cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Androgen receptor variants: RNA-based mechanisms and therapeutic targets

Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of male cancer death in the United States. The androgen receptor (AR) transcription factor is a master regulator of normal glandular homeostasis in the prostate, as well as growth and survival of prostate cancer cells. Therefore, AR-targeted therapies are effective for improving overall survival of patients with advanced prostate cancer that is incurable by surgery or radiation. However, prostate cancer will inevitably progress on AR-targeted therapies to a castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) phenotype that accounts for virtually all prostate cancer-specific death. mRNA transcript variants of the AR gene are expressed in CRPC cells, and can be translated to produce AR variant (AR-V) proteins that function as ligand-independent, constitutively active transcription factors. AR-Vs are able to support growth of CRPC cells by promoting expression of AR target genes that are normally suppressed by AR-targeted therapies. Knowledge of mechanisms that govern expression of AR-Vs is incomplete. Studies have shown genomic rearrangements of the AR gene underlie expression of diverse AR-Vs in certain CRPC tumors, but post-transcriptional processes represent a broader regulatory mechanism for expression of AR-Vs in CRPC. This review focuses on alternative splicing, 3' end processing, and miRNA-mediated mRNA repression of AR and AR-V expression, and the potential these mechanisms hold as therapeutic targets for CRPC.
Evaluating Fidelity of reporting in randomized controlled trials on childhood acute lymphocytic leukemia

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) play an integral role in childhood cancer research. Several efforts to improve the quality of reporting of clinical trials have been published in recent years, including the TIDieR checklist. Many reviews have since used TIDieR to evaluate how well RCTs are being reported, but no such study has yet been done in childhood cancer. The aim of this study is to evaluate adherence of RCTs involving acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) to the TIDieR checklist. The PubMed database was used to screen for RCTs involving ALL published since 2015. Of 1546 articles identified, 46 met study criteria and were then evaluated against the TIDieR 12-point checklist to measure the degree of adherence. Of the 46 articles included, 9 (19.6%) met full TIDieR criteria. Seven of the 9 reported non-pharmacological interventions, and the remaining 2 reported pharmacological interventions. The average article properly reported 8.98/12 checklist items. Item 5 (intervention provider) was the most poorly reported item, properly reported in only 34.8% of articles. We conclude that overall TIDieR adherence is low and needs to be adhered to more fully in order to improve research in ALL as well as in all childhood cancers.
ILS-Aware Analyses of Retroelement Insertions in the Anomaly Zone

Abstract A major shortcoming of concatenation methods for species tree estimation is their failure to account for incomplete lineage sorting (ILS). Coalescence methods explicitly address this problem, but make various assumptions that, if violated, can result in worse performance than concatenation. Given the challenges of analyzing DNA sequences with both concatenation and coalescence methods, retroelement insertions have emerged as powerful phylogenomic markers for species tree estimation. We show that two recently proposed methods, SDPquartets and ASTRAL_BP, are statistically consistent estimators of the species tree under the multispecies coalescent model, with retroelement insertions following a neutral infinite sites model of mutation. The accuracy of these and other methods for inferring species trees with retroelements has not been assessed in simulation studies. We simulate retroelements for four different species trees, including three with short branch lengths in the anomaly zone, and assess the performance of eight different methods for recovering the correct species tree. We also examine whether ASTRAL_BP recovers accurate internal branch lengths for internodes of various lengths (in coalescent units). Our results indicate that two recently proposed ILS-aware methods, ASTRAL_BP and SDPquartets, as well as the newly proposed ASTRID_BP, always recover the correct species tree on data sets with large numbers of retroelements even when there are extremely short species-tree branches in the anomaly zone. Dollo parsimony performed almost as well as these ILS-aware methods. By contrast, unordered parsimony, polymorphism parsimony, and MDC recovered the correct species tree in the case of a pectinate tree with four ingroup taxa in the anomaly zone, but failed to recover the correct tree in more complex anomaly-zone situations with additional lineages impacted by extensive incomplete lineage sorting. Camin-Sokal parsimony always reconstructed an incorrect tree in the anomaly zone. ASTRAL_BP accurately estimated branch lengths when internal branches were very short as in anomaly zone situations, but branch lengths were upwardly biased by more than 35% when species tree branches were longer. We derive a mathematical correction for these distortions, assuming the expected number of new retroelement insertions per generation is constant across the species tree. We also show that short branches do not need to be corrected even when this assumption does not hold; therefore, the branch lengths estimates produced by ASTRAL_BP may provide insight into whether an estimated species tree is in the anomaly zone.
Promoting Social Cohesion and Conflict Mitigation: Understanding Conflict in the Cross-Border Areas of Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan

