cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Sonic hedgehog is an autocrine viability factor for myofibroblastic hepatic stellate cells

Background/Aims Factors released during liver injury, such as platelet derived growth factor-BB (PDGF), promote accumulation of myofibroblastic hepatic stellate cells (MFB) that drive the pathogenesis of cirrhosis. The hedgehog (Hh) pathway regulates remodeling of other injured tissues. This study evaluates the hypothesis that autocrine production of Sonic hedgehog (Shh) promotes MFB growth. Methods Primary rat hepatic stellate cells (HSC) were treated without or with PDGF, a pharmacologic inhibitor of PDGF-regulated kinases, adenovirus expressing activated or dominant negative AKT, or Hh signaling inhibitors. Shh production, expression of Hh inhibitors and target genes, and HSC growth were assessed. Results HSC expressed Shh, Hh pathway components, and the Hh inhibitor, Hip. During culture Hip expression fell, Shh production increased, and Hh target gene expression was induced. Neutralizing Shh antibodies promoted apoptosis. Adding PDGF increased Shh expression and MFB growth. Both processes followed activation of AKT and were abrogated by AKT inhibitors. Adenoviral delivery of activated AKT up-regulated Shh expression, demonstrating a direct role for AKT in regulating Shh expression. Shh-neutralizing antibodies and other Hh pathway inhibitors blocked the mitogenic effects of PDGF. Conclusions These results identify Shh as an autocrine growth factor for MFB and suggest a role for Hh signaling in the pathogenesis of cirrhosis.
Uniqueness of Plane Wave Integral Representation for Idealized Fields in Reverberation Chambers

A plane wave integral representation for fields in reverberation chambers has been found useful for the idealized case of well-stirred fields. The representation satisfies Maxwell's equations, and the statistical properties of the fields are obtained by letting the angular spectrum be a random variable with appropriate statistical properties. This representation yields the expected idealized ensemble (stirring) averages, in particular, spatial uniformity and isotropy. The purpose of this letter is to show that this representation is unique in that no other field representation will yield these desired ensemble averages.
In vitro anti-HIV-1 activity in cervicovaginal secretions from pregnant and nonpregnant women

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether cervicovaginal secretions inhibit HIV-1 infectivity in an in vitro model, and estimate concentration of immune mediators. STUDY DESIGN: We enrolled midtrimester pregnant and regularly menstruating (nonpregnant) women. Cervicovaginal lavage was collected at 2 visits and incubated with HIV-1 and TZM-bl cells. Infectivity was compared with positive controls. Concentrations of immune mediators were compared between groups. RESULTS: At enrollment, cervicovaginal lavage inhibited IIIB virus 88.2% and 82.4%, and BaL virus 72.8% and 77.9%, among pregnant (n13)andnonpregnantwomen(n9),respectively.Atsecondvisit, cervicovaginal lavage inhibited IIIB 89.7% and 82.5%, and BaL 77.4% and69.9%amongpregnant(n15)andnonpregnantwomen(n8), respectively(allP.04).Adjustingforbodymassindex,race,andprotein content of cervicovaginal lavage, antimicrobials were suppressed but cytokines and chemokines were not markedly different in pregnancy. CONCLUSION: Cervicovaginal secretions significantly suppress HIV-1 infectivity in this model. Concentrations of certain immune mediators are altered in pregnancy.
Ensemble Effects in the Oxygen/Chlorine/Pd(100) System

Chlorohydrocarbons chemisorb dissociatively on Pd surfaces at ≥200 K and ≥10 -8 Torr, as shown by high-resolution electron energy loss spectroscopy (HREELS) and C 1s, Cl 2p, and Pd 3d surface core level shifts (SCLS). From CH 2 Cl 2 -generated overlayers on Pd(100), hydrogen is removed thermally and carbon is removed by oxidation as CO and CO 2 , leaving voids between the chlorine (Cl) ensembles that are accessible to other adsorbates. The resulting Cl overlayers are partially ordered depending on initial conditions. The concomitant low-energy electron diffraction (LEED) patterns show that the Cl ensembles are stable to high-temperature reaction cycles. The order-disorder phenomena observed in the temperature range 300-900 K include the generation of domains consisting of Cl only that surround reactive sites of the metal. With CH 2 Cl 2 /Pd(100), these domains are formed by lateral packing of 16 Pd/CCl 2 units that restrict the supply of O (a) for oxidation of C. Selectivity is switched from CO 2 to CO with increasing Cl concentration. Lateral interactions are of two types: mobile O-immobile Cl and mobile O-mobile O. This is reflected in a lowering of the O 2 temperature programmed desorption(TPD) maxima with increasing Cl concentration. A statistical-mechanical model is presented for the effects of Cl (a) with phase-equilibration between a dense and a rare phase of O (a) .
Chronic recurrent autoimmune uveitis with progressive photoreceptor damage induced in rats by transfer of IRBP-specific T cells

