cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Dynamic, Sex-Differential STAT5 and BCL6 Binding to Sex-Biased, Growth Hormone-Regulated Genes in Adult Mouse Liver

Sex-dependent pituitary growth hormone (GH) secretory patterns determine the sex-biased expression of >1,000 genes in mouse and rat liver, affecting lipid and drug metabolism, inflammation, and disease. A fundamental biological question is how robust differential expression can be achieved for hundreds of sex-biased genes simply based on the GH input signal pattern: pulsatile GH stimulation in males versus near-continuous GH exposure in females. STAT5 is an essential transcriptional mediator of the sex-dependent effects of GH in the liver, but the mechanisms that underlie its sex-dependent actions are obscure. Here we elucidate the dynamic, sex-dependent binding of STAT5 and the GH/STAT5-regulated repressor BCL6 to mouse liver chromatin genome wide, revealing a counteractive interplay between these two regulators of sex differences in liver gene expression. Our findings establish a close correlation between sex-dependent STAT5 binding and sex-biased target gene expression. Moreover, sex-dependent STAT5 binding correlated positively with sex-biased DNase hypersensitivity and H3-K4me1 and H3-K4me3 (activating) marks, correlated negatively with sex-biased H3-K27me3 (repressive) marks, and was associated with sex-differentially enriched motifs for HNF6/CDP factors. Importantly, BCL6 binding was preferentially associated with repression of female-biased STAT5 targets in male liver. Furthermore, BCL6 and STAT5 common targets but not BCL6 unique targets showed strong enrichment for lipid and drug metabolism. These findings provide a comprehensive, genome-wide view of the mechanisms whereby these two GH-regulated transcription factors establish and maintain sex differences affecting liver physiology and disease. The approaches used here to characterize sex-dependent STAT5 and BCL6 binding can be applied to other condition-specific regulatory factors and binding sites and their interplay with cooperative chromatin binding factors.
Assessing the ability of the antiangiogenic and anticytokine agent thalidomide to modulate radiation-induced lung injury.

Purpose: Thalidomide has broad anticytokine properties, which might protect normal tissues in patients undergoing chemoradiotherapy. The purpose of this study was to determine the maximal tolerated dose of thalidomide when used in combination with vinorelbine plus thoracic radiotherapy. Methods and Materials: Eligible patients had inoperable Stage III non–small-cell lung cancer, a Karnofsky Performance Status ≥70, and life expectancy ≥6 months. Patients underwent pretreatment evaluation of lung function. Radiotherapy consisted of 66 Gy in 6.5 weeks. Vinorelbine was administered i.v. (5 mg/m 2 ) 3 times per week just before radiotherapy. Thalidomide was begun at 50 mg, p.o., on day 1 of chemoradiotherapy and continued once daily for 6 months. Side effects were scored using National Cancer Institute Common Toxicity Criteria. Results: Ten patients were enrolled. Of the first 6 patients, 2 developed major thrombotic events that were believed to be possibly related to thalidomide. The study was suspended and modified to require prophylactic anticoagulation. Of the last 4 patients, 2 developed dose-limiting toxicity attributable to thalidomide; both patients required a dose reduction of thalidomide to Conclusions: The combination of thalidomide concurrently with thoracic radiotherapy and vinorelbine resulted in excessive toxicity.
Heavy metal uptake by blue grama growing in a degraded semiarid soil amended with sewage sludge

Sewage sludge application to semiarid grassland may represent a beneficial means of utilizing this waste product for restoration of degraded sites. Consequently, dried municipal sewage sludge was applied at three rates (22.5, 45, and 90 Mg ha−1) to a degraded semiarid grassland soil in order to determine the effects of sludge amendments on forage productivity, soil heavy metal content, and metal uptake by blue grama (Bouteloua gracilis).Soil and plant properties in control and amended plots were measured after 1, 2, and 5 growing seasons.Soil nutrients increased linearly with increased sludge application in the first two growing seasons. Consequently, forage quality and total production of blue grama improved significantly over the unamended control as the tissue levels of N, P, K, and crude protein increased. Cadmium and Pb in the sludge-treated plots did not increase significantly over the control after 1 and 2 growing seasons. Levels of DTPA-extractable soil micronutrients (Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn) increased linearly with increased sludge application rate to soil concentrations recommended for adequate plant growth. Soil N, P, and K concentrations remained higher in the sludge-amended soils after 5 growing seasons, while Cu and Cd increased to slightly above desireable limits as the soil pH decreased to 7.4 and 7.0 in the 45 and 90 Mg ha−1 treatments, respectively. However, with the exception of Mn which remained within desirable limits, metal concentrations (including Cu and Cd) in blue grama tissue were not significantly different from the control treatment after five growing seasons. Based on soil and plant tissue metal concentrations, it appears that sludge applied at rates between 22.5 and 45 Mg ha−1 will maintain the most favorable nutrient levels coupled with significant improvements in forage production in this semiarid grassland environment.
Analysis of Functional Architectures for Discrete Event Logistics Systems (DELS)

