cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Boric acid induces apoptosis in both prostate and breast cancer cell lines

4220 Boron is an essential nutrient for higher plants but its role in animals is unknown. Studies have reported that boron had beneficial effects on embryogenesis in fish and rats and mineral metabolism in chickens. In a typical adult human diet, daily intakes of boron were reported to be approximately 1 - 2 mg/day. The major form of boron in humans is boric acid, a weak acid (pKa =9.2), mostly unionized at physiological pH. Recent reports have indicated that boric acid is able to inhibit the growth of prostate cancer cell lines and tumors. Our studies confirm growth inhibition of the DU-145 and PC-3 human prostate cancer cells >lines. In addition, we have observed that boric acid is also capable >of inhibiting the growth of two human breast cancer cell lines ZR- >75-1 and SK-BR-3 but not MDA-MB-231, MDA-MB-435, T-47D >or MCF-7 breast cancer cell lines. In addition to growth inhibition >it was observed that boric acid and phenyl boric acid were able to >cause both the breast and prostate cancer cells to detach and >undergo apoptosis. Flow cytometery indicated that the floating >cells were undergoing apoptosis in a dose dependent manner. A >caspase 3 assay further confirmed apoptosis. Both boric acid and >phenyl boric acid were able to inhibit the attachment of DU-145 in >the absence or presence of MnCl2. Cell attachment is controlled >by the integrin proteins hence, our working hypothesis is that boric >and phenyl boric acids are binding to the integrin proteins, causing >the cells to detach and undergo apoptosis.
Distortion-stabilized ordered structures in A 2 BB’O 7 mixed pyrochlores

Pyrochlore oxides (A2B2O7) are interesting for a number of technological applications, including radiation damage tolerance and as ionic conductors. Mixed pyrochlores—containing two A and/or two B site cations—provide even more flexibility for tailoring properties owing to the diverse chemical and configurational degrees of freedom accessible within this chemical space. Here, we examine relative stability of different cation orderings in one model double pyrochlore Gd2(ZrxTi1−x)2O7, as a function of Zr content x. Our results show that, in the presence of some very specific local cation arrangements, certain cation-ordered compositions in this system are highly stabilized as a result of large oxygen relaxation displacements, leading to the formation of an ordered ‘double’ pyrochlore structure. The origins of these anomalous oxygen relaxations are traced back to both the local cation symmetry and a strong chemical preference of Zr atoms towards adopting a 7-fold coordination environment, as opposed to a 6-fold coordination available in a regular pyrochlore structure. Subsequently, we examine the stability of this type of ordering in 131 other pyrochlore compositions. Implications of our findings are discussed in relation to the observed composition-dependent ionic conductivity in these systems and connections with previously reported experimental findings are made.
Financial Conflicts of Interest Among Emergency Medicine Journals' Editorial Boards.

Study objective We aim to characterize the prevalence of financial conflicts of interest among emergency medicine journal editorial board members. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study of editorial board members of leading peer-reviewed emergency medicine journals. A list of highly cited emergency medicine journals was curated with Journal Citation Reports and Google Scholar Metrics. Financial conflicts of interest were obtained by curating the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services' Open Payments database for the most recently available data (2017). The outcomes of this study were prevalence of financial conflicts of interest and frequency of disclosure on each journal's Web site. Results Editorial boards of the top 5 journals were analyzed. Of the 198 unique US-based physician-editors, 60 (30.3%) had a financial conflict of interest documented as general or research-based payments. The 52 editors with general payments had a median of 2 payments (interquartile range [IQR] 1 to 8.25), with a median of $202 (IQR $69 to $7,386); the maximum general payment was $115,730 received from industry. For research payments, 26 editors (13.1%) had a median 4 payments (IQR 2 to 9), with a median of $47,095 (IQR $5,328 to $126,025) and maximum of $3,590,000 received from industry. Seven editors in one of the emergency medicine journals included in this study publicly disclosed competing interests; dollar amounts were not reported. Conclusion Nearly one third of US-based editors at leading emergency medicine journals had financial conflicts of interest, although only one journal publicly disclosed the presence of payments. Public disclosure of editorial board members' financial relationships with industry may allow for more transparency related to the content published in these journals.
Preparation of aliphatic ketones through a ruthenium-catalyzed tandem cross-metathesis/allylic alcohol isomerization.

Grubbs' 2nd generation and Hoveyda−Grubbs' ruthenium alkylidenes are shown to be effective catalysts for cross-metatheses of allylic alcohols with cyclic and acyclic olefins, as well as isomerization of the resulting allylic alcohols to alkyl ketones. The net result of this new tandem methodology is a single-flask process that provides highly functionalized, ketone-containing products from simple allylic alcohol precursors.
Advances in the surgical resection of temporo-parieto-occipital junction gliomas

Abstract The temporo-parieto-occipital (TPO) junction is a critical region of the brain, serving vital functionally significant diverse processes. In addition to the canonical eloquent cortical regions, such as the peri-Rolandic gyri, Broca’s area, and Wernicke’s area, the TPO junction contains numerous white matter fibers tracts involved in diverse processes. As recent studies have highlighted the importance of extent of resection on patient survival and quality of life in low- and high-grade gliomas, combining this knowledge of the regional anatomy with modern neurosurgical techniques can result in excellent patient outcomes. The use of novel technologies, including brain mapping, neuronavigation, intraoperative MRI, and fluorescence-guided resections, can also aid in this goal and are essential tools to achieve the best possible results in the care of these patients.
Presentation of treatment effect in glioblastoma after dose-escalation radiation therapy.

