cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Analysis of patients referred to a gastroenterologist practicing in a community hospital.

Abstract A questionnaire was designed to provide information on consecutive patient referrals over a 12-mo period to a consultant in gastroenterology practicing in a community hospital serving approximately 100,000 people. Data were entered into a computer for ease of storage and analysis. One thousand two hundred seventy-six consultations were seen in 1188 patients. Ages ranged from 1 to 97 yr; most were in the 5th to 7th decade. The majority of consultations were from 11 general internists (66.2%); fewer consultations were from 7 general surgeons (16.0%), 8 general practitioners (10.3%), and 6 pediatricians (2.7%). The most frequent reasons for patient referral were abdominal pain (27.8%), consideration of a procedure (23.7%), and an x-ray abnormality (16.6%). The gastroenterologist performed 1217 procedures as part of 1026 consultations; the most frequently performed was upper gastrointestinal endoscopy (60.1%). The gastroenterologist made 1604 diagnoses in his subspecialty; diagnoses relating to the esophagus were made at 276 consultations, the stomach at 317, the duodenum at 204, the small bowel at 26, the colon-rectum at 321, the liver/biliary tree at 184, and the pancreas at 66. The major objective of this investigation was realized by the prospective collection of the experience of a practicing gastroenterologist. This data collection was accomplished without apparent omissions or encumbrance on the practice routine. These data provide a perspective on the role of a practicing consultant gastroenterologist and appear relevant to considerations of the training of gastroenterologists.
Mapping of the pressure response element of the c-fos gene by direct DNA injection into beating hearts

Abstract In vivo gene transfer into various organs of postnatal animals has recently been demonstrated. We applied this technique in order to map the promoter element of the protooncogene c-fos in the myocardium that responds to left ventricular pressure overload in vivo. Beating rat hearts were directly injected with a recombinant plasmid containing a 356-base pair upstream regulatory element of the mouse c-fos gene fused to a reporter gene. Two days after the injection, the hearts were excised and buffer-perfused. Acute pressure overload was applied for 2 h by inflating an intraventricular balloon. Pressure overload increased the myocardial reporter gene activity by 3-8-fold (p < 0.01). Deletion and point mutations in the serum response element (SRE) of the c-fos promoter resulted in loss of pressure-induced reporter gene expression, indicating that the SRE is necessary for pressure response. The SRE alone was sufficient to confer pressure responsiveness to the minimal c-fos promoter, confirming that the pressure response element coincides with the SRE. A construct containing a point mutation at the p62TCF binding site of the SRE did not respond to pressure overload or to a protein kinase C activator but retained responsiveness to a calcium ionophore. This suggests that pressure overload may activate the c-fos promoter by a protein kinase C-dependent pathway. Thus, a directly injected gene can be regulated in the host cells by a physical stimulus to the intact organ. The in vivo DNA injection technique is a useful method to study complex organ physiology at the molecular level.
Evolution of Oxidation and Creep Damage Mechanisms in HIPed Silicon Nitride Materials

Several yttria-fluxed, hot-isostatically pressed (HIPed) silicon nitrides have been tensile creep tested at temperatures representative of those present in expected gas turbine engines. Creep and oxidation assisted damage mechanisms concurrently evolve when these materials are tested at relatively high temperatures and low stresses (i. e., long exposure times at temperature). Atmospheric creep testing results in the creation of oxygen and yttrium gradients across the radial dimension of the specimens. High concentrations of oxygen and yttrium coincide with dense populations of lenticular-shaped cavities near the surface of the crept specimens. The center of the tensile specimens was devoid of oxygen or yttrium; in addition, lenticular cavities were rarely observed. The gradient in lenticular-cavity concentration is coincident with the oxygen and yttrium gradients. Stress corrosion cracking (SCC) also occurs in these HIPed silicon nitrides when they are subjected to stress at high temperatures in ambient air. The size of this damage zone increases when the temperature is higher and/or the applied stress is lower. Stress-corrosion cracking initiates at the surface of the tensile specimen and advances radially inwards. What nucleates SCC has not yet been identified, but it is believed to result from a stress-concentrator (e. g., machining damage) at the specimen’s surface and its growth is a result of the coalescence of microcracks and cavities. The higher concentration of oxygen and yttrium in the grain boundaries near the specimen’s surface lessens the local high temperature mechanical integrity; this is believed to be associated with the growth of the SCC zone. This SCC zone continues to grow in size during tensile loading until it reaches a critical size which causes fracture.
Asymptotic Characterization of Log-Likelihood Maximization Based Algorithms and Applications

The asymptotic distribution of estimates that are based on a sub-optimal search for the maximum of the log-likelihood function is considered. In particular, estimation schemes that are based on a two-stage approach, in which an initial estimate is used as the starting point of a subsequent local maximization, are analyzed. We show that asymptotically the local estimates follow a Gaussian mixture distribution, where the mixture components correspond to the modes of the likelihood function. The analysis is relevant for cases where the log-likelihood function is known to have local maxima in addition to the global maximum, and there is no available method that is guaranteed to provide an estimate within the attraction region of the global maximum. Two applications of the analytic results are offered. The first application is an algorithm for finding the maximum likelihood estimator. The algorithm is best suited for scenarios in which the likelihood equations do not have a closed form solution, the iterative search is computationally cumbersome and highly dependent on the data length, and there is a risk of convergence to a local maximum. The second application is a scheme for aggregation of local estimates, e.g. generated by a network of sensors, at a fusion center. This scheme provides the means to intelligently combine estimates from remote sensors, where bandwidth constraints do not allow access to the complete set of data. The result on the asymptotic distribution is validated and the performance of the proposed algorithms is evaluated by computer simulations.
Structural basis for enhanced T c in Y Ba 2 Cu 3 O y F x

