cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Targeting Apoptosis with Dietary Bioactive Agents

Apoptosis, a form of programmed cell death, is a pivotal defense against the occurrence of cancer and is essential to metazoans in maintaining tissue homeostasis. Apoptosis exhibits a distinctive phenotype and involves elimination of potentially deleterious cells. Many diseases have been associated with aberrantly regulated apoptotic cell death, ultimately leading to inhibition of apoptosis and propagation of diseases such as cancer. Elucidation of the critical events associated with carcinogenesis provides the opportunity for dietary intervention to prevent cancer development through induction of apoptosis, particularly by bioactive agents or functional foods. Diet is a significant environmental factor in the overall cancer process and can exacerbate or interfere with carcinogenesis. Apoptosis occurs primarily through two well-recognized pathways in cells, including the intrinsic, or mitochondrial-mediated, effector mechanism and the extrinsic, or death receptor-mediated, effector mechanism. In addition to diet's effects on protein expression and function, evidence is also accumulating that a large number of dietary food components can exert effects on the human genome, either directly or indirectly, to modulate gene expression. In fact, many diet-related genes are involved in carcinogenesis as well as apoptosis, and thus are ultimately molecular targets for dietary chemoprevention. There are multiple steps within pathways in which dietary components can alter gene expression and phenotypes of cells and thus influence cancer outcomes (nutritional transcriptomic effect). Thus, apoptosis is an emerging therapeutic target of bioactive agents of diet. In this review, the process of apoptosis is discussed and the potential mechanistic interaction of bioactive agents, as components of functional foods, is explored within the context of apoptosis.
A comparative study of multilinear principal component analysis for face recognition

Motivated by the application of the 2D principal component analysis (PCA) for face recognition, this study proposes a modified multilinear PCA method as means to provide higher accuracy with comparable processing time in contrast to the results of contemporary methods. This comparative study includes an assessment of the accuracy and processing time of the independent component analysis (ICA), the kernel PCA (KPCA) and the 2DPCA. The mathematical foundation for evaluating the computational complexity and the memory requirements for feature bases of these methods is provided.
Adolescent and Young Adult Patients Treated with Modified Augmented Berlin-Frankfurt-Muenster Therapy

Abstract Abstract 3250 Pediatric protocols for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) are currently employed by many groups to treat adolescents and young adults (AYA) with ALL. Adults up to age 55 are presently enrolled in such treatment regimens, and investigators have reported excellent results in these young adult patients (pts). Augmented Berlin-Frankfurt-Muenster therapy has been shown to be effective therapy for adolescents with ALL. To evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of this therapy in young adults, we designed a protocol of modified augmented Berlin-Frankfurt-Muenster (ABFM) therapy for patients with ALL from age 12 to 40. 70 pts have been enrolled on protocol and are evaluable for toxicity. 60 pts with de novo Philadelphia chromosome negative ALL have completed at least 29 days of therapy (induction) on protocol. They have the following characteristics: 52 (87%) pts have pre-B ALL and 8 (13%) have T-ALL. The median age is 20 (mean=22; range=13-39). The median presenting WBC=5.2 (mean=32; range= 0.4–494). 58/60 (97%) pts have achieved a remission. There have been no induction deaths. 49(82%) pts have attained remission by 15 days of induction, while 11 (18%) have been slow responders. 5/60 (8%) pts have required an extension of induction by 2 weeks. At day 29 of therapy, 38 (63%) pts had negative minimal residual disease (MRD) by flow cytometry, 15 (25%) patients were positive for MRD, 7 were suspicious or not available. By day 84 of therapy, 46 (77%) pts were negative for MRD and 9 (15%) were positive. Currently, there have been 10 relapses and 9 deaths. Toxicities in the entire group include severe asparaginase allergy in 15 (21%) pts, thrombus formation in 15 (21%) pts, hyperbilirubinemia grade III-IV in 19 (27%) pts, ALT/AST grade III-IV in 20 (28%) pts, CNS stroke-like symptoms in 6 (8%) pts, and avascular necrosis in 6 (8%) pts. Hepatic toxicity has resolved completely within two weeks in almost all pts as has the CNS toxicity. Grade III-IV hepatic toxicity have been transient. For pts 25 years of age and younger (n=25), the overall survival (OS) and disease free survival (DFS) at 2 years are 91% and 85% respectively. For pts > 25 years of age (n=15), the OS and DFS at 2 years are 55% and 61% respectively. This difference is statistically significant for the two groups; p=0.04 for DFS and p=0.004 for OS. Continued enrollment is anticipated to further evaluate the survival differences between these two patient groups. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Case Report of a Primary Pituitary Abscess and Systematic Literature Review of Pituitary Abscess with a Focus on Patient Outcomes.

