cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Uptake of Breast Cancer Clinical Trials at Minority Serving Cancer Centers

Most minorities receive cancer care at minority-serving hospitals (MSHs) that have been associated with disparate treatment between Black and White patients. Our aim was to examine the uptake of clinical trials that have changed axillary management in breast cancer patients at MSH and non-MSH cancer centers. The National Cancer Database was used to identify patients eligible for the American College of Surgeons Oncology Group Z0011 and Z1071 trials, and mastectomy patients fulfilling the European AMAROS trial. Uptake of trial results (omission of axillary lymph node dissection) was analyzed between patients treated at MSHs and non-MSHs and adjusted for patient, tumor, and facility factors. MSHs were defined as the top decile of hospitals according to the proportion of Black and Hispanic patients treated. Of 7167 patients eligible for Z0011, 4546 for Z0171, and 9433 for AMAROS from 2015 to 2016, clinical trial uptake was seen in 1195 (74.6%) MSH and 4056 (72.9%) non-MSH patients (p = 0.173) for Z0011, 588 (41.9%) MSH and 1366 (43.5%) non-MSH patients for Z1071 (p = 0.302), and 272 (11.7%) MSH and 996 (14.0%) non-MSH patients (p = 0.005) for AMAROS. On adjusted analyses, MSH status was not significant for uptake of any of the three trials. Black race, socioeconomic status, and insurance were not associated with clinical trial uptake. The uptake of three landmark clinical trials of axillary management in breast cancer was not different at MSH and non-MSH centers despite adjustment for social determinants of health. At the Commission on Cancer-accredited centers in this analysis, MSH status did not affect the uptake of evidence-based care.
Optimal timing and technique for endoscopic management of dysphagia in pediatric aerodigestive patients.

Abstract Introduction The best strategy to manage an interarytenoid defect [Type 1 laryngeal cleft (LC-1) or deep interarytenoid groove (DIG)] in pediatric aerodigestive patients with dysphagia remains uncertain. This study compared benefit of interarytenoid augmentation (IAA) to suture repair or clinical observation alone in pediatric patients. Methods A 3-year retrospective, single-center analysis of children with dysphagia undergoing endoscopic airway evaluation was performed. Physician preference guided treatment plan: suture repair with CO2 laser, IAA (carboxy methylcellulose or calcium hydroxyapatite), or observation. Primary outcome was improved post-operative diet. Significance was assumed at p Results 449 patients underwent diagnostic endoscopy. Mean age (±SD) at procedure was 21 ± 13 months, with nearly one fourth (28 %) of children ≤ 12 months. Eighty (18 %) had either an LC-1 (n = 55) or DIG (n = 25). Of these, 35 (42 %) underwent suture repair, 22 (28 %) IAA, and 23 (30 %) observation only. Aspiration improved overall in the interventional groups compared to observational controls (58 % vs. 9 %, p Conclusion In pediatric aerodigestive patients with dysphagia, 18 % of children have an addressable lesion. IAA or suture repair similarly improves dietary advancement. IAA improves swallow function in patients with DIG. These findings support a novel protocol to intervene in dysphagia patients with LC-1 or DIG via IAA at the initial operative evaluation.
Anti-VEGF Therapies for Diseases of the Retina and Choroid

Angiogenesis, and the closely related problems of ischemia and vascular leakage, play an important role in a spectrum of ocular diseases. A variety of angiogenic and angiostatic factors have been identified in the pathological neovascularization of the retina and choroid. This chapter reviews the major retinal and choroidal neovascular diseases, and focuses on the rationale and current therapeutic attempts with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) strategies, as well as the drug delivery modalities to the loci of pathological neovascularization. The term “neovascularization” has been used to describe the development of pathological new vessels and is considered synonymous with angiogenesis in this chapter.
Adipose tissue cellularity and muscle growth in young steers fed the beta-adrenergic agonist clenbuterol for 50 days and after 78 days of withdrawal.

Angus steers (n = 40; approximate weight = 300 kg) were administered the beta-adrenergic agonist clenbuterol for 50 d (7 mg.hd-1.d-1), followed by a 78-d withdrawal period. Carcass fatness variables did not differ (P greater than .05) between treated and control animals either after 50 d or after 128 d. Weights of the 9-10-11th rib longissimus muscle were 25% larger, and longissimus cross-sectional areas were 28% greater, in clenbuterol-fed steers relative to controls from 0 to 50 d (P less than .05). After withdrawal these measurements increased no further in the treated steers. Marbling scores were decreased (P less than .05) in clenbuterol-fed steers after 50 d of treatment; this effect persisted after 128 d of withdrawal from treatment. Shear force values were increased 19% (P less than .05) by feeding clenbuterol for 50 d and remained greater (P less than .05) in treated animals after 128 d. Subcutaneous adipocytes in clenbuterol-fed steers were smaller (P less than .05) than those of controls after 50 d, and this effect was still apparent after the 78-d withdrawal period. Rates of lipogenesis did not differ (P less than .05) between treated and control animals at any time. Perirenal (p.r.) adipocytes were smaller (P less than .05) in treated animals after 50 d, but this effect disappeared by the end of the experiment. There was no indication of a bimodal distribution of smaller s.c. or p.r. adipocytes in either of the treatment groups. Apparent hyperplasia of s.c. adipocytes occurred in the area of the 9-10-11th rib in both treated (P less than .10) and control animals (P less than .05) from 0 to 50 d on trial. Within treated animals there was a significant increase (P less than .05) in total adipocytes in this depot during the withdrawal period. Although the effects of clenbuterol on muscle growth generally were reversed after 78 d, the effects of the beta-adrenergic agonist on adipose tissue development were more permanent.
MAVEN relay operations

The Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN (MAVEN) mission launched in late 2013 and began commissioning operations in September 2014 following a 10 month cruise to Mars. The Mission will study the upper atmosphere of the planet. In addition to the science instruments, the MAVEN spacecraft is equipped with an Electra UHF transceiver to support relay communication with landed assets. This paper describes how the UHF relay service was developed and validated through assembly test and launch operations (ATLO) as well as during cruise to, and transition into, Mars orbit. The discussion includes a description of the various functional and thread tests conducted during ATLO, a description of checkout activities during Cruise, a ground-based operational readiness test to simulate a future contact with the Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) rover, and a description of an actual overflight with MSL during the Transition phase.
A Comprehensive Analysis of Gene Expression Evolution Between Humans and Mice

Evolutionary changes in gene expression account for most phenotypic differences between species. Advances in microarray technology have made the systematic study of gene expression evolution possible. In this study, gene expression patterns were compared between human and mouse genomes using two published methods. Specifically, we studied how gene expression evolution was related to GO terms and tried to decode the relationship between promoter evolution and gene expression evolution. The results showed that (1) the significant enrichment of biological processes in orthologs of expression conservation reveals functional significance of gene expression conservation. The more conserved gene expression in some biological processes than is expected in a purely neutral model reveals negative selection on gene expression. However, fast evolving genes mainly support the neutrality of gene expression evolution, and (2) gene expression conservation is positively but only slightly correlated with promoter conservation based on a motif-count score of the promoter alignment. Our results suggest a neutral model with negative selection for gene expression evolution between humans and mice, and promoter evolution could have some effects on gene expression evolution.
Choline and Hepatocarcinogenesis in the Rat

Rats fed a choline deficient diet develop foci of enzyme-altered hepatocytes with subsequent formation of hepatic tumors. This is the only nutritional deficiency that, in itself, causes cancer. We suggested that carcinogenesis is triggered, in part, because of abnormalities in cell signals which regulate cell proliferation and cell death. Because choline deficient rats develop fatty liver (choline is needed for hepatic secretion of certain lipoproteins), we examined whether an important lipid second messenger involved in proliferative signaling, 1,2-sn-diacylglycerol, accumulated in liver and resulted in the prolonged activation of protein kinase C. We observed that 1,2-sn-diacylglycerol accumulated in the plasma membrane from the non-tumor portion of livers of rats fed a choline deficient diet, and that unsaturated free fatty acids, another activator of protein kinase C, also accumulated in deficient livers. Protein kinase C in the hepatic plasma membrane and nucleus of choline deficient rats was elevated for months; this is the only model system which exhibits such prolonged activation of protein kinase C. Premalignant, abnormal hepatic foci were detected only in the deficient rats, and 15% of deficient rats (none of the controls) had hepatocellular carcinoma at 1 year on the diet. In rats, an early event in choline deficiency is an increase in the rate of cell death. In liver from choline deficient rats, we observed an increase in the numbers of liver cells with fragmented DNA (characteristic of programmed cell death; apoptosis). We used a cell culture model (immortalized rat hepatocytes) to study the effects of choline deficiency on apoptosis. Liver cells grown in a choline deficient medium became depleted of choline, accumulated triacylglycerol and 1,2-sn-diacylglycerol, and had increased DNA fragmentation and other morphologic and biochemical changes associated with apoptosis. This model has great potential as a tool for studying the underlying link between choline deficiency and the regulation of the balance between cell proliferation and cell death. We suggest that choline deficiency altered the cell proliferation signals mediated by protein kinase C within liver, and altered cell apoptosis. These changes in cell signaling may be the triggering events which result in hepatic carcinogenesis.
Effects of field-sweep rate on the magnetization of melt-textured YBa 2 Cu 3 O 7 − δ

