cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Reduction of feedback-induced intensity noise in vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser by superposition of high-frequency current

Vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs) have received considerable recent attention due to the ease with which one may fabricate compact, two dimensional arrays of these devices, which makes them potentially useful in optical interconnection. Unwanted optical feedback can be induced by a variety of means, and in densely two-dimensionally integrated systems, it may prove difficult to eliminate this feedback using conventional optical isolators. It has been demonstrated experimentally that the feedback sensitivity of VCSELs is comparable to that of conventional edge-emitting lasers. However, to couple a given amount of feedback into the active region of a conventional edge-emitting laser requires more stringent focusing and alignment than it does to couple the same amount of feedback into the active region of a VCSEL. For this reason, in a given application, VCSELs may be more likely to be influenced by optical feedback than edge-emitting lasers. We have measured the relative intensity noise of a VCSEL subjected to external feedback. The VCSEL used in this experiment is a 10 /spl mu/m-diameter, bottom-emitting InGaAs device that operates at a wavelength of 958 nm. >
Differential kinetic properties of L-2-amino-4-methylthio-cis-but-3-enoic acid, a methionine analog inhibitor of S-adenosylmethionine synthetase.

The l-methionine analog, l-2-amino-4-methylthio-cis-but-3-enoic acid (l-cisAMTB), was examined as a potential inhibitor of the enzyme, S-adenosylmethionine (AdoMet) synthetase. The rational design of l-cisAMTB was based on previously observed potent enzyme inhibitory activity for its closely related structural analog, l-2-amino-4-methoxy-cis-but-3-enoic acid(l). The kinetic behavior of l-cisAMTB was studied using AdoMet synthetase isozymes I and II fractionated from L1210 murine leukemia cells. l-cisAMTB, which was a competitive inhibitor with respect to l-methionine, gave apparent Ki values of 21 and 5.7 μM for isozymes I and II, respectively. These values indicate that l-cisAMTB was slightly less inhibitory than l-cisAMB. l-cisAMTB was also a substrate for the AdoMet synthetase reaction, with respective Km values of 555 and 33 μM for isozymes I and II. In the absence of added inhibitors, the activity of isozyme II, but not isozyme I, was stimulated 2.5-fold by the presence of 10% DMSO. This preferential stimulation of isozyme II and the highly significant difference in Km values of l-cisAMTB for isozymes I and II point to possible physical differences in these tumor isozymes that were not apparent in earlier studies.
Third Parties and the Social Scaffolding of Forgiveness

It is widely accepted that only the victim of a wrong can forgive that wrong. Several philosophers have recently defended “third-party forgiveness,” the scenario in which A, who is not the victim of a wrong in any sense, forgives B for a wrong B did to C. Focusing on Glen Pettigrove's argument for third-party forgiveness, I will defend the victim's unique standing to forgive, by appealing to the fact that in forgiving, victims must absorb severe and inescapable costs of distinctive kinds, a plight that third parties do not share. There are, nonetheless, significant, even essential, roles played by third parties in making forgiveness possible, reasonable, or valuable for victims of serious wrongs. I take a closer look at the links between victims, wrongdoers, resentment, and forgiveness in showing why the victim alone can forgive.
The effect of negative pressure wound therapy with periodic instillation using antimicrobial solutions on Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm on porcine skin explants

Negative pressure wound therapy with instillation (NPWTi) is increasingly used as an adjunct therapy for a wide variety of infected wounds. However, the effect of NPWTi on mature biofilm in wounds has not been determined. This study assessed the effects of NPWTi using saline or various antimicrobial solutions on mature Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm using an ex vivo porcine skin explant biofilm model. Treatment consisted of six cycles with 10-minute exposure to instillation solution followed by 4 hours of negative pressure at −125 mm Hg over a 24-hour period. NPWTi using saline reduced bacterial levels by 1-log (logarithmic) of 7-log total colony-forming units (CFUs). In contrast, instillation of 1% povidone iodine (2-log), L-solution (3-log), 0·05% chlorhexidine gluconate (3-log), 0·1% polyhexamethylene biguanide (4-log), 0·2% polydiallyldimethylammonium chloride (4-log) and 10% povidone iodine (5-log), all significantly reduced (P < 0·001) total CFUs. Scanning electron micrographs showed disrupted exopolymeric matrix of biofilms and damaged bacterial cells that correlated with CFU levels. Compared with previous studies assessing microbicidal effects of topical antimicrobial dressings on biofilms cultured on porcine skin explants, these ex vivo model data suggest that NPWTi with delivery of active antimicrobial agents enhances the reduction of CFUs by increasing destruction and removal of biofilm bacteria. These results must be confirmed in human studies.
Design Patterns - Past, Present & Future

Design Patterns are now a 15 year old thought experiment. And today, for many, Design Patterns have become part of the standard development lexicon. This talk looks back to the origin of Design Patterns and how they evolved since their initial description. I will then show patterns in action in the context of the Eclipse and Jazz platforms. Finally, I will discuss how the Design Patterns from the book can be refactored towards a Design Pattern 2.0 version.
NUTRITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR THE PRODUCTION OF HERPES SIMPLEX VIRUS I. Influence of Glucose and Glutamine on Herpes Simplex Virus Production by HeLa Cells

