cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The role of DKK-1 In prostate cancer bone metastases

2913 Prostate cancer (PCa) has a tendency to metastasize nearly exclusively to bone, where induces new bone formation. Secreted Wnt proteins are one of the major families of cell signaling molecules that play important roles in tumor formation and various aspects of skeletal development. The signal-transducing components of the Wnt receptor are members of the low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein (LRP) and Frizzled protein families. Activation of the canonical Wnt signaling pathway after Wnt proteins bind to its receptors results in translocation of β-catenin to the nucleus, where it heterodimerizes with transcription factors of the lymphoid enhancer-binding factor/T cell factor (Lef/Tcf) family. These heterodimers in turn bind to DNA and activate the expression of specific genes. We compared gene expression between two bone-derived PCa cells lines, PC3 (which is osteolytic) and MDA PCa 2b (which is osteoblastic), and found that both cell lines expressed Wnt proteins; PC3 cells expressed 100-fold more Dickkopf-1 (DKK-1), a Wnt inhibitor, whereas MDA PCa 2b cells expressed more β-catenin and Lef1. RT-PCR and Western blot analysis of DKK-1 in conditioned medium obtained from normal prostatic epithelial cells and the bone-derived PCa cell lines MDA PCa 2a, MDA PCa 2b, and PC3 showed that DKK-1 was expressed in the normal cells and the PC3 cells but not in the MDA PCa 2a or MDA PCa 2b cells. Searching for the expression of Wnt ligands in PCa cells, we found that Wnt7b was expressed in all of the prostate cell lines but not in normal cells. Next, in investigating whether PCa cells activate canonical Wnt signaling in osteoblasts, we found that conditioned medium derived from MDA PCa 2b cells could induce proliferation and activate the Wnt-responsive TOP-FLASH reporter in osteoblasts and that these affects were suppressed in the presence of DKK-1. Conditioned medium derived from PC3 cells was unable to activate the Wnt- responsive TOP-FLASH reporter in osteoblasts. These results suggest that PCa cells activate autocrine and paracrine canonical Wnt signaling pathways, resulting in activation of this pathway in neighboring osteoblasts and induction of osteoblast growth and differentiation. Collectively, these findings suggest that PCa cells can signal to osteoblasts via the canonical Wnt signaling pathway; moreover, inhibition of this signaling pathway may account for prostate metastases that do not display an osteoblastic phenotype.
Deep Metric Learning for Damage Detection Using Bitemporal Satellite Images

In this article, we propose a novel deep metric learning approach to multi-hazard damage detection in remote-sensing (RS) images. The model is realized through a triplet network, which addresses the challenge of detecting disaster-induced damage with high accuracy for built-objects using pre- and post-event RS data. Previous efforts using a machine learning methodology do not sufficiently address the significant inter- and intra-class variations amid the disaster-scene complexities in built-environment RS images. Through this model, numerical evaluation is conducted based on wind storm disasters, and high performance is observed.
Assessment of HIV vaccine development: Past, present, and future

Publisher Summary It is a widely held belief that a vaccine is the only cost-effective measure that will contain the AIDS epidemic. Currently available multiple-drug therapies are too expensive for most AIDS patients in the world and require regimens that are too difficult o follow. Increasing reports of drug-resistant variants and debilitating side effects of the drugs are creating serious doubts about the long-term success of these treatments. This chapter discusses the current understanding of biochemical, structural, and immunological properties of the viral envelope glycoprotein that are pertinent to vaccine development. Subsequently, a summary of various vaccine strategies, assessment of the past and recent progress on HIV-1 vaccine development, and some of the factors that must be considered in designing new vaccine candidates are discussed. The chapter describes the interactions between HIV-1 and the host immune system. HIV-1, as with other retroviruses, is subject to a high degree of genetic variation, because of the error-prone nature of the viral reverse transcriptase that lacks an editing function. Based on the phylogenetic analyses of all the viruses isolated worldwide, HIV-1 is divided into two groups, the major (IVl) and the outlier (O) groups. It is speculated that the combination of immune selection pressure and the ability of the regions to tolerate a great deal of amino acid changes, without significantly altering the functional capacity of the protein, are responsible for such a genetic variation. All of the strategies described in the chapter have been explored as potential AIDS vaccine candidates in a number of small laboratory animals, nonhuman primates, and even some in humans.
LACAN, SCIENCE, AND LAW: IS THE ETHNOGRAPHY OF SCIENTISM PSYCHOANALYTIC?