Abstract The functional design of discrete event logistics systems (DELS) specifies the systems’ transformative functions independently from the technology required to implement those functions. Creating a functional architecture for a new system is as much an art form as a science and often relies on the tacit knowledge of the systems architect. In this paper, we present a method to integrate analyses to support the refinement of the functional architecture. This method relies on integrating the description of the functional architecture with a formal network description and using that formal network description to provide access to analysis generation technologies. The result is automated access to analysis tools, such as discrete event simulations, which provide critical feedback on the performance of a particular design early in the design process.
The evolution and sequence comparison of two recently diverged mouse chromosomal β-globin genes

We have determined the entire nucleotide sequence of a cloned mouse beta--globinminor gene and compared it to the closely related sequence of the betamajor gene. These two genes differ by nine amino acids and presumably evolved from a common ancestral gene as recently as 50 million years ago. Since these genes are closely linked and coordinately expressed, they provide an especially favorable opportunity to assess selection and mutation as these processes affect genes under similar constraints. We find that evolution has preserved these two genes in two short segments of DNA which include their immediately adjacent flanking regions. These regions presumably encode functions that are necessary for proper globin gene expression. In contrast, the more distal flanking sequences and major segments of the long intervening sequences have diverged much more sharply. The homology pattern in these genes also provides considerable insight into the mechanisms by which less constrained nucleotide sequences diverge rapidly. Change in such regions apparently occurs less by point mutation than by insertion, deletion and duplication of relatively short segments of the genome.
Bringing together content and data management systems: Challenges and opportunities

With advances in computing and communication technologies in recent years, two significant trends have emerged in terms of information management: heterogeneity and distribution. Heterogeneity (herein discussed in terms of different types of data, not in terms of schematic heterogeneity) pertains to information use evolving from operational business data (e.g., accounting, payroll, and inventory) to digital assets, communications, and content (e.g., documents, intellectual property, rich media, e-mail, and Web data). Information has also become widely distributed, both in scale and ownership. To manage heterogeneity, two major classes of systems have evolved: database management systems to manage structured data, and content management systems to manage document and rich media information. In this paper, we compare and contrast these different paradigms. We believe it is imperative for any business to exploit value from all information--independent of where it resides or its form. We also identify the technical challenges and opportunities for bringing these different paradigms closer together.
The Independent Pairs Assumption in Hypothesis Tests Based on Rank Correlation Coefficients

Abstract A simple example and a computer simulation study are given to illustrate the inflation that can occur in the Type I error when the independent pairs assumption is violated for hypothesis tests based on rank correlation coefficients. The specific types of random variables considered are those that arise from random walk, moving average, and autoregressive processes.
Measuring the vulnerability of populations susceptible to lead contamination in the Dominican Republic: evaluating composite index construction methods

There are several suspected sources of lead contamination in the Dominican Republic (DR) to which populations, to a greater or lesser extent, may be exposed. These sources include: a lead battery recycling plant, a gold mine and vehicles using leaded gasoline. In this paper we create and compare indices of spatial vulnerability using different index construction methods including: the weighted average, ordered weighted average, and Data Envelopment Analysis. The vulnerability attributes used to create these indices include: exposure to lead effluents in water from the gold mine as measured by distance from potentially contaminated water, point source lead air emissions from the battery recycling plant estimated by air plume analysis; and mobile source exposure to lead emissions from road transportation measured by potential traffic impacts. The intensities of vulnerability to lead of the towns and cities in the DR, produced by each of the different index construction methods, are compared and evaluated.
Edward Y. Hartshorne and the Reopening of German Universities, 1945-1946: His Personal Account

Die amerikanische Besatzungspolitik im Nachkriegsdeutschland war gekennzeichnet durch das Fehlen klar definierter Zielvorgaben. Aber gerade weil den amerikanischen Behorden Erfahrung im Umgang mit den Angelegenheiten anderer Nationen fehlte, eroffnete sich fur einzelne Personen, die geeignete Qualifikationen und personliche Initiative mitbrachten, die Moglichkeit, die Besatzungspolitik ganz entscheidend zu beeinflussen. Edward Y. Hartshorne, ein Harvard-Soziologe und ehemaliger Offizier des Geheimdienstes wahrend des Krieges, besas die richtigen wissenschaftlichen und personlichen Qualifikationen, um die Wiederoffnung der deutschen Universitaten zu koordinieren und eine Denazifizierung dieser Institutionen zu betreiben. Zunachst lies er die medizinischen Fakultaten wiedereroffnen. Mit Hilfe der dort erarbeiteten Direktiven setzte er dann wesentlich fruher als erwartet eine Offnung aller Universitaten in der gesamten amerikanischen Besatzungszone durch und trug damit zu einer erhohten Glaubwurdigkeit der amerikanischen Besatzungspolitik bei. Nur sein fruher Tod im Jahre 1946 verhinderte, das er zu einer der herausragenden Personlichkeiten der Besatzungszeit und des offentlichen Lebens in den Vereinigten Staaten werden konnte
Human Non-persons, Feticide, and the Erosion of Dignity

