cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Coffey Lecture: Steroidogenic enzyme inhibitors and hormone dependent cancer

Abstract Objectives To improve treatment for patients with breast and prostate cancer. Methods A number of novel inhibitors of steroidogenic enzymes have been developed. Their biological effects have been evaluated in a variety of preclinical models. Aromatase (estrogen synthetase) inhibitors have now been extensively tested in clinical trials in breast cancer patients. Inhibitors of 17α-hydroxylase/lyase have also been studied in preclinical models and are beginning trials in prostate cancer patients. Results The enzyme aromatase (CYP19) has proven to be an important therapeutic target. Inhibitors of aromatase (AIs) are showing greater benefit than antiestrogens in the treatment of breast cancer. Although effective in other conditions in both women and men, AIs have not been useful in benign prostatic hypertrophy or prostate cancer. However inhibitors of 17αhydroxylase/lyase (CYP17) to block synthesis of androgens may be effective for prostate cancer. Recent clinical trials with abiraterone and preclinical studies with other novel CYP17 inhibitors, which also interact with the androgen receptor and cause its down-regulation, could provide a new approach for treating this disease. In further studies, we optimized treatment with aromatase inhibitors and antiestrogens utilizing an intratumoral aromatase xenograft model. AIs were more effective and sustained growth inhibition was longer than antiestrogens. However, inevitably tumors eventually began to grow despite continued treatment. Analysis of breast tumors from mice treated with letrozole revealed up-regulation of HER-2 and MAP Kinase signaling proteins and down-regulation of the estrogen receptor. Our studies showed that tumors adapt to AI treatment by activating alternate signaling pathways, thus enabling them to proliferate in the absence of estrogen. When mice bearing resistant tumors were treated with trastuzumab, the anti-HER-2 antibody (herceptin), HER-2 was decreased in the tumor but the estrogen receptor and aromatase were restored. Tumor growth was significantly inhibited by treatment with trastuzumab in addition to letrozole. Conclusions Aromatase inhibitors are proving to be an effective new class of agents for the treatment of breast cancer. Compounds inhibiting 17αhydroxylase/lyase have potential for the treatment of prostate cancer. Our results suggest that strategies to overcome resistance to these types of agents can restore sensitivity of the tumors to hormone therapy.
The inheritance of bilateral rotation of maxillary central incisors

Wing-like appearance is a term identifying mesiopalatal torsion of upper permanent central incisors. Previous studies have shown that the trait is more frequent in Amerind populations than in Caucasoids and pointed to a genetic cause. The purpose of this study is to establish the hereditary mechanism involved in the transmission of this trait. The population studied is an Indian community (Queckchi) of the municipality of St. Maria Cahabon, Guatemala. The group examined consists of 1,080 individuals, 752 (69.63%) classified as Indians and 328 (30.37%) as non-Indians. From this sample 37 index cases were identified and their families studied in detail. Six phenotypic variants were observed (left, right and bilateral mesiolabial and mesiolingual torsion). Sex ratio among affecteds is 45% female, 55% male, Pedigree study supports an autosomal dominant mode of inheritance with 84% penetrance and variable expressivity. Segregation analysis using the maximum likelihood method of Morton yields an estimate of p (the segregation frequency) of 0.42 which rules out recessive inheritance. To rule out a sex-linked gene, a χ2 test on offspring of normal females married to affected males is not significant (χ2 = 0.008). The gene frequency in the Indian and non-Indian groups is pi = 0.1 and pn = 0.08 respectively. The lack of racial differences is thought to be due to racial admixture.
Calculated properties of valence fluctuators

Abstract We discuss a unified theory of static and dynamic properties for Ce impurities in a metal using a single computational approach. Systematic calculations show that the presence of the low energy Kondo resonance structure in the particle/hole and spin excitation spectra at a scale of k B T 0 governs universal behaviour of the specific heat, susceptibility, resistivity, thermopower, and neutron scattering cross section. Deviations from universality arise as k B T 0 becomes comparable to the hybridization width or the inter-multiplet splitting Δ so . The scaling behaviour allows a quantitative one parameter fit to experimental specific heat, susceptibility, resistivity, and thermopower data for ( La , Ce)B 6 . The calculated absorptive susceptibility compares favorably with the data for CePd 3 , and there is qualitative agreement between the calculated photoemission spectrum and quasielastic linewidth and those of many valence fluctuating compounds. Inter-multiplet neutron scattering transition lineshapes are shown to 7be of weak intensity, slightly temperature dependent, and possibly observable.
Unusual dictyosome morphology and vesicle formation in tetrasporangia of the marine red alga Polysiphonia denudata

Dictyosomes in differentiating tetrasporangia of the red alga Polysiphonia denudata undergo extraordinary changes in size and morphology. In early stages of development the dictyosomes are approximately 0.5 μm in size and are structurally and functionally similar to dictyosomes in most other plants. However, in later stages of sporangial development, the dictyosomes become hypertrophied and exhibit anomalous, densely staining, laminated midregions which are formed due to close apposition of adjacent cisternae. In addition, the manner of secretory vesicle formation changes in mature sporangia such that only a single vesicle is formed by the direct transformation of a single cisterna. Deviating from the classical models proposed for plants and animals, these two aspects of dictyosome morphology and activity are a further demonstration of unique ultrastructural features of the red algae.
Energy constraint clustering algorithms for wireless sensor networks

