cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Minicolumn in Comparative Context

The minicolumn has been defined as the smallest functional unit of the cortex with the widely-held view that there is a conservation of structure for this cortical processing unit. However, comparative data reveal significant differences among species in both the structure and composition of minicolumns. Here we review the available data on interspecific variation in minicolumn widths and the evidence in favor of phylogenetic variation in GABAergic interneurons, known to be a key component of the cortical microcircuit. Using data collated from the literature, we highlight the importance of variation in cortical column structure and build a framework towards further evolutionary explanations of minicolumn diversity. Although our preliminary analysis indicates that minicolumn width increases with increasing brain mass among anthropoid primates, this relationship is not constant when applied to other taxonomic orders. These findings highlight the need for further comparative analyses of minicolumn structure and their ecological, behavioral, and cognitive correlates.
On the use of energy density spectra for discriminating between landmines and clutter objects

The paper studies the use of energy density spectra (EDS) derived from ground penetrating radar (GPR) measurements on a sub-surface target to discriminate between landmines and clutter objects. The GPR used to collect the data is frequency swept and has a bandwidth of 1.4 GHz. Our investigation indicates that the EDS reveals distinct characteristics between landmine targets and many clutter objects, and hence can be exploited for their discrimination. Experimental results based on data measured at a government test site corroborate the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
Tetracycline-regulatable factors with distinct dimerization domains allow reversible growth inhibition by p16

Continuous regulation is required to maintain a given cell state or to allow it to change in response to the environment. Studies of the mechanisms underlying such regulation have often been hindered by the inability to control gene expression at will. Among the inducible systems available for regulating gene expression in eukaryotes, the tetracycline (tet) regulatable system has distinct advantages. It is highly specific, non-toxic and non-eukaryotic, and consequently does not have pleiotropic effects on host cell genes. Previously this system also had drawbacks, as it did not extinguish gene expression completely, precluding the study of toxic or growth-inhibitory gene products. We report here the development of a facile reversible tetracycline-inducible retroviral system (designated RetroTet-ART) in which activators and repressors together are expressed in cells. Gene expression can now be actively repressed in the absence of tet and induced in the presence of tet, as we have engineered distinct dimerization domains that allow co-expression of homodimeric tet-regulated transactivators and transrepressors in the same cells, without the formation of non-functional heterodimers. Using this system, we show that growth arrest by the cell cycle inhibitor p16 is reversible and dependent on its continuous expression.
Gathering and communicating information about school bullying: Overcoming “secrets and lies”

Purpose – This paper aims to discuss multiple methods for gathering information about school bullying and provides a developmental framework for communicating the information to parents and teachers.Design/methodology/approach – Formal assessments of bullying consisted of student surveys and systematic observations of the playground behaviors of more than 600 students. Bullying that was informally observed during survey administration, and interviews with students involved in bullying also provided insight into the magnitude of school problems.Findings – The extent of a school's bullying problem is difficult to asses by informal observations alone. Educators are most likely to be aware of bullying that it is performed by socially unskilled, poorly regulated students. Socially skilled students are much more adept at keeping their bullying secret. Formal observations by trained coders provide an important window into the world of children, but are too costly and labor‐intensive for most applications.Practic...
L-proline and L-pipecolate induce enkephalin-sensitive currents in human embryonic kidney 293 cells transfected with the high-affinity mammalian brain L-proline transporter.

The high-affinity mammalian brain l-proline transporter (PROT) belongs to the GAT1 gene family, which includes Na- and Cl-dependent plasma membrane carriers for neurotransmitters, osmolites, and metabolites. These transporters couple substrate flux to transmembrane electrochemical gradients, particularly the Na gradient. In the nervous system, transporters clear synapses and help to replenish transmitters in nerve terminals. The localization of PROT to specific excitatory terminals in rat forebrain suggests a role for this carrier in excitatory transmission (Renick et al., 1999). We investigated the voltage regulation and electrogenicity of this novel transporter, using human embryonic kidney (HEK) 293 cells stably transfected with rat PROT cDNA. In physiological solutions between −140 and −40 mV, l-proline (PRO) and its six-member ring congener l-pipecolate (PIP) induced inward current. The current–voltage relationship and the variance of current fluctuations were similar for PRO- and PIP-induced current, and the ratio of induced variance to the mean current ranged from 20 to 60 fA. Des-Tyr-Leu-enkephalin (GGFL), a competitive peptide inhibitor of PROT, reduced the rat PROT-associated current to control levels. GGFL alone did not elicit currents, and the GGFL-sensitive substrate-induced current was absent in nontransfected cells. Finally, GGFL inhibited PROT-mediated transport only when applied to the extracellular face of PROT. These data suggest that (1) PROT uptake is electrogenic, (2) individual transporter currents are voltage-independent, and (3) GGFL is a nonsubstrate inhibitor that interacts either with an extracellular domain of PROT or in an externally accessible pore.
Can forced-use therapy be clinically applied after stroke? an exploratory randomized controlled trial

