cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Time-varying system identification using modulating functions and spline models with application to bio-processes

Abstract Time dependent parameters are frequently encountered in many real processes which need to be monitored for process modeling, control and supervision purposes. Modulating functions methods are especially suitable for this task because they use the original continuous-time differential equations and avoid differentiation of noisy signals. Among the many versions of the method available, Pearson–Lee method offers a computationally efficient alternative. In this paper, Pearson–Lee method is generalized for non-stationary continuous-time systems and the on-line version is developed. The time dependent parameters are modeled as polynomial splines inside a moving data window and recursion formulae using shifting properties of sinusoids are formulated. The simple matrix update relations considerably reduce the number of computations required when compared with repeatedly using FFT. The method is illustrated for estimating the kinetic rates and yield factors as time-varying parameters in a fermentation process. The Monod law along with temperature dependency models were used to simulate the data. The simulation study shows that it is not necessary to assume a growth model in order to estimate the kinetic rate parameters.
Biomimetic Synthesis of Fused Polypyrans: Oxacyclization Stereo- and Regioselectivity Is a Function of the Nucleophile†

The stereoselectivity of Lewis acid-induced endo-regioselective oxacyclizations of 1,4-diepoxides is dependent upon the nature of the terminating nucleophile. For instance, the tert-butyl carbonate-substituted diepoxide of 3,6-dimethylhepta-2,5-dien-1-ol provides a cis-fused bicyclic product, whereas the N,N-dimethylcarbamate derivative affords the trans-fused diastereomer. Stereospecific and regioselective conversion of the tertiary carbamate-terminated 1,4,7-triepoxide (I) to tricyclic all-trans-fused polypyran (II) is also demonstrated.
Dilatation of the inferior vena cava in patients with cirrhotic portal hypertension: Causes and imaging findings

Dilatation of the inferior vena cava is a frequent finding in patients with cirrhosis and portal hypertension, and may be produced by various mechanisms. In this article we illustrate the spectrum of causes and appearances of inferior vena caval dilatation in patients with cirrhosis and portal hypertension.
Thomas-fermi and related theories of atoms and molecules

This article is a summary of what is know rigorously about Thomas-Fermi (TF) theory with and without the Dirac and von Weizsacker corrections. It is also shown that TF theory agrees asymptotically, in a certain sense, with nonrelativistic quantum theory as the nuclear charge z tends to infinity. The von Weizsacker correction is shown to correct certain undesirable features of TF theory and to yield a theory in much better agreement with what is believed (but as yet unproved) to be the structure of real atoms. Many open problems in the theory are presented.
Insulin-like growth factor system gene expression in human endometrium during the menstrual cycle

To study the cellular patterns of gene expression of the insulin-like growth factor (IGF) system in human endometrium during the menstrual cycle, we used in situ hybridization histochemistry to localize messenger ribonucleic acids (mRNAs) encoding IGF-I and -II, their receptors, and their binding proteins (IGFBPs) in fresh-frozen endometrial tissue obtained from cycling women. IGF-I and IGF-II mRNAs are both expressed diffusely throughout endometrial stroma and are not detected in endometrial epithelium. Endometrial IGF-I mRNA is significantly more abundant during the proliferative than the secretory phase of the menstrual cycle, whereas the reverse is true for IGF-II. Type I and type II IGF receptor mRNAs are both present in endometrial stroma, but are relatively more abundant in endometrial epithelium, and neither shows distinctive cyclic changes. IGFBP-2, -4, -5, and -6 mRNAs demonstrate a diffuse stromal pattern of expression, whereas IGFBP-1 and -3 are more focally concentrated in selected subpopulat...
Sudden onset of Multiple nevi after administration of 6-mercaptopurine in an adult with Crohn's disease: a case report.

The correlation between combined chemotherapy, including 6-mercaptopurine, and development of excessive number of melanocytic nevi in childhood has been previously reported and studied. 1,2 As of yet, no such relation has been reported in adults. We recently observed a 27-year-old female patient who developed numerous benign melanocytic nevi during a 20-month period while taking 6-mercaptopurine for Crohn's disease. The appearance of many nevi was worrisome to the patient from a cosmetic and medical perspective (given the higher risk of melanoma associated with large numbers of nevi).
Theoretical mass-transfer coefficients for circular cylinders and spheres in cross flow

Abstract Based on the mathematical solutions of Levich and Natanson, which describe diffusion to a sphere and a circular cylinder in a fluid stream, theoretical expressions are derived for mass-transfer coefficients in flow-through porous electrodes composed of wires, wire nets and spheres. Those expressions are applicable for theoretical interpretation and estimation of the diffusion-controlled efficiency of electrolysis for flow-through porous electrodes. The numerical solutions of the theoretical expressions derived compare favorably with published experimental results.
Pseudocapacitive Contributions to Charge Storage in Highly Ordered Mesoporous Group V Transition Metal Oxides with Iso-Oriented Layered Nanocrystalline Domains

Amphiphilic block copolymers are very attractive as templates to produce inorganic architectures with nanoscale periodicity because of their ability to form soft superstructures and to interact with inorganic materials. In this paper, we report the synthesis and electrochemical properties of highly ordered mesoporous T-Nb2O5, L-Ta2O5, and TaNbO5 solid solution thin films with iso-oriented layered nanocrystalline domains. These oxide materials were fabricated by coassembly of inorganic sol−gel reagents with a poly(ethylene-co-butylene)-b-poly(ethylene oxide) diblock copolymer, referred to as KLE. We establish that all materials employed here are highly crystalline and have an ordered cubic pore-solid architecture after thermal treatment. We also demonstrate that these group V transition metal oxides can be readily produced with a high degree of crystallographic alignment on virtually any substrate in contrast to classical solution-phase epitaxy which requires the use of a single-crystalline substrate to ac...
Effects of plant sterols on cholesterol concentration in the rat small intestine.

