cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Immunogenomic Landscape of Resected Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma

Cholangiocarcinoma is a deadly and highly therapy-refractory cancer of the bile ducts, with early results from immune checkpoint blockade trials showing limited responses. While recent molecular assessments have made bulk characterizations of immune profiles and their genomic correlates, spatial assessments may reveal novel actionable insights. Here, we have integrated immune checkpoint-directed immunohistochemistry with next-generation sequencing of resected intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA) samples from 96 patients. We find that both T-cell and immune checkpoint markers are enriched at the tumor margins compared to the tumor center. Using two approaches, we identify high PD-1 or LAG3 and low CD3/CD4/ICOS specifically in the tumor center as associated with poor survival. Moreover, loss-of-function BAP1 mutations are associated with and cause elevated expression of the immunosuppressive checkpoint marker B7H4. In conclusion, this study provides a foundation on which to rationally improve and tailor immunotherapy approaches for this difficult-to-treat disease.
Imaging sensory transmission and neuronal plasticity in primary sensory neurons with genetically-encoded voltage indicator, ASAP4.4-Kv

Detection of somatosensory inputs requires conversion of external stimuli into electrical signals by activation of primary sensory neurons. The mechanisms by which heterogeneous primary sensory neurons encode different somatosensory inputs remains unclear. In vivo dorsal root ganglia (DRG) imaging using genetically-encoded Ca2+ indicators (GECIs) is currently the best technique for this purpose by providing an unprecedented spatial and populational resolution. It permits the simultaneous imaging of >1800 neurons/DRG in live mice. However, this approach is not ideal given that Ca2+ is a second messenger and has inherently slow response kinetics. In contrast, genetically-encoded voltage indicators (GEVIs) have the potential to track voltage changes in multiple neurons in real time but often lack the brightness and dynamic range required for in vivo use. Here, we used soma-targeted ASAP4.4-Kv, a novel GEVI, to dissect the temporal dynamics of noxious and non-noxious neuronal signals during mechanical, thermal, or chemical stimulation in DRG of live mice. ASAP4.4-Kv is sufficiently bright and fast enough to optically characterize individual neuron coding dynamics. Notably, using ASAP4.4-Kv, we uncovered cell-to-cell electrical synchronization between adjacent DRG neurons and robust dynamic transformations in sensory coding following tissue injury. Finally, we found that a combination of GEVI and GECI imaging empowered in vivo optical studies of sensory signal processing and integration mechanisms with optimal spatiotemporal analysis.
Cardiovascular effects of a fractional -Gz force during a relatively prolonged exposure.

Artificial hypogravity was created by having subjects remain in a supine position while undergoing rotation in an artificial gravity simulator. Various cardiovascular variables, such as heart rate, cardiac output, thoracic electric impedance, and blood pressure were measured. Results indicated that the hypogravity force produced a headward fluid shift, as seen by a decrease in thoracic impedance, which triggers regulatory neuroendocrine mechanisms. These findings are presented and discussed.
DISORDERED EATING AND SUBSTANCE USE: A MULTIVARIATE LONGITUDINAL TWIN DESIGH

DISORDERED EATING AND SUBSTANCE USE: A MULTIVARIATE LONGITUDINAL TWIN DESIGN By Jessica H. Baker, M.S. A dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy at Virginia Commonwealth University. Virginia Commonwealth University, 2009 Major Director: Kenneth S. Kendler Director, Virginia Institute for Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics, Department of Psychiatry Eating disorders and substance use disorders both exhibit a clear sex-difference in prevalence. Eating disorders are more common in females while substance use disorders are more common in males. Previous research has also established a strong association between these two disorders, especially within females. Much less research has
Microstructure and Properties of Alumina-Whisker-Reinforced Tetragonal Zirconia Polycrystal Matrix Composites

With the increasing demand of today's technology, there is a growing need for high temperature materials with improved fracture toughness. Whisker-reinforced ceramic composites are materials with potentially high fracture toughness. Many whisker-matrix systems are possible, but the choices for toughened composites are limited by such considerations as chemical compatibility and thermal expansion mismatch. In view of the high fracture toughness of tetragonal zirconia polycrystals (TZP) matrix, many investigators have successfully attempted to improve the mechanical properties of yttria stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystals (Y-TZP) with the addition of strong, single crystal SiC whiskers. The primary objective of this work was to place Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} whiskers into an Y-TZP matrix and study the toughening effects on the new composite. This particular system was chosen because of the high strength and reasonably high toughness inherent within Y-TZP and potentially high strength obtainable within a single crystal alumina. This, combined with an agreeable thermal expansion mismatch, could theoretically produce a composite of exceptionally high toughness. 14 refs., 7 figs.
Contributions of ovum cytoplasm, uterine environment and postnatal environment to maternal effects in beef cattle.

