cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The role of the chondrocyte in osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a slowly progressive degenerative disease characterized by gradual loss of articular cartilage. Since the OA lesion is often localized to weight-bearing cartilage or to sites of trauma, repetitive mechanical injury has been proposed as the critical signal for the initiation and progression of OA. It is now generally accepted that the chondrocyte is the target of these abnormal biomechanical factors, and that biochemical and genetic factors also contribute to alterations in the normal functional activities of these cells. Although OA has been regarded primarily as a noninflammatory arthropathy, symptoms of local inflammation and synovitis are present in many patients and have been observed in animal models of OA. Even in the absence of classic inflammation, which is characterized by infiltration of neutrophils and macrophages into joint tissues, elevated levels of inflammatory cytokines have been measured in OA synovial fluid. Although the OA cartilage lesion is present at sites remote from the synovium, the fibroblastand macrophage-like synovial cells, as well as the chondrocyte itself, are potential sources of cytokines that could induce chondrocytes to synthesize and secrete cartilagedegrading proteases, cytokines, and other inflammatory mediators. These synoviumand chondrocyte-derived products represent potential targets for the development of therapeutic agents, such as proteinase inhibitors, cytokine antagonists, and cytokine receptor blocking antibodies, which could be used to prevent or retard the progression of the OA articular lesion. This review will focus on evidence that implicates chondrocyte responses to cytokines in the pathogenesis of OA and will discuss the potential therapeutic applications of these findings.
Isothermal deformation of gamma titanium aluminide

Gamma titanium aluminide has received considerable attention in recent years from the automotive industry as a potential material for making rotating and reciprocating components to produce a quieter and more efficient engine. The objectives of this study were to identify processing routes for the manufacture of automobile valves from gamma titanium aluminide. The issues considered were microstructure and composition of the material, and processing parameters such as deformation rates, temperatures, and total deformation. This paper examines isothermal deformation of gamma titanium aluminide in order to develop a processing window for this type of material.
Activity of prostaglandin E, F, A and B on sphincter, dilator and ciliary muscle preparations of the cat eye

Abstract Both sphincter and dilator muscle preparations of the cat iris contract to prostaglandins; F 2α and E 2 are the most potent and A 1 and B 1 the least. Ciliary muscle strips relax to PG's provided that the strips are precontracted. E 1 , E 2 and often F 2α are more potent relaxants than the remaining PG's. The effects of PG's are not altered by α or β blockade nor by atropine; however, propranolol blocks the PG induced relaxation of the ciliary muscle. The effects of PG's on the sphincter are antagonized by catecholamines; but the latter act synergistically in contracting the dilator and in relaxing the ciliary muscle. Indomethacin markedly potentiates the effects of PG's on all three muscle preparations.
Special Feature: Program Desin and Rhetoric

Remarkable parallels–in both problems faced and solutions developed– exist between rhetoric and program design. Could training in rhetoric improve programming skill?
Nonlinear model simplification in flight control system design

An algorithm is presented for obtaining a reduced-order or simplified nonlinear model of a nonlinear plant. Controllers are then designed for this nonlinear model and used to control the original plant. The method is illustrated on an analytical model of the F-8 aircraft. In this example, a linear controller can be designed using the simplified model. This controller's performance is indistinguishable from nonlinear optimal controllers designed for the original plant.
Crystal Structures of the MthK RCK Domain Reveal Allosteric Interactions Among Calcium Binding Sites

Regulator of K+ conductance (RCK) domains form a conserved class of modulatory domains that undergo conformational changes with binding of metal cations and other ligands, to control gating of channels and transporters. In MthK, a prototypical RCK-containing K+ channel, each of the channel's eight RCK domains binds multiple Ca2+ ions to reach the fully-activated state, which can give rise to a complex conformational trajectory. Here we present crystal structures of the MthK RCK domain bound with Ca2+ in a series of singly-, doubly-, and triply-liganded states. These structures begin to reveal local conformational changes in this RCK domain that may arise from binding of Ca2+ at individual sites and pairs of sites over a range of ionic conditions, providing insight toward interactions among the sites that may modulate channel gating. Crystals formed at low to moderate [Ca2+] show Ca2+ bound only at a single site, termed C1, determined by residues D184, E210, and E212. In contrast, high [Ca2+] (in otherwise identical conditions) results in a new crystal form, with Ca2+ bound at sites C1, C2 (near residues E248 and E266), and C3 (residues D305 and E326). The mutation D184N, which abolishes Ca2+ binding at C1, permits Ca2+ binding at C3 with moderate [Ca2+], suggesting that Ca2+ binding at C1 inhibits binding at C3. This apparent negative coupling between sites C1 and C3 can be alleviated by the mutation E212Q, which permits Ca2+ binding at both C1 and C3 and facilitates Ca2+-dependent activation. These results suggest a structural basis for allosteric interactions that, in turn, modulate Ca2+℧dependent gating of the MthK channel.
Modular arithmetic of iterated powers

To give examples of large combinatorial problems D. Knuth modified W. Ackermann's example of a recursive, but not primitive recursive, function to produce a class of nonassociative compositions. These arrow compositions, which we call krata, are defined on the positive integers by setting B↑1T=BT B↑D1=B B↑D+1(T+1)=B↑D(B↑D+1T). The function k(B, D, T) = B↑DT, which usually takes on large values, has interesting periodicity properties modulo every positive integer M. For fixed B, D, T ≥ 2 the sequences {B↑Dn}, {B↑nT} and {B↑nn} are eventually constant modulo M. Also {n↑DT}, {n↑Dn}, {n↑nT} and {n↑nn} are eventually periodic modulo M. An algorithm for calculating B↑DT modulo M is given.
CAR mediates efficient tumor engraftment of mesenchymal type lung cancer cells.

