cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Short-course androgen deprivation therapy and the risk of death from high-risk prostate cancer in men undergoing external beam radiation therapy and brachytherapy.

Abstract Purpose We estimated the risks of prostate cancer–specific mortality (PCSM) and all-cause mortality (ACM) in men with high-risk prostate cancer (PC) undergoing external beam radiation therapy and brachytherapy with short-course androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) (median 4 months) as compared with men with more favorable-risk PC undergoing standard of care as per the National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines. Methods and Materials The prospective study cohort comprised 6595 consecutively treated men with T1-4 N0M0 PC whose treatment included brachytherapy between October 16, 1997, and May 28, 2013. Fine and Gray competing risk regression and Cox regression analyses were used to assess the risks of PCSM and ACM in men with high, unfavorable intermediate, and favorable intermediate risk as compared with low-risk PC. Results After median followup of 7.76 years, 820 men died (12.43%): 72 of PC (8.78%). Men with favorable intermediate–risk PC did not have significantly increased PCSM risk as compared with men with low-risk PC (adjusted hazard ratio [AHR], 1.26; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.56, 2.88; p-Value 0.58), whereas men with high-risk PC (AHR, 3.74; 95% CI 1.12, 12.53; p-Value 0.032) and unfavorable intermediate–risk PC (AHR, 3.10; 95% CI 1.43, 6.72; p-Value 0.004) did. Based on 10-year adjusted point estimates of PCSM and ACM for men with high-risk PC being 6.01% (95% CI 3.79%, 8.94%) and 21.30% (95% CI 17.45%, 25.42%), respectively, PCSM comprised 28% of ACM. Conclusions In the setting of external beam radiation therapy and brachytherapy, men with high-risk PC have low absolute adjusted estimates of PCSM (∼6%) during the first decade after treatment despite receiving only short-course ADT. Whether long-term ADT can lower PCSM and improve survival in these men requires additional study.
Strategies to circumvent humoral immunity to adeno-associated viral vectors.

Introduction: Recent success in gene therapy of certain monogenic diseases in the clinic has infused enthusiasm into the continued development of recombinant adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors as next-generation biologics. However, progress in clinical trials has also highlighted the challenges posed by the host humoral immune response to AAV vectors. Specifically, while pre-existing neutralizing antibodies (NAbs) limit the cohort of eligible patients, NAb generation following treatment prevents vector re-dosing.Areas covered: In this review, we discuss a spectrum of complementary strategies that can help circumvent the host humoral immune response to AAV.Expert opinion: Specifically, we present a dual perspective, that is, vector versus host, and highlight the clinical attributes, potential caveats and limitations as well as complementarity associated with the various approaches.
Molecular Biology of Burkitt’s Lymphoma

The diagnostic category of Burkitt's lymphoma encompasses a closely related group of aggressive B-cell tumors that includes sporadic, endemic, and human immunodeficiency virus-associated subtypes. All subtypes are characterized by chromosomal rearrangements involving the c-myc proto-oncogene that lead to its inappropriate expression. This review focuses on the roles of c-myc dysregulation and Epstein-Barr virus infection in Burkitt's lymphoma. Although the normal function of c-Myc remains enigmatic, recent data indicate that it has a central role in several fundamental aspects of cellular biology, including proliferation, differentiation, metabolism, apoptosis, and telomere maintenance. We discuss new insights into the molecular mechanisms of these c-Myc activities and their potential relevance to the pathogenesis of Burkitt's lymphoma and speculate on the role of Epstein-Barr virus.
Postpartum Estrus and Involution of the Uterus in an Experimental Herd of Holstein-Friesian Cows

Summary A study of the intervals from parturition to involution of the uterus and from parturition to first heat was made respectively on 252 and 322 normal calvings in a Holstein-Friesian herd. The average interval to involution was 47 days, and that to first heat was 33 days. The difference in the involution interval between primiparous (42 days) and pluriparous (50 days) cows was highly significant, and significant differences were observed among seasons, being shortest in the summer and autumn. Cows calving during summer tended to come in heat earlier than those calving in the other seasons, whereas those calving during winter had the longest intervals from parturition to first heat. Examination of cows at the end of different intervals after calving showed that 95% or more of the cows in heat had their uteri involuted after an interval of 90 days. A slight association within the parity season groups (r = 0.147; P = 0.05) was found between intervals to first heat and to involution of the uterus. A study of 71 abnormal calvings indicated a little longer interval (5 days) to involution than for cows calving normally. The primiparous cows in this group also involuted earlier than pluriparous cows.
PLASTIC FLOW IN A NEARLY DRY CLAY BODY

A method for determining the moisture content at which a plastic body becomes elastic is given. Results of tests made on an earthenware body indicate the transition to have taken place at approximately 12.8% water content. With decreased water content of the body the yield values decreased, the deformation per unit stress beyond the yield value pressures decreased, the total deformation at ultimate failure decreased, and the ultimate failure pressures increased.
Live Load Distribution for Steel Girder Bridges