In the first part of the experiment, embryos of Brown Swiss-Hereford (BS-H) reciprocal crosses were transferred to BS and H recipient cows and embryos of Red Poll-Angus (RP-A) reciprocal crosses were transferred to RP and A recipient cows. Calves resulting from embryo transfers (ET) were weaned early (3 to 5 d). Males were castrated and their growth, feed efficiency and carcass composition were recorded. In the second part of the experiment, matings to produce reciprocal crosses were made by natural service (NS) between BS and H and between RP and A. Some of the offspring were weaned at 3 to 5 d; the remainder nursed their dams to an age of 150 to 180 d. Growth after 200 d, feed efficiency and carcass data were recorded on steers. Females produced in both parts of the experiment were reared for breeding, and post-200-d growth and age at puberty were recorded. Neither breed of recipient (uterine influence) nor breed of donor (cytoplasmic influence) had important effects on growth or carcass traits. Large differences were observed for most growth and carcass traits between offspring that were weaned early and those that nursed their dams. Effects of early weaning were greater in progeny of Brown Swiss and Red Poll dams than in progeny of Angus and Hereford dams. Prenatal maternal influences (e.g., ovum cytoplasm and uterine influence) are relatively small in comparison with postnatal maternal influences in contributing to maternal effects in beef cattle.
Clinical report on Pennsylvania Hospital's adolescent obstetric clinic

Abstract It is well known that the pregnant adolescent is a high-risk patient. However, a comprehensive care program, designed to emphasize preventive medicine, and a relevant teaching program can minimize most risk and management factors. This paper is a clinical report of an effective adolescent obstetric care program.
QUE: an expert system explanation facility that answers "why not" types of questions

Despite the many advances in many aspects of explanation provision, most explanation facilities for intelligent systems are limited to answering only a subset of the types of questions that users may want to ask. This limits explanation facilities for many different types of users of expert systems including expert system developers, domain experts, end-users and students using Intelligent Tutoring Systems (ITSs) with expert system modules. One type of question that is not commonly addressed by explanation facilities for expert systems is the negative "Why not?" type of question. This paper outlines the QUE (QUerying the Expert) environment, which addresses this type of question in a domain independent fashion within the rule- and object-based reasoning paradigm. Preliminary observations of use of the QUE environment suggest that it might be beneficial in a number of different expert system explanation scenarios. The current implementation of QUE is an expert system development environment, which will be used by students in an introductory artificial intelligence course to develop expert systems. This paper describes the QUE environment and the "Why not?" question facility.
Top-quark-charm-quark strong flavor-changing neutral currents at the Fermilab Tevatron.

The possibility of an anomalous coupling between the top and charm quarks and the gluon field is explored in a model-independent way using an effective Lagrangian that is gauge invariant under a nonlinear realization of $\mathrm{SU}{(3)}_{C}\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}\mathrm{SU}{(2)}_{L}\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}\mathrm{U}{(1)}_{Y}$. Even for the current 200 ${\mathrm{pb}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ of integrated luminosity at the Fermilab Tevatron, the new physics scale that strongly modifies the coupling of $t\ensuremath{-}c\ensuremath{-}g$ must be larger than about 2.5 TeV if no signal is found within a $3\ensuremath{\sigma}$ confidence limit. For 1 ${\mathrm{fb}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ of data, this constraint can be pushed up to 3.8 TeV.
Soft nanomaterials analysed by in situ liquid TEM: Towards high resolution characterisation of nanoparticles in motion ☆

Summary In this article we present in situ transmission electron microscopy (TEM) of soft, synthetic nanoparticles with a comparative analysis using conventional TEM methods. This comparison is made with the simple aim of describing what is an unprecedented example of in situ imaging by TEM. However, we contend the technique will quickly become essential in the characterisation of analogous systems, especially where dynamics are of interest in the solvated state. In this case, particles were studied which were obtained from the direct polymerisation of an oxaliplatin analogue, designed for an ongoing programme in novel chemotherapeutic delivery systems. The resulting nanoparticles provided sufficient contrast for facile imaging in situ, and point towards key design parameters that enable this new characterisation approach for organic nanomaterials. We describe the preparation of the synthetic nanoparticles together with their characterisation in liquid water. Finally, we provide a future perspective of this technique for the analysis of soft and dynamic nanomaterials and discussion the progress which needs to be made in order to bring in situ liquid TEM to its full potential.
IFN-α Priming Results in a Gain of Proinflammatory Function by IL-10: Implications for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Pathogenesis