Lewis, Vester J., Jr. (University of Oklahoma School of Medicine, Oklahoma City) and L. Vernon Scott. Nutritional requirements for the production of herpes simplex virus. I. Influence of glucose and glutamine on herpes simplex virus production by HeLa cells. J. Bacteriol. 83: 475–482. 1962.—The importance of glucose and glutamine in herpes simplex virus production by HeLa cells was evaluated by variation of the composition of Eagle9s basal medium. Simultaneous omission of glucose and glutamine from the serum-containing medium resulted in marked curtailment of viral synthesis. The effect was attributable neither to decreased survival time of infectious particles or of cells, nor to decreased rate of viral adsorption or penetration in the presence of the deficient medium. Therefore, the effect was probably on intracellular viral replication. When the requirements for glucose and glutamine were determined separately, it was found that viral production was reduced in glucose-deficient medium. In contrast, a medium which was complete except for restriction of the glutamine content to that occurring naturally in the serum component supported significantly greater viral multiplication than did the complete medium. Limited viral replication occurred with medium which lacked both glutamine and serum. Viral multiplication in the presence of serum-free medium was stimulated by the addition of glutamine.
Structural aspects of the membrane‐bound Escherichia coli pyridine nucleotide transhydrogenase (EC 1.6.1.1)

Escherichia coli, when grown on complex media containing high levels of amino acids, produce low levels of pyridine nucleotide transhydrogenase (EC 1.6.1 .l) both energy-linked and independent [ 1,2]. Washing and replacement of such cells into a glucose minimal medium resulted in the ‘de nova’ synthesis of both transhydrogenase activities after 3 h [2]. Incorporation of chloramphenicol or omission of glucose in the induction medium resulted in no increase in activity. We have here used this induction system, in which a 5-lo-fold increase in transhydrogenase is produced, to label newly synthesized polypeptides. By incorporating [ 3H] casamino acids in the initial growth phase and non-repressive levels of [ “C]leucine in the induction phase, then partially purifying the transhydrogenase by slight modifications of a described procedure, we have been able to define the synthesized polypeptides on the basis of their high 14(J3H ratios after analysis on polyacrylamide gels in the presence of SDS,
Examining the effects of sleep delay on depressed males and females and healthy controls

Summary Individuals with major depressive disorder typically exhibit sleep electroencephalograpy abnormalities which have been shown to vary by sex. Recent research has shown that depressed males display deficits in slow wave sleep and delta electroencephalograph (EEG) activity that are not apparent in depressed females. This may suggest that males and females with depression vary with respect to their homeostatic regulation of sleep. Utilizing archival data, the present study examined the effects of a 3-h sleep delay, which represents a mild sleep challenge, on slow wave activity in healthy controls and individuals with depression. All participants slept in the laboratory for three sequential nights. On the third night in the laboratory, the participants' bedtime was delayed by 3 h. Slow wave activity was calculated utilizing power spectral analysis and compared across groups. Following the sleep delay, males with depression exhibited the lowest slow wave activity compared to all other groups. These results may suggest that males with depression are at a greater risk for homeostatic dysregulation than females, and may require specialized intervention.
Contributions of human long-wave and middle-wave cones to motion detection

1. It has been suggested that motion may be best detected by the luminance mechanism. If this is the most sensitive mechanism, motion thresholds may be used to isolate the luminance mechanism and study its properties. 2. A moving (1 cycle deg-1), vertical, heterochromatic (red-plus-green), foveal grating was presented on a bright yellow (577 nm wavelength) field. Detection and motion (direction identification: left versus right) thresholds were measured for different amplitude ratios of the red and green components spatially summed in phase or in antiphase. Threshold contours plotted in cone-contrast co-ordinates (L',M') for the long-wave (L) and middle-wave (M) cones, revealed two motion mechanisms: a luminance mechanism that responds to a weighted sum of L and M contrasts, and a spectrally opponent mechanism that responds to a weighted difference. 3. Detection and motion thresholds, measured at 1-4 Hz, were identical for luminance gratings, having equal cone contrasts, L' and M', of the same sign. For chromatic gratings, with L' and M' of opposite sign, motion thresholds were higher than detection thresholds. A red-green hue mechanism may mediate chromatic detection, and a separate spectrally opponent motion mechanism may mediate motion. 4. The red-green hue mechanism was assessed from 1 to 15 Hz with an explicit hue criterion. The detection contour had a constant slope of one, implying equal L' and M' contributions of opposite sign. For motion identification, L' and M' contributed equally at 1 Hz, but the M' contribution was attenuated at higher velocities. 5. The cone-contrast metric provides a physiologically relevant comparison of sensitivities of the two motion mechanisms. At 1 Hz, the spectrally opponent motion mechanism is approximately 4 times more sensitive than the luminance mechanism. As temporal frequency is increased, the relative sensitivities change so that the luminance mechanism is more sensitive above 9 Hz. 6. The less sensitive motion mechanism was isolated with a quadrature phase protocol, using a pair of heterochromatic red-plus-green gratings, counterphase flickering in spatial and temporal quadrature phase with respect to each other. One grating was set slightly suprathreshold and oriented in cone contrast (L',M') so as to potentiate a single motion mechanism, the sensitivity of which was probed with the second grating, which was varied in (L',M'). This allowed us to measure the motion detection contour of the less sensitive luminance mechanism at low velocities.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Summary of recent experiments on focusing of target-normal-sheath-accelerated proton beam with a stack of conducting foilsa)

