cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
New prognostic factors in nasopharyngeal carcinoma: Tumor angiogenesis and C-erbB2 expression

BACKGROUND This study was conducted to determine the prognostic significance of tumor angiogenesis, c-erbB2, epidermal growth factor receptor, Ki-67, and p53 for patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma. METHODS In this retrospective study, the authors retrieved clinical data and made immunohistochemical preparations on archival tissue specimens from 30 patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma treated with radiation therapy at the University of California at San Francisco between 1956 and 1990. The pretreatment clinical and immunohistochemical data were correlated with cervical lymph node metastasis at diagnosis, and endpoints including development of locoregional failure, distant metastasis, disease free survival, and overall survival. RESULTS Intense tumor angiogenesis, defined as microvessel counts of 60 or more microvessels per 200× field correlated with the development of distant metastasis (P = 0.03), shorter overall survival (P = 0.02), and disease free survival (P = 0.05). Strong c-erbB2 expression correlated with a shorter overall survival (P = 0.02) and disease free survival (P = 0.02). Stage IV disease (P = 0.04) and the presence of cervical lymph node metastasis (P = 0.05) correlated with a shorter overall survival. A duration of symptoms of fewer than 6 months correlated with a shorter disease free survival (P = 0.05). No association was observed between any of the biologic prognostic factors and lymph node involvement or locoregional failure. CONCLUSIONS The results of this study show that tumor angiogenesis and c-erbB2 expression are significant prognostic indicators for patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma. The presence of cervical lymph node metastasis, Stage IV disease, and a duration of symptoms of fewer than 6 months also indicate a poor prognosis. The authors did not find any prognostic significance for epidermal growth factor receptor, Ki-67, or p53. These results suggest that tumor microvessel counts and c-erbB2 may be useful in identifying patients who may benefit from systemic chemotherapy or other novel treatment strategies. Cancer 1996; 77:1419-26.
Scattering of Polarized Light on Magnetically Aligned Particles in Multipole Magnetic Fields

The theory of polarized light scattering on aligned colloidal magnetic particles (Fe3O4) in multipole magnetic fields is given. With the assumption of an anisotropic light scattering process, the azimuthal location of the observed scattering pattern can be explained. The observed eightfold symmetry in the scattering pattern of a sextupole magnetic field and the twelvefold symmetry of an octupole field can be interpreted as consequences of the field configuration symmetry in a sextupole and an octupole, respectively. The temperature dependence of the scattering pattern intensity can be explained as a change in the number of scattering centers. It is assumed that the number of aligned scattering centers is given by the Langevin function as a function of the temperature of the colloidal solution. Some applications of this theory, such as the magnetic center location in multipoles, are discussed.
Operative treatment of intracranial epidermoid cysts and cholesterol granulomas: report of 21 cases.

Abstract Thirteen patients had operations to remove intracranial epidermoid cysts, and long-term follow-up was obtained. Total or nearly total tumor and capsule removal was accomplished in 7 patients during the initial operation. This group required no additional operations. The other 6 underwent subtotal tumor removal and required multiple operations for symptomatic tumor recurrence. This latter group had a poorer neurological outcome. We conclude that initial total or near-total tumor resection is highly desirable in treating intracranial epidermoid cysts, particularly in physiologically young individuals. Five patients were followed after operations to remove pure cholesterol granulomas of the petroclival bone, and 3 additional patients were followed after operations to remove tumors with combined histopathological features of both an epidermoid cyst and cholesterol granuloma. Four patients with some component of a cholesterol granuloma had concurrent middle ear infections, and 4 did not. Intracranial subtotal excision and drainage of these lesions was the initial operative management in 7 patients, 5 of whom have required multiple operations for symptomatic tumor recurrence. Therefore, we conclude that subtotal excisional procedures for tumors with histopathological features of cholesterol granulomas are not usually successful in establishing long-term cures. Total excision, as recommended for epidermoid cysts, tumors frequently confused with cholesterol granulomas when occupying the petroclival region, may be warranted for these tumors as well. We postulate that when a congenital epidermoid cyst occurs in the petroclival bone, it may incite a local inflammatory reaction, producing lesions which have the histological features of both epidermoid cysts and cholesterol granulomas.
Giardia Sex? Yes, but how and how much?

Although Giardia is of practical importance as a pathogen and has theoretical importance in evolutionary biology, it is not known whether it ever reproduces sexually. Several recent papers have shed light on this problem, without completely solving it. One paper shows that nuclei in the encysted organism can temporarily fuse and exchange genes; this may explain the genetic similarity of the two nuclei in a cell. Another paper demonstrates that Giardia does undergo sexual reproduction with outcrossing. However, we still do not know whether this involves a meiotic or a parasexual cycle, when it occurs, or how common it is.
Evaluation of superoxide anion and singlet oxygen in the biosynthesis of prostaglandins from eicosa-8,11,14-trienoic acid.

