cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Methodologic implications of social inequalities for analyzing health disparities in large spatiotemporal data sets: an example using breast cancer incidence data (Northern and Southern California, 1988--2002).

Efforts to monitor, investigate, and ultimately eliminate health disparities across racial/ethnic and socioeconomic groups can benefit greatly from spatiotemporal models that enable exploration of spatial and temporal variation in health. Hierarchical Bayes methods are well-established tools in the statistical literature for fitting such models, as they permit smoothing of unstable small-area rates. However, issues presented by ‘real-life’ surveillance data can be a barrier to routine use of these models by epidemiologists. These include (1) shifting of regional boundaries over time, (2) social inequalities in racial/ethnic residential segregation, which imply differential spatial structuring across different racial/ethnic groups, and (3) heavy computational burdens for large spatiotemporal data sets. Using data from a study of changing socioeconomic gradients in female breast cancer incidence in two population-based cancer registries covering the San Francisco Bay Area and Los Angeles County, CA (1988–2002), we illustrate a two-stage approach to modeling health disparities and census tract (CT) variation in incidence over time. In the first stage, we fit race- and year-specific spatial models using CT boundaries normalized to the U.S. Census 2000. In stage 2, temporal patterns in the race- and year-specific estimates of racial/ethnic and socioeconomic effects are explored using a variety of methods. Our approach provides a straightforward means of fitting spatiotemporal models in large data sets, while highlighting differences in spatial patterning across racial/ethnic population and across time.
First principles studies of the electronic properties and catalytic activity of single-walled carbon nanotube doped with Pt clusters and chains

Abstract We report the results of density functional theory calculations on the electronic structures, geometrical parameters, and magnetic properties of a wide variety of Pt clusters/chains adsorbed on metallic (5,5) single-walled carbon nanotube (SWNT). It was found that the electronic band structures of Pt/CNT systems are very sensitive to the small changes in the geometries of Pt clusters and chains. In some cases, metallic (5, 5)-SWNT becomes a small-gap semiconducting nanotube with adsorbed Pt clusters and chains. We also investigated the dissociation of molecular oxygen on the (5, 5)-SWNT doped with a single Pt atom via the nudged elastic band (NEB) method. The NEB results showed that the activation barrier is lowered even with a single Pt atom compared to that of pristine SWNT. It was found that the electronic structure of molecular oxygen adsorbed on Pt-doped CNT resembles that of 2 O 2 - , which should facilitate the dissociation process.
Origin of noradrenergic afferents to the shell subregion of the nucleus accumbens: anterograde and retrograde tract-tracing studies in the rat

The nucleus accumbens (NAcc) can be subdivided into 'core' and 'shell' based on anatomical connections and histochemical markers. Previous studies have demonstrated dopamine-beta-hydroxylase immunoreactive (DBH-ir) fibers in the NAcc shell, but the source of these noradrenergic (NE) afferents has not been determined. Therefore, we have investigated in detail the anatomy of NE afferents to this subregion. Dual immunohistochemistry for DBH and substance P demonstrated numerous DBH-ir fibers in the caudal NAcc shell. Neurons projecting to the NAcc were identified with Fluoro-Gold (FG) or cholera toxin B (CTb) retrograde tracing and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) immunohistochemistry. Single- and double-labeled neurons were observed in the A2 and A1 NE cell groups following FG injections into the caudal NAcc shell. Numerous FG and CTb single-labeled neurons were found in the rostral locus coeruleus (LC), subcoeruleus and pericoerulear dendritic region, with an occasional double-labeled neuron in the LC. Few labeled neurons were seen in the brainstem after FG injections into the NAcc core, consistent with the lack of DBH-ir in this subterritory. To confirm these results, injections of Phaseolus vulgaris leucoagglutinin or biotinylated dextran amine were made into the LC or nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS). Virtually no labeled fibers were observed in the NAcc following injections into central LC. However, fibers were observed in the NAcc shell after injections in the NTS. These results indicate that the primary source(s) of NE afferents to the NAcc shell is the A2 region of the NTS, with lesser contributions from A1 and LC.
Histochemical method for localization of cyclic 3',5'-nucleotide phosphodiesterase.

A histochemical method has been described for demonstration of cyclic 3′, 5′-nucleotide phosphodiesterase in tissues. 5′-AMP is formed due to splitting of substrate cyclic 3′, 5′-AMP by cyclic 3′, 5′-AMPase. The 5′-AMP is split into adenosine and phosphate by the 5′-nucleotidase from added snake venom. Endogenous tissue 5′-nucleotidase would contribute to this activity. The phosphate was in turn visualized by conversion to the lead salt in the presence of lead acetate and finally into brownish-black lead sulphide by treatment with yellow ammonia sulphide. Control studies with and without substrate and snake venom, as well as inhibition by theophylline, indicate the test to be specific for cyclic 3′, 5′-AMPase.
Fourier properties of fingerprints

