cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Fluoxetine-treated male wrasses exhibit low AVT expression.

In many species, increasing serotonergic activity can reduce aggression and reverse dominance relationships. These effects may in part be mediated through interactions with the arginine vasotocin/vasopressin (AVT/AVP) system. We tested this hypothesis in a territorial coral reef fish, the bluehead wrasse (Thalassoma bifasciatum), by experimentally enhancing serotonergic neurotransmission, using the selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitor (SSRI) fluoxetine. Terminal phase (TP) males received 2 weeks of nightly intraperitoneal fluoxetine injections (6 microg/g body weight) and were then tested for their aggressive response to an intruder and killed to examine AVT phenotype in the preoptic area of the hypothalamus (POA), an area important to social behavior in fishes. Our previously published study demonstrated that fluoxetine-treated males are less aggressive [H.A.N. Perreault, K. Semsar, J. Godwin, Fluoxetine treatment decreases territorial aggression in a coral reef fish, Physiol. and Behav. 79 (2003) 719-724.]. Here, further study of these same fluoxetine-treated males shows approximately twofold lower AVT mRNA expression relative to saline-treated controls in all regions of the POA (all p 0.4). This study experimentally supports the hypothesis that behavioral effects of SSRIs may be mediated in part through interactions with the AVT/AVP system. These results parallel findings from rodents and humans and are consistent with an indirect neurosteroidogenic rather than a solely direct serotonergic mechanism for SSRI effects on the AVT/AVP system. Furthermore, they suggest that SSRI effects on neuroendocrine function may be best modeled in animals with sensitive stress responses such as those found in nondomesticated animals.
Inheritance and genetic mapping of cucumber mosaic virus resistance introgressed from Lycopersicon chilense into tomato

Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) infects a wide variety of crop plants and in tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) causes significant economic losses in many growing regions, particularly the Mediterranean. The objective of the present study was to identify the number and map locations of genes controlling resistance to CMV in breeding lines (BC1–inbreds) derived from the related wild species L. chilense. These lines also carried the gene Tm-2 a for resistance to ToMV, which facilitated the interpretation of disease symptoms. The segregation for CMV resistance in the BC2F1 and BC2F2 generations, following mechanical inoculation with subgroup-I isolates, was consistent with expectations for a single dominant gene, for which the symbol Cmr (cucumber mosaic resistance) was given. Resistant and susceptible BC1-inbreds were analyzed with RFLP and isozyme markers to identify genomic regions introgressed from L. chilense. The only L. chilense-specific markers found were on chromosome 12; some resistant lines contained a single introgression comprising the entire short arm and part of the long arm of this chromosome, while others contained a recombinant derivative of this introgression. The chromosome 12 markers were significantly associated with CMV resistance in both qualitative and quantitative models of inheritance. The qualitative analysis, however, demonstrated that CMV resistance was not expressed as a reliable monogenic character, suggesting a lack of penetrance, significant environmental effects, or the existence of additional (undetected) resistance factors. In the quantitative analysis, the marker interval TG68 – CT79 showed the most significant association with CMV resistance. No association between CMV resistance and the Tm-2 a gene was observed. These breeding lines are potentially useful sources of CMV resistance for tomato improvement, in which context knowledge of the map location of Cmr should accelerate introgression by marker-assisted selection.
Recent progress on a magnetometer array on the San Andreas Fault

Four highly sensitive optically pumped rubidium vapor magnetometers are in continuous operation along the San Andreas fault near Hollister, California, to detect any local changes in the geomagnetic field, which are associated with earthquakes or creep displacement on the fault. The magnetometer signals are telemetered to a central reference station, and differences are formed in real time to reduce the effect of unwanted micropulsations. A telemetering creep recorder complements the magnetometer array. Local geomagnetic events have indeed been observed, occurring some tens of hours before the onset of local creep displacement. Two types of magnetic signatures are observed.
Elm Street's Gothic Roots: Unearthing Incest in Wes Craven's 1984 Nightmare

