cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Controlled protein release from monodisperse biodegradable double-wall microspheres of controllable shell thickness

Biodegradable polymer microparticles are promising delivery depots for protein therapeutics due to their relatively simple fabrication and facile administration. Double-wall microspheres (DWMS) comprising a core and shell made of two distinct polymers may provide enhanced control of the drug release profiles. Using precision particle fabrication (PPF) technology, monodisperse DWMS were fabricated with model protein bovine serum albumin (BSA)-loaded poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLG) core and drug-free poly(d,l-lactic acid) (PDLL) shell of uniform thickness. Monolithic single-wall microspheres were also fabricated to mimic the BSA-loaded PLG core. Using ethyl acetate and dichloromethane as shell- and core-phase solvents, respectively, BSA was encapsulated selectively in the core region within DWMS with higher loading and encapsulation efficiency compared to using dichloromethane as core and shell solvents. BSA in vitro release rates were retarded by the presence of the drug-free PDLL shell. Moreover, increasing PDLL shell thickness resulted in decreasing BSA release rate. With a 14-μm thick PDLL shell, an extended period of constant-rate release was achieved.
Abnormal serine phosphorylation of insulin receptor substrate 1 is associated with tau pathology in Alzheimer’s disease and tauopathies

Neuronal insulin signaling abnormalities have been associated with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). However, the specificity of this association and its underlying mechanisms have been unclear. This study investigated the expression of abnormal serine phosphorylation of insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS1) in 157 human brain autopsy cases that included AD, tauopathies, α-synucleinopathies, TDP-43 proteinopathies, and normal aging. IRS1-pS616, IRS1-pS312 and downstream target Akt-pS473 measures were most elevated in AD but were also significantly increased in the tauopathies: Pick’s disease, corticobasal degeneration and progressive supranuclear palsy. Double immunofluorescence labeling showed frequent co-expression of IRS1-pS616 with pathologic tau in neurons and dystrophic neurites. To further investigate an association between tau and abnormal serine phosphorylation of IRS1, we examined the presence of abnormal IRS1-pS616 expression in pathological tau-expressing transgenic mice and demonstrated that abnormal IRS1-pS616 frequently co-localizes in tangle-bearing neurons. Conversely, we observed increased levels of hyperphosphorylated tau in the high-fat diet-fed mouse, a model of insulin resistance. These results provide confirmation and specificity that abnormal phosphorylation of IRS1 is a pathological feature of AD and other tauopathies, and provide support for an association between insulin resistance and abnormal tau as well as amyloid-β.
Definition and properties of the emission anisotropy in the absence of cylindrical symmetry of the emission field: Application to the light quenching experiments.

We considered the properties of the fluorescence anisotropy when the cylindrical symmetry of the fluorescence emission field is absent due to the effects of polarized light quenching. By light quenching we mean stimulated emission by a second longer wavelength pulse following the excitation pulse. In these experiments one observes the excited state population which remains following stimulated emission. When cylindrical symmetry is not present the generally known definition of the emission anisotropy cannot be applied. A generalized theory of anisotropy was described previously by Jablonski. However, we found this formalism to be inadequate for the expected experimental results of light quenching. An extension of this concept, which we call an anisotropy vector, appears capable of describing the expected orientation under all conditions of light quenching. We found that the anisotropy vector can exist within a plane defined by two projections rH and rV. The projection rV is comparable to the classical ste...
Variational Bounds on the 1 s —Charge-Exchange Amplitude in Proton-Hydrogen-Atom Scattering

With a relatively simple trial wave function, nontrivial variational bounds are obtained on some transition amplitudes for the $1s$---charge-exchange reaction in the impact-parameter model for ${\mathrm{H}}^{+}$-H scattering. Preliminary results imply that the two-state traveling molecular expansion is superior to the two-state traveling atomic expansion below 25 keV, that the Euler-Lagrange variational method is not necessarily superior to the static method, and that neither is the "best variational method."
Myocardial matrix metalloproteinase(s): localization and activation.

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and neutrophil elastate (NE) may each contribute to fibrillar collagen degradation in various disease states. Little, however, is known about the activation and localization of MMP in the heart. Accordingly, we extracted MMP and examined mechanisms of proMMP activation in whole tissue extracts of the adult rat myocardium. Incubation of extracts with serine proteases (i.e., trypsin or neutrophil elastase) at 37°C resulted in a time-dependent activation of proMMPs. Based on immunoblot and measurements of MMP activity by zymography, the molecular weight of active MMP was deduced to be 52 kDa. The second-order rate constant for activation of proMMP by serine protease was 5.5±0.2×105 M−1min−1 and for oxidized glutathione (GSSG) 1.5±0.1 M−1min−1. Incubation of the extract with both serine protease and GSSG increased the rate of activation 30-fold. Based on reverse zymographic analysis of collagenase inhibition, tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases were identified. Indirect immunofluorescence localized proMMPs/MMPs to the endothelium and subendothelial space of the endocardium and throughout the interstitial space found between groups of muscle fibers. These results suggest that the mechanism of activation of MMPs by either a serine protease and by oxidizing, thiol-modifying reagents are mechanistically different and the presence of either a serine protease or GSSG synergistically increase the rate of activation of proMMPs. Our results also suggest that MMPs may be regulated by its own endogenous inhibitors. The contribution of this proteolytic enzyme to tissue remodeling and wound healing responses that occur in various diseases states remains to be established.
Human leukocyte antigen DR4 is associated with inferior progression-free survival following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for lymphoid malignancies

