that form deposits of Abeta peptide in their brains has provided an unexpected dividend to those interested in the immunological response characterizing AD. Several of these transgenic models develop structures greatly resembling neuritic plaques, a hallmark feature of AD brain that is also a focal point of the immunological response occurring in AD. Genetic and pharmacological manipulation of these Abeta-depositing transgenic mice is providing some intriguing and unexpected insights into the role of innate and adaptive immune mechanisms in the pathogenesis of AD. This review will discuss immunological perspectives that have arisen from research using Abeta-depositing transgenic mice, and place these perspectives in the context of epidemiological and genetic studies that have previously suggested a role for the immune system in AD. The emerging story affirms the likely role of innate and adaptive immune mechanisms in the pathogenesis of AD, but provides a cautionary note as to the difficulties that are likely to face potential immunomodulatory therapies due to the dualistic beneficial and detrimental roles that immune mechanisms appear to play in AD.
Reconstruction from nonuniform data using the energy reduction, the steepest descent, and the contraction mapping method

We introduce three iterative methods for reconstructing a band-limited function from its unevenly spaced sampled data. Each iterative method introduces its own varying coefficient which is adaptively determined at each iteration. A varying coefficient for the first algorithm is adaptively determined based on the error energy reduction of the signal. The second method, the method of steepest descent, determines a varying coefficient based on the error energy reduction of the unevenly spaced sampled data. Third, the contraction mapping method determines a varying coefficient based on the distance reduction of the estimated signals. The reconstructed signal from these algorithms converges to the desired signal if the basis functions, {exp(jwt_n)}, where {t_n} are the unevenly spaced sampling points, form a complete set in the signal subspace of the original signal.
MEASUREMENT OF DECAY CORRELATIONS IN K/sub $mu$3/$sup +$ DECAYS.

Wire spark planes and scintillation counters were used in an experiment designed to measure the correlations among the products of the decay of a stopped ${K}^{+}$ meson to a muon, neutrino, and pion. The results determined the value of the form-factor ratio as $\ensuremath{\xi}(0)=\ensuremath{-}0.62\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.28$. The momentum dependence of the ${f}_{+}$ form factor was defined by our measured value of ${\ensuremath{\lambda}}_{+}=0.024\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.022$ (taking ${\ensuremath{\lambda}}_{\ensuremath{-}}=0$.)
Cross sections of the 36Ar(d,α)34mCl, 40Ar(d,α)38Cl, and 40Ar(d,p)41Ar nuclear reactions below 8.4 MeV.

We have measured the cross section for production of the medically interesting isotope 34mCl, along with 38Cl and 41Ar, using deuteron bombardments of 36Ar and 40Ar below 8.4 MeV. ALICE/ASH analytical codes were employed to determine the shape of nuclear excitation functions, and experiments were performed using the University of Wisconsin tandem electrostatic accelerator to irradiate thin targets of argon gas.
On precipitate induced hardening in crystal plasticity: theory

Abstract A material description for the elasto-plastic deformation of crystals with non-shearable precipitates at finite strains is presented in this article. On the basis of the elastic inclusion model of Bate et al., [Acta Metall. 29 (1981), 1797–1814] the constitutive equations are formulated in a crystal plasticity setting. The anisotropic kinematic hardening for the actual yield condition of the slip systems is described by the averaged accommodation tensor over all precipitates of an aggregate. For needle and disk-like shaped precipitates the incorporation of precipitate rotations is suggested to describe the evolution of back stress terms in the deformation process. The dependencies of the kinematic hardening description on shape, size, and orientation of the precipitates within the deformation process are discussed.
A note on Taylor’s stability rule

Analyzing the stability of the interface between two fluids of different densities which is accelerating normal to its surface, Taylor concluded a rule that “this surface is stable or unstable according to whether the acceleration is directed from the heavier to the lighter fluid or vice versa.” We show by following Taylor’s analysis that in the range where the acceleration of the interface is in the direction of the gravitational acceleration and its magnitude is smaller, this rule reverses direction. The interface is stable or unstable according to whether the acceleration is from the lighter to the heavier fluid or vice versa.
Transfection of restrictionless Escherichia coli by bacteriophage T7 DNA: Effect of in vitro erosion of DNA by λ exonuclease