ABSTRACT This article examines Wes Craven's A Nightmare on Elm Street as borrowing as much from the tropes and types of the nineteenth-century English Gothic novel as the 1980s slasher film. It explores how Wes Craven uses the figure of the doppelganger, the types of the angel and the monster, and the theme of repressed incest to craft a contemporary Gothic movie. This reading yields the conclusion that the protagonist, Nancy Thompson, was molested by her father, Donald Thompson. Nancy reciprocates these taboo feelings, and Freddy Krueger serves as a doppelganger for both, facilitating a double reading of the film.
Application of the Finite Element Technique in the Design and Evaluation of the Artificial Facets for the Lumbar Spine

An experimentally validated three-dimensional (3D) finite element (FE) model of the ligamentous L3-S1 segment was used to study the effects of artificial facet designs on the segment biomechanics (motion, facet loads, and stresses). The intact model was modified to simulate several artificial facet designs across the L4-L5 segment including capping with and without screws and pedicle screw based designs with sliding articulating surfaces. For the pedicle screw based design, the effect of increasing the connecting shaft thickness and increasing width surrounding the pedicle screw, butted against the vertebral pedicle for further support, was studied. All of the FE models were evaluated in response to 6 Nm moment in extension, flexion, bending, and rotation. The predicted increases in motion, compared to the intact case, were smaller. The predicted facet loads decreased up to 25.7% in extension and 25.1% in bending at the implanted level as compared to intact spine segment. For all of the loading modes, the stresses in both implant designs were less than the yield stress of titanium. Therefore, the implants are unlikely to fail. Additional cadaver and other experimental protocols are essential for the evaluations of the most appropriate designs identified through the FE investigations.
The photochemistry of methyl chloride

Abstract Methyl chloride and CH3ClCD3Cl, CH3ClBr2 and CD3ClHI mixtures have been photolyzed at 163.3, 147.0 and 123.6 nm in the gas phase and methyl chloride has also been photolyzed at 147.0 nm in the liquid phase. Over this range of wavelengths, there are four principal primary processes: At 163.3 nm, process (1) is almost exclusively responsible for the photodecomposition. However, at shorter wavelengths processes (2), (3) and (4) increase while process (1) decreases in importance. At all wavelengths these four processes account for a total quantum yield of 0.75 – 1.0.
Observations on the Energies of Single-Particle Neutron States

The available information on location of neutron single-particle levels is analyzed and the following conclusions are reached: (1) There is strong evidence that the depth of the shell-model potential well varies with symmetry energy, getting shallower as the neutron excess increases. (2) There is a stronger than average interaction between nucleons with the same orbital angular momentum; this causes a level to move down in energy as it fills (self-binding effect), or as a proton state of the same $l$ fills, but the effect seems to be weaker on the ($l\ensuremath{-}\frac{1}{2}$) neutron state as the ($l+\frac{1}{2}$) neutron state fills. (3) Spin-orbit splittings are extra large when the members of the doublet are in different shells, one full and the other empty; this is attributed to the self-binding effect. (4) The rate of change of binding energy with mass number for a given level, $\frac{\mathrm{dE}}{\mathrm{dA}}$, is considerably smaller than calculations would indicate; this may be explained as a decrease in potential well depth with $A$, or as a velocity dependence giving an effective mass of nucleons in nuclei somewhat larger than the free nucleon mass. (5) The spacings between oscillator shells is somewhat smaller than in the harmonic oscillator potential, and in available calculations for a Saxon potential; this again may indicate an effective mass greater than the free nucleon mass. (6) The $l$ dependence of the energies of shell-model levels is much smaller than given by Nilsson when the levels are empty, but the Nilsson term gives reasonable agreement when the levels are full; this indicates that the self-binding effect increases with increasing $l$. All of these effects are discussed and quantitative estimates of their magnitudes are given.
Effects of some narcotics and antagonists on synaptosomal 3H-norepinephrine uptake

