cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Abstract 1327: Autophagy facilitates tumor promotion in PyMT tumors through up-regulation of Pparg

Autophagy genes have been reported to have either tumor promoting or inhibition functions in various cancers, but it is convoluting because of autophagy-independent functions of the respective autophagy genes. We previously reported that suppression of Fip200, an essential autophagy gene, inhibited tumor growth of PyMT driven mammary tumors. To dissect the specific autophagy-dependent function of FIP200 in these tumors, we recently established Fip200 Knock-in PyMT tumor mice with MMTV-Cre (cKI), allowing for conditional inhibition of autophagy in PyMT driven tumors without perturbing the non-autophagy functions of FIP200 . Compared to wild type (WT) tumors, tumor initiation, growth and metastasis were significantly suppressed in both cKI tumors and conditional Fip200 deleted tumors (cKO). Microarray analysis (GSEA) showed that adipogenesis related genes were significantly enriched in WT tumors compared to cKO tumors. The mRNA expression and protein expression of Pparg, one of the master regulators of adipogenesis, were significantly increased with autophagy induction under starvation condition (especially Glucose starvation) in PyMT isogenic cells compared to Fip200 KO and KI cells. Many Pparg target genes were down-regulated in autophagy deficient tumors. Among these, CD36, a free fatty acid (FFA) transporter, was also decreased compared to WT tumors. This suggests that FFA may have important roles as an energy source for PyMT tumor cells to survive under starvation conditions. In conclusion, our results indicate that tumor promotion of PyMT driven tumors was dependent on canonical autophagy. Our future studies will address the detailed mechanism of autophagy dependent tumor growth through metabolic regulation by Pparg. Citation Format: Takako Okamoto, Song Chen, Syn Yeo, Jun-Lin Guan. Autophagy facilitates tumor promotion in PyMT tumors through up-regulation of Pparg [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2018; 2018 Apr 14-18; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 1327.
Petrous Apex Meningioma with Extension into Meckel's Cave: Resection using a Retrosigmoid Intradural Suprameatal Approach.

The retrosigmoid intradural suprameatal approach was first introduced in 1983 by Samii et al, as a modification of the classic retrosigmoid approach intended to open Meckel's cave, exposing the trigeminal nerve and access the middle fossa. 1 The area of bone resected in this approach is similar to that removed in a Kawase's approach. 2 Whereas the direction of drilling in a Kawase's approach is from anterior and superior, it is from posterior and inferior in the retrosigmoid intradural suprameatal approach. Seoane and Rhoton quantified the exposure of Meckel's cave, finding that this approach allowed access, on average, to the posterior 10.3 mm of Meckel's cave. 3 This was confirmed by Chanda and Nanda who found that suprameatal drilling resulted in a mean gain of exposure of the trigeminal nerve of 10.7 mm. 4 In this video, we present the case of a patient when an enlarging petrous apex meningioma with extension into Meckel's cave ( Fig. 1 ). The patient underwent a retrosigmoid intradural suprameatal approach to achieve a Simpson's grade II resection. This approach was ideally suited for this case to obtain access to tumor located at the petrous apex and within Meckel's cave ( Fig. 2 ). Without access to Meckel's cave provided in this approach a significant portion of tumor would have remained in situ. The link to the video can be found at: https://youtu.be/eNldkF4a_OI .
Biologically generated carbon dioxide: nature's versatile chemical strategies for carboxy lyases

Covering: up to 2019Metabolic production of CO2 is natural product chemistry on a mammoth scale. Just counting humans, among all other respiring organisms, the seven billion people on the planet exhale about 3 billion tons of CO2 per year. Essentially all of the biogenic CO2 arises by action of discrete families of decarboxylases. The mechanistic routes to CO2 release from carboxylic acid metabolites vary with the electronic demands and structures of specific substrates and illustrate the breadth of chemistry employed for C-COO (C-C bond) disconnections. Most commonly decarboxylated are α-keto acid and β-keto acid substrates, the former requiring thiamin-PP as cofactor, the latter typically cofactor-free. The extensive decarboxylation of amino acids, e.g. to neurotransmitter amines, is synonymous with the coenzyme form of vitamin B6, pyridoxal-phosphate, although covalent N-terminal pyruvamide residues serve in some amino acid decarboxylases. All told, five B vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B6, B7), ATP, S-adenosylmethionine, manganese and zinc ions are pressed into service for specific decarboxylase catalyses. There are additional cofactor-independent decarboxylases that operate by distinct chemical routes. Finally, while most decarboxylases use heterolytic ionic mechanisms, a small number of decarboxylases carry out radical pathways.
Disruption of the Osteoblast Niche by G-CSF Induces Hematopoietic Stem Cell Quiescence and Loss of Long-Term Repopulating Activity.