This paper deals with distribution of truck load on girder bridges. Previous analytical studies based on finite-element method indicated that AASHTO code-specified girder distribution factors (GDFs) are inaccurate. In particular, GDFs appear to be conservative for longer spans and larger girder spacing, but too permissive for short spans and girder spacings. Therefore, a field testing program was carried out including about 20 steel girder bridges with spans up to 45 m. For each tested structure, GDFs were determined by measuring strains in the girders under heavy trucks. Test trucks were 11-axle vehicles, loaded to the legal limit in Michigan (over 650 kN). The strains were recorded for a single truck and for two trucks side-by-side. The tests were repeated for crawling speed and normal traffic speed for the location. In all tested bridges, the GDFs determined from the field measurements are lower than code-specified values. In addition, the considered bridges were analyzed using a commercial finite-elem...
Can Fem Exam card use facilitate bacterial vaginosis diagnosis on day of abortion to prevent postabortion endometritis

Abstract Objectives: 1) To compare a self-collected vaginal swab FemExam test card result to Nugent Gram stain scoring of the same specimen, and 2) To test the hypothesis that treatment of bacterial vaginosis (BV) begun on the day of an elective abortion will reduce postabortion endometritis in the women treated. Methods: Women seeking first- or second-trimester abortion, testing +/+ on the pH and amine test card (FemExam), defined as positive for BV, were randomized to metronidazole 1gm before the procedure and 500 mg twice a day for 7 days or identical placebo capsules. Results: Between April 1999 and June 2000, 2,355 women were approached. Of the 1,764 women tested, 683 (39%) tested BV positive by FemExam, and 399 (58%) enrolled in the randomized trial. In a subset of 212 FemExam-negative women, not one had a 10 or 9 Gram stain vaginal flora score, but 18 women had scores of 7 or 8. Conversely, 90/321 (28%) BV- positive FemExam subjects had 0–3 or negative Gram stain scores for BV (sensitivity 94.6%, specificity 67.4%). Because the study is still blinded for analysis, we do not know whether the women with endometritis were placebo- or metronidazole-assigned subjects. The study power will detect the difference between a 12.2% and a 3.8% endometritis rate. Conclusions: The FemExam card does not require a pelvic exam. It allows quick diagnosis (but possibly overdiagnosis) of BV before abortion. Final data analysis will show whether there is treatment benefit.
Cobalt‐Catalyzed Carbonylation of N‐Alkylbenzaldimines to ‘N‐Alkylphthalimidines’ (= 2,3‐Dihydro‐1H‐isoindol‐1‐ones) via Tandem C ? H Activation and Cyclocarbonylation

The reaction of N-alkylbenzaldimines with carbon monoxide (CO) in the presence of cobalt (Co) catalysts resulted in the formation of N-alkylphthalimidines (Table 1). Their formation is proposed to occur by CH activation of the aryl ring, migratory insertion of the hydride species into the benzaldimine functionality, CO coordination, and insertion into the CoC bond, followed by reductive elimination of the N-alkylphthalimidine and regeneration of the starting Co species (Scheme 4). Deuterium (2H)-labeling NMR studies are consistent with this mechanism (Scheme 5).
The direct lateral approach for small incision total hip replacement

Small incision total hip replacement has recently gained in popularity due to its promise of decreased blood loss, reduced soft tissue trauma, and a quicker postoperative recovery. The direct lateral approach can be readily adapted for use with a small incision. The procedure for performing this operation is presented in detail, including anesthesia recommendations, equipment and positioning, surgical technique, and postoperative rehabilitation. Our experience with the small incision direct lateral approach, in comparison to a conventional length incision, is also described. Clinical parameters and component positioning have been similar for those with a small incision and those with a conventional length incision. Total hip replacement can be effectively and accurately performed with a small incision direct lateral approach.
Application of regularized deconvolution technique for predicting pavement thin layer thicknesses from ground penetrating radar data

Abstract In this paper, regularized deconvolution is utilized to analyze GPR signal collected from thin asphalt pavement overlays of various mixtures and thicknesses on a test site. By applying regularized deconvolution and the L-curve method, the overlapped interface was identified in the signal. The thickness of the thin layer was predicted with maximum error of 4.2%, which is less than 1.5 mm, a value well below the layer tolerance during construction. The study shows that the algorithm based on regularized deconvolution is a simple and effective approach for processing GPR data collected from thin pavement layers to predict their thickness.
Variation of pituitary responsiveness to synthetic LRF during different phases of the menstrual cycle.

Abstract Synthetic. LRF (IV 150 μg dose) elicited a prompt increase in circulating LH during all phases of the cycle studied. The maximal response was found during preovulatory phase and the minimal response was seen during the early follicular phase. A change in LRF responsiveness with greater and more sustained LH release from the early to the late follicular phase was observed. The response during luteal phase was significantly greater than responses in both the early and the late follicular phases. A concomitant but a much smaller response in the rise of serum FSH levels was observed. These data indicate that the sensitivity of pituitary gonadotrophs to LRF is preferentially increased for LH release during the late follicular phase of the cycle and that a maximal pituitary responsiveness to LRF appears to occur at the midcycle.
Tachykinin NK3 receptor agonist blocks sodium deficiency-induced shift in taste reactivity.

Intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) injections of tachykinin NK3 receptor agonists suppress NaCl intake by sodium deficient rats. The brief exposure, taste reactivity test was used to examine the effect of tachykinins on the immediate, oral reinforcing properties of NaCl (0.5 M) in sodium replete and sodium deficient male rats. In sodium replete rats, intraoral infusions of NaCl elicited a mixed response comprised of a similar number of ingestive and aversive responses following i.c.v. injections of saline and succinyl-[Asp6,N-Me-Phe8]substance P, (6-11), (SENK), a NK3 receptor agonist. When sodium deficient, saline injected rats showed a reliable increase in ingestive and a decrease in aversive taste reactivity responses. Lateral i.c.v. injections of SENK blocked the shift in taste reactivity responses by sodium deficient rats, indicating that concentrated NaCl retained its aversive taste property.
Bicarbonate as an essential for human cells in vitro.

Abstract Human conjunctival and Hela cells were grown in vitro in the presence or absence of HCO3−. In the presence of HCO3−, multiplication of both cell strains was rapid; whereas, in its absence, a decrease in the number of cells was found. Such a decrease was small if the medium was changed on alternate days, presumably because of transient exposure of the cells to CO2. At any time studied up to 14 days, cell multiplication was restored by the addition of HCO3− to the medium.
Management of biliary tract problems

Abstract Biliary disorders are relatively rare in childhood but early recognition is important and investigations need to be organized efficiently to facilitate a timely diagnosis and specific treatment. The classical clinical presentation of biliary disorders is with jaundice, particularly in the newborn period, abdominal pain and fever but incidental antenatal diagnosis is becoming an increasingly important presentation. Abdominal ultrasound remains the imaging modality of choice but magnetic resonance cholangiopancreotography and endoscopic ultrasound have an increasing role. The role of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreotography has evolved from a diagnostic to a therapeutic tool. Surgical treatment is necessary for many biliary disorders and while laparoscopic cholecystectomy is now the standard of care, open surgery remains the preferred method for Kasai Portoenterostomy. This review article focuses on the clinical features of biliary disorders in childhood and the diagnostic tools available. The epidemiology, clinical features and treatment of the most important biliary tract problems are then discussed.
Pedestal Characterization and Stability of Small-ELM Regimes in NSTX

An instability near the plasma edge known as the edge harmonic oscillation (EHO) is thought to enable access to the ELM-free quiescent H-mode (QH-mode) in tokamaks, which is a highly desirable operational regime for ITER because of the avoidance of periodic ELM heat loads. The EHO has been hypothesized to be a saturated kink driven unstable by toroidal rotational shear that provides sufficient transport near the plasma edge to keep the edge plasma below the peeling-ballooning stability limit. NSTX has observed unstable modes with similar characteristics to the EHO coincident with transition to a small-ELM regime (called Type-V). These small ELMs do not have a measurable effect on the plasma stored energy (< 1%). Transition to this regime is associated with a downward biased plasma as evidenced by drsep < -5 mm. Soft x-ray emission indicates that these modes are localized just inside the pedestal and are correlated with increased density fluctuations in the pedestal as measured by microwave reflectometry. The lowest order mode rotates at the plasma rotation frequency, indicating n=1, and harmonics up to n=6 have been observed simultaneously with the n=1, as determined by the rotation frequency of the higher harmonics. Increased edge collisionality is required tomore » access Type-V ELMs. Stability analysis during the observed modes indicates instability to n=1-3 with n=3 having the highest growth rate and unstable mode eigenfunctions peaked near the plasma edge. Discharges with Type-V and Type-I ELMs are both calculated to be on the peeling unstable side of the peeling ballooning stability curve, with the Type-V case at higher normalized pressure gradient.« less
Variance-effective population number: the effects of sex ratio and density on the mean and variance of offspring numbers in the flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum

SUMMARY I report the results of an experimental study of the effects of sex ratio and density on the mean and variance in offspring numbers in both sexes of the flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum. The variance-effective number is estimated from the observed variance in offspring numbers using the methods of Crow & Morton (1955). Both the mean and the variance in offspring numbers were found to vary with sex ratio and density; as was found in previous studies (Wade, 1980), males were generally more variable in offspring numbers than females. The ratio of variance to mean progeny numbers in each sex was approximately unity at all sex ratios.
Rapid, high-resolution electrophoresis of hemoglobin on starch gel

Abstract A procedure and apparatus are described for the electrophoresis on starch gel of hemoglobin and other proteins. The salient features of this method are: The time for electrophoresis is only 2–2.5 hr; there are very few (
Population structure of stream-dwelling darters: correspondence with habitat structure

Patterns of ecotopic variation in the population structure of two common and relatedPercina species were examined among seven central Gulf-Coast stream sites by Kendall's concordance tests, revealing four complexes of variables with significant covariation from a total of 18 population and habitat variables. The first complex comprised three interrelated habitat variables, implying that mid-stream surface current varied inversely with both instream cover and substrate heterogeneity. The second complex of five interrelated variables revealed (1) that darter abundance was better correlated with the area of instream cover than with total area, and (2) that site density [number m-2] varied inversely with site area. Along with three other variables, cover density (number per square meter of instream cover) formed a third complex, demonstrating resource complementarity between instream cover and macroinvertebrate abundance. Variables within the fourth complex all increased concomitantly with the key variable of mean darter size, including body-size diversity, biomass, relative abundance of the two darter species and mid-stream depth. Within the study region, local ecological factors largely regulate distributions, abundances and size-structures ofPercina populations, apparently even outweighing the effects of stochastic and historical factors
Perfusion of the kidney using extraslice spin tagging (EST) magnetic resonance imaging.

