cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Isozymes, Tumor Markers and Oncodevelopmental Biology

This is the history of discoveries of several enzyme tumor markers in the awardees laboratory. The first, β-glucuronidase, was originally related to the physiological actions of estrogens and androgens. Perfection of histo-chemical techniques based on new substrates demonstrated the dual localization of β-glucuronidase in endoplasmic reticulum and lysosomes. Tumor tissues, in general, are enriched with β-glucuronidase. Next, acid phosphatase of the prostate gland possesses the distinctive property of undergoing inhibition by L-tartrate. This organ-specific inhibitor was incorporated into the Fishman-Lerner method for measuring serum acid phosphatase of prostatic origin. This significantly increased the specificity of the measurement of serum acid phosphatase for prostatic cancer. Finally, the discovery of the Regan Isoenzyme, placental alkaline phosphatase (PLAP) in a patient with disseminated lung cancer provided a tumor marker useful in the management of gonadal tumors, in particular. Closely related to PLAP is germ cell alkaline phosphatase which is eutopically expressed in seminoma. Finally, radioimmunolocalization and radioimmunotherapy of PLAP in these tumors have been achieved by others.
Crystal structure and conformation of 9-cyano-9-propyl cyano-10-methyl acridine

Crystals of the title compound are orthorhombic, Space group P212121, with the unit cell dimensions, a =6.839 (1), b=9.919 (3), c =21.311 (1) A, V= 1445.6 (6) A3, and Z=4. The structure was solved with CAD-4 data using MULTAN programs and refined to a final R value of 0.048. The acridine molecule takes up a “bent-propellar” conformation with the propylcyano and the cyano groups on opposite sides of the acridine molecule. No intra- or intermolecular hydrogen bonding is present in the crystal packing, except for some C–H⋅⋅⋅N type of interactions. The crystal structure is stabilized by the stacking of the acridine molecules running parallel to the crystallographic a-axis. The separation of approximately 3.5 A between the aromatic units and the alternating arrangement of the molecules within these stacks indicates that attractive electrostatic π–π interactions play a significant role in the crystal packing.
Denatured Collagen Modulates the Phenotype of Normal and Wounded Human Skin Equivalents

Epithelial–mesenchymal interactions are known to play an important role in modulating homeostasis and repair. However, it remains unclear how the composition of the extracellular matrix may regulate the ability of dermal fibroblasts to engage in such cross talk. To address this, we studied how fibroblast phenotype was linked to the behavior of normal and wounded human skin equivalents (HSE) by comparing human dermal fibroblasts (HDF) incorporated into the three-dimensional tissues to those extensively cultivated in two-dimensional (2D) monolayer culture on denatured collagen (DC) matrix, native collagen, or tissue culture plastic before incorporation into HSEs. We first established that prolonged passage and growth of HDF on DC increased their migratory potential in a 2D monolayer culture. When HDF variants were grown in HSEs, we found that extended passage on DC and incorporation of DC directly into the collagen gel enhanced proliferation of both HDF and basal keratinocytes in HSEs. By adapting HSEs to study wound reepithelialization, we found that the extended passage of HDF on DC accelerated the rate of wound healing by 38%. Thus, extensive ex vivo expansion on DC was able to modify the phenotype of skin fibroblasts by augmenting their reparative properties in skin-like HSEs.
Structured modeling group support systems: a product design theory

Structured modeling is critical to the design, development, and implementation of many systems including computer software, business processes, and data networks. Since the creation of structured models relies on the knowledge of many organizational stakeholders, groups often accomplish this task. Group support systems (GSS) focus on the support of group processes and would appear to be useful for structured modeling; however, GSS usually only provide textual or decision related output rather than the structured models needed for many design processes. This paper proposes a class of systems, structured modeling GSS (smGSS), which adds support for the development of structured models to standard GSS. Since past research has shown that research results may be difficult to compare across studies when the system under investigation is not well defined, this paper develops a product design theory that defines the required characteristics of and testable design propositions for an smGSS as derived from existing theory and empirical investigations.
Abstract A69: The association between chronic stress and telomere length in African American men.

The telomere is a region of repetitive DNA located at the ends of eukaryotic chromosomes, which protect genetic material from degradation during cellular replication. As a consequence of the inability of DNA polymerase to fully replicate the ends of the chromosome, the telomere progressively shortens as an organism ages. Telomere length in individuals is highly variable, and studies have shown that shortened telomeres are associated with poor prognoses in many diseases, including cancers and other diseases that disproportionately affect American-Americans. There is also strong evidence that environmental and behavioral factors can play an epigenetic role in telomere length homeostasis. Chronic stress is associated with shorter telomeres in women, but studies have not been explicitly done to assess the role of chronic stress in men or minorities. Though there is little evidence of a functional relationship between shortened telomeres and heightened disease states, it is clear that telomeres reflect the health of the individual. We hypothesize that telomere length can be used as a diagnostic indicator of health status, and that the average telomere length are shorter in African-American men due in part to higher levels of chronic stress. To test this hypothesis, we examined the telomere length of DNA from the peripheral blood mononuclear leukocytes of more than 40 African-American men and administered a stress survey to assess chronic stress levels. Preliminary analysis of the data indicates a potential negative association between stress and telomere length, though the results are not significant. We also observed a significant negative correlation between telomere length and body mass index. The results indicate that environmental factors can affect telomere length in African-American men, and that telomere length may be a useful health status indicator in this population. Citation Format: Samantha Simon, Wallace Sharif. The association between chronic stress and telomere length in African American men. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Fifth AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2012 Oct 27-30; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2012;21(10 Suppl):Abstract nr A69.
Bacteria and bacteriophage inactivation by silver and zinc oxide nanoparticles

