cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Substrate-induced Changes in Visible Absorption and Electron Spin Resonance Properties of Adrenal Cortex Mitochondrial P450

Abstract The effect of steroid substrate addition on the visible absorption and electron spin resonance (ESR) properties of cytochrome P450 was studied in bovine adrenal cortex submitochondrial particles. The interaction of 11-deoxycortisol or deoxycorticosterone produced peaks at 385, 500, and 645 nm and troughs at 420, 535, and 570 nm. 20α-Hydroxycholesterol produced opposite spectral effects. 11-Deoxycortisol or deoxycorticosterone decreased and 20α-hydroxycholesterol increased the g = 2.42, 2.26, and 1.91 low spin signals of P450. The spectral dissociation constants for the visible absorption changes, ESR changes, and Km values for these substrates were similar. A g = 7.9 ESR signal was found in these submitochondrial particles. The height of this signal was increased by deoxycorticosterone and decreased by 20α-hydroxycholesterol interaction. The g = 7.9 signal was not altered by 9 mm cyanide or 100 mm fluoride but was abolished by deoxycholate conversion of P450 to P420 and by dithionite reduction. The substrate-induced changes in the visible absorption and ESR properties of P450 are consistent with a deoxycorticosterone- or 11-deoxycortisol-induced low to high spin transition and a 20α-hydroxycholesterol high to low spin transition of the Fe3+ in P450. The disappearance of the g = 7.9 signal with deoxycholate treatment and the inverse relationship between the steroid-induced changes in the g = 7.9 and the low spin signals suggest that the g = 7.9 signal is a high spin P450. Since all steroid substrates of P450, with the exception of 20α-hydroxycholesterol, produce low to high spin spectral changes, this electronic effect may be important in the enzyme reaction mechanism. Cholesterol was found to inhibit competitively the 20α-hydroxycholesterol-induced difference spectrum, indicating that 20α- and 22R-hydroxylations occur at the same enzyme site. The exceptional electronic effects of 20α-hydroxycholesterol may be explained by its role as an enzyme-bound intermediate of cholesterol oxidation or by its ability to displace cholesterol from cholesterol oxidase.
Knowledge Flows and Productivity

National and international flows of knowledge are fundamental determinants of technological progress. In this article we review the existing literature on knowledge flows and we propose a method for estimating them, based on patent citations. Citations are links between inventions that reveal a learning process at the technological frontier. We use data for the period 1975-1996 for 147 subnational regions in Europe and North America. We find that geographical distance and technological differences constitute major barriers to knowledge flows. We also show that these flows may have positive, but small, effect on total factor productivity.
Perceptually based approach for planar shape morphing

This paper presents an approach for establishing vertex correspondences between two planar shapes. Correspondences are established between the perceptual feature points extracted from both source and target shapes. A similarity metric between two feature points is defined using the intrinsic properties of their local neighborhoods. The optimal correspondence is found by an efficient dynamic programming technique. Our approach treats shape noise by allowing discarding small feature points, which introduces skips in the traversal of the dynamic programming graph. Our method is fast, feature preserving, and invariant to geometric transformations. We demonstrate the superiority of our approach over other approaches by experimental results.
Calcific mitral stenosis in the hemodialysis patient

The dialysis patient is prone to elevations in the calcium phosphorus product and hyperparathyroidism, which contributes to valvular and vascular calcification. We present the case of a young lady on chronic dialysis that developed mitral calcification complicated by severe mitral stenosis, caseous calcification and retinal embolization. She subsequently required mitral valve replacement.
THE RELATIONS OF EMBRYONIC TISSUE AND TUMOR IN MIXED GRAFTS

Implanted mixtures of mouse embryo and tumor sometimes result in an excellent growth of both. To assure this, it is necessary that the tumor selected be one which proliferates slowly, because more active ones prevent the development of the fragments of embryo. Transplanted embryonic tissue (of the type used) does not, at its best, grow as rapidly or in so large a percentage of hosts as some tumors. The morphological relations between tumor and embryonic tissue in the mixed graft are often intimate. Apparently either may adapt the other to its structural purposes. Occasionally a direct union takes place between cancerous epithelium and that of the embryo, with result in pictures suggesting an origin of one from the other. This observation has considerable significance in view of the current reliance upon just such histological data to prove that cancer arises from normal epithelium.
Risk Factors Associated with Reoperation for Bleeding following Liver Transplantation

