cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Modulation of endoplasmic reticulum calcium pump by Bcl-2

Members of the bcl-2 gene family encode proteins that function either to promote or to inhibit apoptosis. Despite numerous efforts, the mechanism of action of Bcl-2, an anti-apoptotic protein, is still not clear. In particular, the relation between Bcl-2 and the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) calcium store is not well-understood. In the present work, we examined the effect of Bcl-2 on the ER store. We demonstrate that overexpression of Bcl-2 in breast epithelial cells modulates ER store by upregulating calcium pump (SERCA) expression without affecting the release channel (IP3R). The steady state levels of SERCA2 mRNA and protein were both increased in Bcl-2 expression clones. The increase in SERCA2 protein leads to accelerated calcium uptake and enhanced Ca2+ loading. In addition, we also show the detection of intracellular interaction between Bcl-2 and SERCA molecules by co-immunoprecipitation. Since high lumenal Ca2+ concentration of ER is essential for normal cell functions, the results suggest that Bcl-2 preserves the ER Ca2+ store by upregulating SERCA gene expression as well as by a possible interaction with the pump.
A model of sequential auctions

Abstract Early results in sequential auctions show that the first auction bid is less than would be bid were there no later auctions. This appears to be an attempt to deceive the opponents for possible gains in later auctions. However, at equilibrium there is no deception. This paper generalizes and extends these earlier results.
Large amounts of non-agglutinating anti-erythrocyte IgG in primary antisera.

IT is generally accepted that IgM are synthesized before IgG antibodies. This sequence could depend on the characteristics of the antigen, its route of administration, the dosage used, and the animal species studied1. There is some doubt as to whether IgM antibodies are predominant in some early primary antibody responses2–4. This question arises in part from the fact that haemagglutination is more sensitive for detecting IgM than IgG antibodies2,5,6; and in part from the observation that haemolytically inefficient IgG antibodies are undetected in the Jerne plaque technique7 unless indirect procedures are used8,9. Indeed, sera obtained soon after injection of proteins may have more IgG than IgM precipitins10–12. Thus there is a need for re-evaluation of the magnitude of the IgG response in the early stages of antibody production. Evidence is presented that sera from chickens immunized with sheep red blood cells (SRBC) contain more IgG than IgM antibody 6 days after injection.
Effect of High and Low Calcium Diets on Stone Forming Risk During Liberal Oxalate Intake

Purpose: Recent studies suggest that a high calcium diet protects against calcium oxalate stone formation. We compared the effect of high and low calcium diets on urinary saturation of calcium oxalate during liberal oxalate intake.Materials and Methods: A total of 10 healthy subjects (5 male, 5 female) participated in a 2-phase, randomized, crossover study comparing high (1,000 mg daily) and low (400 mg daily) calcium intake on a liberal oxalate diet (200 mg daily). During each phase subjects adhered to an instructed diet for 3 days followed by a controlled, metabolic diet for 4 days. Blood and 24-hour urine specimens collected on the last 2 days of each phase were analyzed for serum biochemistry studies and stone risk factors, respectively.Results: Urinary calcium was higher (mean ± SD 171 ± 64 vs 124 ± 49 mg daily, p = 0.002) and oxalate was lower (25 ± 4.8 vs 27 ± 4 mg daily, p = 0.02) on the high vs low calcium diet. Overall, the urinary relative saturation ratio of calcium oxalate was higher on the h...
Influence of tool flank wear on performance of finish hard machined surfaces in rolling contact

This study investigates the influence of tool flank wear on the performance of finish hard machined surfaces in rolling contact. The residual stress and micro-hardness distribution below the machined surface and the surface roughness of the machined surface were measured to investigate the rolling contact fatigue performance. The fatigue life predictions and the fatigue test results indicate that the change in fatigue life by tool flank wear is highly variable depending on the machining conditions. It is conceivable that tool flank wear reduces the fatigue life, since less compressive residual stresses and more softened layer typically decrease the rolling contact fatigue life. However, tool flank wear does not reduce the fatigue life for some specimens. It is noted that tool flank wear can even increase the fatigue life by lower stress at crack initiation depth or lower driving force for crack propagation although tool flank wear induces less compressive residual stresses and more softened layer.
Effect of fertilizer, fumigants, and fungicides on leafroll-net necrosis in Russet Burbank potatoes

A total of 112 combinations of 13 fumigants, fertilizers, and a fungicide was tested in replicated plots in eastern Washington in 1963 and 1964 to determine their effects on the net necrosis produced in Russet Burbank potatoes by the leafroll virus. Plots treated with Telone® (dichloropropenes) or Telone+chloropicrin had significantly fewer tubers discolored with leafroll net necrosis than untreated plots; plots treated with lower rates of various chlorinated propenes and propanes or ethylene dibromide had fewer discolored tubers than plots treated with higher rates of these chemicals; and plots treated with higher rates of various combinations of dichloropropenes with methyl isothiocyanate or 3-bromo-1-propyne had fewer discolored tubers than plots treated with lower rates of these chemicals. An interaction took place between the chemicals and the leafroll virus that either increased or decreased the amount of net necrosis in the tubers. Other types of internal discoloration (OID) in the tubers were significantly increased by Telone treatments in some tests. Telone treatments showed no effects on OID in other tests compared to untreated tubers. Also, nitrogen, at 100 lb/acre and over, significantly increased the other types of discoloration over no nitrogen, but potassium at 0 to 150 lb/acre and pentachloronitrobenzene (PCNB) at 0 to 30 gal/acre showed no significant effect.
Steepest-descent failure analysis

