cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Insulin regulation of insulin-like growth factor-binding protein production in cultured HepG2 cells.

A human hepatoma cell line, HepG2, secretes a discrete insulin-like growth factor-binding protein (IGFBP-1) into serum-free medium, which is identical to the 25K mol wt BP in amniotic fluid and plasma. IGFBP-1 levels in vivo have been shown to be inversely correlated with circulating insulin concentrations. This study investigated the direct effects of insulin on IGFBP-1 production in vitro. Addition of insulin to HepG2 cultures induced a rapid dose-dependent decrease in IGFBP-1 synthesis and secretion independent of the glucose concentration in the medium. As assessed by ligand binding and specific RIA, levels of IGFBP-1 were 20–50% of control levels in 18-h conditioned medium from insulin-treated cells. Monoclonal antibody studies indicated that the suppressive effect of insulin on IGFBP-1 synthesis was mediated through specific interaction with the insulin receptor. Therefore, HepG2 cells respond to insulin by altering the synthesis and secretion of IGFBP-1 in a manner that mimics many of the changes i...
5-Hydroxytryptophan-induced conditioned taste aversion to ethanol in the rat☆

This experiment was conducted to determine the efficacy of 5-HTP in producing conditioned taste aversions (CTAs) to ethanol in rats restricted to a one-hour daily access to fluid. Administration of 100 mg/kg of DL-5-HTP immediately following novel exposure to ethanol resulted in an aversion of such magnitude that some rats refused to consume the ethanol solution. Since ethanol was the only fluid available to these rats, they eventually died, presumably of dehydration. By comparison, LiCl administration also produced a CTA to ethanol, but no such persistent rejection was observed. Both 5-HTP and LiCl also produced CTAs when saccharin and tartaric acid solutions were used as novel fluids, but these aversions were short-lived and all rats resumed drinking. The causative factor(s) in the persistent ethanol rejection until death observed in rats treated with 5-HTP remain undetermined but the results have indicated that simple CS-UCS associative learning mechanisms are probably not a primary causative factor.
The retinal specific CD147 Ig0 domain: from molecular structure to biological activity

CD147 is a type I transmembrane protein that is involved in inflammatory diseases, cancer progression, and multiple human pathogens utilize CD147 for efficient infection. CD147 expression is so high in several cancers that it is now used as a prognostic marker. The two primary isoforms of CD147 that are related to cancer progression have been identified, differing in their number of immunoglobulin (Ig)-like domains. These include CD147 Ig1-Ig2, which is ubiquitously expressed in most tissues, and CD147 Ig0-Ig1-Ig2, which is retinal specific and implicated in retinoblastoma. However, little is known in regard to the retinal specific CD147 Ig0 domain despite its potential role in retinoblastoma. We present the first crystal structure of the human CD147 Ig0 domain and show that the CD147 Ig0 domain is a crystallographic dimer with an I-type domain structure, which maintained in solution. Furthermore, we have utilized our structural data together with mutagenesis to probe the biological activity of CD147-containing proteins, both with and without the CD147 Ig0 domain, within several model cell lines. Our findings reveal that the CD147 Ig0 domain is a potent stimulator of interleukin-6 and suggest that the CD147 Ig0 domain has its own receptor distinct from that of the other CD147 Ig-like domains, CD147 Ig1-Ig2. Finally, we show that the CD147 Ig0 dimer is the functional unit required for activity and can be disrupted by a single point mutation.
Phase transition and spin–wave dispersion in quantum Hall bilayers at filling factor ν=1

Abstract We present an effective Hamiltonian for a bilayer quantum Hall system at filling factor ν =1 neglecting charge fluctuations. Our model is formulated in terms of spin and pseudospin operators and is an exact representation of the system within the above approximation. We analyze its low-lying excitations in terms of spin–wave theory. Moreover we add to previous first-principle exact-diagonalization studies concentrating on the quantum phase transition seen in this system.
Inhibition of bone resorption in vitro by compound 48/80.

The mechanisms that control cycles of bone formation and bone resorption are not well understood. In this report we provide evidence that compound 48/80 is a potent inhibitor of bone resorptionin vitro. Resorption was assessed by the release of calcium-45 from pre-labelled new-born mouse calvaria that were treated with compound 48/80 and/or parathyroid hormone (PTH) in organ culture. Our results demonstrate that co-incubation of calvaria with PTH plus compound 48/80 (concentrations 1–10 meg/ml) produces a marked reduction of calcium-45 release compared to PTH alone. Furthermore, pre-indubation of calvaria with compound 48/80, for as little as three hours, inhibits resorption by subsequent treatment with PTH alone. Measurement of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) released into the culture medium indicated that treatment with compound 48/80, at the doses and time periods studied, was not cytotoxic. This novel effect of compound 48/80 may provide a useful tool for studying the cellular mechanisms involved in the bone resorption process.
The structure of Al/GaAs interfaces

