cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Estrogen receptor-α is required by the supporting somatic cells for spermatogenesis

Abstract The gene for estrogen receptor-alpha (ERα) was disrupted in embryonic stem cells by homologous recombination and these cells were used to generate mice with a targeted mutation in the ERα gene (αERKO mice). It was found that males homozygous for the mutation are infertile, indicating that estrogen signaling through this nuclear hormone receptor is required for male reproductive function. Although spermatogenesis appears normal in juvenile and young adult αERKO mice, the sperm produced are unable to fertilize eggs in vitro. To determine whether ERα is required by somatic or germ cells in the male reproductive tract, we transplanted germ cells from homozygous mutant (ERα −/− ) males to the testes of wild-type (ERα +/+ ) males depleted of germ cells by busulfan treatment. The recipients (‘surrogate fathers’) sired offspring heterozygous for the mutation (ERα +/− ) and carrying the coat-color marker of the infertile donor males. This indicated that ERα −/− germ cells are able to produce sperm competent to fertilize when they are supported by ERα +/+ somatic cells. When ERα +/− offspring produced by germ cell transplantation were mated to produce ERα −/− males, these mice were found to have the same phenotype as originally reported for αERKO males. These studies showed that male germ cells do not require ERα for regulation of their own genes for development and function, and strongly imply that somatic cells of the male reproductive tract require ERα to support the production of sperm that are capable of fertilization.
The central role of calcium in the effects of cytokines on beta-cell function: implications for type 1 and type 2 diabetes

The appropriate regulation of intracellular calcium is a requirement for proper cell function and survival. This review focuses on the effects of proinflammatory cytokines on calcium regulation in the insulin-producing pancreatic beta-cell and how normal stimulus-secretion coupling, organelle function, and overall beta-cell viability are impacted. Proinflammatory cytokines are increasingly thought to contribute to beta-cell dysfunction not only in type 1 diabetes (T1D), but also in the progression of type 2 diabetes (T2D). Cytokine-induced disruptions in calcium handling result in reduced insulin release in response to glucose stimulation. Cytokines can alter intracellular calcium levels by depleting calcium from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and by increasing calcium influx from the extracellular space. Depleting ER calcium leads to protein misfolding and activation of the ER stress response. Disrupting intracellular calcium may also affect organelles, including the mitochondria and the nucleus. As a chronic condition, cytokine-induced calcium disruptions may lead to beta-cell death in T1D and T2D, although possible protective effects are also discussed. Calcium is thus central to both normal and pathological cell processes. Because the tight regulation of intracellular calcium is crucial to homeostasis, measuring the dynamics of calcium may serve as a good indicator of overall beta-cell function.
RELATION BETWEEN TOP AND ROOT SIZE IN HERBACEOUS PLANTS.

In his Treatise on the Physiology of Plants Sorauer affirms that the plant must not be looked upon as an unchangeable organism, restricted to a definite form, but as being plastic, capable of further modification in any of its parts ; its usual shape being susceptible to alteration, within certain limits, as if it were made of wax. This principle has been substantiated by the practical gardener, who, besides seeking to grow herbaceous plants in situations to which they are the best adapted by nature, often endeavors to cultivate them successfully in special localities, and, in all localities, seeks to render them more useful to his purposes. Perhaps chief among the attempts of the gardener at altering normal physiological functions and interfering with the ordinary course of development is that of remodelling certain plants with respect to the relative size of top and root. His success in this effort has been remarkable; so much so that there might seem to be an attainable "ideal balance " between size of top and root for every particular desire or necessity. However, the limits mentioned by Sorauer must exist, making it impossible to proceed beyond a certain point with a given species, and also rendering it likely that even within the limits set by nature, increasing or decreasing the normal development of either top or root in order to favor the other part may result in danger to the plant as a whole except this be attempted by persons who thoroughly understand the plant and its conditions of life and vigor. Obviously, the aerial and subterranean portions of a higher land plant are mutually dependent, since the roots furnish the raw nutrients and water obtained from the soil and often serve as places of storage, while the tops supply the elaborated organic compounds essential for growth. It is of practical significance and also of considerable scientific interest to determine the nature of this relationship, or, more specifically, to determine how much variation in this state of reciprocity occurs naturally, and how much may be induced experimentally. Literature
In-plant microfouling in desalination