Despite the prevalence of works on ‘discourses of danger’ in the Ferghana Valley, which re-invented Central Asia as a site of intervention, the literature on conflict potential in the cross-border areas of Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan is fairly limited. Yet, the number of small scale clashes and tensions on the borders of the Batken and Isfara regions has been growing steadily. Accordingly, this work seeks to contribute to the understanding of the conflict escalations in the area and identify factors that aggravate tensions between the communities. In particular, this article focuses on four variables, which exacerbate tensions and hinder the restoration of a peaceful social fabric in the Batken-Isfara region: the unresolved legacies of the Soviet past, inefficient use of natural resources, militarisation of borders and lack of evidence-based policymaking.
Etiology and Decision Making: Considerations and Implications

As do those in the general population, individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) must make significant life decisions. In this chapter, we delineate some of the advances made toward understanding the link between etiology and decision making among individuals with IDD. We discuss the principles employed to examine etiology and various issues of decision making, in terms of the general population and for individuals with IDD. We illustrate etiological differences by providing an overview of differences in decision making patterns among persons with Williams syndrome, Prader-Willi syndrome, and Down syndrome, along with corresponding behavioral implications. We conclude with recommendations for etiology-specific interventions to improve the decision making of persons with IDD.
Tools of Recombinant DNA Technology

Restriction endonucleases, also called restriction enzymes, are bacterial proteins that cut the long, linear DNA molecule into fragments. Restriction enzymes are a major tool of recombinant DNA technology. A restriction enzyme recognizes a specific nucleotide sequence, such as AGCT, and cuts DNA wherever that combination of “letters” occurs. These enzymes are isolated from bacteria and named with a three- or four-letter sequence followed by a roman numeral. For example, EcoRI is a restriction enzyme isolated from Escherichia coli.
Metabolic Evidence for the Involvement of a [delta]4-Palmitoyl-Acyl Carrier Protein Desaturase in Petroselinic Acid Synthesis in Coriander Endosperm and Transgenic Tobacco Cells.

We have previously demonstrated that the double bond of petroselinic acid (18:1[delta]6cis) in coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) seed results from the activity of a 36-kD desaturase that is structurally related to the [delta]9-stearoyl-acyl carrier protein (ACP) desaturase (E.B. Cahoon, J. Shanklin, J.B. Ohlrogge [1992] Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 89: 11184–11188). To further characterize the biosynthetic pathway of this unusual fatty acid, 14C-labeling experiments were conducted using developing endosperm of coriander. Studies were also performed using suspension cultures of transgenic tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) that express the coriander 36-kD desaturase, and as a result produce petroselinic acid and [delta]4-hexadecenoic acid. When supplied exogenously to coriander endosperm slices, [1–14C]palmitic acid and stearic acid were incorporated into glycerolipids but were not converted to petroselinic acid. This suggested that petroselinic acid is not formed by the desaturation of a fatty acid bound to a glycerolipid or by reactions involving acyl-coenzyme As (CoA). Instead, evidence was most consistent with an acyl-ACP route of petroselinic acid synthesis. For example, the exogenous feeding of [1–14C]lauric acid and myristic acid to coriander endosperm slices resulted in the incorporation of the radiolabels into long-chain fatty acids, including primarily petroselinic acid, presumably through acyl-ACP-associated reactions. In addition, using an in vitro fatty acid biosynthetic system, homogenates of coriander endosperm incorporated [2–14C]malonyl-CoA into petroselinic acid, of which a portion was detected in a putative acyl-ACP fraction. Furthermore, analysis of transgenic tobacco suspension cultures expressing the coriander 36-kD desaturase revealed significant amounts of petroselinic acid and [delta]4-hexadecenoic acid in the acyl-ACP pool of these cells. Also presented is evidence derived from [U-14C]nonanoic acid labeling of coriander endosperm, which demonstrates that the coriander 36-kD desaturase positions double bonds relative to the carboxyl end of acyl-ACP substrates. The data obtained in these studies are rationalized in terms of a biosynthetic pathway of petroselinic acid involving the [delta]4 desaturation of palmitoyl-ACP by the 36-kD desaturase followed by two-carbon elongation of the resulting [delta]4-hexadecenoyl-ACP.
Valuing agricultural firms: An examination of the contingent-claims approach to pricing real assets

Abstract Uncertainty about prices, output, demand, and managerial decisions is not easily incorporated into a valuation model for real assets. However, techniques originally developed in the option-pricing literature can accommodate these complexities. This paper examines the contingent-claims approach to valuing real assets. A model for the value of an agricultural producer is derived. Optimal shutting and reopening, volatile output and demand, and other realistic features are included. The model differs markedly from conventional discounted-cash-flow models. Empirical tests using prices of rubber and palm-oil estates listed on the Stock Exchange of Singapore offer some support for the model.
Medication Reconciliation: Who and How?