By adopting an idealized conception of the scientific enterprise, mirroring scientists' own self-conception, courts minimize the social and rhetorical aspects of science as ornamental, contingent, and eliminable. Lacan's reflections on science, and on the question of whether (or in what sense) psychoanalysis is scientific, parallel and enrich the efforts in science studies to show that the social and rhetorical aspects of science are co-productive, constitutive, and inevitable. Specifically, Lacan's identification of science as a discourse in denial of its subjectivity leads to a psychoanalytic re-orientation of ethnomethodology - an anthropological approach now favored in science studies. In the context of litigation involving scientific expertise, attorneys already assume, in their depositions and cross-examination, the role of ethnographers on foreign ground, but to the extent that the discourse of science replaces or dominates the discourse of law, legal ethnographers should also assume the role of analysts exploring the unconscious of science.
Epicardial/Endocardial Sinus Node Ablation After Failed Endocardial Ablation for the Treatment of Inappropriate Sinus Tachycardia

Introduction Success of endocardial sinus node (SN) ablation for refractory inappropriate sinus tachycardia (IST) is limited by the epicardial location of the SN and potential damage to the phrenic nerve (PN). An epicardial approach may overcome these limitations. Methods and Results IST patients who failed endocardial ablation underwent an epicardial approach. Percutaneous pericardial access was obtained with a double wire technique for PN protection (i.e., with a balloon catheter), if needed. Earliest sinus activation was mapped and ablated with remapping for changes in P-wave morphology or sinus rate. The endpoint was total SN ablation (patients with atrial pacing [AP]); otherwise the target was a >25% decrease in sinus rate and inversion of P-wave axis. Five patients (all female, age 36 ± 4 years) underwent ablation. Two had prior AP, and 1 elected to have SN ablation and pacemaker during the same procedure. Three had prior endocardial ablation limited by PN proximity. Baseline sinus rate was 119 ± 20 bpm. After 35.2 ± 21.3 lesions (22.4 ± 21.7 epicardial, 12.8 ± 21.3 endocardial), 4 were in junctional rhythm, 1 in atrial rhythm at 90 bpm. This latter patient had symptom recurrence and underwent combined minimally invasive surgical/catheter SN cryoablation. Atrial tachycardia subsequently occurred and was successfully ablated. The only significant complication was pericarditis (3 patients). At last follow-up (30.4 ± 18.4 months), all had symptom resolution. Two were AP >99%, 1 was AP 54%. Two remain in ectopic atrial rhythm with controlled rates. Conclusions Combined epicardial/endocardial SN ablation is a viable approach for patients with severely symptomatic IST after a failed endocardial attempt.
Social and Medical Factors Affecting Hospital Discharge of Persons with HIV/AIDS

Although outpatient care and Pharmaceuticals have rendered community-based care possible, hospitals remain the locus of the most costly and intensive HIV/AIDS care. Little is know, however, about the impact of patients' social circumstances upon hospital length of stay. This paper examines the impact of housing status, living arrangements, and a range of barriers to discharge on hospital length of stay. Findings are based on retrospective medical chart reviews by nurses and social workers of 749 HIV/AIDS hospitalizations, occurring between June-August 1991 in four New York City medical centers. One third of the sample experienced at least one barrier to discharge. Medical need barriers were the most common (18%), and were associated with the longest length of stay (35.3 days), followed by home care and housing barriers (32.7 and 30.2 days, respectively). Fourteen percent of the sample were either homeless or in unstable housing situations (e.g., transient or “doubled up”) prior to admission. Homelessness and unstable housing were associated with a 5 day increment in hospital length of stay, and remained a significant factor even controlling for morbidity. These results indicate that inadequate housing remains a significant barrier to discharge among hospitalized persons with HIV/AIDS.
Promoting Interaction in Large Classes with Computer-Mediated Feedback

Eliciting student participation in large college classes is difficult yet critical to learning. This paper describes a design experiment with the Classroom Feedback System (CFS), a computer-mediated system for promoting class interaction. We delineate challenges to interaction based on successive background and pilot studies. CFS addresses these challenges by enabling students to post annotations (e. g., More Explanation) directly on lecture slides. The instructor sees the annotations in real time. Evidence from a large lecture study shows that CFS enhances interaction by addressing challenges to interaction.
Conversion electron spectra: A line shape analysis for permanent magnet spectrographs

Abstract A computer analysis of the line shapes for semi-circular magnetic spectrographs has been carried out for a wide variety of parameters. New information on the optimum positioning of the photographic plate for given source and slit configurations has been obtained. The utility of a wide source, narrow slit configuration is pointed out.
Magnetic ordering in amorphous films of BiFeO3-ZnFe2O4

We report the observation of a ferromagnetic behavior with a uniaxial anisotropy through magnetization and ferromagnetic resonance measurements on rf sputtered amorphous compounds of (1-2x)${\mathrm{BiFeO}}_{3}$-x${\mathrm{ZnFe}}_{2}$${\mathrm{O}}_{4}$ for x=0 to 0.5. The as-deposited amorphous films are paramagnets for all x values. The samples develop a ferromagnetic moment and a uniaxial anisotropy on annealing in air at temperatures ${\mathit{T}}_{\mathit{a}}$=400--775 \ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C. The room-temperature magnetization increases with ${\mathit{T}}_{\mathit{a}}$ and shows a maximum for ${\mathit{T}}_{\mathit{a}}$=500--700 \ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C, depending on the x value. Further increase in ${\mathit{T}}_{\mathit{a}}$ results in the crystallization of phases such as ${24\mathrm{B}\mathrm{i}}_{2}$${\mathrm{O}}_{3}$\ensuremath{\cdot}ZnO, ${\mathrm{BiFeO}}_{3}$, and \ensuremath{\alpha}-${\mathrm{Fe}}_{2}$${\mathrm{O}}_{3}$ in the sample and is accompanied by a decrease in the magnetization. The Curie temperature for the films is about 600 K and is lower than the crystallization temperature. We propose that the observed magnetic moment in the system is due to the formation of ferrimagnetic clusters.
Genius and creativity

