cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Variants of folate metabolism genes and risk of left-sided cardiac defects.

BACKGROUND: Congenital heart defects (CHDs) are the most common, serious group of birth defects. Although relatively little is known about the causes of these conditions and there are no established prevention strategies, evidence suggests that the risk of CHDs may be related to maternal folate status as well as genetic variants in folate-related genes. Efforts to establish the relationships between these factors and CHD risk have, however, been hampered by a number of factors, including small study sample sizes and phenotypic heterogeneity. METHODS: The present study examined the relationship between nine genetic variants in eight folate-related genes and a relatively homogeneous group of left-sided cardiac defects in a cohort of 386 case-parent triads. Log-linear analyses were used to assess both maternal and inherited genetic effects. RESULTS: Analyses of the study data provided marginal evidence that the maternal MTR A2756G (unadjusted p = 0.01) and the inherited BHMT G742A (unadjusted p = 0.06) genotypes influence the risk of this subset of CHDs. However, neither association achieved significance when the false-discovery rate was controlled at 0.05. CONCLUSIONS: These results, which are based on the largest study sample and most comprehensive assessment of the relationship between left-sided cardiac defects and folate-related genes reported to date, provide little evidence that this subset of CHDs is folate related. However, even larger studies and more comprehensive evaluations of the folate pathway genes are required to fully explore the relationship between folate and left-sided cardiac defects. Birth Defects Research (Part A) 2010. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
First prenatal diagnosis of X-linked lymphoproliferative disease.

A family study was performed in order to diagnose X-linked lymphoproliferative (XLP) disease in a fetus. The molecular genetic analysis indicated that the fetus, as well as its healthy 7-year-old brother, inherited XLP. Analysis of immunoglobulin subclasses from the 7-year-old brother supported the DNA-based diagnosis. This is the first XLP family of African descent. © 1992 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Generalised dicarboxylic aciduria: a common finding in neonates.

Inborn errors of organic acid metabolism presenting with sudden onset hypoglycaemia in association with infection or prolonged fasting have been shown to account for a proportion of sudden infant deaths (SID) (Howat et al., 1985; Anonymous, 1986). In the most common of these disorders, medium-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency (MCADD; McKusick 20145), abnormal organic acids are excreted, including medium chain-length dicarboxylic acids (adipic, suberic and sebacic) and glycine conjugates of hexanoic and suberic acid (Gregersen et al., 1983). While usually prominent only during hypoglycaemic attacks, these characteristic abnormal metabolites have been seen during the first week of life (Bennett et al., 1987), probably reflecting the switch to fatty acids as an energy source that occurs soon after birth.
Effect of nifedipine on core cooling in rats during tail cold water immersion

Abstract : Male rats (450 g, n=11/group) were heated at an ambient temperature of 42 degrees C until a rectal temperature of 42.8 degrees C was attained. The rats then received either saline (30 degrees C) + tail ice water immersion (F + I) or saline (30 degrees C) + tail ice water immersion + Nifedipine, a peripheral vasodilator (F + I + N) to determine cooling rate effectiveness and survivability. The time it took for the rats to reach a rectal temperature of 42.8 degrees C averaged 172 minutes in both groups, resulting in similar heating rates (0.029 degrees C/minute). The cooling rates in group F + I and F + I + N were not significantly different from each other. The authors conclude that since Nifedipine did not improve cooling rates when combined with fluid + tail ice water immersion, its use as a cooling adjunct does not seem warranted.
Complications of treatment encountered in lymphoma-leukemia long-term survivors.

Potential posttreatment complications for patients with the lymphomas and leukemia include: 1) impairment of growth and development in children, 2) CNS disturbances encompassing psychologic, intellectual and neurologic expressions, 3) gonadal effects—endocrine, reproductive, teratogenic and genetic, 4) dysfunction of other organs and structures, such as the thyroid, lung and heart, and 5) oncogenesis. Many of these adversities are occasioned by radiation therapy, but chemotherapy also can be responsible for some long-term deleterious consequences. The results of combined chemo- and radiation therapy are becoming better understood, and require further elucidation because earlier stages of the disease are being managed by combined chemo- and radiation therapy regimens.
Neurologic, cognitive, and linguistic features of infants after early stroke.

Abstract Fourteen infants who suffered early localized, unilateral cerebral infarction were studied to examine the neurologic status of these children, to investigate psychomotor, cognitive, and language abilities, and to examine relationships between behavior and lesion severity. The patients underwent a neurologic examination and were evaluated with the Bayley Scales of Infant Development [1] and the Sequenced Inventory of Communication Development [2]. Motor development was not significantly delayed despite the presence of hemiparesis in most infants (which correlated with lesion severity). There was no evidence of marked delay in global cognitive functioning but one-half of the children were delayed in psychomotor functioning. Evidence of receptive and/or expressive language delay also was observed in one-half of infants and toddlers.
On Measuring Loss Robustness Using Maximum A Posteriori Estimate