Medication reconciliation has been shown to improve the accuracy of recorded medication and allergy information, medica- tion adherence, and medication knowledge; it has also been associated with reductions in the incidence of preventable adverse drug events, frequency of physician visits, and frequency of hospital readmissions. 3
Reference Signal Derivative Constraints for Guaranteed Tracking Performance

We formulate a problem to determine a class of reference signals which guarantees a specified level of performance for a tracking system. An algorithm for computing approximate (conservative) solutions to the problem is presented. In particular, derivative constraints on the reference signal and its time derivatives are determined from the full system dynamics. A reference signal satisfying these constraints insures that operating limits are not violated and that the system output tracks the reference signal with a prescribed degree of accuracy. The derivative constraints are computed off-line, without simulation, as a solution to a semi-infinite program. Thus, supervisory planning and control can be performed in the reference signal space without detailed models of the underlying system dynamics. We illustrate the computational algorithm and the application of derivative constraints to reference signal generation for a two-axis computer numerical control cutting tool.
Second nature geography and regional income disparities in Colombia

In this paper, we derive and estimate a New Economic Geography model for the Colombian departments.2 We first derive an econometric specification relating wages to a distance weighted sum of the volumes of economic activities of the surrounding locations. Them, we test our econometric specification with data for Colombian departments in the period 1975-2000. The empirical results confirm the theoretical predictions of our model, showing that second nature geography factors (access to consumer markets) are a key variable in explaining the spatial distribution of wages in Colombia.
Germination and Outgrowth of Single Spores of Saccharomyces cerevisiae Viewed by Scanning Electron and Phase-Contrast Microscopy

Single spores of Saccharomyces cerevisiae were examined during germination and outgrowth by scanning electron and phase-contrast microscopy. Also determined were changes in cell weight and light absorbance, trehalose utilization, and synthesis of protein and KOH-soluble carbohydrates. These studies reveal that development of the vegetative cell from a spore follows a definite sequence of events involving dramatic physical and chemical modifications. These changes are: initial rapid loss in cellular absorbance followed later by an abrupt gain in absorbance; reduction in cell weight and a subsequent progressive increase; modification of the spore surface with concomitant diminution in refractility; elongation of the cell and augmentation of surface irregularities; rapid decline in trehalose content of the cell accompanied by extensive formation of KOH-soluble carbohydrates; and bud formation.
Washing our hands of the congenital cytomegalovirus disease epidemic.

Each year in the United States, an estimated 40,000 children are born with congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection, causing an estimated 400 deaths and leaving approximately 8000 children with permanent disabilities such as hearing or vision loss, or mental retardation. More children are affected by serious CMV-related disabilities than by several better-known childhood maladies, including Down syndrome, fetal alcohol syndrome, and spina bifida. Congenital CMV is a prime target for prevention not only because of its substantial disease burden but also because the biology and epidemiology of CMV suggest that there are ways to reduce viral transmission. Because exposure to the saliva or urine of young children is a major cause of CMV infection among pregnant women, it is likely that good personal hygiene, especially hand-washing, can reduce the risk of CMV acquisition. Experts agree that such measures are likely to be efficacious (i.e., they will work if consistently followed) and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends that physicians counsel pregnant women about preventing CMV acquisition through careful attention to hygiene. However, because of concerns about effectiveness (i.e., Will women consistently follow hygienic practices as the result of interventions?), the medical and public health communities appear reluctant to embrace primary CMV prevention via improved hygienic practices, and educational interventions are rare. Current data on the effectiveness of such measures in preventing CMV infection are promising, but limited. There is strong evidence, however, that educational interventions can prevent other infectious diseases with similar transmission modes, suggesting that effective interventions can also be found for CMV. Until a CMV vaccine becomes available, effective educational interventions are needed to inform women about congenital CMV prevention. Perhaps no single cause of birth defects and developmental disabilities in the United States currently provides greater opportunity for improved outcomes in more children than congenital CMV. Given the present state of knowledge, women deserve to be informed about how they can reduce their risk of CMV infection during pregnancy, and trials are needed to identify effective educational interventions.
Transforming Lovers and Memorials in Ovid and Marie de France

Late medieval authors were fascinated by classical literature, by what for all practical purposes functioned as the literary canon for readers and writers of the twelfth through the fourteenth centuries. As made clear by earlier scholarship — which often, however, interpreted medieval reception of classi­ cal literature as badly understood — medieval writers did not simply honour or completely authorize their predecessors. Indeed, more comfortable with the idea of tradition than slavish imitators Eire, medieval poets transformed classical texts in any number of ways, often feeling at liberty to change even critical narrative elements in the process. They did so, apparently, for differ­ ent purposes, but one of the most interesting, it seems to me, was to explore what writing meant in their own literary circles.
Solution of heat-conduction problems in heterogeneous media by the integral relations method

The integral relations method is developed to solve heat-conduction problems in a two-component complex medium and nonstationary filtration for the case of bounded and unbounded domains.
Contesting (Panel Discussion)

Contest activity can be staged in a wide variety of ways and the features of a contest design can be drawn from wide spectra of possibilities. The participants can be brought together for the contest or can stay home and send their programs to the contest; they can be from any level of expertise from high school student to professional programmer. A contest can reward producing a solution program in the shortest time or can be scored on bases like originality and program quality; it can focus upon any aspect of the programming process from algorithm synthesis to debugging or program modification.The panel will expose and explore the ranges of possible contest design features by describing the structures and workings of contests they have supervised. Each of the features mentioned above is represented in the contest experience of one or more members of this panel. The experiences gained in a diverse set of contests will be related to base a discussion of problems encountered and drawbacks noted as well as of strong points and alternative contest features that have been brought to mind but not yet tried out. The set of contests includes ACM's Regional and National Contests at the collegiate level for teams of four in a batch environment, team selection and training contests, an interactive BASIC contest for teams, the interactive individual contest at the 1977 NCC, a countywide contest for teams of high school students, and the well-established AEDS mail-in contest for secondary students.
Comprehensive assessment of the too big to fail problem