The Class II human leukocyte antigen (HLA) DRB1 antigen DR4 is associated with autoimmune disorders and response to cyclosporine immunosuppression in T-lymphoproliferative disorders. We retrospectively reviewed the role of HLA DR4 on outcomes in 77 related and 22 unrelated consecutive first HLA-matched alloHSCT patients with lymphoid malignancies treated between 1992 and 2003. HLA DRB1 typing was determined by molecular (n = 69) or serologic (n = 30) methods. The proportion of patients with one HLA DR4 antigen was 18% (18/99). At a median follow-up of 5.6 years, there were no significant differences in aGvHD, cGvHD and OS between the HLA DR4 positive versus negative patients in any disease or donor subgroups. Nine of 18 (50%) DR4 positive patients and 20 of 81 (25%) DR4 negative patients had disease progression post HSCT (p = 0.033). Progression-free survival (PFS) at 3 years was 29% in the DR4 positive group and 70% in the DR4 negative group (p = 0.004). In univariate and multivariate analyses, DR4 posit...
Maternal tobacco use is associated with increased markers of oxidative stress in the placenta.

Objective We sought to extend our prior observations and histopathologically characterize key metabolic enzymes ( CYP1A1 ) with markers of oxidative damage in the placental sections from smokers. Study Design Placental specimens were collected from term singleton deliveries from smokers (n = 10) and nonsmokers (n = 10) and subjected to a detailed histopathological examination. To quantify the extent of oxidative damage, masked score-graded (0-6) histopathology against 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal (4-HNE) and 8-hydroxydeoxyguanisine (8-OHdG) was performed. Minimal significance ( P t test as appropriate. Results We observed a significant increase in the presence of syncytial knots in placentas from smokers (70% vs 10%, P = .02). These gross observations were accompanied by a significant aberrant placental aromatic hydrocarbon metabolism (increased CYP1A1, 4.4 vs 2.1, P = .002) in addition to evidence of oxidative damage (4-HNE 3.4 vs 1.1, P = .00005; 8-OHdG 4.9 vs 3.1, P = .0038). Conclusion We observed a strong association between maternal tobacco use and aberrant placental metabolism, syncytial knot formation, and multiple markers of oxidative damage.
Adrenergic stimulation of the paraventricular nucleus and its effects on ingestive behavior as a function of drug dose and time of injection in the light-dark cycle

The paraventricular nucleus (PVN) has been identified as the most responsive site in the brain for eliciting feeding and preprandial drinking responses with local injection of norepinephrine (NE) in satiated rats. The present study examined these phenomena as a function of dose and time of injection in the light-dark cycle. The lowest effective doses for producing these ingestive responses with exogenous NE in the PVN are found to be between 5.6 and 16.9 ng for preprandial drinking and between 1.0 and 4.2 ng for feeding. Tests with NE injection into the PVN at different times in the light-dark cycle indicate that an increase in feeding effect can occur in the dark as well as in the light and at varying levels of food intake baseline and with solid and liquid food. Site of injection in the brain is believed to be a crucial factor in determining the nature of NE's effects on feeding behavior.
Genetic mutations in acute myeloid leukemia that influence clinical decisions.

Purpose of reviewA plethora of studies over the past two decades have identified many genes that are recurrently mutated in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Although great advances have been made in understanding the role of these mutated genes in AML disease pathogenesis, to date relatively few have b
Menstrual function during methadone maintenance (MM)

Background While heroin use is known to disrupt menstruation, little has been published on menstruation and MM. We evaluated whether cycles were more regular during MM. Methods Participants were 154 polydrug-using women in MM (70–100 mg/d), not on hormonal therapy, pregnant, or postmenopausal. Cycle length and bleeding days were calculated from start and end dates of each bleeding period (data collected weekly for up to 39 weeks). Women were classified as having regular or irregular cycles, transient or persistent amenorrhea, or cycle restart. Correlates of cycle length and the probability of a long or short cycle were determined by repeated-measures regression. Relationships among cycle length, body mass index, drug use, methadone dose, and race were analyzed. Results Cycle-length irregularity was common: Regular 27.8%; irregular 46.7%; transient amenorrhea 5.3%; persistent amenorrhea 8.3%. Improvement occurred with MM: each additional week on MM was associated with decreased risk of both long (>40 d; OR=0.96, p=0.001) and short (>20 d; OR=0.92, p=0.001) cycles, and 16 of 27 women amenorrheic at study entry restarted menses. Conclusions Benefits of MM may include normalization of menstrual cycle and resolution of secondary amenorrhea due to heroin use and associated morbidity. Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics (2005) 77, P65–P65; doi: 10.1016/j.clpt.2004.12.140
Baptism, Conversion, and Grace: Reflections on the "Underlying Realities" Between Pentecostals, Methodists, and Catholics