Interleukin-10 is a predominantly anti-inflammatory cytokine that inhibits macrophage and dendritic cell function, but can acquire proinflammatory activity during immune responses. We investigated whether type I IFNs, which are elevated during infections and in autoimmune diseases, modulate the activity of IL-10. Priming of primary human macrophages with low concentrations of IFN-alpha diminished the ability of IL-10 to suppress TNF-alpha production. IFN-alpha conferred a proinflammatory gain of function on IL-10, leading to IL-10 activation of expression of IFN-gamma-inducible, STAT1-dependent genes such as IFN regulatory factor 1, IFN-gamma-inducible protein-10 (CXCL10), and monokine induced by IFN-gamma (CXCL9). IFN-alpha priming resulted in greatly enhanced STAT1 activation in response to IL-10, and STAT1 was required for IL-10 activation of IFN-gamma-inducible protein-10 and monokine induced by IFN-gamma expression in IFN-alpha-primed cells. In control, unprimed cells, IL-10 activation of STAT1 was suppressed by constitutive activity of protein kinase C and Src homology 2 domain-containing phosphatase 1. These results demonstrate that type I IFNs regulate the balance between IL-10 anti- and proinflammatory activity, and provide insight into molecular mechanisms that regulate IL-10 function. Gain of IL-10 proinflammatory functions may contribute to its pathogenic role in autoimmune diseases characterized by elevated type I IFN levels, such as systemic lupus erythematosus.
Protein kinase C and annexins: Unusual calcium response elements in the cell

Abstract Protein kinase C and the annexins appear to share some unusual and potentially important membrane -and calcium-binding properties. While these proteins are calcium response elements, they are not calcium-binding proteins in the formal sense; at intracellular calcium concentrations, they only bind significant amounts of calcium when membranes or other suitable surfaces are present. The number of calcium ions bound per protein is large (> 8) and this stoichiometry, at the protein-membrane interface, may provide the large number of contact points needed for the very high-affinity interaction that is observed. The further ability of annexins and PKC to form structures with properties of integral membrane proteins may be important to provide a type of long-term cell signalling that produces a contitutively active kinase or ion channel activity. Selectivity for phospholipids in bilayer form is modest with respect to the acidic phospholipids but there is a surprising preference for phosphatidylethanomaline as the neutral phospholipid matrix. Along with other unusual properties, these proteins offer the potential for unique types of cell regulation events.
THE SOLUTION‐ORIENTED GENOGRAM: A COLLABORATIVE APPROACH

Developed primarily by Bowenian intergenerational therapists, genograms have evolved into largely atheoretical tools used by many therapists. Given that constructivist-based therapies have become the most popular genre of contemporary family therapies (Sprenkle & Piercy, 1992), the author examines how genograms can be used to augment a solution-oriented approach. Specific interventions, case examples, and potential problems associated with such an approach are discussed, along with potential implications for family-of-origin work.
Kinship: efficient resource management for performance and functionally asymmetric platforms

On-chip heterogeneity has become key to balancing performance and power constraints, resulting in disparate (functionally overlapping but not equivalent) cores on a single die. Requiring developers to deal with such heterogeneity can impede adoption through increased programming effort and result in cross-platform incompatibility. We propose that systems software must evolve to dynamically accommodate heterogeneity and to automatically choose task-to-resource mappings to best use these features.We describe the kinship approach for mapping workloads to heterogeneous cores. A hypervisor-level realization of the approach on a variety of experimental heterogeneous platforms demonstrates the general applicability and utility of kinship-based scheduling, matching dynamic workloads to available resources as well as scaling with the number of processes and with different types/configurations of compute resources. Performance advantages of kinship based scheduling are evident for runs across multiple generations of heterogeneous platforms.
A simple, mixtures-based model for the grain size dependence of strength in nanophase metals

Abstract A model is presented for the strength of nanophase metals. The model assumes that polycrystalline metals consist of two phases: the “bulk” intragranular regions, and the “grain boundaries”. The boundary phase is treated as a glassy, but not highly rate-dependent material with a constant strength equal to that of the amorphous metal. The crystalline phase is assumed to follow a Hall-Petch equation for the grain-size dependence of strength. Treating the material as a composite, with a rule of mixtures approach, predicts a change in the Hall-Petch slope at small grain sizes, as has been observed. Grain size softening is predicted, but not until sizes below 5 nm. The model is compared to data in the literature.
Modeling and Evaluation of Chip-to-Chip Scale Silicon Photonic Networks

Silicon photonic interconnects have been proposed as a solution to address chip I/O communication bottlenecks in multicore architectures. In this paper, we perform comprehensive design exploration of inter-chip photonic links and networking architectures. Because the energy efficiencies of such architectures have been shown to be highly sensitive to link utilization, our design exploration covers designs where sharing occurs. By means of shared buses and silicon photonic switches, link utilizations can be improved. To conduct this exploration, we introduce a modeling methodology that captures not only the physical layer characteristics in terms of link capacity and energy efficiency but also the network utilization of silicon photonic chip-to-chip designs. Our models show that silicon photonic interconnects can sustain very high loads (over 100 Tb/s) with low energy costs (1-2 pJ/bit). On the other hand, resource-sharing architectures typically used to cope with low and sporadic loads come at a relatively high energy cost.
PCR detection of Borrelia burgdorferi DNA in cerebrospinal fluid of Lyme neuroborreliosis patients