Abstract Synaptosomes were prepared from rabbit brains by differential centrifugation and Ficoll gradients. The synaptosomes were incubated in modified Tyrode's solution containing 3 H-norepinephrine at 37°C with and without the test drug. Samples were taken at 5, 15, 30 and 45 minutes, the synaptosomes collected by Millipore filtration, and the filters counted for norepinephrine uptake. All of the narcotic analgesics tested (morphine, methadone, thebaine and codeine) significantly inhibited norepinephrine uptake by synaptosomes at concentrations between 2 × 10 −4 and 2 × 10 −3 M. Of the drugs tested, however, only thebaine (4 × 10 −4 M) inhibited “binding” of norepinephrine to synaptosomal protein. In addition, comparable doses of nalorphine and naloxone inhibited norepinephrine uptake by synaptosomes. Since naloxone does not have any analgesic activity, these results suggest that inhibition of norepinephrine uptake by central adrenergic nerve terminals may not be involved in analgesic action of these drugs.
Audre Lorde’s Life Writing: The Politics of Location

Am I to be cursed forever with becoming somebody else on the way to myself? -Audre Lorde “Change of Season” I am a scar, a report from the frontlines, a talisman, a resurrection. -Audre Lorde “A Burst of Light: Living with Cancer”
Outcomes in men with large prostates (≥ 60 cm3) treated with definitive proton therapy for prostate cancer

AbstractLarge prostate size is associated with higher rates of genitourinary and gastrointestinal toxicities after definitive treatment for prostate cancer, and because of this many men will undergo cytoreduction with androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) before definitive therapy, which results in its own unique toxicities and worsens quality of life. This series investigates genitourinary and gastrointestinal toxicity in men with large prostates (> 60 cm3) undergoing definitive proton therapy (PT) for prostate cancer. Material and methods. From 2006 to 2010, 186 men with prostates ≥ 60 cm3 were treated with definitive PT (median dose, 78 CGE) for low- (47%), intermediate- (37%) and high-risk (16%) prostate cancer. Median prostate size was 76 cm3 (range, 60–143 cm3) and pretreatment IPSS was > 15 in 27%. At baseline, 51% were managed for obstructive symptoms with transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) (9.7%) or medical management with α blockers (32%), 5 α-reductase inhibitors (15%), and/or saw palm...
Diversification Strategies and the Experience of Top Executives of Large Firms

Prior research by Berg and Pitts has shown that there is a difference in the diversification strategies followed by major corporations; this strategy depends upon the type of organizational structure at the corporate level. This paper extends research on diversification strategy by testing the hypotheses that the skills and competence of the incumbent chief executive officer of a major firm are associated with its diversification strategy. Using empirical data spanning the years 1965-1980 for fifty-three major U.S. firms that have diversified and grown, it is shown that the background and prior experience of the incumbent CEO of each firm is significantly associated with the diversification strategy of a firm. This has implications for boards of directors in their search for and selection of top level corporate executives, as well as implications for managers in search of executive jobs.
Induction and Extinction of Mammary Cancer: A striking effect of hydrocarbons permits analysis of mechanisms of causes and cure of breast cancer

This article describes the induction the induction and suppression of breast cancer in albino rats; the study was conducted to permit the analysis of the mechanisms of the causes and extinction of cancer 2 of the central problems in cancer research. A single feeding of 20 mg of 712 dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (712-DMBA) dissolved in sesame oil developed mammary cancer in all of over 700 healthy female rats of the Sprague-Dawley strain. The mammary cancer evoked by the aromatic hydrocarbons were all rather similar in cytologic appearance and all had the cellular pattern of papillary adenocarcinoma. Experiments also showed that while 712-DMBA and 2-aminophenanthrene were strong carcinogens benz(a)anthracene and phenanthrene did not evoke mammary cancer. It appears that the methyl and amnio groups convert the otherwise inactive parent molecular species to powerful carcinogens. 3 factors seem to determine mammary carcinogenicity in polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons: 1) the electron transfer 2) the geometric factor and 3) the molecular thickness. Regression of mammary cancer has been induced by 2 types of alteration of the endocrine status the withdrawal of the hormones essential for the life and growth of the cancer usually done through ovariectomy on the administration of appropriate hormones. In an experiment female rats previously induced with mammary cancer through administration of 712-DMBA were given for 30 days 20 mcg of estradiol-17 and 4 mg of progesterone. In a group of 100 rats treated this way 52 were free from cancer at necropsy whereas their control companions succumbed to cancer. This experiment was repeated under more rigorous conditions with rats with large mammary cancers; the results were equally successful.
Vitamin-transport proteins in alligator eggs