The past four decades of dialogue between Methodists and Catholics as well as Pentecostals and Catholics reveal a shared soteriological substructure between each communion that is grounded in pneumatology. This article explores the shared substructure in order to point out the inherent tensions it raises with respect to baptism and conversion and then offer a possible solution as a way to advance the dialogues. The initial claim being made is that a tension exists in each communion between their commitment to the prevenient activity of the Spirit and their commitment to the sanctifying activity of the Spirit. This tension points toward a need for greater clarity on the modalities of the Spirit's presence in conversion. By reflecting on these modalities, a second claim is made that Pentecostals, Catholics, and Methodists may find agreement on the bestowal of the Spirit in infant baptism or infant dedication as part of the conversion process for those whose physical birth places them within the family of believers. The specific point of agreement would center on the Spirit's bestowal of the "will for faith" as a particular manifestation of sanctifying grace that serves to separate infants within the church from those outside the church who, nevertheless, still benefit from the Spirit's prevenient activity.
Synthesis and properties of the antileukemic agent 5(or 4)‐[3,3‐bis(2‐chloroethyl)‐1‐triazeno]imidazole‐4(or 5)‐carboxamide

The antileukemic agent 5(or 4)-[3,3-bis(2-chloroethyl)-1-triazeno]imidazole-4 (or 5)-carboxamide (II, NSC-82196) is an unstable compound that is easily convertible to an isomeric transformation product. By taking appropriate precautions, however, the triazene may be prepared in good yield, with very little of the transformation product as contaminant, and may be stored for long periods at low temperatures. The quality of specimens of II may be estimated from its infrared spectrum and that of its transformation product.
Selection of rhizobacteria for the control of Pythium ultimum and Aphanomyces cochlioides on sugar-beet seedlings

Abstract Approximately 400 bacterial isolates from the roots of field-grown sugar-beet seedlings were examined for their ability to inhibit the growth of Pythium ultimum and Aphanomyces cochlioides in culture and to suppress disease caused by these pathogens when applied to pelleted sugar-beet seed in artificially infested soil. Biocontrol potential was assessed in controlled environments, under optimal conditions for disease development and expression. A large proportion of the rhizobacteria isolates were antagonistic to the fungi in culture, but only c .1% were effective biocontrol agents. Isolates that inhibited growth in vitro were, in general, active against both fungal species, whereas in vivo , isolates that most suppressed P. ultimum were different from those most effective against A. cochlioides . Over all isolates with both pathogens, there was no correlation between the degree of inhibition in culture and the extent of disease suppression. Effective biocontrol isolates significantly improved seedling emergence and the proportion of healthy seedlings compared with untreated seed. However, under the high disease pressure generated in these experiments, the level of protection fell short of that achieved with the fungicides currently in use on sugar-beet seed.
Photoreflectance and electroreflectance in silicon

Abstract The photoreflectance spectrum of the 3.4 eV peak of a [110] silicon surface shows a dependence on the polarization of the probing light analogous to that found for the electroreflectance spectrum. Photoreflectance measurements in the presence of externally applied surface dc electric fields show a marked increase in the intensity of the peaks when the external field is in a direction such that it increases the band bending at the semiconductor surface. The reciprocal effect, cancellation of the electroreflectance spectrum by means of a secondary light beam, has also been observed. We conclude that the photoreflectance is the electroreflectance produced by the quenching of the surface fields by photoexcited electron-hole pairs.
Mission employs Synthetic Aperture Radar to study global environment

Science data acquired by the first of at least two spaceborne imaging radar-C, X-band synthetic aperture radar (SIR-C/X-SAR) flights are being used by the international science community to better understand the global environment and how it is changing. The unique perspective of space and the multiparameter capabilities of SIR-C/X-SAR allow exploration of the planet in a way that has never before been possible. The first SIR-C/X-SAR mission provided a synoptic view of changes on a short temporal scale and a baseline from which longer-term changes can be assessed in the future. The data acquired, in conjunction with aircraft and ground studies, will help to validate algorithms used to produce maps of vegetation type, biomass, and stand conditions; snow, soil, and vegetation moisture; and the distribution of wetlands.
Metamaterials: A paradigm for tailoring light

Metamaterials are engineered composite media with unconventional electromagnetic and optical properties. They can be formed by embedding sub-wavelength inclusions and layers as “artificial molecules” in host media, providing specific desired response functions that are not readily or easily available in nature, but physically realizable. These metamaterials have exciting characteristics in tailoring, manipulating and processing RF, microwave, IR and optical information. Devices and components formed by these media may be ultracompact and subwavelength, while supporting resonant and propagating modes. This implies that in such structures electromagnetic signals can be controlled and reshaped beyond the diffraction limits, leading to the possibility of miniaturization of elements and components, and design and control of near-field devices. This field is witnessing unprecedented development in recent years due to numerous potential applications that such materials may offer [1–5].
CHEMICAL TEST FOR SCREW STOPPERS

Sulphides are liberated as hydrogen sulphide by boiling the stopper with citric acid solution, and sulphide sulphur in the distillate is estimated colorimetrically as lead sulphide. It is suggested that a stopper may give up to 15 μg. of sulphur without causing tainting.
Respiratory water loss as a stimulus to exercise-induced bronchoconstriction.