The coxsackie-adenovirus receptor (CAR) is a developmentally regulated intercellular adhesion molecule that was previously observed to be required for efficient tumor formation. To confirm that observation, we compared the tumorigenicity of clonally derived test and control cell subsets that were genetically modified for CAR. Silencing CAR in lung cancer cells with high constitutive expression reduced engraftment efficiency. Conversely, overexpressing CAR in lung cancer cells with low constitutive expression did not affect tumor formation or growth kinetics. A blocking antibody to the extracellular domain of CAR inhibited tumor engraftment, implicating that domain as being important to this process. However, differences in adhesion properties attributable to this domain (barrier function and aggregation) could not be distinguished in the test groups in vitro, and the mechanisms underlying CAR's contribution to tumor engraftment remain elusive. Because high CAR cells displayed a spindle-shaped morphology at baseline, we considered whether this expression was an accompaniment of other mesenchymal features in these lung cancer cells. Molecular correlates of CAR were compared in model epithelial and mesenchymal type lung cancer cells. CAR expression is associated with an absence of E-cadherin, diminished expression of α- and γ-catenin, and increased Zeb1, Snail, and vimentin expression in lung cancer cells. In contrast, epithelial type (NCI-H292, Calu3) lung cancer cells show comparatively low CAR expression. These data suggest that if the mesenchymal cell phenotype is an accurate measure of an undifferentiated and invasive state, then CAR expression may be more closely aligned with this phenotype of lung cancer cells.
Comb-Push Ultrasound Shear Elastography (CUSE) With Various Ultrasound Push Beams

Comb-push ultrasound shear elastography (CUSE) has recently been shown to be a fast and accurate 2-D elasticity imaging technique that can provide a full field-of-view (FOV) shear wave speed map with only one rapid data acquisition. The initial version of CUSE was termed U-CUSE because unfocused ultrasound push beams were used. In this paper, we present two new versions of CUSE-focused CUSE (F-CUSE) and marching CUSE (M-CUSE), which use focused ultrasound push beams to improve acoustic radiation force penetration and produce stronger shear waves in deep tissues (e.g., kidney and liver). F-CUSE divides transducer elements into several subgroups which transmit multiple focused ultrasound beams simultaneously. M-CUSE uses more elements for each focused push beam and laterally marches the push beams. Both F-CUSE and M-CUSE can generate comb-shaped shear wave fields that have shear wave motion at each imaging pixel location so that a full FOV 2-D shear wave speed map can be reconstructed with only one data acquisition. Homogeneous phantom experiments showed that U-CUSE, F-CUSE, and M-CUSE can all produce smooth shear wave speed maps with accurate shear wave speed estimates. An inclusion phantom experiment showed that all CUSE methods could provide good contrast between the inclusion and background with sharp boundaries while F-CUSE and M-CUSE require shorter push durations to achieve shear wave speed maps with comparable SNR to U-CUSE. A more challenging inclusion phantom experiment with a very stiff and deep inclusion shows that better shear wave penetration could be gained by using F-CUSE and M-CUSE. Finally, a shallow inclusion experiment showed that good preservations of inclusion shapes could be achieved by both U-CUSE and F-CUSE in the near field. Safety measurements showed that all safety parameters are below FDA regulatory limits for all CUSE methods. These promising results suggest that, using various push beams, CUSE is capable of reconstructing a 2-D full FOV shear elasticity map using only one push-detection data acquisition in a wide range of depths for soft tissue elasticity imaging.
Application of ferrocene-based polymers in optical fiber gas sensing

We have successfully evaluated and incorporated ferrocene- based polymers as sensing elements in a novel tapered optical fiber device. Preliminary studies have shown that certain gases can modify the refractive index of these polymers. We have used these polymers as cladding over a tapered region of single-mode fibers. The device behaves as a modal interferometer with a beat length that is controlled by the diameter of the tapered region and the refractive index of the cladding. We have shown that a small variation in the refractive index of the polymer has a direct influence on the transmission characteristic of the tapered region. The responses of several sensors to ammonia, carbon dioxide, and nitrous oxide have been examined. We have fabricated several sensors with different sensitivities by tuning their beat length. Reusability and selectivity of several sensors have also been investigated. A novel, computer based, analysis has been developed to predict the behavior of these devices. A reasonable agreement has been obtained between the experiments and the theory. These sensors can be fabricated inexpensively and operated in harsh environment. A few potential applications are pollution detection, hazardous waste analysis, exhaust analysis of internal combustion engines, and explosive gas monitoring.
Measuring primary turnout in aggregate analysis