Glioblastoma is the most aggressive primary brain tumor in adults. Limited treatment options and the intense nature of therapy make determining the appropriate treatment course for each patient difficult. The appearance of transient worsening of imaging findings, known as treatment effect, after chemoradiation further complicates clinical decision-making. Accurately differentiating treatment effects from true progression is critical as subsequent treatment decisions are based largely on radiographic evidence of tumor progression. As chemoradiation can cause worsening of imaging findings, it is possible that the use of new treatments and modified chemoradiation regimens may alter the presentation of treatment effect. Therefore, physicians should be aware that atypical presentations of treatment effects can occur, and may be more likely, when treatment regimens are modified. Here, we present the case of a patient with isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 wild type, O-6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase-methylated glioblastoma who underwent dose-escalation radiation therapy (to 75 Gy) and exhibited worsened imaging findings at 8 months post-radiation.
An FPGA Implementation of Stochastic Computing-Based LSTM

As a special type of recurrent neural networks (RNN), Long Short Term Memory (LSTM) is capable of processing sequential data with a great improvement in accuracy and is widely applied in image/video recognition and speech recognition. However, LSTM typically possesses high computational complexity and may cause high hardware cost and power consumption when being implemented. With the development of Internet of Things (IoT) and mobile/edge computation, lots of mobile and edge devices with limited resources are widely deployed, which further exacerbates the situation. Recently, Stochastic Computing (SC) has been applied in to neural networks (NN) (e.g., convolution neural networks, CNN) structure to improve power efficiency. Essentially, SC can effectively simplify the fundamental arithmetic circuits (e.g., multiplication), and reduce the hardware cost and power consumption. Therefore, this paper introduces SC into LSTM and creatively proposes an SC-based LSTM architecture design to save the hardware cost and power consumption. More importantly, the paper successfully implements the design on a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) and evaluates its performance on the MNIST dataset. The evaluation results show that the SC-LSTM design works smoothly and can significantly reduce power consumption by 73.24% compared to the baseline binary LSTM implementation without much accuracy loss. In the future, SC can potentially save hardware cost and reduce power consumption in a wide range of IoT and mobile/edge applications.
Prenatal and Childhood Tobacco Smoke Exposure Are Associated With Sleep-Disordered Breathing Throughout Early Childhood.

Abstract Objective To determine whether prenatal and childhood tobacco smoke exposure (TSE) are each independently associated with mild sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) symptoms throughout early childhood, and whether the association between childhood TSE and SDB differs according to the level of prenatal exposure. Methods Longitudinal cohort study, using data from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children, a population-based birth cohort from the United Kingdom. Primary exposures were repeated measures of mother-reported prenatal and childhood TSE through age 7 years. Outcomes were mother-reported measures of mild SDB symptoms, including snoring, mouth breathing, and witnessed apnea, repeated annually through age 7 years. Results A total of 12,030 children were followed for a median duration of 7 years. About 24.2% were exposed to prenatal tobacco smoke, 46.2% were exposed at least once in childhood, and 20.6% were exposed during both periods. Both prenatal and childhood TSE were associated with SDB symptoms throughout early childhood (adjusted OR [aOR] for any prenatal TSE 1.23; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.08, 1.40; aOR for any childhood TSE 1.17; 95% CI 1.06, 1.29). We observed a dose-response effect between TSE and SBD symptoms, and found evidence of effect modification for those exposed during both time periods (combined high level exposure both prenatally and during childhood: aOR snoring 2.43 [95% CI 1.50, 3.93], aOR apnea 2.65 [95% CI 1.46, 4.82]). Conclusions Prenatal and childhood TSE were both independently associated with mild SDB symptoms throughout early childhood in a dose-dependent manner, further supporting the critical importance of maintaining a tobacco-free environment throughout gestation and childhood.
Intersectional Indicators: A Race and Sex-Specific Analysis of the Carbon Intensity of Well-Being in the United States, 1998–2009

There is an ongoing need for indicators that balance social and environmental sustainability outcomes. The carbon intensity of well-being (CIWB) is a sustainability indicator that captures environmental impact and social well-being in a single measure. One of the benefits of this measure is that it can be applied across different scales and contexts to explore factors that might reduce the CIWB, leading to greater sustainability. We demonstrate the further utility of the indicator by analyzing CIWB in the United States at the state-level and take an intersectional approach, calculating CIWB by race and gender. We find income inequality contributes to larger CIWB for all groups, but the impacts are greater for blacks compared to whites and males compared to females. Economic growth is also associated with larger CIWB for all groups. These results suggest that to achieve more sustainable outcomes may require policies that address inequalities as well as broader changes to economies.
The Fifth Estate: Think Tanks, Policy Advice, and Governance in the United States