Background Pituitary abscess is a rare but potentially life-threatening condition with an incidence of 0.2%–1.1% of operative pituitary lesions. Diagnosis can be challenging, because this disorder shares many similarities with other pituitary lesions in terms of signs and symptoms and radiographic findings. Most pituitary abscesses are categorized as secondary, arising from preexisting pituitary lesions or in conjunction with transsphenoidal surgery, sepsis, meningitis, or sinusitis. There have been only a few reports of primary pituitary abscess, which occurs without any of the aforementioned risk factors. Case Description We present a case of primary pituitary abscess in a 38-year-old woman with headaches, blurry vision, polyuria, and polydipsia who was found to have hypopituitarism. Brain magnetic resonance imaging showed a sellar/suprasellar mass, which was endoscopically resected via a transsphenoidal approach. Egress of yellow-greenish creamy fluid was noted on dural incision. The patient was treated with a 6-week course of antibiotic therapy postoperatively and had resolution of symptoms. Conclusions A PubMed search was performed; all cases of pituitary abscess reported in the literature were screened, and 200 cases including our case were analyzed with a focus on outcomes. The most common presentations were headache, visual disturbance, and endocrine abnormalities. Approximately 66.1% of patients achieved partial or complete recovery of pituitary function; 75.7% with vision deficits recovered visual function. Treatment via a craniotomy had a recurrence rate of 17.2% compared with 9.7% via a transsphenoidal approach. To our knowledge, this is the first systematic review on the topic and the largest series reported.
Age-related decrease in cardiopulmonary adrenergic neuron function in children as assessed by 123I-metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) imaging

12 Objectives: Radioiodinated metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) imaging has been used to evaluate adrenergic nerve activity in different organs. Cardiac and pulmonary uptake of MIBG is of significance for predicting certain cardiopulmonary diseases. Thus, it is important to determine and quantify the normal cardiopulmonary pattern of MIBG uptake under physiological conditions, such as aging. It has been reported that cardiac MIBG uptake decreases with age in adults, particularly in later decades of life. However, it is unclear whether there is an age-related change of cardiac MIBG uptake in children. Also, there is no report about pulmonary MIBG uptake with age. The aim of the study was to determine the cardiac and pulmonary MIBG uptake in different age group pediatric population. Methods: MIBG study of forty-four children (16 females and 28 males; age range 2-231 month) were retrospectively reviewed. All the patients had normal body distribution of MIBG and no known history of heart and lung diseases. The patients were divided into 4 groups by age: group 1, 0-24 month; group 2, 25-48 month; group 3, 49-72 month and group 4, ≥73 month. Cardiac and pulmonary MIBG uptakes (expressed as heart to mediastinum ratio, H/M; and lung to mediastinum ratio, lung/M) were analyzed and compared among the 4 groups. Results: The mean H/M and lung/M ratios of the total 44 patients were 3.38±0.38 and 1.25±0.05 respectively. There was no difference for the H/M or lung/M between male and female patients in each group. A decrease of H/M and lung/M with age was observed. The mean H/M and lung/M were 4.13±0.66 and 1.53±0.18 respectively in group 1; 3.46±0.71 and 1.26±0.18 in group 2; 3.19±0.94 and 1.13±0.17 in group 3; and 2.84±0.48 and 1.14±0.14 in group 4. There was a significant correlation between the H/M and age (r=0.505, P
The effects of an active learning intervention in biology on college students’ classroom motivational climate perceptions, motivation, and achievement

AbstractThis study examined differences in students’ classroom motivational climate perceptions and motivational beliefs between those enrolled in undergraduate Biology courses that implemented an innovative, active learning intervention and those enrolled in traditional Biology courses (control group). This study also sought to determine whether students’ classroom motivational climate perceptions and motivational beliefs mediated the effect of the intervention on course grades. Participants were 962 college students attending a large US public university. Students self-selected into one of the biology courses were randomly assigned to the intervention or control group. Multiple regression analyses indicated that students receiving the intervention reported greater instructor support, a perception of higher expectations for understanding (academic press), and a greater feeling that the course was interesting (situational interest). They also held higher self-efficacy and value for their biology course at...
Mother-child interactions at six months postpartum are not predicted by maternal histories of abuse and neglect or maltreatment type.

Objective A history of childhood maltreatment (CM) is associated with increased rates of maternal psychiatric symptoms and other adverse outcomes in adulthood among postpartum women. However, to date only a few studies have examined associations between CM and mother-child interactions among a nonclinical sample of postpartum women, and the specific potential influence of the type of abuse or neglect is poorly understood. This study was an aim to examine the relationships between CM types and observed parenting in a nonclinical group of recently postpartum mothers with maltreatment histories. Method Participants were 173 postpartum, nonclinically referred mothers oversampled in the community for CM histories (n = 123, 72%) and their infants who underwent high- and low-stress interactive tasks during their 6-month postpartum visits, which were videotaped for later independent coding on hostile, controlling, and positive parenting. Mothers also provided information on demographics and type of CM they had experienced (i.e., emotional, sexual, physical abuse, and neglect). Differences of maternal parenting by history of CM and specific type were analyzed via 2-way univariate general linear models. Results Inconsistent with a priori hypotheses, no significant differences emerged between overall CM severity or exposure to any particular CM type and hostile, controlling, or positive parenting in the high- or low-stress tasks. Conclusion Findings suggest that nonclinical postpartum women with CM histories show resilience regarding postpartum parenting quality and do not differentiate from non-CM maltreated postpartum mothers. We discuss the potential influence of resilience, moderating factors, clinical implications, and recommendations based on our findings. (PsycINFO Database Record
Optical properties and Raman-active phonon modes of two-dimensional honeycomb Zintl phases