Recurrent uveitis is a common cause of vision blindness. Using a rat model of chronic recurrent uveitis, we examined the relationship between clinical expression, pathological changes, and the heterogeneity of the disease. Chronic recurrent uveitis was induced by adoptive transfer of interphotoreceptor retinoid-binding protein (IRBP)-specific T cells in a total of more than 60 Lewis rats. In about 75% of cases recurrent uveitis was pathologically a chronic and progressive disease. The major pathological changes included the gradual loss of photoreceptor cells. However, disease progression did not always parallel the severity of ocular inflammation and clinical recurrent disease, with about a quarter showing no pathological damage in the eye.
Identification of tryptophan and tyrosine residues in peptides separated by capillary electrophoresis by their second-derivative spectra using diode-array detection

The use of diode-array detection allows the non-destructive identification of tryptophan and tyrosine residues in complex peptide mixtures separated by capillary electrophoresis. Second-order derivative spectra of both amino acids show significant differences while zero-order spectra are overlapping to a great extent. A mixture of peptides containing tryptophan and/or tyrosine residues was used to evaluate this method. Tryptic peptide maps of carbonic anhydrase and of the bacterial chaperonin protein GroEL, and of an autodigest of trypsin were characterized for tryptophan- and tyrosine-containing peptides. Automated spectra library search was performed successfully.
THE ROLE OF THE HYPOTHALAMUS IN THE CONTROL OF THYROID FUNCTION

FOR many years it has been suspected that the nervous system exerts a controlling influence on thyroid function. It has been difficult, however, to obtain unequivocal evidence of this influence. Denervation or transplantation of the thyroid gland does not seem to interfere significantly with its function; it has therefore been assumed that there is no direct secretomotor innervation. Since hypophysectomy will reduce thyroid function to a minimum and, conversely, the administration of pituitary extracts will increase thyroid activity, any neural control of the thyroid gland would in all probability be mediated through the pituitary gland. Several investigations have been made in the past of a possible hypothalamic influence on thyroid metabolism, but the criteria used were generally so inadequate that definite conclusions were not possible. These earlier investigations have been reviewed by Harris (1) and Ingram (2), hence an extensive discussion will not be undertaken here. A few experiments may be briefl...
Status of Ablation in Patients with Atrial Tachycardia and Flutter

RF catheter ablation directed at the atrial substrate is a safe and effective means of treating patients with drug refractory atrial tachycardias and atrial flutter, avoiding the need for His-bundle ablation and permanent pacing. While further follow-up will be needed to evaluate the incidence of later recurrence or emergence of new arrhythmias, this is a promising technique for a growing cohort of patients.
Translational and Rotational Maneuvers of an Underactuated Space Robot using Prismatic Actuators

We study the simultaneous control of three dimensional translation and rotation of an underactuated multibody space robot using sliding masses that are configured as ideal prismatic actuators. A crucial assumption is that the total linear and angular momenta of the space robot are zero. The prismatic actuators may be intentional actuation devices or they may be dual-use devices such as retractable booms, tethers, or antennas that can also serve as space robot actuation devices. The paper focuses on the underactuation case, i.e., the space robot has three independent prismatic actuators, which are used to control the six base body degrees of freedom. Controllability results are developed, revealing controllability properties for the base body translation, base body attitude, and actuator displacement. Based on the controllability results, an algorithm for rest-to-rest base body maneuvers is constructed using a Lie bracket expansion. An example of a three dimensional space robot maneuver is presented. The r...
Finite time blow-up and stability properties of materials with fading memory

A detailed analysis of the equations of nonlinear elasticity is carried out for a certain class of initial-boundary value problems. In particular, I examine whether the presence in the differential equation of a mechanical mechanism of dissipation is able to prevent instabilities and ensure global existence in time of the solutions.
FPGA-based gating and logic for multichannel single photon counting

We present results characterizing multichannel InGaAs single photon detectors utilizing gated passive quenching circuits (GPQC), self-differencing techniques, and field programmable gate array (FPGA)-based logic for both diode gating and coincidence counting. Utilizing FPGAs for the diode gating frontend and the logic counting backend has the advantage of low cost compared to custom built logic circuits and current off-the-shelf detector technology. Further, FPGA logic counters have been shown to work well in quantum key distribution (QKD) test beds. Our setup combines multiple independent detector channels in a reconfigurable manner via an FPGA backend and post processing in order to perform coincidence measurements between any two or more detector channels simultaneously. Using this method, states from a multi-photon polarization entangled source are detected and characterized via coincidence counting on the FPGA. Photons detection events are also processed by the quantum information toolkit for applica...
Related entity finding by unified probabilistic models

Both the WWW research community and industry have shown increasing interests in not just finding relevant documents, but specific objects or entities to satisfy more sophisticated user information needs. TREC launched an Entity Track in 2009 to investigate the task of related entity finding. This paper proposes two novel probabilistic models to integrate several components into a unified modeling process. In particular, the type matching component can characterize the degree of matching between the expected entity type that is inferred from query and the candidate entity type that is inferred from entity profile. Another important component can incorporate prior knowledge about entities into the retrieval process. The main difference of the two models is that the second model explicitly considers the effect of source entity while the first one does not. A comprehensive set of experiments were conducted on the TREC Entity Track testbeds from 2009 to 2011 with careful design to show the contributions of individual components. The results demonstrate that both the type matching component and the entity prior modeling component can effectively boost the entity retrieval performance. Furthermore, the second model performs better than the first one in all the settings, indicating the benefits of explicitly modeling source entity in related entity finding. Both models generate better or competitive results than the state-of-the-art results in the TREC REF tasks. In addition, the proposed unified probabilistic approach is applied to the TREC Entity List Completion task and also demonstrates good performance.
Release of 5-hydroxytryptamine and histamine from neoplastic mast cells by alkaline tissue extracts