Abstract Prostaglandin E biosynthesis from eicosa-8,11,14-trienoic acid is unaffected by superoxide dismutase while prostaglandin F biosynthesis is stimulated by this enzyme. Prostaglandin E biosynthesis is inhibited by the singlet oxygen trapping agents 1,3-diphenylisobenzofuran and tetraphenylcyclopentadienone. However, deuterium oxide, a solvent which stabilizes singlet oxygen, inhibits prostaglandin E biosynthesis. These results suggest that the superoxide anion is not involved directly in prostaglandin biosynthesis. The results are consistent with mechanisms involving either singlet oxygen or the hydroxyl radical.
Middle-aged working men and women: Similar and different paths to self-esteem.

Data derived from in-depth telephone interviews with 818 full-time working men and women aged 58 to 64 years and residing in the Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill, North Carolina metropolitan area are used to explore the impact of socioeconomic status, health, activities, and work and spouse identities on self-esteem. Findings include the following: (a) middle-aged working women lack the material resources and status of men but do not have lower mean self-esteem scores than men; (b) different sets of social-background, activity, and worker- and spouse-identity variables influence self-esteem for men and women; but (c) identity meanings as a competent worker and a commitment to the worker role influence self-esteem for both men and women, as does commitment to the roles of worker and spouse for married men and women.
Development and Guidance of Green Concrete for Leed™ Applications

Abstract As green building rating systems such as LEED™ become more popular, the use of recycled materials in construction is increasing. Concrete can be produced with significant quantities of supplementary cementitious materials or recycled aggregate materials. However, modifying concrete mixture proportions for improved recycled content credits also impacts strength and long-term durability. Without properly understanding the effects recycled materials have on concrete, greener concrete can be less desirable from a lifecycle perspective from poor durability. This research investigates the impacts different types and quantities of supplementary cementitious materials and recycled concrete aggregate have on strength development and concrete durability, specifically deicer scaling. Improvements to deicer scaling resistance were investigated using a novel soybean oil sealer. The concrete mixtures were also evaluated within the LEED™ recycled materials criteria for selection based on economy and total contr...
Stimulation by arsenate of ATP-driven energy-linked reduction of NAD + by succinate.

Summary Arsenate (As i ) was observed to stimulate ATP-driven energy-linked reduction of NAD + by succinate when sonically-prepared bovine heart muscle submitochondrial particles were used as the enzyme source. This stimulation was observed only in the presence of an ATP-regenerating system. Preliminary kinetic studies showed that the reaction followed Michaelis-Menten kinetics with respect to rate of NADH formation and ATP concentration. Arsenate acted to lower the apparent K m for ATP but did not change the V max . Half-maximal stimulation was obtained using 0.4 mM As i . Phosphate closely mimicked the effect of As i at lower concentrations, but not at higher concentrations (e.g., 20 mM). These observations are not readily compatible with an arsenolytic role for As i and point to a hitherto unrecognized mode of As i action involving modification of the kinetic parameters of ATP-driven energy-linked reduction.
Estética del derrumbe: escritura y deambular urbano en la obra de Eduardo Lalo

Walter Benjamin en “Berlin Chronicle”, un texto de singular potencia, en el que se entrelazan el angulo narrativo, la pasion critica y la evocacion intima, construye minuciosamente la imagen del escritor como la de un arqueologo. Benjamin narra como su formacion intelectual estuvo desde siempre ligada a la educacion de los sentidos y que a su vez ambas formaciones estuvieron indisolublemente ligadas a los recorridos por la ciudad. Ocultos en los rincones de Berlin habia restos y signos a la espera de la sensibilidad del escritor, signos que ya eran la materia originaria de la escritura. La experiencia urbana es entonces una arqueologia del sentido que se cifra como “conciencia topografi ca” (Demetz xvii) donde la errancia lucida se transforma en estrategia de abordaje al texto. En este trabajo abordare la obra del escritor puertorriqueno Eduardo Lalo como si fuera una maquina cinica2 que es a la vez un diagnostico y un sintoma de escribir en Puerto Rico, un “pais invisible”. Me concentrare en dos de sus ultimos textos donde
Electro-tension and torque in biological membranes modeled as a dipole sheet in fluid conductors

Abstract The active transport process produces an unequal ion concentration across the biological membranes and thus creates a difference in the electrostatic potential across the membrane. The electric field in the membrane resulting from the membrane potential should create electric charge polarizations in molecules constituting the membrane. The electrostatic force on these polarization charges buried in the membrane structure can result in a tension and torque in a curved membrane. In this study, a thin membrane bearing a series of parallel line dipoles, which separates two fluid conductors of different electrostatic potential, is analyzed as a two-dimensional model of biological membranes. The results of the analysis show that such a membrane possesses a tension and torque resulting from the coulombic interaction between electric charges in the membrane as well as with charges outside the membrane. This indicates that biological membranes can have a tangential strength which can support a compressive tangential force, and a bending stiffness which can support an externally imposed bending moment. The expression of the electro-bending stiffness obtained in this study is applied to the biconcave geometry of red blood cells and their sphering process.
Efficacy of posterior cervical fusions utilizing an artificial bone graft expander, beta tricalcium phosphate