Genius and creativity are distinct phenomena, albeit they can be combined in the phenomenon of creative genius. Genius itself can be defined in two ways, achieved eminence and superlative intelligence. With respect to mental health, the recurrent issue is the mad-genius controversy. After reviewing the relevant historiometric, psychiatric, and psychometric research, the article examines six major substantive issues, namely, the magnitude of creativity, the degree of psychopathology, varieties of psychopathology, the domain of achievement, cognition and personality, genes and the environment, and nonlinear and nonadditive models. This discussion reveals the extreme complexity of the relation between genius or creativity and psychopathology.
INTERMITTENT DEGRADATION AND SCHIZOTYPY.

Intermittent degradation refers to transient detrimental disruptions in task performance. This phenomenon has been repeatedly observed in the performance data of patients with schizophrenia. Whether intermittent degradation is a feature of the liability for schizophrenia (i.e., schizotypy) is an open question. Further, the specificity of intermittent degradation to schizotypy has yet to be investigated. To address these questions, 92 undergraduate participants completed a battery of self-report questionnaires assessing schizotypy and psychological state variables (e.g., anxiety, depression), and their reaction times were recorded as they did so. Intermittent degradation was defined as the number of times a subject’s reaction time for questionnaire items met or exceeded three standard deviations from his or her mean reaction time after controlling for each item’s information processing load. Intermittent degradation scores were correlated with questionnaire scores. Our results indicate that intermittent degradation is associated with total scores on measures of positive and disorganized schizotypy, but unrelated to total scores on measures of negative schizotypy and psychological state variables. Intermittent degradation is interpreted as potentially derivative of schizotypy and a candidate endophenotypic marker worthy of continued research.
An evaluation of four tags suitable for marking juvenile chinook salmon

Abstract We assessed the merits of using Floy anchor tags, machine- and hand-implanted coded-wire tags, and modified Carlin or Swedish trailer tags on chinook salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha of at least 15 cm in fork length. Tagged and control fish were released into a landlocked lake. Estimated tag-loss rates were low (2–5%) for each of the tags tested. The tags did not appear to have any significant effect on growth and survival of fish in the lake over periods of up to 2 years. Received September 15, 1981 Accepted April 22, 1983
Brachytherapy in lung cancer

Brachytherapy, the direct application of a radioactive isotope into the tumor bed, delivers a high dose to the tumor as compared to the surrounding normal tissue. Interstitial brachytherapy, the placement of the isotope into a tumor bed where no lumen exists, has been described but is utilized infrequently in clinical practice. Endobronchial brachytherapy, the placement of the source within the airway lumen, as a boost to conventional external beam radiation has not yet demonstrated improved local tumor control or overall survival as compared to external beam alone in the definitive treatment of inoperable lung cancer. In the palliative setting, brachytherapy can provide prompt relief of obstructive symptoms and hemoptysis in the majority of patients.
The correlation of vibrational broadening of core lines in x-ray photoelectron spectra with valence bond resonance structures

Abstract When core ionization of an atom in a molecule causes significant changes in bond orders, the core-hole ion is formed in a strained configuration. This strain causes vibrational broadening of the core line. The core-hole ion can be represented as an ordinary chemical species by applying the equivalent cores approximation. Then simple rules of classical valence bond theory can be used to predict changes in the weighting of resonance structures and corresponding changes in bond orders. Thus qualitative changes in relative linewidths can be predicted.
Chiral mutagenesis of insulin’s hidden receptor-binding surface: structure of an Allo-isoleucineA2 analogue

Abstract The hydrophobic core of vertebrate insulins contains an invariant isoleucine residue at position A2. Lack of variation may reflect this side-chain’s dual contribution to structure and function: IleA2 is proposed both to stabilize the A1-A8 α-helix and to contribute to a “hidden” functional surface exposed on receptor binding. Substitution of IleA2 by alanine results in segmental unfolding of the A1-A8 α-helix, lower thermodynamic stability and impaired receptor binding. Such a spectrum of perturbations, although of biophysical interest, confounds interpretation of structure-activity relationships. To investigate the specific contribution of IleA2 to insulin’s functional surface, we have employed non-standard mutagenesis: inversion of side-chain chirality in engineered monomer allo-IleA2-DKP-insulin. Although the analogue retains native structure and stability, its affinity for the insulin receptor is impaired by 50-fold. Thus, whereas insulin’s core readily accommodates allo-isoleucine at A2, its activity is exquisitely sensitive to chiral inversion. We propose that the IleA2 side-chain inserts within a chiral pocket of the receptor as part of insulin’s hidden functional surface.
Surface Binding Properties of Tetraoctylammonium Bromide-Capped Gold Nanoparticles

