cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Abstract 108: Inhibition of demethylase, JMJD3 sensitizes diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) to chemotherapy

Introduction Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most common form of non-Hodgkin9s lymphoma (NHL) representing more than 30% of new cases diagnosed in the United States. DLBCL comprises multiple biologically and clinically distinct subtypes including germinal center B-cell-like (GCB) and activated B-cell like (ABC) DLBCL. Despite improvement in current therapies, nearly 40% of patients die from the disease. Recent studies of the epigenome and the methylome in particular, have revealed widespread epigenetic changes in DLBCL. Aberrant methylation of core histone tails occur with deregulation of methylase enzymes such as Ezh2 in DLBCL. In contrast, the role of JMJD3 and UTX, H3K27(me)3 demethylases in DLBCL remains unknown. In this study, we have evaluated the activity of the selective JMJD3 inhibitor GSK-J4 in DLBCL and investigated the mechanism of its action. Methods Panel of DLBCL cell lines: DB, KARPAS 422, Pfeiffer, Toledo, Sudhl2, Sudhl6, Sudhl8, TMD8, OCI-Ly1, OCI-Ly3, OCI-Ly7, OCI-Ly8, OCI-Ly4, OCI-Ly10, and primary DLBCL cells were analyzed for the expression of lysine demethylases (KDMs) using RT-PCR and Western blot analysis. Sub-G1 analysis was performed to analyze drug-induced apoptosis. Chemical inhibitor GSK-J4 and siRNAs were used for specific inhibition of the JMJD3. Results JMJD3 inhibitor, GSK-J4 induced the killing of DLBCL cell lines of both GC and ABC subtypes. Cell sensitivity to GSK-J4 could not be predicted from the expression of prognostic markers in DLBCL such as Bcl6, IRF4 and Ezh2. For further studies, we selected a cell line Sudhl6 (Bcl6 dependent), sensitive to the killing effect of GSK-J4. Treatment with GSK-J4 reduced the Bcl6 levels along with concomitant increase in IRF4 and FBXO11, negative regulators of Bcl6. Knockdown of JMJD3 by siRNAs also reduced the levels of Bcl6, implicating Bcl6 in the mechanism of action of GSK-J4. Additionally, GSK-J4 synergized in killing with vincristine, doxorubicin as well as proteasome inhibitors bortezomib and carfilzomib. Conclusion We demonstrate the potent effects of inhibition of H3K27(me)3 demethylase JMJD3 by GSK-J4 on proliferation and apoptosis of DLBCL cells. Our results clearly show synergistic effects of inhibition of demethylase with standard drugs in elimination of DLBCL cells. Note: This abstract was not presented at the meeting. Citation Format: Rohit Mathur, Lalit Sehgal, Zuzana Berkova, Sattva S. Neelapu, Felipe Samaniego. Inhibition of demethylase, JMJD3 sensitizes diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) to chemotherapy. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 106th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2015 Apr 18-22; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(15 Suppl):Abstract nr 108. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2015-108
Stimulation of synthesis of free chondroitin sulfate chains by beta-D-xylosides in cultured cells.

Abstract Beta-Xylosides stimulate 2- to 6-fold the synthesis of glycosaminoglycans by three types of nonconnective tissue cells (RG-C6, NB41A, and rat hepatoma cells, and normal and simian virus 40 (SV40)-transformed normal human skin fibroblasts. The effect, which is specific for the anomeric linkage and the glycone, is observed in the presence and absence of puromycin. Beta-Xylosides may substitute for xylosylated core protein as initiators of synthesis of chondroitin sulfate chains. No stimulation of synthesis of heparan sulfate was observed. With the use of a fluorogenic xyloside, 4-methylumbelliferyl-beta-D-xyloside, it was demonstrated that the free chondroitin sulfate chains secreted into the medium bear the xyloside at the reducing end, and have an average molecular weight of 16,500.
Recognizing Constitutional Rights at Sentencing

There are a number of traditional sentencing factors, which judges use when selecting the precise sentence within the statutory sentencing range, that appear to infringe on the constitutional rights of criminal defendants. Yet courts have not engaged in traditional constitutional analysis when permitting the use of these factors. Instead, they have rejected constitutional challenges to sentencing factors on the grounds that recognizing substantive constitutional limits on sentencing considerations would be inconsistent with historical practice and would interfere with the judiciary’s ability to impose a proper sentence. This Article challenges these claims. It demonstrates both that there is not a historical practice of disregarded rights at sentencing, that constitutional rights frequently impair the government’s ability to accomplish its goals, and that there is nothing unique about sentencing that warrants the judiciary’s disregard of constitutional rights because of these impediments. It further argues that recognizing constitutional limits on sentencing considerations is particularly important given that sentencing is the means by which the government restricts individual liberty.
The Global Significance of Arabic Language and Literature

Though often identified with the Arabs and the Islamic religious tradition, Arabic language and literature has enjoyed widespread popularity for over a millennium among numerous different peoples, including not only Muslims but also Christians and Jews. This article explores a number of key examples that demonstrate the global impact of Arabic language and literature. © 2012 Blackwell Publishing Ltd
An Improved Test of the Isotropy of Space using Laser Techniques