Intermetallic Zintl phases whose structures consist of honeycomb layers of main group elements often serve as useful precursors for two-dimensional group 14 graphane derivatives. Here, we probe how the Raman spectra and band gaps evolve in these precursor intermetallic phases before they transform into their van der Waals counterparts. Through polarization-dependent Raman experiments on seven different group 14 and 15 Zintl phases with different stacking motifs, we show that the in-plane and out-of-plane Raman frequencies mostly depend on the reduced mass and the in-plane bond lengths of the elements constituting the honeycomb framework. From optical absorption measurements, we show that the honeycomb framework comprised of single elements is metallic, but when the framework is comprised of alternating elements in a BN-like fashion, such as in NaSnP, KSnAs and KSnSb, a band gap is opened up ranging from 0.54 eV for KSnSb to 0.95 eV for NaSnP. This study allows for the determination of the structure and stacking motifs for this emerging class of 2D layered metallic and semiconducting materials.
It’s what’s inside that counts for nanoparticle vaccines

Plasma membranes of tumor cells induce antitumor immunity when wrapped around a nanoformulated CpG adjuvant.
A Reputation Model Considering Repurchase Behavior and Mechanism Design to Promote Repurchase

In electronic commerce environment, reputation systems have been widely investigated for several decades towards building secure online market platforms. In this paper, we propose a new reputation model considering the repurchase behavior of buying agents (buyers). The buyer repurchase behavior is described by three factors: recency, frequency, and monetary. Since the repurchase behavior is essential for the survival of vendors in e-commerce in the long run, we further design a price premium based mechanism to encourage customers to conduct repeat transactions with their satisfactory selling agents (sellers). Theoretical analysis and simulation based experiments are conducted to evaluate the proposed system. The results show that there exists a unique pure strategy Nash equilibrium where buyers always repurchase from satisfactory sellers and sellers behave honestly.
Temporal Relationship of Onset of Necrotizing Enterocolitis and Introduction of Enteric Feedings and Powdered Milk Fortifier.

Objective This article evaluates temporal relationships between onset of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in preterm infants and introduction of enteral feedings or powdered human milk fortifier (HMF). Study Design This is a Poisson regression analysis of NEC cases at a single children's hospital between 1999 and 2009, using the self-controlled case series method to estimate adjusted daily event rate ratios (DERR) during postexposure intervals. Results Of 139 patients with a clinical diagnosis of NEC, 26 had early disease onset prior to initiation of feeding and were considered to be cases of spontaneous intestinal perforation (SIP). For the remaining 113 infants, the DERR for NEC onset were significantly greater on days for which infants were Conclusion There are strong temporal associations between onset of NEC and initiation of enteral feeding or powdered HMF in preterm infants.
Machine learning electron density in sulfur crosslinked carbon nanotubes

Abstract Mechanical strengthening of composite materials that include carbon nanotubes (CNT) requires strong inter-bonding to achieve significant CNT-CNT or CNT-matrix load transfer. The same principle is applicable to the improvement of CNT bundles and calls for covalent crosslinks between individual tubes. In this work, sulfur crosslinks are studied using a combination of density functional theory (DFT) and classical molecular dynamics (MD). Atomic chains of at least two sulfur atoms or more are shown to be stable between both zigzag and armchair CNTs. All types of crosslinked CNTs exhibit significantly improved load transfer. Moreover, sulfur crosslinks show evidence of a cooperative self-healing mechanism allowing for links to rebond once broken leading to sustained load transfer under shear loading. Additionally, a general approach for utilizing machine learning for assessing the ground state electron density is developed and applied to these sulfur crosslinked CNTs.
Correction: Lee, Y.-H., et al. Beverage Intake, Smoking Behavior, and Alcohol Consumption in Contemporary China-A Cross-Sectional Analysis from the 2011 China Health and Nutrition Survey. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2017, 14, 493.

The authors wish to add the following amendments and corrections to their paper published in IJERPH [1]. [...]
Fast, cheap, and imperfect? US public opinion about solar geoengineering

ABSTRACTSolar geoengineering, which seeks to cool the planet by reflecting a small fraction of sunlight back into space, has drawn the attention of scientists and policymakers as climate change remains unabated. Unlike mitigation, solar geoengineering could quickly and cheaply lower global temperatures. It is also imperfect. Its environmental impacts remain unpredictable, and its low cost and immediate effects may result in ‘moral hazard,’ potentially crowding out costly mitigation efforts. There is little understanding about how the public will respond to such tradeoffs. To address this, a 1000-subject nationally representative poll focused on solar geoengineering was conducted as part of the Cooperative Congressional Election Study (CCES) of the US electorate in October–November 2016. The importance that individuals place on solar geoengineering’s speed and cost predicts their support for it, but there is little to no relationship between their concerns about its shortcomings and support for its researc...
Is artificial nutrition and hydration extraordinary care

A physician examines the juxtaposition of advance directives as outlined in a patient's will against the requirements of the Catholic Church with regard to artificial nutrition and hydration. Virtual Mentor is a monthly bioethics journal published by the American Medical Association.
Functional anatomy of mucus-secreting cells.

