cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Anisotropic plate diffusion filtering for detection of cell membranes in 3D microscopy images

We propose an anisotropic diffusion method to denoise and aid the reconstruction of planar objects in three-dimensional images. The contribution of this paper is the development of a planarity function characterizing plate-like structures using an image Hessian's eigensystem. We then construct a diffusion tensor for anisotropically smoothing plates and satisfying necessary scale-space properties. Our method finds applications in improving the fidelity of highly noisy cell membrane images from confocal microscopy. In dense cellular regions, cell membranes assume linear shapes (planar) between neighbors. The imaging process makes cell membranes appear as diffuse structures owing to the non-uniform fluorescent marker distribution, point-spread function of the optics, and anisotropic voxel resolution which make automatic cell segmentation difficult. We apply diffusion filtering to identify and enhance membranes. We demonstrate the use of our methods on 3D cell membrane images of a zebrafish embryo acquired using fluorescent microscopy and quantify the improvement in image quality.
Utilisation of soapstone in Labrador by Indians, Eskimos and Norse

MUCH of our knowledge of prehistoric peoples of North America comes from the study of their utilisation of imperishable lithic (geological) resources. In some cases geochemical differences in the origin of a particular lithic material have resulted in trace element differences which can be used to characterise the geological source of this material1. Both geochemical and archaeological studies indicate that the rare earth element (lanthanide) distributions in soapstone (steatite) can be used to characterise this commonly used lithic material2–4. The rare earth elements (REE) in artefacts from Labrador and Newfoundland, measured by instrumental neutron activation analysis and reported here, suggest that the same soapstone sources have been used by Indians, Eskimos, and Norse at various times over the past 4,000 yr.
The neuroimmunology of stress and depression.

This article reviews evidence that shows a bidirectional relationship between the brain and the immune system. As a result of this relationship, mental factors such as stress and depression have been shown to affect immune system functioning, with both immunosuppression and immune activation being reported. Stress and depression also have been associated with worse outcomes in immune-related disorders including cancer and infectious diseases suggesting that stress/depression effects on the immune system are clinically relevant to disease expression. Conversely, several lines of evidence suggest that immune system activation such as during infectious diseases, cancer, and autoimmune disorders is associated with the development of behavioral symptoms similar to those seen in the context of chronic stress or major depression. These findings implicate a role for the immune system in the cause of behavioral disorders in a wide range of medical illnesses. Finally, a paradigm is proposed in which abnormal functioning of either the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis or the inflammatory response system disrupts feedback regulation of both neuroendocrine and immune systems contributing to the development of neuropsychiatric and immunologic disorders.
Flashy prefetching for high-performance flash drives

While hard drives hold on to the capacity advantage, flash-based solid-state drives (SSD) with high bandwidth and low latency have become good alternatives for I/O-intensive applications. Traditional data prefetching has been primarily designed to improve I/O performance on hard drives. The same techniques, if applied unchanged on flash drives, are likely to either fail to fully utilize SSDs, or interfere with application I/O requests, both of which could result in undesirable application performance. In this work, we demonstrate that data prefetching, when effectively harnessing the high performance of SSDs, can provide significant performance benefits for a wide range of data-intensive applications. The new technique, flashy prefetching, consists of accurate prediction of application needs in runtime and adaptive feedback-directed prefetching that scales with application needs, while being considerate to underlying storage devices. We have implemented a real system in Linux and evaluated it on four different SSDs. The results show 65–70% prefetching accuracy and an average 20% speedup on LFS, web search engine traces, BLAST, and TPC-H like benchmarks across various storage drives.
Hair cell regeneration in the European starling (Sturnus vulgaris): Recovery of pure-tone detection thresholds

Behavioral detection thresholds were obtained from four starlings before, during, and after 11 days of subcutaneous injections of kanamycin. Birds were operantly conditioned to respond to pure-tones ranging in frequency from 0.25 kHz to 7 kHz using the method of constant stimuli and were tested daily for 141 days after the first injection of aminoglycoside. All four birds sustained hearing losses greater than 60 dB at frequencies from 4 kHz to 7 kHz by the end of the 11 day injection schedule. Two birds had a slight shift in threshold at 3 kHz. No change in threshold occurred for any of the birds at lower frequencies. Recovery of detection thresholds began soon after the injections ceased and continued for approximately 50 days. In all four birds there was some degree of permanent hearing loss: 5 dB to 15 dB at frequencies between 4 kHz and 6 kHz, and approximately 25 dB at 7 kHz. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was performed at 0 and 5 days post-injection in a separate group of starlings given the same injection schedule. Hair cell loss and damage was observed across the basal 34% to 36% of the basilar papilla. SEM in two behaviorally tested birds sacrificed 142 days after the first injection showed that there was regeneration of hair cells to populate the previously damaged region, but that disorientation of stereocilia bundles in the basal third of the basilar papilla was common. The other two behaviorally tested birds were treated with kanamycin again for 16 days beginning at 142 days after the first injection. Thresholds shifted again, but less than during the first dosing period. SEM of these birds' basilar papillae showed less hair cell loss than observed in the birds given only a single, 11 day dosing of kanamycin. This result suggests that birds may be less susceptible to the ototoxic effects of kanamycin in repeated treatments. In all four birds, the degree and position of damage observed with SEM corresponded with the extent and frequency of hearing loss.
Human genotoxicity: pesticide applicators and phosphine