This paper describes a new laser version of the Michelson-Morley [1] experiment, in which we achieved a sensitivity Δc/c = (1.5±2.5)×10−15 [2]. This appears to constitute the most precise test of special relativity yet realized.
Synthesis and characterization of processable aromatic poly(azomethine)s with ether linkages

High-molecular-weight polyketanils [OPhC(Ph)=NPhN=C(Ph)PhO-Ar] n (Ar= PhC(Me) 2 Ph, Ph(t-Bu), Ph, PhPh, PhSO 2 Ph) were prepared by the reactions of N,N'-bis[α-(4-fluorophenyl)benzylidene))-1,4-benzenediamine with phenoxydes derived from several less acidic diphenols. Molecular sieves mediated reactions of 1,4-benzenediamine with two equivalents of 4-fluorobenzophenone afforded the desired monomer in good yield. Formation of successive ether linkages via nucleophilic aromatic substitution reactions constituted the polymerforming step. The high-molecular-weight polymers form tough films upon compression molding, exhibit relatively high T g 's and good thermal stability
The relentless effects of the aging process on protein turnover.

Protein turnover encompasses the processes ofprotein synthesis and protein degradation. Because ofthe essential structural and catalytic roles thatproteins play in the cell, there has been along-standing interest in the effects of aging onprotein turnover. The purpose of this review is toincorporate relevant data published since the area waspreviously reviewed and to provide an update on thestatus of research with particular attention to thepathways of protein degradation.
Prostate cancer: Screening and early detection update

Many questions still exist about the etiology of prostate cancer. Prostate cancer screening methods continue to evolve. The following four findings are important to remember: (1) PSA is organ specific, not cancer specific, (2) DRE remains the standard method for screening, (3) TRUS continues to evolve but is currently too expensive to use as a screening modality, and (4) a combination of DRE and PSA is the most effective and cost-efficient screening method. Although screening methods are controversial, mass screening for prostate cancer is already occurring in several cities in the United States. An understanding of the value and limitations of the available screening tools is essential.
Collective Landmarks for Deep Time: A New Tool for Evolution Education.

Evolution is a fundamental, organising concept in biology, yet there is widespread resistance to evolution among US students and there are rising creationist challenges in Europe. Resistance to evolution is linked to lack of understanding of the age of the Earth. An understanding of deep time is thus essential for effective biology education. Landmarks – well-known events of known absolute age – are important in developing a mental framework for deep time. ‘Collective landmarks’ are important events of which a group of students has accurate and precise knowledge. The collective landmarks for time were determined in several semesters of an interdisciplinary undergraduate course at a US public research university. A written survey was employed that asked students to select the appropriate ten-fold time range for ten important cosmological, biological and historical events. The collective landmarks were very similar across classes, including the Big Bang and the Cold War, and there was progress developing ad...
Plasma Abnormalities Following Overdose

A 62-year-old female with a history of schizophrenia was found unresponsive after ingesting supratherapeutic amounts of diltiazem and valsartan. At presentation to the emergency department, she was hypotensive and bradycardic. Eight hours later, a blood sample (Fig. 1A) was drawn for chemistry analysis and ultracentrifuged to clarify the turbidity (Fig. 1B). However, the lab was unable to assay …
Detection of Extended Thermal Infrared Emission around the Vega-like Source HD 141569

We report the detection of extended IR emission at 10.8 and 18.2 μm around the Vega-like source HD 141569. Mid-IR imaging with OSCIR on Keck II shows emission from dust extending out to 100 AU from the B9.5 Ve star. Our modeling of the dust places an upper limit of ~2 μm on the diameter of the mid-IR-emitting particles if they are Mie spheres of astronomical silicates. Comparison of our mid-IR images to the near-IR (1.1 μm) NICMOS images of HD 141569 (Weinberger et al. 1999) shows that the mid-IR emission originates at smaller distances from the star than the scattered near-IR light, as also previously observed for the archetype Vega-like source β Pictoris.
A line manager's handy guide to profit‐oriented financial planning and accounting techniques

As a line manager immersed in the details of a specific product line or process, you may find yourself thrust into a planning role and asked to make strategic decisions. Unfortunately, years have slipped by since your college accounting and finance courses, and you find the jargon and data difficult to interpret. You're not alone. Studies show that most business students never mastered net present value analysis or managerial cost accounting. In addition, other studies find that graduates generally do not learn these concepts on the job since most line managers generally do not use them.
A Possible Link Between Macroscopic Wear and Temperature Dependent Friction Behaviors of MoS2 Coatings