We investigate the recognition of fingerprints from the Fourier spectrum. The inherent properties of fingerprints allow a feature extraction and data reduction in the spatial frequency domain. The Fourier representation allows fingerprints to be distinguished from a small and spatially well-defined area. This suggests various schemes to detect the significant information in order to optimize the trade-off between sensitivity and robustness. We show illustrative results which confirm the usefulness of this approach. In addition, the classification of fingerprints from their plane wave spectra allows the design of compact systems, where the Fourier transformation is performed optically, while detection and post-processing is done by electronics. This provides the advantage that both optics and electronics are used in an optimum way to minimize the physical size of the system, as well as the computational load to interpret the detected signal.© (1998) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
International Games With National Rules: How Regulation Shapes Competition in ‘Global’ Markets

In the most global of industries, such as telecommunications and finance, international competition remains governed primarily by national regulations. When multiple national regulators govern international markets, the regulators themselves compete. But do they compete in laxity, trying to reduce regulation as much as possible, or do they compete in regulatory subsidy, trying to rig regulations to favor domestic firms? These questions are examined in Britain and Japan. In telecommunications and finance there has been no single global trend toward regulatory laxity or regulatory subsidy; national regulations still set the terms for international competition; the game of regulatory competition is so complex that it is difficult to find any single strategy for winning; and national authorities will continue to have difficulty in shifting regulation to the international level.
Hot dry rock geothermal reservoir testing: 1978 to 1980

Abstract The Phase I Hot Dry Rock Geothermal Energy reservoirs at the Fenton Hill field site grew continuously during Run Segments 2 through 5 (January 1978 to December 1980). Reservoir growth was caused not only by pressurization and hydraulic fracturing, but also by heat-extraction and thermal-contraction effects. Reservoir heat-transfer area grew from 8000 to 50,000 m2 and reservoir fracture volume grew from 11 to 266 m3. Despite this reservoir growth, the water loss rate increased only 30%, under similar pressure environments. For comparable temperature and pressure conditions, the flow impedance ( a measure of the resistance to circulation of water through the reservoir) remained essentially unchanged, and if reproduced in the Phase II reservoir under development, could result in “self pumping”. Geochemical and seismic hazards have been nonexistent in the Phase I reservoirs. The produced water is relatively low in total dissolved solids and shows little tendency for corrosion or scaling. The largest microearthquake associated with heat extraction measures less than minus one on the extrapolated Richter scale.
Advanced treatment modalities for vitiligo.

Background Vitiligo is an acquired multifocal and polygenic dyschromia that affects 1% to 3% of the world and presents as multiple depigmented macules and patches. Traditionally, the treatment of vitiligo has focused on pharmacologic interventions, but nearly half of all treated patients fail to respond successfully. Objective Several advanced techniques exist that can aid dermatologists in treating vitiligo in patients who do not respond favorably to traditional pharmacologic treatments. These advanced interventions include the use of the 308-nm excimer laser, total body depigmentation therapy with monobenzyl ether of hydroquinone, microdermabrasion, micropigmentation, khellin-UVA therapy, and surgical management using miniature punch grafting, suction blister grafting, and epidermal cultures. Materials and Methods This article reviews the current literature on these advanced treatment modalities for vitiligo and provides a practical guide for application of these techniques. Results and Conclusion Our ability to treat vitiligo may be imperfect, but through appropriate patient selection and careful application of one or more of these advanced therapies, successful treatment of vitiligo, even in patients refractory to treatment, can be achieved.
International factory productivity gains

Abstract This paper analyzes influences on factory productivity gains by using detailed, consolidated, crosssectional survey data from 561 plants on three continents, and by using times series data from five plants of a single company (a major domestic auto maker). Some grand themes, all intuitively satisfying, surface in the regression results on both sets of data. Technology advance, throughput time reduction, work force involvement, quality, inventory reduction, and simplified organization all foster productivity gains. Furthermore, using data from another company (Square D), labor efficiency is debunked as a proxy for labor productivity; other forces are at play in influencing productivity gains. The breadth of the survey sample (United States/Canada, Europe, Korea) permits tests of two often-touted hypotheses. It is frequently proposed that location-related factors (e.g., culture, governmental policies) affect factory productivity. Careful examination of the statistical evidence, however, does not confirm this. Similarly, managers often state that process industry plants are more productive than nonprocess, more fabrication and assembly, plants. This assertion, too, is not confirmed by the statistical evidence. Other things being equal, process industry plants do not show productivity gains any greater than non-process industry plants.
Optimization of a cyclic peptide inhibitor of Ser/Thr phosphatase PPM1D (Wip1).