Feticide, the practice of terminating the life of an otherwise viable fetus in utero, has become an increasingly common practice in obstetric centres around the globe, a concomitant of antenatal screening technologies. This paper examines this expanding practice in light of the concept of human dignity. Although it is assumed from the outset that even viable human fetuses are not persons and as such do not enjoy full membership in the moral community, it is argued that the fact that these are nevertheless human fetuses affords them prima facie moral status. Thus even those who accept a liberal position with regard to therapeutic abortion, should be concerned about these more recent developments. Indeed, how we treat viable human fetuses has implications for our prospective treatment of other human non-persons and could undermine the common human dignity we all share.
Foreign workers in Saudi Arabia: a field study of role ambiguity, identification, information-seeking, organizational support and performance

A total of 154 foreign workers in Saudi Arabia responded to a web survey that inquired about role characteristics, work attitudes and behaviors. Surveys were matched with 138 supervisor surveys asking about the focal worker's job performance. Results indicated a significant relationship between role ambiguity and job performance, a relationship mediated by organizational identification, which was moderated by both information-seeking and perceived organizational support. This research is one of only a few studies of professional workers in Saudi Arabia (both male and female). Furthermore, this study is one of a handful of studies to explore the attitudes and performance of foreign workers, a worker population often confounded in studies that focus on domestic, expatriate or inpatriate workers.
Effect of taste aversion learning on ethanol self-administration.

Abstract Ethanol (EtOH) oral self-administration studies using rats have had incosistent outcomes: studies in which rats are fluid deprived report decreasing EtOH intake over trials, whereas studies not employing fluid deprivation report increasing intake over trials. The present study supports the hypothesis that differential taste aversion learning may account for some of this discrepancy. This study indicates that taste aversion learning is maximized under fluid deprivation conditions and that “latent inhibition”, i.e., exposure to non-intoxicating amounts of the EtOH solution prior to conditioning, reduces taste aversion learning. It is suggested that the effect of fluid deprivation on taste aversion resulting from EtOH self-administration may be at least in part due to the development of latent inhibition in non-deprived animals during initial exposure to the EtoH solution.
A unifying criterion for instantaneous blind source separation based on correntropy

Correntropy has recently been introduced as a generalized correlation function between two stochastic processes, which contains both high-order statistics and temporal structure of the stochastic processes in one functional form. Based on this blend of high-order statistics and temporal structure in a single functional form, we propose a unified criterion for instantaneous blind source separation (BSS). The criterion simultaneously exploits both spatial and spectral characteristics of the sources. Consequently, the new algorithm is able to separate independent, identically distributed (i.i.d.) sources, which requires high-order statistics; and it is also able to separate temporally correlated Gaussian sources with distinct spectra, which requires temporal information. Performance of the proposed method is compared with other popular BSS methods that solely depend on either high-order statistics (FastICA, JADE) or second-order statistics at different lags (SOBI). The new algorithm outperforms the conventional methods in the case of mixtures of sub-Gaussian and super-Gaussian sources.
Renal artery angiography: “The right ipsilateral oblique” Myth

BACKGROUND Finding the optimal image intensifier angle of obliquity during renal intervention is important for accurate stent placement but can require multiple catheter rotations and test injections of contrast. OBJECTIVE Explore the usefulness of axial magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) as a roadmap for predicting image intensifier position during subsequent renal intervention. METHODS MRA images were reviewed in 137 consecutive patients (255 renal arteries) undergoing workup for renal artery stenosis. The axial angle of renal artery incidence perpendicular to the spine was estimated by two operators and results averaged. RESULTS The average angle of incidence for the renal artery ostia was +21.24 degrees +/-2.31 degrees for the right and +8.81 degrees +/-2.0 degrees for the left (P < .0001). The positive numbers correlate with left anterior oblique (LAO) and negative right anterior oblique (RAO). CONCLUSIONS MRA can be used to define the origin of the renal artery and is most likely to predict an LAO image window for subsequent angiography of the left and right renal arteries displacing the "ipsilateral oblique" axiom. In patients without baseline MRA the 10 to 20 degree LAO "empiric" position will allow coaxial imaging of both renal ostia in 75% of cases. However, there can be extreme variation in the renal origin (53 degrees RAO to 85 degrees LAO) and we advocate using the simple technique reported herein to define the renal origin in patients with pre-procedure MRA.
Rational and affine expressions for image description

Abstract In this paper, the representation, generation and inference of images using automata-theoretic techniques is investigated. It is shown that highly complex images, including “fractal” (self-similar) images, can be manipulated by the application of these techniques. Languages and relations over some alphabet are interpreted as images by treating strings as rational coordinates. In particular rational relations, specified by rational expressions, are considered. It is shown how texture of an image can be defined by probabilistic finite generators. Affine expressions are introduced as a generalization of both rational expressions and the IFS method to define images. Finally, two efficient methods to implement rational expressions are presented.
Hereditary opalescent dentine (Dentinogenesis imperfecta)