Abstract T7 bacteriophage infects with equal efficiency restriction-proficient Escherichia coli K12 cells and the restriction-deficient mutants. To the contrary, the purified phage DNA transfects wild-type cells at a very low efficiency (10 −9 plaques/genome equivalent). Mutations in the recB recC (exonuclease V) and sbcB (exonuclease I) loci increase the transfecting efficiency tenfold. A 1000-fold increase is obtained with cells deficient in restriction. No further increase is observed in hosts carrying both sets of mutations. The transfecting activity of the DNA on restriction-deficient hosts increases another 20-fold (up to 4 × 10 −5 plaques/genome equivalent) by complete erosion of the redundant regions of DNA with λ exonuclease, both in rec + and rec B rec C sbc B genotypes. Circles and linear oligomers arising from the annealing of eroded DNA show the same transfecting activity as the unannealed monomers. The terminal redundancy of the genome, as measured by the onset of annealability of eroded molecules, was found to comprise 50 to 100 base-pairs.
Two case studies of L2 writers’ experiences across learning-directed portfolio contexts

Abstract Portfolios have attracted considerable interest among ESL writing and assessment specialists since the 1980s. Whether they have fulfilled the promise their proponents envision is a question still under investigation. This paper describes two case studies which looked at student experiences with portfolios in two ESL writing courses where the portfolio pedagogies employed differed, so that each student was able to experience portfolios under meaningful conditions for comparison. The results showed that the participants liked the idea of portfolios but did not strongly endorse their use as employed in the courses which served as the research settings. The study's findings shed light on how students respond to different portfolio models and thus contribute to our understanding of the place portfolios can occupy in L2 writing instruction.
US FDA's revised consumption factor for polystyrene used in food-contact applications

US FDA's continual effort to evaluate the safety of food-contact materials includes periodically re-examining our established packaging factors, such as consumption and food-type distribution factors. The use of polystyrene in food-contact and disposable food-packaging applications has expanded and is expected to continue to increase in the future. Therefore, it is important to revise the polystyrene consumption factor to account for increases in consumer exposure to substances migrating from styrenic food packaging. The currently used consumption factor for polystyrene is 0.1, which is based on market data collected around 1980. US FDA has revised the polystyrene consumption factor utilizing three different sources of market data. Using consumption and population data, US FDA calculated a new consumption factor of 0.14 for polystyrene. This consumption factor has been further subdivided to allow for the refinement of exposure estimates for uses limited to specific subcategories of polystyrene packaging.
A Basis for Multidimensional Item Response Theory

Independent clusters, as treated in classical linear factor analysis, provide a desirable basis for multidimensional item response models, yielding interpretable and useful results. The independentclusters basis serves to determine dimensionality, while establishing a pattern for the item parameter matrix that provides identifiability conditions and facilitates interpretation of the traits. It also provides a natural extension of known results on convergent/discriminant “construct” validity to binary items, allowing the quantification of the validity of test and subtest scores. The independent-clusters basis simplifies item/test response and information hypersurfaces, which cannot otherwise be easily studied except in the trivial case of two dimensions, and provides estimates of latent traits with uncorrelated measurement errors. In addition, the affine transformation needed for the informative analysis of the causes of differential item functioning is simplified using the independent-clusters basis. Thes...
Triiodothyronine in acute alcoholic intoxication.

