cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Utility of Anthropometric Measures in a Multiethnic Population: Their Association with Prevalent Diabetes, Hypertension and Other Chronic Disease Comorbidities

Body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) are two common anthropometric measures of obesity in clinical and public health practice. Consensus, however, remains elusive regarding their utility for predicting cardiovascular disease risk in multiethnic populations. We address this gap in the literature by analyzing cross-sectional data from the first round of the Los Angeles County Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2011. We characterized the relationships between BMI, WC, waist-to-hip ratios, waist-to-height ratios, and chronic disease extent, as confirmed by the presence of hypertension, diabetes, and/or two or more other chronic conditions as defined by a composite indicator ‘comorbidity’. To account for race/ethnicity, age, gender, and cigarette smoking frequency, adjusted odds ratios (aOR) were generated and reported for each of the regression analyses. Whereas being overweight was associated with hypertension alone (aOR 2.10; 95 % CI 1.12–3.94), obesity was associated with hypertension (aOR 5.04; 95 % CI 2.80–9.06) as well as diabetes (aOR 5.28; 95 % CI 2.25–12.3) and comorbidity (aOR 3.69; 95 % CI 2.02–6.77). In whites and African-Americans, BMI and WC were positively related to diabetes, hypertension and comorbidity. In Hispanics, BMI and WC were also positively related to diabetes and comorbidity, but only the former measure was associated with hypertension (p < 0.050). In Asians, BMI was not a significant predictor of diabetes, hypertension and/or comorbidity. Collectively, the findings suggest that BMI is not universally informative and waist circumference and its derivatives may represent a viable, more racially/ethnically appropriate alternative for use with selected minority groups.
Cerebellar modification of unitary discharges in auditory system.

Abstract Microelectrode recordings were taken from the medial geniculate nucleus (MGN) and the ectosylvian gyrus (ES) while electrical stimuli to nucleus fastigii (NF) and click stimuli were given to cats under Flaxedil medication. The latency of response in MGN following NF stimulation was 3.0–3.5 msec and 8–12 msec following click stimulation. Combined click and NF repetitive stimulation (10/sec) produced 10/sec bursts of units in ES in stimulatory and poststimulatory periods which resembled those seen when fastigial stimulation was used. Faster frequency fastigial stimulation (100–300/sec) depressed the number of active ES units during stimulation. This continued into the early post-stimulatory period and was usually followed by rebound facilitation. Combined fastigial and click stimulation produced similar effects except they were not as pronounced. Consideration was given to some thalamic mechanisms which may be involved.
Computational techniques for analysis of system dynamics models of social systems

Abstract This paper presents a methodology for analysis of system dynamics models of social systems. The methodology consists of computational algorithms Specifically, the computational techniques of sensitivity analysis as extended to system dynamics models are shown to enhance an understanding of model behavior and to contribute to considerations of model validity, whereas optimization analyses are shown to contribute to model utility and policy formulation.
The Effects of the Use of Problem Solving and Cooperative Learning on the Mathematics Achievement of Underprepared College Freshmen.

The study involved first semester freshmen (graduated from high school the summer immediately preceding their enrollment in MA 101 (Algebra)) enrolled in MA 101 and registered for MA 111 (Precalcul...
Effects of Ketamine on Thought Disorder, Working Memory, and Semantic Memory in Healthy Volunteers

Abstract Background: The N-methyl- d -aspartate receptor antagonist, ketamine, produces a clinical syndrome of thought disorder, perceptual distortion, and cognitive impairment. Methods: We have administered ketamine to healthy volunteers to characterize the formal thought disorder and specific memory dysfunction associated with ketamine. Ten healthy volunteers underwent a double-blind, placebo-controlled, ketamine infusion (0.12 mg/kg bolus and 0.65 mg/kg/hour). Thought disorder was evaluated with the Scale for the Assessment of Thought, Language and Communication. Cognitive testing involved working and semantic memory tasks. Results: Ketamine produced a formal thought disorder, as well as impairments in working and semantic memory. The degree of ketamine-induced thought disorder significantly correlated with ketamine-induced decreases in working memory and did not correlate with ketamine-induced impairments in semantic memory. Conclusions: This study characterizes the formal thought disorder associated with ketamine and may suggest that ketamine-induced deficits in working memory are associated with ketamine-induced thought disorder.
Identification of Phosphorylation Sites in the PKD1-Encoded Protein C-Terminal Domain