James McGann, Director of the Think Tanks and Civil Societies Program, Lauder Institute for Management and International Studies, University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, PA, explores Think Tanks, Policy Advice, and Governance in the United States.
Anatomy and Physiology of the Voice

Anatomy and physiology of the voice are complex, and much of the clinically important information on these topics was discovered recently, beginning in the 1970s. Anatomy of the voice involves the entire body. The vocal folds are layered structures that oscillate, creating a buzzing sound. In order to do so, they require not only coordinated muscle use that brings the vocal folds together, but also power to push the vocal folds apart. That power is generated by the respiratory system, including muscles of the abdomen, chest, and back. The sound created by the vocal folds (formerly called vocal cords) is shaped by the infinitely variable, interconnected resonator system above the vocal folds. The upper portion of the larynx, pharynx, oral cavity, nose, and other structures contribute to resonance which is responsible for each individual’s personal voice signature, as well as for audibility. The entire body contributes to voice function and dysfunction.
Internalized Weight Stigma, Psychological Well-Being, and Sleep in Women.

Many women internalize negative attitudes regarding body shape and size because of the societal standards for women’s ideal body shapes and sizes. Internalized weight stigma is related to poorer physical and psychological health. A growing body of research has documented the links between other forms of internalized stigma (e.g., HIV-stigma) and poor sleep quality; however, little research examines the links between internalized weight stigma and sleep or the mechanisms that explain this relationship. Internalized weight stigma may be associated with poor sleep through increases in psychological distress. This study hypothesized that the links between internalized weight stigma and sleep would be mediated by higher levels of depression and anxiety. About 257 women were recruited via social media, word of mouth, and an undergraduate participant pool. Participants completed an online survey assessing various aspects of weight stigma and health through self-report questionnaires. Most women were non-Hispanic White (86.8%) and had a mean age of 31.40. The indirect effects of internalized weight stigma on poorer global sleep quality and daily disturbances through depression and anxiety were significant. In contrast, depressive symptoms but not anxiety explained the links between internalized weight stigma and perceived sleep quality and neither depressive symptoms nor anxiety explained the link between internalized weight stigma and sleep efficiency. Internalized weight stigma is linked to poorer sleep quality, and these links may be explained by psychological well-being. Understanding the mechanisms by which internalized weight stigma is associated with sleep quality can inform the psychological interventions employed.
G protein-coupled receptor signaling regulates ER-mitochondria contacts

Interactions between the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and mitochondria (Mito) are crucial for many cellular functions, and their interaction levels change dynamically depending on the cellular environment. Little is known about how the interactions between these organelles are regulated within the cell. Here we screened a compound library to identify chemical modulators for ER-Mito contacts. Multiple agonists of G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs), beta-adrenergic receptors (b-ARs) in particular, scored in this screen. Analyses in multiple orthogonal assays validated that GPCR activation promotes physical and functional interactions between the two organelles. Furthermore, we have elucidated potential downstream effectors mediating GPCR-induced ER-Mito contacts. Given the role of GPCRs in sensing various extracellular signals and subsequently eliciting appropriate cellular responses, our data provide significant insights into the roles of ER-Mito contacts in maintaining cellular homeostasis and in responding to physiological demands or stresses.
Cortical Phase Amplitude Coupling and Pathologic Synchronization during Sleep in Parkinson’s Disease (S10.004)

Objective: To characterize the behavior of cortical phase amplitude coupling (PAC) during various sleep stages in a Parkinson’s disease (PD) population. Background: Excessive synchronization of neuronal discharge activity is now a well-recognized feature of PD. One manifestation of this abnormal synchrony is heightened coupling of gamma band amplitude to the phase of beta band oscillations. This elevated phase-amplitude coupling (PAC) strongly correlates with the presence of akinesia and has been proposed as a potential therapeutic target for closed-loop control of deep brain stimulation (DBS) parameters. Yet, optimizing PAC as a therapeutic measure necessitates an improved understanding of its phenomenology in various states of arousal. Design/Methods: Polysomnography (PSG) electroencephalography (EEG) recordings of PD patients were post-processed and quantitatively analyzed using custom Matlab scripts. For each patient, electrode recordings close to the primary motor cortex (M1) were used to calculate average PAC modulation for each of the following arousal stages (S): waking (S0), light sleep (S1, S2), slow wave sleep (S3), and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. Power spectral analyses were also performed. Statistical comparisons were conducted using repeated measures ANOVA. Results: Among 15 PD patients (10M:5W; mean(sd) age=64.8(10.7)), there was heightened M1 cortical PAC in REM sleep (mean=3.6E-05) compared to S0 (mean=3.0E-05) and other sleep stages (mean S1=3.1E-05, S2=3.0E-05, S3=3.0E-05). Though these results were not significant by ANOVA (p=0.11), greater patient numbers may reinforce this finding. In sub-group analysis, REM PAC was greater in subjects with observed dream enactment (mean=5.1E-05) during PSG (n=9) than in patients without documented dream enactment (mean=3.8E-05). Beta and gamma power levels remained stable across sleep stages, including REM. Conclusions: Our results suggest PD patients feature elevated cortical PAC levels during REM sleep compared to the waking state and other sleep stages. This heightened REM PAC may be enhanced by the presence of dream enactment. Disclosure: Dr. Higginbotham has nothing to disclose. Dr. Trotti has nothing to disclose. Dr. Biwise has received personal compensation for consulting, serving on a scientific advisory board, speaking, or other activities with Merck & Co., Inc., Ferring, Jazz, Eisai, Respicardia. Dr. Biwise has received research support from Merck & Co., Inc., Ferring, Jazz, Eisai, Respicardia. Dr. Miocinovic has nothing to disclose.
Techno-Economic Analysis of Metal-Hydride Energy Storage to Enable Year-Round Load-Shifting for Residential Heat Pumps