We present a summary of recent experiments on focusing of laser target-normal-sheath-accelerated (TNSA) proton beam with a stack of thin conducting foils. The experiments were performed using the Phelix laser (GSI-Darmstadt) and the Titan laser, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. The phenomena consistent with self-collimation (or weak self-focusing) of TNSA protons were experimentally observed for the first time at the Phelix laser user facility, in a specially engineered structure ("lens") consisting of a stack of 300 thin aluminum foils separated by 50 μm vacuum gaps. Follow up experiments using the Titan laser obtained results consistent with the collimation/focusing observed in the initial experiments using the Phelix. The Titan experiments employed improved, 25 μm- and 50 μm-gap targets and the new fine mesh diagnostic. All the experiments were carried out in a “passive environment,” i.e., no external fields were applied, and no neutralization plasma or injection of secondary charged particles w...
The crystal structure of a purine-pyrimidine hydrogen-bonded complex: 9-ethyl-2-aminopurine and 1-methyl-5-fluorouracil.

9-Ethyl-2-aminopurine and l-methyl-5-fluorouracil form a 1:1 complex in the solid state. The structure has been determined by three-dimensional X-ray diffraction methods using 2211 independent reflections and refined by the method of full matrix least squares. The purine and pyrimidine bases form a planar complex, joined by two hydrogen bonds; an N−H....O bond involving the amino group of 2-aminopurine to the carbonyl oxygen, O (2) , of fluorouracil and an N−H.… N bond between the ring nitrogens N (1) of 2-aminopurine and N (3) of fiuorouracil. The base-pairing configuration resembles the Watson—Crick pairing configuration which exists between the naturally occurring base pairs in DNA and has been found in crystalline complexes containing guanine and cytosine derivatives. The over-all crystal structure is an interlocking sheetlike structure, in which adjacent base pairs are related by a center of symmetry and are connected by hydrogen bonds between the aminopurine residues. The effect of the fluorine atom on the hydrogen-bonding interaction as well as the biological implications of this structure are discussed.
Stent-based immunosuppressive therapies for the prevention of restenosis.

The long-term clinical efficacy of intracoronary stenting is limited by restenosis, which occurs in 15% to 30% of patients [1,2]. In-stent restenosis is due solely to neointimal hyperplasia [3–6]. Stent-induced mechanical arterial injury and a foreign body response to the prosthesis incites acute and chronic inflammation in the vessel wall (Fig. 1). The subsequent elaboration of cytokines and growth factors induces multiple signaling pathways via mTOR to activate smooth muscle cell migration and proliferation. The expression of inflammatory cytokines from proliferating T cells and macrophages are associated with the release of growth factors, such as platelet-derived growth factor, basic fibroblast growth factor, endothelial cell growth factor, or transforming growth factor-beta, which induce smooth muscle cell proliferation and migration as well as secretion of matrix proteins. The long-term effects of smooth muscle cell migration, proliferation and matrix formation is the development of neointimal hyperplasia that may obstruct the stent lumen resulting in restenosis. Thus, pharmacological compounds or other agents that target inflammation and cellular proliferation may be ideal candidates as stent-based therapies for the prevention of restenosis. The promising early clinical results of the potent stentbased immunosuppressive therapy, sirolimus, lead a number of investigators to explore the effects of other immunosuppressive agents as stent-based therapies for the prevention of restenosis. The purpose of this manuscript is to review the relevant preclinical and clinical data in the field of stentbased immunosuppressive therapies for the prevention of restenosis. An understanding of the physical properties and
Efficacy of technology-based interventions for obesity prevention in adolescents: a systematic review

About one third of adolescents in the USA are overweight and/or obese. Obesity during the adolescent years is associated with many adverse health consequences, including type 2 diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and psychosocial problems. Because of substantial advances in technologies and wide acceptance by adolescents, it is now possible to use technology for healthy weight management and prevention of obesity. This systematic review used Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines and aimed to evaluate the existing literature reported on the effectiveness of technology-based intervention (web-based, e-learning, and active video games) in preventing obesity in adolescents. The primary aim of this review was to explore if components of specific interventions were associated with a reduction in body mass index. Research articles obtained from CINAHL, Embase, PubMed, PsycInfo, and the Cochrane database from1990 to 2014 were reviewed. A total of 131 published articles were identified, and 14 met the inclusion criteria of a randomized or nonrandomized clinical study with body mass index as primary outcome and/or secondary outcomes of diet/physical activity and/or psychosocial function, tested lifestyle interventions to prevent obesity, used technology, and studied adolescents (aged 12-18 years). The results indicated that six of 14 studies found body mass index and/or body fat decreased at short-term (less than 12 months) follow-up. Six of eleven studies that examined physical activity or physical activity-related outcomes found an improved physical activity outcome (time playing active video games and increase in physical activity time), while five of seven studies which assessed dietary outcomes indicated improvement in dietary behaviors. Five of seven studies suggested an improvement in psychosocial function (reduced depression, improved self-esteem and efficacy, improvement on Behavior Assessment Scale) in adolescents involved in the technology-based intervention. All effective interventions utilized dietary and physical activity strategies as part of intervention components. Because of the variation in duration of intervention (range 10 weeks to 2 years), it is not clear what length of intervention is most effective. Future research should assess the long-term impact of technology-based interventions and evaluate mediators and moderators for weight change in adolescents.
Slavic Lexical Borrowings in English: Patterns of Lexical and Cultural Transfer