Abstract Microbial contaminants such as bacteria and viruses are of great concern in water. As nanotechnology continues to grow, understanding the interactions of nanoparticles with bacteria and viruses is important to protect public health and the environment. In this study, the effect of two commonly used nanoparticles, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs, average particle size = 21 nm) and zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs, average particle size = 39 nm), on the growth of bacteria ( Eschericia coli ) and bacteriophages (MS2) were evaluated using a standard double agar layer (DAL) method and a turbidimetric microtiter assay. A 1-h prior exposure of MS2 to nanoparticles did not inactivate MS2 at the highest nanoparticle concentrations tested (5 mg/L total Ag and 20 mg/L ZnO). No bacteriophage inactivation was observed in the presence of AgNPs, Ag + /AgNPs (50:50 in mass ratio) or Ag + ions, all at the total Ag concentration of 5 mg/L. In a binary (bacteria–phages) system where the E. coli host was exposed to MS2 and nanoparticles simultaneously, the dynamic changes of active bacteria and MS2 phages during incubation demonstrated that exposure of AgNPs (5 mg/L Ag) and ZnO NPs (20 mg/L ZnO) increased the number of phages by 2–6 orders of magnitude. These results suggested that exposure of nanoparticles could greatly facilitate bacterial viruses like MS2 to infect the E. coli host.
Nanometer Scale Dielectric Fluctuations at the Glass Transition

Using noncontact scanning probe microscopy techniques, dielectric properties were studied on 50 nm length scales in polyvinyl-acetate films in the vicinity of the glass transition. Low frequency $(1/f)$ noise observed in the measurements was shown to arise from thermal fluctuations of the electric polarization. Anomalous variations observed in the noise spectrum provide direct evidence for cooperative nanoregions with heterogeneous kinetics. The cooperative length scale was determined. Heterogeneity was long lived only well below the glass transition for faster than average processes.
High-temperature thermoelectric transport at small scales: Thermal generation, transport and recombination of minority carriers

Thermoelectric transport in semiconductors is usually considered under small thermal gradients and when it is dominated by the role of the majority carriers. Not much is known about effects that arise under the large thermal gradients that can be established in high-temperature, small-scale electronic devices. Here, we report a surprisingly large asymmetry in self-heating of symmetric highly doped silicon microwires with the hottest region shifted along the direction of minority carrier flow. We show that at sufficiently high temperatures and strong thermal gradients (~1 K/nm), energy transport by generation, transport and recombination of minority carriers along these structures becomes very significant and overcomes convective energy transport by majority carriers in the opposite direction. These results are important for high-temperature nanoelectronics such as emerging phase-change memory devices which also employ highly doped semiconducting materials and in which local temperatures reach ~1000 K and thermal gradients reach ~10–100 K/nm.
Aortic Medial Calcification and Lowered Metabolism in Ground Squirrels

THIS study was intended to test in mammals the concept that some animals have a potential physiological limit of energy which may be utilized at different rates depending upon environmental temperatures. McArthur and Baillie1 were able to triple the life-span of Daphnia (Crustacea) by a 20-deg. drop in temperature. The total heart beats during the life of the Daphnia differed by less than 2 per cent whether the duration of life was a few days due to high temperature or several months due to low temperature. Similarly, Carlson and Hoelzel2 prolonged the life-span of white rats by reducing their metabolism by partial starvation.
β-Catenin Links von Hippel-Lindau to Aurora Kinase A and Loss of Primary Cilia in Renal Cell Carcinoma