Abstract Several cases of hereditary opalescent dentine are described and analyzed histologically and genetically. The similarity in the dental changes in hereditary opalescent dentine and osteogenesis imperfecta is pointed out, and the characteristic effects are grouped under the general term “dentinogenesis imperfecta.”
Folate Deprivation Reduces Homocysteine Remethylation in a Human Intestinal Epithelial Cell Culture Model: Role of Serine in One-Carbon Donation

Little is known about homocysteine metabolism in intestine. To address this question, we investigated homocysteine metabolism under conditions of folate adequacy and folate deprivation in the Caco-...
Dose-dependent effects of developmental mercury exposure on C-start escape responses of larval zebrafish Danio rerio

Zebrafish Danio rerio embryos were exposed to 0, 25, 50 or 75 ppb Hg 2+ from 0 to 24 h post-fertilization (hpf) then placed into Hg 2+ -free water. Inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrophotometer analysis of whole embryo Hg 2+ content at 24 hpf showed a positive correlation with exposure regime (Pearson's one-tailed, r 2 = 0-698, P < 0-01); at 5 days posthatch (dph), whole larval Hg 2+ content was not detectable. Hg 2+ -induced behavioural deficits in larvae were, therefore, due to changes during embcyogenesis and not to residual Hg 2+ in the larvae. At 5 dph, larvae were tested for responses to different frequencies but equal intensities of vibrational stimuli generated by a remotely controlled plastic hammer. Data were recorded by high-speed videography and computer-analysed for latency of response (ms), amplitude of the response as measured by maximum initial velocity [normalized as body (standard) lengths s -1 ; V max ] and duration of behaviour from initial head movement to cessation of caudal tail movement (ms). A single mechanical stimulus resulted in behavioural outcomes that were related to embryonic Hg 2+ uptake. Response latency increased with exposure level and displayed an increase of ×1·5-2·5 over control values (ANOVA, P < 0·01). The V max decreased with exposure level to a low of 71% of control at the highest Hg 2+ concentration (ANOVA, P < 0·01). Duration of behaviour displayed a biphasic response pattern in which exposure to 0, 50 or 75 ppb Hg 2+ did not result in a significantly different response yet exposure to 25 ppb Hg 2+ caused a significantly longer time of active response (ANOVA, P < 0·01). Repeated stimulation (1, 2 or 4 hits s -1 ) resulted in a concentration-dependent increase in response failures. Regardless of stimulation frequency, larvae exposed to 0 or 25 ppb Hg 2+ as embryos maintained higher V max levels for longer intervals during the testing period than those exposed as embryos to either 50 or 75 ppb Hg 2+ .
A randomized clinical trial of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation in the treatment of major depression.

Background: Multiple groups have reported on the use of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) in treatment-resistant major depression. The purpose of this study is to assess the efficacy of rTMS in unmedicated, treatment-resistant patients who meet criteria for major depression. Methods: Depressed subjects, who had failed to respond to a median of four treatment trials, were assigned in a randomized double-blind manner to receive either active (n = 10; 20 2-sec trains of 20 Hz stimulation with 58-sec intervals; delivered at 80% motor threshold with the figure-of-eight coil positioned over the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex) or sham (n = 10; similar conditions with the coil elevated and angled 45 degrees tangentially to the scalp) rTMS. These sequences were applied during 10 consecutive weekdays. Continuous electroencephalogram sampling and daily motor threshold determinations were also obtained. Results: The group mean 25-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) score was 37.2 (± 2.0 SEM) points. Adjusted mean decreases in HDRS scores were 14.0 (± 3.7) and 0.2 (± 4.1) points for the active and control groups, respectively (p < .05). One of 10 subjects receiving active treatment demonstrated a robust response (i.e., HDRS decreased from 47 to 7 points); three other patients demonstrated 40–45% decreases in HDRS scores. No patients receiving sham treatment demonstrated partial or full responses. Conclusions: A 2-week course of active rTMS resulted in statistically significant but clinically modest reductions of depressive symptoms, as compared to sham rTMS in a population characterized by treatment resistance.
Comorbidity of Dependent Personality Disorder and Anxiety Disorders: A Meta-Analytic Review

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) states that individuals with a dependent personality are at increased risk for anxiety disorders. Meta-analysis of 53 studies examining the comorbidity of dependent personality disorder (DPD) and one or more anxiety disorders (ADs) revealed that the overall DPD-AD relationship is modest in magnitude (mean r = .11) and holds for some ADs but not others. Follow-up analyses indicated that the DPD-AD link was not moderated by diagnostic system, assessment method, or comparison group (other personality-disordered patients versus non-personality-disordered controls). Given these findings, future versions of the DSM may need a more tentative and qualified description of DPD-AD comorbidity.
Courseware design: New roles for text and technical writers