Alkalische Extrakte diverser Rattengewebe setzen 5-Hydroxytryptamin (Serotonin) und Histamin aus Suspensionen neoplastischer Mastzellen der Maus frei. Gehirnund Nierenextrakte zeigen die grosste Aktivitat. Zugabe von Glukose in die Nahrlosung verhindert das Freiwerden der Amine. Eine vorlaufige Charakterisierung des aktiven Materials ist unternommen worden.
Bayesian image reconstruction from Fourier-domain samples using prior edge information

We propose the Bayesian image reconstruction with prior edges (BIRPE) algorithm for reconstructing an image from Fourier-domain samples with prior edge information from a higher resolution image. A major difference between BIRPE and previous methods is that all edges are detected automatically, and no segmentation of the prior image is required. Also, an edge found in the prior image does not need to be confirmed by the observations; smoothing is reduced across the edge if either the prior image or the observations suggest an edge. Simulations and results on magnetic resonance spectroscopic data are presented that demonstrate the effectiveness of the BIRPE method.
Trust versus control: the impact of school leadership on teacher reflection

As teacher educators have worked to encourage teachers to become more reflective, they have noted the important role that school context plays in supporting or constraining reflection in action. This study describes one kindergarten teacher's experiences in two contrasting school contexts. The study documents the leadership styles, school organizational structures and resources, faculty‐administration communication processes, and curriculum decision‐making practices that promoted or hindered the teacher's ability to reflect. Data analysis revealed striking contrasts between the two schools. These differences had an impact on the curriculum provided by the teacher, her ability and willingness to accept responsibility for her professional decisions, and her self‐confidence and job satisfaction. The study concludes with suggestions for teacher educators interested in helping their graduates find and maintain contexts supportive of reflective practice.
Recognition of Flanking DNA Sequences by EcoRV Endonuclease Involves Alternative Patterns of Water-mediated Contacts

Abstract The 2.1-A cocrystal structure ofEcoRV endonuclease bound to 5′-CGGGATATCCC, in a crystal lattice isomorphous with the cocrystallized undecamer 5′-AAAGATATCTT previously determined, shows novel base recognition in the major groove of the DNA flanking the GATATC target site. Lys104 of the enzyme interacts through water molecules with the exocyclic N-4 amino groups of flanking cytosines. Steric exclusion of water molecule-binding sites by the 5-methyl group of thymine drives the adoption of alternative water-mediated contacts with ATversus GC flanks. This structure provides a rare example of structural adaptability in the recognition of different DNA sequences by a protein and suggests preferred strategies for the expansion of target site specificity by EcoRV.
Angiotensin‐Converting Enzyme Inhibitors and Angiotensin Receptor Blockers in Congestive Heart Failure: Do They Differ in Their Renal Effects in Man?

Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors are used in the management of a wide range of cardiovascular conditions, including congestive heart failure (CHF). Although the experimental evidence in support of their use in CHF is incontrovertible, their pattern of usage has failed to keep pace with the research findings. One factor that has fueled the hesitancy to use ACE inhibitors in CHF has been the concern that renal function might worsen upon their receipt. Although the glomerular filtration rate may decline when ACE inhibitor or angiotension receptor blocker therapy is started in CHF, in most cases it is not a reason to discontinue therapy other than temporarily. Although ACE inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers may differ theoretically in their renal effects, published information to date has not shown such a difference. (c)2001 by CHF, Inc.
Basic fibroblast growth factor stimulates repair of wounded hepatocyte monolayer: modulatory role of protein kinase A and extracellular matrix.

Abstract The two important repair mechanisms after hepatocyte injury are proliferation and migration of the nearby healthy hepatocytes. Although previous studies have shown that basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) levels are markedly elevated after liver injury, the role of bFGF in the repair of the wounded hepatocytes is not well understood. The aim of this study was to delineate the role of bFGF in the repair of the wounded hepatocyte monolayers. Specifically, we examined the role of bFGF in cellular proliferation and migration of hepatocytes with an in vitro wound model. Standardized excisional wounds were created in clone 9 rat hepatocyte monolayers by a razor blade, and the extent of epithelial proliferation and migration was measured. After wound formation, bFGF (30 ng/mL) significantly stimulated proliferation of hepatocytes at the wound margin. bFGF also stimulated the migration of hepatocytes at the wound front. bFGF stimulation of hepatocyte migration correlated with increased formation of actin stress fibers and bFGF-receptor protein level. The bFGF stimulation of hepatocyte migration was abolished by various protein kinase A activating agents including 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine, 8-bromoadenosine-3′, 5′-cyclic monophosphate, forskolin, and cholera toxin. In addition, protein kinase A activating agents almost completely prevented bFGF-induced actin stress fiber formation in the cells at the wound front. Varying the basement membrane composition of the extracellular matrix had a selective enhancing effect on the basal rates of hepatocyte migration (collagen IV ≥ laminin > collagen I > fibronectin > control [plastic]). bFGF treatment resulted in a similar additive increase in hepatocyte migration across all coated surfaces studied. We conclude that bFGF promotes hepatocyte wound repair by stimulating both proliferation and migration of the hepatocyte at the margin of the wound. (J Lab Clin Med 1999;134:363-71)
Localized Meshless Modeling of Natural-Convective Viscous Flows