Abstract Ploughman M, Corbett D. Can forced-use therapy be clinically applied after stroke? An exploratory randomized controlled trial. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2004;85:1417–23. Objective To determine the efficacy, safety, and compliance with forced-use therapy (FUT) applied without additional "shaping" therapy during the rehabilitation phase of stroke. Design Prospective, randomized controlled trial. Setting Tertiary mixed rehabilitation center. Participants Consecutive sample of 30 inpatients or outpatients with first stroke showing minimal movement of the arm and hand. Subjects who scored below 26 on the Mini-Mental State Examination were excluded. Seven subjects either did not provide consent or withdrew from the study. The remaining subjects were randomized into the control group (n=13) and the FUT group (n=10). Intervention FUT involved wearing a thick constraint mitten on the sound arm for as many as 6 hours a day. Main Outcome Measures The Chedoke McMaster Impairment Inventory for arm, hand, postural control, and shoulder pain; Action Research Arm Test; grip strength; and FIM instrument. Results FUT subjects experienced 20% more recovery of the arm than did control subjects and more recovery of postural control ( P =.04). Men benefited most from the program, and there was a tendency for FUT subjects to have more shoulder pain. Compliance was related to cognitive status. Conclusions FUT, without shaping therapy, appears to augment arm recovery, but a larger sample is required to confirm these findings. The FUT mitten was safe and well tolerated; however, more research is needed to determine the relation between FUT and hemiplegic shoulder pain.
Modification in amino acids of dead sea scroll parchments

Abstract Fragments of Dead Sea Scroll Parchments were extracted for collagen and subjected to amino acid analysis. In modern parchment samples, 90% or more of the protein could be extracted in hot aqueous solution as collagen. In the ancient specimens, 70% or less was extractable. The hot-solution insoluble material was analyzed for collagen. In the soluble extract, the quantity of tyrosine, histidine, and methionine was reduces. Dityrosine was dected. The need to extend such studies is discussed.
Protective action of the encephalitogen and other basic proteins in experimental allergic encephalomyelitis.

Abstract Various basic protein preparations have been investigated for their ability to protect guinea pigs from EAE. These protein preparations include identical active proteins isolated from human and bovine neural tissue. Treatment, both before and after challenge, with encephalitogen in complete Freund's adjuvant, was effective as evidence by the survival of all guinea pigs. Partial protection was provided by a basic protein preparation extracted from immature human brain and with a basic homogeneous protein isolated from bovine spinal cord. Both were tested prior to their use and found to be nonencephalitogenic. Some surviving guinea pigs, reinjected after 35 days, did not display signs of disease, indicating a prolonged state of acquired resistance. It was concluded that both human and bovine basic proteins can be used as effective inhibitory agents in EAE. This effect is equally efficient regardless of the species of origin of the antigen. More important, this study also has provided evidence that nonencephalitogenic neural proteins may also greatly reduce tha incidence of physical signs in EAE.
The use of human observers in psychopharmacological research

During 1974-1978, over 40% of the nonhuman drug studies that appeared in Psychopharmacology, Pharmacology Biochemistry and Behavior, and Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics involved human observers; far fewer studies published in Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior did so. In all of these journals, measures of interobserver agreement seldom were provided. The great majority of studies also failed to utilize one or more "blind" observers, unaware of experimental conditions. These findings are of interest in light of reports that observational data are affected by a wide range of factors and often provide an inaccurate index of behavior. The believability of observational data seemingly is enhanced by careful descriptions of recording procedures coupled with the use of two or more blind observers whose concordance in rating behavior has been determined. These procedures characteristically are followed in some behavioral sciences, such as applied behavior analysis, but not to the same degree in psychopharmacology.
Evaluation of Three Soybean Products in Diets Fed to Juvenile Hybrid Striped Bass Morone saxatilis×M. chrysops

Juvenile hybrid striped bass Morone saxatilis×M. chrysops were fed practical diets containing graded levels of either solvent-extracted soybean meal, roasted soybeans, or raw, unprocessed soybeans. Two separate 10-wk studies were conducted; within each study, there were two separate evaluations of soy products. In the first study, weight gain and feed efficiency of fish fed 45% or higher levels of soybean meal were significantly lower than fish fed the positive control diet, while weight gain and feed efficiency of fish fed 30% soybean meal were not significantly different than fish fed the control diet. Fish fed the lowest level of unprocessed soybean (20%) exhibited significantly depressed weight gain and feed efficiency compared to fish fed the control diet. In the second study, weight gain and feed efficiency of fish fed 40% roasted soybeans were significantly lower than fish fed the control diet, but weight gain and feed efficiency of fish fed 20% roasted soybeans were not significantly lower than fish fed the control diet. In both studies, whole body proximate composition values were significantly different among treatments. Whole-body lipid concentrations were significantly higher in fish fed certain levels of soy products, but only at levels above those eliciting depressions in weight gain and feed efficiency. A further evaluation of solvent-extracted soybean meal was conducted with incorporation levels of 20–40% of the dry diet in gradations of 5% with a nutritionally complete mineral premix. Weight gain and feed efficiency of fish fed any level of soybean meal in that study were not significantly different from fish fed a positive control diet. Whole body proximate components were not significantly different between treatments. Unprocessed soybeans apparently have little potential as an ingredient in diets fed to juvenile hybrid striped bass; roasting, or heat treatment, improves their use. Solvent extracted soybean has the potential of supplying the majority of crude protein in diets fed to juvenile hybrid striped bass. Incorporation of complete mineral premixes seems beneficial with higher levels of solvent-extracted soybean meal.
Sex Role Behaviors and Personality Traits of Male Day Care Teachers.