BACKGROUND Several cervical laminectomies and instrumented posterior cervical fusions utilize iliac autograft supplemented with demineralized bone matrix, or bone morphogenetic protein, but few utilize artificial bone graft expanders. Here we analyzed whether posterior cervical fusions could effectively utilize iliac autograft supplemented with an artificial bone graft expander, Beta Tricalcium Phosphate [B-TCP] MATERIALS AND METHODS Fifty-three severely myelopathic patients [average Nurick Score 4.1], averaging 65.3 years of age, underwent posterior cervical laminectomies [average 2.3 levels] and multilevel instrumented fusions [average 7.5 levels] utilizing iliac crest autograft and B-TCP. Pathology addressed included multilevel spondylosis accompanied by ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament [24 patients], ossification of the yellow ligament [27 patients], and instability [53 patients]. Fusion rates [dynamic X-ray, two-dimensional computerized axial tomography (2D-CT) and outcomes [Nurick Grades, Odom's Criteria, SF-36] were assessed at 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. RESULTS Fusion was confirmed by two independent neuroradiologists utilizing dynamic X-ray studies [100% of patients] and 2D-CT studies [86.8% of patients] an average of 5.4 months postoperatively. Although there were no symptomatic pseudarthroses, three smokers exhibited delayed fusions [8 postoperative months]. Within 1 postoperative year, patients improved an average of 2.7 Nurick Grades [Nurick Score 1.4], Odom's criteria revealed 48 good/excellent, and 5 fair/poor outcomes, and improvement on all 8 SF-36 Health Scales [maximal on Bodily Pain [+21.96]. CONCLUSIONS High fusion rates and improved neurological outcomes were achieved within one year for 53 patients undergoing multilevel level cervical laminectomies with posterior instrumented fusions utilizing iliac autograft supplemented with B-TCP.
Three-Dimensional Mach-Zehnder Interferometric Tomography of the Rayleigh-Bénard Problem

A three-dimensional experimental technique based on axial tomography is demonstrated in this study for the Rayleigh-Benard convection problem. The technique can perform under severe blockage conditions and with a small number of projections. The major requirement of the technique is an adequate initial guess of the field and the use of an iterative inversion algorithm. In this study, five views are used to study the steady-state natural convection inside a three-dimensional rectangular cavity filled with water at Ra=5470 [plus minus] 100 and Ra = 6140 [plus minus] 100. The reconstructed results are estimated to be accurate with a standard deviation of about 0.01[degree]C. The temperature measurements show strong three-dimensional features in the flow.
Altered stressor-induced changes in GABAA receptor function in the cerebral cortex of adult rats exposed in utero to diazepam.

Abstract Prenetal administration of the anxiolytic drug diazepam (DZP), 2.5 mg/kg) to the pregnant rat over gestational days 14–20 altered function and stressor-induced responsiveness of the GABAA receptor in the cerebral cortex of exposed animals as adults. In Experiment 1, the impact of 15 min of restraint on chloride-facilitated benzodiazepine binding was evaluated in male and female rats at 70–90 days of age. Early exposure to DZP led to an enhanced potency of chloride on binding in both males and females. In Experiment 2, GABA stimulation of 36chloride uptake was measured in male rats at 35 or 70 days of age following 10 min of forced swimming at ambient temperature. In control animals, stressor-induced changes in receptor function were not evident until 70 days, and in DZP-exposed rats the stressor had no effect on receptor function at either age. These changes in GABAA receptor responsiveness induced by early exposure to DZP may underlie the disrupted behavioral responses to environmental challenge that have been previously reported.
Characterization of three restricted specificity monoclonal antibodies raised against the human glioma cell line D-54 MG

Monoclonal antibodies ( MCAs ) have been derived from a fusion of P3-NS1/1-Ag 4-1 (NS1) myeloma cells and splenocytes immunized to human glioma cell line D-54 MG. MCAs 2F3 , 4C7 , and 5B7 were analyzed by cell surface radioimmunoassay (CS-RIA), quantitative absorption, indirect immunofluorescence, and peroxidase-anti-peroxidase (PAP) immunohistology of unfixed tissue samples. MCA 2F3 exhibits the most highly restricted pattern of reactivity we have observed, reacting only with 5/12 glioblastoma cell lines and 1/4 fetal skin lines by CS-RIA, and to 9/11 glioblastoma tissue samples by PAP and absorption analysis; this MCA is totally nonreactive with melanomas, neuroblastomas, meningiomas, and control non-central nervous system tumors, and to adult and fetal tissues including brain, thymus, spleen, liver, lung, heart, gut, skin, and muscle by PAP analysis. MCAs 4C7 and 5B7 demonstrate neuroectodermal tumor cross-reactivity profiles, reacting with either melanomas ( 5B7 ) or melanomas and neuroblastomas ( 4C7 ); both are reactive with fetal skin, brain, and thymus of less than or equal to 16 weeks of gestational age. Other than this latter fetal antigen reactivity, these MCAs share the same negative reactivity profile described above for MCA 2F3 . Data from experiments using control or 0.02% EDTA-treated confluent cell monolayers of D-54 MG as antibody absorbents showed that the antigens detected are present in the extracellular matrix material remaining following cell removal. The data presented here establish that these highly restrictive anti-human glioma cell line MCAs are expressed in primary human gliomas; that the markers defined are developmental in nature, in that they are expressed by human fetal tissue, but not by adult tissue; and that in conjunction with previously characterized specificities, these markers of antigenic heterogeneity will be valuable in model system studies of therapeutic response heterogeneity.
Does eddy subduction matter in the northeast Atlantic Ocean