This paper investigates robustness of the loss function in a Bayesian framework. We incorporate maximum a posteriori (MAP) estimate, posterior expected loss (PEL) and introduce MAP range, in order to measure loss robustness under certain classes of loss functions, including Hellinger and LINEX loss functions. These classes of loss functions are considered for the estimation of the natural parameters of the continuous exponential family. The methods introduced are illustrated with some standard examples, including Normal and Gamma distributions. Finally, a comparison between MAP and PEL based loss robustness measures is presented to illustrate the importance of MAP estimation in measuring loss robustness.
Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Exposed to Oxidative Stress Undergoes Src- and Caveolin-1-dependent Perinuclear Trafficking

The epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor (EGFR) has been found to be overexpressed in several types of cancer cells, and the regulation of its oncogenic potential has been widely studied. The paradigm for EGFR down-regulation involves the trafficking of activated receptor molecules from the plasma membrane, through clathrin-coated pits, and into the cell for lysosomal degradation. We have previously shown that oxidative stress generated by H2O2 results in aberrant phosphorylation of the EGFR. This leads to the loss of c-Cbl-mediated ubiquitination of the EGFR and, consequently, prevents its degradation. However, we have found that c-Cbl-mediated ubiquitination is required solely for degradation but not for internalization of the EGFR under oxidative stress. To further examine the fate of the EGFR under oxidative stress, we used confocal analysis to show that the receptor not only remains co-localized with caveolin-1 at the plasma membrane, but at longer time points, is also sorted to a perinuclear compartment via a clathrin-independent, caveolae-mediated pathway. Our findings indicate that although the EGFR associates with caveolin-1 constitutively, caveolin-1 is hyperphosphorylated only under oxidative stress, which is essential in transporting the EGFR to a perinuclear location, where it is not degraded and remains active. Thus, oxidative stress may have a role in tumorigenesis by not only activating the EGFR but also by promoting prolonged activation of the receptor both at the plasma membrane and within the cell.
“That Ain't No Ninja Turtles”: The Prevalence and Influence of Popular Culture in the Talk and Writing of Prekindergarten Children

This article describes how 2 classrooms of 4-year-old children incorporated popular media (cartoons, television shows, video games, movies, and music) into their conversations with peers during writing. The findings assert that (a) children naturally incorporate popular culture into their writing, (b) children include popular culture in their writing based on conversations with peers, (c) children use popular culture topics to teach peers specific writing features, and (d) children use popular culture to gain power over peers during writing. Prekindergarten children's interest in such media, and the talk and writing they use to negotiate such media in the classroom, provide instructional implications for early literacy teachers.
Immunogenicity and safety of Mycobacterium tuberculosis culture filtrate proteins in non‐human primates

The development of improved vaccines is considered a high priority in the effort to control tuberculosis (TB) world wide. Results from several studies performed in relevant animal models have demonstrated that Mycobacterium tuberculosis secreted antigens may represent major components of improved TB vaccines. To characterize further the M. tuberculosis secreted antigens as they relate to specific features important for vaccine development, rhesus macaques were immunized with either one of two different preparations containing M. tuberculosis culture filtrate (CF) proteins. These preparations differed in relative protein content and in the presence or absence of lipoarabinomannan. Animals received a total of three monthly intramuscular injections consisting of CF proteins resuspended in RIBI adjuvant and were tested for development of specific antibody and cellular proliferative responses. In addition, all animals were constantly monitored for local and systemic reactions as well as for the development of DTH reactions to intradermal tuberculin injection. Results from this study show that the two CF preparations are relatively safe and immunogenic in non-human primates. These two CF preparations differed in their ability to induce specific antibody responses, but were comparable in their ability to induce specific cellular proliferative responses. Induction of both humoral and cellular responses occurred even in presence of pre-existing antibodies directed against M. tuberculosis antigens. However, these responses appeared to be short-lived. Only one of the four animals produced interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) in response to immunization with CF proteins. No DTH reaction to intradermal tuberculin injection was observed in any immunized animal. Although it is clear that additional studies are required to design strategies for the improvement of the immunogenicity of CF proteins, our observations support the currently accepted view that secreted protein-based preparations may represent promising vaccine candidates for TB.
EUS–guided pancreaticogastrostomy: analysis of its efficacy to drain inaccessible pancreatic ducts