Introduction. This study's objective was to identify risk factors associated with reoperation for bleeding following liver transplantation (LTx). Methods. A retrospective study was performed at a single institution between 2001 and 2012. Operative reports were used to identify patients who underwent reoperation for bleeding within 2 weeks following LTx (operations for nonbleeding etiologies were excluded). Results. Reoperation for bleeding was observed in 101/928 (10.8%) of LTx patients. The following characteristics were associated with reoperation on multivariable analysis: recipient MELD score (OR 1.06/MELD unit, 95% CI 1.03, 1.09), number of platelets transfused (OR 0.73/platelet unit, 95% CI 0.58, 0.91), and aminocaproic acid utilization (OR 0.46, 95% CI 0.27, 0.80). LTx patients who underwent reoperation for bleeding had a longer ICU stay (5 days ± 7 versus 2 days ± 3, P < 0.001) and hospitalization (18 days ± 9 versus 10 days ± 18, P < 0.001). The risk of death increased in patients who underwent reoperation for bleeding (HR 1.89, 95% CI 1.26, 2.85). Conclusion. Reoperation for bleeding following LTx was associated with increased resource utilization and recipient mortality. A lower threshold for intraoperative platelet transfusion and antifibrinolytics, especially in patients with high lab-MELD score, may decrease the incidence of reoperation for bleeding following LTx.
A contour-based recovery of image flow: Iterative transformation method

The authors present an iterative algorithm for the recovery of 2-D motion, i.e., for the determination of a transformation that maps one image onto another. The local ambiguity in measuring the motion of contour segments (the aperture problem) implies a reliance on measurements along the normal direction. Since the measured normal flow does not agree with the actual normal flow, the full flow recovered from this erroneous flow also possesses substantial error, and any attempt to recover the 3-D motion from such full flow fails. The proposed method is based on the observation that a polynomial approximation of the image flow provides sufficient information for 3-D motion computation. The use of an explicit flow model results in improved normal flow estimates through an iterative process. The authors discuss the adequacy and the convergence of the algorithm. The algorithm was tested on some synthetic and some simple natural time-varying images. The image flow recovered from this scheme is sufficiently accurate to be useful in 3-D structure and motion computation. >
Temperature dependence of dispersive hopping in recombination of charge pairs in disordered solids

Abstract Charge pair recombination in anhydrous nitrate ion glass involves mobile N0 3 and probably N0 2− 3 . Charge pairs appear to be coulombically uncorrelated. Kinetics are second order with superimposed time dependence of the rate parameter which arises trom the effect of dielectric relaxation on the activation energy for hopping.
Immunological and Pathological Consequences of Mutations in both Fas and Fas Ligand

Abstract Thelprmutation in mice results in premature termination of transcription of the gene encoding the apoptosis-signaling receptor Fas. As a result,lprmice develop severe lymphoproliferation and lupus-like autoantibodies. Growing evidence suggests that thelprmutation is “leaky” and that low levels of Fas are expressed inlprmice. To determine if Fas expressed inlprmice is contributing to apoptosis we generated a novel strain of mice (B6/lprgld) which is homozygous for both thelprmutation and thegldmutation which encodes nonfunctional Fas ligand (FasL) protein. If low levels of Fas in B6/lprmice contribute to apoptosis and lessen the severity of disease, the B6/lprgldmice, which also lack functional FasL, would be expected to develop a more severe form of disease than B6/lprmice. Our results revealed no significant increase in either lymphoproliferation or autoimmunity in B6/lprgldmice compared to B6/lpror B6/gldmice. Additionally, no increase in surface expression of Fas was detected by flow cytometry on B6/lprgldlymphocytes compared to B6/lprlymphocytes. However, histological examination of B6/lprgldliver revealed a marked increase in lymphocytic infiltration, compared to livers of B6/lprand B6/gldmice. Our results suggest that, while low levels of Fas inlprmice may not be contributing to amelioration of lymphoproliferation or autoimmunity, they may be partially protecting the liver from abnormalities which arise in the absence of Fas-mediated apoptosis.
Misconceptions and Thermodynamic Untenability of Deviations from pH-Partition Hypothesis

Elementary thermodynamic principles are applied to the analysis of concepts associated with pH-partitioning of weakly electrolytic solutes across proton-impermeable barriers. Several common misconceptions concerning the permeability of ionized species as well as the postulated occurrence and significance of a “virtual pH” on biomembrane surfaces are demonstrated.
Incompressibility and materials with complementary strain-energy density

The hyperelasticity condition imposed on a material in which the stress is given as a function of the deformation gradient requires the existence of a strain-energy density function. If the material is incompressible, the indeterminacy of the pressure field is normally an additional postulate on material behavior. However, it is shown that in the case of a material in which the strain is determined as a function of an appropriately chosen stress measure, hyperelasticity demands the existence of a complementary strain-energy density function and the incompressibility condition isequivalent to the indeterminacy of the pressure field. The dependence of the complementary strain-energy density on the pressure, necessary and sufficient for incompressibility, is presented.
The preparation and magnetic behavior of EuBa2Cu3−yMyO6.5+x (M = Ni, Co, Al, and Zn) and some related compounds