The effects of field-sweep rate K=\ensuremath{\partial}H/\ensuremath{\partial}t on magnetization hysteresis loops M(H) and on flux-creep studies M(t) in high-temperature superconductors have been investigated both theoretically and experimentally. We find the basic relation between M and K is, to first order, the following: M=const-{[dM/d ln(t)] ln(K)}-[${\mathit{Kt}}_{\mathit{e}\mathit{f}\mathit{f}}$/10], where dM/d ln(t)=aC/30 is the flux-creep rate in a cylindrical sample of radius a, and ${\mathit{t}}_{\mathit{e}\mathit{f}\mathit{f}}$ is an effective attempt time for vortex hopping. The largest possible M, which corresponds to the critical current density ${\mathit{J}}_{\mathit{c}0}$ in the absence of thermal activation, develops when K\ensuremath{\ge}${\mathit{K}}_{\mathrm{max}}$=aC/[(1+a\ensuremath{\alpha})${\mathit{t}}_{\mathit{e}\mathit{f}\mathit{f}}$] with \ensuremath{\alpha}=\ensuremath{\partial}J/\ensuremath{\partial}H. The time origin of flux creep, which is essential in studying the initial stages of relaxation, is given by ${\mathit{t}}^{\mathrm{*}}$=aC/K(1+a\ensuremath{\alpha}). The model agrees well with experiments on a melt-textured-growth sample of ${\mathrm{Y}}_{1}$${\mathrm{Ba}}_{2}$${\mathrm{Cu}}_{3}$${\mathrm{O}}_{7\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}\mathrm{\ensuremath{\delta}}}$, yielding ${\mathit{t}}_{\mathit{e}\mathit{f}\mathit{f}}$\ensuremath{\sim}0.24\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.03 s at 27 K. By incorporating the calculated time origin into flux-creep studies of M(t), we obtain a very good description in terms of the interpolation formula from vortex-glass--collective pinning theory.
Designing a Moot Court: What to Do, What Not to Do, and Suggestions for How to Do It

Educators often use role-playing exercises that involve problem based learning in their courses to improve their students' critical and analytical skills, introduce them to new ways of thinking, increase interaction with their fellow students, and to enhance student interest in course lessons and materials (Greening 1998; Albanese 1993; Hensley 1993).A popular role playing simulation is moot court (Deardoff and Aliotta 2003; Guiliuzza 1991). Moot courts are academic simulations of appellate advocacy that educate students about the law and the judicial process. Students, acting as lawyers or judges, “try” a case before an appellate court.2 In addition to acting as lawyers or judges, students are assigned to serve as “law clerks, reporters, or amicus brief writers” (Knerr and Sommerman 2001, 4). Moot court is an extremely fluid pedagogical tool which can be used for more than learning about the law or the judicial process. It has been used in a variety of disciplines including political science, media, history, journalism, sociology, art, economics, business, and the life sciences to educate students about a variety of subjects such as history, journalistic rights, anti-trust laws, or professional ethics (Carlson and Skaggs 2000; Dhooge 1999; Bentley 1996).
Do predators influence the behaviour of bats

Many aspects of animal behaviour are affected by real-time changes in the risk of predation. This conclusion holds for virtually all taxa and ecological systems studied, but does it hold for bats? Bats are poorly represented in the literature on anti-predator behaviour, which may reflect a lack of nocturnal predators specialized on bats. If bats actually experience a world with minimal anti-predator concerns, then they will provide a unique contrast within the realm of vertebrate ecology. Alternatively, such predator-driven behaviour in bats may not yet be fully understood, given the difficulties in working with these highly mobile and nocturnal animals. We provide a wide-ranging exploration of these issues in bat behaviour. We first cover the basic predator-prey information available on bats, both on potential predators and the ways in which bats might perceive predators and respond to attacks. We then cover work relevant to key aspects of bat behaviour, such as choice of daytime roosts, the nature of sleep and torpor, evening roost departures, moonlight avoidance, landscape-related movement patterns, and habitat selection. Overall, the evidence in favour of a strong influence of predators on bat behaviour is equivocal, with the picture clouded by contradictory results and a lack of information on potential predators and the perception of risk by bats. It seems clear that day-active bats run a considerable risk of being killed by diurnal raptors, which are able to capture bats with relative ease. Thus, bats taking advantage of a pulse of insects just prior to sunset are likely taking risks to gain much-needed energy. Further, the choice of daytime roosts by bats is probably strongly influenced by roost safety. Few studies, however, have directly addressed either of these topics. As a group, insectivorous temperate-zone bats show no clear tendency to avoid apparently risky situations, such as activity on moonlit nights. However, some observations are consistent with the idea that predation risk affects choice of movement paths and feeding areas by temperate-zone bats, as well as the timing of roost departures. The behaviour of tropical bats, on the other hand, seems more generally influenced by predators; this is especially true for tropical nectarivores and frugivores, but also for insectivorous bats. Presumably there are more serious predators on bats in the tropics (e.g. specialized raptors or carnivorous bats), but the identity of these predators is unclear. More information is needed to assess fully the influence of predators on bat behaviour. There is much need for work on the ways in which bats perceive predators via auditory, visual, and olfactory cues, and whether bats have some knowledge of the risks posed by different predators. Also needed is information on how predators attack bats and how bats react to attacking predators. Difficult to obtain, but of critical value, will be information on the nature of the predation risk experienced by bats while away from roosts and during the full darkness of night.
Treatment With Tissue Plasminogen Activator and Inpatient Mortality Rates for Patients With Ischemic Stroke Treated in Community Hospitals

