cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
O35Stem cells and the origin of prostate cancer

In epithelial tissues, the lineage relationship between normal progenitor cells and cell type(s) of origin for cancer has been poorly understood. In our studies, we have shown that a known regulator of prostate epithelial differentiation, the homeobox gene Nkx3.1, marks a stem cell population that functions during prostate regeneration. Genetic lineage-marking demonstrates that rare luminal cells which express Nkx3.1 in the absence of testicular androgens (castration-resistant Nkx3.1-expressing cells, CARNs) are bipotential and can self-renew in vivo, while single-cell transplantation assays show that CARNs can reconstitute prostate ducts in renal grafts. Functional assays of Nkx3.1 mutant mice in serial prostate regeneration assays suggest that Nkx3.1 is required for stem cell maintenance. Finally, targeted deletion of the Pten tumor suppressor gene in CARNs results in rapid formation of carcinoma following androgen-mediated regeneration. These observations indicate that CARNs represent a novel luminal stem cell population that is an efficient target for oncogenic transformation in prostate cancer. In our ongoing work, we are investigating the properties of CARNs as cells of origin for prostate cancer. We will present our recent findings and discuss their implications with respect to the relationship between epithelial progenitor populations, prostate cancer initiation, and putative cancer stem cells.
Light-mediated regulation of TMV-RNA photoreactivation.

— –Nicotiana tabacum var. Xanthi n.c. plants placed in the dark lose their ability to photoreactivate u.v.-irradiated tobacco mosaic virus RNA over a course of approximately 1 week. When such plants are returned to the light, they recover their photoreactivation ability. The recovery occurs after a lag of at least 3 hr and is complete in 12–24 hr. Three hours or less of cool-white illumination (2400 ft-c) are necessary to induce recovery. Blue light is effective in inducing recovery; green light is less effective; red and near-u.v. are not effective.
Momentum-dependent energy losses in core level photoemission spectra of poorly conducting metals.

Angular resolved photoemission spectra of $5d$ core levels from Bi(111) exhibit a component which is split off in energy by $\ensuremath{\approx}200\text{ }\text{ }\mathrm{m}\mathrm{e}\mathrm{V}$. The energy as well as the spectral width and relative intensity of the split off structure are strongly modulated by the final state electron momentum ${k}_{\ensuremath{\perp}}$ and ${k}_{||}$, resembling the periodicity of the surface and bulk Brillouin zone. The data can be explained by a $k$-dependent energy loss function $\mathrm{I}\mathrm{m}[\ensuremath{-}1/{\ensuremath{\epsilon}}_{\mathbf{k}}(\ensuremath{\omega})]$ composed of indirect and direct interband transitions from various parts of the bulk Brillouin zone.
Pesticides as tracers of sediment transport through Monterey Canyon

Residues of the pesticide DDT make an excellent tracer for following transport of fine sediment from coastal agricultural lands into the deep sea. The presence of DDT residues distinguishes those sediments which contain a component of terrestrially derived sediments which have accumulated since 1945, reveals the extent of mixing with DDT-free sediments, and establishes the depth to which sediments containing detectable DDT residues occur. A distinct trail of pesticide residue marks the axis of Monterey Canyon as the pathway for recent material transport from the continental shelf into the deep sea. 'Dilution' of the pesticides occurs primarily at the coastline, with little further 'dilution' occurring as the sediments move downslope into >3 km water depths.
Measurement of self-advocacy in cancer patients and survivors.

Background The Patient Self-Advocacy Scale, originally developed for use in HIV/AIDS patients, was adapted for use in cancer patients and survivors. The scale contains three dimensions: increased illness education, increased assertiveness with a doctor, and potential for mindful non-adherence.
Instantaneous frequency of a propogating pulse

We calculate the instantaneous frequency at a fixed position of a propagating pulse in the asymptotic regime. We also discuss the multimode case and relate it to the concept of instantaneous bandwidth.
Ultrastructural Distribution of Calcium in the Rat Testis

Despite the important role of calcium in the growth and differentiation of a variety of cell types, its exact location and function in the somatic and germ cells of the testis remain to be determined. In the present study, we examined the subcellular distribution of calcium in the immature and adult rat testis. Calcium was localized at the electron microscopic level by ion-capture cytochemistry using combined oxalate and pyroantimonate procedures. Calcium-containing precipitates localized primarily within the nuclei, mitochondria, and cytosol of somatic and germ cells. Differences in the size and quantity of the calcium precipitates were observed among the various cellular compartments. In the somatic cells (Sertoli, Leydig, and myoid), the nuclei exhibited large round-shaped calcium-containing precipitates, whereas the mitochondria in these cell types contained numerous smaller precipitates. The cytoplasmic vesicles possessed single precipitates. These vesicles could be calciosomes, which have been described in other non-muscle cell types. Among germ cells, round spermatids exhibited a large number of vesicular, calsiosome-like structures in the cytoplasm containing single precipitates. The elongating spermatids from adult testis showed calcium localization within the nuclear matrix unassociated with the nuclear envelope, or in a peripheral alignment of precipitates along the nuclear envelope. Calciosome-like structures were also seen in round spermatids. Spermatogonia and spermatocytes exhibited calcium in nuclei, mitochondria, and cytoplasmic vesicles. These results demonstrate a differential distribution of calcium within the various cell types of the testis. The presence of calcium in the nucleus may suggest a role in cell growth and differentiation; calsiosome-like structures may represent the active exchangeable pool of calcium, and the differential type of distribution of calcium in elongating spermatids suggests a role for calcium in spermatid differentiation.
A new path selection algorithm for MPLS networks based on available bandwidth estimation

