cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Deep learning reveals evolutionary conservation and divergence of sequence properties underlying gene regulatory enhancers across mammals

In mammals, genomic regions with enhancer activity turnover rapidly; in contrast, gene expression patterns and transcription factor binding preferences are largely conserved. Based on this conservation, we hypothesized that enhancers active in different mammals would exhibit conserved sequence patterns in spite of their different genomic locations. We tested this hypothesis by quantifying the conservation of sequence patterns underlying histone-mark defined enhancers across six diverse mammals in two machine learning frameworks. We first trained support vector machine (SVM) classifiers based on the frequency spectrum of short DNA sequence patterns. These classifiers accurately identified many adult liver, developing limb, and developing brain enhancers in each species. Then, we applied these classifiers across species and found that classifiers trained in one species and tested in another performed nearly as well as classifiers trained and tested on the same species. This indicates that the short sequence patterns predictive of enhancers are largely conserved. We also observed similar cross-species conservation when applying the models to human and mouse enhancers validated in transgenic assays. The sequence patterns most predictive of enhancers in each species matched the binding motifs for a common set of TFs enriched for expression in relevant tissues, supporting the biological relevance of the learned features. To test the conservation of more complex sequences patterns, we trained convolutional neural networks (CNNs) on enhancer sequences in each species. The CNNs demonstrated better performance overall, but worse cross-species generalization than SVMs, suggesting the importance of combinatorial interactions between motifs, but less conservation of these more complex sequence patterns. Thus, despite the rapid change of active enhancer locations between mammals, cross-species enhancer prediction is often possible. Furthermore, short sequence patterns encoding enhancer activity have been maintained across more than 180 million years of mammalian evolution, with evolutionary change in more complex sequence patterns.
Approximate Trace Reconstruction

In the usual trace reconstruction problem, the goal is to exactly reconstruct an unknown string of length $n$ after it passes through a deletion channel many times independently, producing a set of traces (i.e., random subsequences of the string). We consider the relaxed problem of approximate reconstruction. Here, the goal is to output a string that is close to the original one in edit distance while using much fewer traces than is needed for exact reconstruction. We present several algorithms that can approximately reconstruct strings that belong to certain classes, where the estimate is within $n/\mathrm{polylog}(n)$ edit distance, and where we only use $\mathrm{polylog}(n)$ traces (or sometimes just a single trace). These classes contain strings that require a linear number of traces for exact reconstruction and which are quite different from a typical random string. From a technical point of view, our algorithms approximately reconstruct consecutive substrings of the unknown string by aligning dense regions of traces and using a run of a suitable length to approximate each region. To complement our algorithms, we present a general black-box lower bound for approximate reconstruction, building on a lower bound for distinguishing between two candidate input strings in the worst case. In particular, this shows that approximating to within $n^{1/3 - \delta}$ edit distance requires $n^{1 + 3\delta/2}/\mathrm{polylog}(n)$ traces for $0< \delta < 1/3$ in the worst case.
“Willing to Do Anything for My Kids”: Inventive Mothering, Diapers, and the Inequalities of Carework:

Prior research highlights how mothers across social classes express similar beliefs that good parenting adheres to the tenets of intensive mothering by being child-centered, time-consuming, and sel...
Inpatient Sleep Consultation

Part A Sleep disordered breathing (SDB) is increasingly recognized as a presenting or major comorbid diagnosis in hospitalized patients. However, there is no clear guidance on indications for inpatient sleep medicine consultation, SDB evaluation in inpatient versus outpatient setting, or optimal timing and type of positive airway pressure (PAP) treatment to be provided. Figure 8.1 gives an algorithmic approach to inpatient sleep medicine. Variations in the availability of diagnostic tests such as inpatient sleep test and pulmonary function test, and insurance coverage of PAP devices upon discharge are potential factors that limit standardized recommendations. Observational studies show that SDB is associated with increased risk for in-hospital and post-discharge adverse outcomes and compliance with PAP therapy decreases this risk. In particular, specific subgroups of patients may benefit from intervention during hospitalization, including (1) chronic respiratory failure due to severe lung disease such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, (2) chronic respiratory failure due to neuromuscular or thoracic cage disease, and (3) SDB in heart failure or postoperative individuals. However, the benefits of inpatient consultation on patients’ outcomes are yet to be determined.
Implementing and sustaining family care programs in real-world settings: Barriers and facilitators

Abstract Efficacy trials demonstrate how family care programs make a real difference in the wellbeing of persons living with dementia and their caregivers. However, proven programs are not widely available and most families affected by this disease as well as their care providers have no knowledge of or access to them, thus threatening to further widen the family care gap. In response, recent efforts have focused on translating proven programs into care settings, yet little is understood about these translational efforts. This chapter reviews studies reporting on the translation of evidence-based family caregiver programs for delivery in healthcare or community-based settings. We examine the frameworks and leading strategies used in these studies to guide implementation of evidence-based programs in order to grow the evidence for implementation and advance an understanding of how to effectively close the family care gap. We also describe the key drivers for and barriers to organizational change identified by studies and conclude with a set of recommendations for future research and policies to address the family care gap.
Intermediate Invasive Fungal Sinusitis, a Distinct Entity From Acute Fulminant and Chronic Invasive Fungal Sinusitis.