Cultural borrowing between the English and Slavic languages in the last one hundred years, and especially in the latter half of the twentieth century was mostly a unidirectional process with the English as the source and Slavic languages as the target. This paper is an attempt to fill this void in examining the other direction of lexical transfer between English and Slavic languages. The following general conclusions can be drawn from the analysis: a) Lexical and cultural influence from subordinate to dominant language is by and large limited to the culture-bound items. Borrowed vocabulary items remain marginal in the overall English vocabulary. Several exceptions from this trend, i.e., the words which have made it to the core of the English vocabulary, are result of the butterfly effect and cannot be accounted for by some general trend; b) Lexical influence of each particular language is directly proportionate to language size. Exceptions from this general trend occur, as demonstrated by East Slavic lang...
Genomic Heat Shock Element Sequences Drive Cooperative Human Heat Shock Factor 1 DNA Binding and Selectivity

The heat shock transcription factor 1 (HSF1) activates expression of a variety of genes involved in cell survival, including protein chaperones, the protein degradation machinery, anti-apoptotic proteins, and transcription factors. Although HSF1 activation has been linked to amelioration of neurodegenerative disease, cancer cells exhibit a dependence on HSF1 for survival. Indeed, HSF1 drives a program of gene expression in cancer cells that is distinct from that activated in response to proteotoxic stress, and HSF1 DNA binding activity is elevated in cycling cells as compared with arrested cells. Active HSF1 homotrimerizes and binds to a DNA sequence consisting of inverted repeats of the pentameric sequence nGAAn, known as heat shock elements (HSEs). Recent comprehensive ChIP-seq experiments demonstrated that the architecture of HSEs is very diverse in the human genome, with deviations from the consensus sequence in the spacing, orientation, and extent of HSE repeats that could influence HSF1 DNA binding efficacy and the kinetics and magnitude of target gene expression. To understand the mechanisms that dictate binding specificity, HSF1 was purified as either a monomer or trimer and used to evaluate DNA-binding site preferences in vitro using fluorescence polarization and thermal denaturation profiling. These results were compared with quantitative chromatin immunoprecipitation assays in vivo. We demonstrate a role for specific orientations of extended HSE sequences in driving preferential HSF1 DNA binding to target loci in vivo. These studies provide a biochemical basis for understanding differential HSF1 target gene recognition and transcription in neurodegenerative disease and in cancer.
Nup358, a Cytoplasmically Exposed Nucleoporin with Peptide Repeats, Ran-GTP Binding Sites, Zinc Fingers, a Cyclophilin A Homologous Domain, and a Leucine-rich Region

The Ras-related nuclear protein, Ran, has been implicated in nuclear transport. By screening a HeLa cell λ expression library with Ran-GTP and sequencing overlapping cDNA clones, we have obtained the derived primary structure of a protein with a calculated molecular mass of 358 kDa. Using antibodies raised against an expressed segment of this protein, we obtained punctate nuclear surface staining by immunofluorescence microscopy that is characteristic for nucleoporins. Electron microscopy of immunogold-decorated rat liver nuclear envelopes sublocalized the 358-kDa protein at (or near) the tip of the cytoplasmic fibers of the nuclear pore complex (NPC). In agreement with current convention, this protein was therefore termed Nup358 (for nucleoporin of 358 kDa). Nup358 contains a leucine-rich region, four potential Ran binding sites (i.e. Ran binding protein 1 homologous domains) flanked by nucleoporin-characteristic FXFG or FG repeats, eight zinc finger motifs, and a C-terminal cyclophilin A homologous domain. Consistent with the location of Nup358 at the cytoplasmic fibers of the NPC, we found decoration with Ran-gold at only the cytoplasmic side of the NPC. Thus, Nup358 is the first nucleoporin shown to contain binding sites for two of three soluble nuclear transport factors so far isolated, namely karyopherin and Ran-GTP.
Chemical bath deposition of ZnO on functionalized self-assembled monolayers: selective deposition and control of deposit morphology.