Using partitioning in sensor networks to create clusters for routing, data management, and for controlling communication has been proven as a way to ensure long range deployment and to deal with sensor network shortcomings such as limited energy and short communication ranges. Choosing a cluster head within each cluster is important because cluster heads use additional energy for their responsibilities and that burden needs to be carefully passed around among nodes in a cluster. Many existing protocols either choose cluster heads randomly or use nodes with the highest remaining energy. We present an Energy Constrained minimum Dominating Set based efficient clustering called ECDS to model the problem of optimally choosing cluster heads with energy constraints. Our proposed randomized distributed algorithm for the constrained dominating set runs in O(lognlog@D) rounds with high probability where @D is the maximum degree of a node in the graph. We provide an approximation ratio for the ECDS algorithm of expected size 8H"@D|OPT| and with high probability a size of O(|OPT|logn) where n is the number of nodes, H is the harmonic function and OPT means the optimal size. We propose multiple extensions to the distributed algorithm for the energy constrained dominating set. We experimentally show that these extensions perform well in terms of energy usage, node lifetime, and clustering time in comparison and, thus, are very suitable for wireless sensor networks.
Electronic Medical Record-Assisted Design of a Cluster-Randomized Trial to Improve Diabetes Care and Outcomes

Background Electronic medical records (EMRs) have the potential to facilitate the design of large cluster-randomized trials (CRTs).
Tax rates and tax revenues in a model of growth through human capital accumulation

Abstract The relationship between tax rates and the present value of tax collections is analyzed in an endogenous growth setting in which growth is driven by the accumulation of human capital. In such a model, income taxation may reduce the size of the tax base in current and future periods through both labor supply and growth rate effects. Under the benchmark parameterization of the model, the growth-reducing effects of taxation are found to have a moderate, but significant effect in lowering the revenue-maximizing rate of taxation relative to a static model.
Environmental Factors Influencing Accounting Disclosure Requirements of Global Stock Exchanges

The globalization of capital markets has resulted in a great deal of attention being focused on problems created by accounting diversity in different countries. A number of studies have documented variations in accounting disclosure and reporting practices and standards in different countries. Diverse environmental factors have been cited in the literature to explain differences in disclosure levels between countries. This paper examines the relationship between environmental factors and the accounting disclosure requirements of stock exchanges in different countries. A cross-national disclosure model is developed to investigate the relationship of selected environmental factors and stock exchange disclosure requirements of 35 stock exchanges in different countries. Five environmental factors are used to explain the variation observed in disclosure requirements of the different stock exchanges. The five factors examined are: degree of economic development, type of economy, size of the equity market, activity on the equity market, and dispersion of stock ownership in the equity market. The overall results obtained from the cross-sectional regression indicate that the level of disclosure requirements of stock exchanges is related to the selected environmental factors in different countries. Of die five factors examined, however, only size of the equity market is found to be a significant explanatory variable.
Polychlorobiphenylols are selective inhibitors of human phenol sulfotransferase 1A1 with 4-nitrophenol as a substrate

Polychlorobiphenylols (OH-PCBs) were reported as potent inhibitors of estrogen sulfotransferase, thyroid hormone and 3-hydroxybenzo(a)pyrene sulfotransferases. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of selected OH-PCBs on SULT1A1 activity in human liver cytosol, measured with 4microM 4-nitrophenol, a concentration considered to be diagnostic for selectively detecting SULT1A1. All the OH-PCBs studied inhibited the sulfonation of 4-nitrophenol in human liver cytosol. Among the eighteen OH-PCBs studied, 3'-OH-CB3 (4-chlorobiphenyl-3'-ol) was the most potent inhibitor (IC(50): 0.73+/-0.15microM, mean+/-S.D., n=3). The least potent inhibitor studied was 6'-OH-CB35 (3,3',4-trichlorobiphenyl-6'-ol) with IC(50): 49.1+/-10.8microM. The IC(50) values of the other OH-PCBs studied ranged from 0.78 to 3.76microM. Some OH-PCBs with various inhibitory potencies with human liver cytosol were selected for study with recombinant human SULT1A1 and SULT1B1. These OH-PCBs showed more potent inhibition of 4-nitrophenol sulfonation with SULT1A1 than with human liver cytosol. The IC(50) values with human liver cytosol showed a perfect linear correlation with those found with SULT1A1 (r(2)=1), but not with SULT1B1 (r(2)=0.21). The results suggested that in these human samples SULT1A1 was predominantly responsible for the sulfonation of 4-nitrophenol, with very little or no contribution from SULT1B1. The kinetics of inhibition were studied with 4'-OH-CB165, which is similar in structure to OH-PCBs found in human blood. The 4'-OH-CB165 was a mixed noncompetitive-uncompetitive inhibitor (K(i)=1.80+/-0.2microM, K(ies)=0.16+/-0.02microM). Finally, it was demonstrated that the tested OH-PCBs were themselves only slowly sulfonated by human sulfotransferases in the presence of (35)S-PAPS, as measured by the production of (35)S-labeled metabolites. Although this series of 18 OH-PCBs was too small to draw conclusions about structure-potency relationships, this work demonstrated that several OH-PCBs were potent inhibitors of 4-nitrophenol sulfonation but poor substrates in human liver cytosol, and suggested that OH-PCBs may inhibit the sulfation rate of those xenobiotics sulfated by SULT1A1.
Patterns of functional improvement after revision knee arthroplasty