Abstract Exercise and the resultant hyperpnea increase the magnitude of many stimuli delivered to the airways. Thus clinical “exercise-induced” bronchoconstriction can probably be initiated by a number of stimuli including, for example, sulfur dioxide, which is present in polluted air. 25, 26 In the laboratory, when subjects perform exercise breathing clean air, the water content of the inspired air is a major determinant of the bronchoconstriction induced, whereas in our hands, the temperature of the inspired air is of little or no importance, even over a range associated with significant differences in airway cooling. These observations support the view that water loss is an important stimulus to exercise-induced bronchoconstriction, perhaps as a result of a transient increase in the osmolarity of airway surface liquid.
Immunological and molecular basis of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

The prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is rising worldwide with the increasing incidence of obesity, Type 2 diabetes mellitus and metabolic syndrome. NASH is currently one of the most common indications of liver transplantation in the United States. The immune system plays a major role in the pathogenesis of NAFLD/NASH. The metabolic changes, associated with obesity and metabolic syndrome, induce immunological responses resulting in NAFLD and further aggravation of the metabolic derangement in a feed-forward loop. Genetic and endocrine factors modulate the immunological and metabolic responses and determine the pathophysiological features of NAFLD. Histologically, NAFLD is a spectrum that ranges from simple hepatic steatosis to severe steatohepatitis, liver cirrhosis and/or hepatocellular carcinoma. Liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma are responsible for the morbidity and mortality of the disease. This article is a critical evaluation of our current knowledge of the immunological and molecular basis of the disease.
Fabrication and Testing of Oxide/Oxide Microcomposites with Monazite and Hibonite as Interlayers

Oxide/oxide microcomposites were fabricated and tested to evaluate the effectiveness of monazite (LaPO4) and hibonite (CaAl12O19) as interlayers in sapphire-reinforced Al2O3-matrix composites. For interlayer thicknesses of 0.3-0.5 µm, both interlayers showed evidence of crack deflection; however, debond lengths in hibonite-coated specimens were limited to just a small fraction of the fiber diameter. Monazite-coated specimens showed multiple matrix cracks and extensive debonding at the coating/matrix interface. Composite strengths were relatively high for both coatings, considering the fiber strength degradation during processing. The strengths were greater than the calculated matrix cracking stresses. However, the mean strengths were not significantly different from those of the control specimens, although coated composites had higher Weibull moduli. The lack of difference in strength is attributed to porosity in the matrix. The results imply that matrix density needs to be >85% to evaluate novel interface strategies reliably.
Infliximab therapy for 2 patients with Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada syndrome.

Purpose: To report the authors' experience using infliximab to treat 2 patients with Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada disease (VKH). Design: Interventional case series. Methods: Medical records of the 2 patients were reviewed. Results: After starting infliximab intravenous infusions, 5 mg/kg, both patients experienced rapid improvement in their VKH disease, and were able to taper and discontinue prednisone without disease recurrence for the several-month follow-up period. Conclusions: Infliximab may be effective treatment for VKH, and spares patients the side effects of corticosteroids and conventional immunosuppressive drugs.
RELIABILITY CONSIDERATIONS IN LONG-LIFE OUTER PLANET SPACECRAFT SYSTEM DESIGN

A Mariner Jupiter/Saturn mission has been planned for 1977. System reliability questions are discussed, taking into account the actual and design lifetime, causes of mission termination, in-flight failures and their consequences for the mission, and the use of redundancy to avoid failures. The design process employed optimizes the use of proven subsystem and system designs and then makes the necessary improvements to increase the lifetime as required.
Aortic and mitral valve replacement versus transcatheter aortic valve replacement in propensity-matched patients.

Background Recent studies have suggested that transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) may have superior outcomes compared with aortic valve replacement (AVR) for high-risk patients with significant mitral regurgitation (MR). Considering significant MR is frequently addressed with a mitral valve repair or replacement (MVR) at the time of open aortic valve replacement, this study compares TAVR and AVR/MVR in propensity-matched pairs of patients with significant MR. Methods We evaluated all patients presenting with moderate or greater MR undergoing either TAVR or AVR/MVR at a single institution from 2002 to 2012. Patients who underwent other cardiac operations or had preoperative endocarditis were excluded. Of 306 patients in the AVR/MVR group and 147 patients in the TAVR group, propensity analysis matched 40 pairs of patients. Standard univariate, logistic regression, and propensity matching techniques were used. Results There was no significant difference between TAVR patients and AVR/MVR patients, respectively, in preoperative average age (76 ± 7.4 versus 78 ± 6.9 years, p = 0.68), ejection fraction (53 ± 15 versus 51 ± 17, p = 0.68), The Society of Thoracic Surgeons score (9.9 ± 3.1 versus 9.3 ± 3.4, p = 0.61), or 30-day mortality (7.5% versus 2.5%, p = 0.6). Postoperative MR was significantly improved for both TAVR and AVR/MVR, but AVR/MVR showed significantly greater improvement (−2.33 ± 1.23 versus −0.88 ± 0.79, p p = 0.04). Conclusions In a propensity-matched analysis of patients with significant MR, AVR/MVR and TAVR had equivalent perioperative outcomes, but AVR/MVR had more reduction in MR and may have superior midterm survival when compared with TAVR among 30-day survivors.
CONSTRUCTING STRING FIELD THEORY FROM LARGE N GAUGE THEORY