von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) gene mutations are associated with clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). A hallmark of ccRCC is loss of the primary cilium. Loss of this key organelle in ccRCC is caused by loss of VHL and associated with increased Aurora kinase A (AURKA) and histone deacetylase 6 (HDAC6) activities, which drive disassembly of the primary cilium. However, the underlying mechanism by which VHL loss increases AURKA levels has not been clearly elucidated, although it has been suggested that hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) mediates increased AURKA expression in VHL-null cells. By contrast, we found that elevated AURKA expression is not increased by HIF-1α, suggesting an alternate mechanism for AURKA dysregulation in VHL-null cells. We report here that AURKA expression is driven by β-catenin transcription in VHL-null cells. In a panel of RCC cell lines, we observed nuclear accumulation of β-catenin and increased AURKA signaling to HDAC6. Moreover, HIF-1α inhibited AURKA expression by inhibiting β-catenin transcription. VHL knockdown activated β-catenin and elevated AURKA expression, decreased primary cilia formation, and caused significant shortening of cilia length in cells that did form cilia. The β-catenin responsive transcription inhibitor iCRT14 reduced AURKA levels and rescued ciliary defects, inducing a significant increase in primary cilia formation in VHL-deficient cells. These data define a role for β-catenin in regulating AURKA and formation of primary cilia in the setting of VHL deficiency, opening new avenues for treatment with β-catenin inhibitors to rescue ciliogenesis in ccRCC.
Synthesis and characterization of CREKA-targeted polymers for the disruption of fibrin gel matrix propagation

Recently, efforts to control the propagation of the fibrin gel matrix (FGM) are under investigation as a means of limiting the formation of post-surgical adhesions (PSAs). A series of polymeric biomaterials based on block co-polymers of methacrylic acid (MA) and methoxypolyethylene glycol methacrylate (PEGMA) have been synthesized and characterized in order to study the impact of molecular architecture on the performance of these materials in suppressing FGM development. A robust synthetic strategy has been developed to facilitate the well controlled variation of numerous structural properties, including the relative size of each polymer block, the total polymer length, and the length of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) chain length, and to incorporate the fibrin-targeting pentapeptide cysteine-arginine-glutamic acid-lysine-alanine (CREKA). Preliminary investigations, based on quartz crystal microgravimetry (QCM), indicate the importance of molecular architecture in modulating the FGM propagation from model surfaces.
A two-tube multiplex real-time RT-PCR assay for the detection of four hemorrhagic fever viruses: severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus, Hantaan virus, Seoul virus, and dengue virus

The aim of this study was to develop and evaluate a two-tube multiplex real-time RT-PCR assay for the detection and identification of four viral hemorrhagic fever (VHF) pathogens, severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus (SFTSV), Hantaan virus (HTNV), Seoul virus (SEOV), and dengue virus (DENV), from human clinical samples. The two-tube multiplex real-time RT-PCR assay we developed has a sensitivity of 10 copies/μL for each of the targets, and the performance was linear within the range of at least 107 transcript copies. Moreover, we evaluated the specificity of the assay using other virus RNA as template, and found no cross-reactivity. This new assay is able to detect SFTSV, HTNV, SEOV and DENV in two reactions and brings a cost of 40 % compared to separate reactions. Evaluation of this assay with clinical serum samples from laboratory-confirmed patients and healthy donors showed 100 % clinical diagnostic sensitivity and over 99 % specificity. The assay was applied for scanning 346 clinical samples collected from patients admitted to the hospital with suspected VHF and compared with virus isolation and immunofluorescence assay (IFA). The assay indentified 59 SFTSV-, 12 HTNV-, 11 SEOV- and 9 DENV-positive samples and showed higher sensitivity. This assay thus provides a reliable and cost-effective screening tool for early clinical diagnosis of SFTSV, HTNV, SEOV and DENV in the acute phase.
Talkin’ Dirty: Twining's Tower and Kalman's Strange Career

Back in 1960 I worked in a warehouse for the six months between my mid-year graduation from high school and my entry into college the following fall. The job was drear and I was woefully overqualified, so at lunch time I hung out on the loading dock with the only relative intellectuals in the place, the worldly wise truckers. Theirs was a world that I had been sheltered from by my middle-class, modestly professional family. The bravado, the physicality, the places been and the things done were all new to me and quite exciting. And the language, it was a whole new language. True, there was lockerroom talk, talkin' dirty, in my high school, but when it came to talkin' dirty these truckers were the experts. And, as might be expected, soon I was speaking that language, that is until the dock manager said, "Kid, I would leave talkin' dirty to the guys. You don't know what you're saying. You're just showin' off." Why do I tell this story? Simply this. William Twining's book is an assessment of the present state of English legal education, a remarkably optimistic assessment, I might add, for he sees the English law schools as becoming a part of the rest of the academic community in which they are found. Laura Kalman's book is centered in a recounting of the debate over "civic
Nature and Culture: An Analysis of Individual Focal Color Choices in World Color Survey Languages

The data from the World Color Survey of 110 un-written languages have been analyzed in regard to individual focal choices. A total of 46 major color terms (used by at least 60% of speakers in a given language) have been identified. Of these 24 can be defined in terms of English color terms, while 22 cannot. The most important color term in terms of usage is red, followed by white and black. In the 110 languages, 73 different arrangements of major color terms have been found. The six Hering fundamental colors, presumably closely related to the workings of the color vision system, occur preferentially but not consistently in languages with 6 or more major terms. They represent the top six categories in terms of major usage. WCS indicates usage of major color terms to be complex and clearly also influenced by cultural choices.
Temporal Logic Analysis of Gene Networks Under Parameter Uncertainty