There is evidence that hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) are physically localized to specialized areas in the bone marrow termed the vascular and osteoblast niches. It is not clear if there are differences in the capacity of these niches to support HSC function. We and others previously showed that G-CSF treatment suppresses both osteoblast number and function, effectively eliminating the osteoblast niche. In contrast, G-CSF treatment has no apparent effect on the microvasculature in the bone marrow, suggesting that the vascular niche is intact. In this study, we utilized this system to assess the capacity of each niche to support HSC function. We previously reported that the competitive repopulation capacity of bone marrow isolated from G-CSF treated mice is markedly reduced. This is not due to a simple loss of HSC in the bone marrow, as the number of HSC, phenotypically defined as lineage-CD41-CD48-CD150+ (SLAM) or lineage-Kit+Sca+CD34- cells, was comparable to control mice. Moreover, the long-term repopulating activity of sorted SLAM cells from G-CSF treated mice was reduced. This repopulating defect is not secondary to impaired homing to the bone marrow, as direct intrafemoral injection of G-CSF treated bone marrow cells failed to rescue the engraftment defect. Since G-CSF is able to stimulate HSC proliferation, we predicted that the defect in repopulating activity might be secondary to loss of HSC quiescence. Contrary to our prediction, the percentage of quiescent HSC in the bone marrow was actually increased in G-CSF treated mice. Whereas 28.0 ± 3.4% of control SLAM cells were labeled after treatment with BrdU for 48 hours, only 7.5 ± 0.8% of SLAM cells isolated from G-CSF mice were labeled (p
Solution aggregation of platinum(II) triimine methyl complexes

The NMR chemical shifts of [Pt(tpy)(CH3)](PF6) (1) and [Pt(mbzimpy)(CH3)](PF6) (2), where tpy = 2,2';6'2''-terpyridine and mbzimpy = 2,6-bis(N-methylbenzimidazol-2-yl)pyridine, in room-temperature DMSO-d6 displayed concentration dependence as a result of formation of dimers. Quantification of these dimers, expressed by equilibrium constant (K), shows a greater tendency of 2 to aggregate in solution. Structural conformations of these dimers were confirmed by 2D 1H-1H NOESY; the results explicitly suggest a head-to-tail stacking arrangement of molecules in dimers.
Enzalutamide, an Androgen Receptor Antagonist, Enhances Myeloid Cell–Mediated Immune Suppression and Tumor Progression

Androgen receptor (AR) antagonism increases overall survival in prostate cancer; however, treatment failure leads to tumor progression and patient mortality. The effect of AR modulation on AR+ nontumor cells that participate in the resistance to AR antagonism is poorly understood. Tumor-infiltrating myeloid cells, including macrophages and myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC), express AR and promote prostate cancer progression. We investigated how AR antagonism affects myeloid cell function and metabolism in an AR-independent murine colon tumor model. Systemic blockade of AR with enzalutamide resulted in increased MC-38 tumor growth in vivo even when AR was knocked out of MC-38 tumor cells. MC-38 tumor growth was also increased when immunocompetent, but not immunodeficient, mice were coinjected with tumor cells and MDSCs treated with enzalutamide or lacking AR, suggesting that AR regulated the ability of MDSCs to suppress adaptive immunity. Myeloid AR-knockout male mice also displayed increased growth of TRAMP C2 prostate tumors when compared with wild type. Inhibition of AR signaling suppressed mitochondrial respiration in myeloid cells via MPC/AMPK signaling pathways; suppression of mitochondrial respiration increased MDSC tumor-promoting functions. Our work showed that AR regulates a tumor-promoting myeloid cell phenotype and influences myeloid cell metabolism. These findings suggest that tumor resistance to AR antagonism is due, in part, to changes in myeloid cell function and metabolism.
Immune Response to an Acute Moderate Dose of Alcohol in Healthy Young Adults.

Prior research on alcohol and the immune system has tended to focus on binge doses or chronic heavy drinking. The aim of this single-session preliminary study was to characterize immune response to moderate alcohol (0.60 g alcohol per kilogram body weight) in healthy, nonchronic drinkers. The sample (N = 11) averaged 26.6 years of age and was balanced in gender. Plasma samples were collected at baseline and 1, 2 and 3 hours postconsumption. Markers of microbial translocation [lipopolysaccharide (LPS)] and innate immune response [LPS-binding protein (LBP), soluble cluster of differentiation 14 (sCD14), and selected cytokines] were measured using immunoassays. Participants completed self-report questionnaires on subjective alcohol response and craving. Linear mixed models were used to assess changes in biomarkers and self-report measures. Breath alcohol concentration peaked at 0.069 ± 0.008% 1 hour postconsumption. LPS showed a significant linear decrease. LBP and sCD14 showed significant, nonlinear (U-shaped) trajectories wherein levels decreased at 1 hour then rebounded by 3 hours. Of nine cytokines tested, only MCP-1 and IL-8 were detectable in ≥50% of samples. IL-8 did not change significantly. MCP-1 showed a significant linear decrease and also accounted for significant variance in alcohol craving, with higher levels associated with stronger craving. Results offer novel evidence on acute immune response to moderate alcohol. Changes in LBP and sCD14, relative to LPS, may reflect their role in LPS clearance. Results also support further investigation into the role of MCP-1 in alcohol craving. Limitations include small sample size and lack of a placebo condition.
THE COSMOLOGICAL BULK FLOW: CONSISTENCY WITH ΛCDM AND z ≈ 0 CONSTRAINTS ON σ8 AND γ