An extensive failure analysis of the steepest-descent optimization algorithm has been made. Each of the ways in which the algorithm can fail is discussed in terms of both the mathematical and numerical manifestations of a failure and the information which each type of failure provides about the formulation of the physical problem. Numerical tests for each of the various types of failure are described; several faulty problem formulations are presented, each of which illustrates a particular type of failure. A table is presented in which all failure modes are summarized and the corresponding numerical tests are exhibited.
Spatial econometric analysis of location drivers in a renewable resource-based industry: The U.S. South Lumber Industry

Abstract This research identified key factors driving the location of firms in a resource-based industry by expanding on Location Theory, New Economic Geography, and Cluster Theory. First, six latent location factors were identified based on a survey of lumber industry members using factor analysis. An exploratory analysis of sawmill location identified deviations from complete spatial randomness, suggesting the formal incorporation of a spatial dimension in an econometric model. A Bayesian spatial autoregressive approach was used to model the presence of the lumber industry at the county level in the U.S. South. Empirical results are congruent with theory. The strength of the spatial process is weak in the presence of descriptors with a direct geographic dimension. Counties that provide cost advantages, available labor, and appropriate road access are more likely to host the lumber industry. The model was used to identify counties where lumber industry developments could occur with a high probability of success. This research framework can be extended to other industries and regions.
Efficacy and Adverse Effects of Established and New Antiepileptic Drugs

Antiepileptic drug (AED) selection is based primarily on efficacy for specific seizure types and epileptic syndromes. However, efficacy is often similar for the different AEDs, and other properties such as adverse effects, pharmacokinetic properties, and cost may also be of importance. For idiopathic generalized epilepsies with absence, tonic-clonic, and myoclonic seizures, the AED of choice is valproate (VPA). Secondarily generalized epilepsies with tonic, atonic, and other seizure types are difficult to treat with any single AED or combination of AEDs. The AEDs of choice for absence seizures are ethosuximide (ESM) and VPA. For control of primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures, any of the other major AEDs can be effective. If VPA cannot be prescribed, carbamazepine (CBZ), phenobarbital (PB), phenytoin (PHT), or primidone (PRM) may be effective, but ESM or a benzodiazepine (BZD) must be added to control associated absence or myoclonic seizures. The AEDs of first choice for partial epilepsies with partial and secondarily generalized tonic-clonic seizures are CBZ and PHT. Increasing evidence suggests that VPA is a good alternative when CBZ and PHT fail. PB and PRM are second-choice selections because of adverse effects. A combination of two of the five standard AEDs may be necessary to treat intractable seizures, but no studies have been done to indicate an optimal combination. Other epilepsy syndromes such as neonatal and infantile epilepsies, febrile epilepsy, alcoholic epilepsy, and status epilepticus require specific AED treatment. Ultimately, AED selection must be individualized. No "drug of choice" can be named for all patients. The expected efficacy for the seizure type, the importance of the expected adverse effects, the pharmacokinetics, and the cost of the AEDs all must be weighed and discussed with the patient before a choice is made. A number of new AEDs with unique mechanisms of action, pharmacokinetic properties, and fewer adverse effects hold important promise of improved epilepsy treatment.
Expanding Public Health Insurance to Parents: Effects on Children's Coverage under Medicaid

This paper assessed whether expanding public health insurance coverage to parents leads to increases in Medicaid participation among children. We find that children who reside in states that expanded coverage to parents participate in Medicaid at a rate of 20 percentage points higher than those who live in states without such expansions. Particularly noteworthy, Massachusetts's expansion in coverage to parents led to a 14 percentage point increase in Medicaid coverage among children, largely due to the reduction in uninsurance among Medicaid-eligible children. These study findings suggest that expanding coverage to parents has important spillover effects on children's participation in Medicaid. (Dubay, Lisa, and Genevieve Kenney. October 2003. Expanding Public Health Insurance to Parents: Effects on Children's Coverage under Medicaid. Health Services Research 38(5): 1283-1302.)
Maneuver strategies for the Magellan (Venus radar mapper) mission

The paper describes the maneuver strategies for the Venus Orbit Insertion and the Orbit Trim Maneuvers for the Magellan mission. An optimum three impulse strategy has been developed for the Venus Orbit insertion maneuver that minimizes the fuel consumed during the trim maneuvers. In addition an optimum two impulse strategy has been designed specifically for the two trim maneuvers that minimizes the fuel consumed while correcting for period, periapsis altitude, argument of periapsis, and inclination.
The Cdc42/Rac Nucleotide Exchange Factor Protein β1Pix (Pak-interacting Exchange Factor) Modulates β-Catenin Transcriptional Activity in Colon Cancer Cells: EVIDENCE FOR DIRECT INTERACTION OF β1PIX WITH β-CATENIN