Abstract The substitution limits and the change in Tc produced by substituting selected comparably sized cations for copper in the high-Tc superconducting phase, EuBa2Cu3O6.5+x, are determined. The elements, M = Ni, Co, Zn and Al, substitute for copper only to a limited extent to produce EuBa2Cu3−yMyO6.5+x phases. Attempts to completely replace the copper ions and retain the orthorhombic structure were unsuccessful. As substitution progressed, a tetragonal phase became stabilized and the superconducting transition temperature, Tc, decreased sharply. Magnetic properties and superconducting transition temperatures of the maximally substituted phases and of EuBa2Cu3O6.5+x and BaCuO2+x are reported.
Winter Occurrence of Three Merlin Subspecies in Southwestern Idaho, U.S.A

OCURRENCIA INVERNAL DE TRES SUBESPECIES DE FALCO COLUMBARIUS EN EL SUDESTE DE IDAHO, EE.UU Utilice censos en rutas para estudiar las abundancias relativas de subespecies, sexos y clases de edad de individuos de Falco columbarius invernando en el sudoeste de Idaho, en el Valle del Rio Boise, un mosaico de tierras agricolas y urbanas/suburbanas. Durante cuatro inviernos, observe 80 individuos de F. columbarius y capture 60 (n = 140 total). De los 135 individuos observados y capturados que pudieron ser asignados al nivel de subespecie, el 69% (n = 93) correspondio a F. c. columbarius, el 24% (n = 32) a F. c. suckleyi y el 7% (n = 10) a F. c. richardsonii. No hubo una diferencia significativa en las proporciones de las tres subespecies entre las aves observadas y aquellas que fueron capturadas e identificadas en mano (χ2 = 2.774, gl = 2, P = 0.25). De los individuos de F. columbarius observados y capturados, 74–75% fueron hembras y 25–26% fueron machos. Las aves en plumaje juvenil comprendieron ...
Honorable Ambition: Reply to Critics

Abstract Does Aristotle's case for honorable statesmen endanger the case for democratic institutions and equal rights, as two critics contend? It had better not: democracies too need the guidance of a Mandela, an FDR, a Washington. Also, the ancient thinkers had their own doubts about grand ambition, seeking to cabin such types through education and moderate republics, including democratic republics. Also, the objection neglects the relativism, doctrinairism, and postmodernist disillusion that eventually undermined modern political philosophy. Might the old philosophers’ reasonableness, not least on the topic of leadership, be now indispensable to political science? After such points I address the other criticisms: have I not neglected the Biblical improvements on classical political science? Do I portray adequately Plato's analysis of that quintessential lover of power and glory, Alcibiades?
Determination of the hole band gap in Bismuth by far-infrared magnet-transmission

Abstract In the context of a two-band model the hole gap-energy is determined to be 720 ± 160 meV.
Individuality, Context, and the Search for Meaning

A developmental systems approach incorporates clinical perspectives and offers a background for thinking about some of the ways we do research. Recent advances reveal both research opportunities and needs related to fostering child development in a pluralistic, democratic society. 4 topics are addressed that deal with individuality, context, and the search for meaning. First, individuality is discussed wherein our abstract thinking and our quantitative individual differences methods have revealed an urgent need to study the developing person. Second, classification is considered wherein our systematizing efforts reveal a need to understand the interplay among classified features of the person, as well as the particular methods that underlie our classifications. Third, the experiencing of development is discussed, wherein recent advances have revealed new ways of thinking about an individual's nonconscious--procedural and practicing--activities in development, as well as those activities that are conscious. Fourth, the issue of values is considered. Values contribute to our doing research, and we also need to acknowledge their importance as the object of developmental study in 4 children. The appreciation of context, of multiple windows of observation, and of our emotional "centeredness" as human beings who communicate and cooperate with others are crosscutting themes of the essay.
The effect of treatment with estradiol on the biliary excretion of [3H]-aldosterone in male rats

Abstract Estrogen treatment of intact male rats markedly increased the rate of biliary excretion of radiometabolites of [3H]-aldosterone. The estrogen treatment also altered the pattern of metabolites and conjugates present in the bile. Sephadex DEAP-LH-20 chromatography demonstrated that the quantity of radiometabolites in the “glucuronide” fraction was reduced and the quantity of radiometabolites in the “disulfate” fraction was markedly increased. These experiments show that estrogen treatment affects the hepatic metabolism of aldosterone, leading to an increased rate of biliary excretion of aldosterone and its metabolites.
Far-infrared stimulated emission tunable by modulation of acoustic phonon scattering in quantum dot structures

We propose a new mechanism for far-infrared (FIR) stimulated emission in quantum dot structures with gain and emission frequency modulated by acoustic phonon scattering. This novel mechanism is based on carrier injection into coupled quantum dot structures in the Wannier-Stark localization regime for which current oscillates due to Bragg reflection of acoustic phonons. The population inversion is achieved by engineering the quantum dot coupling and the collector tunnel barrier such that the tunnelling times fall in the range of the acoustic phonon scattering time. Realistic estimates of the gain show that FIR stimulated emission with reasonable current injection is feasible.
Improvement of chronic hearing loss after shunt revision: A case report