Abstract 1. 1. Biotin-binding protein (BBP), riboflavin-binding protein (RfBP), and folate-binding protein (FBP) have been detected in alligator ( Alligator mississippiensis ) egg yolk. These proteins are similar to their counterparts in bird egg yolk. 2. 2. In contrast alligator egg albumen does not contain the corresponding biotin-, riboflavin-, and thiamin-binding proteins normally found in apo-form in the albumen of bird eggs. 3. 3. Alligator egg yolk RfBP has been purified. It is a phosphoglycoprotein of 33 kDa, with properties similar to other known avian and reptilian RfBPs.
An RNA interference screen uncovers a new molecule in stem cell self-renewal and long-term regeneration

Adult stem cells sustain tissue maintenance and regeneration throughout the lifetime of an animal. These cells often reside in specific signalling niches that orchestrate the stem cell's balancing act between quiescence and cell-cycle re-entry based on the demand for tissue regeneration. How stem cells maintain their capacity to replenish themselves after tissue regeneration is poorly understood. Here we use RNA-interference-based loss-of-function screening as a powerful approach to uncover transcriptional regulators that govern the self-renewal capacity and regenerative potential of stem cells. Hair follicle stem cells provide an ideal model. These cells have been purified and characterized from their native niche in vivo and, in contrast to their rapidly dividing progeny, they can be maintained and passaged long-term in vitro. Focusing on the nuclear proteins and/or transcription factors that are enriched in stem cells compared with their progeny, we screened ∼2,000 short hairpin RNAs for their effect on long-term, but not short-term, stem cell self-renewal in vitro. To address the physiological relevance of our findings, we selected one candidate that was uncovered in the screen: TBX1. This transcription factor is expressed in many tissues but has not been studied in the context of stem cell biology. By conditionally ablating Tbx1 in vivo, we showed that during homeostasis, tissue regeneration occurs normally but is markedly delayed. We then devised an in vivo assay for stem cell replenishment and found that when challenged with repetitive rounds of regeneration, the Tbx1-deficient stem cell niche becomes progressively depleted. Addressing the mechanism of TBX1 action, we discovered that TBX1 acts as an intrinsic rheostat of BMP signalling: it is a gatekeeper that governs the transition between stem cell quiescence and proliferation in hair follicles. Our results validate the RNA interference screen and underscore its power in unearthing new molecules that govern stem cell self-renewal and tissue-regenerative potential.
The formation and distribution of ice within dormant and deacclimated peach flower buds

Abstract A freeze-fixation technique was used to examine the distribution of ice crystals and the pattern of freezing in peach flower buds. In dormant buds, ice crystals formed at localized sites within the bud axis and scales. Ice crystal formation disrupted tissues and mechanical injury from repetitive freezethaw cycles was apparent. There was evidence of ice formation in the floral organs of dormant buds exposed to −25°C but none observed in buds exposed to either −5 or −10°C. The distribution of ice crystals was different in deacclimated buds. In addition to large ice crystals within the subtending bud axis and scales, evidence of large crystals within the developing floral organs was noted. These crystals were most prominent in the lower portions of the developing flower and peduncle, and caused a separation of the epidermal layer from adjacent cells. The distribution of ice crystals within both dormant and deacclimated peach flower buds corroborated the results of previous thermal analysis experiments.
Ionic Liquid Metal-Conjugates: Formation of an Imidazolium Dirhodium(II) Carboxylate

A transition metal complex covalently bound to an organic salt offers a unique opportunity to explore issues of catalysis in an ionic liquid medium. Ligand exchange of acetate with an imidazolium functionality tethered to a carboxylic acid afforded the desired metal-conjugate. The modified dirhodium(II) dimer was found to be an effective catalyst in the intermolecular cyclopropanation reaction of styrene using ethyl diazoacetate.
Building a low-cost gross anatomy laboratory: A big step for a small university