The optimum empirical formula and a model for the ordered crystalline motif for the high-${T}_{c}$ (155 K), fluoride-substituted ceramic, Y${\mathrm{Ba}}_{2}$${\mathrm{Cu}}_{3}$${\mathrm{O}}_{6}$${\mathrm{F}}_{2}$ are deduced based on simple structural considerations. The average Cu-atom oxidation state (2.33) is predicted to be the same as in the oxygenated meterial (${T}_{c}\ensuremath{\sim}95$ K), Y${\mathrm{Ba}}_{2}$${\mathrm{Cu}}_{3}$${\mathrm{O}}_{7}$.
Hypochondriasis and obsessive compulsive disorder

Hypochondriasis and OCD differ conceptually in the degree to which the patient's disease concerns are experienced as an intrusive mental event or a reasonable psychological response to a realistic health threat, in the degree to which the ideation is resisted, and in the presence of somatic sensations and medical help-seeking. There are, however, some similarities between the conditions, including the development of excessive, stereotyped, repetitive behaviors in an attempt to allay their anxiety. Empirical data on the degree of overlap between the conditions are too limited to permit definitive conclusions. The little that we do know, however, suggests that (1) the prevalence of OCD in hypochondriasis is probably elevated, but not extraordinarily so; (2) the prevalence of hypochondriasis in OCD is unknown; (3) fears about disease, illness, and injury are one of the more common forms of obsessions seen in OCD; and (4) there are several ill-defined and largely unexplored conditions, such as disease phobias, which appear to be very similar to both OCD and hypochondriasis. Clinical experience suggests that there may be a subgroup of hypochondriacal patients who are closer to the anxiety disorders in general and to OCD in particular. This subgroup might respond to the newer, antiobsessional, serotonin reuptake blocking agents.
Extending user-interface toolkits with hypermedia functionality

This paper describes a technique for extending user interface toolkits with hypermedia functionality. The technique employs a separation-of-concerns approach which is incremental, reusable, and maintainable. The essence of the approach is to integrate a user interface toolkit with an open hypermedia system. The integration occurs through a set of integrated widgets and a hypermedia infrastructure. The infrastructure acts as a gateway between the toolkit and the open hypermedia system. The integrated widgets use the infrastructure to augment their behavior with hypermedia services. Applications constructed with the resulting toolkit contain hypermedia enabled widgets, automatically providing consistent cross application hypermedia services with little effort required by the application developer. The benefits of generalizing the technique to other services, such as groupware, are also discussed.
TAXONOMIC CHANGES IN LESSINGIA (COMPOSITAE: ASTEREAE)

ABSTRACT Phylogenetic studies of Lessingia Cham. show that different corolla coloration (pink/white vs. yellow) diagnoses the two major clades of Lessingia sensu stricto. There are no taxonomic changes in the “pink/white group” but two taxa within the “yellow group,” recognized by Lane (1993) as L. glandulifera A. Gray and L. lemmonii A. Gray, are not monophyletic and have therefore been realigned to reflect natural lineages. The circumscription of L. lemmonii sensu Lane (1993) has been expanded and now includes the type specimen of L. glandulifera, a name that has priority over L. lemmonii. Plants included in a narrowed circumscription of L. glandulifera sensu Lane (1993) will now be recognized as L. pectinata Greene. Lessingia glandulifera A. Gray var. peirsonii (J. T. Howell) Markos and L. pectinata Greene var. tenuipes (J. T. Howell) Markos are new combinations.
Variability in Twitter Content Across the Stages of a Natural Disaster: Implications for Crisis Communication

Little is known about the ways in which social media, such as Twitter, function as conduits for information related to crises and emergencies. The current study analyzed the content of over 1,500 Tweets that were sent in the days leading up to the landfall of Hurricane Sandy. Time-series analyses reveal that relevant information became less prevalent as the crisis moved from the prodromal to acute phase, and information concerning specific remedial behaviors was absent. Implications for government agencies and emergency responders are discussed.
Wives' Relative Wages, Husbands' Paid Work Hours, and Wives' Labor-Force Exit.