The effects of feeding single doses of β-sitosterol, campesterol and stigmasterol on cholesterol concentration in the rat small intestine was studied to clarify their roles in cholesterol absorption. The different plant sterols affected free and ester cholesterol concentrations differently in the different intestinal segments suggesting that they have different effects on such intestinal processes as uptake, esterification and possibly synthesis of cholesterol and transport of cholesterol esters out of the mucosal cells into the lymphatics.
Experiential Learning Effects on Retention: Results from a Required MBA Course.

This longitudinal study explored the degree to which a required MBA course emphasizing experiential learning positively influenced student retention. Results from subgroup comparisons across multip...
Identifying Pioneer Bacterial Species Responsible for Biofouling Membrane Bioreactors

Summary More effective control of membrane biofouling in membrane bioreactors (MBRs) lies in the fundamental understanding of the pioneer microorganisms responsible for surface colonization that leads to biofilm formation. In this study, the composition of the planktonic and sessile microbial communities inhabiting four laboratory-scale MBR systems were compared using amplified ribosomal DNA restriction analysis (ARDRA) and 16S ribosomal DNA gene sequencing. The ARDRA results suggest that the microbial communities on membrane surfaces could be very different from the ones in the suspended biomass. Phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene sequences provided a list of bacteria that might be the pioneers of surface colonization on microfiltration membranes. The results further suggested that research on the mechanisms of cell attachment in such an engineering environment could be critical for future development of appropriate biofouling control strategies.
Effects of thyrotropin, acetazolamide, 4-acetamido-4'-isothiocyanostilbene-2,2'-disulfonic acid, perchlorate, and ouabain on the distribution of iodide ion in cells and luminal fluid of turtle thyroid

The effects of TSH, acetazolamide, 4-acetamido-4′-isothiocyano-stilbene-2,2′-disulfonic acid (SITS), perchlorate, and ouabain on the distribution of 125I- in the cells and luminal fluid were measured in the follicles of turtle thyroid. The cell and luminal values were derived from the steady state 125I- values (24 h) in the whole gland and follicular luminal fluid, as measured in methimazole-blocked glands. The colloid in the lumen was obtained by use of micropipettes inserted into the luminal fluid (LF). In the thyroids removed from the control turtles, the cell 125I- concentration was 596 times the extracellular fluid (ECF) concentration, and the luminal fluid concentration was 151 times the ECF value. The cell to LF 125I- ratio was thus 3.95. TSH markedly increased the cell 125I- concentration (2-fold) by increasing the activity of the I- pump in the basal cell membrane. It also increased the LF 125I- concentration (3-fold) apparently by increasing the permeability of the apical membrane to anions, thu...
Molecular determinants of the species-selective inhibition of brain acetylcholinesterase

The objective of this investigation was to distinguish which of the catalytic features of enzyme action is principally responsible for conferring the observed insensitivity of trout brain acetylcholinesterase (AChE; EC 3.1.1.7) to in vitro inhibition by organophosphates. The experimental design consisted of comparing the kinetic constants for the hydrolysis of a series of acylthiocholine substrates as well as the inhibition constants for a homologous series of dialkyl p-nitrophenyl phosphates among AChE from rats, hens, and trout. Chicken and rat brain AChE failed to distinguish between acetyl- and propionylthiocholine as inferred from the comparable Michaelis-Menten constants (Km), whereas trout brain AChE exhibited a much higher affinity for acetylthiocholine than for either of the two larger analogs. Diethyl p-nitrophenyl phosphate was the most potent inhibitor toward chicken and rat brain AChE, whereas the IC50 for the trout enzyme increased progressively between dimethyl and di-n-propyl p-nitrophenyl phosphate. The kinetic constants revealed that a significant determinant of inhibitor potency in the chicken and rat is steric exclusion as reflected by changes in the dissociation constant (Kd) which paralleled the changes in IC50 and ki. Conversely, Kd was 120- to 1450-fold higher and did not vary significantly for trout brain AChE. Instead, the phosphorylation rate constant (kp) for trout brain AChE decreased with progressive methylene substitutions. The kinetic data suggest that trout brain AChE not only possesses less steric tolerance, but also has a weaker nucleophile at the esteratic subsite, both of which may be important factors in conferring the observed insensitivity of trout to acute organophosphate intoxication.
Operative treatment of trigeminal neuralgia: review of current techniques

