cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Specificity to gonadotropins in the response of in vitro estrogen secretion by fish ovaries

Abstract Gonadotropin preparations from three classes of tetrapods (amphibian, avian, and mammalian) and a chondrosteian and teleost fish were used to investigate the species specificity and hormonal ( FSH LH ) specificity of in vitro steroid (estradiol-17β) production by the teleost ovary. Results for ovaries from one species of gobiid, Gillichthys mirabilis , and two cichlids, Cichlasoma citrinellum and Sarotherodon mossambicus , revealed a general lack of species specificity in the response to tetrapod gonadotropins, but the piscine, especially sturgeon, gonadotropins were much more potent than any of the tetrapod hormones. All three species of teleost ovaries responded to both types of tetrapod gonadotropins (FSH and LH), but the extent of hormonal specificity was variable. The gobiid ovary showed the highest LH specificity (potencies of FSHs = 7–14% of LH); in the two cichlids the potency of FSHs ranged from 11 to 100% of the respective LHs. In general, the specificity of the ovarian steroidogenic response to gonadotropins parallels that observed for testosterone secretion in the males of the same three fish, but the differential actions of the tetrapod hormones (both species and hormonal specificity) are more exaggerated for the testes.
Estimation of Growth Norms from Incomplete Longitudinal Data

Longitudinal studies are rarely complete due to attrition, mistimed visits and observations missing at random. When the data are missing at random it is possible to estimate the primary location parameters of interest by constructing a modification of Zellner's (1962) seemingly unrelated regression estimator. Such a procedure is developed in this paper and is applied to a longitudinal study of coronary risk factors in children. The method consists of two stages in which the covariance matrix is estimated at the first stage. Using the estimated covariance matrix a generalized least squares estimator of the regression parameter vector is then determined at the second stage. Limitations of the procedure are also discussed.
Tissue-specific and temporal regulation of a β-conglycinin gene: roles of the RY repeat and other cis-acting elements

Upstream regulatory sequences (URS) of the gene that encodes the α′ subunit of β-conglycinin, the 7S soybean seed storage protein, includes two RY repeat elements. The role of RY elements and sequences that bind soybean embryo factors 3 and 4 (SEF3 and SEF4; Allen et al., Plant Cell 1 (1989) 623–631) in regulating expression of the promoter was studied following site directed mutagenesis. Specific mutations introduced into these sequences abolished the in vitro binding activities of SEF3 and SEF4. The biological activities resulting from the mutations were determined in transgenic plants using two chimeric promoters comprising sequences from the CaMV 35S promoter and the α′ subunit promoter. The uidA reporter gene was used to assess the levels of gene expression in transgenic plants. The mutations in the RY element and SEF3 and SEF4 binding sites had little effect on expression of the α′ promoter. By contrast, mutations in the RY element had significant effect on gene expression when the URS from the α′ promoter was ligated upstream of the core 35S promoter. Mutations in the RY element abolished the seed specific enhancing activity of the α′ URS and caused expression of the chimeric promoter in leaves. These results indicate that the RY element plays a key role in seed-specific gene regulation in coordination with other cis-acting elements.
A primal-dual interior-point method for linear programming based on a weighted barrier function

One motivation for the standard primal-dual direction used in interior-point methods is that it can be obtained by solving a least-squares problem. In this paper, we propose a primal-dual interior-point method derived through a modified least-squares problem. The direction used is equivalent to the Newton direction for a weighted barrier function method with the weights determined by the current primal-dual iterate. We demonstrate that the Newton direction for the usual, unweighted barrier function method can be derived through a weighted modified least-squares problem. The algorithm requires a polynomial number of iterations. It enjoys quadratic convergence if the optimal vertex is nondegenerate.
Insect growth inhibitory Nor-diterpenes, cis-dehydrocrotonin and trans-dehydrocrotonin, from Croton cajucara

Abstract cis -Dehydrocrotonin, a new nor -diterpene isolated from Croton cajucara , has been identified on the basis of spectroscopic analysis. The biological activity of both cis -dehydrocrotonin and the known trans -dehydrocrotonin is also discussed.
NEEDLE‐TRACT IMPLANTATION FOLLOWING US‐GUIDED FINE‐NEEDLE ASPIRATION BIOPSY OF TRANSITIONAL CELL CARCINOMA OF THE BLADDER, URETHRA, AND PROSTATE

Localized tumor implantation of the ventral abdominal wall was found at 2, 5, and 8 months following percutaneous ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) of transitional carcinoma of the bladder, urethra, or prostate in 3 dogs. To our knowledge this complication has not been reported in dogs following FNAB. Despite the rarity of needle-tract implantation, the potential for this complication with transitional cell carcinomas is apparently not negligible and warrants consideration. We recommend traumatic urethral catheterization to obtain a cytologic diagnosis of potential transitional cell carcinomas of the lower urinary tract or prostate whenever possible until more information becomes available. However, needle-track implantation is so rare that it should not influence the decision to perform a percutaneous FNAB if the urethra cannot be catheterized.
Extended fuel swelling models and ultra high burn-up fuel behavior of U–Pu–Zr metallic fuel using FEAST-METAL