The structure of Al/GaAs interfaces was investigated by high resolution electron microscopy. The Al layers were deposited in a molecular beam epitaxy chamber with a vacuum base pressure of <1 x 10/sup -8/ Pa. The GaAs substrate temperature varied during Al deposition from -30/sup 0/C to 400/sup 0/C. Deposition of Al on cold substrates less than or equal to25/sup 0/C resulted in epitaxial growth of (001) Al on (001) GaAs. Droplets of Ga were observed in samples with the substrate temperature at -30/sup 0/C (1 x 2) and 0/sup 0/C (c(2 x 8)). Postannealing of the last sample caused formation of the AlGaAs phase. Deposition of Al on hot substrates (150/sup 0/C and 400/sup 0/C) resulted in the formation of the AlGaAs phase, which separated (110) oriented Al from (001) GaAs.
A grand new view from the embryo

The field of `evo-devo', the study of evolutionary developmental biology, is one of the most exciting in modern biology. Its appeal lies in the promise of delivering answers to the age-old question of where did we come from? The answers come from not one but two perspectives, which are intimately
Histochemical and X-ray microanalytical localization of aluminum in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and parkinsonism-dementia of Guam

Histochemical staining for aluminum, using Solochrome azurine or Morin, provided a rapid, simple and reliable means of identifying areas and structures of the brain of interest for closer scrutiny by X-ray microanalysis in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and parkinsonism-dementia of Guam. Neuronal perikarya, dendritic processes, and the walls of some cerebral vessels were aluminum positive by Solochrome azurine staining. In some cases, the deposition of aluminum was rather diffuse, particularly in the white matter. Fluorescent localization of aluminum using Morin was equally sensitive and specific, but provided less morphological detail than Solochrome azurine. Confirmation of histochemical detection of aluminum was achieved by examining adjacent tissue sections using wavelength-dispersive spectrometry coupled to a computer-controlled electron beam X-ray microprobe. Although the minimum detectable limits for aluminum by these histochemical procedures are unknown, the lower detection limit of our X-ray microanalytical technique is 10–100 ppm dry weight. Solochrome and Morin staining, as verified by X-ray microanalysis, afford a useful and reliable means of surveying multiple anatomical regions for aluminum deposition in naturally occurring and experimentally induced neurodegenerative disorders.
Nuclear factor-κB and liver carcinogenesis

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third deadliest and fifth most common human cancer worldwide. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) and hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections along with alcohol and aflatoxin B1 intake are widely recognized etiological agents in HCCs. It is anticipated that HCCs will constitute a major health problem in the next two decades because of the rising incidence of HCV infections in the US. The poor survival rate achieved by current surgical procedures and chemotherapy treatment has prompted the scientific community to gain a better understanding of the molecular events involved in hepatocarcinogenesis in order to define new targets for more effective treatment. Recent findings from several laboratories have implicated constitutive activation of the transcription factor NF-kappaB as one of the early key events involved in neoplastic progression of the liver. Data is summarized here from recently published studies illustrating a crucial role of NF-kappaB in bridging the action of growth factors and inflammation to hepatic oncogenesis. Although additional work is needed to fully understand the precise role of NF-kappaB in the regulation of the various transitions of HCC development, these new findings raise the intriguing possibility that pharmacologic inhibition of NF-kappaB in the liver could selectively eradicate malignant liver cells without affecting normal liver homeostasis.
Multicultural Visions in Early Reading Classrooms: Implications for Early Childhood Teacher Educators.

Abstract Teachers and teacher educators are faced with an urgent responsibility to support the learning of an increasingly diverse population of young children. Based on the sociocultural perspective of reading, a literature‐based approach is outlined for early reading teachers. The implications of this approach to teacher education programs are further discussed from the author's own experiences of transmitting multicultural visions to preservice teachers in a multicultural course and a literacy method course she taught. The author maintains that teacher educators are in a unique position to help early childhood teacher candidates nurture multicultural visions in their teacher education programs today, and carry these visions to their future early reading classrooms tomorrow. © 2005 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
The local structure of space-variant images

Local image structure is widely used in theories of both machine and biological vision. The form of the differential operators describing this structure for space-invariant images has been well documented. Although space-variant coordinates are universally used in mammalian visual systems, the form of the operators in the space-variant coordinate system has received little attention. In this report we derive the form of the most common differential operators and surface characteristics in the space-variant domain and show examples of their use. The operators include the Laplacian, the gradient and the divergence, as well as the fundamental forms of the image treated as a surface. We illustrate the use of these results by deriving the space-variant form of corner detection and image enhancement algorithms. The latter is shown to have interesting properties in the complex log domain, implicitly encoding a variable grid-size integration of the underlying PDE, allowing rapid enhancement of large scale peripheral features while preserving high spatial frequencies in the fovea. Copyright 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd.
Prostate-Specific Antigen Modulates the Expression of Genes Involved in Prostate Tumor Growth

Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is a serine protease that is widely used as a surrogate marker in the early diagnosis and management of prostate cancer. The physiological relevance of tissue PSA levels and their role in prostate tumor growth and metastasis are not known. Free-PSA (f-PSA) was purified to homogeneity from human seminal plasma by column chromatography, eliminating hk2 and all known PSA complexes and retaining its protease activity. Confluent mono-layers of prostate cancer cell lines, PC-3M and LNCaP, were treated with f-PSA in a series of in vitro experiments to determine the changes in expression of various genes that are known to regulate tumor growth and metastasis. Gene array, quantitative polymerase chain reaction (QPCR), and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) results show significant changes in the expression of various cancer-related genes in PC-3M and LNCaP cells treated with f-PSA. In a gene array analysis of PC-3M cells treated with 10 µM f-PSA, 136 genes were upregulated and 137 genes were downregulated. In LNCaP cells treated with an identical concentration of f-PSA, a total of 793 genes was regulated. QPCR analysis reveals that the genes for urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA), VEGF, and Pim-1 oncogene, known to promote tumor growth, were significantly downregulated, whereas IFN-γ, known to be a tumor-suppressor gene, was significantly upregulated in f-PSA-treated PC-3M cells. The effect of f-PSA on VEGF and IFN-γ gene expression and on protein release in PC-3M cells was distinctly dose-dependent. In vivo studies showed a significant reduction (P = .03) in tumor load when f-PSA was administered in the tumor vicinity of PC-3M tumor-bearing BALB/c nude mice. Our data support the hypothesis that f-PSA plays a significant role in prostate tumor growth by regulating various proangiogenic and antiangiogenic growth factors.
On the Precariousness of Measuring Insanity in Insane Contexts

In an earlier paper in this journal (Snow et al., 1986), we presented and discussed two data sources that called into question the typification of the homeless as mentally ill. We also argued that this view deflects attention from the more pervasive structural sources of homelessness. James D. Wright (1988), in his comment on our paper, agrees that the prevalence of mental illness among the homeless has been exaggerated, but he suggests that we have erred in the other direction. Specifically, he contends that our findings at best yield a "lower boundary estimate," whereas his findings yield a "best guess estimate" that is considerably higher and more consistent with other estimates. It is possible that our research produced a lower boundary estimate, but we do not fully agree with his objections to that research. Additionally, we contest the claim that his findings indicate a true incidence rate that is at least two to three times higher than what we found.
Future directions in the treatment of androgen-independent prostate cancer

The rationale for evaluating the taxanes in hormone-refractory prostate cancer (HRPC) is strong. Preclinical data demonstrate that docetaxel is a potent inhibitor of bcl-2, an antiapoptotic gene implicated in the progression of HRPC and the development of chemotherapy resistance. The results of early clinical trials with docetaxel suggested that it could improve survival; trials in which docetaxel was combined with estramustine appeared even more promising. The Southwest Oncology Group intergroup trial (SWOG 9916) phase III was developed to compare the combination of docetaxel and estramustine to mitoxantrone-prednisone in men with HRPC. A total of 684 eligible patients were enrolled. Median survival was significantly improved with docetaxel-estramustine (17.5 months vs 15.6 months with mitoxantrone-prednisone, P = .02), and the relative risk of death was reduced by 20%. Progression-free survival was improved from 3.2 months with mitoxantrone-prednisone to 6.3 months with docetaxel-estramustine (P <.001). Significantly more patients treated with docetaxel-estramustine had a prostate-specific antigen response decline of at least 50% compared with those treated with mitoxantrone-prednisone (50% vs 27%, P <.001). Toxicity was more common in the docetaxel-estramustine arm, likely due to estramustine. Other docetaxel-based regimens under investigation include combinations with calcitriol, thalidomide, or bevacizumab. With docetaxel/prednisone approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as first-line treatment of HRPC, ongoing and future trials will build on its success by evaluating a number of docetaxel-based combinations in various prostate cancer settings. Other novel agents, including the oral platinum analog satraplatin, are being investigated as second-line treatment for HRPC.
Chromatographic behavior of several mammalian tRNAs on acylated dihydroxyl-borate cellulose and Aminex A-28

Studies of the chromatographic behavior of mammalian tRNAs, from several sources, on acylated DBAE-cellulose indicate that species of tRNA Asn , tRNA Asp and tRNA His can be retained on this matrix, while species of tRNA Tyr, tRNA Asn and tRNA Asp are not retained. Treatment of total rat liver tRNA with cyanogen bromide and subsequent chromatography on Aminex A-28 columns demonstrated that these tRNA species might contain Q (or Q*) nucleoside. However, comparable studies of the tRNA isolated from Walker 256 rat mammary tumor tissue demonstrated that this tumor tRNA almost totally lacks the hypermodified nucleosides Q and Q*. In addition, we have found that at least the major species of rat liver tRNA Asn contains the Q nucleoside. These studies indicate that chromatography on the acylated DBAE-cellulose matrix, couple with the analytical ion-exchange chromatography of cyanogen bromide treated and untreated amino-acyl-tRNA can be a valuable technique for the determination of alterations in the Q (or Q*) nucleoside content of the tRNAs isolated from normal and tumor tissues.
Inheritance and Linkage of Two Genes that Confer Resistance to Fusarium Wilt in Chickpea

