cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Tgf-beta signaling alterations and colon cancer.

Colorectal cancer is the second most common cause of cancer-related death in the United States. Twin studies suggest that 35% of all colorectal cancer cases are inherited. High-penetrance tumor susceptibility genes account for at most 3–6% of all colorectal cancer cases and the remainder of the unexplained risk is likely due to a combination of low to moderate penetrance genes. Recent genome-wide association studies have identified several SNPs near genes belonging to the transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) superfamily such as GREM1 and SMAD7. Together with the recent discovery that constitutively decreased TGFBR1 expression is a potent modifier of colorectal cancer risk, these findings strongly suggest that germline variants of the TGF-β superfamily may account for a sizeable proportion of colorectal cancer cases. The TGF-β superfamily signaling pathways mediate many different biological processes during embryonic development, and in adult organisms they play a role in tissue homeostasis. TGF-β has a central role in inhibiting cell proliferation and also modulates processes such as cell invasion, immune regulation, and microenvironment modification. Mutations in the TGF-β type II receptor (TGFBR2) are estimated to occur in approximately 30% of colorectal carcinomas. Mutations in SMAD4 and BMPR1A are found in patients with familial juvenile polyposis, an autosomal dominant condition associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer. This chapter provides an overview of the genetic basis of colorectal cancer and discusses recent discoveries related to alterations in the TGF-β pathways and their role in the development of colorectal cancer.
The Functions of Autobiographical Memory

Although many theorists have postulated a variety of functions of autobiographical memory — including directive, self definitional, and social — there has been little investigation of how people actually use their autobiographical memories on a daily basis. Using two different methods of soliciting autobiographical memories with different subject populations, we asked people to describe previous times when they had consulted their memories of the events. Across these two experiments, we found several usages that were observed frequently. These common uses all described the self in a social context for a relationship maintenance purpose. In the second experiment we found evidence for self regulatory uses of autobiographical memories, while in the first we found evidence for some using memories to illustrate a point in conversation. We found almost no evidence for directive uses of autobiographical memory in either experiment. We conclude with a discussion of how theories of the function may influence theories of retrieval.
Zeta Potential of Silica Calcium Phosphate Nanocomposite: Effect of Material Composition and Medium pH

Biodegradable ceramics have lately found exciting applications in orthopedic and maxillofacial surgeries as agents for bone repair, drug delivery vehicles and filling materials. A novel bioactive resorbable ceramic that demonstrated a superior mechanical properties, bioactivity and resorbability compared to traditional calcium phosphate ceramics or bioactive glass is bioactive silica-calcium phosphate nanocomposite (SCPC) [1, 2]. Previous studies have demonstrated that the enhanced bioactivity of SCPC is attributed to its nano structure as well as other physicochemical properties of the material [2]. Surface charge is one of the most important factors that control tissue and cell response to the implant material. Additionally, surface charge enhances the adsorption of biological molecules onto the material surface. The objective of the present work is to investigate the effect of SCPC composition and medium pH on the zeta potential and conductance of the material.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Effects of selected combinations of tall fescue alkaloids on the vasoconstrictive capacity of fescue-naive bovine lateral saphenous veins.

Vasoconstriction is a response associated with consumption of toxic endophyte-infected tall fescue. It is not known if endophyte-produced alkaloids act alone or collectively in mediating the response. Therefore, the objective of this study was to examine the vasoconstrictive potentials of selected ergot alkaloids, individually or in paired combinations, using bovine lateral saphenous veins biopsied from fescue-naive cattle. Segments (2 to 3 cm) of vein were surgically biopsied from healthy crossbred yearling heifers (n = 22; 330 +/- 8 kg of BW). Veins were trimmed of excess fat and connective tissue, sliced into 2- to 3-mm sections, and suspended in a myograph chamber containing 5 mL of oxygenated Krebs-Henseleit buffer (95% O(2)/5% CO(2); pH = 7.4; 37 degrees C). Increasing doses of ergovaline, lysergic acid, and N-acetylloline individually or in combination were evaluated. Contractile data were normalized as a percentage of the contractile response induced by a reference dose of norepinephrine (1 x 10(- 4) M). Increasing concentrations of lysergic acid did not result in an appreciable contractile response until the addition of 1 x 10(- 4) M lysergic acid. In contrast, the vascular response to increasing concentrations of ergovaline was apparent at 1 x 10(- 8) M and increased to a maximum of 104.2 +/- 6.0% with the addition of 1 x 10(- 4) M ergovaline. The presence of N-acetylloline did not alter the onset or magnitude of vascular response to either lysergic acid or ergovaline. The presence of 1 x 10(- 5) M lysergic acid with increasing concentrations of N-acetylloline and ergovaline generated an increased contractile response during the initial additions compared with the responses of N-acetylloline and ergovaline alone. In the presence of 1 x 10(- 7) M ergovaline, the contractile response increased with increasing concentrations of N-acetylloline and lysergic acid. Neither N-acetylloline nor lysergic acid elicited an intense contractile response individually (maximum contractile responses of 1.9 +/- 0.3% and 22.6 +/- 4.1%, respectively), suggesting that this was the result of the repetitive addition of 1 x 10(- 7) M ergovaline. These data indicate that ergovaline is a more potent vascular toxicant than lysergic acid or N-acetylloline. The contractile responses of the ergovaline and lysergic acid combinations appeared to differ from the individual dose responses. These data support the possibility that an additive alkaloid exposure effect may exist and should be considered during evaluations of ergot alkaloids.
Stability of Virtual Air Walls on Micropallet Arrays