We used the polymerase chain reaction (PCR), a method useful in the detection of Borrelia burgdorferi in vitro, to evaluate CSF in patients thought to have neuroborreliosis. Nested pairs of oligonucleotide primers were designed to recognize the C-terminal region of B burgdorferi OspA. CSF samples were obtained from (1) patients with immunologic evidence of systemic B burgdorferi infection and clinical manifestations suggestive of CNS dysfunction, (2) seronegative patients with clinical disorders consistent with Lyme borreliosis, and (3) patient and contamination controls; all were analyzed in a blinded fashion. PCR detected B burgdorferi OspA DNA in CSF of (1) 10 of 11 patients with Lyme encephalopathy, (2) 28 of 37 patients with inflammatory CNS disease, (3) seven of seven seronegative patients with Lyme-compatible disorders, and (4) zero of 23 patient controls. Zero of 83 additional contamination controls were PCR-positive. In eight patients from whom we obtained CSF before and after parenteral antimicrobial therapy, PCR results invariably predicted clinical outcome accurately.
A thermodynamic study of the cyclodextrin-UC781 inclusion complex using a HPLC method.

UC781, a very potent HIV-1 non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor with extreme hydrophobicity and poor water solubility, is under development as a topical vaginal microbicide product to prevent HIV transmission. In this study, the thermodynamic behavior of the interaction between UC781 with three cyclodextrins (CDs): β-cyclodextrin (βCD), hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HPβCD) and methyl-β-cyclodextrin (MβCD), was investigated using a reversed-phase HPLC method. A mobile phase consisting of acetonitrile: H2O (30:70) solution containing various CD concentrations was used. The retention time at different temperatures was determined to evaluate the inclusion process. The influence of βCDs on the solubility and hydrophobicity of UC781 was characterized by retention time values. The results showed that the inclusion capacity of cyclodextrins follows the order MβCD > βCD > HPβCD. An enthalpy–entropy compensation effect was also observed. In addition, the results revealed that the change of ΔH is greater than that of ΔS. These results suggested that the complexation of UC781 with βCDs is an enthalpy driven process. The modification on β-cyclodextrin will influence the inclusion process.
Experimental Characterization of Hybrid Solid-State and Fluidic Cooling for Thermal Management of Localized Hotspots

A hybrid cooling scheme utilizing superlattice coolers (SLCs) along with microchannel heat sink for thermal management of hotspots is presented. In this paper, we have studied the effect of operating and design parameters on the performance of the SLC. We have also experimentally investigated the effect of interface thermal resistance as well as thermal resistance between the ground electrode and superlattice using two test configurations: one with on-chip microchannels and another with off-chip microchannels. We demonstrated heat removal capability at the localized hotspots of more than over 300 W/cm2.
Wetting, percolation and morphogenesis in a model tissue system.

Artificial tissues constructed of cells or polystyrene beads suspended in a solution of type I collagen will, under appropriate conditions, protrude into regions of similar matrices lacking particles, but containing the extracellular glycoprotein fibronectin. This phenomenon has been termed “matrix-driven translocation”. Conditions required for the effect include the presence of heparin-like molecules on the cell or bead surfaces, appropriate concentrations of particles and collagen, and physiological ionic strength and pH. Here we consider the idea that the driving force for the concerted movement of matrix and suspended particles is the thermodynamically spontaneous spreading or wetting behavior of two immiscible fluids bounded by common substrata. Wetting theory is shown to be capable of accounting for the behavior of this model system, but this analysis requires that the two matrix regions constitute separate phases at thermodynamic coexistence. We show that one plausible mechanism for the generation of separate phases is the formation of a percolation network of collagen fibers on a lattice of cells or beads. It is argued that the concepts of wetting and percolation apply to properties in common between the model system and living tissues, and may therefore be used to provide a physical account of aspects of tissue morphogenesis.
Brain mechanisms of expectation associated with insula and amygdala response to aversive taste: Implications for placebo

The experience of aversion is shaped by multiple physiological and psychological factors including one's expectations. Recent work has shown that expectancy manipulation can alter perceptions of aversive events and concomitant brain activation. Accruing evidence indicates a primary role of altered expectancies in the placebo effect. Here, we probed the mechanism by which expectation attenuates sensory taste transmission by examining how brain areas activated by misleading information during an expectancy period modulate insula and amygdala activation to a highly aversive bitter taste. In a rapid event-related fMRI design, we showed that activations in the rostral anterior cingulate cortex (rACC), orbitofrontal cortex (OFC), and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex to a misleading cue that the taste would be mildly aversive predicted decreases in insula and amygdala activation to the highly aversive taste. OFC and rACC activation to the misleading cue were also associated with less aversive ratings of that taste. Additional analyses revealed consistent results demonstrating functional connectivity among the OFC, rACC, and insula. Altering expectancies of upcoming aversive events are shown here to depend on robust functional associations among brain regions implicated in prior work on the placebo effect.
Importance of habitat type classifications for predicting ruffed grouse use of areas for drumming