We derive estimates for the cosmological bulk flow from the SFI++ Tully-Fisher (TF) catalog. For a sphere of radius 40 h –1 Mpc centered on the Milky Way, we derive a bulk flow of 333 ± 38 km s–1 toward Galactic (l, b) = (276°, 14°) within a 3° 1σ error. Within a radius of 100h –1 Mpc we get 257 ± 44 km s–1 toward (l, b) = (279°, 10°) within a 6° error. These directions are at 40° to the Supergalactic plane, close to the apex of the motion of the Local Group of galaxies after the Virgocentric infall correction. Our findings are consistent with the ΛCDM model with the latest Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe (WMAP) best-fit cosmological parameters, but the bulk flow allows independent constraints. For the WMAP-inferred Hubble parameter h = 0.71 and baryonic mean density parameter Ω b = 0.0449, the constraint from the bulk flow on the matter density, Ω m , the normalization of the density fluctuations, σ8, and the growth index, γ, can be expressed as σ8Ωγ – 0.55 m (Ω m /0.266)0.28 = 0.86 ± 0.11 (for Ω m ≈ 0.266). Fixing σ8 = 0.8 and Ω m = 0.266 as favored by WMAP, we get γ = 0.495 ± 0.096. The constraint derived here rules out popular Dvali-Gabadadze-Porrati models at more than the 99% confidence level. Our results are based on the All Space Constrained Estimate (ACSE) model which reconstructs the bulk flow from an all space three-dimensional peculiar velocity field constrained to match the TF measurements. At large distances, ASCE generates a robust bulk flow from the SFI++ survey that is insensitive to the assumed prior. For comparison, a standard straightforward maximum likelihood estimate leads to very similar results.
Tracheostomy for COVID-19 acute distress respiratory syndrome (ARDS): Are the outcomes different from non-COVID 19 ARDS?

Background: Acute Distress Respiratory Syndrome (ARDS) develops in 42% of patients presenting with COVID19 pneumonia, and 61-81% of those requiring intensive care. Tracheostomy placement is still a subject of controversy due to the poor prognosis of intubated patients and the risk of transmission to health care providers through this highly aerosolizing procedure. In this study we aim to determine the outcomes of tracheostomized patients with ARDS due to COVID-19 and ARDS to non-COVID-19. Methods: We performed a single center retrospective review of patients diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 and who underwent tracheostomy due to ARDS between January 2020 and November 2020. Patients were identified from our institutional database. Demographics, baseline comorbidities, mortality, intensive care unit (ICU) stay, duration of ventilator requirement, tracheostomy procedure details, complications, and length of stay. Results: The average time from endotracheal intubation to tracheostomy was 25.56 ± 7.58 days and 25.56 ± 6.35 days for SARS-CoV-2 positive and SARS-CoV-2 negative, respectively. In the SARS-CoV-2 positive group, eleven patients (32.4%) were liberated from the ventilator, six (17.6%) were decannulated, and nine (26.5%) remained on MV. In contrast, in the SARS-CoV-2 negative group five patients (27.8%) were liberated from the ventilator, eight (44.4%) were decannulated, and three (16.7%) remained on MV. The median time from tracheostomy to ventilator liberation was 19 days (range 10-41 days) and 32 days (range 24-49 days) for SARS-CoV-2 positive and SARS-CoV-2 negative, respectively. Of patients who were successfully decannulated, the average time to decannulation was 34.17 ± 16.88 days and 42.00 ± 13.01 days for SARS-CoV-2 positive and SARS-CoV-2 negative, respectively. There was no significant difference in mortality between both groups. Conclusions: In patients with ARDS, there are no statistical differences between SARS-CoV-2 positive and SARS-CoV-2 negative patients in terms of mortality, ventilator liberation, and decannulation time.
Preservice teachers in distance learning: Mitigating the impact on social and emotional learning

This qualitative study explored the impact of the unexpected shift to online instruction due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Preservice teacher candidates’ perceptions of how this transition affected their social and emotional well-being were studied. This study also gathered candidates’ recommendations for supporting their social and emotional learning in a distance learning environment. Data were collected via an online survey. The data showed that candidates felt the impact in all five social and emotional learning components. Candidates’ responses also provided suggestions for future distance learning courses. These findings equip online instructors with the knowledge and practices to support their students’ social and emotional learning, particularly during times of increased stress and uncertainty. Copyright © 2021, IGI Global.
Ultra-Apa Ultra Vires Review: Implied Equitable Actions for Statutory Violations by Federal Officials

When President Trump declared a national emergency in order to divert funds to build a wall on the southern border, several litigants challenged his action as ultra vires, or beyond his constitutional and statutory authority, asserting an implied equitable right of action. The Supreme Court has left unclear, however, whether or not an implied action in equity exists for statutory violations by federal officials. Some judges and scholars maintain that the Administrative Procedure Act is exclusive, foreclosing additional implied rights of action. This Note explores the tension between the Court’s modern implied right of action jurisprudence and the long tradition of recognizing “nonstatutory” review in officer suits. It argues that despite the Court’s retreat from implied rights, non-APA equitable review is not precluded by the APA. Rather, statutory restrictions applied to APA rights of action should only transfer to these implied equitable claims where they reflect requirements that previously existed at common law. Such an understanding, this Note proposes, vindicates the APA’s common law origins and upholds important rule-of-law values.
Screening for Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma: Are We Asking the Impossible?—Letter

Caldwell and colleagues ([1][1]) highlight several challenges associated with employing a pancreatic cancer screening test. Several questionable assumptions in their study, especially regarding individuals at high risk of pancreatic cancer, limit their conclusions. First, patients with a positive
PAC-MDL Bounds

We point out that a number of standard sample complexity bounds (VC-dimension, PAC-Bayes, and others) are all related to the number of bits required to communicate the labels given the unlabeled data for a natural communication game. Motivated by this observation, we give a general sample complexity bound based on this game that allows us to unify these different bounds in one common framework.
Stabilizing interactions in hemoglobin.