We use a semi-analytical model for the substructure of dark matter haloes to assess the too-big-to-fail (TBTF) problem. The model accurately reproduces the average subhalo mass and velocity functions, as well as their halo-to-halo variance, in N-body simulations. We construct thousands of realizations of Milky Way (MW) size host haloes, allowing us to investigate the TBTF problem with unprecedented statistical power. We examine the dependence on host halo mass and cosmology, and explicitly demonstrate that a reliable assessment of TBTF requires large samples of hundreds of host haloes. We argue that previous statistics used to address TBTF suffer from the look-elsewhere effect and/or disregard certain aspects of the data on the MW satellite population. We devise a new statistic that is not hampered by these shortcomings, and, using only data on the 9 known MW satellite galaxies with $V_{\rm max}>15{\rm kms}^{-1}$, demonstrate that $1.4^{+3.3}_{-1.1}\%$ of MW-size host haloes have a subhalo population in statistical agreement with that of the MW. However, when using data on the MW satellite galaxies down to $V_{\rm max}=8{\rm kms}^{-1}$, this MW consistent fraction plummets to $<5\times10^{-4}$ (at 68% CL). Hence, if it turns out that the inventory of MW satellite galaxies is complete down to 8km/s, then the maximum circular velocities of MW satellites are utterly inconsistent with $\Lambda$CDM predictions, unless baryonic effects can drastically increase the spread in $V_{\rm max}$ values of satellite galaxies compared to that of their subhaloes.
Cytophaga-Flavobacterium Gliding Motility

Flavobacterium johnsoniae , like many other members of the Cytophaga-Flavobacterium-Bacteroides group, displays rapid gliding motility. Cells of F. johnsoniae glid
Health behaviors among breast, prostate, and colorectal cancer survivors: a US population-based case-control study, with comparisons by cancer type and gender

Purpose The aim of this study is to compare health behaviors between breast, prostate, female, and male colorectal cancer survivors to noncancer controls, stratified by short- and long-term survivors, and between cancer types and genders.
A preliminary assessment of nitrate degradation in simulated soil environments

This study was directed toward a preliminary assessment of nitrate degradation in northeast Iowa soils. Soil experimental plots were created with variable combinations of fertilizers, ethanol, irrigation, and plant growth. The maximum average concentration of nitrate was much higher in the chemically fertilized plots (500 mg/km) than those fertilized organically (120 mg/kg). This was attributed to the excessive ammonia volatilization from the applied cow manure. Soil nitrate dropped from 155 to 50 mg/kg in a matter of 3 weeks in the deep samples of the intermittently irrigated plots. This is because higher soil moisture lowered the oxygen level, which favored denitrification. Although ethanol seemed to have restricted the release of nitrate in the manure-treated plots, the data are not conclusive. The highest degradation of soil-nitrate (lowest recovered 38 mg/kg) was observed in the plots that simultaneously grew corn, received cow manure, and were not irrigated. Soils in these plots were depleted of nitrogen by ammonia volatilization from manure, and through the uptake by corn plants. Nitrification of organic nitrogen to nitrate was restricted in plots that were left without irrigation. Rain events helped nitrification on the surface, but promoted denitrification at depth.
A Class of New Preconditioners for Linear Solvers Used in Power System Time-Domain Simulation

In this paper, a new class of preconditioners for iterative methods is proposed for the solution of linear equations that arise in the time-domain simulation of the power system. The system of linear equations results from an attempt to solve the differential algebraic equations (DAE) encountered in the power system dynamic simulation. The preconditioners are based on the multifrontal direct methods. The proposed method is compared to the incomplete LU factorization (ILU) based preconditioned iterative methods and other conventional direct linear sparse solvers. The comparison shows the proposed method achieves great computational efficiency relative to these other methods.
The polymorphism of poly(vinylidene fluoride). I. The effect of head-to-head structure

Abstract The phenomenon of polymorphism in poly(vinylidene fluoride) has been observed recently by several authors. It has also been reported that high-resolution NMR measurements demonstrate the presence in this polymer of head-to-head linkages, resulting from the “backward” addition of from 5-6% of the monomer units. Since the van der Waals radii of fluorine (1.35 A) and hydrogen (1.1-1.2 A) are similar, the cocrystallization in a polymer chain of units that differ only by the substitution of fluorine atoms for hydrogen atoms is not unexpected. The two polymorphic forms of poly(vinylidene fluoride), examined in this investigation, have different chain conformations. Chains in phase I have a planar zigzag conformation, while chains in phase II are assumed to exhibit a 21 helical conformation. The incorporation into the polymer chain of small amounts of tetrafluoroethylene or trifluoroethylene comonomer favored the crystallization of phase I. This is in accord with the relative abilities, deduced from con...
Management of suprastomal tracheal fibroma: Introduction of a new technique and comparison with other techniques