The lack of precise numerical information for the values of biological parameters severely limits the development and analysis of models of genetic regulatory networks. To deal with this problem, we propose a method for the analysis of genetic regulatory networks under parameter uncertainty. We consider models based on piecewise-multiaffine differential equations, dynamical properties expressed in temporal logic, and intervals for the values of uncertain parameters. The problem is then either to guarantee that the system satisfies the expected properties for every possible parameter value-the corresponding parameter set is then called valid-or to find valid subsets of a given parameter set. The proposed method uses discrete abstractions and model checking and allows for efficient search of the parameter space. However, the abstraction process creates spurious behaviors in the abstract systems, along which time does not progress. Consequently, the verification of liveness properties, expressing that something will eventually happen, and implicitly assuming progress of time, often fails. A solution to this second problem is proposed using the notion of transient regions. This approach has been implemented in a tool for robust verification of gene networks and applied to the tuning of a synthetic network built in E. coli.
An intention-to-treat analysis of liver transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma using organ procurement transplant network data

Single-center studies have shown acceptable long-term outcomes following orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) when tumors are within the Milan criteria. However, the overall survival and waiting list removal rates have not been described at a national level with pooled registry data. To evaluate this, a retrospective cohort of patients listed for OLT with a diagnosis of HCC between January 1998 and March 2006 was identified from Organ Procurement Transplant Network data. Analysis was performed from the time of listing. Adjusted Cox models were used to assess the relative effect of potential confounders on removal from the waiting list as well as survival from the time of wait listing. A total of 4482 patients with HCC were placed on the liver waiting list during the study period. Of these, 65% underwent transplantation, and 18% were removed from the list because of tumor progression or death. The overall 1- and 5-year intent-to-treat survival for all patients listed was 81% and 51%, respectively. The 1- and 5-year survival was 89% and 61% for those listed with tumors meeting the Milan criteria versus 70% and 32% for those exceeding the Milan criteria (P 0.0001). On multivariate analysis, advanced liver failure manifested by Child-Pugh class B or C increased the risk of death, while age 55 years, meeting the Milan criteria, and obtaining a liver transplant were associated with better survival. The current criteria for liver transplantation of candidates with HCC lead to acceptable 5-year survival while limiting the dropout rate. Liver Transpl 15:859-868, 2009. © 2009 AASLD.
The Design of an Optical Network and Its Utilization

ABSTRACT This paper discusses a means of optically interconnecting a pool of processor - memory pairs. The network consists of n optical transmitters (laser diodes), n deflectors(acousto -optic devices or mirrors) and n photo- sensitive receivers (photodiodes). Charac- teristics of the deflectors and their effects on network performance are developed.One method of using the proposed network is to fix the communication links between processors at the start of algorithm execution. Alternatively, the links between processorsmay be permitted to change dynamically during algorithm execution. Both of these methods of utilization are briefly explored in the paper. 1. Introduction Many tasks such as image processing, weather forecasting and simulation of physical systems requiremore computational speed than a conventional sequential, uniprocessor computer can provide. One way ofachieving the computational speeds necessary for these and other computation intensive tasks is to use morethan one processor. Issues in the design of parallel processing systems include organization, programming,
TWO TYPES OF AMPHICHIRAL LINKS

A two-component link with nonzero even linking number cannot be equivalent to its mirror image by an orientation preserving map that sends each component to its own mirror image.
Correlations between the Neutron Multiplicities and Spontaneous Fission Modes of Californium-252

The numbers of prompt neutrons associated with specific fission modes of ${\mathrm{Cf}}^{252}$ have been measured. The average number of neutrons per fission depends largely upon the total kinetic energy of the fission fragments, decreasing by at least 0.06 neutron per fission for an increase of 1 Mev in the total kinetic energy. A less marked variation with the ratio of fragment masses is observed.
Generalized OFDM method for multimedia transmission over wireless fading channels

A method to reliably transmit multimedia data over wireless fading channels by using a generalized OFDM technique is presented in this research. Multimedia delivery over wireless links is sensitive to fading effects. It is furthermore characterized by a number of different properties, including unequal error protection needs, time-varying bandwidth requirements, etc. Layered multimedia representation, such as MPEG-4 FGS, has been widely studied to meet these requirements. However, only this component is not sufficient to provide the desired quality of service (QoS). To further improve the overall system performance, we focus on the design of an adaptive modulation scheme, which maintains the ability to adapt to time-varying channel conditions as well as the layered multimedia representation. In particular, we study and analyze the performance of a technique known as Wavelet Packet Modulation (WPM) from the viewpoint of Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM), and demonstrate its application to wireless multimedia communication. In our framework, WPM is viewed as a general case of OFDM, which allows flexibility in terms of channel allocation and adaptability with respect to channel conditions. The algorithm demonstrates the flexibility of the new proposed method in transmitting multimedia data over interference-laden channels.
Real-Time Visualization of Domain Coverage by Dynamically Moving Sensors