The PKD1-encoded protein, "polycystin-1", has a large N-terminal extracellular portion, multiple transmembrane domains, and a short intracellular C-terminal tail with four tyrosine residues and two putative sites for serine phosphorylation. Its function in kidney development and autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is still unknown. We have subcloned the cDNA encoding the polycystin-1 C-terminal domain (PKD1-CTD) into a prokaryotic expression vector, and site-directed mutagenesis was performed to target the four tyrosine residues and four serine residues in two putative phosphorylation sites. In vitro phosphorylation assays were conducted on both wild type and mutant PKD1-CTD fusion proteins. It was found that the wild type PKD1-CTD and all mutant fusion proteins, except S4251G/S4252G, could be phosphorylated by lysates from cultured normal human renal collecting tubule (NHCT) cells, as well as by commercially purified cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA). The phosphorylation of the PKD1-CTD fusion protein by NHCT lysates was greatly enhanced by cAMP and its analog 8-Br-cAMP, and inhibited by the specific PKA inhibitors PKI(6-22) and H-89. Activators and inhibitors of protein kinase C (PKC) had no effects on the phosphorylation of the PKD1-CTD fusion protein. Using commercially purified pp60(c-src) (c-src) it was also shown that the PKD1-CTD fusion protein could be phosphorylated by c-src in vitro, and that this phosphorylation could be abolished by a mutation Y4237F. By comparing the amino acid sequence at 4249-4253 (RRSSR) with the consensus sequence for PKA phosphorylation (RRXSX), we suggest that the serine residue at 4252 is the target of phosphorylation by a cAMP-dependent protein kinase in NHCT cell lysates. In addition, we suggest that Y4237 might be phosphorylated by c-src in living cells.
Analysis of friction and pressure distributions along the die during plane-strain drawing

Abstract Using the model of the deforming asperities, analyzed by the upper-bound approach, an expression for the global friction factor m as a function of the power consumption J ∗ , of the processing parameters, and of pressure, is provided. Further, using the slug-equilibrium approach, as presented by Sachs, an expression for the required pressure and power of the deformation as a function of the global friction factor is found. Using an iterative procedure, the above two expressions have been solved for the interdependence between the pressure and global friction, during drawing in plane strain, thus satisfying both approaches. The global friction factor, as well as the pressure between the workpiece and the die, is plotted as a function of the location of the asperity along the die and of other independent parameters such as the die angle, the wedge angle, the local friction factor and the reduction of area during the process.
Cell Cycle Phase-Specific Perturbation of Hepatic Tumor Cell Growth Kinetics during Short-Term in Vitro Exposure to Ethanol

Cell cycle events associated with the growth suppressive effects of short-term ethanol exposure on liver cells were investigated using flow cytometric methods to analyze the proliferative kinetics of ethanol-sensitive 32IIIA rat hepatic tumor cells. A 3-day exposure of exponentially growing 32IIIA cells to growth medium containing 100 mM ethyl alcohol decreased final population density (to <70% of control values) although viability was unaffected, approximating 94% under all experimental conditions. Comparative flow cytometric analysis of control and ethanol-treated populations revealed significant ethanol-associated alterations in the substate composition of G1 phase hepatic tumor cells. An ethanol-induced 30% increase in mean population doubling time was reflected in an approximately 22% increase in the proportion of G1 phase cells within a culture. Lower overall G1 cellular RNA content typified all ethanol-treated 32IIIA tumor cell populations. The fraction of G1 cells in the immediate pre-DNA-synthetic (G18) compartment was markedly reduced (by 41–80%) during the period of ethanol exposure as were the percentages of S and G2+M phase cells which derive kinetically from cells in G18. This reduction in the proportion of cells with normal G18 RNA levels was not reflected solely in the complement of very low RNA content “G1E-type” cells generated during the course of ethanol treatment. Net accumulations (of 19 and 34%) of cells residing in the G1A substate were consistent additional concomitants of ethanol treatment. Short-term ethanol exposure in the 32IIIA hepatic tumor cell system clearly impairs normal progression of such cells through the G1 phase of the cell division cycle. This inhibition appears to be due specifically to interference with orderly transition from G1A into the immediate pre-DNA-synthetic G1B substate resulting in a net accumulation of cells in the G1A subcompartment.
CD46 Represents a Target for Adenoviral Gene Therapy of Malignant Glioma

Malignant gliomas remain refractory to adenovirus serotype 5 (Ad5) gene therapy because of the lack of the primary adenoviral receptor, the coxsackie–adenovirus receptor (CAR), on tumor cells. To bypass the dependence on CAR, we investigated the expression of adenovirus serotype 3 (Ad3) receptor, or CD46, on glioma cells. First, we analyzed the expression of CD46 by RT-PCR on primary and passaged glioma cells. We then performed immunofluorescence studies to examine protein expression of CAR and CD46 on the same tumor lines. Finally, we constructed a replication-defective Ad vector that binds to CD46 and contains a luciferase transgenic cassette in place of the deleted E1 region: Ad5/3 (containing tail/shaft domain of Ad5 and knob domain of Ad3). These vectors were analyzed in vitro and in vivo against malignant glioma and compared with wild-type Ad5 or control vector Ad3/5 (containing tail of Ad5, shaft of Ad3, and knob of Ad5). The chimeric vector Ad5/3 showed a significant increase in the transduction e...
Actin filament structure probed with monoclonal antibodies