Wnt/β-catenin signaling is highly regulated and critical for intestinal epithelial development and repair; aberrant β-catenin signaling is strongly associated with colon cancer. The small GTPase Rac1 regulates β-catenin nuclear translocation and signaling. Here we tested the hypothesis that β1Pix, a Cdc42/Rac guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF), regulates β-catenin-dependent transcriptional activity and cell function. We report the novel observations that β1Pix binds directly to β-catenin, an action requiring both the β1Pix DH and dimerization domains but not β1Pix GEF activity. In human colon cancer cells, activation of β-catenin signaling with LiCl decreased β1Pix/β-catenin association in the cytosol and increased nuclear binding of β-catenin to β1Pix. Nuclear association of β1Pix and β-catenin was independent of Rac1 expression and activation; down- and up-regulating Rac1 expression levels did not alter nuclear β1Pix/β-catenin association. Ectopic β1Pix expression enhanced LiCl-induced β-catenin transcriptional activity. Conversely, siRNA knockdown of β1Pix attenuated both LiCl-induced β-catenin transcriptional activity and colon cancer cell proliferation. Ectopic expression of β1Pix stimulated β-catenin transcriptional activity, whereas β1PixΔ(602–611), which is unable to bind β-catenin, had no effect. Altogether, these findings suggest that β1Pix functions as a transcriptional regulator of β-catenin signaling through direct interaction with β-catenin, an action that may be functionally relevant to colon cancer biology.
Mechanics with fractional derivatives

Lagrangian and Hamiltonian mechanics can be formulated to include derivatives of fractional order [F. Riewe, Phys. Rev. 53, 1890 (1996)]. Lagrangians with fractional derivatives lead directly to equations of motion with nonconservative classical forces such as friction. The present work continues the development of fractional-derivative mechanics by deriving a modified Hamilton's principle, introducing two types of canonical transformations, and deriving the Hamilton-Jacobi equation using generalized mechanics with fractional and higher-order derivatives. The method is illustrated with a frictional force proportional to velocity. In contrast to conventional mechanics with integer-order derivatives, quantization of a fractional-derivative Hamiltonian cannot generally be achieved by the traditional replacement of momenta with coordinate derivatives. Instead, a quantum-mechanical wave equation is proposed that follows from the Hamilton-Jacobi equation by application of the correspondence principle.
Thermodynamic Analysis on Separation Process of Iron and Niobium for Iron Tailings Containing Niobium

Selective Reduction of Cold Bound Pellet – Smelting Separation – Ferroniobium Smelting Technology’ is an effective enrichment and extraction process of Nb from iron tailings of Bayan Obo deposit. Theoretical basis for the thermodynamic feasibility of smelting separation process was provided aiming at the thermodynamic problems in the process by analyzing and calculating through thermodynamic diagram, isothermal equation, and the calculation model of activity for slag system of CaO–SiO2–FeO–CaF2–TiO2–La2O3–Nb2O5. The results show that the separation of iron and Nb in arc furnace by smelting separation is feasible. In smelting separation process the valence state of Nb in slag is mainly pentavalent and the activity coefficient of Nb2O5 is 0.4×10-5~5.8×10-5. The distribution ratio of Nb between slag and molten iron decreases with increasing temperature or [%C], whereas increases with increasing basicity (CaO/SiO2). The temperature should be controlled under 1450°C, the basicity (CaO/SiO2) should be elevated appropriately, and [%C] should be controlled under 3.6% at the final stage of smelting separation process.
Limited evidence shows a possible causal relationship between secondhand smoke and caries in children.

A critical summary of Hanioka T, Ojima M, Tanaka K, Yamamoto M. Does secondhand smoke affect the development of dental caries in children? A systematic review (published online May 12, 2011). J Environ Res Public Health 2011;8(5):1503-1519. doi:10.3390/ijerph8051503.
Control of LMP7 expression in human endothelial cells by cytokines regulating cellular and humoral immunity.

Formation of antigenic peptides by the multicatalytic proteinase complex (MPC, proteasome) is facilitated by incorporation of three subunits (LMP2, LMP7 and LMP10) that are inducible by IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha. These cytokines, or their functional homologues (e.g. TNF-beta), are released from many cells including Th(1)lymphocytes. To learn more about the relationship between control of cellular immunity and expression of LMP subunits, we measured LMP7 levels in human umbilical vein endothelial cells of cytokines promoting cellular immunity (IL-12, IFN-gamma, TNF-alpha) or humoral immunity (IL-10, IL-6). Little or no effect was seen when cells were exposed to IL-6, IL-10 or IL-12 alone. IFN-gamma upregulated LMP7 levels, as did TNF-alpha to a lesser extent. IL-10 downregulated IFN-gamma-induced increases in LMP7 levels, as did IL-12. The findings indicate that regulation of levels of LMP7 is similar to and may be coupled with that of other molecules required for MHC class I-dependent immunity, and depends primarily on cytokines released by Th(1)helper lymphocytes.
Pupillometric indices of temporal order representation in semantic memory