Background The current classification system of invasive fungal sinusitis (IFS) includes acute (aIFS) and chronic (cIFS) phenotypes. Both phenotypes display histopathologic evidence of tissue necrosis, but differ by presence of angioinvasion, extent of necrosis, and disease progression. aIFS is defined by a rapid onset of symptoms, while cIFS slowly progresses over ≥12 weeks. However, a subset of IFS patients do not fit into the clinical presentation and histopathologic characteristics of either aIFS or cIFS. Objectives To investigate the demographic, clinical, and histopathologic characteristics of a distinct subset of IFS. Methods Retrospective review of patients with IFS from a single tertiary-care institution (2010-2020). Patients with symptoms for ≤4 weeks were classified as aIFS if they displayed endoscopic evidence of mucosal necrosis or fungal angioinvasion on pathology. Patients with slowly progressive IFS for ≥12 weeks were classified as cIFS. Patients with symptom duration between 4 and 12 weeks with evidence of invasive fungal disease were classified as a new entity and were further investigated. Results Of the 8 patients identified, 50% were immunosuppressed at presentation. The mean symptom duration prior to presentation was 50.5 days (SD 16.8), and common symptoms included facial pain (100%), vision change (87.5%), and blindness (37.5%). Two patients (25%) died of their disease. Sites of fungal involvement confirmed by histopathology included sphenoid (62.5%) and ethmoid sinuses (12.5%), orbital apex (25%), optic nerve (12.5%), pterygopalatine fossa (12.5%), and clivus (12.5%). Fungal elements but without obvious angioinvasion, were identified in all specimens, and fungus balls (50%), granulomas (37.5%), and giant cells (25%) were also observed on histopathology. CT and MRI radiographic imaging showed findings consistent with orbital, intracranial, or skull base involvement in all patients. Conclusion We propose intermediate IFS as a new subgroup of patients with IFS who do not fit into the standard classification of aIFS or cIFS.
Chapter 7 – Orthonormal Wavelet Bases

The Fourier series of a function defined on a finite interval other than [-π, π] can be obtained by dilating the orthonormal basis {e -ikx } kЄZ . This chapter introduces wavelet functions and demonstrates how they generate orthonormal bases of L 2 (R) , which are called “wavelet bases.” A wavelet basis is the basis generated by the dilations and translates of a “wavelet” function ψ . Wavelets are usually compactly supported, or exponentially decay, that is, they are “local” functions in the x-domain. Hence, they are useful tools for analyzing the “local” behaviors of functions in the x-domain. Wavelet analysis also considers many topics other than the construction and analysis of wavelet bases in L 2 (R) . The contents of wavelet analysis include continuous wavelet transforms, wavelet bases in function spaces other than L 2 (R) , wavelet frames, vector-valued wavelets, and their applications in many areas. To understand the idea of the construction of orthonormal wavelet bases of L 2 , the chapter introduces a simple orthonormal wavelet basis of L 2 , called the Haar basis which a useful tool for local time frequency analysis. Orthonormal bases having structure like the Haar basis are extremely useful in many applications.
SU-E-T-640: Proton Modulated Arc Therapy Using Scanned Pencil Beams

Purpose: Rotational proton radiotherapy would be an interesting treatment modality if it proves to produce dose distributions that conform to the target as well or better than currently available treatment modalities, while reducing the dose to the surrounding organs at risk. A treatment planning study is presented, showing how this objective can be achieved using a single or small number of scanned mono-energetic pencil beams delivered while the proton gantry rotates at the same time that they may deliver faster and more biologically effective treatments than current proton modalities.Methods Proton treatment using single- (SFO) and multi-field optimized (MFO) PBS plans are compared with PMAT plans in phantoms of different shape and uniformity as well as on a brain case. The method followed in ECLIPSE to produce PMAT plans is presented and the feasibility is discussed. Results Table 1 shows that the conformity and uniformity of the PMAT plans is of similar order than those of the SFO and MFO plans. However, in the brain case, the DVHs shown in Figure 1 indicate a significant reduction of the dose to the OARs when PMAT is used. Similarly, the use of PMAT increases the LET in the treatment area, which could translate into a more biologically effective treatment.Conclusions PMAT could provide dose distributions as conformal as current PBS plans but could also offer faster beam delivery and more biologically effective proton plans.
An in-place and in-order WFTA

In this paper, a hybrid of the nested and the prime factor approach is presented to compute DFT using WFTA (Winograd Fourier transform algorithm). A one-dimensional DFT is written as a two-dimensional DFT where DFT along each dimension is computed using the nested form of Winograd. Compared to the nested form, the number of multiplications increase only marginally and there is a corresponding decrease in the number of additions. The algorithm is in-place and in-order requiring very little storage other than the data. The coefficient tables required for this approach are very small. The approach suggested is highly suitable for a two-level memory hierarchy where most of the computing takes place with a very small data set and the accesses to the main memory are minimized. This approach is also highly suitable for a vector processor or a hardware implementation. A general-N FORTRAN program has been developed to compute DTFs of lengths up to 5040 (59 different values) using this approach. For this, the computing times are almost proportional to the transform lengths.
De novo protein design. II. plasticity in sequence space