A team of courseware developers at Texas A&M University is designing a computer-assisted course in statics, as part of a computer-based undergraduate engineering curriculum being developed by a major corporation. On such a project, the technical writers' tasks include not only documentation and editing, but also reinterpretation of the role of the written word as it functions in the new context of computer-assisted-instruction (CAI). The technical writers share with the subject-matter experts in engineering the responsibilities of course development. Because of constraints imposed by programming and hardware parameters, lesson planning involves systematic thought about rationale and educational issues. The writers must conform to the system's constraints in deciding how much text to include in a lesson and what its role should be.
New perspectives on rural EMT defibrillation

In recent years, several studies have produced contradictory data regarding the impact of emergency medical technicians trained in defibrillation on hospital admission and dismissal survival rates in rural areas. Fourteen communities (service area populations, 4,000 to 36,000) in rural southeastern Minnesota participated in a two-year crossover study to further define the factors necessary for success. Automatic external defibrillators were used to defibrillate and record patient rhythms in the treatment group and to only record in the the control group. Although six of 36 patients (17%) in ventricular fibrillation who experienced a witnessed arrest survival in communities using automatic external defibrillators, compared with one of 27 (4%) in the control group, five of the six survivors were from a single large community with a 911 system, full-time emergency medical technicians, police first-responders, and a well-equipped emergency facilitie. Our data suggest that certain prerequisites, especially CPR prior to ambulance arrival and collapse to defibrillation times of less than ten minutes, are clearly essential to produce significant benefits from emergency medical technicians trained in defibrillation in rural communities.
Theory of electron-irradiation-induced amorphization

Abstract The crystalline-amorphous transformation of the intermetallic precipitates Zr2 (Fe, Ni) and Zr(Cr, Fe)2 in Zircaloy under irradiation is studied. Experiments show that the dose-to-amorphization increases exponentially with temperature and decreases with dose rate. A model for the transformation is proposed that accounts for these observations. In this model amorphization is caused by the destabilization of the crystalline phase with respect to the amorphous phase caused by an irradiation-induced increase in its free energy. Contributions to the free energy increase due to both point defect increases and irradiation-induced-disordering are calculated and found to have approximately the same magnitude. The disordering contribution is independent of temperature and dose rate, since thermal reordering is small compared to ballistic disordering for the temperatures of interest. The temperature and dose rate dependences of the dose-to-amorphization are given by the point defect contribution. This indicates that electron-irradiation-induced amorphization is caused not only by irradiation-induced disordering but also by an increase in point defect concentration. A simplified version of the model valid at high temperature finds that the controlling parameter for amorphization is the parameter dpa.k1/2, where dpa is the dose and k the dose rate. This model is then compared with other models in the literature on the basis of amorphization kinetics and of the temperature and dose rate dependence of the dose-to-amorphization. The characteristics of the amorphous transformation under electron irradiation and neutron irradiation are discussed. It is believed that different amorphization mechanisms are operative in each case.
Figure and ground in physician misdiagnosis: metacognition and diagnostic norms

Meta-cognitive awareness, or self reflection informed by the "heuristics and biases" theory of how experts make cognitive errors, has been offered as a partial solution for diagnostic errors in medicine. I argue that this approach is not as easy nor as effective as one might hope. We should also promote mastery of the basic principles of diagnosis in medical school, continuing medical education, and routine reflection and review. While it may seem difficult to attend to both levels simultaneously, there is more to be gained from attending to both than from focusing only on one.
NO2 Detection Using Microcantilever Based Potentiometry

A highly sensitive and novel sensor platform for gases and volatile chemicals using microcantilever based potentiometry is reported. A resonant cantilever is used to detect the changes in surface work functions of functionalized substrates caused by adsorption of target gas molecules. Surface work function (SWF) changes were measured for different functionalization layers made of transition metal oxide thin films with the flow of NO₂. The rate of change in SWF for In₂O₃ and SnO₂ were found to be ~80 and ~100 μV/sec, respectively, for 70 ppm NO₂. A sensitivity of 64 μV/sec for SWF change was also found for 70 ppm NO₂ concentration for isolated clusters of ZnO nanowires, indicating that this technique is applicable even for nano-clusters of sensing materials where amperometric detection is impossible due to material discontinuity. NO₂ detection as low as 400 ppb was possible using highly insulating In₂O₃ and SnO₂ thin films (resistivity > 1 TΩ/⎕). Two different forms of nano scale graphite were compared with the transition oxide based functionalization layer for sensing sub-ppm NO₂ sensing. It was observed that nanostructured graphite (NG) shows much higher sensitivity and lower response time than transition metal oxides.
Quantum instability of gravitational collapse in de Sitter space.