Surgical approaches to pain management are performed when medication cannot control pain or patients cannot tolerate the adverse effects of the medication. Microvascular decompression (MVD) is generally performed when the patient is healthy and relatively young. Partial sensory rhizotomy is performed in addition to, or instead of MVD, in patients in whom significant compression of the trigeminal sensory root does not exist or in whom MVD is technically not feasible. Three percutaneous ablative procedures and gamma knife radiosurgery (GKS) are also performed when MVD cannot be performed. The result of MVD is superior to that of the 3 ablative procedures. GKS is inferior to the 3 ablative procedures in terms of initial pain relief and recurrence, but superior in terms of complications. Peripheral procedures are usually performed in patients not suitable for or not wishing to have other procedures. However, no strict rules exist and each patient should be evaluated individually.
Association Among Age, Height, Weight, and Body Mass Index with Discordant Regional Bone Mineral Density

Abstract Patients with osteoporosis have a body mass index (BMI) that is significantly lower than patients with normal bone mineral density (BMD). This study was conducted to examine the associations among age, height, weight, and BMI in patients with discordant regional BMD. For the purpose of this study, discordant regional BMD was defined as having a BMD result that is in the osteoporotic range at one site while being normal at the other sites. Data from 7513 qualifying bone densitometry scans from a suburban Detroit osteoporosis testing center were analyzed. A patient was classified as having generalized osteoporosis if the T-score was –1 at the same three sites. Patients were determined to have discordant low BMD when the T-score was –1 at the other two sites. Patients with generalized osteoporosis were older (mean age: 72.2 vs 54.7 yr; p p 2 ; p p = NS), but were taller (height: 158.6 vs 153.1 cm; p 2 ; p
Protein slot blotting : an easy, rapid and reliable technique to identify the expression of a protein in transgenic plants

A technique based on immunological recognition of a foreign protein in transgenic plants has been developed. It allows a quick and reliable screening of many plant samples, improves the accuracy of the results compared to ELISA and is easier to carry out and more sensitive than a western immunoblot. This technique has also been tested to recognize foreign proteins in rice and tobacco leaf extracts.
Acoustophoresis in shallow microchannels

Acoustophoretic (AP) motion of spherical polystyrene particles in a steady pressure driven flow is investigated in shallow microchannels, where the channel height is comparable to the particle diameter. Particle trajectories at different ultrasonic actuation amplitudes are extracted by a particle tracking algorithm. Depths of the particles are predicted using the streamwise particle speed that is due to the pressure driven flow. The particle depths are shown to be influenced by the actuation voltage. The particle migration along the channel height is explained using the second-order perturbation theory. The particle equation of motion is employed to extract the AP force. Wall effects are included in the analysis of both particle depth and force predictions. Differences as large as 20% in the AP force magnitude due to the wall corrections are reported. The AP force is also calculated using the theoretical force expression, and compared with the experimental results. The focal length, which is the necessary distance to effectively concentrate particles in a microchannel, is calculated using the analytical solution of the particle equation of motion. The calculated force and the focusing length agree well with the experimental results. The focal length is critical for the design of micro sample concentration devices.
52.2: Application of a Novel, More étendue‐Efficient Light Engine Technology to Enable Micro‐Portable DLP Projectors

As the projection industry evolves, there is a perpetual push for smaller and brighter projectors. A newly developed etendue efficient light engine (eele-enhanced™) technology combined with Digital Light Processing (DLP™) holds promise to deliver improved brightness, lifetime and/or more compact projection display systems. This paper describes an application of the eele-enhanced™ technology for building Micro-Portable DLP projectors.
Community development and micro‐enterprises: fostering sustainable development

Micro-enterprise efforts have focused mainly on economic development, although ignoring the social and environmental consequences can jeopardize success. This essay examines the characteristics of successful groups and the barriers they face. The lessons learned from successful micro-enterprises suggest that the key is to bring together the elements of sustainable development with the importance of the key fact that the micro-enterprises are community based. The thesis proposed is that micro-enterprises can foster sustainable development if, and only if, they are integrated in a view of community development that links the social, economic and environmental dimensions. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment
The Taxonomic Anomalies Associated With the Indian Calanoid Copepod, Heliodiaptomus Viduus (Gurney, 1916) (Diaptomidae): a Case Study

Montalenti, G., 1941. Studi suH'ermafroditismo dei Cimotoide. I. Emetea audouinii (M. Edw.) e Anilocra physodes (L.). Pubbl. Stazione Zool. Napoli, 18: 337-394. Nair, S. G., 1956. On the embryology of the isopod Irona. Journ. Embryol. Exp. Morph., 4: 1-33. Trilles, J. P., 1968. Recherches sur les isopodes Cymothoidae des c?tes fran?aises. Part 1. Syst?matique et faunistique; Vol. I. Bionomie et parasitisme; Vol. IL Biologie g?n?rale et sexualit?. Ph.D. Thesis, Univ. Montpellier, France. Williams, L. B. & E. H. Williams, Jr., 1981. Nine new species of Anilocra (Crustacea: Isopoda: Cymothoidae) external parasites of West Indian coral reef fishes. Proc. Biol. Soc. Washington, 94: 1005-1047.
EMPOWER: a randomized trial using community health workers to deliver a lifestyle intervention program in African American women with Type 2 diabetes: design, rationale, and baseline characteristics.