We have developed a method by which to selectively and reproducibly deposit ZnO films on functionalized self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) using chemical bath deposition (CBD). The deposition bath is composed of zinc acetate and ethylenediamine. The deposition reaction pathways are shown to be similar to those observed for sulfides and selenides, even though ethylenediamine acts as both an oxygen source and a complexing agent. On −COOH terminated SAMs, Zn–carboxylate surface complexes act as nucleation sites for ion-by-ion growth, leading to the formation of adherent ZnO nanocrystallites. Cluster-by-cluster growth is also observed, which produces weakly adherent micrometer-sized ZnO crystallites. On −CH3 and −OH terminated SAMs, only micrometer-sized ZnO crystallites are observed because Zn2+ does not complex with the SAM terminal group, preventing nucleation of the nanocrystalline phase. The application of either ultrasound (“sonication-assisted CBD”) or stirring promotes ion-by-ion ZnO growth on −COOH ter...
π-Frontier molecular orbitals in S = 2 ferryl species and elucidation of their contributions to reactivity

S = 2 FeIV═O species are key intermediates in the catalysis of most nonheme iron enzymes. This article presents detailed spectroscopic and high-level computational studies on a structurally-defined S = 2 FeIV═O species that define its frontier molecular orbitals, which allow its high reactivity. Importantly, there are both π- and σ-channels for reaction, and both are highly reactive because they develop dominant oxyl character at the transition state. These π- and σ-channels have different orientation dependences defining how the same substrate can undergo different reactions (H-atom abstraction vs. electrophilic aromatic attack) with FeIV═O sites in different enzymes, and how different substrates can undergo different reactions (hydroxylation vs. halogenation) with an FeIV═O species in the same enzyme.
Ecophysiological responses of five emergent-wetland plants to diminished water supply: an experimental microcosm study

Freshwater wetlands are fundamentally tied to hydrology as they are often found along the boundaries between terrestrial uplands and open waters. Although wetland systems are frequently prone to extended periods of flooding and exposure, the degree of water deprivation may intensify during periods of low precipitation or drought. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate plant–water relations in five emergent macrophytes (Carex alata, Juncus effusus, Peltandra virginica, Saururus cernuus, and Justicia americana) to simulated drought conditions. Weekly evaluations of tissue water content and xylem water potential (free energy of water in xylem tissues) were conducted on plants grown in experimental microcosms over a 9-week period. Plant performance was also evaluated in each species by monitoring the changes in plant biomass, leaf area, and survival. The results indicate that J. effusus and P. virginica performed better in both flooded and moderately dry conditions, and plants that maintained higher water content in water logged soils (i.e., J. americana) were less tolerant to drying conditions. This study also illustrates the importance of periodic water withdrawal on plant performance. In general, plants that were subjected to both flooded and dry conditions responded better physiologically than plants that were either continuously flooded or received extended droughts (≥4 weeks). Therefore, provided the duration of water deficit is not extensive, short periods of water withdrawal can enhance the performance and water relations in some emergent-wetland plant species.
A Conceptual Model of Service Quality and Its Implications for Future Research

The attainment of quality in products and services has become a pivotal concern of the 1980s. While quality in tangible goods has been described and measured by marketers, quality in services is la...
Overexpression of BCL2 enhances survival of human embryonic stem cells during stress and obviates the requirement for serum factors

The promise of pluripotent stem cells as a research and therapeutic tool is partly undermined by the technical challenges of generating and maintaining these cells in culture. Human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) are exquisitely sensitive to culture conditions, and require constant signaling by growth factors and cell–cell and cell–matrix interactions to prevent apoptosis, senescence, and differentiation. Previous work from our laboratory demonstrated that overexpression of the prosurvival gene BCL2 in mouse embryonic stem cells overrode the requirement of serum factors and feeder cells to maintain mESCs in culture. To determine whether this prosurvival gene could similarly protect hESCs, we generated hESC lines that constitutively or inducibly express BCL2. We find that BCL2 overexpression significantly decreases dissociation-induced apoptosis, resulting in enhanced colony formation from sorted single cells, and enhanced embryoid body formation. In addition, BCL2-hESCs exhibit normal growth in the absence of serum, but require basic fibroblast growth factor to remain undifferentiated. Furthermore, they maintain their pluripotency markers, form teratomas in vivo, and differentiate into all three germ layers. Our data suggest that the BCL2 signaling pathway plays an important role in inhibiting hESC apoptosis, such that its overexpression in hESCs offers both a survival benefit in conditions of stress by resisting apoptosis and obviates the requirement for serum or a feeder layer for maintenance.
Spindle cell variants of embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma in the paratesticular region. A report of the intergroup rhabdomyosarcoma study