Research exploring participation in primaries by way of aggregate data faces the problem of finding an appropriate denominator on which to calculate turnout. Decisions need to be made on whether, and how, to divide either registered voters or the voting age population into partisan subsets. In order to cope with this problem, numerous methods have been devised to measure turnout. This paper explores the merits and compatibility of four of these measures, determining that the measure based on the “normal vote” has theoretical and empirical advantages over the others.
Gibbs ringing artifact and spatial correlation in MRI

Gibbs ringing artifact is a type of image distortion which manifests itself as spurious ringing around sharp edges. It is an inevitable result of truncating the Fourier Series due to missing of high-frequency data or finite sampling. Most studies on Gibbs ringing artifact focus on its effect on image resolution. Our study will show its link to spatial correlation in the image. Based on the theory of signal processing and statistical communication, three types of MR signals and two types of k -space samples are studied. k -space samples in MRI data acquisition are shown to be independent Gaussians. Based on Fourier Transform (FT) and Filtered Backprojection (PR) image reconstruction algorithms and using Linear system theory, pixel intensities in the reconstructed MR image are shown to be asymptotically independent. The quantitative measures of this local dependence are derived. Our study reveals that finite k -space sampling introduces pixel-to-pixel correlation in the reconstructed MR image. This kind of data acquisition protocol and FT/PR reconstruction turn independent k -space samples into correlated image pixels. This finding and the derived formulae provide a basis for further development in MRI statistical study and stochastic model-based MR image analysis strategies.
Identification of m3, m4 and m5 subtypes of muscarinic receptor mRNA in human blood mononuclear cells.

Abstract In this study we made use of the Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction to analyze the expression of mRNA for the five subtypes of muscarinic acetylcholine receptors in human blood mononuclear cells. mRNA for m3, m4 and m5 subtypes was detected, while mRNA for ml and m2 muscarinic receptors was not found. Similar results were obtained for three different healthy human subjects studied. Interestingly, the m5 subtype was expressed at higher levels in blood mononuclear cells than in cerebral cortex. To our knowledge this is the first time that m5 muscarinic receptor mRNA has been found outside of the central nervous system.
A new technique for the determination of stress-optical constants using the shadow spot method

A new technique has been developed to determine both the transmitted and the reflected stress-optical constants. The reflected optical constant is associated with the light reflected from the rear face of a transparent material. The stress-optical constant related to the light reflected from the front surface is not considered in this paper since it is equal to Poisson's ratio divided by Young's modulus. In this new method, a monochromatic light beam emitted from a He−Ne laser impinges on the area surrounding a circular hole under load in a plate. A digital image-analysis system, EYE-COM III, is used to determine the points of the highest light intensity of the caustic that results from the light transmitted or reflected from the rear face of the plate. The effect of the hole size in optically isotropic materials is investigated.
Antagonism of cardiac arrhythmias by dl-1-(2-acetyl-4-butyramidophenoxy)-2-hydroxy-3-isopropylaminopropane (M & B 17,803A), a new beta adrenoreceptor blocking agent.

In the dog heart-lung preparation (HLP) M & B 17, 803A (0.5mg) prevented the development of epinephrine-halothane induced ventricular fibrillation and epinephrine-halothane-aortic pressure induced ventricular tachycardia. M & B 17, 803A in the dose used produced a blockade of effect of epinephrine on the heart rate, aortic pressure and cardiac output. Suppression of ouabain-induced multifocal ventricular tachycardia was achieved with a dose 16 times greater than the beta receptor blocking one, and the duration of suppression was 90min. Pretreatment of the HLP with 4mg of M & B 17, 803A increased both the toxic and lethal dose of the cardiac glycoside and changed the mode of death from ventricular fibrillation (seen in control experiments) to cardiac arrest. It is concluded that M & B 17, 803A is an effective antiarrhythmic agent against catecholamine induced and digitalis induced cardiac arrhythmias. Further, neither the suppression of cardiac glycoside-induced arrhythmia nor protection against toxic doses of the glycoside is related to the beta receptor blocking activity of such agents.
Heatable-evacuable cell and optical system for diffuse reflectance FT-IR spectrometry of adsorbed species

Abstract A cell and optical configuration for measuring diffuse reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectra of adsorbed species at high sensitivity are described. The cell may be heated to 600 °C and evacuated to 10 −6 torr, permitting activation and treatment of catalysts and adsorbents in situ. It is shown that it is important to prevent radiation emitted from the material surrounding the sample from reaching the mercury cadmium telluride detector, or else the detector will be saturated at relatively low sample temperatures. Gases can be drawn through the samples to reduce the time taken for equilibrium to be reached. Spectra of carbon monoxide adsorbed at about 0.1% coverage on supported metal catalysts can be measured with high signal-to-noise ratio.
Intramedullary bone repair and ingrowth into porous coated implants in the adult chicken: a histologic study and biochemical analysis of collagens.