A collection of algorithms, visualizations, and interactive operations allow operators controlling the movement of a collection of sensors through an environment to monitor in real time the portion of the environment that can or can't be seen by some subset of the sensors. The visualization allows preattentive detection of the number of sensors that can see a given location, and the coloring lets users identify the sensors' exact identities. This method employs two ray-tracing-based algorithms. A GPU implementation using CUDA (Compute-Unified Device Architecture) allows real-time processing and display of all scene updates and sensor movements.
The Role of Receptor Activator of Nuclear Factor-κB (RANK)/RANK Ligand/Osteoprotegerin: Clinical Implications

Context: Receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL), receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB (RANK), and osteoprotegerin (OPG) play a central role in bone remodeling and disorders of mineral metabolism. Evidence Acquisition: A PubMed search was conducted from January 1992 until 2007 for basic, observational, and clinical studies in subjects with disorders related to imbalances in the RANK/RANKL/OPG system. Evidence Synthesis: RANK, RANKL, and OPG are members of the TNF receptor superfamily. The pathways involving them in conjunction with various cytokines and calciotropic hormones play a pivotal role in bone remodeling. Several studies involving mutations in the genes encoding RANK and OPG concluded in the discovery of a number of inherited skeletal disorders. In addition, basic and clinical studies established a consistent relationship between the RANK/RANKL/OPG pathway and skeletal lesions related to disorders of mineral metabolism. These studies were a stepping stone in further defining the...
Lung transplant acceptance is facilitated by early events in the graft and is associated with lymphoid neogenesis

Lung transplant acceptance is facilitated by early events in the graft and is associated with lymphoid neogenesis
Sa1634 Wireless Capsule Endoscopy Improves Outcomes in Nonstricturing Crohn's Disease: an Evaluation of Pre- and Post-Treatment Capsule Endoscopy (CE)

Wireless Capsule Endoscopy Improves Outcomes in Nonstricturing Crohn’s Disease: an Evaluation of Preand PostTreatment Capsule Endoscopy (CE) Neel K. Mann*, Simon K. Lo Gastroenterology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA Background: Capsule endoscopy has been demonstrated to be superior to standard endoscopic and radiographic modalities in diagnosing small bowel Crohn’s disease (CD). Yet its use for assessment of and tracking treatment response has not been fully established. Aim: To assess small bowel mucosal healing based on the Capsule Endoscopy Crohn’s Disease Activity Index (CECDAI). Dig Dis Sci(2008)53:1933-137. Methods: Retrospective review of capsule endoscopy (CE) in patients with suspected and known small bowel nonstricturing Crohn’s disease (CD). CEs were read by two high experienced CE readers ( 1000) who were not the managing IBD physicians. Results: 2190 capsule endoscopies were performed between Oct 2001-Oct 2012. 158 subjects underwent 2 capsule endoscopies during that time interval. Of those 158 subjects, 28 had known or suspected CD for a total of 65 CE. 17/28 (60.7%) were female with an average age 32 years (range 8-70). The cecum was reached in 48/65 (73.8%) of CE examinations and there were no capsule retentions. Indications for each CE included abdominal pain (46.1%), diarrhea (24.6%), anemia (10.8%), gastrointestinal bleed (4.6%), weight loss (3.1%), growth failure (13.8%), extent of CD ( 26.2%), pouchitis (1.5%), extraintestinal manifestations of CD (1.5%).The average time interval between preand post-treatment CE was 27 months (range:1-81 months). 57/65 (87.7%) were 8-hr CE vs 12-hr CE 8/86 (12.3%). Of the 28 subjects, 17 had known CD at the time of the pre-CE; 7 had suspected CD; 3 had IBD-U (10.7%); and 1 had UC. 7/11 (63.6%) with suspected CD or IBD-U/UC were re-classified as CD and treated as such after pre-CE. CE results prompted escalation of therapy or switching of biologic agents in 15/28 (53.6%). Post-CE CECDAI showed statistically significant (p .025, Fisher’s paired t test) improvement in mucosal healing in 11/15 (73%). CRP data was available in 18 patients within 3 months of preand post-treatment CE. The mean pre-CE CRP was 0.66 mg/dl and post-CE was 0.43 mg/dl but the difference was not statistically significant (p 0.2063 per paired t test). Conclusions: Capsule endoscopy was able to re-classify disease phenotype in 60% of those patients with suspected Crohn’s disease or IBD-U, thereby potentially changing the management outcome of these patients. More importantly, CE demonstrated mucosal healing in 70% of patients after escalation of therapy in patients with nonstricturing phenotype, positively changing disease outcome and therefore, achieving a therapeutic goal. A prospective study is needed for confirmation of this finding.
Autophagy and Tumorigenesis