BACKGROUND Hearing loss after intracranial and spinal procedures involving cerebrospinal fluid loss is rarely reported in the literature. We report a patient who suffered from delayed hearing loss after cerebrospinal fluid shunting that improved after revising the shunt to a higher-pressure valve. CASE DESCRIPTION A 32-year-old woman presented with bilateral hearing loss 4 years after ventriculoperitoneal shunting for communicating hydrocephalus. Her otologic work-up revealed sensorineural hearing loss. In an attempt to improve her hearing, 6 years after the hearing loss began (10 years after the shunt was placed), she underwent a shunt revision in which her valve was changed to a higher-pressure device. After the procedure, she had a significant improvement in her speech discrimination and a mild improvement in her pure tone recognition. These changes were documented with serial audiograms. CONCLUSION Hearing loss after cerebrospinal shunting procedures is not always limited to the immediate postoperative period. It may be a late complication of cerebrospinal fluid diversion. Chronic hearing loss after ventriculoperitoneal shunting may be treatable by changing the valve to a higher-pressure device. The etiology of hearing loss from intracranial hypotension is briefly discussed.
Fused Coupler Optical Switch Using a Photochromic Material

An optical switch based on a single-mode fused coupler has been fabricated. The switch is worked by light induced refractive index change of an organic photochromic compound as cladding material in the coupling region. The splitting ratio of optical output at 1.3 μ m wavelength light can change 44.5%. The optical loss in the switch is less than 0.4
Nanoscale characteristics of single crystal zinc oxide nanowires

In this work, we report the growth and nanoscale characterization of single crystal zinc oxide nanowires synthesized by thermal chemical vapor deposition. Scanning electron microscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, x-ray diffraction, photoluminescence and Raman spectroscopy confirmed the high quality nature of the materials. To analyze their electrical properties, terahertz time domain spectroscopy was used. Atom probe tomography experiments and analysis were successfully developed and carried out, for the first time, on individual ZnO nanowires. This analysis revealed the incorporation of small concentration levels of atomic nitrogen homogeneously in nanowires grown when nitrogen gas was present during synthesis. Atom probe tomography can yield valuable information on the distribution of dopants and other impurities in wide bandgap semiconductor nanostructures and thus help understand better the material characteristics at the nanoscale.
Parallel automatic adaptive analysis

Abstract Consideration is given to the techniques required to support adaptive analysis of automatically generated unstructured meshes on distributed memory MIMD parallel computers. Emphasis is placed on the structures needed to support effective parallel computations when the numerical discretization, the mesh, is defined and evolves during the computation. The key base structures are a distributed mesh based on a topological hierarchy, and a parallel distributed octree. Parallel control of the mesh and octree structures is done through a set of partition communication operations and entity migration routines. Load balance is maintained through iterative load balance, or distributed repartitioning. Building on these structures, procedures to automatically generate and adaptively refine meshes in parallel, starting from CAD geometric models, are given. Finally, the combination of these techniques to produce a parallel automated analysis procedure is demonstrated.
Long-term precipitation trend as a function of isentropic variability

Analysis of trends in climatological isentropes provides a means of evaluating seasonal precipitation trends. Past research has indicated that isentropic patterns are linked to moisture influx and adiabatic uplift. We calculate trends across the summer 315 K isentropic surface for the conterminous United States over the last fifty years. We identify positive correlations between time and the pressure levels of the 315 K isentropic surface in the southern Plains states and the New England area. Such correlations suggest long-term rising of pressures (lowering heights) for the isentropic surface (and therefore enhanced moisture inflow) into those regions. Weaker correlations with time and the isentropic surface are found in the Southwest and in the Northwest. Using two well-accepted precipitation databases, we compare the map pattern correlations between the trends in isentropic surfaces and the trends in both precipitation daily totals and in hourly durations. A strong correlation (+0.67) exists between the trends in the isentropic surface and the daily precipitation and indicates that the precipitation increases are likely influenced by a stronger moisture influx. A weaker positive correlation (+0.44) is evident between the trends in daily precipitation intensity and the trends in the 315 K isentropic surface. However, the spatial relationship between the trends in the isentropic surface and the trends in the hourly precipitation duration is only −0.07 indicating no significant accounting of trends in duration by corresponding isentrope surface trends. Continued study of the relatively neglected analysis of climatological isentropes will add to our understanding of the physical changes in precipitation patterns across the United States.
A study of the transport of high energy muons through a soil shield at the tevatron

Abstract The transport of high energy muons in a soil shield was studied by making fluence distribution measurements at three different locations following a 600 m thick earth shield. The incident muon beam had a broad momentum spectrum with a mean of about 500 GeV/c. The results are compared with Monte Carlo calculations of muon transport. Agreement between calculations and measurements is generally excellent when the muon beam was incident directly on the earth shield. In another series of measurements, the muons were magnetically deflected downward before impinging on the shield. This greatly reduced the muon fluence at distant locations and somewhat worsened the agreement between the model calculations and the observations, most likely by increasing the relative importance of sources of muons not included in the model. Still, peak values in muon fluence distributions are adequately described by the calculations.
Adenosine Triphosphatase Sensitive to DDT in Synapses of Rat Brain