Background: Despite the increase in the number of total knee arthroplasty revisions, outcomes of such surgery and their correlates are poorly understood. The aim of this study was to characterize patterns of functional improvement after revision total knee arthroplasty over a two-year period and to investigate factors that affect such improvement patterns. Methods: Three hundred and eight patients in need of revision surgery were enrolled into the study, conducted at seventeen centers, and 221 (71.8%) were followed for two years. Short Form-36 (SF-36), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), and Lower-Extremity Activity Scale (LEAS) scores were collected at baseline and every six months for two years postoperatively. A piecewise general linear mixed model, which models correlation between repeated measures and estimates separate slopes for different follow-up time periods, was employed to examine functional improvement patterns. Results: Separate regression slopes were estimated for the zero to twelve-month and the twelve to twenty-four-month periods. The slopes for zero to twelve months showed significant improvement in all measures in the first year. The slopes for twelve to twenty-four months showed deterioration in the scores of the WOMAC pain subscale (slope = 0.67 ± 0.21, p < 0.01) and function subscale (slope = 1.66 ± 0.63, p < 0.05), whereas the slopes of the other measures had plateaued. A higher number of comorbidities was consistently the strongest deterrent of functional improvement across measures. The modes of failure of the primary total knee arthroplasty were instrument-specific predictors of outcome (for example, tibial bone lysis affected only the SF-36 physical component score [coefficient = −5.46 ± 1.91, p < 0.01], while malalignment affected both the SF-36 physical component score [coefficient = 5.41 ± 2.35, p < 0.05] and the LEAS score [coefficient = 1.42 ± 0.69, p < 0.05]). Factors related to the surgical technique did not predict outcomes. Conclusions: The onset of worsening pain and knee-specific function in the second year following revision total knee arthroplasty indicates the need to closely monitor patients, irrespective of the mode of failure of the primary procedure or the surgical technique for the revision. This information may be especially important for patients with multiple comorbidities. Level of Evidence: Prognostic Level II. See Instructions to Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Activity of inferior temporal neurons in behaving monkeys.

Abstract The activity of neurons in inferior temporal cortex of behaving monkeys was studied under the following conditions: (1) in untrained animals as they spontaneously fixated visual stimuli, (2) in an animal with immobilization of one eye after section of the oculomotor nerves, (3) during performance of a visual discrimination task and (4) during performance of a visual recent memory task. When stimulated through the immobilized eye, the properties of inferior temporal were similar to those seen under anesthesia and total immobilization. Under the other conditions, the response properties of inferior temporal neurons appeared to be modulated by attentional and situational variables.
Family Economies in Agrarian Mexico, 1750-1910

Studies of Mexican agrarian history long have focused on great estates and peasant communities, institutions presumed to dominate rural life. This essay suggests, however, that the agrarian poor first organized their lives in families—groups that dealt creatively with powerful people and institutions. It explores the ways the rural poor organized family economies not wholly subject to either great estates or villages. The conclusion is that family organization allowed the agrarian majority more independence from elites and powerful insti tutions than is generally accepted.
Cause, responsibility and blame: a structural-model approach

A definition of causality introduced by Halpern & Pearl, which uses structural equations, is reviewed. A more refined definition is then considered, which takes into account issues of normality and typicality, which are well known to affect causal ascriptions. Causality is typically an all-or-nothing notion: either A is a cause of B or it is not. An extension of the definition of causality to capture notions of degree of responsibility and degree of blame, due to Chockler and Halpern, is reviewed. For example, if someone wins an election 11-0, then each person who votes for him is less responsible for the victory than if he had won 6-5. Degree of blame takes into account an agent's epistemic state. Roughly speaking, the degree of blame of A for B is the expected degree of responsibility of A for B, taken over the epistemic state of an agent. Finally, the structural-equations definition of causality is compared to Wright's NESS test. Language: en
Oxidized LDL Immune Complexes Stimulate Collagen IV Production in Mesangial Cells via Fc Gamma Receptors I and III

Diabetic nephropathy is characterized by progressive mesangial expansion. Although we have reported that circulating oxidized LDL-containing immune complexes (oxLDL-IC) are associated with abnormal levels of albuminuria, the underlying mechanisms have not been investigated. In this study, we have studied the effect of oxLDL-IC on collagen IV expression by mesangial cells. We found that oxLDL-IC markedly stimulated collagen IV expression in a concentration- and time-dependent fashion while oxLDL only had moderate effect. We also found that oxLDL-IC stimulated collagen IV expression by engaging Fc gamma receptor (FcγR) I and III, but not FcγRII, and that p38 MAPK, JNK and PKC pathways were involved in collagen IV expression. Furthermore, we found that oxLDL-IC stimulated FcγRI expression, suggesting a positive feedback mechanism involved in oxLDL-IC-stimulated collagen IV expression. Taken together, this study showed that oxLDL-IC stimulated collagen IV in mesangial cells via FcγRI and FcγRIII, and the expression of FcγRI was increased by oxLDL-IC.
The Revolving Door of Resident Continuity Practice: Identifying Gaps in Transitions of Care