REPORTS in the lay press of the sobering effect of triiodothyronine in intoxicated humans suggested to us the desirability of investigating the effect of this compound on acute alcoholic intoxication under controlled conditions in the laboratory. To this end varying doses of triiodothyronine (3,3′,5-triiodo-L-thyronine as either the free acid or the sodium salt, obtained from Sigma Chemical Co.) were administered intraperitoneally to normal female dogs of 10–15 kgm., after which a dose of 3.0 gm. per kgm. of ethyl alcohol, diluted to 15 per cent with normal saline, was administered intravenously over a period of about 30 min. At the end of 1 hr. after the start of the injection, and afterwards each hour for 7 hr., samples of venous blood were drawn for alcohol analyses1 and the degree of intoxication assessed according to an arbitrary scale of 10 stages used for many years in this laboratory2. Controls were run on each animal, varying only in the absence of the injection of triiodothyronine.
Living Quality A Humanbecoming Phenomenon

The purpose of this article is to set forth the humanbecoming paradigm and the phenomenon living quality, which better expresses the notion of quality of life from this paradigmatic perspective. The three inherent core knowings of living quality are described and explained in light of the community change concepts. Living quality with sciencing and living the art of humanbecoming are also discussed.
Zinc in multiple sclerosis

Zinc profiles were examined in 68 patients with multiple sclerosis, 62 normal volunteers, and 13 patients with other neurological diseases. Plasma zinc levels were slightly increased in patients with multiple sclerosis and significantly increased in those with other neurological impairments (p less than 0.01), compared with control subjects. Albumin-bound as well as protein-bound zinc levels were normal in all groups tested. The alpha 2 macroglobulin-bound zinc level was significantly lower (p less than 0.01) in patients with multiple sclerosis than in control subjects. Erythrocyte-bound zinc levels were significantly increased (p less than 0.05) in patients with multiple sclerosis when compared with control subjects. Erythrocyte-bound zinc was normal in patients with other neurological impairments. Because erythrocyte-bound zinc levels are relatively independent of daily fluctuations in dietary zinc intake, an increase in these values may suggest alterations in the control mechanisms governing zinc compartmentalization in patients with multiple sclerosis.
Systemin activates synthesis of wound-inducible tomato leaf polyphenol oxidase via the octadecanoid defense signaling pathway.

Abstract Tomato plants overexpressing a prosystemin gene that encodes the precursor of a mobile wound signal called systemin have been shown previously to constitutively synthesize extraordinarily high levels of two defensive proteinase inhibitor proteins in leaves in the absence of wounding. We herein report that leaves of these transgenic plants possess enhanced levels of another defensive protein, polyphenol oxidase (PPO) at levels that are up to 70-fold higher than levels found in leaves of wild-type plants. Supplying young wild-type tomato plants with systemin through cut stems induced PPO activity in leaves, and wounding lower leaves of young tomato plants induced PPO activity in both wounded and unwounded leaves to levels equal to those induced by systemin. Exposing young tomato plants to methyl jasmonate vapor caused an increase in PPO activity equivalent to levels found in plants overexpressing the prosystemin gene. The data indicate that PPO and proteinase inhibitor genes are coactivated systemically by wounding via the octadecanoid signal transduction pathway and that systemin has a much broader role in signaling plant defensive genes than was previously known.
Human Supervisory Control Framework for Interactive Medical Image Segmentation

In this work, interactive segmentation is integrated with an active contour model, and segmentation is posed as a human-supervisory-control problem. User input is tightly coupled with an automatic segmentation algorithm leveraging the user’s high-level anatomical knowledge and the automated method’s speed. Real-time visualization enables the user to quickly identify and correct the result in a subdomain where the variational model’s statistical assumptions do not agree with his expert knowledge. Methods developed in this work are applied to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) volumes as part of a population study of human skeletal development. Segmentation time is reduced by approximately five times over similarly accurate manual segmentation of large bone structures.
Partitioning-Based SOR for Minimum Energy Multicast Tree Problem in Wireless Ad Hoc Networks

In this paper we introduce the application of partitioning-based SOR (PSOR) algorithm to the minimum energy multicast tree problem in wireless ad hoc networks. PSOR was proposed for the minimum energy broadcast tree problem in our previous work and it can be applied to the multicast tree problem with small modification. PSOR for multicast maintains the same theoretical bound for the approximation ratio and computational running time as PSOR for broadcast. The computational results show improvement in the solution quality (in terms of the sum of the transmission powers). PSOR outperforms the other algorithms and it shows better results compared to ISOR (Iterated version of SOR) in terms of the ratio of solution quality improvement over running time increase. Recent careful study revealed that there was a bug in our implementation of SOR which caused worse performance than it should have. In this paper we used the results of the corrected version of SOR for the comparisons.
Communications systems management