The insecticide DDT selectively inhibits the action of a Na + , K + , Mg 2+ -adenosine triphosphatase found in the nerve ending fraction of the rat brain. As judged by the concentrations of inhibitors that give 50 percent of enzyme inhibition, DDT was approximately 1000 times more toxic than its non-insecticidal analog, 1,1-dichloro-2,2- bis ( p -chlorophenyl)ethylene. The degrees of inhibition of this enzyme system by various toxic and nontoxic DDT analogs were closely related to a general toxicity in vivo of these compounds. Moreover, the extents of inhibition of this enzyme system by DDT were much higher at low temperatures, an indication of a causal relation between poisoning in vivo by DDT and the inhibition in vitro of the Na + , K + , Mg 2+ -adenosine triphosphatase system.
Targeted point mutagenesis of mouse Kcnq1: phenotypic analysis of mice with point mutations that cause Romano-Ward syndrome in humans

Inherited long QT syndrome is most frequently associated with mutations in KCNQ1, which encodes the primary subunit of a potassium channel. Patients with mutations in KCNQ1 may show only the cardiac defect (Romano-Ward syndrome or RWS) or may also have severe deafness (Jervell and Lange-Nielsen syndrome or JLNS). Targeted disruption of mouse Kcnq1 models JLNS in that mice are deaf and show abnormal ECGs. However, the phenotype is broader than that seen in patients. Most dramatically, the inner ear defects result in a severe hyperactivity/circling behavior, which may influence cardiac function. To understand the etiology of the cardiac phenotype in these mice and to generate a potentially more useful model system, we generated new mouse lines by introducing point mutations associated with RWS. The A340E line phenocopies RWS: the repolarization phenotype is inherited in a dominant manner and is observed independent of any inner ear defect. The T311I line phenocopies JLNS, with deafness associated with inner hair cell malfunction.
Properties of test statistics applied to residuals in failure time models

Asymptotic properties of a class of test statistics when applied to hazard-based residuals arising in survival and reliability models are presented. These test statistics are useful in goodness-of-fit tests and model validation. The properties are obtained by examining the asymptotic properties of generalized residual processes, which are (possibly random) time transformations of the processes associated with the incomplete failure times. Since the time transformations depend on unknown model parameters, the residual processes are obtained by replacing the unknown parameters by their estimators. The results shed light on the effects of estimating parameters to obtain the residual processes. Implications concerning possible pitfalls of some existing model validation procedures utilizing hazard-based residuals and ways to correct these problems are discussed.
MPTP-induced parkinsonism.

This paper will review some of the developments in the investigation of MPTP-induced parkinsonism. It will then focus on how the MPTP syndrome has allowed us to better delineate the nature and causes of the cognitive changes of PD
Perceptual judgment of voice pitch during pitch-matching tasks.

Sz~mmay.-This study investigated the perceptual judgment of voice pirch. 24 individuals were assigned to two groups to assess whether there is a difference in perceptual judgment of voice during pitch-matching tasks. Group I, Nayve listeners, had no previous experience in anatomy, physiology, or voice pitch-evaluation methods. Group 11, Experienced listeners, were master's level speech-language pathologists having completed academic training in evaluation of voice. Borh groups listened to identical stimuli, which required matching audiotaped voice-pitch samples of a male and female voice to a note on an electronic keyboard. The experiment included two tasks. The first task assessed pitch range, which required marching of the lowest and highest voice pitch of borh a male and female speaker singing /a/ to a note on a keyboard. The second task assessed habitual pirch, which required matching of the voice pirch of a word spoken by a male and female speaker to a note on a keyboard. A one-way analysis of variance indicated a significant difference benveen groups occurred €or only one of four conditions measured, perceptual judgment of the female pitch range. No differences benveen groups were found in the perceptual judgments of the male pitch range or during perceptual judgment of the female or male habitual pitch, suggesting that the skd possessed by speech-language pathology students is no different from that of inexperienced listeners.
Relative Effects of on Competence in Four Types of Assignment Research Consumership

AbstractIn a graduate educational research methods class (N=53) three criteria of achievement and one of opinion were used to assess selected effects of instruction on research consumership and to compare four types of assignments requiring research article appraisal-individual work on assigned articles, individual work on student- selected articles, 2-student teamwork on assigned articles, and 2-student teamwork on team-selected articles. For the class, favorable opinions toward educational research were retained throughout the course and some improvement in research consumership was noted. Comparisons of the four types of assignments yielded some differences favoring students working in teams.
Detection of c-kit exons 11- and 17-activating mutations in testicular seminomas by high-resolution melting amplicon analysis