Economic theories predict that women are more likely to exit the labor force if their partners' earnings are higher and if their own wage rate is lower. In this article, I use the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth (N = 2,254) and discrete-time event-history analysis to show that wives' relative wages are more predictive of their exit than are their own or their husbands' absolute wages. In addition, I show that women married to men who work more than 45 hours per week are more likely to exit the labor force than are wives whose husbands' work approximately 40 hours per week. My findings highlight the need to examine how women's partners affect women's labor-force participation.
WHAT IS THE LONG-TERM EMOTIONAL AND BEHAVIORAL IMPACT OF GENETIC RISK ASSESSMENT FOR ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE? FINDINGS FROM THE REVEAL STUDY

information linked to routine hospital and mortality data, and to be contacted again by the researchers. A second wave of data collection is ongoing (20142017) with additional questions onmemory, carers and diet. The cohort is also being replenished and coverage widened to include the entire Yorkshire and Humber region (pop 5.25mn). The new recruitment target for the cohort is 50,000. In the first wave of recruitment 28,000 adults (1,700 aged 75 or over) returned completed Health Questionnaires. The response rate was 17%. As expected, respondents were more likely to be female, over 55 years, and living in areas of low deprivation. However, the population is broadly representative of the reference population. To date 12 health studies have identified and recruited over 1100 participants to their studies (including randomised controlled trials, qualitative interviews, matched case control studies) and local authorities are using the data to inform their Joint Strategic Needs Assessments. With over 3000 participants likely to receive a diagnosis of dementia in the next five years, the Yorkshire Health Study provides an opportunity to test a range of individual and public health level interventions to treat, manage and/or prevent dementia and to understand more about the health related behaviours that affect the onset and trajectory of dementia.
Binder-free porous core–shell structured Ni/NiO configuration for application of high performance lithium ion batteries

Abstract An interwoven core–shell structured Ni/NiO anode for lithium ion batteries was created by a simple oxidation of Ni foam. As-prepared configuration has a high specific discharge capacity of 701 mAh g − 1 at the 2nd cycle. Its electrochemical performance at subsequent cycles shows good energy capacity of 646 mAh g − 1 at the 65th cycle as well as good rate capability. The porous core–shell structure not only buffers the volume change during cycling but also effectively increases the contact among anode, current collector and electrolyte. The small contact resistance between NiO and Ni facilitates enhanced intrinsic kinetics from conversion reaction.
Amino-terminal Amino-acid Sequences of Human Plasma 3S γ1-Globulin and Carbonic Anhydrase B

THE 3S γ1-globulin of normal human plasma1 is known to possess chemical and physicochemical properties that are very similar to those of carbonic anhydrase B of human erythrocytes2,3. The amino(N)-terminal amino groups of both proteins appear substituted and that of carbonic anhydrase B was reported to be acetylated4. To obtain evidence for the identity of these two proteins and to elucidate further their primary structure, the N-terminal amino-acid sequence of human 3S γ1-globulin and carbonic anhydrase B was investigated.
Aspects of the post-Cretaceous recovery of the Cenozoic planktic foraminifera

Abstract Survivorship analysis was used to extract unbiased (censorship-corrected) estimates of the species longevity distribution of the Cenozoic planktic Foraminifera. These estimated distributions provide the basis for monte carlo simulations of the post-Cretaceous recovery in the group. Using the achievement of a stable longevity distribution as a criterion for recovery yields a predicted recovery time of approximately 15 Myr. This prediction agrees well with the observed recovery time, but significant patterns of deviation from simulations suggest that extinction and origination rates covary and that rapid turnover during the Paleocene recovery period may have significantly reduced mean longevity during that time. A significant fit to a Weibull survivorship model suggests that there is an longevity-dependent increase in extinction probability which may be explained by temporal inhomogeneity in the origination rates of short-lived species. The scale of the inhomogeneity suggests it is unlikely to be an artifact of taxonomic practice or sampling error. Censorship-corrected mean longevity is reported to be 9.17 Myr.
Developing an inservice program to meet accreditation requirements

Today's OR challenges the nurse manager to offer inservice sessions that expand the knowledge base of staff members who provide patient care. A well-planned inservice program that is based on the assessed needs of the department and staff members can help meet this challenge. The program must have inservice sessions with stated, measurable learning objectives; a method of evaluation; and a means of documenting the inservice offering. The overall inservice program must be evaluated continuously and changed as needed. Above all, the program must be geared toward establishing and maintaining the competence of OR staff members. Only then can managers be sure that patients are receiving the best possible nursing care.
Land Reform in Kiaochow, China: From 1898 to 1914 the Menace of Disastrous Land Speculation was Averted by Taxation

. Mistaken land policies in overseas possessions of the German Empire resulted in disastrous land peculation. The small German Land Reform League vainly petitioned the Chancellor for a rational colonial land policy. Von Wissman, East African Governor, stopped the selling of crown lands, ordering their leasing. The speculators and the press denounced him. But the League supported him and the Colonial Office distributed its periodical to leading officials. The articles reached the Navy Department and high officers were won to the cause of land reform. When Admiral von Diederichs occupied Kiaochow in 1898, he was determined, as was his superior. Admiral von Tirpitz, to prevent land speculation. The Kiaochow Land and Tax Statute, in force from 1898 to 1914, achieved their goal. Inspired by Henry George, it was written by Wilhelm Schrameier, a young colonial officer who became Imperial Commissioner.
Synthesis of N,N-dimethyl-2,4-dinitro-5-fluorobenzylamine and its reactions with amino acids and peptides

Abstract A practical synthesis is described for N , N -dimethyl-2,4-dinitro-5-fluorobenzylamine (DMDNFB) and its - d 6 analog as an alternative Sanger's reagent (DNFB), for purposes of amino acid derivatization detectable by positive mode electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. DMDNFB is comparable to DNFB in its efficiency to derivatize amino acids and peptides. Various DMDNP ( d 0 / d 6 ) derivatives of (modified) lysine were synthesized to evaluate the potential use of isotope-edited LC-ESI-MS as a tool for structural definition of the posttranslational modification of protein-based lysines.
Preoperative predictors of blood transfusion in colorectal cancer surgery.