Summary. The present study used the technique of pupillometry to study whether pupillary changes are sensitive to variations in the processing of temporal order information in semantic memory. By employing two recognition tasks the temporal orientation (chronological vs. reverse) between pre-information and target was manipulated. The first experiment examined frequently occurring sequences of everyday events (e.g., cut - bleed - bandage) with the same strength of temporal relatedness for preceding and succeeding events. The second experiment investigated event-feature pairs (e.g., melt, solid - fluid) with temporal connectives (before, after). In addition to the psychological indicators reaction times and error rates two further psychophysiological indicators - maximum pupil diameters and dilatation times - were raised to validate the behavioral data. The results show that time’s arrow is not restricted to sequences of events, but also embedded in the mental representation of individual events. In both e...
Moderate hyperbilirubinemia improves renal hemodynamics in ANG II-dependent hypertension

We have previously demonstrated that moderate hyperbilirubinemia decreases blood pressure in ANG II-dependent hypertension through mechanisms that decrease oxidative stress and increase nitric oxid...
Impulse conduction in the shrimp medullated giant fiber with special reference to the structure of functionally excitable areas

The external potential field along the functionally isolated medullated giant fiber of the shrimp (Penaeus setiferus) was recorded during impulse conduction using 1 M NaCl-filled glass capillary electrodes. The giant fiber displays no nodes of Ranvier, yet shows a conduction velocity greater than 90m/second at 20°C. Recordings from most parts of the myelin-covered giant fiber surface showed only small monophasic positive potentials. However, at the areas of giant fiber-motor giant fiber synapses and where giant fiber axons branch into abdominal ganglia, a small positivity was followed by a negativity (sink of the action current). The local application of action potential depressants to these areas abolished the negativity and converted it into positivity, and consequently impulse conduction was blocked. Application of the action potential depressants to other areas of the giant fiber did not block impulse conduction. The sink of the action current was not found from the axolemma in the myelin cylinder; this part of the axolemma together with the low resistance gap fluid simply serves as a passive current conductor. Light and electron microscopic studies of the two functionally excitable areas revealed the absence of a myelin sheath in some small areas of both regions. Thus, impulse conduction appears to be saltatory, and these excitable areas function as nodes of Ranvier.
Electronic transport in nanowires: from injection-limited to space-charge-limited behavior

Nanostructures such as carbon nanotubes, nanowires and graphene nanoribbons are being intensively explored for future nanoelectronic and nanophotonic applications. In order for these nanosystems to progress from the research laboratory to technology, it is critical to precisely understand and control charge injection at the contacts and subsequent charge transport. In this paper, we discuss recent experimental and theoretical results on electrical contacts to Ge nanowires and electronic transport in GaN and InAs nanowires. It is shown that both the properties of the nanocontacts and the charge transport differ significantly from those of bulk systems.
Atomic commitment in database systems over active networks

Traditional communication networks have functioned only to deliver information packets from one end system to another. As the cost of computing power continues to decrease, it is worthwhile to consider the benefits of adding more of that computing power to the network itself, either to enhance services or to trade off against other costs such as time, bandwidth and storage. This new area of research is called Active Networking. Active networking represents a new approach in which network switches or nodes perform customized computing as the messages flowing through them. This paper proposes a novel approach to atomic commitment of transactions in distributed database systems. In our approach, active nodes participate in the process of atomic commitment of distributed transactions by maintaining passive "blackboards" which record voting status of participant subtransactions. One active node is delegated the coordinator function so that when rendezvous is there, commit decisions can be made. Since the decision is made from an internal network node (selected to be close to the participant nodes), the uncertainty time delay can be significantly reduced. This is especially critical in wide area networks. Other active nodes can be used to suppress duplicated votes sent in the upstream direction. Additionally, once a negative vote is received at any active node, children participants can be notified of the abort decision immediately and therefore much earlier than would otherwise be possible. This approach is shown to yield performance improvements over traditional methods, in terms of delay and network message traffic.
The transition to turbulence in parallel flows: a personal view

Abstract This is a discussion of the present understanding of transition to turbulence in parallel flows, based upon the idea that it arises from a subcritical instability. The result is a coupled set of equations, one amplitude equation in the direction of translational invariance of the geometry coupled with the standard Reynolds equation for the average transfer of momentum. It helps to understand a basic feature of the transition in parallel flows, namely that turbulence manifests itself in localised domains growing at a constant speed depending on the Reynolds number.
Nitrite-assisted peptide iodination and conjugation.

In this study, a simple method for selective iodination of peptides and proteins is established. Using angiotensin II as the model system, we demonstrate that nitrite catalyzed the selective iodination of the peptide at the N-terminus in an acidic solution. The N-terminal-iodinated peptides alkylated thiol-containing molecules such as N-acetylcysteine and glutathione to form peptide conjugates in a basic solution. Reactive species formed by increasing the pH of the reaction mixture of sodium nitrite and sodium iodide from 4 to 8 selectively iodinated peptides and proteins at tyrosine and histidine residues. These results show that nitrite is a useful catalyst for peptide and protein ligation. Copyright © 2006 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Total number of individuals affected by a single deleterious mutation in large populations.