Abstract Background African American (AA) women with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in the rural south experience less weight loss and poorer glycemic control in traditional diabetes management programs compared to Caucasians. This paper describes the design, rationale, and baseline characteristics from an innovative community health worker (CHW) delivered intervention program in this population. Methods/design This prospective trial randomized rural AA women with uncontrolled T2DM (HbA1c ≥ 7.0) to receive a behaviorally-centered, culturally-tailored lifestyle intervention during 16 contacts from a trained AA CHW or 16 approved diabetes educational mailings. Changes from baseline in glycosylated hemoglobin levels (HbA1c), blood pressure (BP), weight, body mass index (BMI), self-reported dietary and physical activity patterns, and psychosocial measures including diabetes distress, empowerment, depression, self-care, medication adherence, and life satisfaction will be assessed at 6- and 12-months. Baseline results Two hundred AA women (mean age = 53.09 ± 10.89 years) with T2DM from impoverished rural communities were enrolled. Baseline data demonstrated profoundly uncontrolled diabetes of long term duration (mean HbA1c = 9.11 ± 1.82; mean BMI = 37.68 ± 8.20; mean BP = 134.51 ± 20.39/84.19 ± 11.68; 10.5 ± 0.7 years). Self-care behavior assessment revealed poor dietary and medication adherence and sedentary lifestyle. Most psychosocial measures ranged within normal limits. Conclusion The present sample of AA women from impoverished rural communities exhibited significantly uncontrolled T2DM of long duration with associated obesity and poor lifestyle behaviors. An innovative CHW led lifestyle intervention may lead to more effective strategies for T2DM management in this population.
The impact of transportation rates on the location of the wheat flour milling industry

Since wheat and flour are shipped over long distances, railroad rates exert a key influence on the location of the wheat flour milling industry. Two locational models are employed to explain recent trends in the location of the industry. One of these is a transport locational model focusing on flour milling location in the eastern half of the U.S. The other is a linear programming model which analyzes flour milling location in the west. The empirical analysis indicates that high railroad flour rates relative to wheat rates should shift the industry out of the rural wheat producing areas and toward population centers. An analysis of actual industry trends over the 1960–1982 period confirms the empirical results of the locational models. Railroad deregulation does not appear to have affected locational trends in the flour milling industry.
Accumulation of methylglyoxal in anaerobically grown Escherichia coli and its detoxification by expression of the Pseudomonas putida glyoxalase I gene

Anaerobic glycerol fermentation by Escherichia coli strains expressing genes from the Klebsiella pneumoniae dha regulon showed that cell growth and 1,3-propanediol (1,3-PD) production are significantly inhibited when 5 g/L or higher of glycerol is initially present. One reason for this inhibition may be methylglyoxal (MG) accumulation. Assays of both intracellular and extracellular MG levels indicated an accumulation of MG in anaerobic glycerol fermentation of transgenic E. coli. Pseudomonas putida glyoxalase I was expressed in the transgenic E. coli to enhance MG detoxification. The activity of glyoxalase I in the transgenic E. coli with the P. putida glyoxalase I under anaerobic conditions was 12-fold higher than that in the control cells. Compared to the control cells, the transgenic cells with the P. putida glyoxalase I displayed a reduction of 35-43% in intracellular MG and a decrease of 30% in extracellular MG. These decreases were statistically significant (P>94). Furthermore, the expression of the P. putida glyoxalase I in the transgenic E. coli markedly improved cell growth and resulted in a 50% increase in 1,3-PD production.
Mannose receptor (CD206)-mediated imaging in sentinel lymph node localization

Sentinel lymph node (SLN) imaging and mapping are used to detect nodal metastasis in patients with a number of cancers for staging and prognosis. Macrophages (especially, tumor-associated macrophages or TAMs in the case of cancer), dendritic cells, and reticuloendothelial cells present in SLN express abundant levels of the mannose receptor (MR; CD206). Therefore, several radio-labeled, mannose-containing molecular agents have been designed to target the MR for imaging of SLN using suitable nuclear techniques. Among them, 99mTc-tilmanocept is an FDA-approved imaging agent for SLN, [99mTc(CO)3]DCM20 is an investigational agent for SLN, and [18F]FDM is an investigational agent for other purposes, but has potential for use in SLN mapping. Several other molecular agents that target the MR such as MR nanobody (MMR Nb) and mannose-functionalized liposomes and nanoparticles, are currently under investigation for imaging and drug delivery in cancers and other diseases, but are also being discussed for their potential future use in SLN mapping.
Albinism: Particular attention to the ocular motor system

The purpose of this report is to summarize an understanding of the ocular motor system in patients with albinism. Other than the association of vertical eccentric gaze null positions and asymmetric, (a) periodic alternating nystagmus in a large percentage of patients, the ocular motor system in human albinism does not contain unique pathology, rather has "typical" types of infantile ocular oscillations and binocular disorders. Both the ocular motor and afferent visual system are affected to varying degrees in patients with albinism, thus, combined treatment of both systems will maximize visual function.
Developing expatriates’ cross‐cultural sensitivity: cultures where “your culture’s OK” is really not OK