A localized radial-basis function (RBF) collocation meshless method is developed for natural-convection heat transfer problems in fully viscous fluid flows. The expansion method is based on the localized collocation of polynomial-augmented Hardy multiquadrics RBF, and it is efficiently formulated to generate derivative fields through simple inner products of small-order vectors. The solution of the Navier-Stokes equations is formulated using a third-order-accurate explicit fractional time-stepping method and a velocity-correction scheme. Several cases are studied and confirmed to attain accurate results when compared to classical benchmark solutions as well as numerical predictions provided by the commercial computational fluid dynamics code Fluent.
Sensory optimization of a mayonnaise-type spread made with rice bran oil and soy protein

The optimum formulation for mayonnaise-type spreads containing rice bran oil (RBO) and soy protein concentrate (SPC) was determined based on sensory acceptability. RBO and SPC were used due to their health benefit claims such as lowering risk of heart disease. The effects of the proportions of high-impact ingredients (RBO, SPC, and water) on sensory acceptability of the spreads were determined. The 10 spread formulations, prepared following a 3-component constrained simplex lattice mixture design, were subjected to a consumer acceptance test to identify sensory attributes driving consumer acceptance and purchase intent. Predictive regression models were used to plot mixture response surfaces of the critical sensory attributes (taste, mouthfeel, and overall liking) that influenced purchase intent. Areas within the contour plots of these critical sensory attributes, having acceptability scores > or = 68 ("moderately like" on the 100-mm bidirectional labeled affective magnitude scale) were chosen and superimposed to obtain a predicted optimum formulation range (37% to 43% RBO, 4% to 7% SPC, and 52% to 57% water). The formulation containing 37% RBO, 6% SPC, and 57% water, which was located within the optimum region, was selected as a base for further developing flavored (sour cream & onion, cheddar & sour cream, or Monterrey Jack dried cheese) products. All flavored spreads were significantly more acceptable than the plain formulation. Purchase intent of all flavored products also significantly increased once consumers had been given the information about potential health benefits associated with RBO and SPC in the spreads.
Photoperiodic regulation of hypothalamic neuropeptide messenger RNA expression : effect of pinealectomy and neuroanatomical location

Seasonal changes in daylength (photoperiod) affect many aspects of mammalian physiology and behavior, including reproduction, metabolism, thermoregulation, and sleep. The circadian pacemaker in the hypothalamic suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN) regulates these photoperiodic changes. Our studies of the Siberian hamster SCN have shown that two types of neuropeptide-containing neurons, vasopressin (AVP) and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) neurons, respond to short photoperiod by decreasing mRNA expression. The present studies investigated whether photoperiodic inhibition of mRNA expression also occurs in somatostatin-synthesizing neurons in the SCN, depends upon the pineal gland, and occurs in neurons in other hypothalamic nuclei. Juvenile Siberian hamsters exposed to either long photoperiod (16 h light/day) or short photoperiod (10 h light/day) for 2 weeks after weaning, were used for these studies. Coronal sections throughout the SCN were prepared and processed for in situ hybridization. The results showed that photoperiod decreased the expression of AVP mRNA and VIP mRNA in the SCN, as seen previously, but not somatostatin mRNA. Furthermore, pinealectomy did not attenuate the short photoperiod inhibition of AVP mRNA and VIP mRNA expression in the SCN. Also, short photoperiod inhibition of AVP mRNA expression was found in the paraventricular and supraoptic nuclei, as well as in the SCN. These results show that short photoperiod inhibition of mRNA expression is partially selective among the neuropeptides, but is not restricted to the SCN. Furthermore, these findings suggest that photoperiodic regulation of neuropeptide mRNA expression is independent of pineal melatonin secretion and gonadal steroid secretion.
Using mastery-based grading to facilitate learning

With a traditional approach to grading, a grade is assigned for a particular evaluation instrument (e.g., quiz, homework assignment, test, project, presentation.) In many cases, the material is reviewed following the grading and the student presumably learns from his or her mistakes. Despite the assumed improved knowledge, the student 's grade still represents what he or she "knew" at the time of the evaluation. This paper describes a concept termed "mastery-based grading" that is intended to actively use the grading system to improve learning. In mastery-based grading, students may re-take examinations as often as they desire in an attempt to improve their grades-ideally, until they have mastered the material. The paper reports the results of the use of the method in two offerings of an undergraduate operations research course. The challenges and benefits of using this approach are discussed and suggestions offered for using the approach in other engineering courses.
Laminin Directs Growth Cone Navigation via Two Temporally and Functionally Distinct Calcium Signals