We review of a systematic procedure for deriving closed string pp wave string field theory from the large N Berenstein-Maldacena-Nastase limit.
A product information management system as a workbench for quantifier elimination computations with QEPCAD

We report on the use of a Product Information Management system as a convenient front end for invoking and monitoring Quantifier Elimination computations by the QEPCAD program, and for user-friendly storage and analysis of accumulated outputs.
Cytogenetic findings in a prospective series of patients with DiGeorge anomaly

High-resolution cytogenetics analysis of peripheral blood lymphocytes was done prospectively on 27 of 28 patients with features of DiGeorge anomaly. Twenty-two patients (81%) had normal chromosome studies with no detectable deletion in chromosome 22. Five patients (18%) had demonstrable chromosome abnormalities. Three patients had monosomy 22q11, one due to a 4q;22q translocation, one due to a 20q;22q translocation, and one due to an interstitial deletion of 22q11. One patient had monosomy 10p13, and one patient had monosomy 18q21.33, although the latter had subsequent resolution of T-cell defects. These findings are consistent with the heterogeneity of DiGeorge anomaly but confirm the association with monosomy 22q11 in some cases. However, monosomy 10p13 may also lead to this phenotype. Because of these associated chromosome findings, cytogenetic analyses should be done on patients with suspected DiGeorge anomaly. This is particularly important since many of the abnormalities involving chromosome 22 are translocations that can be familial with a higher recurrence risk. Since only one subtle, interstitial deletion of chromosome 22 was observed, it is not clear whether high-resolution cytogenetic analysis is cost beneficial for all such patients.
THICKNESS AND SURFACE CHARACTERISTICS OF COLLOIDAL 2:1 ALUMINOSILICATES USING AN INDIRECT FOURIER TRANSFORM OF SMALL-ANGLE X-RAY SCATTERING DATA

An indirect Fourier transformation applied to small-angle X-ray scattering data has been used to determine the thickness and surface properties of two common clay minerals. For an illite system, the particle density distribution function (PDDF) generated by the analysis gave a correct description of particle geometry, and the calculated electron density profile was in accordance with the theoretical electron density distribution for this mineral. This approach provides the opportunity to determine the thickness of fundamental particles of illite while avoiding the difficulties encountered in other methods. Both the PDDF and the electron density profile accurately predict the thickness of Na-montmorillonite layers, and the results suggest that an electron inhomogeneity exists at the interface of this mineral.
Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs and Lung Cancer Risk: A Population-Based Case Control Study

Background: It remains unknown whether nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) confer a protective effect against lung cancer development. We examined the relationship between NSAID exposure and subsequent lung cancer development in a large statewide, population-based cohort. Design: Nested case-control study in the Tennessee Medicaid population from 1990 to 2000. Methods: Lung cancer cases were identified using a statewide computerized claims database. Each time a case was identified, age- and sex-matched controls were randomly selected from the available source population. A detailed pharmacy database quantified nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) exposure during the 5 years before cancer diagnosis, and conditional logistic regression was used to examine the relationship between NSAID exposure and lung cancer development. Identical analyses were repeated in a subpopulation of high-risk individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Results: 303,399 persons were enrolled in the study population. During 1.9 million person-years of follow-up (median 6.3 years per person), 3,370 lung cancer cases were identified. Among those ever using NSAIDs, the adjusted odds ratio of developing lung cancer was 1.03 (95% confidence interval: 0.94–1.12). Among those using >24 months of NSAIDs in the 5 years before lung cancer diagnosis, the adjusted odds ratio for lung cancer was 0.96 (95% confidence interval: 0.82–1.11), and no protective effect was demonstrated in any NSAID exposure stratum. Similarly, among the 2519 high-risk individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, no significant protective effect from NSAIDs was noted. Conclusion: This large statewide, population-based study did not demonstrate a protective effect of NSAIDs on lung cancer development in either the general or high-risk chronic obstructive pulmonary disease populations.
Holomorphic functions and the Itô chaos

This paper is concerned with the characterization of spaces of square integrable holomorphic functions on a complex manifold, $G$, in terms of the derivatives of the function at a fixed point $o\in G$. The reproducing kernel properties of square integrable holomorphic functions are reviewed and a number of examples are given. These examples include square integrable holomorphic functions relative to Gaussian measures on complex Euclidean spaces along with their generalizations to heat kernel measures on complex Lie groups. These results are intimately related to the Ito's chaos expansion in stochastic analysis and to the Fock space description of free quantum fields in physics.
Impact of Demethylation Inhibitor (DMI) Fungicides on Clipping Yield and Rooting Depth of Creeping Bentgrass

