cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Role of HFE mutation in the brain tumors

3609 Hemochromatosis, an iron overload disease, is characterized by malfunctions in iron metabolism and has been associated with liver, colorectal, breast and brain cancer. Hemochromatosis is associated with a mutation in the HFE gene. There are primarily two mutations. In cancer studies, the C282Y mutation has been linked to breast cancer and is indicative of aggressive disease. In contrast, the H63D mutation was found with higher frequency (19.5% vs 12.5%) in malignant gliomas. To understand the role of HFE and the consequence of these mutations on brain tumors, we first determined the expression level of HFE in brain tumor tissue and cell lines using immunohistochemistry. In the normal glial cell line, SVG p12, there is no detectable level of HFE protein expression. However, high- grade glioma and cell lines from human brain tumors have relatively strong HFE expression compared to low-grade astrocytomas. To determine the cellular consequences of carrying an HFE mutation, a human neuronal cell line (SH-SY5Y) was stably transfected with wild type or C282Y mutant HFE cDNA. The presence of the HFE mutation altered expression of iron metabolism proteins (transferrin receptor, ferritin) and the cytoskeletal proteins (actin, tubulin). Interestingly, the expression of the C282Y but not the H63D mutation is associated with a rapid proliferation of cells. The C282Y cells also demonstrated decreased sensitivity to hydrogen peroxide. To identify the effect of the mutant form of HFE on the cells, we performed gene expression profiling in the stably transfected SH-SY5Y cells using target specific gene arrays: human metal transport & homeostasis gene array, human stress & toxicity pathway finder gene array, human stress response to cellular damage gene array, human signal transduction pathway finder gene array, and human cancer pathway finder gene array. C282Y transfected cells have increased expression of the angiogenesis gene (angiopoietin 1), signal transduction molecule & transcription factors genes (c-Fos, V-jun), copper-responsive gene (lysyl oxidase), TGF-β pathway genes (cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 2A, cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 2C), calcium & protein kinase C pathway gene (PKC beta), and phospholipase C pathway gene (COX-2) compare to wild type HFE transfected cells. In addition, compared to wild type HFE transfected cells, C282Y transfected cells have decreased expression of cell cycle control & DNA damage repair gene (cyclin D1), invasion & metastasis gene (gelatinase A), apoptosis & cell senescence gene (TNF receptor superfamily member 25), Jak-Stat pathway gene (β-casein), and retinoic acid pathway gene (homo sapiens retinal-binding protein 1, cellular). The gene expression profiling data and the cell growth data imply that C282Y mutation of HFE significantly affected expression of major genes affecting cellular functions and altering cellular growth. (This work was supported by the Alzheimer’s Association)
Titania nanotube morphologies for osseointegration via models of in vitro osseointegrative potential and in vivo intramedullary fixation.

As total joint replacements increase annually, new strategies to attain solid bone-implant fixation are needed to increase implant survivorship. This study evaluated two morphologies of titania nanotubes (TiNT) in in vitro experiments and an in vivo rodent model of intramedullary fixation, to simulate joint arthroplasty conditions. TiNT surfaces were prepared via an electrochemical etching process, resulting in two different TiNT morphologies, an aligned structure with nanotubes in parallel and a trabecular bone-like structure. in vitro data showed bone marrow cell differentiation into osteoblasts as well as osteoblastic phenotypic behavior through 21 days. In vivo, both TiNT morphologies generated greater bone formation and bone-implant contact than control at 12 weeks, as indicated by μCT analyses and histology, respectively. TiNT groups also exhibited greater strength of fixation compared to controls, when subjected to wire pull-out testing. TiNT may be a promising surface modification for promoting osseointegration.
Recurrent Neural Networks for Autoregressive Moving Average Model Selection

Selecting an appropriate Autoregressive Moving Average (ARMA) model for a given time series is a classic problem in statistics that is encountered in many applications. Typically this involves a human-in-the-loop and repeated parameter evaluation of candidate models, which is not ideal for learning at scale. We propose a Long Short Term Memory (LSTM) classification model for automatic ARMA model selection. Our numerical experiments show that the proposed method is fast and provides better accuracy than the traditional Box-Jenkins approach based on autocorrelations and model selection criterion. We demonstrate the application of our approach with a case study on volatility prediction of daily stock prices.
Antecedent rationalization: Rationalization prior to action

Often times we find ourselves wrestling with the urge to commit a non-rational action. When this happens, we are quite good at adopting quasi-beliefs that, if true, would make the action rational. In other words, rationalization often occurs antecedent to a behavioral choice. A complete account of the evolutionary history of rationalization must include antecedent rationalization.
Reply: safety of same-day discharge after percutaneous coronary intervention: what is the level of evidence?

In their letter, although Dr. Bertrand and colleagues raise a number of points, their key concern appears to relate to the publication of 2 similar papers a few months apart. Our group was completely unaware of the meta-analysis by Abdelaal et al. [(1)][1] until our paper was already in revision at
Insights into the pathophysiology and classification of type 4 choledochal malformation.

