cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
More efficient exchange of sickle red blood cells can be achieved by exchanging the densest red blood cells: An ex vivo proof of concept study.

Abstract Background In sickle cell disease (SCD), red blood cells (RBCs) containing hemoglobin S can be denser than RBCs containing wild-type hemoglobin, especially when dehydrated. We hypothesize that targeting denser RBCs during red blood cell (RBC) exchange for SCD could result in more efficient removal of dehydrated, sickled RBCs and preservation of non-sickled RBCs. Study design and methods Waste products from RBC exchanges for SCD were used as “simulated patients”. One RBC volume was exchanged using ABO-compatible blood. The apheresis instrument was programmed to exchange the entire RBC layer by indicating the hematocrit (control), or the bottom half by indicating the hematocrit was half the hematocrit (experimental), with or without subsequent transfusion. Hemoglobin S levels, and complete blood counts were measured. Results Hemoglobin S levels were lower after the modified versus control RBC exchange (post-RBC exchange mean 4.96% and 11.27%); total hemoglobin S amounts were also lower (mean 19.27 and 58.29 mL of RBCs). Mean RBC density decreased after the modified RBC exchange by 8.86%. Hematocrit decreased in the modified RBC exchange by 36.37%, with partial correction by direct transfusion following a truncated RBC exchange. Conclusions Targeting denser RBCs in RBC exchange enhanced hemoglobin S removal and decreased RBC density. Further development of this ex vivo model could potentially allow for: 1) improved reduction in hemoglobin S levels (allowing for longer periods between RBC exchange or maintained lower levels), or 2) achievement of previous goal hemoglobin S levels with fewer donor units (reducing alloimmunization risk and improving blood utilization).
Anogenital distance predicts sexual odour preference in African giant pouched rats

Identifying reproductively viable partners may be the most important aspect of searching for a mate. When females vary in their reproductive receptivity, it is incumbent upon males to discriminate among females based on the likelihood of successful copulation and fertilization. We have observed that female African giant pouched rats (Cricetomys ansorgei) demonstrate profoundly delayed sexual development, with some adults exhibiting a highly neotenous, fully fused vagina. To say that the lack of vaginal patency presents a barrier to mating is a tremendous understatement. Based on this unique observation, we tested male preferences towards urine collected from patent and nonpatent females. We found that males with longer anogenital distances (AGD; a proximate measure of developmental masculinization) show differential interest towards patent and nonpatent females, preferring patent females. Strikingly, males with short AGDs did not show any differential interest between female odours. Correspondingly, only patent females demonstrated reduced interest in odour from short AGD males; nonpatent females did not demonstrate a preference. Our study demonstrates that pouched rats show differential interest in odours closely associated with mate quality. We are the first, to our knowledge, to show that the AGD of the evaluator enhances mate preferences and influences their interest in potential mating partners.
Intergenerational Transmission of Poverty: How Low Socioeconomic Status Impacts the Neurobiology of Two Generations

Living in poverty may be accompanied by multiple stressors and negative health outcomes for both children and their mothers and fathers. Parents living in poverty are more likely to exhibit harsh parenting caused by the stress of living in poverty and/or development of mental disorders like depression which hinders one’s ability to parent most effectively. Exposure to harsh parenting and poor quality of parental care as a child increases the likelihood of children as adults providing similar low quality parental care to their offspring. This transgenerational transmission of poverty provides insight into how best to perform interventions for families living in poverty, as teaching protective factors to just children or parents may not be as effective when taking into account the family unit. Thus, a two-generational approach to intervention, providing coping skills and teaching protective factors to both children and their parents may be more effective than only one member of the family receiving this intervention. A discussion on the brain and the neurobiological impacts of poverty on children, their parents and parenting is explored along with how research into this intervention design could establish a framework for positive family adaptation in the form of family resilience.
Identification of a de novo FOXP1 mutation and incidental discovery of inherited genetic variants contributing to a case of autism spectrum disorder and epilepsy

Background Autism spectrum disorder is commonly co-diagnosed intellectual disability, language disorder, anxiety, and epilepsy, however, symptom management is difficult due to the complex genetic nature of ASD. Methods We present a next-generation sequencing-based case study with both de novo and inherited genetic variants and highlight the impact of structural variants on post-translational regulation of protein expression. Since management of symptoms has classically been through pharmaceutical therapies, a pharmacogenomics screen was also utilized to determine possible drug/gene interactions. Results A de novo variant was identified within the FOXP1 3' untranslated regulatory region using exome sequencing. Additionally, inherited variants that likely contribute to the current and potential future traits were identified within the COMT, SLC6A4, CYP2C19, and CYP2D6 genes. Conclusion This study aims to elucidate how a collection of variant genotypes could potentially impact neural development resulting in a unique phenotype including ASD and epilepsy. Each gene's contribution to neural development is assessed, and the interplay of these genotypes is discussed. The results highlight the utility of exome sequencing in conjunction with pharmacogenomics screening when evaluating possible causes of and therapeutic treatments for ASD-related symptoms.
CRAC channels regulate astrocyte Ca2+ signaling and gliotransmitter release to modulate hippocampal GABAergic transmission.