It was hypothesized that male day care teachers who had adopted the “feminine” role of caregiver would score feminine in their personality traits and would reinforce children for feminine behaviors and punish them for masculine behaviors. A random sample of 20 male caregivers was contrasted to 20 male engineers on personality traits as assessed by The Adjective Checklist (ACL). Twenty female caregivers were also contrasted to the personality traits and the sex-typed contingency behaviors of the male caregivers. Feminine traits were defined by raw scores on the Abasement, Nurturance, Affiliation, Succorance, and Deference scales of the ACL. Masculine traits were represented by raw scores on the Achievement, Dominance, Endurance, and Autonomy scales. The Fagot-Patterson Checklist was employed to determine sex-typed contingency behaviors. Both male and female caregivers reinforced children significantly more for feminine behaviors than masculine behaviors (as defined by The Fagot-Patterson Checklist) and punished masculine behaviors more than feminine behaviors. The personalities of the male caregivers corresponded to the feminine direction of their female counterparts, but they were not significantly more feminine than the male engineers. The female caregivers, however, scored significantly more feminine in personality than the male engineers.
Barrett's esophagus and esophageal adenocarcinoma: the scope of the problem.

Barrett's esophagus is probably a more common condition than previously recognized. Although the classic radiologic findings of Barrett's esophagus are present in only a small percentage of patients, this condition should be suspected whenever reflux esophagitis or peptic strictures are demonstrated on double-contrast esophagography. Recent literature also suggests that Barrett's carcinomas comprise up to 50% of all esophageal cancers. Because of the increased risk of developing adenocarcinoma in Barrett's esophagus, endoscopic surveillance has been advocated to detect dysplastic or carcinomatous changes at the earliest possible stage. When barium studies are performed on patients with known Barrett's esophagus, the radiographs should be carefully evaluated for signs of early adenocarcinoma, so these patients can be referred for appropriate management prior to the development of advanced, unresectable tumors.
Teaching about health literacy and clear communication.

Physician-patient communication is considered a fundamental aspect of medical care; yet, research shows that patients commonly have difficulty in understanding medical instructions from physicians.1,2 Physicians often use medical jargon, deliver too much information at a time, and do not confirm patients' understanding of what was discussed.3,4 At the end of the medical encounter, patients remember less than half of what the physician tried to explain, and they may be uncertain about what steps to take next.3,5,6 Low health literacy contributes to the communication gap between physicians and patients.4,7 Patients with low health literacy may have less familiarity with medical concepts and vocabulary, and they ask fewer questions (S. Kripalani, unpublished data). They may also hide their limited understanding out of shame or embarrassment.8 Research shows that physicians commonly overestimate patients' literacy levels, and they rarely consider limited literacy skills in their assessment of whether patients understand what they need to do.9,10 Furthermore, when provided information about patients' literacy levels, physicians appear ill-prepared to communicate effectively.11 In their reports on health literacy, the American Medical Association (AMA) Ad Hoc Committee for the Council on Scientific Affairs, the National Work Group on Literacy and Health, and the Institute of Medicine each called for greater efforts to educate physicians and other health professionals about issues related to health literacy, including techniques to communicate more clearly.12–14 In this article, we describe effective strategies for teaching about health literacy and clear communication. We highlight the most important educational content areas and discuss methods for teaching about health literacy through both clinical precepting and more formal curricula. While the focus of this article is on teaching medical students and residents, its lessons could be applied to developing programs for practicing physicians. Indeed, some of the methods outlined in this article are used in the AMA's health literacy training program for physicians.15 The approach described in this article is also applicable to the training of students and practitioners in all of the health care professions.
Cell-water deficit regulates expression of rpoC1C2 (RNA polymerase) at the level of mRNA in desiccation-tolerant Nostoc commune UTEX 584 (Cyanobacteria)

