cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Achievable Dose Reductions With Gonadal Shielding for Children and Adults During Abdominal/Pelvic Radiographic Examinations: A Monte Carlo Simulation

PURPOSE Recently, medical professionals have reconsidered the practice of routine gonadal shielding for radiographic examinations. The objective of this study was to evaluate the gonadal dose reduction achievable with gonadal shields in the primary beam during abdominal/pelvic radiographic examinations under ideal and non-ideal shielding placement. METHODS CT scans of CIRS anthropomorphic phantoms were used to perform voxelized Monte Carlo simulations of the photon transport during abdominal/pelvic radiographic examinations with standard filtration and 0.1 mm Cu + 1 mm Al added filtration to estimate gonadal doses for an adult, 5 yr old, and newborn phantom with and without gonadal shields. The reduction in dose when the shields were not placed at the ideal locations was also evaluated. The ratio of the number of scattered-to-primary photons (SPR) across the anteroposterior (AP) dimension of the phantoms was also reported. RESULTS The simulated dose reduction with ideal shielding placement for the testes and ovaries ranged from 80% to 90% and 55% to 70% respectively. For children, a misalignment of the shield to the gonad of 4 cm reduced the measured dose reduction to the gonads to <10%. For adults, this effect did not occur until the misalignment increased to ~6 cm. Effects of dose reduction with and without the gonadal shields properly placed were similar for standard filtration and added filtration. SPR at the level of the testes was consistently <1 for all phantoms. SPR for ovaries was ~1.5 for the adult and 5-yr old, and ~1 for the newborn phantom. CONCLUSION Dose reduction with ideal alignment of the simulated gonadal shield to the gonads in this study was greater for the testes than the ovaries; both reductions were substantial. However, the dose reductions were greatly reduced (to <10%) for both sexes with misalignment of the gonads to the shields by 4 cm for children and 6 cm for adults.
Interpersonal Sexual Objectification, Fear of Rape, and U.S. College Women’s Depression

In the present study, we extend prior research on objectification theory by integrating fear of rape into a mediation model predicting depression in college women. With a sample of 496 U.S. college women 18–37 years-old, we examined three aspects of fear of rape (taking rape precautions, safety concerns, and fear of men), along with body shame and appearance anxiety, as potential mediators in the linkage of interpersonal sexual objectification through body surveillance to depression. We found that sexual objectification was associated with more body surveillance, which in turn was related to more body shame, greater appearance anxiety, more rape precautions, greater safety concerns, and more fear of men. Body shame, appearance anxiety, and fear of men were related to more depression whereas taking rape precautions was related to less depression and safety concerns was not related to depression. Direct relations between sexual objectification and depression, body shame, and the three aspects of fear of rape also emerged. A majority of indirect effects was also significant. Our results suggest that women’s fear of rape is an additional explanatory variable in understanding how interpersonal sexual objectification is related to women’s mental health concerns.
Self-configuring universal linear optical component [Invited]

We show how to design an optical device that can perform any linear function or coupling between inputs and outputs. This design method is progressive, requiring no global optimization. We also show how the device can configure itself progressively, avoiding design calculations and allowing the device to stabilize itself against drifts in component properties and to continually adjust itself to changing conditions. This self-configuration operates by training with the desired pairs of orthogonal input and output functions, using sets of detectors and local feedback loops to set individual optical elements within the device, with no global feedback or multiparameter optimization required. Simple mappings, such as spatial mode conversions and polarization control, can be implemented using standard planar integrated optics. In the spirit of a universal machine, we show that other linear operations, including frequency and time mappings, as well as nonreciprocal operation, are possible in principle, even if very challenging in practice, thus proving there is at least one constructive design for any conceivable linear optical component; such a universal device can also be self-configuring. This approach is general for linear waves, and could be applied to microwaves, acoustics, and quantum mechanical superpositions.
The persistence of interleukin-6 is regulated by a blood buffer system derived from dendritic cells.

The interleukin-6 (IL-6) membrane receptor and its circulating soluble form, sIL-6R, can be targeted by antibody therapy to reduce deleterious immune signaling caused by chronic overexpression of the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-6. This strategy may also hold promise for treating acute hyperinflammation, such as observed in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), highlighting a need to define regulators of IL-6 homeostasis. We found that conventional dendritic cells (cDCs), defined in mice via expression of the transcription factor Zbtb46, were a major source of circulating sIL-6R and, thus, systemically regulated IL-6 signaling. This was uncovered through identification of a cDC-dependent but T cell-independent modality that naturally adjuvants plasma cell differentiation and antibody responses to protein antigens. This pathway was then revealed as part of a broader biological buffer system in which cDC-derived sIL-6R set the in-solution persistence of IL-6. This control axis may further inform the development of therapeutic agents to modulate pro-inflammatory immune reactions.
Antibiotics against Periodontal Biofilms