Astrocytes are the major glial subtype in the brain and mediate numerous functions ranging from metabolic support to gliotransmitter release through signaling mechanisms controlled by Ca2+. Despite intense interest, the Ca2+ influx pathways in astrocytes remain obscure, hindering mechanistic insights into how Ca2+ signaling is coupled to downstream astrocyte-mediated effector functions. Here, we identified store-operated Ca2+ release–activated Ca2+ (CRAC) channels encoded by Orai1 and STIM1 as a major route of Ca2+ entry for driving sustained and oscillatory Ca2+ signals in astrocytes after stimulation of metabotropic purinergic and protease-activated receptors. Using synaptopHluorin as an optical reporter, we showed that the opening of astrocyte CRAC channels stimulated vesicular exocytosis to mediate the release of gliotransmitters, including ATP. Furthermore, slice electrophysiological recordings showed that activation of astrocytes by protease-activated receptors stimulated interneurons in the CA1 hippocampus to increase inhibitory postsynaptic currents on CA1 pyramidal cells. These results reveal a central role for CRAC channels as regulators of astrocyte Ca2+ signaling, gliotransmitter release, and astrocyte-mediated tonic inhibition of CA1 pyramidal neurons.
Cadmium exposure and MEG3 methylation differences between Whites and African Americans in the NEST Cohort.

Cadmium (Cd) is a ubiquitous environmental pollutant associated with a wide range of health outcomes including cancer. However, obscure exposure sources often hinder prevention efforts. Further, although epigenetic mechanisms are suspected to link these associations, gene sequence regions targeted by Cd are unclear. Aberrant methylation of a differentially methylated region (DMR) on the MEG3 gene that regulates the expression of a cluster of genes including MEG3, DLK1, MEG8, MEG9 and DIO3 has been associated with multiple cancers. In 287 infant-mother pairs, we used a combination of linear regression and the Getis-Ord Gi* statistic to determine if maternal blood Cd concentrations were associated with offspring CpG methylation of the sequence region regulating a cluster of imprinted genes including MEG3. Correlations were used to examine potential sources and routes. We observed a significant geographic co-clustering of elevated prenatal Cd levels and MEG3 DMR hypermethylation in cord blood (P = 0.01), and these findings were substantiated in our statistical models (β = 1.70, se = 0.80, P = 0.03). These associations were strongest in those born to African American women (β = 3.52, se = 1.32, P = 0.01) compared with those born to White women (β = 1.24, se = 2.11, P = 0.56) or Hispanic women (β = 1.18, se = 1.24, P = 0.34). Consistent with Cd bioaccumulation during the life course, blood Cd levels increased with age (β = 0.015 µg/dl/year, P = 0.003), and Cd concentrations were significantly correlated between blood and urine (ρ > 0.47, P 0.05). Together, these data support that prenatal Cd exposure is associated with aberrant methylation of the imprint regulatory element for the MEG3 gene cluster at birth. However, neither house-dust nor water are likely exposure sources, and ingestion via contaminated hands is also unlikely to be a significant exposure route in this population. Larger studies are required to identify routes and sources of exposure.
Post-PE impairment: Living with uncertainty following pediatric pulmonary embolism

Abstract Post-Pulmonary Embolism impairment (PPEI), also called Post-PE syndrome is being increasingly recognized as a long-term sequelae of pulmonary embolism (PE) in adults, but data regarding its prevalence in pediatrics is unknown. PPEI likely represents a spectrum of severity, with the most severe manifestation being chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) affecting a small proportion of individuals, and with many individuals with less severe PPEI suffering from reduced quality of life and functional limitations. The pathophysiology is poorly understood but involves residual pulmonary artery thrombi leading to right ventricular damage and abnormal gas exchange. The prevalence, risk factors and a consensus definition in the pediatric and adolescent populations is unknown, as are optimum treatment strategies. In addition to physical sequelae, psychological consequences of PE are significant and also under recognized.
Fixed or Weight-Tiered Enoxaparin After Thoracic Surgery for Venous Thromboembolism Prevention