Abstract Thermal energy storage (TES), such as ice storage, is often used with air conditioning systems to shift cooling loads away from peak hours, reducing operating costs if time-of-use electricity rates are available. Phase change materials (PCMs) have been investigated for energy storage with heating systems; however, a single PCM cannot be used for storage with both cooling and heating since PCMs have fixed phase-change temperatures. Thermochemical energy storage with metal hydrides can be used for this purpose since the reaction used to store energy depends on both temperature and pressure, allowing for variable-temperature storage. In this paper, we propose a novel TES system design using metal hydrides coupled to a heat pump for residential heating and cooling and present a system model. The model is used to analyze system performance and predict cost savings for year-round use in a residential building. This system is shown to be capable of shifting heating and cooling loads, but only achieves cost savings of $13.12/year at existing utility rates. The payback period of the system exceeds 35 years across a range of rates more favorable to energy storage, primarily due to the high cost of metal hydrides. Potential improvements to the system are discussed.
Higher-Resolution Magnetic Resonance Elastography in Meningiomas to Determine Intratumoral Consistency

BACKGROUND Magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) analyzes shear wave movement through tissue to determine stiffness. In a prior study, measurements with first-generation brain MRE techniques correlated with intraoperative observations of overall meningioma stiffness. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of a higher-resolution MRE technique to preoperatively detect intratumoral variations compared with surgeon assessment. METHODS Fifteen meningiomas in 14 patients underwent MRE. Tumors with regions of distinctly different stiffness were considered heterogeneous. Intratumoral portions were considered hard if there was a significant area ≥6 kPa. A 5-point scale graded intraoperative consistency. A durometer semiquantitatively measured surgical specimen hardness. Statistics included χ, sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predicative values, and Spearman rank correlation coefficient. RESULTS For MRE and surgery, 9 (60%) and 7 (47%) tumors were homogeneous, 6 (40%) and 8 (53%) tumors were heterogeneous, 6 (40%) and 10 (67%) tumors had hard portions, and 14 (93%) and 12 (80%) tumors had soft portions, respectively. MRE sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values were as follows: for heterogeneity, 75%, 100%, 100%, and 87%; for hardness, 60%, 100%, 100%, and 56%; and for softness, 100%, 33%, 86%, and 100%. Overall, 10 tumors (67%) matched well with MRE and intraoperative consistency and correlated between intraoperative observations (P = .02) and durometer readings (P = .03). Tumor size ≤3.5 cm or vascular tumors were more likely to be inconsistent (P < .05). CONCLUSION MRE was excellent at ruling in heterogeneity with hard portions but less effective in ruling out heterogeneity and hard portions, particularly in tumors more vascular or <3.5 cm. MRE is the first technology capable of prospectively evaluating intratumoral stiffness and, with further refinement, will likely prove useful in preoperative planning.
Improved current regulators for IPM machine drives using on-line parameter estimation

Current regulators for interior permanent magnet machines have unique challenges if high performance torque regulation is to be achieved. This paper presents a novel approach for fully decoupling the problematic cross-coupling with estimated parameters from online self-tuning. In the on-line estimation algorithm, the model is formulated such that cross-coupled estimated parameters are eliminated, which improves the parameter estimation robustness. Parameter estimation is further improved by combining the model with a closed loop observer. Cross-coupling terms can then be decoupled using estimated parameters to improve the performance of the current regulator.
Network management agents supported by a Java environment

In this paper we investigate how a network management architecture might take advantage of the Java environment. Network management is by definition a distributed application. It should therefore be no surprise that a new language environment like Java that is purposely developed for the network environment should find a natural match in this application. Problems such as portability across platforms or independence from underlying hardware and software, security aspects such as authentication, enforcement of access restrictions, and preservation of the integrity of the communication process can be addressed easily in a Java environment. The navigator/browser architecture offers an ideal framework for the network management system applications.
Perspectives in Femininity: Implications I for Nursing