It is generally accepted that many different protein sequences have similar folded structures, and that there is a relatively high probability that a new sequence possesses a previously observed fold. An indirect consequence of this is that protein design should define the sequence space accessible to a given structure, rather than providing a single optimized sequence. We have recently developed a new approach for protein sequence design, which optimizes the complete sequence of a protein based on the knowledge of its backbone structure, its amino acid composition and a physical energy function including van der Waals interactions, electrostatics, and environment free energy. The specificity of the designed sequence for its template backbone is imposed by keeping the amino acid composition fixed. Here, we show that our procedure converges in sequence space, albeit not to the native sequence of the protein. We observe that while polar residues are well conserved in our designed sequences, non-polar amino acids at the surface of a protein are often replaced by polar residues. The designed sequences provide a multiple alignment of sequences that all adopt the same three-dimensional fold. This alignment is used to derive a profile matrix for chicken triose phosphate isomerase, TIM. The matrix is found to recognize significantly the native sequence for TIM, as well as closely related sequences. Possible application of this approach to protein fold recognition is discussed.
OKLAHOMA'S STATUTORY CONSTITUTION

The Oklahoma Constitution retains its original and historic character as a combination of constitutional and statutory provisions. This article traces the Constitution's evolution through the use of the initiative and referendum processes and sets that evolution in the context of the state's political culture. It concludes by considering efforts to reform the Constitution and the reasons why they have failed. In brief, the article finds that Oklahomans have not recognized the importance of the distinction between fundamental and statutory law. Constitutional reform has been stymied by a variety of political forces that prefer an accessible constitution and fragmented governmental authority to the efficiencies that might result from a streamlined constitutional order. From the early Progressives to modern conservatives, Oklahomans have distrusted government and their Constitution reflects that fact.
A geometric approach for deciphering protein structure from cryo-em volumes

Electron Cryo-Microscopy or cryo-EM is an area that has received much attention in the recent past. Compared to the traditional methods of X-Ray Crystallography and NMR Spectroscopy, cryo-EM can be used to image much larger complexes, in many different conformations, and under a wide range of biochemical conditions. This is because it does not require the complex to be crystallisable [74, 89]. However, cryo-EM reconstructions are limited to intermediate resolutions, with the state-of-the-art being 3.6A [116], where secondary structure elements can be visually identified but not individual amino acid residues. This lack of atomic level resolution creates new computational challenges for protein structure identification. In this dissertation, we present a suite of geometric algorithms to address several aspects of protein modeling using cryo-EM density maps. Specifically, we develop novel methods to capture the shape of density volumes as geometric skeletons. We then use these skeletons to find secondary structure elements (SSEs) of a given protein, to identify the correspondence between these SSEs and those predicted from the primary sequence, and to register high-resolution protein structures onto the density volume. In addition, we designed and developed Gorgon[1], an interactive molecular modeling system, that integrates the above methods with other interactive routines to generate reliable and accurate protein backbone models.
Lack of diabetogenic effect of alloxan in protein-calorie malnourished rats.

Male weanling rats were fed one of three diets for 46 days. The diets were control, a 4% casein-containing and a 4% casein + 0.7% cysteine diets. On day 47, the rats were injected with alloxan (40 mg/kg body weight) via the tail vein and frequencies of alloxan-induced diabetes were appraised on days 55-57 by measurement of blood glucose, urine out put, water intake and food intake. Alloxan was almost ineffective in pro ducing diabetes in the two low-protein groups ( frequencies of diabetes = 0/11 and 3/11 for the 4% casein diets without and with cysteine, respec tively) but was highly effective in the control group (100% diabetogenesis). The decreased diabetogenicity of low-protein diets was not due to de creased food intake. All the animals fed control diet in amounts which matched the intake of protein-malnourished animals became diabetic when alloxan was administered. These data suggest a defect in the alloxan- glucose recognition site on beta cells of protein malnourished rats. J. Nutr. 110: 703-709, 1980.
Chemostimuli for guanylyl cyclase-D-expressing olfactory sensory neurons promote the acquisition of preferences for foods adulterated with the rodenticide warfarin