The systemic administration of antibiotics in conjunction with mechanical biofilm disruption results in reduced numbers of subgingival periodontal pathogens and improved clinical outcomes. Penicillins, tetracyclines, macrolides, quinolones, and nitroimidazoles were used in laboratory and clinical studies. The current literature was reviewed and studies investigating the effect of antibiotics on periodontal pathogens in biofilm models or in clinical trials were analyzed. While there is only a limited number of in vitro studies, numerous clinical studies reported microbiological outcomes. The combination of amoxicillin and metronidazole seems to provide superior antimicrobial effects when used in biofilm models or in clinical trials. In vitro studies using biofilm models showed that antibiotics alone have only limited effects on the bacterial load in biofilms but might be effective in reducing specific species. These results imply that mechanical biofilm disruption is indicated to allow antibiotics to be effective. Clinical trials also demonstrated that the combination therapy of amoxicillin and metronidazole might result in more superior microbiological effects than amoxicillin or metronidazole alone. The results of clinical studies investigating azithromycin are contrary. While it seems to be appropriate to use in chronic periodontitis (comparable to the new classification: stage 3 or 4, grade B generalized periodontitis), there was no superior effect observed in aggressive periodontitis (comparable to the new classification: stage 3 or 4, grade C generalized periodontitis). Doxycycline cannot be recommended for chronic periodontitis (stage 3 or 4, grade B) patients. Antibiotics as drugs come with side effects. Common adverse effects of antibiotics are opportunistic yeast infection and gastrointestinal complications (e.g., nausea, diarrhea, and colitis). The development of resistance suggests a role for microbiological analysis and antibiotic susceptibility testing in the selection of systemic periodontal antibiotic therapy.
Global assessment of forest quality for threatened terrestrial vertebrate species in need of conservation translocation programs.

Conservation actions such as habitat protection, restoration, and translocations are critical actions in preventing further extinctions of threatened species. We used the 152 threatened species on the International Union for the Conservation of Nature’s Red List with conservation translocations as a recommended conservation action to access the habitat quality of these species’ ranges. We determined where multi-species conservation translocation and forest restoration efforts can be concentrated. To determine the habitat quality of species’ ranges, we assessed forest cover, forest restoration potential, protected area status, and invasive species concerns. Forty-four percent (67 species) of species with translocations recommended have part of their range in a protected area, existing forest cover, and currently no invasive species risk. However, the majority (85 species) currently need habitat management (63 species), invasive species control (71 species), or protection (34 species). We also identified key differences between species recommended for reintroductions (115 species) and benign introductions (37 species), such as the percentage of a species’ range within a protected area, in which reintroductions (median = 7.4%) had more than benign introductions (median = 0.9%). Mauritius, central Africa, eastern Australia and Himalaya regions each have areas with range overlap of three or more species recommended for translocations and forest restoration potential. For those species with CT programs in place, mean forest cover was 32% and restoration potential was 16%, suggesting potential minimum habitat requirements for initial releases. Results provide a global perspective on reintroduction and translocation needs of threatened species with evidenced-based information on habitat quality, i.e. forest restoration potential, forest cover, protected areas, and invasive species control, to aid conservation translocation scientists and ultimately improve the success of such projects.
A novel model of neurocognitive bilingual effect

This study accessed the idiosyncratic trend in Common Core subject grade point averages (GPA) of bilingual students from 3rd-8th grade in Brevard County. Bilinguals showed a higher overall GPA by 0.19 grade points. The standardised test scores of bilinguals were 11% higher than their monolingual counterparts. The bilingual cohort had both an average GPA and standardised test score higher than the monolinguals by a factor of approximately 1.06 times for GPA and 1.109 times for standardised test. The bilingualism enhanced cognitive competence index (BECCI) model was created which computed the predicted GPA and standardised test score of an individual bilingual based on four major variables. Of the 284 bilingual students in the study, the model provided an accurate prediction of GPA and standardised test scores (within the error margin of ±0.05) for 256 of the bilinguals giving the model an accuracy rate of approximately 90.14%.
MILLER Banding Procedure for Treatment of Dialysis Access-Related Steal Syndrome, Pulmonary Hypertension, and Heart Failure.

A Minimally Invasive Limited Ligation Endoluminal-assisted Revision (MILLER) banding procedure has been used for treating patients with dialysis access-related steal syndrome (DASS) and high-flow vascular access-related pulmonary hypertension (PHT) and heart failure (HF).We performed a retrospective analysis of patients undergoing the MILLER procedure performed for DASS, HF, and PHT from our Vascular Access Database from September 2017 to October 2019. Outcomes included primary patency of banding, primary assisted patency, and secondary patency, using time-to-event analyses with Kaplan-Meier curves and life tables to estimate 6- and 12-month rates.A total of 13 patients (6 men and 7 women, mean age 60 ± 14 years) underwent the MILLER procedure, 6 patients for DASS and 7 patients for pulmonary hypertension and heart failure (PHT/HF). Technical success was achieved in all patients. The longest duration of follow-up was 28 months (median 12 months [IQR 7, 19]). One patient died at 1 month after the intervention due to stroke. One patient developed access thrombosis of the graft 3 days after the procedure. Repeat banding was required in 1 patient 8 months after the first procedure. The 6-month primary patency rate of banding following this procedure was 83% while the 12-month rate was 66%. The 6- and 12-month secondary patency rates were 87% and 75%, respectively.The MILLER procedure can be performed for DASS and PHT/HF with improvement of symptoms and good long-term patency rates. Additional interventions to maintain patency and efficacy are required on long-term follow-up.
Recent Statistics on the Growth of the KI Journal