Fusarium oxysporum Schlechtend.: Fr. f. sp. ciceris (Padwick) causes a vascular wilt of chickpea (Cicerarietinum L.) and significantly limits production worldwide. The objectives of this study were (i) to determine the inheritance of resistance to races 0 and 5 of fusarium wilt and the genetic map positions of the resistance genes and (ii) to assess the linkage relationships between these two genes and other known wilt resistance genes in chickpea. Seedlings of 131 F 6 -derived recombinant inbred lines (RILs) were tested for reaction to races 0 and 5. A 1 resistant:1 susceptible segregation ratio was observed for both races, indicating that resistance to each race is controlled by a single gene. Linkage analysis indicated that the genes for resistance to races 4 and 5 were in the same linkage group and were separated by 11.2 centiMorgans (cM). The gene for resistance to race 0 was not linked to the race 4 and 5 resistance genes. In addition, an allele-specific associated primer (ASAP) product (CS-27R/CS-27F), developed from the CS-27 primer, was located between the two resistance genes and was 7.2 and 4 cM from the genes for resistance to races 4 and 5, respectively. Map positions of these two race-specific resistance genes and the marker reported to be linked to the genes for resistance to races I and 4 support the hypothesis that wilt resistance genes are clustered on the same chromosome, Since the gene conferring resistance to race 0 is found in a different region of the genome, other genomic regions may be responsible for resistance to wilt pathogens. The gene symbols foc-0, foc-4, and foc-5 are proposed for the genes for resistance to races 0,4, and 5 of the pathogen, respectively. Identification and further evaluation of disease resistance gene clusters would improve our understanding of wilt resistance in chickpea and facilitate the transfer of resistance genes to new cultivars.
Recurrence rates in patients with central or retroareolar breast cancers treated with mastectomy or lumpectomy

Abstract Background: Although breast conservation with lumpectomy and radiation treatment has become a commonly used treatment for breast cancer, there are little data to support the use of lumpectomy for central and retroareolar breast cancers. In this study, we investigate the local and distant recurrence rates of patients with central or retroareolar breast cancers treated with lumpectomy compared with mastectomy Methods: This study provides a retrospective analysis of 99 patients, from 1981 to 2000, with central or retroareolar breast cancers treated with mastectomy or lumpectomy to determine the frequency of local and distant recurrence. The mastectomy and lumpectomy patients were compared with respect to recurrence and other prognostic factors including: tumor location, tumor size, axillary nodal status, and final surgical margins. Results: The overall frequency of local recurrence was 5 of 99 (5.0%) in the entire group, 3 of 67 (4.5%) and 2 of 32 (6.3%) of patients who underwent mastectomy and lumpectomy, respectively ( P >0.99). Overall, 3 patients experienced a distant recurrence as a first event, with 2 patients (3.0%) in the mastectomy group and 1 patient (3.1%) in the lumpectomy group ( P >0.99). The type of surgical management was not statistically significant related to either local or distant disease recurrence, with median time to local recurrence of 3.0 years for the mastectomy patients and 5.0 years for lumpectomy patients. Of the patients with central tumors who underwent mastectomy 2 of 42 (4.8%) developed local recurrences compared with those who had a lumpectomy, 1 of 21 (4.8%). Similarly for retroareolar tumors, the local recurrence rate was 1 of 25 (4.0%) for patients undergoing mastectomy and 1 of 11 (9.1%) for those undergoing lumpectomy ( P >0.99). Conclusions: In this study there was no significant difference in local or distant failure rates of those patients with central or retroareolar tumors treated with mastectomy versus lumpectomy. We conclude lumpectomy to be a reasonable treatment option for selected patients with central or retroareolar breast cancers.
The Vocal Repertoire of the Ringtailed Lemur (Lemur catta)

The vocal repertoire of the ringtailed lemur (Lemur cαttα) is described quantitatively and spectrographically. Structure, usage and inferred function of the vocalizations of adults and immatures are e
Radiation tolerant nano-FED biosensing for space application

A p-type polysilicon nanowire and silicon nano-channel combination based biosensor was developed, which has the potential to detect pathogens and thus protect crew safety aboard long-term manned flight programmes in high radiation space flights. This study outlines structures, which compose the biosensor, and demonstrates that the nano-device utilised herein is total dose radiation hardened. Highly doped polysilicon nanowires (30–100 nm) in nano-field-effect device (FED) were fabricated on silicon/silicon dioxide wafers and insulated with a thin polyimide layer. When the targeted gene, Escherichia coli DH5 alpha 16S rRNA, incubated on the device surface, the constant overall impedance increased or decreased depending on the electronic charge, mass and composition of the target molecule. All measurements were carried under 25 MeV S-Band linear accelerator followed by impedance measurements. Current sets of experiments show these nano-FED can form the basis of a robust, very sensitive handheld tool for path...
Impact of substance-use disorder treatment on women involved in prostitution: substance use, mental health, and prostitution one year after treatment.

Objective: Prostitution is common among women with substance-use disorders (SUDs). However, little is known about the outcomes of SUD treatment for women involved in prostitution relative to their peers or the impact of SUD treatment on subsequent prostitution. Method: Participants were 1,287 women from a national study of SUD treatment sites. Women completed a baseline interview at entry to SUD treatment and a follow-up interview roughly 1 year after discharge. We compared the substance-related and mental health outcomes at follow-up of women involved in prostitution and women not involved in prostitu- tion, and determined if prostitution declined signifi cantly at follow-up. Among women reporting prostitution at baseline (n = 533), we examined whether receipt of specifi c ancillary services (medical, mental health, psychosocial) was associated with cessation of prostitution and whether cessation of prostitution was associated with better substance-related and mental health outcomes. Results: Women reporting prostitution at baseline had more frequent drug and alcohol use, reduced abstinence rates, and more mental health symptoms at follow-up compared with their peers. However, the rate of prostitution declined from baseline to follow-up. Receipt of more mental health and psychosocial services during treatment was associated with the cessation of prostitution at fol- low-up, and cessation of prostitution was associated with lower substance use, higher rates of abstinence, and fewer mental health symptoms at follow-up. Conclusions: Comprehensive services may be needed to ef- fect signifi cant reductions in substance use and mental health symptoms among women engaged in prostitution. (J. Stud. Alcohol Drugs 70: 32-40, 2009)
The Cognitive Behavior Survey: Testing for Factorial Validity and Time Invariance Across Two Years of Medical School