It is well documented that transitions of care pose a risk to patient safety. Every year, graduating residents transfer their patient panels to incoming interns, yet in our practice we consistently find that approximately 50% of patients do not return for follow-up care within a year of their resident leaving. To examine the implications of this lapse of care with respect to chronic disease management, follow-up of abnormal test results, and adherence with routine health care maintenance. Retrospective chart review We studied a subset of patients cared for by 46 senior internal medicine residents who graduated in the spring of 2008. 300 patients had been identified as high priority requiring follow-up within a year. We examined the records of the 130 of these patients who did not return for care. We tabulated unaddressed abnormal test results, missed health care screening opportunities and unmonitored chronic medical conditions. We also attempted to call these patients to identify barriers to follow-up. These patients had a total of 185 chronic medical conditions. They missed a total of 106 screening opportunities including mammogram (24), Pap smear (60) and colon cancer screening (22). Thirty-two abnormal pathology, imaging and laboratory test results were not followed-up as the graduating senior intended. Among a small sample of patients who were reached by phone, barriers to follow-up included a lack of knowledge about the need to see a physician, distance between home and our office, difficulties with insurance, and transportation. This study demonstrates the high-risk nature of patient handoffs in the ambulatory setting when residents graduate. We discuss changes that might improve the panel transfer process.
Changes in Age, Stage Distribution, and Survival of Patients with Esophageal Adenocarcinoma over Three Decades in the United States

Our aim was to evaluate the changes in age, stage distribution, and overall survival (OS) of patients with esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) over time. Patients from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database aged ≥20 with invasive EAC, diagnosed from 1973–2003 were reviewed. Survival follow-up ended in 2006. There were 11,620 patients; 6580 (57%) aged ≥65. The stage distribution was 22%, 35%, and 43% for localized, regional, and distant metastasis for patients aged <65, and 33%, 33%, and 34% for patients aged ≥65. The number of patients ≥65 years with localized stage increased over time. Three-year OS for localized, regional, and distant disease increased from 19%, 10%, and 1% in 1973–1976, to 34%, 13%, and 2% in 1987–1991, and to 45%, 25%, and 4% in 2002–2003 (P < 0.001). A sub-analysis of 5475 patients from 1988–2002 showed better survival for patients with esophagectomy for all stages. Three-year OS for 2074 patients with esophagectomy improved every 5 years from 1988–2002 (39%, 43% to 54%, P < 0.001). Stratified by stage, year and esophagectomy status, patients aged <65 had better survival compared to patients aged ≥65 (P < 0.001). There has been a substantial improvement in overall survival among patients with invasive EAC over the last 3 decades. Patients receiving esophagectomy had longer survival. Survival with esophagectomy improved in each time period. Although younger EAC patients were diagnosed at more advanced stages over time, they had better survival.
Temperature dependence of protein solubility — determination and application to crystallization in X-ray capillaries

Abstract A scintillation method was developed for determinations of the temperature dependence of the solubility, and of nucleation induction times of proteins, in 50–100 μl volumes of solution. Solubility data for lysozyme and horse serum albumin were obtained for various combinations of pH and precipitant concentrations. These data and the nucleation induction information were used for dynamic crystallization control, that is, for the controlled separation of nucleation and growth stages. Individual lysozyme and horse serum albumin crystals were grown in 15–20 μl solution volumes contained in X-ray capillaries.
Toward an Understanding of Definitions and Measures of School Engagement and Related Terms

This article provides an overview of definitions and measures related to school engagement. The intent herein, is to explore the construct and measurement of school engagement and related terms and provide a summary of previous literature, in an effort to offer a foundation to advance related scholarship and practice. Previous articles exploring school engagement, school bonding, and other associated terms (e.g., school attachment, school commitment, motivation) include a variety of definitions and measures. Items used in previous research addressing school engagement and related terms were classified into five contexts: a) academic performance, b) classroom behavior, c) extracurricular involvement, d) interpersonal relationships, and e) school community. Based on this review, it is suggested that school engagement is a multifaceted construct that includes affective, behavioral, and cognitive dimensions. Conceptualizing school engagement as a multifaceted construct has implications for both research and practice.
Multiple Scansions in Loanword Phonology: Evidence from Cantonese

In loanword phonology we seek to uncover the processes by which speakers possessing one phonological system perceive, apply native representational constraints on, and ultimately produce forms which have been generated by a different phonological system. We are interested in how speakers instantiate segmental and prosodic structure on an input which may or may not abide by native rules. Crucial to this assumed strategy is the idea that loanwords do not come equipped with their own phonological representation. For any phonetic string, it is only native speakers for whom a fully articulated phonological structure is present; as we will see, the input to loanword phonology is merely a superficial non-linguistic acoustic signal. Thus as host-language speakers perceive foreign forms in accordance with their indigenous phonological system, they instantiate native phonological representations on the acoustic signal, fitting the superficial input into the native phonological system as closely as possible.
A unique polypeptide on avian antigen-specific suppressor T-cell radioiodinated in situ by antigen-lactoperoxidase conjugates.