Different societies hold different views. Thus, a managerial style that works in one culture will not necessarily work in another, and adaptations must be made accordingly. For example, a system that rewards individual efforts (or group efforts) might be quite acceptable in some cultures, but resented in others. This suggests that prospective cross‐cultural managers need to develop sensitivity to the cultural ways of the society where they will be managing; they need to develop a “my culture’s OK, your culture’s OK” frame of reference. But, proposes that the other’s culture is not really OK if it does not support (or it rejects) the organization’s strategies, goals, and objectives. Describes those cultures which might be supportive (“really OK” culture) and those which might not (“really not OK” cultures). Concludes that expatriate managers in “really not OK” cultures need to identify and implement programmes necessary to change the culture to “really OK”.
Evaluation of Pulmonary Arterial End-Diastolic Pressure as an Estimate of Left Ventricular End-Diastolic Pressure in Patients with Normal and Abnormal Left Ventricular Performance

It has been suggested that the pulmonary arterial end-diastolic pressure (EDP) may accurately reflect the level of left ventricular EDP, and therefore be useful in the continuous monitoring of left...
Congenital disorders of the hand and upper extremity

This article summarizes normal formation and growth of the upper limb as a basis for understanding malformation. Shoulder anomalies, including Sprengel's undescended scapula, clavicle pseudarthrosis, cleidocraniodystostosis, and Poland's syndrome, are presented. Classification and examples of limb malformations are discussed as well as neuromuscular disorders, such as obstetric brachial plexopathy, cerebral palsy, and arthrogryposis. The author hopes that this article provides a basic understanding of the evaluation necessary for appropriate counseling and referrals for treatment of the child with hand and upper extremity congenital deformities.
Seizures with neuroleptics and antidepressants.

Abstract Seizures remain among the most serious side effects of psychotropic drugs. The authors review the literature associating neuroleptic and antidepressant medications with seizures, discussing the relative “seizurogenicity” of different medications, risk factors for seizures, and drugs of choice for high-risk patients. Case histories are presented. Available evidence suggests that molindone, fluphenazine, and haloperidol are among the least seizurogenic neuroleptics and that doxepin, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, or electroconvulsive therapy may be safest in treating the depressed patient at risk for seizures.
Beyond Pragmatism: The Value of Philosophical Discourse for Physical Geography

(1999). Beyond Pragmatism: The Value of Philosophical Discourse for Physical Geography. Annals of the Association of American Geographers: Vol. 89, No. 4, pp. 760-771.
Indirect Ophthalmoscope Perimetry in Patients With Retinal Detachment or Retinoschisis

Purpose/Methods We evaluated visual field testing, using indirect ophthalmoscopy, in patients with retinal detachment or retinoschisis. While performing ophthalmoscopy, we projected a shadow onto the schisis or detachment by holding a scleral depressor on the observer's side of the condensing lens. A response was recorded as positive if the patient saw the shadow. Results/Conclusion In all 20 detachment eyes, compared to zero of 12 schisis eyes, the response was positive. Indirect ophthalmoscope perimetry can help distinguish retinoschisis from retinal detachment.
RESIDENCY AND MOVEMENT PATTERNS OF WINTERING DUNLIN IN THE WILLAMETTE VALLEY OF OREGON

Abstract In the winters of 1998–1999 and 1999–2000, we tracked 67 radio-marked Dunlin (Calidris alpina) throughout the complex agricultural landscape of the Willamette Valley of Oregon. Individual birds were tracked across 8-week sampling periods and indicated a high degree of regional fidelity throughout the three winter sampling periods. Birds exhibited varied degrees of fidelity to specific wetland sites and were detected at an average of nine different sites. Distances traveled within the region were extensive and greatest during late winter. Females ranged farther from capture sites than males, and movement from capture sites for all birds was greatest during late winter. Mean home-range size (95% minimum convex polygons) of birds was 258.2 ± 44.8 km2 (SE) and was greatest during late winter. Diurnal roosts were identified as centers of activities and daily movements were most pronounced during crepuscular periods. These data represent the most extensive documentation of winter movements for a shoreb...
STAT3 mediates IL-6-induced neuroendocrine differentiation in prostate cancer cells .

BACKGROUND In the human prostate cancer cell line LNCaP, interleukin (IL)-6 has been shown to regulate both growth and neuroendocrine (NE) differentiation.. We recently observed that IL-6 mediated growth arrest in LNCaP by activating STAT 3. Since differentiation and growth arrest are often associated processes, we investigated whether STAT3 also mediated NE differentiation in this prostate cancer cell line. METHODS We treated previously characterized clones LNCaP-neo (neomycin-resistant LNCaP) and LNCaP-SF (LNCaP-STAT3 dominant negative mutant) with IL-6 and screened for NE differentiation by observing morphological changes and immunoblotting for two NE markers, neuron-specific enolase (NSE) and chromogranin A (ChA). To characterize further the role of STAT3 in growth arrest and differentiation, we transfected a wild-type STAT3 vector into PC-3 cells and generated a subclone PC-3-S3. In this clone, we assessed differentiation by observing morphological changes and determined growth responses by cell counting and clonogenic assays. RESULTS We observed that IL-6 induced formation of neurite extensions, morphologic features associated with NE differentiation, and enhanced expression of neuronal markers ChA and NSE in LNCaP-neo cells. In contrast, LNCaP-SF, possessing a dominant negative mutant form of STAT3, exhibited no characteristics of IL-6 induced NE differentiation. Furthermore, expression of a constitutively phosphorylated wild-type STAT3 in PC-3 cells inhibited growth and induced the formation of neurite extensions and NSE expression. CONCLUSIONS These results indicate that STAT3 is a mediator of both NE differentiation and growth inhibition in LNCaP and PC-3, suggesting a connection between growth inhibition and NE differentiation in prostate cancer. Prostate 42:186–195, 2000. © 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Cholesterol enhances classical conditioning of the rabbit heart rate response