Abstract A deleterious mutation that reduces the fitness of its carriers is eventually eliminated from the population, if the population size is large. From the medical point of view, it is important to know the total number of individuals affected by a single deleterious mutation before it is eliminated from the population. In the present paper, formulas for the mean and standard deviation of this number are worked out, using the theory of branching processes. The effect of population size on the number of mutant heterozygotes is also studied by diffusion approximations.
Structural and operational characteristics of piezo-transistors and allied devices

Abstract The results of a broad investigation are reported of device aspects of the ASE (anisotropic stress effect in p:n junctions) ranging from some basic studies to its exploitation in micro-miniature integrated transducers. Newly found manifestations of the ASE include changes in the negative resistance regions of four-layer diodes and avalanche transistors, and large reductions of input and output impedances with relatively little change in gm in a field effect transistor when stress is applied to the gate junction. Relaxation effects with time constants of the order of minutes have been observed with the application of large stresses (≳ 1011 dyn cm−2). The existence of the ASE has been demonstrated up to stress frequencies of the order of 1·5 Mc. The fabrication of small basic piezo-transistor elements and their incorporation in phonograph pickups, pressure transducers, and accelerometers is described. The evaluation of the latter devices yielded a figure of merit (sensitivity × bandwidth/weight) of 140,000 which exceeds by about three orders of magnitude that of piezoresistive semiconductor strain gage accelerometers. Noise levels were equivalent to signals of the order of 0·05 G. High temperature sensitivity of piezo-transistors and some hysteresis phenomena constitute some of the problem areas in the further development of these devices. Efforts to develop integrated piezo-junction transducers with digital output are described. The best result so far was a sensitivity of the order of 30 c/dyn−1 at about 100 kc of microcircuit oscillators incorporating a piezo-transistor.
Latency and reactivation of a thymidine kinase-negative bovine herpesvirus 1 deletion mutant

A bovine herpesvirus 1 (BHV 1) mutant variant with a deletion in the thymidine kinase (TK) gene was assessed for its ability to establish latency and be reactivated in cattle. After treatment with dexamethasone, reactivated TK- BHV 1 was isolated from one of four cattle that received virus by intravenous inoculation only, and from four of four cattle that received virus by intranasal, intravaginal, and intravenous inoculation. Results prove that TK- BHV 1 will establish latency and can be reactivated in the natural host.
Follicular exclusion of autoreactive B cells requires FcγRIIb

In non-autoimmune mice, the 3H9 transgenic Ig heavy chain can pair with endogenous Iglambda1 light chains to generate B cells with specificity for DNA. These autoreactive cells are actively regulated in vivo, as indicated by the exclusion of lambda1 cells from the splenic B cell follicle and the absence of auto-antibody production. To study the role of Fcgamma receptor IIb (FcgammaRIIb) in peripheral B cell tolerance, FcgammaRIIb(-/-) mice were crossed with C57BL/6 mice bearing a site-directed knock-in of the 3H9 transgene. 3H9FcgammaRIIb(-/-) mice become autoreactive, lose the follicular exclusion of anti-DNA B cells and instead have lambda1 B cells located within splenic germinal centers. They have increased frequencies of splenic auto-antibody-producing cells and elevated titers of IgG anti-DNA auto-antibody. The data implicate an FcgammaRIIb-dependent checkpoint that can exclude autoreactive B cells from splenic follicles. By restricting their participation in germinal center reactions, this putative checkpoint helps attenuate the production of potentially pathogenic auto-antibodies. The data further suggest that this FcgammaRIIb-dependent regulation is B cell autonomous.
Use of antidepressants during pregnancy and lactation

The prevalence of depression among pregnant women has been estimated to be 7 to 19 percent. Untreated depression has been associated with poor outcomes for both the mother and neonate. Antidepressant use during pregnancy has been associated with similar outcomes. This review will evaluate the risks and benefits of antidepressant use during pregnancy and lactation.
Experiments in Consensus-based Distributed Cooperative Control of Multiple Mobile Robots

Distributed cooperative control strategies account for communication range and bandwidth limitations. While various distributed cooperative control strategies have been studied in theory, few of them have been systematically validated on experimental platforms. This paper demonstrates experimental results of consensus-based distributed cooperative control strategies on a multiple wheeled mobile robot platform. We first introduce our distributed cooperative control experimental platform including both hardware and software architectures. We then experimentally implement and validate a consensus-based distributed attitude alignment algorithm with multiple robots. We finally experimentally implement and validate a consensus-based distributed formation control algorithm in the cases of switching group leaders and robot elimination. The experimental results show the effectiveness of our platform and the consensus-based distributed cooperative control strategies.
Imagining Anthropology's History