The vacuum stress-energy tensor of a quantized conformal scalar field is examined for several candidate vacuum states in a (two-dimensional) asymptotically de Sitter space around a collapsing star. The vacuum stress energy is shown to diverge on the future black-hole event horizon if the vacuum state is chosen so that the stress energy is regular on the cosmological horizons. It does not appear possible to find a quantum vacuum state whose stress energy is nondivergent on both the cosmological event horizons and the future black-hole event horizon.
PGC-1α activation as a therapeutic approach in mitochondrial disease

Mitochondria play a central role in cellular homeostasis. Hence, mitochondrial dysfunction resulting in impaired ATP supply is detrimental to cell viability and causes severe and often fatal disorders. Current treatment of these mitochondrial disorders is limited and mostly addresses the symptoms, but not the deficiency itself. Recent work in cell and animal models of mitochondrial disease shows that increased mitochondrial biogenesis can boost residual OXPHOS capacity and thereby prevent the bioenergetic crisis. In animal models, this strategy results in increased health and lifespan. Here, I review which mitochondrial processes are affected in known mitochondrial disorders and discuss why PGC-1alpha mediated mitochondrial biogenesis offers a promising venue for treatment of mitochondrial disorders.
DEPOSITION AND RESTRUCTURING OF ADHESIVE PARTICLES IN UNIDIRECTIONAL FIELDS

The deposition of particles under the influence of gravity and adhesive interactions with the other deposited particles is examined using computer simulation. A parameter, s, that represents the probability of adhesion or sticking is used for studying the effects of variations in sticking on the resulting microstructure. A range of packing structures is generated between two limiting cases representing complete restructuring (s = 0) and no restructuring (s = 1). The bulk properties of the resulting structures, such as packing density, particle number density, and coordination number, are obtained. Structural correlations are examined through contact networks, radial and angular distribution functions, and diffraction patterns. The results show that local sticking rules have a significant influence on the long-range structure. Rhombic domains and significant long-range correlations are observed for the case of zero sticking probability. The range of correlations drops very sharply with increases in stickin...
Relationship between amrinone plasma concentration and cardiac index

Amrinone was given to 14 patients with congestive heart failure as an intravenous bolus (1 mg/sec) at doses ranging from 0.5 to 3.5 mg/kg. Simultaneous determinations of cardiac index were made by thermodilution and of amrinone plasma concentration by high-performance liquid chromatography. A relationship between improvement in cardiac index and increasing plasma concentrations of amrinone was demonstrated for 13 of the 14 patients. The percentage increase in cardiac index correlated with amrinone plasma concentration (r = 0.81; p < 0.001). Amrinone was given to four patients as an intravenous bolus dose of 1.5 mg/kg followed by a constant infusion of 10 µg/kg/min for 10 hr; simultaneous determinations of cardiac index and circulating levels of amrinone indicated that both declined after the initial rise. The plasma concentration of amrinone remained relatively constant during the infusion at about 1.7 µg/ml. In all cases, despite the relatively constant plasma levels there was a decline in cardiac index after about 4 to 5 hr of infusion, although the cardiac index remained above the baseline; during the constant infusion the cardiac index rose again and was maintained at a reasonably constant level for the last 3 hr. Seven patients received oral doses of amrinone of about 3 mg/kg, and simultaneous determinations of cardiac index and plasma concentration showed a relationship between amrinone level and rise in cardiac index (p < 0.05). In 16 patients after amrinone orally sufficient blood samples were taken to estimate the apparent first-order terminal elimination t½. The t½ as estimated by log-linear regression ranged from about 3 to 15 hr; x ± SEM value was 8.3 (±1.1) hr. Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics (1981) 29, 723–728; doi:10.1038/clpt.1981.102
Automatic extraction and identification of lines of communication from high-resolution multispectral imagery

Use of remotely sensed imagery to map lines of communication or revise existing maps is currently a labor-intensive process. In this paper, we present a system for automatically extracting lines of communication from high- resolution (less than 5-meter spatial resolution) multispectral imagery. Positive systems ADAR 5500 imagery is used to demonstrate system functionality. Our system includes automatic detection and identification algorithms, a geospatial database for storage and retrieval of results, a change detection component that compares newly detected lines of communication against stored database information, and a user interface that allows operator review and editing of automatically extracted results.© (1996) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Modeling Pitcher Performance and the Distribution of Runs per Inning in Major League Baseball

Abstract The distribution of the number of batters faced and the number of runs scored in an inning is fundamental to modeling pitcher performance in major league baseball. Until 1984 sufficiently detailed data on a play-by-play basis were available only for special games, for example, World Series games. Play-by-play data have become available for each league beginning with the 1984 season, and we use them for the 1990 American League season. We found that a minor change from the negative binomial model provided an adequate fit to the distribution of the number of batters faced. However, the distribution of the number of runs scored is complex and involves a convolution of the distribution of the number of batters faced and the conditional distribution of the number of runs scored given a specific number of batters faced. We modeled the latter by a truncated binomial distribution where the probability of a run scoring was a logistic function of the number of batters faced. The goodness of the fit of each...
Differentiation among stimuli as a factor in transfer performance

It was assumed that in learning a paired-associate list, S must establish differentiation among stimuli. If this differentiation transfers to a second list, a positive factor should be present in learning the second list of the A-B, A-C paradigm which is not present in A-B, C-D. The magnitude of the positive factor should increase directly with stimulus similarity, hence an interaction between paradigm and similarity in transfer performance was expected. Lists of high and low formal stimulus similarity were used. Although stimulus similarity had an enormous effect on first-list learning, the evidence for a transfer of stimulus differentiation in three experiments was slight.
The Kinesin-related Protein Kip1p of Saccharomyces cerevisiae Is Bipolar *