We started to publish our articles at the SpringerVerlag with issue 01/2010. Five years have passed and it is time to reflect that decision. One way of reflection is to evaluate the publisher from the author’s and editor’s point of view. Another perspective is the inverse: what does the publisher think about their decision to take on the KI? And it is the latter that I would like to talk about today. Springer presented interesting statistics during our last editor’s meeting in Kaiserslautern in March 2015. The following remarks are based on that presentation. It takes the years 2011–2014 into account. The production volume between 2012 and 2014 reveal that 60 articles per year were accepted for publication on average. This holds for both the printed version and the Online First version. A closer look on the 2014 data shows that each volume contains 85 pages on average. This is similar to other years at Springer and a little higher compared to the years with the BottcherIT Verlag before 2010. An interesting and significant information came out of the discussion about the production turnaround time. This is the average time between Springer receiving an accepted article and the Online First Publication. The years 2012–2014 show a production turnaround time between 13 and 22 days. This means that the entire publication time between the submission of an article and the Online First at Springer is comparable or less than most of the major conference publications. This is an excellent argument to publish more papers with our journal! Online deals get more and more popular compared to the typical institutional subscriptions when it comes to article circulation. I suppose that this trend is not unique to our journal and publisher. The statistics also show that the full-text download rate nearly doubled from 2011 to 2014. This is an indication for the positive impact of an international publisher like Springer. Consequently, the regional distribution of the fulltext downloads have also expanded: data from 2012 to 2014 show that more than half of the downloads were initiated from readers in Europe; 56 % in 2012 with 31 % from areas in Asia-Pacific, and 9 % from North-America. Years 2013 and 2014 show an increasing full-text download trend from North-American readers ( 14, 13 %, respectively), which can be interpreted as a growing impact of our journal in that area. Overall, Springer is more than happy with both the quality and the distribution of this journal, especially because of the positive trend during the past few years. Good news for all of us! And now it is time to wish you a pleasant reading with the new issue ofKunstliche Intelligenz—Health andWellbeing!
Abstract 09: A Community-Based Exercise Intervention Transitions Metabolically Abnormal Obese Adults to a Metabolically Healthy Obese Phenotype

Introduction: It has been estimated that 32% of obese adults in the US are metabolically healthy. This subset of individuals, referred to as metabolically healthy but obese (MHO), appear to be more resistant to the adverse cardiometabolic consequences faced by their metabolically abnormal obese (MAO) counterparts. Cross-sectional observations indicate that increased physical activity and higher fitness contribute to the protective metabolic characteristics in this subset of obese individuals. However, to date no study has investigated whether a community-based exercise intervention designed to increase exercise volume and fitness can transition MAO adults to a MHO phenotype. Identifying the therapeutic dose of exercise required to convert a MAO person to metabolically healthy would yield important clinical information for the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease. Hypothesis: We assessed the following hypotheses: (1) community-based exercise training would transition MAO adults to metabolically healthy, and (2) the odds of successful transition to a metabolically healthy phenotype would be larger for obese individuals who [[Unable to Display Character: –]] (a) performed the highest volume of exercise, and (b) experienced the greatest increase in fitness. Methods: Three-hundred thirty-two healthy adults (190 women, 142 men; aged 28-88 years) engaged in a supervised 14-week community-based exercise program designed to favorably modify cardiovascular disease risk factors. Components of the metabolic syndrome (National Cholesterol Education Program ATP III criteria) were measured before and after the exercise program. Obese (BMI ≥ 30 kg·m 2 ) adults who met 2-4 criteria for metabolic syndrome were classified as metabolically abnormal. Metabolically healthy was defined if obese adults met 0 to 1 criteria for metabolic syndrome. Results: Baseline point prevalence of MAO was 20.5% (N = 68). There was a significant reduction (p Conclusions: These findings indicate that supervised community exercise can transition MAO adults to a MHO phenotype. MAO adults who engaged in higher volumes of exercise and those who demonstrated greater improvements in fitness were significantly more likely to become metabolically healthy. Importantly, the unfavourable metabolic characteristics of obesity are not irreversible. Community exercise should be considered an effective model for the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease in MAO adults.
Implementing smart controllers on single-family homes with excessive irrigation.