Introduction Type 4 choledochal malformations (CMs) can be defined as extra- and intrahepatic biliary dilatation. They are of uncertain etiology but make up about 20% of most series. The aim of this study was to investigate the pathophysiology and their natural history following surgical intervention. Methods Ambispective review of a single-center series of type 4 CM between 1996 and 2017. Perioperative imaging, intraoperative pressure monitoring, bile amylase, and long-term follow-up data were analyzed based on extrahepatic morphology [(cystic (C), fusiform (F)]. Data were expressed as median (range). Statistical analysis was performed with nonparametric tests. P Results 37 children had type 4 CM in the study period [age at surgery 4 (0.2-16) years] and could be further subdivided into cystic (4C) (n = 22) or fusiform (4F) (n = 15). There was significantly greater dilatation of the extrahepatic component in the cystic group [30 (11-94) versus 15 (8-90) mm; P = 0.0002] though there was no difference in left duct diameter [cystic 7.5 (0-17) mm versus fusiform 7.5 (3-16) mm; P = 0.86]. There was a trend to higher choledochal pressure in the cystic group [19 (4-40) versus 9 (6-25) mmHg; P = 0.09] and those in the fusiform group had higher bile amylase [8650 (3-890,000) versus 592 (1-123,000) IU/L; P = 0.01] and were older [4.1 (0.92-16.43) versus 2.4 (0.15-15.48) years; P = 0.03]. Children with type 4 CM were then separated simply on the basis of bile amylase into LOW (characterized by high pressure, cystic morphology and young age at surgery) and HIGH bile amylase (low pressure, fusiform morphology and older at time of surgery). Conclusions We propose further division of type 4 CM into 4C and 4F on clinical and pathophysiological grounds. Level of evidence II (prospective cohort).
A Novel Approach to Monitoring the COVID-19 Pandemic using Emergency Department Discharge Diagnoses

Introduction Tracking the COVID-19 pandemic using existing metrics such as confirmed cases and deaths are insufficient for understanding the trajectory of the pandemic and identifying the next wave of cases. In this study, we demonstrate the utility of monitoring the daily number of patients with COVID-like illness (CLI) who present to the Emergency Department (ED) as a tool that can guide local response efforts. Methods Using data from two hospitals in King County, WA, we examined the daily volume of CLI visits, and compare them to confirmed COVID cases and COVID deaths in the County. A linear regression model with varying lags is used to predict the number of daily COVID deaths from the number of CLI visits. Results CLI visits appear to rise and peak well in advance of both confirmed COVID cases and deaths in King County. Our regression analysis to predict daily deaths with a lagged count of CLI visits in the ED showed that the R2 value was maximized at 14 days. Conclusions ED CLI visits are a leading indicator of the pandemic. Adopting and scaling up a CLI monitoring approach at the local level will provide needed actionable evidence to policy makers and health officials struggling to confront this health challenge.
The formation of higher-order hierarchical systems in star clusters

We simulate open clusters containing up to 182 stars initially in the form of singles, binaries and triples. Due to the high interaction rate a large number of stable quadruples, quintuples, sextuples, and higher-order hierarchies form during the course of the simulations. For our choice of initial conditions, the formation rate of quadruple systems after about 2 Myr is roughly constant with time at $\sim 0.008$ per cluster per Myr. The formation rate of quintuple and sextuple systems are about half and one quarter, respectively, of the quadruple formation rate, and both rates are also approximately constant with time. We present reaction channels and relative probabilities for the formation of persistent systems containing up to six stars. The reaction networks for the formation and destruction of quintuple and sextuple systems can become quite complicated, although the branching ratios remain largely unchanged during the course of the cluster evolution. The total number of quadruples is about a factor of three smaller than observed in the solar neighbourhood.
An Electrostatic Depiction of the Validity of the Riemann Hypothesis and a Formula for the Nth Zero at Large N

We construct a vector field E from the real and imaginary parts of an entire function ξ(z) which arises in the quantum statistical mechanics of relativistic gases when the spatial dimension d is analytically continued into the complex z plane. This function is built from the Γ and Riemann ζ functions and is known to satisfy the functional identity ξ(z) = ξ(1-z). E satisfies the conditions for a static electric field. The structure of E in the critical strip is determined by its behavior near the Riemann zeros on the critical line ℜ(z) = 1/2, where each zero can be assigned a ⊕ or ⊖ parity, or vorticity, of a related pseudo-magnetic field. Using these properties, we show that a hypothetical Riemann zero that is off the critical line leads to a frustration of this "electric" field. We formulate this frustration more precisely in terms of the potential Φ satisfying E = -∇Φ and construct Φ explicitly. The main outcome of our analysis is a formula for the nth zero on the critical line for large n expressed as the solution of a simple transcendental equation. Riemann's counting formula for the number of zeros on the entire critical strip can be derived from this formula. Our result is much stronger than Riemann's counting formula, since it provides an estimate of the nth zero along the critical line. This provides a simple way to estimate very high zeros to very good accuracy, and we estimate the 10106-th one.
Mifepristone Improves Adipose Tissue Insulin Sensitivity in Insulin Resistant Individuals