Kip1p is a mitotic spindle-associated kinesin-related protein in Saccharomyces cerevisiae that participates in spindle pole separation. Here, we define the domain arrangement and polypeptide composition of the Kip1p holoenzyme. Electron microscopy of rotary shadowed Kip1p molecules revealed two globular domains 14 nm in diameter connected by a 73-nm long stalk. When the Kip1p domain homologous to the kinesin motor domain was decorated with an unrelated protein, the diameter of the globular domains at both ends of the stalk increased, indicating that Kip1p is bipolar. Soluble Kip1p isolated from S. cerevisiae cells was homomeric, based on the similarity of the sedimentation coefficients of native Kip1p from S. cerevisiae and Kip1p which was purified after expression in insect cells. The holoenzyme molecular weight was estimated using the sedimentation coefficient and Stokes radius, and was most consistent with a tetrameric composition. Kip1p exhibited an ionic strength-dependent transition in its sedimentation coefficient, revealing a potential regulatory mechanism. The position of kinesin motor-related domains at each end of the stalk may allow Kip1p to cross-link either parallel or antiparallel microtubules during mitotic spindle assembly and pole separation.
Compact Photonic Devices in Low Index Contrast Waveguides

Dramatic reductions in bend and beamsplitter size for low index contrast waveguides can be achieved with properly designed air trenches. We discuss the design and fabrication of compact bends and splitters and devices such as ring resonators and Mach-Zehnder interferometers.
Nitration and succinoylation of tritium labeled toluene

Abstract Recent literature is summarized on the question of the nature of secondary hydrogen isotope effects, and on the existence of such effects, in the nitration of toluene. New experimental data presented for the mononitration of α-, m - and p -tritiated toluene samples, reveals no secondary isotope effects. It is suggested that the remarkable freedom of this aromatic nitration from hydrogen isotope effects (primary or secondary) constitutes evidence that in the transition state for the reaction, the aromatic ring has accepted very little charge from the nitronium ion. In another electrophilic substitution, p -succinoylation of toluene- p -t, the interesting result that the succinoylation product retains most of the tritium of the starting material is rationalized.
National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines for the management of prostate cancer.

Abstract Guidelines for the management of prostate cancer issued by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network provide a basis for rational treatment decisions. These guidelines represent consensus recommendations by a panel of experts that are evidence based and are designated according to the degree of consensus within the expert panel. The initial stratification point is the patient’s life expectancy (>5 or 5 years, the recommended intervention is based on clinical stage, prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level, and Gleason score, as well as the presence of symptoms. These assessments establish the patient’s risk of recurrence after therapy. Specific initial therapies are then recommended according to whether the risk category is low, intermediate, high, or very high. The guidelines also describe the appropriate use of observation (“watchful waiting”) versus active intervention in certain patients. After definitive therapy, patients should be monitored with PSA determinations, digital rectal examination, and bone scans, as outlined in the guidelines. Patients who exhibit increasing PSA levels after prostatectomy are candidates for salvage therapy with androgen ablation, radiotherapy, or observation. If PSA levels begin to increase after radiotherapy, surgery may then be an additional option. Systemic salvage therapy generally consists of androgen ablation; the benefit of total androgen blockade versus initial monotherapy remains controversial. Relapse after initial androgen ablation is treated with an antiandrogen, if none had been administered previously. Patients refractory to further hormonal manipulations are observed or receive palliative therapy, including chemotherapy. The treatment of prostate cancer is complex. Optimal treatment is risk-adapted to the specific characteristics of the cancer and the expected longevity and personal preferences of the patient.
Photorefractive optical neural network

An account is given of the self-pumped optical neural network (SPONN) fine-grained optical architecture, which features massive parallelism and much higher interconnectivity than either bus-oriented or hypercube electronic architectures. Connections among neurons are implemented by SPONN as sets of angularly and spatially multiplexed volume phase gratings. The mapping of neural-network models onto the SPONN architecture occurs without the need for neuron-multiplexing or dealing with electronic parallel computers'' bottlenecks, greatly simplifying programming.
High Prevalence of Vitamin D Deficiency Among Patients with Fecal Incontinence