Surface interaction of gold nanoparticles with solvents and functionalized organic molecules is probed using the changes in the surface plasmon absorption band. A red shift in the surface plasmon band is observed with increase in solvent dielectric constant for solvents that do not complex with metal surface. A plot of the square of the observed position of the surface plasmon bands of Au nanoparticles in these solvents as a function of medium dielectric function shows a linear dependence. Interestingly, the surface plasmon band position remains unaffected in polar solvents (with nonbonding electrons) and is attributed to the direct interaction of these solvents with the gold surface. Binding of gold nanoparticles with organic molecules containing functional groups such as −SCN or −NH2 were found to dampen the surface plasmon bands. Binding of phenyl isothiocynate (PITC) and 15N-labeled benzylamine to gold nanoparticles was probed using NMR techniques, and in both cases, two sets of signals were observed,...
Beyond the IMF Medicine: Thailand's Response to the 1997 Financial Crisis:

From the summer of 1997 through summer 1999, Thailand's economy took a steep plunge into recession and economic collapse. Only in the third-quarter of 1999, did the economy give signs of a fragile, if hesitant recovery. Almost immediately the International Monetary Fund(IMF) took credit, arguing that its policies and programs were finally producing results. How valid is this claim. This paper argues that the IMF policies by itself cannot explain the recovery. Indeed, if the Thai government continued to follow the IMF's orthodox prescriptions, it would have dragged the economy further into crisis. Rather, it is argued that the Chuan administration deserves much credit for the recovery. By rejecting some of the IMF's mis-guided policies and by its effective management of the crisis, the Chuan government laid the basis for a gradual and sustained recovery.
Intervention Strategies for Improving Iron Status of Young Children and Adolescents in India

Despite advances in scientific knowledge regarding multiple etiology, treatment, and potential strategies for combating iron deficiency and deficiencies of other micronutrients, iron deficiency anemia, vitamin A deficiency, and iodine deficiency remain significant public health challenges for growing children and adolescents. The short-term efficient supplementation approach, although technically feasible, has not been successful due to problems with delivery and compliance. Evidence is building that preventive supplementation coupled with nutrition education may be a more effective strategy associated with better compliance and improvement in iron status. Long-term, effective approaches include fortification, dietary modification, public health and disease control measures, and income generation programs. Food fortification can be a cost-effective intervention strategy if technologically feasible, nutritionally sound, culturally acceptable and economically viable food vehicle(s) and fortificant(s) can be identifed. Foods such as wheat, rice, and salt are commonly consumed in India; research is underway to evaluate various fortificants for these foods. Doubly fortified salt with iodine and iron may be particularly promising in the Indian situation as it is affordable, culturally acceptable, and may enhance iron absorption from Indian dietaries containing inhibitors of iron absorption. Feasibility studies are underway to evalute the stability and storage issues as well as bioavailability of fortificant iron. Dietary modification involves increased iron intake, by increasing total food intake and consumption of locally available iron-rich foods, and dietary practices favoring iron absorption. Blood loss associated with worm infestation can be controlled by periodic deworming and reducing reinfestation. Coordinating these major intervention approaches by building partnerships between the community, existing nutrition and health programs, government, industry, and academic institutions is critical for success of these programs. Nutrition education must be integral to all of these strategies discusssed. Primary health care system and school infrastructure and staff, along with school children and community members, can be powerful resources for addressing malnutrition in children and adolescents.
Prolapse of the pulmonic valve through a ventricular septal defect

Abstract A case is reported of a high interventricular septal defect close to the pulmonic valve, in which the adjacent leaflet of the pulmonic valve prolapsed through the septal defect and produced marked pulmonic insufficiency.
Visual memory for fixated regions of natural images dissociates attraction and recognition

Recognition memory for fixated regions from briefly viewed full-screen natural images is examined. Low-level image statistics reveal that observers fixated, on average (pooled across images and observers), image regions that possessed greater visual saliency than non-fixated regions, a finding that is robust across multiple fixation indices. Recognition-memory performance indicates that, of the fixation loci tested, observers were adept at recognising those with a particular profile of image statistics; visual saliency was found to be attenuated for unrecognised loci, despite that all regions were freely fixated. Furthermore, although elevated luminance was the local image statistic found to discriminate least between human and random image locations, it was the greatest predictor of recognition-memory performance, demonstrating a dissociation between image features that draw fixations and those that support visual memory. An analysis of corresponding eye movements indicates that image regions fixated via short-distance saccades enjoyed better recognition-memory performance, alluding to a focal rather than ambient mode of processing. Recognised image regions were more likely to have originated from areas evaluated (a posteriori) to have higher fixation density, a numerical metric of local interest. Surprisingly, memory for image regions fixated later in the viewing period exhibited no recency advantage, despite (typically) also being longer in duration, a finding for which a number of explanations are posited.
On the quenching behavior of the solution of a semilinear parabolic equation

where /? > 0, E > 0, 0 6 u0 0 there exists an E(B) > 0 such that u quenches at finite time T if E > E(B). We say that a is a quenching point for u if there exists a sequence {(x,, t,)} with x, + a and t,r T such that u(x,, t,) + 1 as n -+ co. Throughout this paper we assume that u quenches at finite time T, and that u0 is smooth and satisfies
Influence of strong-coupling corrections on the equilibrium phase for /sup 3/P/sub 2/ superfluid neutron-star matter