Abstract Computational models in FEAST-METAL U–Pu–Zr metallic fuel behavior code have been upgraded to improve fission gas, solid fission product swelling, and pore sintering behavior in a microstructure dependent form. First, fission gas bubble growth is modeled by selecting small and large bubble groups according to a fixed number of gas atoms per bubble group. Small bubbles nucleated at phase boundaries grow via gas migration and turn into large bubbles. Furthermore, bubble morphology for each phase structure is captured by selecting the number of atoms per bubble and the shape of the bubbles in a phase dependent form. The gas diffusion coefficients for the single gamma phase and effective dual ( α + δ ) and ( β + γ ) phase structures are modeled separately, using the activation energy of the corresponding phase structure. In this study, it is found that pressure sintering of the interconnected porosity in dual phases should be less effective than the reference model in order to match clad strain and fission gas release behavior. In addition to these improvements, a probabilistic approach is taken to verify the fission gas-swelling threshold at which interconnected porosity begins. This fracture problem is treated as a function of critical crack length formed via bubble coalescence. It was found that a 10% gas-swelling threshold is appropriate for a wide range of gas bubble sizes. The new version of FEAST-METAL predicts the burn-up, smear density, and axial variation of the clad hoop strain and fission gas release behavior satisfactorily for selected test pins under EBR-II conditions. The code is used to predict ultra-high burn-up U–Pu–6Zr vented metallic fuel behavior with HT9 cladding for fast breeder reactor applications for 20 years of irradiation. It is assumed that HT9 clad will retain its fracture toughness and creep properties for this simulation. It appears that the increased dose on the cladding, increased solid fission product swelling, and low operating fuel temperature requires lower fuel smear density (∼60%) in order to ensure acceptable clad hoop strain at high burn-up (∼35 at.%). Furthermore, keeping the peak clad temperature below 550 °C seems to control lanthanide migration and clad inner wastage at a reasonable level. Possible design concerns and improvements are discussed.
PROBABILITY VERSUS STATISTICAL MODELING: EXAMPLES FROM FATIGUE LIFE PREDICTION

Probability analyses are increasingly being used for reliability and durability assessments for life prediction of engineered components and systems. Nevertheless, many of the current analyses are predominately statistical rather than probabilistic. Fatigue life prediction has historically been based on the safe-life or the crack growth approaches, both of which are empirically based. Consequently, they do not adequately reflect long-term operating conditions, or identify the sources and extent of their contributions to variability. A comparison between probability and statistical approaches for fatigue life prediction is developed herein. Using simple crack growth models, the variability inherent in S-N response can be related to key random variables that are readily identified in the models. The identification and quantification of these variables are paramount for predicting fatigue lives. The effectiveness of probability modeling compared to statistical methodologies is shown through the analysis of an extensive set of S-N data for 2024-T4 aluminum alloy. Subsequently, the probability approach is demonstrated with S-N data for SUJ2 steel, in which two distinct failure modes are operative. Variability associated with manufacturing and material variables are considered. The adoption of this technique to put life prediction on a sound scientific and probabilistic basis is recommended.
Comment on "Age and Evolution of the Grand Canyon Revealed by U-Pb Dating of Water Table–Type Speleothems"

Polyak et al. (Reports, 7 March 2008, p. 1377) reported that development of the western Grand Canyon began about 17 million years ago. However, their conclusion is based on an inappropriate conflation of Plio-Quaternary incision rates and longer-term rates derived from sites outside the Grand Canyon. Water-table declines at these sites were more likely related to local base-level changes and Miocene regional extensional tectonics.
Laser-Addressed Liquid Crystal Displays

This review paper describes the development of laser-addressed liquid crystal display (LLCD) technology. It covers a period dating back to 1970 and includes the work of all research groups who have published their results in this field. The technology employs a scanned laser beam to thermally write on a high-resolution liquid crystal light valve. The LC cell has storage but can be erased rapidly with an electric field, and an image may be modified using selective erase and rewrite. The cell is projected onto a screen to give a bright, high-contrast and high-information-content image. Being a projection display, a wide range of screen sizes is possible, and color can be provided by overlaying multiple images.
Differential effects of cholesterol and phytosterols on cell proliferation, apoptosis and expression of a prostate specific gene in prostate cancer cell lines.

Abstract Background : The purpose of our study was to show the apoptotic and anti-proliferative effects of phytosterols as distinct from cholesterol effects on prostate cancer cell lines, and also their differential expression of caveolin-1, and a prostate specific gene, PCGEM1. Methods : PC-3 and DU145 cells were treated with sterols (cholesterol and phytosterols) for 48h, followed by trypan blue dye exclusion measurement of cytotoxicity and MTT cell proliferation assays, respectively. Cell cycle analysis was carried out microscopically, and by propidium iodide uptake using flow cytometry. Sterol induction of oncogenic gene expression was evaluated by RT-PCR. Apoptotic cells were identified by immunocytochemistry using DNA fragmentation method, and by annexin V adhesion using flow cytometry. Results : Physiological doses (16μM) of these sterols were not cytotoxic in these cells. Cholesterol-enrichment promoted mitosis (54 and 61% by microscopy; 40.8 and 34.08% by FACS analysis in PC-3 and DU145, respectively) and cell growth ( P P Conclusions : Phytosterol inhibition of PCGEM1 and cell growth and the overexpression of caveolin-1, suggests that poor disease prognosis anchors on the ability of caveolin-1 to regulate downstream oncogene(s) and apoptosis genes. Sterol intake may contribute to the disparity in incidence of prostate cancer, and elucidation of the mechanism for modulation of growth and apoptosis signaling may reveal potential targets for cancer prevention and/or chemotherapeutic intervention. Sterol regulation of PCGEM1 expression suggests its potential as biomarker for prediction of neoplasms that would be responsive to chemoprevention by phytosterols.
A Case Study of the Effects of Topography on Cyclone Development in the Western United States