Background and Purpose— Most analyses of intravenous tissue plasminogen activator (IV tPA) use for acute stroke in routine practice have been limited by sample size and generally restricted to patients treated in large academic medical facilities. In the present study, we sought to estimate among community hospitals the use of IV tPA and to identify factors associated with the use of IV tPA and inpatient mortality. Methods— We evaluated a retrospective cohort of 23 058 patients with ischemic stroke from 137 community hospitals. Results— Three hundred sixty-two (1.6%) patients were treated with IV tPA, and 9.9% of those patients died during the hospitalization period. In 35.0% of the hospitals, no patients were treated with IV tPA, whereas 14.6% of hospitals treated ≈3.0% with IV tPA. After control for multiple factors, younger patients, more severely ill patients (OR 2.02, 95% CI 1.36 to 3.01), and patients treated in rural hospitals (OR 1.80, 95% CI 0.99 to 3.26) were more likely to receive IV tPA, where...
Warning Signals of the Impending Lehman Brothers’ Bankruptcy Filing

Although Lehman Brothers’ filed for bankruptcy in September of 2008, there were signals within the 2007 financial statements that provided information supporting a conclusion that bankruptcy was a foreseeable event. There were leading liquidity indicators auditors should have questioned the validity of Lehman Brothers being a going concern. The purpose of this article is to utilize the 2007 financial statements of the 158 year old global financial investment services firm, Lehman Brothers, to demonstrate how the changes in cash flows from operations, financial lending ratios, and bankruptcy prediction model results created sufficient knowledge for auditors to question the assumption that Lehman Brothers was a going concern company.
Factors affecting productivity in nutrient consumption

Nutrient demand consumption behaviour has been investigated by a number of researchers. One aspect of such behaviour that has been largely ignored is the productive use of available nutrient resources within households. The purpose of this paper was to examine the effects of various socio-economic and demographic variables on the productive use of selected dietary components. Household production provided the theoretical framework for studying nutrient productivity within households. From this framework, average productivity ratios for calories, protein and fat were developed. Data for the empirical analyses were taken from the 1977–78 Nationwide Food Consumption Survey. The results indicate that an average of 66–80% of these nutrient resources that were available to households were actually consumed. Households appear to make more productive use of their available protein resources relative to calories and fat. The effects of theoretically justified exogenous variables on the productivity of these dietary components were also examined. The results have implications for marketers, as well as educators who work with families in managing their resources.
The reaction γp → ϱOp at 5.5 to 18 GeV☆

The reaction γp→ϱOp in the energy range 5.5<Eγ<18 GeV was studied using a streamer chamber exposed to an 18 GeV bremsstrahlung beam. Our results differ from earlier counter experiments in the following ways: (i) the ϱ cross section is constant (≈ 12 μb) throughout the energy range and (ii) both dσdt|tmin and the slope parameter of dσdt are constant and have significantly smaller values (≈82 μbGeV2 and 6.6 GeV−2 respectively) at all our energies. The t-dependence of the ϱ density matrix in both s− and t-channel helicity frames shows that the production conserves the s-channel helicity at all t-values observed (up to −0.8 GeV2).
Communication Failure in Primary Care: Failure of Consultants to Provide Follow-up Information

In a two-physician general practice within 80 km of two university medical centers, there were 4,367 patient visits in six months, from which 233 referrals (5.3%) were made to consultants. All referred patients were accompanied by referral material and a request for follow-up information. The overall rate of receiving follow-up information was 62%. Private specialists provided substantially more follow-up information (78%) than either university-affiliated emergency rooms (48%) or university-affiliated specialty clinics (59%). Patients requiring continuing medical supervision from the referring physician also fared poorly: follow-up information for them was provided only 54% of the time. The timeliness and method of providing follow-up information were examined and believed to be satisfactory when follow-up information was returned. ( JAMA 243:1650-1652, 1980)
Investigation of limits on peak powers and conversion efficiencies for quasi-single-cycle THz pulses based on phase-matched difference-frequency generation: review

We have reviewed our most recent results. Let us consider a second-order nonlinear medium in which perfect phase-matching can be achieved at one particular output wavelength for the process of the THz generation from a train of ultrafast laser pulses based on difference-frequency generation. We assume that the coherence lengths for the THz generation are sufficiently long within a wide bandwidth around this perfect phase-matching wavelength due to a slight dispersion in the THz region (i.e. broadband phase-matching). In this theoretical work, we show that quasi-single-cycle THz pulses can be efficiently generated. An efficient conversion for the THz generation is made possible not only by utilizing the broadband phase-matching but also by optimizing the pulse width for each peak THz frequency. We have investigated the regime of the strong pump depletion and found the limits to the conversion efficiencies. We have ruled out the significant contributions due to the effects of multiphoton absorption, free-carrier absorption, and nonlinear refractive indices.
Most stable configurations of polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbon molecules in pitches via molecular modelling

Abstract Molecular mechanics calculations were performed on a series of poly nuclear aromatic hydrocarbon molecules in various geometric arrangements and combinations. Homologous aromatic hydrocarbons associate strongly face-to-face, in a parallel shifted stack arrangement with a displacement of about 4.7 A. Heteromerous aromatic hydrocarbons also prefer a shifted stack configuration of two or three molecules high. A third or fourth molecule added to a stack will prefer to orient perpendicular to the stack such that its face is against the edge of the stack. Methyl groups act to encourage stacking interactions between dissimilar aromatic hydrocarbons with the methyl groups preferring to be inside the stack and thus, having a minimal effect on edge-to-edge interactions between stacks. These results support the colloidal model for the behavior of pitches.
Detection of Receptor Activator of NF-κ β Ligand in Apical Periodontitis