Autophagy, a catabolic process involved in the sequestration and lysosomal degradation of cytoplasmic contents, is crucial for cellular homeostasis. The current literature supports that autophagy plays diverse roles in the development, maintenance, and progression of tumors. While genetic evidence indicates autophagy functions as a tumor suppressor mechanism, it is also apparent that autophagy can promote the survival of established tumors under stress conditions and in response to chemotherapy. In this review, we discuss the mechanisms and the evidence underlying these multifaceted roles of autophagy in tumorigenesis, the prospects for targeting autophagy in cancer therapy, and overview the potential markers that may be utilized to reliably detect autophagy in clinical settings.
A statistical model for risk management of electric outage forecasts

Risk management of power outages caused by severe weather events, such as hurricanes, tornadoes, and thunderstorms, plays an important role in electric utility distribution operations. Damage prediction based on weather forecasts on an appropriate spatial scale can improve the efficiency of risk management by reducing the economic and societal costs associated with restoration efforts. We have developed a method of predicting the number of outages in a fashion that is suitable for use by electric utilities by using a Poisson regression model for spatial data in a Bayesian hierarchical framework. Particular attention is given to building models that incorporate uncertainty in the outage data from the perspective of multiple spatial resolutions and spatial correlation in the outage data. The outage-prediction model was developed using historical outage data from an electric utility company in the northeastern part of the United States. The model is being used by that company in the operations of its overhead electrical distribution system and emergency management operations. We discuss results to date and how the model is being applied. In addition to the damage forecasts, we have developed tools for risk visualization by displaying the uncertainty of the damage forecasts on geographic maps.
Testing and Extending VSEPR with WebMO and MOPAC or GAMESS

VSEPR is a topic that is commonly taught in undergraduate chemistry courses. The readily available Web-based program WebMO, in conjunction with the computational chemistry programs MOPAC and GAMESS, is used to quantitatively test a wide range of predictions of VSEPR. These predictions refer to the point group of the molecule, including the influence of lone pairs on bond angles (introductory course) as well as the effect of lone pairs and other bonds on bond lengths, the influence of multiple bonds and electronegativity, and preferred location of ligands in heteroleptic compounds (topics covered in courses beyond the introductory level). The qualitative predictions of VSEPR are augmented with quantitative results.
Exogenous PGF2α enhanced GnRH-induced LH release in postpartum cows

This study evaluated the effect of exogenous PGF(2)alpha on circulating LH concentrations in postpartum multiparous (n = 32) and primiparous (n = 46) Brahman cows. The cows were randomly allotted within parity and calving date to receive 0, 1, 2 or 3 mg im PGF(2)alpha (alfaprostol)/100 kg body weight (BW), with or without GnRH on Day 30 after calving. Blood samples were collected at weekly intervals from calving through treatment. Serum progesterone concentrations were determined using RIA procedures to assure that only anestrous cows were treated. Sterile marker bulls were maintained with cows on Coastal bermudagrass pastures until the first estrus was detected. Multiparous cows had a shorter (P < 0.05) interval from calving to estrus than did primiparous cows. Serum LH was affected by time (P < 0.0001), PGF(2)alpha dose (P < 0.0002), GnRH (P < 0.0001), parity by PGF(2)alpha dose (P < 0.0003), PGF(2)alpha dose by GnRH (P < 0.0009), parity by GnRH (P < 0.0008), and by parity by PGF(2)alpha dose by GnRH (P < 0.0005). Multiparous cows not receiving GnRH had higher mean serum LH (P < 0.02), LH peak pulse height (P < 0.03), and area under the LH release curve (P < 0.03) compared with primiparous cows. The number of LH pulses/6 h was greater (P < 0.06) in multiparous than primiparous cows, and was greater (P < 0.02) in multiparous cows receiving 3 mg/100 kg BW than in cows receiving 2 mg/100 kg BW, but not in the controls or in cows receiving 1 mg/100 kg BW. Exogenous GnRH resulted in increased (P < 0.0001) serum LH concentrations in all cows, and LH was enhanced (P < 0.0009) by simultaneous treatment with PGF(2)alpha. Primiparous cows had a greater response (P < 0.0005) to PGF(2)alpha and GnRH compared with multiparous cows. Pituitary release of LH in response to GnRH was enhanced by simultaneous exposure to PGF(2)alpha in Day 30 postpartum cows.
Oxygen-18 and fluoroproline studies on the synthesis of hydroxyproline and oxoproline in actinomycin☆

Abstract Investigations have been carried out with 18 O 2 and H 2 18 O to determine the source of oxygen incorporated into the hydroxyl group of 4-hydroxy- l -proline and the carbonyl group of 4-oxo- l -proline. A method for the cultivation of Streptomyces antibioticus in a closed system with an 18 O 2 -enriched atmosphere was developed. Isolation and purification of the imino acids (hydroxy- l -proline, oxo- l -proline, and l -proline) was accomplished by column and paper chromatography. The hydantoin derivative of the imino acids was prepared and the oxygen-18 in the molecule determined by pyrolysis and mass spectrometry. The source of oxygen in the hydroxyl group of hydroxyproline is atmospheric oxygen rather than water. The carbonyl oxygen atom of oxoproline was found to contain negligible oxygen-18 because of an exchange reaction. Trans -4-F-proline- 3 H is incorporated into the actinomycins and is hydroxylated by displacement of F to yield trans -4-hydroxyproline. Cis -4-F-proline- 3 H also is incorporated into the actinomycins; hydroxylation at the trans -4-position appears to take place readily; however, the molecule is unstable and may be converted to oxoproline nonenzymically.
Recovery from Cruciate Paralysis Due to Axial Subluxation from Metastatic Breast Carcinoma: A Case Report.