During development, growth cones navigate to their targets via numerous interactions with molecular guidance cues, yet the mechanisms of how growth cones translate guidance information into navigational decisions are poorly understood. We have examined the role of intracellular Ca2+ in laminin (LN)-mediated growth cone navigation in vitro , using chick dorsal root ganglion neurons. Subsequent to contacting LN-coated beads with filopodia, growth cones displayed a series of stereotypic changes in behavior, including turning toward LN-coated beads and a phase of increased rates of outgrowth after a pause at LN-coated beads. A pharmacological approach indicated that LN-mediated growth cone turning required an influx of extracellular Ca2+, likely in filopodia with LN contact, and activation of calmodulin (CaM). Surprisingly, fluorescent Ca2+ imaging revealed no LN-induced rise in intracellular Ca2+ in filopodia attached to their parent growth cone. However, isolation of filopodia by laser-assisted transection unmasked a rapid, LN-specific rise in intracellular Ca2+ (+73 ± 11 nm). Additionally, a second, sustained rise in intracellular Ca2+ (+62 ± 8 nm) occurred in growth cones, with a distinct delay 28 ± 3 min after growth cone filopodia contacted LN-coated beads. This delayed, sustained Ca2+ signal paralleled the phase of increased rates of outgrowth, and both events were sensitive to the inhibition of Ca2+/CaM-dependent protein kinase II (CaM-kinase II) with 2 μm KN-62. We propose that LN-mediated growth cone guidance can be attributed, in part, to two temporally and functionally distinct Ca2+ signals linked by a signaling cascade composed of CaM and CaM-kinase II.
SHIM Optimization: Elimination Of Unstructured Loops

The SHIM compiler for the IBM CELL processor generates distinct code for the two processing units, PPE (Power Processor Element) and SPE (Synergistic Processor Elements). The SPE is specialized to give high throughput with computation intensive application operating on dense data. We propose mechanism to tune the code generated by the SHIM compiler to enable optimizing compilers to generate structured code. Although, the discussion here is related to optimizing SHIM IR (Intermediate Representation) code, the techniques discussed here can be incorporated into compilers to convert unstructured loops consisting of goto statements to structured loops such as while and do-while statements to ease back end compiler optimizations. Our research based SHIM compiler takes the code written in SHIM language and performs various static analysis and finally transforms it into C code. This generated code is compiled to binary using standard compilers available for IBM cell processor such as GCC and IBM XL compiler.
Rough set spatial data modeling for data mining

Uncertainty management is necessary for real world applications, especially those used with data mining. The Region Connection Calculus (RCC) and egg-yolk methods have proven useful for the representation of vague regions in spatial data. Rough set theory has been shown to be an effective tool for data mining and for uncertainty management in databases. In this study we use a rough set foundation for expressing topological relationships previously defined for the RCC and egg-yolk methods and show that rough sets can improve on the representation of topological relationships and concepts defined with the other models, which leads to improved mining of spatial data. Finally, we provide an extension of spatial association rule generation that will be able to use rough set–modeled spatial data. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Imbedding interprofessional collaboration into the next generation of Robert Wood Johnson Foundation scholar and fellow programs

The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) is the largest philanthropy in the United States devoted solely to health and health care. For more than 40 years, RWJF has worked to improve the health an...
GB virus B infection of the common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) and associated liver pathology

GB virus B (GBV-B) is a flavivirus that is related closely to hepatitis C virus (HCV) and induces an acute hepatitis when inoculated into several species of New World primates. Common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus) are a widely available, non-endangered primate species that is susceptible to GBV-B infection and develops a characteristic acute hepatitis. Here, animals were found to be susceptible to serially passaged serum and GBV-B transcripts. Hepatic pathology and peripheral viraemia could be quantified biochemically, immunophenotypically and morphologically, and persisted for periods of up to 6 months in some animals. Hepatitis was characterized by a marked influx of CD3+ CD8+ T lymphocytes and CD20+ B cells within the first 2 months of primary infection. The results of this study document the marmoset as another small, non-human primate species in which the pathogenesis of GBV-B can be studied and used as a surrogate model of HCV infection for investigation of pathogenesis and antiviral drug development.
Genetic Determinants of Pelvic Organ Prolapse among African American and Hispanic Women in the Women’s Health Initiative

Current evidence suggests a multifactorial etiology to pelvic organ prolapse (POP), including genetic predisposition. We conducted a genome-wide association study of POP in African American (AA) and Hispanic (HP) women from the Women's Health Initiative Hormone Therapy study. Cases were defined as any POP (grades 1-3) or moderate/severe POP (grades 2-3), while controls had grade 0 POP. We performed race-specific multiple logistic regression analyses between SNPs imputed to 1000 genomes in relation to POP (grade 0 vs 1-3; grade 0 vs 2-3) adjusting for age at diagnosis, body mass index, parity, and genetic ancestry. There were 1274 controls and 1427 cases of any POP and 317 cases of moderate/severe POP. Although none of the analyses reached genome-wide significance (p<5x10-8), we noted variants in several loci that met p<10-6. In race-specific analysis of grade 0 vs 2-3, intronic SNPs in the CPE gene (rs28573326, OR:2.14; 95% CI 1.62-2.83; p = 1.0x10-7) were associated with POP in AAs, and SNPs in the gene AL132709.5 (rs1950626, OR:2.96; 95% CI 1.96-4.48, p = 2.6x10-7) were associated with POP in HPs. Inverse variance fixed-effect meta-analysis of the race-specific results showed suggestive signals for SNPs in the DPP6 gene (rs11243354, OR:1.36; p = 4.2x10-7) in the grade 0 vs 1-3 analyses and for SNPs around PGBD5 (rs740494, OR:2.17; p = 8.6x10-7) and SHC3 (rs2209875, OR:0.60; p = 9.3x10-7) in the grade 0 vs 2-3 analyses. While we did not identify genome-wide significant findings, we document several SNPs reaching suggestive statistical significance. Further interrogation of POP in larger minority samples is warranted.
Interference-based packet recovery for energy saving in Cognitive Radio Networks