Body fluids contain four major classes of high molecular weight compounds, namely, proteins, nucleic acids, lipids (as micellar aggregates), and polysaccharides. These components are found as macromolecules of protein-polysaccharide, nucleic acid-protein, and lipid-polysaccharide complexes (Table 1). These complexes have several biological functions. The polysaccharides are the main components of cell membranes, cement substances, and viscous lubricating fluids, whereas the proteins make structural elements, enzymes, and components of biological defence and transport systems.
Grapevine virus M, a novel vitivirus discovered in the American hybrid bunch grape cultivar Blanc du Bois in Texas.

A novel ssRNA (+) virus with molecular properties typical of members of the genus Vitivirus (family Betaflexiviridae; subfamily Trivirinae) was discovered by high-throughput sequencing in samples of the American hybrid bunch grape cultivar Blanc du Bois in Texas. The results were independently confirmed by Sanger sequencing of the virus isolate, whose genome length is 7,387 nt, excluding the polyA tail. The genome sequence contains five ORFs that are homologous and phylogenetically related to ORFs of grapevine-infecting vitiviruses. The name “grapevine virus M” is proposed for this new virus, whose sequence divergence exceeds the current ICTV species demarcation threshold for the genus Vitivirus.
Novel individualized power training protocol preserves physical function in adult and older mice

Sarcopenia, the age-related loss of muscle mass and strength, contributes to frailty, functional decline, and reduced quality of life in older adults. Exercise is a recognized therapy for sarcopenia and muscle dysfunction, though not a cure. Muscle power declines at an increased rate compared to force, and force output declines earlier than mass. Thus, there is a need for research of exercise focusing on improving power output and functionality in older adults. Our primary purpose was proof-of-concept that a novel individualized power exercise modality would induce positive adaptations in adult mice, before the exercise program was applied to an aged cohort. We hypothesized that after following our protocol, both adult and older mice would show improved function, though there would be evidence of anabolic resistance in the older mice. Male C57BL/6 mice (12 months of age at study conclusion) were randomized into control (n = 9) and exercise (n = 6) groups. The trained group used progressive resistance (with a weighted harness) and intensity (~ 4–10 rpm) on a custom motorized running wheel. The mice trained similarly to a human workout regimen (4–5 sets/session, 3 sessions/week, for 12 weeks). We determined significant (p < 0.05) positive adaptations post-intervention, including: neuromuscular function (rotarod), strength/endurance (inverted cling grip test), training physiology (force/power output per session), muscle size (soleus mass), and power/velocity of contraction (in vitro physiology). Secondly, we trained a cohort of older male mice (28 months old at conclusion): control (n = 12) and exercised (n = 8). While the older exercised mice did preserve function and gain benefits, they also demonstrated evidence of anabolic resistance.
Associations of Child Maltreatment and Intimate Partner Violence With Elder Abuse in a US Chinese Population

Importance People who have experienced abuse as a child or violence with an intimate partner might have higher odds of being abused again, but this has been insufficiently investigated regarding elder abuse. More conclusive evidence might be critical to assessment and prevention strategies. Objective To examine the associations of child maltreatment and intimate partner violence with elder abuse. Design, Setting, and Participants Cross-sectional data of 3157 community-dwelling US Chinese older adults (60 years or older) in Chicago, Illinois, were collected during 2011 through 2013. Exposures Cases of child maltreatment and intimate partner violence. Main Outcomes and Measures Cases of elder abuse. Results Of the 3157 US Chinese older adults included in the study, 1328 (42.1%) were men, and the mean (SD) age was 72.8 (8.3) years. The prevalence of elder abuse, child maltreatment, and intimate partner violence in the cohort was 15.2%, 11.4%, and 6.5%, respectively. After adjusting for sociodemographic variables, health status, quality of life, and health change, individuals reporting child maltreatment had increased odds of intimate partner violence (13.4% vs 5.6%; adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 2.57; 95% CI, 1.78-3.71) and elder abuse (25.2% vs 13.8%; aOR, 2.08; 95% CI, 1.57-2.75) than those not reporting child maltreatment. Individuals reporting intimate partner violence had increased odds of elder abuse than those not reporting intimate partner violence (48.8% vs 12.9%; aOR, 5.53; 95% CI, 4.01-7.64). Conclusions and Relevance Prior abuse across major lifespan stages is associated with higher odds of elder abuse. Health care professionals should be more aware of the possibility of abuse when there is a known history of violence in a patient and consider the cumulative effect of violence among those exposed to elder abuse.
The Role of Anti-angiogenesis in Non-small-cell Lung Cancer: an Update