Abstract Antigen-specific receptors of B- or T-cells were selectively radiolabeled among the spleen cells from either human gammaglobulin immunized normal or bursectomized agammaglobulinemic chickens. Selective in situ radioiodination was accomplished by employing lactoperoxidase (LPO) covalently linked to antigen (Ag). Ag-specific receptors on B- or T-cells were allowed to bind Ag-LPO conjugates via the Ag portion of the conjugates and then to be selectively catalyzed for iodination by the LPO portion of the bound Ag-LPO conjugates. Radioiodinated cells were either processed for autoradiography to detect Ag-binding cells directly under the microscope or solubilized with detergents for protein analysis with two-dimensional (2-D) gel electrophoresis. On a cellular level, Ag-binding B- and T-cells were selectively radiolabeled and clearly visualized via autoradiography. On a molecular level, selectively radiolabeled Ag-specific membrane immunoglobulin of B-cells was demonstrated on 2-D gel autoradiographs. Furthermore, a unique polypeptide of Ag-specific T-cells with a reduced apparent mol. wt of 27 K and an apparent pi of 5.5–5.7 was demonstrated on 2-D gel autoradiograms. The 27 K molecule appears to be a T-cell receptor component itself, or a closely associated molecule.
Numerical modeling of Alfvén waves observed by the Polar spacecraft in the nightside plasma sheet boundary layer

[1] Results from a numerical study of localized, large-amplitude electromagnetic disturbances measured by the Polar satellite in the nightside plasma sheet are presented. It is shown that these disturbances can be explained in terms of shear Alfven waves generated in the magnetotail and interacting with a microturbulent layer at low altitudes. The plasma microturbulence/anomalous resistivity self-consistently included in the nonlinear, two-fluid MHD model causes the wave reflection and defines its structure and amplitude in the lower magnetosphere. It also causes the dissipation of the wave energy inside the turbulent/resistive layer, which leads to the creation of parallel electric field and parallel electron acceleration. Thus plasma turbulence connects electromagnetic structures measured by Polar at radial distance 4–6 RE with bright aurora simultaneously observed by the Polar Ultraviolet Imager at the ionospheric footprint of the corresponding magnetic field lines.
A new electro-optic sampling method using two/multiple wavelengths

A new electro-optic sampling method is proposed by modulating multiple wavelengths simultaneously to overcome the ambiguity in single-shot pulse application and enhance the signal-to-noise ratio.
The Group Basis of City Politics

How do nonprofits empower themselves? In this paper we analyze nonprofit advocacy in city politics, emphasizing especially their interaction with local policymakers. First we discuss what we call the “politics of place” in cities, examining the participation of three types of citywide and neighborhood nonprofits. The second section develops two lines of inquiry and articulates a set of hypotheses that grow out of a theoretical construct relating to low barriers to entry. Next, after describing the empirical methodology, those hypotheses are tested with data derived from large scale surveys in 50 of the nation’s largest cities. The subjects of these three surveys are city councilors, agency administrators, and interest group advocates. We find that access to policymakers in city politics is relatively easy as the barriers to entry for advocates is quite low. Not surprisingly the evidence points to a privileged position for business, though neighborhood associations also stand out in terms of incorporation into the policymaking process.
Biological Monitoring of Fire Fighters: Sister Chromatid Exchange and Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon-DNA Adducts in Peripheral Blood Cells

Fire fighters are exposed to potentially carcinogenic combustion and pyrolysis products during the course of their work. The present study was designed to test 43 fire fighters and matched controls for DNA damage which might be related to occupational carcinogen exposures. Using peripheral blood lymphocytes, we examined ( a ) baseline sister chromatid exchange (SCE) frequency and ( b ) SCE induction by in vitro mutagenic challenge with mitomycin C. Using nucleated peripheral blood cells, we examined ( c ) polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon-DNA adduct levels by assessing benzo( a )pyrene diol epoxide (BPDE)-DNA antigenicity. Exposures were determined from histories of fire-fighting activity. The presence of confounding factors ( e.g. , tobacco smoking, charcoalbroiled food consumption, etc.) was determined by questionnaire. Plasma cotinine levels were measured to assess recent exposures to tobacco smoke. White fire fighters exhibited a significantly higher risk for the presence of detectable BPDE-DNA antigenicity than white controls (odds ratio, 3.4; 95% confidence interval, 1.08–10.5 after adjustment). Consumption of charcoal-broiled food 3 times a month did not affect the proportion of positive individuals. Daily alcohol consumption was associated with a larger proportion of individuals exhibiting positive BPDE-DNA antigenicity, ( P = 0.07). Tobacco smoking and charcoal-broiled food consumption, but not fire fighting, were associated with increased levels of baseline SCE. Sensitivity to SCE induced by mitomycin C in cultured peripheral lymphocytes was similar in fire fighter and control groups. However, sensitivity of individual fire fighters to mitomycin C-induced SCE was correlated with number of fires fought in the previous 24 h.
A-Ports: an efficient abstraction for cycle-accurate performance models on FPGAs