Abstract A mesoscale model has been used to simulate an observed trough system which crossed the Rocky Mountains between 24 and 27 March 1983. Numerical simulations have been conducted with and without topography to isolate the effects that the mountains have on the cyclone and the subsequent lee cyclogenesis that occurs in eastern Colorado. The applicability of two theories to describe processes occurring in the cyclone as it crosses the mountains have been investigated: 1) superposition or masking of the cyclone by a topographically induced anticyclone, and 2) upper-level forcing coupled with low-level blocking. In this case study, the low-level absolute vorticity of the cyclone over the region of the Rocky Mountains is less in the simulations with topography than in the simulations without. However, later in the simulations as the cyclone moves away from the mountains, vorticity differences between the simulations decrease markedly. In association with decreased vorticity, higher geopotential heights a...
On the occurrence of 2n + 1 and other chromosomal mutants

CHROMOSOMAL mutants with one extra chromosome (or the corresponding n + 1 gametes) have been found in Oenothera, Datura, Matthiola, Nicotiana, Uvularia, and perhaps Mirabilis. It seems probable that they could be found in many other plants, if investigation ad hoc were made, either as somatic or gametic mutations. Such 2n + 1 offspring have also been found fairly often in Drosophila, and doubtless occur in other animals.
Static and Cyclic Fatigue of Alumina at High Temperatures: II, Failure Analysis

Failure mechanisms of an alumina, tested at 1200°C under static and various cyclic loading conditions, were examined. Slow crack growth of a single crack is the dominant mechanism for the failure in specimens under cyclic loading with a short duration of maximum stress at all applied stress levels, as well as at high applied loads for static loading and cyclic loading with a longer hold time at maximum stress. At low stress levels, failure of static loading and cyclic loading with a longer hold time at maximum stress might occur by formation and/or growth of multiple macrocracks. More importantly, for all the given loading conditions. The viscous glassy phase behind the crack tip could have a bridging effect on the crack surfaces. A simplified model for calculating effective stress intensity factor at the crack tip under static and various cyclic loading demonstrated a trend consistent with the stress–life data.
γS-crystallin proteins from the Antarctic nototheniid toothfish: a model system for investigating differential resistance to chemical and thermal denaturation.

The γS1- and γS2-crystallins, structural eye lens proteins from the Antarctic toothfish (Dissostichus mawsoni), are homologues of the human lens protein γS-crystallin. Although γS1 has the higher thermal stability of the two, it is more susceptible to chemical denaturation by urea. The lower thermodynamic stability of both toothfish crystallins relative to human γS-crystallin is consistent with the current picture of how proteins from organisms endemic to perennially cold environments have achieved low-temperature functionality via greater structural flexibility. In some respects, the sequences of γS1- and γS2-crystallin are typical of psychrophilic proteins; however, their amino acid compositions also reflect their selection for a high refractive index increment. Like their counterparts in the human lens and those of mesophilic fish, both toothfish crystallins are relatively enriched in aromatic residues and methionine and exiguous in aliphatic residues. The sometimes contradictory requirements of select...
Influence of solvent composition and degree of reaction on the formation of surface microtopography in a thermoset siloxane–urethane system

Abstract The effects of solvent composition and degree of reaction prior to film formation leading to the formation of a biphasic microtopographical surface in a crosslinked siloxane–urethane coating system were explored. For the solvent composition study, a D-optimal mixture design study was carried out using methyl n-amyl ketone (MAK), toluene, ethyl 3-ethoxypropionate (EEP), butyl acetate (BA) and isopropyl alcohol (IPA) as solvents. The study revealed that the presence of slow evaporating solvents MAK, EEP and the absence of fast evaporating solvent IPA in the solvent composition with a minimal amount of BA favored formation of a structured surface. Control over the domain size could be obtained by varying the MAK:EEP ratio in solvent compositions having a fixed amount of BA. The effect of mixing time on the formation of surface domains was studied. At short mixing times ( 7 h), no surface phase separation is observed, while at intermediate times a ‘window’ was found where surface microdomains of similar size are generated. Doubling the level of catalyst halves the mixing time required to generate surfaces with microdomains. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) studies with energy dispersive X-ray mapping and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) were done in order to understand the development of the phases in the PDMS-polyurethane system.
Temperature sensitivity of the reflectance coefficient of SbSI