Abstract Microfouling of solid surfaces exposed to sea water by primary film forming bacteria is a phenomenon reasonably well known. Microfouling is believed to serve as a percursor to marine macrofouling and corrosion, significantly reduce the efficiency of condenser-heat exchangers, and cause a reduction in efficiency of performance of reverse osmosis membranes. The complex poorly understood microfouling-corrosion process has caused a huge and continuing cost to the desalination industry. Microfouling in desalination is a process in which the rate of increase of the mass of surface film is dependent in large part on the specific character of the environment, most particularly the physical, chemical and biological condition of the intake sea water. The microfouling process occurs in four stages: (1) Chemical Conditioning, (2) Attachment and Colonization by bacteria, (5) Colonization by other microorganisms, and (4) Accumulation. The attachment of bacteria to surfaces is mediated by a glycoprotein polymer. This adhesion-inducing polymeric material has been recovered from filtered sea water, marine bacteria, and algal cultures. The glycoprotein is active in exceedingly low concentration and has been shown to adhere very effectively to solid surfaces. While microfouling is a known phenomenon in reverse osmosis, its role in accelerating corrosion as well as causing a decrease in the overall heat transfer coefficient in distillation has still not been fully studied. Sucessful control of microbial fouling will follow when a complete understanding of the process has been achieved.
Effects of single and fractionated doses of x-rays on mouse embryos.

THAT embryonic tissues in vitro may be affected more drastically by fractionated, than by single, doses of X-rays was shown by Spear in 1932 1. Working with chick embryo fibroblasts, he demonstrated that the depression of activity of these cells is far greater with two 2½-min. exposures separated by 80 min. than with a single 5-min. exposure. In view of the possible significance of these findings for our understanding of the nature of embryonic damage resulting from X-irradiation, and in view of the general interest in the question of radiation hazards to the developing mammalian embryo, the present experiment was designed to determine whether there is a difference between the effects of single and fractionated doses of X-rays on developing mouse embryos in vivo.
Enhanced mid-infrared transmission through nanoscale metallic coaxial-aperture arrays

Using a single interferometric lithography patterning step along with self-aligned pattern-definition techniques, uniform, large-area metallic coaxial arrays with ~100-nm toroidal gaps are fabricated. Enhanced (5×) mid-infrared (4 µm) transmission through these sub-wavelength coaxial arrays is observed as compared with that through the same fractional opening area hole arrays as a result of the complex coaxial unit cell. Varying the coaxial dimensions shifts the resonance wavelength and impacts the maximum transmission; design rules are derived. The ability to control the transmission wavelength combined with dramatically enhanced transmission represent a promising path toward nanophotonic applications.
Model-driven approach for managing human interface design life cycle

Designing a large application user interface is an iterative process. Commonly used tools lack models to support this iterative process. Research on model-driven UI design has over the years focused on modeling UI at a higher level of abstraction but lacked support during in the iteration process. This paper briefly presents the context of our research - transforming a business model into a base UI model for further customization. Specifically, we present a feature that helps reflect changes from the business model in the user interface design tool. We designed it so that the human designers can choose to react to these changes as they see appropriate. The technique is one of our attempts to apply the model-drive approach to better support design iteration through requirement changes.
Lid opening apraxia is associated with medial frontal hypometabolism

We used [18F]fluorodeoxyglucose with positron emission tomography to explore the functional basis of lid opening apraxia (LOA). We studied four patients with LOA without associated pyramidal or extrapyramidal motor dysfunction (mean age 65.5 +/- 4.7 years). We compared measures of glucose metabolism with those calculated for 10 age-matched normal volunteers (mean age 60.6 +/- 11.4). All four patients demonstrated significant metabolic reductions (> 2 SD) in the medial frontal lobe: bilaterally in two, unilaterally in two. Significant abnormal unilateral metabolic reductions in the left basal ganglia were evident in two patients. These findings suggest that medial frontal lobe hypometabolism is associated with LOA. Abnormal striatofrontal interactions may be involved in the pathogenesis of this condition.
Retinal FABP principally localizes to neurons and not to glial cells.

The presence of fatty acid-binding protein (FABP) in the embryonic chick retina may be linked to the demand for polyunsaturated fatty acids in this developing neural tissue. There is a decline in the overall level of FABP as the retina matures, suggesting a role for FABP in cellular differentiation. However, this pattern is not present in the chick brain, indicating a unique function for FABP in the retina. Immunohistochemical staining of paraffin sections of chick retina from embryonic day 21 revealed immunopositive photoreceptor inner segments, outer nuclear layer, ‘radial processes’ in the inner nuclear layer, a subpopulation of cells in the ganglion cell layer, and inner limiting membrane. This pattern suggested that FABP positive cells were photoreceptors, Muller (glial) cells, and possibly ganglion cells. Staining of sections for glutamine synthetase, an enzyme specific for Muller cells, was similar but not identical to the pattern observed with FABP; thus identification of these cells as FABP-positive was not conclusive. However, in retinal cells dissociated from day E14 embryos and cultured for one week, staining with FABP was more intense in the neurons than in the ‘flat’ cells (presumed to be derived from the Muller cells). Retinal FABP thus appears to be localized predominantly in neurons, and may serve to sequester fatty acids in preparation for neurite outgrowth as the retinal cells differentiate.
Hydrogen-atom Abstraction/Cyclization in synthesis. Direct syntheses of coumestan and coumestrol