Summary Objective Suprastomal tracheal granuloma/fibroma (SSTGF) is a common cause of failure to decannulate following pediatric tracheostomy. Because larger lesions obstruct the trachea, it is necessary to remove them prior to decannulation. Various methods have been described for the management of these obstructing tracheal lesions, including the KTP laser, Nd-YAG laser, sphenoid punch, optical forceps, microsuspension laryngoscopy with an articulated arm (MSLAA), and external excision. A hollow core guide fiber for the CO2 laser has been developed that can be advanced to better approximate targeted tissues and minimize thermal spread using a near-contact method. Methods A retrospective chart review was performed of 30 children under the age of 7 years (21M, 9F) with SSTGF who underwent treatment by either external excision (n = 10), MSLAA (n = 10), or CO2 laser vaporization by fiberoptic laser carrier (n = 10). The medical charts were reviewed for excision techniques and outcomes. Results Mean operative time for external excision was 34.9 min (SD = 10.2 min), for MSLAA was 16.3 min (SD = 4.8 min), and for fiberoptic CO2 laser carrier was 19.3 min (SD = 7.1 min). Mean hospital time postoperatively for external excision was 24 h (SD = 510 min), for MSLAA was 3.3 h (SD = 37.7 min), and for fiberoptic CO2 laser carrier was 3.9 h (SD = 46.3 min). Need for additional procedures was seen in 60% of external excision procedures, 70% of MSLAA procedures, and in 30% of fiberoptic CO2 laser carrier procedures. Immediate postoperative decannulation was possible in 10% of the external excision group, 20% of the MSLAA group, and 40% of the fiberoptic CO2 laser carrier group. Conclusions The new technique of using a fiberoptic carrier for the CO2 laser to treat children with SSTGF's is comparable to more traditional techniques of SSTGF removal when considering the need for additional procedures, postoperative hospital stay, and percentage of immediate postoperative decannulation and provides another useful tool in the armamentarium of the surgeon in treating SSTGF's.
Interstate Military Technological Races and Arms Control Agreements

I examine how a nation's absolute and relative position in a race to develop a new weapon affects the intensity of its RD and that the leader of a race outspends the laggard, but both tend to intensify their efforts when the follower catches up. Moreover, I find that, if the process of R&D is to be restricted through interstate treaties, then such treaties may only be introduced in the beginning stages of the race before any major breakthrough has occurred.
Crystal growth studies of lysozyme as a model for protein crystallization

Abstract The protein concentration dependence of the growth rate of lysozyme crystals (tetragonal form) was investigated at two NaCl concentrations (3.5%, 5% w/v). The rates for different crystallographic faces were found to have different concentration dependences, resulting in a changing crystal shape with concentration. The experimental results were compared with standard crystal growth theories. The strong concentration dependence could be fitted at high supersaturation by a two-dimensional nucleation model, whereas at low supersaturation a correlation of growth rate with etch-revealed imperfections on the crystals suggested a defeat-mediated growth mechanism. Crystals grown for long times in unstirred solutions exhibited a non-uniform, “patchy” growth when the supersaturation was raised, indicating an inactivation of parts of the crystal surface. This phenomenon may be related to the “cessation of growth”.
Novel Technologies and Devices for Monitoring and Treating Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a progressive disease of the pulmonary vasculature associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Despite significant advances in the past 2 decades with the development of pharmacological therapies to target key molecular pathways of PAH, there remains an ongoing need for novel technologies and devices for diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment to improve PAH outcomes. The advent of sophisticated imaging tools, including cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, positron emission tomography, and speckle tracking echocardiography, offer novel opportunities for advanced, noninvasive assessment of right ventricular function, the most powerful predictor of death in patients with PAH. Noninvasive cardiac output monitors and implantable hemodynamic sensors are among the additional promising novel technologies that might offer daily access to hemodynamic data to influence clinical decision-making and potentially improve outcomes. Percutaneous interventional therapeutics might offer a nonpharmacological treatment option in select patients with PAH, ranging from the percutaneous creation of right to left shunts, pulmonary artery denervation, and right ventricular pacing. Finally, mechanical circulatory support with durable ventricular assist devices offers hope to one day provide a realistic strategy to treat life-threatening right ventricular failure in PAH. Future clinical trials and carefully designed prospective observational studies will be needed to evaluate the full potential of many of these novel devices and technologies for monitoring and treating PAH.
Provocative mesenteric angiography for lower gastrointestinal hemorrhage: results from a single-institution study.