A subgroup of testicular seminomas has been reported to contain activating mutations in KIT, the transmembrane tyrosine kinase receptor encoded by the c-kit gene. Most mutations are in exon 17, although exon 11-activating mutations have recently been described. For patients refractory to standard therapeutic protocols for seminoma, the presence of c-kit-activating mutations in some of these neoplasms might suggest an alternative therapy with KIT targeting drugs. We used the novel mutation scanning technique, high-resolution melting amplicon analysis, to screen a series of 22 testicular seminomas for c-kit-activating mutations. Four cases (18%) had exon 17-activating mutations and these included D816Y, D816V, Y823N and one case that contained both D816E and D820H. A single case (5%) had an exon 11-activating mutation. Interestingly, the exon 11-activating mutation was L576P, the same mutation that characterizes the rare c-kit mutation-positive cases of malignant melanoma. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) for c-kit suggested that most seminomas are probably polysomic for c-kit and there was not a significant difference in c-kit FISH characteristics between the mutation-positive and mutation-negative cases. The use of high-resolution melting amplicon analysis as a screening technique will allow for the rapid identification of patients with testicular seminomas whose tumors contain c-kit-activating mutations. This could benefit patients whose tumors are refractory to standard therapeutic protocols.
Symptom burden after autologous stem cell transplantation for multiple myeloma

BACKGROUND Multiple myeloma (MM) is the most common indication for high-dose chemotherapy with autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) in the U.S. and can be associated with substantial morbidity. Thorough assessment and understanding of symptoms and risk factors for symptom development after ASCT are logical first steps toward developing strategies aimed at reducing the symptom burden associated with this procedure. METHODS The authors performed a prospective evaluation of symptom burden among 64 patients with myeloma who underwent ASCT. Symptom data were collected using the M. D. Anderson Symptom Inventory (MDASI) at 4 time points: baseline, the day of stem cell infusion (Day 0), nadir of counts, and Day 30. Univariate analysis was performed to correlate pretransplantation variables with post-transplantation symptom burden at these time points. RESULTS MDASI scores increased significantly throughout transplantation, with most patients returning to baseline by Day 30 after the procedure. Patients with the highest MDASI scores at baseline had the highest MDASI scores at nadir (P = .02). Patients with prolonged time to transplantation and women had a trend toward higher nadir global symptom severity scores. These groups, as well as patients aged >60 years, had a trend toward higher nadir interference scores. CONCLUSIONS ASCT for MM was associated with significant but reversible symptom burden during the first 30 days, and the baseline symptom burden was the most important predictor of symptom burden after transplantation. The MDASI was useful as a tool for following the symptom burden associated with ASCT and may be used to evaluate interventions aimed at reducing transplantation-related morbidity in these patients. Cancer 2008. ©2008 American Cancer Society.
Lifetime prevalence of uveal melanoma in white patients with oculo(dermal) melanocytosis

Objective: In the white population, an association between oculo(dermal) melanocytosis (ODM) and uveal melanoma is well recognized. However, the lifetime prevalence of uveal melanoma in the ODM population is not known. This study was designed to determine the lifetime prevalence of uveal melanoma among patients with ocular melanocytosis. Design: Fifty-six white patients manifesting ODM with uveal melanoma formed the basis of the study. Main Outcome Measures: Published prevalence rates of ODM and uveal melanoma were used for calculations using Bayes' theorem. Results: The lifetime prevalence of uveal melanoma in white patients with ODM is estimated to be 2.6 × 10 −3 . The median age at diagnosis of uveal melanoma in the ODM population was similar to a randomly selected population (60.5 years and 62.5 years, respectively). In the vast majority of patients (90%) with ODM-associated uveal melanoma, the uveal melanoma was diagnosed between the ages of 31 years and 80 years. Conclusions: One of about 400 patients with ODM followed for life is estimated to develop uveal melanoma. Excessive melanocytes in the uveal tract in ODM may provide the biologic basis for susceptibility to the development of uveal melanoma. Patients with ODM should be monitored ophthalmoscopically, especially during the susceptible period, for the development of uveal melanoma. The authors suggest that a national registry of ODM patients be created and prospective data collected to better assess the risk of developing uveal melanoma.
The role of the tnv protein and tnv RNA splicing signals in replication of HIV-1 IIIB isolates.

Abstract The requirement for tnv, a tat-env-rev fusion protein expressed by the IIIB strain of HIV-1, was tested. The expression of tnv was prevented by altering the 5′ splice site that flanks the central coding exon of tnv. Mutants that carry such an altered 5′ splice site replicate normally in an established T-cell line and in peripheral blood lymphocytes, demonstrating that tnv has no effect on virus replication. However, two mutants that carry an alteration in the 3′ splice site of the same axon are replication defective. The 3′ splice site mutations result in significant reduction in the expression of the 16-kDa ttat protein and induce the expression of large amounts of a 19-kDa rev-related protein that initiates within the central coding exon of tnv. S1 nuclease analysis reveals that splicing to the central tnv axon occurs with substantially increased efficiency via the use of an alternate 3′ splice site six nucleotides 3′ from the mutated site. The effect of the 3′ splice site mutations on viral protein expression and replication are fully reversed by a second site mutation that eliminates the alternate splice site.
Population studies in groups and clusters of galaxies. II - A catalog of galaxies in the central 3.5 deg of the Fornax Cluster