[1] Mesoscale eddies are an important contributor to subduction in the Gulf Stream region and the Antarctic Circumpolar Current, but is eddy subduction also important in the relatively quiescent interior of the world's subtropical gyres? Observations from the Subduction Experiment of the northeast Atlantic do not have the spatial resolution necessary to calculate eddy subduction and answer this question. Regional numerical models can diagnose subduction, but their representativeness is unknown. Furthermore, water mass budgets in an open-ocean domain show that the simulated properties of subducted water directly depend upon uncertain open-boundary conditions and surface fluxes. To remedy these problems, a state estimate of the ocean circulation is formed by constraining an eddy-permitting general circulation model to observations by adjusting the model parameters within their uncertainty. The resulting estimate is self-consistent with the equations of motion and has the necessary resolution for diagnosing subduction. In the northeast Atlantic during 1991–1993, the time-variable circulation contributes less than 1 Sv of net subduction, while the total subduction is 4 Sv. Eddy volume fluxes of 40 m/yr in the North Equatorial Current and the Azores Current, however, are significant and rival the subduction by Ekman pumping locally. Furthermore, a state estimate at 1/6° resolution has 2–3 Sv more subduction in the density bands centered around σ = 24.0 kg/m3 and σ = 26.0 kg/m3 than a 2° state estimate. This result implies that the inability to accurately simulate mesoscale phenomena and surface fluxes in climate models would lead to an accumulation of errors in water mass properties over 10–20 years, even in the interior of the subtropical gyre.
A priori error estimation of hp-finite element approximations of frictional contact problems with normal compliance

An analysis of a class of contact problems with friction characterized by interfaces obeying a normal compliance law is given. A priori error estimations are developed for general cases and for the special case in which only steady sliding occurs. These estimates are applicable to h-,p-, and hp-finite element approximations and give estimated rates of convergence for general hp-methods. A regularization of the friction law transforms variational inequalities corresponding to the general problem of contact with friction into nonlinear equations which can be solved by standard methods. A priori error estimations are also developed for these regularized problems. Numerical examples are given to support the theoretical results.
Glycolytic metabolism in cultured cells of the nervous system. I. Glucose transport and metabolism in the C-6 glioma cell line.

The transport and metabolism of glucose was examined in monolayers of C-6 glioma cells. 1) Glucose transport appeared to have both a low (Km = 7.74mm) and a high (Km = 1.16mm) affinity site in C-6 cells; whereas 2-deoxyglucose had only one (Km = 3.7mm). 2) A large portion of the accumulated glucose was rapidly metabolized to the two glycolytic end products, lactate and pyruvate, and then extruded into the medium. The temperature-dependent efflux of lactate and pyruvate was linear up to 2 hrs with 6 to 10 times more lactate being extruded into the medium than pyruvate. 3) The efflux of lactate and pyruvate increased with increasing extracellular (medium) pH. The presence of 5% CO2 not only inhibited the acid efflux but also inhibited the short-term uptake of glucose. The CO2 effect was attributed to a lowering of the medium pH since bicarbonate alone either increased or did not inhibit efflux. 4) Valinomycin increased the levels of cellular lactate but not those of pyruvate by almost three-fold. Lactate efflux was stimulated while that of pyruvate was inhibited. The addition of 5% CO2 increased the cellular levels of both lactate and pyruvate, but unlike valinomycin decreased the acid efflux. Iodoacetate inhibited the acid efflux by 50% suggesting that glycolysis is necessary for efflux.
Genic control of cortical pattern in Euplotes

Three inter-fertile wild races of Euplotes minuta, which differ with respect to the maximal number of kineties expressed in a clone, were subjected to a breeding analysis. The data obtained in this analysis suggest a genic control of the differences in cortical pattern. Evidence for the operation of a cytotactic mechanism for short-term perpetuation of kineties was also obtained. Investigation of cellular features, possibly related to the mode of action of this genic control, established no direct relationship between kinety number and fission rate or cell size. Some evidence was, however, found for a genic control of the total number of kinetosomes, and this might be related to the control of the number of kineties. A mechanism, by which kineties are gained and lost, is proposed and evidence for this mechanism is provided. The relation between cytotaxis and the genic control of the range of kinety number is discussed, and the conclusion is reached that cytotaxis helps to perpetuate existing surface patterns, whereas long-range control of the most stable kinety number is nevertheless genic.
Risk neutrality in learning classifier systems