A novel protein known as receptor activator of NF-κ β ligand (RANK-L) has been identified as a potential osteoclast differentiation factor. However, comparatively little is known about the expression of RANK-L in the pathogenesis of periradicular lesions. In this study, RANK-L expression was evaluated in biopsy specimens from apical periodontitis. Tissue samples from 21 periapical lesions were collected. RANK-L mRNA was isolated by using the guanidinium isothiocyanate acid phenol method. This was followed by generation of cDNA using specific primer for RANK-L by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction amplification. RANK-L expression in each periapical sample was assessed by agarose gel electrophoresis. Gel electrophoresis analysis showed a single band of 385 bp corresponding to RANK-L in every periapical lesion. By contrast, normal control tissue showed no detectable RANK-L mRNA expression. In conclusion, RANK-L may play a role in apical periodontitis–induced bone resorption.
Design of autonomous photovoltaic power plant for telecommunication relay station

The design and prototyping of an autonomous photovoltaic power generation system using the Virtual Test Bed software environment is presented. The comprehensive design of the photovoltaic power plant is very important for achieving the best performance, durability and reliability of the system. The goal of the design is to optimise the system performance by accounting for various data available at the design time. These data may include statistical data of weather conditions at particular geographic locations, the statistics of the load profiles and, finally, the projected outlook of the system use. The design of the autonomous photovoltaic power system presented in this work includes establishing physics-based models for components, prototyping system architectures, implementing control algorithms, testing and evaluating the system performance using the actual weather data at a particular geographical location. The dynamic performance of the photovoltaic power system and its components are revealed in great detail through the system-level simulation. This knowledge is used for verification and improvements of the system design in order to achieve the best system power capability, efficiency and size.
A classification of presence/absence based dissimilarity coefficients

Several desirable order properties for dissimilarity coefficients based on presence/absence of attributes are given and several popular dissimilarity coefficients are examined with respect to these properties. A characterization for rational functions with linear numerator and linear denominator satisfying all of the desirable properties is given.
Who controls the editorial content at corporate news organizations? An empirical test of the managerial revolution hypothesis

Corporate news organizations are often accused of placing more emphasis on profits than on information diversity and other non‐profit goals considered crucial for creating or maintaining a political democracy. These charges contradict the managerial revolution hypothesis, which expects that as power shifts from the owners to the professional managers and technocrats, a corporate organization should place less emphasis on profits and more emphasis on non‐profit goals. This study reviews the literature on the managerial revolution hypothesis and empirically tests hypotheses related to the control question. The data generally support the managerial revolution thesis: newspaper owners (proprietors and stockholders) and publishers have less control over editorial content the more “corporatized” the newspaper. This shift in power, if true, has major implications for theories of democracy and information diversity.
Context-based object recognition

Several methods have been developed for context-based object recognition within aerial imagery. These methods were inspired by human object recognition, which has been shown to rely on contextual information as opposed to classical appearance based methods. While this concept may not be new, this research sought to develop generic methods that leveraged recent developments in cognitive systems research, and more specifically large scale ontologies or knowledge bases. The results of the research have shown that context-based methods, supported by an ontology, can increase recognition rates versus classical appearance based methods. These methods have the potential to automate many complex object recognition tasks, aerial imagery analysis being one of them, that currently require human analysis.
Idea Plagiarism: Journalism's Ultimate Heist

A survey (n = 953) and 8 interviews reveal journalists reject the notion that the sources of seminal story ideas should be attributed. Broadcasters and those in competitive markets were less likely than other journalists to see idea attribution as important, yet rejection of idea plagiarism was so widespread (74.1%) that no correlations surfaced with job type, career longevity, or ethical decision-making barometers. Although omitting the source of ideas may be widely accepted, it is not benign. Depriving readers of the origin of news limits their ability to critique a story's validity and in some cases precludes them from getting the story at all, as some journalists, especially broadcasters, would rather ignore a story than tacitly acknowledge a competitor.
A technique to facilitate diffusions for nitrogen-isotope analysis by direct combustion

A technique was developed that permits the use of boric acid-indicator solution in carrying out diffusions for inorganic 15 N analysis of soil extracts by direct combustion, so as to eliminate the need for a separate quantitative determination. In this technique, the titrated sample is acidified with 2.5 M KHSO 4 and subsequently treated with methanol to remove H 3 BO 3 . The NH - 4 -N is dissolved in 1 mL of deionized water, concentrated after transfer to a microcentrifuge tube, and freeze-dried in a tin capsule. Isotope-ratio analyses were accurate to within 5% when diffusions were performed on 100 to 1000 μg of NH + 4 -N (0.2-10 atom % 15 N), whereas errors of 8 to 17% occurred with 25 to 50 μg of labeled N, even after correction for isotopic dilution by atmospheric NH 3 . The technique described permits 15 N analysis of any form of N that can be recovered by H 3 BO 3 diffusion of soil, soil extracts, soil hydrolysates, Kjeldahl digests, water, or wastewater.
pH Dependence of Microbe Sterilization by Cationic Antimicrobial Peptides