PPM1D (PP2Cδ or Wip1) was identified as a wild-type p53-induced Ser/Thr phosphatase that accumulates after DNA damage and classified into the PP2C family. It dephosphorylates and inactivates several proteins critical for cellular stress responses, including p38 MAPK, p53, and ATM. Furthermore, PPM1D is amplified and/or overexpressed in a number of human cancers. Thus, inhibition of its activity could constitute an important new strategy for therapeutic intervention to halt the progression of several different cancers. Previously, we reported the development of a cyclic thioether peptide with low micromolar inhibitory activity toward PPM1D. Here, we describe important improvements in the inhibitory activity of this class of cyclic peptides and also present a binding model based upon the results. We found that specific interaction of an aromatic ring at the X1 position and negative charge at the X5 and X6 positions significantly increased the inhibitory activity of the cyclic peptide, with the optimized mol...
A 57Fe Mössbauer characterization of Fe-biopolymer complexes and their relevance to biological molecules

57Fe Mossbauer spectroscopy is used to study the interactions, geometry, and the coordination characteristics of the Fe-complexes of biopolymers such as chitosan, glucosamine, and chondritin sulfate. In addition, a computational effort is undertaken for predicting the geometries and energies of the metal complexes by the Density Functional Theory (DFT) methods as implemented in the Gaussian 2003 quantum mechanical program. Both experimental and computational results suggest that the structure of the metal complexes resemble closely the structure of the active sites of metalloenzymes in 2+ or 3+ oxidation states and is at least tetracoordinated and can possibly have six ligands.
Program and Addressing Structure in a Time-Sharing Environment

The problem studied is the effect of a time-sharing environment on the structure of programs and on the addressing strategies which may be employed in the hardware. An account is given of some very recent developments toward reduction in the system overhead needed to facilitate time-sharing. One hardware-software scheme designed to implement this reduction is described in some detail.
Kings River ophiolite, southwest Sierra Nevada foothills, California

In the lower Kings River area, rocks older than the Sierra Nevada batholith include a disrupted and metamorphosed ophiolite. The Kings River ophiolite consists of tectonically emplaced slabs as much as 20 km long that are separated by serpentinite-matrix melange zones and by crosscutting plutons of the batholith. Within the slabs, various segments of the original ophiolite section are preserved. From the base upward, the reconstructed section consists of (1) a harzburgite zone (more than 4 km thick), (2) a transition zone between ultramafic and mafic tectonites and cumulates (2.5 km thick), (3) a gabbro zone with cumulates (2 km thick), (4) a mafic-dike zone (0.7 km thick), and (5) a pillow-basalt zone (1.8 km thick). The pillow basalt is overlain by at least 20 m of metalliferous radiolarian chert. After tectonic mixing and emplacement into the Sierran terrane, the ophiolite was metamorphosed to the hornblende-hornfels facies by the batholith. The Kings River ophiolite is interpreted as a disrupted fragment of oceanic crust and upper mantle. Isotopic ages along with structural and petrographic data indicate that the igneous part of the section originated in latest Paleozoic or possibly earliest Mesozoic time. Intense deformation of the ophiolite began at its point of origin. Deep levels of the ophiolite were penetratively mylonitized, intermediate levels were deformed by ductile faulting, and upper levels were deformed by brittle shear. As deformation and disruption progressed, serpentinization of the ophiolite's lower levels also progressed. Serpentinization and differential tectonic movements were concentrated along zones that became serpentinite-matrix melange. The inclusion of only ophiolite-assemblage rocks in the melange zones indicates that the melange mixing was oceanic. The ophiolite originated and began its deformational history at a mid-ocean spreading center where that center was cut by a transverse fracture zone. The progression from brittle to ductile behavior with stratigraphic depth during initial deformation is attributed to a steep thermal gradient, typical of an ocean ridge. Progressive deformation and disruption and, ultimately, ophiolite emplacement occurred along a wrench zone that cut obliquely into western North America and truncated earlier-formed tectonic elements. The wrench zone is believed to have been an extension of the mid-ocean fracture zone that widened and became more complex with time. During the later stages of wrench movement, a component of eastward underthrusting commenced. Disrupted ocean floor of the wrench zone was left as an accretionary hanging wall of a newly formed subduction zone. A Jurassic volcanic arc was built across the already weakened oceanic basement as it underwent transverse shortening and continued wrench movements in response to oblique subduction. Final truncation of North American tectonic elements and emplacement of the ophiolite probably overlapped in time with arc activity. Similar deformation and truncation zones are a common feature in modern subduction-arc complexes of the circum-Pacific.
Hemispheric asymmetry in use of semantic category information.

Abstract When two pictures of common objects were presented sequentially, the secondwas named more quickly if both were members of the same semantic category. This semantic priming effect occured only when both pictures went directly to the left hemisphere. If the target or prime stimulus was presented to the left visual field—right hemisphere, no priming effect was observed. These results suggest that semantic category information is activated and used by the left hemisphere of the brain.
Grounding and ground fault protection of multiple generator installations on medium-voltage industrial and commercial power systems. IV. Conclusion and bibliography

For pt. III see ibid., p.56-62, 2003. The paper discusses typical grounding practices and ground fault protection methods for medium voltage generator stators, highlighting their merits and drawbacks. Particular attention is given to applications of multiple generators connected to a single bus. The paper also provides an overview of the generator damage mechanism during stator ground faults. Problem areas associated with each type of grounding are identified and solutions are discussed. The paper also provides a list of references on the topic. The paper is intended as a guide to aid engineers in selecting adequate grounding and ground fault protection schemes for medium voltage industrial and commercial generators for new installations, for evaluating existing systems, and for future expansion of facilities, to minimize generator damage from stator ground faults. These topics are presented in four separate parts. Part 4 provides a conclusion and bibliography of additional resource material.
Staggered price-setting, staggered wage-setting, and business cycle persistence