We calculate strong-coupling corrections to the /sup 3/P/sub 2/ neutron-star-matter Ginzburg-Landau functional including spin-orbit and central forces. Based on a two-parameter approximation for the spin-orbit scattering amplitude and typical estimates for the neutron-matter Landau parameters we conclude that the most likely equilibrium phase of /sup 3/P/sub 2/ neutron matter is described by a unitary order parameter. Better calculations of neutron-matter parameters, particularly the spin-orbit scattering amplitude, would allow a stronger conclusion.
Effect of temperature on coal ash hot corrosion resistance of Inconel 740 superalloy

Abstract Coal ash hot corrosion behavior of Inconel 740 superalloy was studied at 700–800 °C in a synthetic coal-fired boiler environment using our high temperature electrochemical sensor. The results of electrochemical noise analysis show good correlations with those from a weight loss test. Characteristic potential noise patterns correspond with the predominant stages in the corrosion process. While, characteristic current noise patterns indicate the extent of the corrosion. The data show that corrosion resistance of the alloy was significantly reduced at 750 °C and the highest tendency of TiS formation in the internal sulfidation stage led to accelerated intergranular and intragranular corrosion.
Hypersexuality and paraphilia induced by selegiline in Parkinson's disease: Report of 2 cases

While hypersexuality and paraphilia are known side effects of anti-Parkinson medications, it is seldom reported. Furthermore, selegiline is rarely implicated in such behaviors. We report two cases of early onset PD who experienced paraphilia and hypersexuality when selegiline was initiated, and later developing obsessive-compulsive and punding behavior with the addition of dopamine agonists. Social repercussions may prohibit patients and/or their families from volunteering such information.
Studies on glucosammonium chloride: ultraviolet absorption behavior in borate buffers.

Abstract When glucosammonium chloride is placed in a borate buffer solution, an absorption band with its maximum at 277.5 mμ develops in the solution with passage of time. The rate of growth of the band increases as the concentration of borate ion is increased, and also as the temperature is increased. The reaction producing the band does not occur in the following systems: ( a ) glucosammonium chloride in boric acid, ( b ) glucosammonium chloride in alkaline phosphate or carbonate buffers, and ( c ) glucose in borate buffer. After the band has developed in borate buffer, acidification with HCl fails to affect either its position or its intensity. Following the establishment of the band, the solutions slowly become brown; the development of this visible spectrum with time is shown.
Assessing the balance between protein-protein interactions and enzyme-substrate interactions in the channeling of intermediates between polyketide synthase modules.

6-Deoxyerythronolide B synthase (DEBS) is the modular polyketide synthase (PKS) that catalyzes the biosynthesis of 6-deoxyerythronolide B (6-dEB), the aglycon precursor of the antibiotic erythromycin. The biosynthesis of 6-dEB exemplifies the extraordinary substrate- and stereo-selectivity of this family of multifunctional enzymes. Paradoxically, DEBS has been shown to be an attractive scaffold for combinatorial biosynthesis, indicating that its constituent modules are also very tolerant of unnatural substrates. By interrogating individual modules of DEBS with a panel of diketides activated as N-acetylcysteamine (NAC) thioesters, it was recently shown that individual modules have a marked ability to discriminate among certain diastereomeric diketides. However, since free NAC thioesters were used as substrates in these studies, the modules were primed by a diffusive process, which precluded involvement of the covalent, substrate-channeling mechanism by which enzyme-bound intermediates are directly transfer...
A technique for the use of afterloading 137Cs brachytherapy in renal-sparing irradiation of bilateral Wilms tumor.

Purpose: To describe a renal sparing brachytherapy technique for treating patients with bilateral Wilms tumor who have limited residual tumor measuring 2 cm or less after initial chemotherapy. Methods and Materials: A technique for using brachytherapy in the radiotherapeutic management of bilateral Wllms tumor is described. Three patients with bilateral Wilms tumor were treated at our institutions. All three patients had initial nephrectomy of the contralateral kidney followed by chemotherapy. Local excision of residual tumor in the remaining kidney was done in all three cases. A 13’Cs isotopic source was placed in the tumor bed at the time of the second surgery using a simple afterloading applicator. The techniques of applicator placement, localization, and brachytherapy dosimetry are described. The minimum tumor dose varied from 16 to 25 Gy. Results: All three patients are alive and well at 28,48, and 66 months after the procedure. There were no serious operative or postoperative sequelae. Conclusions: This simple brachytherapy technique was effective in selected cases of bilateral Wilms tumor where a renal-sparing radiotherapy approach was needed. This technique is most applicable when there is residual intrarenal tumor after nartial nenhrectomv. when the tumor is unifocal, and when the tumor bed is less than 2 cm diameter. 0 1997 Elsevier Science I&
Sensitivity to Diploptera punctata allatostatin of male corpora allata following denervation, juvenile hormone analog treatment and ovary implantation