The interaction of two monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) with actin has been characterized to map the epitopes defined by these mAbs and to determine the accessibility of these sites in the actin filament (F-actin). Both mAbs react specifically with actin in radioimmunoassays and Western blot assays, and by immunoprecipitation. The location of the epitopes within the primary structure of actin has been determined using limited proteolysis of actin and Western blots, or using immunoprecipitation of truncated actin fragments synthesized in a cell free translation assay. Both mAbs bind to the C-terminal fragment of actin (residues 68-375) produced by chymotrypsin cleavage. One epitope is further localized to a 9.9 kD peptide corresponding to residues 5-93. Therefore, the epitope defined by this mAb (2G11.4) lies between residues Lys68 and Glu93 of actin. The location of the other epitope was determined by immunoprecipitation of actin fragments synthesized in vitro. Removal of residues 356-365 from the C-terminus of actin completely abolished the binding of mAb 4E3.adl. Therefore, this mAb defines an epitope that involves residues between Trp356 and Ala365. The accessibility of these epitopes in native F-actin was determined with solution binding assays and characterized by immunoelectron microscopy. Monoclonal antibody 4E3.adl binds strongly to filaments, resulting in bundling or decoration of F-actin depending on the valency of the mAb, and indicating that the epitope is readily accessible in F-actin. In contrast, mAb 2G11.4 disrupts F-actin structure, resulting in the formation of an amorphous immunoprecipitate. These results place constraints on models of actin filament structure.
Biology of enterostatin. II. development of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for enterostatin (Val-Pro-Asp-Pro-Arg), the procolipase activation peptide.

Abstract Enterostatins belong to a family of pentapeptides (e.g., Val-Pro-Asp-Pro-Arg in pig, horse, dog, and rat; Ala-Pro-GIy-Pro-Arg in human and chicken; and Val-Pro-Gly-Pro-Arg in rat) derived from the amino-terminus of procolipase after the action of trypsin. Pharmacologic studies with Val-Pro-Asp-Pro-Arg have suggested a role for this peptide in appetite regulation and pancreatic insulin secretion. Studies into the distribution of enterostatins or the role of endogenous peptides have not been possible due to the lack of a suitable method for enterostatin assay. To this end, we raised a highly specific antibody and developed an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for Val-Pro-Asp-Pro-Arg. Using the newly developed assay we have shown the presence of Val-Pro-Asp-Pro-Arg-like immunoreactivity (2455±440 pmol/g) in the rat brain.
TAX COMPETITION IN THE PRESENCE OF INTERJURISDICTIONAL EXTERNALITIES: THE CASE OF CRIME PREVENTION ∗

The paper analyzes the effect of fiscal competition when local governments choose the level of public goods that generate spillover effects elsewhere. For instance, law enforcement activities affect both the crime level in the jurisdiction providing the good and in neighboring communities. The model shows that when local governments rely on capital taxation to finance these expenditures the spillover effects may not lead to an inefficient provision of public goods as predicted by the tax competition literature. In the model, capital is costlessly mobile and offenders relocate responding to differential criminal opportunities and differential local law enforcement efforts.
Are anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies pathogenic in rheumatoid arthritis?

New insights into the etiology of rheumatoid arthritis have suggested that humoral autoimmunity might have a substantive, possibly even causal role in the pathogenesis of disease. In this Viewpoint, Dr Holers will discuss the basis of this hypothesis, focusing on the role of anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies.
Comparison of a videodisc system with a conventional film file for medical student teaching.

Purpose The authors assessed the effectiveness of a videodisc film file compared with a conventional film file for teaching radiology to medical students. Methods Fourth-year medical students (N = 134) studied 116 cases selected from the American College of Radiology Learning File. Half the students studied 58 skeletal cases using conventional films and half studied the same cases on a videodisc system. Student groups were then switched and those who studied skeletal cases on films studied 58 chest cases on videodisc and vice versa. Students received the same skeletal and chest tests and completed a questionnaire. Results For both skeletal and chest radiology, students studying films scored minimally higher than students using the videodisc. Students rated films superior to the videodisc for amount learned, convenience of use, and ability to detect lesions. Conclusions Conventional film and videodisc methods resulted in similar levels of learning; however, students perceived conventional films to be a superior learning experience.
A review of platinum complex biochemistry suggests a rationale for combined platinum-radiotherapy

A review of the biochemistry of platinum coordination complexes represented by the parent complex cis-dichlorodiammineplatinum II, (cis-DDP), indicates that this family of chemotherapeutic agents binds to DNA affording the potential for interactions with other therapeutic modalities. Results of relatively recent studies in bacteria, mammalian cell cultures and in animal tumor systems suggest that these platinum complexes interact with irradiation, thereby producing cell kill that may be greater than additive. A rationale is provided for the combination of cis-DDP and other platinum complexes with radiotherapy in the treatment of cancer.
Identification and mapping of minerals in drill core using hyperspectral image analysis of infrared reflectance spectra

Abstract A Portable Infrared Mineral Analyzer II (PIMA II) field spectrometer was used to measure infrared reflectance spectra (1·3-2·5 μm) of split drill core at 1 cm intervals in both the along-core and cross-core directions. These data were formatted into an image cube similar to that acquired by an imaging spectrometer with 600 spectral channels, and multi-spectral and hyperspectral analysis techniques were used for analysis. Colour images and enhancements provided visual displays of the spectral information, while real-time digital extraction of individual spectra allowed identification of minerals. Absorption band-depth mapping and spectral classification were used to map the spatial distribution of specific minerals in the core. Linear spectral unmixing provided estimated mineral abundances. Analysis results demonstrate that multi-spectral and hyperspectral image analysis methods can be used to produce detailed mineralogical maps of drill core. They suggest that the concepts and analytical techniqu...
EFFECT OF EXOGENOUS TESTOSTERONE ON PROSTATE VOLUME, SERUM AND SEMEN PROSTATE SPECIFIC ANTIGEN LEVELS IN HEALTHY YOUNG MEN