AbstractIn this study, smart irrigation controllers were targeted toward single-family potable water customers in Orange County, Florida with excessive landscape irrigation patterns. Out of five tr...
Regulation of Glucose Metabolism in Thiobacillus intermedius

Glucose-yeast extract or glucose-casein hydrolysate-grown Thiobacillus intermedius cells, which use glucose for energy generation, possess high specific activities of the Entner-Doudoroff pathway and related enzymes, 6-phosphogluconate dehydrase, 2-keto-3-deoxy-6-phosphogluconate aldolase, glucokinase, and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, but low activities of enzymes unique to the pentose shunt and Embden-Meyerhof pathways. Although the synthesis of the latter enzymes remains largely unaffected by the growth environment, that of the former is stimulated by glucose. Radiorespirometric measurements demonstrate an early and parallel respiration of glucose carbon atoms one and four in glucose-casein hydrolysate broth. It is concluded that the Entner-Doudoroff pathway performs an energetic role in glucose metabolism by T. intermedius with the pentose shunt and Embden-Meyerhof pathways functioning mainly in biosynthesis. The presence of thiosulfate in the growth medium inhibits the synthesis of the Entner-Doudoroff pathway and related enzymes. In addition, both thiosulfate and glucose inhibit the synthesis of the Krebs cycle enzymes, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate-linked isocitrate and α-ketoglutarate dehydrogenases. Thus, repression of enzymes is of significance in the adaptation of T. intermedius to its nutritional environment. The activity of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase of T. intermedius is inhibited by adenosine triphosphate. Such a control could afford the organism a mechanism to regulate the flow of glucose into major energetic and biosynthetic routes.
Technology and Innovation in Histology: Adapting to a Changing Landscape of Teaching in Medical Microanatomy

The teaching of medical microanatomy has shifted in recent years, with virtual microscopy now regularly utilized to supplement or replace microscope-based laboratories. This, combined with increasing pressure to integrate curricula, reduce course hours, and enhance student self-directed and active learning, introduces new opportunities and challenges for histology teaching. Here we describe how we have utilized technology to deliver histology content to students and facilitate active learning sessions within a Problem Based Learning curriculum ('PIL') at Drexel University College of Medicine. Microanatomy in the PIL curriculum is a stand-alone course, integrated with Gross Anatomy, Physiology and Neuroscience in a Block format. While students are introduced to some topics through lecture, particularly early on in the year, much of the course content is delivered online through web-based tutorials packaged as interactive presentations or as recorded powerpoint lectures. Students also access web-based labor...
Evolution of gender options in multiple pregnancy management

Objective Fetal reduction (FR) in multiples dramatically improves outcomes. We prioritize FR decisions for health and historically declined to factor gender. As male preferences apparently diminished, our bioethicist encouraged a re-evaluation. Methods Three hundred ninety-six patients reducing triplets or twins were categorized as 3➔2, 3➔1, and 2➔1, Major (M) anomaly or minor (m) anomaly, same gender (SG), and those for whom gender preference (GP) was possible. Higher order and non chorionic villus sampling were excluded. FR decisions were prioritized by M anomaly, Suspicious, or m anomaly. If neither, we considered GP. Results Of 319, 214 (67%) had either M/m or SG. Of those, 3➔2 with gender option: 71/79 chose male and female or had no preferences, one chose male/male, and seven chose female/female. We reduced monochorionic twins in 33/35 3➔1 cases. Of 20 with GP choice, 10 chose male and 10 chose female. Of 162 2➔1, 54 had M or m, 50 were SG, but of the 44 M/F twins, 20 chose male and 24 chose female. Conclusions There has been a cultural shift mostly preferring one of each or having no preference. When reducing to one, >50% prefer a girl. In addition to identifying abnormalities, chorionic villus sampling before FR expands patient autonomy. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Computer-Aided Modeling of Selected Sheet Metal Forming Processes

Sheet metal forming processes, such as brake bending, rubber forming, and punch stretch forming, have significant use in manufacturing aircraft, automotive, and appliance parts. Computer-aided modeling and simulation of these processes provides information for production planning, for equipment and tooling selection, and for predicting potential failure during forming. Mathematical models and computer programs are developed to analyze and simulate these widely used sheet forming processes. The validity of these process models and the accuracy of the predicted results were evaluated by laboratory and production site tests.
EVOLUTION OF VIVIPARITY: A PHYLOGENETIC TEST OF THE COLD-CLIMATE HYPOTHESIS IN PHRYNOSOMATID LIZARDS

The evolution of viviparity is a key life-history transition in vertebrates, but the selective forces favoring its evolution are not fully understood. With >100 origins of viviparity, squamate reptiles (lizards and snakes) are ideal for addressing this issue. Some evidence from field and laboratory studies supports the "cold-climate" hypothesis, wherein viviparity provides an advantage in cold environments by allowing mothers to maintain higher temperatures for developing embryos. Surprisingly, the cold-climate hypothesis has not been tested using both climatic data and phylogenetic comparative methods. Here, we investigate the evolution of viviparity in the lizard family Phrynosomatidae using GIS-based environmental data, an extensive phylogeny (117 species), and recently developed comparative methods. We find significant relationships between viviparity and lower temperatures during the warmest (egg-laying) season, strongly supporting the cold-climate hypothesis. Remarkably, we also find that viviparity tends to evolve more frequently at tropical latitudes, despite its association with cooler climates. Our results help explain this and two related patterns that seemingly contradict the cold-climate hypothesis: the presence of viviparous species restricted to low-elevation tropical regions and the paucity of viviparous species at high latitudes. Finally, we examine whether viviparous taxa may be at higher risk of extinction from anthropogenic climate change.
Batteries with Solid Ion‐Exchange Membrane Electrolytes II . Low‐Temperature Hydrogen‐Oxygen Fuel Cells