Many animals have the ability to acquire food preferences from conspecifics via social signals. For example, the coincident detection of a food odor by canonical olfactory sensory neurons (OSNs) and agonists of the specialized OSNs expressing the receptor guanylyl cyclase GC-D (GC-D+ OSNs) will promote a preference in recipient rodents for similarly odored foods. It has been hypothesized that these preferences are acquired and maintained regardless of the palatability or quality of the food. We assessed whether mice could acquire and maintain preferences for food that had been adulterated with the anticoagulant rodenticide warfarin. After olfactory investigation of a saline droplet containing either cocoa (2%, w/w) or cinnamon (1%, w/w) along with a GC-D+ OSN-specific chemostimulus (either of the guanylin-family peptides uroguanylin and guanylin; 1–50 nM), C57BL/6J mice exhibited robust preferences for unadulterated food containing the demonstrated odor. The peptide-dependent preference was observed even when the food contained warfarin (0.025% w/w). Repeated ingestion of warfarin-containing food over four days did not disrupt the preference, even though mice were not re-exposed to the peptide stimulus. Surprisingly, mice continued to prefer warfarin-adulterated food containing the demonstrated odor when presented with a choice of warfarin-free food containing a novel odor. Our results indicate that olfactory-mediated food preferences can be acquired and maintained for warfarin-containing foods and suggest that guanylin peptides may be effective stimuli for promoting the ingestion of foods or other edibles with low palatability or potential toxicity.
Gitelman-like syndrome after cisplatin therapy: a case report and literature review.

Cisplatin is a well-known nephrotoxic antineoplastic drug. Chronic hypokalemic metabolic alkalosis with hypomagnesemia and hypocalciuria is one of the rare complications associated with its use. A 42- year-old woman presented with a 20 year-history of hypokalemic metabolic alkalosis with hypomagnesemia and hypocalciuria after cisplatin-based chemotherapy for ovarian cancer. This patient has had chronic muscle aches and fatigue and has had episodic seizure-like activity and periodic paralysis. Only thirteen other patients with similar electrolyte abnormalities have been described in the literature. This case has the longest follow-up. Cisplatin can cause permanent nephrotoxicity, including Gitelman-like syndrome. This drug should be considered among the possible causes of chronic unexplained electrolyte disorders.
Old groundwater influence on stream hydrochemistry and catchment response times in a small Sierra Nevada catchment: Sagehen Creek, California

[1] The relationship between the chemical and isotopic composition of groundwater and residence times was used to understand the temporal variability in stream hydrochemistry in Sagehen basin, California. On the basis of the relationship between groundwater age and [Ca2+], the mean residence time of groundwater feeding Sagehen Creek during base flow is approximately 28 years. [Cl-]:[Ca2+] ratios in Sagehen Creek can be used to distinguish between two important processes: changes in the apparent age of groundwater discharging into the creek and dilution with snowmelt. The mean residence time of groundwater discharging into the creek is approximately 15 years during snowmelt periods. The results from this study have implications for hydrograph separation studies as groundwater is not a single, well-mixed chemical component but rather is a variable parameter that predictably depends on groundwater residence time. Most current models of catchment hydrochemistry do not account for chemical and isotopic variability found within the groundwater reservoir. In addition, this study provides valuable insight into the long-term hydrochemical response of a catchment to perturbations as catchment-flushing times are related to the mean residence time of water in a basin. Copyright 2005 by the American Geophysical Union.
Neurological and Epigenetic Implications of Nutritional Deficiencies on Psychopathology: Conceptualization and Review of Evidence

In recent years, a role for epigenetic modifications in the pathophysiology of disease has received significant attention. Many studies are now beginning to explore the gene–environment interactions, which may mediate early-life exposure to risk factors, such as nutritional deficiencies and later development of behavioral problems in children and adults. In this paper, we review the current literature on the role of epigenetics in the development of psychopathology, with a specific focus on the potential for epigenetic modifications to link nutrition and brain development. We propose a conceptual framework whereby epigenetic modifications (e.g., DNA methylation) mediate the link between micro- and macro-nutrient deficiency early in life and brain dysfunction (e.g., structural aberration, neurotransmitter perturbation), which has been linked to development of behavior problems later on in life.
On the solution of elliptic partial differential equations on regions with corners

In this paper we investigate the solution of boundary value problems on polygonal domains for elliptic partial differential equations. We observe that when the problems are formulated as the boundary integral equations of classical potential theory, the solutions are representable by series of elementary functions. In addition to being analytically perspicuous, the resulting expressions lend themselves to the construction of accurate and efficient numerical algorithms. The results are illustrated by a number of numerical examples.
Studies of the Polymerization of Vinyl Acetate in the Aqueous Solutions of Partially Acetylated Polyvinyl Alcohol. II. On the Change of Huggins' Constant k′ with the Variation of the Composition of the Mixed Solvent

The change of Huggins' constant k′ of the graft polymer solution brought about by varying the composition of the solvent was studied. The graft polymer solution studied was prepared according to the method described in the author's previous paper,(1) and k′ was obtained from viscosity measurements of the solvent with varying methanol contents. The following results were obtained: (1) The Huggings' constant was found to change with the variation in the methanol content of solvent. (2) The minimum value for k′ was attained when the solvent contained 75% methanol. (3) The first interaction coefficients a2 were determined and the critical point was also observed under the same conditions.
Developmental patterns of hair cortisol in male and female nonhuman primates: Lower hair cortisol levels in vervet males emerge at puberty