Arrays of micropallets have been used to pattern adherent cells as well to sort mixtures of cells. These artificial surfaces are composed of micrometer-sized, SU-8 structures formed on a hydrophobic glass surface. Successful application of these arrays requires stable Cassie−Baxter wetting by aqueous biological solutions. This paper systematically studies the factors governing the stability of Cassie−Baxter wetting on the arrays, including the surface properties of the array components as well as the physical and chemical properties of the wetting solutions. To establish stable Cassie−Baxter wetting with water, the surface of the array must be coated with a perfluoroalkylsilane of sufficient hydrophobicity, and the roughness of array must be greater than 1.6. Additionally, long-term stability of the Cassie−Baxter wetting depends on the properties of the wetting solutions, including the surface tension (>40 mM/m), salt concentration (>10 mM), and protein concentration (<5 mg/mL) of the wetting liquid. Unde...
A serious skin sulfur mustard burn from an artillery shell

Despite the Geneva Protocol of 1925 and the Paris Conference on Prohibition of Chemical Weapons in 1989, sulfur mustard and other chemical weapons continue to pose a hazard to both civilians and soldiers. The presence of artillery shells containing sulfur mustard, both in waters where these shells were dumped and in old battlefields, presents a problem in times of peace, especially for those who collect wartime memorabilia. Past literature has reported several hundred incidents involving fishermen who inadvertently pulled leaking shells aboard their fishing vessels, thereby exposing themselves to the vesicant chemical. Other literature reports exposure to children who found the chemical shells in old battlefields. The purpose of this article is to report the first case of a serious sulfur mustard burn that occurred after removing the detonator from an old artillery shell in a historic battle field near Verdun, France. The circumstances surrounding the injury, the diagnosis and management of injuries secondary to sulfur mustard, and the long-term consequences to the patient are presented and discussed. Although skin grafting has been used in the management of other chemical burn injuries, this report is the first to describe the need for split-thickness skin grafts in the management of a patient with sulfur mustard burns.
Excitation of Spin Waves in Ferromagnets: Eddy Current and Boundary Condition Effects

The boundary condition for the transverse magnetization is derived when there is a surface anisotropy field ${H}_{s}$. Writing the transverse magnetization as $\ensuremath{\alpha}sinkz+\ensuremath{\beta}cos\mathrm{kz}$, we have $\frac{\ensuremath{\alpha}}{\ensuremath{\beta}}=\ensuremath{-}\frac{1}{2}ka+(\frac{{H}_{s}}{{H}_{e}\mathrm{ak}}),$ where ${H}_{e}$ is the exchange field and $a$ the lattice constant. A similar result is found when there is an antiferromagnetic surface layer. For ${H}_{s}\ensuremath{\ne}0$ spin-wave modes can be excited by a uniform rf field in a ferromagnet. The power absorbed in each mode in an insulator is calculated as a function of the surface anisotropy field. The excitation of the exchange modes is calculated for a metal with eddy-current damping. The eddy currents are found to have a large effect only on long wavelength spin waves. The line shape in a thick metal plate is calculated for ${H}_{0}$ normal to the plate.
Balanced extensions of graphs and hypergraphs

For a hypergraphG withv vertices ande i edges of sizei, the average vertex degree isd(G)= ∑ie 1/v. Callbalanced ifd(H)≦d(G) for all subhypergraphsH ofG. Let $$m(G) = \mathop {\max }\limits_{H \subseteqq G} d(H).$$ A hypergraphF is said to be abalanced extension ofG ifG⊂F, F is balanced andd(F)=m(G), i.e.F is balanced and does not increase the maximum average degree. It is shown that for every hypergraphG there exists a balanced extensionF ofG. Moreover everyr-uniform hypergraph has anr-uniform balanced extension. For a graphG let ext (G) denote the minimum number of vertices in any graph that is a balanced extension ofG. IfG hasn vertices, then an upper bound of the form ext(G)<c 1 n 2 is proved. This is best possible in the sense that ext(G)>c 2 n 2 for an infinite family of graphs. However for sufficiently dense graphs an improved upper bound ext(G)<c 3 n can be obtained, confirming a conjecture of P. Erdos.
Orthotropic deflection model for corner-supported plates with segmented in-plane actuators.