To incorporate ruffed grouse (Bonasa umbellus) habitat planning in forest management, it is necessary for managers to understand factors contributing to grouse habitat use. Previous studies examining ruffed grouse drumming habitat documented relationships between drumming grouse and broad vegetation categories (e.g., northern hardwoods, young aspen [Populus spp.], oak [Quercus spp.]), but few studies have documented how drumming grouse respond to ecological variations in site conditions of aspen or other vegetation types that might be used. Our objectives were to determine the utility of habitat type classifications in predicting the occurrence of ruffed grouse drumming habitat in the western Upper Peninsula of Michigan, and demonstrate how classifications may be used to understand how forest management may affect ruffed grouse habitat. We used survey routes on state land and conducted drumming surveys during mid-April and early May at 78 points in 2005 and 2006. We recorded the number of drumming males heard at each point, the azimuth to where the grouse was heard, and a qualitative measure of distance to determine in which forest stands grouse were drumming. Using GIS, we determined the specific vegetation type, age class, and habitat type, evaluated habitat suitability, and determined a suitability score for areas in which grouse were drumming. We constructed a logistic regression model that calculated the probability of grouse use of areas for drumming based on vegetation characteristics at used and random locations. Our results indicated that the probability of grouse use of an area for drumming is based on inherent site characteristics (i.e., habitat type) and habitat suitability. The model is useful for planning forest management activities and understanding how grouse may respond to spatial or temporal changes in vegetation through succession or manipulation.
Reduced natural cytotoxic cell activity in patients receiving cisplatin‐based chemotherapy and in mice treated with cisplatin

In mice natural cytotoxic (NC) cells are known to play a role in the rejection of tumours that are sensitive to NC-mediated lysis. We have recently shown that in vitro human and murine tumour cells become more sensitive to lysis mediated by NC cells in the presence of the anti-cancer drug cisplatin. If NC activity plays a role in tumour surveillance in humans, then the ability of NC cells to eliminate tumours in patients treated with cisplatin would not only be dependent on cisplatin increasing the sensitivity of tumours to NC mediated lysis, but would also depend on the maintenance of high levels of NC activity during chemotherapy. Here we report that patients receiving chemotherapy that included cisplatin showed a time-dependent reduction in NC activity. NC activity was normal 1 day after treatment; however, 15 days after treatment patients had an eight- to 16-fold reduction in NC activity that returned to normal levels by day 21. The reduction in NC activity of patients was coincident with a reduction in circulating monocytes. Mice treated with only cisplatin showed a similar reduction in NC activity. Mice treated with cisplatin had a reduced level of NC activity that was first apparent 8 days after treatment, reached a nadir on day 15, and returned to normal levels on day 22.
Growth of silicon thin layers on cast MGSi from metal solutions for solar cells

Abstract In pursuit of device-quality layer formation on cast, metallurgical-grade silicon (MG Si) substrates for solar cells, the growth kinetics of silicon liquid phase epitaxy (LPE) from metal solutions was studied. We found an ideal solvent system, Cu Al, for growth of Si layers with thicknesses of tens of microns on cast MG Si substrates by LPE at temperatures near 900°C. This solvent system utilizes Al to ensure good wetting between the solution and substrate by removing silicon native oxides, and employs Cu to control Al doping into the layers. Isotropic growth is achieved because of a high concentration of solute silicon in the solution and the resulting microscopically rough interface. As a result, macroscopically smooth Si layers have been grown on cast MG Si that are suitable for device fabrication. With the microscopically rough interface, the growth rate has been studied with a diffusional model involving a boundary layer that takes the melt convection into account. The model was found to be in good agreement with experimental results, indicating only a small boundary layer (∼ 0.1 cm) and a silicon diffusivity of ∼ 2 × 10−4 cm2 s−1 in the liquid. The thin layer (∼ 30 μm) grown on the MG-Si substrate has a minority-carrier diffusion length greater than the layer thickness.
Nursing drives interdisciplinary health care workforce planning in Wisconsin: One state's experience

The Consortium for Primary Care in Wisconsin convened a forum to develop an interdisciplinary primary care workforce plan to address issues related to the supply of and demand for primary health care providers in Wisconsin. Nursing leaders played a pivotal role in making this effort successful and in ensuring that the focus would be on all primary health care professionals, not just physicians. This process used a primary care workforce planning tool (IRM) developed by the Bureau of Health Professions, U.S. Public Health Service which allowed Wisconsin to (1) examine its own workforce needs with data produced in Wisconsin, (2) compare the state's situation with national trends, and (3) include these data and projections in a cooperative process for state-level planning for interdisciplinary workforce development. The Bureau has encouraged other states and organizations to adopt a similar strategy through a series of IRM workshops in which the Wisconsin process serves as a model for training materials developed for these workshops. The Wisconsin planning process is an innovative model for other states to follow in facilitating workforce development and serves to encourage other states to share their experiences in the academic literature.
No Public Choice in State Education

Gordon Tullock, Professor at the Center for Study of Public Choice, George Mason University, USA, and one of the founding fathers of ‘public choice’ economics, applies it to the state provision of education to reveal how the public is denied choice. He exposes the logicai weaknesses of the arguments agoinst education vouchers from the Department of Education and Science.
An Analysis and Evaluation of Online Instructional Activities