Background EUS–guided pancreaticogastrostomy (EPG) has been reported as an alternative to surgery in cases of pancreatic stricture where ERCP is unsuccessful. Objective We analyzed our 3-year experience with this innovative technique. Design Patients with failed ERCP for pancreatic drainage were offered EPG over a 3-year period and were followed up prospectively in terms of clinical and radiologic response. Setting Tertiary care center offering ERCP and interventional EUS. Patients Thirteen patients were included in this study. Seven had surgical diversion Six patients had unaltered enteral anatomy and stricture related to chronic pancreatitis (3), gallstone pancreatitis (2), and intraductal pancreatic mucinous neoplasm (1). Intervention EUS-guided puncture and opacification of the pancreatic duct was performed, creating a transgastric fistula with placement of a guidewire into the main pancreatic duct and subsequent ductal decompression with a plastic endoprosthesis. Main Outcome Measurements Mean main pancreatic duct size, pain score, and weight before and after intervention. Results Ten patients had successful endoprosthesis placement across the pancreaticogastric fistula. One patient underwent brush cytologic study, which diagnosed pancreatic malignancy, and underwent surgical resection. After a mean follow-up of 14 months, the mean pancreatic duct size in treated patients decreased from 4.6 to 3.0 mm ( P = .01); the pain score decreased from 7.3 to 3.6 ( P = .01). Complications included one case of bleeding requiring hemoclip placement and 1 case of contained perforation. Limitations Pilot study from a single center. Conclusions EPG is a safe and feasible alternative to surgical intervention in this subgroup of patients where conventional ERCP is not possible.
Improved Enrichment Strategies for Phosphorylated Peptides on Titanium Dioxide Using Methyl Esterification and pH Gradient Elution

Improvements to phosphopeptide enrichment protocols employing titanium dioxide (TiO2) are described and applied to identification of phosphorylation sites on recombinant human cyclin-dependent kinase 2 (CDK2). Titanium dioxide binds phosphopeptides under acidic conditions, and they can be eluted under basic conditions. However, some nonphosphorylated peptides, particularly acidic peptides, bind and elute under these conditions as well. These nonphosphorylated peptides contribute significantly to ion suppression of phosphopeptides and also increase sample complexity. We show here that the conversion of peptide carboxylates to their corresponding methyl esters sharply reduces nonspecific binding, improving the selectivity for phosphopeptides, just as has been reported for immobilized metal affinity chromatography (IMAC) columns. We also present evidence that monophosphorylated peptides can be effectively fractionated from multiply phosphorylated peptides, as well as acidic peptides, via stepwise elution from TiO2 using pH step gradients from pH 8.5 to pH 11.5. These approaches were applied to human CDK2 phosphorylated in vitro by yeast CAK1p in the absence of cyclin. We confirmed phosphorylation at T160, a site previously documented and shown to be necessary for CDK2 activity. However, we also discovered several novel sites of partial phosphorylation at S46, T47, T165, and Y168 when ion-suppressing nonphosphorylated peptides were eliminated using the new protocols.
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) transcripts identified in HIV-related psoriasis and Kaposi's sarcoma lesions

Persons with HIV infection sometimes develop aggressive psoriasis or Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) not usually seen in other immunosuppressed patients. However, a specific and direct pathophysiological role for HIV-1 in these AIDS-associated disorders remains unclear since HIV has not been easily detected in these skin lesions. By combining in situ hybridization with the sensitive detection technique of confocal laser scanning microscopy, we have demonstrated HIV RNA transcripts in 5 of 15 lesional skin biopsies from HIV-infected psoriasis patients, and in 3 of 8 Kaposi's sarcoma biopsies from HIV-infected patients. HIV transcripts were not detected in normal appearing skin from HIV-infected patients or in psoriatic and normal skin biopsies from uninfected individuals (P = 0.006). Although previous attempts to demonstrate viral sequences in psoriasis and KS lesions have been unsuccessful, in situ hybridization with confocal microscopy has shown the presence of HIV RNA transcripts predominantly within CD4+, Factor XIIIa positive dermal dendrocytes. HIV or cytokines produced by infected cells in skin lesions may therefore play a direct role in the pathogenesis of HIV-associated psoriasis and KS.
A microfluidic sensor of Botulinum neurotoxin type a utilizing SNAP-25 incorporated responsive hydrogel

Clostridium Botulinum neurotoxins (BoNTs) are the most lethal bacterial toxins known to humankind in nature. They present grave bioterrorism concern, especially within food supplies. The current pharmacotoxicological mouse bioassay accepted for detection of BoNT in food is laborious and expensive, lacks specificity, or may cause false alarm. It is highly desired to develop a rapid and sensitive on-site toxin-screening vehicle for the detection of BoNT. We developed a prototype microfluidics-based BoNT sensor based on our newly synthesized photo-patternable hydrogel, which was polymerized with a modified peptide containing crosslinker incorporating the synaptosome-associated protein SNAP-25 peptide specifically responsive to serotype A of BoNT, or BoNT/A. The cleavage caused by BoNT/A provided an easily observable change in the hydrogel patterns. Hydrogel structures were photo-patterned in a microfluidic channel. These hydrogels were compromised and cleaved in 100 mg/ml of trypsin after 4 hours, and in a solution containing the light chain (LC) of BoNT/A (concentration: 45 μg/mL) in 38 hours. In the control experiments, the same hydrogels were intact in Hepes buffer (30mM).
Comparison of alternatives to multidimensional scoring in the assessment of language comprehension in aphasia.