Immobilization and short-term air-drying of the cyanobacterium Nostoc commune strain UTEX 584 leads to a complete depletion of its cellular rpoC1C2 mRNA pool. This mRNA is required for the synthesis of the γ and β′ subunits of DNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RNA-P). In contrast, RNA-P remains stable in cells during long-term desiccation as judged from immunoblotting analyses of protein extracts using RNA-P core-specific antibodies. The data indicate that the extant RNA-P holoenzyme in air-dried cells drives the rapid de novo transcription of rpoC1C2 that ensues in response to cell rehydration.
Inflammatory pseudotumor of the alimentary tract: Clinical and surgical experience

Abstract Background/Purpose: Initially described in 1937, inflammatory pseudotumor (IPT) inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor (IMT) or plasma cell granulomas are synonymous for an inflammatory solid tumor that contains spindle cells, myofibroblasts, plasma cells, and histocytes. Common sites of presentation include lung, mesentary, liver, and spleen; intestinal presentations are rare, and the etiology remains obscure. This report details the clinical and surgical experiences in 4 children with alimentary tract IPT at a single institution. Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted of pediatric patients with the pathologic diagnosis of IPT. Results: Between 1990 and 1999, 4 patients (4 girls, ages 5 to 15 years) were identified with gastrointestinal tract origins of IPT. Symptoms at presentation included anemia (n = 4), intermittent abdominal pain (n = 3), fever (n = 3), weight loss (n = 2), diarrhea (n = 2), dysphagia (n = 1). Two patients had comorbid conditions of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis and mature B cell lymphoma. Three of 4 patients had elevated sedimentation rates. The sites of origin were the gastroesophageal junction, the colon, the rectum, and the appendix, with the referral diagnosis achalasia, perforated appendix, inflammatory bowel disease, and recurrent lymphoma, respectively. All were treated with aggressive surgical resection, and 3 girls have had no recurrences since the initial surgery. One patient had 3 recurrences within 8 months of presentation; she remains disease free 8 years later. Conclusions: IPT, although rare in the gastrointestinal tract, mimics more common problems. Successful surgical management is possible even in cases of multiple recurrences. J Pediatr Surg 36:169-173. Copyright © 2001 by W.B. Saunders Company.
The Joint Airborne Network Services Suite

In this paper we present an approach for enabling the formation of a Joint Service, heterogeneous Airborne Network. Central to this approach will be the definition of a Joint Airborne Network Services Suite (JANSS). The JANSS will consist of a common set of integrated features and functions that can be implemented on all airborne platforms to enable those platforms to participate in the future IP-based Airborne Network. The JANSS will include the functionality necessary to enable the exchange of IP-based data using either existing legacy voice/data radios, network-enabled commercial terminals, or emerging network-enabled military radios. Although integrated, the JANSS will be modular in nature, capable of being adapted, expanded, or enhanced, as needed, to support a particular platform's needs. Also, it will allow for implementation using various possible hardware and software solutions. The JANSS will incorporate a set of user application services to include: (1) collaboration tools such as text chat, email, and voice over IP (VoIP); (2) file transfers; (3) video streaming;, and (4) web services. It will also include security and networking services such as: access control, authentication, intrusion detection, routing, quality of service (QoS), and network management. The services provided by the JANSS will be capable of being implemented incrementally and will allow for compatibility with legacy and future military communication systems.
Coherence and truth conducive justification

Since Klein and Warfield (1996) insist that it is coherentists that they are addressing, and since the coherence theory of justification advanced by Laurence BonJour (1985) seems to be the theory that most influences their own discussion, one would expect their argument against the truth conduciveness of coherentist justification to apply, if at all, to BonJour's theory. In what follows I will show that this is not the case. I will also show that an important premiss is omitted from Klein's and Warfield's argument against the truth conduciveness of justification as understood in the version of coherentism they explicitly consider, which I will call the Naive Coherence Theory. According to the Naive Coherence Theory, an agent's belief set is justified iff that set is epistemically coherent, the degree of justification of the belief set being defined as the degree of its coherence. Fortunately, the premiss that Klein and Warfield omit can be defended without begging the question against the Naive Coherence Theory. The same cannot be said of an analogous premiss that would make Klein's and Warfield's argument effective against BonJour's theory. In BonJour's version of coherentism, as BonJour takes pains to point out, the coherence of an agent's beliefs at a particular moment is not a sufficient condition for their being justified. BonJour writes:
Relativistic hydrodynamics and heavy ion reactions

Abstract The application of hydrodynamics to the study of heavy ion collisions is presented with emphasis on the relativistic regime. Current theoretical and experimental knowledge of the nuclear equations of state along with the possible roles played by viscosity, single- and double-shock waves and solitons during the collision are examined. Constraints imposed by relativity on the equation of state and numerical results from one- and three-dimensional one-fluid relativistic calculations are reviewed. Also considered are sources of entropy production arising from irreversible processes. Some alterations and additions to the basic equations of relativistic hydrodynamics are proposed to describe phenomena associated with relativistic heavy ion collisions. The equations of relativistic chromohydrodynamics are reviewed as a possible framework in which to consider the nuclear to quark-gluon phase transition. Transparency is introduced by a two-fluid model; results for center-of-mass bombarding energies up to 20 GeV per nucleon are presented. Recent work on pion production, the entropy problem and global analysis are reviewed.
Statistical aspects of Parkfield earthquake sequence and Parkfield prediction experiment