In 1968, when so much happened that began to reshape the academic world, Kathleen Gough published her article on anthropology as the child and handmaiden of colonialism (1968a, 1968b). It was the b...
Using the superposition method to formulate the state variable matrix for linear networks

This paper proposes a systematic method for writing the state variable matrix for nondegenerate linear electrical networks by using the superposition principle and also extends the procedure to cover degenerate networks. To use the proposed method, all inductances and capacitances in a network are replaced by ideal independent sources; the state variable equations are then written, often by inspection with nondegenerate networks, utilizing the superposition principle in conjunction with the resulting simplified electrical network.
Refractory lympho-epithelial carcinoma of the nasopharynx: a case report illustrating a protracted clinical course

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma is an uncommon cancer in North America. Its clinical course is typified by locally advanced disease at diagnosis and has a high propensity for both regional and distant spread. It is, therefore, typically treated with a combination of radiation and chemotherapy. This report describes our 10-year clinical and radiological findings in a 48-year-old Vietnamese male patient with locally-advanced T4N1M0 lympho-epithelial carcinoma of the nasopharynx. Despite a long remission period after his initial course of aggressive chemoradiation, his tumor recurred locally after 4 years. Thereafter, throughout a period of over 10 years, he has been treated with multiple courses of re-irradiation and three different trials of chemotherapy. He was ultimately provided with over 30 months of progression-free tumor control with the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-inhibitor cetuximab. This case illustrates the commonly protracted course of this disease and its responsiveness to multiple treatment modalities.
Boceprevir for Untreated Chronic HCV Genotype 1 Infection

Background Peginterferon–ribavirin therapy is the current standard of care for chronic infection with hepatitis C virus (HCV). The rate of sustained virologic response has been below 50% in cases of HCV genotype 1 infection. Boceprevir, a potent oral HCV-protease inhibitor, has been evaluated as an additional treatment in phase 1 and phase 2 studies. Methods We conducted a double-blind study in which previously untreated adults with HCV genotype 1 infection were randomly assigned to one of three groups. In all three groups, peginterferon alfa-2b and ribavirin were administered for 4 weeks (the leadin period). Subsequently, group 1 (the control group) received placebo plus peginterferon–ribavirin for 44 weeks; group 2 received boceprevir plus peginterferon– ribavirin for 24 weeks, and those with a detectable HCV RNA level between weeks 8 and 24 received placebo plus peginterferon–ribavirin for an additional 20 weeks; and group 3 received boceprevir plus peginterferon–ribavirin for 44 weeks. Nonblack patients and black patients were enrolled and analyzed separately. Results A total of 938 nonblack and 159 black patients were treated. In the nonblack cohort, a sustained virologic response was achieved in 125 of the 311 patients (40%) in group 1, in 211 of the 316 patients (67%) in group 2 (P<0.001), and in 213 of the 311 patients (68%) in group 3 (P<0.001). In the black cohort, a sustained virologic response was achieved in 12 of the 52 patients (23%) in group 1, in 22 of the 52 patients (42%) in group 2 (P = 0.04), and in 29 of the 55 patients (53%) in group 3 (P = 0.004). In group 2, a total of 44% of patients received peginterferon–ribavirin for 28 weeks. Anemia led to dose reductions in 13% of controls and 21% of boceprevir recipients, with discontinuations in 1% and 2%, respectively. Conclusions The addition of boceprevir to standard therapy with peginterferon–ribavirin, as com pared with standard therapy alone, significantly increased the rates of sustained virologic response in previously untreated adults with chronic HCV genotype 1 infection. The rates were similar with 24 weeks and 44 weeks of boceprevir. (Funded by Schering-Plough [now Merck]; SPRINT-2 ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00705432.)
Gumbel–Hougaard Copula for Trivariate Rainfall Frequency Analysis

Joint distributions of rainfall intensity, duration, and depth or those of rainfall intensity and duration, rainfall depth and duration, and rainfall intensity and depth are important in hydrologic design and floodplain management. Considering the dependence among rainfall intensity, depth, and duration, multivariate rainfall frequency distributions have been derived using one of three fundamental assumptions. Either the rainfall intensity, duration, and depth have been assumed independent, or they each have the same type of marginal probability distribution or they have been assumed to have the normal distribution or have been transformed to have the normal distribution. In reality, however, rainfall intensity, duration, and depth are dependent, do not follow, in general, the normal distribution, and do not have the same type of marginal distributions. This study aims at deriving trivariate rainfall frequency distributions using the Gumbel–Hougaard copula which does not assume the rainfall variables to b...
Place: A Distributed Spatio-Temporal Data Stream Management System for Moving Objects

In this paper, we introduce PLACE*, a distributed spatio-temporal data stream management system for moving objects. PLACE* supports continuous spatio-temporal queries that hop among a network of regional servers. To minimize the execution cost, a new Query-Track- Participate (QTP) query processing model is proposed inside PLACE*. In the QTP model, a query is continuously answered by a querying server, a tracking server, and a set of participating servers. In this paper, we focus on query plan generation, execution and update algorithms for continuous range queries in PLACE* using QTP. An extensive experimental study demonstrates the effectiveness of the proposed algorithms in PLACE*.
Domain analysis of symbionts and hosts (DASH) in a genome-wide survey of pathogenic human viruses