Studies have yielded inconsistent results with regard to effects of age and sex on short term markers of hypothalamic pituitary adrenal (HPA) activity. Hair cortisol provides a retrospective proxy measure of the cumulative activity of the HPA axis over the preceding 3-4 month period. In order to describe potential developmental trends in this biomarker, we assessed hair cortisol levels between1-12 years of age in a cross-sectional study of 350 vervets (222 females and 128 males). Monkeys were grouped according to age as 1 (young juvenile), 2 (juvenile), 3 (early adolescent), 4 (late adolescent-young adult), and 5-12 (adult) years of age such that fully mature animals were included in the 5-12 year old age group. We observed that hair cortisol level was higher among the younger monkeys and declined with age (p<.001). More importantly the effect of age significantly interacted with sex (p=.02), such that hair cortisol was consistently lower in males than females beginning at age 3 (p<.05 or better). The developmental decline began one year earlier in females than males suggesting an influence of the earlier maturational processes typical in both human and nonhuman primates. The advantage of lower cortisol levels in the males may be related to social group patterns of male emigration during adolescence in many nonhuman primate species.
VERIFICATION OF AN APPROXIMATE FORMULA FOR MULTIPLE SCATTERING OF SLOW ELECTRONS

Abstract An approximate formula for the multiple scattering of slow electrons in a gas has been proposed by two Russian authors. In this paper it is shown how the true solution can accurately be computed. Comparisons are made to determine the range of validity of the approximate reflection formula.
Allogeneic cell therapy for epidermolysis bullosa.

Recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB) is a severe mechanobullous disease characterized at the molecular level by mutations in the COL7A1 gene, leading to reduced type VII collagen and defective anchoring fibrils at the dermal–epidermal junction (DEJ) (Fine et al., 2000). Patients who inherit this condition suffer from recurrent blistering, cutaneous ulcers, severe scarring, and deformities, and they are at high risk for developing life-threatening squamous cell carcinoma (Mallipeddi, 2002). Currently, there is no treatment for RDEB.
DiO-C3-(5) and DiS-C3-(5): Interactions with RBC, Ghosts and Phospholipid Vesicles

The experiments presented below compare the interaction of diO-C3-(5) and diS-C3-(5) with erythrocytes, erythrocyte ghosts and phospholipid vesicles derived from erythrocyte membranes. The results confirm earlier reports of diS-C3-(5) dimerization in the presence of hemoglobin and of dye aggregate formation in erythrocyte suspensions. DiO-C3-(5), on the other hand, binds to vesicles and ghosts freed of hemoglobin in a potential-dependent manner but without forming dye aggregates. The two dyes bind to the different preparations in similar proportions, but diS-C3-(5) is bound in amounts 3-40 times greater depending on the degree of polarization. The results show that mechanism other than binding to hemoglobin must occur in order to explain the potential-dependent binding of both dyes to ghosts and vesicles. A primary interaction must exist between the dye molecule and the lipid bilayer in a biological membrane, and this would be expected to occur in the presence of hemoglobin or other cytosolic components. DiO-C3-(5) is a better dye to use than diS-C3-(5) for mechanistic studies, in order to avoid problems associated with formation of complex aggregates of the latter dye, especially in hyperpolarized membrane suspensions.
Crawling Online Social Graphs

Extensive research has been conducted on top of online social networks (OSNs), while little attention has been paid to the data collection process. Due to the large scale of OSNs and their privacy control policies, a partial data set is often used for analysis. The data set analyzed is decided by many factors including the choice of seeds, node selection algorithms, and the sample size. These factors may introduce biases and further contaminate or even skew the results. To evaluate the impact of different factors, this paper examines the OSN graph crawling problem, where the nodes are OSN users and the edges are the links (or relationship) among these users. More specifically, by looking at various factors in the crawling process, the following problems are addressed in this paper:* Efficiency: How fast different crawlers discover nodes/links;* Sensitivity: How different OSNs and the number of protected users affect crawlers;* Bias: How major graph properties are skewed.To the best of our knowledge, our simulations on four real world online social graphs provide the first in-depth empirical answers to these questions.
Adrenal cortical carcinoma presenting as right varicocele.