Hydrogen‐oxygen fuel cells employing a commercial ion‐exchange membrane as the electrolyte are described. Some performance data on this type of cell operating at room temperature with a cation membrane in the hydrogen form and with hydrogen and oxygen at 1 atm are presented. The open circuit EMF is about 0.3 v below the value of 1.23 expected for a reversible cell. This deficiency is found to be caused by the oxygen electrode which does not achieve the reversible half‐cell potential. Equilibration of the membrane electrolyte with sulfuric acid prior to cell assembly results in improved polarization characteristics. Favorable features of these cells include their simple construction and their small unit thickness. In addition, the presence of as much as 67% in the hydrogen feed gas is found to have little effect upon performance. Since the electrolyte is a cross‐linked, water‐saturated polymer, the electrolyte is locked into the structure and cannot be leached from the cell when it is operated within the stability limits of the polymer. No dilution occurs from the water formed at the oxygen electrode during cell operation because it is rejected from the saturated electrolyte.
Ionic regulation and Na+-K+ stimulated ATPase activity in the land crab, Cardisoma guanhumi.

Abstract 1. (1) The land crab, Cardisoma guanhumi , survives in distilled water, tap water, or in full strength sea water without significant change in either oxygen consumption or body weight. Animals in 133% sea water show a three-fold increase in oxygen consumption over animals maintained in distilled water. 2. (2) In hypo-osmotic media, Na + and K + in blood, urine, and gut fluid are closely regulated. In hyperosmotic media this regulation fails. 3. (3) One of the probable sites of ionic regulation, the gills, possesses a Na + K + -stimulated ATPase activity (NaKA) that has many of the properties of NaKA systems from other tissues. This NaKA activity has been previously suggested as the enzymatic basis for active transport. 4. (4) Some characteristics of this enzyme system are described and discussed in relation to the known regulatory capacity of the crab.
An X-linked syndrome of diarrhea, polyendocrinopathy, and fatal infection in infancy

We have studied a patient from a family in which 17 male infants died in the first years of life. The clinical characteristics of this disorder were established from information from eight patients. The features included diarrhea, diabetes mellitus, hemolytic anemia, eczematoid rashes, and exaggerated responses to viral illnesses, combined with pathologic evidence of autodestruction of endocrine glands, insulitis, and thyroiditis with thyroid autoantibodies in one patient. When tested, B-lymphocyte cell function, T cell numbers, polymorphonuclear leukocyte chemotaxis, and complement concentrations were normal. Lymphocyte stimulation with phytohemagglutinin was low in one of two affected males and delayed skin test anergy was noted in another, raising the question of a T-lymphocyte cell abnormality. The basic genetic mechanism is unknown, but involvement of an immune response locus on the X chromosome, dysfunction of which is responsible for overactivity of the autoimmune system, is postulated.
Virions at the Gates: Receptors and the Host–Virus Arms Race

All viruses need to bind to specific receptor molecules on the surface of target cells to initiate infection. Virus–receptor binding is highly specific, and this specificity determines both the species and the cell type that can be infected by a given virus. In some well-studied cases, the virus-binding region on the receptor has been found to be unrelated to the receptor's normal cellular function. Resistance to virus infection can thus evolve by selection of mutations that alter amino acids in the binding region with minimal effect on normal function. This sort of positive selection can be used to infer the history of the host–virus “arms race” during their coevolution. In a new study, Demogines et al. use a combination of phylogenetic, structural, and virological analysis to infer the history and significance of positive selection on the transferrin receptor TfR1, a housekeeping protein required for iron uptake and the cell surface receptor for at least three different types of virus. The authors show that only two parts of the rodent TfR1 molecule have been subject to positive selection and that these correspond to the binding sites for two of these viruses—the mouse mammary tumor virus (a retrovirus) and Machupo virus (an arenavirus). They confirmed this result by introducing the inferred binding site mutations into the wild-type protein and testing for receptor function. Related arenaviruses are beginning to spread in human populations in South America as the cause of often fatal hemorrhagic fevers, and, although Demogines et al. could find no evidence of TfR1 mutations in this region that might have been selected as a consequence of human infection, the authors identified one such mutation in Asian populations that affects infection with these viruses.
Association of TGFBR2 polymorphism with risk of sudden cardiac arrest in patients with coronary artery disease