Background: The Cognitive Behavior Survey (CBS) assesses learner behavior in healthcare-related fields. Purpose: The study aims were to evaluate the factorial validity of the CBS, which purports to measure three dimensions of learner behavior—conceptualization, reflection, and memorization—and propose and test an alternative model including its time invariance. Methods: The CBS was administered to 3 cohorts of medical students upon matriculation and at the end of their 1st and 2nd year. Results: Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) did not support the original CBS model. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) with an independent sample provided a new model. Retesting the EFA model using CFA with the original sample yielded a model with improved fit and time invariance. Conclusions: This study provides evidence for the original CBS 3-factor structure but requires alternative scoring for a time-invariant model.
Acute Syphilitic Balanitis and Gross Penile Edema in an HIV- Infected Man

Syphilis presenting with balanitis and penile edema is rare, and in most cases has been considered to be a manifestation of primary syphilis. We report the case of an HIV-infected man who presented with penile edema and balanitis concomitant with an eruption on his buttocks, lower abdomen and thighs. Histologic examination and serology were diagnostic of syphilis, and the patient was successfully treated with benzathine-penicillin. Our case represents an unusual, infrequently reported presentation of secondary syphilis.
Efficacy of Glutamate Modulators in Tic Suppression: A Double-Blind, Randomized Control Trial of D-serine and Riluzole in Tourette Syndrome.

Abstract Background It has been hypothesized that glutamatergic transmission may be altered in Tourette syndrome. In this study, we explored the efficacy of a glutamate agonist (D-serine) and antagonist (riluzole) as tic-suppressing agents in children with Tourette syndrome. Methods We performed a parallel three-arm, 8-week, double-blind, randomized placebo-controlled treatment study in children with Tourette syndrome. Each child received 6 weeks of treatment with D-serine (maximum dose 30 mg/kg/day), riluzole (maximum dose 200 mg/day), or placebo, followed by a 2-week taper. The primary outcome measure was effective tic suppression as determined by the differences in the Yale Global Tic Severity Scale score; specifically, the total tic score and the combined score (total tic score + global impairment) between treatment arms after 6 weeks of treatment. Mann-Whitney U tests were performed to analyze differences between each group and the placebo group. Results Twenty-four patients (males = 21, ages 9-18) enrolled in the study; one patient dropped out before completion. Combined Yale Global Tic Severity Scale score and total tic scores improved in all groups. The 6-week mean percent improvement of the riluzole (n = 10), D-serine (n = 9), and placebo (n = 5) groups in the combined Yale Global Tic Severity Scale score were 43.7, 39.5, and 30.2 and for total tic scores were 38.0, 25.0, and 34.0, respectively. There were no significant differences in Yale Global Tic Severity Scale score or total tic score, respectively, between the riluzole and placebo ( P = 0.35, 0.85) or D-serine and placebo ( P = 0.50, 0.69) groups. Conclusion Tics diminished by comparable percentages in the riluzole, D-serine, and placebo groups. These preliminary data suggest that D-serine and riluzole are not effective in tic suppression.
Vertical spreading of two-dimensional crystalline colloidal arrays

We report on a novel self-driven climbing of two-dimensional (2-D) ordered monolayer crystalline colloidal arrays (CCAs). This phenomenon can be used to rapidly and efficiently prepare large area, highly ordered 2-D array monolayer CCA films on various substrates. Large area 2-D polystyrene (PS) particle CCAs were fabricated on water surfaces by a needle tip flow technique. Introduction of a wet substrate through the 2-D particle monolayer array on the water surface causes the 2-D array to flow onto the wet substrate surface due to a surface spreading pressure. This method can quickly prepare ordered 2-D particle arrays on numerous wet substrates including flat/curved glass slides, inner walls of glass tubes, hydrogels, flexible polymer films, patterned surfaces, etc. By using responsive hydrogels as substrates, we can conveniently prepare 2-D photonic crystal sensors that can be used to visually determine analyte concentrations. For example, we prepared 580 nm PS 2-D arrays on poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) hydrogels to sense ethanol in water.
Variation in the Attitudes of Medical Oncologists Toward Research Biopsies in Patients With Metastatic Breast Cancer

Background.Tissue fromresearch biopsies provides access to insights into tumor biology. We aimed to determine medical oncologists’ (MOs’) attitudes toward research biopsies in patients with metastatic breast cancer (MBC). Materials and Methods. A total of 309 breast MOs from NationalCancerInstitute(NCI)-designatedcancercenterswere invited to complete a self-administered survey about their attitudes toward approaching patients for research purposeonlybiopsies(RPOBs),performedasastandaloneprocedure,or additionalbiopsies,performedwithaclinicallyindicatedbiopsy. The MOs were asked to predict what proportion of their MBC patients would consider undergoing research biopsies. Results. Of the 309 MOs, 221 (72%) responded. Of these 221 MOs, 30 were ineligible, leaving 191 eligible responders. NearlyalltheMOsreportedtheywerecomfortableapproach
Short-course antimicrobial therapy may be clinically similar to a longer course for complicated intra-abdominal infections.