We recently described a family of cationic antimicrobial peptides (CAMPs) selected from a combinatorial library that exhibited potent, broad-spectrum activity at neutral pH and low ionic strength. To further delimit the utility and activity profiles of these peptides, we investigated the effects of solution conditions, such as pH and ionic strength, on the efficacy of the peptide antimicrobials against a panel of microorganisms. Peptide minimum sterilizing concentrations (MSCs) varied linearly with pH for each subtype within our family of CAMPs for all organisms tested. The peptides were much less effective against Gram-negative bacteria at high pH, consistent with a decrease in net positive charge on the peptides. A similar trend was observed for the fungus Candida albicans. Surprisingly, the opposite pH trend was observed with the Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus. In addition, an additive ionic strength effect was observed with increasing buffer strengths at identical pH values. The extreme difference in the observed pH behavior between Gram-negative and Gram-positive organisms is attributed to the presence of native charged molecules in the much thicker peptidoglycan layer of the Gram-positive organism. The novel species-specific effects of pH observed here have important implications for applications using CAMPs and for the design of novel CAMPs.
Abstract 5712: Identification and characterization of high affinity thioaptamer ligands against E-selectin

Proceedings: AACR 101st Annual Meeting 2010‐‐ Apr 17‐21, 2010; Washington, DC E-selectin (CD62E, ELAM-1 or LECAM-2) is a calcium dependent cell surface glycoprotein that mediates an adhesion of leukocytes on inflamed endothelium through recognition of specific carbohydrate ligands, sialyl Lewis X (sLeX) and sialyl Lewis A (sLeA). E-selectin expression is transcriptionally induced by NF-κB and AP-1 in response to inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1 and TNF-alpha. Accordingly, elevated E-selectin expression was reported in many types of acute and chronic inflammatory diseases including cancer. Aberrant homing of leukocytes to tumor results in tumor progression and local invasion. In addition, E-selectin and its counter ligands have also been reported to trigger the initial adhesive step of circulating cancer cells to endothelial cells. Therefore, blockade of E-selectin is a promising therapeutic strategy to control pathological infiltration of leukocytes and/or metastatic cancer cells. Thioaptamers (TA) are single stranded DNA molecules with thio substitution in the phosphate backbone, which provide stability against nucleases. Thioaptamer can fold into tertiary structures and bind with high affinity and specificity to a target molecule, and thus suitable for in vivo applications. In this study, we aimed to identify thioaptamer ligands that bind to E-selectin with high affinity and specificity. To achieve this goal, we used two-step selection strategies, recombinant protein based thioaptamer selection from a combinatorial thioaptamer library that contains 10E14 random sequences, followed by a cell based binding to tetracycline inducible E-selectin endothelial cells. We selected 14 different groups of thioaptamer candidates following 10 iterative cycles of binding to recombinant E-selectin protein. Using Tet-on inducible E-selectin endothelial cells, we identified the lead three TA candidates that bind to E-selectin on the surface of endothelial cells at high affinity (nM range) and specificity. In addition, the TA bound to tumor associated vasculature that express E-selectin. Moreover, the TA selected demonstrated significant inhibition of leukocyte adhesion to E-selectin positive endothelial cells at low nanomolar concentrations. In summary, we identified antagonistic TA against E-selectin that binds to endothelial cells and interferes with leukocyte bindings at nM range. Potential applications of this TA could be for 1) inflamed tumor vasculature selective targeted delivery of therapeutic molecules or drug delivery carriers 2) the prevention of pathological diapedesis of leukocytes and/or metastatic cancer cells. We are currently investigating potential clinical applications of the TA. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 5712.
Alcohol intake and early-onset basal cell carcinoma in a case–control study

Summary Background Previous epidemiological studies of overall alcohol intake and basal cell carcinoma (BCC) are inconsistent, with some evidence for differences by type of alcoholic beverage. While alcohol may enhance the carcinogenicity of ultraviolet (UV) radiation, this has not been evaluated in existing epidemiological studies. Objectives To evaluate alcohol intake in relation to early-onset BCC, and explore potential interactions with UV exposure. Methods Basal cell carcinoma cases (n = 380) and controls with benign skin conditions (n = 390) under 40 years of age were identified through Yale Dermatopathology. Participants provided information on lifetime alcohol intake, including type of beverage, during an in-person interview. Self-reported data on indoor tanning and outdoor sunbathing were used to categorize UV exposure. We calculated odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using unconditional multivariate logistic regression in the full sample and in women only. Results There was no statistically significant association between lifetime alcohol intake and early-onset BCC overall [above median intake vs. no regular alcohol intake (OR 1·10, 95% CI 0·69–1·73)] or in women only (OR 1·21, 95% CI 0·73–2·01). Similarly, intake of red wine, white wine, beer or spirits and mixed drinks was not associated with early-onset BCC. In exploratory analyses, we saw limited evidence for an interaction (Pinteraction = 0·003), with highest risk for high alcohol and high UV exposures, especially in women, but subgroup risk estimates had wide and overlapping CIs. Conclusions Overall, we did not observe any clear association between lifetime alcohol intake and early-onset BCC.
Revisiting the sphingolipid rheostat: Evolving concepts in cancer therapy.