Background Venous thromboembolism is an important patient safety issue in thoracic surgery patients. The optimal enoxaparin dose remains unclear. This multicenter pre/post clinical trial compared the pharmacokinetics of fixed versus weight-tiered enoxaparin, and their impact on 90-day venous thromboembolism and bleeding. Methods Thoracic surgery patients were prospectively enrolled using a pre/post study design. Cohort 1 received enoxaparin 40 mg daily, and cohort 2 received a weight-tiered regimen: less than 70 kg received 30 mg daily; 70 kg to 89.9 kg received 40 mg once daily; and 90 kg or more received 50 mg daily. The primary study outcome was peak anti-factor Xa levels in response to fixed or weight-tiered enoxaparin. Secondary outcomes included trough anti-factor Xa, 90-day symptomatic venous thromboembolism, and 90-day clinically relevant bleeding. Results One hundred thirty-one patients were prospectively enrolled, including 65 in the fixed-dose cohort and 66 in the weight-tiered cohort. No patient was lost to follow-up. Weight-tiered enoxaparin was not significantly more likely to produce adequate anticoagulation (peak anti-factor Xa 0.3 IU/mL or greater) when compared with fixed-dose enoxaparin (44.3% vs 48.2%, P = .67). Weight-tiered enoxaparin was not more likely to avoid over-anticoagulation (peak anti-factor Xa 0.5 IU/mL or greater) when compared with fixed-dose enoxaparin (3.3% vs 3.6%, P = 1.00). The groups had no significant difference in trough anti-factor Xa. Observed rates of 90-day symptomatic venous thromboembolism and clinically relevant bleeding were low (0% and 3.1%, respectively) and were not significantly different between groups. Conclusions This multicenter pre/post clinical trial did not show a pharmacokinetic advantage to weight-tiered enoxaparin, when compared with fixed-dose enoxaparin, in thoracic surgery patients. ( Clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT03251963 .)
Treatment-related calvarial lesions in pediatric brain tumor survivors.

Background Despite improved survival, many pediatric brain tumor survivors receiving radiation therapy (RT) experience late effects. Procedure To study calvarial lesions in this population, we retrospectively reviewed records of patients undergoing neurosurgical evaluation for calvarial bone lesions detected in posttreatment follow-up imaging at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Primary tumor diagnosis, treatment, imaging, surgical intervention, and histopathology from patients with radiographic evidence of lesions followed for ≥2 years post-RT were studied. Results For 17 patients with 18 index lesions, median time to lesion manifestation was 2.34 years. Medulloblastoma patients developed lesions at a shorter interval from RT than ependymoma patients (P = .05). Twelve of 14 lesions requiring surgery were benign fibro-osseous or sclerotic. Two malignant lesions distinct from the primary tumor had genetic predisposition to malignancy. Conclusion Most calvarial lesions arising post-RT are benign and fibro-osseous. Serial imaging is recommended, and high index of suspicion for malignant lesions is warranted for patients genetically predisposed to cancer.
Modeling the complete kinetics of coxsackievirus B3 reveals human determinants of host-cell feedback

Complete kinetic models are pervasive in chemistry but lacking in biological systems. We encoded the complete kinetics of infection for coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3), a compact and fast-acting RNA virus. The kinetics are built from detailed modules for viral binding-delivery, translation-replication, and encapsidation. Specific module activities are dampened by the type I interferon response to viral double-stranded RNAs (dsRNAs), which is itself disrupted by viral proteinases. The validated kinetics uncovered that cleavability of the dsRNA transducer mitochondrial antiviral signaling protein (MAVS) becomes a stronger determinant of viral outcomes when cells receive supplemental interferon after infection. Cleavability is naturally altered in humans by a common MAVS polymorphism, which removes a proteinase-targeted site but paradoxically elevates CVB3 infectivity. These observations are reconciled with a simple nonlinear model of MAVS regulation. Modeling complete kinetics is an attainable goal for small, rapidly infecting viruses and perhaps viral pathogens more broadly.
Reducing inequality through technology diffusion: the case of 3D printing in public libraries

3D printers are hailed as the next revolutionary technology, but will they be responsible innovations and help decrease poverty and inequality? This paper determines the availability and accessibil...
Extended Primary Anastomosis With Penile Plication (EPAPP): A Promising New Alternative to Perineal Urethrostomy for Reconstruction of Long Urethral Strictures.

Objective At present, excision and primary anastomosis (EPA) urethroplasty is a highly reliable method of reconstruction for short bulbar urethral strictures. Longer strictures are often managed with grafting techniques to ensure a tension-free repair. Here we report our initial experience with a new, extended anastomotic technique for long bulbar strictures that incorporates plication of the ventral corporal bodies to reduce the distance between the urethral ends and obviates the need for grafting. Methods We reviewed records for all urethroplasties performed by a single surgeon at our institution between January 2018 and February 2020. We identified a cohort of older patients with complex strictures who underwent Extended Primary Anastomosis with Penile Plication (EPAPP). Patient demographics, stricture characteristics, perioperative 75 parameters, and postoperative outcomes were evaluated. Results Of 346 urethroplasty records reviewed, 10 patients (2.9%) underwent EPAPP. Mean stricture length was 3.75 ± 1.4 cm. EPAPP patients were older than those repaired by other techniques (mean age 66.6 vs 55.6, P = .024), and most were not sexually active preoperatively. Postoperative voiding cystourethrogram confirmed urethral patency without extravasation in all patients. At a median follow up of 9.7 months (IQR 8.5-11.5) 8 patients remained asymptomatic after EPAPP alone and 2 patients required a single balloon dilation for stricture recurrence. Conclusion EPAPP is a promising alternative option for the management of long bulbar strictures among appropriately selected patients.
“How does the broader construct of self-regulation relate to emotion regulation in young children?”