Abstract Staggered price-setting and staggered wage-setting are commonly viewed as similar mechanisms in generating persistent real effects of monetary shocks. In this paper, we distinguish the two mechanisms in a dynamic stochastic general equilibrium framework. We show that, although the dynamic price-setting and wage-setting equations are alike, a key parameter governing persistence is linked to the underlying preferences and technologies in different ways. With reasonable parameter values, the staggered price mechanism by itself is incapable of, while the staggered wage mechanism plays an important role in generating persistence.
Engineering of three-dimensional microenvironments to promote contractile behavior in primary intestinal organoids

Multiple culture techniques now exist for the long-term maintenance of neonatal primary murine intestinal organoids in vitro; however, the achievement of contractile behavior within cultured organoids has thus far been infrequent and unpredictable. Here we combine finite element simulation of oxygen transport and quantitative comparative analysis of cellular microenvironments to elucidate the critical variables that promote reproducible intestinal organoid contraction. Experimentally, oxygen distribution was manipulated by adjusting the ambient oxygen concentration along with the use of semi-permeable membranes to enhance transport. The culture microenvironment was further tailored through variation of collagen type-I matrix density, addition of exogenous R-spondin1, and specification of culture geometry. "Air-liquid interface" cultures resulted in significantly higher numbers of contractile cultures relative to traditional submerged cultures. These interface cultures were confirmed to have enhanced and more symmetric oxygen transport relative to traditional submerged cultures. While oxygen availability was found to impact in vitro contraction rate and the orientation of contractile movement, it was not a key factor in enabling contractility. For all conditions tested, reproducible contractile behavior only occurred within a consistent and narrow range of collagen type-I matrix densities with porosities of approximately 20% and storage moduli near 30 Pa. This suggests that matrix density acts as a "permissive switch" that enables contractions to occur. Similarly, contractions were only observed in cultures with diameters less than 15.5 mm that had relatively large interfacial surface area between the compliant matrix and the rigid culture dish. Taken together, these data suggest that spatial geometry and mechanics of the microenvironment, which includes both the encapsulating matrix as well as the surrounding culture device, may be key determinants of intestinal organoid functionality. As peristaltic contractility is a crucial requirement for normal digestive tract function, this achievement of reproducible organoid contraction marks a pivotal advancement towards engineering physiologically functional replacement tissue constructs.
Spin electronics: a quantum leap.

A new design for reprogrammable microprocessors based on single magnetoresistive elements has the potential to thrust magnetoelectronics from journal concept to everyday product.
Streptobacillus moniliformis polyarthritis mimicking rheumatoid arthritis: an urban cae of rat bite fever

CASE REPORT A 59-year-old black man came to the Johns Hopkins Hospital emergency room complaining of diffuse joint swelling and pain of one month's duration. Past history was notable for alcoholism, completed medical therapy for pulmonary tuberculosis, and a'chronic seizure disorder. Five days earlier, an emergency room visit at another hospital resulted in a diagnosis of "multiple traumatic joint swelling," and he was given ibuprofen, which he took for one day only. There was no history of fever, chills, vomiting, rash, previous arthritis, gonorrhea, or trauma. Physical examination revealed a temperature of 36°C orally with swelling of the proximal interphalangeal joint, metacarpophalangeal joint, wrist, and knee joints bilaterally (Figure 1), and warmth of both ankles, elbows, and shoulders. A rheumatology consultant believed that both wrists demonstrated thickening consistent with a chronic arthritis. The left knee was extremely painful despite minimal effusion, and the patient was unable to stand or sit up. An arthrocentesis of the left wrist revealed a white blood cell count of 57,000/mm 3, with 92 percent polymorphonuclear leukocytes, a glucose level of 47 mg/ liter, and a protein level of 5.2 mg/dl. A left knee arthrocentesis showed a white blood cell count of 3,700/ mm 3, with 80 percent polymorphonuclear leukocytes and a glucose level of 130 mg/dl. Gram stain and search for crystals of both fluids yielded negative results. The peripheral white blood cell count was 16,500/mm 3, with 10 percent bands and 73 percent polymorphonuclear leukocytes. The initial diagnosis of the rheumatology consultant was rheumatoid arthritis. Cultures of the blood and joint fluids and gonococcal cultures of the urethra, pharynx, and rectum were sent, as were rheumatoid factor, antinuclear antibody, and anti-streptolysin 0 titer. On the third hospital day, a temperature of 38.7°C developed. The knees, wrists, and metacarpophalangeal and interphalangeal joints had increased swelling. The white blood cell count had declined to 13,400/ mm 3, and all cultures remained negative.
Growth and Finance: What Do We Know and How Do We Know It?