Fumigant applicators who, 6 weeks to 3 months earlier, were exposed to phosphine, a common grain fumigant, or to phosphine and other pesticides had significantly increased stable chromosome rearrangements, primarily translocations in G-banded lymphocytes. Less stable aberrations including chromatid deletions and gaps were significantly increased only during the application season, but not at this later time point. During fumigant application, measured exposure to phosphine exceeds accepted national standards. Because phosphine is also used as a dopant in the microchip industry and is generated in waste treatment, the possibility of more widespread exposure and long-term health sequelae must be considered.
Low-Noise Room-Temperature and Cryogenic Mixers for 80-120 GHz

A description is given of two new mixers designed to operate in the 80-120-GHz range on the 36-ft radio telescope at Kitt Peak, Ariz. It is shown that for a hard-driven diode the parasitic resistance and capacitance are the primary factors influencing the design of the diode mount. A room-temperature mixer is described which achieves a single-sideband (SSB) conversion loss (L) of 5.5 dB, and a SSB noise temperature (T/sub m/) of 500 K (excluding the IF contribution) with a 1.4-GHz IF. A cryogenically cooled version, using a quartz structure to support the diode chip and contact whisker, achieves values of L = 5.8 dB and T/sub m/ = 300 K with a 4.75-GHz IF. The mixers use high-quality Schottky-barrier diodes in a one-quarter-height waveguide mount.
Adaptive Sinusoidal Disturbance Rejection in Linear Discrete-Time Systems—Part I: Theory

An adaptive regulation approach against disturbances consisting of linear combinations of sinusoids with unknown and/or time varying amplitudes, frequencies, and phases for SISO LTI discrete-time systems is considered. The new regulation approach proposed is based on constructing a set of stabilizing controllers using the Youla parametrization of stabilizing controllers and adjusting the Youla parameter to achieve asymptotic disturbance rejection. Three adaptive regulator design algorithms are presented and their convergence properties analyzed. Conditions under which the on-line algorithms yield an asymptotic controller that achieves regulation are presented. Conditions both for the case where the disturbance input properties are constant but unknown and for the case where they are unknown and time varying are given. In the case of error feedback, the on-line controller construction amounts to an adaptive implementation of the Internal Model Principle. The performance of the adaptation algorithms is illustrated through a simulation example. A companion paper [4] describes the implementation and evaluation of the algorithms for the problem of noise cancellation in an acoustic duct.
Effects of ischemia on tachykinin-containing nerves and neurokinin receptors in the rabbit bladder.

Objectives Our previous studies showed marked changes in efferent nerve structure and reactivity in the ischemic bladder. The goal of this study was to examine the effects of bladder ischemia on tachykinin (TK) containing sensory nerves and neurokinin receptors (NKR) in a rabbit model. Methods We recorded bladder blood flow and spontaneous contractions in treated animals at week 8 after the induction of iliac arteries atherosclerosis and in age-matched controls. Bladder tissues were processed for studies of isometric smooth muscle tension in the organ bath, NK2R gene expression using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), immunohistochemical staining of TK containing nerves and epithelial TK expression, and transmission electron microscopy. Results Atherosclerosis-induced ischemia significantly increased the frequency of spontaneous bladder contractions in vivo. Electrical field stimulation (EFS)-induced smooth muscle contractions were significantly greater in the ischemic tissues. Inhibition of NK1R diminished contractions to low-frequency EFS in control tissues while having no significant effect on the ischemic tissues. In contrast, NK2R inhibition significantly decreased contractions to both low- and high-frequency EFS in the ischemic tissues. Inhibition of NK3R had no significant effect on EFS-induced contractions. Real-time PCR showed a significant increase in NK2R gene expression in the ischemic bladder. The number of TK immunopositive nerves and epithelial TK immunoreactivity were significantly greater in the ischemic bladder. These alterations were associated with marked ultrastructural reactions to bladder ischemia. Conclusions Alterations of NK2R reactivity and gene expression, increased number of TK immunopositive nerves, and greater epithelial TK immunoreactivity may imply activated bladder afferents to signal ischemic insult.
Kinetic models of sweet taste

Abstract New and old models in analytical pharmacology may be useful in the study of chemosensory phenomena. The mechanism by which sweet-tasting molecules exert their effect on taste neurons is similar to the mechanism by which β-adrenergic agonists affect cardiac stimulation. A brief account of historical contributions to the development of pharmacokinetic models is followed by a description of some recent work on molecular models of sweet-tasting mixtures, emphasizing the importance of considering both receptor and transducer models, and the potential value of using perceptual data to develop and test such models.
An investigation into the influence of counterion on the properties of some amorphous organic salts.