Studies to explore the nature of friction, and in particular thermally activated friction in macroscopic tribology, have lead to a series of experiments on thin coatings of molybdenum disulfide. Coatings of predominately molybdenum disulfide were selected for these experiments; five different coatings were used: MoS2/Ni, MoS2/Ti, MoS2/Sb2O3, MoS2/C/Sb2O3, and MoS2/Au/Sb2O3. The temperatures were varied over a range from −80 °C to 180 °C. The friction coefficients tended to increase with decreasing temperature. Activation energies were estimated to be between 2 and 10 kJ/mol from data fitting with an Arrhenius function. Subsequent room temperature wear rate measurements of these films under dry nitrogen conditions at ambient temperature demonstrated that the steady-state wear behavior of these coatings varied dramatically over a range of K = 7 × 10−6 to 2 × 10−8 mm3/(Nm). It was further shown that an inverse relationship between wear rate and the sensitivity of friction coefficient with temperature exists. The highest wear-rate coatings showed nearly athermal friction behavior, while the most wear resistant coatings showed thermally activated behavior. Finally, it is hypothesized that thermally activated behavior in macroscopic tribology is reserved for systems with stable interfaces and ultra-low wear, and athermal behavior is characteristic to systems experiencing gross wear.
Ultra-separation of nickel from copper metal for the measurement of 63Ni by AMS

Measurements of 63Ni (t12 = 100 yr) produced by the reaction 63Cu(n,p)63Ni could be used in the assessment of fast-neutron fluence from the Hiroshima atomic bomb. Such measurements would add new information to help resolve the current discrepancy between measured thermal neutron activation values and those calculated with the DS86 dosimetry system. It has been estimated that the 63Ni production at 5 m from the hypocenter was (1.4 ± 0.1) × 107 atoms/g Cu. Because of its sensitivity, accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) is ideal for measurements at this low level. However, 63Ni has to be separated from large amounts of stable atomic isobar 63Cu (69% of pure Cu). In this study, a procedure is presented for the electrochemical separation of ultra-low amounts of Ni from Cu. The method was developed using samples of electrical Cu wire that were irradiated with fission neutrons from a 252Cf source. The wire samples were electrochemically dissolved in a solution containing 1 mg of Ni carrier. The Cu was selectively deposited on a cathode at controlled potential. Measurements of total Ni after electroseparation indicate ∼ 100% carrier recovery. To prevent Cu contamination, AMS targets were prepared by nickel carbonyl generation. The AMS results show a successful quantitative separation of ∼ 107 atoms of 63Ni from 2–20 g samples of Cu.
TELEOLOGY IN BIOLOGY: WHO COULD ASK FOR ANYTHING MORE?

. Teleological thinking permeates biology and is useful in pondering unanswered biological questions. Such thinking differs from the usual sense of teleology in that “purpose” in biology carries no imputation of causation. A few examples are given. The teleological system of biology is every bit as elegant a construct of the human mind as any other teleological system and in no way precludes spirituality. I argue that it provides a firmer foundation for moral guidance than supernatural systems.
Depletion Interactions Produced by Nonadsorbing Charged and Uncharged Spheroids.

Abstract The effect of macromolecule shape on the depletion attraction between two hard spherical particles in a solution with nonadsorbing hard spheroidal macromolecules of arbitrary size and aspect ratio was investigated using a modified form of the force-balance model of J. Y. Walz and A. Sharma (1994, J. Colloid Interface Sci. 168 , 495). The macromolecules were represented as general spheroids, which could be either charged or uncharged. For the uncharged case, a set of analytical expressions describing the depletion attraction, valid for particles much larger than the characteristic macromolecule size, was developed. Comparisons with the case of spherical macromolecules were made under the condition of either constant macromolecule number density, ρ b , or constant volume fraction, φ. It was found that increasing the spheroidal macromolecule aspect ratio (major axis length/minor axis length) decreases the depletion attraction at constant ρ b , but increases the interaction at constant φ. In the latter case, the interaction produced by prolate macromolecules is greater than that produced by oblate macromolecules of equal axis lengths, while the opposite is true at constant ρ b . A simple scaling analysis is used to explain these trends. Surface charge is found to increase both the range and the magnitude of the depletion attraction; however, the general trends are the same as those found in the uncharged systems. Finally, the effect of the depletion attraction produced by spherical and spheroidal macromolecules on the stability of a dispersion of charged particles was examined. It was found that charged spheroids at concentrations of order 1% volume can produce secondary energy wells of sufficient magnitude to induce flocculation in a dispersion of charged spherical particles.
An unlikely marriage: life as a wrist surgeon and career officer in the u.s. Navy.

I appreciate the opportunity to describe the origins of my interest in wrist surgery, the major contributions I have made to the field, and some of the people who have helped me succeed along the way. But to do this, I need to consider my professional career in its fullest context. There is no way that my role as a hand surgeon can be separated from my life as a naval officer, even though I have been retired from the navy for quite a while now. Most of the contributions I consider significant were accomplished while I was on active duty, moving from place to place every three years and taking on increasingly more complex roles of organizational responsibility and leadership. Few resources were actually made available to senior officers for meaningful academic practice. So, with your indulgence, I am going to interweave some the highlights of my navy career as I muse about my concurrent interest and passion for the field of hand and wrist surgery.
Axially Symmetric Transient Wave Propagation in Elastic Rods with Nonuniform Section.