Abstract In this paper, we address how the concept of self-regulation relates to emotion regulation in young children. We define self-regulation as the ability to regulate one’s emotions, attention, behavior, and cognition, and emotion regulation as the intrinsic processes used to manage and change one’s experience of emotions, emotion-related states, and the behavioral expression of emotions. “Hot” and “cool” processes of self-regulation, and the two primary theoretical perspectives on self-regulation, executive functioning and effortful control are then discussed, delineating the primary dimensions of each, and how both intersect with emotion regulation. Although theory and research on emotion regulation and self-regulation is not typically integrated, conceptually, we view self-regulation as a broader construct within which the intrinsic aspects of emotion regulation are included. Our attempt to integrate both self-regulation perspectives with emotion regulation includes explaining how inhibitory control (a primary executive functioning and effortful control skill) relates to the regulation of emotion, the relative emphasis of emotion and cognition in each theory, and the distinction between automatic (often described as “hot”) and conscious (“cool”) regulation processes. We then recommend an integration of the theoretical perspectives and employment of multi-method assessment regulation strategies. In addition to using both parent-rated and lab-based observational methods, ongoing and future work in this area will incorporate both executive functioning and effortful control assessments, and neurophysiological measures. One final future research direction will be to focus on emotion regulation and emotional reactivity in the same longitudinal investigations during early childhood, examining optimal regulation for best moderating emotional reactions.
Are We Underestimating the Morbidity of Single Rib Fractures

ABSTRACT Purpose Previous studies suggest that patients with multiple rib fractures have poor outcomes, but it is unknown how isolated single rib fractures (SRF) are associated with morbidity or mortality. We hypothesized that patients with poor outcomes after SRF can be identified by demographics and comorbidities. The purpose of this study was to model adverse outcome after single rib fractures. Materials and Methods We used the 2016 National Inpatient Sample to identify patients with SRF associated with blunt trauma using ICD-10 coding. Comorbidities and abbreviated injury score (AIS) were also extracted. Patients with non-chest trauma were excluded. The primary outcome was an adverse composite outcome of death, pneumonia, tracheostomy, or hospitalization longer than twelve days. One-third of the cohort was reserved for validation. Backward selection multivariable modeling identified factors associated with adverse composite outcome. The model was used to create a nomogram to predict adverse composite outcome. The nomogram was then tested using the validation cohort. Results 2,398 patients with isolated SRF were divided into training (n = 1,598) and validation sets (n = 800). The average age was 69 and the majority were male (66%) and received care at academic institutions (61.6%). The adverse composite outcome occurred in 20.8%: 61 deaths (2.5%), 67 tracheostomies (2.8%), 319 pneumonias (13.3%), and 165 patients with hospital length of stay greater than twelve days (6.9%). Results of stepwise multivariable modeling had a C-statistic of 0.700. The multivariable model was used to create a nomogram which had a c-statistic of 0.672 in the validation cohort. Conclusion 20% of isolated SRF patients had an adverse outcome. Demographics and comorbidities can be used to identify and triage high-risk patients for specialized care and proper counseling.
Information Literacy Skills for Business Careers

Abstract Librarians, college educators and accrediting agencies are placing increased emphasis on promoting the development of information literacy skills in their students. At the same time, the business community has acknowledged the importance of the “knowledge worker.” The problem is that corporations do not yet formally recognize information literacy as a core competency for their workers, even though these same corporations do in practice require information literacy skills on the job. We examined the job profiles of 21 business and finance occupations in the Department of Labor's O∗Net database to find out if the skills and work activities associated with these jobs demand an information-literate worker. Our research found that information literacy skills are in fact valued in the workplace and are an integral part of the work activities demanded by those occupations.
Experimental Approaches to the Determination of the Nucleotide Sequences of Large Oligonucleotides and Small Nucleic Acids

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses experimental approaches to the determination of the nucleotide sequences of large oligonucleotides and small nucleic acids. Sequence analysis of RNA's involves two steps. First, RNase cleavage of the nucleic acid yields fragments, which are identified. Second, the order in which these RNase fragments occur in the nucleic acid structure is established by the analyses of the fragments of the RNA obtained by partial enzymatic digestion. During recent years, the nucleotide sequences of several tRNAs and 5 S ribosomal RNAs have been established. The general experimental approach used, in principle applicable to any RNA, involves, first, the identification of the oligonucleotides obtained in pancreatic RNase and RNase T1 digests of the RNA's and, second, the analysis of the products of partial enzymatic digestion of the RNA's to determine the order in which these oligonucleotides occur in the nucleic acid structure. The experimental difficulties involved in the preparation of large, partial-digest fragments in amounts sufficient for structural analysis increase rapidly as the size of the RNA increases.
Spectral Element Agglomerate AMGe