Recognition of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) pathway as a key mediator of angiogenesis has led to the clinical study of several VEGF and VEGF receptor (VEGFR) targeted therapies in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). These targeted therapies include neutralizing antibodies to VEGF (bevacizumab and aflibercept) and VEGFR-2 (ramucirumab) and tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) with selectivity for the VEGFRs. Bevacizumab and ramucirumab are associated with survival advantages in the treatment of advanced NSCLC: bevacizumab in the first-line setting in combination with carboplatin/paclitaxel and ramucirumab in combination with docetaxel in the second-line setting. The VEGFR-2 TKIs have been associated with responses and improved progression-free survival in selected NSCLC settings; however, this level of activity has thus far been insufficient to confer significant survival advantages. This review will focus on the current state of VEGF targeted therapies in NSCLC.
Early Life Stress Exacerbates Outcome after Traumatic Brain Injury.

The neurocognitive impairments associated with mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) often resolve within 1–2 weeks; however, a subset of people exhibit persistent cognitive dysfunction for weeks to mo...
Cigarette Smoke Exposure Computation using Bioimpedance Sensor

Understanding the smoking habit and the amount of smoke exposure of a smoker is crucial for smoking intervention. The parameters extracted from breathing patterns, such as puff duration, inhale-exhale duration, etc. can play an important role in defining the amount of smoke exposure. This paper is the first to assess the suitability of a bio-impedance sensor for measurement of the smoke exposure metrics from breathing. The Personal Automatic Cigarette Tracker version 2.0 (PACT 2.0) was used in this study. The bio-impedance sensor was placed at the thoracic level with the help of an instrumented T-shirt. The bio-impedance signal during the smoking event was observed and the Respiratory Smoke Exposure Measurement (RSEM) algorithm was used to compute the smoke exposure metrics. The metrics computed by the RSEM algorithm were compared statistically with gold standard obtained from video annotations. The paired t-test for puff duration and inhale-exhale duration obtained from bio-impedance signal and video annotations indicated that the values were statistically similar. The results of this study indicate the potential use of bio-impedance sensor for measurement of smoke exposure metrics.
In Situ Probing of Mass Exchange at the Solid Electrolyte Interphase in Aqueous and Nonaqueous Zn Electrolytes with EQCM-D.

Multivalent chemistry provides intriguing benefits of developing beyond lithium ion energy storage technologies and has drawn extensive research interests. Among the multivalent candidates, metalli...
Assessing the potential impact of zoo visitors on the welfare and cognitive performance of Japanese macaques

Abstract The influence of visitors on zoo-housed primate behavior and welfare is relatively well-studied but less is known about the possible impact of zoo visitor presence on primates’ cognition. The Japanese macaques (Macaca fuscata) at Lincoln Park Zoo, USA, participate in voluntary cognitive research sessions in two touchscreen testing booths adjacent to their home enclosure, which are in view of the public. As other anthropogenic influences, such as loud noise levels, have been shown to induce attention bias effects in zoo primates, we wanted to determine if visitors also created cognitive bias effects for these macaques. Therefore, we sought to evaluate if and how the macaques’ testing participation and performance changed in response to the presence and number of visitors, and what any changes might mean for their welfare. Taking advantage of the zoo’s closure in response to COVID-19, we conducted 10 test sessions when the zoo was closed and 10 test sessions after reopening. Across all 20 test sessions, we recorded ambient sound levels (dB) and, when visitors were present, we also recorded visitor numbers and their location near the exhibit. Between when the zoo was closed and open, we did not find a difference in the macaques’ participation rates (p = 0.45) or task accuracy (p = 0.62) in an identity match-to-sample paradigm. However, we found the macaques’ response latencies were significantly faster when the zoo re-opened (p
Rate-Adaptive Coded Multiuser OFDM for Downlink Wireless Systems

A multiuser OFDM system using rate-adaptive codes is described and proposed for the wireless downlink. The code rate is adaptively modified according to the number of active users. The system offers enhanced error protection at partial load. As a result, the bit error rate is reduced and less transmit power is required, reducing the interference level at other cells.
Citizens and Noncitizens in Europe: European Union Measures Against Terrorism After September 11th

In the European Union, new anti-terror measures have had an impact on the lives of noncitizens, immigrants, and asylum-seekers. This Essay outlines the rights guaranteed to both citizens and noncitizens under the European Convention on Human Rights and the EU treaties and evaluates how these rights have limited harsh treatment of noncitizens in the aght against terrorism. Although suspicion and rejection of noncitizens are widespread, there remains hope for broadening the principles of equality and fundamental rights to third country nationals through an open conception of the notion of European citizenship.
Intramuscular clindamycin for therapy of infective endocarditis. Report of 23 cases and review of the literature.