Abstract Allatostatins, brain neuropeptides, of Diploptera punctata inhibit the corpora allata in vitro , and the sensitivity of the corpora allata to allatostatins depends on the developmental state of the glands. This investigation demonstrates changes in rates of juvenile hormone synthesis and sensitivity of corpora allata of male D. punctata to allatostatin I (A-P-S-G-A-Q-R-L-Y-G-F-G-L-NH 2 ) in vitro as a result of experimental treatments which were shown previously to effect changes in hemolymph allatostatin. Sensitivity of male glands to allatostatin increased in the first 8 days of adult life. Severance of nerves to the corpora allata on day 1 resulted in increased sensitivity of corpora allata by day 5 compared to controls. Treatment of animals with juvenile hormone analog (7S-hydroprene) in addition to severance of nerves showed an increase in sensitivity to allatostatin by day 3. Implantation of vitellogenic ovarioles into males on day 2, after severance of corpora allata nerves and juvenile hormone analog application on day 1, resulted by day 4 in relatively lower sensitivities of corpora allata to allatostatin than for corpora allata from similarly treated males receiving non-vitellogenic ovarioles. These changes in sensitivity of corpora allata to allatostatin in vitro could only in part account for changes in rates of juvenile hormone synthesis observed following experimental treatments.
Interaction of intact type VI collagen with hyaluronan.

The capacity of non-pepsinyzed type VI collagen to oind to hyaluronan was investigated. Type VI collagen was extracted from bovine meniscal cartilage with 6 M GuHCl and purified by extraction of PEG precipitates and dissociative Sephacryl S-500 HR chromatography. Type VI collagen, detected with a monoclonal antibody, bound in 0.5 M NaCl to hyaluronan-coated micro-wells, the degree of binding being higher at 37°C than 23°C and 4°C. Incubation of type VI collagen in competitive inhibition assays with testicular hyaluronidase digests of hyaluronan in liquid phase, reduced binding of the protein to hyaluronan-coated microwells to background levels. Thus, non-pepsinyzed type VI collagen binds to hyaluronan in vitro.
Genetic deficiency in Pparg does not alter development of experimental prostate cancer

The role of the nuclear peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-gamma in cancer has been a subject of debate. The identification of loss-of-function mutations in PPARG in colon and prostate tumors has led to the idea that this gene may function as a tumor suppressor. We have directly tested this notion using a mouse model of prostate cancer. Neither hemizygous deletion of Pparg nor complete ablation of Ppara influenced the development of prostate cancer in our experimental context.
Toward a general-equilibrium theory of a core-periphery system of cities

Abstract This paper constructs a general-equilibrium spatial model of a core-periphery system of cities, allowing for labor heterogeneity. While unskilled workers are specialized in food production in the periphery, skilled workers with heterogeneous characteristics manufacture a high-tech commodity in the core. Unskilled wages are determined competitively, whereas skilled wages are determined via a symmetric Nash bargain between high-tech firms and skilled workers. A system of local cities forms competitively, and a single metropoly emerges due to sufficiently large positive matching externalities. We show that such an equilibrium spatial configuration exists under some regularity conditions. Moreover, the determinants of income disparity between the core and the periphery regions are examined.
Ferric hydrous oxide sols I. Monodispersed basic iron(III) sulfate particles

Abstract The methods of preparation of basic ferric sulfate sols consisting of particles uniform in shape of extremely narrow size distribution are described in detail. To produce such sols, acidic solutions containing ferric ions and sulfate ions were aged at elevated temperatures for a few hours. Solids formed from solutions containing a mixture of a ferric salt with a metal sulfate consisted of Fe3(SO4)2(OH)5· 2H2O, which is the basic formulation for the alunite mineral group, whereas particles formed from ferric sulfate solutions also included Fe4(SO4)-(OH)10 in varying proportions. The morphology of the particles was strongly dependent on the [Fe 3+ ]: [SO 4 2− ] ratio in solution. Changes in the cation ( K + , NH 4 + , Na + ) of the sulfate salt used in the mixture with ferric nitrate solutions greatly affected the particle size and also exhibited some effect on the lattice parameters. Certain cations (Mg2+, Ni2+, Cu2+) completely inhibited particle formation. During the first few hours of growth of the Fe3(SO4)2-(OH)5· 2H20 particles their diameters increased essentially linearly with time, indicating that the rate determining step was the surface reaction. The relevance of these systems to the study of corrosion of iron and steel is discussed.
Social Experience Affects Same-Sex Pairing Behavior in Male Red Flour Beetles (Tribolium castaneum Herbst)