Abstract A detailed re-examination of the relationship between the value of the Hill constant, n, and the partial pressure necessary for oxygenation of half the hemoglobin, p50, indicates that there is a slight dependence of n on p50 for normal human hemoglobin. The value of n varies between 2.3 and 3.1 over a 50-fold variation in the value of p50 (from 0.5 to 25 mm Hg). Above values of 40 mm Hg for p50, the value of n decreases below 2. However, there is no obvious relationship between oxygen affinity and cooperativity. In fact, the Bohr effect and cooperativity are largely independent phenomena which means that the stabilizing interactions in hemoglobin are not related in any simple fashion to oxygen affinity.
Making the Deal Stick: Enforcing the Original Constitutional Structure of Lawmaking in the Modern Regulatory State

Today, most national public policy is made by administrative agency regulations and not by direct statutory enactment. The lawmaking role of agencies has complicated American constitutional law generally, presenting issues not anticipated by the framers of the Constitution. Two decisions of the Supreme Court in the 1980s significantly changed prior constitutional assumptions about the role of Congress and the judiciary in monitoring the lawmaking functions of agencies. In Immigration & Naturalization Service v. Chadha [462 U.S. 919 (1983)] and subsequent summary decisions, the Court effectively invalidated all statutory provisions that allow either house of Congress, or both acting in concert, to veto agency action without presentment to the president. The Court conceded that the "legislative veto" might serve useful purposes but argued that the original intent of the framers of the Constitution left it no other choice than to strike it down. In Chevron, U.S.A., Inc. v. Natural Resources Defense Council, Inc. [467 U.S. 837 (1984)], the Court held that agency interpretations of statutes they are charged with enforcing are binding on courts, unless inconsistent with the plain meaning of the statutory text. The Court invoked the original intent of the framers to argue that judges should defer to agency interpretations (unless clearly inconsistent with the statutory text enacted by Congress), because the popular accountability of the executive branch makes it a more appropriate forum for making policy choices than the courtroom.
Anger and its control in Graeco-Roman and modern psychology.

Modern psychologists have studied the phenomena of anger and hostility with diverse methodologies and from a variety of theoretical orientations. The close relationships between anger and aggression, psychosomatic disorder and personal unhappiness, make the understanding and control of anger an important individual and social goal. For all of its sophistication and accomplishment, however, most of the modern research demonstrates, to its disadvantage, a lack of historical perspective with respect to the analysis and treatment of anger, whether normal or pathological. This attitude has deprived psychology of a rich source of empirical observations, intriguing, testable hypotheses, and ingenious techniques of treatment. Of the literature that has been neglected, the analyses of the emotion of anger in the writings of Greek and Roman moral philosophers, particularly Aristotle (4th century B.C.), Seneca (1st century A.D.) and Plutarch (early 2nd century A.D.) are of particular interest. Although modern analyses and methods of treatment are in some ways more refined and more quantitatively precise, and are often subjected to validation and modification by empirical-experimental tests, scientific psychology has, to date, contributed relatively little to the understanding and control of anger that is novel except for research on its physiological dimensions. We can still benefit from the insight, prescriptions and procedures of the classicists, who in some respects offer more powerful methods of control than the most recently published works. Naturally, the modern psychotherapist or behavior therapist can and must go beyond the ancients, as is inherent in all scientific and intellectual progress, but there are no scientific or rational grounds for ignoring them as has been done for 75 years.
On the Equivalence of Modes of Convergence for Log-Concave Measures

An important theme in recent work in asymptotic geometric analysis is that many classical implications between different types of geometric or functional inequalities can be reversed in the presence of convexity assumptions. In this note, we explore the extent to which different notions of distance between probability measures are comparable for log-concave distributions. Our results imply that weak convergence of isotropic log-concave distributions is equivalent to convergence in total variation, and is further equivalent to convergence in relative entropy when the limit measure is Gaussian.
After piracy? Mapping the means and ends of maritime predation in the Western Indian Ocean

From 2008 to 2012, a dramatic upsurge in maritime piracy in the Western Indian Ocean captivated global attention and led to the development of robust counter-piracy measures, including the deployment of navies, legal prosecutions, and the use of armed guards on merchant ships transiting through the region. By the end of 2012, incidents of maritime piracy, successful or otherwise, plummeted by over 80% leading many to cautiously declare an end to the Somali piracy cycle. The rise and fall of piracy is primarily seen as an indicator highlighting the strength or weakness of global governance mechanisms at sea or the stability and reach of the central government on land in Somalia. While issues of governance at sea and on land are key factors in explaining the ebb and flow of this practice in the Western Indian Ocean, this article focuses on the particular structure of Somali piracy as a kidnap and ransom economy in order to account for its rise and fall. Framed within a language of work and entrepreneurship,...
Antisense Suppression of Potassium Channel Expression Demonstrates Its Role in Maturation of the Action Potential