Commentary on: Sawyer RG, Claridge JA, Nathens AB, et al. Trial of short-course antimicrobial therapy for intraabdominal infection. N Engl J Med 2015;372:1996–2005[OpenUrl][1][CrossRef][2][PubMed][3]. The prevention and treatment of complicated intra-abdominal infections have remained a priority for surgeons for decades, importantly including adequate source control.1 While evidence supports the early initiation of antimicrobial therapy,2 questions remain about the appropriate extent of therapy. Systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS)-related signs of sepsis have dictated duration. However, signs of SIRS may persist without any evidence of infection. The corollary is also true as up to 12.5% of patients with severe sepsis may indeed be SIRS negative.3 Sawyer and colleagues previously demonstrated that a fixed duration of antimicrobial therapy yielded similar outcomes with less antibiotic use.4 Clinicians have historically treated complicated intra-abdominal infections for up to 14 days, although practice guidelines recommend 4–7 days. … [1]: {openurl}?query=rft.jtitle%253DN%2BEngl%2BJ%2BMed%26rft.volume%253D372%26rft.spage%253D1996%26rft_id%253Dinfo%253Adoi%252F10.1056%252FNEJMoa1411162%26rft_id%253Dinfo%253Apmid%252F25992746%26rft.genre%253Darticle%26rft_val_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Ajournal%26ctx_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ctx_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Actx [2]: /lookup/external-ref?access_num=10.1056/NEJMoa1411162&link_type=DOI [3]: /lookup/external-ref?access_num=25992746&link_type=MED&atom=%2Febmed%2F20%2F5%2F182.atom
Two-dimensional photonic crystals: waveguides and guided resonance

A general designing procedure is introduced that allows for any given photonic crystal slab, to create an appropriate waveguide structure that possesses single-mode bands with large bandwidth and low dispersion within the photonic band gap below the light line. The procedure consists of two steps: i) designing a conventional dielectric waveguide that is optimally phase matched with the band gap of the photonic crystal slab; and ii) embedding the dielectric waveguide into the photonic crystal in an appropriate way such that the edge states are eliminated and single mode propagation is ensured. This procedure produces waveguide structures with large bandwidth of single mode and lossless propagation, and creates dispersion relations that are essentially linear over most of the guiding bandwidth.
Enantioselective Epoxidation of Terminal Alkenes to (R)- and (S)-Epoxides by Engineered Cytochromes P450 BM-3

Cytochrome P450 BM-3 from Bacillus megaterium was engineered for enantioselective epoxidation of simple terminal alkenes. Screening saturation mutagenesis libraries, in which mutations were introduced in the active site of an engineered P450, followed by recombination of beneficial mutations generated two P450 BM-3 variants that convert a range of terminal alkenes to either (R)- or (S)-epoxide (up to 83 % ee) with high catalytic turnovers (up to 1370) and high epoxidation selectivities (up to 95 %). A biocatalytic system using E. coli lysates containing P450 variants as the epoxidation catalysts and in vitro NADPH regeneration by the alcohol dehydrogenase from Thermoanaerobium brockii generates each of the epoxide enantiomers, without additional cofactor.
A sensitive and specific method for measurement of multiple retinoids in human serum with UHPLC-MS/MS

Retinol (vitamin A) circulates at 1–4 μM concentration and is easily measured in serum. However, retinol is biologically inactive. Its metabolite, retinoic acid (RA), is believed to be responsible for biological effects of vitamin A, and hence the measurement of retinol concentrations is of limited value. A UHPLC-MS/MS method using isotope-labeled internal standards was developed and validated for quantitative analysis of endogenous RA isomers and metabolites. The method was used to measure retinoids in serum samples from 20 healthy men. In the fed state, the measured concentrations were 3.1 ± 0.2 nM for atRA, 0.1 ± 0.02 nM for 9-cisRA, 5.3 ± 1.3 nM for 13-cisRA, 0.4 ± 0.4 nM for 9,13-dicisRA, and 17.2 ± 6.8 nM for 4oxo-13-cisRA. The concentrations of the retinoids were not significantly different when measured after an overnight fast (3.0 ± 0.1 nM for atRA, 0.09 ± 0.01nM for 9-cisRA, 3.9 ± 0.2 nM for 13-cisRA, 0.3 ± 0.1 nM for 9,13-dicisRA, and 11.9 ± 1.6 nM for 4oxo-13-cisRA). 11-cisRA and 4OH-RA were not detected in human serum. The high sensitivity of the MS/MS method combined with the UHPLC separation power allowed detection of endogenous 9-cisRA and 4oxo-atRA for the first time in human serum.
Some practical issues concerning the gamma neural net