Amorphous solids and crystalline salts are both of interest as a means of improving the dissolution characteristics and apparent solubility of poorly water soluble active pharmaceutical ingredients which have low bioavailability in humans. The theory and selection of both crystalline drug substance salt forms and amorphous products have been extensively studied. However, less is known about the impact of different counterions on the properties of amorphous drug substance salts. In this study, several salts of either nicardipine or propranolol were prepared and characterized with respect to glass transition temperature, crystallization tendency and moisture sorption behavior. Although the moisture sorption behavior and crystallization tendency varied depending on the counterion used, no trends were readily apparent. The glass transition temperature was found to be dependent on the counterion used to form the salt, and was higher in all instances for the salts than for the neutral compound. Several molecula...
Microstructure and Reliability of Surface Micromachined Polysilicon Used for MEMS

Surface micromachining (SMM) techniques produce complex microscale polysilicon features on the surface of a silicon wafer using a patterned maultilayer film deposition process. Failure characteristics of SMM polysilicon obtained from testing series of 2 μm and 4 μm wide ligaments fabricated using standard SMM processing techniques, fit a Weibull distribution, suggesting a behavior governed by a distribution of flaws, similar to brittle ceramic materials. However, positive identification of critical flaws that dictate the failure distribution within the ligaments remains unclear. Likely candidates are flaws associated with surface roughness or gain boundary intersections with the polysilicon microstructure. To address the possible connection between microstructure and failure behavior of SMM polysilicon, templates, based on observed polysilicon microstructure were subjected to deformation simulations using polycrystal elasticity modeling. Series of simulations were performed to capture the statistical failure of polysilicon due to local elastically driven stress concentrations between grains with different crystallographic orientations.. Simulated results are presented and discussed in the context of experimental failure data.Copyright © 2003 by ASME
Pharmacologic Therapy for Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Adults

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is characterized by the accumulation of triglycerides in hepatocytes in the absence of excessive alcohol intake, ranging in severity from simple steatosis to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis can ultimately progress to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. NAFLD is associated with cardiometabolic risk factors and is the most common chronic liver disease among adults in the Western Hemisphere. Although simple steatosis is generally considered a self-limiting disease, evidence suggests an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, and, less conclusively, mortality, among individuals with NAFLD and/or NASH. The current standard of care for the treatment of patients with NAFLD focuses on lifestyle interventions, particularly diet and exercise. There is a lack of consensus regarding the most effective and appropriate pharmacologic therapy. A PubMed search was conducted using the medical subject heading terms "fatty liver" and "steatohepatitis." This review focuses on the current pharmacologic options available for treating adults with NAFLD and/or NASH. Continued investigation of drugs or combinations that improve NAFLD progression is crucial. Clinicians, particularly pharmacists, must take an active role in identification and appropriate selection of pharmacotherapy for NAFLD.
Seasonal Abundance Patterns of Diatoms on Cladophora in Lake Huron

Rocks bearing Cladophora were collected from May to November 1979 at two locations near Harbor Beach, Michigan, in Lake Huron to document seasonal patterns of epiphytic diatom abundance and diatom proportion of the Cladophora-epiphyte assemblage biomass in an area receiving effluent from a municipal wastewater treatment plant. Data were examined for evidence of interactions between epiphytic diatoms and Cladophora. Cladophora first appeared in May at which time epiphytic diatoms comprised about 30% of the Cladophora-epiphytic assemblage biomass. Cladophora growth was greatest in June and July, accumulating much faster than diatoms. Peak Cladophora-epiphyte assemblage biomass was maintained from July to September. Cladophora biomass apparently decreased after August while diatom abundance increased to a September maximum. Diatoms were responsible for the sustained peak of Cladophora-epiphyte assemblage biomass as diatoms comprised over 60% of the assemblage biomass in September. The Cladophora-epiphyte assemblage collapsed by October. Low diversity of the epiphytic diatom taxocene and low diatom proportion of the Cladophora-epiphyte assemblage biomass indicated Cladophora may have outcompeted diatom epiphytes during the June-July Cladophora growth pulse. Subsequently epiphytic diatoms may have enhanced Cladophora sloughing by shading and successful nutrient competition.
Angiosarcoma: unusual cause of acute abdominal pain and hemoperitoneum

Spontaneous rupture of primary angiosarcoma of the spleen is an uncommon cause of acute abdominal pain and hemoperitoneum. Clinical findings and presentation are nonspecific and variable. CT is frequently used as a first-line imaging modality in the evaluation of acute abdominal pain; however, findings are not specific for angiosarcoma. We report a case of primary splenic angiosarcoma with spontaneous rupture, hemoperitoneum, and hepatic metastases in a patient presenting to the emergency department with acute left upper quadrant pain and fever.
Ambient-Pressure, Plasma-Assisted Deposition of Conformal Nanocrystalline Zinc Oxide Thin Films