A developmental increase in delayed rectifier potassium current ( I Kv) in embryonic Xenopus spinal neurons is critical for the maturation of excitability and action potential waveform. Identifying potassium channel genes that generate I Kv is essential to understanding the mechanisms by which they are controlled. Several Kv genes are upregulated during embryogenesis in parallel with increases in I Kv and produce delayed rectifier current when heterologously expressed, indicating that they could encode channels underlying this current. We used antisense (AS) cRNA to test the contribution of xKv3.1 to the maturation of I Kv, because xKv3.1 AS appears to suppress specifically heterologous expression of potassium current by xKv3.1 mRNA. The injection of xKv3.1 AS into embryos reduces endogenous levels of xKv3.1 mRNA in the developing spinal cord and reduces the amplitude and rate of activation of I Kv in 40% of cultured neurons, similar to the percentage of neurons in which endogenous xKv3.1 transcripts are detected. The current in these mature neurons resembles that at an earlier stage of differentiation before the appearance of xKv3.1 mRNA. Furthermore, AS expression increases the duration of the action potential in 40% of the neurons. No change in voltage-dependent calcium current is observed, suggesting that the decrease in I Kv is sufficient to account for lengthening of the action potential. Computer-simulated action potentials incorporating observed reductions in amplitude and rate of activation of I Kv exhibit an increase in duration similar to that observed experimentally. Thus xKv3.1 contributes to the maturation of I Kv in a substantial percentage of these developing spinal neurons.
Rethinking assessment from a critical perspective

This article examines language assessment from a critical perspective, defining critical in a manner similar to Pennycook (1999; 2001). I argue that alternative assessment, as distinct from testing, offers a partial response to the challenges presented by a critical perspective on language assessment. Shohamy’s (1997; 1999; 2001) critical language testing (CLT) is discussed as an adequate response to the critical challenge. Ultimately, I argue that important ethical questions, along with other issues of validity, will be articulated differently from a critical perspective than they are in the more traditional approach to language assessment.
Pair tunneling as a probe of order-parameter fluctuations in superconductors: zero magnetic field effects

Thermal fluctuations of the order parameter in a superconductor above its transition temperature result in manifestations of the ordered state which appears below the transition. In a Josephson junction consisting of two metals with different transition temperatures there is associated with the incipient superconductivity an enhanced conductivity across the junction at temperatures between the transition temperatures of the two metals. The enhanced conductivity is observed as a current which flows in excess of the junction quasiparticle current. The excess current has been investigated using Sn-Sn x O y -Pb and Al-Al x O y -Pb junctions masked to eliminate effects of graded film edges. Details of the variation of the excess current with voltage and temperature are in quantitative agreement with calculations in the Al-Al x O y -Pb junctions. The excess current-voltage characteristic is a direct measure of the imaginary part of the generalized susceptibility above T c . The pair relaxation frequency in aluminum based on the data is consistent with the theoretical value.
The pharmacology of zidovudine

Abstract Zidovudine (3′ azido-3′-deoxythymidine, ZDV, AZT, Retrovir), first synthesized for use as a chemotherapeutic agent, currently is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for therapy of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Other FDA-approved antiretroviral agents include dideoxyinoside, dideoxycytidine, and stavudine. Zidovudine, a thymidine analogue, inhibits replication of human immunodeficiency virus. Although initially very effective in slowing the progression of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, the benefits of zidovudine are transient, and the patient eventually succumbs to the opportunistic infections characteristic of AIDS. Investigations in patients with advanced HIV have demonstrated that treatment with zidovudine results in prolonged survival, decreased frequency of opportunistic infections, improvement in encephalopathy (in both adults and children), and reduction of adult T-cell leukemia (in combination with interferon-α). Importantly, zidovudine crosses the placenta in a concentration-dependent manner, and a significant reduction in vertical transmission of HIV to the fetus has been demonstrated clearly. Adverse reactions are well described and are related to dose and stage of disease. Most notably, anemia and neutropenia complicate therapy. Anemia most commonly presents within the first 3 months of drug therapy, whereas neutropenia may occur early or late. More-over, anemia may also occur in the newborn when zidovudine is used to prevent vertical transmission. Fortunately, most complications are manageable by recognition and close monitoring by the physician.
Creep Deformation and Failure: Effects of Randomness and Scatter

A notable feature of replicated creep and creep-rupture data is the considerable amount of statistical scatter present. The existence of this scatter leads to substantial uncertainties in the predictions of creep deformation and failure. In this paper, we review the experimental evidence in this regard. We then survey recent efforts to construct models of creep deformation and rupture that include one or more aspects of this randomness.
Endoscopic treatment of allergic fungal sinusitis