: Cruciate paralysis is an uncommon and potentially life-threatening myelopathy thought to arise from injury to the corticospinal tracts at a high cervical spinal level. The authors report on the case of a woman who developed cruciate paralysis secondary to axial subluxation of the cervical spine due to invasion by metastatic breast carcinoma. Correct bedside diagnosis, prompt spinal alignment via halo traction, and surgical spinal decompression with fusion stabilization reversed the paralysis completely. Postoperative antiestrogen medication, spinal radiation, and chemotherapy promoted local tumor control, allowing the patient longevity and good quality pain control. The prompt diagnosis and treatment of cruciate paralysis could effect a good prognosis in a seemingly terminal patient with metastatic spinal breast carcinoma by resolving life-threatening myelopathy, promoting longevity, and assisting with pain control.
Gaussian basis sets for use in correlated molecular calculations. V. Core-valence basis sets for boron through neon

The correlation‐consistent polarized valence basis sets (cc‐pVXZ) for the atoms boron through neon have been extended to treat core and core‐valence correlation effects. Basis functions were added to the existing cc‐pVXZ sets to form correlation‐consistent polarized core‐valence sets (cc‐pCVXZ) in the usual pattern: Double zeta added (1s1p), triple zeta added (2s2p1d), quadruple zeta added (3s3p2d1f), and quintuple zeta added (4s4p3d2f1g). The exponents of the core functions were determined by minimizing the difference between all‐electron and valence‐only correlation energies obtained from HF+1+2 calculations on the ground states of the atoms. With the cc‐pCVXZ sets, core, core‐valence, and valence correlation energies all converge exponentially toward apparent complete basis set (CBS) limits, as do the corresponding all‐electron singles and doubles CI energies. Several test applications of the new sets are presented: The first two ionization potentials of boron, the 3P–5S separation in carbon, and the X...
Falling for a Balance Partner

The growing accumulation of knowledge about fall prevention strategies primarily reflects a research perspective where intervention data are rigorously collected and analyzed. However, the voices of program deliverers or participants who are part of these interventions are often aggregated and thus muted. With recognition of the growing importance of patient-centered care, we wanted to provide a personal reflection on the Balance Partner program, a CDC funded project to train peer leaders in fall prevention. In the story below, Sara was trained as a Balance Partner using a curriculum developed at The University of North Carolina’s Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention. The Balance Partner Program provides training and support to community volunteers who are paired with a peer who is at risk for falls. Together, Balance Partners plan strategies to decrease the likelihood of a fall – strategies that could include joining a balance exercise program, improving home safety, or getting a vision check-up. By addressing social and emotional factors alongside knowledge about falls, the Balance Partner Program aims to increase older adults’ overall adherence to fall prevention activities above the 50% rate reported in literature (1). Sara, a 69-year-old volunteer, was paired with Georgia, who screened at high risk for falls during a Building Better Balance Screening in Asheville, NC, USA. As of this writing, Sara and Georgia had worked together for almost 6 months to implement strategies to reduce their falls risk.
Instructions-Based Detection of Sophisticated Obfuscation and Packing

Every day thousands of malware are released online. The vast majority of these malware employ some kind of obfuscation ranging from simple XOR encryption, to more sophisticated anti-analysis, packing and encryption techniques. Dynamic analysis methods can unpack the file and reveal its hidden code. However, these methods are very time consuming when compared to static analysis. Moreover, considering the large amount of new malware being produced daily, it is not practical to solely depend on dynamic analysis methods. Therefore, finding an effective way to filter the samples and delegate only obfuscated and suspicious ones to more rigorous tests would significantly improve the overall scanning process. Current techniques of identifying obfuscation rely mainly on signatures of known packers, file entropy score, or anomalies in file header. However, these features are not only easily bypass-able, but also do not cover all types of obfuscation. In this paper, we introduce a novel approach to identify obfuscated files based on anomalies in their instructions-based characteristics. We detect the presence of interleaving instructions which are the result of the opaque predicate anti-disassembly trick, and present distinguishing statistical properties based on the opcodes and control flow graphs of obfuscated files. Our detection system combines these features with other file structural features and leads to a very good result of detecting obfuscated malware.
Rapid-onset type 1 diabetes with pancreatic exocrine dysfunction.

We tend to view type 1 diabetes mellitus as a chronic autoimmune disease with a preclinical phase that usually lasts for a number of years.1 The classic symptoms of type 1 diabetes — hyperglycemia ...
Pore-ing the right dose.