This study was undertaken to determine whether extraslice spin tagging (EST) perfusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging is suitable for screening persons for renal perfusion deficits. Six normal and seven patient volunteers with suspected decreased renal perfusion due to renal vascular disease were imaged. X-ray angiograms were also obtained on all patients. The normalized EST signal intensity showed a linear correlation with respect to the percent stenosis measured from the X-ray angiograms. This demonstrates the potential utility of using EST for the evaluation of kidney perfusion, which was done without the need for exogenous MR contrast agents. EST is fast and less expensive than contrast-based methods. These features make EST a candidate for routine screening of patients for renal vascular disease and for the assessment of angiographically equivocal renal artery stenoses. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 1999;10:886-891.
Variable-frequency drive applications in nonmakeup-air exhaust systems

The constant-speed fan wastes fan energy and causes excessive noises in nonmakeup-air exhaust systems, where stack-exit velocity decreases proportionally to the laboratory exhaust airflow. A variable-frequency drive (VFD) can maintain the required static pressure at the fume hoods by modulating the fan speed. The VFD reduces the fan power and eliminates the noise problems. A theoretical study has been conducted to investigate the system performance of the constant fan nonmakeup-air exhaust system, the impacts of the VFD, and the optimal VFD control for multiple-stack systems. The results show that the VFD can potentially reduce annual fan energy of the constant-speed fan nonmakeup-air exhaust systems by as much as 51%.
Photoredox behavior of methylviologen doped in silica gel matrices

Silica gels doped with methylviologen (MV), which is a photoredox and photochromic compound, have been prepared under both acidic and basic conditions. The oxidation process of the reduced species, MV+, formed by UV irradiation of the gels, was investigated on the basis of UV absorption measurements. The magnitude of the absorption maximum of MV+ in the gels gradually decreased with time after irradiation, as is observed for MV+ in solution, indicating that the photoredox behavior of MV in the gel matrix is very similar to that in solution. The lifetime of MV+ increased with increasing microviscosity around MV after gelation in the gels prepared under acidic conditions. The lifetime of MV+, however, reached a maximum and then gradually decreased as the gel was aged, suggesting that the oxidation of MV+ to more stable MV2+ readily occurred due to the restriction of the diffusion of MV+ and oxidized solvents. Moreover, the lifetime of MV+ in the gels prepared under basic conditions reached a maximum at an earlier stage of gel aging than for the gels prepared under acidic conditions because the microviscosity around the MV molecules at the gelation point under basic conditions was greater than that under acidic conditions.
The sequential maximum angle convex cone (SMACC) endmember model

A new endmember extraction method has been developed that is based on a convex cone model for representing vector data. The endmembers are selected directly from the data set. The algorithm for finding the endmembers is sequential: the convex cone model starts with a single endmember and increases incrementally in dimension. Abundance maps are simultaneously generated and updated at each step. A new endmember is identified based on the angle it makes with the existing cone. The data vector making the maximum angle with the existing cone is chosen as the next endmember to add to enlarge the endmember set. The algorithm updates the abundances of previous endmembers and ensures that the abundances of previous and current endmembers remain positive or zero. The algorithm terminates when all of the data vectors are within the convex cone, to some tolerance. The method offers advantages for hyperspectral data sets where high correlation among channels and pixels can impair un-mixing by standard techniques. The method can also be applied as a band-selection tool, finding end-images that are unique and forming a convex cone for modeling the remaining hyperspectral channels. The method is described and applied to hyperspectral data sets.
Some Lessons from Using Static Analysis and Software Model Checking for Bug Finding

Abstract This paper describes our experiences in using static analysis and model checking to find errors in three case studies.
Si diffusion in zircon