Purpose: Multidimensional scoring methods yield valuable information about communication abilities. However, issues of training demands for valid and reliable scoring, especially in current service...
The Four Good Dissenters in Pollock

The overall theme of this lecture series is great dissenters. This contribution to the series is on the dissenters in the 1895 case of Pollock v. Farmers' Trust & Loan Co. In Pollock, the Supreme Court decided, by a vote of 5–4, that the 1894 federal income tax was unconstitutional. The four dissenters—Justice Henry Brown of Michigan, Justice John Marshall Harlan of Kentucky, Justice Howell Jackson of Tennessee, and future Chief Justice Edward D. White—would have upheld the tax.
On radar sounding applications for Enceladean ice

Due to the nature of observations taken by planetary spacecraft, many surface and atmospheric studies have been performed at the icy moons of the outer planets, which have left the many seemingly complex interior processes in these bodies left unexplored and unexplained. It is notably difficult to access the interior regions in which planetary formation and dynamics take place. This paper presents the possibility that radar measurements could contribute to the understanding of interior structure, particularly that of Enceladus, the small but notably dynamic icy moon of Saturn. The application of such radar may lead to discoveries concerning formation mechanisms and surface processes. Additionally, radar sounding will contribute measurements that aid in diagnosing the dynamics system at work in the subsurface - perhaps most notably, the source reservoir and/or dynamics of the observed water plume at the moon's south pole, in addition the moon's role as a whole in the Saturnian system.
Distortion incurred in a sequence of radiographs of an articulating joint.

Abstract In using X-ray data to study knee joint motion, or in fact the motion of any joint whose motion is planar over the range of motion of interest, one may obtain erroneous results due to distortions in the X-ray data. The current work considers distortion caused by misalignment between the joint's plane of motion and the X-ray film plane and presents a procedure whereby it may be eliminated.
Replication of the hepatitis B virus requires a calcium-dependent HBx-induced G1 phase arrest of hepatocytes

Chronic HBV infections cause hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Activities of the HBV HBx protein regulate HBV replication and may contribute to the development of HCC. We previously reported that HBx causes primary rat hepatocytes to exit G0 but stall in G1 phase of the cell cycle; entry into G1 stimulated HBV replication. We now report that the activity of the mitochondria permeability transition pore is required for HBx regulation of cell cycle proteins and HBV replication in primary rat hepatocytes, that progression from G0 to G1 stimulates HBV polymerase activity, and that HBV replication is facilitated by the HBx-induced G1 arrest. HBx stimulation of HBV replication was linked to elevation of the R2 subunit of ribonucleotide reductase. Our studies suggest that HBx uses mitochondrial-dependent calcium signaling to cause hepatocytes to exit G0 but stall in G1 and that this HBx activity alters the cellular environment and stimulates HBV replication.
A simplified procedure for isolating plasma membranes from cultured mouse fibroblast cells: 3T3 and SV-3T3.

Abstract Plasma membranes have been isolated from 3T3 and SV-3T3 cells grown in culture. Cells were harvested mechanically and disrupted in simple isotonic buffered salt solutions without resorting to hypotonic swelling or chemical membrane “hardeners.” The method of storing collected cells, the cell concentration during disruption, and the method of mechanical disruption were found to be significant variables affecting the yield of plasma membranes. The plasma membranes were separated from mitochondria and other cellular organelles by a single centrifugation through a step sucrose gradient containing a viscosity barrier of Dextran T-500 (modified from A. S. Sun and B. Poole (1975) Anal. Biochem. 68 , 260). The isolated plasma membranes were located by assay for the “marker” enzyme, alkaline phosphatase (EC 3.1.3.1). The isolated plasma membrane fraction was free of mitochondrial and essentially free of lysozymal and endoplasmic reticulum contamination, which were assayed by measuring cytochrome c reductase, arylsulfatase, and hydrolysis of α-naphthol acetate, respectively. Of the enzymes tested, the phosphodiesterase activity was found to be the most specific assay for the plasma membrane from culture mouse fibroblast cells. The 5′-nucleotidase (EC 3.1.3.5) activity, the other plasma membrane marker, was extremely low in activity and gave an additional peak of activity when 5′-adenilic acid was used as substrate as compared to the expected single peak obtained with 5′-cytidilic acid as substrate. Overall recovery of isolated plasma membranes was greater than 75% as measured by the final recovery of phosphodiesterase activity.
High pressure high power microwave plasma chemical vapor deposition of large area diamond films

Copyright (c) 1997 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved. Uniform, large area, smooth, and chemically clean diamond films having low residual stress are important for many applications such as electronic packaging, metallurgical and optical coatings, and X-ray lithography masks. Uniform diamond films were deposited on 75 mm diameter p-type (100) silicon substrates using a Wavemat Inc. microwave plasma disc reactor (MPDR) which was modified for high pressure and high power operations. These high pressure high power deposited films yielded much better quality even though the deposition rate increased by more than 50% when compared to films deposited under low pressures and powers. A dry abrasive seeding technique was used that was simple but offered very high nucleation density. The CH 4 concentration was varied over 0.5-3.0% and the deposition pressure and power were set at 67 Torr and 3500 W, respectively. Deposited films were characterized by SEM, AFM, Raman, and X-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques. For increasing CH 4 flow from 0.5 to 3%, the deposition rate increased by four times without much reduction in the film quality, as observed by Raman spectroscopy. For CH 4 flow rate of up to 2%, the film texture was (111) whereas it changed to 220 for films deposited at 3% CH 4 . The macro- and micro-stress in the films were measured by XRD d-sin 2 ψ technique and diffraction peak broadening, respectively. All the deposited films showed moderate compressive macro-stress; the micro-stress values for these samples were much less than observed for films deposited in low-pressure low power regime.
Occurrence of Polygyny and Double Brooding In the Eastern Wood-Pewee