The synthesis of coumestrol has been achieved in five steps from 1,3-dimethoxybenzene. The key step is a photochemical cyclization of a glyoxylate ester.
An All-Season Synoptic Climatology of Air Pollution in the U.S.-Mexico Border Region*

The potential exists for widespread air quality problems in the U.S.-Mexico borderlands. Climate and weather are major factors governing the behavior of air pollution, and thus there is a need for greater understanding of border-region air pollution climatology. This paper presents a synoptic climatology of the 850 mb atmospheric circulation for the U.S.-Mexico border region, and an accompanying analysis of relationships between synoptic conditions and ground-level ozone. The synoptic methodology employs high-pass filtering to enable comparisons of all seasons, and it uses modified multiple k means clustering to identify six characteristic circulation patterns. The climatology succinctly summarizes important spatial and temporal complexities of border region circulation, including various pressure configurations, the seasonality of those patterns, and associated weather conditions across the region. These results are linked with ozone data for four border-region cities, and the subsequent findings highlig...
The pediatric sedation unit: A prospective analysis of parental satisfaction

Abstract As financial pressures drive health care to be more cost-effective and efficient, performing procedures outside the main operating room (MOR) is becoming more common. Pediatric sedation units (PSU) have proven both effective and safe at providing anesthesia for children. However, there is limited data available regarding the PSU and its potential application in pediatric otolaryngology. Objective To evaluate the experience of performing pediatric outpatient procedures in a PSU through a parental satisfaction survey. Methods Pediatric otolaryngology procedures performed in the PSU were prospectively recorded in a database. A prospective survey analysis was performed that measured parental satisfaction with scheduling/registration for surgery, nursing care, surgeon care, facility environment, timing/duration, and overall satisfaction. Parents completed this survey for outpatient procedures performed in either the PSU or in the MOR. The same attending surgeon was involved in all cases, with the only independent variable being the location of the surgery. Fifty surveys were collected for each group, and the surveys scores were statistically compared using nonparametric statistical analysis. Results Parental satisfaction was high in both the PSU and OR, with mean overall satisfaction scores of 4.8 and 4.9 (respectively) on an ordinal scale from 1 to 5. Parents reported greater clarity in preoperative information in the MOR (mean 4.8) compared to the PSU (mean 4.6) (p Conclusions The PSU is a satisfactory patient experience for outpatient procedures in pediatric otolaryngology at our institution. However, this parent survey has identified education prior to surgery and timeliness of surgery as two areas to improve to meet the satisfaction standard provided by the OR.
Treatment of primary and recurrent retroperitoneal liposarcoma

Thirty-four cases of retroperitoneal liposarcoma treated at Memorial Hospital, through 1965, were analyzed. During this same time, 249 patients with liposarcoma were seen here with the retroperitoneal origin occurring 13.6% of the time. Patients were divided into three groups: complete excision with or without radiation therapy (11 patients), partial excision followed by radiation therapy (15 patients), and biopsy followed by radiation therapy (8 patients). The overall 5-year survival of these 34 patients including patients not free of disease was 41%; however, only 4, or 12%, were free of disease at this report, 6 to 30 years after treatment. Of these four survivors free of disease, three were treated by complete excision (two with and one without postoperative radiation therapy) and one was treated by irradiation alone. Complete excision produced the highest 5-year survival rate, longest disease-free interval, and fewest number of operations for repeated recurrence. Beneficial effects of radiation therapy included one 30-year cure in Group III patients and prolongation of the disease-free interval to 32 months following partial excision as compared to only 16 months if no radiation therapy was employed in Group II patients. For the management of retroperitoneal liposarcoma, complete excision of the tumor en bloc with adjacent involved organs whenever feasible should be carried out. For inoperable cases, or cases with residual disease or suspicious of residual disease following surgery, intensive radiation therapy should be given in an attempt to cure or at least to prolong the disease-free interval.
Sirolimus-associated hepatotoxicity: case report and review of the literature

Brock Macdonald1 Evi Vakiani2 Rhonda K Yantiss3 Jun Lee4 Robert S Brown Jr5 Samuel H Sigal6 1Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, University of California-San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 2Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan–Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, 3Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, New York Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, 4Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, 5Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, 6Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, New York University, New York, NY, USA
Robust Control Approach on Diesel Engines With Dual-Loop Exhaust Gas Recirculation Systems

This paper presents a robust control approach to achieve an independent control authority over the intake manifold conditions of a medium-duty, V8, Diesel engine with the use of a complex air-path system. The intake manifold conditions in question include gas temperature, pressure, and oxygen mass fraction. The purpose of achieving such a high control authority over these intake manifold conditions is to explore the possibilities of extending the operating ranges of advanced combustion modes like low temperature diffusion combustion (LTDC), homogenous charge compression ignition (HCCI), and pre-mixed charge compression ignition (PCCI). Independent control of these air-path variables is made possible by using a dual-loop exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system with a two-stage, variable geometry turbocharging (VGT) system. A multi-input-multi-output robust air-path controller was designed based on a control-oriented model identified using a high-fidelity GT-Power model of a medium-duty Diesel engine. Simulation results illustrate the effectiveness of the controller over a limited engine operating range.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Implicit dynamics in the material-point method