Self-diffusion of Si under anhydrous conditions at 1 atm has been measured in natural zircon. The source of diffusant for experiments was a mixture of ZrO2 and 30Si-enriched SiO2 in 1:1 molar proportions; experiments were run in crimped Pt capsules in 1-atm furnaces. 30Si profiles were measured with both Rutherford backscattering spectrometry (RBS) and nuclear reaction analysis with the resonant nuclear reaction 30Si(p,γ)31P. For Si diffusion normal to c over the temperature range 1,350–1,550°C, we obtain an Arrhenius relation D = 5.8 exp(−702 ± 54 kJ mol−1/RT) m2 s−1 for the NRA measurements, which agrees within uncertainty with an Arrhenius relation determined from the RBS measurements [62 exp(−738 ± 61 kJ mol−1/RT) m2 s−1]. Diffusion of Si parallel to c appears slightly faster, but agrees within experimental uncertainty at most temperatures with diffusivities for Si normal to c. Diffusion of Si in zircon is similar to that of Ti, but about an order of magnitude faster than diffusion of Hf and two orders of magnitude faster than diffusion of U and Th. Si diffusion is, however, many orders of magnitude slower than oxygen diffusion under both dry and hydrothermal conditions, with the difference increasing with decreasing temperature because of the larger activation energy for Si diffusion. If we consider Hf as a proxy for Zr, given its similar charge and size, we can rank the diffusivities of the major constituents in zircon as follows: D Zr < D Si << D O, dry < D O, ‘wet’.
The current role of immunotherapy for renal cell carcinoma in the era of targeted therapeutics.

The migration from cytokine therapy to the use of recently approved tyrosine kinase inhibitors and targeted therapeutic strategies may deprive some patients of a chance for long-term survival, as many clinicians now see these new agents as “easy fixes’ for treating renal cell carcinoma (RCC). New developments pertaining to the mechanism, patient selection, predictive biomarkers, and administration of interleukin-2 mandate a reassessment of the clinical landscape and the clinical trial information upon which our current practices are based. Recalibration of the scales that we use to weigh the various possible therapies for advanced kidney cancer is also needed. Despite the shift away from cytokine therapy in the current treatment paradigm, new therapeutic approaches continue to build upon the undisputed fact that RCC can be cured with immunotherapy.
Variations in sediment texture on the northern Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary continental shelf

Abstract The storm-protected continental shelf of Monterey Bay, part of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, north-central California, is subject to abundant, episodic sediment input from fluvial sources. North of Monterey Bay, conditions of reduced sediment supply combined with the exposed nature of the shelf provide an effective laboratory for studying the contrasting effects of storm- versus fluvial-dominated conditions on modern sedimentation. Textural analyses performed on surface sediment samples collected from more than 380 box cores and MultiCores™ document the existence of a clearly defined mud belt occupying the mid-shelf throughout the region. Inshore sands combined with these mid-shelf muds represent deposits from modern sedimentation processes. In Monterey Bay, where episodic fluvial input from winter storms dominates sedimentation, the mid-shelf mud belt extends across the shelf to the shelf break. North of Monterey Bay, where sediment loads are reduced and both oceanographic and storm processes dominate, the mid-shelf mud belt is bordered by relict sediments occupying the outer shelf. In the study area, mass accumulation rates established by radiochemical studies support the contention that storm-induced along-shelf processes result in northward transport of sediment within the mud belt. The continuity of transport, however, is interrupted by topographic highs which are barriers or inhibitors to sediment transport created by wrench-style tectonics associated with the San Andreas fault system.
A queueing network model of task prioritization using a general hierarchy of prioritization rules

Earlier, Zhang and Feyen (2005) proposed a qualitative framework for predicting how people working in a multitasking scenario switch between concurrent tasks with dynamically changing priorities. This paper describes a validation study of a computational model derived from this framework. Utilizing a general hierarchy of prioritization rules suggested by a companion empirical study, a model of a multiple task scenario built using a queueing network approach was compared to the empirical results. On all metrics considered, no means were found significantly different and the model replicated all but one of 54 task sequences demonstrated by human subjects. Comparisons to similar models utilizing only single prioritization rules revealed that the general hierarchy yielded substantially better predictions.
A Hypothesis on the Mechanism of Trauma of Lung Tissue Subjected to Impact Load

When a compressive impact load is applied on the chest, as in automobile crash or bomb explosion, the lung may be injured and show evidences of edema and hemorrhage. Since soft tissues have good strength in compression, why does a compression wave cause edema? Our hypothesis is that tensile and shear stresses are induced in the alveolar wall on rebound from compression, and that the maximum principal stress (tensile) may exceed critical values for increased permeability of the epithelium to small solutes, or even fracture. Furthermore, small airways may collapse and trap gas in alveoli at a critical strain, causing traumatic atelectasis. The collapsed airways reopen at a higher strain after the wave passes, during which the expansion of the trapped gas will induce additional tension in the alveolar wall. To test this hypothesis, we made three new experiments: (1), measuring the effect of transient overstretch of the alveolar membrane on the rate of lung weight increase; (2) determining the critical pressure for reopening collapsed airways of rabbit lung subjected to cyclic compression and expansion; (3) cyclic compression of lung with trachea closed. We found that in isolated rabbit lung overstretching increases the rate of edema fluid formation, that the critical strain for airway reopening is higher than that for closing, and that these critical strains are strain-rate dependent, but independent of the state of the trachea, whether it is open or closed. Furthermore, a theoretical analysis is presented to show that the maximum principal (tensile) stress is of the same order of magnitude as the maximum initial compressive stress at certain localities of the lung.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Covalent stabilization of alginate hydrogel beads via Staudinger ligation: assessment of poly(ethylene glycol) and alginate cross-linkers.