A 39-year-old man was referred to us for a 3-month history of rapid onset right hemiscrotal discomfort and swelling that decreased when he was supine. Medical history included vasectomy 5 years earlier. He denied abdominal pain, flushing, headaches, weight loss or other constitutional symptoms. Physical examination of the abdomen was remarkable for fullness in the right upper quadrant and right grade III varicocele. Ultrasound demonstrated subclinical left varicocele and confirmed dilatation of the right pampiniform plexus venous channels from 1.8 to 6 mm. with a Valsalva maneuver. Computerized tomography (CT) of the abdomen and pelvis with contrast medium revealed a 12 cm. right adrenal mass. There was evidence of central necrosis with peripheral calcifications and compression of the inferior vena cava just cephalad to the right renal vein (see figure). Urinalysis, complete blood count, serum chemistry studies, liver function tests and urinary catecholamines were normal. Urinary cortisol was modestly increased at 56.7 mg./24 hours (normal less than 50). Serum dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate was increased at 562 mg./dl. (normal 88 to 305). Metastatic evaluation, including CT of the chest and a bone scan, was normal. Magnetic resonance imaging was performed to exclude thrombus involving the inferior vena cava, which was equivocal and a subsequent inferior vena caval venogram revealed external compression without evidence of thrombus. Right adrenalectomy through a thoracoabdominal approach was performed without complication. Pathological examination revealed a 730 gm. poorly differentiated adrenal cortical carcinoma with 1 focus of capsular penetration into peri-adrenal fat. Pathological stage was T3M0N0 (American Joint Committee on Cancer criteria) with greater than 6 mitoses per high power field, extensive tumor necrosis and dystrophic calcifications. DISCUSSION Varicoceles are most common as unilateral dilatation of the pampiniform plexus of veins above the left testis. Left varicoceles are present in approximately 10% to 20% of men and are believed to be secondary to the venous anatomy of the left testis. Right varicoceles usually occur as bilateral processes and are apparent in 10% of clinical cases and as many as 50% of subclinical cases. Unilateral right varicocele may be attributed to the presence of situs inversus, persistence of embryological ve
Gender and entrepreneurship: a review and process model

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to review the literature on gender, and specifically, women and entrepreneurship as well as present a process model of gender and entrepreneurship to guide future research.Design/methodology/approach – Following research from Baron and Henry, the literature is organized into a process model of gender and entrepreneurship and a brief review of the research on each stage of the model is presented. Further, building on the process model, specific propositions associated with each stage that are motivated by expectancy theory are developed.Findings – Research on women and entrepreneurship has increased over the last two decades and there is much research yet to be done.Practical implications – Practical implications include that women may engage in networking activities focused on family and friends for obtaining financial resources.Social implications – Based on this review, evidence suggests societal attributions and socialization processes relative to the sexes may cr...
A pyridine nucleotide requirement for the enzymatic conversion of Δ7-cholesten-3β-ol to 7-dehydrocholesterol

Abstract Molecular oxygen is required for the enzymatic conversion of Δ7-cholesten-3β-ol to 7-dehydrocholesterol. Previous workers using liver microsome preparations have been unable to demonstrate any cofactor requirements for this reaction. However, using an acetone powder of liver microsomes supplemented with the 105,000 × g supernatant, we demonstrate a requirement for an added pyridine nucleotide; TPN was slightly superior to the other compounds tested. Possible reaction mechanisms are discussed.
l-α, ω-Diamino acids facilitate GABA induction of larval metamorphosis in a gastropod mollusc (Haliotis rufescens)

1. l-α, ω-diamino acids and their derivatives facilitate the chemically induced settlement and metamorphosis of larvae ofHaliotis rufescens, a marine gastropod. 2. Organic inducers of settlement and metamorphosis used in this study include γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), muscimol, and the macromolecular fraction of a cell-free extract of the naturally recruiting crustose red alga,Lithothamnium californicum. An inorganic inducer of settlement and metamorphosis, ionic potassium, is also used. 3. When the inducing compound is GABA, muscimol, or a macromolecular component ofL. californicum, the presence of a diamino acid facilitator converts a sigmoid concentration-response curve to a hyperbolic one, and shifts the curve to the left (Figs. 1, 3 and 4). The Hill coefficient in the absence of facilitator reveals significant positive cooperativity for induction by GABA; increasing concentration of facilitator progressively lowers the Hill coefficient (Fig. 2). When induction is activated directly by ionic potassium (Fig. 5), facilitators have significantly less effect. 4. A number ofl-α, ω-diamino acids (includingl-α, β-diaminopropionic acid (l-DAPA),l-α, γ-diaminobutyric acid (l-DABA),l-ornithine, andl-lysine) all facilitate the induction of larval settlement and metamorphosis at micromolar concentrations (Fig. 6). Of a number of other amino acids and their derivatives tested, only thel-lysine derivatives poly-l-lysine andl-(−)-α-amino-e-caprolactam are active as facilitators. Facilitatory activity is dependent on both of the amino groups, and the carboxyl group, of the diamino acids (Table 1); thel-stereochemical configuration also is essential for this activity (Fig. 7). 5. The benzodiazepines flurazepam, diazepam, and flunitrazepam, facilitators of GABA binding in certain mammalian GABAergic neurons, do not facilitate induction of larval settlement and metamorphosis by GABA. 6. The diamino acidl-lysine does not facilitate induction by substances that can not themselves induce settlement (Figs. 8, 9). 7. Allosteric regulation of chemosensory receptors controlling larval metamorphosis is suggested by the results of this study.
Effect of seminal plasma on the motility of epididymal and ejaculated spermatozoa of the ram and bull during the cryopreservation process