Abstract This note discusses three interconnected statistical problems concerning the Parkfield sequence of moderate earthquakes and the Parkfield prediction experiment: (a) Is it possible that the quasi-periodic Parkfield sequence of characteristic earthquakes is no uncommon, specific phenomenon (the research hypothesis), but can be explained by a preferential selection from available earthquake catalogs? To this end we formulate the null hypothesis (earthquakes occur according to the Poisson process in time and their size follows the Gutenberg-Richter relation). We test whether the null hypothesis can be rejected as an explanation for the Parkfield sequence. (b) If the null hypothesis cannot be refuted, what is the probability of magnitude m ≥ 6 earthquake occurrence in the Parkfield region? (c) The direct goal of the Parkfield experiment is the registration of precursory phenomena prior to a m6 earthquake. However, in the absence of the characteristic earthquake, can the experiment resolve which of the two competing hypotheses is true in a reasonable time? Statistical analysis is hindered by an insufficiently rigorous definition of the research model and inadequate or ambiguous data. However, we show that the null hypothesis cannot be decisively rejected. The quasi-periodic pattern of intermediate size earthquakes in the Parkfield area is a statistical event likely to occur by chance if it has been preferentially selected from available earthquake catalogs. The observed magnitude-frequency curves for small and intermediate earthquakes in the Parkfield area agree with the theoretical distribution computed on the basis of a modified Gutenberg-Richter law (gamma distribution), using deformation rates for the San Andreas fault. We show that the size distribution of the Parkfield characteristic earthquakes can also be attributed to selection bias. According to the null hypothesis, the yearly probability of a m ≥ 6 earthquake originating in the Parkfield area is less than 1%, signifying that several more decades of observation may be needed before the expected event occurs. By its design, the Parkfield experiment cannot be expected to yield statistically significant conclusions on the validity of the research hypothesis for many decades.
Comparing Activities of Daily Living Assessment Instruments

Occupational therapy and physical therapy practitioners are frequently required to contribute to the Functional Independence Measure instrument (FIM™), the Minimum Data Set for Long Term Care (MDS), the Outcome and Assessment Information Set (OASIS), or the Minimum Data Set for Post-Acute Care (MDS-PAC) to determine their clients' level of functioning in daily living activities. Because these instruments are used to qualify clients for services, their accurate completion is critical to optimal healthcare. This analysis, which compared and contrasted the four instruments, revealed usage of dissimilar terms, definitions, and measurement scales. Practitioners working in rehabilitation, skilled nursing facilities, home healthcare, and postacute care have an ethical responsibility to understand the similarities and differences between these instruments so that they can rate clients' functioning accurately and expeditiously.
Generating functions for Newton-Cotes formulae weights and error terms

From the observation that weights in the Newton-Cotes formulae look like integrals of binomial coefficient polynomials, we are able to evaluate their generating function. We also obtain a generating function for the error terms in the Newton-Cotes formulae by generalizing the Euler-Maclaurin sum formula.
Radiology Corner: Basic Principles of MRI for Hand Surgeons

Magnetic resonance imaging is a powerful tool for imaging the hand and wrist, providing differentiation between complex tissues ranging from cortical bone to the components of the triangular fibrocartilage complex. This differentiation depends on the qualities of the tissue itself and on the various techniques used in magnetic resonance imaging to acquire images. This article provides basic information regarding magnetic resonance imaging principles and equipment and shows specific examples relevant to the practice of hand surgery.
Protestant Clergy and the Culture Wars: An Empirical Test of Hunter's Thesis

This study instead focuses on culture wars among religious elites—clergy—and tests three aspects of the culture wars thesis: (1) whether cultural wars exist at all among religious elites, (2) whether clergy attitudes are polarized on these issues, and (3) whether religious authority or religious affiliation is more salient in creating culture wars cleavages. Using data from a large random sample of Protestant clergy, we find a substantial amount of engagement in culture wars by all types of Protestant clergy. The amount of polarization is more attributable to views of religious authority (i.e., biblical inerrancy) than to religious tradition. Moreover, polarization among clergy is somewhat more evident on culture wars issues than on other social and political issues. These findings are generally supportive of the culture wars thesis and should help return examinations of culture wars back to where they were originally theorized to be waged: among elites.
Abstract 4928: Deregulation of asymmetry genes in oligodendrogliomas and glioblastomas