This article is adapted from an address given at a meeting of the Texas Section of The Nurses Association of The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, in February, 1973, at San Antonio. Society no longer demands that women fit the old image of “femininity”—passivity, wifeliness, physical attractiveness, and anti-intellectualism. Women are now freer to fulfill their full human potential. The change in the concept of femininity has affected nursing practice in two ways. First, with different roles and different morality, clients bring different problems to the nurse-counselor. Secondly, the change has divided nurses themselves into two opposing camps. Some adhere to the traditional nursing role which correlates with the old ideas of femininity, including nonparticipation in decision-making and subservience to authority figures. They may thwart the efforts of their professional counterparts to gain acceptance as professionals in their own right.
Application of the Kohn-Nerode Control Law Extraction Procedure to the Inverted Pendulum Problem

The Kohn-Nerode control law extraction procedure offers an innovative way of formulating and solving a Hybrid System problem. The present paper is an attempt to show the main components of the method using the inverted pendulum as an example.
Cooperative Learning and Soft Skills Training in an IT Course

Pedagogy of higher education is shifting from passive to active and deep learning. At the same time, the information technology (IT) industry and the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) are demanding soft skills training. Thus, in designing an IT course, we devised group teaching projects where students learn to work with peers in a constructive and cooperative manner as they achieve deep learning by fulfilling their teaching responsibilities. The collective student effort provided the amount of tutoring required to cover JSP, PHP, Ajax, XML, HTML5, and RSS, which would be impossible for one instructor.
Stereotactic radiosurgery for large brain metastases

We evaluated patient outcomes following stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS)-treatment of large brain metastasis (⩾3 cm) at our institution. SRS is an established treatment for limited brain metastases. However, large tumors pose a challenge for this approach. For this study, 343 patients with 754 total brain metastases were treated with SRS, of which 93 had large tumors. The tumor size was 3-3.5, 3.5-4, and ⩾4 cm in 29%, 32%, and 39% of these patients. Surgical resection was performed prior to SRS in 68% of patients, and 53% achieved a gross total resection. The local control of large metastases was inferior compared to smaller tumors, with 1 year local control of 68 versus 86%, respectively (p 4 cm; p=0.551), and SRS dose (⩽16 versus >16 Gy; p=0.539) also showed no correlation with local failure. The overall survival at 1, 2, and 5 years was 46%, 29% and 5%, respectively. Prolonged survival was seen in patients with age <65 years (p=0.009), primary treatment compared with salvage (p=0.077), and controlled primary tumors (p=0.022). Radiation necrosis developed in 10 patients (11.8%). For patients with large brain metastases, SRS is well tolerated and can achieve local central nervous system disease control in the majority of patients, and extended survival in some, though the local control rate is suboptimal. Further strategies to improve the outcomes in this subgroup of patients are needed.
Shale gas wastewater management under uncertainty

This work presents an optimization framework for evaluating different wastewater treatment/disposal options for water management during hydraulic fracturing (HF) operations. This framework takes into account both cost-effectiveness and system uncertainty. HF has enabled rapid development of shale gas resources. However, wastewater management has been one of the most contentious and widely publicized issues in shale gas production. The flowback and produced water (known as FP water) generated by HF may pose a serious risk to the surrounding environment and public health because this wastewater usually contains many toxic chemicals and high levels of total dissolved solids (TDS). Various treatment/disposal options are available for FP water management, such as underground injection, hazardous wastewater treatment plants, and/or reuse. In order to cost-effectively plan FP water management practices, including allocating FP water to different options and planning treatment facility capacity expansion, an optimization model named UO-FPW is developed in this study. The UO-FPW model can handle the uncertain information expressed in the form of fuzzy membership functions and probability density functions in the modeling parameters. The UO-FPW model is applied to a representative hypothetical case study to demonstrate its applicability in practice. The modeling results reflect the tradeoffs between economic objective (i.e., minimizing total-system cost) and system reliability (i.e., risk of violating fuzzy and/or random constraints, and meeting FP water treatment/disposal requirements). Using the developed optimization model, decision makers can make and adjust appropriate FP water management strategies through refining the values of feasibility degrees for fuzzy constraints and the probability levels for random constraints if the solutions are not satisfactory. The optimization model can be easily integrated into decision support systems for shale oil/gas lifecycle management.
The Saccharomyces cerevisiae mutation elm4-1 facilitates pseudohyphal differentiation and interacts with a deficiency in phosphoribosylpyrophosphate synthase activity to cause constitutive pseudohyphal growth.