Fungal sinusitis has been seen increasingly in immunocompetent individuals. The literature has stressed the importance of diagnosing these cases. Surgical debridement is the treatment of choice. Six immunocompetent individuals with allergic fungal sinusitis were seen at West Virginia University between January 1992 and December 1993. After adequate evaluation, endoscopic surgical debridement was performed. After surgery they were treated with systemic or topical steroids and oral antibiotics for several weeks. Two patients required a second procedure within a year. Four of our six patients had positive fungal cultures for Aspergillus or Curvularia. None of our patients had evidence of invasive disease on histopathology, and systemic antifungal therapy was not required. Patient course and response will be discussed in detail along with a brief review of allergic fungal sinusitis.
The Hox genes and their roles in oncogenesis

Hox genes, a highly conserved subgroup of the homeobox superfamily, have crucial roles in development, regulating numerous processes including apoptosis, receptor signalling, differentiation, motility and angiogenesis. Aberrations in Hox gene expression have been reported in abnormal development and malignancy, indicating that altered expression of Hox genes could be important for both oncogenesis and tumour suppression, depending on context. Therefore, Hox gene expression could be important in diagnosis and therapy.
Epiglottitis in adults and children in olmsted county, minnesota, 1976 through 1990

Objective To compare the initial clinical manifestations and sequelae of epiglottitis among children and adult residents of Olmsted County, Minnesota. Material and Methods We conducted a population-based retrospective cohort study of all Olmsted County residents with the diagnosis of epiglottitis during the 15-year period from Jan. 1,1976, through Dec. 31,1990. Results From 1976 through 1990, 41 residents (20 children and 21 adults) of Olmsted County were diagnosed with epiglottitis. (One case in an adult was first diagnosed at autopsy and was included only in the incidence rates and analysis of seasonal and secular trends.) Children had a mean annual incidence rate of 4.25 per 100,000, whereas the rate in adults was 2.18 per 100,000. The age- and sex-adjusted incidence of epiglottitis decreased during the study period from 4.94 per 100,000 during 1976 through 1980 to 2.08 per 100,000 during 1986 through 1990. No seasonal effect was detected in adults or children. At initial assessment, adults tended to have pharyngeal symptoms (sore throat and odynophagia), cervical adenopathy, and ear pain, whereas children most often had respiratory (stridor, dyspnea, and retractions) and laryngeal symptoms. Proportionately, more children than adults received artificial airway support and had associated pneumonia. One death occurred in an adult, in whom the diagnosis was made at autopsy. Conclusion The incidence of epiglottitis has decreased significantly in recent years. Children and adults have considerably different initial manifestations of epiglottitis.
Fractal phase space as a diagnostic tool for high-energy multijet processes.

The fractal phase space introduced by the Lund group for the description of QCD multijet phenomena is discussed using a different choice of coordinates. We advocate these coordinates as a useful diagnostic tool in the analysis of complex event structures. Features of QCD such as color coherence or "angular ordering," and the "string effect," are described in this language.
PROGNOSIS FOR JUVENILE DIABETICS WITH LATE DIABETIC MANIFESTATIONS1

Prognostic studies were made on a series of 101 juvenile diabetics (onset before the age of 30 years) who developed late diabetic manifestations in the form of retinopathy and/or proteinuria between 1944 and 1958 and in whom the beginning of these manifestations could be dated with reasonable accuracy. Retinopathy developed after the diabetes had been present for 11–20 years, average 16.9 years, the nephropathy as a rule some years later. The patients were followed for an average of 9.5 years after the first complication had been diagnosed. About half the patients developed persisting proteinuria during the follow-up period. Of this group 63% died, 83% developed uraemia, and 58% severe retinopathy, as a rule accompanied by permanent visual impairment. The other half did not develop persisting proteinuria in spite of a longer duration of diabetes. Only 2% of this group died, 6% developed uraemia and 25% severe retinopathy. Factors of prognostic importance appear to be: 1. Appearance of proteinuria before or within five years after the diagnosis of retinopathy; 2. Occurrence of persisting proteinuria; 3. Proteinuria exceeding 0.2%; 4. Occurrence of retinopathy and/or nephropathy before the diabetes has been present for 15 years; 5. Repeated episodes of diabetic coma; 6. Onset of diabetes between the ages of 10 and 20 years.
Low temperature electronics

Low temperature operation is being studied for electronic circuits and systems to improve speed, reduce noise and increase reliability. Reduced temperature operation results in improved performance from material related properties such as increased thermal and electrical conductivity and increased carrier mobility. These improvements are translated into increased circuit speed, higher packing density and reduced power dissipation. Since most degradation mechanisms are thermally activated it is expected that reliability will be improved at low temperatures. Operation of circuits immersed in liquid nitrogen seems attractive, but for optimum performance the devices must be designed for that particular temperature.
Layered binary-dielectrics for energy applications: Limitations and potentials

Abstract In this short paper, an attempt is made to illustrate how performance of an electrically insulating material, a dielectric, can be improved by constructing a layered binary-dielectric structure that employs a weak insulator with high dielectric permittivity. It is shown that layered binary-dielectrics could have a significant impact on energy storage and electrical insulation.
Unrecognized Basilic Vein Variation Leading to Complication during Basilic Vein Transposition Arteriovenous Fistula Creation: Case Report and Implications for Access Planning