BACKGROUND. Normal neural stem cells and NG2+ oligodendrocyte progenitors (OPC) undergo asymmetric cell division to generate a balanced number of self-renewing and differentiating progeny. Our recent studies showed that NG2+ OPC are the tumor-forming cells in oligodendrogliomas (ODG), a therapy-sensitive glioma. We provide cellular and molecular evidence that defects in asymmetric division of NG2+ OPC might contribute to tumor-initiation in oligodendrogliomas. In contrast, tumor-initiating cells in the highly resistant glioblastomas (GBM) express stem cell markers and show a high number of asymmetric divisions. We propose that distinct key asymmetry genes might be deregulated in the two types of tumor-initiating cells causing them to generate progeny with distinct therapy-sensitivity. Identifying these asymmetry key regulator networks will elucidate the mechanism by which tumor-initiating cells in gliomas maintain tumors and re-grow them after therapy. METHOD. A knowledge based network, consisting of asymmetry-genes and their transcriptional regulators, was constructed and refined by correlated gene expression. Subsequently, copy number and methylation were mapped onto the network and their impact on expression was assessed. In addition, the expression profiles of asymmetry genes within glioma samples were compared against their counterparts in normal brain samples and putative associations between expression and clinical outcome were tested. RESULTS. Our study has identified cancer- and differentiation associated transcription factors as putative regulators of asymmetry genes. In GBM tumors it was found that asymmetry genes are mostly affected by single copy gains and heterozygous deletions with an apparent influence on gene expression. When considered upon ODG tumors, the pattern of deregulation was distinct from that observed in GBM: for a subset of asymmetry genes a mutually exclusive deregulation was observable in either GBM or ODG, while another gene subset was progressively deregulated in ODG- and GBM. Taken together, our results indicate that asymmetry genes are distinctly regulated in ODG and GBM. We will discuss a model how this could contribute to distinct levels of therapy resistance. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 4928. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-4928
Impaired self-awareness in human addiction: deficient attribution of personal relevance

Compromised self-awareness of illness-related deficits and behaviors in psychopathology (e.g., schizophrenia) has been associated with deficient functioning of cortical midline regions including the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC), implicated in personal relevance. Here, we review and critically analyze recent evidence to suggest that vmPFC abnormalities could similarly underlie deficient tagging of personal relevance in drug addiction, evidenced by a constellation of behaviors encompassing drug-biased attention, negative outcome insensitivity, self-report/behavior dissociation, and social inappropriateness. This novel framework might clarify, for example, why drug-addicted individuals often ruin long-standing relationships or forego important job opportunities while continuing to engage in uncontrolled drug-taking. Therapeutic interventions targeting personal relevance and associated vmPFC functioning could enhance self-awareness and facilitate more adaptive behavior in this chronically relapsing psychopathology.
The emerging role of class-3 semaphorins and their neuropilin receptors in oncology

The semaphorins, discovered over 20 years ago, are a large family of secreted or transmembrane and glycophosphatidylinositol -anchored proteins initially identified as axon guidance molecules crucial for the development of the nervous system. It has now been estab- lished that they also play important roles in organ development and function, especially involving the immune, respiratory, and cardiovascular systems, and in pathological disorders, including cancer. During tumor progression, semaphorins can have both pro- and anti-tumor functions, and this has created complexities in our understanding of these systems. Semaphorins may affect tumor growth and metastases by directly targeting tumor cells, as well as indirectly by interacting with and influencing cells from the micro-environment and vasculature. Mechanisti - cally, semaphorins, through binding to their receptors, neuropilins and plexins, affect pathways involved in cell adhesion, migration, invasion, proliferation, and survival. Importantly, neuro- pilins also act as co-receptors for several growth factors and enhance their signaling activities, while class 3 semaphorins may interfere with this. In this review, we focus on the secreted class 3 semaphorins and their neuropilin co-receptors in cancer, including aspects of their signaling that may be clinically relevant.
The clinical pharmacology of eplerenone

Eplerenone is an aldosterone receptor antagonist indicated for the treatment of hypertension and congestive heart failure. Eplerenone contains an epoxy group, which offers greater mineralocorticoid receptor specificity. It is an effective antihypertensive that has been shown to reduce morbidity and mortality in individuals with left ventricular dysfunction post myocardial infarction. Studies are continuing to determine whether the benefit of mineralocorticoid receptor blockade in advanced congestive heart failure is also observed when eplerenone treatment is initiated in earlier stages of the disease. The most common side effect is hyperkalemia necessitating close monitoring in individuals with diabetes and proteinuria, heart failure or in those who are taking moderate CYP450 3A4 inhibitors. It is category B in pregnancy.
Size Distribution of Raindrops Generated by their Breakup and Coalescence

Abstract Some computations of the evolution of raindrop-size distributions under the operation of the processes of drop breakup and coalescence are presented. It is found that the size distribution approaches a stationary state. The stationary size distributions for different rainfall rates are roughly parallel to each other when logf(r) is plotted against r, f(r) being the concentration density of drops of radius r. A comparison with observations shows that the computed distributions are flatter than the observed ones. It is suggested that other processes besides the breakup and coalescence of raindrops shape their distribution with size.
On the approximate solution of a class of strongly elliptic linear differential equations