Cellular encapsulation within alginate hydrogel capsules has broad applications in tissue engineering. In seeking to improve the inherent instability of ionically cross-linked alginate hydrogels, we previously demonstrated the covalent stabilization of Ba2+ cross-linked alginate-azide beads via chemoselective Staudinger ligation using a 1-methyl-2-diphenylphosphino-terephthalate (MDT) terminated poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) linker. In this study, we functionalized variant PEG, linear and branched, and alginate polymers with MDT groups to evaluate the effect of size, structural design, number of functional groups, and charge on the resulting hydrogel bead. All cross-linkers resulted in enhanced covalent stabilization of alginate beads, with significant decreases in swelling and resistance to dissolution via Ba2+ chelation. The MDT-functionalized alginate resulted in the most stable and homogeneous bead, with the most restrictive permeability even after EDTA exposure. Co-encapsulation of MIN6 cells within the cross-linked alginate hydrogel beads resulted in minimal effects on viability, whereas the degree of proliferation following culture varied with cross-linker type. Altogether, the results illustrate that manipulating the cross-linker structural design permits flexibility in resulting alginate beads characteristics. Covalent stabilization of alginate hydrogel beads with these chemoselective alginate and PEG-based cross-linkers provides a unique platform for cellular encapsulation. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 99A: 47–57, 2011.
Computational analysis of binding affinity and neural response at the L-alanine receptor.

A model of analogue-receptor binding is developed for the l-alanine receptor in the channel catfish using the AM1-SM2 and ab initio SCRF computational methods. Besides interactions involving the zwitterionic moiety of the amino acid analogue and complementary subsites on the receptor, the model suggests the presence of a hydrophobic pocket with dispersion interactions between the receptor and the residue on the amino acid analogue. Conformational analysis suggests not only a small compact active site on the receptor, but also that the analogues with the highest affinity occupy nearly identical regions of space. Although the binding interaction is dominated by the ionic terms, AM1-SM2 calculations indicate that free energy terms associated with cavity formation, solvent reorganization, and dispersion interactions can be correlated to activation and neural response. From a consideration of this model, molecular features of the analogues that are important for binding and neural response were deduced and other analogues or ligands were developed and tested.
Effects of the mycotoxins citrinin and ochratoxin a on hepatic mixed-function oxidase and adenosinetriphosphatase in neonatal rats.

The effects of citrinin, ochratoxin A, or a combination of the two mycotoxins on the hepatic monooxygenase system and on hepatic and renal adenosinetriphosphatase (A TPase) activities were examined in neonatal rats exposed to a single treatment of one or both toxins. Animals received (po) 25 mg/kg citrinin, 1 mg/kg ochratoxin A, or 25 mg/kg citrinin plus 1 mg/kg ochratoxin A within 24 h of birth. Pups were killed 12 d later. Citrinin or ochratoxin A alone did not affect hepatic ATPase. Renal oligomycin‐sensitive Mg2+‐A TPase was inhibited to the same degree by ochratoxin A and the combination treatment. A synergistic effect of the two mycotoxins was observed on renal Na+‐K+‐ATPase. Significant effects, due to the mycotoxin interaction, were also observed on cytochrome P‐450 content, NADPH‐dependent dehydrogenase, and NADPH‐cytochrome c reducyase.
Respiratory reovirus 1/L induction of intraluminal fibrosis, a model of bronchiolitis obliterans organizing pneumonia, is dependent on T lymphocytes.

Bronchiolitis obliterans organizing pneumonia (BOOP) is a clinical syndrome characterized by perivascular/peribronchiolar leukocyte infiltration leading to the development of intraalveolar fibrosis. We have developed an animal model of BOOP where CBA/J mice infected with 1 × 106 plaque-forming units (PFU) reovirus 1/L develop follicular bronchiolitis and intraalveolar fibrosis similar to human BOOP. In this report, we demonstrate a role for T cells in the development of intraluminal fibrosis associated with BOOP. Corticosteroid treatment of reovirus 1/L-infected mice both inhibited the development of fibrotic lesions when administered early in the time-course and promoted the resolution of fibrotic lesions when corticosteroid administration was delayed. Further, the depletion of either CD4+ or CD8+ T cells before reovirus 1/L infection also inhibited fibrotic lesion development. Both corticosteroid treatment and depletion of CD4+ or CD8+ T cells also resulted in decreased expression of the proinflammatory and profibrotic cytokines, interferon (IFN)-γ and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1). Further, treatment of mice with a neutralizing monoclonal antibody to IFN-γ also significantly inhibited the development of fibrosis. Taken together, these results suggest a significant role for T cells in the development of reovirus 1/L-induced BOOP fibrotic lesions in CBA/J mice and suggests that TH1-derived cytokines, especially IFN-γ, may play a key role in fibrotic lesion development.
Managing Multiple Communication Methods in High-Performance Networked Computing Systems