A new model was developed to study the histologic and biochemical events during intramedullary bone repair and ingrowth into porous coated implants. Adult chickens were used because of the availability of specific antibody probes. Repair in the metaphysis and diaphysis were compared. Entering through a medial arthrotomy, the distal tibiotarsus was reamed and either impianted with a double-ended porous coated rod or allowed to heal without implantation of a rod. Specimens analyzed histologically at 7, 14, 21, and 70 days postoperatively revealed direct formation of bone by osteoblasts with no evidence of a cartilaginous phase. At 70 days bony ingrowth was observed deep within the porous surface. Analysis of collagens with sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis demonstrated that the synthesis of type I collagen predominated. Biosynthetic data coupled with quantitative immunologic analyses using antibodies to type II and type X collagen showed that neither of these two collagen types, which are characteristic of cartilage undergoing endochondral ossification, were produced during intramedullary bone repair. These results establish that the adult chicken is capable of bony ingrowth into porous coated implants and that this process is through direct bone deposition by osteoblasts without a cartilaginous intermediate.
A diffusion model of roundtrip time

A diffusion model of the roundtrip time experienced by packets on the Internet is developed. The parameters of the diffusion system are modeled as Markov processes. The transition probabilities of the parameters are modeled with a mixture of Laplace distributions. The stationary distributions of the parameters are modeled as Normal distributions. The results show that the model is able to reproduce the probabilities observed in the Internet.
Association of in vitro fertilization outcome with circulating insulin-like growth factor components prior to cycle initiation

Objective Components of the insulin-like growth factor (IGF) system enhance in vitro embryo quality and implantation rates in both animal models and human in vitro fertilization (IVF). We evaluated whether differences in serum levels of these components in women prior to initiation of an IVF cycle would be predictive of subsequent outcome. Study Design In this retrospective study sera from women obtained at day 2 of their IVF cycle (at baseline before stimulation) were assayed for IGF-I, IGF-II, and IGF binding protein (BP)-1 by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Samples from 54 women with a live birth, 38 with a transient biochemical pregnancy, 45 with a spontaneous abortion, 54 who did not become pregnant, and 35 who had an ectopic pregnancy were available for analysis. Associations between the assays and outcome were evaluated by the Kruskal-Wallis test and receiver operating characteristic analysis. Results There were no differences in the number of oocytes retrieved, oocyte quality, fertilization rates, or embryo grade between groups. Median concentrations of IGF-I were elevated in women with a live birth (29.1 ng/mL) as compared to women with a biochemical pregnancy (25.6 ng/mL), with spontaneous abortion (21.2 ng/mL), who were not pregnant (18.7 pg/mL), or who had an ectopic pregnancy (4.2 pg/mL) ( P P P Conclusion Maternal serum levels of IGF-I, IGF-II, and IGFBP-1 prior to initiation of an IVF cycle are correlated with the likelihood of a live birth. Alterations in maternal IGF system components may influence oocyte quality or the success of early postfertilization events and embryo implantation.
High-peak-power surface high-harmonic generation from a tape at extreme ultra-violet wavelengths

Laser-driven high-harmonic generation from solids produces intense XUV radiation. To overcome frequent target replacement, a novel design based on a spooling tape drive was implemented, yielding several megawatts (peak power) in the 15th harmonic alone.
The turnover of the protein of the inner and outer mitochondrial membrane of rat liver

Abstract The relative turnover rate of proteins of the inner and outer mitochondrial membranes and of the microsomal fraction of rat liver have been estimated by a double isotope procedure. Outer mitochondrial membrane proteins turn over more rapidly than inner mitochondrial membrane proteins. Microsomal proteins have a turnover rate similar to that of the outer mitochondrial membrane.
More on modality effects and the lack of them in the absence of sound

Following the work of Nairne and McNabb (1985), some previously unpublished data on recency and suffix effects in the visual and tactual modalities are presented. These data and the further analysis of some previously published data clarify the complicated picture of research in this area. The implications of the presence of a new “modality effect, ” involving the tactual and visual modalities, are discussed for the various theories proposed to explain recency, suffix effects, and modality effects.
The Spectrum of Potassium Hydride

The $^{1}\ensuremath{\Sigma}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}^{1}\ensuremath{\Sigma}$ molecular spectrum extending from 4100A to 6600A has been photographed with prism spectrographs with a d.c. potassium arc in hydrogen as source. In absorption spectrographs, also attempted, the bands were masked by alkali bands except in a short region, 4600A to 4800A. The spectrum is of the many-lined type. Analysis disclosed 29 bands falling into five ${v}^{\ensuremath{'}}$ progressions. Each band consists of $P$ and $R$ branches only. The rotational and vibrational constants (Table III), which fall into line with the corresponding values for LiH and NaH, are surprisingly different in the two states. ${{B}_{v}}^{\ensuremath{'}}$ and ${{\ensuremath{\omega}}_{v}}^{\ensuremath{'}}$ show an anomaly, rising with increasing ${v}^{\ensuremath{'}}$ for low values of ${v}^{\ensuremath{'}}$, then decreasing. Extrapolation of the vibrational levels indicates that the products of dissociation in the two states differ by the energy of the resonance lines of K(1.60 volts). Heats of dissociation of 1.25 and 2.06 volts are obtained for the excited and ground states, respectively. From potential energy curves a Franck-Condon diagram of intensity is drawn and is in good agreement with observed intensities.
A Very Compact Real Time 3-D Range Sensor For Mobile Robot Applications