In this paper, we propose to recover collided packets between Primary Users (PUs) and Secondary Users (SUs) in Cognitive Radio Networks (CRNs) for two scenarios. When a collision occurs between an SU and a PU transmitters, the SU's receiver considers the PU's transmitted packet's signals as an interference, and hence, cancels its effect in order to recover its corresponding received packet's signals. Recovering collided packets, instead of retransmitting them saves transmitters' energy. In the first scenario, we assume PUs and SUs employ the standard Binary Phase-Shift keying (BPSK) and a 90 degree phase shifted version, i.e., orthogonal to BPSK, respectively, as their modulation techniques. In the Second scenario, we assume PUs and SUs employ BPSK and QPSK as their modulation techniques, respectively, or vice versa. In both scenarios, we propose protocols to recover the SU collided packets, depending on the received phase shifts. We show through numerical analysis that a significant fraction of collided packets can be recovered. We also derive an energy saving performance metric for our proposed mechanisms, in order to assess the saved energy due to recovering the collided packets. Our numerical analysis also shows that a high percentage of energy can be saved over the traditional scheme, in which our packets recovery mechanisms are not employed.
Targeting insulin inhibition as a metabolic therapy in advanced cancer: A pilot safety and feasibility dietary trial in 10 patients

Objective: Most aggressive cancers demonstrate a positive positron emission tomographic (PET) result using 18 F-2-fluoro-2-deoxyglucose (FDG), reflecting a glycolytic phenotype. Inhibiting insulin secretion provides a method, consistent with published mechanisms, for limiting cancer growth. Methods: Eligible patients with advanced incurable cancers had a positive PET result, an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status of 0 to 2, normal organ function without diabetes or recent weight loss, and a body mass index of at least 20 kg/m 2 . Insulin inhibition, effected by a supervised carbohydrate dietary restriction (5% of total kilocalories), was monitored for macronutrient intake, body weight, serum electrolytes, b-hydroxybutyrate, insulin, and insulin-like growth factors-1 and -2. An FDG-PET scan was obtained at study entry and exit. Results: Ten subjects completed 26 to 28 d of the study diet without associated unsafe adverse effects. Mean caloric intake decreased 35 � 6% versus baseline, and weight decreased by am edian of 4% (range 0.0–6.1%). In nine patients with prior rapid disease progression, five with stable disease or partial remission on PET scan after the diet exhibited a three-fold higher dietary ketosis than those with continued progressive disease (n ¼ 4, P ¼ 0.018). Caloric intake (P ¼ 0.65) and weight loss (P ¼ 0.45) did not differ in those with stable disease or partial remission versus progressive disease. Ketosis was associated inversely with serum insulin levels (P ¼ 0.03). Conclusion: Preliminary data demonstrate that an insulin-inhibiting diet is safe and feasible in selected patients with advanced cancer. The extent of ketosis, but not calorie deficit or weight loss, correlated with stable disease or partial remission. Further study is needed to assess insulin inhibition as complementary to standard cytotoxic and endocrine therapies.
Errata:. Dynamic Properties of Sequential Tunneling Through Double-Barrier Systems

In this paper, we present an analytical stochastical approach to the dynamic properties of sequential tunneling through double-barrier systems. The effect of charge accumulation is included in the investigation of dynamic conductance and noise current power density at finite frequency. Albeit in the sequential tunneling limit the quantum phase coherence of electron waves is destroyed by inelastic scattering while traversing the junction, the occupation of resonance states by fermionic particles sojourning in the well along with the charge accumulation within and around the structure still give rise to strong correlation among tunneling events. This correlation determines the characteristic frequency of the system and leads to significant suppression of shot noise. The low frequency noise current power density compares agreeably with experimental measurements.
Potential limiting factors in resident training for laparoscopic management of ectopic pregnancies

Study Objective. To evaluate resident exposure and training in operative laparoscopic management of ectopic pregnancy (EP). Design. A review and comparison of the profile and management of consecutive series of patients with EP in two different clinical settings. Setting. A university-affiliated obstetrics and gynecology residency program caring for indigent women, and a private, office-based infertility practice. Patients. Fifty-three consecutive patients with EP treated surgically in an infertility practice (group 1) were compared with 68 such women managed in a residency program (group 2). Results. Evaluation at the time of hospital admission confirmed significantly lower systolic and diastolic blood pressures (mean ±SD 106.2±12.2 mm Hg vs 114.8±9.1 and 61.1±14.4 mm Hg vs 71.7±11.8 mm Hg, p <0.05) and hemoglobin (10.9±2.7 g/dl vs 12.2±2.2 g/dl, p<0.05), and higher pulse rates (96.1±12.1 bpm vs 84.0±7.7 bpm, p<0.01) for groups 2 and 1, respectively. The mean gestational age at diagnosis was greater in group 2 (52.1±14.8 days) than in group 1 (46.7±11.1 days, p<0.05). That the overall clinical picture in group 2 was more serious was confirmed by a larger mean gestational mass (4.4±3.1 cm vs 2.8±2.6 cm, p<0.01), more frequent rupture (69% vs 21%, p<0.01), and a larger hemoperitoneum (547±488 ml vs 215±202 ml, p <0.05). Similarly, 49% of group 2 patients required postoperative or intraoperative blood transfusion, compared with 13% of group 1 (p<0.01). Forty-four of 53 women in group 1 were managed laparoscopically (83%), whereas only 16 (24%) in group 2 were so treated (p<0.05). Conclusion. Patients in group 2 were more hemodynamically compromised, had more advanced gestations, and had more ruptured EPs, leading to decreased opportunities for laparoscopic management. Active resident participation in operative management of nonindigent women with EP may be necessary to ensure appropriate training.
25-Hydroxyvitamin D in Obese Youth Across the Spectrum of Glucose Tolerance From Normal to Prediabetes to Type 2 Diabetes