The purpose of this note is to describe an algorithm resulting from the uniting of two ideas introduced and applied elsewhere. For many problems, AMG has always been difficult due to complexities whose natures are difficult to discern from the entries of matrix A alone. Element-based interpolation has been shown to be an effective method for some of these problems, but it requires access to the element matrices on all levels. One way to obtain these has been to perform element agglomeration to form coarse elements, but in complicated situations defining the coarse degrees of freedom (dofs) is not easy. The spectral approach to coarse dof selection is very attractive due to its elegance and simplicity. The algorithm presented here combines the robustness of element interpolation, the ease of coarsening by element agglomeration, and the simplicity of defining coarse dofs through the spectral approach. As demonstrated in the numerical results, the method does yield a reasonable solver for the problems described. It can, however, be an expensive method due to the number and cost of the local, small dense linear algebra problems; making it a generally competitive method remains an area for further research.
An Integrated Collaborative Environment for Materials Research

Creating an environment to enable the seamless integration of experiment, computation, and data within a laboratory environment is essential to enabling the practice of Integrated Computational Materials Engineering. Such an environment depends on the connection of experimental equipment and high performance computing resources to a collaborative software environment that supports research teams through simulation tool sharing and archival data management in a secure manner. Key functions of such a system include project management, workflow management, tool staging, data provenance tracking, and user authentication. An overview will be provided on efforts to establish such an integrated collaborative environment in a research laboratory involved in material and process discovery and development in both structural and functional materials.
On the Uses of Interpretive 'Charity': Some Notes on Application, Avoidance, Equality, and Objective Unconstitutionality from the 2007 Term of the Constitutional Court of South Africa

This essay will appear in volume 1 of Constitutional Court Review, a new South African annual devoted to discussion of the prior year's work of the Constitutional Court of that country. The essay undertakes close examination and analysis of two of the Court's 2007 decisions - and also engages with some recent Court-watching debates in South Africa - from a hybrid, insider/outsider perspective. A main focus is on problems and puzzles arising from the South African system's widely-noted commitment to exposing the country's law governing private legal relations (including common law) to thorough and continuing re-examination for harmoniousness with the Bill of Rights (horizontal application); and, further, from the combination of that commitment with the country's historic and continuing reliance on common-law revision (along with legislation) for law reform in the field of defining criminal conduct. Topics more-than-incidentally treated include retrospective/prospective of judicially declared new criminal law, the idea of objective unconstitutionality (a kind of overbreadth doctrine), sex discrimination under the Constitution, and the debate over judicial minimalism and interbranch relations.
Potential impact of hybrid CZT SPECT/CT imaging on estimation accuracy of left ventricular volumes and ejection fraction: A phantom study

The left ventricular (LV) volumes and ejection fraction (EF) are commonly calculated based on the partial volume effect (PVE) of gated single photon emission computerized tomography (G-SPECT) due to limited SPECT resolution. This study compares the accuracy of LV volume and EF quantification from a standard low resolution (LR) SPECT/CT system and a high resolution (HR) SPECT/CT system. Six custom-made cardiac phantoms each with a different inner and outer cylinder were used to simulate a wide range of LV volumes. The LV cavity (inner cylinder) was filled with water and the space between the inner and outer cylinders mimicking the LV myocardium was filled with Tc-99m solution. The cardiac phantom was inserted into a large cylindrical container filled with water. Images were acquired using a NaI/LR-SPECT/CT system (FWHM: 16 mm, GE Infinia) and a CZT/HR-SPECT/CT system (FWHM: 10 mm, GE D570c), and were reconstructed via the maximum likelihood expectation and maximization algorithm with CT-based attenuation correction. No photon scatter correction and post-filtering were applied to the images. The 6 sets of static SPECT images were aligned and assembled into an image sequence using our home-grown software to create 11-bin pseudo G-SPECT for a full cardiac cycle. Phantom volumes and EF were quantified using 4 different commercial software packages: Yale-Wackers-Liu CQ, Invia-Corridor4DM, Emory-Cardiac Toolbox and Cedars-Sinai-QGS. SPECT-quantified phantom volumes and EF were compared to the true phantom volumes and EF to evaluate the SPECT quantification accuracy. Quantification of LV volumes and EF from HR-SPECT using the 4 SPECT quantification software resulted in a significant underestimation of EF as compared to that from LR-SPECT, and also caused an erratic variation in the LV volume estimation. These findings were consistent for all 4 software. Current SPECT quantification software predominately based on the PVE may need to be adjusted to compensate for the improved spatial resolution associated with new HR-SPECT imaging.
Robotic-assisted treatment of celiac artery compression syndrome: report of a case and review of the literature.

Background The surgical management of celiac artery compression syndrome (CACS) is controversial. Controversies include the appropriate surgical technique, the surgical approach, and the utility of postoperative stents. The literature is reviewed, and a case of CACS is presented in which a robotic-assisted division of the median arcuate ligament (MAL) was performed. Methods Robotic-assisted treatment of celiac artery syndrome was carried out using six (five 1 cm and one 2 cm) abdominal incisions. The robotic device was used to expose the aorta and celiac artery and divide the median arcuate ligament. Results Postoperatively, the patient's postprandial abdominal pain subsided. On 16 month follow-up, the patient was doing well, tolerated an unrestricted diet without symptoms, and exhibited weight gain. Conclusion This case is the second reported in the literature and demonstrates that the robotic approach to division of the MAL is feasible, safe, and efficacious. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nucleosynthesis of the Isotopes of Lead