A network should deploy QoS-aware path selection algorithms for efficient routing. To this end, measurements of the various characteristics of the network can provide insight into the state and performance of the network. In this paper, we present a new QoS-aware path selection algorithm for flows requiring bandwidth guarantees based on an estimation algorithm for the available bandwidth on the links of the network. The estimation algorithm for the available bandwidth predicts the available bandwidth and also tells the duration for which the estimate is valid with a high degree of confidence. Thus, the path selection algorithm is adaptive and not very computationally intensive.
Differential gene silencing by trans-heterochromatin in Drosophila melanogaster.

The brown Dominant ( bw D ) allele contains a large insertion of heterochromatin leading to the trans -inactivation of the wild-type allele in bw D /bw + heterozygous flies. This silencing is correlated with the localization of bw + to a region of the interphase nucleus containing centric heterochromatin. We have used a series of transgene constructs inserted in the vicinity of the bw locus to demarcate both the extent of bw D influence along the chromosome and the relative sensitivities of various genes. Examples of regulatory regions that are highly sensitive, moderately sensitive, and insensitive were found. Additionally, by using the same transgene at increasing distances from the bw D insertion site in trans we were able to determine the range of influence of the heterochromatic neighborhood in terms of chromosomal distance. When the transgene was farther away from bw , there was, indeed, a tendency for it to be less trans -inactivated. However, insertion site also influenced silencing: a gene 86 kb away was trans -inactivated, while the same transgene 45 kb away was not. Thus location, distance, and gene-specific differences all influence susceptibility to trans -silencing near a heterochromatic neighborhood. These results have important implications for the ability of nuclear positioning to influence the expression of large blocks of a chromosome.
Intracellular correlates of hippocampal theta rhythm in identified pyramidal cells, granule cells, and basket cells

The cellular-synaptic generation of rhythmic slow activity (RSA or theta) in the hippocampus has been investigated by intracellular recording from principal cells and basket cells in anesthetized rats. In addition, the voltage-, coherence-, and phase versus depth profiles were examined by simultaneously recording field activity at 16 sites in the intact rat, during urethane anesthesia, and after bilateral entorhinal cortex lesion. In the extracellular experiments the large peak of theta at the hippocampal fissure was attenuated by urethane anesthesia and abolished by entorhinal cortex lesion. The phase versus depth profiles were similar during urethane anesthesia and following entorhinal cortex lesion but distinctly different in the intact, awake rat. These observations suggest that dendritic currents underlying theta in the awake rat may not be revealed under urethane anesthesia. The frequency of theta-related membrane potential oscillation was voltage-independent in pyramidal neurons, granule cells, and basket cells. On the other hand, the phase and amplitude of intracellular theta were voltage-dependent in all three cell types with an almost complete phase reversal at chloride equilibrium potential in pyramidal cells and basket cells. At strong depolarization levels (less than 30 mV) pyramidal cells emitted calcium spike oscillations, phase-locked to theta. Basket cells possessed the most regular membrane oscillations of the three cell types. All neurons of this study were verified by intracellular injection of biocytin. The observations provide direct evidence that theta-related rhythmic hyper-polarization of principal cells is brought about by the rhythmically discharging basket neurons.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Sex Roles of the Traditional Mexican Family A Comparison of Chicano and Anglo Students' Attitudes

The study sought to examine the degree to which Chicano and Anglo students agree on the sex roles as presented in the literature characterizing the traditional Mexican family. Results of a family, sex role questionnaire yielded significant differences for sex and ethnicity. A factor analysis identified the underlying variables of the questionnaire to be highly loaded on sex-role stereotypes. Although there was disagreement with the questionnaire for both the Chicano and Anglo participants, Chicano males agreed more with stereotypic sex roles than Chicano females, Anglo males, and Anglo females. Implications of the findings and directions for further research are discussed.
Trichothecene Triangle: Toxins, Genes, and Plant Disease

Trichothecenes are a family of sesquiterpene epoxides that inhibit eukaryotic protein synthesis. These mycotoxins are produced in Fusarium-infested grains such as corn, wheat, and barley, and ingestion of contaminated grain can result in a variety of symptoms including diarrhea, hemorrhaging, and feed refusal. Biochemical and genetic investigations have characterized the genes controlling trichothecene biosynthesis. In Fusarium, trichothecene genes have been mapped to three loci including a 26-kb cluster of 12 genes. Production of trichothecenes by Fusarium graminearum has been shown to be an important virulence factor in wheat head blight. Strains of F. graminearum have been categorized into three different chemotypes, nivalenol (NIV), 3-acetyldeoxynivalenol (3ADON), and 15-acetyldeoxynivalenol (15ADON), based on polymorphisms observed in PCR assays. Although 15ADON-producing strains predominate in North America, there has been a recent emergence of 3ADON- and NIV-producing strains. The genetic basis for these chemotypes has been elucidated with sequence analysis, genetic engineering, and heterologous expression of trichothecene biosynthetic genes.
In-situ post-deposition thermal annealing of co-evaporated Cu(InGa)Se 2 thin films deposited at low temperatures