As data processing systems have grown from primarily batch-oriented applications to today's fairly extensive on-line systems, the management system required to control these resources has changed. This system evolution is forcing management to focus their attention on controlling the distribution of information to various users performing many diverse applications. Communications Systems Management is the process used to manage and control the distribution of information in an on-line system for maximum performance and productivity. It consists of those techniques and tools needed to operate, maintain, repair, install and plan for the continuous operation of a communications-oriented information system. The following pages describe the management functions needed to ensure that on-line system operation will be successful.
β-Adrenergic growth regulation of human cancer cell lines derived from pancreatic ductal carcinomas

Exocrine ductal carcinoma of the pancreas has been associated with smoking, and the tobacco-specific nitrosamine 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK) causes this cancer type in laboratory rodents. Current knowledge on the growth regulation of this malignancy is extremely limited. Recent studies have shown overexpression of cyclooxygenase 2 (COX 2) and 5-lipoxygenase (5-lipox) in exocrine pancreatic carcinomas, suggesting a potential role of the arachidonic acid (AA) cascade in the regulation of this cancer type. In support of this interpretation, our data show high basal levels of AA release in two human cell lines derived from exocrine ductal pancreatic carcinomas. Both cell lines expressed m-RNA for beta2-adrenergic receptors and beta1-adrenergic receptors. Radio-receptor assays showed that beta2-adrenergic receptors predominated over beta1-adrenergic receptors. beta2-Adrenergic antagonist ICI118,551 significantly reduced basal AA release and DNA synthesis when the cells were maintained in complete medium. DNA synthesis of the cell line (Panc-1) with an activating point mutation in codon 12 of the ki-ras gene was significantly stimulated by NNK when cells were maintained in complete medium and this response was inhibited by the beta-blocker ICI118,551, the COX-inhibitor aspirin, or the 5-lipox-inhibitor MK-886. The cell line without ras mutations (BXPC-3) did not show a significant response to NNK in complete medium. When the assays were conducted in serum-free medium, both cell lines demonstrated increased DNA synthesis in response to NNK, an effect inhibited by the beta2-blocker, aspirin, or MK-886. Panc-1 cells were more sensitive to the stimulating effects of NNK and less responsive to the inhibitors than BXPC-3 cells. Our findings are in accord with a recent report which has identified NNK as a beta-adrenergic agonist and suggest beta-adrenergic, AA-dependent regulatory pathways in pancreatic cancer as a novel target for cancer intervention strategies.
Normal Accident theory as frame, link, and provocation

In this article, the author offers suggestions as to why Normal Accidents, and the theory it formed, continues to provoke. By placing a meaningful frame around flows of events, normal accident theory allows people to better grasp and analyze the complexity of technological organizations as they face the unexpected.
Disclosure of Neuropsychological Test Data: Official Position of Division 40 (Clinical Neuropsychology) of the American Psychological Association, Association of Postdoctoral Programs in Clinical Neuropsychology, and American Academy of Clinical Neuropsychology*

The views expressed in this document are those of Division 40. They have not been approved by the governing body of APA and should not be construed as representing the policy of APA as a whole or o...
Stat3 Phosphorylation Mediates Resistance of Primary Human T Cells to Regulatory T Cell Suppression