Abstract A time-implicit discretization is derived and validated for the material-point method (MPM). The resulting non-linear, discrete equations are solved using Newton's method combined with either the conjugate gradient method or the generalized minimum residual method. These Newton–Krylov solvers are implemented in a matrix-free fashion for numerical efficiency. A description of the algorithms and evaluation of their performance is presented. On all test problems, if the time step is chosen appropriately, the implicit solution technique is more efficient than an explicit method without loss of desired features in the solutions. In a dramatic example, time steps 10,000 times the explicit step size are possible for the large deformation compression of a cylindrical billet at 1.2% the computational cost.
RECURRENT THEMES AND PURPOSES IN THE SERMONS OF THE UNION ARMY CHAPLAINS

T surrender of Fort Sumter ended the last chance for reconciliation and compromise between the Unionists and the Secessionists. Lincoln called for an army. Since Congress was not in session, he and the War Department issued a series of proclamations, directives, and regulations designed to mold the state militia companies and volunteer groups into a national military force. Near the end of one long directive was a simple statement which permitted each regiment to have a Christian chaplain if it so desired.
Obesity, mortality, and bariatric surgery death rates.

Bennet I. Omalu, MD, MPH; Diane G. Ives, MPH; Alhaji M. Buhari, MA, MSIE; Jennifer L. Lindner, DO; Philip R. Schauer, MD; Cyril H. Wecht, MD, JD; Lewis H. Kuller, MD, DrPHBackgroundBariatric surgery has emerged as the most effective treatment for class III obesity (body mass index, ≥40). The number of operations continues to increase. We measured case fatality and death rates by time since operation, sex, age, specific causes of death, and mortality rates.Design and SettingData on all bariatric operations performed on Pennsylvania residents between January 1, 1995, and December 31, 2004, were obtained from the Pennsylvania Health Care Cost and Containment Council. Matching mortality data were obtained from the Division of Vital Records, Pennsylvania State Department of Health.Outcome MeasuresAge- and sex-specific death rates after bariatric surgery.ResultsThere were 440 deaths after 16 683 operations (2.6%). Age-specific death rates were much higher in men than in women and increased with age. Age- and sex-specific death rates after bariatric surgery were substantially higher than comparable rates for the age- and sex-matched Pennsylvania population. The 1-year case fatality rate was approximately 1% and nearly 6% at 5 years. Less than 1% of deaths occurred within the first 30 days. Fatality increased substantially with age (especially among those >65 years), with little evidence of change over time. Coronary heart disease was the leading cause of death overall, being cited as the cause of death in 76 patients (19.2%). Therapeutic complications accounted for 38 of 150 natural deaths within the first 30 days, including pulmonary embolism in 31 (20.7%), coronary heart disease in 26 (17.3%), and sepsis in 17 (11.3%).ConclusionsThere was a substantial excess of deaths owing to suicide and coronary heart disease. Careful monitoring of bariatric surgical procedures and more intense follow-up could likely reduce the long-term case fatality rate in this patient population.
Modified directly observed therapy (MDOT) for injection drug users with HIV disease.

Injection drug use is an important factor in the spread of HIV infection, and strategies to enhance adherence to HIV therapeutics are critically important to controlling viral transmission and improving clinical outcomes. To this end, the authors sought (1) to enhance adherence to highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) among methadone-maintained injection drug users (IDUs) using modified directly observed therapy (MDOT), and (2) to define interactions between methadone and HAART and the potential contribution of drug interactions to adherence and HIV outcomes in this population. Adherence was explored here through a pilot, unblinded, 24-week study in a methadone maintenance program in which simplified HAART (efavirenz and didanosine [one daily] and a second nucleoside [twice daily]) was administered 6 days/week by clinic staff to HIV-infected IDUs (n = 5) with their methadone. Evening doses of riboflavin-tagged nucleoside and one full day of medication weekly were given as take home doses. As a result of HAART administration, four of five participants with mean viral load at baseline of 10(5) copies/ml had undetectable viral load by 8 weeks of treatment (p = .043). Methadone area under the curve (AUC) decreased by 55% (p = .007) within 2 weeks of initiating this HAART regimen, and a mean methadone dose increase of 52% was required. The authors conclude that MDOT is a promising intervention for the treatment of IDUs with HIV disease, though significant drug interactions must be monitored for carefully and rapidly addressed.
INJECTED SILASTIC FOR TISSUE PROTECTION.