The effects of deposition temperature and in-situ post-deposition annealing on the microstructure of co-evaporated Cu(InGa)Se 2 thin films and on the performance of the resulting solar cell devices have been characterized. Films were deposited at substrate temperatures of 150°C, 300°C and 400°C. Films were also deposited at these temperatures and then annealed in-situ at 550°C for 10 minutes. In as-deposited films without annealing, additional XRD reflections that may be due to a polytypic modification of the chalcopyrite phase were observed. Films deposited at 150°C were Se-rich. Post-deposition annealing caused microstructural changes in all films and improved the resulting solar cells. Only films deposited at 400°C, however, yielded high-efficiency devices after post-deposition annealing that were equivalent to devices made from films grown at 550°C. Films originally deposited at 300°C yielded devices after post-deposition annealing with V OC close to that of devices made from films grown at 550°C, despite smaller grain size.
Comparison of a sediment trap and plankton pump for time-series sampling of larvae near deep-sea hydrothermal vents

Studies of larval dispersal and supply are critical to understanding benthic population and community dynamics. A major limitation to these studies in the deep sea has been the restriction of larval sampling to infrequent research cruises. In this study, we investigated the utility of a sediment trap for autonomous, time-series sampling of larvae near deep-sea hydrothermal vents. We conducted simultaneous deployments of a time-series sediment trap and a large-volume plankton pump in close proximity on the East Pacific Rise (2510-m depth). Grouped and species-specific downward fluxes of larvae into the sediment trap were not correlated to larval abundances in pump samples, mean horizontal flow speeds, or mean horizontal larval fluxes. The sediment trap collected a higher ratio of gastropod to polychaete larvae, a lower diversity of gastropod species, and over- or undercollected some gastropod species relative to frequencies in pump sampling. These differences between the two sampling methods indicate that larval concentrations in the plankton are not well predicted by fluxes of larvae into the sediment trap. Future studies of deep-sea larvae should choose a sampling device based on specific research goals. Limited by battery power, a plankton pump in combination with a current meter is useful for estimating horizontal advective fluxes in short-term (days to weeks) studies of larval dispersal. A sediment trap, selecting for larvae with downward trajectories, is more appropriate for studies of larval supply to the benthos. For some species, a time-series sediment trap can collect sequential larval samples for long-term studies (months to years) for correlation to larval settlement and recruitment patterns.
Therapist Effects on Disparities Experienced by Minorities Receiving Services for Mental Illness

Objectives: The authors examine if some of the reason clients from racial and ethnic minority groups experience outcome disparities is explained by their therapists. Method: Data from 98 clients (1...
Energy-Efficient Composite Event Detection in Wireless Sensor Networks

Wireless sensor networks are deployed to monitor and control the physical environment. Sensors can be equipped with one or more sensing components, such as temperature, light, humidity, etc. An atomic event can be detected using one sensing component. A composite event is the combination of several atomic events. We consider a wireless sensor network densely deployed in a monitored area for reliable detection of a predefined composite event. In this paper, we study the energy-efficient k -watching composite event detection problem, concerned with designing a sensor scheduling mechanism that increases network lifetime, when the set of active sensor nodes are connected and collectively k -watch the composite event at all times. We propose a localized connected dominating set based approach and analyze its performance by simulations.
Microphysiology of the pericardium in relation to intrapericardial therapeutics and diagnostics

Intrapericardial delivery of therapeutic agents for pericardial diseases has long been available in the presence of excess pericardial fluid. Most patients with myocardial and coronary disease have no such excess so that their direct treatment requires pericardial access, for which a new instrument has succeeded in animals with induced infarctions, coronary lesions and arrhythmias. Nitric oxide (NO) donors, calcium-avid drugs, antibodies, angiogenic agents (pharmacologic coronary bypass), and hypothermic solutions have been instilled intrapericardially, and even iontophoresis has been used; gene therapy is also promising. Intrinsic pericardiogenic substances may potentially be stimulated for comparable purposes.
Exercise intensity‐dependent contribution of β‐adrenergic receptor‐mediated vasodilatation in hypoxic humans