AbstractPurpose: We investigate and define the effects of exogenous testosterone on the normal prostate.Materials and Methods: A total of 31 healthy volunteers 21 to 39 years old were randomized to receive either 100, 250 or 500 mg. testosterone via intramuscular injection once a week for 15 weeks. Baseline measurements of serum testosterone, free testosterone and prostate specific antigen (PSA) were taken at week 1. Semen samples were also collected for PSA content and prostate volumes were determined by transrectal ultrasound before testosterone injection. Blood was then drawn every other week before each testosterone injection for the 15 weeks, every other week thereafter until week 28 and again at week 40. After the first 15 weeks semen samples were again collected, and prostate volumes were determined by repeat transrectal ultrasound.Results: Free and total serum testosterone levels increased significantly in the 250 and 500 mg. dose groups. No significant change occurred in the prostate volume or se...
Predicting structure and stability for RNA complexes with intermolecular loop-loop base-pairing

RNA loop–loop interactions are essential for genomic RNA dimerization and regulation of gene expression. In this article, a statistical mechanics-based computational method that predicts the structures and thermodynamic stabilities of RNA complexes with loop–loop kissing interactions is described. The method accounts for the entropy changes for the formation of loop–loop interactions, which is a notable advancement that other computational models have neglected. Benchmark tests with several experimentally validated systems show that the inclusion of the entropy parameters can indeed improve predictions for RNA complexes. Furthermore, the method can predict not only the native structures of RNA/RNA complexes but also alternative metastable structures. For instance, the model predicts that the SL1 domain of HIV-1 RNA can form two different dimer structures with similar stabilities. The prediction is consistent with experimental observation. In addition, the model predicts two different binding sites for hTR dimerization: One binding site has been experimentally proposed, and the other structure, which has a higher stability, is structurally feasible and needs further experimental validation.
Geometry and Efficacy of Cross-Strand Trp/Trp, Trp/Tyr, and Tyr/Tyr Aromatic Interaction in a β-Hairpin Peptide

The Trpzip2 peptide (WTWENGKWTWK-NH(2)), designed by Cochran and co-workers, contains two pairs of Trp's having cross-strand interaction and forms a stable antiparallel beta-hairpin. In order to study the geometries and effects on the structure and stability of different aromatic interactions, selected tryptophan residues were substituted with Tyr to get three Trpzip2 mutants with different Trp/Trp, Trp/Tyr, and Tyr/Tyr interacting pairs. Their native-state structures were determined using two-dimensional (2D) NMR and shown to have the same cross-strand edge-to-face Trp/Trp interaction as that in Trpzip2 for the Trp/Trp pair. The analogous Trp/Tyr and Tyr/Tyr pairs also tended to have an edge-to-face geometry. The effects of specific Trp/Trp, Trp/Tyr, and Tyr/Tyr interactions on hairpin stability were studied by varying temperature and monitoring structure with electronic circular dichroism (CD) and infrared (IR) absorption spectra. IR and CD temperature variations were fit to a two-state model that yielded lower T(m) values for Tyr containing mutants, indicating that Trp/Tyr and Tyr/Tyr interactions have less contribution to hairpin stability than the Trp/Trp interaction. Trp/Tyr interactions can provide significant stabilization, much greater than the Trp/aliphatic interaction, but Tyr/Tyr interactions are not as significant. Cross-strand interacting residues involving Trp with an edge-to-face orientation with Trp or Tyr had the strongest impact on hairpin stability.
CLASSROOM-ADMINISTERED DIGIT SPAN AND DISTRACTIBILITY RATINGS FOR ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PUPILS

A previous study (Nalven & Puleo, 1968) showed that elementary school pupils' classroom distractibiliry, as rated by their teachers on the Devereux Child Behavior Rating Scale (Spivack & Spotts, 1966), was unrelated to their WISC Digit Span (Wechsler, 1949) performance. Since Digit Span is apparently widely employed as a measure of freedom from distractibility, it seemed unwise to recommend abandoning its use on the basis of a single negative finding. Perhaps, if Digit Span were administered under the same conditions as the behavior it was being used to predict, i.e., under normal classroom conditions instead of as an individual test in a relatively isolated test setting, then its expected relationship to classroom distractibility would obtain. The present study tested this hypothesis. Ss were 77 pupils (42 girls and 35 boys) enrolled in 2 fourth grade and 2 fifth grade regular classes in New Jersey suburban public schools. Each S was rated on the Deverew Distractibility Rating Scale by his teacher. On this four-item measure, scores can range from 4 (least distractible) to 28 (most distractible). Ss in their regular classrooms were group-administered the 14 Digits Forward items of the WISC by a school psychologist. He read each item aloud and Ss then wrote out their responses on answer sheets. Ss were instructed not to begin to write their answers until the entire number was read by the psychologist. Scores on this modified WISC Digit Span test were equal to the number of items correctly wrirten down. The distractibility ratings for all 77 Ss ranged from 4 to 24, with M = 12.3 and SD = 4.4. For the 35 boys separately, M = 13.9 and SD = 4.3; for the 42 girls, M = 11.4 and SD = 4.2. A test of significance indicated that this sex difference was significant (I = 3.5, 9 < .05). The digit-span scores ranged from 5 to 14, with IM = 9.1 and SD = 2.68. The boys' and girls' means were not significantly different. Correlation of the Digit-Span and distractibility scores for all 77 Ss yielded a zero-order value of .08. It is suggested that the modified Digit-Span is not a valid predicmr of children's classroom distractibility.
Are There any n-TYPE High-Temperature Cuprate Superconductors?