Abstract Saccharomyces cerevisiae mutant E124 was selected in a visual screen based on elongated cell shape. Genetic analysis showed that E124 contains two separate mutations, pps1-1 and elm4-1, each causing a distinct phenotype inherited as a single-gene trait. In rich medium, pps1-1 by itself causes increased doubling time but does not affect cell shape, whereas elm4-1 results in a moderate cell elongation phenotype but does not affect growth rate. Reconstructed elm4-1 pps1-1 double mutants display a synthetic phenotype in rich medium including extreme cell elongation and delayed cell separation, both characteristics of pseudohyphal differentiation. The elm4-1 mutation was shown to act as a dominant factor that potentiates pseudohyphal differentiation in response to general nitrogen starvation in a genetic background in which pseudohyphal growth normally does not occur. Thus, elm4-1 allows recognition of, or response to, a pseudohyphal differentiation signal that results from nitrogen limitation. PPS1 was isolated and shown to be a previously undescribed gene coding for a protein similar in amino acid sequence to phosphoribosylpyrophosphate synthase, a rate-limiting enzyme in the biosynthesis of nucleotides, histidine, and tryptophan. Thus, the pps1-1 mutation may generate a nitrogen limitation signal, which when coupled with elm4-1 results in pseudohyphal growth even in rich medium.
Effect of zinc on prostatic tumorigenicity in nude mice.

Abstract: Prostate epithelial cells accumulate the highest zinc levels of any cells in the body. Evidence indicates that zinc plays critical roles in the normal function and pathology of the prostate gland. We have identified two important effects of zinc in the prostate epithelial cells: the inhibition of m-aconitase and the induction of mitochondrial apoptogenesis. However, at the present time, the effects of zinc on prostatic cells in in vivo conditions have not yet been reported. The objectives of this in vivo study were to investigate the effect of zinc on: tumorogenicity in nude mice, zinc accumulation in tumor tissues, and the levels of mitochondrial membrane permeability related proteins, Bax/Bcl-2. A tumorigenicity animal model was established using male nude mice (4–6 weeks old) with inoculation of PC-3 cells (5–10×106/mL) prepared in 10% Matrigel. The mice were treated with zinc by ALZET osmotic pumps (Durect Corporation), with a releasing rate of 0.25 μl/h for 28 days. Zinc concentrations of the tumor tissues were determined by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer method. Frozen sections of tumor tissues were prepared for TUNEL assay. The levels of Bax and Bcl-2 in the tumor tissues were determined by Western blot analyses. Our study demonstrated that in vivo treatment of zinc increased zinc accumulation and citrate production in PC-3 cell induced tumor tissues and inhibited tumor growth. The inhibitory effect of zinc appears to result from zinc-induced apoptosis by regulation of mitochondrial membrane permeability-related Bax/Bcl-2 proteins.
Reactions of Organosilanes with Silica Surfaces in Carbon Dioxide

Silylation reactions using liquid and supercritical CO2 as the solvent were performed on both single surface (silicon wafers) and nanoporous (silica gel) silica samples. The alkylsilyl monolayers formed on single surfaces were characterized by wettability, ellipsometry, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Modified nanoporous silica samples were analyzed by chemical analysis. A range of different silanes including monochloro-, dichloro-, trichloro-, and dimethylamino-silanes was examined. The results indicate that dense carbon dioxide is a good solvent for silylation reactions, comparable or better than most solvents. Compared with the optimum conditions for silylation at solid−liquid interfaces, reactions in carbon dioxide are faster, although maximum bonding densities are slightly lower.
Stoma Issues in the Obese Patient

Stoma creation in the obese patient presents technical challenges beyond the usual considerations that surround stoma creation. Both short-term and long-term stoma complication rates are higher in the obese patient. One must always strive to create a protruding well-vascularized stoma while maximizing the potential to restore bowel continuity in the future. This article will discuss the potential complications and difficulties associated with the creation of a stoma in the obese patient. It will also discuss the traditional techniques for creating the stoma and include modifications that may be required in the obese patient. It will cover technical tips that may help to avoid the complications and pitfalls of creating a stoma in the obese patient.
Characterization of the T-cell epitope that causes anti-GBM glomerulonephritis.

Characterization of the T-cell epitope that causes anti-GBM glomerulonephritis. Background We have demonstrated that a single T-cell epitope pCol(28-40) (SQTTANPSCPEGT) alone, which is derived from NC1 domain of α3 chain of type IV collagen (Col4α3 NC1), can induce severe glomerulonephritis in Wistar Kyoto rats. This study further characterized this T-cell epitope. Methods A series of synthetic peptides derived from pCol (28-40) were tested in vivo and in vitro for their T-cell epitope activity and nephritogenicity. Major histocompatability complex (MHC) class II molecules in Wistar Kyoto rats were cloned, and MHC restriction of pCol(28-40) was determined. Results The T-cell epitope pCol(28-40) was restricted by rat MHC class II RT.1B l . Ten amino acid residues (29 to 38) were mapped to be the minimum core of the T-cell epitope, which was capable of inducing the T-cell response and severe glomerulonephritis. Only three residues were identified as absolutely critical for the T-cell epitope: position 31 (T) was an anchor residue to the class II molecule, and positions 33 (N) and 34 (P) contributed to the specificity of the T-cell epitope. Thus, only substitution at those positions completely abrogated nephritogenicity of the T-cell epitope. Interestingly, pCol (28-40) also bound to human MHC class II human MHC class II molecule HLA-DRB*1501, which has been linked to human anti-glomerular basement membrane (GBM) disease, suggesting that human homologue of pCol(28-40) could be a potential human T-cell epitope. Conclusion Our study demonstrated that only few residues in the nephritogenic T-cell epitope pCol(28-40) were critical. Our finding also revealed that pCol(28-40) is a potential nephritogenic T-cell epitope in Goodpasture's syndrome.
Finite element model of training in the superconducting quadrupole magnet SQ02