Background Increased tissue cortisol availability has been implicated in abnormal glucose and fat metabolism in patients with obesity, metabolic syndrome, and type 2 diabetes (T2DM). Our objective was to evaluate whether blockade of glucocorticoid receptor (GR) with mifepristone ameliorates insulin resistance (IR) in overweight/obese subjects with glucose intolerance. Methods We conducted a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, crossover study in overweight/obese individuals (n = 16, 44% female) with prediabetes or mild T2DM but not clinical hypercortisolism. Mifepristone (50 mg every 6 h) or placebo was administered for 9 days, followed by crossover to the other treatment arm after a washout period of 6 to 8weeks. At baseline and following each treatment, oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and frequently sampled intravenous glucose tolerance test (FSIVGTT) were performed. Insulin sensitivity was measured using FSIVGTT [primary outcome: insulin sensitivity index (SI)] and OGTT [Matsuda index (MI) and oral glucose insulin sensitivity index (OGIS)]. Hepatic and adipose insulin resistance were assessed using hepatic insulin resistance index (HIRI), and adipose tissue insulin sensitivity index (Adipo-SI) and adipo-IR, derived from the FSIVGTT. Results Mifepristone administration did not alter whole-body glucose disposal indices of insulin sensitivity (SI, MI, and OGIS). GR blockade significantly improved Adipo-SI (61.7 ± 32.9 vs 42.8 ± 23.9; P = 0.002) and reduced adipo-IR (49.9 ± 45.9 vs 65.5 ± 43.8; P = 0.004), and HIRI (50.2 ± 38.7 vs 70.0 ± 44.3; P = 0.08). Mifepristone increased insulin clearance but did not affect insulin secretion or β-cell glucose sensitivity. Conclusion Short-term mifepristone administration improves adipose and hepatic insulin sensitivity among obese individuals with hyperglycemia without hypercortisolism.
Dendritic cells: The first step

Ralph M. Steinman's work on dendritic cells began in 1973 when he described and named the cells. Reminiscent of the late Justice Ginsburg's perspective that enduring change happens not suddenly but one step at a time, the paper (1973. J. Exp. Med.https://doi.org/10.1084/jem.137.5.1142) was notably the first step in many steps of important work that revealed the nature of dendritic cells.
The Powerful Problem of Prayer at Public School Board Meetings

Public school board meeting prayer cases are intensely divisive and difficult. The federal circuit courts have struggled mightily with these Establishment Clause cases, and this struggle has resulted in a circuit split regarding these prayers’ constitutionality. At the core of this unresolved split is whether these cases are governed by the Supreme Court’s seventy-five-year school prayer jurisprudence or by its narrow Marsh-Town of Greece legislative prayer exception. This Article analyzes how these divergent decisions and the continued crafting of invocation policies by public school boards in the vacuum of direct Supreme Court guidance exemplify the complex constitutional issues that arise in all school law First Amendment cases. It then argues that public school board meeting prayers are a violation of the Establishment Clause because they are coercive, polarizing prayers that run contrary to the core of this religion clause of the First Amendment. They cannot be cured as constitutional violations by claiming that they are subject to the legislative prayer exception, by asserting that they are private student speech, by requiring students to absent themselves during their delivery, or by arguing that they are de minimis encroachments. Consequently, these prayers require invalidation as they infringe upon the conscientious liberties of the schoolchildren who are most impacted by this state-sponsored religious speech; they allow the state to transverse the boundaries of religious sanctity; and they give rise to majoritarian governmental orthodoxy. These are Establishment Clause violations, and principled judicial decision making from all federal courts, including the Supreme Court, is needed to end these significant constitutional abuses.
The prevalence rate of smoking among Veterans: A forgotten epidemic

LAY SUMMARY The purpose of this study was to learn more about the smoking habits of U.S. Veterans compared with the rest of the population and to find the best ways to help Veterans quit smoking. T...
Verification of usRAP Risk Assessments for Run-Off and Head-On Crashes Using Field Data:

The United States Road Assessment Program (usRAP) provides a systemic approach to estimate the risk of severe injury and fatal crashes along roadway segments based on the expected safety performanc...
Constitutional Reform in Japan: Prospects, Process and Implications - Introduction

The articles in this symposium issue of Columbia Journal of Asian Law are an outgrowth of papers presented at a conference co-hosted by Columbia Law School’s Center for Japanese Legal Studies and the Council on Foreign Relations. The intention of the conference was not to advocate for a specific position–pro or con–on the issue of constitutional amendment in Japan. Rather, it was designed to provide a forum for a diverse group of political scientists, historians, legal scholars, and former government officials to discuss the issues surrounding the constitutional reform debate in Japan from multiple perspectives. Three panels of distinguished experts examined the domestic political landscape in Japan, provided comparative legal perspectives, and considered the political, strategic, and social implications of proposed changes. The intent of the conference was to select certain aspects of the debate that seemed particularly informative to understanding the current political dynamics within Japan and present new perspectives important to understanding its context, which would be of professional interest to broader observers of the current environment in Asia.
Undergraduate Certificate in Swine Production Management