A very compact 3-D range sensor, ideal for robotic applications and especially for mobile robots is described. The principle of this sensor is based on the use of a double aperture mask in place of the diaphragm of a standard camera lens. The basic optical principle of the system and the image processing algorithms to extract and compute the 3-D coordinates of the scene are described. A first prototype used to evaluate the characteristics of the range sensor and to acquire panoramic images of a room is shown. Performances and experimental results are presented.
Sound Governance: Engaging Citizens through Collaborative Organizations

This paper addresses governance-citizen relationship and argues for “sound governance” and engaging citizens in public administration through collaborative organizations. After reviewing and analyzing the contemporary literature on the importance and various forms of governance, it: (1) argues for a new concept of ‘sound governance’ with key dimensions and characteristics, (2) provides an imperative with rationales for engaging citizens in governance and governing in the twenty first century, and (3) offers alternative forms of collaboration and partnership building to engage citizens, enhance governance, and maximize citizen participation in public administration.
Ethical Responsibilities of Engineering Profession

Many questions have been raised recently concerning the integrity of certain professions and the people associated with them. Unfortunately, there are many who cannot define the term “profession,” much less explain the criteria used to classify an occupation as such. To what extent do the responsibilities of a professional differ from those of anyone else? This is a question that every engineer should ask him‐ or herself on a daily basis. As professionals, engineers have a tremendous obligation to society. The profession is dedicated to honestly and unselfishly serving mankind. If the honor of engineering as a profession is to remain intact, all engineers must be committed to the standards to which they pledge themselves.
Topical hesperidin prevents glucocorticoid-induced abnormalities in epidermal barrier function in murine skin

Systemic and topical glucocorticoids (GC) can cause significant adverse effects not only on the dermis, but also on epidermal structure and function. In epidermis, a striking GC-induced alteration in permeability barrier function occurs that can be attributed to an inhibition of epidermal mitogenesis, differentiation and lipid production. As prior studies in normal hairless mice demonstrated that topical applications of a flavonoid ingredient found in citrus, hesperidin, improve epidermal barrier function by stimulating epidermal proliferation and differentiation, we assessed here whether its topical applications could prevent GC-induced changes in epidermal function in murine skin and the basis for such effects. When hairless mice were co-treated topically with GC and 2% hesperidin twice-daily for 9 days, hesperidin co-applications prevented the expected GC-induced impairments of epidermal permeability barrier homoeostasis and stratum corneum (SC) acidification. These preventive effects could be attributed to a significant increase in filaggrin expression, enhanced epidermal β-glucocerebrosidase activity and accelerated lamellar bilayer maturation, the last two likely attributable to a hesperidin-induced reduction in stratum corneum pH. Furthermore, co-applications of hesperidin with GC largely prevented the expected GC-induced inhibition of epidermal proliferation. Finally, topical hesperidin increased epidermal glutathione reductase mRNA expression, which could counteract multiple functional negative effects of GC on epidermis. Together, these results show that topical hesperidin prevents GC-induced epidermal side effects by divergent mechanisms.
Numerical solution of an integral equation for flow from a circular orifice

This study was begun as an attempt to either confirm or disprove conflicting results of previous research upon a classical problem in potential theory. An integral equation resulting from a surface distribution of vorticity is used to solve numerically for the flow through a circular orifice. Free-surface profiles and contraction coefficients are determined for four different ratios of orifice area to pipe area, and a comparison is made between the numerical and experimental results of both this study and previous studies.
Identification of Genes Upregulated by the Transcription Factor Bcr1 That Are Involved in Impermeability, Impenetrability, and Drug Resistance of Candida albicans a/α Biofilms

Candida albicans forms two types of biofilm, depending upon the configuration of the mating type locus. Although architecturally similar, a/α biofilms are impermeable, impenetrable, and drug resistant, whereas a/a and α/α biofilms lack these traits. The difference appears to be the result of an alternative matrix. Overexpression in a/a cells of BCR1, a master regulator of the a/α matrix, conferred impermeability, impenetrability, and drug resistance to a/a biofilms. Deletion of BCR1 in a/α cells resulted in the loss of these a/α-specific biofilm traits. Using BCR1 overexpression in a/a cells, we screened 107 genes of interest and identified 8 that were upregulated by Bcr1. When each was overexpressed in a/a biofilms, the three a/α traits were partially conferred, and when each was deleted in a/α cells, the traits were partially lost. Five of the eight genes have been implicated in iron homeostasis, and six encode proteins that are either in the wall or plasma membrane or secreted. All six possess sites for O-linked and N-linked glycosylation that, like glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) anchors, can cross-link to the wall and matrix, suggesting that they may exert a structural role in conferring impermeability, impenetrability, and drug resistance, in addition to their physiological functions. The fact that in a screen of 107 genes, all 8 of the Bcr1-upregulated genes identified play a role in impermeability, impenetrability, and drug resistance suggests that the formation of the a/α matrix is highly complex and involves a larger number of genes than the initial ones identified here.
The value relevance of R&D across profit and loss firms