We previously reported that hypoxia-mediated reductions in α-adrenoceptor sensitivity do not explain the augmented vasodilatation during hypoxic exercise, suggesting an enhanced vasodilator signal. We hypothesized that β-adrenoceptor activation contributes to augmented hypoxic exercise vasodilatation. Fourteen subjects (age: 29 ± 2 years) breathed hypoxic gas to titrate arterial O2 saturation (pulse oximetry) to 80%, while remaining normocapnic via a rebreath system. Brachial artery and antecubital vein catheters were placed in the exercising arm. Under normoxic and hypoxic conditions, baseline and incremental forearm exercise (10% and 20% of maximum) was performed during control (saline), α-adrenoceptor inhibition (phentolamine), and combined α- and β-adrenoceptor inhibition (phentolomine/propranolol). Forearm blood flow (FBF), heart rate, blood pressure, minute ventilation, and end-tidal CO2 were determined. Hypoxia increased heart rate (P < 0.05) and minute ventilation (P < 0.05) at rest and exercise under all drug infusions, whereas mean arterial pressure was unchanged. Arterial adrenaline (P < 0.05) and venous noradrenaline (P < 0.05) were higher with hypoxia during all drug infusions. The change (Δ) in FBF during 10% hypoxic exercise was greater with phentolamine (Δ306 ± 43 ml min−1) vs. saline (Δ169 ± 30 ml min−1) or combined phentolamine/propranolol (Δ213 ± 25 ml min−1; P < 0.05 for both). During 20% hypoxic exercise, ΔFBF was greater with phentalomine (Δ466 ± 57 ml min−1; P < 0.05) vs. saline (Δ346 ± 40 ml min−1) but was similar to combined phentolamine/propranolol (Δ450 ± 43 ml min−1). Thus, in the absence of overlying vasoconstriction, the contribution of β-adrenergic mechanisms to the augmented hypoxic vasodilatation is dependent on exercise intensity.
Remittances and immigration enforcement

Recent increases in U.S. immigration enforcement at the local and state level may be impacting remittance flows to developing countries by curtailing undocumented immigration, restricting the cyclicality of migration flows and limiting employment opportunities for the undocumented. We examine how the remitting patterns of Mexican migrants in the United States are being impacted by two types of immigration enforcement policies: police-based initiatives, such as 287(g) agreements and Secure Communities, and employment-based programs, as is the case with employment verification mandates. We find that increased enforcement reduces the share of migrants sending money home. However, legal migrants remitting money home increase their money outflows enough to offset any reductions in remittance payments from their undocumented counterparts. As a result, the average dollar amount remitted per Mexican migrant rises in the midst of increased uncertainty, safeguarding remittances as one of the least volatile sources of income in the developing world.
Decisional regret after robotic-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy is higher in African American men

Abstract Objectives Longitudinal studies report racial disparities in prostate cancer (PCa) including greater incidence, more aggressive tumor biology, and increased cancer-specific mortality in African American (AA) men. Regret concerning primary treatment selection is underevaluated in patients with PCa. We investigated the relationships between clinicopathologic variables across racial and socioeconomic lines following robotic-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy. Materials and methods We assessed treatment decisional regret using a validated questionnaire in a total of 484 white and 72 AA patients with PCa who were followed up for a median of 16.6 months post–robotic-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy. Socioeconomic status (SES) information was aggregated from 2010 US census zip code data. Perioperative clinicopathologic characteristics and functional outcomes were compared between groups. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were used to evaluate the influence of race, aggregate SES, and other clinical and demographic characteristics on decisional regret. Results The majority (87.7%) of the population was not regretful of their decision to undergo treatment. However, a greater proportion of AA vs. white patients were regretful (20.6% vs. 11.2%, respectively; P = 0.03). AA and white men were similar on all functional, clinical, and pathologic features with the exception of younger age among AA men (56 vs. 60 y, respectively; P P P = 0.15). Race, postoperative sexual dysfunction, pad usage, and length of hospital stay, however, were significantly associated with decisional regret. Conclusions AA men were more regretful than white men, after adjusting for clinicopathologic characteristics and postoperative functional outcomes.
Ototoxicity in dogs and cats

A variety of drugs in veterinary use have side effects that can potentially damage the senses of hearing or balance in animals. A large body of literature exists on the incidence and mechanisms of ototoxicity in experimental animals and in humans, but little is documented in domestic dogs and cats. However, the generality of these adverse actions across species allows one to extrapolate and provide the veterinarian with insight into possible complications of chemotherapy.
The Dual-Task Methodology and Assessing the Attentional Demands of Ambulation with Walking Devices

The purposes of this article are (1) to provide a preliminary examination of the attentional demands of ambulating with two commonly prescribed walking aids (a standard walker and a rolling walker) and (2) to introduce the dual-task methodology to the physical therapy community. Five subjects familiar with the appropriate use of the walkers and five subjects uninformed as to the correct use of the walkers participated in the study. Each subject completed the three phases of the experiment: (1) performing the reaction time (RT) task only; (2) performing each of the walking tasks only; and (3) performing each of the walking tasks in conjunction with the RT task, which constituted the dual-task conditions. The findings indicated that walking aided by either the rolling walker or the standard walker was highly attention demanding. More importantly, it appears that greater attentional demand was required when ambulating with the standard walker. These results are discussed with respect to the gait modifications and accuracy demands required when using these walkers. The usefulness of the dual-task methodology as a research tool for addressing clinically oriented questions is emphasized, and some potential applications of this methodology for the therapist within the clinic are discussed.
Identification of a Unique 2-Oxoglutarate-Dependent Flavone 7-O-Demethylase Completes the Elucidation of the Lipophilic Flavone Network in Basil