Iowa State University (ISU) offers undergraduate certificates to demonstrate completion of a focused study in a specialized area across a variety of disciplines. The certificate has the significant benefit of allowing students to customize their curriculum and document an approved course of study. A Swine Production Management Certificate is now offered within the Animal Science Department at ISU. The certificate requirements are organized to correspond with faculty and employer-defined needs for a successful transition from ISU student to swine industry professional. The Swine Production Management certificate will integrate technical topics in animal science with practical considerations in enterprise management. Two critical components to the certificate are the capstone Swine Systems Management course and a required internship with a focus on swine production management. Students that complete the certificate will have the background to identify and address challenges in modern swine production enterprises. Further, the certificate assists employers in identifying students that have shown the interest, discipline, and ability to complete this specialized study program.
The determination of bifunctional compounds : IX. A selective reaction for the determination of guaifenesin in plasma by gas chromatography

Guaifenesin after extraction from plasma with an organic solvent can be selectively derivatized with 2,4-dichlorobenzeneboronic acid and determined by gas chromatography with electron-capture detection. The detection limit for guaifenesin was 15 ng ml−1 for a 2.0-ml plasma sample. The mass spectra of the boronate derivatives of guaifenesin and mephenesin, used as internal standard, show good molecular ions with characteristic modes of fragmentation useful for their identification.
The Reformatsky Reaction

The Reformatsky reaction is the reaction of a carbonyl compound, usually an aldehyde or a ketone, with an alpha-haloester in the presence of zinc metal to furnish, after hydrolysis, a β-hydoxyester. Subsequent dehydration of the hydroxyester is commonly carried out to form an alpha, β-unsaturated ester. This chapter summarizes some of the more important advances in the understanding and use of the Reformatsky reaction since the original chapter was published in volume 1 of this series. Keywords: Reformatsky reaction; side reactions; stereochemistry; variations; zinc; promoters; solvents; two-step procedures; comparisons with other methods; experimental procedures
Silanes in organic synthesis: VI. Conversion of unsubstituted and 2-aryl ketones to (1-arylallyl)silanes

Abstract Treatment of 2- or 3-phenyl ketone arenesulfonylhydrazones with excess n-butyllithium in TMEDA at 50–60° for 2–3 h, followed by the addition of chlorotrimethylsilane, gives (1-arylallyl)silanes. Although the method has limitations, its simplicity and the availability of a companion procedure for the direct α-arylation of ketones provide desirable advantages. A number of electrophilic reactions are examined in an effort assess competitive benzylic resonance stabilization and C Si bond hyperconjugation in cyclic systems where stereoelectronic considerations also prevail.
Symbolic Analysis of Planar Drawings

A method is described for performing a symbolic analysis of planar drawings. The method takes input in the form of a dimensioned (i.e. labeled) drawing and determines whether the coordinates of all of the points in the drawing can be uniquely written in terms of the specified labels. If it is possible to determine the coordinates of the points (i.e. the drawing is consistently dimensioned), then they are calculated. Otherwise the algorithm returns a flag specifying whether the drawing is underdimensioned or over-dimensioned. The method employes standard constructions from geometry such as the construction of a line from two distinct points or the construction of a line from a given line, a point and an angle. In order to determine whether some sequence of given constructions can be used to calculate the coordinates of each point we construct and analyse an undirected graph called the dimension graph of the drawing. If such a sequence exists, then the calculations are performed by calling symbolic routines which correspond to the various constructions. An implementation is described and examples are given.
Multimode-fiber-compatible WDM/WDDM with an ultralarge-wavelength dynamic range

In this article, wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) devices suitable for multimode-fiber-based networks are presented. A packaged wavelength division demultiplexer (WDDM) is demonstrated first at wavelengths of 750 nm, 780 nm, 810 nm, and 840 nm. The insersion losses are 8.28 dB, 9.41 dB, 6.78 dB, and 11.71 dB, respectively. The reduction of wavelength separation from 30 nm to 2 nm is achieved using a beveled-edge to couple optical signals into a waveguiding plate. A path-reversed substrate-guided wave holographic interconnection is employed for a WDDM with a channel wavelength spacing as small as 2 nm. A waveguide grating with a 45° incident angle and a 45° diffraction angle is fabricated using 20 μm thick DuPont photopolymer film HRF 600x001. The dispersion and the 3 dB bandwidth of the device are measured to be 0.18 O /nm and 20 nm, respectively. A four-channel wavelength demultiplexing is demonstrated at 796 nm, 798 nm, 800 nm, and 802 nm with no crosstalk observed. A one-to-five cascaded 4-channel WDDM with + 5% energy uniformity under an s-polarization is also demonstrated to increase the user-sharing capacity. Twenty fanout channels (5x4) are experimentally achieved. Its potential application for dense WDM at 1555 nm is also addressed. Time-reversal of the demonstrated devices automatically provides the WDM function.
Synthetic niches for differentiation of human embryonic stem cells bypassing embryoid body formation