A key factor in successful teacher education is designing activities that promote attainment of instructional objectives. However, in online teacher education there is little evidence regarding the...
Monitoring the Physical Health of Cancer Survivors: A Survivorship-Focused Medical History

Cancer survivors frequently visit their primary-care physicians, as well as oncology specialists, for follow-up care. There is a need to monitor these survivors for the late physical effects of cancer, yet few health care providers have received training in how to do this. This article provides guidance on how to take a cancer survivor-directed medical history to facilitate the elicitation of relevant exposures, family history, and symptoms that may be related to the late effects of cancer therapy.
An evaluation of the pharmacologic inhibition of the immediate and late cutaneous reaction to allergen

Abstract The effects of an H 1 antagonist (chlorpheniramine) and an H 2 antagonist (cimetidine) alone or in combination, and of ASA on the ICR and the LCR to timothy or ragweed were evaluated. HCRs were also applied at each testing. The H 1 blocker alone significantly inhibited the HCR and the ICR, but not the LCR. The H 2 blocker by itself had no effect on HCR, ICR, or LCR. The addition of the H 2 to the H 1 blocker markedly increased the H 1 blocker's inhibition of the HCR and ICR and completely obliterated the LCR in most subjects. These findings, which could not be explained by simple additive effects, suggest a synergistic activity of the H 1 and the H 2 blocker combination. ASA had no effect on HCR, ICR, or LCR, casting doubt on the possible role of prostaglandins in the LCR.
Primary recovery and chromatographic purification of adeno-associated virus type 2 produced by baculovirus/insect cell system

Adeno-associated virus (AAV) is making its place in gene therapy applications; however, the industry is still facing obstacles in producing a large quantity of highly purified material for clinical studies. Insect cell technology can be used to produce AAV to meet the current demand. During the purification process it was observed that there was a reduced recovery of AAV produced in insect cells, Spodoptera frugiperda (Sf9). It was assumed that the formation of AAV agglomerates and the interaction of AAV with other cellular components were major contributors to this loss. After studying different systems of extraction a sequence of treatment for primary recovery of AAV from cell paste was developed. This sequence was necessary to reduce the AAV losses and to increase the recovery. The purification method avoided the use of ultracentrifugation and adopted chromatographic methods for the purification of AAV. Primary recovery, ion exchange chromatography and hydrophobic interaction chromatography gave an overall yield of 75% from the extracted AAV. The purification process was based on chromatographic methods; therefore, it can be scaled up. Although this method was developed for AAV type 2, it is believed that this method could be modified easily to purify other AAV serotypes.
Who Are Bicyclists? Why and How Much Are They Bicycling?

The factors influencing the decision to bicycle are explored and unraveled to inform the development of appropriate and effective strategies to increase bicycling and promote the health of individuals and of the environment. The data used in the analysis were drawn from a survey of Texas bicyclists, and the study includes a comprehensive explanatory analysis of bicyclists and their bicycling habits. Various econometric models are used to evaluate the determinants of bicyclists' perception for safety and quality issues and the frequency of bicycling for commute and noncommute purposes. The results of the study indicate that the perceptions of the quality of bicycle facilities and safety from traffic crashes show significant variation depending on bicyclists' demographic and work characteristics and bicycle amenities and facilities on the commute route and at the workplace. Bicyclist demographics (gender, age, education level, commute distance), household demographics (number of automobiles, number of bicycles, number of children), residential location and season, bicycle amenities at work (bicycle racks, showers), bicyclist perceptions of the overall quality of bicycle facilities, and bicycle-use characteristics affect commute and noncommute bicycling frequency. These study results can assist in the development of informed policies to increase commute and noncommute bicycling, and the results highlight the ongoing need for detailed surveys to understand bicycling behavior.
Dehydroepiandrosterone and testosterone: comparative androgenic potencies and contrasting gynecogenic actions.

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHA) and testosterone have been compared with respect to their effects on the prepuberal maturation of the female genital tract. In intact mice, DHA was found to have a virilizing activity 0.1 % of that of testosterone on the basis of clitoral weights, and 2 % on the basis of preputial gland weights. A striking contrast in the effect of the 2 steroids appeared in the response of the uterine cervix and vagina. DHA stimulated the prepuberal enlargement of these structures, whereas testosterone prevented a manifestation of the normal ovarian effects, so that the cervix and vagina remained infantile. The uterine cornua reacted differently from the cervix in that it showed a positive response to testosterone, but only at the highest dose. In ovariectomized animals, DHA, in the doses used, produced no significant increase in weight in either the uterine cornua or the cervix-vagina. Testosterone, on the other hand, produced a moderate enlargement of the uterine cornua in the ovariectomize...
Interrogation and multiplexing techniques for fiber Bragg grating strain sensors