Purpose To determine the diagnostic capability, complication rate, and potential predictors of success for provocative mesenteric angiography in patients with obscure and recurrent lower gastrointestinal (GI) hemorrhage. Materials and Methods Thirty-four patients (age, 7–92 years; 22 men) underwent 36 provocative mesenteric angiograms between January 2002 and December 2008. Provocative mesenteric angiography consisted of systemic anticoagulation with heparin followed by selective transcatheter injection of vasodilator and tissue plasminogen activator into the arterial distribution of highest suspicion. Medications were administered incrementally until active extravasation was visualized or until the operator deemed the outcome negative. The pertinent clinical, radiologic, surgical, laboratory, and pathologic notes were retrospectively reviewed. Results Among 36 provocative mesenteric angiograms, 11 resulted in angiographically visible extravasation (31%) and an additional procedure resulted in angiographic visualization of an undiagnosed hypervascular mass, resulting in the identification of a source of a hemorrhage in 33% overall. In 10 of the 11 cases with visualized extravasation, transcatheter embolization successfully controlled recurrent hemorrhage, while the hypervascular mass without extravasation was successfully resected. Therefore, a total of 11 of 36 studies (31%) resulted in successful definitive treatment of recurrent hemorrhage. One embolization-related complication occurred, resulting in surgical resection of perforated ischemic bowel. No hemorrhagic complications were identified. Patients with melena and patients admitted for reasons other than acute lower GI hemorrhage were significantly less likely to benefit from provocative mesenteric angiography. Conclusions In this series, provocative mesenteric angiography was safe and effective for eliciting the source of occult lower GI hemorrhage, leading to definitive therapy in about one third of patients.
Grading The Court on Zelman: School Vouchers and the Politics of Establishment Jurisprudence

The U.S. Supreme Court recently approved a Cleveland-based school voucher program that raises serious establishment-of-religion questions and heralds potentially far-reaching changes in church-state relations. The Court'sopinion in that case, Zelman v. Simmons-Harris, 536 U.S. 639 (2002), is assessed here in view of the social and historical contexts in which these issues have arisen as well as for its coherence with First Amendment principles and ensuing policy implications.
Evidence that TGF-β can inhibit human T-lymphocyte proliferation through paracrine and autocrine mechanisms

Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) has been documented as having an inhibitory effect on the proliferation and growth of human T-lymphocytes. We examined the relative contribution of both exogenous and endogenous TGF-beta to this inhibitory action. Purified human peripheral blood T-cells were cultured with Con A (0.2 microgram/ml), washed with methyl mannopyranoside, and then cultured in rIL-2 (5 U/ml) with or without TGF-beta (80 pM). Proliferation, as measured by uptake of tritiated thymidine at 72 hr, was inhibited by added active TGF-beta. Addition of neutralizing anti-TGF-beta antibodies at the initiation of culture abrogated the antiproliferative effects of TGF-beta. A mink lung cell bioassay was used to measure endogenous TGF-beta production by the T-cells following transient acidification of the supernatants to activate latent TGF-beta. T-lymphocytes cultured with rIL-2 alone produced low levels of TGF-beta, first detectable at 72 hr. The addition of (active) TGF-beta to these cultures resulted in earlier and higher levels of endogenously produced latent TGF-beta protein. This was reflected at the mRNA level as well. The exogenously added active TGF-beta appeared to be depleted during the culture period, presumably by the activated T-cells, which exhibited elevated levels of types I, II, and III TGF-beta receptors. The increase in TGF-beta protein levels was due to endogenous TGF-beta synthesis and secretion as supported by a capture assay using 35S-labeled culture supernatants. These findings indicate that both paracrine and autocrine mechanisms are involved in the inhibitory effects of TGF-beta on the proliferation of normal human T-lymphocytes and suggest that other TGF-beta-producing cells can augment production of TGF-beta by activated T-lymphocytes.
A surface energy analysis of bioadhesion

Abstract This report applies recently developed surface energy and fracture mechanics relations to the analysis of bioadhesion and biocompatibility. The dispersion α and polar β components of 190 biological and implant surfaces are analysed. The surface energetics relations between bioadhesion and biocompatibility point out that a strongly adsorbed plasma protein film on the implant surface provides the best blood compatibility and low thrombogenic effects. The surface energy relations provide means of selecting optimum implant surface properties and mapping on surface energy diagrams the three phase interactions which define bioadhesion.
Establishing sorption isotherm to meet phosphorus requirement for tomato seedling growth 1

Abstract An Indiana silt loam soil was equilibrated with various amounts of Ca(H2PO4)2 H2O and a 0.01 M CaCl2 solution to construct its phosphorus sorption isotherms. Using the isotherms, the P buffering capacity of the soil was calculated and amounts of fertilizer P necessary to give several levels of P in the soil solution, for experiments conducted over a 2 year period, were determined. Twenty‐four day old tomato seedlings were grown and measured for leaf area, root length, dry weights and P concentrations in leaf, petiole, stem and root. Phosphorus concentration in soil solution increased slowly with the first increment of P added to the soil. Subsequent P additions increased the P concentrations in solution exponentially. The maximum P absorption by the soil was 324 μg P/g soil and the constant related to P binding energy was 1.37. In addition, the soil buffering capacity decreased with an increase in the amount of P in the soil solution. Plant shoot dry weight increased linearly with P increase in t...
N-methylolmaleimide–benzene photoadduct: A novel monomer for the synthesis of functionally modified polyimides†