We report a thermal induction plasma-assisted, rapid, ambient-pressure, low-temperature one-step process for depositing conformal, non-porous nanocrystalline ZnO thin film on various substrates ranging from Si (100), fused quartz, glass, muscovite, c- and a-plane sapphire (Al2 O3 ), to polyimide (Kapton™). The predominantly c plane-oriented as-synthesized polycrystalline films range in thickness from 20nm to 200nm, deposited at a growth rate ranging from 2 nm/min to 50 nm/min. The lowest deposition temperature achieved with this method is 162°C and the as-deposited film is found to be conductive (12.5 S/m). Annealing in a pure argon environment at different temperatures ranging from 700–950°C changes the textures and morphologies of the thin film—higher annealing temperatures favor the restructuring of ZnO nanocrystalline film to form nanopillars of ZnO.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Unspeakable Transgressions: Indigenous Epistemologies, Ethics, and Decolonizing Academy/Inquiry

What does happen, when “history” and “heritage” is nowhere to be found or claimed and granted? Drawing in his own mestico heritage, the author tells the story of Geraldo in relation to his own one. Who was Geraldo? The intention is to challenge categories of knowledge that also relay in “knowledges” and social constructions, created by mechanisms of colonization even when they are created for the empowerment of the oppressed in many circumstances. The author offers visceral knowledge of growing up as and working with the poor in Brazil, to advance decolonizing discourse that may lead to more inclusive notions of social justice questioning the uncontrolled desire to categorize and control the Other. Through a layered text with a blurred aesthetic format, which mixes life stories and academic scholarship, the author asks: Can these borders, legacies, and injustices be transgressed? Can my body be transgressive as a form of scholarship?
Testis Cancer: The Forgotten Poster Child

In germ cell cancers, the unique reversibility of malignancy and the balance between somatic differentiation and dedifferentiation may be critical to late relapse that is dominated by non–germ cell elements. Targeting regulators of differentiation may provide a solution, and this may be elucidated via serial liquid biopsies (via circulating tumor cells). Clin Cancer Res; 20(14); 3630–1. ©2014 AACR . See related article by Nastaly et al., [p. 3830][1] [1]: /lookup/volpage/20/3830?iss=14
Possible Exotic Phases in the One-Dimensional Extended Hubbard Model

We investigate numerically the ground state phase diagram of the one-dimensional extended Hubbard model, including an on-site interaction U and a nearest-neighbor interaction V. We focus on the ground state phases of the model in the $V\ensuremath{\gg}U$ region, where previous studies have suggested the possibility of dominant superconducting pairing fluctuations before the system phase separates at a critical value ${V=V}_{\mathrm{PS}}.$ Using quantum Monte Carlo methods on lattices much larger than in previous Lancz\"os diagonalization studies, we determine the boundary of phase separation, the Luttinger-liquid correlation exponent ${K}_{\ensuremath{\rho}},$ and other correlation functions in this region. We find that phase separation occurs for V significantly smaller than previously reported. In addition, for negative U, we find that a uniform state reenters from phase separation as the electron density is increased towards half filling. For $Vl{V}_{\mathrm{PS}},$ our results show that superconducting fluctuations are not dominant. The system behaves asymptotically as a Luttinger liquid with ${K}_{\ensuremath{\rho}}l1,$ but we also find strong low-energy (but gapped) charge-density fluctuations at a momentum not expected for a standard Luttinger liquid.
Theory and analysis of transient photoconductivity in CdSe:Cu

Abstract The decay part of the photoconductivity response curve of CdSe:Cu is examined by a recently developed Fourier transform technique. The present analysis reveals useful information, namely that the major component of the photocurrent is delayed with respect to the component of the photocurrent caused by band-to-band transition. This can be understood by considering the fact that CdSe:Cu is an impurity-dominated photoconductor and delay might have originated from copper-activated centers.
Introduction and recent range expansion in the moss Ptychomitrium serratum (Ptychomitriaceae) in the Southern and Eastern United StatesThis paper is one of a selection of papers published as part of the special Schofield Gedenkschrift.

The moss Ptychomitrium serratum (C. Mull. Hal. ex Schimp.) Besch., is native to Mexico and parts of western Texas and southern New Mexico, and it is a rare adventive in the area from East Texas and Louisiana to Missouri, Tennessee, South Carolina, and northward to locations near the coast in New York State and Massachusetts. In the adventive part of this calcicole’s range, all collections are from the past 50 years. Concrete, mortar, and rarely asphalt shingle are its only known substrata in this region, which contrasts sharply with its common occurrence on limestone in the native portion of its range. These observations indicate recent, perhaps on-going, immigration into the eastern United States and dispersal from established populations in this region. This monoicous moss commonly produces spores, which are its primary means of spread. Given the low density occurrences in the adventive portion of the range of P. serratum, dispersal may be generally northeastward from Mexico – Texas – New Mexico, follow...
Integrative placement and orientation of non-redundant SSR loci in cotton linkage groups by deficiency analysis