Abstract Twenty-three patients with infective endocarditis received intramuscular clindamycin (Cleocin) for treatment. Thirteen had acute Staphylococcus (S.) aureus endocarditis but none had involvement of the aortic valve. Eleven of these 13 infections were heroin-related and involved the tricuspid valve. Twenty-one patients were successfully treated. Two patients with heroin-related S. aureus infection failed to respond to intramuscularly administered clindamycin, but responded to retreatment with methicillin. There have been 34 additional reported cases of endocarditis treated with clindamycin. Although 80 percent of all cases due to staphylococci responded favorably, almost all were heroin-related tricuspid valve infections. In addition 91 percent of cases due to aerobic streptococci responded but, surprisingly, treatment failed in three of four cases of anaerobic endocarditis. Although clindamycin can be useful in streptococcal endocarditis and in some cases of heroin-related S. aureus tricuspid endocarditis, caution should be exercised in its use. It is “less” bactericidal than the penicillins or cephalosporins, and organisms have become resistant during treatment. Furthermore, patients with anaerobic endocarditis have not responded well, and data are not available to recommend administration of clindamycin for acute S. aureus infections engrafted on the aortic or mitral valve.
National Library of Medicine Disaster Information Management Research Center: Establishment and growth, 2008--2010

In 2008, the National Library of Medicine NLM established the Disaster Information Management Research Center DIMRC. Prior to 2008, NLM had a long history of involvement in providing health information for disaster management. Aware of this legacy and moved by the catastrophic aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, the NLM long range plan Charting a Course for the 21st Century: NLM's Long Range Plan 2006--2016 called for creation of a center to show “a strong commitment to disaster remediation and to provide a platform for demonstrating how libraries and librarians can be part of the solution to this national problem”. NLM was urged to “ensure continuous access to health information and effective use of libraries and librarians when disasters occur”. In response to this charge, NLM has undertaken substantial efforts to ensure that medical libraries have plans for the continuity of their operations, librarians are trained to understand their roles in preparedness and response, online disaster health information resources are available for many audiences and in multiple formats, and research is conducted on tools to enhance the exchange of critical information during and following disasters. This paper documents the history, goals, initiatives, accomplishments and future plans of the Center.
Sex, Lies, and Statistics: Inferences From the Child Sexual Abuse Accommodation Syndrome

Victims of child sexual abuse often recant their complaints or do not report incidents, making prosecution of offenders difficult. The child with sexual abuse accommodation syndrome (CSAAS) has been used to explain this phenomenon by identifying common behavioral responses. Unlike PTSD but like rape trauma syndrome, CSAAS is not an official diagnostic term and should not be used as evidence of a defendant's guilt or to imply probative value in prosecutions. Courts have grappled with the ideal use of CSAAS in the evaluation of child witness testimony. Expert testimony should be helpful to the jurors without prejudicing them. The New Jersey Supreme Court ruled recently that statistical evidence about CSAAS implying the probability that a child is truthful runs the risk of confusing jury members and biasing them against the defendant. We review the parameters of expert testimony and its admissibility in this area, concluding that statistics about CSAAS should not be used to draw inferences about the victim's credibility or the defendant's guilt.
Assessment of memory in multiple sclerosis patients using the Memory Assessment Scale.

Previous assessment of memory function In multiple sclerosis patients has yielded mixed findings regarding the type and severity of memory deficits, which may be due to (1) differential selection of scales for memory assessment; (2) limited, inconsistent or weak reliability and validity data for the memory scales employed; (3) poor standardization techniques; (4) lack of theoretical foundation for the measure; and (5) limited control of confounding variables, e.g., education, age and the use of nonverbal memory tests. The purpose of the present study was to assess memory function in multiple sclerosis subjects using the verbal subtests of the Memory Assessment Scale, a relatively new measure designed to overcome many of the aforementioned problems. Participants included 57 patients diagnosed as relapsing-remitting, 47 diagnosed as chronic progressive (two generally recognized types of multiple sclerosis), and 132 contra) participants. A multivariate analysis controlling for age and verbal IQ was significa...
Trait Predictors of Online Impulsive Buying Tendency: A Hierarchical Approach

The Internet represents a new marketing channel that can stimulate buying impulsiveness. With Mowen's 3M model as a theoretical framework, this paper examines the trait predictors of this online buying tendency. Buying impulsiveness (surface trait) is positively affected by Internet addiction (situational trait), need for arousal (elemental trait), and need for material resources (elemental trait). It is negatively affected by task orientation (compound trait). Emotional instability (elemental trait) has a positive effect on Internet addiction. Conscientiousness (elemental trait) has a positive effect on task orientation. Theoretical and practical implications are provided.
Cold cathodes for applications in poor vacuum and low pressure air environments : Carbon nanotubes versus ZnO nanoneedles

Abstract Effects of gas pressure on the electron field emission (FE) properties of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoneedles and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were investigated. The FE properties for ZnO nanoneedles almost fully recovered after being subjected to FE tests in poor vacuum and low pressure gas environments and then characterized again in better vacuum around 2 × 10 − 6 Torr. In the contrast, the FE properties for CNTs did not recover after being subjected to FE tests in poor vacuum and low pressure gas environments. Reversibility and sensitivity of the FE of ZnO and CNTs to air pressures were studied for potential applications to field emission display (FED) and vacuum microelectronic devices. The pressure-dependant, time-dependant, and pressure–time-dependant field emission behaviors of ZnO nanoneedles and CNTs will be compared and discussed.
Evidence for dermal absorption as the major route of body entry during exposure of transformer maintenance and repairmen to PCBs