The role of financial sector development in economic growth has become a major topic of empirical research in just the last ten years. A standard approach to explaining growth has emerged and the literature has examined the role of the aggregate amount of financial intermediation, bank lending and the influence of equity market development. More recently, the literature has examined aspects of institutional development and infrastructure on growth. Despite the econometric difficulties encountered, there is an emerging consensus about the role of the financial sector in growth. Panel data sets have produced impressive results but they are often fragile. Estimates with recently developed dynamic panel techniques have provided additional evidence. This paper summarizes the consensus and discusses the techniques that have been used and the problems encountered.
Identification of a novel p53 in-frame deletion in a Li-Fraumeni-like family.

We describe a 2-year-old female with a completely resected cerebral pilocytic astrocytoma who subsequently developed B-progenitor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Her father and paternal uncle were previously diagnosed with glioblastoma multiforme. Sequence analysis of the patient's p53 gene revealed a novel germline three base-pair deletion (339_341delCTT) in exon 4, resulting in removal of an evolutionarily conserved phenylalanine amino acid residue at codon 113. The same mutation was found in the patient's two clinically unaffected siblings. The in-frame deletion we describe has not previously been reported and adds to our understanding of the biologic effects of p53 gene mutation in Li–Fraumeni syndrome (LFS). Pediatr Blood Cancer 2008;50:914–916. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
The impact of air-lead on blood-lead in man--a critique of the recent literature.

Abstract The nature of the relationship between air-lead and blood-lead in man was evaluated using all the available information from published studies in which subjects were in an approximately steady state with regard to lead exposure, and blood-lead could be related to air-lead measurements made in the individual's breathing zone. The observed blood-lead-air-lead relationship was compared with the relationships predicted by applying the two kinetic models which have been proposed to describe lead disposition in man. The models were found to be inconsistent with observed lead disposition kinetics. Each model generates a linear blood-lead-air-lead relationship with predicted blood-lead levels well above the actual levels except within the very lowest blood-lead range ( 3 ). The observed blood-lead-air-lead relationship is curvilinear with slope decreasing as blood- and air-lead increase. The implications of this curvilinearity with regard to the dependence of α, the increment in blood-lead associated with a given increment in air-lead, both on the magnitude of the air-lead increment and on the baseline blood-lead value are illustrated and discussed.
Premature ejaculation: on defining and quantifying a common male sexual dysfunction.

ABSTRACT Introduction Premature ejaculation (PE) and its individual and relationship consequences have been recognized in the literature for centuries. PE is one of the most common male sexual dysfunctions, affecting nearly one in three men worldwide between the ages of 18 and 59 years. Until recently, PE was believed to be a learned behavior predominantly managed with psychosexual therapy; however, the past few decades have seen significant advances in understanding its etiology, diagnosis, and management. There is, as yet, no one universally agreed upon definition of PE. Aim To review five currently published definitions of PE. Methods The Sexual Medicine Society of North America hosted a State of the Art Conference on Premature Ejaculation on June 24–26, 2005 in collaboration with the University of South Florida. The purpose was to have an open exchange of contemporary research and clinical information on PE. There were 16 invited presenters and discussants; the group focused on several educational objectives. Main Outcome Measure Data were utilized from the World Health Organization, the American Psychiatric Association, the European Association of Urology, the Second International Consultation on Sexual Dysfunctions, and the American Urological Association. Results The current published definitions of PE have many similarities; however, none of these provide a specific “time to ejaculation,” in part because of the absence of normative data on this subject. While investigators agree that men with PE have a shortened intravaginal ejaculatory latency time (IELT; i.e., time from vaginal penetration to ejaculation), there is now a greater appreciation of PE as a multidimensional dysfunction encompassing several components, including time and subjective parameters such as “control,”“satisfaction,” and “distress.” Conclusion There is a recent paradigm shift away from PE as a unidimensional disorder of IELT toward a multidimensional description of PE as a biologic dysfunction with psychosocial components. Broderick GA. Premature ejaculation: On defining and quantifying a common male sexual dysfunction.
A revised key to Stenhelia (Delavalia) (Copepoda: Harpacticoida) including a new species from South Carolina, U.S.A.

A new and unique harpacticoid copepod from Spartina altemiflora salt marshes of the southeastern coast of the United States is described. Stenhelia bifidia sp. nov., differs from its closest allies in having bifid P5 setae, reduced number of setae on the swimming legs, reduced length of the mandibular enpododite setae and a sexually dimorphic rostrum. A table listing the salient morphological features of Stenhelia (Delavalia) is given as a new key to the subgenus along with a discussion on the validity of the Stenhelia related genus Me lima Por.
Sensitivity of the thyroid and parathyroid glands to radiation.