The cholesterol-fed rabbit is a model of atherosclerosis and has been proposed as an animal model of Alzheimer's disease. Feeding rabbits cholesterol has been shown to increase the number of beta amyloid immunoreactive neurons in the cortex. Addition of copper to the drinking water of cholesterol-fed rabbits can increase this number still further and may lead to plaque-like structures. Classical conditioning of the nictitating membrane response in cholesterol-fed rabbits is retarded in the presence of these plaque-like structures but may be facilitated in their absence. In a factorial design, rabbits fed 2% cholesterol or a normal diet (0% cholesterol) for 8 weeks with or without copper added to the drinking water were given trace classical conditioning using a tone and periorbital electrodermal stimulation to study the effects of cholesterol and copper on classical conditioning of heart rate and the nictitating membrane response. Cholesterol-fed rabbits showed significant facilitation of heart rate conditioning and conditioning-specific modification of heart rate relative to normal diet controls. Consistent with previous research, cholesterol had minimal effects on classical conditioning of the nictitating membrane response when periorbital electrodermal stimulation was used as the unconditioned stimulus. Immunohistochemical analysis showed a significant increase in the number of beta amyloid positive neurons in the cortex, hippocampus and amygdala of the cholesterol-fed rabbits. Supplementation of drinking water with copper increased the number of beta amyloid positive neurons in the cortex of cholesterol-fed rabbits but did not produce plaque-like structures or have a significant effect on heart rate conditioning. The data provide additional support for our finding that, in the absence of plaques, dietary cholesterol may facilitate learning and memory.
Self-organization and computer security: a case study in adaptive coordination

One frequently hears stories about security breeches. Despite all the money that has been fed into research in computer security, it looks like researchers are loosing the battle against attackers. This paper argues that one basic problem in security systems is their staticness, and suggests they should be dynamic in nature. This paper describes two cases where adaptiveness based on self-organization may lead to dynamic solutions to malicious code protection and security policy distribution.
Do modern winds equal ancient winds

(1987). Do modern winds equal ancient winds? Mediterranean Historical Review: Vol. 2, No. 2, pp. 139-167.
Initial management of deep venous thrombosis in the outpatient setting

Venous thromboembolism (VTE)—comprising deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE)—continues to place significant clinical and economic burdens on the health care system. Recent estimates suggest an annual occurrence of nonfatal, symptomatic VTE events in the United States
Increased susceptibility of brain slices from carbonic anhydrase II-deficient mice to low [Mg2+]0-induced seizures

Abstract Brain pH is thought to be an influential factor in determining susceptibility to seizures. We compared the susceptibility of brain slices from carbonic anhydrase II (CA II)-deficient mice to epileptiform activity induced by low extracellular [Mg 2+ ], with slices from normal littermates, both bathed in artificial cerebrospinal fluid at pH 7.3. In both entorhinal cortex and hippocampal field CA1, epileptiform activity started earlier in CA II-deficient slices. Raising extracellular [CO 2 ] (20%; extracellular pH, 6.7) reversibly blocked the epileptiform activity in normal, but not in CA II-deficient, slices. The data, combined with previous in vivo findings showing an increased resistance of mutants to seizures, suggest the presence of in vivo anticonvulsant acidosis with long-term compensatory changes that lead to in vitro ‘proconvulsant’ behavior in CA II-deficient slices clamped at pH 7.3.
Large-scale simulations of cellular signaling processes

A database of rate constants and related quantities has been assembled by [Nature Biotech. 20 (2002) 370] for intracellular signaling downstream of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). This information was combined with data on metalloprotease activation [Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 96 (1999) 6235] to build a model of autocrine signal transduction by cancer cells exposed to ionizing radiation. The model predicts prompt activation of mitogen-activated-protein-kinase (MAPK) pathways in response to a radiation-induced shift in the Ras-GDP ↔ RasGTP equilibrium toward more RasGTP. A secondary MAPK activation is predicted due to metalloprotease activity that releases transforming growth factor α (TGFα), an autocrine ligand of EGFR. Model predictions were compared to data by [Mol. Biol. Cell 10 (1999) 2493] on extracellular regulated kinase (ERK) activation following a 2 Gy exposure of carcinoma cells in vitro. Good agreement was obtained with the magnitude of prompt and secondary ERK activation; however, the experimental secondary response was delayed relative to the prompt peak more than predicted by our model.
The spectrum of disorders presenting as adult-onset focal lower extremity dystonia