Both economics and biology have come to agree that successful behavior in a stochastic environment responds to the variance of potential outcomes. Unfortunately, when biological and economic paradigms are mated together in a learning classifier system (LCS), decision-making agents called classifiers typically simply ignore risk. Since a fundamental problem of learning is risk management, LCS have not always performed as well as theoretically predicted. This paper develops a novel model of risk-neutral reinforcement learning in a traditional Bucket Brigade credit-allocation market under the pressure of a Genetic Algorithm. I demonstrate the applicability of the basic model to the classical LCS design and reexamine two basic issues where traditional LCS performance fails to meet expectations: default hierarchies and long chains of coupled classifiers. Risk-neutrality and noisy probabilistic auctions create dynamic instability in both areas, while identical preferences result in market failure in default hierarchies and exponential attenuation of price signals down classifier chains. Despite the limitations of simple risk-neutral classifiers, I show they’re capable of cheap short-run emulation of more rational behaviors. Still, risk-neutral information markets are a dead end. The model suggests a path toward a new type of LCS built on stable, heterogeneous, and risk-averse preferences under efficient auctions and access to more complete markets exploitable by competing risk management strategies. This will require a radical rethinking of the evolutionary and economic algorithms, but ultimately heralds a return to a market-based approach to LCS.
Environmental and Cost Assessment of Several Injection Molded Powder Electronics Packaging Materials

Electronics manufacturing technology has been advancing at an increasing rate for the past few decades and has forced related industries to do the same. One related industry involves the packaging technology used to enclose chips for power electronics. As demands of electronics manufacturers continue to increase in terms of cost, performance, and environmental impacts, so do demands on the packaging technologies involved. A variety of packaging materials have been used and proposed. The performance of each material varies in terms of ease of manufacturing, as well as its heat transfer properties. This study addresses performance, cost, and environmental impact measures to assist in selecting the most appropriate electronics packaging material. A performance study identified epoxy, aluminum nitride (AlN), and silicon carbide (SiC) to be the most viable options. Further analysis then found that epoxy outperforms the other options in terms of cost and environmental impact on a per-part basis, with AlN shown to be slightly better than SiC according to both metrics. Since it is known that AlN and SiC have superior material performance to epoxy packaging, further investigation is warranted to elucidate these relative differences, which will result in a more representative functional unit for comparative analysis.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Determination of Benzoic Acid in Air

A gas chromatographic method is described for direct determination of free benzoic acid in air samples. Benzoic acid is absorbed from air on Porapak Q packing in the presence of other compounds, thermally desorbed at 240 degrees C with helium flow into a capillary column, and detected with a flame ionization detector. The method is calibrated by injecting benzoic acid standard solutions into the Porapak Q. The method was validated with dynamic standards and recovery yields were good. Benzoic acid levels of 0.1-1.0 ppm (v/v) in air can be determined with sampling volumes of 8-24 L.
A test of the relative effectiveness of a systematic desensitization program and an interpersonal skills training program with date anxious subjects

The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of two behavioral techniques (systematic desensitization and a skills training program) in reducing dating anxiety and in improving interpersonal skills. Thirty-five college students were randomly assigned to the two treatment groups or a minimal contact control group. Self-report and behavioral indicators of anxiety and skill were collected at a posttreatment session and at a six month follow-up session. The minimal contact control group did not demonstrate any improvement on the dependent measures. Both treatment groups demonstrated significant decreases on the anxiety indicators over testing occasions and did not differ from each other significantly. Only the skills training group demonstrated significant improvement on the interpersonal skills indicator.
12.5 Gbit/s silicon micro-ring silicon modulators

We show experimentally a scheme for achieving high-speed operation for a carrier- injection based silicon micro-ring modulator. The performance of the modulator is analyzed theoretically and a 12.5-Gbit/s modulation with 9-dB extinction ratio is demonstrated experimentally.
2005 Special Issue: The control of a parallel hybrid-electric propulsion system for a small unmanned aerial vehicle using a CMAC neural network

A Simulink model, a propulsion energy optimization algorithm, and a CMAC controller were developed for a small parallel hybrid-electric unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). The hybrid-electric UAV is intended for military, homeland security, and disaster-monitoring missions involving intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR). The Simulink model is a forward-facing simulation program used to test different control strategies. The flexible energy optimization algorithm for the propulsion system allows relative importance to be assigned between the use of gasoline, electricity, and recharging. A cerebellar model arithmetic computer (CMAC) neural network approximates the energy optimization results and is used to control the parallel hybrid-electric propulsion system. The hybrid-electric UAV with the CMAC controller uses 67.3% less energy than a two-stroke gasoline-powered UAV during a 1-h ISR mission and 37.8% less energy during a longer 3-h ISR mission.
The Aberrant Gene-End Transcription Signal of the Matrix M Gene of Human Parainfluenza Virus Type 3 Downregulates Fusion F Protein Expression and the F-Specific Antibody Response In Vivo