Abstract The reflectance coefficient of SbSI has been studied under a small temperature modulation using null ellipsometry. The intent of this work was to determine the temperature sensitivity of the optical constants. The reflectance coefficient was found to be highly sensitive to small temperature changes at wavelengths around the absorption edge. It is feasible to detect temperature changes of OC by monitoring the reflectance coefficient.
Evidence for the presence of Pir-like proteins in Candida albicans

Pir proteins are unique proteins with internal repeat sequences that are reported to be present in the cell wall of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. They are covalently attached to the cell wall and can be released by mild alkali treatment. In this study the biotinylated cell wall preparations from Candida albicans and S. cerevisiae were extracted by alkali and β-1,3 glucanase and analyzed in parallel. Among the four bands detected by streptavidin, two proteins were recognized by the antibody to the S. cerevisiae Pir protein Hsp150. The antibody also detected a high molecular mass protein secreted in the growth medium of C. albicans. Using S. cerevisiae HSP150/PIR2 gene as a probe, Southern and Northern hybridizations were performed with DNA and RNA of C. albicans. Hybridization with DNA digested with different restriction enzymes showed more than one hybridized fragment. An increased level of mRNA was found in heat shocked cells (37°C for 45 min compared to 25°C). Hybridization of ScHSP150 gene to mRNAs from cells grown in different media was also determined. Two transcripts of size approximately 3.5 kb and 2.0 kb were detected in mRNAs from cells grown in defined medium with glucose as carbon source or in the same medium supplemented with hemoglobin. The lower transcript of size 2.0 kb was absent in cells grown in medium with galactose as carbon source. A single band was also observed when cells were grown in rich medium. Together these results demonstrated the existence of β1,3 glucan linked proteins in C. albicans, which are related to Pir family proteins of S. cerevisiae.
Bleeding Angiodysplasia of the Colon.

Angiodysplasia should be considered in the differential diagnosis of hematochezia, gastrointestinal bleeding of obscure origin, and chronic iron deficiency anemia. Although the current medical literature lacks well-designed studies of the various therapeutic modalities, several conclusions appear warranted. Diagnosis of the bleeding site during colonoscopy and the use of endoscopic hemostasis techniques (electrocautery or laser) controls bleeding and may prevent rebleeding. When rebleeding occurs, it may be from the previously treated site or a different location. Estrogenprogestin therapy has not been shown effective in controlled trials but is used when other options fail. Surgery should be considered only when endoscopic therapy fails and the site of bleeding is localized. With all therapies, patients should be cautioned regarding the risk of recurrent bleeding.
Human PXR-mediated induction of intestinal CYP3A4 attenuates 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 function in human colon adenocarcinoma LS180 cells

Oxidative catabolism of 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) [1α,25(OH)(2)D(3)] is mediated by either CYP24A1 or CYP3A4. In this paper, we tested whether induction of CYP3A4 in the LS180 intestinal cell model enhances clearance of 1α,25(OH)(2)D(3) and blunts its hormonal effect on expression of the apical membrane calcium transport protein, TRPV6. Treatment with the hPXR agonist rifampin significantly increased CYP3A4 mRNA content and catalytic activity, but had no effect on CYP24A1 or TRPV6 mRNA content. Pre-treating cells with rifampin for 48h, prior to a 24h 1α,25(OH)(2)D(3) treatment phase, was associated with a subsequent 48% increase in the elimination of 1α,25(OH)(2)D(3) and a 35% reduction of peak TRPV6 mRNA. Introduction of the CYP3A4 inhibitor, 6',7'-dihydroxybergamottin, an active inhibitor in grapefruit juice, reversed the effects of rifampin on 1α,25(OH)(2)D(3) clearance and TRPV6 expression. Over-expression of hPXR in LS180 cells greatly enhanced the CYP3A4 responsiveness to rifampin pretreatment, and elicited a greater relative suppression of TRPV6 expression and an increase in 1α,25(OH)(2)D(3) disappearance rate, compared to vector expressed cells, following hormone administration. Together, these results suggest that induction of CYP3A4 in the intestinal epithelium by hPXR agonists can result in a greater metabolic clearance of 1α,25(OH)(2)D(3) and reduced effects of the hormone on the intestinal calcium absorption, which may contribute to an increased risk of drug-induced osteomalacia/osteoporosis in patients receiving chronic therapy with potent hPXR agonists. Moreover, ingestion of grapefruit juice in the at-risk patients could potentially prevent this adverse drug effect.
Activated Sludge Process Modification for Sludge Yield Reduction using Pulp and Paper Wastewater

Implications of conventional activated sludge (CAS) process modification to a low sludge production (LSP) process have been studied for treating pulp and paper wastewaters. The activated sludge process is modified to a two-stage design to establish a microbial food chain that would result in reduced sludge production. The return activated sludge in the LSP process bypasses the first (dispersed growth) stage to be received only by the second (predatory) stage. The resulting once-through operation of the dispersed growth (DG) stage makes it potentially susceptible to bacterial washout under hydraulic shock conditions. A sensitivity analysis of the DG stage operation was performed by varying its hydraulic residence time. The experimental data revealed that the optimal DG stage hydraulic residence is between 3 and 5 h, with bacterial washout likely to be initiated within 2 h. Based on laboratory results, it appears that a well-designed LSP system is likely to be able to handle day-to-day variations in hydraulic and organic loading rates. The LSP process produced 36% less sludge than the CAS process while consuming approximately 25% more oxygen. The treatment performance of the two systems was comparable except that the LSP sludge had much better settling and dewatering properties.
Echocardiographic Characteristics of Annulo-Leaflet Mitral Ring