Abstract After a brief theoretical survey of the analytical knowledge available, a finite difference procedure is described for the effective approximation of n -dimensional Dirichlet problems. The discussion is limited to linear elliptic partial differential equations and only the most elementary mathematical tools are used in establishing uniqueness and convergence for the method.
Recent Changes in the Phytoplankton of Lake Michigan Near Chicago

Daily counts show that during the years 1972-75, phytoplankton population density near the Chicago shoreline of Lake Michigan averaged 50% lower than during the preceding 4 years, and lower than in any 4-year period since 1953-56. The decrease from 1968-71 to 1972-75 resulted mainly from large decreases in the spring and fall maxima of diatoms. Proportionally, by far the greatest decreases were in Stephanodiscus binderanus and other Stephanodiscus species. Fragilaria, Asterionella, and Tabellaria decreased, while there was a statistically insignificant increase in Melosira. Very small populations of flagellates and green algae were not significantly different in the two periods; Blue-green algae increased in abundance, but remained a very small fraction of the total phytoplankton. The changes suggest a partial reversal of cultural eutrophication in this region of Lake Michigan, although other explanations cannot be ruled out.
Recruitment responses have no localizing value.

Dempsey EW, Morison RS. The production of rhythmically recurrent cortical potentials after localized thalamic stimulation. Am J Physiol 1942;135:293–300. Jones EG. The thalamic matrix and thalamocortical synchrony. Trends Neurosci 2001;24:595–601. Kim SH, Son BC, Lim SC, Kim WJ, Bae DW, Shon YM. EEG driving response during low frequency stimulation of anterior thalamic nucleus: it is a good predictor of the correct localization of DBS electrode? Clin Neurophysiol 2014;125:1065–6. Stanford LR, Friedlander MJ, Sherman SM. Morphology of physiologically identified W-cells in the C laminae of the cat’s lateral geniculate nucleus. J Neurosci 1981;1:578–84. Steriade M. Building blocks of synaptic networks underlying normal and paroxysmal states. In: Steriade M, editor. The intact and sliced brain. Cambridge: The MIT Press; 2001. p. 201–90.
A novel regulatory circuit in base excision repair involving AP endonuclease 1, Creb1 and DNA polymerase β

DNA repair is required to maintain genome stability in stem cells and early embryos. At critical junctures, oxidative damage to DNA requires the base excision repair (BER) pathway. Since early zebrafish embryos lack the major polymerase in BER, DNA polymerase s, repair proceeds via replicative polymerases, even though there is ample polb mRNA. Here, we report that Polb protein fails to appear at the appropriate time in development when AP endonuclease 1 (Apex), the upstream protein in BER, is knocked down. Because polb contains a Creb1 binding site, we examined whether knockdown of Apex affects creb1. Apex knockdown results in loss of Creb1 and Creb complex members but not Creb1 phosphorylation. This effect is independent of p53. Although both apex and creb1 mRNA rescue Creb1 and Polb after Apex knockdown, Apex is not a co-activator of creb1 transcription. This observation has broad significance, as similar results occur when Apex is inhibited in B cells from apex(+/-) mice. These results describe a novel regulatory circuit involving Apex, Creb1 and Polb and provide a mechanism for lethality of Apex loss in higher eukaryotes.
Lifetime limitations of ohmic, contacting RF MEMS switches with Au, Pt and Ir contact materials due to accumulation of ‘friction polymer’ on the contacts

We present lifetime limitations and failure analysis of many packaged RF MEMS ohmic contacting switches with Au–Au, Au–Ir, and Au–Pt contact materials operating with 100 μN of contact force per contact in hermetically sealed glass wall packages. All metals were tested using the same switch design in a controlled environment to provide a comparison between the performance of the different materials and their corresponding failure mechanisms. The switch lifetimes of the different contact materials varied from several hundred cycles to 200 million cycles with different mechanisms causing failures for different contact materials. Switches with Au–Au contacts failed due to adhesion when thoroughly cleaned while switches with dissimilar metal contacts (Au–Ir and Au–Pt) operated without adhesion failures but failed due to carbon accumulation on the contacts even in a clean, packaged environment as a result of the catalytic behavior of the contact materials. Switch lifetimes correlated inversely with catalytic behavior of the contact metals. The data suggests the path to increase switch lifetime is to use favorable catalytic materials as contacts, design switches with higher contact forces to break through any residual contamination, and use cleaner, probably smaller, packages. (Some figures may appear in colour only in the online journal)
Influence of a flowing lithium environment on the fatigue and tensile properties of type 316 stainless steel

Abstract Low-cycle fatigue and tensile data have been obtained on Type 316 stainless steel in a flowing lithium environment of controlled purity. The results show that the fatigue life of the steel in flowing lithium at 755 K is greater than in air. Preexposure of the material to lithium reduces fatigue life. The reduction in fatigue life may be attributed to the formation of a weak ferrite layer after lithium exposure. Tensile data for cold-worked Type 316 stainless steel indicate that at temperatures between 476 and 755 K, a flowing lithium environment has little or no effect on the tensile properties of the steel.
The structure of the Uranus atmosphere