Abstract Four research projects were designed to study the reaction of the tissue to implanted plastic and silicones. The original purpose of this research was to provide information which could be useful in using a plastic sub-structure in implant dentures. These projects were briefly described and the results summarized. Because of the desirable physical properties of Silastic, it was a logical choice for ridge build-up procedures by the implantation technique. From these experiments evolved the injection method of ridge extension and tissue protection. This method involves the injection of a fluid, unvulcanized synthetic rubber under the tissues which is catalyzed to form a firm, soft cushion which in turn protects the oral tissues. Experiments to date indicate that this method is most effective when injected over sharp bony prominences like the genial tubercules, sharp mylohyoid and residual alveolar ridges and over mental foramina in severely resorbed ridges. Ridge build-up procedures are successful only to the amount of soft tissue available to receive the injected Silastic. Silastic has also been beneficial for those patients who present an anterior upper ridge with considerable hypertrophy and hyperplasia. Injections in this region have resulted in firmer gingival tissues and the final elimination of the build-up of inflammatory tissue and resultant hyperplasia. The use of implanted and injected Silastic as an aid to prosthodontic practice looks very promising at this time. Various methods and materials will require diversified and long-term clinical study. This report is published in the hope that it will stimulate more research in this field.
Solubility of Ag in YBa2Cu3O6+y and its effect on superconducting properties

Abstract In order to determine the solid solubility of Ag in YBa 2 Cu 3 O 6+ y and its effect on superconducting properties, a series of YBa 2 Cu 3− x Ag x O 6+ y samples ( x ≤0.75) have been prepared and characterized by X-ray diffraction, optic al microscopy, and electron microprobe analysis. The central results are that Ag goes into solid solution up to about x =0.06 and that initially (up to x =0.035) superconducting properties are improved — T c goes up by 1.1 K, intragrain critical current density is marginally improved and Meissner effect is considerably enhanced. However, at higher x all the superconducting properties are considerably degraded. The implication of these results on the use of Ag as a cladding material for 123 or in a composite are discussed.
ATP synthase 5' untranslated regions are specifically bound by chloroplast polypeptides.

Expression of the large ATP synthase gene cluster in spinach (Spinacia oleracea) chloroplasts is regulated at the post-transcriptional level. RNA stability and the translational efficiency of some chloroplast transcripts have been shown to be regulated through RNA-protein interactions in the 5′ untranslated region (5′ UTR). In this report we show that spinach chloroplast extracts contain polypeptides that specifically interact with the 5′ UTRs of three of the four genes in the large ATP synthase gene cluster. A subset of binding polypeptides may be gene-specific, although at least one appears to be a more general chloroplast RNA-binding protein. We hypothesize that these RNA-protein interactions may affect the expression of this gene cluster from two perspectives. The first would be at a gene-specific level, which could serve to control the stoichiometry of ATP synthase subunits. The second would be a more global effect, which may adjust the abundance of the entire ATP synthase complex in response to environmental or developmental cues.
Loss of pulmonary function gains after lung volume reduction surgery

Abstract Lung volume reduction surgery (LVRS) has been demonstrated to improve lung function, exercise tolerance and quality of life. However, the duration of improvement is unknown. While the maximal duration of improvement cannot be determined at this time due to an inadequate period of follow-up, we have observed in some patients significant and relatively rapid declines in gains following LVRS. We describe 6 patients who increased FEV 1 by at least 10% of the predicted value after LVRS and subsequently experienced rapid loss of the increment in FEV 1 (mean loss 79%, 95% CI 58–100%) over a period ranging from 14 to 20 months following surgery.
Ceramic rutile X-band maser

A new, easier, less costly method of preparing non-oriented materials for broad-band microwave masers is described and an X-band maser experiment is used to demonstrate the feasibility of employing ceramic active materials in maser structures. Some advantages of ceramic versus powdered materials are discussed.
Infantile mixed phenotype acute leukemia (bilineal and biphenotypic) with t(10;11)(p12;q23);MLL-MLLT10

We report a case of a 6-month-old boy with a mixed phenotype acute leukemia (MPAL), bilineal and biphenotypic immunophenotype (B-lymphoid lineage and combined B-lymphoid and monocytic lineage) with t(10;11)(p12;q23);MLL-MLLT10. He was treated with acute myeloid leukemia protocol and in complete remission at 7-month follow-up. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported MLL-MLLT10 rearranged case presenting as MPAL in an infant. From a clinical practice standpoint, this case illustrates the importance of detection of MLL rearrangement due to its prognostic implication and the effectiveness of flow cytometry immunophenotyping in diagnosing MPAL and monitoring minimal residual disease.
Problems in ultrasonic estimates of septal thickness