Transfusion is associated with multiple risks and morbidities. Little is known, however, about preoperative predictors of transfusion in gastrointestinal surgery patients. To identify factors that influence transfusion practices, we analyzed hospital discharge data from colorectal cancer surgery patients in Maryland between 1994 and 2000 (n = 14,052). The primary outcome variable was whether or not patients received a blood product (“Any Transfusion”). Characteristics independently associated with an increased risk of receiving Any Transfusion included: advanced age (>80 yr: OR 2.3; 95% CI 1.9-2.9; 70–79 yr: OR 1.6; 95% CI 1.4-2.0 vs. 12 cases/yr) were at a decreased risk (OR 0.8; 95% CI 0.6-0.99). The association between greater surgeon case volume and low transfusion rates was seen in all but the very high volume hospitals (>74 cases/yr). Blood product transfusion was associated with a 2.5-fold (95% CI 2.1-3.1) increased mortality, 3.7 day (95% CI 2.1-3.1) increase in hospital length of stay, and a $7120 (95% CI $6472-$7769) increase in total charges compared to patients that did not receive Any Transfusion. This data can be used by providers in discussions with patients regarding the risks for transfusion and in identifying patients in whom strategies to reduce transfusions should be evaluated.
G-Protein-Coupled Receptor Activation Investigated using Small-Angle Neutron Scattering

G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) represent the largest family of proteins in the human genome and comprise about 50% of current molecular drug targets. Rhodopsin is the GPCR involved in visual light perception and occurs naturally in a membrane lipid environment. Rhodopsin photoactivation yields cis-trans isomerization of retinal giving an equilibrium between inactive Meta-I and active Meta-II states. Here we address the question: does photoactivation lead to a single Meta-II conformation or is there an ensemble of substates described by an ensemble-activation mechanism (EAM) [1]? In this context small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) probes rhodopsin-detergent and rhodopsin-lipid complexes through measurement of the intensity of the neutrons scattered as a function of scattering vector I(q). Contrast variation enables us to highlight individual components of a multi-component system without isotopic labeling of the sample. Upon photoactivation, the Meta-I state was stabilized in CHAPS-solubilized rhodopsin, while Meta-II was trapped in DDM-solubilized rhodopsin. The ligand-free apoprotein opsin was obtained by photobleaching rhodopsin in the presence of hydroxylamine. The SANS spectra for the above rhodopsin substates were acquired from 80% D2O solutions and at contrast-matching points for both DDM and CHAPS samples. The data collected in 80% D2O samples provide structural information for both protein and detergent, while the data collected at contrast-matching points give information for the protein structure exclusively. Our experiments demonstrate that for detergent-solubilized rhodopsin, SANS with contrast variation can detect structural differences between the rhodopsin dark-state, Meta-I, Meta-II, and ligand-free opsin states. Dark-state rhodopsin is more conformationally flexible (less-compact) in DDM micelles compared to the CHAPS, which is consistent with an ensemble of activated Meta-II states. Furthermore, the time-dependent structural transitions between Meta-I and Meta-II as observed by time-resolved SANS will be crucial to understanding the ensemble-based activation. [1]A.V. Struts et al. (2011) NSMB18, 392-394.
PATELLOFEMORAL JOINT COMPRESSIVE FORCES DURING BACKWARD AND FORWARD RUNNING AT THE SAME SPEED

A previous study found that the patellofemoral joint compressive force (PFJRF) during backward running was less than during forward running at a self-selected speed. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to compare the patellofemoral joint compressive forces during backward and forward running at the same speed. Ten runners (four females, six males) between the ages of 20–25 (X=22.25, SD=2.25) ran in backward and forward directions at a very slow speed of 2.3 mph (1.0 ms-1). Using a mathematical model of patellofemoral joint that does not assume equal forces of the quadriceps and patellar tendon, the PFJRFs during the very slow backward and forward running were calculated. Results showed that the PFJRF and knee extensor moment during backward and forward running were similar. The PFJRF and knee extensor moment were 3.51 BW and 144.52 Nm, respectively, during the very slow backward running, and 3.41 BW and 141.60 Nm, respectively, during the very slow forward running. In conclusion, slow backward and forward running put similar compressive forces on the patellofemoral joint. Moreover, backward running does not protect the patellofemoral joint from higher compression forces, but very slow speed does.
H+3 vibrational frequencies from ion impact spectroscopy

Abstract Inelastic energy losses in the collisions of H + 3 with Ne have been measured in a beam apparatus designed to direct mass analyzed, low energy ion beams onto target molecules and scan the energy, mass, and angular distributions of charged interaction products. The experimental energy loss spectra at small scattering angles correspond to that expected for vibrational excitation of H + 3 . Frequencies obtained from these inelastic energy loss data are found to agree with the quantum mechanical calculations of Christoffersen and of Schwartz and Schaad. Transitions involving doubly degenerate H + 3 bending modes are dominant under the conditions of these experiments.
The effects of calcium antagonists on anthrone skin tumor promotion and promoter-related effects in SENCAR mice