To the Editor, Fecal incontinence is a common problem with a prevalence ranging from 0.7 to 24% depending on the population that is being studied [1]. The functional integrity of the internal and external anal sphincters requires normal functioning of the pelvic floor muscles to maintain continence [2]. Vitamin D deficiency is associated with muscle weakness and vitamin D plays an important role in muscle strength [3]. It is not known if vitamin D deficiency is associated with fecal incontinence. We evaluated serum vitamin D (25-hyroxy-cholecalciferol) levels of ten consecutive patients with fecal incontinence attending the gastroenterology clinic at a tertiary care center. Patients with infectious diarrhea and anorectal surgery were excluded. Patients with known cause of vitamin D deficiency including chronic kidney and liver diseases were also excluded from the study. Fecal incontinence was defined as recurrent uncontrolled passage of fecal material for at least 1 month. Normal vitamin D level was defined as 30 ng per milliliter or greater. Relative vitamin D insufficiency was defined as 20–29 ng per milliliter. Levels below 20 ng per liter were defined as vitamin D deficient [4, 5]. Ten patients were found to fulfill the inclusion criteria (eight males, two females). The median age was 56.7 years (range, 30–80). Mean body mass index was 31.9 (range, 19.8–38.3). All patients except one had loose stool. The average duration of fecal incontinence was 18.3 months (range, 1–240 months). The average frequency of fecal incontinence was 10.9 episodes per month (range, 2–30 episodes per month). All patients with fecal incontinence had hypovitaminosis D (60% had vitamin deficiency and 40% with relative vitamin D insufficiency). The mean vitamin D level in patients with fecal incontinence was 17 ng per milliliter (range 5.4–22.2 ng per milliliter). Historical data demonstrate that 36–57% of people have vitamin D deficiency or relative insufficiency [5]. In conclusion, in this small cohort study all patients with fecal incontinence had vitamin D deficiency or relative insufficiency. This is significantly higher than reported prevalence of vitamin deficiency or insufficiency in the general population. A prospective cross section study is warranted to determine if patients with fecal incontinence have a higher prevalence of vitamin D deficiency compared to a control group. Further research is required to determine whether hypovitaminosis D is a risk factor or a consequence of fecal incontinence.
Forces between solid surfaces in binary solutions

Abstract Experimental measurements of the solvation forces between mica surfaces immersed in a binary solution of octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane and cyclohexane are reported. At all bulk concentrations examined (0–14, 32 and 42 mol% cyclohexane), the force varies between attraction and repulsion as the surface separation is decreased. The magnitudes of the forces at the attractive force minima decay exponentially with surface separation. The characteristic decay length and the average separation between attractive minima are functions of the bulk concentration. The statistical mechanics of inhomogeneous one-dimensional hard rod mixtures can be used to interpret the experimental results. The distribution functions and thermodynamic properties of a multicomponent hard rod fluid confined in a one-dimensional slit-pore are summarized. Density profiles and disjoining pressures are calculated as functions of pore width. Because of mechanical instabilities associated with the force measurement technique as presently used, not all theoretically predicted force minima (and maxima) are experimentally accessible.
Sequence variation in trypsin- and chymotrypsin-like cDNAs from the midgut of Ostrinia nubilalis: methods for allelic differentiation of candidate Bacillus thuringiensis resistance genes.

Midgut expressed alkaline serine proteases of Lepidoptera function in conversion of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) protoxin to active toxin, and reduced level of transcript T23 is associated with Ostrinia nubilalis resistance to Dipel® Bt formulations. Three groups of trypsin(OnT25, OnT23, and OnT3) and two chymotrypsin-like (OnC1 and OnC2) cDNAs were isolated from O. nubilalis midgut tissue. Intraspecific groupings are based on cDNA similarity and peptide phylogeny. Derived serine proteases showed a catalytic triad (His, Asp, and Ser; except transcript OnT23a), three substrate specificitydetermining residues, and three paired disulphide bonds. RT-PCR indicated all transcripts are expressed in the midgut. Mendelian-inherited genomic markers for loci OnT23, OnT3 and OnC1 will be useful for association of alleles with bioassayed Bt toxin resistance phenotypes.
The Dependence of the Frequency of Quartz Piezo-Electric Oscillators upon Circuit Constants

The mathematical theory for the quartz piezo-electric stabilized, vacuum-tube-driven oscillator is given for the following cases: tuned plate circuit, inductance-loaded and resistance-loaded triode with the crystal between grid and plate, and also between grid and filament for each case. The condition for oscillations and the exact expression for the frequencies, damping factors, coupling coefficient, tube constants, etc., is given. In the analysis of the oscillator the equivalent network for the crystal given by Van Dyke has been used. The theory has been checked by measuring the variation infrequency of a quartz stabilized oscillator for variations in impedance of the plate circuit for the tuned circuit and resistance-loaded tube respectively. To satisfy the condition for oscillation it is necessary to use values for the equivalent resistance of the crystal somewhat smaller than those given by Van Dyke's formula. A discussion of the general method by which conditions for oscillation and expressions for the driven frequency of an oscillator may be obtained from the coefficients of differential equations up to the fourth order is included.
Recent advances in bladder cancer chemotherapy.

In 1999, an estimated 54,200 new cases of bladder carcinoma will be diagnosed in the United States, resulting in 12,100 deaths [[1]]. The majority are superficial tumors, confined to the mucosa and...
Body habitus does not influence spread of sensory blockade after the intrathecal injection of a hypobaric solution in term parturients.

Purpose To determine if the extent of sensory blockade after the intrathecal injection of hypobaric fentanyl (25 μg) and bupicavaine (2.5 mg) in the sitting position in term parturients is influenced by body habitus.