The shape control of thin, flexible structures has been studied primarily for edge-supported thin plates. For applications involving reconfigurable apertures such as membrane optics and active RF surfaces, corner-supported configurations may prove more applicable. Corner-supported adaptive structures allow for parabolic geometries, greater flexibility, and larger achievable deflections when compared to edge-supported geometries under similar actuation conditions. Preliminary models have been developed for corner-supported thin plates actuated by isotropic piezoelectric actuators. However, typical piezoelectric materials are known to be orthotropic. This paper extends a previously-developed isotropic model for a corner-supported, thin, rectangular bimorph to a more general orthotropic model for a bimorph actuated by a two-dimensional array of segmented PVDF laminates. First, a model determining the deflected shape of an orthotropic laminate for a given distribution of voltages over the actuator array is derived. Second, symmetric actuation of a bimorph consisting of orthotropic material is simulated using orthogonally-oriented laminae. Finally, the results of the model are shown to agree well with layered-shell finite element simulations for simple and complex voltage distributions.
Massive Transfusion Protocol: Saving Our Patients Lives

Poster Presentation Background Postpartum hemorrhage remains the single most significant cause of maternal death worldwide. It occurs in 2% to 6% of women who deliver vaginally. It can occur early ( 24 hours and 500 ml blood loss following vaginal delivery, >1,000 ml following cesarean, or a 10% decrease in hematocrit (HCT). Interventions for postpartum hemorrhage include treating the underlying cause and managing the symptoms with medications, surgical interventions, placement of uterine tamponade devices, and blood volume replacement. Improved outcomes are seen with coordinated team efforts and established hospital processes. Case A 45‐year‐old, G4P1 presented to labor and delivery in early labor at term. On admission her HCT was 39.9. Her labor was augmented, and she progressed quickly and delivered vaginally. Following delivery of her placenta, she began to hemorrhage. The patient was treated in the delivery room with fundal massage, Misoprostol, Hemabate, placement of Foley catheter, and Bakri balloon. Anesthesia and a second obstetrician were consulted and a disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) panel and two units of packed red blood cells were ordered. The patient became symptomatic and was transferred to the operating room (OR). A Code White was called and an interdisciplinary team of obstetricians, laboratory, intensive care unit (ICU), and spiritual care personnel responded. After intubation in the OR, the patient continued to hemorrhage. The decision was made to proceed with a hysterectomy. A massive transfusion protocol was initiated with the blood bank to facilitate preparation and thawing of blood products. During the surgical procedure, the patient developed ventricular tachycardia, and a Code Blue was activated. Additional interdisciplinary team members from the emergency department, pharmacy, and ICU responded. At this time, the patient's HCT dropped to 21.9, fibrinogen Conclusion To efficiently manage massive postpartum hemorrhage, early treatment must be initiated, interdisciplinary teams should be utilized, and in this case our massive transfusion protocol was activated. Coordination of care with the blood bank was critical to receive the necessary blood products in a timely manner.
Complete Reconstitution of Human IκB Kinase (IKK) Complex in Yeast ASSESSMENT OF ITS STOICHIOMETRY AND THE ROLE OF IKKγ ON THE COMPLEX ACTIVITY IN THE ABSENCE OF STIMULATION

The IκB kinase (IKK) complex, composed of two catalytic subunits (IKKα and IKKβ) and a regulatory subunit (IKKγ), is the key enzyme in activation of nuclear factor κB (NF-κB). To study the mechanism and structure of the complex, we wanted to recombinantly express IKK in a model organism that lacks IKK. For this purpose, we have recombinantly reconstituted all three subunits together in yeast and have found that it is biochemically similar to IKK isolated from human cells. We show that there is one regulatory subunit per kinase subunit. Thus, the core subunit composition of IKKα·β·γ complex is α1β1γ2, and the core subunit composition of IKKβ·γ is β2γ2. The activity of the IKK complex (α+β+γ or β+γ) expressed in yeast (which lack NF-κB and IKK) is 4–5-fold higher than an equivalent amount of IKK from nonstimulated HeLa cells. In the absence of IKKγ, IKKβ shows a level of activity similar to that of IKK from nonstimulated HeLa cells. Thus, IKKγ activates IKK complex in the absence of upstream stimuli. Deleting the γ binding domain of IKKβ or IKKα prevented IKKγ induced activation of IKK complex in yeast, but it did not prevent the incorporation of IKKγ into IKK and large complex formation. The possibility of IKK complex being under negative control in mammalian cells is discussed.
A phase I study of STEALTH cisplatin (SPI-77) and vinorelbine in patients with advanced non small-cell lung cancer.

Abstract STEALTH® cisplatin (SPI-77) is a liposomal formulation of cisplatin that has activity in animal models of non– small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Vinorelbine has documented clinical activity in NSCLC. The purpose of this study was to determine the dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) and maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of SPI-77 when administered in combination with a fixed dose of vinorelbine to patients with stage IIIB or IV NSCLC refractory to or recurrent following previous chemotherapy. SPI-77 was given on day 1 in combination with vinorelbine at a fixed dose of 25 mg/m 2 on days 1 and 8 of a 3-week treatment cycle. Dose escalation of SPI-77 progressed as follows: 20, 40, 80, 100, 120, and 140 mg/m 2 . Twenty patients were entered (11 men and nine women; median age, 63 years). Sixty-four complete cycles of therapy were administered, and 19 of 20 patients completed at least 1 cycle of combination chemotherapy. Neutropenia was dose limiting at a SPI- 77 dose of 140 mg/m 2 . Neuropathy and nephrotoxicity were minimal and not dose related. A partial response was observed in three of 17 patients eligible for a response evaluation and response duration ranged from 6 weeks to 5 months. In conclusion, treatment with combination SPI-77 and vinorelbine was well tolerated, and our recommended phase II dose is 120 mg/m 2 of SPI-77 in combination with vinorelbine at 25 mg/m 2 . Activity was observed in this patient population, and additional phase II testing of this regimen in a less extensively pretreated cohort of patients with NSCLC is indicated.
Adaptive mesh redistribution method for domains with complex boundaries

An adaptive structured mesh redistribution method (ASMRM) that permits smooth transition from non-uniformly distributed boundary points to solution-adaptive interior points and enables the resolution of complex flow in the complex boundary region as well as away from the boundary is proposed. It is a variant of the traditional variational technique. It involves a combination of static and dynamic monitor functions, the former for mesh distribution in the vicinity of a complex boundary and the latter for mesh adaption with the evolving solution elsewhere. Its effectiveness is demonstrated on some example problems, and it is then applied to a chevron nozzle. The proposed method is shown to be capable of generating a mesh with a good balance of orthogonality and smoothness in the entire domain.
Thermochromic measurement of temperature in a flow system.