Demethylation inhibitor fungicides (DMIs) have been used to manage a wide range of turfgrass diseases for many decades. Unfortunately, this class of fungicide can have unwanted plant growth regulator (PGR) effects on amenity turfgrasses. Recently, a number of new DMI fungicides have been registered for turfgrasses and are seeing expanded use. To determine if differences exist in the PGR-related activity among products, a 2-year field study was conducted examining six different DMI fungicides. Fungicides were applied to creeping bentgrass maintained at 0.33 cm and applied five or six times every 14 days at equivalent active ingredient rates. The results demonstrated that although paclobutrazol statistically reduced clipping weights, there was very little effect from DMI fungicides. In the first study year, propiconazole did produce higher clippingweights ontwo ratingdates butthiswas notobserved in the secondyear.Rooting depth was unaffected by any of the chemicals in either year. Although phytotoxicity may be a concern of turfgrass managers when applying DMI fungicides during the summer, it seems unlikely that these materials applied without the additional use of labeled PGRs will have any noticeable negative effects on foliar and root growth of creeping bentgrass in New England.
Femoral Neuropathy in Hemophilia

Six new cases of femoral neuropathy in hemophilic patients are described. The syndrome begins with severe pain in the groin, in the inferior aspect of the thigh, and deep in the hip region. This is followed by a pronounced contracture of the hip in flexion and external rotation. A tender swelling appears in the iliac fossa and groin with a depression in the center corresponding to the inguinal ligament. Finally, a flaccid paralysis of the quadriceps femoris and diminution or absence of sensation in the anteromedial aspect of the thigh and proximal portion of the leg, with a depressed or absent patellar reflex,is discovered. I propose that this syndrome is the result of hemorrhage in the iliopsoas muscle at the musculotendinous junction beneath the iliacus fascia and that the femoral nerve becomes compressed beneath the unyielding inguinal ligament superiorly and the iliopectineal ligament medially. Treatment consists in bed rest, analgesics, and fresh-frozen plasma during the acute phase. .During the convalescent phase, a Hessing long brace is used to protect the knee from hemarthrosis until functional return of the quadriceps femoris has occurred. To date, the validity of the theory that the femoral-nerve palsy is the result of iliopsoas hemorrhage at the musculotendinous junction and compression of the femoral nerve beneath the inguinal ligament has not been verified. I anticipate someday seeing a non-hemophilic patient with a traumatic iliacus hemorrhage and femoral neuropathy. Should such an opportunity present itself, exploration beneath Poupart's ligament may show the femoral nerve to be compressed and thus confirm the proposed cause of the clinical picture.
Stephen A. Larrabee, English Bards and Grecian Marbles, the Relationship between Sculpture and Poetry Especially in the Romantic Period

(1943). Stephen A. Larrabee, English Bards and Grecian Marbles, the Relationship between Sculpture and Poetry Especially in the Romantic Period. The Art Bulletin: Vol. 25, No. 2, pp. 167-169.
Esophageal cancer prevention, cure, and palliation.

Abstract Adenocarcinoma of the esophagus and gastric cardia are the most rapidly increasing cancers in developed countries. Adenocarcinoma of the esophagus is associated with chronic gastroesophageal reflux, and Barrett's esophagus is a precursor. This disease most frequently affects middle-aged white men. Endoscopic surveillance should be performed on patients with Barrett's esophagus, and esophagectomy is often performed on persons with high-grade dysplasia. Ablation of Barrett's esophagus has been proposed to prevent cancer but the outcomes are unproven. Squamous carcinoma of the esophagus most often affects black men and is associated with alcohol and tobacco use. The diagnosis of esophageal cancer is made by endoscopy with biopsy. Optimal staging is with endoscopic ultrasonography for depth of invasion and regional nodes and CT scanning for distant metastases. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy and radiation therapy followed by surgery is widely practiced, but survival benefits remain to be proven. Palliation of dysphagia may be achieved with surgery, radiation therapy, or endoscopic means, with the latter having fewer complications.
Similar effects of NPY on energy metabolism and on plasma insulin in adrenalectomized ob/ob and lean mice

A single intracerebroventricular (icv) injection of dexamethasone (250 ng) lowers brown adipose tissue (BAT) thermogenesis and whole body metabolic rates and raises plasma insulin concentrations within 30 min in adrenalectomized ob/ob mice with minimal effects in adrenalectomized lean mice. The present study was conducted to determine if intracerebroventricular neuropeptide Y (NPY), a neuropeptide regulated in part by glucocorticoids, would mimic effects of dexamethasone in these mice. NPY lowered BAT metabolism and whole body oxygen consumption and raised plasma insulin concentrations within 30 min in adrenalectomized ob/ob mice similarly to dexamethasone; but, unlike dexamethasone, NPY was as effective in modulating these metabolic responses in adrenalectomized lean mice as in ob/ob mice. Further, intracerebroventricular NPY increased food intake equally in both ob/ob and lean mice, whereas dexamethasone did not alter food intake during the 30 min postinjection period. These data are consistent with the hypothesis that NPY mediates some of the effects of intracerebroventricular dexamethasone action in ob/ob mice and that the divergence between ob/ob and lean mice lies in glucocorticoid control of NPY release/synthesis rather than in NPY action mechanisms.
Acetaldehyde utilization by protein-depleted dogs and rats.