Problems related to cardiac anatomy and ultrasonic instrumentation affect the accuracy of echographic identification of endocardial echoes. A cadaver model and 13 patients were studied, with direct identification or with the aid of echographic contrast techniques, to identify accurately the endocardial echo. The study showed that (1) echographic contrast agents delineate an endocardial echo in the central portion of the ultransonic beam; (2) a specular reflector exists within the right ventricular cavity; (3) specular reflectors within the septum may give the false appearance of border-forming echoes; (4) septal thickness varies by 1 to 5 mm after the endocardial echo has been identified by the contrast agent; and (5) spurious echoes, related to a wide beam angle, can be confused with the endocardial echo. In light of these problems, three criteria were utilized for endocardial echo identification: the prominent notch in the left septal echo, the specular quality of the right septal echo, and the association of multiple myocardial echoes moving in parallel. With these criteria, the endocardial echoes in 11 of the 13 patients could be accurately identified without the use of a contrast agent. The identification of these problems should provide helpful guidelines in developing more accurate and reproducible criteria for septal thickness measurements.
Cataracts Associated with Allopurinol Therapy

Abstract The National Registry of Drug-Induced Ocular Side Effects has accumulated 30 cases of suspected allopurinol-induced lens changes. The cataracts associated with this antihyperuricemic agent are initially anterior and posterior lens capsule changes with anterior subcapsular vacuoles. With time, wedge-shaped anterior and posterior cortical haze occurs, along with dense posterior subcapsular cataracts. Histologic studies of these cataracts showed no unique or identifying features. These cases do not prove a cause-and-effect relationship, but raise the suspicion that allopurinol may be cataractogenic in some patients. Additional case reports and lens material should be sent to the National Registry of Drug-Induced Ocular Side Effects, Oregon Health Sciences University, 3181 S.W. Sam Jackson Park Rd., Portland, OR 97201.
Market Relationships and Market Performance in Northeast Brazil

This paper analyzes a large regional market for fruits and vegetables in Northeast Brazil. A single production zone, with its local network of middlemen, supplies three major urban centers. As in many other markets where risk is high and information restricted, these middlemen have developed “equilibrating” relationships to impose order on an uncertain environment. These relationships and their underlying logic are discussed here. These patterns of dyadic ties are related to individual success in the market and to the performance of the market system as a whole. The analysis suggests that market participants use familiar social instruments —such as reciprocity—to make sense of an uncertain economic environment.
Mixed Lineage Kinase 3 Modulates β-Catenin Signaling in Cancer Cells *

Expression of β-catenin is strictly regulated in normal cells via the glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β)- adenomatous polyposis coli-axin-mediated degradation pathway. Mechanisms leading to inactivation of this pathway (example: activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling or mutations of members of the degradation complex) can result in β-catenin stabilization and activation of β-catenin/T-cell factor (TCF) signaling. β-Catenin-mediated cellular events are diverse and complex. A better understanding of the cellular signaling networks that control β-catenin pathway is important for designing effective therapeutic strategies targeting this axis. To gain more insight, we focused on determining any possible cross-talk between β-catenin and mixed lineage kinase 3 (MLK3), a MAPK kinase kinase member. Our studies indicated that MLK3 can induce β-catenin expression via post-translational stabilization in various cancer cells, including prostate cancer. This function of MLK3 was dependent on its kinase activity. MLK3 can interact with β-catenin and phosphorylate it in vitro. Overexpression of GSK3β-WT or the S9A mutant was unable to antagonize MLK3-induced stabilization, suggesting this to be independent of GSK3β pathway. Surprisingly, despite stabilizing β-catenin, MLK3 inhibited TCF transcriptional activity in the presence of both WT and S37A β-catenin. These resulted in reduced expression of β-catenin/TCF downstream targets Survivin and myc. Immunoprecipitation studies indicated that MLK3 did not decrease β-catenin/TCF interaction but promoted interaction between β-catenin and KLF4, a known repressor of β-catenin/TCF transcriptional activity. In addition, co-expression of MLK3 and β-catenin resulted in significant G(2)/M arrest. These studies provide a novel insight toward the regulation of β-catenin pathway, which can be targeted to control cancer cell proliferation, particularly those with aberrant activation of β-catenin signaling.
The effects of monochromatic ultraviolet light on the egg of Drosophila.

Abstract 1. 1. An action spectrum analysis was made in order to determine the identity, location and role of U.V. sensitive compounds in the early development of Drosophila . Because of its superficial cleavage, this egg presents two early stages in which radiation damage to the nucleus can be differentiated from radiation damage to the cytoplasm. 2. 2. Eggs irradiated when the nuclei were exposed to U.V. damage either develop normally or show an abnormal retraction of their protoplasm. Eggs damaged by irradiation in this stage result in complete early inhibition of their development. 3. 3. Eggs irradiated at several wavelengths with cytoplasm exposed and nuclei shielded within the interior of the egg either develop normally or show evisceration of yolk or herniation of intestine. Differentiation of the rest of the larvae is apparently complete. Eggs are highly insensitive to light at λ 2300 A but the few resulting abnormal embryos contain a random mixture of differentiated and undifferentiated, opalescent protoplasm. This response is most probably attributable to the high sensitivity of proteins to denaturation at this wavelength. Higher doses of the longer wavelengths also produce some abnormalities very similar to those produced by irradiation of eggs with nuclei exposed because of the increased transparency of the cytoplasm to these wavelengths. 4. 4. An action spectrum for the production of abnormalities characteristic of eggs irradiated with cytoplasm exposed shows that the absorbing compounds affected contain purines or pyrimidines. 5. 5. Quantitative data have provided evidence that the radiation damage to the cytoplasm can be differentiated from radiation damage to the nuclei. Furthermore, since the affected purine or pyrimidine containing compounds must be located in the cytoplasm, a working hypothesis is adopted that cytoplasmic nucleic acid, RNA, is the affected compound and that damage to this compound leads to the observed abnormal tissue movements and presumably to abnormal tissue interactions.
Photoassociative spectroscopy of 1g, 0+u, and 0−g states of Na2