Background Annulo-leaflet mitral ring (ALMR) is a rare congenital cardiac anomaly caused by fibrous tissue on the atrial surface of the mitral valve, which can progress to cause severe stenosis. Because little information is available on the detailed echocardiographic features of the anomaly and their associations with surgical resection, this study was undertaken to address these questions. Methods A retrospective single-center study of clinical and echocardiographic data from patients with ALMR from 2004 through 2012 was conducted. Data were analyzed for associations with surgical resection. Results The median age at diagnosis of the 57 study patients was 1.8 years, and 63% were male. Isolated ALMR was found in six patients (11%). The remaining 51 patients (89%) had associated lesions: additional mitral valve abnormalities in 35 (61%), coarctation in 11 (19%), and subaortic stenosis in 15 (26%). ALMR was best visualized in the apical four-chamber view, and the lesion was indistinct from the parasternal long-axis view in 25% of patients. Seven patterns of ALMR were identified, differentiated by leaflet involvement (anterior, posterior, or both) and location (annular vs intraleaflet). Compared with other patterns, intraleaflet morphology had a higher mean mitral stenosis gradient than in patients without (8.4 vs 5.8 mm Hg, P = .01). Among the 57 patients, 32 (56%) underwent ALMR resection, at a median age of 1.5 years. Younger age at echocardiographic diagnosis ( P = .02) and short chordae ( P = .03) were associated with resection. Conclusions The morphology of ALMR as evaluated by echocardiography is heterogeneous and can be classified on the basis of lesion location and leaflet involvement. Intraleaflet morphology is associated with significant mitral stenosis; younger age at diagnosis and short chordae are associated with ALMR resection.
Limited Utility of Tricuspid Valve Repair at the Time of Left Ventricular Assist Device Implantation

Background The optimal management of tricuspid regurgitation (TR) in patients undergoing left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation is controversial. This study was undertaken to determine the impact of tricuspid valve repair (TVR) at the time of LVAD implantation on survival. Methods The Interagency Registry for Mechanically Assisted Circulatory Support was used to analyze the outcomes of patients undergoing LVAD implantation as destination therapy with or without concomitant TVR. Results Among 2,527 patients undergoing implant of a continuous flow LVAD as destination therapy during the study period, 989 (39%) had moderate or severe TR. The management of TR was not uniform among these patients. Patients with moderate and severe TR underwent TVR in 16.7% and 35.3% of cases, respectively. Moderate and severe TR at the time of LVAD implantation were associated with poorer survival over the entire follow-up period ( p = 0.009). Interestingly, TVR at the time of LVAD implantation did not confer improved survival, even among patients with preimplant moderate or severe TR. A potential explanation for this finding is that patients with preimplant moderate or severe TR who underwent LVAD implant with concomitant TVR commonly experienced recurrent, late TR (21% to 27%). Conclusions Tricuspid valve repair is performed commonly at the time of LVAD implant despite the fact that it does not confer a clear survival benefit. For many patients, LVAD implant alone relieves preimplant TR as effectively as LVAD implant with TVR. Further study is necessary to determine what factors lead to recurrence of late TR in LVAD patients both with and without TVR.
Estrogen receptor-beta messenger ribonucleic acid expression in the pituitary gland.

Estrogen plays a key role in the regulation of many pituitary hormones. The presence of estrogen receptor-β (ERβ) messenger RNA (mRNA) has been demonstrated in the adult anterior pituitary by RT-PCR to be at a level much greater than that of ERβ mRNA. Because the number of ERs has been shown to change during development, in this study we examined the distribution of pituitary ERβ mRNA in adult and prepubertal rats. Using RT-PCR, we confirmed that ERβ mRNA expression is less than that of ERα mRNA in adult females. In contrast, in prepubertal female pituitaries, ERβ mRNA levels are much greater than those of ERα mRNA. Film densitometric analysis of whole pituitaries, similarly showed that ERβ mRNA is greater in prepubertal pituitaries than in adult pituitaries. However, after emulsion autoradiography, cell counts confirmed that prepubertal and adult pituitaries differ, not in the level of ERβ mRNA expression, but in the number of cells expressing ERβ mRNA. In postnatal day 15 pituitaries, there were twice a...
Cerebrospinal Fluid Vasopressin, Oxytocin, sopressin, Oxytoc in Alzheimer's Diseasβ-Endorphin

• As a first step toward assessing the status of brain neuropeptide systems that may be involved in Alzheimer's disease (AD), the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) concentrations of the neuropetides atginine vasopressin, somatostatin, oxytocin, and β-endorphin were measured in patients with AD, normal elderly subjects, and normal young subjects. The plasma arginine vasopressin level was also measured in the three groups. The CSF arginine vasopressin level was significantly lower in patients with AD than in either elderly or young normal subjects, but oxytocin and β-endorphin levels did not differ between groups. The CSF osmolarity also did not differ between groups. The plasma arginine vasopressin level did not significantly differ between groups, but high plasma arginine vasopressin values were absent in the patients with AD. The CSF somatostatin level was significantly lower in patients with AD than in normal elderly persons, but it did not differ in young normal subjects. These results suggest that central vasopressinergic activity may be decreased in AD and central reports of low CSF somatostatin levels in AD.
Recursive identification of lung parameters.