This paper describes the use of 3D finite element models to study training in superconducting magnets. The simulations are used to examine coil displacements when the electromagnetic forces are cycled, and compute the frictional energy released during conductor motion with the resulting temperature rise. A computed training curve is then presented and discussed. The results from the numerical computations are compared with test results of the Nb{sub 3}Sn racetrack quadrupole magnet SQ02.
Tea in Japan : essays on the history of chanoyu

Represents a major advance over previous publications.... Students will find this volume especially useful as an introduction to the primary sources, terminology, and dominant themes in the history of chanoyu. --Journal of Japanese Studies Tea in Japan illuminates in depth and detail chanoyu's cultural connections and evolution from the early Kamakura period... It is the quality of seeing the familiar and not so familiar elements of tea emerge as a dynamic saga of human invention and cultural intervention that makes this book exhilarating and the details that the authors provide that make these essays fascinating. --Journal of the Association of Teachers of Japanese
On the Use of Nonlinear Filtering, Artificial Viscosity, and Artificial Heat Transfer for Strong Shock Computations

A new artificial viscosity (Q) model, based on physical conservation corrections for momentum, and a new artificial heat transfer (H) formulation are developed for the analysis of one-dimensional compressible fluid transients in plane, cylindrical, and spherical geometries. The accuracy of these formulations is verified against various benchmark shock tube problems. A Q-induced geometric error for cylindrical and spherical geometry is defined and the benefits of the Q formulation presented are demonstrated. It is also shown that these formulations can control the total variation of the solution and have superior shock-capturing capabilities. Comparisons are made with the original Q formulations of J. von Neumann and R. D. Richtmyer (1950, J. Appl. Phys.21, 232), W. F. Noh's Q&H shock-following method (1987, J. Comput. Phys.72, 78), and the piecewise-parabolic method of P. Colella and P. R. Woodward (1984, J. Comput. Phys.54, 174). The comparisons demonstrate the advantages of the new method. Numerical examples for more realistic equations of state which show the robustness of the method are also presented.
Mixed-strategy equilibria in a quality differentiation model

Abstract This paper shows that the standard quality-differentiation duopoly model has, in addition to the two well-known pure-strategy equilibria of maximum quality differentiation, an infinity of mixed-strategy equilibria in which firms choose mixed strategies in the first-stage quality game. In these equilibria, maximum quality differentiation does not occur due to coordination failure. Total expected consumer surplus is the same at all mixed-strategy equilibria and is higher than that under either pure-strategy equilibrium. Total expected industry profit is the same at all mixed-strategy equilibria and is lower than that under either pure-strategy equilibrium.
On the Excitation of Short-Term Variations in the Length of the Day and Polar Motion

Variations in the distribution of mass within the atmosphere and changes in the pattern of winds produce fluctuations in all three components of the angular momentum of the atmosphere on time-scales upwards of a few days. It has been shown that variations in the axial component of atmospheric angular momentum during the Special Observing Periods in the recent ‘First GARP Global Experiment’ (FGGE, where GARP is the Global Atmospheric Research Programme) are well correlated with short-term changes in the length of the day. They are consistent with the total angular momentum of the atmosphere and ‘solid’ Earth being conserved on short timescales (allowing for lunar and solar effects), without requiring significant angular momentum transfer between the Earth’s liquid core and solid mantle on timescales of weeks or months. It has also been shown that fluctuations in the equatorial components of atmospheric angular momentum make a major contribution to the observed wobble of the instantaneous pole of the Earth’s rotation with respect to the Earth’s crust. A necessary step in the investigation was a re-examination of the underlying theory of non-rigid body rotational dynamics and angular momentum exchange between the atmosphere and solid Earth. Since only viscous or topographic coupling between the atmosphere and solid Earth can transfer angular momentum, no atmospheric flow that everywhere satisfied inviscid equations (including, but not solely, geostrophic flow) could affect the rotation of a spherical solid Earth. New ‘effective angular momentum functions’ were introduced in order to exploit the available data and allow for rotational and surface loading deformation of the Earth. A theoretical basis has now been established for future routine determinations of atmospheric angular momentum fluctuations for the purpose of meteorological and geophysical research, including the assessment of the extent to which movements in the solid Earth associated with very large earthquakes contribute to the excitation of the Chandlerian wobble.
A review of eastern Atlantic species of the family Parapaguridae (Decapoda, Anomura, Paguroidea)