Abstract The thermochromic properties of dinitrosalicylic acid were utilized to measure the temperature of solutions under streaming conditions in a Couette apparatus. Calibration data are given for aqueous solutions and for glycerol-trimethyl phosphate mixtures. Temperature changes up to 20°C are observed at high viscosity and high gradient.
Digitoxosyltetracenomycin C and glucosyltetracenomycin C, two novel elloramycin analogues obtained by exploring the sugar donor substrate specificity of glycosyltransferase ElmGT.

Our explorations of glycosyltransferase ElmGT from Streptomyces olivaceus Tu 2353, which shows an interesting flexibility regarding its sugar donor substrate, were extended toward various previously unexplored sugar co-substrates. The studies revealed that ElmGT, which normally transfers L-rhamnose to 8-demethyltetracenomycin C as a crucial biosynthetic step in elloramycin biosynthesis, is also able to process an activated non-deoxygenated sugar, NDP-D-glucose, as well as NDP-L-digitoxose, which is the first example of an NDP-L-sugar co-substrate of ElmGT possessing an axial 3-OH group. The structures of the resulting novel elloramycin analogues of these experiments, 8-demethyl-8-L-digitoxosyltetracenomycin C (4) and 8-demethyl-8-D-glucosyltetracenomycin C (7), were elucidated mainly by (1)H and (13)C NMR spectroscopy and by mass spectrometry.
Crossroads: Tracing African paths on New York City streets

This article explores the social lives of West African street vendors in New York City through the eyes of one such trader, Issifi Mayaki, an African immigrant from Niger who sold cloth and other items in Harlem and other areas of the city during the 1990s. The article describes how Issifi made his way in America and probes how he has drawn on native cultural and social resources to secure a niche in New York City. Issifi's financial and marketing strategies and his response to consumer demands, state regulation and local politics are also analyzed. From this description and analysis it is clear that people like Issifi inhabit complex, hybrid and fluid social worlds. How can social scientists capture this contemporary complexity? This article proposes that social scientists can, indeed, capture `on the ground' complexity by linking narrative, ethnographic description and social theory.
Competence of cranial ectoderm to respond to Fgf signaling suggests a two-step model of otic placode induction

Vertebrate craniofacial sensory organs derive from ectodermal placodes early in development. It has been suggested that all craniofacial placodes arise from a common ectodermal domain adjacent to the anterior neural plate, and a number of genes have been recently identified that mark such a 'pre-placodal' domain. However, the functional significance of this pre-placodal domain is still unclear. In the present study, we show that Fgf signaling is necessary and sufficient to directly induce some, but not all, markers of the otic placode in ectoderm taken from the pre-placodal domain. By contrast, ectoderm from outside this domain is not competent to express otic markers in response to Fgfs. Grafting naive ectoderm into the pre-placodal domain causes upregulation of pre-placodal markers within 8 hours, together with the acquisition of competence to respond to Fgf signaling. This suggests a two-step model of craniofacial placode induction in which ectoderm first acquires pre-placodal region identity, and subsequently differentiates into particular craniofacial placodes under the influence of local inducing signals.
Metabolic aspects of pig-to-monkey (Macaca fascicularis) islet transplantation: implications for translation into clinical practice

Aims/hypothesis Attempts to use an alternative source of islets to restore glucose homeostasis in diabetic patients require preclinical islet xenotransplantation models to be tested. These models raise questions about metabolic compatibility between species and the most appropriate metabolic parameters to be used to monitor graft function. The present study investigated and compared relevant gluco-metabolic parameters in pigs, monkeys and the pig-to-monkey islet transplantation model to gain insight into the potential clinical outcome of pig-to-human islet transplantation.
The Genetic Identity of Dinoflagellate Symbionts in Caribbean Octocorals

Many cnidarians (e.g., corals, octocorals, sea anemones) maintain a symbiosis with dinoflagellates (zooxanthellae). Zooxanthellae are grouped into clades, with studies focusing on scleractinian corals. We characterized zooxanthellae in 35 species of Caribbean octocorals. Most Caribbean octocoral species (88.6%) hosted clade B zooxanthellae, 8.6% hosted clade C, and one species (2.9%) hosted clades B and C. Erythropodium caribaeorum harbored clade C and a unique RFLP pattern, which, when sequenced, fell within clade C. Five octocoral species displayed no zooxanthella cladal variation with depth. Nine of the ten octocoral species sampled throughout the Caribbean exhibited no regional zooxanthella cladal differences. The exception, Briareum asbestinum, had some colonies from the Dry Tortugas exhibiting the E. caribaeorum RFLP pattern while elsewhere hosting clade B. In the Caribbean, octocorals show more symbiont specificity at the cladal level than scleractinian corals. Both octocorals and scleractinian corals, however, exhibited taxonomic affinity between zooxanthella clade and host suborder.
Lobbying and discretion