Recently there has been interest in using FPGAs as a platform for cycle-accurate performance models. We discuss how the properties of FPGAs make them a good platform to achieve a performance improvement over software models. Some metrics are developed to gain insight into the strengths and weaknesses of different simulation methodologies. This paper introduces A-Ports, a distributed, efficient simulation scheme for creating cycle-accurate performance models on FPGAs. Finally, we quantitatively demonstrate an average performance improvement of 19% using A-Ports over other FPGA-based simulation schemes
The lower border rib graft for mandibular atrophy

Eight patients treated by a modified lower border rib grafting technique for severe mandibular atrophy have been followed for between two and eight years. The clinical results have been very satisfactory and resorption has been less than 12% after two years.
Unintentional Injuries: Magnitude, Prevention, and Control

The World Health Organization estimates injuries accounted for more than 5 million deaths in 2004, significantly impacting the global burden of disease. Nearly 3.9 million of these deaths were due to unintentional injury, a cause also responsible for more than 138 million disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) lost in the same year. More than 90% of the DALYs lost occur in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), highlighting the disproportionate burden that injuries place on developing countries. This article examines the health and social impact of injury, injury data availability, and injury prevention interventions. By proposing initiatives to minimize the magnitude of death and disability due to unintentional injuries, particularly in LMICs, this review serves as a call to action for further investment in injury surveillance, prevention interventions, and health systems strengthening.
Health-related quality of life among older adults with arthritis.

Background Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) is a key outcome in arthritis, but few population-based studies have examined the relationship of specific arthritic conditions, such as osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) with HRQOL.
Blue-Shifted and Red-Shifted Hydrogen Bonds in Hypervalent Rare-Gas FRg-H‚‚‚Y Sandwiches

Increased F-[Rg−H]+ resonance contribution provides an efficient mechanism for the Rg−H bond repolarization in the hypervalent 3c,4e−F−Rg−H···Y complexes, where Rg is a rare gas atom. This effect which parallels the effect of rehybridization in classic 2c,2e chemical bonds, decreases the population of the σ*(Rg−H) orbitals and increases the covalent Rg−H bond order leading to Rg−H bond contraction. The origin of this electronic reorganization can be ascribed to competition of two hyperconjugative donors for the same σ*(Rg−H) acceptor. As donor Y approaches the H atom of an FRgH moiety, the n(Y) → σ*(H−Rg) interaction becomes stronger, whereas the n(F) → σ*(Rg−H) interaction becomes weaker in an asynchronous process. For weaker donors Y and longer Y···H distances, breaking of the Rg−F covalent bond proceeds faster than formation of the H−Y bond. As a result, both the σ*(Rg−H) population and the Rg−H distance decrease thus accounting for the blue-shift in such H-bonded complexes. However, when Y is a modera...
Symbol Assignment for High-Rate Circular Trellis-Based Turbo Codes

Circular trellis code modulators (CTCM) are low latency, short block codes. These codes were originally designed for spread spectrum communication systems operating in an anti- jam environment. For these applications, low-rate, non-systematic parallel concatenated encoders along with iterative turbo decoders were used to achieve Near Shannon limit performance. For applications that require high data rates, CTCM can be modified to get a high-rate encoder. For this high-rate encoder, the symbol assignment method used by the low-rate code cannot be directly applied. In this paper, we present symbol assignment for rate-1/2 and rate-1/3 CTCM and show that their performance is comparable to other codes available in literature.
Gender, masculinity-femininity, and emotional intimacy in same-sex friendship

Using multiple regression techniques, this research examines the relationship of gender and of masculinity— femininity to self-reported emotional intimacy in same-sex friendship among male and female college students, a segment of the population for which friendship is thought to be of particular salience. Findings indicate that, as hypothesized, males report significantly lower levels of emotional intimacy in same-sex friendship than do females. Masculinity, defined in terms of “instrumental” qualities, has little effect on the degree of reported intimacy, while femininity, defined in terms of “expressive” qualities, is positively associated with intimate friendship. Findings for differences among individuals classified on combinations of masculinity and femininity are also presented. Results are interpreted in view of sex-role expectations which appear to prohibit displays of emotional vulnerability among men.
Policy prescriptions for healthier communities.

Synopsis Evidence of the health impacts of the built environment has increased rapidly. Studies have linked physical inactivity and motor- vehicle pollution to a range of health problems and have shown that activity levels and air quality are influenced by community design, land use, and transportation patterns. There is comparatively little awareness, however, of the role that laws and policies play in spurring sprawl and driving and of the opportunities to reorient current provisions to promote public health. This article summarizes the findings connecting the built environment to a variety of health problems. It then describes how current policies present barriers to physical activity and increase pollution by encouraging sprawl development and by offering few transportation choices. Finally, the article suggests ways to overcome these barriers by examining policies that can promote public health by making it easier to incorporate greater physical activity into our everyday lives and to reduce driving....
Xenotransplantation model for vascularized musculoskeletal tissues in rodents.