In the coevolution of viruses and their hosts, viruses often capture host genes, gaining advantageous functions (e.g. immune system control). Identifying functional similarities shared by viruses and their hosts can help decipher mechanisms of pathogenesis and accelerate virus-targeted drug and vaccine development. Cellular homologs in viruses are usually documented using pairwise-sequence comparison methods. Yet, pairwise-sequence searches have limited sensitivity resulting in poor identification of divergent homologies. Methods based on profiles from multiple sequences provide a more sensitive alternative to identify similarities in host-pathogen systems. The present work describes a profile-based bioinformatics pipeline that we call the Domain Analysis of Symbionts and Hosts (DASH). DASH provides a web platform for the functional analysis of viral and host genomes. This study uses Human Herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8) as a model to validate the methodology. Our results indicate that HHV-8 shares at least 29% of its genes with humans (fourteen immunomodulatory and ten metabolic genes). DASH also suggests functions for fifty-one additional HHV-8 structural and metabolic proteins. We also perform two other comparative genomics studies of human viruses: (1) a broad survey of eleven viruses of disparate sizes and transcription strategies; and (2) a closer examination of forty-one viruses of the order Mononegavirales. In the survey, DASH detects human homologs in 4/5 DNA viruses. None of the non-retro-transcribing RNA viruses in the survey showed evidence of homology to humans. The order Mononegavirales are also non-retro-transcribing RNA viruses, however, and DASH found homology in 39/41 of them. Mononegaviruses display larger fractions of human similarities (up to 75%) than any of the other RNA or DNA viruses (up to 55% and 29% respectively). We conclude that gene sharing probably occurs between humans and both DNA and RNA viruses, in viral genomes of differing sizes, regardless of transcription strategies. Our method (DASH) simultaneously analyzes the genomes of two interacting species thereby mining functional information to identify shared as well as exclusive domains to each organism. Our results validate our approach, showing that DASH has potential as a pipeline for making therapeutic discoveries in other host-symbiont systems. DASH results are available at http://tinyurl.com/spouge-dash .
Ab initio investigation of high multiplicity + + optical transitions in the spectra of CN and isoelectronic species

Based on high-level ab initio calculations, we predict the existence of a strong 4 + 4 + optical transition (dav=1.6 D) near 328 nm (T00 = 30460 cm 1 ), analogous to the B 2 + X 2 + violet system, (dav=1.7 D) in the near-ultraviolet spectrum of CN. The lower state of the predicted transition is the lowest-lying state of quartet multiplicity and has been observed previously through its perturbations of the B state. The predicted transition will enable determination of the equilibrium properties of the metastable lowest quartet state of CN. The lowest energy metastable sextet state of CN is also calculated to be quasibound (re=1.76 A, !e = 365 cm 1 ) , and a 6 + 6 + transition, analogous to those for the doublet and quartet multiplicities, is predicted (dav=2.2 D). Investigation of the isoelectronic BO, C 2 , and N + molecules reveals that dierences
Usability Practice: The Appealing Way to HCI

The importance of human-computer interaction (HCI) education for software professionals should be evident and well understood, when designing Computer Science (CS) programs, at all levels. Unfortunately there is a lack of HCI courses in Chilean CS programs. It is difficult and usually highly bureaucratic to change curricula. It is only a matter of good will to make small changes in the courses' approach and emphasis. An appealing way to introduce HCI at all computer science curricula levels is by systematically including usability practices, especially usability evaluations.
ATR1, a Saccharomyces cerevisiae gene encoding a transmembrane protein required for aminotriazole resistance.

Abstract In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, 3-amino-1,2,4-triazole (aminotriazole) competitively inhibits the activity of imidazoleglycerolphosphate dehydratase, the product of the HIS3 gene. Wild-type strains are able to grow in the presence of 10 mM aminotriazole because they induce the level of imidazoleglycerolphosphate dehydratase. However, strains containing gcn4 mutations are unable to grow in medium containing aminotriazole because they lack the GCN4 transcriptional activator protein necessary for the coordinate induction of HIS3 and other amino acid biosynthetic genes. Here, we isolated a new gene, designated ATR1, which when present in multiple copies per cell allowed gcn4 mutant strains to grow in the presence of aminotriazole. In wild-type strains, multiple copies of ATR1 permitted growth at extremely high concentrations of aminotriazole (80 mM), whereas a chromosomal deletion of ATR1 caused growth inhibition at very low concentrations (5 mM). When radioactive aminotriazole was added exogenously, cells with multiple copies of ATR1 accumulated less aminotriazole than wild-type cells, whereas cells with the atr1 deletion mutation retained more aminotriazole. Unlike the mammalian mdr or yeast PDR genes that confer resistance to many drugs, ATR1 appears to confer resistance only to aminotriazole. Genetic analysis, mRNA mapping, and DNA sequencing revealed that (i) the primary translation product of ATR1 contains 547 amino acids, (ii) ATR1 transcription is induced by aminotriazole, and (iii) the ATR1 promoter region contains a binding site for the GCN4 activator protein. The deduced amino acid sequence suggests that ATR1 protein is very hydrophobic with many membrane-spanning regions, has several potential glycosylation sites, and may contain an ATP-binding site. We suggest that ATR1 encodes a membrane-associated component of the machinery responsible for pumping aminotriazole (and possibly other toxic compounds) out of the cell.
Validation of the IMPACT-III quality of life questionnaire in Swiss children with inflammatory bowel disease