Modern networked computing environments and applications often require?or can benefit from?the use of multiple communication substrates, transport mechanisms, and protocols, chosen according to where communication is directed, what is communicated, or when communication is performed. We propose techniques that allow multiple communication methods to be supported transparently in a single application, with either automatic or user-specified selection criteria guiding the methods used for each communication. We explain how communication link and remote service request mechanisms facilitate the specification and implementation of multimethod communication. These mechanisms have been implemented in the Nexus multithreaded runtime system, and we use this system to illustrate solutions to various problems that arise when multimethod communication is implemented. We also illustrate the application of our techniques by describing a multimethod, multithreaded implementation of the Message Passing Interface (MPI) standard, constructed by integrating Nexus with the Argonne MPICH library. Finally, we present the results of experimental studies that reveal performance characteristics of multimethod communication, the Nexus-based MPI implementation, and a large scientific application running in a heterogeneous networked environment.
Blunt cardiac rupture: the utility of emergency department ultrasound

Abstract Background . Rupture of the heart is usually a fatal injury in patients sustaining blunt trauma. Those arriving in the emergency department alive can be saved with prompt diagnosis and treatment. Methods . We describe the cases of 4 consecutive patients with rupture of the free cardiac wall whom we treated at Grady Hospital. Two had a tear of the right ventricle, 1 had a tear of the right atrium, and 1 had two tears of the left atrium. All patients were involved in motor vehicle accidents. The diagnosis was made by ultrasound in 3 patients and during exploratory surgical intervention in the other. All tears were repaired primarily without the aid of cardiopulmonary bypass. Results . Three of the patients survived, and 1 died. Conclusions . Rarely are patients with rupture of the free cardiac wall seen in an emergency department. The improvements in the prehospital care and the transportation may result in an increase in the numbers of such patients. Physicians treating patients with blunt trauma must suspect the presence of cardiac rupture. Immediate use of ultrasonography will establish the diagnosis and prompt repair of the injury may improve overall survival.
Structure of the archaebacterial 7S RNA molecule.

The genes encoding the 7S RNAs of the archaebacteria Archaeoglobus fulgidus, Methanosarcina acetivorans, Sulfolobus solfataricus, and Thermococcus celer have been isolated. All four genes occur as single genomic copies and are flanked by sequences containing potential signals for transcriptional promotion and termination. The genes encode RNA molecules approximately 300 nucleotides in length which conform strictly to a model of secondary structure common to all described archaebacterial 7S RNAs. Archaebacterial 7S RNAs exhibit a strong similarity to eukaryotic 7S RNAs in terms of overall secondary structure, while primary sequence conservation is limited to a specific structural domain of the molecule. This domain displays strong primary and secondary structural similarity to features of small eubacterial RNAs, including the small cytoplasmic (sc) RNA of Bacillus subtilis and the 4.5S RNA of Escherichia coli. Conservation of this structural domain among divergent RNA molecules across three kingdoms suggests that these RNAs are the descendants of a unique subcellular structure present before the divergence of the archaebacterial, eubacterial and eukaryotic kingdoms.
Psychometric Properties of a Measure Assessing Attitudes and Norms as Determinants of Intention to Use Oral Contraceptives.

Summary Purpose Asian immigrant and Asian American women are less likely to use oral contraceptives (OCs) and tend to rely on low-efficacy methods of contraception. This contraceptive pattern remains poorly understood, in part, because no theory-driven measurement exists to assess psychosocial determinants essential in explaining behaviors related to OC use in this population. The current study aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of a measure of attitudes and subjective norms toward OC use among Korean American women as a first step to determine whether the measure can be used in this population and, potentially, in other Asian ethnic groups. Methods The sample consisted of 329 Korean immigrant women living in New York City. The theory of reasoned action guided the development of the measure assessing attitudes and norms. Psychometric evaluation included item analysis, internal consistency estimates of reliability, and construct validity (i.e., factorial, discriminant, and predictive). Results All item-total correlations were above the recommendation of .30. The Cronbach's alpha for the attitudes and subjective norms measure was .88 and .86, respectively. Exploratory factor analyses revealed four interpretable factors, and confirmatory factor analyses confirmed that the factor structures derived from the exploratory factor analyses fit the data well. Discriminant and predictive validity of the measure were also established. Conclusions The study provides support for the validity and reliability of the measure and its use for determining the degree to which Korean immigrant women intend to use OCs.
Role of Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase in Endothelial Cell Migration