Based (i) on data for the Pb2Sr2YCu3O8 (PSYCO) homologues with Y replaced by R = Ce or R = Am, and (ii) on experimental facts for Nd2-zCezCuO4, we conclude that all the main high-temperature cuprate superconductors are p-type, and that very likely none are n-type.
New targets for increasing endogenous testosterone production: clinical implications and review of the literature

Over the past several decades, our understanding of the regulatory mechanisms of testosterone production has increased significantly. Concurrently, the medical treatment of hypogonadism, particularly in the ageing male has increased. This review article consolidates some of our insights into the regulatory mechanisms of endogenous testosterone production and examines promising new targets that may allow endogenous production of testosterone to be re-established in males with primary hypogonadism. We examined the published scientific literature regarding regulatory mechanisms of testosterone biosynthesis with a focus on Leydig cell physiology and small-molecule regulation that resulted in increased testosterone production. We identified several pathways that have been manipulated pharmacologically to increase Leydig cell testosterone production, including phosphodiesterases, the cholesterol translocator protein, the electron transport chain of mitochondria, cyclooxygenases and osteocalcin. Manipulation of these pathways with small molecules has helped further our understanding of the regulatory pathways of testosterone biosynthesis. Herein, we identified five future targets that might promote increased endogenous testosterone production through the Leydig cell instead of relying on exogenous testosterone administration.
Formation of air bubbles during compaction of a granular pack

When loosely packed granular material in a long tube is tapped, the material collapses into a more dense state. For fine-grained material and with interstitial air present, this compaction occurs as waves of apparent avalanches transport the grains to a lower height. We find that these avalanches are due to a train of air bubbles rising within the material. We investigate how the formation of bubbles depends on the tilt angle of the tube, the size of granular particles, and the pressure of the interstitial gas between the particles. We estimate the interaction between the air and the granular medium that is necessary for the bubbles to form. The estimates are in quantitative agreement with our experimental observations.
Planned neck dissection after definitive radiotherapy or chemoradiation for base of tongue cancers

OBJECTIVES: The study goal was to analyze the role of planned neck dissection for squamous cell carcinoma of the base of the tongue treated with definitive radiotherapy or chemoradiation.STUDY DESIGN, SETTING: We conducted a retrospective study of patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the base of the tongue undergoing planned neck dissection after definitive radiotherapy or chemoradiation.RESULTS: Twenty-two of 41 (53.7%) patients had one to six positive residual lymph nodes after receiving definitive radiotherapy or chemoradiation. Neck control rates were 92.3% and 88.3% at two and five years, respectively. Three of 22 (13.6%) patients with pathological residual nodal disease had regional or locore-gional failures, compared with 1 of 19 (5.3%) patients with a pathologically complete response (P = 0.39).CONCLUSIONS: We observed a high incidence of pathologically residual lymph nodes after definitive radiotherapy or chemoradiation.SIGNIFICANCE: Planned neck dissection following definitive radiotherapy o...
Uniqueness of extremal Kähler metrics

In the infinite dimensional space of Kahler potentials, the geodesic equation of disc type is a complex homogenous Monge–Ampere equation. The partial regularity theory established by Chen and Tian [C. R. Acad. Sci. Paris, Ser. I 340 (5) (2005)] amounts to an improvement of the regularity of the known C1,1 solution to the geodesic of disc type to almost everywhere smooth. For such an almost smooth solution, we prove that the K-energy functional is sub-harmonic along such a solution. We use this to prove the uniqueness of extremal Kahler metrics and to establish a lower bound for the modified K-energy if the underlying Kahler class admits an extremal Kahler metric. To cite this article: X.X. Chen, G. Tian, C. R. Acad. Sci. Paris, Ser. I 340 (2005).
Lecanoid chromosome behavior in three more families of the coccoidea (Homoptera)

1. Chromosome behavior at spermatogenesis has been described for one species each of three families of coccids not previously studied in this regard: Cerococcus quercusComstock of the Asterolecaniidae, Conchaspis lepageiHempel of the Conchaspidae, and Tachardiella sp. of the Lacciferidae. All three families belong to Balachowsky's “lecanoid” section of the coccid superfamily, and the first two have been suggested, by various systematists, as close allies of the armored scales (Diaspididae). 2. All three species showed lecanoid chromosome behavior, as originally described by the Sohraders, in that one haploid set of chromosomes is heterochromatic in the males and eliminated at spermatogenesis. The exceedingly clear cytology of C. quercus permitted a detailed study of the critical second division stages when the euchromatic and heterochromatic sets are separated. Although considerably more difficult cytologically, both the other species showed a typical lecanoid pattern of behavior; in addition, both showed an accessory structure, of unknown origin and function, which was present during the meiotic sequence. 3. The cytological and taxonomic implications of the results are considered, largely on a comparative basis, in the discussion. Special attention is given to the problem of the origin of the armored scales and also to Buchner's recent suggestion of the possible influence of symbionts on sex determination.
A fast, stochastic threading algorithm for proteins.