Summary form only given, as follows. A novel neural model for processing of temporal patterns has been presented. This model, the gamma neural net, generalizes dynamic additive models with delay and/or local feedback into a unifying framework. Implementation issues regarding the gamma net were explored, and a real-time backpropagation procedure was derived. Results from a signal prediction experiment were obtained. >
Canonical Protein Splicing of a Class 1 Intein That Has a Class 3 Noncanonical Sequence Motif

A Thermobifida fusca intein has two characteristics of class 3 inteins: a noncontiguous covariant Trp-Cys-Thr triplet and a Ser flanking its C terminus. However, it has Cys at position one, characteristic of class 1 inteins. Splicing does not require the internal Cys, which may instead coordinate the active site. Therefore, the intein is class 1.
Adaptive pattern nulling utilizing the elevations of the antenna array elements

The authors describe a simple method for adjusting the elevations of the antenna elements to suppress interferences coming from certain directions. The effect of changing the elevation of the antenna array elements is to add additional phase to the antenna pattern according to the locations of the nulls with respect to the broadside direction. As an illustration, a linear array with N=20 elements and d=/spl lambda//2 is considered. >
Mesh Refinement Using Density Function for Solving Optimal Control Problems

This paper presents a general mesh refinement method based on a density function for distributing the grid points, which can be used for solving optimal control problems through a direct method. The algorithm captures any discontinuities and smoothness irregularities in the state and control variables with high resolution, thus helping with the convergence of the overall optimization algorithm. The algorithm also provides flexibility during the mesh refinement process, especially for problems with multiple control inputs. As a specific example of the general theory, a density function based on the best piecewise linear approximation of functions with curvature defined almost everywhere is proposed for refining the mesh. The technique is applied to solve the problem of the optimal powerlimited landing for a large commercial aircraft.
Combining satisfiability techniques from AI and OR

The recent effort to integrate techniques from the fields of artificial intelligence and operations research has been motivated in part by the fact that scientists in each group are often unacquainted with recent (and not so recent) progress in the other field. Our goal in this paper is to introduce the artificial intelligence community to pseudo-Boolean representation and cutting plane proofs, and to introduce the operations research community to restricted learning methods such as relevance-bounded learning. Complete methods for solving satisfiability problems are necessarily bounded from below by the length of the shortest proof of unsatisfiability; the fact that cutting plane proofs of unsatisfiability can be exponentially shorter than the shortest resolution proof can thus in theory lead to substantial improvements in the performance of complete satisfiability engines. Relevance-bounded learning is a method for bounding the size of a learned constraint set. It is currently the best artificial intelligence strategy for deciding which learned constraints to retain and which to discard. We believe these two elements or some analogous form of them are necessary ingredients to improving the performance of satisfiability algorithms generally. We also present a new cutting plane proof of the pigeonhole principle that is of size n2, and show how to implement some intelligent backtracking techniques using pseudo-Boolean representation.
Testing five of the simplest upper mantle anisotropic velocity parameterizations using teleseismic S and SKS data from the Billings, Montana PASSCAL array

[1] Five of the simplest parameterizations of upper mantle anisotropy are tested and ranked for a data set collected on a dense temporary PASSCAL seismic array located 100-km NE of Yellowstone. These hexagonal symmetry anisotropy models possess either one or two layers with either flat or dipping fast velocity axis (FVA). Recordings from fifteen high quality direct-S and SKS arrivals are stacked to provide accurate waveform and error estimates. Source normalization is accomplished using the cross-convolution technique. A direct Monte Carlo Neighborhood Algorithm is used to map the posteriori model probability density (PPD) volume. Using the F test, we find that models with purely flat FVA can be rejected at >97% probability. Our best model (P5) is a two layer dipping FVA parameterization, albeit the two layer model with one flat and one dipping FVA can only be rejected at 80% probability. The best model has a lower layer with a N65°E FVA strike and a −12° dip (down to the southwest), and an upper layer with a N20°W FVA strike and a −47° FVA dip (down to the southeast). The bottom asthenospheric layer FVA strikes parallel to North America's absolute plate motion direction and dips opposite to what passive plate shear of the asthenosphere would predict. The upper lithospheric layer is consistent with LPO accretion associated with north directed drift of the North American plate during the Mesozoic. Comparison between the SKS-and direct S-wave data sets shows that the direct S waves improve resolution of the double layer anisotropic model parameters.
Hyperpolarized 13C magnetic resonance metabolic imaging: application to brain tumors

In order to compare in vivo metabolism between malignant gliomas and normal brain, 13C magnetic resonance (MR) spectroscopic imaging data were acquired from rats with human glioblastoma xenografts (U-251 MG and U-87 MG) and normal rats, following injection of hyperpolarized [1-13C]-pyruvate. The median signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of lactate, pyruvate, and total observed carbon-13 resonances, as well as their relative ratios, were calculated from voxels containing Gadolinium-enhanced tissue in T1 postcontrast images for rats with tumors and from normal brain tissue for control rats. [1-13C]-labeled pyruvate and its metabolic product, [1-13C]-lactate, demonstrated significantly higher SNR in the tumor compared with normal brain tissue. Statistical tests showed significant differences in all parameters (P < .0004) between the malignant glioma tissue and normal brain. The SNR of lactate, pyruvate, and total carbon was observed to be different between the U-251 MG and U-87 MG models, which is consistent with inherent differences in the molecular characteristics of these tumors. These results suggest that hyperpolarized MR metabolic imaging may be valuable for assessing prognosis and monitoring response to therapy for patients with brain tumors.
Design of a tunable sequential power amplifier