Nearly two decades have passed since it was first proposed that regulation of the interconvertible sphingolipid metabolites, ceramide and sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P), and their opposing signaling pathways are major determinants of cell fate, a concept referred to as the “sphingolipid rheostat”. Since then, many reports have substantiated the role of the sphingolipid rheostat in cell fate determination and in the initiation, progression, and drug sensitivity of cancer. Thus, modulation of the rheostat has emerged as a focus for treatment strategies to battle cancer. S1P regulates numerous processes important for cancer including proliferation, transformation, angiogenesis, metastasis, survival, and drug resistance. Ceramide on the other hand has been linked to cell growth arrest and cell death. With the increased understanding of sphingolipid metabolism and signaling, as well as the present focus on therapies designed to modulate the levels of sphingolipids in cancer, it is an appropriate time to re-examine the sphingolipid rheostat concept and determine how it fits within the current knowledge of sphingolipid signaling in cancer.
Canavanine in alfalfa (Medicago sativa)

Canavanine was extracted and characterized from various cultivars of alfalfa seed. Values obtained range from 8 g/kg for the Buffalo variety to 14–20 g/kg for the highly weevil resistant variety, Weevl-Chek.
Differences in the Evacuation Behaviour of Office and Apartment Building Occupants

An experiment was designed to observe evacuation times and occupant movement in two office buildings during a simulated fire emergency and to compare these results with previous studies of evacuati...
The Fungi Concerned in Fiber Deterioration: I: Their Occurrence

A review of the literature and certain new findings are presented which relate to the types of fungi which occur on cellulosic textile fibers under various practical exposure conditions.Numerous ob...
Brevetoxin binding: molecular pharmacology versus immunoassay.

Abstract D. G. Baden , T. J. Mende , A. M. Szmant , V. L. Trainer , R. A. Edwards and L. E. Roszell . Brevetoxin binding: molecular pharmacology versus immunoassay. Toxicon 26, 97 – 103, 1988. — Brevetoxin PbTx-3 isolated from Florida's red tide dinoflagellate Ptychodiscus brevis has been produced recently in tritiated form by reductive tritiation of brevetoxin PbTx-2. Tritiated PbTx-3 has been used as a specific probe in competitive radioimmunoassays developed to detect brevetoxins in food sources, and this probe has also been utilized to characterize the brevetoxin binding component in rat brain synaptosomes. Brevetoxins PbTx-2 and PbTx-3, possessing the same structural backbone (type-1) as the tritiated probe, and PbTx-1 and PbTx-7, possessing a second structural backbone (type-2), have been compared quantitatively in their individual abilities to competitively displace tritiated PbTx-3 from its specific binding site in each assay. Type-1 toxins displaced labeled probe with ed 50 values of 20 – 22 nM and 12 – 17 nM in radioimmunoassay and synaptosomes, respectively. Type-2 toxins displaced labeled probe with ed 50 values of 92 – 93 nM and 3.5 – 4.1 nM in RIA and synaptosomes, respectively. Synaptosome assays reflect potency of each toxin examined, while radioimmunoassay reflects structural similarities to the immunizing toxin PbTx-3.
Blockade of dopamine autoreceptors by haloperidol and the apparent dynamics of potassium-stimulated endogenous release of dopamine from and reuptake into striatal suspensions in the rat.

Abstract A study was made to determine what effects the blockade of dopamine (DA) autoreceptors has on the dynamics of depolarization-stimulated release of DA from suspensions of the striatum. A rotating disk electrode voltammetric technique and a first order kinetic model were used to measure and quantify time-resolved depolarization-induced release of DA from and reuptake into the same striatal suspension. Multiphasic dose-response relationships between the magnitudes, rates and apparent rate constants of release of DA and the concentration of the autoreceptor antagonist, haloperidol, were observed. At small concentrations of haloperidol, ≤ 0.1 μM, the magnitude of release of DA and apparent release rate constants were increased, however, the duration of release, the initial rate of release and the rate constants of reuptake of DA were unaffected. At larger concentrations of haloperidol, > 1.0 μM, release of DA was prolonged and reuptake was decreased. The rate constants for release of DA correlated with the magnitude of release of DA at all of the concentrations of haloperidol studied. The concentrations of haloperidol in tissue were estimated and then correlated with functionally significant systemic doses of haloperidol by direct comparison to published data, relating total concentrations of haloperidol in tissue with systemic doses and their behavioral effects. At these doses, haloperidol was found to increase the release rate constant and magnitude of release of DA, without altering the duration of release or the timing of reuptake. Thus, at presumed functionally significant doses, autoreceptor antagonism resulted in a modulation of the amplitude of release of DA only.
Statistical approach to the unfolding of mechanically stressed biopolymers