OBJECTIVE To 1 ) determine if plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) concentrations differ among obese youth with normal glucose tolerance (NGT) versus prediabetes versus type 2 diabetes and 2 ) assess the relationships between 25(OH)D and in vivo insulin sensitivity and β-cell function in this cohort. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Plasma 25(OH)D concentrations were examined in banked specimens in 9- to 20-year-old obese youth ( n = 175; male 42.3%, black 46.3%) (NGT, n = 105; impaired glucose tolerance [IGT], n = 43; type 2 diabetes, n = 27) who had in vivo insulin sensitivity and secretion measured by hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic and hyperglycemic clamp techniques and had an assessment of total body composition and abdominal adiposity. RESULTS The mean age and BMI of the subjects were 14.3 ± 2.1 years and 35.7 ± 5.6 kg/m 2 , respectively. BMI, plasma 25(OH)D, and the proportion of vitamin D–deficient and –insufficient children did not differ across the three groups. Furthermore, there was no association between 25(OH)D and in vivo insulin sensitivity or β-cell function relative to insulin sensitivity (disposition index) in all groups combined or in each group separately. CONCLUSIONS Our data in obese youth show 1 ) no differences in plasma 25(OH)D concentrations across the glucose tolerance groups and 2 ) no relationship between 25(OH)D and in vivo insulin sensitivity and β-cell function relative to insulin sensitivity in any of the groups. It remains uncertain if enhancement of the vitamin D status could improve pathophysiological mechanisms of prediabetes and type 2 diabetes in obese youth .
Deep Water Cathodic Protection: Part 2 - Field Deployment Results

Abstract Instrumented, steel plate specimens with various levels of galvanic anode cathodic protection were deployed at a 899-m (2,950-ft) Gulf of Mexico site for 405 days. Subsequent to recovery, ...
PROBING THE STRUCTURE OF THE LINKER CONNECTING THE REDUCTASE AND HEME DOMAINS OF CYTOCHROME P450BM-3 USING SITE-DIRECTED MUTAGENESIS

Cytochrome P450BM-3 is a catalytically self-sufficient fatty acid hydroxylase containing one equivalent each of heme, FMN, and FAD. The heme and flavins reside in separate domains connected by a linker peptide. In an earlier study (Govindaraj S, Poulos T, 1995, Biochemistry 34:11221-11226), we found that the length but not the sequence of the linker connecting the heme and reductase domains is important for enzyme activity. In the present study, residues in the linker were replaced with Pro and Gly to probe the role that regular secondary structure plays in linker function. The rate of flavin-to-heme electron transfer and the fatty acid hydroxylase activities of the glycine and proline substitution mutants, including a six-proline substitution, did not change significantly relative to wild-type enzyme. These results indicate that the linker does not adopt any regular secondary structure essential for activity and that the length of the linker is the critical feature that controls flavin-to-heme electron transfer.
PC12 variants deficient in catecholamine transport.

We have isolated PC12 cell variants deficient in transporter-mediated uptake of 3,4-dihydroxyphenylethylamine (dopamine). The variants either were obtained nonselectively, or they were selected by resistance to guanethidine or N-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP). Dopamine uptake into guanethidine-resistant cells occurred with a decreased Vmax; the Km for dopamine and inhibition by guanethidine were normal. MPTP-resistant cells lacked the capacity to take up dopamine. Most of the variants resembled wild-type PC12 in their response to nerve growth factor and the storage and secretion of dopamine. MPTP-resistant cells exhibited several deficiencies in addition to dopamine transport, i.e., no measurable storage of dopamine or acetylcholine and no observable response to nerve growth factor. Wild-type and variant cells were compared with respect to the labeling of cell proteins with [3H]xylamine, which binds covalently to certain proteins apparently only after entering PC12 via the catecholamine transporter. When intact variant cells were used, there was markedly reduced labeling of the proteins by [3H]xylamine. Almost all of these proteins were readily labeled when cell homogenates were exposed to [3H]xylamine. However, MPTP-resistant cells were missing three of these proteins. Northern blot analysis with cDNA clones revealed that the MPTP-resistant cells had markedly reduced levels of several specific mRNA species.
Role of Doa1 in the Saccharomyces cerevisiae DNA Damage Response