Abstract A one-dimensional approximate theory is derived for an elastic circular rod with nonuniform cross section. Three coupled equations taking into account the longitudinal, radial and axial shear deformations and their inertias are obtained as an extension of the Mindlin-McNiven theory to the case of nonuniform rods. Responses of both the semi-infinite rod and finite rod with elastic end support subjected to either a step or a pulse loading are studied by the method of characteristics. Calculated results such as stresses vs. time for different stations along the rod and stresses as functions of distances for instants of time are presented and compared for several cases. The geometrical effect of the variation of section on the stresses and the effect of the elastic support on the reflection and propagation of the stress waves are deduced. Predicted and measured results are compared.
Building and Validating Geographically Refined Hurricane Wind Risk Models for Residential Structures

AbstractAccurate estimation of risk to residential structures from hurricane winds is critical for emergency planning and post-event recovery. Models based on fragility curves are widely used for assessing wind damage risk at the county and census tract levels. Large-scale evaluation of the predictive accuracy of these models has been hampered by the lack of detailed damage data. This paper has three aims: (1) to evaluate the predictive accuracy of fragility-curve-based models at the census tract level using a comprehensive damage data set for Harris County residences collected after Hurricane Ike in 2008, (2) to demonstrate the need for geographically refined models of wind damage risk at spatial scales of 1-km2 blocks and to analyze the performance of fragility-curve models at that level, and (3) to explore the sources of errors made by fragility-curve-based models at the census tract and 1-km2-block level using a statistical machine learning model constructed from 21 potential explanatory variables. Th...
A reappraisal of vector control strategies for babesiosis

This review suggests that we are on the threshold of a new epoch in the control of ticks and the diseases transmitted by them. Ecological studies of parasitic and non-parasitic stages of the tick life cycle have shown how strategic dipping can lead to effective control of Boophilus ticks. However, this approach can lead to drastic reduction in tick populations which may favour the development of enzootic instability. On the other hand, mathematical models and field studies indicate that we can eradicate babesiosis without eradicating the tick vector. As no well-established vaccine exists for babesiosis or its vectors, it is important to anticipate the possible effects of low or fluctuating populations of ticks caused by strategic control programmes. Under these conditions, it is probable that babesiosis will disappear before the tick vector does. Prudent use of tick bionomic data from several centres of field research, as well as models to analyse these data, should accelerate the latter process. Epidemiological models should be included in the analysis of babesiosis in areas that run the risk of converting from stable zones to unstable zones due to strategic dipping. These observations and projections underscore the value of integration of traditional and modern techniques in the control of babesiosis and other vector-borne diseases.
Metabolic studies of histones and residual protein of rat liver nuclei.

Abstract The total histone isolated from rat liver nuclei has been divided into three principal fractions based on acid-extractability. Subfractionation by isoelectric precipitation with ammonia was also used to obtain ammonia-precipitable and ammoniasoluble fractions. In order to test the hypothesis that the most easily acid-extractable histone fraction might be more metabolically active than the more difficultly extractable fractions, a set of time-course incorporation studies of 14C-leucine into histones extracted from nuclei isolated at pH 3.8, 3.3, and 2.2 were made, and the activity of each fraction was measured by gas-flow counting. In a different type of experiment, ammonia-soluble histones obtained from nuclei isolated at pH 3.8 and 3.3 were fractionated into molecular size classes by the use of sephadex G-200, and the fractions from the sephadex column were counted by the use of a scintillation spectrometer. These studies show that the metabolic activity of a histone fraction is not related to its ease of extractability or its ammonia solubility. Instead the analysis by sephadex chromatography indicates that the metabolic activity of a given histone fraction is correlated to a certain extent with its average molecular weight. Similar time course studies were also conducted on the various residual protein fractions to test the hypothesis that the known high metabolic activity of the residual protein fraction might be due to the presence of a small but highly active subfraction which could be separated from the rest of the residual protein by 0.1 n HCl-8 m urea treatment, leaving behind a metabolically inert structural component of the chromosome. Neither 8 m urea-0.1 n HCl extraction nor digestion with RNA-ase followed by urea-HCl extraction removed any such highly active sub-fraction of residual protein. It is concluded that a high metabolic activity is probably an intrinsic property of the residual protein, and that this high activity may be central to the role and function of residual protein in the mammalian cell nucleus.
Epicardial cardioverter-defibrillators do not cause postoperative arrhythmias

The CABG Patch Trial is a controlled, multicenter clinical trial that randomized high-risk patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) to prophylactic implantation of an epicardial implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) or to no additional treatment, permitting a controlled evaluation of the effect of epicardial ICDs on the incidence of postoperative arrhythmias. We found no significant difference in the development of postoperative arrhythmias between patients who received epicardial ICDs and the control group treated with CABG alone.
Novel polymerization methods. Introduction

New methods, new structures leading to novel properties are presented in a collection of summaries. Areas discussed were: thiosemicarbazides, organometallic initiation of allene polymerization, poly(1,1,4,4,-tetramethyl-1,3-butadiene), emulsion polymerization of vinyl acetate with protein detergent solubilizing agents, alkali metal organic catalysts for stereospecific polymerization, anionic polymerization of dienes, rate constants in anionic polymerization, a series on polymerization by oxidative coupling with amine copper salt catalysts, block polymerization by vapor phase swelling, intra-intermolecular propagation in the solid-state and radiation induced polymerization.
Interspinous spacers compared with decompression or fusion for lumbar stenosis: complications and repeat operations in the Medicare population.