Background Transforming growth factor s (TGFs) signaling has been shown to promote myocardial fibrosis and remodeling with coronary artery disease (CAD), and previous studies show a major role for fibrosis in the initiation of malignant ventricular arrhythmias (VA) and sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). Common single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in TGFs pathway genes may be associated with SCA. Objective We examined the association of common SNPs among 12 candidate genes in the TGFs pathway with the risk of SCA. Methods SNPs (n = 617) were genotyped in a case-control study comparing 89 patients with CAD and SCA caused by VA to 520 healthy control subjects. Results Nineteen SNPs among 5 genes (TGFB2, TGFBR2, SMAD1, SMAD3, SMAD6) were associated with SCA after adjustment for age and sex. After permutation analysis to account for multiple testing, a single SNP in TGFBR2 (rs9838682) was associated with SCA (odds ratio: 1.66, 95% confidence interval: 1.08 to 2.54, P = .02). Conclusion We show an association between a common TGFBR2 polymorphism and risk of SCA caused by VA in the setting of CAD. If validated, these findings support the role of genetic variation in TGFs signaling in SCA susceptibility.
Cholesteryl hemisuccinate alters membrane fluidity, angiotensin receptors, and responses in adrenal glomerulosa cells.

Abstract We examined the effects of cholesteryl hemisuccinate on membrane fluidity and angiotensin II (AII) actions in bovine adrenal glomerulosa cells. Incubating cells with cholesteryl hemisuccinate decreased membrane fluidity and markedly inhibited AII binding. The effect on binding was characterized by a decrease in AII receptor number. The effects of AII on phosphatidyl inositol turnover and calcium fluxes, proposed intermediaries of AII actions on aldosterone secretion, were less impaired than AII binding by cholesteryl hemisuccinate. AII stimulation of aldosterone secretion was preserved despite the decrease in AII binding after cholesteryl hemisuccinate treatment. These results indicate that AII binding can be dissociated from its effects on aldosteronogenesis by a reagent that alters membrane fluidity.
Effect of Electromagnetic Field on the Solidification Structure of C70250 Copper Alloy

The effect of electromagnetic field on the solidification structure of C70250 copper alloy (Cu-3.2%Ni-0.8%Si in mass%) had been investigated in this paper. The results show that applying electromagnetic field during the solidification of C70250 copper alloy can refine as-cast structure and δ-Ni2Si phase. The morphology of δ-Ni2Si phase changes from coarse massive shape to fine dotlike shape. The above-mentioned effects become more obvious with the increasing in current intensity.
Microlithography and Aviation

This PDF file contains the editorial “Editorial: Microlithography and Aviation” for JM3 Vol. 5 Issue 04
Green Stem Disorder of Soybean

Green stem disorder of soybean (Glycine max) is characterized by delayed senescence of stems with normal pod ripening and seed maturation. Three different field research approaches were designed to determine the relationship of green stem disorder to Bean pod mottle virus (BPMV) and other potential factors that may be involved in causing this disorder. The first research approach surveyed green stem disorder and BPMV in individual plants monitored in several commercial soybean fields during three growing seasons. Leaf samples from maturing plants (growth stage R6) were tested by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for BPMV. The percentage of monitored plants infected with BPMV at growth stage R6 in some fields was higher than the incidence of green stem disorder at harvest maturity. Many plants infected with BPMV did not develop green stem disorder, and conversely, many plants that had green stem disorder were not infected with BPMV. According to a chi-square test of independence, the data indicated that green stem disorder was independent of BPMV infection at growth stage R6 (P = 0.98). A second research approach compared green stem disorder incidence in an identical set of soybean entries planted in two locations with different levels of natural virus infection. Despite differences in virus infection, including BPMV incidence, 20 of 24 entries had similar green stem disorder incidence at the two locations. A third research approach completed over two growing seasons in field cages showed that green stem disorder developed without BPMV infection. BPMV infection did not increase green stem disorder incidence in comparison to controls. Bean leaf beetle, leaf hopper, or stinkbug feeding did not have an effect on the incidence of green stem disorder. The cause of the green stem disorder remains unknown.
A sea test of mobile underwater localization

Localization and tracking of underwater moving objects are of great interest in many applications. This paper presents a recent sea test on underwater localization carried out in the Sizihwan coastal area near Kaohsiung, Taiwan, May 2013, where three stationary nodes are used to localize one mobile node via acoustic communications based on orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) modems. Experimental results show that the estimated trajectory of the underwater mobile node agrees well with the track recorded by global positioning system (GPS).
Sonographic differential diagnosis of right lower quadrant pain other than appendicitis

Most patients presenting with right lower quadrant pain are clinically suspected to have acute appendicitis. However, sonographic findings other than appendicitis are detected in patients who are referred for ultrasound to rule out appendicitis. This pictorial essay delineates a number of unsuspected pathological conditions revealed by ultrasound examination of the right lower quadrant that do not involve the appendix but closely mimic acute appendicitis. Imaging studies play a significant role in preoperative diagnosis and determination of proper treatment. The patient can undergo triage for proper further workup and surgical versus nonsurgical management. Acute appendicitis initially was considered on clinical presentation in all of our patients. The correct diagnosis of other pathological conditions was made on the basis of sonographic findings.
Positive Points on Electric Power