Abstract The contributions of three mechanisms of nucleosynthesis—the s-process, the decay of short-lived r-process transbismuth progenitors, and the cosmoradiogenic decay of long-lived r-process transuranic progenitors—to the abundances of the isotopes of lead is presented in an attempt to understand the abundance and the isotopic composition of primordial lead. The major emphasis is on the ways that the observed abundances may be decomposed into constitutive components, and the measurements capable of clarifying the situation further will be discussed.
Fetoscopy in continuing pregnancies

Abstract A total of 34 fetoscopic procedures were pertormed in 28 patients whose fetuses were at risk for hemoglobinopathies (22 cases) or short-limbed dwarfism (three cases). An adequate sample of fetal blood for study of globin-chain synthesis was obtained in 23 of the 25 cases (92 per cent), and valuable diagnostic information was obtained in all three cases at risk for an anomalous fetus. Six patients elected to terminate their pregnancies based on the studies, and in the 22 patients continung their pregnancies there have been no losses. Thus far, data from this series suggest that fetoscopy is associated with low maternal and fetal morbidity.
Lifetime of the First Excited Atomic States of Rb 87

The Hanle effect on the resonance lines of the ${\mathrm{Rb}}^{87}$ atom has been observed. The line shape of the signal for the $5^{2}S_{\frac{1}{2}}\ensuremath{\leftrightarrow}5^{2}P_{\frac{3}{2}}$ is found to be Lorentzian, while that for the $5^{2}S_{\frac{1}{2}}\ensuremath{\leftrightarrow}5^{2}P_{\frac{1}{2}}$ is dispersion-type. The half-width of these lines was observed to be 3.146\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.13 G and 23.0 G\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}5%, respectively. These values yield the lifetime of (2.71\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.14) \ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\ensuremath{-}8}$sec and (3.0\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.3)\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\ensuremath{-}8}$sec for the $5^{2}P_{\frac{3}{2}}$ and $5^{2}P_{\frac{1}{2}}$ states, respectively. The oscillator strengths for the corresponding transitions are found to be 0.673\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.03 and 0.32\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.03, respectively. When the temperature of the scattering cell was changed from 0 to 36\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C, an apparent increase of the linewidth at higher temperature was observed. This effect has been explained as a magnetic-field-dependent radiative transfer effect at optical depth of the order of the scattering cell dimensions. When the data were analyzed with such an effect included, the reduced Hanle signal showed no temperature dependence of the half-width.
Upper bound for defragmenting buddy heaps

Knuth's buddy system is an attractive algorithm for managing storage allocation, and it can be made to operate in real-time. At some point, storage-management systems must either over-provide storage or else confront the issue of defragmentation. Because storage conservation is important to embedded systems, we investigate the issue of defragmentation for heaps that are managed by the buddy system. In this paper, we present tight bounds for the amount of storage necessary to avoid defragmentation. These bounds turn out to be too high for embedded systems, so defragmentation becomes necessary.We then present an algorithm for defragmenting buddy heaps and present experiments from applying that algorithm to real and synthetic benchmarks. Our algorithm relocates less than twice the space relocated by an optimal algorithm to defragment the heap so as to respond to a single allocation request. Our experiments show our algorithm to be much more efficient than extant defragmentation algorithms.
Green Carts (mobile produce vendors) in the Bronx--optimally positioned to meet neighborhood fruit-and-vegetable needs?

Poor access to fresh produce likely contributes to disparities in obesity and diet-related diseases in the Bronx. New York City’s Green Cart program is a partial response to the problem. We evaluated this program (permitting street vendors to sell fresh produce) by canvassing the Bronx for carts, interviewing vendors, and analyzing their locations and food offerings. Green Carts were clustered in areas of probable high pedestrian traffic, covering only about 57% of needy areas by liberal estimates. Some carts sold outside allowed boundaries; a few sold sugary snacks. Vendor locations and their food offerings suggest possible areas for program improvement.
The role of autonomous satellite navigation in the NEEDS program

A number of applications of autonomous satellite navigation are discussed. They include the onboard annotation of all experimental data and the onboard correction of imaging data. The accuracy levels required for each function are presented. Two alternative techniques for achieving autonomous satellite navigation are considered. One technique utilizes data from the Global Positioning System (GPS). The other approach utilizes data from a geosynchronous relay satellite system such as the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System (TDRSS). The TDRSS approach makes use of one-way range and Doppler data along with a time transfer mechanism. Comparative accuracy levels for the onboard determination of position, velocity, and time based upon the GPS and TDRSS approaches are presented.
Metronomic cyclophosphamide with bevacizumab provides disease stabilization in patients with advanced uterine cancer.