We examine whether the valuation relevance of R&D documented for loss firms extends to profit firms. We use the residual-income valuation model and show that the valuation multiplier on R&D expenditures is likely to be negative (positive) for profit (loss) firms. This occurs because the linear information dynamics assumption of the residual-income model is more appropriate for profit firms than loss firms. Earnings of profit firms are likely to contain information on the future benefits of R&D activity, however, earnings of loss firms do not contain such information. The empirical evidence confirms our predictions for profit and loss firms. An important implication of our findings is that understanding the role of the R&D expense line item in valuation across firms and within firms, across time depends on whether the linear information dynamics assumption of the residual-income model is applicable for the sample of firms under investigation.
Arabidopsis gls Mutants and Distinct Fd-GOGAT Genes: Implications for Photorespiration and Primary Nitrogen Assimilation

Ferredoxin-dependent glutamate synthase (Fd-GOGAT) plays a major role in photorespiration in Arabidopsis, as has been determined by the characterization of mutants deficient in Fd-GOGAT enzyme activity (gls). Despite genetic evidence for a single Fd-GOGAT locus and gene, we discovered that Arabidopsis contains two expressed genes for Fd-GOGAT (GLU1 and GLU2). Physical and genetic mapping of the gls1 locus and GLU genes indicates that GLU1 is linked to the gls1 locus, whereas GLU2 maps to a different chromosome. Contrasting patterns of GLU1 and GLU2 expression explain why a mutation in only one of the two genes for Fd-GOGAT leads to a photorespiratory phenotype in the gls1 mutants. GLU1 mRNA was expressed at the highest levels in leaves, and its mRNA levels were specifically induced by light or sucrose. In contrast, GLU2 mRNA was expressed at lower constitutive levels in leaves and preferentially accumulated in roots. Although these results suggest a major role for GLU1 in photorespiration, the sucrose induction of GLU1 mRNA in leaves also suggests a role in primary nitrogen assimilation. This possibility is supported by the finding that chlorophyll levels of a gls mutant are significantly lower than those of the wild type when grown under conditions that suppress photorespiration. Both the mutant analysis and gene regulation studies suggest that GLU1 plays a major role in photorespiration and also plays a role in primary nitrogen assimilation in leaves, whereas the GLU2 gene may play a major role in primary nitrogen assimilation in roots.
Is Continuing Warfarin in the Perioperative Period Safe for Patients Undergoing Urologic Procedures

The perioperative management of patients necessitating long-term anticoagulation remains controversial because there remains a careful balance between increased risk of bleeding and thromboembolic events. Many of these highrisk patients are on warfarin oral anticoagulation for a mechanical heart valve, chronic atrial fibrillation, or prior history venous thromboembolism [1]. Prior studies have confirmed the safety and efficacy of discontinuation of warfarin with initiation of therapy with intravenous (IV) heparin or low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) as ‘‘bridging’’ therapy [2]. The 2008 American College of Chest Physicians consensus statement [1] for the management of patients receiving vitamin K antagonists (ie, warfarin) and who require invasive procedures includes various strategies for discontinuing warfarin therapy and initiating heparin bridging therapy. Exceptions to this recommendation include surgical cases in which the bleeding risk is low (ie, dental, dermatologic, and ophthalmologic procedures) and a decrease in the dose of warfarin to an international normalized ratio (INR) within the therapeutic range is recommended. The concern associated with operations in patients maintained on warfarin is the risk of perioperative bleeding and the duration of warfarin action. However, the use of heparin bridging therapy is not without risks of bleeding. In fact, prior studies in both animals and humans to evaluate the continuation of oral anticoagulation therapy have shown decreased risk of bleeding compared to patients bridged with heparin [3,4]. To date, no convincing evidence supports that discontinuation of warfarin is necessary in patients who may be maintained on warfarin during the perioperative period. The majority of the literature pertaining to perioperative management of patients requiring continuous anticoagulation is derived from other surgical fields. Larson
A fast learning algorithm for Gabor transformation

An adaptive learning approach for the computation of the coefficients of the generalized nonorthogonal 2-D Gabor (1946) transform representation is introduced. The algorithm uses a recursive least squares (RLS) type algorithm. The aim is to achieve minimum mean squared error for the reconstructed image from the set of the Gabor coefficients. The proposed RLS learning offers better accuracy and faster convergence behavior when compared with the least mean squares (LMS)-based algorithms. Applications of this scheme in image data reduction are also demonstrated.
SINR improvement through reconfigurable antenna adaptation to handheld device orientation

The potential for signal to interference noise (SINR) improvement by using beam-forming at a mobile station (MS) is well known. For example, in [1], the use of smart antennas in a mobile station is considered, and is shown that SINR improvements can be up to 40 dB for peer to peer communications and approximately 25 dB for microcell applications. In [2], Knudsen and Pedersen considered the impact of the human head on the directionality of MS transmissions in a non-reconfigurable antenna. Despite the significant body of published work on smart antennas, there has been no published treatment we are aware of that specifically measures the motions typically experienced by handheld MSs such as cellular phones and smart phones and analyzes the SINR gains that can be achieved if these motions are measured in real time and used in setting the antenna configuration. The motivations for this work are strong. The gains that can be achieved by antenna adaptation are significant, and one can expect that even imperfect and/or delayed MS orientation information can, if provided to a smart antenna, lead to significantly improved SINR and therefore significantly improved link and service quality. Such adaptation is becoming more feasible in light of recent developments in reconfigurable antennas.
Community-led total sanitation, Zambia: Stick, carrot or balloon?