This paper presents a positive view of electric power with an ecological prospect. The use and misuse of electricity is a current topic and the problems involved with power production are seen quite differently from various disciplines. It is the writer's intention to present the alternatives available and comment briefly on the ramifications of each.
Ibuprofen: new explanation for an old phenomenon

Abstract Nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) translocation from the cytoplasm into the nucleus and the subsequent DNA binding is an essential prerequisite in the up-regulation of many pro-inflammatory genes, e.g. tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β). The anti-inflammatory drug ibuprofen, thought to exert its beneficial effects mainly by suppressing the production of eicosanoids, inhibited the up-regulation of the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and TNF-α. This effect was independent of the described potential of ibuprofen as a cyclooxygenase inhibitor. Ibuprofen inhibited the activation and translocation of the key transcription factor NF-κB by blocking the degradation of inhibitor-κBα, a protein that forms a complex with NF-κB, thereby preventing the release and subsequent translocation of NF-κB into the nucleus and the expression of inflammatory cytokines. The presented data offer a new explanation for the anti-inflammatory effect of ibuprofen.
Transcription regulation of a yeast gene from a downstream location.

Abstract Mechanisms for coregulation of transcription of tandem genes in yeast remain largely speculative. This study focused on inositol-mediated regulation of the tandem gene pair SNA3–INO1. While the pattern of regulation of these two genes was similar, results showed that intermediate levels of inositol repressed INO1 and induced SNA3. Results also showed that inositol-mediated regulation of the SNA3 gene was not a function of its promoter but occurred from factors within the SNA3–INO1 intergenic region. The basic helix–loop–helix proteins, Ino2p and Ino4p, mediated this regulation through the upstream activation sequence (UAS)INO (E-box) sequences in the intergenic region. These results provide a model for studying coregulation of yeast tandem genes. This is especially significant given that many tandem gene pairs in yeast are coregulated even though context-specific UAS sequences are known only for one gene in the pair.
Nuclear Transactivators and Repressors

This Teaching Resource provides lecture notes and slides for a class covering the mechanism and regulation of eukaryotic gene transcription machinery and is part of the course "Cell Signaling Systems: A Course for Graduate Students." This lecture begins with an overview of eukaryotic gene transcription and provides discussions regarding the current models of mechanisms of transcription by RNA Polymerase II (Pol II). Recent views on the action of Mediator will also be discussed. Finally, a detailed study will be presented to provide evidence for a role for enhancer-promoter communication in gene activation.
Conical emission from atomic vapors excited by nearly resonant laser beams

Abstract Recent theoretical predictions for the angle of conical emission from atomic vapors excited by nearly resonant laser beams are not in agreement with earlier experimental data.
Reirradiation for recurrent cerebral astrocytoma.

We describe a case of reirradiation for symptomatic, recurrent, inoperable cerebral astrocytoma grade 11. Symptomatic and radiographic response were obtained with no evidence of radiation induced brain injury three years following reirradiation. The factors affecting radiation injury and indications for reirradiation are discussed. Repeat radiotherapy is a useful treatment option in selected patients with recurrent brain tumors.
Penile ischemic lesions associated with anti-phospholipid antibody syndrome

A 70-year-old man presented with fever, rigors, altered mental status and inguinal rash. Past medical history consisted of diabetes mellitus, hypertension, end-stage renal disease and prior ischemic stroke associated with antiphospholipid antibody syndrome (APLAS) 1 year prior. Since his stroke, he was known to have cognitive impairment. He had been treated with warfarin, which he had stopped 2 months prior to admission following a fall. Physical examination revealed blood pressure of 155/76 mmHg, left shoulder petechiae and a painful, purple rash on the penis (Panel A). Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain was consistent with his age and a previous stroke. Computed tomography of the chest revealed bilateral basilar consolidations. Titers of IgG anticardiolipin were 83.2 g/l (previously > 150 g/l). Lupus anticoagulant and β2glycoprotein were negative. Biopsy of the penile lesions revealed thrombotic vasculopathy manifesting with occlusion of blood vessels by necrotic material (Panel B; arrows). This was attributed to APLAS. Treatment with IV antibiotics, parenteral anticoagulation and corticosteroids was initiated. No new lesions developed and his condition improved over the course of several weeks. APLAS is diagnosed by a combination of characteristic clinical features and elevated antiphospholipid antibodies (APLA) present on at least two occasions, at least 12 weeks apart.1,2 Antibodies can be of one or more of the following types: lupus anticoagulants, anticardiolipin IgG and/or IgM in medium or high titers or anti-β2 glycoprotein-I IgG and/or IgM in levels > 99th percentile.2 This syndrome causes venous, arterial, and small-vessel thrombosis and pregnancy morbidity. It may also manifest as cardiac valvular disease, Images in vascular medicine
A Cysteine-scanning Mutagenesis Study of Transmembrane Domain 8 of the Electrogenic Sodium/Bicarbonate Cotransporter NBCe1