The purpose of this study was to establish a model and to define the mechanism of rejection for the transplantation of vascularized musculoskeletal xenografts between C57BL/6j (B6) mice and Lewis rats. This was accomplished by using conventional skin xenografts to determine immunologic baseline data between these species and by performing musculoskeletal grafts from the B6 mice transplanted into Lewis rats. After the transplant, the xenografts were examined histologically and the recipients were assessed for immune reaction using in vitro assays to measure both cell-mediated and humoral responses. The results obtained from the skin xenografts showed activation of both cellular and humoral immunologic responses. All musculoskeletal xenografts were rejected between 3 and 4 postoperative days. Histologically, the grafts showed extensive vascular injury manifested by thrombosis and hemorrhage, suggesting an early humoral response. Anti-donor antibody production was detected in the recipient's sera soon after rejection of the xenogeneic tissue. The cell-mediated immune response, although detectable by the in vitro assays, was less pronounced than the humoral response and corroborated the histologic findings of mild lymphocyte infiltration in the rejected tissue. These results demonstrate that humoral rejection plays a predominant role in the rejection of vascularized musculoskeletal xenotransplants between concordant species. This mouse-to-rat vascularized xenograft model will be utilized for further studies on inducing tolerance to vascularized musculoskeletal xenografts.
Effect of ractopamine-HCl supplementation for 28 days on carcass characteristics, muscle fiber morphometrics, and whole muscle yields of six distinct muscles of the loin and round

This study evaluated the effects of ractopamine–HCl (RAC) supplementation on carcass characteristics, muscle fiber morphometrics, and tenderness. Thirty-four steers (2 groups, 4 replicates) were fed RAC or carrier for 28 days prior to harvest. Seventy-two hours postmortem, the Longissimus lumborum (LL), Gracilis (GRA), Vastus lateralis (VL), Rectus femoris (RF), Semimembranosus (SM), and Adductor (ADD) were dissected from each carcass. Commodity weight, denuded weight, and muscle dimensions were collected. RAC supplementation tended to affect dressing percentage (P = 0.15) and muscle firmness (P 0.05) by RAC. Thus, RAC improves carcass parameters without a negative impact on tenderness.
A Re-examination of Aristotle's Philosophy of Science

There have recently appeared some studies in which Aristotle's views on science are related to modern philosophical issues and distinctions, some articles in which a return to at least some of his ideas is suggested as a solution to certain modern problems, and also some advocacy of the essentialism or modal realism that is historically associated with the Aristotelian tradition.
Frequent Aneuploidy Among Normal Human Hepatocytes

Murine hepatocytes become polyploid and then undergo ploidy reversal and become aneuploid in a dynamic process called the ploidy conveyor. Although polyploidization occurs in some types of human cells, the degree of aneuploidy in human hepatocytes is not known. We isolated hepatocytes derived from healthy human liver samples and determined chromosome number and identity using traditional karyotyping and fluorescence in situ hybridization. Similar to murine hepatocytes, human hepatocytes are highly aneuploid. Moreover, imaging studies revealed multipolar spindles and chromosome segregation defects in dividing human hepatocytes. Aneuploidy therefore does not necessarily predispose liver cells to transformation but might promote genetic diversity among hepatocytes.
New Method for the Orthogonal Labeling and Purification of Toxoplasma gondii Proteins While Inside the Host Cell

ABSTRACT Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular protozoan parasite that is capable of causing severe disease in immunocompromised humans. How T. gondii is able to modulate the host cell to support itself is still poorly understood. Knowledge pertaining to the host-parasite interaction could be bolstered by developing a system to specifically label parasite proteins while the parasite grows inside the host cell. For this purpose, we have created a strain of T. gondii that expresses a mutant Escherichia coli methionyl-tRNA synthetase (MetRS NLL ) that allows methionine tRNA to be loaded with the azide-containing methionine analog azidonorleucine (Anl). Anl-containing proteins are susceptible to a copper-catalyzed “click” reaction to attach affinity tags for purification or fluorescent tags for visualization. The MetRS NLL -Anl system labels nascent T. gondii proteins in an orthogonal fashion, labeling proteins only in MetRS NLL -expressing parasites. This system should be useful for nonradioactive pulse-chase studies and purification of nascently translated proteins. Although this approach allows labeling of a diverse array of parasite proteins, secreted parasite proteins appear to be only minimally labeled in MetRS NLL -expressing T. gondii. The minimal labeling of secreted proteins is likely a consequence of the selective charging of the initiator tRNA (and not the elongator methionine tRNA) by the heterologously expressed bacterial MetRS. IMPORTANCE Studying how T. gondii modifies the host cell to permit its survival is complicated by the complex protein environment of the host cell. The approach presented in this article provides the first method for specific labeling of T. gondii proteins while the parasite grows inside the host cell. We show that this approach is useful for pulse-chase labeling of parasite proteins during in vitro growth. It should also be applicable during in vivo infections and in other apicomplexan parasites, including Plasmodium spp.
Chondrocranial morphology and ontogenetic allometry in larval Bufo americanus (Anura, Bufonidae)