A novel polycyclic dihydroxy diimide monomer was synthesized through the photocycloaddition of N-methylolmaleimide to benzene and the reaction of maleimide-benzene photoadduct with formaldehyde. The monomer, which evolved formaldehyde at about 165 °C, was subsequently used to prepare low molecular weight polyamineimides and polyurethaneimides. Soluble polyamineimides, prepared with three different aromatic diamine monomers, exhibited initial decomposition temperatures between 277 and 329 °C and glass-transition temperatures between 180 and 219 °C. An aliphatic polyamineimide prepared from 1,6-hexanediamine was insoluble and had glass-transition and initial decomposition temperatures of 225 °C and 294 °C, respectively, with prior loss of formaldehyde from end groups. Polyurethaneimides prepared with two aromatic diisocyanates showed loss of formaldehyde in the approximate range of 160-169 °C followed by loss of CO 2 and glass-transition temperatures of 219 and 233 °C. Attempts to prepare polyamideimides resulted in oligomers with a low nitrogen content. Attempts to prepare polyesterimides were unsuccessful.
Social class influences on purchase evaluation criteria

This article investigates social class, income and gender effects on the importance of utilitarian and subjective evaluative decision criteria over a variety of products considered more and less socially significant. Variations in attitude, motivation and value orientations associated with differences in occupational opportunities and demands, childhood socialization patterns and educational influences may lead consumers to vary in many of their purchase behaviors across social classes. It was found here that social class is a significant predictor of evaluative criterion importance for a number of products. The influence was moderated by the objectivity of the criterion and the social sensitivity of the product. Because of its link to choice limitation in decision making, income was expected to be an influence on evaluative criteria. A greater number of utilitarian criterion importance ratings for socially non‐significant products were related to income, and utilitarian criteria importance, in general, was negatively associated with income for low social value products. Application of relative class income levels led to a substantially greater number of significant relationships compared with income or social class alone. The gender of respondents was found to relate to the observed associations, with women generally attaching more importance to virtually all evaluative criteria and exhibiting different relative importance levels for criteria across class and income levels.
A PERINATAL DILEMMA-MANAGEMENT OF THE LIVEBORN FETAL INFANT(FI) (BW 20wks)

An ethical dilemma exists regarding the delivery room resuscitation of the FI. To determine current practice and outcome, we evaluated all 32 inborn FI born from 7/82-6/83[mean BW 604gm (range 300-740gm), mean GA 24.6wks (range 21-30wks)]. Deaths in the delivery room occurred at a mean of 1 2/3 hrs and in the NICU at a mean of 4 hrs. Cause of death in 12/24 was fetal infection associated with chorioamnionitis. All 8 survivors were intubated at birth; 7 had RDS and/or BPD, 5 required respiratory support for >2 mo.(range 2-12) and O2 for 2-18 mo. 5 had sepsis and 6 had intraventricular bleeds (1 Gr.I, 3 Gr.II, and 2 Gr.IV). Mean hospital stay was 168 days(range 92-365)with cost of care $175,302(range $80,000-$400,000). 3 remain in chronic care facilities; 5 require social welfare. These data confirm the enormous wastage and long term morbidity of the FI. With current practice, survival is feasible only with immediate intubation of infants ±700gm. Rather than extending life supportive measures to even smaller infants, emphasis should be on recognition and treatment of chorioamnionitis.
The natural history of Dandy-Walker syndrome in the United States: A population-based analysis.

Background: Dandy-Walker syndrome (DWS) is a congenital disorder typically manifesting with hydrocephalus. The classic anatomic hallmarks of DWS are hypoplasia of the cerebellar vermis, anterior-posterior enlargement of the posterior fossa, upward displacement of the torcula and transverse sinuses, and cystic dilatation of the fourth ventricle. Aims: Although optimal treatment of DWS typically requires neurosurgical intervention to prevent intracranial pressure increases incompatible with life, the natural history of this disorder has yet to be evaluated on a nationwide level. Settings and Design/Materials and Methods: The Kids' Inpatient Database covering 1997-2003 was used for analysis. Children younger than age 18 admitted for DWS (ICD-9-CM = 742.3) were analyzed with a matched control group. The primary procedure codes for operative CSF drainage were coded into the analysis. The incidence of DWS was 0.136%; 14,599 DWS patients were included. Statistical Analysis Used: Multiple logistic regression models were used. Odds ratios (OR) were reported with 95% confidence intervals. Results and Conclusions: Mortality (OR = 10.02; P P P P < 0.0001). Although DWS is associated with a 10-fold increase in mortality, operative CSF drainage nearly halves the mortality rate. Based on these findings (Class IIB evidence), it is likely that the increased mortality associated with DWS is directly attributable to the nearly 80% of DWS patients who did not receive operative CSF drainage for hydrocephalus. Consequently, increased access to neurosurgical intervention could reduce the mortality rate of DWS towards that of the general population.
Model for the completeness of quasinormal modes of relativistic stellar oscillations.