Abstract Iodine-125 seeds selectively inhibited thyroid compared with parathyroid function. Stimulation of thyroid tissue by TSH and suppression of thyroid tissue by thyroxine did not alter the sensitivity of thyroid tissue to radiation, since serum TSH concentrations were not different in the thyroxine-suppressed, control, or TSH-stimulated animals 9 weeks after discontinuing the radiation. TSH stimulation by the low iodine diet and TSH suppression by exogenous thyroxine did alter the function of the parafollicular C cells of the thyroid, since serum calcitonin concentrations were increased in the former and decreased in the latter. Serum calcium concentrations were also increased in the rats receiving the low iodine diet, but the reason for this increase is not known.
Nonlinear dynamical systems effects of homeopathic remedies on multiscale entropy and correlation dimension of slow wave sleep EEG in young adults with histories of coffee-induced insomnia

Background Investigators of homeopathy have proposed that nonlinear dynamical systems (NDS) and complex systems science offer conceptual and analytic tools for evaluating homeopathic remedy effects. Previous animal studies demonstrate that homeopathic medicines alter delta electroencephalographic (EEG) slow wave sleep. The present study extended findings of remedy-related sleep stage alterations in human subjects by testing the feasibility of using two different NDS analytic approaches to assess remedy effects on human slow wave sleep EEG. Methods Subjects ( N = 54) were young adult male and female college students with a history of coffee-related insomnia who participated in a larger 4-week study of the polysomnographic effects of homeopathic medicines on home-based all-night sleep recordings. Subjects took one bedtime dose of a homeopathic remedy ( Coffea cruda or Nux vomica 30c). We computed multiscale entropy (MSE) and the correlation dimension (Mekler-D2) for stages 3 and 4 slow wave sleep EEG sampled in artifact-free 2-min segments during the first two rapid-eye-movement (REM) cycles for remedy and post-remedy nights, controlling for placebo and post- placebo night effects. Results MSE results indicate significant, remedy-specific directional effects, especially later in the night (REM cycle 2) (CC: remedy night increases and post-remedy night decreases in MSE at multiple sites for both stages 3 and 4 in both REM cycles; NV: remedy night decreases and post-remedy night increases, mainly in stage 3 REM cycle 2 MSE). D2 analyses yielded more sporadic and inconsistent findings. Conclusions Homeopathic medicines Coffea cruda and Nux vomica in 30c potencies alter short-term nonlinear dynamic parameters of slow wave sleep EEG in healthy young adults. MSE may provide a more sensitive NDS analytic method than D2 for evaluating homeopathic remedy effects on human sleep EEG patterns.
In vitro translation of RNA from embryonic and from adult chicken pectoralis muscle produces different myosin heavy chains

A unique myosin heavy chain exists in embryonic fast muscle of the rat [ 11, rabbit [2,3] and chicken [4]. Other studies of embryonic rabbit fast myosin found the absence of a methylated sequence which is present in adult fast muscle myosin [5]. This methylation was shown to be a post-translational modification of the heavy chain [2,6]. Since differences between embryonic and adult myosin heavy chain are small [ 1,4,7], it is possible that the embryonic myosin heavy chain is not a unique gene product. striated and exhibited spontaneous contractions by the procedure in [lo]. Myosins were also prepared from the pectoralis muscle of 15 day chick embryos and the pectoralis muscle and the anterior latissimus dorsi muscle of adult chickens by identical procedures. Ail chickens and eggs were of the white Leghorn variety. Myosin preparations were stored in 40 mM sodium pyrophosphate, 50% glycerol at -20°C.
Growth hormone therapy for short stature: is the benefit worth the burden?

In 1985, approval of recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) made available a virtually unlimited resource to replace human pituitary–derived GH, which had been withdrawn for safety concerns. During the ensuing 2 decades, clinical trials spearheaded by pediatric endocrinologists and supported primarily by manufacturers of rhGH strived to show that rhGH treatment could improve growth rates and eventual height in children without growth hormone deficiency (GHD) who are short as a result of (sequentially) Turner syndrome (TS), chronic renal insufficiency (CRI), small for gestational age (SGA), Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS), or idiopathic short stature (ISS). Approval of these new indications validated the notion, first proposed in 1990,1 that if rhGH treatment is effective at increasing height in non-GHD children, then the etiology of short stature is not morally relevant in deciding who is entitled to treatment. These children all share a central and seemingly valid concern: “I am short and I would like to be taller.” The difficulty is that the phrase “like to be taller” in this context ranges in meaning from “physically need to be taller” to “would feel better if I were taller” or “would make my parents feel better if I were taller.” The key questions are: Which conditions, if any, lead to a degree of short stature that is sufficiently disabling to warrant medical treatment? If any are sufficiently disabling, what final height should be sought? If height is largely a surrogate outcome for improved quality of life, analysis of therapeutic value of rhGH therapy for short stature requires not only examination of effects on adult height but also of the rationale for intervention itself (ie, presumed disability resulting from short stature), whether improved height actually leads to better psychosocial outcomes, and how benefits compare to risks and costs. As discussed below, recent studies provide information … Address correspondence to David B. Allen, MD, Department of Pediatrics, University of Wisconsin Children's Hospital, H4/448 CSC–Pediatrics, 600 Highland Ave, Madison, WI 53792-4108. E-mail: dballen{at}wisc.edu
Estradiol increases salt intake in female normotensive and hypertensive rats

The objective of this study was to examine whether or not estradiol (E2) alters sodium intake in hypertensive and normotensive female rats. It was hypothesized that higher doses of E2 would increas...
Robust coding of 3D topological mesh data with RVLC