Abstract Introduction Knowledge about variations of the venous arm anatomy is limited despite its importance for a successful arteriovenous fistula creation. Report We describe a complication of a Basilic Vein Transposition (BVT) resulting from failure to recognize aberrant anatomy. The brachial–basilic junction was located in an unusual position near the antecubital fossa leading to inadvertent distal brachial vein ligation and transposition of basilic and the proximal and unusually unpaired brachial vein. Discussion This case highlights the prevalence of anomalies of upper extremity veins and the need for thorough Duplex vein mapping before surgery for the preservation and planning of future access.
Performance of Phase Change Materials in a Horizontal Annulus of a Double-Pipe Heat Exchanger in a Water-Circulating Loop

Phase change materials (PCMs) are used in applications where temperature regulation is important because they absorb and release a large amount of energy at a fixed temperature. In the experimental part of this investigation, PCM was placed in the annular region of a double-pipe heat exchanger with water circulated in the inside pipe. Experiments were performed in which the PCM would absorb (charge) and then release (discharge) energy at various temperatures and water flows. Two materials, Climsel 28 (C28) by Climator and microencapsulated Thermasorb 83 (TY83) by Outlast Technologies, were each tested in smooth and spined annuli to observe which configuration facilitated heat transfer. The latent heats and thermal conductivities of C28 and TY83 are 126 kJ/kg and 186 kJ/kg and 0.6 W/m/°C and 0.15 W/m/°C, respectively. The experimental data were analyzed to verify which PCM transferred more heat. The effect of different water flow rates on the heat transfer rate was also examined. In the theoretical part of this investigation, heat transfer theory was applied to C28 in the smooth-piped heat exchanger in order to better understand the phase change process. The presence of spined fins in the phase change material accelerated charging and discharging due to increased fin contact with the outer layers of the PCM. The spined heat exchanger charged and discharged in 180 min and 120 min, respectively, whereas the temperature in the smooth heat exchanger remained below the fully charged/fully discharged asymptote by about 3 ° C and thus failed to fully charge or fully discharge. Also, higher water flows increased heat transfer between the PCM and water. TY83 in the spined heat exchanger transferred more heat and did it faster than C28 in the spined heat exchanger. The heat transfer rate from the water to TY83 while charging was 25% greater during the transient period than in C28. While discharging, the heat transfer from TY83 to the water was about 20% greater than in C28. There was generally good agreement (±1.5°C) between theory and experimental data of C28 in the smooth-piped heat exchanger in terms of the trends of the temperature responses. The differences are expected to be a result of approximations in boundary conditions and uncertainties in how the temperature variation of the specific heat is formulated.
Forecasting the term structure of interest rates and portfolio planning models

Abstract This paper analyzes the impact of interest rate forecast quality—both forecast yields and the covariants matrix of yield forecasts—on optimal portfolios developed by quadratic programming. Forecast equations are estimated for a term structure of government securities because of the importance to banking of such restricted portfolios. A cost/ benefit comparison between actual and optimal portfolios using both forecast and realized yields provides an estimate of the economic value of risk information.
Xenon-enhanced computed tomography quantifies normal maxillary sinus ventilation

OBJECTIVEThe purpose of this study was to determine the applicability, safety, and normal parameters of a xenon-enhanced CT technique to quantify maxillary sinus ventilation.PATIENTS AND METHODSNine healthy subjects inhaled a xenon-oxygen-air mixture through their noses while repeated CT scans were performed through the same section of their sinuses. Images were obtained every 1 to 3 minutes and analyzed to measure the density of the gas in the maxillary sinus as a function of time.RESULTSIndividual nasal cavity time constants ranged from 0.5 to 18 minutes. Studies performed after decongestion showed poorer sinus ventilation.CONCLUSIONSThe xenon-CT washin/washout technique is safe, effective, and gives representative data.
Endometrial Stromal Sarcoma of the Vulva Arising in Extraovarian Endometriosis: A Case Report and Literature Review

Abstract Background. Extraovarian malignant transformation of endometriosis is a rare event; 52 cases have been reported. We describe the first published account in the world literature of an endometrial stromal sarcoma (ESS) arising in the vulva from a focus of endometriosis. Case. A 34-year-old G4 P3 morbidly obese white female was seen with a 1-year history of a palpable lesion arising within the superior aspect of the left labium majus. Radical left hemivulvectomy with clitorectomy was performed. The histopathologic findings were consistent with ESS arising from endometriosis associated with the extrapelvic portion of the round ligament within the canal of Nuck. Twenty months later metatastatic ESS developed in the upper lobe of the right lung and the patient underwent wedge resection. Nine months later she developed a recurrent pulmonary nodule at the site of the previous wedge resection and underwent successful right pulmonary lobectomy. The patient was last seen in October 1995 and had no evidence of disease at that time. Conclusions. Since approximately 0.7–1.0% of patients with endometriosis have lesions that will ultimately undergo malignant transformation, consideration should be given to bilateral oophorectomy at the time of abdominal surgery in patients with significant endometriosis.
Serotype-specific replicating AAV helper constructs increase recombinant AAV type 2 vector production

One of the major limitations of the use of adeno-associated virus (AAV) as a tool for gene therapy is the difficulty in providing sufficient quantities of the virus for pre-clinical and clinical trials. Here, we report a novel approach for amplifying AAV helper functions, which mimics the normal replication of wild type (wt) AAV resulting in a high yield of AAV vectors. Cotransfection of replicating but non-packaging AAV helper constructs in the presence of adenovirus (Ad) produces a high level of Rep and Cap proteins. Yield of AAV2/GFP vector obtained from this helper DNA replication system was approximately 20-fold higher than traditional methods. Molecular analysis suggested that virus yield was associated with capsid protein production. The transfection ratio was optimized using these novel helper constructs, resulting in an additional 2-fold increase in vector yield without presence of replication competent AAV (rcAAV). This strategy supports development of AAV packaging systems that retain normal virus replication capability without helper virus encapsidation.
Damsin, the cytotoxic principle of Ambrosia ambrosioides (Cav.) Payne.