A catalog of 2678 galaxies within an area of about 40 sq deg centered on the Fornax Cluster has been compiled based on 26 deep large-scale plates obtained with the 2.5-m Las Campanas Observatory reflector. The catalog includes 340 likely cluster members and 2338 likely background galaxies. Radial velocities are given for 89 of the galaxies. The spatial distributions of various types of galaxies have been modeled as the sum of a King (1962) model cluster component superimposed on a uniform background. Using maximum-likelihood fits to these distributions, a core radius of 0.7 deg is found for a King model fit to the cluster, suggesting that there are few cluster members contained in the sample of background galaxies.
Use of a simple external nonreciprocal attenuator in coupled-cavity TWT's

It is well known that use of a nonreciprocal sever in traveling-wave tube (TWT) design offers several advantages. Previous attempts to obtain these advantages involved incorporation of ferrite material within the envelope of helix TWT's. These attempts have encountered serious difficulties, and have had no apparent effect on TWT design practice. A different approach to realization of a nonreciprocal sever for a coupled cavity TWT is described. This approach involves readily available wave guide components external to the tube, and does not appear to require the solution of significant research and development problems. A computer simulation performed on the CTS 200 W TWT design indicates that a substantial improvement in efficiency could be obtained through use of this technique.
INTRAOPERATIVE SPINAL ULTRASONOGRAPHY IN DOGS: NORMAL FINDINGS AND CASE-HISTORY REPORTS

Intraoperative spinal ultrasonography was performed in cervical and lumbar spine of 2 and 5 normal dogs, respectively, following ventral slot technique or dorsal or hemilamenectomy. The dura was hyperechoic, while the parenchyma was hypoechoic. The subarachnoid space was anechoic. An echogenic line was present in the center of the spinal cord, as seen in human. Pulsation of the spinal cord was noted during M-mode imaging. Clinical findings of one dog with thoracolumbar disk herniation and one with thoracic vertebral fracture/subluxation confirmed the usefulness of intraoperative spinal ultrasonography for real time evaluation of spinal canal spatial abnormalities (mass lesion and degree of spinal cord compression on scanning planes) and spinal cord motion. Follow-up ultrasound examinations were possible from 6 days postoperatively.
THE DETERMINANTS OF MEMBER‐BANK BORROWING: AN ECONOMETRIC STUDY*

THIS PAPER PRESENTS a partial-equilibrium theory of member-bank borrowing from the Federal Reserve System. This theory, which derives from the work of Polakoff, Turner, and Meigs,' portrays bank borrowing as primarily a short-run phenomenon. Faced with an immediate need for additional reserves, banks must weigh the costs of reserve adjustment against the disutility of increased debt to the Federal Reserve. The formulation adopted allows us to unite and to parametrize the central forces of various competing theories, namely, those of banker profit, need, and reluctance, and of Federal Reserve surveillance. Relying primarily on multiple regression, the empirical section of the paper tests the theory against weekly data covering the period July, 1953 through December, 1963. Because the theory describes decision-making at the individual bank level, we use the most disaggregate figures available: specifically, aggregate borrowing and reserve flows for each of the four main categories of member banks (New York City, Chicago, other reserve city, and country) for which information is regularly collected. Our results affirm both the broad outlines of the theory and the value of disaggregation. At the same time, they provide evidence that the availability of unborrowed reserves and elements of distributed-lag adjustment are somewhat more important determinants of borrowing than current differentials between the discount rate and market yields on Treasury bills. Additional evidence suggests that memberbank reluctance to borrow and speeds of adjustment vary with class of bank.
Neuroscience: Observatories of the mind.

An ambitious project to map the mouse brain at the Allen Institute for Brain Science is a huge undertaking that may unify neuroscience, argue Christof Koch and R. Clay Reid.
IRK-1 Potassium Channels Mediate Peptidergic Inhibition of Caenorhabditis elegans Serotonin Neurons via a Go Signaling Pathway

To identify molecular mechanisms that function in G-protein signaling, we have performed molecular genetic studies of a simple behavior of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, egg laying, which is driven by a pair of serotonergic neurons, the hermaphrodite-specific neurons (HSNs). The activity of the HSNs is regulated by the Go-coupled receptor EGL-6, which mediates inhibition of the HSNs by neuropeptides. We report here that this inhibition requires one of three inwardly rectifying K+ channels encoded by the C. elegans genome: IRK-1. Using ChannelRhodopsin-2-mediated stimulation of HSNs, we observed roles for egl-6 and irk-1 in regulating the excitability of HSNs. Although irk-1 is required for inhibition of HSNs by EGL-6 signaling, we found that other Go signaling pathways that inhibit HSNs involve irk-1 little or not at all. These findings suggest that the neuropeptide receptor EGL-6 regulates the potassium channel IRK-1 via a dedicated pool of Go not involved in other Go-mediated signaling. We conclude that G-protein-coupled receptors that signal through the same G-protein in the same cell might activate distinct effectors and that specific coupling of a G-protein-coupled receptor to its effectors can be determined by factors other than its associated G-proteins.
Optimal processes governed by integral equations