The unique self-renewal and pluripotency features of human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) offer the potential for unlimited development of novel cell therapies. Currently, hESCs are cultured and differentiated using methods, such as monolayer culture and embryoid body (EB) formation. As such, achieving efficient differentiation into higher order structures remains a challenge, as well as maintaining cell viability during differentiation into homogeneous cell populations. Here, we describe the application of highly porous polymer scaffolds as synthetic stem cell niches. Bypassing the EB formation step, these scaffolds are capable of three-dimensional culture of undifferentiated hESCs and subsequent directed differentiation into three primary germ layers. H9 hESCs were successfully maintained and proliferated in biodegradable polymer scaffolds based on poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA). The results showed that cells within PLGA scaffolds retained characteristics of undifferentiated pluripotent stem cells. Moreover, the scaffolds allowed differentiation towards the lineage of interest by the addition of growth factors to the culture system. The in vivo transplantation study revealed that the scaffolds could provide a microenvironment that enabled hESCs to interact with their surroundings, thereby promoting cell differentiation. Therefore, this approach, which provides a unique culture/differentiation system for hESCs, will find its utility in various stem cell-based tissue-engineering applications.
Custom-Molded Foot-Orthosis Intervention and Multisegment Medial Foot Kinematics During Walking

Context: Foot-orthosis (FO) intervention to prevent and treat numerous lower extremity injuries is widely accepted clinically. However, the results of quantitative gait analyses have been equivocal. The foot models used, participants receiving intervention, and orthoses used might contribute to the variability. Objective: To investigate the effect of a custom-molded FO intervention on multisegment medial foot kinematics during walking in participants with low-mobile foot posture. Design: Crossover study. Setting: University biomechanics and ergonomics laboratory. Patients or Other Participants: Sixteen participants with low-mobile foot posture (7 men, 9 women) were assigned randomly to 1 of 2 FO groups. Intervention(s): After a 2-week period to break in the FOs, individuals participated in a gait analysis that consisted of 5 successful walking trials (1.3 to 1.4 m/s) during no-FO and FO conditions. Main Outcome Measure(s): Three-dimensional displacements during 4 subphases of stance (loading response, mid...
Genomics with graphene nanotechnology (Presentation Recording)

The single-atom thickness of monolayer graphene makes it an ideal candidate for DNA sequencing as it can scan molecules passing through a nanopore at high resolution. Additionally, unlike most insulating membranes, graphene is electrically active, and this property can be exploited to control and electronically sense biomolecules. We show that the shape of the edge as well as the shape and position of the nanopore can strongly affect the electronic conductance through a lateral constriction in a graphene nanoribbon as well as its sensitivity to external charges. In this context the geometry of the graphene membrane can be tuned to detect the rotational and positional conformation of a charge distribution inside the nanopore. We show that a quantum point contact (QPC) geometry is suitable for the electrically-active graphene layer and propose a viable design for a graphene-based DNA sequencing device.
A comparison of an electronic vs. print workbook for information literacy instruction

This study compared the attitudes and performance of two groups of freshman college students assigned print and electronic workbooks respectively. It found that frequency of library usage was the significant factor in improvement of information literacy skills rather than instructional format.
The heart-specific NH2-terminal extension regulates the molecular conformation and function of cardiac troponin I.

In addition to the core structure conserved in all troponin I isoforms, cardiac troponin I (cTnI) has an ∼30 amino acids NH2-terminal extension. This peptide segment is a heart-specific regulatory ...
Effects of ethanol and pentobarbital on neuronal hexose uptake in inbred mice.

Abstract The effect of ethanol and pentobarbital narcosis on 2-deoxyglucose uptake into brain synaptosomes prepared from inbred C57BL/6J and DBA/2J mice which exhibit differential central sensitivity to ethanol and heterogenous ICR mice was examined. A reversible depression of synaptosomal uptake was exhibited in all strains administered ethanol acutely, occuring at 2 min in ICR and C57BL/6J mice and 15 min in DBA/2J. Uptake returned to control values in all strains at 30 min although the mice remained intoxicated. Brain glucose concentration was significantly elevated at this time. Pentobarbital administration was without effect on synaptosomal hexose transport in DBA/2J and C57BL/6J mice but increased it significantly in ICR mice at 30 min. Pentobarbital anesthesia did not alter brain glucose concentration. No correlation was apparent between synaptosomal 2-deoxyglucose uptake and differential CNS sensitivity to ethanol and pentobarbital. The effects of ethanol and pentobarbital on neuronal hexose transport is discussed with respect to reported changes in glycolytic metabolism produced by these agents.
An Emerging Understanding of the Reflective (Meta-) Experience of Mood

Abstract The regulation of mood occurs at multiple conscious and unconscious levels. A conscious, self-reflective level of mood regulation is identified as one in which we are aware of both our mood and our thoughts about that mood. Thoughts such as "I shouldn′t feel this way′ and "I′m thinking good things to cheer up′ come to mind at that level. Study 1 employs a multiple-domain, factor-analytic approach to determine the dimensions that best describe such reflective experience. Study 2′s analyses cross-validate findings from Study 1 and correlate the major meta-experience factors with personality scales; several experiential styles of metaexperience are described.
Dynamical symmetry breaking and Michel's conjecture