Abstract The present study investigated a possible role for Ca 2+ in skin tumor promotion by anthrones. This was accomplished by testing the effects of two Ca 2+ antagonists, verapamil and 3,4,5-trimethoxybenzoic acid 8-(diethylamino) octyl ester (TMB-8), on tumor promotion and promoter-related effects induced by the anthrone chrysarobin in SENCAR mice. Verapamil and TMB-8 both effectively inhibited epidermal ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) induction by a single application of chrysarobin. Both Ca 2+ antagonists inhibited anthrone-induced skin edema and epidermal hyperplasia. Additionally, both verapamil and TMB-8 slightly inhibited (20–21% at the highest doses) tumor promotion with chrysarobin. Although the inhibition by both Ca 2+ antagonists was not statistically significant ( P >0.05) in either case, the fact that both compounds produced a similar inhibition suggests that this effect may be biologically relevant. Collectively, the data suggest a possible role for Ca 2+ in the process of skin tumor promotion by anthrones.
Alzheimer's disease afflicted spouses who remain at home: can human dialectics explain the findings?

Abstract When one spouse has Alzheimer's disease (AD), marital interactions tend to decline. Findings from this study suggest that level of spousal interactions influence longitudinal outcomes for afflicted spouses. Thirty AD spouses and their spouse caregivers were assessed at baseline (time 1) and two years later (time 2). Continued in-home care at time 2 is predicted by high levels of positive spousal interactions, high caregiver commitment, good caregiver health, and shorter time as caregiver (all assessed at time 1). The same variables but in an inverse relationship predict which AD spouses are deceased at time 2. Nursing home placement is predicted by AD spouses' higher educational level, unhappy marital relationships, and low caregiver commitment. Afflicted spouses' cognitive and functional impairment levels, their physical health and depression do not predict outcomes. A theoretical explanation is developed drawing on Riegel's dialectical theory of human development and Bowlby's attachment theory. It is suggested that interactions between spouses are crucial for afflicted spouses' survival
Transposable Elements As a Molecular Evolutionary Force

This essay addresses the paradoxes of the complex and highly redundant genomes. The central theses developed are that: (1) the distinctive feature of complex genomes is the existence of epigenetic mechanisms that permit extremely high levels of both tandem and dispersed redundancy; (2) the special contribution of transposable elements is to modularize the genome; and (3) the labilizing forces of recombination and transposition are just barely contained, giving a dynamic genetic system of ever increasing complexity that verges on the chaotic.
Aesthetic reconstructive surgery: patient access to essential care requires expanded definitions.

Nearly 10 years ago, when plastic surgeons in California engaged in long and hard-fought legislative battles to mandate third-party coverage of appropriate reconstructive procedures, we included a definition of reconstructive and cosmetic surgery in the bill to minimize misinterpretation: > “Reconstructive surgery” means surgery performed to correct or repair abnormal structures of the body caused by congenital defects, developmental abnormalities, trauma, infection, tumors, or disease to do either of the following: (1) to improve function, or (2) to create a normal appearance, to the extent possible. “Cosmetic surgery” means surgery that is performed to alter or reshape normal structures of the body to improve the patient's appearance.1 The resulting legislation is still one of the most comprehensive and effective in the nation. Innumerable patients have received necessary and appropriate treatment as a result of this landmark legislation, which is a great benefit to society and, ultimately, a great benefit to the specialty of plastic surgery. Notably, plastic surgeons still retain the right to choose whether to participate in third-party payer plans. After the California victory, Federal legislation in the form of the Women's Health and Cancer …
Population, poverty, environment, and climate dynamics in the developing world

This paper reviews extant evidence and offers a conceptual framework for the investigation of complex dynamics among human population growth, environmental degradation, poverty, and climate change. The paper introduces theories relating to population growth, environmental degradation, the impact on human well-being, and potential relations with climate change. Poverty is discussed in detail as both a contributing factor to and consequence of population growth and environmental change. The empirical literature on land cover change and environmental change in coastal and marine resources and potential relations with climate change are examined. Despite notable limitations to current knowledge on links among population growth, ecosystems, climate, and poverty, implications for further research and policy application are rich.
Akt-regulated pathways in prostate cancer

Prostate cancer remains a major cause of cancer-related mortality. Genetic clues to the molecular pathways driving the most aggressive forms of prostate cancer have been limited. Genetic inactivation of PTEN through either gene deletion or point mutation is reasonably common in metastatic prostate cancer and the resulting activation of phosphoinostide 3-kinase, AKT and mTOR provides a major therapeutic opportunity in this disease as mTOR inhibitors, HSP90 inhibitors and PI3K inhibitors begin to enter clinical development.
Exponential lower bounds for the pigeonhole principle

In this paper we prove an exponential lower bound on the size of bounded-depth Frege proofs for the pigeonhole principle (PHP). We also obtain an Ω(loglogn)-depth lower bound for any polynomial-sized Frege proof of the pigeonhole principle. Our theorem nearly completes the search for the exact complexity of the PHP, as S. Buss has constructed polynomial-size, logn-depth Frege proofs for the PHP. The main lemma in our proof can be viewed as a general Hastad-style Switching Lemma for restrictions that are partial matchings. Our lower bounds for the pigeonhole principle improve on previous superpolynomial lower bounds.
North Sea Networks: Trade and Communication from the Seventh to the Tenth Century