Motivation: Sequences for new proteins are being determined at a rapid rate, as a result of the Human Genome Project, and related genome research. The ability to predict the three-dimensional structure of proteins from sequence alone would be useful in discovering and understanding their function. Threading, or fold recognition, aims to predict the tertiary structure of a protein by aligning its amino acid sequence with a large number of structures, and finding the best fit. This approach depends on obtaining good performance from both the scoring function, which simulates the free energy for given trial alignments, and the threading algorithm, which searches for the lowest-score alignment. It appears that current scoring functions and threading algorithms need improvement. Results: This paper presents a new threading algorithm. Numerical tests demonstrate that it is more powerful than two popular approximate algorithms, and much faster than exact methods.
Disease modifying effect of statins in dextran sulfate sodium model of mouse colitis.

Objective: We evaluated the disease modifying effect of simvastatin and atorvastatin in Dextran Sulfate Sodium (DSS) model of colitis.
Prognostic significance of ataxia-telangiectasia mutated, DNA-dependent protein kinase catalytic subunit, and Ku heterodimeric regulatory complex 86-kD subunit expression in patients with nonsmall cell lung cancer.

BACKGROUND. The double-strand break (DSB) repair capacity has been implicated in the survival of patients in several cancer types. However, little is known about the prognostic importance of the key DSB repair genes—ataxia-telangiectasia mutated (ATM), DNA-dependent protein kinase catalytic subunit (DNA-PKcs), and the Ku heterodimeric regulatory complex 86-kD subunit (Ku80)—in nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC). To address this issue, the authors determined the messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of these genes in patients NSCLC and assessed their prognostic relevance. METHODS. mRNA expression levels of ATM, DNA-PKcs, and Ku80 were measured in tumor and adjacent normal tissues from 140 patients with NSCLC by using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis. Then, a Cox proportional hazards regression model and Kaplan-Meier plots were used to evaluate the association between the tumor:normal (T/N) expression ratios of the 3 genes and the overall survival rate and duration in patients with NSCLC. RESULTS. mRNA expression of ATM and DNA-PKcs, but not of Ku80, was significantly higher in tumor tissues than in adjacent normal tissues (P = .003 and P < .001, respectively). The high T/N expression ratios of ATM and DNA-PKcs were associated significantly with a 1.82-fold increased risk of death (95% confidence interval, 1.05–2.70) and a 2.13-fold increased risk of death (95% confidence interval, 1.21–3.76), respectively. However, no significant association with risk was observed for Ku80. Kaplan-Meier analyses revealed that patients with high T/N expression ratios of ATM or DNA-PKcs had notably shorter median survival than patients with low ratios. CONCLUSIONS. The current findings suggested that the T/N expression ratios of ATM and DNA-PKcs may be useful for identifying NSCLC patients with a poor prognosis who may benefit from more aggressive therapy. Cancer 2008. ©2008 American Cancer Society.
A 3D feature model for image matching

The proposed algorithm identifies whether or not a test photo belongs to a set of co-located training images based on its spatial proximity to the training set. We leverage concepts from Lowe's SIFT and Snavely's Photo Tourism algorithms, and match an image by its 2D features to the 3D features representing the training set. To reduce complexity and increase efficiency, the proposed algorithm implements a compact representation of the image set by merging collections similar features. Test images are then matched with the derived structure. Finally, a decision statistic is determined based on the percentage of features that match. Receiver operating characteristics, computational analysis, and distributions are included in the performance analysis.
Primary central nervous system germ cell tumors

The prognosis of primary germ cell tumors (germinal neoplasms) of the central nervous system varies, depending on the histology and size of tumor and the extent of disease at diagnosis. Although some patients receive therapy without a tissue diagnosis, it is strongly recommended that tumor tissue samples be obtained for accurate histologic diagnosis. Modern neurosurgical navigation techniques have made tissue sampling by stereotactic biopsy a safe and rapid method of determining tumor histology. Depending on tumor location, open surgical biopsy may be required in some patients. Typically, germinomas are exquisitely radiosensitive, although pre-irradiation chemotherapy reduces the total radiation exposure and may increase the cure rate. Induction cisplatin-based chemotherapy, followed by low-dose involved field radio-therapy, has excellent overall and relapse-free survival rates and is the optimal treatment for patients with germinomas. This combined chemoradiotherapy approach is associated with minimal endocrinopathy and minimal neurocognitive dysfunction. Patients with relapses after low-dose radiation therapy can respond well to salvage therapy (chemotherapy or chemoradiotherapy) without significant sequelae. Patients with nongerminomas respond best to chemotherapy combined with radiation, although the response and cure rates are lower compared to germinomas. Patients with residual masses and normal tumor markers after primary therapy should have a second-look resection because most patients have residual teratoma or necrotic tissue and can be spared additional chemotherapy or radiation. Pure mature teratomas are cured only by surgical extirpation. Immature central nervous system teratomas appear to benefit from radical surgical resection, but higher doses of locally directed radiotherapy are required with no benefit from the usual chemotherapy.
Effects of protonation on the conformational characteristics and geometry of the rod‐like benzobisoxazole polymers