A combination of previously mapped and unmapped non-redundant SSR loci, using 381 primer pairs were chromosomally and sub-chromosomally localized by deficiency analysis of two sets of quasi-isogenic interspecific Gossypium hirsutum L. hypoaneuploid F1 hybrids involving Gossypium barbadense L. and Gossypium tomentosum (Nuttall ex Seemann). Polymorphisms were detected for 369 SSR primer pairs. A total of 318 SSR loci were rendered deficient by the available hypoaneuploid stocks, which included primary monosomics (2n = 51), monotelodisomics and duplication-deficient (segmental trisomic–monosomic) (2n = 52) types. Chromosomal associations were newly determined for 123 SSR loci, of which 90, 106 and 73 were polymorphic in G. tomentosum, G. barbadense, and both sets, respectively. The deficiency tests independently confirmed the recent identifications of linkage groups (LG) A01, A02, A03 and D08 to be chromosome (Chr)-13, Chr-8, Chr-11 and Chr-19, respectively, and collectively delimited LG D02 and D03 to Chr-21 and 24, and their homeologs to Chr-8 and 11. Segmental homeology was detected between Chr-2 and Chr-17 loci, adding to evidence of segmental homeology between Chr-2 and 3 versus Chr-14 and 17. The 318 non-redundant SSR loci localized in this study will enhance the construction of linkage maps and QTL identification in molecular marker assisted selection since the confirmed and newly discovered SSR loci can serve as anchor loci for their respective chromosomes.
Lung collapse among aquatic reptiles and amphibians during long-term diving

Numerous aquatic reptiles and amphibians that typically breathe both air and water can remain fully aerobic in normoxic (aerated) water by taking up oxygen from the water via extrapulmonary avenues. Nevertheless, if air access is available, these animals do breathe air, however infrequently. We suggest that such air breathing does not serve an immediate gas exchange function under these conditions, nor is it necessarily related to buoyancy requirements, but serves to keep lungs inflated that would otherwise collapse during prolonged submergence. We also suggest that lung deflation is routine in hibernating aquatic reptiles and amphibians in the northern portions of their ranges, where ice cover prevents surfacing for extended periods.
Characteristic impedance planning in PCB design

This paper discusses some of the practical implications of not accounting for differences in characteristic impedance values found by the PCB Manufacturer and those found in a major Signal Integrity (SI) analysis tool. In the first part, the reasons for differences in characteristic impedances values are discussed. The second part, discusses some of the possible workarounds to the differences and methods to minimize the differences as to obtain values that are consistent with IPC approximated values for symmetrical stripline, assymetrical stripline, and microstrips. Snapshots of the feature changes are shown to facilitate necessary adjustments in the simulation runs through step by step changes.
Life stress, weight gain, and resuming smoking after success in a cessation clinic.

Summary.-To determine how important life stresses and weight gain may be as reasons for resuming smoking, 89 subjects who had stopped smoking in cessation clinics answered follow-up telephone interviews 3 mo. later. Although many relapsers claimed that their return to cigarette use was in response to external pressure, as a group they had no more changes on the Life Change Inventory than those remaining stopped. Weight gain, reported by most of the subjects, was not a significant reason given for resuming smoking. Caution is urged in interpreting stated reasons for return to cigarette use since many seem to be guilt-reducing justifications for succumbing to intense cravings to smoke. Why people return to smoking after successfully stopping at a cessation clinic is an unresolved question. In a study of when subjects resumed use of several addictive drugs including tobacco (Marlact & Gordon, 1980), relapsers claimed to be "coping with emotional negative states, social pressure or interpersonal conflict." Another study of smoking relapsers by Jacobs, Knapp, Rosenthal, and Haskell ( 1970) cited "unpleasant or disappointing events," including "weight gain" as triggers for renewed smoking. Informal canvassing generally supports the notion that psychological pressure, often in the form of a negative life event (putting on extra weight), lies behind taking up smoking again. This study sought to verify these observations using a substantial sample of stoppers. METHOD The subjects were 89 people (50 women and 30 men) who had successfully stopped smoking at one of a number of American Cancer Society-sponsored smoking-cessation clinics in southeastern Mich~gan. The median age for this group was 38 yr. Volunteers not involved in the clinics ~ncerv~ewed these subjects by telephone 3 mo. after the clinics' end. These structured interviews asked whether subjects were smoking again or not, strategies they used to counter urges to smoke and changes in their weight. If subjects had resumed smoking they were asked when and why they had started and the amount they now smoked. In addition, the Life Change Inventory (Gunn, 1983), a modified version of the Holmes and Rahe Social Readjustment Rating Scale (Dohrenwend & Dohrenwend, 1974) was administered. This inventory is a measure of negative life experiences that could be related to resumption of smoking. RESULTS
The Stable, Functional Core of DdrA from Deinococcus radiodurans R1 Does Not Restore Radioresistance In Vivo