An integrated system for the robust coding of topological mesh data of arbitrary 3D graphic models is investigated in this work. The proposed system can achieve higher error resiliency with a low bit-rate overhead. This system mainly consists of two major modules, i.e. the segmentation module and the reversible variable length coding (RVLC) module. The segmentation module is used to divide an arbitrary 3D mesh into a group of smaller, uniform and independent segments depending on the error rate. Errors introduced in network transmission can be limited to the current segment instead of the whole mesh, which reduces the error propagation length drastically. The reversible variable length coding module is applied to each individual segment. It allows the recovery of a large portion of data from a corrupted segment due to the two-way decoding capability of RVLC. The amount of retransmitted data can thus be greatly reduced. In this research, two specific types of RVLC are considered, their parameters are carefully selected to match the symbol probability distributions. Experimental results show that an average overhead of 10 - 20% is required by the proposed scheme in comparison with the original error-free coding technique for the 300 testing 3D graphic models to given an excellent performance in the presence of noise.
Selenium-deficient diet induces renal oxidative stress and injury via TGF-β1 in normal and diabetic rats

Selenium-deficient diet induces renal oxidative stress and injury via TGF-β1 in normal and diabetic rats. Background Oxidative stress has been implicated in the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy. Although glucose itself can initiate oxidative stress, deficiency of essential trace elements such as selenium (Se) may exacerbate this oxidative stress in diabetic rats. The mechanism by which Se deficiency causes oxidative stress and renal injury is not completely understood. This study tested the hypothesis that Se deficiency induces renal oxidative stress and renal injury via transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1). Methods Fifty-four male Wistar rats were used. Diabetes was induced in 27 rats by streptozotocin, and the other 27 rats received buffer only. Ten weeks after induction of diabetes, both normal and diabetic rats were killed, their kidneys removed, and glomeruli were isolated. Glomeruli from normal and diabetic rats were incubated in the presence of TGF-β1 alone or its neutralizing antibody. Antioxidant enzyme (Cu-Zn) superoxide dismutase (Cu-Zn SOD), catalase, and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities; total glutathione; and lipid peroxidation were determined. For Se studies, 15 normal and 15 diabetic rats were divided into groups of five each and fed either a regular, Se-deficient, or Se-supplemented diet one week after induction of diabetes. Ten weeks after feeding these diets, rats were killed and glomeruli were isolated. Oxidative stress was examined by determining the mRNA expressions for antioxidant enzymes and also for TGF-β1. Plasma glucose and albuminuria were determined. Histology of the kidney and interlobular artery was evaluated by light microscopy. Results In vitro studies showed that TGF-β1 significantly reduced glomerular catalase and GSH-Px activities as well as total glutathione levels with an increase in lipid peroxidation in both normal and diabetic rats. Antibody to TGF-β abrogated these changes. There was no effect of TGF-β1 on Cu-Zn SOD. Like TGF-β1, a Se-deficient diet caused a significant decrease in glomerular mRNA expression for Cu-Zn SOD, catalase, and GSH-Px, but a significant increase in TGF-β1 mRNA expression. Also, a Se-deficient diet caused an increase in albuminuria, glomerular sclerosis, and plasma glucose levels in both normal and diabetic rats. The deficient diet caused a decrease in the lumen size of the interlobular artery. Se supplementation to diabetic rats up-regulated mRNA expression for antioxidant enzymes, and significantly reduced but did not normalize that of TGF-β1. Glomerular sclerosis was normalized and the interlobular artery lumen size was greatly enlarged in diabetic rats by Se supplementation. Also, the tubulointerstitium was preserved by Se supplementation in diabetic rats. Conclusions The data show that TGF-β1 is a pro-oxidant and Se deficiency increases oxidative stress via this growth factor. In addition, Se deficiency may simulate hyperglycemic conditions. Se supplementation to diabetic rats prevents not only oxidative stress but renal structural injury, as well.
Repercussions of promoting an ideology of consumption: consumer misbehavior

Abstract While the impact of marketing activities on promoting an attitude of consumption has attracted considerable research attention, their unforeseen repercussions have not. Among these consequences are consumers misbehaving themselves in exchange settings. The phenomena include much more than common forms of consumer fraud, and has important implications for understanding the totality of the consumption experience. Consumer misbehavior is widespread: many consumers misbehave, all are inevitably affected materially and/or psychologically. Given its pervasiveness and importance, we need a theory to stimulate research inquiry. The theory presented here argues that negative consumer behavior is unintentionally stimulated by the same marketing factors, which promote an ideology of consumption.
Magnetic properties of SmFeTiV alloys

Abstract The intrinsic and hard magnetic properties of as-cast and melt-spun SmFe10TiV alloys have been studied. The anisotropy constants K1 and K2 of the SmFe10TiV compound were found to be positive. At room temperature K1 is large, but K2 increases with decreasing temperature and becomes predominant at cryogenic temperatures. The coercivity and anisotropy field data suggest that the microstructure is very important in achieving the high coercivity. The change of coercivity with temperature may be attributed to the temperature dependence of the magnetocrystalline anisotropy of the material.
Use of (1 or 3-3H, U-14C)glucose to estimate the synthesis of glycerolipids via acyl dihydroxyacetone phosphate.