This article explores the commercial links that bound together the peoples of the North Sea from the seventh to the tenth century. At the heart of this trade lay Frisia, whose location as the cross roads between the North Sea and the heart of the Frankish Empire allowed Frisian, Frankish, and Scandinavian merchants to carry goods back and forth across the North Sea while at the same time facilitating the movement of ideas and cultural exchange. Annalists gathered information from these merchants, kings used them to pass messages back and forth, and missionaries traveled with them. By tracing the physical and textual evidence of merchants’ travels between foreign worlds, this article demonstrates that the steady growth of economic activity in the North Sea facilitated contact and communication between Francia and Scandinavia well before the first major Viking attacks on the Frankish empire in the 830s.
Phosphorylated CXCR4 is associated with poor survival in adults with B-acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

BACKGROUND: CXC chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) is activated by phosphorylation (pCXCR4) and is essential for the migration of hematopoietic precursors to bone marrow. CXCR4 overexpression predicts a poor prognosis in patients with acute myeloid leukemia. Data regarding the prognostic impact of CXCR4 in patients with B-acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) are sparse and limited to the pediatric population. METHODS: The authors analyzed CXCR4 and pCXCR4 expression in 54 adults with newly diagnosed B-ALL. CXCR4 was assessed by flow cytometry (FC) and immunohistochemistry (IHC) using an anti-CXCR4 antibody. pCXCR4 expression was assessed using an anti-pCXCR4 antibody. RESULTS: The study group included 30 men and 24 women with a median age of 42 years (range, 17-84 years). Philadelphia chromosome was present in 19 patients. The median follow-up was 16 months (range, 17-84 months). Forty-nine patients had a complete response, and 12 patients relapsed with a median relapse free survival >120 weeks. Fifteen patients (28%) died with a median survival >125 weeks. CXCR4 detected by FC and IHC was highly correlated (P < .001). CXCR4 was not associated with clinical or laboratory findings or survival. In contrast, pCXCR4 was associated with higher leukocyte count (P = .006) and serum bilirubin level (P = .03). In multivariate analysis, pCXCR4 expression (P = .027), high serum creatinine level (P < .01), presence of the Philadelphia chromosome (P = .017), and late clinical response (P < .001) were associated with worse overall survival. CONCLUSIONS: The current results indicated that detection of the activated form of CXCR4, pCXCR4, provides independent prognostic information in adult patients with B-ALL. Cancer 2011;. © 2011 American Cancer Society.
Lifetime Measurements in Highly Ionised Atoms

Recent developments in the measurement of lifetimes of excited states in highly ionised atoms using fast ion beam excitation methods are reviewed. The applicability and precision of these methods are discussed in the context of specific measurements and compared with existing theoretical capabilities.
The effect of potassium depletion on the initial kinetics of glycolysis in ascites tumor cells

Abstract Ehrlich ascites carcinoma cells depleted of K+ and provided with 5.5 mM K+ in isosmotic 50 mM tris(hydroxymethyl)methylglycine buffer at pH 7.4 and 38 °C take up K+ from the medium at a rate of 6 μmoles/ml intracellular fluid per min. Depleted cells exposed to K+ for 2 min prior to glucose addition exhibit a higher initial rate of glycolysis, a lower glycose-6-P accumulation, and a higher fructose-1,6-P2 accumulation than depleted cells incubated in a K+-free medium. Both the K+ transport and the effect of K+ on glycolysis are blocked by 2 mM oubain. Calculation of the in vitro velocities of glycolytic enzymes from the rates of accumulation of lactate and glycolytic intermediates shows that the presence of K+ accelerates the velocities of fructose-6-phosphate kinase and lactate dehydrogenase about 2-fold and the velocity of hexokinase about 1.5-fold during the first 15 s. In either the presence or absence of K+, the hexokinase velocity is highest immediately after glucose addition and declines sharply with time; this decline is greater than would be predicted by product inhibition by the accumulated glucose-6-P. The maximal stimulation of fructose-6-phosphate kinase attibutable to the increasing intarcellular K+ concentration is only 1.25-fold. These observations indicate that the initial acceleration in glycolysis is not simply mediated through a direct K+ activation of fructose-6-phosphate kinase. The calculated theoretical rate of ATP generation by glycolysis shows that glycolysis is an ATP-utilizing system for the first 5–10 s both in the presence and in the absence of K+. Hence, the initial stimulation of glycolysis by K+ is not a consequence of an increased rate of ATP hydrolysis associated with K+ transport, although this mechanism may be responsible for the stimulation of steady-state glycolysis. The initial rate of phosphate ester (hexose and triose phosphates) accumulation corresponds to be rate of ATP generation by the “tail-end” of glycolysis, or twice the rate of lactate accumulation, in either the absence or presence of K+, but both the rate and the maximal level of ester accumulated are higher in the presence of K+. This implies that the oxidatively generated pool of ATP which is diverted from endogenous reactions to hexokinase and fructose-6-phosphate kinase on the introduction of glucose is larger in the presence of K+. Valinomycin (0.27 μM) under certain conditions can produce effects on the glycolysis of non-depleted cells which superficially resemble the effects of K+ on depleted cells. However, unlike K+, valinomycin stimulates the initial rate of glycolytic ATP generation, and abolishes the initial correspondence between the ATP generation by the “tail-end” of glycolysis and phosphate ester accumulation. These observations are interpreted to mean that valinomycin introduces an ATPase activity effective on glycolytically generated ATP. Comparison of the theoretical ATP generation in the presence and absence of K+ indicates that approximately one ATP is hydrolyzed for each K+ transported.
Functional Properties of the Human Copper‐Transporting ATPase ATP7B (the Wilson's Disease Protein) and Regulation by Metallochaperone Atox1