Targeting angiogenesis in order to achieve tumor control was introduced by Folkman in 1971 (Folkman, 1971). Inhibition of angiogenesis can be achieved with the use of targeted therapies that affect critical steps in tumor vascularization or with the administration of cytotoxic agents in a metronomic regimen. Conventional chemotherapy is typically administered in 3–4 week cycles at the maximal tolerated dose. Metronomic chemotherapy is achieved by frequently administering doses that are significantly lower than the maximal tolerated dose. In the time interval between consecutive cycles the host can recover from adverse effects and the vascular damage can be rapidly repaired. Although the cancer cells have less chance of recovering, regrowth of part of the tumor can occur, especially if the drug-free period is too long. It has been shown that shortening the drug-free period increases the anti-angiogenic effects of cytotoxic drugs. An additional advantage in continuous low-dose chemotherapy is the minimization of toxic side-effects, while allowing combination with selective inhibitors of angiogenesis (Mross and Steinbild, 2012). Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is recognized as a major element in regulating angiogenesis. In animal models, VEGF plays a major role in mediating tumor growth while the VEGF monoclonal antibody has an inhibitory effect. Bevacizumab, the recombinant humanized version of this antibody, significantly improves outcome in various human tumors when combined with cytotoxic chemotherapy. In a phase II study, the combination of metronomic cyclophosphamide with bevacizumab has shown promising activity in recurrent ovarian cancer (Garcia et al., 2008). Although, metronomic chemotherapeutic regimens have been used in a variety of solid tumors, the data on patients with endometrial cancer is limited. Here, we present two patients with advanced uterine cancer that were treated with the combination of metronomic cyclophosphamide and bevacizumab. Pathology type for the first and second was endometrioid and uterine papillary serous (UPSC), respectively. With this regimen the patients achieved prolonged disease stabilization and improved quality of life.
Inhibition of DNA synthesis by diflubenzuron in pupae of the stable fly Stomoxys calcitrans (L.)

Abstract Biochemical assays of stable fly pupae treated with diflubenzuron at the white prepupal stage and then injected with either [ 3 H]thymidine or [ 14 C]thymidine showed no differences in uptake of the thymidine at 0–4, 0–24, 20–21, or 22–24 hr after injection of the radiolabeled thymidine. However, at 32–36 hr the diflubenzuron pupae incorporated only 10–11% of the amount of labeled thymidine incorporated by the untreated pupae. Autoradiographs taken from diflubenzuron-treated pupae at 22–24 and 32–36 hr after injection of the labeled thymidine showed that a reduction in DNA synthesis had occurred in cells originating from the imaginal epidermal histoblasts. The reduction in DNA synthesis at 22–24 hr was not detectable by the biochemical assay since the number of proliferating epidermal cells was too small a proportion of the total number of cells undergoing histogenesis at this time period. Thus, the insect growth regulator, diflubenzuron, appears to be cell specific in this species of fly in that the reduction in DNA synthesis is observed only in cells originating from the imaginal epidermal histoblasts. However, it is not known at this time whether this effect is primary or secondary.
The Variation of Dielectric Constant with Frequency

Measurements of dielectric constants were made of solutions of nitrobenzene and para-dichlorobenzene in mineral oil of high viscosity at three concentrations. A decrease in dielectric constant of nitrobenzene with increasing frequency is found. Para-dichlorobenzene shows no dispersion effect. An approximate value of the relaxation time for nitrobenzene is calculated from the Debye formula after corrections are made for molecular associations. The diameter of the nitrobenzene molecule calculated from it is of the right order of magnitude.
Characterization of lanthanide ion binding to macrocyclic tricarboxylate ligands containing 12-, 15- and 18-membered rings by europium(III) luminescence spectroscopy

Abstract Eu 3+ complexes of the following macrocyclic chelating ligands have been characterized using Eu(III) luminescence spectroscopy: 1-oxa-4,7,13-triazacyclododecane- N , N ′, N ″-triacetic acid (12- N 3 O ) 1,7-dioxa-4,10,13-triazacyclopentadenacene-triacetic acid (15-N 3 O 2 ) and 1,7,13-trioxa-4,10,16, triazacyclooctadecane-4,10,16-triazacyclooctadecane- N , N ′, N ″-triacetic acid (18-N 3 O 3 ). All these ligands form 1:1 metal complexes with Eu 3+ . The formation constants of the metal chelates are found to be a function of the ring size and number of coordinating sites of the ligands. The number of water molecules determined by experiments is 2 for Eu(12-N 3 O), 1 for Eu(15-N 3 O 2 ) and 0 for the predominant isomer of Eu(18-N 3 O 3 ). These results provide direct evidence that ether oxygen atoms participate in the binding. In addition, the variation of formation constants for Ln 3+ ions across the series was determined for 15-N 3 O 2 via competition experiments.
The energy contribution potential for medium-Btu gas produced from biomass in the USA

Abstract This paper presents a preliminary assessment of the potential market for medium-Btu fuel gas from biomass. It discusses the market niche, current market potential and future market based on an analysis of published information. Several conclusions are drawn, based on this analysis. Both biomass and coal medium-Btu gasification technologies share the same market niche for gasifiers with thermal capacities ranging between 15 and 200 MW. The analysis also indicates that medium-Btu gasification technology has potential advantages over low-Btu gasification options using biomass or coal in many applications where both technologies compete. It was also found that a current market of up to 4·7×10 15 kJ annually exists for medium-Btu fuel gas plants in this size range. Further, up to one third of this potential market exists in states where coal is not expected to be a competitive alternative fuel. Finally, a future market potential for medium-Btu gas from biomass exists in cogeneration applications.
Remote-sensing reflectance and inherent optical properties of oceanic waters derived from above-water measurements