Small molecule demethylation is considered unusual in plants. Of the studied instances, the N-demethylation of nicotine is catalyzed by a Cyt P450 monooxygenase, while the O-dealkylation of alkaloids in Papaver somniferum is mediated by 2-oxoglutarate-dependent dioxygenases (2-ODDs). This report describes a 2-ODD regiospecifically catalyzing the 7-O-demethylation of methoxylated flavones in peltate trichomes of sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum L.). Three candidate 2-ODDs were identified in the basil trichome transcriptome database. Only the candidate designated ObF7ODM1 was found to be active with and highly specific for the proposed natural substrates, gardenin B and 8-hydroxysalvigenin. Of the characterized 2-ODDs, ObF7ODM1 is most closely related to O-demethylases from Papaver. The demethylase activity in trichomes from four basil chemotypes matches well with the abundance of ObF7ODM1 peptides and transcripts in the same trichome preparations. Treatment of basil plants with a 2-ODD inhibitor prohexadione-calcium significantly reduced the accumulation of 7-O-demethylated flavone nevadensin, confirming the involvement of a 2-ODD in its formation. Notably, the full-length open reading frame of ObF7ODM1 contains a second in-frame AUG codon 57 nucleotides downstream of the first translation initiation codon. Both AUG codons are recognized by bacterial translation machinery during heterologous gene expression. The N-truncated ObF7ODM1 is nearly inactive. The N-terminus essential for activity is unique to ObF7ODM1 and does not align with the sequences of other 2-ODDs. Further studies will reveal whether alternative translation initiation plays a role in regulating the O-demethylase activity in planta. Molecular identification of the flavone 7-O-demethylase completes the biochemical elucidation of the lipophilic flavone network in basil.
Role of Microvascular Density in Nonlocalizing Parathyroid Sestamibi Scans

Objectives: Sestamibi scans for localization of abnormal parathyroid glands in patients with hyperparathyroidism are widely used at many institutions. Minimally invasive parathyroid surgery demands accurate preoperative localization imaging; however, nonlocalizing sestamibi scans occur in 15% of patients with primary hyperparathyroidism. It remains unknown why some sestamibi scans fail to localize. We hypothesize that an increase in microvascular density (MVD) within an adenoma will result in rapid tracer washout and a subsequent nonlocalizing scan. This study investigates the role of MVD in sestamibi localization. Study Design: Retrospective chart review with immunohistochemical staining and data analysis. Methods: Medical records of 83 patients who had a sestamibi scan for evaluation of primary hyperparathyroidism and underwent initial parathyroidectomy from 2000 to 2002 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients' age, sex, preoperative imaging results, operative procedure, gland weight, and histologic findings were collected. Immunohistochemistry was performed to assess MVD. Results: Of the 75 preoperative sestamibi scans used, 51 patients had a localizing scan, and 24 were nonlocalizing. Localizing sestamibi scans for primary hyperparathyroidism demonstrated a sensitivity of 94% and specificity of 85%. By identifying multiglandular hyperplasia, nonlocalizing sestamibi scans produced a sensitivity of 83%. The localizing group had a greater percentage of solitary adenomas (94%) compared with the nonlocalizing group (15.6%) (P < .001). The mean gland weight for the nonlocalizing group was less than 398 g compared with the localizing groupweight of 1,113 g (P < .001). The mean MVD for localizing scan group was 229 vessels per high-power field,and the mean for the nonlocalizing scans was 213 vessels per high-power field (P = .2). Conclusions: MVD does not predict whether sestamibi scans are localizing or nonlocalizing.
Regional pattern of white matter microstructural changes in normal aging, MCI, and AD

Objective: To cross-sectionally compare the regional white matter fractional anisotropy (FA) of cognitively normal (CN) older individuals and patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer disease (AD), separately focusing on the normal-appearing white matter (NAWM) and white matter hyperintensities (WMH), and to test the independent effects of presumed degenerative and vascular process on FA differences. Methods: Forty-seven patients with AD, 73 patients with MCI, and 95 CN subjects received diffusion tensor imaging and vascular risk evaluation. To properly control normal regional variability of FA, we divided cerebral white matter into 4 strata as measured from a series of young healthy individuals (H1 = highest; H2 = intermediate high; H3 = intermediate low; H4 = lowest anisotropy stratum). Results: For overall cerebral white matter, patients with AD had significantly lower FA than CN individuals or patients with MCI in the regions with higher baseline anisotropy (H1, H2, and H3), corresponding to long corticocortical association fibers, but not in H4, which mostly includes heterogeneously oriented fibers. Vascular risk showed significant independent effects on FA in all strata except H1, which corresponds to the genu and splenium of the corpus callosum. Similar results were found within NAWM. FA in WMH was significantly lower than NAWM across all strata but was not associated with diagnosis or vascular risk. Conclusions: Both vascular and Alzheimer disease degenerative process contribute to microstructural injury of cerebral white matter across the spectrum of cognitive ability and have different region-specific injury patterns.
Electrophysiological response of honey bee labial palp contact chemoreceptors to sugars and electrolytes