Traditional industrial hygiene assessment of exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) has long focused on air concentrations as a surrogate measure of worker dose. Evidence is presented to support the hypothesis that the dermal and dermal/oral routes of worker PCB exposure are major contributors to total PCB body burden in the group of transformer maintenance and repair personnel studied. Additional evidence is presented to demonstrate the critical role of work practices in determining PCB exposure. These hypotheses challenge the long-held notion of the pre-eminent importance of respiratory exposure to PCBs.
Generation of Femtosecond Pulse Trains in Plasma Using Coherent Raman Cascade

Compressing laser beams in plasmas via coherent Raman sideband generation is proposed. Electron density perturbations driven by laser beatwave broaden the spectrum. Chirped laser beatnotes are compressed in plasma with high group velocity dispersion.
Genetic defects causing functional and structural isolated growth hormone deficiency

Normal somatic growth requires the integrated function of many of the hormonal, metabolic, and other growth factors involved in the hypothalamo-pituitary-somatotrope axis. Human growth hormone (hGH) causes a variety of physiological and metabolic effects in humans and its pivotal role in postnatal growth is undisputed. Disturbances that occur during this process often cause subnormal GH secretion and/or subnormal GH sensitivity/responsiveness resulting in short stature. Despite the complexity of this linear growth process, the growth pattern of children, if evaluated in the context of normal standards, is rather predictable. Children presenting with short stature (i.e out of normal standards) are treated with daily injections of recombinant human GH (rhGH), which leads in almost all cases to an increase of height velocity. Although it is becoming more and more evident that many genes are involved in controlling the regulation of growth, the main aim of this review is to focus on the GH-1 gene, the various gene alterations and their important physiological and pathophysiological role in growth.
Immunocytochemical Localization of 11 Beta‐Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase in Hippocampus and Other Brain Regions of the Rat

The dehydrogenase form of 11 β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (11-DH) which catalyzes the oxidation of the biologically active steroid, corticosterone, to its inactive metabolite, 11-dehydrocorticosterone, is found in rat brain. The distribution and localization of 11-DH-like labeling in the rat brain was examined by immunocytochemistry. 11-DH-like immunostaining was found in all subfields of the hippocampus and in many other parts of the brain, including the preoptic area (POA), central nucleus of the amygdala, bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (NIST) and the cerebral cortex. Percentages of 11-DH-positive cells ranged from 10% in the POA and NIST to 50% to 60% in the hippocampus. When combined with neuronal or glial markers, 11-DH-like immunostaining was found to be predominantly localized within neurons, ranging from 10% or less glial labeling in hippocampus, amgydala and cortex to 22% glial labeling in the POA and NIST. Immunostaining was present in both the cytoplasmic and nuclear components of some cells in addition to their projections. In the kidney, 11-DH has been postulated to be a key component in a mechanism by which aldosterone gains access to renal Type I receptors despite the presence of much higher concentrations of glucocorticoids. The present data is consistent with a similar mechanism occurring in at least some parts of the brain, although the hippocampus appears to be an important exception because it does not appear to be differentially responsive to aldosterone in spite of its high 11-DH activity and immunoreactivity. However, the hippocampus is not implicated in neural control of salt appetite and fluid balance, whereas some of the other brain regions like the POA, NIST and amygdala are believed to be involved. Other aspects of 11-DH localization must therefore be examined in future studies, including the co-presence of mineraiocorticoid receptors and 11-DH in the same or adjacent cells and the possible significance of the relatively high glial localization of 11-DH immunoreactivity in the POA and NIST.
Tooth wear and the role of salivary measures in general practice patients

The goal of this study was to investigate the association between tooth wear and salivary measures in a random sample of patients from practices of dentist members of a practice-based research network. Patients completed a questionnaire on oral self-care, health, dietary habits, medications, and socio-demographic variables. Six salivary characteristics (consistency, resting salivary flow, resting salivary pH, stimulated salivary flow, stimulated salivary pH, and buffering capacity) were measured, and a dental examination included categorizing patients according to the dentist’s judgment of the degree of tooth wear (i.e., none/minimal, some, or severe/extreme). Bivariate and multinomial logistic regression models were used to relate salivary characteristics and other factors to the outcome of tooth wear. Data are reported from 1,323 patients (age range 16–97 years) from 61 practices. Patient age, gender, number of teeth, and perception of dry mouth were associated with tooth wear, but salivary and dietary factors were either weakly or not related. The findings of this cross-sectional assessment suggest that using these salivary tests and dietary assessments in real-life clinical settings is unlikely to be useful in assessing tooth wear risk. Suggestions are offered about risk assessment for tooth wear. Assessing a dental patient’s risk of tooth wear using salivary measures and dietary assessments as described is not recommended for general dental practice until stronger evidence exists indicating its utility.
Treatment of recurrent pleomorphic adenomas of the parotid gland