Experiments were conducted to investigate the effect of seminal plasma on sperm motility during the cryopreservation process. Ejaculated and epididymal spermatozoa from the ram and the bull were washed by centrifugation and resuspended in either seminal plasma or a modified Tyrode's medium (TALP) prior to dilution in medium suitable for cryopreservation. Resuspension of washed ejaculated ram spermatozoa in seminal plasma resulted in higher percentages of motile spermatozoa than resuspension in TALP after the spermatozoa were cooled to 5 degrees C (52 vs 35%), and after thawing (14 vs 9%), respectively. Resuspension of epididymal ram spermatozoa in seminal plasma had no beneficial effect in maintaining sperm motility after cooling (78 vs 73%); however, seminal plasma was beneficial to epididymal ram spermatozoa after thawing (34 vs 3%), respectively. Resuspension of washed ejaculated bull spermatozoa in either seminal plasma or TALP had no effect on the percentage of motile spermatozoa after cooling to 5 degrees C (73 vs 75%) or after thawing (60 vs 60%), respectively. In addition, seminal plasma had no beneficial effect on the percentage of motile epididymal bull spermatozoa when compared with that of TALP-treated spermatozoa after cooling (75 vs 72%) or after thawing (66 vs 63%), respectively. Seminal plasma from different sires (ram and bull) affected epididymal sperm motility. The ability of sperm cells to withstand damage during cryopreservation, however, appears to reside in the sperm cells themselves, probably due to sperm cell composition.
A Survey of Poultry Ectoparasite Problems and Their Research in the United States

Abstract A national survey to determine presence, economic importance, and future research needs of ectoparasite pests on poultry showed that the northern fowl mite was the most important parasite of the chicken industry while the turkey chigger was of most importance to the turkey industry. Over 30% of both Extension personnel as well as the chicken industry felt that the northern fowl mite was resistant to carbaryl, malathion, and stirofos; the three most commonly used pesticides. Greatest research needs expressed were for new systemic chemicals and alternate non-chemical control measures.
The impact of choice phase and task complexity on consumer decision making

Abstract This research examines the impact of choice phase and various dimensions of task complexity on choice heuristics. Choice phase was operationalized as quartiles of an individual's decision process. Choice heuristics were determined by examination of subjects' decision protocols. These protocols were coded in an objective, descriptive manner, and choice heuristics were determined by examination of code groupings that were established based on the internal logic of the code scheme used. It was found that more single attribute, across-brand elimination of alternatives occurred in the early phases of a choice, while later choice phases displayed more within-brand, multiple-attribute, and overall brand evaluation. Of the various dimensions of complexity examined, the number of brands had the greatest impact on decision making in that it intensified the early elimination/attribute and later detailed evaluation/brand pattern.
Plasma gradient effects on double-probe measurements in the magnetosphere

Abstract. The effects on double-probe electric field measurements induced by electron density and temperature gradients are investigated. We show that on some occasions such gradients may lead to marked spurious electric fields if the probes are assumed to lie at the same probe potential with respect to the plasma. The use of a proper bias current will decrease the magnitude of such an error. When the probes are near the plasma potential, the magnitude of these error signals, ∆E, can vary as ∆E ~ Te(∆ne/ne)+0.5∆Te, where Te is the electron temperature, ∆ne/ne the relative electron density variation between the two sensors, and ∆Te the electron temperature difference between the two sensors. This not only implies that the error signals will increase linearly with the density variations but also that such signatures grow with Te, i.e., such effects are 10 times larger in a 10-eV plasma than in a 1-eV plasma. This type of error is independent of the probe separation distance provided the gradient scale length is much larger than this distance. The largest errors occur when the probes are near to the plasma potential. At larger positive probe potentials with respect to the plasma potential, the error becomes smaller if the probes are biased, as is usually the case with spherical double-probe experiments in the tenuous magnetospheric plasmas. The crossing of a plasma boundary (like the plasmapause or magnetopause) yields an error signal of a single peak. During the crossing of a small structure (e.g., a double layer) the error signal appears as a bipolar signature. Our analysis shows that errors in double-probe measurements caused by plasma gradients are not significant at large scale (»1 km) plasma boundaries, and may only be important in cases where small-scale (
PDK1 Recruitment to the SHPS-1 Signaling Complex Enhances Insulin-like Growth Factor-I-stimulated AKT Activation and Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Survival