Human autoimmune diseases are characterized by systemic T cell dysfunction, resulting in chronically activated Th1 and Th17 cells that are inadequately suppressed by regulatory T cells (Tregs). IL-6, which is overexpressed in tissue and serum of patients with autoimmune diseases, inhibits human Treg function. We sought to determine the mechanism for the antitolerogenic properties of IL-6 by examining the signaling pathways downstream of IL-6R in primary human T cells. Inhibition of Stat3 signaling in MLCs containing IL-6 restores Treg-mediated suppression, demonstrating that IL-6–mediated loss of Treg suppression requires phosphorylation of Stat3. Cultures in which either effector T cells (Teffs) or Tregs were pretreated with Stat3 inhibitors indicate that phosphorylated (p)Stat3 is required in both T cell populations for IL-6–mediated reversal of Treg function. IL-21, which signals preferentially through pStat3, also reverses Treg suppression, in contrast to IL-27 and IFN-γ, which signal preferentially through Stat1 and do not inhibit Treg function. Interestingly, both Teffs and Tregs respond to IL-6 stimulation through strong Stat3 phosphorylation with minimal MAPK/Erk activation and moderate Stat1 phosphorylation. Finally, Teffs stimulated strongly through the TCR are also resistant to suppression by Tregs and show concurrent Stat3 phosphorylation. In these cultures, inhibition of pStat3 restores functional suppression by Tregs. Taken together, our findings suggest that an early dominance of Stat3 signaling, prior to subsequent T cell activation, is required for the loss of functional Treg suppression and that kinase-specific inhibitors may hold therapeutic promise in the treatment of autoimmune and chronic inflammatory diseases.
Internal Iliac Artery Aneurysm Following Aortic Reconstruction

Fewer than 100 internal iliac artery aneurysms have been reported in the English literature. Of these the incidence of true aneurysms occurring after aortic reconstruction is exceedingly low. A 73-year-old man presented with a 7 cm asymptomatic left internal iliac artery aneurysm 12 years after repair of an abdominal aortic aneurysm with a bifurcation graft. We report our experience with this patient along with a review of the literature and recommendations for aneurysm surveillance.
Formal specification and verification of OSI session layer protocol using CCS

This paper describes an application of formal methods to protocol specification, validation and verification. The chosen formal method is the Calculus of Communicating Systems (CCS), which is used to build a CCS model of the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) Reference model session layer protocol and prove its inherent livelock using the CCS automated support. >
Caveolin-1-eNOS signaling promotes p190RhoGAP-A nitration and endothelial permeability.

Endothelial barrier function is regulated by adherens junctions (AJs) and caveolae-mediated transcellular pathways. The opening of AJs that is observed in caveolin-1−/− (Cav-1−/−) endothelium suggests that Cav-1 is necessary for AJ assembly or maintenance. Here, using endothelial cells isolated from Cav-1−/− mice, we show that Cav-1 deficiency induced the activation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and the generation of nitric oxide (NO) and peroxynitrite. We assessed S-nitrosylation and nitration of AJ-associated proteins to identify downstream NO redox signaling targets. We found that the GTPase-activating protein (GAP) p190RhoGAP-A was selectively nitrated at Tyr1105, resulting in impaired GAP activity and RhoA activation. Inhibition of eNOS or RhoA restored AJ integrity and diminished endothelial hyperpermeability in Cav-1−/− mice. Thrombin, a mediator of increased endothelial permeability, also induced nitration of p120-catenin–associated p190RhoGAP-A. Thus, eNOS-dependent nitration of p190RhoGAP-A represents a crucial mechanism for AJ disassembly and resultant increased endothelial permeability.
Kinking in Mg2GeO4 olivine: An EBSD study

We have used electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) to characterize the internal deformation and orientation of olivine grains within an experimentally deformed Mg2GeO4 olivine aggregate. We observe that a significant fraction of the grains contain kink bands. Our observations of kink band geometry, combined with the work of earlier authors, indicate that [001] slip is the dominant slip system operating in Mg2GeO4 olivine at 1000–1473 K at 0.6–1.3 GPa. Since Mg2GeO4 is a high-pressure analog for natural compositions of olivine, this is consistent with the observations made by others that the dominant slip system for olivine in the mantle switches from [100] to [001] as pressure increases. We also observed that kink bands formed in all measured olivine grains with [001] axes oriented within 35° of the compression direction. We thus conclude that in a randomly oriented polycrystal undergoing uniaxial deformation at low to moderate temperatures, 18% of all grains will deform by kinking and that kink band formation is an important accommodation mechanism for olivine at these conditions.
Fostering model explains variation in levels of sociality in a spider system