Recurrent pleomorphic adenomas (RPAs) of the parotid gland are an uncommon but challenging problem. The records of 31 patients with RPAs were reviewed to assess the clinical presentation and treatment results. More than half of these patients underwent total parotidectomy. Local control was achieved in 94% of patients at 7 years (median follow-up 7.3 years). Patients who had surgery for recurrence after a formal parotidectomy were more likely to have another recurrence (63% local control at 7 years) than patients whose initial procedure was a limited excision (100% local control at 7 years; P < 0.01). Better local control was seen in 11 patients who received postoperative irradiation (100% at 10 years) than in 20 patients who did not (71% at 10 years; P < 0.28). Adequate surgical resection yields an acceptable local control rate in patients with RPAs. Postoperative radiation therapy may improve control in patients at high risk for another recurrence.
System maintenance and legitimation: An historical illustration of the impact of national task forces and committees on correction

Abstract Historically, national bodies have addressed the problem of change and reform within the correctional system. The thesis of this article is that special task force commissions, such as the National Advisory Commission on Corrections which generated extensive standards and goals for corrections in 1973, inhibit rather than promote changed within the system they are changed with reforming. This negative impact takes place for several reasons: First, the establishment of such commissions will tend to reduce pressures for change. Second, the members of such commissions, by virtue of their socialization and training, are more adept at processing the language of the system than dealing with its substance. Third, commissions, by making recommendations for change, revise the language through which the system is conceptualized, which in effect legitimizes the system in its existing form. Commissions iterate and legitimize the status quo rather than promote system-wide change. The changes which do occur are only those which are necessary to insure that the system will remain stable. In an attempt to illustrate the arguments, excerpts from Corrections, published by the National Advisory Commission on Criminal Justice Standards and Goals (1973) are compared with Transactions, published by the National Congress on Penitentiary and Reformatory Discipline (1870).
Abstract 2316: Epithelial to mesenchymal transition: Interplay between E-Cadherin and HGF/SF-Met signaling

Proceedings: AACR 101st Annual Meeting 2010‐‐ Apr 17‐21, 2010; Washington, DC During malignant progression, primary tumor cells switch from proliferative to invasive phenotypes and switch again at low frequency to form proliferating metastases. The acquisition of the invasive phenotype through epithelial-mesenchymal-transition (E-M-T) is a critical step in tumor progression, as is the mesenchymal-epithelial-transition (M-E-T) reverting to a proliferative colony or metastases. To study the mechanism(s) underlying phenotypic switching, we isolated HGF/SF-inducible invasive mesenchymal (M) and non-invasive epithelial (E) subclones from prostate and ovarian carcinoma cell lines based on three dimensional branching morphogenesis assays. We show that invasive M subclones can be generated from originally homogeneous non-invasive E subclones and phenotype switching occurs with loss of E-Cadherin and concomitant gain of Met signaling. By contrast, tumor xenograph formed by invasive M subclones partially revert to epithelial phenotype with gain of E-Cadherin and loss of HGF/SF-Met signaling, suggesting an interplay between E-Cadherin and HGF/SF-Met signaling in regulating reversible phenotypic switching. We have further studied the mechanisms regulating phenotypic switching. Our results explicate how intrinsic alteration in tumor cell properties (E-M-T) and extrinsic signals from microenvironment (HGF/SF) interact in regulating tumor phenotypic switching. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 2316.
Tay-Sachs disease: genetic drift among the Ashkenazim Jews.

Abstract Tay‐Sachs disease is a recessively inherited, invariably lethal, degenerative neurological disorder caused by a lack of hexoaminidase‐A. It is a hundred times more prevalent among the American‐born descendants of the East European Ashkenazim Jews than among any other people in the world. The present retrospective study demonstrates that the currently observed increased gene frequency among these formerly endogamous, highly fecund people is most probably a result of genetic drift. Unique and drastic population contractive and expansion phases are documented to deduce the formation of numerous founder populations which were scattered throughout Eastern Europe by the nineteenth century. The subsequent mass familial migrations to the United States, coupled with the cultural practices of the immigrant generation, greatly enhanced the chances for heterozygote carriers to marry each other. Even if some form of selection were operative in the past, the concatenation of unique cultural events provides con...
Extraction of lacinilene C 7-methyl ether in cotton dust and related materials

Lacinilene C 7-methyl ether (LCME) was extracted from cotton dusts and related materials and quantitated by normal phase high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Content was affected by type of sample analyzed and by laboratory milling of particular samples prior to extraction. Exhaustive diethyl ether and hexane Soxhlet extraction methods are more efficient and effective than is the water extraction-ether partiti'on commonly used to remove LCME. Levels of LCME in leaf removed by ether Soxhlet extraction and acetonitrile extraction-hexane partition techniques are similar; however, the ether method is less variable.