Available descriptions of chondrocranial morphology among larvae of Bufo species are inconsistent, the range of variation in chondrocranial structure is not well defined, and no detailed quantitative descriptions of cranial ontogeny currently exist for any species of the genus. This study describes chondrocranial morphology in larval Bufo americanus based on three samples of tadpoles and provides comparisons with other species of Bufo. Additionally, this study provides the first data on ontogenetic allometry of the chondrocranium in Bufo and demonstrates fine-scale intraspecific shape variation among samples of B. americanus larvae. Chondrocranial morphology in B. americanus is overall similar to that reported for larvae of other members of the genus. Morphometric analyses indicate that although chondrocranial shape differs consistently among samples from three localities, patterns of ontogenetic allometry are conserved. Common principal components analysis of the chondrocranial measurements indicates a mixture of allometric and isometric scaling. Measurements associated with the oral region, braincase, and otic capsule tend to scale with negative allometry, whereas those associated with the posterior palatoquadrate and insertion sites for the major jaw and buccal muscles scale with isometry or positive allometry. These data provide further evidence that the anuran chondrocranium is not a static structure during premetamorphic stages. Furthermore, these patterns are similar to those previously reported for Rana sylvatica, suggesting the hypothesis that these allometries may represent a general pattern in larval anurans.
Some principles for the effective display of data

Since computers can produce output at a high rate, it is often useful for it to put that output in a form that facilitates human analysis. There has been much research on the human factors of displays; from this research, we can evolve principles to guide the effective display of computer output. The two main principles described here are the principle of proportional effect, which guides the encoding of a datum's identity and value, and the principle of least effort, which minimizes the effort needs to scan, and perceive and interpret the display. Some of these ideas are illustrated using data generated by a neural simulation.
Disorders of Extracellular Fluid Volume: Basic Concepts

In Chap. 3, we discussed how NaCl and water are handled by various segments of the nephron. Since Na+ is the major extracellular electrolyte, the total amount of this electrolyte and its accompanying anion (Cl−) determine the extracellular fluid (ECF) volume. Therefore, retention or excretion of Na+ by the kidneys is critical for the regulation of ECF volume. This regulation of NaCl is precise in normal individuals. In a steady state, urinary Na+ approximates dietary Na+, as the kidneys are the major excretory organs of Na+ besides gastrointestinal tract and skin. Low salt intake results in low excretion of Na+. Conversely, high salt intake results in high excretion of Na+. Any disturbance in this regulation activates or inhibits neural and hormonal mechanisms, leading to appropriate change in Na+ excretion by the kidneys. This chapter discusses the basic concepts that characterize ECF volume depletion, and conditions that are associated with the development of volume expansion and edema formation.
Genome Sequence of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia Strain SmAs1, Isolated From the Asian Malaria Mosquito Anopheles stephensi

ABSTRACT An isolate of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia was cultured from the Asian malaria vector Anopheles stephensi. Here, we present the annotated draft genome sequence of this S. maltophilia strain. This genomic resource will facilitate further characterization of bacteria associated with mosquitoes.
The Transient Role for Calcium and Vitamin D during the Developmental Hair Follicle Cycle

The role for 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 and/or calcium in hair follicle cycling is not clear despite their impact on keratinocyte differentiation. We found that calbindin-D9k null (knockout) pups generated from calbindin-D9k knockout females fed a vitamin D-deficient, low-calcium (0.47%) diet develop transient alopecia. The pups appear phenotypically normal until 13 days of age, after which the hair progressively sheds in a caudocephalic direction, resulting in truncal alopecia totalis by 20-23 days, with spontaneous recovery by 28 days. Histological studies showed markedly dystrophic hair follicles, loss of hair shafts with increased apoptosis, and hyperplastic epidermis during this time. Ha1 expression is lost during catagen in all mice but recovers more slowly in the knockout pups on the vitamin D-deficient, low-calcium diet. Keratin 1 expression is reduced throughout days 19-28. The expressions of involucrin, loricrin, and cathepsin L is initially increased by day 19 but subsequently falls below those of controls by day 23, as does that of desmoglein 3. Feeding the mothers a high-vitamin D/high-calcium (2%)/lactose (20%) diet lessens the phenotype, and knockout pups fostered to mothers fed a normal diet do not develop alopecia. Our results show that in calbindin-D9k knockout pups, a maternal vitamin D-deficient/low-calcium diet leads to transient noncicatricial alopecia.
On the question of whether f''+e−Zf'+B(z)f=0 can admit a solution f¬=0 of finite order

We show that if B(z) is either (i) a transcendental entire function with order (B)≠1, or (ii) a polynomial of odd degree, then every solution f≠0 to the equation f″ + e−zf′ + B(z)f = 0 has infinite order. We obtain a partial result in the case when B(z) is an even degree polynomial. Our method of proof and lemmas for case (i) of the above result have independent interest.