: Wilson's disease protein (WNDP) is a copper-transporting P1-type ATPase which plays a key role in normal distribution of copper in a number of tissues, particularly in the liver and the brain. Copper has numerous effects on WNDP, altering its structure, activity, and intracellular localization. To better understand the function of this copper-transporting ATPase and its regulation by copper, we have recently developed the functional expression systems for WNDP and for Atox1, a cytosolic protein that serves as an intracellular donor of copper for WNDP. Here we summarize the results of our experiments on characterization of the enzymatic properties of WNDP and the effects of Atox1 on the WNDP activity.
The treatment of idiopathic ulcerative colitis with concentrated liver extract and vitamin B1

In conclusion, of the 12 cases of idiopathic ulcerative colitis treated with liver extract and Vitamin B1, only one patient received any benefit and that result could not be repeated. We have found the use of concentrated liver extract and Vitamin B1 (Eeticulogen) to be of no particular value to the patient, nor to have any specific effect against idiopathic ulcerative colitis. In our experience it has contributed nothing to the treatment of this destructive disease. The authors wish to thank The Eli Lilly and Company for supplying them with the Reticulogen used in this study.
Interview with Ruth Riley of the School of Medicine Library at the University of South Carolina

This interview with Ruth Riley of the School of Medicine Library at the University of South Carolina describes what has influenced and shaped her career as a health sciences librarian.
Influence of recoil stopping time on the Mössbauer effect following alpha decay

Abstract We have applied a stopping theory of high velocity heavy ions to the problem of nuclear recoil from alpha decay, and have used straightforward ideas to derive the stopping time. The case of 237Np stopping in NpO2 has been worked out in detail, and is discussed in light of recent experiments on the Mossbauer effect following α-decay of 241Am. The computed range of 93 keV 237Np recoil nuclei is 2·36 × 10−6 cm, and the stopping time is approximately 3·9 × 10−13 sec. As these results are relatively insensitive to the particular system studied, we conclude that recoil stopping times following α-decay are extremely short in comparison to lifetimes of nuclear states likely to emit Mossbauer γ-rays. Hence the relaxation processes which occur at the end of the recoil track will set the influential time scale in Mossbauer experiments.
Role of protein kinase C and cyclic AMP/protein kinase A in high glucose-stimulated transcriptional activation of collagen α1 (IV) in glomerular mesangial cells

The elevated mRNA levels encoding matrix components in glomeruli isolated from streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats provide evidence that stimulation of matrix synthesis is important in early phases of diabetic glomerulopathy. We and others have demonstrated that high glucose stimulates collagen mRNA levels in short-term mesangial cell culture. To test whether transcriptional activation is operative and to gain insights into the underlying mechanisms, we studied a murine mesangial cell line stably transfected with a minigene expressing luciferase driven by 5'-flanking and first-intron regions of the alpha 1(IV) gene. High glucose stimulated luciferase activity dose and time dependently, with optimal stimulation (two-fold) achieved after 48 h in 450 mg/dL glucose (G450) versus 100 mg/dL (G100). We next tested the involvement of protein kinase C (PKC) because high glucose has been shown to stimulate de novo synthesis of diacylglycerol (DAG). Increasing PKC activity by treatment with a DAG analogue or active phorbol ester stimulated luciferase activity preferentially in G100; addition of the PKC inhibitors staurosporine or calphostin C markedly inhibited luciferase activity preferentially in G450. Thus high glucose promotes transcriptional activity of alpha 1(IV) gene through PKC activation. We also tested the involvement of protein kinase A (PKA). Intracellular cyclic AMP levels were increased two fold after 48 h in G450 versus G100, and addition of 8-Br-cAMP (0.1 mM) preferentially stimulated luciferase activity by almost three fold in G100 versus only 1.2-fold in G450. Hence, the signal-transduction mechanisms underlying the transcriptional activation of alpha 1(IV) gene in mesangial cells by high glucose are mediated by pathways involving the PKC system and possibly the cAMP/PKA system.
Cross-talk in otoacoustic emission probes