STUDY DESIGN Retrospective cohort analysis of Medicare claims for 2006-2009. OBJECTIVE To examine whether interspinous distraction procedures are used selectively in patients with more advanced age or comorbidity, and whether they are associated with fewer complications, lower costs, and less revision surgery than laminectomy or fusion surgery. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA A manufacturer-sponsored randomized trial suggested an advantage of interspinous spacer surgery compared with nonsurgical care, but there are few comparisons with other surgical procedures. Furthermore, there are few population-based data evaluating patterns of use of these devices. METHODS We used Medicare inpatient claims data to compare age and comorbidity for patients with spinal stenosis undergoing surgery (n = 99,084) with (1) an interspinous process spacer alone; (2) laminectomy and a spacer; (3) decompression alone; or (4) lumbar fusion (1-2 level). We also compared these 4 groups for cost of surgery and rates of revision surgery, major medical complications, wound complications, mortality, and 30-day readmission rates. RESULTS Patients who received spacers were older than those undergoing decompression or fusion, but had little evidence of greater comorbidity. Patients receiving a spacer alone had fewer major medical complications than those undergoing decompression or fusion surgery (1.2% vs. 1.8% and 3.3%, respectively), but had higher rates of further inpatient lumbar surgery (16.7% vs. 8.5% for decompression and 9.8% for fusion at 2 yr). Hospital payments for spacer surgery were greater than those for decompression alone but less than for fusion procedures. These associations persisted in multivariate models adjusting for patient age, sex, comorbidity score, and previous hospitalization. CONCLUSION Compared with decompression or fusion, interspinous distraction procedures pose a trade-off in outcomes: fewer complications for the index operation, but higher rates of revision surgery. This information should help patients make more informed choices, but further research is needed to define optimal indications for these new devices. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 4.
Quantification of O6-methyl and O6-ethyl deoxyguanosine adducts in C57BL/6N/Tk+/− mice using LC/MS/MS

The carcinogenicity of many alkylating agents is derived from their ability to form persistent DNA adducts that induce mutations. This paper presents and validates methodology, based on LC with tandem mass spectrometry, for the separate or concurrent quantification by isotope dilution of O(6)-methyl-2'-deoxyguanosine (O(6)Me-dG) and O(6)-ethyl-2'-deoxyguanosine (O(6)Et-dG) DNA adducts. The limits of quantification were estimated to be < or =0.2 adducts/10(8) nucleotides for either adduct. This sensitivity permitted evaluation of adduct levels in livers from separate groups of untreated adult C57BL/6N/Tk(+/-) and C57BL/6N X Sv129 mice (undetectable to 5.5+/-6.7 O(6)Me-dG/10(8) nucleotides; undetectable to 0.04 O(6)Et-dG/10(8) nucleotides). Treatment of adult C57BL/6N/Tk(+/-) mice with equimolar doses (342micromol/kg body weight) of N-methyl-N-nitrosourea and N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea produced adduct levels in liver of 1700+/-80 O(6)Me-dG/10(8) nucleotides and 260+/-60 O(6)Et-dG/10(8) nucleotides, respectively, when assessed 4h after dosing. These methods should be useful for evaluations of DNA adducts in relation to cellular processes that modify carcinogenic and toxicological responses in experimental animals and humans.
Examining Rounding Rules in Angoff-Type Standard-Setting Methods

This study investigates how different rounding rules and ways of providing Angoff standard-setting judgments affect cut-scores. A simulation design based on data from the National Assessment of Education Progress was used to investigate how rounding judgments to the nearest whole number (e.g., 0, 1, 2, etc.), nearest 0.05, or nearest two decimal places for individual items or clusters of items affected cut-scores for individual panelists and a group of panelists across four different pools of items. For the simulated ratings from a group of panelists, the recovery of the cut-scores was examined using the mean and the median. Results showed that rounding to nearest whole number had the potential to produce fairly large statistical biases in cut-score estimates. Biases were less when judgments were simulated across cluster of items. The largest biases were found at the advanced cut-score, but the greatest potential changes in the percentage of students that would be above the cut-score were found for the ba...
Compulsive water drinking in the setting of anticholinergic drug use: An unrecognized cause of chronic renal failure

Compulsive water drinking (psychogenic polydipsia) is a well-recognized clinical entity that is often seen in individuals with psychiatric disorders, especially schizophrenia. Although urinary tract abnormalities including enlarged bladders and hydronephrosis have been reported, the presence of chronic renal failure is rarely reported in this disorder. We report four patients with psychogenic polydipsia who presented with chronic renal failure due to obstructive uropathy in the absence of demonstrable anatomic causes of obstruction. The likely mechanism of functional obstructive uropathy is bladder failure due to a combination of excessive water ingestion, enlarged bladder volumes, and use of anticholinergic medications.
Sub-irrigation in wetland agriculture