Male red flour beetles (Tribolium castaneum Herbst) often pair and attempt to copulate with other males. We examined whether a male’s previous social experience affected his tendency to pair with other males. Virgin males were kept at different densities (singly, or with 3 or 7 males) and tested after 7, 14, or 28 days. Males performed fewer male-male pairing behaviors after being kept in higher densities and more male-male pairing behaviors after being kept with other males for longer periods of time. We also gave males experience with other males either before or after being isolated and found that male-male pairing behavior was most strongly influenced by a male’s most recent social experience. Finally, we found that being kept with females decreased a male’s subsequent tendency to pair with males relative to those previously kept with males. Overall, the results suggest that the type of social experience males acquire has a clear effect on whether they will pair with males in the future.
Response of Vegetable Amaranth to Plant Spacing

ABSTRACT Field studies were conducted in the summer of 1997 and 1998 to determine the influence of three within-row plant spacings (0.3, 0.6, and 0.9 m) on the growth, yield, and mineral composition of vegetable amaranth (Amaranthus cruentus L.). In 1997, root and shoot fresh weights per plant, stem diameter, leaf dry matter, shoot dry weight and marketable yield per plant increased as plant spacing increased, whereas, plant residue cover and marketable yield per hectare increased as plant spacing decreased. Leaf Ca increased as plant spacing increased before seedhead formation, whereas leaf P, K, and Ca similarly increased after seedhead formation. In 1998 root fresh weight, stem diameter, root dry weight, and marketable yield per plant increased as plant spacing increased, whereas, plant residue cover and marketable yield per hectare increased as plant spacing decreased. Although plant spacing did not affect leaf N, P, K, Ca, and Mg content before seedhead formation, both P and Ca increased as plant spa...
Helioseismology as a diagnostic of the solar interior

Helioseismology has given us a unique window into the solar interior. Helioseismic data have enabled us to study the internal structure and dynamics with unprecedented detail. This has also allowed us to use the Sun as a laboratory to study the basic properties of stellar matter. We describe how helioseismology is used to determine solar structure and what we have learned about the Sun so far. We also describe how knowledge of the solar structure can be used to constrain the physics inputs.
In situ reactivity and TOF-SIMS analysis of surfaces prepared by soft and reactive landing of mass-selected ions.

An instrument has been designed and constructed that enables in situ reactivity and time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (TOF-SIMS) analysis of surfaces prepared or modified through soft and reactive landing of mass-selected polyatomic cations and anions. The apparatus employs an electrospray ion source coupled to a high transmission electrodynamic ion funnel, two focusing collision quadrupoles, a large 19 mm diameter quadrupole mass filter, and a quadrupole bender that deflects the ion beam, thereby preventing neutral contaminants from impinging on the deposition surface. The ion soft landing apparatus is coupled to a commercial TOF-SIMS instrument permitting the introduction of surfaces into vacuum and SIMS analysis before and after ion deposition without breaking vacuum. To facilitate a comparison of the current TOF-SIMS instrument with the in situ Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance (FTICR-SIMS) deposition apparatus constructed previously, dications of the cyclic peptide Gramicidin S (...
Predicting instability at die radii in advanced high strength steels

Abstract Recently, the automotive industry has seen increased use of advanced high strength steels (AHSS) due to superior combinations of strength, ductility, and weldability. However, during stamping of AHSS; fractures are periodically observed along bends of small radii. These fractures have been termed ‘shear fractures’ due to limited localized necking, and fracture on alternating 45° planes, through thickness. Such fractures have proven difficult to predict using traditional measures of formability, such as the forming limit diagram (FLD). The present study outlines an approach to predict shear fractures by instability at die radii, represented by maximum applied tensile force as a function of die radius. Due to a transition from die instability to tensile instability with increasing die radius, material tensile strength is imposed as a limiting condition at large radii. Promising correlations are observed for a wide range of commercially produced AHSS including HSLA450, DP600, TRIP780, DP780, and DP980. Both experimental results and theory suggest a critical radius (normalized by sheet thickness: R / t crit ), above which materials will fail in tension, independent of die radius, and correspondingly localized shear fracture would not occur. The critical R / t value is a measure of formability, since for lower R / t crit values there is a greater range over which materials exhibit tensile failure, readily predicted by material tensile strength. For the steels analyzed in this study, critical R / t values were found to be dependent primarily on material tensile strength, and to a lesser extent, material yield strength, strain hardening exponent ( n value), and instability strain.
Effects of interstimulus interval on latency of the brainstem auditory evoked potential.