Summary BHK-21-cl3 fibroblasts were incubated with [1-3H, U-14c]glucose or [3-3H, U-14c]glucose to produce intracellular [3H]NADPH via the phosphogluconate pathway. 3H and 14C were then determined at the three positions of glycerol in glycerol phosphate, saponifiable glycerolipids, alkyl ether glycerolipids and plasmalogens. The 3H/14C ratio at C-2 in glycerol of saponifiable glycerolipids is 2–10 fold greater than in glycerol phosphate and approaches the ratio found in ether-containing glycerolipids. This suggests that a significant fraction of the glycerolipids in BHK-21-cl3 fibroblasts is synthesized via acyl dihydroxyacetone phosphate.
Luminescence dating of sediment samples from White paintings Rockshelter, Botswana

Luminescence dating of sediments from rockshelters is complicated by the possibility of incomplete sunlight bleaching in antiquity and uncertainties in the distribution of radioactivity. Yet such dating is important for the Middle Stone Age in southern Africa where rockshelters provide a large fraction of the known record. Sufficient bleaching is demonstrated for sediments at White Paintings Rockshelter in northwest Botswana by comparing results from slowly bleaching thermoluminescence signals and rapidly bleaching optically stimulated luminescence. Radioactive disequilibrium is also shown to be present in these sediments and believed to result from fractionation between 238U and 234U, requiring a small correction to the dose rate. Derived ages are in broad agreement with independent dating evidence and archaeological expectations.
Why is Past Depression the Best Predictor of Future Depression? Stress Generation as a Mechanism of Depression Continuity in Girls

This study examined whether a transactional interpersonal life stress model helps to explain the continuity in depression over time in girls. Youth (86 girls, 81 boys; M age = 12.41, SD = 1.19) and their caregivers participated in a three-wave longitudinal study. Depression and episodic life stress were assessed with semistructured interviews. Path analysis provided support for a transactional interpersonal life stress model in girls but not in boys, wherein depression predicted the generation of interpersonal stress, which predicted subsequent depression. Moreover, self-generated interpersonal stress partially accounted for the continuity of depression over time. Although depression predicted noninterpersonal stress generation in girls (but not in boys), noninterpersonal stress did not predict subsequent depression.
Characterization of the pedestal in Alcator C-Mod ELMing H-modes and comparison with the EPED model

A dedicated series of ELMing H-mode discharges on Alcator C-Mod spanning a broad range of plasma parameters, including plasma current (400–1000 kA), magnetic field (3.5–8 T), and plasma shaping, are presented with experimental scalings of the plasma pedestal with bulk plasma and engineering parameters. The H-modes presented achieve pedestals with densities spanning 5 × 1019–2.5 × 1020 m−3 and temperatures of 150–1000 eV (corresponding to 5–40 kPa in the pressure pedestal), over a width of 3–5% of poloidal flux. The observed pedestal structure is compared with the most recent iteration of the EPED class of models, which uniquely predict the pedestal width and height for a set of scalar input parameters via a combination of stability calculations for peeling–ballooning MHD modes and kinetic-ballooning modes.
Steel Factor Regulates Cell Cycle Asymmetry

Asymmetric segregation of cell-fate determinants during mitosis (spatial asymmetry) is an essential mechanism by which stem cells are maintained while simultaneously giving rise to differentiated progenitors that ultimately produce all the specialized cells in the hematopoietic system. Temporal cell cycle asymmetry and heterogeneity are attributes of cell proliferation that are also essential for maintaining tissue organization. Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) are regulated by a complex network of cytokines, some of which have very specific effects, while others have very broad ranging effects on HSCs. Some cytokines, like steel factor (SLF), are known to synergize with other cytokines to produce rapid expansion of progenitor cells. Using the human growth factor-dependent MO7e cell line as a model for synergistic proliferation, we present evidence that links proliferation asymmetry to SLF synergy with GM-CSF, and suggests that temporal asymmetry and cell cycle heterogeneity can be regulated by SLF in vitro. We also show that CDK-inhibitor and cell cycle regulator, p27kip-1, may be involved in this temporal asymmetry regulation. We propose that SLF/GM-CSF synergy is, in part, due to a shift in proliferation pattern from a heterogeneous and asymmetric one to a more synchronous and symmetric pattern, thus contributing dramatically to the rapid expansion that accompanies SLF synergy observed in MO7e cells. This kinetic model of asymmetry is consistent with recent evidence showing that even though SLF synergy results in a strong proliferative signal, it does not increase primary HSC self-renewal, which is believed to be highly dependent on asymmetric divisions. The factor-dependent MO7e/SCF- synergy/asymmetry model described here may therefore be useful for studies of the effects of various cytokines on cell cycle asymmetry.
Modeling of guided-wave optical components with efficient finite-difference beam propagation methods

The scalar and vector finite difference beam propagation methods (BPMs) as well as a bidirectional BPM both for two-dimensional and for three-dimensional structures are presented. These can be implemented on the workstation level, and various modeling examples are demonstrated. The use of these techniques can enhance the design and analysis of various guided-wave circuit components. >