Much has been written about the chinampas of central Mexico. One of the commonly repeated themes is that these wetland fields were self-irrigated from below in a process known as sub-irrigation. According to this model, water infiltrates the planting platforms from adjacent canals and then rises to the root zone by capillary action. Thus, chinampas are thought to have needed little supplemental irrigation, and produced dependable and high yields. Here I report the results of field and lab studies of soils of 10 chinampas in the region east of Xochimilco, in the Mexican Federal District. These interpretations are combined with discussion of maize rooting tendencies, regional rainfall patterns, and the presence of willow tree roots in chinampa soils. I also consider whether farmers strive to create and maintain optimum field morphologies for subirrigation when faced with both flood and drought risk, and when manual irrigation is aready option. I conclude that while sub-irrigation is possible under certain combinations of field morphology, crop type, and soil properties, it was a relatively minor factor in the overall decision-making process of past chinampa farmers, and should not be a major determinant of future planning for chinampa preservation or reconstruction. Furthermore, sub-irrigation must be modeled carefully in relation to soil properties, croptypes, and seasonality if it is to beconsidered a significant function of wetland fields in any context.
Effects of GTR and Treated GTR on Asphalt Binder and High-RAP Mixtures

One approach to produce environmentally friendly and cost effective asphalt mixtures is to use more readily available recycled materials like reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) and rubber. In this study, ground tire rubber (GTR) and treated ground tire rubber (TGTR) were added to an asphalt binder and to high RAP content mixtures. Rutting and fatigue characteristics of the modified binder were evaluated.GTR and TGTR improved the rutting and fatigue performance of the asphalt binders. A suspension agent helped reduce the degree of separation. GTR was introduced into the binder and the resulting rubberized binder was used to prepare the mixtures. The TGTR was directly added to the mixture. TGTR mixtures were mixed and compacted at lower temperatures compared with GTR mixtures. The dynamic modulus, reflective cracking performance, low temperature cracking, and rutting and moisture susceptibility were evaluated for the mixtures. GTR and TGTR made improved resistance to rutting, moisture susceptibility, and low temperature cracking. According to the Texas overlay test, the GTR and TGTR might not improve the mixture’s resistance to reflective cracking.
Effects of turbidity on calcification rate, protein concentration and the free amino acid pool of the coral Acropora cervicornis

Calcification rate in the coral Acropora cervicornis was reduced significantly when exposed for 24 h to 100-ppm kaolin, but was unchanged in corals exposed to 50-ppm kaolin. Calcification rate returned to control levels during a 48-h recovery period. Most free amino acids (FAA) in the FAA pool decreased significantly in corals exposed to 100-ppm kaolin, but were unchanged in corals exposed to 50-ppm kaolin. After a 48-h recovery period, the FAA pool remained considerably below control levels in the 100-ppm exposed corals and dropped below control levels in the 50-ppm exposed corals. Calcification rate dropped less and later during the exposure period in the growing tip than in sections further down the stalk. The reduction in FAA pool size was considerably larger in the growing tip than further down the stalk. Soluble protein concentration remained unchanged during both exposure and recovery. The data are consistent with the interpretation that turbidity not only causes a decrease in photosynthetic rate and the synthesis of small molecules, but also causes a large increase in the utilization of stored organic molecules for such metabolically costly processes as mucus production and sediment removal.
The medial preoptic nucleus of the hypothalamus modulates activity of nitric oxide sensitive neurons in the midbrain periaqueductal gray

Stimulation of the medial preoptic nucleus of the hypothalamus (MPO) has been shown to produce decreases in mean arterial pressure (MAP) by a pathway involving the periaqueductal gray region of the midbrain (PAG). Previous studies have shown that the injection of nitric oxide (NO) donating compounds into the dorsal PAG also decreases MAP, while the injection of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitors increases MAP. Collectively these studies suggest that the MPO elicited hypotensive response may involve NO production in PAG neurons. In this study, we investigated this hypothesis. We found that: (1) Bilateral injection of the NOS inhibitor 7-nitro indazole (7-NI) into the dorsolateral PAG cell columns produced elevations in MAP in a highly consistent and site specific fashion. (2) Microinjection of 7-NI in quantities that were too low to directly influence MAP blocked the MPO evoked hypotensive response in 9/11 cases. (3) While 41% of dorsal PAG neurons had baseline firing rates that were sensitive to 7-NI, 69% of PAG neuronal responses to MPO stimulation were blocked by 7-NI. (4) Inhibitory responses that were not blocked by 7-NI had significantly shorter latencies to onset in the presence of 7-NI. (5) PAG neurons that projected to the medulla exhibited similar electrophysiologic response patterns. Our results suggest the following: (1) The dorsolateral PAG contains a NO producing hypotensive network. (2) The MPO elicited hypotensive response may utilize this network. (3) Stimulation of the MPO elicits NO dependent responses from PAG neurons, some of which do project to medullary-cardiovascular control centers.
JFK's ambassadors and the cold war

The importance of sound representation abroad was plain to President J.F. Kennedy. This survey of Kennedy's diplomats is selective, confined to the three most telling cases in the Cold War drama: Moscow, New Delhi, London. The countries corresponding with these capitals shaped America's world, as chief rival, preeminent neutral and pluckiest ally. Ambassadors in distinctive posts do not constitute the whole of JFK's foreign policy, but this account do shed light on significant achievements, thereby challenging those critics who have attributed every manner of blunder to Kennedy. His diplomatic record may not have been as brilliant as court historians suggested. Yet, to JFK's credit, the practical effect of his ambassadors in three major countries was to advance US security and prestige.
Murine homeobox-containing gene, Msx-1: analysis of genomic organization, promoter structure, and potential autoregulatory cis-acting elements.