Peak latency of the inferior collicular response (wave V) of the brainstem auditory evoked potential (BAEP) increases with decreasing interstimulus interval (ISI). The present research investigated relative peak shifts of major components of the BAEP in an attempt to identify the source of the observed shift in wave V. Peripheral as well as central transmission times (CTT) were computed for 9 young adults between an ISI of 100 msec and an ISI of 10 msec. The results indicate that shifts in wave V latency with changing ISI are due to a combination of central and peripheral processes. The magnitude of the shift observed for wave V was approximately 0.50 msec. This increase in latency was accounted for by an average 0.29 msec increase in peripheral transmission time, a 0.14 msec increase in CTT between waves I and III, and a 0.07 msec increase in CTT between waves III and V. The results suggest a dual process underlying latency changes in wave V of the BAEP as a function of decreasing ISI. These are peripher...
Universal Active RC Networks

Abstract This paper presents two active RC networks—one containing finite-gain amplifiers and the other being the differential amplifier version—each of which can be used to realize the ratio of arbitrary polynomials in s as any of the following five two-port parameters: Voltage transfer function, driving-point admittance, transfer admittance, transfer impedance, current transfer function.
Purchasing Power Parity: Evidence from Developing Countries

This paper utilizes the dynamic error-correction model (DECM) to examine the issue of purchasing power parity (PPP) for 11 developing countries (Argentina, Bolivia, Colombia, Cote d'Ivoire, Ecuador, Guatemala, Kenya, Nigeria, Peru, South Africa, and Venezuela). For comparison purposes, evidence from the traditional unit root methods of the augmented Dickey-Fuller (ADF) and Phillips-Perron is presented. The results from the conventional unit root tests failed to find evidence of PPP in all of the cases. However, the results from the generalized error-correction model detected evidence of PPP for nine out of the 11 countries under consideration. Based on these results, it was concluded that PPP holds in the long-run for the sample countries and that the implicit restrictions associated with unit root tests prevented earlier studies from finding evidence in support of PPP theory.
Modeling Climate Change in the Absence of Climate Change Data. Editorial Comment

Practitioners of climate change prediction base many of their future climate scenarios on General Circulation Models (GCM's), each model with differing assumptions and parameter requirements. For representing the atmosphere, GCM's typically contain equations for calculating motion of particles, thermodynamics and radiation, and continuity of water vapor. Hydrology and heat balance are usually included for continents, and sea ice and heat balance are included for oceans. The current issue of this journal contains a paper by Van Blarcum et al. (1995) that predicts runoff from nine high-latitude rivers under a doubled CO2 atmosphere. The paper is important since river flow is an indicator variable for climate change. The authors show that precipitation will increase under the imposed perturbations and that owing to higher temperatures earlier in the year that cause the snow pack to melt sooner, runoff will also increase. They base their simulations on output from a GCM coupled with an interesting water routing scheme they have devised. Climate change models have been linked to other models to predict deforestation.
Author response to comment on “The placenta harbors a unique microbiome”

We thank Dr. Kliman for his interesting comments ([ 1 ][1]) pertaining to our recently published article ([ 2 ][2]). We would like to take this opportunity to formally address Dr. Kliman’s comments. We concur with Dr. Kliman that appropriate interpretation of an experiment depends on the
Indolent Infectious Tenosynovitis Afflicting Rheumatoid Patients Treated With Tumor Necrosis Factor Inhibitors: Case Report

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) is a cytokine associated with the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis. Tumor necrosis factor inhibitors have become important biological treatments that favorably alter the natural history of rheumatoid disease. Side effects include an increased risk of malignancy and infection, particularly tuberculosis. We present 2 patients with rheumatoid arthritis on TNF inhibitors in whom flares of wrist tenosynovitis, initially diagnosed as rheumatoid disease exacerbations, were caused by infections with uncommon opportunistic pathogens. Diagnostic and treatment recommendations for this subset of rheumatoid patients are discussed.
Electrode determination of fluoride in ill-characterized natural waters

Abstract Fluoride concentrations in natural waters, such as estuaries, rivers, or lakes, may be measured using a specific ion electrode and a known-addition technique in conjunction with a high-ionic-strength buffer that fixes pH near 5.5 and includes cyclohexanediamine tetraacetic acid to free fluoride bound by some complexing ions. No additional information, such as interfering ion concentrations or ionic strength, is needed. Measurements may be made in waters containing as much as 25 mg 1−1 Al, 125 mg 1−1 Fe, 20 gl−1 Ca, or 12.5 g 1−1 Mg. Results are accurate to about 0.02 mg 1−1. The relative standard deviation is about 2 per cent when fluoride is 1 mg 1−1 and up to 5 per cent when fluoride is 0.1 mg 1−1.
Cost Analysis of Pediatric Robot-Assisted and Laparoscopic Pyeloplasty

Purpose: An increasing percentage of pediatric pyeloplasties are being performed with assistance of the da Vinci® Surgical System. A review of the recent literature shows decreased operative times and length of hospital stays when robotic procedures are performed, although there are few published data comparing the cost of pediatric robotic and pure laparoscopic pyeloplasty. We reviewed a representative sample of pyeloplasties performed at our institution and performed a cost analysis.Materials and Methods: We retrospectively identified 23 robot-assisted and 23 laparoscopic pyeloplasties performed at our institution between August 2008 and April 2012. Total cost was calculated from direct and indirect costs provided by our billing department.Results: Robotic procedures were shorter than pure laparoscopic procedures (200 vs 265 minutes, p <0.001) but there was no significant difference in the total cost of the 2 procedures ($15,337 vs $16,067, p <0.46). When compared to laparoscopic cases, subgroup analysi...