Abstract Background Uncommonly, adult-onset dystonia is confined to one lower extremity. We sought to characterize the clinical spectrum associated with the presenting phenotype of lower limb dystonia including foot torsion. Methods Retrospective computer search of the Mayo Clinic Medical Records Linkage System (1996–2006). Inclusion criteria were (1) a principal, initial diagnosis of monomelic lower extremity dystonia with foot torsion; (2) no neurologic findings outside of the affected limb; (3) age-onset > 18 years. Prospective data were sought from apparent idiopathic cases. Results We identified 36 patients (31 females) presenting with monomelic lower limb dystonia including foot torsion. Onset was usually subacute or insidious (32 patients); mean symptom duration was 28.8 months (range, 1–96), age-onset 47.5 years (range, 21–77). After a mean follow-up of 3.1 years, causes were identified in over half, including 5 with parkinsonism. Other treatable etiologies included psychogenic dystonia (3 patients) and stiff-limb syndrome (2 patients). Post-traumatic dystonia was diagnosed in 10 patients and consistently manifested as fixed, painful foot torsion, in contrast to the action-induced dystonia in 5 parkinsonism cases, and 10 of 14 patients with primary lower limb dystonia. Imaging identified the cause in only 1 patient (ischemic stroke) and was negative in the single patient with pyramidal signs. Conclusions Adults presenting with monomelic lower limb dystonia with foot torsion often have an identifiable cause, sometimes treatable, including Parkinson's disease (diagnosed with levodopa trial) or immune-mediated stiff-limb syndrome. Post-traumatic dystonia was the single most frequent cause and proved difficult to treat. Unlike certain other series of such patients, psychogenic dystonia was an uncommon clinical diagnosis.
The ontogeny of b lymphocytes. V. Lipopolysaccharide-induced changes of igd expression on murine b lymphocytes.

Murine splenocytes contain two minor subpopulations of B cells, one inducible by lipopolysaccharide to convert within 2 h from IgD- to IgD+ and the other to change from IgD+ TO IgD-. These two subpopulations can be separated by density centrifugation. Their relative proportions show a marked age dependency: IgD- leads to IgD+ cells are more frequent in suckling mice, while IgD+ leads to IgD- inducible cells become predominant in mice older than 3 weeks. The age dependency observed in the relative proportions between the two cell types suggest that they are ontogenetically related as progenitor-successor. This hypothesis is corroborated by phenotype analysis of the two subsets, revealing IgD- leads to IgD+ cells as IgM+, Ia+, complement receptor- (CR-) and IgD+ leads to IgD- cells as IgM+, Ia+, CR+. Our data show that IgD and CR are expressed concomitantly during B cell differentiation. On further differentiation, induced by lipopolysaccharide, both markers are lost from the cell surface at different rates: IgD decreases significantly in a very short period (less than 2.5 h) while induction of a decline in CR requires longer culture periods (greater than 8 h). Th: loss of IgD may thus herald an early differentiation event toward antibody-producing cells.
Altered behavioral responsivity to morphine during the periadolescent period in rats.

The results of previous studies have suggested that periadolescent rats are differentially affected by catecholaminergic agents, when compared with younger or adult animals. Since dopamine-opiate interactions have been demonstrated in rats, the present study was conducted to evaluate the behavioral responsivity of periadolescent and adult rats following doses of morphine ranging from 1 to 10 mg/kg i.p. The responses measured included matrix crossings, rearing, grooming, auto-directed stereotyped behavior and gnawing, and were recorded continuously from 30 to 90 min post-injection. When indicated, scores on each measure were transformed to control for differences observed in the baseline (saline) groups. Analyses of all measures revealed a significant effect of morphine dose, although the shape of the dose-response curve differed for individual responses. In addition, those measures which might be considered locomotor responses (matrix crossing, rearing), as well as grooming, revealed significant main or interactive effects of age. In contrast, those measures characterized as stereotyped behaviors (auto-directed stereotyped behavior and gnawing) revealed no differential effect in periadolescent animals relative to adults. Since locomotor responses and stereotyped behavior have been suggested by previous research to be mediated by the mesolimbic and extrapyramidal dopamine systems, respectively, these results further support the previously suggested hypothesis of the delayed ontogeny of mesolimbic relative to extrapyramidal dopamine pathways.
Host crystal effects on the electron paramagnetic resonance of Er3+ and Yb 3+ in II – VI compounds

Abstract The electron paramagnetic resonance of Er 3+ and Yb 3+ has been studied in several II–VI compounds. The Er 3+ spectrum is found to be virtually independent of host crystal while the Yb 3+ parameters apparently depend rather strongly on host covalency. Admixture of 4f and ligand orbitals is considered as a possible explanation.
Depth-Resolved Blood Oxygen Saturation Assessment Using Spectroscopic Common-Path Fourier Domain Optical Coherence Tomography

Although spectroscopic optical coherence tomography (OCT) has been shown to be a promising method for measuring blood oxygen saturation with high-spatial resolution and accuracy, there are several technical issues that need to be addressed before it could become a practical method. In this letter, we have attempted to address two issues that could significantly improve the quantitative assessment of blood oxygen saturation level. First, we have implemented a spectral normalization technique to eliminate the spectral modulation induced by the wavelength-distance-dependent point spread function (PSF) of OCT's. Second, to reduce the spectral speckle noise due to the highly scattering blood, we have implemented a spatial low-pass filter to the 2-D OCT dataset consisting of spectra obtained at different lateral positions. We have assessed the effectiveness of these methods using common-path OCT system. Results showed that we were able to extract unambiguous depth-resolved, SO2-dependent spectroscopic information from 1-D and 2-D OCT images, which could be used to accurately assess the SO2 level.
Gilles de la Tourette syndrome and the neurological basis of obsessions and compulsions