When interest groups compete to influence legislators, the resulting legislation is often vague, and thus obliges the groups to continue their fight in the executive. On its face, this seems inefficient—at least from the point of view of the groups. We explore this intuition in a model of “nested lobbying” in which interest groups first compete to influence a legislative agenda setter, then compete to influence legislative votes over the resulting agenda. If the resulting legislation grants discretion to the executive, the final prize is allocated in yet one more contest in the bureaucracy. We find that when the status quo is non-discretionary, competition over the agenda never results in an agenda that includes discretion. Surprisingly, however, a discretionary status quo can stand with probability 1 if the preferences of the bureaucracy, the legislature, and the agenda setter are arranged in an “iron triangle”. Specifically, the bureaucracy and agenda setter must be biased in favor of one group, while the legislature is biased in favor of the other.
The effect of the polarization potential on low-energy atomic processes

Abstract We have illustrated the importance of explicitly taking into account the polarization potential in the final outgoing channel to describe the threshold behavior of positronium formation in positron–hydrogen collisions, positronium formation in positron–helium collisions and the photodetachment of lithium negative ion into e − −Li(2p).
Effect of feeding tall fescue seed infected with endophytic fungus (Acremonium coenophialium) on the estrous cycle in CD-1 mice.

ABSTRACTThe objective of this study was to assess the effects of endophyte-infected tall fescue (Gl-307) seed (80% infected, by Acremonium coenophialum) on the estrous cycle in CD-I mice. Twelve 60-day-old CD-I female mice were randomly allocated to one of two dietary treatments containing 50% laboratory chow and (1) 50% endophyte-free (noninfected) fescue seed; (2) 50% endophyte-infected fescue seed. All mice were fed ad libitum. On day 35 of the study all mice were allowed access to a diet containing 100% laboratory chow for 7 days. Vaginal smears of each female were prepared daily throughout the 42 day trial period. All vaginal smears were stained and evaluated to determine phase of the estrous cycle. The days (±SE) to the first abnormal occurrence in the estrous cycle for treatments one and two were 27.0±5.6 and 16.7±5.2, respectively. The percent abnormal cycles of the total cycles observed between treatments one and two were 20.5±6.1 and 39.3±12.5, respectively. Mice on treatment two exhibited a gre...
Use of a single circuit to provide temporary mechanical respiratory and circulatory support in patients with LV apical thrombus and cardiogenic shock.

INTRODUCTION Techniques to support patients with cardiogenic shock continue to improve. Patients with intracardiac thrombi pose a potential for additional complications. Novel methods of biventricular support are necessary to manage these patients. METHODS Two patients with refractory cardiogenic shock and left ventricular apical thrombi underwent mechanical circulatory support (MCS) as a bridge to decision, with a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) and extracorporeal mechanical oxygenation (ECMO). Instead of the conventional LV apical cannulation for LVAD, the left atrium (LA) was cannulated. The LA cannula was then integrated with the ECMO circuit via a 'Y' connection to a percutaneous right atrial cannula, enabling optimal drainage of both sides into one circuit through a single CentriMag® pump and ECMO into the aorta. RESULTS The first patient was converted to a durable LVAD and transplanted, while the second patient was explanted, after demonstrating significant LV recovery. CONCLUSION We demonstrated the use of MCS as a bridge to decision in patients with LV thrombi, utilizing biatrial cannulation with a 'Y' connection to drain both right- and left-sided circulation through a single circuit and pump.
Independent Association of High Blood Pressure and Aortic Atherosclerosis A Population-Based Study

Background—Atherosclerosis of the thoracic aorta is associated with stroke. The association between hypertension, a major risk factor for stroke, and aortic atherosclerosis has not been determined in the general population. Methods and Results—Transesophageal echocardiography was performed in 581 subjects, a random sample of the Olmsted County (Minnesota) population aged ≥45 years participating in the Stroke Prevention: Assessment of Risk in a Community (SPARC) study. Blood pressure was assessed by multiple office measurements and 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring. The association between blood pressure variables and aortic atherosclerosis was evaluated by multiple logistic regression, adjusting for other associated variables. Among subjects with atherosclerosis, blood pressure variables associated with complex aortic atherosclerosis (protruding plaques ≥4 mm thick, mobile debris, or ulceration) were determined. Age and smoking history were independently associated with aortic atherosclerosis o...
Cyproheptadine may act at the pituitary in Cushing’s disease: Evidence from CRF stimulation

Cyproheptadine has been reported to effect remissions in up to 50% of patients with Cushing’s disease presumably at a hypothalamic level. Endocrine studies including CRF testing were performed in a 37-year-old woman with Cushing’s disease. Cyproheptadine therapy resulted in a clinical and chemical remission. During therapy, basal plasma and urinary steroid levels were normal as were responses to dexamethasone, metyrapone, and insulin induced hypoglycemia. CRF administration in the untreated patient resulted in a markedly exaggerated increase in plasma ACTH and cortisol levels, while with cyproheptadine therapy responses were considerably blunted but still greater than normal. These observations are the first to provide evidence supporting a pituitary effect of cyproheptadine in Cushing’s disease in vivo and raise questions regarding the assumption of hypothalamic dysfunction in those patients with Cushing’s disease responding to cyproheptadine.
Substantial photovoltaic response and morphology tuning in benzo[1,2-b:6,5-b′]dithiophene (bBDT) molecular donors