. The sensilla chaetica on segments II, III and IV of honey-bee labial palps were investigated electrophysiologically. The responses (spikes/s) correlated with the log of the concentrations of sucrose, glucose, fructose, NaCl, KCl and LiCl, but not with CaCl2 or MgCl2, which gave inconsistent responses. The firing rates were higher and thresholds lower to the sugars than to the electrolytes. The sensitivity of the segments fell in the order: III > II > IV for most of the stimulants, which elicited responses in the order: sucrose > glucose = fructose’ KCl > LiCl > NaCl. The sensilla adapted logarithmically with time. No synergism of response was noted when mixed-sugar solutions were applied, but inhibition of response was seen when glucose–sucrose, fructose–sucrose, and glucose–fructose–sucrose mixtures were applied. None of the sensilla tested responded to water.
Phase transfer catalyzed polymerization of 4‐bromo‐2,6‐dimethylphenol in the presence of either 2,4,6‐trimethylphenol or 4‐tert‐butyl‐2,6‐dimethylphenol

The synthesis of poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene oxide) with one 2,6-dimethylphenol chain end (PPO–OH) and with well-defined molecular weight by phase transfer catalyzed polymerization of 4-bromo-2,6-dimethylphenol (20) in the presence of either 2,4,6-trimethylphenol (1) or 4-t-butyl-2,6-dimethylphenol (1′) as chain initiators is described. The range of controllable molecular weights and the mechanism of molecular weight control are discussed based on the differences between the reactivities of 20, 1, and 1′ and of the corresponding reactive species. The PPO–OH synthesized from 20/1′ has structural units derived from 1′ attached only at the chain end. PPO–OH synthesized from 20/1 contains structural units derived from 1 both internally and at the chain ends. Structural units derived from side reactions were identified by 1H-NMR spectroscopy. A reaction mechanism is proposed to account for their formation.
Lateral trends in carbon isotope ratios reveal a Miocene vegetation gradient in the Siwaliks of Pakistan

Isotopic analyses of mammalian tooth enamel from a well-defined, laterally extensive 150 k.y. interval (9.15–9.30 Ma) reveal an ecological gradient in vegetation on the late Miocene sub-Himalayan alluvial plain. Two contemporaneous river systems deposited the sediments of this interval, with a mountain-sourced system (herein, Blue-gray) to the southwest interfingering with a foothill-sourced system (Buff) to the northeast. Fossil mammal teeth collected from a 32 km transect across this fluvial gradient are significantly more depleted in 13C from northeastern localities than from southwestern localities. This trend occurs in equids, giraffids, suids, sivapithecine hominoids, and anthracotheres. We propose that the Buff fluvial system provided more equably moist substrate conditions and supported more closed-canopy vegetation than the Blue-gray fluvial system. Herbivores living along the paleovegetation gradient thus acquired different carbon isotopic signatures during the period of tooth enamel formation, resulting from higher δ13C values in the forage supported by the Blue-gray fluvial system compared with forage associated with the Buff system. The data also imply that many Siwalik mammalian herbivores displayed marked fidelity in juvenile home ranges and habitats.
Discrete simultaneous perturbation stochastic approximation on loss function with noisy measurements

Consider the stochastic optimization of a loss function defined on p-dimensional grid of points in Euclidean space. We introduce the middle point discrete simultaneous perturbation stochastic approximation (DSPSA) algorithm for such discrete problems and show that convergence to the minimum is achieved. Consistent with other stochastic approximation methods, this method formally accommodates noisy measurements of the loss function.
The SSRI Citalopram Affects Fetal Thalamic Axon Responsiveness to Netrin-1 In vitro Independently of SERT Antagonism

Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) signaling is thought to modulate nervous system development. Genetic and pharmacological studies support the idea that altered 5-HT signaling during development can have enduring consequences on brain function and behavior. Recently, we discovered that 5-HT can modulate thalamic axon guidance in vitro and in vivo. Embryonic thalamic axons transiently express the 5-HT transporter (SERT; Slc6a4) and accumulate 5-HT, suggesting that the SERT activity of these axons may regulate 5-HT-modulated guidance cues. We tested whether pharmacologically blocking SERT using selective 5-HT reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) would impact the action of 5-HT on thalamic axon responses to netrin-1 in vitro. Surprisingly, we observed that two high-affinity SSRIs, racemic citalopram ((RS)-CIT) and paroxetine, affect the outgrowth of embryonic thalamic axons, but differ with respect to their dependence on SERT blockade. Using a recently developed ‘citalopram insensitive' transgenic mouse line and in vitro pharmacology, we show that the effect of (RS)-CIT effect is SERT independent, but rather arises from R-CIT activation of the orphan sigma-1 receptor(σ1, Oprs1). Our results reveal a novel σ1 activity in modulating axon guidance and a 5-HT independent action of a widely prescribed SSRI. By extension, (RS)-CIT and possibly other structurally similar SSRIs may have other off-target actions that can impact neural development and contribute to therapeutic efficacy or side effects.
Neutron-proton charge-exchange polarization