An alcoholic extract of the above ground parts of A. ambrosioides which showed significant activity against the KB cell culture was fractionated by solvent partitioning and chromatography on silicic acid. The active constituent was the pseudoguaianolide, damsin. A new sesquiterpene, damsinic acid, inactive against KB cells, was also isolated.
Psychomotor slowing, negative symptoms and dopamine receptor availability—an IBZM SPECT study in neuroleptic-treated and drug-free schizophrenic patients

Anhedonia and psychomotor slowing in schizophrenia have been attributed to a dysfunction of dopaminergic neurotransmission. To differentiate between disease and drug-induced negative symptoms, we examined eight drug-free and eight neuroleptic-treated schizophrenic patients. Positive and negative symptoms and extrapyramidal side effects were assessed using standardized rating scales (PSAS, AMDP, SANS). 'Reaction time' and 'motor speed' were measured using a computer-aided system and striatal dopamine D2/D3 receptor availability was assessed using [I-123]IBZM SPECT. Psychomotor reaction time, parkinsonism, affective flattening and avolition were increased in treated patients relative to the untreated cohort and were negatively correlated with dopamine D2/D3 receptor availability. Significant positive correlations were found between parkinsonism and affective flattening and between psychomotor slowing and avolition. Positive symptoms were not significantly associated with striatal IBZM binding. These findings support the hypothesis that neuroleptic-induced dopamine D2/D3 blockade in the striatum can mimic certain negative symptoms, such as affective flattening and avolition, and indicates that psychomotor testing may be helpful in differentiating between disease and drug-induced negative symptoms.
A method for rapid, sensitive quantitation of short-patch DNA repair in cultured rat hepatocytes.

Abstract The sensitivity of DNA-repair detection after incubation of cultured rat hepatocytes with dimethylnitrosamine (DMN) and [ Me -1′,2′- 3 H]thymidine ([ 3 H]TdR) was enhanced by the preparation of isolated nuclei. Nuclear isolation-liquid scintillation counting (NI-LSC) provided a rapid method for the determination of unscheduled DNA synthesis (UDS). DMN-induced UDS detected by autoradiography and NI-LSC correlated well and provided similar dose-response curves, indicating the utility of the NI-LSC method for the quantitation of short-patch DNA repair.
Ultrasonic and vibration methods for the characterization of pultruded composites

Abstract Characterization of unidirectional fiber reinforced glass/epoxy pultruded composites using ultrasonics (high frequency, 1-5 MHz) and the impulse-frequency response vibration (intermediate frequency, 50-100 Hz) technique, is demonstrated here. This paper compares the response of both of these non-destructive test techniques to the changes in the pultrusion process variables and to the indeed contaminants introduced during manufacturing. The ultrasonic methods use multi-mode techniques of wave velocity and attenuation measurements to measure the viscoelastic constants of the pultruded composite while the vibration technique provides the dynamic flexural modulus and loss factor (damping) measurements. Quasi-destructive assays were also performed using a low frequency (1-50 Hz) Dynamic Mechanical Analyser (DMA) to verify the state of pultruded samples with induced contaminants (simulated porosity and interfacial debonding) and the results compared with the non-destructive measurements. Mathematical models to describe the influence of porosity and debonding agents on the material properties were derived based on statistical regression analysis procedures. Results indicate that the peak damping value of the tan δ curve obtained from the DMA is a sensitive parameter to detect abnormalities in the finished product. The ultrasonic velocity and dynamic flexural modulus measurements provide useful information on the stiffness characteristics while the attention and loss factor can be related to the anomaly-sensitive damping properties of the material.
Association of magnetic resonance imaging identification of mesial temporal sclerosis with pathological diagnosis and surgical outcomes in children following epilepsy surgery

Object Mesial temporal sclerosis (MTS) is widely recognized as a significant underlying cause of temporal lobe epilepsy. Magnetic resonance imaging is routinely used in the preoperative evaluation of children with epilepsy. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prevalence, reliability, and prognostic value of MRI identification of MTS and MRI findings indicative of MTS in a series of patients who underwent resection of the medial temporal lobe for medically refractory epilepsy. Methods The authors reviewed the medical records and preoperative MRI reports of 25 patients who had undergone medial temporal resections (anterior temporal lobectomy or functional hemispherotomy) for medically intractable epilepsy. The preoperative MRI studies were presented for blinded review by 2 neuroradiologists who independently evaluated the radiographs for selected MTS features and provided a final interpretation. To quantify interrater agreement and accuracy, the findings of the 2 blinded neuroradiologists, the non...