DdrA protein binds to and protects 3' DNA ends and is essential for preserving the genome integrity of Deinococcus radiodurans following treatment by gamma radiation in an environment lacking nutrients. Limited proteolysis was used to identify a stable and functional protein core, designated DdrA157, consisting of the first 157 residues of the protein. In vitro, the biochemical differences between wild-type and mutant proteins were modest. DdrA exhibits a strong bias in binding DNA with 3' extensions but not with 5' extensions. The mutant DdrA157 exhibited a greater affinity for 5' DNA ends but still bound to 3' ends more readily. However, when we replaced the wild-type ddrA gene with the mutant gene for ddrA157, the resulting D. radiodurans strain became almost as sensitive to gamma radiation as the ddrA knockout strain. These results suggest that while the stable protein core DdrA157 is functional for DNA binding and protection assays in vitro, the carboxyl terminus is required for important functions in vivo. The C terminus may therefore be required for protein or DNA interactions or possibly as a regulatory region for DNA binding or activities not yet identified.
Nuclear β-catenin expression is closely related to ulcerative growth of colorectal carcinoma

Although most colorectal cancer develops based on the adenoma–adenocarcinoma sequence, morphologically, colorectal cancer is not a homogeneous disease entity. Generally, there are two distinct morphological types: polypoid and ulcerative colorectal tumours. Previous studies have demonstrated that K-ras codon 12 mutations are preferentially associated with polypoid growth of colorectal cancer; however, little is known about the molecular mechanism that determines ulcerative growth of colorectal cancer. β-catenin complex plays a critical role both in tumorigenesis and morphogenesis. We examined the differential expression of β-catenin and its related factors among different types of colorectal cancer in order to determine any relationship with gross tumour morphology. Immunohistochemical staining of β-catenin, E-cadherin and MMP-7 was performed on 51 tumours, including 26 polypoid tumours and 25 ulcerative tumours. Protein truncation tests and single-strand conformational polymorphism for mutation of the adenomatous polyposis coli tumour suppressor gene, as well as single-strand conformational polymorphism for the mutation of β-catenin exon 3 were also done. Nuclear expression of β-catenin was observed in 18 out of 25 (72%) cases of ulcerative colorectal cancer and seven out of 26 (26.9%) cases of polypoid colorectal cancer. A significant relationship of nuclear β-catenin expression with ulcerative colorectal cancer was found (P<0.001). However, this finding was independent of adenomatous polyposis coli tumour suppressor gene mutation and E-cadherin expression. Together with previous data, we propose that different combinations of genetic alterations may underlie different morphological types of colorectal cancer. These findings should be taken into consideration whenever developing a new genetic diagnosis or therapy for colorectal cancer. British Journal of Cancer (2002) 86, 1124–1129. DOI: 10.1038/sj/bjc/6600214 www.bjcancer.com © 2002 Cancer Research UK
Characterization and purification of a placental protein that inactivates GnRH, TRH and angiotensin II.

Abstract A protein that inactivates the immunoreactivity of GnRH, TRH and angiotensin II has been isolated from human term placentae. Only in the presence of DTT, a sulphydryl agent, are OXY and SRIF also inactivated by this protein. However, it is without effect on CRF, hCS, or hCG. It also inhibits the biological activity of GnRH, i.e. its ability to stimulate pituitary LH and FSH. The ability of this protein to inactivate GnRH, TRH or angiotensin II can be inhibited by various peptidase inhibitors. Thus, we have postulated that it is a chorionic peptidase, specific for these peptides, and herein called chorionic peptidase-1 (C-ase-1). Isolation of this protein, C-ase-1, has been effected using permeation, ion exchange and affinity chromatography. As estimated by SDS-PAGE and HPLC analyses, C-ase-1 has an apparent molecular weight of 58 000. It is proposed that C-ase-1 may be an important chorionic regulator of GnRH, TRH and angiotensin II levels during pregnancy.
Biceps Tendon Injuries in Athletes

Although rare, athletes involved in competitive strength training and contact sports may sustain distal tendon biceps injuries. Treatment of complete distal biceps tendon ruptures in athletes is primarily surgical. Early repair, through either one-incision or two-incision techniques with anatomic reinsertion of the ruptured tendon to the bicipital tuberosity, is highly recommended. In this article the etiology and pathophysiology of distal biceps tendon ruptures, current diagnostic modalities, and surgical indications are discussed. Also, treatment options, surgical techniques, outcomes, and potential complications are reviewed.
Inside-out meniscus repair

The long-term adverse effects of meniscectomy reported by many investigators has led to a treatment philosophy of meniscal repair and preservation whenever possible. Meniscal repair should allow a successful return by most patients to an active lifestyle with a decreased risk of developing osteoarthritis. Many different techniques of meniscal repair have been developed. The inside-out arthroscopic-assisted meniscal repair, developed by Henning, features: 1) meniscal and meniscosynovial abrasion to promote vascular healing, 2) cannulated suture-needle delivery system for suture placement, and 3) a posteromedial or lateral skin incision for needle retrieval to avoid neurovascular complications. The inside-out arthroscopic-assisted technique has been reproducible with an acceptable complication rate. It is time consuming and technically demanding, but offers considerable advantages over excision for ultimate knee function. The purpose of this chapter is to describe the indication, operative technique, postoperative rehabilitation and results of inside-out meniscal repair.
Growth inhibition and cell killing by N-methyl-N-nitrosourea metabolic alterations that accompany poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation

Abstract The effect of inhibition of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) on the growth arrest and cell killing induced by N -methyl- N -nitrosourea (MNU) was studied in L929 fibroblasts. Depletion of NAD and ATP preceded the cell killing by a 1-h exposure to 10 or 15 mM MNU. 3-Aminobenzamide (ABA), an inhibitor of PARP, spared the depletion of NAD and ATP and prevented the cell killing. With 5 mM MNU, a depletion of NAD was promptly reversed, and there was no loss of ATP and no cell death. Aphidicolin, a DNA polymerase inhibitor, prevented the restoration of NAD, with resulting depletion of ATP and death of the cells, effects that were prevented by ABA, Azide together with 2-deoxyglucose depleted ATP, followed by a loss of NAD and cell death, changes that occurred in the absence of DNA single strand breaks (DNA SSB). ABA prevented the depletion of NAD, but not that of ATP, nor the cell killing. MNU (2.5 mM) inhibited cell growth without effect on the viability of the cells. ABA potentiated the cell growth inhibition. Thus, inhibition of PARP potentiates cell growth inhibition by limiting DNA repair mechanisms. Alternatively inhibition of the DNA repair response to more extensive DNA damage prevents cell killing. The ATP depletion caused by poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation, rather than DNA SSB and the loss of NAD, is the more critical event in the cell killing.
Fish, Game, and the Foundations of Complexity in Forager Society: The Evidence From New Guinea

Drawing ethnographic data from the foraging communities of New Guinea, an underused resource in hunter-gatherer research, this article examines the relationship between subsistence form and four aspects of cultural complexity: density, settlement size, settlement form, and settlement permanence. On the basis of global data, it is commonly proposed that in forager communities, these characteristics are directly related to the degree of dependence on aquatic resources. For serendipitous reasons, the New Guinea data allow these propositions to be assessed with some precision, and the results strongly corroborate them. The implications of these findings for understanding the generation of complexity in forager societies are briefly discussed.
Fermentation of 1-hexadecene by Candida lipolytica

Candida lipolytica, strain Phaff, was grown on 1.0% 1-hexadecene as sole source of carbon. Several oxidative intermediates were isolated and identified. Based on these intermediates two pathways are proposed for the degradation of the 1-alkene via the methyl group and the double bond. Subterminal oxidation of the 1-alkene was also indicated. Cell yield, lipid content, fatty acid profile and 1, 2-diol concentration are given for various rates of aeration during growth in a fermentor.
Characterization of a Trypanosoma brucei nuclear gene encoding a protein homologous to a subunit of bovine NADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductase (complex I)

A Trypanosoma brucei gene has been identified that encodes a protein predicted to be a component of the trypanosome homologue of mitochondrial NADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductase (complex I). High homology was found to a 20-kDa component of the iron-sulfur protein fraction of bovine mitochondrial NADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductase and the products of the ndhK locus of Paramecium tetraurelia mitochondria and the NQ06 locus of Paracoccus denitrificans. The homology extends to several other proteins predicted to function as part of electron transport systems, including the psbG/ndhK gene products of chloroplast and cyanobacterial genomes which are thought to be subunits of a NADH-plastoquinone oxidoreductase involved in chlororespiration. The T. brucei ndhK counterpart is nuclearly encoded. An extended amino terminus of the T. brucei ndhK with structural similarity to mitochondrial presequences indicates that its transfer into mitochondria is likely. Stumpy and slender bloodforms and procyclic forms all possess similar levels of ndhK transcripts despite previous reports of stage-regulated expression of complex I-like activity.
Maintenance of an Acidic Stratum Corneum Prevents Emergence of Murine Atopic Dermatitis

Neutralization of stratum corneum (SC) adversely impacts key epidermal functions, including permeability barrier homeostasis and SC integrity. Conversely, acidification of SC improves these functions in developmentally impaired (neonatal or aged) skin, and enhances function in normal skin. Hence, we hypothesized that acidification could alter the course of inflammatory dermatoses, which invariably exhibit an increased SC pH. Maintenance of a low pH by topical applications of the polyhydroxyl acid, lactobionic acid, during the repeated-challenge phase inhibited the development of oxazolone-induced atopic dermatitis (AD). Neither gross/histological dermatitis nor altered barrier function developed, and emergence of epidermal hyperplasia was prevented; however, cytokine generation decreased. Acidification also largely normalized the development of hapten-induced changes in eosinophil/mast cell densities, density of chemoattractant receptor-homologous molecule expressed on TH2-positive lymphocytes, and serum IgE levels. The pH-induced improvement in barrier function most likely accounts for the anti-inflammatory activity, which could be further attributed to normalization of both lamellar body secretion and lamellar bilayer formation. Acidification of SC alone substantially prevents development of barrier abnormalities and downstream immune abnormalities during the elicitation phase of murine AD. These results provide direct evidence for the “outside–inside” pathogenesis of AD and further suggest that maintenance of an acidic SC pH could prevent the emergence of AD in humans.
Treating tephritids with attractants to enhance their effectiveness in sterile-release programs