We developed an ‘assured fitness returns’ model for the evolution of sociality independent of high relatedness within colonies. We first developed this model based on parameters from the northern social spider Anelosimus studiosus, which shows a higher incidence of multiple-female colonies caring for a common brood at higher latitudes and colder conditions within latitudes. The mathematical model developed predicts that multiple females will cooperatively care for a brood in those environments in which a single female has a high probability of dying before her offspring are able to care for themselves. The frequency of multiple-female nests observed in variable temperature sites in eastern Tennessee, U.S.A., is consistent with that found in our latitudinal censuses: a higher frequency of multiple-female colonies was present at cold-water sites than at warm-water sites. A test of a critical model assumption found a positive correlation of temperature and juvenile development rate in both the field and the laboratory. Colony success in field studies was also consistent with model predictions.
The Assessment of Acculturation, Enculturation, and Culture in Asian-American Samples

Asian-Americans are one of the largest and fastest growing groups in the United States. Within the category of “Asian American” exists tremendous variation in where individuals immigrate from, how long they have spent in the USA, and how much contact they have with American culture. One way to account for some of these differences is by examining Asian-Americans’ levels of acculturation (i.e., orientation towards American culture) and enculturation (i.e., retention of Asian values and practices). Research finds that acculturation and enculturation have been linked to a host of positive and negative outcomes, particularly in the area of mental health. Thus, measuring acculturation, enculturation, and endorsement of specific cultural ideas and practices (i.e., Asian values of family and achievement; Western values of autonomy and independence) can help clinicians better understand differences in psychological health and well-being among Asian-Americans. The present chapter outlines research on the conceptualization and measurement of acculturation, enculturation, and cultural ideas in Asian-American groups to inform psychological research and clinical practice in an increasingly diverse nation.
Distribution of Wolbachia Within Drosophila Reproductive Tissue: Implications for the Expression of Cytoplasmic Incompatibility

SYNOPSIS. A PCR based quantitative assay was used to determine Wolbachia infection levels in three different Drosophila strains. In addition, confocal microscopy was used to confirm and calibrate these results. Wolbachia infection levels ranged from 2,600 to 18,500 per egg. Single ovaries and testes from each of the three strains were also assayed using the calibrated quantitative PCR assay. A general correlation was found between bacterial levels in eggs and those found in ovaries and testis. These infection levels were consistent with the expression of cytoplasmic incompatibility (CI). In two strains of D. simulans, although the overall bacterial numbers were not significantly different, they exhibited different levels of CI. A direct correlation between the number of infected developing sperm cysts in these strains and CI levels was observed. This calibrated assay should provide a useful baseline for future comparative work, particularly between laboratories.
Integrating large, disparate biomedical ontologies to boost organ development network connectivity

There is a significant opportunity to extend the Gene Ontology's (GO) anatomical development hierarchies for use in various bioinformatics analysis scenarios such as systems biology network analysis, for example. In particular there is very little overlap between the anatomical entities referenced in these hierarchies and the corresponding concepts in the Foundational Model of Anatomy (FMA) ontology, despite the fact that the FMA is quite vast and well organized. Both ontologies can be integrated in such a manner that new, biologically meaningful paths can be revealed for use in analysis. In this paper, we present a method for integrating the GO's anatomical development process hierarchies with anatomical concepts in the FMA that correspond to the organs participating in the development processes. We also provide an evaluation of the impact of this integration on the number of paths from diseases and disease genes to the FMA concepts that participate in the development processes that annotate the genes. The results demonstrate a vast number of such paths and therefore the potential to impact biological network analysis of the molecular mechanisms underlying diseases that are involved in anatomical development.
Collaborative Reproduction and Rethinking Parentage