The influence of solubilizing substituents on the photovoltaic performance and thin-film blend morphology of new benzo[1,2-b:6,5-b′]dithiophene (bBDT) based small molecule donor semiconductors is investigated. Solar cells based on bBDT(TDPP)2-PC71BM with two different types of side chains exhibit high power conversion efficiencies, up to 5.53%.
Megachoroid as a cause of isolated ventricle syndrome

Recent sonographic studies have demonstrated enlarged choroid plexuses to be an abnormality associated with myelomeningocele. We report a patient with hydrocephalus and myelomeningocele who had huge bilateral enlargement of the choroid plexuses which were large enough to occlude the foramen of Monro of the shunted and collapsed ventricle. It produced an isolated ventricle syndrome leading to the need for bilateral ventriculoperitoneal shunts.
A lifestyle intervention of weight-gain restriction : diet and exercise in obese women with gestational diabetes mellitus

Objective: This study assessed whether a weight-gain restriction regimen, with or without exercise, would impact glycemic control, pregnancy outcome, and total pregnancy weight gain in obese subjec...
Possible molecular origin of the 1.08-μ atomic line in the helium afterglow and of the continuum radiation in a helium discharge

Abstract It is suggested that the electron-ion recombination of He + 2 populates to some extent the He 2 B-core states of Mulliken, and that subsequent vertical transitions terminate on the dissociating slopes of normal A-core curves leading to He(2 3 P) and the 1.08 μ radiation. It is further suggested that such radiative transitions account for the bands of continuous radiation observed in a helium discharge.
Operational Inductances of Turbine Generators; Test Data Versus Finite-Element Calculations

As part of EPRI Program RP 1288-1, Improvement in Accuracy of Prediction of Electrical Machine Constants, a method has been developed for calculating small-signal operational inductances. The method utilizes solutions to the magnetic diffusion equation, solved by the finite-element method. To faithfully simulate the behavior of the rotor iron for small-signal perturbations, measured values for incremental permeability are used.
Thiazolidinedione use and the longitudinal risk of fractures in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Context: Thiazolidinedione (TZD) use has recently been associated with an increased risk of fractures. Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the time-dependent relationship between TZD use and fracture risk. Design: We conducted a retrospective cohort study in a large health system in southeast Michigan. Patients: Patients who received care from the health system were included if they were at least 18 yr of age, had a diagnosis of diabetes, and had at least one prescription for an oral diabetes medication. These criteria identified 19,070 individuals (9,620 women and 9,450 men). Intervention: This study compared patients treated with TZDs to patients without TZD treatment. Cox proportional hazard models were used to assess the relationship between exposure and outcomes. Main Outcome Measures: The primary outcome was the time to fracture. Secondary analyses examined the risk of fractures in subgroups defined by sex and age. Results: TZD use was associated with an increased risk of fracture in t...
Horseshoe Kidney and Inflammatory Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm: A Case Report and Literature Review

The combined presence of an inflammatory abdominal aortic aneurysm and a horseshoe kidney is a rare event with only one reported case in previously published data. We present a case of a horseshoe kidney with a concomitant 6-cm inflammatory abdominal aortic aneurysm and a 3.6-cm right iliac artery aneurysm repaired through a transperitoneal approach with aortoiliac reconstruction.
Laws and Roll Calls in the U.S. Congress, 1891–1994

Recent empirical studies of lawmaking activity by legislatures rely heavily on roll call based measures and assume that roll call activity reflects lawmaking activity. We question this assumption for the case of the U.S. Congress. We examine several plausible sources of dissonance between the set of enacted public statutes and the universe of recorded votes in the U.S. Congress, using a comprehensive dataset of public enactments and roll call activity between 1891 and 1994. Because only 11.9% of the bills signed into law receive a recorded vote in the House, only 7.9% receive a recorded vote in the Senate, and only 5.5% receive a recorded vote in both the House and Senate, we provide guidance as to when studying voting behavior is likely a reasonable proxy for lawmaking behavior. There are sometimes important differences between the laws that do and do not receive a roll call that researchers should account for when using roll calls to study lawmaking in the U.S. Congress.
Novel agents for the treatment of childhood acute leukemia

Together, acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML) make up approximately one-third of all pediatric cancer diagnoses. Despite remarkable improvement in the treatment outcomes of these diseases over the past several decades, the prognosis for certain high-risk groups of leukemia and for relapsed disease remains poor. However, recent insights into different types of ‘driver’ lesions of leukemogenesis, such as the aberrant activation of signaling pathways and various epigenetic modifications, have led to the discovery of novel agents that specifically target the mechanism of transformation. In parallel, emerging approaches in cancer immunotherapy have led to newer therapies that can exploit and harness cytotoxic immunity directed against malignant cells. This review details the rationale and implementation of recent and specifically targeted therapies in acute pediatric leukemia. Topics covered include the inhibition of critical cell signaling pathways [BCR-ABL, FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3), mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), and Janus-associated kinase (JAK)], proteasome inhibition, inhibition of epigenetic regulators of gene expression [DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) inhibitors, histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors, and disruptor of telomeric signaling-1 (DOT1L) inhibitors], monoclonal antibodies and immunoconjugated toxins, bispecific T-cell engaging (BiTE) antibodies, and chimeric antigen receptor-modified (CAR) T cells.
Dnmt3 and G9a cooperate for tissue-specific development in zebrafish