When the tephritids the Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis Capitata (Wiedemann); the oriental fruit fly, Dacus dorsalis Hendel; and the melon fly, D. cucurbitae Coquillett, were treated topically with the male attractants trimedlure, methyl eugenol, and cue-lure, respectively, and tested in outdoor cages, untreated flies of D. dorsalis and D. cucurbitae were attracted to the treated flies. Also, male melon flies exposed to the odor of cue-lure for 4–5 days after emergence were subsequently 3–10 times less responsive to traps baited with cue-lure, an indication that they became habituated to the attractant. Thus, control or eradication by the techniques of male annihilation and sterile releases may be improved by using sterilized insects that do not respond to applications of attractant mixed with insecticide.
Fungicide Resistance Profiles for 13 Botrytis cinerea Isolates from Strawberry in Southeastern Louisiana

Fungicidal sprays are widely used for control of Botrytis fruit rot; however, the pathogen often develops resistance to frequently used fungicides. A 96-well plate micro-dilution broth bioassay developed for fungicide discovery was used to provide strawberry growers with a rapid assessment of the fungicide sensitivity of Botrytis isolates against 16 fungicides. Three sensitivity phenotypes were identified: benzimidazole and dicarboximide resistant, benzimidazole resistant and dicarboximide sensitive, and an intermediate response to both fungicides. Codon at position 198 in the β-tubulin gene confirmed benomyl resistance. This bioassay rapidly identifies fungicide resistance and allows growers to quickly adjust their disease management strategy.
Child proportional scaling: Is 1/3 = 2/6 = 3/9 = 4/12?

The current experiments examined the role of scale factor in children's proportional reasoning. Experiment 1 used a choice task and Experiment 2 used a production task to examine the abilities of kindergartners through fourth-graders to match equivalent, visually depicted proportional relations. The findings of both experiments show that accuracy decreased as the scaling magnitude between the equivalent proportions increased. In addition, children's errors showed that the cost of scaling proportional relations is symmetrical for problems that involve scaling up and scaling down. These findings indicate that scaling has a cognitive cost that results in decreasing performance with increasing scaling magnitude. These scale factor effects are consistent with children's use of intuitive strategies to solve proportional reasoning problems that may be important in scaffolding more formal mathematical understanding of proportional relations.
Intelligibility of older versus younger adults' CVC productions

In studies of aging voice, listeners have reported that older speakers articulate less precisely than younger speakers. To determine if intelligibility changes with age, younger and older adults read CVCs embedded in a carrier phrase. Listeners reported the target word said by the speakers. More errors were made on the older speakers' productions than on the younger speakers', although age alone was not statistically significant. Results are reported for age, sex, and position of error in the target word.
Postnatal growth in preterm infants : Have we got it right?

Postnatal growth retardation appears inevitable in preterm infants. This partly reflects an inability to establish adequate dietary intakes in a timely fashion in the sick, unstable immature infant. However, it may also reflect inherent errors in current recommendation as well as systematic errors in the way nutrient requirements are estimated in these high-risk infants. These issues are addressed in this article.
ELECTRON PAIRING IN EXCITED SEMICONDUCTORS

Abstract It is shown that in highly excited semiconductors electron (hole) pairing by acoustical plasmons may possible lead to super conductivity at relatively high transition temperatures.
Surgical Treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in North America: Can Hepatic Resection Still Be Justified?

Background The incidence of hepatocellular cancer (HCC) is increasing dramatically worldwide. Optimal management remains undefined, especially for well-compensated cirrhosis and HCC. Study Design This retrospective analysis included 5 US liver cancer centers. Patients with surgically treated HCC between 1990 and 2011 were analyzed; demographics, tumor characteristics, and survival rates were included. Results There were 1,765 patients who underwent resection (n = 884, 50.1%) or transplantation (n = 881, 49.9%). Overall, 248 (28.1%) resected patients were transplant eligible (1 tumor Conclusions The increasing incidence of HCC stresses limited resources. Although transplantation results in better long-term survival, limited donor availability precludes widespread application. Hepatic resection will likely remain a standard therapy in selected patients with HCC. In this large series, only about 10% of patients with cirrhosis were transplant-eligible based on tumor status. Although liver transplantation results are significantly improved compared with resection, transplantation is available only for a minority of patients with HCC.
Evaluation of architectural support for global address-based communication in large-scale parallel machines

Large-scale parallel machines are incorporating increasingly sophisticated architectural support for user-level messaging and global memory access. We provide a systematic evaluation of a broad spectrum of current design alternatives based on our implementations of a global address language on the Thinking Machines CM-5, Intel Paragon, Meiko CS-2, Cray T3D, and Berkeley NOW. This evaluation includes a range of compilation strategies that make varying use of the network processor; each is optimized for the target architecture and the particular strategy. We analyze a family of interacting issues that determine the performance trade-offs in each implementation, quantify the resulting latency, overhead, and bandwidth of the global access operations, and demonstrate the effects on application performance.