Abstract Detailed molecular organization of the coding and upstream regulatory regions of the murine homeodomain-containing gene, Msx-1, is reported. The protein-encoding portion of the gene is contained in two exons, 590 and 1214 bp in length, separated by a 2107-bp intron; the homeodomain is located in the second exon. The two-exon organization of the murine Msx-1 gene resembles a number of other homeodomain-containing genes. The 5′-(GTAAGT) and 3′-(CCCTAG) splicing junctions and the mRNA polyadenylation signal (UAUAA) of the murine Msx-1 gene are also characteristic of other vertebrate genes. By nuclease protection and primer extension assays, the start of transcription of the Msx-1 gene was located 256 bp upstream of the first AUG. Computer analysis of the promoter proximal 1280-bp sequence revealed a number of potentially important cis-regulatory sequences; these include the recognition elements for Ap-1, Ap-2, Ap-3, Sp-1, a possible binding site for RAR:RXR, and a number of TCF-1 consensus motifs. Importantly, a perfect reverse complement of (C/G)TTAATTG, which was recently shown to be an optimal binding sequence for the homeodomain of Msx-1 protein (K.M. Catron, N. Iler, and C. Abate (1993) Mol. Cell. Biol. 13:2354-2365), was also located in the murine Msx-1 promoter. Binding of bacterially expressed Msx-1 homeodomain polypeptide to Msx-1-specific oligonucleotide was experimentally demonstrated, raising a distinct possibility of autoregulation of this developmentally regulated gene.
Ignatius and Screwtape on Discernment: A Psychoanalytic Reading

This article brings together the Rules for Discernment of Spirits from the Spiritual Exercises of Ignatius of Loyola and the avuncular, if diabolical, advice given by C. S Lewis' shrewd and experienced devil, Screwtape, to his fledgling nephew, Wormwood, who is still learning his satanic craft. The juxtaposition of Ignatius' cautions regarding the wiles of the evil spirit with the counterpoise of the recommendations of the crafty old Screwtape for the temptation, beguilement and conquest of souls and the triumph of his evil satanic empire, may serve to deepen if not enrich our appreciation of the factors that draw good souls away from the paths of virtue. To mediate the discussion I have chosen to recast some of these reposts in terms of more contemporary psychoanalytic concepts in an effort to extend the borders of reflection between psychoanalysis and religious perspectives.
Ethics Pedagogy 2.0: A Content Analysis of Award-Winning Media Ethics Exercises

A content analysis of 253 Great Ideas for Teachers (GIFTs) found that most of the 18 activities suitable for ethics courses relied on traditional methods of teaching, mainly discussions, teamwork, and case studies. Few used online technology, games, or simulations, compared with activities in other areas of journalism education. While most ethics ideas were designed to stimulate higher order learning, they were less likely than other GIFTs to incorporate varied elements that might improve student engagement. The authors make suggestions, based on the education literature and GIFT analysis, for incorporating dynamic, interactive activities in ethics courses.
Modeling and Simulation of Compressed Air Energy Storage (CAES) System for Electromechanical Transient Analysis of Power System

CAES system electromotor transient model was established from the view of equipment and the grid interface, based on Power System Analysis Software Package (PSASP). The model was divided into energy storing sub-system model part and generating sub-system model part, and the normal and abnormal dynamic characteristics after CAES connected to the grid were simulated bythis model. The validity of this model was theoretically verified by applying it into example systems and testing.,according to detecting the system responses caused by power system contingency and the sudden change of CAES characteristics. This model provides a basic platform for studying CAES system characteristics, and also provides necessary technical support to the security and stability of power system operation when integrating renewable energy into the grid.
Trends in survival from primary central nervous system lymphoma, 1975-1999: a population-based analysis.

BACKGROUND The age-adjusted incidence of primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) has increased since the 1970s, and treatment for this disease has evolved considerably. The objective of this study was to examine time trends in overall survival and disease-specific mortality in a population-based cohort of patients with PCNSL. METHODS We identified patients diagnosed with PCNSL from 1975–1999 in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) cancer registries. To assess time trends, year of diagnosis was classified in 5-year intervals: 1975–1980, 1981–1985, 1986–1990, 1991–1995, and 1996–1999. Overall survival distributions were estimated via Kaplan-Meier methodology and a competing risk analysis was used to assess PCNSL-specific mortality. We used information on underlying cause of death to distinguish likely immunocompetent patients from those whose PCNSL was related to human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS). We also examined survival stratified by age at diagnosis. RESULTS From 1975–1999, 2462 patients were diagnosed with PCNSL in SEER. Median survival was 4 months (95% CI 4, 5) for the entire cohort and 9 months (95% CI 8, 11) for the immunocompetent cohort (n = 1565). In the immunocompetent cohort, 965 of 1323 (73%) deaths were attributed to PCNSL. No significant time trend was observed in either overall or PCNSL-specific survival. CONCLUSIONS Overall survival for patients with PCNSL has not improved consistently in the past three decades despite important therapeutic advances during this time. Although results from clinical trials suggest progress in the treatment of PCNSL, survival improvements are not reflected in this population-based cohort. Cancer 2005. © 2005 American Cancer Society.
Optical testing of mirrors for giant telescopes