Endothelium-derived nitric oxide (NO) and its precursor L-arginine have been implied to promote angiogenesis, but little is known about the precise mechanism. The inhibition of endogenous NO formation by Nomega-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) (1 mmol/L) but not its inactive enantiomer D-NAME (1 mmol/L) inhibited endothelial cell sprouting from the scratched edge of the cultured bovine aortic endothelial cell monolayer. Inhibition of endogenous NO release by L-NAME was confirmed by amperometric measurement using an NO-specific electrode. In the modified Boyden chamber, L-NAME (1 mmol/L) significantly inhibited endothelial cell migration, whereas L-NAME did not affect endothelial DNA synthesis as assessed by analysis of [3H]thymidine incorporation. We then examined alteration of endothelial cell adhesion molecule expression after the inhibition of NO by L-NAME in cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells. In both normoxic and hypoxic conditions, L-NAME (1 mmol/L) inhibited surface expression of integrin alphavbeta3, which is an important integrin facilitating endothelial cell survival and angiogenesis. However, L-NAME did not affect the expression of platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1, intercellular adhesion molecule-1, vascular endothelial adhesion molecule-1, gap junction protein connexin 43, and VE-cadherin, which have been reported to potentially affect angiogenesis. In summary, inhibition of endothelial NO synthase by L-NAME attenuated endothelial cell migration but not proliferation in vitro. Furthermore, endogenous endothelium-derived NO maintains the functional expression of integrin alphavbeta3, a mediator for endothelial migration, survival, and angiogenesis. Endothelium-derived NO, thus, may play an important role in mediating angiogenesis by supporting endothelial cell migration, at least partly, via an integrin-dependent mechanism.
Theory of cyclotron resonance of interacting electrons in a semiconducting surface inversion layer

The frequency-dependent conductivity of the quasi-two-dimensional electron gas of a semiconducting surface inversion layer in the presence of a dc magnetic field is calculated. Both electron-electron and electron-impurity scattering are included in the model. The conductivity is evaluated using the memory-function technique. The line shape of the fundamental cyclotron resonance is studied for a variety of values of frequency, transport relaxation time, and quasiparticle lifetime. The frequency-dependent shift in the cyclotron mass obtained in the calculations is found to be quite small.
Tissue-specific signatures of activating PIK3CA and RAS mutations in carcinosarcomas of gynecologic origin

Abstract Objectives Gynecologic carcinosarcoma is an aggressive malignancy that requires more effective treatment approaches. However, therapeutic implications regarding the specific gynecologic site of origin and the admixture of carcinomatous and sarcomatous elements that define this tumor remain uncertain. Therefore, broad genotyping was performed to identify tissue-specific somatic mutational profiles that may help direct targeted therapies in this complex neoplasia. Methods Genotyping was conducted on primary gynecologic carcinosarcomas arising from various disease sites (uterus, ovary, fallopian tube, vagina) and within isolated histological subcomponents. Nucleic acids extracted from diagnostic tissue were used in a genotyping platform that simultaneously queried >120 common mutations across 14 cancer genes. Mutational status was correlated with clinical variables using logistic regression and Kaplan–Meier survival estimates. Results Cancer gene mutations were identified in 46% of the 52 patient cohort and include TP53 (23%), PIK3CA (19%), KRAS (15%), CTNNB1 (4%) and NRAS (2%). Mutation in a single gene was observed in 31% of patient samples, while synchronous mutations involving 2 and 3 genes were noted in 13% and 2% of samples, respectively. Comparative evaluation of the carcinomatous and sarcomatous elements within a tumor demonstrated a similar mutation signature. Mutations in PIK3CA, KRAS and NRAS were exclusive to tumors of uterine origin and age-adjusted Cox proportional hazards modeling associated advanced age, stage and TP53 mutations with decreased survival in the uterine subset. Conclusion While carcinosarcomas across gynecologic disease sites are histologically similar, therapeutically relevant mutations in the mitogen-activated protein kinase and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase pathways predominated in carcinosarcomas arising in the uterus.
Alcoholic and spouse concordance on attributions about relapse to drinking

The purpose of this paper is to report a descriptive study of the degree of concordance between male alcoholics' and their wives' perceptions of the alcoholics' relapse to drinking within two years of their participation in an outcome study of behavioral marital therapy for alcoholism. At the end of a two-year follow-up period, the 23 alcoholics who had relapsed and their wives were independently interviewed. The results showed that both the alcoholics and their spouses reported both intrapsychic and situational determinants of the relapses. Among types of determinants, the situational spouse was reported disproportunately more often by patients and disproportunately less often by spouses. Furthermore, the concordance between patient and spouse reports was low. Use of these findings for marital therapy in the treatment of alcohol abuse is discussed.
Relations among regular and irregular morphologically related words in the lexicon as revealed by repetition priming.

Several experiments examined repetition priming among morphologically related words as a tool to study lexical organization. The first experiment replicated a finding by Stanners, Neiser, Hernon, and Hall (Journal of Verbal Learning and Verbal Behavior, 1979,18, 399-412), that whereas inflected words prime their unaffixed morphological relatives as effectively as do the unaffixed forms themselves, derived words are effective, but weaker, primes. The experiment also suggested, however, that this difference in priming may have an episodic origin relating to the less formal similarity of derived than of inflected words to unaffixed morphological relatives. A second experiment reduced episodic contributions to priming and found equally effective priming of unaffixed words by themselves, by inflected relatives, and by derived relatives. Two additional experiments found strong priming among relatives sharing the spelling and pronunciation of the unaffixed stem morpheme, sharing spelling alone, or sharing neither formal property exactly. Overall, results with auditory and visual presentations were similar. Interpretations that repetition priming reflects either repeated access to a common lexical entry or associative semantic priming are both rejected in favor of a lexical organization in which components of a word (e.g., a stem morpheme) may be shared among distinct words without the words themselves, in any sense, sharing a “lexical entry.”