Human parainfluenza virus type 3 (HPIV3), a paramyxovirus, is a major viral cause of severe lower respiratory tract disease in infants and children. The gene-end (GE) transcription signal of the HPIV3 matrix (M) protein gene is identical to those of the nucleoprotein and phosphoprotein genes except that it contains an apparent 8-nucleotide insert. This was associated with an increased synthesis of a readthrough transcript of the M gene and the downstream fusion (F) protein gene. We hypothesized that this insert may function to downregulate the expression of F protein by interfering with termination/reinitiation at the M-F gene junction, thus promoting the production of M-F readthrough mRNA at the expense of monocistronic F mRNA. To test this hypothesis, two similar recombinant HPIV3 viruses from which this insert in the M-GE signal was removed were generated. The M-GE mutants exhibited a reduction in M-F readthrough mRNA and an increase in monocistronic F mRNA. This resulted in a substantial increase in F protein synthesis in infected cells as well as enhanced incorporation of F protein into virions. The efficiency of mutant virus replication was similar to that of wild-type (wt) HPIV3 both in vitro and in vivo. However, the F-protein-specific serum antibody response in hamsters was increased for the mutants compared to wt HPIV3. This study identifies a previously undescribed viral mechanism for attenuating the host adaptive immune response. Repairing the M-GE signal should provide a means to increase the antibody response to a live attenuated HPIV3 vaccine without affecting viral replication and attenuation. IMPORTANCE The HPIV3 M-GE signal was previously shown to contain an apparent 8-nucleotide insert that was associated with increased synthesis of a readthrough mRNA of the M gene and the downstream F gene. However, whether this had any significant effect on the synthesis of monocistronic F mRNA or F protein, virus replication, virion morphogenesis, and immunogenicity was unknown. Here, we show that the removal of this insert shifts F gene transcription from readthrough M-F mRNA to monocistronic F mRNA. This resulted in a substantial increase in the amount of F protein expressed in the cell and packaged in the virus particle. This did not affect virus replication but increased the F-specific antibody response in hamsters. Thus, in wild-type HPIV3, the aberrant M-GE signal operates a previously undescribed mechanism that reduces the expression of a major neutralization and protective antigen, resulting in reduced immunogenicity. This has implications for the design of live attenuated HPIV3 vaccines; specifically, the antibody response against F can be elevated by “repairing” the M-GE signal to achieve higher-level F antigen expression, with no effect on attenuation.
Treatment of neuro-ophthalmic and orbitofacial manifestations of neurofibromatosis type 1.

Purpose of review Optic pathway gliomas (OPGs) and orbitofacial plexiform neurofibromas are two of the more common ophthalmic manifestations of neurofibromatosis type 1. This article reviews recent advances in the treatment of these challenging lesions. Recent findings Recent advances in the treatment of OPGs include chemotherapeutic, radiation-based, and surgical interventions. Chemotherapy continues to be the mainstay of treatment of these lesions, but the effects on visual outcome are variable. Fractionated radiotherapy and gamma knife treatment have been studied as an alternative to conventional radiotherapy and have demonstrated fewer vision and life-threatening side-effects. Surgical resection can be undertaken through multiple approaches depending upon the extent of the lesion. The management of the orbitofacial neurofibroma is primarily surgical, and the systematic surgical approach to these lesions is discussed. Summary OPGs and orbitofacial neurofibromas are clinically diverse. Although the advances in the treatment of both are promising, recent studies demonstrate the great variety in treatment approaches and suggest a need for standardized outcome metrics for research that can ultimately contribute to guidelines for treatment.
Field dependence and the Gesell developmental tests.

In a program for screening readiness for first grade, kindergarten children in the Parsippany-Troy, N. J. School District are given the Gesell Developmental Tests (2) by specially trained paraprofessionals. The Gesell tests measure readiness in the percepmal-motor, adaptive, language, and personal-social areas of functioning. The scoring system used is "+" (definitely ready for first grade placement), "2" (questionable) and "-" (definitely not ready for first grade placement). Children designated as "-" and "2" are recommended for a special remedial program fomsing on perceptual-motor skills. A group of 26 kindergarten children (17 males and 9 females) also were given the Children's Embedded-figures Test ( 3 ) by present authors blind to the Gesell scores, a measure of the field independence dimension of perceptual functioning. Performance on the Children's Embedded-figures Test has been found to correlate with a number of characteristics relating to school readiness. For example, Bruininks (1) found a positive correlation with reading performance. The two tests were administered independently by different examiners within a period of about 1 mo. In the particular group of children studied, 16 received a "+" evaluation on the Gesell Developmental Tests, and 10 received a "&" evaluation; there were no "-" evaluations. The biserial correlation between the two tests was .62. A r rest showed rhe two Gesell-test groups differed significantly on the Children's Embedded-figures Tes? (t = 2.44, df = 24, p < .05). The mean score for the "+" group was 10.56 (SD = 3.72), while that for the "e" group was 7.00 (SD = 3.58). Since the Gesell tests heavily sample perceptual-motor behaviors, the obtained correlation between Gesell performance and that on the Children's Embedded-figures Test is understandable.
A neurochemical closed-loop controller for deep brain stimulation: toward individualized smart neuromodulation therapies