The neutron-proton charge-exchange polarization has provided new information to test various theoretical models and exchange degeneracy of ρ and A2 trajectories. The small polarization which is consistently negative and independent of energy at most points is changing our belief that particles like ρ and A2 are exchange degenerate. We are considering here a theoretical model which is capable of reproducing the desired np-pn polarization that has been found experimentally. This model for which the polarization has given reasonable qualitative and quantitative agreement with experimental data is consistent when we study simultaneously the polarizations and differential cross-sections for the processes np → pn and pp- → nn-.
Evaluation of the GNPV Method for Decision-making in Non-conventional Projects

Kulakova and Kulakov (2012) have presented the generalised net present value (GNPV) method to evaluate non-conventional projects. They have illustrated the method with three examples: a project of 2-year life with multiple internal rate of returns (IRRs), a project of 2-year life without IRR and a project of 3-year life with a unique real-valued IRR, which is not the rate of return. The purpose of the present study was to test the validity and feasibility of the GNPV method in evaluating other non-conventional projects with a longer life. The method was used to evaluate five scenarios: a project of 5-year life with multiple IRRs; a project of 7-year life with multiple IRRs, which were not the rates of return; a project of 10-year life with a positive and a negative IRR meaning the positive value was the unique IRR; a project of 7-year life with a salvage value and a unique IRR; and a staged expansion project of 10-year life with a unique IRR. It was concluded that the GNPV method worked in all the five ca...
Reevaluating Portfolio Diversification Benefits With New Multinational Indices

This study reviews international diversification using new sets of global and regional indices of multinational companies. Contrary to previous studies, it can be demonstrated that U.S. investors can aspire to strategically balanced portfolios through positioning in these indices. On might think that, because U.S.- and European -based companies frequently dominate these indices this might lead to poor diversification benefits. After all, one could argue that policymakers from the U.S. and the other major economies are increasingly coordinating their macroeconomic decisions resulting in the same monetary and public policies that affect a portfolio of purely domestic firms. Our results, however, show that it is far from being the case.
The Literary Estate of Lorado Taft

the 361 great Americans proposed for inclusion in A National Program for the Publication of Historical Documents a report made to the President in 1954 by the National Historical Publications Commission 47 have worked in the fields called in current academic parlance the humanities, which in the Report are limited to architecture, music, painting, literature, and sculpture. The name of only one sculptor appears in the first group of 112, whose papers were recommended for immediate attention Augustus Saint-Gaudens (1 848-1 907), uOne of the greatest of American sculptors." Three others, in the second group, are listed by name and dates only: William Rimmer ( 181679), William Rush (1 756-1 833), and Lorado Taft (1 860-1 936). Though the authors of the Report made it abundantly clear that their recommendations were neither complete nor final, it is somewhat puzzling to see the physician-would-be-artist Dr. Rimmer listed at all, whereas a casual scanning of Lorado Taft's History of American Sculpture suggests any number of worthier subjects Henry Kirke Brown or Taft's contemporary Daniel Chester French, for instance. There is no doubt that Lorado Taft was himself of "national
Simultaneous PET and MR Imaging of the Human Brain

Complementary anatomical and functional information obtained from separately performed magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography (PET) examinations have long been combined either by performing a parallel analysis or by using software co-registration techniques to merge the two datasets. However, a major assumption that has been made in these cases is that no changes in underlying conditions have occurred between the two studies; increasingly investigators are recognizing that this is not the case, particularly when assessing a subject’s mental state, which may change on the order of seconds, but also in some diseases such as acute ischemic stroke where physiological and metabolic changes can occur on the order of minutes. As we probe illnesses of the mind more thoroughly, the state of the mind and the state of the brain at any given instant become more relevant.
Homer Plessy's Forgotten Plea for Inclusion: Seeing Color, Erasing Color-Lines

Despite the attention given to the Supreme Court’s opinions in *Plessy v. Fergusson* and frequent quotation of Justice Harlan’s dissenting opinion asking the Court to be color-blind, Homer Plessy’s actual claim and his plea are largely forgotten. This forgetfulness is unfortunate, because Homer Plessy speaks to our time with surprising urgency. Plessy did not ask for blindness to the reality of color, he asked the Supreme Court to accept the reality of race and to insist on the inclusion in civil society of every citizen, taking the reality of race and race-prejudice into account.In the 1890s, when Plessy’s suit was in preparation, the backlash against the first Reconstruction was thirty years old, and on the crest of success. Today, we are thirty years into the backlash against the Civil Rights jurisprudence of the Warren Court. The backlash of Homer Plessy’s day created the Jim Crow regime, drawing a color-line around the formerly enslaved with a pretense of equal treatment. Today, the New Jim Crow is accomplished through mass incarceration and mass deportation; the color-line is a wall, and the imprisoned are invisible. We say “Black lives matter” to bring that reality into view, and ask again to erase the line of exclusion. Homer Plessy argued not for equality merely, but for inclusion. “Diversity and inclusion” is a motto for today’s civil rights movement, and only changes in thought and language make it difficult for us to see that it could have been the motto of Homer Plessy’s movement as well. He insisted on an inclusive citizenship for persons of all races; diversity and inclusion. Constitutional law should not be blind to individual circumstances, but it should reject arbitrary color-lines that separate and exclude under a pretense of equal treatment.
Enhancement of Immune Function and Tumor Growth Inhibition by Antibodies Against Prostaglandin E2