Gilles de la Tourette syndrome (GTS) is a chronic neurological disorder manifested by involuntary motor tics and vocalizations. Many GTS patients also suffer from obsessions and compulsions. The clinical similarities between GTS and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), their occurrence among members of the same families, and the fact that both can be observed as symptoms of known basal ganglia disturbances suggest that GTS and OCD share common neurological mechanisms. It is hypothesized that the tics and vocalizations of GTS are aberrant manifestations of simple motor programs that are spontaneously generated by the basal ganglia and that obsessions and compulsions represent more complex motor plans initiated by similar anomalous activities.
Toward the Neural Mechanisms of Reduced Working Memory Capacity in Schizophrenia

People with schizophrenia (PSZ) demonstrate reliable reductions in working memory (WM) capacity (i.e., the number of objects that can be held in memory). The present study asked whether WM impairments in PSZ can be explained by the same neural mechanisms that underlie individual differences in WM capacity among healthy individuals. Specifically, we examined event-related potentials in PSZ and healthy matched controls during a change detection task that required the storage of multiple objects in WM. The amplitude of contralateral delay activity (CDA), which correlates with WM capacity in healthy individuals, was larger in controls than in PSZ for memory loads of 3 and 5 objects, but larger in PSZ than in controls for a memory load of 1. This same pattern was found in the subgroups of PSZ and controls with an equivalent WM capacity. Moreover, the increase in CDA amplitude was correlated with individual differences in capacity in controls, but not in PSZ. These results demonstrate that WM impairment in PSZ is not associated with the same patterns of neural activity that characterize low WM capacity in healthy individuals. We propose that WM impairment in PSZ instead reflects a specific impairment in the ability to distribute attention broadly.
A magnetic gear with passive transient suppression capability

This paper investigates the effectiveness of damper windings for improving the transient behavior of magnetic gears. Despite their inherent overload capability, which is a great merit compared to mechanical gears, magnetic gears suffer from a low torsional stiffness and damping coefficient. This leads to long lasting oscillations during the transient state succeeding a change in speed or load. Damper windings have long served as a passive solution to the suppression of transient oscillations in synchronous machines. In this investigation, the same idea has been successfully applied to magnetic gears to achieve a gear with enormously improved transient suppression capability.
Trends in photonic integrated circuits

Recent applications trends are accelerating a migration of the role of photonic integration from subsystem cost reduction to being a fundamentally enabling technology. This talk discusses the exciting potential of Si and InP-based PIC technologies to address emerging opportunities.
Efficiency for multiobjective multidisciplinary optimization problems with quasiseparable subproblems

Multidisciplinary optimization (MDO) has proved to be a useful tool for engineering design problems. Multiobjective optimization has been introduced to strengthen MDO techniques and deal with non-comparable and conflicting design objectives. A large majority of papers on multiobjective MDO have been applied in nature. This paper develops theory of multiobjective MDO and examines relationships between efficient solutions of a quasi-separable multiobjective multidisciplinary optimization problem and efficient solutions of its separable counterpart. Equivalence of the original and separable problems in the context of the Kuhn-Tucker constraint qualification and efficiency conditions are proved. Two decomposition approaches are proposed and offer a possibility of finding efficient solutions of the original problem by only finding efficient solutions of the subproblems. The presented results are related to algorithms published in the engineering literature on multiobjective MDO.
Constraint-Based Modeling of InterOperability Problems Using an Object-Oriented Approach

ADIOP is an application for Automated Diagnosis of InterOperability Problems. Interoperability testing involves checking the degree of compatibility between two networking devices that implement the same protocol. In ADIOP, each interoperability test case is first modeled as a Constraint Satisfaction Problem. Object-Oriented Programming is used to implement ADIOP. In this paper, we present the modeling language we use in ADIOP and how it allows the user to easily and efficiently create test cases and use them for diagnosis. The specific domain of application is interoperability testing of protocols in ATM (Asynchronous Transfer Mode) networks.
Ultrasonography Underestimates the Volume of Normal Parenchyma in Benign Testicular Masses

Purpose: In children with testicular masses characteristic ultrasonographic features may occasionally allow the preoperative determination of a benign process and permit a testis sparing procedure to be performed. Often the amount of normal parenchyma surrounding the mass may be seemingly negligible, which may prompt some investigators to wonder what a testis sparing procedure might realistically spare.Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 7 consecutive patients with intratesticular lesions who underwent surgical exploration. Several of these children seemingly had complete replacement of the testis with the pathological process with little to no discernible normal parenchyma. The surgical technique involved delivery of the testis and control of the vessels. The capsule was incised and the normal parenchyma was bluntly separated to the level of the tumor. The mass was then mobilized circumferentially and enucleated intact. The residual parenchyma was reapproximated, the capsule was closed and...