Current strategies for optimizing deep brain stimulation (DBS) therapy involve multiple postoperative visits. During each visit, stimulation parameters are adjusted until desired therapeutic effects are achieved and adverse effects are minimized. However, the efficacy of these therapeutic parameters may decline with time due at least in part to disease progression, interactions between the host environment and the electrode, and lead migration. As such, development of closed-loop control systems that can respond to changing neurochemical environments, tailoring DBS therapy to individual patients, is paramount for improving the therapeutic efficacy of DBS. Evidence obtained using electrophysiology and imaging techniques in both animals and humans suggests that DBS works by modulating neural network activity. Recently, animal studies have shown that stimulation-evoked changes in neurotransmitter release that mirror normal physiology are associated with the therapeutic benefits of DBS. Therefore, to fully understand the neurophysiology of DBS and optimize its efficacy, it may be necessary to look beyond conventional electrophysiological analyses and characterize the neurochemical effects of therapeutic and non-therapeutic stimulation. By combining electrochemical monitoring and mathematical modeling techniques, we can potentially replace the trial-and-error process used in clinical programming with deterministic approaches that help attain optimal and stable neurochemical profiles. In this manuscript, we summarize the current understanding of electrophysiological and electrochemical processing for control of neuromodulation therapies. Additionally, we describe a proof-of-principle closed-loop controller that characterizes DBS-evoked dopamine changes to adjust stimulation parameters in a rodent model of DBS. The work described herein represents the initial steps toward achieving a “smart” neuroprosthetic system for treatment of neurologic and psychiatric disorders.
Legal Structures and Restoring Equity1

Psychological research suggests that harmdoers typically respond in one of two ways after injuring another: (a) sometimes harmdoers make voluntary reparation to the victim, or acquiesce when forced to make reparation; (b) sometimes harmdoers engage in defensive behavior. Instead of acknowledging responsibility for the victim's predicament, they try to justify their harmdoing. They may insist that the victim deserves to suffer or may deny that he was really injured by their actions. This article examines the factors that tend to encourage or prevent individuals from voluntarily reestablishing equitable relationships, and considers the extent to which current legal practices encourage or discourage the equitable resolution of legal disputes.
The class of binary matroids with no M(K 3,3 )-, M*(K 3,3 )-, M(K 5 ) - or M*(K 5 ) -minor

We prove that an internally 4-connected binary matroid with no minor isomorphic to M(K3,3), M*(K3,3), M(K5), or M*(K5) is either planar or isomorphic to F7 or F*7. As a corollary, we prove an extremal result for the class of binary matroids without these minors.
AAEM case report #1: ulnar neuropathy at the elbow

A patient with bilateral cubital syndrome complicated by anomalous innervation is presented. The electrodiagnostic approach to patients with this neuropathy is reviewed emphasizing new developments. The interpretation of the findings in this patient centers around issues of pathophysiology and methodology.
A Research Model to Determine the Applicability of American Management Know-How in Differing Cultures and/or Environments

Addressing the concern of many that management is culture-bound and others who believe that management is governed by universal principles, the article discusses cross-cultural research in the area...
Particulates Depositions in Patient-Specific Simulations of Respiratory System

Ambient particulates depositions have major impacts on respiratory functions. Patient-specific simulations of the respiratory system of a patient were performed to investigate the relationship between the flow characteristics and particulate depositions in the upper respiratory domain. CT scan images were imported to create a 3D model of the bronchial tree and then transferred to a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software for simulation. Appropriate boundary conditions were assigned to simulate the sinusoidal behavior of the normal breathing cycle with the corresponding pressures at the outlets. Lagrangian phase model was used to simulate the micron solid round particulates transport and depositions. The simulations were performed for 2.5 micron and 10 micron particles. The implicit-unsteady Reynolds Averaged Navier-Stokes equations with K-ω turbulence model were used for these simulations. Results indicate high correlation between regions of high vortices, secondary flow and high wall shear stress and particulate depositions. The total deposition number for 10-micron particles was higher than that for the 2.5-micron particles. The differences in the locations of depositions at various generations of the lung illustrate the importance of the patient-specific simulations.Copyright © 2014 by ASME
Decimal Point — Osteoporosis Therapy at the 10-Year Mark

Osteoporosis takes an enormous toll among postmenopausal women. A 50-year-old woman in the United States has a 40 percent lifetime risk of an osteoporotic fracture. One woman in three and one man i...
Constructing an optical fiber sensor network for natural environment remote monitoring