Collaborative Reproduction and Rethinking Parentage, by Charles P. Kindregan, Jr., questions the traditional methods of determining legal parenthood in the light of increased use of collaborative reproduction to have children. Historically motherhood was determined by giving birth, and fatherhood either by paternity proceedings or application of a legal presumption that the husband of the birth mother was the father. The only significant exception to these tests was statutorily-authorized adoption. But with the advent of such collaborative reproductive technologies as intrauterine insemination by donor sperm, in vitro fertilization by use of donor gametes, embryo donation and transfer, surrogate birthing, and (in the near future) reproductive cloning children are being conceived and born in circumstances which do not fit the traditional tests. Collaborative reproduction is largely unregulated by law, except for a few statutes and court decisions in a few states, and the author argues that genetic or adoptive tests for legal parenthood can no longer be universally applied. The challenge to the law will be the creation of new doctrines, such as intended parent or de facto parent will have to gain greater recognition in order to avoid confusion as to who is legally responsible for children.
Unified viscoplasticity modeling for isothermal low-cycle fatigue and fatigue-creep stress–strain responses of Haynes 230

Abstract A robust cyclic viscoplasticity model is developed for simulating a broad set of isothermal, low-cycle fatigue and fatigue-creep responses of Haynes 230 (HA 230) under uniaxial loading. High temperature components experiencing thermo-mechanical fatigue failures can be designed considering their failure responses such that their fatigue life is predictable. Hence, design of high temperature components in aerospace, automobile, nuclear power, and chemical industries should be based on viscoplastic nonlinear analysis using a robust constitutive model. A unified viscoplasticity model based on the nonlinear kinematic hardening rule of Chaboche with several added features for strain-range dependence, rate-dependence, static recovery, and mean stress evolution is developed and evaluated against a broad set of HA 230 responses. Robustness of the constitutive model is demonstrated against predicting fatigue and dwell period stress relaxation responses under uniaxial strain-controlled loading for a broad temperature range of 25–982 °C and strain rate range of 1.1×10 −2 to 2.6×10 −5 /s. Parameter determination of such an advanced model is discussed showing the importance of a well thought out experimental database and thereby providing physical meaning to model parameters.
Ultrasmooth and Thermally Stable Silver-Based Thin Films with Subnanometer Roughness by Aluminum Doping

Rough surface and poor stability of ultrathin Ag films limit their applications in nanophotonic and optoelectronic devices. Here, we report an approach for fabricating ultrasmooth and thermally stable Ag-based thin films on SiO2/Si substrates by Al-doping. The effect of Al-doping on the surface morphology and stability of ultrathin Ag films at room temperature and elevated temperature was investigated. The 15 nm Al-doped Ag films with an Al atomic concentration of 4% have a root-mean-square roughness as low as 0.4 nm. The smooth surface morphology is maintained even after 300 °C annealing in N2. Al-doping enhances the nuclei density of films. Moreover, a capping layer spontaneously formed over the Al-doped Ag films restrains the surface diffusion and mass transportation of Ag atoms. Therefore, Al-doping induces ultrathin Ag films with highly stable and ultrasmooth surface morphology.
Three-Dimensional High-Throughput Cell Encapsulation Platform to Study Changes in Cell-Matrix Interactions.

In their native extracellular microenvironment, cells respond to a complex array of biochemical and mechanical cues that can vary in both time and space. High-throughput methods that allow characterization of cell-laden matrices are valuable tools to screen through many combinations of variables, ultimately helping to evolve and test hypotheses related to cell–ECM signaling. Here, we developed a platform for high-throughput encapsulation of cells in peptide-functionalized poly(ethylene glycol) hydrogels. Hydrogels were synthesized using a thiol–ene, photoclick reaction, which allowed the cell matrix environment to be modified in real time. Matrix signals were dynamically altered by in situ tethering of RGDS (0–1.5 mM), a fibronectin-derived adhesive peptide that induced more elongation than RLD or IKVAV, and/or by increasing the matrix modulus (1 to 6 kPa). This method was demonstrated with aortic valvular interstitial cells (VICs), a population of cells responsible for the pathological fibrosis and matri...