Abstract We document the first confirmed cases of polygyny and double brooding in the Eastern Wood-Pewee (Contopus virens). During an intensive study of the effects of shelterwood harvesting on canopy-nesting songbirds in southeastern Ohio, 2007–2010, we color-banded 79 Eastern Wood-Pewees and monitored 237 pewee nests. In 2007, we confirmed a color-banded male provisioning at two concurrently active nests; the male was polygynous in at least two consecutive years. In 2009, we observed an unbanded female feeding fledglings and subsequently shaping a nest from which young had recently fledged; the female successfully fledged two broods from the same nest. In addition to confirmed observations, we identified several other probable cases of polygyny and double brooding. In our upland oak system, we estimated rates of polygyny from 6–22% with the greatest occurrence of polygyny during a dry spring in 2007; rates of double brooding may have been as high as 6–12%. Males appeared to benefit from polygyny, becaus...
Synthesis of SAPO-11 and AIP04-11 molecular sieves in the presence of Cu(ll)

Abstract The possible incorporation of Cu(II) into SAPO-11 (CuSAPO-11) and AIPO 4 -11 (CuAPO-11) by adding Cu(II) compounds during synthesis in the presence of di- n -propylamine or diisopropylamine templates has been assessed. The location of Cu(ll) is identified by electron spin resonance and electron spin echo modulation spectroscopies. Cu(ll) ions do not incorporate into framework positions of SAPO-11 and AIPO 4 -11, i.e., Cu(II) in CuSAPO-11 is located in the same position as Cu(ll) introduced byaqueous ion-exchange and Cu(ll) in CuAPO-11 is located in an extraframework position of AlPO 4 -11. It is of ancillary interest that in the presence of Cu(ll) the SAPO-5 phase can be obtained as a major product by varying the temperature and time of crystallization.
Losses in left-handed materials

Interest in negative refractive index, or left-handed (LH) materials, has escalated rapidly over the last few years and it now appears that useful LH materials may be realizable in the microwave region. However there is also considerable interest in LH materials for infrared and visible applications. The purpose of this paper is to explore the limitations of LH materials at short wavelengths due to inherent losses. Our conclusions are that it may be quite difficult to achieve useful LH materials at wavelengths less than about 10 microns using current approaches.
Lipid-protein interactions

Interaction of human serum albumin with phosphatidylserine was studied by turbidimetric methods. It was found that human serum albu-min will bind phosphatidylserine. Analysis by the law of mass action for multiple equilibria has led to the conclusion that human serum albumin possesses a heterogeneity of binding sites for phos-phatidylserine. The max number of sites and the respective affinity constants were calculated to be : K1 = 2.0 x 105, n1 = 2 ; K2 = 1.3 x 103, n2 = 30
Biosemantics: An Evolutionary Theory of Thought

Evolutionary theory has an unexpected application in philosophy of mind, where it is used by the so-called biosemantic program—also called the teleosemantic program—to account for the representational capacities of neural states and processes in a way that conforms to an overarching scientific naturalism. Biosemantic theories account for the representational capacities of neural states and processes by appealing in particular to their evolutionary function, as that function is determined by a process of natural selection. As a result, biosemantic theories have distinct advantages over other theories of mental representation—e.g., Fodor’s causal theory. Foremost among the advantages of biosemantic theories is their ability to account for the possibility of mental misrepresentation.
Characterization of TLR4 agonist effects on alhydrogel® sedimentation: A novel application of laser scattering optical profiling

Aluminum salt formulations such as Alhydrogel® have been used for decades as effective and safe vaccine adjuvants. Aluminum salts have a high adsorptive capacity for vaccine antigens and other immunomodulatory molecules such as Toll-like receptor (TLR) agonists. However, the characterization of some Alhydrogel®-adsorbed TLR agonists is challenging, requiring destructive analysis, complex instrumentation, and/or desorption method development. In this report, we characterize the effects of an Alhydrogel®-adsorbed synthetic Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) agonist on aluminum salt sedimentation behavior using laser scattering optical profiling. This method facilitates the detection of the effects on aluminum salt sedimentation behavior of low amounts of adsorbed TLR4 agonist (<30 μM) with a minimum of sample preparation and analysis time by collecting light transmission simultaneously from the complete vertical profile of the sample. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. and the American Pharmacists Association J Pharm Sci 101:4357–4364, 2012
Development of antibody arrays for monoclonal antibody Higher Order Structure analysis