Recent experiments on model compounds suggest that rodlike polybenzobisoxazole (PBO) and polybenzobisthiazole (PBT) chains are protonated when dissolved in highly acidic solvent. The PBO model compound can exist as a 2H+ ion, with one proton on each nitrogen atom, or (depending on the acidity of the medium) as a 4H+ ion, with two additional protons on the oxygen atoms. The PBT model compounds generally form 2H+ ions, owing to the lower basicity of sulfur atoms relative to oxygen atoms. In the present study, geometry-optimized CNDO/2 calculations have been carried out in an attempt of predict the effect of protonation on the conformational characteristics and geometry of PBO model compounds. Values of the conformational energy vs. rotation of the endphenylenes about the heterocyclic group are calculated for cis-PBO model compounds in the unprotonated form and as 2H+ and 4H+ ions. All three species prefer the coplanar conformation with maximum barriers, occurring at the perpendicular conformation, of approximately 8.4, 33.6, and 84.0 kJ mol−1 for the unprotonated form, the 2H+ ion, and the 4H+ ion, respectively. Steric arguments would suggest that repulsions between the acidic protons and the ortho hydrogens on the phenylenes would render the coplanar conformation more repulsive than other orientations. However, detailed analysis of the optimized geometries reveals that the rotatable bond shortens with protonation, indicating an increased bond strength and, hence, increased conjugation energy.
Ab initio study of the long-range interaction between He+ and H2

Abstract A new estimate of the anisotropic long-range potential energy surface for the interaction of He + (1s 2 S) and H 2 (X 1 Σ + g ) has been computed using extended atomic basis sets to construct three-configuration self-consistent-field (MCSCF) molecular orbitals for use in a multireference configuration interaction expansion including all single and double excitations (MRCISD). The most stable geometry is C 2v , in agreement with earlier studies, but the well depth is found to be 3.15 kcal/mol at an intermolecular distance of 2.42 A, 57% deeper and 0.2 A smaller, respectively, than the best previous estimate. The ab initio points are fitted to a potential function with correct long-range behavior, suitable for scattering calculations.
Rho GTPase protein expression and activation in murine monocytes/ macrophages are not modulated by model biomaterial surfaces in serum-containing in vitro cultures

The Rho GTPase cellular signaling cascade was investigated in pro-monocyte and (monocyte-)macrophage cells by examining GTPase expression and activation in serum-containing cultures on model biomaterials. Abundance of Rho GDI and the Rho GTPase proteins RhoA, Cdc42 and Rac1 was determined in cells grown on tissue-culture polystyrene, polystyrene, poly-L-lactide and Teflon® AF surfaces. Protein expression was compared based on cell maturity (pro-monocyte to monocyte to macrophage lineages) and by model surface chemistry: Rho proteins were present in the majority of macrophage cells tested on model surfaces suggesting that a pool of Rho proteins is readily available for signaling events in response to numerous activating cues, including biomaterials surface encounter. Rho GTPase activation profiles in these cell lines indicate active Cdc42 and Rho proteins in RAW 264.7, Rac1 and Rho in J774A.1, and Cdc42 and Rac1 in IC-21 cell lines, respectively. Collectively, these proteins are known to play critical role...
Cortical Motor Asymmetry and Hominid Feeding Strategies

Homo sapiens differs from all other primates in having a cerebrum that is markedly asymmetrical for a number of functions, including motor control of the hands. The ability to coordinate the two hands while each is engaged in a different task is not highly developed in non-human primates and may have been an important behavioral distinction between early apes and hominids. These skills are necessary for tool-making, and probably arose selectively as a feeding strategy to exploit an expanding food base. It is proposed that bimanual motor asymmetry follows bipedalism but precedes tool-making as a step in the process of hominization.
A sampling cathode activity test for gridded TWT's

Abstract A method of obtaining high current density from a small fraction of the total emitting area was developed. This was done by using a low positive DC voltage on the control grid of the TWT in conjunction with a negative (suppressing) voltage on the anode. Current density that was a significant fraction of that for pulsed anode operation was obtained and the grid dissipation was so low that the pulsed operation was avoidable. Underheating (slump) curves taken by varying cathode temperature in this mode were found to correlate well with pulsed anode results, and accurately to predict cathode activity under normal operating conditions.
Cholesteryl Esters of Cows’ Milk