We reviewed 173 cases of paratesticular rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) of Intergroup Rhabdomyosarcoma Studies (IRS)-I, -II, and -III for evaluation of possible histological factors that might account for the good prognosis of these patients. Almost all cases (161 of 173 cases, 93.1%) occurring in this site were of embryonal histology. A spindle-cell subtype of embryonal RMS was identified that presented a storiform growth pattern with abundant collagen between the tumor cells in most cases. Other tumors of this subtype showed an arrangement of tumor cells in bundles with a low to moderate amount of collagen, resembling a leiomyosarcoma. The other embryonal RMS in this site had the classical embryonal cytology. The spindle-cell subtype was highly differentiated by immunohistochemistry and electron microscopy. Lymph node metastasis was found in seven of 43 patients (16.3%) with a RMS of spindle-cell subtype, compared with 40 of 112 patients (35.7%) with RMS of non-spindle-cell type. Clinical data from patients with spindle-cell subtypes of the paratesticular lesions revealed that they almost always had an association with clinical groups of limited disease (32 patients, 74.4%, with Group I; 10 patients, 23.3%, with Group II disease) and a significantly better prognosis (95.5% survival at 5 years) when compared with patients with the classic embryonal variant of RMS (80% survival at 5 years, p < 0.035). The incidence and anatomic distribution of this spindle cell subtype of embryonal RMS was estimated on 800 randomly selected patients from IRS-II. It was found in the head and neck, extremities, orbit, and some other sites, but 30.6% were located in the paratesticular area. Patients with spindle cell RMS of nonparatesticular sites usually had more extensive disease compared with patients having paratesticular lesions; two thirds of the cases had gross residual tumor after surgery or metastatic tumor at diagnosis. We conclude that spindle-cell RMS is a subtype of embryonal RMS with a very favorable prognosis. The site factor of the paratesticular localization may allow earlier diagnosis of the spindle-cell lesions compared with other sites. Other unknown factors may also play a role.
Long-Term Results of Ureterosigmoidostomy in Children With Bladder Exstrophy

AbstractPurpose: We evaluated long-term results of patients with bladder exstrophy who underwent ureterosigmoidostomy.Materials and Methods: Of 4 women and 23 men monitored at our institution 16 (59 percent) underwent primary diversion by ureterosigmoidostomy, while 11 (41 percent) underwent primary bladder closure or an ileal conduit procedure before conversion to ureterosigmoidostomy. Average followup after ureterosigmoidostomy was 17 years.Results: Significant upper urinary tract changes developed in 18 percent of the patients. Metabolic acidosis was well compensated in most patients but 2 had problems with urinary retention leading to hyperammonemia and acidosis. Of the 19 patients monitored with biennial colonoscopy benign polyps were removed in 4. Daytime continence was achieved in 92 percent of cases and nighttime continence in 58 percent.Conclusions: Our experience with ureterosigmoidostomy in children with bladder exstrophy has been favorable through long-term followup. With proper imaging, metab...
A theoretical model for the sharp flat plate in rarefied hypersonic flow.

Rarefied hypersonic flow model for sharp flat plate in strong interaction regimes, discussing inviscid and viscous shock and merged layers subregimes
Measurement of fall-related psychological constructs among independent-living older adults: a review of the research literature.

Objectives: Falls and the fall-related psychological concerns associated with these events pose a serious public health problem among aging adults. The measurement of fall-related psychological concerns can serve as important endpoints for fall prevention programs, yet there is some confusion regarding the best method of defining and measuring fall-related psychological constructs. Consequently, greater attention should be devoted to investigating fall-related psychological constructs and their measurement. Therefore, the purpose of this paper was to review the published research literature on the measurement of fall-related psychological constructs among independent-living older adults. Method: Electronic searches of PubMed, EBSCO, Academic Search Premier, PsycINFO, CINAHL and online library catalogs were conducted using search terms including but not limited to ‘fear of falling’, ‘falls efficacy’, ‘fall-related self-efficacy’, ‘balance confidence’, ‘fall-related psychological outcome(s)’ and ‘independen...
Gradient design to optimize rate zonal separations

Abstract An approach to the design of gradients which maximize resolution is developed by analyzing the sedimentation of particles in linear sucrose gradients. Our analysis establishes the fundamental principles of rate separations. These principles can assist in the successful design of preparative centrifugation procedures. Rate separations are always optimal in homogeneous media or very shallow gradients of low density. In homogeneous media, resolution of particles which differ only in sedimentation coefficients is determined by the ratio of their sedimentation coefficients. Particles whose sedimentation properties oppose each other can, under certain conditions, not separate or barely separate unless conditions are carefully selected. Particle populations which differ more in density than in sedimentation coefficients clearly separate better by rate than by isopycnic banding. Rate separations in gradients are considerably improved in a type of gradient where the viscosity decreased as the density increased.
Multicentric cloacogenic carcinoma: report of a case with anogenital pruritus at presentation.

Abstract A case of multicentric cloacogenic carcinoma of the perianal skin and vulva in a 79-year-old woman is presented, and the embryologie basis for the multicentricity is discussed. Histologically, cloacogenic carcinoma can be differentiated from other small cell neoplasms that affect the area. Cloacogenic carcinoma should be considered a rare cause of anogenital pruritus. It is important to perform an early biopsy of anogenital lesions that do not respond to conventional therapy.
The effect of managerial training on organizational control: An experimental study

Abstract The utilization of organization theory in the evaluation of managerial training is explored. Participants in a management training program involving the concepts and techniques of “power-equalization” and the “interaction-influence” model comprised the experimental group which was compared, on a before and three months after training basis, with a control group. Tannenbaum's control questionnaire was employed to determine the effect of such training on the organizational control structure. Change in the direction toward a more equalitarian control structure was found in the experimental group.
Phased training for high-reliability occupations: live-fire exercises for civilian firefighters.