Na/HCO(3) cotransporters (NBCs) such as NBCe1 are members of a superfamily of bicarbonate transporters that includes anion exchangers. Residues within putative transmembrane domain 8 (TMD8) of anion exchanger 1 are involved in ion translocation (Tang, X. B., Kovacs, M., Sterling, D., and Casey, J. R. (1999) J. Biol. Chem. 274, 3557-3564), and the corresponding domain in NBCe1 variants is highly homologous. We performed cysteine-scanning mutagenesis to examine the role of TMD8 residues in ion translocation by rat NBCe1-A. We accessed function and/or sulfhydryl sensitivity and p-chloromercuribenzene sulfonate (pCMBS) accessibility of 21 cysteine-substituted NBC mutants expressed in Xenopus oocytes using the two-electrode, voltage clamp technique. Five NBC mutants displayed or =85%. Using the substituted cysteine accessibility method, we examined the accessibility of the NBC mutant L750C under different transporter conditions. pCMBS accessibility is (i) reduced when the transporter is active in the presence of both Na(+) and HCO(3)(-), likely due to substrate competition with pCMBS; (ii) reduced in the presence of a stilbene inhibitor; and (iii) stimulated at more positive membrane potentials. In summary, TMD8 residues of NBCe1, particularly L750, are involved in ion translocation, and accessibility is influenced by the state of transporter activity.
Radon: Clue to earthquake magnitude

Radon's flow within the earth's crust could offer seismologists clues about the magnitude of an impending earthquake, according to a model proposed by Robert L. Fleischer, a General Electric Company physicist, at the AGU Fall Meeting last month. His work suggests that an extensive network of radon monitoring stations would be useful for early warning of potential damage areas of the pending tremors. Small amounts of radon, a gas released by the decay of uranium, tends to move slowly within the earth's crust where rocks are relatively porous. Velocities of a few inches an hour are typical. Shifting stresses in the earth's crust that precede an earthquake can speed up or slow down radon's movements.
LG-02CHALLENGES IN THE MANAGEMENT OF HYPOTHALAMIC JUVENILE PILOCYTIC ASTROCYTOMA

INTRODUCTION: Juvenile pilocytic astrocytoma is a relatively common pediatric intracranial tumor. In rare cases it arises from the region of the hypothalamus and optic pathways, with extensive anterior skull base involvement. Optimum treatment strategies have not been fully defined. We describe 2 cases in which different approaches were undertaken. METHOD: Patient 1 presented at age 1 year with visual and endocrine disturbance, macrocrania, and diencephalic syndrome. A large enhancing mass involving the anterior skull base and exerting mass effect on the brainstem was seen on MRI. This patient underwent surgery for tissue diagnosis, relief of mass effect on the brainstem, and alleviation of obstructive hydrocephalus. A subtotal resection was achieved. Patient 2 presented at age 5 years with subacute headaches, and recent nystagmus and ataxia. Endocrine evaluation was normal. Brain MRI showed a similar anterior skull base enhancing mass and associated hydrocephalus, although with less mass effect on the brainstem. The patient underwent stereotactic biopsy and ventriculoperitoneal shunt placement. RESULTS: Pathologic diagnosis was juvenile pilocytic astrocytoma in both cases. The postoperative course of patient 1 was complicated by panhypopituitarism and failure of visual acuity to improve. He had disease progression after 2 cycles of monthly carboplatin, and was changed to TPCV chemotherapy per CCG-9952 protocol. There has been some radiographic response over 1 year and he continues on this regimen. Patient 2 has shown good radiographic response to vincristine/carboplatin per CCG-9952, without any shunt complications over 1 year. This patient has remained neurologically normal with intact vision and endocrine axis. CONCLUSIONS: The primary advantage to open surgical debulking may be in the potential for shunt independence in patients with associated hydrocephalus. Neurologic and endocrine function at presentation corresponded with posttreatment status in our patients. Chemotherapy alone can achieve good radiographic results, although long term outcomes are not known.
2009 Pandemic Influenza A (H1N1): Diagnosis, Management, and Prevention- Lessons Learned.

The 2009 pandemic influenza A (H1N1) was responsible for the first influenza pandemic of the 21st century. The virus— a previously unknown triple-reassortant virus containing segments of avian, human, and swine origins— generally caused mild disease. Unlike seasonal influenza, 2009 pandemic influenza A (H1N1) primarily affected adults 18 to 64 years of age. During the course of the pandemic, public health officials tried to facilitate diagnostic procedures and share information about treatment modalities globally. Efforts to contain the spread of 2009 pandemic influenza A (H1N1) included personal protective mechanisms and the 2009 H1N1 vaccine, which was not produced quickly enough or in large enough quantities. The lessons learned from this pandemic should be applied to ensure better preparedness in case of future pandemics.
Introduction: Psychoanalytic Methodologies in Geography

This special section began, as many do, with an Association of American Geographers conference. In 2007 Paul Kingsbury and I organized two sessions with a total of nine papers (and ten scholars) th...