It is clear that there is a need for more effective strategies to increase sanitation coverage in rural areas, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. One such strategy which is expanding in the sub-continent is community-led total sanitation (CLTS). However, CLTS has been criticized for ‘shaming’ communities and individuals, for using coercion, for providing unsustainable incentives or rewards, for neglecting the most vulnerable and for the lack of agreed standards. Using the example of Zambia, this paper responds to those criticisms. If implemented in accordance with ‘pure’ CLTS principles, the approach enables large-scale community mobilization which acts as a springboard for other development activities. The driver for social change is neither humiliation, coercion nor external reward but a strong sense of pride and realization of self-potential. The focus is not on externally imposed ‘standards’ but on self-determination of what is appropriate and on communal responsibility.
Epididymal SPAM1 Is a Marker for Sperm Maturation in the Mouse

Sperm adhesion molecule 1 (SPAM1), is a glycosyl phoshatidylinositol-linked sperm membrane protein that is dually expressed in testis and epididymis. Epididymal SPAM1 is secreted in all three regions of the epididymis in all mammalian species studied, including humans. It shares the same molecular mass and neutral hyaluronidase activity as the testicular and sperm isoforms that are responsible for the penetration of the cumulus during fertilization. Using wild-type (W/T) sperm and those from mice homozygous for either a null (Spam1� /� )o r mutant Spam1 allele, which results in decreased mRNA and protein, we demonstrate that sperm binding of epididymal SPAM1 occurs in vitro after exposure to W/T sperm-free epididymal luminal fluid (ELF). Binding or adsorption that occurred after incubation at room temperature or 328C was detected immunocytochemically and confirmed quantitatively using flow cytometry. The localization of SPAM1 on the plasma membrane of Spam1-null sperm mimicked that seen in the W/T. The remarkable increase in binding on W/T caudal sperm indicates that they are not fully saturated with SPAM1 during storage, and suggests that uptake of epididymal SPAM1 in vivo augments testicular SPAM1. Spam1-null sperm exposed to W/T ELF for 45–60 min during in vitro capacitation to allow epididymal SPAM1 binding showed a highly significant (P , 0.001) increase in cumulus penetration after 6–7 h compared to those incubated in ELF from null males. Similarly, the number of cumulus-free oocytes was also highly significantly greater (P , 0.001) than that for sperm capacitated in W/T SPAM1-antibodyinhibited ELF. Because epididymal SPAM1 uptake significantly increases cumulus penetration, we conclude that it is a marker of sperm maturation. epididymal luminal fluid, epididymis, GPI anchor, in vitro fertilization, male reproductive tract, secretory protein, Spam1null sperm, sperm capacitation, sperm hyaluronidase activity, sperm maturation
Abdominal Compartment Syndrome in Children

Abdominal compartment syndrome is defined as sustained intra-abdominal pressure greater than 20 mm Hg (with or without abdominal perfusion pressure <60 mm Hg) associated with new organ failure or dysfunction. The syndrome is associated with 90% to 100% mortality if not recognized and treated in a timely manner. Nurses are responsible for accurately measuring intra-abdominal pressure in children with abdominal compartment syndrome and for alerting physicians about important changes. This article provides relevant definitions, outlines risk factors for abdominal compartment syndrome developing in children, and discusses an instructive case involving an adolescent with abdominal compartment syndrome. Techniques for measuring intra-abdominal pressure, normal ranges, and the importance of monitoring in the critical care setting for timely identification of intra-abdominal hypertension and abdominal compartment syndrome also are discussed.
Diurnal cortisol rhythms in Tsimane’ Amazonian foragers: New insights into ecological HPA axis research