Abstract Determination of lung capacity (FRC) using insoluble gas washout or equilibrium methods is a common procedure in respiratory tests. The lung model can be extended to include multiple compartments with differing volumes and ventilation fractions. A discrete-time mathematical model of a multi-compartment lung was developed based on mass conservation laws of the gas exchange. To estimate the unknown parameters in the model from experimental data, a recursive prediction error algorithm was implemented. The design of the algorithm provides the capability to track time-varying parameters, such that the system can be monitored on-line. Determination of the model order may be as important as estimation of the parameters, especially in biological systems where little may be known about the structure. Two new criteria to distinguish between models of varying complexity, the ‘minimum description length principle’ and the ‘accumulated prediction error’, are illustrated. Theoretical studies show that these criteria yield consistent order estimates of the process. Simulations and experimental data confirm the feasibility of this approach for the estimation of lung parameters.
Brittle-star bioluminescence functions as an aposematic signal to deter crustacean predators

Abstract The behaviour of three species of nocturnally active, visually orienting crabs ( Portunus sebae, P. spinnimanus and P. ordwayi ) was observed to determine whether the luminescent signals produced by Ophiopsila riisei (Echinodermata: Ophiuroidea) function as an aposematic deterrent against crustacean predators. In repeated experimental trials, crabs showed more rapid rejection of luminescent unpalatable ophiuroids than of non-luminescent controls. After five trials, unpalatable luminescent prey were rejected three times as quickly as either unpalatable or palatable non-luminescent controls. Over the course of the trials, crabs damaged fewer luminescent ophiuroids than non-luminescent controls. Furthermore, blind crabs (that could not perceive the luminescent flashes) caused significantly more damage to luminescent brittle-stars than did crabs with intact eyes (that could see the light signals). All three species of crab ophiuroids versus non-luminescent controls. Ophiopsila riisei survived the majority of crab attacks, and crabs can therefore learn to reject unpalatable luminescent prey without killing them. This suggests that individual selection may be an important mechanism for the evolution of aposematic luminescent signals in this, and probably other, luminescent species.
The many faces of today's globalization : a survey of recent literature

What is globalization? How does it operate and what are the risks and opportunities associated with globalization? Do all countries benefit from economic globalization? Can globalization spur economic growth and promote liberty or does it accelerate a "race to the bottom" and is it a threat to global stability and peace? Going beyond the polemics, this paper, by drawing on a large body of scholarship provides a nuanced discussion of a multifaceted reality of our time: globalization.
Cross-talk between IGF-I and TGF-β signaling pathways

Insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) has gained broad recognition as an important survival factor for epithelial cells in numerous tissues. The IGF-I receptor signaling pathway is deregulated in the majority of carcinomas, and such deregulation has also been reported to be tightly associated with enhanced tumor progression and metastasis. One of the key proteins that transduces IGF-I signals and is phospho-activated downstream of the IGF-I receptor, is the non-receptor serine/threonine kinase proto-oncogene protein kinase B (PKB, also known as Akt). This kinase serves as a major molecular node to control the function of many cell survival and death proteins through phosphorylation-mediated protein modification. The end result of the activation of Akt is enhanced cell survival and proliferation, pre-requisites for malignant transformation. Recent studies show that IGF-I signals cross-talk at multiple levels with various components of the TGF-beta signaling pathway, which depending on context may function either as tumor suppressor or as tumor promoter. Thus, a better understanding of how the IGF-I and TGF-beta signaling pathways are mutually interconnected is likely to unveil novel targets for the therapeutic intervention of many cancers.
Ribonucleoprotein complexes formed between bacteriophage MS2 RNA and MS2 protein in vitro.

Abstract MS2 protein and MS2 RNA can interact in vitro to form two different types of ribonucleoprotein complex, termed complex I and complex II. Apparently, complex I is composed of one molecule of RNA and a small number (probably not more than six) of protein molecules. It has a sedimentation coefficient very close to that of free RNA. The formation of complex I seems to be a specific process, and MS2 RNA cannot be substituted by other RNA's such as Escherichia coli ribosomal RNA, E. coli transfer RNA, polyadenylic acid, or polyuridylic acid. In electron micrographs, complex II appears as particles which are nearly spherical and have a dimension and shape similar to those of the MS2 virus. However, it is not infectious, nor can it adsorb to the normal host of MS2 virus. It has a slightly lower sedimentation coefficient than MS2 virus.
A study of the transients observed in the pulse radiolysis of aqueous solutions of aromatic organomercury compounds