Antibody arrays were developed to probe a monoclonal antibody’s three-dimensional structure (3-D structure). Peptides with overlapping regions were designed to cover the whole mAb light chain and heavy chain respectively and used to generate polyclonal antibodies after the conjugation of the peptides to a carrier protein, KLH. It was shown that good peptide specificity was achieved from the antibodies generated. Using more than 30 different polyclonal antibodies to measure the surface epitope distribution, it was shown that the mAb antibody array can detect epitope exposure as low as 0.1% of defined mAb populations. This ELISA-based analysis of mAb epitope exposure can be considered as a measurement of “conformational impurity” in biologics development, similar to the analysis of other product-related impurities such as different forms of glycosylation, deamidation and oxidation. This analysis of “conformational impurity” could provide valuable information on the mAb conformational comparability for biosimilar mAbs as well as novel mAbs, especially in the area of protein immunogenicity. Furthermore, stability studies indicated that there are several conformational “hot spots” in many mAbs tested, especially in the hinge region. This antibody array technology can be used for novel mAb Higher Order Structure (HOS) analysis during process and formulation development. Another important area of application is for biosimilar mAb development where the innovator molecule and biosimilar molecule could be compared based on their systemic “fingerprint” from the 30 plus antibodies.
Provocative testing for cubital tunnel syndrome

This prospective study evaluated the clinical usefulness of provocative testing in 32 subjects with electrodiagnostically proven cubital tunnel syndrome and 33 control subjects. Four provocative tests were included: Tinel's sign, elbow flexion, pressure provocation, and combined elbow flexion and pressure provocation. The mean age of the control group was 41 years and 46 years for the group with cubital tunnel syndrome. In the control group, provocative tests were rarely positive. In 44 extremities with cubital tunnel syndrome, 31 had a Tinel's sign, 33 had a positive elbow flexion test, 39 had symptoms with pressure only, and 41 had symptoms with a combination of pressure provocation and elbow flexion testing. The sensitivity of the Tinel sign was 0.70, and at 30 seconds, the sensitivities of the other provocative tests were: elbow flexion (0.32), pressure provocation (0.55), and pressure-flexion test (0.91). The most sensitive provocative test in the diagnosis of cubital tunnel syndrome was elbow flexion when combined with pressure on the ulnar nerve.
Perceived Contraceptive Attributes and Method Choice1

This research investigated the relationship of perceived contraceptive attributes to contraceptive choice. More specifically, the study a) examined what attributes women perceive as important in their choice of a contraceptive method; b) compared women who use the vaginal sponge with women who use oral contraceptives or the diaphragm on perceived importance of attributes; and c) compared sponge users with pill users and diaphragm users on perceived characteristics of three contraceptive methods. Data were collected in telephone interviews from a national sample of 330 current sponge users and 330 women who use other forms of female contraception. Those attributes that were rated highest concerned effectiveness and safety, whereas those that were rated lowest focused on convenience of use and interference with sexual activity. Women differed somewhat by user status on the attributes they believe are important in contraceptive choice, with each group emphasizing those attributes characterizing their own method. Moreover. each user group perceived their own method more favorably than did users of other methods. Perceptions of specific contraceptive methods. particularly the sponge. were more predictive of user status than were general importance ratings.
Effect of Feeding Pelleted Complete Rations to Lactating Cows

Summary Pelleted complete rations were compared to a conventional ration when fed to lactating Milking Shorthorn cows in a short-term reversal study and a longer-term, continuous study. No digestive disturbances or depression in the milk fat percentage were observed. The results are discussed briefly.
Antibody elution from hapten-cellulose immunoadsorbents: the effects of hapten structure pH, and salt concentration

Abstract Hapten-celluose immunoadsorbents were prepared using two negatively charged ( p -azobenzenearsonate and p -azobenzoate), one positively charged ( p -azophenyltrimenthylammonium), one neutral hydrophilic ( p -azophenyl β- d -glucopyranoside), and one neutral more hydrophobic (2,4-dinitrophenyl) haptens. The elution properties of 131 I labeled whole globulin fractions derived from rabbits immunized with edestin-hapten or human γ-globulin-hapten conjugates were studied at different pH, salt or buffer concentrations using a separate hapten-cellulose microcolumn for each eluting solution. A substantial fraction of the anti-benzenearsonate antibodies could be eluted between pH 5 anf 7 and below pH 3. Anti-benzoate antibodies were also eluted above pH 5 and below pH 3, but less antibody was eluted in the higher pH range. In contrast, significant elution of the anti-phenyltrimethyl-ammonium and anti-phenyl β- d -glucopyranoside antibodies was observed only with lower pH buffers. The anti-2,4-dinitrophenyl antibodies were poorly eluted with any pH salt combination used. Specifically purified 7S and 19S anti-benzenearsonate antibodies had elution properties increased elution in the high pH range (5–7), suggesting the prime importance of charge interactions. Added salt reduced the amount of antibody eluted in the low pH range (1–3), however, suggesting the additional factor of hydrophobic interactions. Studies with labeled benzenearsonate antibodies indicated that the differences in salt dependences were a result of differences, within the same antibody population, int he nature of the forces involved in the antigen-antibody interactions as the pH was changed.
Assessment of transmural force during application of vascular occlusive devices