The cellular response to DNA damage requires not only direct repair of the damage but also changes in the DNA replication machinery, chromatin, and transcription that facilitate survival. Here, we describe Saccharomyces cerevisiae Doa1, which helps to control the damage response by channeling ubiquitin from the proteosomal degradation pathway into pathways that mediate altered DNA replication and chromatin modification. DOA1 interacts with genes involved in PCNA ubiquitination, including RAD6, RAD18, RAD5, UBC13, and MMS2, as well as genes involved in histone H2B ubiquitination or deubiquitination, including RAD6, BRE1, LGE1, CDC73, UBP8, UBP10, and HTB2. In the absence of DOA1, damage-induced ubiquitination of PCNA does not occur. In addition, the level of ubiquitinated H2B is decreased under normal conditions and completely absent in the presence of DNA damage. In the case of PCNA, the defect associated with the doa1Δ mutant is alleviated by overexpression of ubiquitin, but in the case of H2B, it is not. The data suggest that Doa1 is the major source of ubiquitin for the DNA damage response and that Doa1 also plays an additional essential and more specific role in the monoubiquitination of histone H2B.
K-order Sampling of N-dimensional Band-limited Functions†

ABSTRACT The work of II previous paper, utilizing the gradient in sampling theory, is generalized further to include the sampling of a function and its partial derivatives up to order K ≥ 1. The reconstruction of the sampled function f(t) has the form of a. sum of truncated Taylor series expansions about each of the sample points which lie on a periodic lattice. The single function g(t), of the vector from the sample point to a generic one, which multiplies each series, hag a J+1ourier transform G(r) which must satisfy sets of partial differential equations on the ’ lattice sets ’ of the support of F(r). The necessary and sufficient conditions which insure the validity of the reconstruction demand that the ‘ associated set ’ of each lattice set be among the zeros of n certain kind of polynomial function which in turn can act as u solution for G(r) on the lattice set.
Identifying Effective Components of Alcohol Abuse Prevention Programs: Effects of Fear Appeals, Message Style, and Source Expertise

Despite the importance of alcohol abuse prevention programs, the effectiveness of many components of these programs has not been demonstrated empirically. An experiment tested the efficacy of three components of many prevention programs: fear appeals, one- versus two-sided message style, and the expertise of the source. The persuasive impact of this information was examined on 113 ninth-grade students' intentions to abstain from drinking alcohol while they are teenagers. The results reveal that fear appeals are successful in strengthening students' intentions to refrain from drinking. Implications are discussed for implementing these principles and for designing future investigations of alcohol abuse prevention programs.
Prevalence and clinical characteristics of right ventricular dysfunction in transient stress cardiomyopathy

Transient stress cardiomyopathy (TSC) is a cause of reversible left ventricular (LV) dysfunction that is increasingly recognized. Reports to date have focused primarily on LV involvement, with little attention paid to associated right ventricular (RV) dysfunction. With other forms of LV dysfunction, RV involvement has been shown to confer an adverse prognosis. Prevalence, clinical characteristics, and short-term prognosis of RV dysfunction in TSC remain ill-defined. Presenting echocardiograms of 40 patients with TSC were reviewed. RV function was assessed by evaluating regional wall motion and calculating a wall motion score index (WMSI). RV dysfunction was defined as a WMSI >1.0. Clinical and demographic characteristics of patients with and without RV dysfunction were compared. RV dysfunction was identified in 27% of patients (11 of 40). RV WMSI was 1.20 ± 0.30 for the entire cohort compared with 1.72 ± 0.30 for those with RV dysfunction (p 1/4 of cases of TSC. Although associated with higher B-type natriuretic peptide levels, higher pulmonary artery systolic pressures, and longer hospital stays, RV dysfunction was not associated with significant differences in short-term cardiac morbidity or increased early mortality.
Wealth and Migration in Massachusetts and Maine: 1771-1798

The authors "use a genealogical data base to question the idea that the frontier was a safety valve for Americans in the years of the founding of the republic. [The] findings about the relative wealth of members of nine families [from Maine or Massachusetts] show how the frontier affected their migration patterns. [It is found] that it was the middle class not the poor who seemed to make best use of the opportunity of the frontier." (EXCERPT)
Experimental and modeling studies of the contribution of NMDA receptor-channels to the expression of long-term potentiation

We Investigated the contribution of NMDA receptor-channels (NMDARs) to the expression of long-term potentiation (LTP) using electrophysiological and modeling methods. Intracellular recordings were obtained from hippocampal dentate gyrus (DG) granule cells. Perforant path afferents were stimulated with short bursts of pulses at 40 Hz, instead of the traditional protocol of a single stimulus at less than 0.1 Hz. The synaptic summation provided by the "burst" protocol enabled us to measure the NMDAR-mediated component of synaptic responses in the presence of physiological concentrations of Mg/sup 2+/. We tested the hypothesis that NMDARs undergo LTP by comparing the NMDA/AMPA ratio of synaptic responses of control and LTP slices. An increase in the ratio was observed in the LTP group strongly suggesting potentiation of the NMDARs. In order to infer changes in synaptic conductances based on EPSPs recorded at the soma, we constructed a compartmental model of a granule cell. The effect of changes in AMPAR synaptic conductances, and of changes in the distribution of activated synapses on the NMDA/AMPA ratio was studied with computer simulations. Results confirmed that NMDARs are potentiated following LTP induction, and contribute significantly to the expression of LTP.