Dosage compensation in Drosophila melanogaster is distinguished by the hypertranscription of the male X chromosome. New findings show that this process requires the nuclear pore complex.
Difficult diagnoses: Family caregivers' experiences during and following the diagnostic process for dementia.

Diagnosing Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD) and adequately connecting families with information and supportive services continue to be challenging processes. Definitive diagnoses can take months and there is often little in place to systematically link families with community organizations. In this brief descriptive study, the researchers examined family caregivers’ (N = 106) experiences with these processes. While specialists and sophisticated tests were often used, 58% of caregivers reported that a definitive diagnosis still took 3 months or longer, with 12% waiting more than 1 year. Caregivers also indicated that they were not provided with adequate information about the disease or about community resources both at the time of diagnosis and 1-year following the diagnosis. These findings suggest that there is ample opportunity to improve services offered to families affected by ADRD and that additional training, coordination, and cooperation may enhance our ability to help during and fol...
Structural Alterations in Exposed and Unexposed Aged Skin

The fine structural organization of the epidermis, dermal-epidermal junction, and papillary dermis from unexposed (upper inner arm) and exposed (dorsal forearm) sites of elderly people was compared to the organization of similar regions of young people. Despite an overall thinning of the viable epidermis there was no morphological evidence that the protective function of the epidermis was compromised by age. The differentiation products associated with the keratinization process were not altered in either appearance or amounts in epidermis from unexposed and exposed old skin. Both sites revealed the presence of a well-formed stratum corneum that was the same thickness as that of the young donors. Unexposed and exposed senile skin displayed a relatively flat dermal-epidermal junction devoid of the micro projections of basal cells into the dermis, an indication of a tissue less resistant to shearing forces. Marked elastogenesis, as evidenced by large amounts of 8- to 11-nm (diameter) microfilaments and fibroblasts containing dilated cisternae of rough endoplasmic reticulum filled with flocculent material, was characteristic of the papillary dermis from unexposed and nonactinically damaged exposed old skin. Conversely, in the papillary dermis (Grenz zone) of actinically damaged senile skin the microfilaments were replaced by densely packed collagen fibrils in a colinear arrangement, pre-dominantly parallel to the skin surface. That this dermal architecture was similar to that seen in various scar tissues suggests the Grenz zone is a microscar.
Anti-Fas Induces Hepatic Chemokines and Promotes Inflammation by an NF-κB-independent, Caspase-3-dependent Pathway

Agonistic antibodies against the Fas receptor, when administered to mice in vivo, cause significant apoptosis in the liver. In this study we show that anti-Fas antibody not only causes apoptosis of liver cells but also provokes hepatic inflammation. Two hours after injection of anti-Fas, when mice displayed evidence of caspase-3 activation and apoptosis, we found significant hepatic induction of the CXC chemokines macrophage inflammatory protein-2 and KC. Coincident with the chemokine induction was infiltration of the hepatic parenchyma by neutrophils. Neutralization experiments identified that chemokines were the cause of Fas-induced hepatic inflammation, with KC having the predominant effect. Chemokine induction in the livers of anti-Fas-treated mice was not associated with activation of NF-κB. Instead, it coincided with nuclear translocation of activator protein-1 (AP-1). AP-1 activation in liver was detected 1–2 h after anti-Fas treatment, suggesting a connection to the onset of apoptosis. When apoptosis was prevented by pretreating mice with a caspase-3 inhibitor, AP-1 activation and hepatic chemokine production were both significantly reduced. Hepatic inflammation was also reduced by 70%. Taken together, these findings indicate that Fas ligation can induce inflammation in the liverin vivo. Inflammation does not arise from Fas-mediated signaling through NF-κB; rather, it represents an indirect effect, requiring activation of caspase-3 and nuclear translocation of AP-1.
VARIANCE ESTIMATION IN NONPARAMETRIC MULTIPLE REGRESSION

We consider the variance estimation in a general nonparametric regression model with multiple covariates. We extend difference methods to the multivariate setting by introducing an algorithm that orders the design points in higher dimensions. We also consider an adaptive difference estimator which requires much less strict assumptions on the covariate design and can significantly reduce mean squared error for small sample sizes.
Modulation spectroscopy under uniaxial stress

Abstract During the past several years the combination of modulation spectroscopy and static uniaxial stress has been developed into a powerful tool for the investigation of the relationship between the optical properties of semiconductors and their electronic energy bands. Studies of the stress-induced splittings and shifts of energy levels and oscillator strengths as well as the dependence of the induced fine structure on polarization direction and strain configuration have produced a wealth of information concerning the intrinsic properties of the undeformed crystal such as symmetries of interband optical transitions, deformation potentials, spin-exchange interaction of excitons, etc. Symmetry assignments are of considerable value for comparison with band structure calculations while the latter parameters are of significance for comparison with theories based on model calculations and systematic trends such as ionicity. This paper will review experiments and theories dealing with the effects of static uniaxial stress on those optical properties of semiconductors related to the intrinsic properties of the material with special emphasis on the modulated optical spectra.