Abstract Background and aims Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) frequently manifests during childhood and adolescence. For providing and understanding a comprehensive picture of a patients' health status, health-related quality of life (HRQoL) instruments are an essential complement to clinical symptoms and functional limitations. Currently, the IMPACT-III questionnaire is one of the most frequently used disease-specific HRQoL instrument among patients with IBD. However, there is a lack of studies examining the validation and reliability of this instrument. Methods 146 paediatric IBD patients from the multicenter Swiss IBD paediatric cohort study database were included in the study. Medical and laboratory data were extracted from the hospital records. HRQoL data were assessed by means of standardized questionnaires filled out by the patients in a face-to-face interview. Results The original six IMPACT-III domain scales could not be replicated in the current sample. A principal component analysis with the extraction of four factor scores revealed the most robust solution. The four factors indicated good internal reliability (Cronbach's alpha = .64–.86), good concurrent validity measured by correlations with the generic KIDSCREEN-27 scales and excellent discriminant validity for the dimension of physical functioning measured by HRQoL differences for active and inactive severity groups ( p d = 1.04). Conclusions This study with Swiss children with IBD indicates good validity and reliability for the IMPACT-III questionnaire. However, our findings suggest a slightly different factor structure than originally proposed. The IMPACT-III questionnaire can be recommended for its use in clinical practice. The factor structure should be further examined in other samples.
Psychogenic symptoms are not only for the epileptologist All physicians be aware

Psychogenic symptoms are pervasive in medicine and are likely underdiagnosed and underreported for 2 reasons: (1) their psychological origin, while often suspected, is usually difficult, and sometimes impossible, to prove; (2) it is safer, at least initially, for both the patient and the doctor to err on the side of organic illness.
Hopfield’s Artificial Neural Networks In Multiobjective Optimization Problems of Resource Allocations Control

Some robots cooperating each other to perform connected operations can be considered as a system. This system should be controlled to take advantages of different robots assigning to several operations. Indeed, a control of robot-operation allocations as a sequence of many static optimization task of resource allocations with different input parameters can be formulated. If some robot control problems are transformed to this resource allocation problem, then it is possible to use the proposed below methods. In this paper, analog Hopfield’s artificial neural networks are used by genetic algorithms for solving NP-hard binary multiobjective optimization problems, which can be considered in modeling of resource allocations control. This problem can be solved for improving the efficiency of a few connected robots dining their activities. Moreover, another neural approach for dynamic optimal control is elaborated. Finally, an example of two-layer feed-forward network in the adaptive control system of the underwater vehicle motion is submitted.
Vasopressin and autonomic mechanisms mediate cardiovascular actions of central serotonin

Intracerebroventricular administration of serotonin (5-HT) to conscious rats increases mean arterial pressure (MAP) and decreases heart rate. To determine the mechanisms involved, 5-HT (2.5 micrograms) was injected intracerebroventricularly into conscious rats pretreated with various neurotransmitter and hormone antagonists. The selective 5-HT2 antagonist LY 53857 abolished the increase in MAP and the bradycardia elicited by 5-HT. The increase in MAP produced by 5-HT was potentiated by chlorisondamine (a ganglionic antagonist), unaffected by prazosin (an alpha 1-antagonist) or a vasopressin V1 antagonist alone, but eliminated by the combined pretreatment with prazosin plus the vasopressin antagonist. In contrast, the bradycardia was eliminated by either the vasopressin V1 antagonist or chlorisondamine. In conclusion, 5-HT injected into the lateral cerebral ventricle of conscious rats induces sympathoexcitation and the release of vasopressin, which results in an increase in MAP; 5-HT also elicits a bradycardia mediated through an interaction of the autonomic nervous system with circulating vasopressin.
Sarcomas induced in rodents by imbedding various plastic films.

Summary1. Sarcomas have been produced in rats by imbedding subcutaneously various plastic films, namely cellophane, an alcohol-extracted cellophane, a commercial polyethylene, a very pure polyethylene and vinyl chloride film. 2. Sarcomas have been produced in mice, but in a lesser percentage of cases, by imbedding cellophane and pure polyethylene film. 3. Apparently impurities and additives in the films do not account for the production of these malignant tumors. 4. So far every plastic film tested has produced sarcomas in a certain percentage of instances. 5. Other foreign bodies, such as linters, surgical cotton and glass cover-slips similarly imbedded in the anterior wall of rats have not produced malignant tumors. 6. No adequate explanation of the mechanism of this carcinogenic effect of imbedded plastic films has been found. 7. The experiments have been limited to rats and mice.