Techniques for the detection of wavelength shifts of fiber Bragg grating sensors based on the use of a tunable bandpass filter, interferometric detection, and active laser configurations are described. The methods used to multiplex several sensors along a single fiber using these approaches are also discussed, and results presented.
IBM zBX hardware management and operational controls

The IBM zEnterprise® Unified Resource Manager support for the IBM zEnterprise BladeCenter® Extension (zBX) hardware management and operational controls was established as an extension of the z196 system. System z hardware control design principles of concurrency, security, and automatic configuration were mainstays for the extended and new support for the zBX hardware and controls. This paper describes the hardware integration approach and different aspects of management: change, problem, serviceability, configuration, operations, performance, and business. In addition, included in this paper are details of the zBX firmware, components within the zBX blades, and the automation interfaces used between the hardware management console, Support Element, and the zBX components.
Memory disruption by electrical stimulation of substantia nigra, pars compacta

Electrical stimulation of the substantia nigra, pars compacta, of albino rats while they were learning a simple foot shock task of withdrawal and response suppression disrupted retention of that task 24 hours after original learning. Stimulation in the reticular zone of the substantia nigra was without effect on retention performance. Stimulation through electrodes in the medial lemniscus, red nucleus, or brainstem regions surrounding the substantia nigra, pars compacta, was also ineffective. Original learning performance, measured as time to criterion, was unimpaired by the stimulation. Posttrial stimulation in the substantia nigra, pars compacta, but not in adjacent structures, also disrupted retention performance.
Nuclear information from the proton spin observables in the (p, p') reactions at intermediate energies

A set of proton spin observables D/sub xi/, xi = 0, x, y, and z, is described which provide selective information on the tensor components of the collision matrix describing the (p,p') reaction. These D/sub xi/ are related linearly to the experimentally determined components of the depolarization tensor. Simple relations are derived between the D/sub xi/ and both the spin components of the nucleon-nucleon amplitudes and the nuclear multipole form factors. For unnatural parity transitions the observable D/sub x/ is related to the axial longitudinal form factor which does not enter in the (e,e') transition amplitudes for the one photon exchange mechanism.
Ring-expansion reactions in the thermal decomposition of tert-butyl-1,3-cyclopentadiene.

The thermal decomposition of tert-butyl-1,3-cyclopentadiene has been investigated in single-pulse shock-tube studies at shock pressures of 182−260 kPa and temperatures of 996−1127 K. Isobutene (2-methylpropene), 1,3-cyclopentadiene, and toluene were observed as the major stable products in the thermolysis of dilute mixtures of the substrate in the presence of a free-radical scavenger. Hydrogen atoms were also inferred to be a primary product of the decomposition and could be quantitatively determined on the basis of products derived from the free-radical scavenger. Of particular interest is the formation of toluene, which involves the expansion of the ring from a five- to a six-membered system. The overall reaction mechanism is suggested to include isomerization of the starting material; a molecular elimination channel; and C−C bond fission reactions, with toluene formation occurring via radical intermediates formed in the latter pathway. These radical intermediates are analogous to those believed to be i...
Gadolinium neutron capture in glioblastoma multiforme cells.

Purpose: A proof of principle for cell killing by Gadolinium (Gd) neutron capture in Magnevist® preloaded Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) cells is provided.Materials and methods: U87cells were pre-loaded with 5 mg/ml Magnevist® (Gd containing compound) and irradiated using an enhanced neutron beam developed at NIU Institute for Neutron Therapy at Fermilab. These experiments were possible because of an enhanced fast neutron therapy assembly designed to use the fast neutron beam at Fermilab to deliver a neutron beam containing a greater fraction of thermal neutrons and because of the development of improved calculations for dose for the enhanced neutron beam. Clonogenic response was determined.Results: U87 cell survival after γ irradiation, fast neutron irradiation and irradiation with the enhanced neutron beam in the presence or absence of Magnevist® were determined.Conclusions: U87 cells were the least sensitive to γ radiation, and increasingly sensitive to fast neutron irradiation, irradiation with the enh...
The effect of introgressions of wheat D-genome chromosomes into 'Presto' triticale

Hexaploid triticale (X Triticosecale Wittmack) (2n= 6x= 42, AABBRR) and wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) (2n= 6x= 42, AABBDD) differ in their R and D-genomes. This produces differences in both agronomic and end-use quality characteristics. Our objective was to determine how introgressions of individual chromosomes from the D-genome of wheat affect these characteristics of a winter triticale 'Presto'. We studied the effects of 18 D-genome chromosome substitution lines, 15 sib-lines as controls, and five check cultivars at Lincoln, NE in 1996, using a randomized complete block design with two replications. The experiment was repeated at Lincoln and Mead, NE in 1997 and 1998 with 15 substitution lines that survived the first winter in Lincoln, along with their 12 control sibs and five check cultivars. Few D-genome chromosomes had positive effects. Chromosomes 2D, 4D, and 6D significantly reduced plant height when substituted for 2R, 4B, and 6R, respectively. No grain yield increases were associated with any of the D-genome chromosomes tested, but three substitutions decreased the grain yield. Depending on the allele of the hardness gene present, chromosome 5D increased or decreased kernel hardness when substituted for 5R or 5A, respectively. Introgressions of chromosomes 1D and 6D improved end-use quality characteristics of Presto. These results suggest that apart from beneficial effects of individual loci located on the D-genome chromosomes, no major benefit can be expected from D-genome chromosome substitutions.
The Physical Properties of a Protein Isolated from Bacteriophage φX174