Abstract A series of radiative/connvective models is presented for the Uranus atmosphere for various methane-to-hydrogen mixing ratios and internal heat fluxes. The variation of flux through the atmosphere, which is largely defined by absorption of sunlight in methane bands, the partial pressure of methane, which is taken to be limited by saturated vapor pressure, and the temperature structure are all constrained to be self-consistent. From model spectra calculated for the visible, thermal infrared, and microwave regions, it is concluded that the methane-to-hydrogen mixing ratio is greater than 0.01 and probably less than 0.10. The lower limit to the internal heat flux is nonzero but less than ∼1/2000th of the total flux. In addition, the specific heat of the molecular hydrogen is found to be very close that that for normal hydrogen, as suggested previously by Trafton. Peculiarities in thermal structure are found to be of no help in understanding the microwave spectrum, but H2S-to-NH3 mixing ratios somewhat greater than unity are almostt as good in explaining the spectrum as the precisely unity case ey S. Gulkis, M. A. Janssen and E. T. Olsen (1978, Icarus 34, 10–19).
Resources for families with a gay/lesbian member.

An exploratory mail survey was conducted with families having a gay/lesbian member, inquiring as to where they had received information about gays and lesbians and their lifestyles, and where they found support since their family member came out. The sample population was a 90-member support group, oFamilies and Friends of Gays and Lesbians.o Responses to open-ended questions gave a personal account of these familiesAE concerns, needs, and wants, which suggested answers as to how those in counseling professions might better prepare themselves to provide services to these families by making themselves more available and accessible to families.
New USDA UVB synthetic spectra algorithm

The US Department of Agriculture's (USDA), UVB Radiation Monitoring and Research Program 1 makes routine measurements of ultraviolet radiation at over 30 sites in the United States, Canada and New Zealand. UV measurements of total, direct and diffuse horizontal irradiances, in seven spectral channels at two nm nominal bandwidths are made with a Yankee Scientific Inc., Multiple Filter Rotating Shadow band Radiometer (UV MFRSR). A similar instrument takes measurements in the visible region with 10 nm bandwidths. The UVB group has provided, upon request, a high resolution UV product referred to as "synthetic spectra," based on application of a non-linear estimation method described in Min and Harrison 2 (1998) to UV MFRSR data. This presentation examines typical problems encountered when the synthetic spectra algorithm is applied to data collected at large solar zenith angles and when the application is extended to spectral regions beyond 368 nm, the center of the longest wavelength UV MFRSR channel. In particular, the effects on derived products such as the Caldwell or Flint 3 action spectra are discussed. The useful spectral region of the algorithm has been expanded by including one or more of the datum from the visible MFRSR. This extension properly constrains the derived spectrum beyond 368 nm providing especially improved Flint action values, and can be used to estimate a PAR value if extended to include the 862 nm measurement. The extent of disagreement between measurements from LICOR PAR sensors and 'synthetic PAR' values will be presented. Planning for the next version of the synthetic spectra algorithm on the new USDA UVB web site is discussed.
Sexual assault history and medical care seeking: The roles of symptom prevalence and illness behavior

Abstract Persons with a history of sexual assault seek more health care than do others. The present study explored whether this difference is due to poorer health or a unique pattern of illness behavior among assaulted persons. Interviews were conducted with 6125 randomly selected residents of two communities. Data were disaggregated into overlapping subsets of persons who reponed each of 21 symptoms (e.g., abdominal pain. nausea. chest pain. palpitations, headache, back pain). Assaulted and non-assaulted persons were equally likely to seek medical care for 18 of the 21 symptoms. Among those who sought care. assault W;LS not related to whether symptoms were medically explained. Taken together. the results suggest that associations of sexual assault with medical care seeking are largely due to poorer health of assaulted persons.
Parameters of Microstrip Transmission Lines and of Coupled Pairs of Microstrip Lines

A theoretical analysis is presented of microwave propagation on microstrip, with particular reference to the case of coupled pairs of microstrip lines. Data on this type of transmission line are needed for the design of directional couplers, filters, and other components in microwave integrated circuits. The inhomogeneous medium, consisting of the dielectric substrate and the vacuum above it, is treated in a rigorous manner through the use of a "dielectric Green's function" which expresses the discontinuity of the fields at the dielectric-vacuum interface. Results are presented in graphical form for substrate dielectric constants of 1, 9, and 16, and a range of values of width and spacing of the strips. Numerical tables for these and other cases are also available. The tables present capacitance, characteristic impedance, and velocity of propagation of the even and odd normal modes. The method lends itself to the treatment of other geometries which are of practical interest, such as "thick" strips, presence of an unsymmetrically located upper ground plane, etc.