The mechanical properties of structural biomaterials are determined by features at many length scales. One example is the presence of an organic adhesive in nacre. The organic material contains biopolymers with discrete domains that may unfold as the polymer is extended. A statistical model for the mechanical response of a single biopolymer with these characteristics is introduced and studied. The response to tensile strain under displacement-controlled and load-controlled conditions is examined. Under the assumption of irreversible unfolding, analytical expressions for the load at first unfolding were derived, and a transition in behavior was observed for fast and slow loading. For titin, under displacement controlled extension, this transition occurs at about 5.25 pm/s.
The propagation of awe: public relations, art and belief in Reformation Europe

Abstract Public relations scholarship, so positivistically oriented, has shown little interest in history and the arts. While public relations may or may not be a science, few scholars would deny that PR is an art. The crystallizing potency of the arts, throughout history, offers communication scholars a largely unexplored source for theory development. This metahistorical essay explores the origin of public relations as the propagation of awe, i.e., the strategic use of art, both high and vulgar, as a tool of opinion formation. The essay's focus is on the patronage, objectives and messages of art in the Catholic and Protestant reformations, the prolonged and conflictual era which some historians identify as the origin of modern public opinion.
Ejected electron distributions.

Differential cross sections for production of secondary electrons in the ionization of atoms by charged-particle impact are examined in the classical binary-encounter approximation. General scalable expressions are given for both electron and heavy-charged-particle impact, and are compared with experimental and quantum treatments where possible. It is found that this formulation provides simple physical explanations of most features of ejected electron energy and velocity distributions. Proton-impact results are found to be in excellent agreement with experiment, and the electron-impact results converge to the Born results as expected.
Gingival tissue response to restoration of deficient cervical contours using a glass-ionomer material. A 12-month report

M any dental restorative materials are placed into contact with the contiguous gingival tissues. Testing biologic responses to these materials is imperative for providing successful dental treatment to patients. Cervical tooth tissue deficiencies are a part of the many pathologic entities that affect the natural dentition.’ Different authors have postulated theories trying to explain the etiologic factors of these lesions.2-5 Incorrect tooth brushing, oral habits performed with foreign objects, dietary elements, and even soft tissue action have been related as causative factors for cervical dental lesions to appear.6-7 These cervical abrasions and/or erosions are widely treated with conservative Class V restorations, many of which are in contact with the gingiva. Of all the restorative materials available, composite resin and amalgam are more widely used to treat cervical cavities. Recently, a new type of restorative material, glass-ionomer cement, has been developed. It is essentially an aluminosilicate polyacrylate cement. Recommended for use where cervical anatomic deficiencies exist, it has been suggested that there is no need of cavity instrumentation for placement in teeth with cervical V-shaped lesions without caries.8 Uor saucer-shaped lesions must contain a definitive finishing line. At present, there are no data regarding soft tissue responses to this restorative material nor to the value of the restorative procedure with regard to gingival
Dynamin2, Clathrin, and Lipid Rafts Mediate Endocytosis of the Apical Na/K/2Cl Cotransporter NKCC2 in Thick Ascending Limbs

Steady-state surface levels of the apical Na/K/2Cl cotransporter NKCC2 regulate NaCl reabsorption by epithelial cells of the renal thick ascending limb (THAL). We reported that constitutive endocytosis of NKCC2 controls NaCl absorption in native THALs; however, the pathways involved in NKCC2 endocytosis are unknown. We hypothesized that NKCC2 endocytosis at the apical surface depends on dynamin-2 and clathrin. Measurements of steady-state surface NKCC2 and the rate of NKCC2 endocytosis in freshly isolated rat THALs showed that inhibition of endogenous dynamin-2 with dynasore blunted NKCC2 endocytosis by 56 ± 11% and increased steady-state surface NKCC2 by 67 ± 27% (p < 0.05). Expression of the dominant negative Dyn2K44A in THALs slowed the rate of NKCC2 endocytosis by 38 ± 8% and increased steady-state surface NKCC2 by 37 ± 8%, without changing total NKCC2 expression. Inhibition of clathrin-mediated endocytosis with chlorpromazine blunted NKCC2 endocytosis by 54 ± 6%, while preventing clathrin from interacting with synaptojanin also blunted NKCC2 endocytosis by 52 ± 5%. Disruption of lipid rafts blunted NKCC2 endocytosis by 39 ± 4% and silencing caveolin-1 by 29 ± 4%. Simultaneous inhibition of clathrin- and lipid raft-mediated endocytosis completely blocked NKCC2 internalization. We concluded that dynamin-2, clathrin, and lipid rafts mediate NKCC2 endocytosis and maintain steady-state apical surface NKCC2 in native THALs. These are the first data identifying the endocytic pathway for apical NKCC2 endocytosis.
Antihistamines and birth defects: a systematic review of the literature.

Introduction: Approximately 10 – 15% of women reportedly take an antihistamine during pregnancy for the relief of nausea and vomiting, allergy and asthma symptoms, or indigestion. Antihistamines in...