We use photoassociation of ultracold Na to study transitions from free atoms to bound molecules. We obtain rovibrational spectra of the 1g, the 0+u, and, for the first time, the 0−g ‘‘purely long‐range’’ state of Na2, all of which dissociate to Na(3 2S1/2)+Na(3 2P3/2).
Fracture of crazes by the propagation of interfacial stress waves

Fracture of crazes in glassy polymers can occur by a quasi-brittle separation at the interface between the craze and the adjacent bulk. In some grades of polystyrene this type of fracture can take the form of a very regular pattern, the so-called “mackerel pattern”, of parallel or concentric craze strips as fracture alternates from one side of the craze layer to the other. The alternating pattern of fracture is determined by the coupling between stress waves propagating along the craze—bulk boundaries.
Pathological Studies of Acute Biotin Deficiency in the Rat.

SummaryThe pathology occurring in the thymus, testis, epididymis, skin and muscles of the acutely biotin-deficient rat is reported. No degeneration of the spinal cord or sciatic nerves was observed despite the very extreme spasticity which occurred in many of these acutely deficient animals.
Cytological atypia diagnosed by nipple duct lavage: reproducibility and MRI findings

Abstract Atypical cells in a nipple duct lavage (NDL) sample are thought to indicate an increased risk for breast cancer similar to atypical duct hyperplasia diagnosed by tissue biopsy. In reality the intraductal lesions that can give rise to an atypical lavage range from benign proliferative conditions, such as intraductal papilloma, to DCIS. We performed repeat lavage and breast MRI scans on patients with atypical cells detected by NDL but with normal mammograms. 118 breasts from 62 women underwent NDL, and atypical cells were identified in 30 (25%) breasts from 22 (35%) of these women. The atypia was mild in 19 (63%) breasts and marked in 11 (37%) breasts. Seven of the 30 (23%) breasts with atypical NDL underwent repeat lavage at an interval of 3 - 12 months, and atypia was confirmed in only three breasts (43%). Nineteen of the 30 (63%) breasts with an initial atypical lavage underwent breast MRI scans. Of these, 28 were interpreted as normal, 1 showed a region of borderline abnormal enhancement, and 1 was suspicious for malignancy. Both cases with abnormal MRI had markedly atypical cytology that was confirmed on repeat NDL. A total mastectomy specimen from the patient with the markedly atypical NDL and the suspicious MRI revealed 10 cm of high grade DCIS. These data suggest that, in our hands, the finding of atypia with NDL is reproducible in fewer than half of the cases in which it is diagnosed, that MRI is unlikely to be abnormal in cases with mild atypia only, and that marked atypia may represent DCIS. Repeat lavage after a diagnosis of atypia may be indicated. However, breast MRI is recommended if the lavage is interpreted as markedly atypical.
Models for Joule Heating Dispersion in Complex Electrophoretic Separation Microchannels

This paper presents an analytical and parameterized model for analyzing the effects of Joule heating on analyte dispersion in electrophoretic separation microchannels. We first obtain non-uniform temperature distributions in the channel resulting from Joule heating, and then determine variations in electrophoretic velocity, based on the fact that the analyte’s electrophoretic mobility depends on the buffer viscosity and hence temperature. The convection-diffusion equation is then formulated and solved in terms of spatial moments of the analyte concentration. The resulting model is validated by both numerical simulations and experimental data, and holds for all mass transfer regimes, including unsteady dispersion processes that commonly occur in microchip electrophoresis. This model, which is given in terms of analytical expressions and fully parameterized with channel dimensions and material properties, applies to dispersion of analyte bands of general initial shape in straight and constant-radius-turn channels. As such, the model can be used to represent analyte dispersion in microchannels of more general shape, such as serpentine- or spiral-shaped channels.Copyright © 2004 by ASME
New estimates of displacement along the San Andreas fault in central California based on paleobathymetry and paleogeography

Studies of depth-related benthic foraminiferal biofacies permit the construction of paleobathymetric maps of the La Honda and San Joaquin basins of central California. These maps support the hypothesis that the La Honda and San Joaquin basins were contiguous during the late Oligocene and early Miocene and subsequently were separated by about 320–330 km of right-lateral displacement on the San Andreas fault. Furthermore, these estimates of displacement support the notion that right-lateral slip occurred along the San Andreas fault during the early Miocene.
GLOBALIZATION IN THE U.S. AUTO INDUSTRY: INTERNATIONAL MERGERS AND ACQUISITIONS AS DRIVERS OF INFORMATION SHARING