Abstract The symmetric vacuum of a vector-like gauge theory carrying an SU(N) symmetry is unstable against small perturbations unless the fermions have singlet bare masses. With massless fermions in the fundamental representation, and subject to a plausible technical assumption, a strong version of Michel's conjecture is verified: the stability group of the stable vacuum is either SU( N 2 ) × SU( n 2 ) × U(1)(N even) or SU( (N−1) 2 ) × SU( (N+1) 2 ) × U(1)(N odd) .
Risk Factors for Injuries in the First 7 Years of Life

Abstract Aims: We investigated the association between injuries in the first 7 years of life and a variety of behavioral, social and environmental characteristics by a large, representative birth cohort of 7925 Greek children evaluated at the age of 7 years. Information was obtained by appropriately designed questionnaires which were completed by each child's parents. Data were handled by factor analysis which gave to every child a"score" for each factor. Logistic and multiple regression were used to identify risk factors (RF) and calculate relative risk (RR) and injury rates (IR) after adjusting for potential confounding factors. Results: 3748 injuries were reported in 2818 children. The identified RF in the study population were mainly related to child's sex, medical history, behaviour and family characteristics. Children had an increased RR for injuries and IR in the first 7 years of life if they were males (RR-1.21, 95% CI=1.10-1.34), amphidextrous (IR increased by 178/1000 children compared to right-handed) and had a mother, working out of home(RR=1.38, 95% CI=1.09-1.75). Health problems, particularly chronic asthma, were significantly associated with increased IR (RR=1.21, 95% CI=1.02-1.44). In addition, increasing scores of aggression, stress and persistence of enuresis and encopresis were positively associated with the number of reported injuries (IR increased by 48, 32 and 60/1000 children respectively). Poor environmental conditions were only marginally related to increased IR(p=0.05). Conclusions: The injury-prone child can be identified by population based studies and the targeting of high risk individuals could help for effective preventive interventions.
Treatment of triple ion formation

It is shown that the full Fuoss-Hsia equation can be extended to fit conductivity data for electrolyte solutions in which ion pairs and triple ions exist at comparable concentrations. The treatment is a three parameter fit of ∧ °, K a , and K t (the limiting molar conductivity, the thermodynamic ion association constant, and the thermodynamic triple ion formation constant, respectively). Using literature conductivity data for 1:1 electrolytes in solvents of low permittivity, it is demonstrated that an excellent fit can be achieved over a wide concentration range. Limitations of the treatment are discussed.
Serotonin phase-shifts the circadian rhythm of locomotor activity in the cockroach.

Serotonin, a putative neurotransmitter in insects, was found to cause consistent phase shifts of the circadian rhythm of locomotor activity of the cockroach Leucophaea maderae when administered during the early subjective night as a series of 4-μl pulses (one every 15 min) for either 3 or 6 hr. Six-hour treatments with dopamine also caused significant phase shifts during the early subjective night, but 3-hr treatments with dopamine had no phase-shifting effect. Other substances tested in early subjective night (norepinephrine, octopamine, γ-aminobutyric acid, glutamate, carbachol, histamine, tryptophan, tryptamine, N-acetyl serotonin, or 5-hydroxy indole-3-acetic acid) did not consistently cause phase shifts. The phase-shifting effect of serotonin was found to be phase-dependent. The phase response curve (PRC) for serotonin treatments was different from the PRC for light. Like light, serotonin caused phase delays in the late subjective day and early subjective night, but serotonin did not phase-shift rhyt...
An overview of multivariate data analysis

Abstract A cross section of basic yet rapidly developing topics in multivariate data analysis is surveyed, emphasizing concepts required in facing problems of practical data analysis while de-emphasizing technical and mathematical detail. Aspects of data structure, logical structure, epistemic structure, and hypothesis structure are examined. Exponential families as models, problems of interpretation, parameters, causality, computation, and data cleaning and missing values are discussed.
Simulations of grain impingement and recrystallization kinetics

A simplified computer model based on regular distributions of geometric grains was used to simulate grain impingement that occurs during recrystallization reactions. The model assumes instantaneous nucleation with all grains growing at the same rate. Impingement geometry was studied as a function of grain shape, grain symmetry, and distribution geometry. Kinetic recrystallization plots were generated from the geometric-impingement data by relating the radius or size parameter of the grain to an appropriate time scale. These kinetic simulations permitted analysis of existing kinetic models and isolated some critical limitations of the models.
Application of the Commercial Gel Electrophoresis Apparatus with Intermittent Fluorescence Scanning to a Nonfluorescing Protein