In vascular smooth muscle cells, exposed to hyperglycemia and insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I), SHPS-1 functions as a scaffold protein, and a signaling complex is assembled that leads to AKT activation. However, the underlying mechanism by which formation of this complex activates the kinase that phosphorylates AKT (Thr308) is unknown. Therefore, we investigated the mechanism of PDK1 recruitment to the SHPS-1 signaling complex and the consequences of disrupting PDK1 recruitment for downstream signaling. Our results show that following IGF-I stimulation, PDK1 is recruited to SHPS-1, and its recruitment is mediated by Grb2, which associates with SHPS-1 via its interaction with Pyk2, a component of the SHPS-1-associated complex. A proline-rich sequence in PDK1 bound to an Src homology 3 domain in Grb2 in response to IGF-I. Disruption of Grb2-PDK1 by expression of either a Grb2 Src homology 3 domain or a PDK1 proline to alanine mutant inhibited PDK1 recruitment to SHPS-1, leading to impaired IGF-I-stimulated AKT Thr308 phosphorylation. Following its recruitment to SHPS-1, PDK1 was further activated via Tyr373/376 phosphorylation, and this was required for a maximal increase in PDK1 kinase activity and AKT-mediated FOXO3a Thr32 phosphorylation. PDK1 recruitment was also required for IGF-I to prevent apoptosis that occurred in response to hyperglycemia. Assembly of the Grb2-PDK1 complex on SHPS-1 was specific for IGF-I signaling because inhibiting PDK1 recruitment to SHPS-1 had no effect on EGF-stimulated AKT Thr308 phosphorylation. These findings reveal a novel mechanism for recruitment of PDK1 to the SHPS-1 signaling complex, which is required for IGF-I-stimulated AKT Thr308 phosphorylation and inhibition of apoptosis.
SAMI2-PE: A model of the ionosphere including multistream interhemispheric photoelectron transport

[1] In order to improve model comparisons with recently improved incoherent scatter radar measurements at the Jicamarca Radio Observatory we have added photoelectron transport and energy redistribution to the two dimensional SAMI2 ionospheric model. The photoelectron model uses multiple pitch angle bins, includes effects associated with curved magnetic field lines, and uses an energy degradation procedure which conserves energy on coarse, non-uniformly spaced energy grids. The photoelectron model generates secondary electron production rates and thermal electron heating rates which are then passed to the fluid equations in SAMI2. We then compare electron and ion temperatures and electron densities of this modified SAMI2 model with measurements of these parameters over a range of altitudes from 90 km to 1650 km (L = 1.26) over a 24 hour period. The new electron heating model is a significant improvement over the semi-empirical model used in SAMI2. The electron temperatures above the F-peak from the modified model qualitatively reproduce the shape of the measurements as functions of time and altitude and quantitatively agree with the measurements to within ∼30% or better during the entire day, including during the rapid temperature increase at dawn.
A biodegradable polyurethane-ascorbic acid scaffold for bone tissue engineering.

A novel, nontoxic, biodegradable, sponge-like polyurethane scaffold was synthesized from lysine-di-isocyanate (LDI) and glycerol. Ascorbic acid (AA) was copolymerized with LDI-glycerol. Our hypothesis was that the AA-containing polymer foam would enhance the biological activity of the osteoblastic precursor cell (OPCs). The LDI-glycerol-AA matrix degraded in aqueous solution to the nontoxic products of lysine, glycerol, and AA. The degradation products did not significantly affect the solution pH. The physical properties of the polymer network supported the cell growth in vitro. Mouse OPCs attached to the polymer matrix and remained viable. OPCs produced multilayered confluent cultures, a characteristic typical of bone cells. Furthermore, AA release stimulated cell proliferation, type I collagen, and alkaline phosphatase synthesis. Cells grown on the LDI-glycerol-AA matrix also showed an enhancement of mRNA expression for pro-α1 (I) collagen and transforming growth factor-α1 after 1 week. Data were tested for significance with an analysis of variance model and multiple comparison test (Fisher's Protected Least Significant Difference) at p ≤ 0.05. The observations suggest that AA-containing polyurethane may be useful in bone tissue engineering applications. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res 67A: 389–400, 2003
Learning the Kernel Matrix for Superresolution

This paper proposes the application of learned kernels in support vector regression to superresolution in the discrete cosine transform (DCT) domain. Though previous works involve kernel learning, their problem formulation is examined to reformulate the semi-definite programming problem of finding the optimal kernel matrix. For the particular application to superresolution, downsampling properties derived in the DCT domain are exploited to add structure to the learning algorithm. The advantage of the proposed method over other learning-based superresolution algorithms include specificity with regard to image content, structured consideration of energy compaction, and the added degrees of freedom that regression has over classification-based algorithms.
Tissue ACE inhibitors for secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease in patients with preserved left ventricular function: a pooled meta-analysis of randomized placebo-controlled trials.

Objective. A pooled meta-analysis of published, randomized placebo-controlled clinical trials to evaluate the role of tissue angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors in secondary prevention o...
Evidence for single electron transfer in the reaction of a lithium enolate with a primary alkyl iodide

Abstract Evidence for a radical process in the reaction of the lithium enolate of propiophenone with a primary alkyl iodide was obtained by the observation of cyclization of an appropriate radical probe, by the trapping of the radical intermediate and by the comparison of the relative rates of reactions of the probe alkyl iodide with the corresponding bromide and tosylate.
Engineering and economic considerations for aquaculture development

Abstract The development of an economically successful aquaculture site requires both engineering and economic evaluation. As part of a study for the Southern Colorado Economic Development District, considerable data on potential sites were collected and evaluated on the bases of site, climatic, engineering and economic considerations. Available resources, pond requirements, construction and operation costs and design requirements were integrated for the evaluation of the most feasible system for the area. Economic summaries were prepared outlining total expected costs and rates of return on production of Macrobrachium rosenbergii prawns.