Relativistic stellar oscillations are fluid and metric perturbations characterized by complex frequencies called quasinormal modes. This Letter presents a model which clarifies the extent to which such modes can be complete, in the sense of normal modes. It is found, for a specific class of Cauchy data, that, describing purely outgoing radiation, an expansion of the dynamics in terms of quasinormal modes can be constructed. For more general Cauchy data, it is shown that no useful distinction is possible between data that do and do not stimulate quasinormal oscillations.
Creating Partnerships Between Consumer Groups and Professional Psychologists.

There are considerable advantages for professional psychologists who form partnerships with mental health consumer groups. This collaboration can utilize the strengths of both partners and result in benefits to the psychologist, the consumer group, the research field, and the community as a whole. By identifying mutual needs and forming alliances, professional psychologists and consumer groups can gain a great deal from each other's unique perspectives. This article outlines the importance of consumer-professional partnerships, focusing on the authors' experiences with children and their families.
Hybodontoidei (Chondrichthyes) from the Wichita-Albany Group (Early Permian) of Texas

ABSTRACT Nearly 4000 hybodontoid teeth assignable to the typically Mesozoic genera Acrodus and Polyacrodus were recovered by bulk-sampling techniques from the Early Permian Wichita-Albany Group in north-central Texas. They belong to 37 local faunas. Generic assignments are based mainly on crown histology, following the methods of earlier workers. This approach must suffice until the suborder can be revised using a new methodology, yet to be devised. The roots of all the teeth bear specialized foramina on the labial side, parallel to the root-crown contact. The teeth questionably assigned to Acrodus have roots morphologically different from those of Mesozoic species. Hybodus is absent. Tooth morphotypes are assigned to six new species: ?A. olsoni (large teeth with symmetrical crowns; dentition moderately hetero-dont), ?A. sweetlacruzensis (arcuate root-crown contact; roots with deep, closed sulcus; dentition tion homodont), P. zideki (teeth small; crowns uncrenulated, possess longitudinal and transverse oc...
The Effect of Impurities on the Corrosion of Aluminum Metallization

Surface impurities are an important factor that affects the reliability of semiconductor devices exposed to THB environments. Aluminum metallized specimens were intentionally contaminated with controlled amounts of Na, K, and Cl. Corrosion was observed at both the anode and cathode following THB tests. The corrosion rate was proportional to the log of the impurity concentration. A model is proposed to explain the observed corrosion processes.
Applying cosine series to join size estimation

This paper provides a general overview of two innovative applications of Cosine series in XML joins and data stream joins.
Peroxidatic formation of alloxan from uric acid by leucocytes

Abstract The formation of alloxan from the peroxidatic breakdown of uric acid by leucocytes has been investigated. o -Phenylenediamine was used as a trapping agent to form a derivative at pH 6, 3-hydroxyquinoxaline-2-carboxyureide, which was estimated by isotope dilution. Alloxan formation was also estimated by fluorescence after addition of o -phenylenediamine at pH 4.2. It was found that significant amounts of alloxan were formed particularly upon acidification of the incubation mixture. Evidence is presented for the existence of an intermediate which is converted to alloxan at low pH. The significance of these findings is discussed.
SU-E-I-68: Practical Considerations On Implementation of the Image Gently Pediatric CT Protocols

Purpose: One limitation associated with the Image Gently pediatric CT protocols is practical implementation of the recommended manual techniques. Inconsistency as a result of different practice is a possibility among technologist. An additional concern is the added risk of data error that would result in over or underexposure. The Automatic Exposure Control (AEC) features automatically reduce radiation for children. However, they do not work efficiently for the patients of very small size and relative large size. This study aims to implement the Image Gently pediatric CT protocols in the practical setting while maintaining the use of AEC features for pediatric patients of varying size. Methods: Anthropomorphological abdomen phantoms were scanned in a CT scanner using the Image Gently pediatric protocols, the AEC technique with a fixed adult baseline, and automatic protocols with various baselines. The baselines were adjusted corresponding to patient age, weight and posterioranterior thickness to match the Image Gently pediatric CT manual techniques. CTDIvol was recorded for each examination. Image noise was measured and recorded for image quality comparison. Clinical images were evaluated by pediatric radiologists. Results: By adjusting vendor default baselines used in the automatic techniques, radiation dose and image quality can match those of the Image Gently manual techniques. In practice, this can be achieved by dividing pediatric patients into three major groups for technologist reference: infant, small child, and large child. Further division can be done but will increase the number of CT protocols. For each group, AEC can efficiently adjust acquisition techniques for children. This implementation significantly overcomes the limitation of the Image Gently manual techniques. Conclusion: Considering the effectiveness in clinical practice, Image Gently Pediatric CT protocols can be implemented in accordance with AEC techniques, with adjusted baselines, to achieve the goal of providing the most appropriate radiation dose for pediatric patients of varying sizes.