Abstract The reduction of aqueous solutions containing organomercury compounds by the hydrated electron has been studied by pulse and steady state radiolysis methods. The compounds have the general formula YC 6 H 4 HgX where Y is a carboxyl or hydroxyl group and X is a chlorine atom or a hydroxyl group. All of the compounds react with the hydrated electron by a diffusion controlled reaction to produce an Hg 1 intermediate that absorbs in the region 280–380 nm. The intermediates of all of the compounds disappear by a rapid first order process that have a rate constant on the order of 10 5 s -1 . Time resolved and steady state electron spin resonance experiments on irradiated aqueous solutions of p -hydroxy-mercuribenzoic acid indicate that the carboxyphenyl radical is formed and this radical disappears by reaction with t -butyl alcohol. Analysis of the irradiated solutions by high performance liquid chromatography show that the carbon-mercury bond is broken in the reduction process. In the case of p -hydroxymercuribenzoic acid and o -hydroxymercuribenzoic acid the reaction product is benzoic acid.
An outbreak of acute norovirus gastroenteritis in a boarding school in Shanghai: a retrospective cohort study

More than 200 students and teachers at a boarding school in Shanghai developed acute gastroenteritis in December, 2012. The transmission mode remained largely unknown. An immediate epidemiological investigation was conducted to identify it. Using a retrospective cohort design, we investigated demographic characteristics, school environment, and previous contacts with people who had diarrhea and/or vomiting, drinking water conditions, recalls of food consumption in the school cafeteria, hand-washing habits and eating habits. Rectal swabs of the new cases and food handlers as well as water and food samples were collected to test potential bacteria and viruses. Norovirus was detected by real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). A total of 278 cases developed gastrointestinal symptoms in this outbreak, and the overall attack rate was 13.9%. The main symptoms included vomiting (50.0%), abdominal cramps (40.3%), nausea (27.0%), diarrhea (6.8%) and fever (6.8%). Twenty rectal swab samples were detected as Norovirus–positive, including 11 from student cases and 9 from asymptomatic food handlers (non-cases). Among environmental surface samples from the kitchen, 8 samples were also detected as Norovirus-positive. The genotypes of viral strains were the same (GII) in patients, asymptomatic food handlers and environmental surfaces. Other samples, including rectal swabs, water samples and food samples were negative for any bacteria and other tested viruses. Asymptomatic food handlers may have contaminated the cooked food during the food preparation. The study detected that the outbreak was caused by Norovirus and should be controlled by thorough disinfection and excluding asymptomatic food handlers from food preparation. Early identification of the predominant mode of transmission in this outbreak was necessary to prevent new cases. Furthermore, good hygiene practices such as regular hand washing and efficient daily disinfection should be promoted to prevent such infection and outbreaks.
One-hit, two-hit . . . is there really any benefit?

Lung injury resulting from the systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS), be it infectious (sepsis) or not, remains a significant contributor to patient morbidity and mortality worldwide [1]. While the mortality from acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) has decreased to between 30 and 40%, approximately 20% will die of refractory hypoxaemia and the rest from the multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) [2]. Thus, with the prevalence of lung injury remaining substantial and the acquisition of lung injury not being inconsequential, investigators continue to search for mechanisms, management strategies and therapeutic treatments that will benefit those patients in need.
Effect of glucose and other sugars on the β-1,4-glucosidase activity of Thermomonospora fusca

The cell-associated β-glucosidase activity of Thermomonospora fusca, strain YX, showed both PNPGase and cellobiase activities. The cellobiase activity was found by HPLC assay to have very low product inhibition, whereas the PNPGase activity was more significantly inhibited. Of the various sugars and sugar analogs tested for inhibition of the PNPGase activity, gluconolactone had the greatest effect. The low product inhibition of the cellobiase activity was further demonstrated by the production of glucose syrups to 20% concentration from both cellobiose and swollen cellulose (Avicel). This characteristic is of practical importance in the development of a commercial process for the production of glucose syrups from cellulose. Growth experiments gave further evidence for the probability of separate enzymes for the PNPGase and cellobiase activities.
White-matter changes correlate with cognitive functioning in Parkinson's disease.

Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) findings from emerging studies of cortical white-matter integrity in Parkinson’s disease (PD) without dementia are inconclusive. When white-matter changes have been found, their relationship to cognitive functioning in PD has not been carefully investigated. To better characterize changes in tissue diffusivity and to understand their functional significance, the present study conducted DTI in 25 PD patients without dementia and 26 controls of similar ages. An automated tract-based DTI method was used. Fractional anisotropy (FA), mean diffusivity (MD), axial diffusivity (AD), and radial diffusivity (RD) were analyzed. Neuropsychological measures of executive functioning (working memory, verbal fluency, cognitive flexibility, inhibitory control) and visuospatial ability were then correlated with regions of interest that showed abnormal diffusivity in the PD group. We found widespread reductions in FA and increases in MD in the PD group relative to controls. These changes were predominantly related to an increase in RD. Increased AD in the PD group was limited to specific frontal tracks of the right hemisphere, possibly signifying more significant tissue changes. Motor-symptom severity did not correlate with FA. However, different measures of executive functioning and visuospatial ability correlated with FA in different segments of tracts, which contain fiber pathways to cortical regions that are thought to support specific cognitive processes. The findings suggest that abnormal tissue diffusivity may be sensitive to subtle cognitive changes in PD, some of which may be prognostic of future cognitive decline.
Best evidence synthesis: An intelligent alternative to meta-analysis