Although DNA methylation is critical for proper embryonic and tissue-specific development, how different DNA methyltransferases affect tissue-specific development and their targets remains unknown. We address this issue in zebrafish through antisense-based morpholino knockdown of Dnmt3 and Dnmt1. Our data reveal that Dnmt3 is required for proper neurogenesis, and its absence results in profound defects in brain and retina. Interestingly, other organs such as intestine remain unaffected suggesting tissue-specific requirements of Dnmt3. Further, comparison of Dnmt1 knockdown phenotypes with those of Dnmt3 suggested that these two families have distinct functions. Consistent with this idea, Dnmt1 failed to complement Dnmt3 deficiency, and Dnmt3 failed to complement Dnmt1 deficiency. Downstream of Dnmt3 we identify a neurogenesis regulator, lef1, as a Dnmt3-specific target gene that is demethylated and up-regulated in dnmt3 morphants. Knockdown of lef1 rescued neurogenesis defects resulting from Dnmt3 absence. Mechanistically, we show cooperation between Dnmt3 and an H3K9 methyltransferase G9a in regulating lef1. Further, like Dnmt1-Suv39h1 cooperativity, Dnmt3 and G9a seemed to function together for tissue-specific development. G9a knockdown, but not Suv39h1 loss, phenocopied dnmt3 morphants and G9a overexpression provided a striking rescue of dnmt3 morphant phenotypes, whereas Suv39h1 overexpression failed, supporting the notion of specific DNMT-histone methyltransferase networks. Consistent with this model, H3K9me3 levels on the lef1 promoter were reduced in both dnmt3 and g9a morphants, and its knockdown rescued neurogenesis defects in g9a morphants. We propose a model wherein specific DNMT-histone methyltransferase networks are utilized to silence critical regulators of cell fate in a tissue-specific manner.
Nitrogen loss from unpolluted South American forests mainly via dissolved organic compounds

Conceptual and numerical models of nitrogen cycling in temperate forests assume that nitrogen is lost from these ecosystems predominantly by way of inorganic forms, such as nitrate and ammonium ions. Of these, nitrate is thought to be particularly mobile, being responsible for nitrogen loss to deep soil and stream waters. But human activities-such as fossil fuel combustion, fertilizer production and land-use change-have substantially altered the nitrogen cycle over large regions, making it difficult to separate natural aspects of nitrogen cycling from those induced by human perturbations. Here we report stream chemistry data from 100 unpolluted primary forests in temperate South America. Although the sites exhibit a broad range of environmental factors that influence ecosystem nutrient cycles (such as climate, parent material, time of ecosystem development, topography and biotic diversity), we observed a remarkably consistent pattern of nitrogen loss across all forests. In contrast to findings from forests in polluted regions, streamwater nitrate concentrations are exceedingly low, such that nitrate to ammonium ratios were less than unity, and dissolved organic nitrogen is responsible for the majority of nitrogen losses from these forests. We therefore suggest that organic nitrogen losses should be considered in models of forest nutrient cycling, which could help to explain observations of nutrient limitation in temperate forest ecosystems.
Statistical uncertainties of end-points in gran plots

Abstract Gran plots are commonly used to find equivalence points in acid-base and oxidation-reduction potentiometric titrations. It is shown that a standard error estimate for the equivalence points in a Gran plot can be calculated from the titration data by a weighted nonlinear optimization method. An example of the titration of a weak acid with a strong base is used to illustrate the calculational procedure.
Formamidinium-induced dimer stabilization and flicker block behavior in homo- and heterodimer channels formed by gramicidin A and N-acetyl gramicidin A

Compared to the N-formyl gramicidin A (GA), the N-acetyl gramicidin A (NAG) channel has unchanged conductance in 1 M NH4+ (gamma NN/gamma GG = 1, conductance ratio) but reduced conductance in 1 M K+ (gamma NN/gamma GG = 0.6) methylammonium (gamma NN/gamma GG = 0.3), and formamidinium (gamma NN/gamma GG = 0.1) solutions. Except with formamidinium, "flicker blocks" are evident even at low cutoff frequencies. For all cations studied, channel lifetimes of N-acetyl homodimers (NN) are approximately 50-fold shorter than those of the GA homodimer (GG). The novel properties of GA channels in formamidinium solution (supralinear current-voltage relations and dimer stabilization (Seoh and Busath, 1993)) also appear in NN channels. The average single channel lifetime in 1 M formamidinium solution at 100 mV is 6-7-fold longer than in K+ and methylammonium solutions and, like in the GA channel, significantly decreases with increasing membrane potential. Experiments with mixtures of the two peptides, GA and NAG, showed three main conductance peaks. Oriented hybrids were formed utilizing the principle that monomers remain in one leaflet of the bilayer (O'Connell et al., 1990). With GA at the polarized side and NAG at the grounded side, at positive potentials (in which case hybrids were designated GN) and at negative potentials (in which case hybrids were designated NG), channels had the same conductances and channel properties at all potentials studied. Flicker blocks were not evident in the hybrid channels, which suggests that both N-acetyl methyl groups at the junction of the dimer are required to cause flickers. Channel lifetimes in hybrids are only approximately threefold shorter than those of the GG channels, and channel conductances are similar to those of GG rather than NN channels. We suggest that acetyl-acetyl crowding at the dimeric junction in NN channels cause dimer destabilization, flickers, and increased selectivity in N-acetyl gramicidin channels.
Synthesis and characterization of (1 ‐ 13C) Phe9 gramicidin A. Effects of side chain variations