OBJECTIVE Several commercial otoacoustic emission probes (Virtual 330, Etymotic Research ER-10 and ER-10B, and Otodynamics ILO88 and ILO92) were tested for internal coupling (cross-talk) between the sound source and probe microphone. DESIGN The response of the probe under test was measured, in a cavity that simulates the human ear canal, first in its normal configuration and then with either the sound source tube or the microphone inlet blocked with modelling clay. Cross-talk was indicated if the pressure failed to drop substantially in the "blocked" condition. RESULTS Cross-talk in the Virtual 330 and Etymotic ER-10B was found to be severe enough to compromise the accuracy of "in the ear" acoustic calibrations. In both cases the cause was the radiation of sound through the walls of the flexible silicone tubing used to conduct the stimuli through the body of the probe. Substituting harder-walled sound source tubing reduced cross-talk to levels acceptable for routine application. The probes used in the otodynamics ILO88 and ILO92 systems and the original Etymotic ER-10 probes all have acceptably low cross-talk as supplied from the manufacturers. CONCLUSIONS For the two probes where excessive cross-talk was found, most of the cross-talk was acoustic and/or mechanical, rather than electromagnetic. Artifacts due to cross-talk have undoubtedly contaminated data collected with these units. Manufacturers of emission probes are urged to adopt a standard for specifying cross-talk levels and include this specification in product literature.
The fitting of straight lines when both variables are subject to error

Abstract Consider the situation where X and Y are related by Y = α + βX, where α and β are unknown and where we observe X and Y with error, i.e., we observe x = X + u and y = Y + v. Assume that Eu = Ev = 0 and that the errors (u and v) are uncorrelated with the true values (X and F). We survey and comment on the solutions to the problem of obtaining consistent estimates of α and β from a sample of (x, y)'s, (1) when one makes various assumptions about properties of the errors and the true values other than those mentioned above, and (2) when one has various kinds of “additional information” which aids in constructing these consistent estimates. The problems of obtaining confidence intervals for β and of testing hypotheses about β are not discussed, though approximate variances of some of the estimates of β are given. * This paper is an outgrowth of a Master's Thesis submitted to the Department of Statistics, University of Chicago. I am indebted for helpful comments and criticisms to T. E. Harris, W. H. Kr...
Cell-based antiviral screening against coronaviruses: Developing virus-specific and broad-spectrum inhibitors

To combat the public health threat from emerging coronaviruses (CoV), the development of antiviral therapies with either virus-specific or pan-coronaviral activities is necessary. An important step in antiviral drug development is the screening of potential inhibitors in cell-based systems. The recent emergence of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) necessitates adapting methods that have been used to identify antivirals against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) and developing new approaches to more efficiently screen antiviral drugs. In this article we review cell-based assays using infectious virus (BSL-3) and surrogate assays (BSL-2) that can be implemented to accelerate antiviral development against MERS-CoV and future emergent coronaviruses. This paper forms part of a series of invited articles in Antiviral Research on “From SARS to MERS: 10 years of research on highly pathogenic human coronaviruses.”
Inositol biosynthesis in Neurospora crassa

Abstract 1. 1. The biosynthesis of myo -inositol in wild-type Neurospora crassa and in inositol-less mutant 896001 has been studied. 2. 2. Two enzyme preparations capable of synthesizing myo -inositol were obtained, separated and partially purified. One of them, which has been purified 360-fold, is present only in the wild-type strain and converts glucose 6-phosphate into myo -inositol phosphate, with an absolute requirement for oxidized nicotinamide-adenine dinucleotide. A phosphatase which hydrolyzes myo -inositol phosphate has been separated from this enzymatic system. 3. 3. The other enzyme, purified only 8-fold, is present both in the wild-type strain and the inositol-less mutant. This enzyme, an inositol dehydrogenase, forms myo -inositol from DL -epi- inosese -2 and reduced nicotinamide-adenine dinucleotide phosphate. 4. 4. It is concluded that in Neurospora crassa : (a) myo -inositol is normally synthesized from glucose 6-phosphate; (b) epi -inosese is not synthesized under normal conditions; and (c) epi -inosose is not an intermediate in the enzymatic conversion of glucose 6-phosphate to myo -inositol phosphate.
Modeling the comminution and flow of granular brittle material

Penetration weapons or explosive charges in brittle materials (such as ceramics or hard rock) cause fracture and fragmentation near the cavity boundary to produce a bed of fragmented or granulated material. Subsequent large shear deformation and flow of the granulated material occur under confining pressures that range from many GPa to zero. Under these conditions the granulated material exhibits both dilatancy and compaction. In addition, the granules undergo further comminution with a resultant reduction in average granule size, and often with localization into a layer of very fine fragments next to the cavity wall. This paper presents an update of a previously-reported mesomechanical model of these processes that is based on an analogy with atomic dislocation theory [1,2]. That is, the model focuses on a description of the flux of lines of spaces (dislocations) between granules across the boundaries of a relevant volume element (RVE) rather than on the granules themselves, and on the nucleation of new dislocations inside the control volume by comminution of granules. Outward dislocation flux from the RVE causes compaction whereas inward flux causes dilatancy. The model is cast in the form of a multiplane plasticity model in which granule sliding on interfaces is restricted to a finite number of planar surfaces with specified initial orientations. The planes are allowed to rotate during deformation. The model is designed for use in finite element computer codes, and correlations are shown with long rod penetration experiments. A parameter sensitivity study reveals that the penetration behavior is strongly dependent on initial porosity, coefficient of friction between sliding granules, and on details of the granule comminution profess.