Fifteen hermit crab species of Parapagurus Smith, 1879, Sympagurus Smith, 1883, or Strobopagurus Lemaitre, 1989, have been found to occur in the eastern Atlantic. Of these, eight are also found in the western Atlantic and have been sufficiently described previously. The remaining seven species are reviewed and for each, a complete synonymy, a diagnosis or amended description, and illustrations, are presented. Keys to aid in the identification of all eastern Atlantic species are included.
Management of acute endophthalmitis in the office setting

Evaluation of: Gurbaxani A, Patel CK. Treatment of acute postoperative endophthalmitis without hospital admission: do we dare? J. Infect. 53, 165–166 (2006).Acute endophthalmitis is one of the most feared postoperative complications of eye surgeons. The diagnosis, along with the awareness of the acuteness of the problem, often results in the determination of the final visual outcome. The paper by Gurbaxani and Patel shows that, in the UK, the current standard of care is routine hospital admission following the treatment of endophthalmitis. While dramatic in its title, this case report demonstrates clearly that treatment of this condition in the UK no longer requires admission to the hospital. Although it is only one case report, the author clearly shows a lack of visual or patient benefit of admission to the hospital and even possible harm. While it appears that admission to the hospital has been commonplace in the USA for the past 10 years, it is rare that a patient has to be admitted for treatment follo...
An Improved Sculptured Part Surface Design Method with Jerk Continuity Consideration for Smooth Machining

This paper presents an investigation of jerk continuity in milling operations for sculptured surfaces of mechanical parts. It has been realised that chattering in machining operations can cause detrimental effects on the quality of machined parts as well as on the life of the cutting tool. One of the major reasons of chattering is known to be the rough transition of cutter accelerations when traversing through desired part surfaces. The problem becomes serious when machining sculptured surfaces of parts. In this work, an effective computer-aided sculptured surface design technique is proposed. The ultimate goal is to achieve smooth and near chattering-free machining for producing precision parts. The proposed surface design scheme models the part's sculptured surfaces in such a way that it warrants a smooth jerk transition at the boundaries of common surface patches on the part, This results in a drastic reduction of large step changes of cutter accelerations during machining operations which will in turn eliminate a good portion of the chattering effects. Three theorems concerning the necessary jerk continuity conditions for surface patches connections are developed and their proofs are presented. Examples of an aerofoil and a concept car model are implemented, using the proposed modelling approach, to demonstrate its effectiveness.
Posterior Urethral Valves, Pressure Pop-offs and Bladder Function

The pop-off mechanisms that sometimes occur with posterior urethral valves have well recognized implications for renal function, such that 1 or both kidneys can be protected from the deleterious effects of elevated bladder pressures. What has not been defined is the significance, if any, of pressure pop-offs to the developing bladder and ultimate bladder function. To answer this question we reviewed the records of 63 boys with posterior urethral valves. Eight boys who were not yet toilet trained had unevaluable bladder outcomes. Of the 55 remaining boys there was 1 or more pressure pop-off in 39 (71%), including massive (grade 5) reflux, massive reflux associated with ipsilateral renal dysplasia, a patent urachus, large diverticula and urinomas. Bladder outcomes were judged as favorable or unfavorable on the basis of urodynamic parameters and/or patient clinical status. A statistically significant positive correlation was found between the presence of a pop-off and a favorable outcome. Favorable characteristics were found in 34 of 39 bladders (87%) with pressure pop-offs. In contrast, only 9 of 16 bladders (55%) without pressure vents had favorable outcomes. In addition, 5 of the remaining 7 boys without pressure vents have required augmentation cystoplasty. A direct correlation between absolute number of pop-offs and favorable bladder outcome was also noted, further emphasizing this relationship. The presence of a pressure pop-off is a favorable prognostic sign for ultimate bladder function in boys with posterior urethral valves.
Analysis of trace elements pollution within streambed sediments from the Shade River Watershed, southeastern Ohio

Streambed sediments collected from the Shade River Watershed within the Western Allegheny Plateau in Meigs and Athens counties (Ohio, USA) were analyzed for trace elements. Different pollution indices and statistical techniques were used to evaluate the relationship between the trace elements and determine their levels of contamination. The watershed was once mined for coal and has history of acid mine drainage (AMD). Treatment of this contamination is still being addressed by federal and local organizations. Sediment analyses indicated that iron, aluminum, and manganese, which are primary AMD species, are dominant within the sediments. Pollution indices indicated that the sediments were moderately to extremely polluted, with iron dominating. Relatively low trace element concentrations in the Middle Shade River can be attributed to the intense remediation or treatment of mine drainage. Although trace elements’ concentration in the Shade River Watershed was greater than their respective background values, the relationship between iron and other trace elements indicates that alkaline pH and redox conditions can influence the neutralization of AMD, and also result in the precipitation of iron and manganese oxide/hydroxides. This may have caused the contamination of the streambed sediment apart from factors including local geology, erosion of agricultural soil, mine discharge, and other anthropogenic input into the watershed.