The synthesis of (1-13C)-Phe9-gramicidin (90% enriched) was carried out by the solid phase method. The peptide was removed from the resin by treatment with ethanolamine, deblocked, formylated and purified by preparative t.l.c. to obtain the gramicidin analog in an overall yield of 24%. The peptide was verified and characterized by high pressure liquid chromatography, carbon-13 nuclear magnetic resonance, circular dichroism and single channel currents. Single channel conductances were found to be similar to those of (1-13C)-Phe11-GB but significantly lower than that of gramicidin A. When this gramicidin analog was incubated with phospholipid, the characteristic channel spectrum was not obtained and interaction with sodium ion was not observed. A possible explanation for this behavior is discussed.
A novel technique for measurement of core loss in low permeability materials

Abstract A survey of existing techniques for measuring core loss in magnetic materials is presented. It is shown that the most challenging combination is a low permeability material at low measurement frequency. Such materials have application in components of power converters, and thus are of considerable technological significance. Measurement difficulties stem from losses in the windings employed, which are difficult to disentangle from loss in the core, as well as the stringent requirements on phase accuracy of measurement instruments. Another practical problem is the large power capacity required of the drive source to achieve significant induction levels. A new resonant measurement setup, which we call the “virtual impedance” technique, is proposed as a solution to these problems. Its utility is demonstrated with measurements of a commercial composite core with permeability 14 μ 0 whose low-core loss defeats conventional methods of measurement.
Influence of I-ching (Yijing, or The Book Of Changes) on Chinese medicine, philosophy and science.

I-Ching or Yi-Jing ([see text] also known as The Book of Changes) is the earliest classic in China. It simply explained the formation of the universe and the relationship of man to the universe. Most, if not all, branches of various knowledge, including traditional Chinese medicine, can be traced back its origin to this Book in which Fu Shi ([see text] 2852 B.C.) theorized how the universe was formed, through his keen observation of environment and orbits of sun, moon and stars. He used symbols to represent his views. The essence of I-Ching is basically the expression and function of Yang symbolized as "--" (from ) and Yin symbolized "- -" (from --><--), and [see text] Yin and Yang as interaction and circulation of Yang and Yin. Both Yin and Yang were derived from the same origin, Tai-Chi. Fu Shi believed Yin and Yang were the two opposite background force and energy that make the universe as what it is. Yang and Yin manifest in great variety of phenomena such as mind and body, masculine and feminine, sun and moon, hot and cold, heaven and earth, positive and negative electricity etc. The entire theory of Chinese medicine is based on the theories of Yin and Yang as well as that of 5 Element Cycles which are also related to the orderly arrangement of 8 trigrams ([see text]) by King Wen ([see text]1099-1050 B.C.). The 5 Elements Theory explains the "check and balance" mechanism created by the background force of Yin and Yang Qi and illustrated the relationships that are either strengthened or weakened by "acting and controlling" among the 5 elements. I-Ching has exerted profound influences on some well- known European philosophers and scientists, notably Leibnitz and Hegel. Between I-Ching and modern cosmology and the physics of sub-atomic particles, there are some basic theories in common.
REACTION DYNAMICS OF C(3P) WITH CHLOROFORM

The reaction of carbon(3P) with chloroform (CHCl3) was studied in a crossed-beam configuration. C(3P) was produced by laser ablation of graphite, and its translational energy was varied by seeding ...
Ureteral Stent Placement Increases the Risk for Developing BK Viremia after Kidney Transplantation

The placement of ureteral stent (UrSt) at kidney transplantation reduces major urological complications but increases the risk for developing nephropathy from the BK virus. It is unclear whether UrSt placement increases nephropathy risk by increasing risk of precursor viral replication or by other mechanisms. We retrospectively investigated whether UrSt placement increased the risk for developing BK Viremia (BKVM) in adult and pediatric kidney transplants performed at the University of Florida between July 1, 2007, and December 31, 2010. In this period all recipients underwent prospective BKV PCR monitoring and were maintained on similar immunosuppression. Stent placement or not was based on surgeon preference. In 621 transplants, UrSt were placed in 295 (47.5%). BKVM was seen in 22% versus 16% without UrSt (P = 0.05). In multivariate analyses, adjusting for multiple transplant covariates, only UrSt placement remained significantly associated with BKVM (P = 0.04). UrSt placement significantly increased the risk for BKVM. Routine UrSt placement needs to be revaluated, since benefits may be negated by the need for more BK PCR testing and potential for graft survival-affecting nephritis.