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess whether the stress reduction effects of phased training culminating in repeated exposure to a stressful scenario generalize to new scenarios.Background: High-reliability occupations require personnel to operate in stressful situations involving complex environments, high degrees of uncertainty and time pressure, and severe consequences for mistakes. One method of training for such environments culminates in practice in high-fidelity, highly stressful simulations. For some domains, realism necessitates large-scale, difficult-to-modify physical simulations. This necessity often results in repeated exposure to one or very few scenarios. The literature gives reason to question whether the stress reduction effects of such exposure transfer to new scenarios.Method: Anxiety and cognitive difficulties were measured among firefighter trainees during three live-fire drills. For each trainee, two drills involved the same scenario, and the other involved a new scenario t...
Update on Molecular Psychiatry: new publication guidelines and new ways to stay current.

The field of molecular psychiatry has evolved considerably from when Molecular Psychiatry was launched in 1996. We present here brief and updated guidelines for publication as well as details on two innovative electronic resources—our blog and twitter.
Expanding shells of young pulsars as sources of high-energy neutrinos

Abstract The initial power outputs P o of pulsars are not yet well known, but these seem to follow approximately a distribution law N(> P o ) ∝ P o −n where 0.5 ≤ n ≤ 1.0. It seems likely that P o ≥ 10 38 ergs/sec. With these assumptions, we estimate that the DUMAND detector can record ≥ 10 3 high-energy (> 4 TeV) neutrino events in a four-month period per Galactic supernova; (in our Galaxy, these are estimated to occur at the rate of about 8 per century.) Neutrinos from supernova shells in the Virgo supercluster would be marginally detectable (one very bright supernova per decade at about 20 Mpc) if N(> P o ) ∝ P o −0.5 , but undetectable if N(> P o ) ∝ P o −1 . The diffuse flux summed over distant extragalactic supernovae is likely to be well below the detection threshold.
School Based Early Identification and Intervention Service for Adolescents: A Psychology and School Nurse Partnership Model.

Background: Adolescents are increasingly experiencing multiple stresses and emotional problems. Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services have a role in working creatively to provide easily accessible and non-stigmatising services. Method: A training and consultation model was developed to respond to the needs of Tier 1 staff encountering vulnerable adolescents in a deprived inner city area. This paper describes the development of a partnership between the clinical psychology service and the school health system and the application of the practice model. Conclusion: The evaluation, clinical implications and future developments are discussed.
TMPRSS2-ERG gene fusions are infrequent in prostatic ductal adenocarcinomas

Ductal adenocarcinoma of the prostate is an unusual subtype that may be associated with a more aggressive clinical course, and is less responsive to conventional therapies than the more common prostatic acinar adenocarcinoma. However, given its frequent association with an acinar component at prostatectomy, some have challenged the concept of prostatic ductal adenocarcinoma as a distinct clinicopathologic entity. We studied the occurrence of the TMPRSS2-ERG gene fusion, in 40 surgically resected ductal adenocarcinoma cases, and in their associated acinar component using fluorescence in situ hybridization. A group of 38 ‘pure’ acinar adenocarcinoma cases matched with the ductal adenocarcinoma group for pathological grade and stage was studied as a control. Compared with the matched acinar adenocarcinoma cases, the TMPRSS2-ERG gene fusion was significantly less frequently observed in ductal adenocarcinoma (45 vs 11% of cases, P=0.002, Fisher's exact test). Here, of the ductal adenocarcinoma cases with the gene fusion, 75% were fused through deletion, and the remaining case was fused through translocation. The TMPRSS2-ERG gene fusion was also rare in the acinar component of mixed ductal–acinar tumors when compared with the pure acinar adenocarcinoma controls (5 vs 45%, P=0.001, Fisher's exact test). In 95% of the ductal adenocarcinoma cases in which a concurrent acinar component was analyzed, there was concordance for presence/absence of the TMPRSS2-ERG gene fusion between the different histologic subtypes. In the control group of pure acinar adenocarcinoma cases, 59% were fused through deletion and 41% were fused through translocation. The presence of the TMPRSS2-ERG gene fusion in some cases of prostatic ductal adenocarcinoma supports the concept that ductal adenocarcinoma and acinar adenocarcinoma may be related genetically. However, the significantly lower rate of the gene fusion in pure ductal adenocarcinoma cases underscores the fact that genetic and biologic differences exist between these two tumors that may be important for future therapeutic strategies.
The Harris sheet in a dusty plasma

In 1962 E. G. Harris published a solution to the problem of a current sheet separating regions of oppositely directed magnetic field in a fully ionized plasma. The resulting solution has become known as the ‘Harris sheet’ and has been of great utility to the plasma physics community. In this paper, the footsteps of Harris are retraced with the addition of a multiply charged massive dust component. A set of highly nonlinear differential equations for a current sheet in a dusty plasma are presented. An analytic solution, similar to that of Harris, is found for the depleted electron regime. This solution is of great relevance to many astrophysical and laboratory dusty plasmas. Current sheet thickness and asymptotic field strength are calculated for various dusty plasma environments.
Evidence for protein kinase-C mediation of the neurotensin-induced activation of tyrosine hydroxylase in tuberoinfundibular dopaminergic neurons.