Summary Although a growing body of research has documented important pathways by which the HPA axis mediates the interface between the psychosocial world and individual health, there is a paucity of data from nonwestern populations, particularly from those populations with distinct nutritional and infectious disease ecologies. The specific objectives of this study are: (1) to document variation in diurnal cortisol rhythms among the Tsimane’, a remote population in the Bolivian Amazon, (2) to explore this variation by age and by gender, and (3) to compare diurnal rhythms from this study to other population based studies of cortisol conducted in industrialized nations. Salivary cortisol samples were collected twice daily, immediately upon waking and before bed, for three consecutive days from 303 participants (age 1.6–82 years, 1564 samples) in conjunction with the Tsimane’ Amazonian Panel Study (TAPS). Cortisol rhythms showed strong age effects across the developmental span, with basal levels and slopes increasing into adulthood, although individuals older than 60 years demonstrated a precipitous flattening of the diurnal slope. Cortisol profiles were elevated in adult females compared to their age-matched male counterparts, and diurnal slopes, as well as mean cortisol concentrations among the Tsimane’ were the lowest reported in any population based study of HPA axis function. Although the within-population variation in cortisol profiles was consistent with the established correlates of time of day, age, and sex, the between-population comparisons revealed dramatically lower levels of HPA activity among the Tsimane’. This study provides a benchmark against which to reference cortisol levels from industrialized populations, and expands the range of documented variation in HPA axis function in a nonwestern context.
ABA Judicial Ratings as the 'Gold Standard' or Fool's Gold: Federal District Judge Ratings and Reversals

This paper examines the relationship between reversals of federal district judges and the votes of the ABA Standing Committee in rating the judges at nomination. The primary sample comprises 94,665 appellate dispositions of 533 judges appointed by Presidents George H.W. Bush, Clinton and George W. Bush. Estimation techniques include hierarchical linear models with random effects, as well as models without random effects. It is hypothesized lack of unanimity within the ABA committee is in part caused by the candidate being perceived as having an ideological bent and such a nominee, if confirmed, is more likely to be reversed. Nominees are, or the nomination process is, qualitatively different following the presidency of George H.W. Bush. Lack of unanimity is much more common in the later period. The relationship between lack of unanimity in the ABA committee voting and likelihood of reversal has changed over time. It has increased for judges appointed starting with President Clinton, primarily in appellate dispositions presenting non-procedural issues. Similar results, albeit with smaller t-statistics, are found estimating the likelihood of a Shepard's warning signal within a sample of 131,931 district court opinions. Potential censoring arising from the ability not to issue a written decision captured in Lexis may account for the decreased significance. Relative to judges rated Qualified, for judges appointed following George H.W. Bush's presidency, there is some evidence of a negative relationship between reversals and judges rated Well Qualified, which appears generally to be confined to appeals involving matters of procedure (as opposed to non-procedural legal doctrine). Somewhat surprisingly, there is some evidence of a negative relationship between the likelihood of reversal and the judge being rated Not Qualified. However, the commissioning of a judge rated Not Qualified is so rare that conclusions concerning the Not Qualified rating may well be unwarranted.
Long term cardiac tolerability of trastuzumab in HER-2-overexpressing metastatic breast cancer (MBC)

629 Background: The use of trastuzumab is associated with an increased risk of cardiotoxic events such as congestive hearth failure (CHF) and decline in the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF...
Serial Bone Marrow Studies in Pernicious Anemia. II. Nucleated Cells and Blood and Urine Uric Acid

SummaryThere was a definite increase of the uric acid level in the blood and urine simultaneous with the diminution of the normoblasts in the bone marrow and with the increase of reticulocytes in the peripheral blood.
Blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm associated with chronic myelomonocytic leukemia.

![Figure][1] A 64-year-old man presented with progressive skin lesions, which were diagnosed as blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm (BPDCN) and were confirmed with marrow involvement. He received SL-401 chemotherapy but developed persistent monocytosis. A 3-month follow-up bone
Wideband continuous frequency tunable 330 GHz gyrotron oscillator

We present the design of a continuously tunable 330 GHz, 100 W CW gyrotron oscillator with a bandwidth of 2 GHz. The results have been obtained with MAGY, a nonlinear, nonstationary code. The physics of continuous tuning of a gyrotron by varying the operating magnetic field are discussed. The design is based on recent experimental observations of a wideband frequency tuning in a 250 GHz, 50 W CW gyrotron oscillator.
Cooperative Highly Available Multiprocessor (CHAMP) Networks Have Great Potential For Signal Processing

CHAMP (Cooperative Highly. Available Multi-Processor) is an expandable processor-independent software environment designed to support high availability and fault-tolerant computation. CHAMP uses a network of elements, possibly dissimilar, and achieves speed. through concurrent processing. CHAMP has great potential for signal processing networks, especially with single-chip VESIC elements.© (1982) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
The BRAINS Program: Transforming Career Development to Advance Diversity and Equity in Neuroscience

In order to better prepare trainees and advance diversity in neuroscience, career development must move beyond scientific skills. The BRAINS Program's continuous professional development model positively impacts participants' careers by fostering a sense of community and creating a counterspace for critical conversations.
Cold Fusion: Comments on the State of Scientific Proof

Early criticisms were made of the scientific claims made by Martin Fleischmann and Stanley Pons in 1989 on their observation of heat effects in electrochemically driven palladium-deuterium experiments that were consistent with nuclear but not chemical or stored energy sources. These criticisms were premature and adverse. In the light of 25 years further study of the palladium-deuterium system, what is the state of proof of Fleischmann and Pons' claims?.
In This Issue: Trends, Prescribing, Deprescribing

This issue begins by showing trends in health service use and goes on to unpack myriad factors affecting health care delivery, its appropriateness, and the ability of primary care clinicians to serve their role in integrating and personalizing care. An assessment of changes in the ecology of