Abstract An in vivo system was established whereby the transmural forces exerted across the arterial wall during vascular occlusion were directly measured. Evaluation of various currently available vascular occlusive devices was conducted and transmural force transmission data were recorded. The clamps were classified according to their mechanical design characteristics. The magnitude of force required to obtain cessation of distal flow varied significantly among devices of differing mechanical design but correlated well when compared with clamps of similar design. This information was then compared with graded analysis of the degree of intimal injury created by these specific devices as assessed with scanning electron microscopy. The amount of transmural force exerted by each individual device correlated with the grade of intimal injury created by that device. We conclude that fundamental clamp design dictates the magnitude of applied transmural force, that force and the vectors of the application of that force are directly responsible for the degree of resultant intimal injury, and that the intima appears to possess an injury threshold of approximately 5 × 10 4 dynes/cm 2 . Intimal injury may determine success or failure of vascular surgical procedures; therefore it is prudent to seek the least traumatic means of vascular occlusion. (J VASC SURG 1988;8:422-7.)
Vitamin D deficiency induces cardiac hypertrophy and inflammation in epicardial adipose tissue in hypercholesterolemic swine

Introduction Vitamin D is a sectosteroid that functions through Vitamin D receptor (VDR), a transcription factor, which controls the transcription of many targets genes. Vitamin D deficiency has been linked with cardiovascular diseases, including heart failure and coronary artery disease. Suppressor of cytokine signaling (SOCS)3 regulates different biological processes such as inflammation and cellular differentiation and is an endogenous negative regulator of cardiac hypertrophy.
Relaxation Training, In Vivo Exposure and Response-prevention in the Treatment of Compulsive Video-game Playing

Abstract The present case study illustrates the successful treatment of compulsive video-game playing in an 18-year old college student. On entering therapy the patient presented with a 5-month compulsion to play video-games with an average playing time of 3—4 hours per day and at an average cost of $5 per day. Treatment components included self-monitoring, GSR biofeedback-assisted relaxation training, in vivo exposure and response prevention, and follow-up at intervals of 6 and 12 months. A 90% reduction in the patient's compulsive behavior was achieved and maintained at follow-up indicating the potential effectiveness of behavioral intervention in the treatment of compulsive video-game playing.
Anatomic and environmental dimensions of stimulus-response compatibility: implication for theories of memory coding.

Abstract Reaction time was higher when the relation between stimulus location and anatomic hand was reversed ( e.g. , left light-right hand) rather than direct ( e.g. , left light-left hand), even though the environmental location of the hand (up or down) was unrelated to the location of the stimulus (left or right). This effect was shown to be due primarily to decision processes, rather than to interhemisphere transfer delay. This result does not support the view that long-term memory for responses encodes environmental but not anatomic dimensions.
Small-molecule ghrelin receptor antagonists improve glucose tolerance, suppress appetite, and promote weight loss

Ghrelin, through action on its receptor, GH secretagogue receptor type 1a (GHS-R1a), exerts a variety of metabolic functions including stimulation of appetite and weight gain and suppression of insulin secretion. In the present study, we examined the effects of novel small-molecule GHS-R1a antagonists on insulin secretion, glucose tolerance, and weight loss. Ghrelin dose-dependently suppressed insulin secretion from dispersed rat islets. This effect was fully blocked by a GHS-R1a antagonist. Consistent with this observation, a single oral dose of a GHS-R1a antagonist improved glucose homeostasis in an ip glucose tolerance test in rat. Improvement in glucose tolerance was attributed to increased insulin secretion. Daily oral administration of a GHS-R1a antagonist to diet-induced obese mice led to reduced food intake and weight loss (up to 15%) due to selective loss of fat mass. Pair-feeding experiments indicated that weight loss was largely a consequence of reduced food intake. The impact of a GHS-R1a antagonist on gastric emptying was also examined. Although the GHS-R1a antagonist modestly delayed gastric emptying at the highest dose tested (10 mg/kg), delayed gastric emptying does not appear to be a requirement for weight loss because lower doses produced weight loss without an effect on gastric emptying. Consistent with the hypothesis that ghrelin regulates feeding centrally, the anorexigenic effects of potent GHS-R1a antagonists in mice appeared to correspond with their brain exposure. These observations demonstrate that GHS-R1a antagonists have the potential to improve the diabetic condition by promoting glucose-dependent insulin secretion and promoting weight loss.
Information technology investment and firm performance: a meta-analysis

In the recent past, researchers have shown conflicting results regarding the returns to IT investment. Some researchers posit that the equivocal results of IT investment are due to inconsistent measurement of firm performance following IT investment. We propose to use meta-analysis to summarize and synthesize the patterns of relatively consistent relations from empirical studies of IT investment returns during the last decade.
A Latent Profile Analysis of Latino Parenting: The Infusion of Cultural Values on Family Conflict