The protein moiety of bacteriophage φX174 can be dissociated into subunits of uniform molecular size by treatment with sodium dodecyl sulfate at elevated temperature and pH. Subsequent separation of protein from phage DNA may be effected by ammonium sulfate fractionation. About 60% of the protein of the starting material is recovered by this procedure. The physical state of the subunit is markedly dependent upon solvent conditions. On removal of detergent or lowering of pH the subunits aggregate. These aggregates may be dispersed by addition of detergent in alkaline (pH 10·5) solution.
Inactivation of the sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium channel by protein kinase.

THE ryanodine receptor protein of skeletal muscle sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) membranes is a calcium ion channel which allows movement of calcium from the SR lumen into the cytoplasm during muscle activation1–5. Gating of this channel is modulated by a number of physiologically important substances including calcium. Interestingly, calcium has both activating and inactivating effects which are concentration- and tissue-specific. In skeletal muscle, calcium-dependent inactivation of calcium release occurs at concentrations reached physiologically, suggesting that calcium may modulate the release process by a negative feedback mechanism6–9. To determine the cellular mechanism responsible for calcium-dependent inactivation, we have investigated the ability of protein phosphorylation to affect single channel gating behaviour using the patch clamp technique. Here we demonstrate that the ryanodine receptor protein/calcium release channel of skeletal muscle SR is inactivated under conditions permissive for protein phosphorylation. This inactivation is reversed by the application of phosphatase and prevented by a peptide inhibitor specific for calcium/cal-modulin-dependent protein kinase II. The results provide evidence for an endogenous protein kinase which is closely associated with the ryanodine receptor protein and regulates channel gating.
Distraction osteogenesis of the mandible:A ten-year experience

Mandibular distraction has been performed at the authors' institution for the past 10 years on a variety of craniofacial anomalies. This article reviews the experience with distraction and outlines the authors' treatment algorithms based on patient age and pathology. The roles of distraction versus conventional orthognathic surgery are reviewed. The need for preoperative surgical planning and postoperative orthodontic therapy is emphasized.
Effect of locus of reinforcement on learning-set formation by rhesus monkeys☆

Abstract One group of monkeys was given object-discrimination learning-set training with the locus of the stimulus, the instrumental response, and the reinforcer the same, whereas another group was given this training with the locus of the reinforcer separated from that of the stimulus and the response. The use of the remote locus of reinforcement impeded learning-set formation.
Murdoch’s dilemma, or ‘What’s the price of TV in China?’

Satellite television figures prominently in scholarly speculation about globalization, since it has the potential to cross boundaries of class, gender, ethnicity and literacy, in addition to nation...
P6 Hydrogen sulfide activates Ca2+ sparks to induce cerebral arteriole dilation

Hydrogen sulfide (H 2 S) is a gaseous vasodilator produced by endothelial cells. Mechanisms by which H 2 S induce vasodilation are unclear. We tested the hypothesis that H 2 S dilates piglet cerebral arterioles by modulating local and global intracellular Ca 2+ signals in smooth muscle cells. High-speed confocal imaging revealed that H 2 S increased Ca 2+ spark frequency ∼1.43-fold and decreased global intracellular Ca 2+ concentration ([Ca 2+ ] i ) by ∼37 nM in smooth muscle cells of intact cerebral arteries. In contrast, H 2 S did not alter Ca 2+ wave frequency. In voltage-clamped (−40 mV) cells, H 2 S increased the frequency of Ca 2+ spark-induced transient Ca 2+ -activated K + (K Ca ) currents ∼ 1.8-fold, but did not alter the amplitude of these events. H 2 S did not alter the activity of single K Ca channels recorded in the absence of Ca 2+ sparks in arteriole smooth muscle cells. H 2 S increased SR Ca 2+ load ([Ca 2+ ] SR ), measured as caffeine (10 mM)-induced [Ca 2+ ] i transients, ∼1.5-fold. H 2 S dilated pressurized cerebral arterioles. Iberiotoxin, a K Ca channel blocker, and ryanodine, a ryanodine receptor (RyR) channel inhibitor, reduced H 2 S-induced vasodilation by ∼38 and ∼37%, respectively. In summary, our data indicate that H 2 S elevates [Ca 2+ ] SR , leading to Ca 2+ spark activation in cerebral arteriole smooth muscle cells. The subsequent elevation in transient K Ca current frequency leads to a reduction in global [Ca 2+ ] i and vasodilation.