Research review has long been one of the most important scholarly activities in all branches of science. While there is sometimes a single study so well-designed, well carried out, and difficult to replicate that its findings are accepted as conclusive, more often there are many studies on a given topic, no one of which clearly supersedes the others. These studies may be done by different investigators using different methods or different populations. They may arrive at different conclusions. When this is the case, there is a need for reviewers to carefully consider the evidence and to put forth conclusions or hypotheses about where the weight of the evidence lies.
Cutaneous apocrine adenocarcinoma: defining epidemiology, outcomes, and optimal therapy for a rare neoplasm.

Background and Objectives Apocrine adenocarcinoma is a rare neoplasm. There is a paucity of data on demographics and survival with no clear consensus on management of at risk lymph nodes, therefore, we analyzed a large cohort of patients identified via a national tumor registry. Methods Patients ages 17–91 from 1973 to 2006 were identified in the SEER registry and excluded breast and non-cutaneous neoplasms. Data analyzed included basic demographics, survival, surgical therapy, and stage. Results A total of 186 patients with apocrine adenocarcinoma were identified. The median age was 67 years, 76% were white and there was an equal distribution of males and females. The most common site was trunk (53%) followed by head and neck (35%). Surgery was performed on most patients (96%), either excision (50%) or wide excision (30%). Lymph node metastases were present in 69% patients undergoing node surgery. Median overall survival was 51.5 months. Positive lymph node status (P = 0.006) and metastatic disease (P < 0.001) were associated with diminished overall survival. Conclusions Cutaneous apocrine adenocarcinoma is a rare neoplasm. Excision is standard treatment. The most important predictor of survival in localized disease is lymph node status; therefore, sentinel lymph node biopsy could be considered in management of this disease. J. Surg. Oncol. 2012;105:415–419. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Biologically active phorbol esters specifically alter affinity of epidermal growth factor membrane receptors

TPA (12-O-tetradecanoyl-phorbol-13-acetate) reversibly inhibits the binding of 125I-labelled epidermal growth factor (EGF) to treated mouse and human cells, but does not affect the binding of various other ligands to their membrane receptors. It alters the affinity of the receptors for EGF without changing the total number of available receptors per cell. Those phorbol esters which stimulate cell growth in culture and have tumour-promoting activity in vivo alter the EGF-receptor affinity, while the biologically inactive derivatives fail to change the affinity of EGF for its receptors.
N-acetylglutamate content in liver and gut of normal and fasted mice, normal human livers, and livers of individuals with carbamyl phosphate synthetase or ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency.

ABSTRACT: N-acetylglutamate (NAG) content was measured in homogenates of liver and small intestine obtained from normal and 24-h starved syngeneic mice. Subsequently, NAG was determined in normal, and in carbamyl phosphate synthetase I and ornithine transcarbamylase enzyme-deficient human liver tissue homogenates. The method used in this study, which is direct and highly specific, used anion exchange extraction, gas chromatographic separation, and mass spectrometric detection and quantitation. Hepatic NAG content in the fed animals was 94.8 ± 19.8 nmol/g tissue or 602.5 ± 168.4 nmol/g protein (mean ± SD, n = 5), whereas it was much lower in the fasted mice (49.4 ± 13.0 nmol/g tissue or 330.1 ± 113.9 nmol/g protein, mean ± SD, n = 5). The magnitude of the difference was much smaller for intestinal NAG content, 19.8 ± 5.4 nmol/g tissue or 205.3 ± 70.3 nmol/g protein (mean ± SD, n = 5) in the fed mice and 14.2 ± 4.3 nmol/g tissue or 168.1 ± 80.8 nmol/g protein (mean ± SD, n = 5) in the fasted mice. The concentrations of hepatic NAG in normal human livers (controls) ranged from 19.3 to 67.1 nmol/g tissue (41.6 ± 19.3, mean ± SD, n = 5) or from 193 to 764.3 nmol/g of protein (437.5 ± 233.4, mean ± SD, n = 5). In three patients with apparently complete carbamyl phosphate synthetase I or ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency, hepatic NAG levels were lower than controls (2.2-12.8 nmol/g tissue 42.3-140.7 nmol/g protein), two patients with ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency had levels similar to the controls and one patient with carbamyl phosphate synthetase I deficiency had elevated levels (98.4 nmol/g tissue, 1185.5 nmol/g protein). The livers of two patients with cirrhosis and hyperammonemia contained amounts of NAG within the range of normal livers. The marked variability in tissue NAG concentrations in various nutritional and metabolic conditions favors the hypothesis that NAG plays a role in the regulation of urea synthesis. Hepatic NAG levels are markedly reduced in some but not all patients with defects in urea cycle enzymes.