A tunable sequential power amplifier (SPA) is presented in this article. The proposed SPA, including a tunable coupler, a carrier amplifier, a peaking amplifier, and a combining coupler is fabricated on Isola I-TeraMTRF boards with 3.45 dielectric constant and 0.508 mm substrate thickness. A conventional SPA (nontunable) is also designed for reference and performance comparison. Measurement results show that the tunable SPA provides about 2 dB higher gain and 1 dB higher power output comparing with the reference design. The measurement results match well with the analysis. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 57:2899–2901, 2015
Fibroblast Growth Factor‐23 and Incident Coronary Heart Disease, Heart Failure, and Cardiovascular Mortality: The Atherosclerosis Risk In Communities Study

Background Fibroblast growth factor-23 (FGF-23) is a hormone involved in phosphorous regulation and vitamin D metabolism that may be associated with cardiovascular risk, and it is a potential target for intervention. We tested whether elevated FGF-23 is associated with incident coronary heart disease, heart failure, and cardiovascular mortality, even at normal kidney function. Methods and Results A total of 11 638 Atherosclerosis Risk In Communities study participants, median age 57 at baseline (1990–1992), were followed through 2010. Cox regression was used to evaluate the independent association of baseline serum active FGF-23 with incident outcomes. Models were adjusted for traditional cardiovascular risk factors and estimated glomerular filtration rate. During a median follow-up of 18.6 years, 1125 participants developed coronary heart disease, 1515 developed heart failure, and 802 died of cardiovascular causes. For all 3 outcomes, there was a threshold, whereby FGF-23 was not associated with risk at 40 pg/mL. Compared with those with FGF-23 <40 pg/mL, those in the highest FGF-23 category (≥58.8 pg/mL) had a higher risk of incident coronary heart disease (adjusted hazard ratio, 95% CIs: 1.65, 1.40 to 1.94), heart failure (1.75, 1.52 to 2.01), and cardiovascular mortality (1.65, 1.36 to 2.01). Associations were modestly attenuated but remained statistically significant after further adjustment for estimated glomerular filtration rate. In stratified analyses, similar results were observed in African Americans and among persons with normal kidney function. Conclusions High levels of serum FGF-23 were associated with increased risk of coronary heart disease, heart failure, and cardiovascular mortality in this large, biracial, population-based cohort. This association was independent of traditional cardiovascular risk factors and kidney function.
Progress and the economy of nature

Progress is a difficult concept, but the phenomenon itself seems to be more than just an illusion. In this paper we consider how a bioeconomic perspective can help to clarify matters, especially when we compare aspects of organic evolution to technological progress. Beginning with the influence of Malthus upon Darwin, we see how the latter's ideas differ in important respects from those of other biologists and from those of social scientists and philosophers. Consideration of biologist's views about competition and the reasons for specialization suggests ways in which matters might be clarified by a more 'entrepreneurial' view of the relationships of organisms to the natural economy.
Photoluminescence Fatigue in CdTe Photovoltaics

Junction photoluminescence intensity (PL) in polycrystalline CdTe/CdS solar cells gradually decreases over time, similar to the PL fatigue in chalcogenide glasses. We discriminate between the fatigue per se and concomitant short-time PL drop due to the laser heating. The fatigue is more profound at higher temperatures and laser beam powers and can be as large as 80 percent in two hours. We attribute the observed phenomenon to defect creation by the light-generated electrons and holes. The defects provide additional non-radiative recombination channels. Simultaneously, this negative feedback makes the defect-generation rate slowing down, so that the PL fatigue saturates.
Retail Clinic Visits for Low-Acuity Conditions Increase Utilization and Spending

Retail clinics have been viewed by policy makers and insurers as a mechanism to decrease health care spending, by substituting less expensive clinic visits for more expensive emergency department o...
Can the S.I.C. Yield Accurate Marketing Data

IRST of all, the Standard Industrial Classification, being an inanimate and conceptual device, yields nothing by itself. It is the use or application of the S.I.C. in the statistical task of arranging a mass of heterogeneous information into a pattern, intended to be an orderly and meaningful one, that yields breakdowns of statistical data that may or may not be accurate and useful for marketing purposes. Next, let us narrow down what is meant by "marketing data." Most of the basic statistical series dealing with the various aspects of our economy are in a sense marketing data in that they can and are being used for market analysis of various types. The Standard Industrial Classification, however, has found its widest and most useful application in the classification of economic activities inherent in manufacturing. The term "marketing data" is therefore limited to this area.
Analysis of Deng Xiaoping's Economic Ethics

Deng Xiaoping's economic ethics is the important component of Deng Xiaoping Theory. It is Deng Xiaoping that uses Marxist position, view and method to combine economy closely with the ethics. It is the contemporary of China's economic construction that is practiced with the crystallization of the spirit of the times. At the new stage in the new century, analyzing in depth Deng Xiaoping economic ethics has important meanings for implementing human-oriented scientific development view and constructing socialist harmonious society.