Abstract Gel electrophoretic instrumentation has taken a quantum jump forward with the commercial introduction of an apparatus which, after loading of the sample and initiation of electrophoresis, provides real-time gel patterns at desired time intervals, with a computer printout of mobility values characterizing each band and the means to isolate each desired band with known and maximizeable recovery. However, a major limitation of that apparatus has been that it employs fluorescence detection and therefore requires the fluorescent labeling of the macromolecules of interest. That limitation was first overcome by E. Gombocz and E. Cortez (Application Note 8, 1994, LabIntelligence, Belmont, CA) in the detection of nonfluorescing carrier ampholytes. In that application, fluorescent, immobile (uncharged) umbelliferone was added to the gel to provide a uniform background of fluorescence upon excitation at 280–360 nm. The isoelectric carrier ampholyte zones could be detected as inverted peaks due to their reduction of the fluorescence intensity of umbelliferone. A similar approach was applied to a representative SDS–protein, conalbumin–SDS, in the present study, replacing umbelliferone in the gel by a fluorescing paper sheet in contact with the lower external surface of the electrophoresis cell. Passage of the proteins reduced the intensity of the light excitation incident on the fluorescent paper so as to decrease the emitted fluorescence signal and allow for the detection of the proteins as “inverted peaks.” Presumably, the reduction of background fluorescence is due to the absorbance at 280 nm of the protein passing through the gel, and reduction of the incident light intensity by that absorbance. The resulting detection of the representative unlabeled SDS–protein by “fluorescence reduction” was found to be less sensitive by a factor of 10–20 than detection of the fluorescently labeled protein (at a molar ratio of fluorescein carboxylate to conalbumin of 1/1). The area of the inverted bands of conalbumin–SDS was found to be independent of migration distance.
Uncertainty estimation of the global temperature trends for multiple radiosondes, reanalyses, and CMIP3/IPCC climate model simulations

Based on three groups of datasets that include radiosondes, reanalyses, and climate model simulations (e.g., Coupled Model Intercomparison Project, CMIP3) from 1979 to 2008, the interannual variability, global temperature trends, and their uncertainty using ensemble spread among intra-group and inter-group datasets have been discussed. The results show that the interannual temperature variability increased from the troposphere to stratosphere, and the maximum occurs around 50 hPa. The CMIP3 climate models have the largest discrepancy in the stratosphere. The intra-group correlations at 500 hPa generally show high similarity within each data group while the inter-group correlations between reanalyses and the CMIP3 climate model simulations indicate lesser similarity. In contrast, the inter-group correlation at 50 hPa is improved except with the Japanese 25-year Reanalysis Project (JRA-25) dataset, and the Twentieth Century Reanalysis (20CR) reanalysis shows a weak cross correlation. The global temperature trends are highly dependent on the individual data sources. Compared to the radiosondes, the reanalyses show a large ensemble spread of trends in the stratosphere, and the CMIP3 climate model simulations have a large ensemble spread in the height of the crossover point where tropospheric warming changes into stratospheric cooling. The largest ensemble spread among the reanalyses in the stratosphere is mainly from the large discrepancy in the JRA-25 reanalysis after 1998 and a relatively weak anomaly in the 20CR before 1986. The largest ensemble spread among the CMIP3 climate models in the troposphere is related to the influence of both volcanic eruptions and El Nino/La Nina–Southern Oscillation events. The strong anomalies corresponding to the volcanic eruptions of El Chichon in 1982 and Mt Pinatubo in 1991 are clearly identified in the stratosphere. These volcanic eruptions reduced the warming in the troposphere and strengthened the cooling in the stratosphere during the most recent 30 years.
Performance of Spring Chinook Salmon Reared in Standard Raceways and in Michigan Raceways with Oxygen Supplementation

Abstract The decreasing availability of freshwater means that fish culturists must seek ways to increase production efficiency, that is, the number of fish produced from a given volume of water. This paper summarizes a comparison of the performance of yearling spring Chinook salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha reared in standard raceways and those reared at higher densities in Michigan-style raceways with oxygen supplementation (to conserve water). During rearing at the Umatilla Fish Hatchery in northeastern Oregon, water temperatures and pH were similar between the two raceway types, but dissolved oxygen was higher and un-ionized ammonia levels were lower in the Michigan raceways. No disease outbreaks requiring medicine occurred in either raceway type. Before transfer to acclimation facilities on the Umatilla River, the average fish size differed by more than 3% between raceway groups and average Fulton's condition factor never differed by more than 3%. After fish were released into the river, we monitored o...
Sequential Search for an Unknown Number of Objects of Nonuniform Size

This paper deals with a search model for allocating effort when there are many target objects of differing sizes present in a search area. All target objects are initially present in the search area and remain at least until discovered; no new objects are generated during the search process. Targets are not moveable. The search process is characterized by the quantity of search effort. The model describes the distribution of the number and sizes of target objects present. The probability of discovery is assumed proportional to object size. The paper gives many results, including the probability distribution of the number and sizes of discovered objects, and the prior and posterior distributions of the number of objects remaining undiscovered. Then it gives the method of maximum likelihood estimation of the model parameters, and solves the sequential decision problem of when to terminate the search process.
Transfer of peanut IgE sensitisation after combined pancreas-kidney transplant.

SummaryBackground The transfer of peanut allergy has been reported following solid organ transplantation. Objective Present a case of peanut sensitization following combined pancreas-and-kidney transplantation. Methods Circulating specific IgE against peanut were measured in serum samples collected from the transplant recipient 1 month before transplantation, and 1, 3 and 6 months after transplantation. Skin tests were performed 1, 3 and 6 months following transplant. Results The organ recipient's pre-transplant peanut IgE levels were negative. At 1 month post-transplant, the patient had a 6 mm skin test to peanut and had serum IgE to peanut Arah1 of 0.79 kU/L. At 3 months, skin test size and IgE to peanut Arah1 decreased to 4 mm, and 0.69 kU/L respectively. At 6 months, the patient's skin test and IgE to peanuts were negative. At that time, the patient underwent a peanut food challenge without a clinical reaction to suggest allergy. Conclusion and Clinical Relevance We report the development of IgE peanut sensitization in a recipient of a combined pancreas and kidney transplantation. Increasing awareness of this allergen sensitization following transplantation may help prevent serious allergic reactions in transplant recipients.
Ballistic contributions to heat-pulse propagation in the TFTR tokamak.