SummaryA protein-free diet fed to dogs for 8 weeks did not alter the overall rate of acetal-dehyde metabolism but did decrease the liver xanthine oxidase from 6 to zero, and decreased the liver Mo from 1.31 to 0.48 μg/g dry solids. Rats fed a protein-free diet for one month had a somewhat slower rate of removal of acetaldehyde. Liver xanthine oxidase (determined with methylene blue) decreased from the normal chow-fed level of 64 to 4, and liver Mo decreased correspondingly from 1.97 to 0.57. The results suggest that xanthine oxidase and other similar Mo-containing enzymes are not major factors in acetaldehyde metabolism in vivo.
Chromosome Numbers in the Hypocreaceae

The use of smear techniques (McClintock, 1945; Cutter, 1946) recently has advanced the study of chromosomes in the ascomycetous fungi. The present paper reports a brief survey, carried out with such methods, of the chromosome numbers of several species belonging to different genera of the family Hypocreaceae. It has recently been shown that homothallic forms of Hypomyces solani Rke. et Berth. emend. Snyd. et Hans. (FIGS. 1F and 2F) have six chromosomes in the haploid stage (Hirsch, 1949 1), while the heterothallic H. solani f. cucurbitae Snyd. et Hans. may have four (FIGS. 1E and 2E), three or two chromosomes, depending on the sex of the isolate (Hirsch, 1947). It was therefore of interest to examine the chromosome number of the closely related genera Gibberella, Calonectria and Nectria. We have so far studied only species of these genera in which there is a conidial stage belonging to the imperfect genus Fusarium. The following were studied: Gibberella roseum Lk. emend. Snyd. et Hans. (homothallic), G. lateritium Nees emend. Snyd. et Hans. (heterothallic?), Calonectria rigidiuscula (Berk. et Brme.) Sacc. (homothallic), Nectria episphaeria f. coccophila (Desm.) Snyd. et Hans. (heterothallic?). Perithecia were obtained in the first three fungi by growing them on water agar, to which was added ground up wheat straw sterilized by propylene oxide vapor (Hansen and Snyder, 1947), outside a north window. In the case of Nectria a small piece of a twig infested with scale insects, but also subjected to gaseous sterilization, was substituted for the wheat straw (Snyder and Hansen, 1947). The perithecia were fixed and smear preparations of the asci prepared and stained by the method referred to above.
A Facile Method for Generating Designer Block Copolymers from Functionalized Lignin Model Compounds

We report a versatile scheme for the synthesis of renewable homopolymers and block copolymers (BCPs) via the functionalization and subsequent controlled reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization of vanillin, a possible lignin derivative. The vanillin-based homopolymers exhibit glass transition temperatures (120 °C) and degradation temperatures (≥300 °C) comparable to polystyrene, indicating that these and similar polymers may serve as suitable alternatives to petroleum-based materials. Additionally, by employing controlled polymerization techniques, a vanillin-based homopolymer was chain-extended with lauryl methacrylate, a model fatty acid-derived monomer, to generate nanostructured BCPs. As one example, these elastomeric copolymers can self-assemble into a body-centered cubic array of vanillin-based nanospheres in a poly(lauryl methacrylate) matrix, which we demonstrated via small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis. This work pr...
DIRECT NUMERICAL SIMULATIONS OF A TURBULENT JET INTERACTING WITH A FREE SURFACE

The structure and dynamics of turbulence in the presence of a free surface has been investigated by direct numerical simulations of a low Froude number, temporally growing, round turbulent jet which is issued below and parallel to a clean free surface. It is found that the free surface affects the dynamics of turbulence within a ‘surface layer’ of thickness on the order of one lateral Taylor microscale.Within this layer, the vertical velocity fluctuations are inhibited and the turbulence kinetic energy is redistributed to the horizontal components. Analysis of energy and transfer spectra within the the jet show the presence of a nearly two-dimensional turbulent state in the ‘surface layer’ characterized by a net reverse transfer of energy to the large scales and the presence of two distinct k -5/3 and k 3 subranges in the energy spectra. Within this surface layer, the dominant vortical stuctures are in the form of vortex tubes with axis normal to the free surface which are connected to the free surface. The lack of strong vortex stretching in these structures in the vicinity of the free surface leads to their longevity and the establishment of a nearly two-dimensional turbulent state within the ‘surface layer’.
Impact of Ethanol and Saccharin on Fecal Microbiome in Pregnant and Non-Pregnant Mice.

Research identifying connections between the gastrointestinal flora and human health has developed at a rapid pace. Several studies link the gut microbiome to a variety of biological functions beyond the gastrointestinal tract. Changes in our diets, including the consumption of artificial sweeteners, have profound effects on the composition of the gut microbiome and can, in turn, affect brain function, glucose tolerance, and inflammation. Sweeteners are often used to encourage consumption of agents such as ethanol and nicotine in laboratory studies using rodents. Studies aiming to examine the effects of agents like ethanol on the developing nervous system administer these agents during pregnancy. To date, there have been no studies exploring the impact of the combination of dietary ethanol and saccharin during pregnancy on the gut microbiome in either humans or laboratory animal models. In the study presented, we evaluated the impact of ethanol in either water or saccharin on the fecal microbiome in pregnant and non-pregnant mice using a qPCR approach. We found that the combination of ethanol and saccharin produced different effects than ethanol in water, depending on pregnancy status. Levels of Clostridium were reduced in ethanol-saccharin but not ethanol-water drinking mice, even though the total levels of ethanol consumed were the same for the two groups. Eubacteria were increased in the pregnant, but decreased in the non-pregnant, ethanolsaccharin drinking group. These treatment and pregnancy specific changes could impact the development of the offspring. In developing and quality checking our primer sets for these studies we identified several problems within previous research in the field. The technical drawbacks in previous studies, as well as our own study, are discussed. Despite some progress in the ability to study the gut microbiome, more advances and standardization of practices should be established to improve the reliability and validity of microbiome research.
Kobi K. K. Kambon (Joseph A. Baldwin): Portrait of an African-Centered Psychologist