The purpose of the present study was to (a) examine how acculturation and social support inform Latinos' parenting behaviors, controlling for gender and education; (b) describe parenting styles among Latino immigrants while accounting for cultural elements; and (c) test how these parenting styles are associated with family conflict. A 3 step latent profile analysis with the sample (N = 489) revealed best fit with a 4 profile model (n = 410) of parenting: family parenting (n = 268, 65%), child-centered parenting (n = 68, 17%), moderate parenting (n = 60, 15%), and disciplinarian parenting (n = 14, 3%). Parents' gender, acculturation, and social support significantly predicted profile membership. Disciplinarian and moderate parenting were associated with more family conflict. Recommendations include integrating culturally based parenting practices as a critical element to family interventions to minimize conflict and promote positive youth development.
Depletion of Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cells Inhibits Tumor Growth and Prevents Bone Metastasis of Breast Cancer Cells

Elevated levels of plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDC) have been reported in breast cancer patients, but the significance remains undefined. Using three immunocompetent mouse models of breast cancer bone metastasis, we identified a key role for pDC in facilitating tumor growth through immunosuppression and aggressive osteolysis. Following infiltration of macrophages upon breast cancer dissemination, there was a steady increase in pDC within the bone, which resulted in a sustained Th2 response along with elevated levels of regulatory T cells and myeloid-derived suppressor cells. Subsequently, pDC and CD4(+) T cells, producing osteolytic cytokines, increased with tumor burden, causing severe bone damage. Microcomputed tomography and histology analyses of bone showed destruction of femur and tibia. The therapeutic significance of this finding was confirmed by depletion of pDC, which resulted in decreased tumor burden and bone loss by activating tumor-specific cytolytic CD8(+) T cells and decreasing suppressor cell populations. Thus, pDC depletion may offer a novel adjuvant strategy to therapeutically influence breast cancer bone metastasis.
Towards effective automatic parallelization for multicore systems

The ubiquity of multicore processors in commodity computing systems has raised a significant programming challenge for their effective use. An attractive but challenging approach is automatic parallelization of sequential codes. Although virtually all production C compilers have automatic shared-memory parallelization capability, it is rarely used in practice by application developers because of limited effectiveness. In this paper we describe our recent efforts towards developing an effective automatic parallelization system that uses a polyhedral model for data dependences and program transformations.
Voidage Measurement for a Moving Plug in Dense Phase Pneumatic Conveying Using Two Different Methods

Two simple ways to measure voidage in a moving plug in dense phase pneumatic conveying have been explored, along with voidage behavior and other parameters. The first method (bulk solid method) determines the average voidage for a single plug, by measuring the length and the weight of the plug, while the second method (Ergun's method) determines the voidage along the plug length from plug head to tail by using the Ergun equation. The experiments were performed under different experimental conditions of plug lengths, gas velocities, and materials. The results from both methods showed varying degrees of agreement, depending on the material transported. The measurements also found that the voidage varied only slightly with the plug velocity. However, it did vary more within the plug (e.g., plug head, middle of plug, and plug tail).
Trauma Training, Trauma Practices, and Secondary Traumatic Stress Among Substance Abuse Counselors

A mailed survey of 225 National Association of Alcohol and Drug Addiction Counselors members was conducted to examine trauma training, trauma practices, and secondary traumatic stress among substance abuse counselors. Results indicate that most substance abuse counselors are not being prepared for practice with traumatized populations in their formal academic training, although many obtained some trauma training through continuing education activities. There is a great deal of variation in terms of counselors' practices in the assessment and treatment of traumatic stress. Last, substance abuse counselors are highly likely to be secondarily exposed to traumatic events through their work with traumatized populations, and many experience at least some symptoms of secondary traumatic stress. The experience of secondary traumatic stress is believed to contribute to turnover and may reduce the quality and effectiveness of services. These findings highlight the need to attend to the issue of secondary traumatic ...
Controls on the distribution and isotopic composition of helium in deep ground-water flows

The distribution and isotopic composition of helium in sedimentary basins can be used to interpret the ages of very old ground waters. The piston-flow model commonly used in such interpretation, however, does not account for several important factors and as such works well only in very simple flow regimes. In this study of helium transport in a hypothetical sedimentary basin, we develop a numerical model that accounts for the magnitude and distribution of the basal helium flux, hydrodynamic dispersion, and complexities in flow regimes such as subregional flow cells. The modeling shows that these factors exert strong controls on the helium distribution and isotopic composition. The simulations may provide a basis for more accurate interpretations of observed helium concentrations and isotopic ratios in sedimentary basins.
Noncooperative Games for Subcontracting Operations

Consider a set of manufacturers, all of which can subcontract part of their workload to a third party. For simplicity, we assume that every manufacturer as well as the third party each possess a single production facility. Each manufacturer has to decide the amount of workload to be subcontracted so as to minimize the completion time of his in-house and subcontracted workloads. In an effort to provide good service to all, the third party gives priority to manufacturers whose subcontracted workload is small. This incentive scheme forces manufacturers to compete for position in the third-party processing sequence. We develop pure Nash equilibria schedules under three distinct protocols for production.