Measurements on the TFTR tokamak of the electron-temperature-profile evolution and soft-x-ray emissivity on a fast (10-\ensuremath{\mu}sec) time scale during a sawtooth crash show that significant heat is deposited beyond the mixing (or reconnection) radius within 200 \ensuremath{\mu}sec following a sawtooth crash. This extended region in which electron heat is redistributed during the sawtooth crash substantially complicates the determination of heat transport properties from the subsequent heat pulse propagation. It is shown that the relaxation of this extended perturbation is consistent with the power-balance estimates of the local thermal diffusivity.
Hexose transport in normal and SV40-transformed human endothelial cells in culture.

The mechanism of glucose entry into human vascular endothelial cells was studied in monolayer cultures of normal (primary) and virally (SV40) transformed umbilical vein endothelium. Radioisotopic uptake studies with the glucose analogues 2-deoxy-D-glucose, and 3-O-methyl-D-glucose, and the nonmetabolizable stereoisomer L-glucose, indicated the presence of a saturable, stereospecific hexose carrier mechanism in both cell types. In other experiments with D-glucose and 3-O-methyl-D-glucose, the phenomenon of countertransport was demonstrable. Hexose transport was not affected by KCN, dinitrophenol, or ouabain, but was inhibited by phloretin and phlorizin in a pattern consistent with facilitated diffusion. Kinetic constants were obtained for both 2-deoxy-D-glucose and 3-O-methyl-D-glucose uptake. Similar Km values (range, 3.3-4.7 mM) were noted with normal and transformed cells, whereas the apparent Vmax was 0.56 nmol/microliter cytosol/minute for primary cells and 1.7-2.5 nmol/mu cytosol/minute for transformed cells. Under standard culture conditions, as well as following 18 hours of serum deprivation, insulin at concentrations up to 10(-5) M did not appear to influence hexose uptake in either cell type. Metabolism of 14C(U)-D-glucose to 14CO2 also was not stimulated by insulin. The presence of an insulin-insensitive, facilitated transport system for glucose in vascular endothelium has relevance for glucose metabolism in this tissue, and potentially for the association of certain vascular diseases (e.g., diabetic microangiopathy, atherosclerosis) with altered glucose homeostasis.
The Spemann organizer of Xenopus is patterned along its anteroposterior axis at the earliest gastrula stage.

Abstract The Spemann organizer is largely responsible for organizing and patterning the anteroposterior axis during the development of amphibians. In this report, we examine the degree of anteroposterior pattern in the earliest gastrula organizer ofXenopususing a combination of embryological and molecular techniques. When we divide the earliest gastrula organizer, a region measuring 20 cells high by 25 cells wide, into stereotyped anterior (vegetal) and posterior (animal) halves, each half not only has a distinct fate and state of specification, but also induces a unique set of region-specific neural genes. When wrapped in animal cap ectoderm, the anterior half induces only anterior-specific genes (XAG-1andotxA), while the posterior half induces anterior (otxAand reduced levels ofXAG-1) and posterior (Hox B9) neural genes, revealing early localization of neural posteriorizing activity to posterior mesendoderm. This is the earliest demonstration of regionalized neural induction by theXenopusorganizer. Additionally, based on the expression ofgsc, Xbra,andXnot,we show that the organizer is patterned both at the early gastrula stage and prior to the appearance of bottle cells.
Laboratory studies of gravity waves generated by the movement of a submerged body

In order to gain some insight into the phenomenon of gravity waves generated by underwater seismic disturbances, the tsunami, a laboratory study was made of the waves resulting from an idealized two-dimensional model of the movement of a submerged body. Bodies of several shapes, sizes, and weights were allowed to drop vertically or to slide down inclines of several angles, in water of various depths, from several heights above the bottom, but always below the water surface. The surface time histories were recorded at a point close to the origin of the disturbance, and at a point or points some distance from the origin. In addition, motion pictures were taken of several of the tests. It was found that a crest always formed first, followed by a trough from one to three times the amplitude of the first crest (depending primarily upon the slope of the incline), followed by a crest with about the same amplitude as the trough. Because of the dispersive qualities of the waves, additional crests and troughs continued to form with increasing distance from the origin. The magnitude of the amplitudes depended primarily upon the submerged weight of the body, but also upon the depth of submergence, the water depth, and other characteristics of the generation. Within the limits of experimental conditions, it was found that the time intervals between the first and second crests remained constant regardless of the water depth, the distance of fall, the weight of the body or the time of the fall. It was, however, found to be related to the length of the body, with the period increasing with increasing length, and to the slope of the incline, with the smaller the incline the greater the period.