The purpose of the present study was to determine whether neurotensin acts within the arcuate nucleus/median eminence to activate tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) within tuberoinfundibular dopamine neurons. The role of Ca2+/phospholipid-dependent protein kinase (protein kinase-C) in the regulation of TH and its involvement in the neurotensin-induced activation of TH within tuberoinfundibular dopamine (TIDA) neurons also was investigated. The activity of TH within TIDA neurons was assessed by quantification of the formation of 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine in the arcuate nucleus/median eminence after inhibition of 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine decarboxylase. Neurotensin (0.1-10 nM) increased the activity of TH within the arcuate nucleus/median eminence under in vitro conditions by approximately 80%. The activity of TH in the arcuate nucleus/median eminence also was increased approximately 55% by the phorbol ester 12-O-tetradecanoyl(phorbol-13-acetate) (1-100 nM), which activates protein kinase-C. Sphingosine (10 microM...
Optical blackplane technology for a large sonnet multi-service switch

Current optical networks mainly serve very high data rates and long distances while short reach communication and low data rates is dominated by electrical interconnects. In this work, we examine and evaluate optical backplane technology based on substrate guided interconnects.
Catalytic Immunoglobulin Gene Delivery in a Mouse Model of Alzheimer's Disease: Prophylactic and Therapeutic Applications

Accumulation of amyloid beta-peptide (Aβ) in the brain is hypothesized to be a causal event leading to dementia in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Aβ vaccination removes Aβ deposits from the brain. Aβ immunotherapy, however, may cause T cell- and/or Fc-receptor-mediated brain inflammation and relocate parenchymal Aβ deposits to blood vessels leading to cerebral hemorrhages. Because catalytic antibodies do not form stable immune complexes and Aβ fragments produced by catalytic antibodies are less likely to form aggregates, Aβ-specific catalytic antibodies may have safer therapeutic profiles than reversibly-binding anti-Aβ antibodies. Additionally, catalytic antibodies may remove Aβ more efficiently than binding antibodies because a single catalytic antibody can hydrolyze thousands of Aβ molecules. We previously isolated Aβ-specific catalytic antibody, IgVL5D3, with strong Aβ-hydrolyzing activity. Here, we evaluated the prophylactic and therapeutic efficacy of brain-targeted IgVL5D3 gene delivery via recombinant adeno-associated virus serotype 9 (rAAV9) in an AD mouse model. One single injection of rAAV9-IgVL5D3 into the right ventricle of AD model mice yielded widespread, high expression of IgVL5D3 in the unilateral hemisphere. IgVL5D3 expression was readily detectable in the contralateral hemisphere but to a much lesser extent. IgVL5D3 expression was also confirmed in the cerebrospinal fluid. Prophylactic and therapeutic injection of rAAV9-IgVL5D3 reduced Aβ load in the ipsilateral hippocampus of AD model mice. No evidence of hemorrhages, increased vascular amyloid deposits, increased proinflammatory cytokines, or infiltrating T-cells in the brains was found in the experimental animals. AAV9-mediated anti-Aβ catalytic antibody brain delivery can be prophylactic and therapeutic options for AD.
Families and Children Together, Apart

In discussing the construction of gender in family settings and in children's lives, one must consider the relations of these separate but closely connected arenas. Easy assumptions of unity are wrong and inappropriate but studying children in isolation from family life—or vice versa—produces a flawed picture as well. This discussion suggests that literal joinings and separations in time and space should be integral to analyses in both fields because they are integral to the phenomena researchers want to illuminate.
Demographic stochasticity reduces the synchronizing effect of dispersal in predator–prey metapopulations

Dispersal may affect predator–prey metapopulations by rescuing local sink populations from extinction or by synchronizing population dynamics across the metapopulation, increasing the risk of regional extinction. Dispersal is likely influenced by demographic stochasticity, however, particularly because dispersal rates are often very low in metapopulations. Yet the effects of demographic stochasticity on predator–prey metapopulations are not well known. To that end, I constructed three models of a two-patch predator–prey system. The models constitute a hierarchy of complexity, allowing direct comparisons. Two models included demographic stochasticity (pure jump process [PJP] and stochastic differential equations [SDE]), and the third was deterministic (ordinary differential equations [ODE]). One stochastic model (PJP) treated population sizes as discrete, while the other (SDE) allowed population sizes to change continuously. Both stochastic models only produced synchronized predator–prey dynamics when disp...
Nonlinear Dielectric Materials

The following is a brief description of nonlinear dielectrics from the standpoint of the fundamental physics involved. Specific available materials and technical applications are considered only by way of illustration of general properties. It is shown that, although dielectric nonlinearity and ferroelectricity are quite different phenomena, the fact that ferroelectrics have high dielectric constants makes them the most likely materials to exhibit a high degree of nonlinearity at electric field strengths safely below the breakdown values.