There is growing interest in the role that corporate restructurings play in innovation. Although existing research has looked at the impacts of leveraged buyouts of companies on R&D spending and profits, few studies have looked at the effect that buyouts have on the output of R&D, and those studies focus on the impacts of domestic M&As. This paper contributes to the literature by empirically investigating the patenting behavior of “the Big 3” U.S. automobile companies and the effects of international knowledge spillovers from their foreign acquisitions. A log-log regression specification is used to isolate flows of knowledge for 1980-2000 between the country of the acquired subsidiary and the U.S. manufacturer. The Lexis-Nexis patent database is used to count international patent citations and “inventor country of origin” as measures of international information flows. Results indicate that there is a significant difference for the automobile industry in the information flows arising from M&As in two distinct locales: Germany, and the U.K. and Canada, with the latter pair giving greater knowledge spillovers for low levels of M&A, whereas the former gives greater spillovers as the volume of M&A activity increases.
Do fish oils prevent restenosis after coronary angioplasty

BACKGROUNDThe omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids derived from fish oils have been shown to modulate many factors believed to affect the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Because certain features of restenosis following angioplasty mimic some of the early changes of atherogenesis, some researchers have suggested that fish oil might prevent restenosis following angioplasty. We report the effects of omega-3 fatty acids on the rate of restenosis following percutaneous intraluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA).METHODS AND RESULTSFrom August 1989 through September 1992, 551 patients were randomized to start receiving a daily dietary supplement of ten 1.0-g capsules containing 80.6% ethyl esters of omega-3 fatty acids providing 4.1 g eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and 2.8 g docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) for 6 months or an equal amount of an ethyl ester of corn oil. Four hundred seventy subjects who were well matched for risk factors completed successful angioplasty of one or multiple lesions in native coronary vessels ...
Intracellular Domains of NR2 Alter Calcium-Dependent Inactivation of N-Methyl-d-aspartate Receptors

At central excitatory synapses, the transient elevation of intracellular calcium reduces N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor activity. Such 'calcium-dependent inactivation' is mediated by interactions of calcium/calmodulin and alpha-actinin with the C terminus of NMDA receptor 1 (NR1) subunit. However, inactivation is also NR2-subunit specific, because it occurs in NR2A- but not NR2C-containing receptors. We examined the molecular basis for NR2-subunit specificity using chimeric and mutated NMDA receptor subunits expressed in HEK293 cells. We report that the intracellular loop immediately distal to the pore-forming P-loop M2 (M2-3 loop), as well as a short region in the C terminus, are involved in NR2-subunit specificity. Within the M2-3 loop, substitution of residue 619 in NR2A (valine) for the corresponding NR2C residue (isoleucine) reduced inactivation without affecting calcium permeability of the channel. In contrast, a Q620E mutation in NR2A reduced the relative calcium permeability without altering inactivation. Mutation of three serine/threonine residues in the M2-3 loop also reduced inactivation, as did substitution of the intracellular C terminus of NR2A for NR2C. We speculate that the M2-3 loop of NR2 modulates calcium-dependent inactivation by interacting with the NR1 C terminus, a region known to be essential for inactivation.
Shape Analysis of Corpus Callosum in Autism Subtype using Planar Conformal Mapping

A number of studies have documented that autism has a neurobiological basis, but the anatomical extent of these neurobiological abnormalities is largely unknown. In this study, we aimed at analyzing highly localized shape abnormalities of the corpus callosum in a homogeneous group of autism children. Thirty patients with essential autism and twenty-four controls participated in this study. 2D contours of the corpus callosum were extracted from MR images by a semiautomatic segmentation method, and the 3D model was constructed by stacking the contours. The resulting 3D model had two openings at the ends, thus a new conformal parameterization for high genus surfaces was applied in our shape analysis work, which mapped each surface onto a planar domain. Surface matching among different individual meshes was achieved by re-triangulating each mesh according to a template surface. Statistical shape analysis was used to compare the 3D shapes point by point between patients with autism and their controls. The results revealed significant abnormalities in the anterior most and anterior body in essential autism group.
Performance Technologist Preparation: The Role of Leadership Theory.

This article explores the unique positioning of leadership theory and literature as a unifying and informing discipline for the preparation of performance technologists. Although the role of leadership could be emphasized in any of the settings in which performance technologists become skilled, university departments of educational leadership seem especially suited for programs with this emphasis. A sample course activity is shared and linked to the building of leadership skills. The purpose of this article is to describe the importance of leadership as an informing and unifying discipline for the preparation of performance technologists and to explore the impact of this orientation on performance technologist preparation.