This study aim to design and construct a sensor network for natural environment remote monitoring with heterocore spliced optical fibers sensor. The system is able to establish both data communications and sensing function on the same line simultaneously based on introducing a hetero-core spliced fiber optic SPR sensor which can measure the refractive index of dielectrics into an optical path. Moreover, adoption of a wavelength 1310nm could make the data transmitted over longer distance than that of conventional wavelength (850nm) in order to monitor a wide area. To promote the SPR sensing in 1310nm band, a new sensor covered with Tantalum Pentoxide (Ta2O5) was contrived and examined the data communications property of it. Finally, a new monitoring system was placed in an actual farm and succeeded in gathering environmental information.
Long-Term Results of Conformal Radiotherapy for Prostate Cancer: Impact of Dose Escalation on Biochemical Tumor Control and Distant Metastases-Free Survival Outcomes

Purpose To report prostate-specific antigen (PSA) relapse-free survival and distant metastases–free survival (DMFS) outcomes for patients with clinically localized prostate cancer treated with high-dose conformal radiotherapy. Methods and Materials Between 1988 and 2004, a total of 2,047 patients with clinically localized prostate cancer were treated with three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy or intensity-modulated radiotherapy. Prescribed dose levels ranged from 66–86.4 Gy. Median follow-up was 6.6 years (range, 3–18 years). Results Although no differences were noted among low-risk patients for the various dose groups, significant improvements were observed with higher doses for patients with intermediate- and high-risk features. In patients with intermediate-risk features, multivariate analysis showed that radiation dose was an important predictor for improved PSA relapse-free survival (p Conclusions High radiation dose levels were associated with improved biochemical tumor control and decreased risk of distant metastases. For high-risk patients, despite the delivery of high radiation dose levels, the use of ADT conferred an additional benefit for improved tumor control outcomes. We observed a benefit for ADT in high-risk patients who received higher doses.
Conformational regulation of the hydrogenase gene expression in green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii

Abstract The direct relationship between hydrogenase gene conformation and its function in green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii has been investigated. We have analyzed the conformation in the 29 kilobase (kb) chromosome region containing [FeFe]-hydrogenase gene (hydA1) of C. reinhardtii in aerobic and anaerobic conditions using chromosome conformation capture technique (3C). The results showed a loop organization in the [FeFe]-hydrogenase gene region under aerobic conditions when the hydrogenase gene is silenced. In contrast, under anaerobic conditions, when the hydrogenase gene is active, no loop conformation in the gene region is present.
The Role of Glucagon in Regulating Chicken Hepatic Malic Enzyme and Histidase Messenger Ribonucleic Acid Expression In Response to an Increase in Dietary Protein Intake

Increased dietary protein intake rapidly (3 h) decreases hepatic malic enzyme and increases hepatic histidase mRNA expression in broiler chicks. A series of experiments was conducted to determine the role that glucagon or a specific mixture of dietary amino acids might have in regulating the rapid changes in mRNA expression of these enzymes, when dietary protein intake is increased. Three hours after the injection of glucagon (240 microg/kg of BW) into the brachial vein of broiler chicks, hepatic malic enzyme mRNA expression was significantly lower and hepatic histidase mRNA expression was significantly greater than the level detected in saline-injected chicks. In addition, broiler chicks fed a high (40 g/ 100 g of diet) protein diet had significantly higher plasma glucagon levels at 1 and 3 h after initial access to this diet than broiler chicks fed a basal (22 g/100 g of diet) protein diet. The plasma glucagon concentration, however, was not different between the chicks fed the 2 dietary protein levels at 2 h after the initial access to the 2 diets. When a mixture of indispensable or dispensable amino acids was added to the basal diet to equal the concentrations of the individual indispensable or dispensable amino acids in the high protein diet, hepatic mRNA expression of malic enzyme and histidase were intermediate to the expression found in chicks fed the basal and high protein diet. The results indicate that glucagon may mediate the changes in the mRNA expression of malic enzyme and histidase in response to dietary protein intake and that total amino acid intake rather than the ingestion of specific amino acids regulates the mRNA expression of malic enzyme and histidase in chicks.
A Reactor Model for Hydrogen Generation from Sodium Borohydride and Water Vapor

Abstract This paper reports new data on the production of hydrogen from water vapor plus NaBH 4 , or NaBH 4 + 10% CoCl 2 . Data were collected with the aid of an isothermal semi-batch reactor with in-situ H 2 rate measurement. The reaction of NaBH 4 to generate H 2 proceeds via three steps: deliquescence, dissolution and reaction. The deliquescence regime of NaBH 4 in the presence of 10 weight percent CoCl 2 is defined. The H 2 yield is quantified at various reaction conditions (reaction temperature 70–120 °C, relative humidity 31–69%). CoCl 2 significantly accelerates the rate of H 2 production compared to deliquescence + reaction of pure NaBH 4 . It is also found that a combination of high temperature and high relative humidity contributes to high H 2 rate and yield, and either of the two factors dominates the reaction at different conditions. A two-part reactor model accounting for the mechanism of the steam hydrolysis by NaBH 4 is developed. The model captures the dissolution + reaction step as well as reaction-only step and was validated by experimental data.