Abstract Milk was obtained on postpartum d 3 (colostrum) and 7, 42, and 180 from 12 Holstein cows. Cholesteryl ester fatty acids were determined by gas-liquid chromatography after isolation by column and thin-layer chromatography. As lactation progressed, cholesteryl ester declined from 1.5 mg/dl in colostrum to .7 mg/dl in mature milk. Proportions of 14:0 and 18:1 fatty acids were higher in colostrum than in mature milk cholesteryl esters (28% of total fatty acids versus 19%), whereas 18:2 was significantly lower in colostrum than in mature milk. Fatty acids esterified with cholesterol in percent (mature milk, 42 d) were 12:0, .20; 14:0, 2.29; 16:0, 23.09; 16:1, 8.80; 18:0, 10.55; 18:1, 17.08; 18:2, 27.09; 18:3, 5.57; 20:3, .72; 20:4, 1.40. In mature milk cholesteryl esters, 62% of the fatty acids were unsaturated. The greatest difference occurred in 18:2 content, which was 27.1% in cholesteryl esters and only 2.6% of total fatty acids in milk. Results suggest that unsaturated fatty acids are associated preferentially with the cholesteryl ester fraction and that the fatty acid composition of cholesteryl esters of cows' milk differs significantly from the composition of total milk lipid.
A localization algorithm and error analysis for stereo x-ray image guidance

Stereo x-ray radiography attracts increasing attention in major clinical applications. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the 3D localization error for breast biopsy procedures and provide guidelines for improving its accuracy. Our prototype is a CCD based digital stereo x-ray imaging system. The mathematical model consists of two x-ray sources and one stationary detector plane. A closed form least-squares solution is derived for 3D localization of feature points, particularly a biopsy needle tip, from a pair of 2D digital radiographs. Based on the least-squares formula and its first order approximation, the 3D localization error is analyzed in terms of object location, measurement error, separation between the two x-ray sources, and distance from the source to the detector. The stereo imaging and error estimation formulas are numerically simulated and experimentally validated. The data are in agreement with theoretical prediction. These results can be used for the purpose of system design and protocol optimization. © 2000 American Association of Physicists in Medicine. @S0094-2405~00!02405-6#
The effects of crowding under different rearing conditions on emotionality and transfer of perceptual learning

To examine the effects of population density on emotionality and transfer of perceptual learning, albino rats were either preexposed to circles and triangles in a visually sparse environment or received no early experience with the to-be-discriminated shapes. Within each early experience condition, the animals were initially placed in either a crowded or uncrowded environment. Approximately 1 mo later, half of the rats under each population condition were shifted to the opposite population density condition, while the other half remained under their original condition. Analysis of the data indicated that (1) the animals uncrowded for the entire experiment were less emotional than animals crowded for the same length of time; (2) there was no difference in emotionality produced by 1 mo versus 2 mo of crowding; (3) animals uncrowded for 1 or more mo immediately after weaning were less emotional than animals crowded during this interval; (4) in general, animals preexposed to the to-be-discriminated forms learned the discrimination task in significantly fewer trials than did animals not receiving early stimulus preexposure; (5) animals that were crowded 1 mo immediately after weaning were poorer performers on the discrimination learning problem than were animals uncrowded during this same time period. Thus, the effects of population density on emotionality and transfer of perceptual learning were determined by population rearing conditions existing during the month immediately following weaning.
Solving Sum of Ratios Fractional Programs via Concave Minimization

This article presents an algorithm for globally solving a sum of ratios fractional programming problem. To solve this problem, the algorithm globally solves an equivalent concave minimization problem via a branch-and-bound search. The main work of the algorithm involves solving a sequence of convex programming problems that differ only in their objective function coefficients. Therefore, to solve efficiently these convex programming problems, an optimal solution to one problem can potentially be used to good advantage as a starting solution to the next problem.
Regularity in Endomorphism Rings

The unique largest regular ideal Reg(A, A) in the endomorphism ring End(A) is computed for abelian groups A using the general tools developed in [7]. This generalizes earlier results on groups with regular endomorphism ring. Interesting questions remain for a very special class of mixed abelian groups.
Successful Treatment of Metastatic Small Cell Carcinoma of the Bladder With Methotrexate, Vinblastine, Doxorubicin and Cisplatin Therapy

ABSTRACTA man with metastatic small cell carcinoma of the bladder who was treated with methotrexate, vinblastine, doxorubicin and cisplatin therapy achieved complete remission with disease-free survival of more than 9 years. The nature of this unusual form of bladder carcinoma and the course of the disease in our case are discussed.
Using peer evaluations and teams in online classes

Students should have the ability to work together in teams, plan effective strategies for identifying appropriate issues within specific problem situations, research the answers to the associated technical questions presented by those situations, and develop the ability to review and comment on the solutions of others working on the same types of problems. Structuring online classes to address these issues effectively can be challenging for the instructor. This paper will discuss the use of peer evaluations and teams in online classes. The paper involves two upper-level undergraduate courses, using a combination of teams and peer evaluations. The paper discusses the pros and cons of administering a team-based case-study course via the Internet. The innovative aspect of this case study method is the unique use of teams to analyze and critique other team members before the instructor ever participates. The paper also discusses the pros and cons of peer evaluations online.