Remote-sensing reflectance and inherent optical properties of oceanic properties of oceanic waters are important parameters for ocean optics. Due to surface reflectance, Rrs or water-leaving radiance is difficult to measure from above the surface. It usually is derived by correcting for the reflected skylight in the measured above-water upwelling radiance using a theoretical Fresnel reflectance value. As it is difficult to determine the reflected skylight, there are errors in the Q and E derived Rrs, and the errors may get bigger for high chl_a coastal waters. For better correction of the reflected skylight,w e propose the following derivation procedure: partition the skylight into Rayleigh and aerosol contributions, remove the Rayleigh contribution using the Fresnel reflectance, and correct the aerosol contribution using an optimization algorithm. During the process, Rrs and in-water inherent optical properties are derived at the same time. For measurements of 45 sites made in the Gulf of Mexico and Arabian Sea with chl_a concentrations ranging from 0.07 to 49 mg/m3, the derived Rrs and inherent optical property values were compared with those from in-water measurements. These results indicate that for the waters studied, the proposed algorithm performs quite well in deriving Rrs and in- water inherent optical properties from above-surface measurements for clear and turbid waters.© (1997) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
v-SNARE Composition Distinguishes Synaptic Vesicle Pools

Synaptic vesicles belong to two distinct pools, a recycling pool responsible for the evoked release of neurotransmitter and a resting pool unresponsive to stimulation. The uniform appearance of synaptic vesicles has suggested that differences in location or cytoskeletal association account for these differences in function. We now find that the v-SNARE tetanus toxin-insensitive vesicle-associated membrane protein (VAMP7) differs from other synaptic vesicle proteins in its distribution to the two pools, providing evidence that they differ in molecular composition. We also find that both resting and recycling pools undergo spontaneous release, and when activated by deletion of the longin domain, VAMP7 influences the properties of release. Further, the endocytosis that follows evoked and spontaneous release differs in mechanism, and specific sequences confer targeting to the different vesicle pools. The results suggest that different endocytic mechanisms generate synaptic vesicles with different proteins that can endow the vesicles with distinct properties.
OPTIMIZATION OF DEMETHYLATING THERAPY FOR IDH1 MUTANT GLIOMAS.

BACKGROUND: Mutations in Isocitrate Dehydrogenase 1 (IDH1) are found in the majority of grade II and III gliomas and the subsequent progressive GBMs. The mutant IDH1 enzyme produces 2-hydroxyglutarate (2-HG), an “oncometabolite” that inhibits α-ketogluterate dependent histone and DNA demethylases resulting in characteristic hypermethylation of genomic DNA and suppression of cellular differentiation as a key mechanism of tumor progression and maintenance. METHODS: To accurately test therapeutics for IDH1 mutant gliomas, we developed a patient derived IDH1 mutant anaplastic astrocytoma model which produces 2-HG and exhibits characteristic DNA hypermethylation. This IDH1 mutant glioma grows only as a xenograft and not in cell culture. We measured tumor growth using a flank model in 5-azacytidine treated vs. untreated animals, passaging both sets of tumors from animal to animal in order to increase the exposure time to the drug. Tumor size was measured for treated vs. untreated mice and tumors were analyzed for gene expression, differentiation markers and promoter DNA methylation. Methylation status was by pyrosequencing analysis of bisulfate-converted genomic DNA at five genetic loci, with subsequent studies assessing global gene promoter methylation status. RESULTS: Long term administration of 5-azacytidine resulted in reduction of DNA methylation of promoter loci, induction of glial differentiation, reduction of cell proliferation and significantly reduced tumor growth. Nearly complete tumor regression was observed by 14 weeks, resulting in a sustainable response and significant survival benefit. When therapy was discontinued, tumors did not show any signs of re-growth for at least an additional 8 weeks. Statistical analyses were performed using a student t-test for comparisons between the treatment groups. Following one cycle of 5-azacytidine treatment, GFAP expression was strongly increased and protein levels were maintained throughout subsequent cycles. 5-azacytidine treatment significantly reduced the fraction of Ki-67 positive cells in a time dependent manner and loss of DNMT1 expression in vivo following one treatment cycle. CONCLUSIONS: Using this genetically and molecularly accurate model we have demonstrated the preclinical efficacy and mechanism of action of the FDA approved demethylating drug 5-azacytidine in vivo. The goal of this work is to optimize treatment efficacy and to precisely define the molecular alterations responsible for successful therapy. Long term administration of 5-azacytidine resulted in tumor regression acting through the expected mechanism of reversal of DNA methylation, and promoting a more normal cellular differentiation process. Optimization of demethylating therapy shows promise for IDH1 mutant gliomas. SECONDARY CATEGORY: Tumor Biology.