Abstract We consider a control process governed by an integral equation with an integral constraint. We derive optimality conditions using relaxed controls. Existence of optimal pairs is automatic. Furthermore, for problems with linear and certain quadratic cost functions with linear integral equations and linear integral constraint the optimal controls are actually ordinary controls. In the case of the linear problem considered, if the control set is a convex polyhedron, the control is piecewise continuous with values in the vertices of the polyhedron. Control processes governed by integral equations have been considered in the work of V. R. Vinokurov (SIAM 7, 324–355 (1969)). However, in (op. cit.) existence is not shown for the general problem and the method is rather complicated. Furthermore, the work in (op. cit.) has some errors as pointed out in Neustadt and Warga's comments on Vinokurov (SIAM 8, 572, (1970)).
Technology-Mediated Collaboration, Shared Mental Model and Task Performance

This study takes a direct observation research approach to examine how the impact of collaboration mode on team productivity and process satisfaction is mediated by shared mental model. Team cognition and social impact theories are integrated to provide a framework for explaining how technology-mediated collaboration constrains or enhances team shared mental model development and its subsequent impact on task outcomes. Partial least squares analysis revealed that technology-mediated collaboration impacts shared mental model development. The results also demonstrate that timely and accurate development of shared mental model facilitates increases in both productivity and team process satisfaction. Direct observation of team process behaviors suggests that collaboration modes differ not only in their impact on communication facilitation but efficacy-based, motivational, and social influence factors e.g., self-efficacy and team-efficacy, perceived salience and credibility of contributions, social influence on action, etc. as well. Shared mental model development requires quality communication among team members that are motivated to participate by a positive team climate that promotes idea convergence.
A recursive learning algorithm for model reduction of Hidden Markov Models

This paper is concerned with a recursive learning algorithm for model reduction of Hidden Markov Models (HMMs) with finite state space and finite observation space. The state space is aggregated/partitioned to reduce the complexity of the HMM. The optimal aggregation is obtained by minimizing the Kullback-Leibler divergence rate between the laws of the observation process. The optimal aggregated HMM is given as a function of the partition function of the state space. The optimal partition is obtained by using a recursive stochastic approximation learning algorithm, which can be implemented through a single sample path of the HMM. Convergence of the algorithm is established using ergodicity of the filtering process and standard stochastic approximation arguments.
Prediction of biological functions of Shewanella-like protein phosphatases (Shelphs) across different domains of life.

PPP protein phosphatases are an important enzyme family involved in a variety of aspects of cellular signalling and metabolism. PPPs are ubiquitous in eukaryotes, and are also present in many bacteria. Canonical eukaryotic PPP phosphotases are represented by five major subfamilies (PP1, PP2A, calcineurin, PP5 and PPEF/PP7). We previously reported that three “bacterial-like” PPP groups span the prokaryote–eukaryote boundary, including “Shewanella-like” phosphatases (Shelphs), which are in the focus of this study. Here we predict possible biological functions and functional partners of Shelphs by examining composition of bacterial operons and expression data for eukaryotes available in public databases. In Arabidopsis thaliana, the predicted possible roles include light-dependent regulation of chloroplast functions, signalling between the nucleus and the chloroplast, and defence responses. In Plasmodium falciparum, Shelphs are predicted to be associated with host cell invasion. One isoform has been located in the apical complex, essential for the interaction with the host cell. This makes P. falciparum Shelphs obvious potential candidates for therapeutic targets. Shelphs are also present in bacteria that constitute a considerable proportion of symbiotic microflora in humans. The predicted involvement of bacterial Shelphs in sensing and import of nutrients and extrusion of toxins may be relevant to the links between physiology of humans and our symbionts. Thus, despite the absence of Shelphs in animals, including humans, they may have a direct relationship to human health. Some predicted biological processes and potential functional partners of Shelphs are common between different bacterial and/or eukaryotic lineages, suggesting evolutionary conservation of some Shelph regulatory modules.
Quantitative Approach for Determining the Critical Volume Fraction for the Transition from Internal to External Oxidation

A theoretical approach is presented to calculate the critical volume fraction f * for the transition from internal to external oxidation. The focus was on the evolution of internal-oxide volume fraction during the initial stage of oxidation. An equation to calculate f * was developed by considering an effective diffusion coefficient of oxygen in the alloy (D ) which takes into account the evolving blocking effect by forming internal oxide precipitates. Based on this physical process, three types of oxidation behavior can result, depending on the properties of the alloy and exposure atmosphere. Further discussions on the remaining discrepancy between predicted and experimentally-determined f * values are provided for refinement on the theoretical prediction of this parameter.