Mice bearing a Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC) were passively immunized against prostaglandin E2 (PGE2 by administration of rabbit serum containing anti-PGE2 antibodies. The effect of PGE2-inxnune serum on the suppressed imnunity of LLC-bearing mice was examined. Treatment of tumor-bearing mice with anti-PGE2 prevented the suppression of lymphocyte mito-genesis and the alterations in macrophage migration which typically occur in LLC-bearing mice. Furthermore, tumor growth was reduced In LLC-bearing mice which received antibodies directed against PGE2 rather than a placebo treatment.
Temporal Trends of the Clinical, Resource Use and Outcome Attributes of ICU-Managed Candidemia Hospitalizations: A Population-Level Analysis.

Background: There are mixed findings on the longitudinal patterns of the incidence of intensive care unit (ICU)-managed candidemia, with scarcity of reports on the corresponding evolving patterns of patients’ clinical characteristics and outcomes. No population-level data were reported on the temporal trends of the attributes, care and outcomes of ICU-managed adults with candidemia. Methods: The Texas Inpatient Public Use Data File was used to identify hospitalizations aged 18 years or older with a diagnosis of candidemia and ICU admission (C-ICU hospitalizations) between 2001 and 2010. Temporal trends of the demographics, clinical features, use of healthcare resources, and short-term outcomes were examined. Average annual percent changes (AAPCs) were derived. Results: C-ICU hospitalizations (n = 7,552) became (AAPC) increasingly younger (age ≥ 65 years: -1.0%/year). The Charslon comorbidity index rose 4.2%/year, while the mean number of organ failures (OFs) increased by 8.2%/year, with a fast rise in the rate of those developing ≥ 3 OFs (+15.5%/year). Between 2001 and 2010, there was no significant change in utilization of mechanical ventilation and new hemodialysis among C-ICU hospitalizations with reported respiratory and renal failures (68.9% vs. 73.3%, P = 0.3653 and 15.5% vs. 21.8%, P = 0.8589, respectively). Hospital length of stay or total hospital charges remained unchanged during study period. Hospital mortality decreased between 2001 and 2010 from 39.3% to 23.8% (-5.2%/year). The majority of hospital survivors (61.6%) were discharged to another facility, and increasingly to long-term acute care hospitals, with routine home discharge decreasing to 11% by 2010. Conclusions: C-ICU hospitalizations demonstrated increasing comorbidity burden and rising development of OF, and matching rise in use of selected life-support interventions, though with unchanged in-hospital fiscal impact. There has been marked decrease in hospital mortality, but survivors had substantial residual morbidity with the majority discharged increasingly to another post-acute care facility. J Clin Med Res. 2016;8(4):303-311 doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.14740/jocmr2484w
Influence of excess dietary phenylalanine on pregnant rats and their fetuses.

SummaryHigh blood phenylalanine levels and low phenylalanine hydroxylase activity were found in pregnant female rats fed excess phenylalanine. Fetal plasma phenylalanine levels averaged twice as high as the maternal levels. Tyrosine levels were elevated in pregnant females and in their fetuses. The ratio of fetal tyrosine to maternal tyrosine was lower in phenylalanine fed pregnant rats than in normally fed pregnant rats.The valuable help of Robert Colwell and Daren McLay is gratefully acknowledged.
Feasibility Study of Using a Small-Scale UAS for Sonic Boom Minimization Research

A study of how a small unmanned aircraft can be used to model the sonic boom of a large supersonic business jet, which is assumed to cruise at Mach 1.7 at 50,000 feet, is performed. By examining lessons learned from historical sonic boom testing, some fundamental attributes of the scaled vehicle are proposed. A mission profile is developed and constraint analysis is done. Three vehicle scales: 10, 16 and 25% are evaluated on how well they replicate the sonic boom propagation of the full scale aircraft. The scaled vehicles cruise at the same Mach number as the full-scale aircraft to ensure the scaled sonic boom propagates along the same acoustic trajectory as the full scale sonic boom. F-functions are created using Whitham’s modified linear theory and propagated to the ground using Hayes geometric acoustic code. A method is proposed which uses variations in cruise altitude to compensate for the variations in weight of the test aircraft. The data acquisition altitude is selected in order to properly scale acoustic advance. The lower limit in scale is determined to occur when the model aircraft’s wings become prohibitively thin to manufacture. Based on a variety of factors, the most appropriate scale is 25% for this test case.
Effect of Ambient Illumination on Legibility of Displays of Liquid-Crystals and Light-Emitting Diodes

Two liquid-crystal (LC) and three light-emitting diode (LED) electronic digital displays were evaluated at 1.5, 15, and 45 fc on the display using five criteria: 1) recognition time of single digit...