Today’s giant telescopes use mirrors that require new methods of optical testing. This paper summarizes developments at University of Arizona for measuring off-axis primary mirror segments, large convex aspheric secondary mirrors, and giant turning flats.
Strategic and Tactical Aspects of Closed-Loop Supply Chains

Strategic and Tactical Aspects of Closed-Loop Supply Chains reviews the recent research in this field with a particular focus on the strategic and tactical issues.
Source cancellation profiles of electroencephalography and magnetoencephalography.

Abstract Recorded electric potentials and magnetic fields due to cortical electrical activity have spatial spread even if their underlying brain sources are focal. Consequently, as a result of source cancellation, loss in signal amplitude and reduction in the effective signal-to-noise ratio can be expected when distributed sources are active simultaneously. Here we investigate the cancellation effects of EEG and MEG through the use of an anatomically correct forward model based on structural MRI acquired from 7 healthy adults. A boundary element model (BEM) with four compartments (brain, cerebrospinal fluid, skull and scalp) and highly accurate cortical meshes (~ 300,000 vertices) were generated. Distributed source activations were simulated using contiguous patches of active dipoles. To investigate cancellation effects in both EEG and MEG, quantitative indices were defined (source enhancement, cortical orientation disparity) and computed for varying values of the patch radius as well as for automatically parcellated gyri and sulci. Results were calculated for each cortical location, averaged over all subjects using a probabilistic atlas, and quantitatively compared between MEG and EEG. As expected, MEG sensors were found to be maximally sensitive to signals due to sources tangential to the scalp, and minimally sensitive to radial sources. Compared to EEG, however, MEG was found to be much more sensitive to signals generated antero-medially, notably in the anterior cingulate gyrus. Given that sources of activation cancel each other according to the orientation disparity of the cortex, this study provides useful methods and results for quantifying the effect of source orientation disparity upon source cancellation.
Immunohistochemical localization, purification, and characterization of human urinary bladder glutathione S-transferases.

Abstract This study describes immunohistochemical localization, purification and characterization of glutathione S-transferase (GST) of human urinary bladder. Even though all the three major classes of isoenzymes (α, μ, and π) were expressed in human bladder, more than 90% of total GST activity was accounted for by a π class anionic form. Human bladder α, μ, and π class GSTs were immunologically related to respective isoenzymes of other human tissues. GST π was present in all 13 samples analyzed, whereas GST α and μ were detected in nine and eleven samples, respectively. GST α of human bladder appeared to be unique, because unlike this class of GSTs of other human tissues, bladder enzyme had lower affinity for GSH linked to epoxy-activated Sepharose 6B affinity resin. Immunohistochemical staining indicated localization of GST α in epithelial surface cells, underlying submucosa and smooth muscle, whereas μ and π class isoenzymes were predominantly distributed in epithelial surface cells. These results suggest that human bladder GSTs may play an important role in providing protection against xenobiotics because epithelium is considered a target for several carcinogens and all the three classes of isoenzymes are expressed in these cells.
Possibility of a DNA-containing mammary tumour virus in red blood cells of mouse.

THE classical mammary tumour virus (MTV), also referred to as the Bittner virus, is transmitted in milk from mother to offspring. Studies1–4 of the fate and biological behaviour of MTV in BALB/cfC3H (C+) mice suggested to us that MTV goes through a cycle in the infected host. Milk-borne MTV (M-MTV), assumed to be B particles, is abundantly present in milk and mammary tissues of infected mice. It seems likely that, on entering the host, M-MTV first infects the erythropoietic cells; subsequently the virus is carried into the general circulation chiefly inside the reticulocyte fraction2 of red blood cells (RBC) in a form which we have called R-MTV4. We have also suggested4 that, in the MTV cycle, R-MTV functions in the infection of mammary tissues, which are the primary sites of production of M-MTV (or B particles). The latter form of the virus, in turn, is involved in the transport of the viral genome to the young through milk.
Current Emergency Department Management of Stroke in Houston, Texas

Background and Purpose This study describes emergency department (ED) management of stroke in Houston, Tex, in 1992 to identify delays and deficiencies in recognition and management of stroke patients in various hospital subtypes and to quantitate the impact of a rapid response stroke team. Methods ED logs of eight hospitals were retrospectively screened, and 112 patients with suspected acute stroke onset within 6 hours were identified. EDs were divided into four groups based on hospital size (175 to 979 beds), acuity, number of stroke admissions (50/y to 210/y), and availability of neurological consultations. The intervals from stroke onset to triage, examination by a physician, neurological evaluation, computed tomography (CT) and other tests, vital signs, and treatments were recorded. Results The average time from stroke to ED arrival was 115 minutes, and times from ED arrival to examination by a physician and CT scan were 28 and 100 minutes, respectively, with little variability among hospital groups ...