Scholars engaged in the history of ideas have given very little attention, if any, to the intellectual history of African-centered psychological thought. Yet, there are pertinent issues addressed i...
The Predator State: How Conservatives Abandoned the Free Market and Why Liberals Should Too

(2008). The Predator State: How Conservatives Abandoned the Free Market and Why Liberals Should Too. Journal of Economic Issues: Vol. 42, No. 3, pp. 872-874.
Human postmortem lacrimal and submandibular glands stored in RNAlater are suitable for molecular, biochemical, and cell biological studies.

Purpose Gene expression and protein analysis studies require high-quality human tissue which is a challenge and difficult to obtain through live human biopsies. Human postmortem lacrimal gland (LG) and submandibular gland (SMG) tissues have the potential to provide an invaluable source for studying the mechanisms involved in LG and SMG dysfunction. Therefore, we aimed to test the suitability of post-mortem LG and SMG for molecular, biochemical, and cell biological studies.
A statistical analysis for correlation approach to compensate the measured CIELAB colorimetric data for temperature alterations

The main focus of this work was to elucidate the further question of whether the color change correlated linearly with the surface temperature alteration or not. We selected and grouped the colored samples, which were in the form of textile, ceramic, plastic, paint, and ink. Those samples were first measured by IR Thermometer to record exact surface temperature, followed by an immediate color measurement using a spectrophotometer. The color variations of these samples were recorded from about 20°C to 60°C. The trend of CIELAB color coordinates was plotted against surface temperature. The dependency between each CIE colorimetric coordinate and the object's surface temperature was statistically evaluated using Pearson's r, R value, and R-square analysis. A very strong correlation was observed for ceramic, paint, and ink samples tested, while the textile and plastic sample also exhibited a strong trend. The results added new information about the potential correlation between colorimetric data and temperature. Implications for the future research are discussed.
Global Hypertranscription in the Mouse Embryonic Germline.

Summary Primordial germ cells (PGCs) are vital for inheritance and evolution. Their transcriptional program has been extensively studied and is assumed to be well known. We report here a remarkable global upregulation of the transcriptome of mouse PGCs compared to somatic cells. Using cell-number-normalized genome-wide analyses, we uncover significant transcriptional amplification in PGCs, including mRNAs, rRNA, and transposable elements. Hypertranscription preserves tissue-specific gene expression patterns, correlates with cell size, and can still be detected in E15.5 male germ cells when proliferation has ceased. PGC hypertranscription occurs at the level of nascent transcription, is accompanied by increased translation rates, and is driven by Myc factors n-Myc and l-Myc (but not c-Myc) and by P-TEFb. This study provides a paradigm for transcriptional analyses during development and reveals a major global hyperactivity of the germline transcriptome.
Youth drinking cultures in a digital world: alcohol, social media and cultures of intoxication

I just get that pissed that I can’t walk properly and I can’t, I don’t know, I don’t remember what I’ve done the next day and stuff like that. (Leah, p. 90)How are youth drinking cultures supported...
A Comparative Model of Infant Cry

Language is generally considered to be unique to the human species and, of its various forms, vocal language, or speech, clearly represents one of the most complex behaviors of any species. The linguistic aspect of speech involves a hierarchy of discrete elements that develop meaning as basic phonemic units are combined into syllables and words, and these, in turn, are organized by rules of syntax into meaningful phrases and sentences. The resulting expression is understandable either when produced by the human voice or by a speech synthesizer such as a computer. However, the marked difference in quality and ease of comprehension between natural and synthetic speech is, in large part, a function of a second nonlexical element— the “paralinguistic” or prosodic component of speech. The qualities of pitch, intensity, and duration combine to provide an overall intonation that makes the human voice recognizable and familiar, projects emotional states—happiness, anger, fear—and conveys general intent as, for example, the terminal rising inflection of a yes/no question versus the falling inflection of a declaration.
A design of multimedia conferencing system based on WebRTC Technology

In the modern world, communication between people is being more important than ever, people are seeking for a more vivid, real-time way of communication. WebRTC (Web Real-Time Communication) is an upcoming technology that enables real-time communications capabilities in audio, video and data transmission via web browsers through Javascript APIs (Application Programming Interfaces). In this paper, we implemented a new design of a cross platform multimedia conferencing system based on WebRTC technology and HTML5. The system works well under low bandwidth 10Mbps network support with 800∗600 resolution ratio. Test results indicate that the system is stable and fully functional, which offers new possibilities for individuals or small businesses to build their own multimedia conferencing system.