This article illustrates details of the planning, building, and improvement phases of a cost-efficient, full-dissection gross anatomy laboratory on a campus of an historically design-centric university. Special considerations were given throughout the project to the nature of hosting cadavers in a building shared amongst all undergraduate majors. The article addresses these needs along with discussion of relevant furnishings and infrastructure that went into the creation of a fully outfitted gross anatomy laboratory (ten cadavers) completed within a significantly constrained timeline and $210,000 budget.
The Association of Health Literacy with Illness and Medication Beliefs among Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Background Low health literacy is associated with low adherence to self-management in many chronic diseases. Additionally, health beliefs are thought to be determinants of self-management behaviors. In this study we sought to determine the association, if any, of health literacy and health beliefs among elderly individuals with COPD. Methods We enrolled a cohort of patients with COPD from two academic urban settings in New York, NY and Chicago, IL. Health literacy was measured using the Short Test of Functional Health Literacy in Adults. Using the framework of the Self-Regulation Model, illness and medication beliefs were measured with the Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire (B-IPQ) and Beliefs about Medications Questionnaire (BMQ). Unadjusted analyses, with corresponding Cohen’s d effect sizes, and multiple logistic regression were used to assess the relationships between HL and illness and medication beliefs. Results We enrolled 235 participants, 29% of whom had low health literacy. Patients with low health literacy were more likely to belong to a racial minority group (p<0.001), not be married (p = 0.006), and to have lower income (p<0.001) or education (p<0.001). In unadjusted analyses, patients with low health literacy were less likely to believe they will always have COPD (p = 0.003, Cohen’s d = 0.42), and were more likely to be concerned about their illness ((p = 0.04, Cohen’s d = 0.17). In analyses adjusted for sociodemographic factors and other health beliefs, patients with low health literacy were less likely to believe that they will always have COPD (odds ratio [OR]: 0.78, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.65–0.94). In addition, the association of low health literacy with expressed concern about medications remained significant (OR: 1.20, 95% CI: 1.05–1.37) though the association of low health literacy with belief in the necessity of medications was no longer significant (OR: 0.92, 95% CI: 0.82–1.04). Conclusions In this cohort of urban individuals with COPD, low health literacy was prevalent, and associated with illness beliefs that predict decreased adherence. Our results suggest that targeted strategies to address low health literacy and related illness and medications beliefs might improve COPD medication adherence and other self-management behaviors.
Bioreactor design for synthesis gas fermentations

Abstract Bacterial cultures have been isolated for the conversion of synthesis gas (CO, H2 and CO2) into ethanol or methane. These heterogeneous reactions require the transport of substrate through the gas phase, across the interface into the liquid phase, and to the solid micro-organisms. The reactions are generally mass transfer limited due to very low gas solubilities. Bioreactors must maximize mass transport, while achieving high cell densities to promote fast reaction. This paper examines the performance of both dispersed gas phase systems (continuous stirred-tank reactor) and dispersed liquid phase systems (immobilized cell reactor) under mass transfer controlled and non-mass transfer controlled conditions. Mass transfer coefficients are determined and models are developed to predict bioreactor behaviour. Retention times of a few minutes are achieved for these gaseous substrate fermentations.
Soluble exopeptidases of bovine and human lens: characterization by electrophoresis.

Soluble exopeptidases present in bovine and human lenses were identified and characterized using starch gel electrophoresis separation followed by activity staining with an L-aminoacid oxidase/peroxidase system or a naphthylamine fluorescence system. Sixteen peptide and twelve naphthylamice substrates were used. The profile of substrate specificities for each electrophoretically separated exopeptidase was determined. Characterization also included the effects on activity of pH, EDTA, puromycin, and divalent cations. In addition, molecular weight determinations by gel filtration were made. Six bovine lens peptidases were identified including leucine aminopeptidase and dipeptidylpeptidase III and six human lens peptidases including dipeptidylpeptidase III. Strong homology in terms of substrate specificity and molecular weight was seen between bovine leucine aminopeptidase and one of the human peptidases previously designated peptidase “S”. The findings indicate the diversity of exopeptidases available for p...
Evaluation of pool swell velocity during large break loss of coolant accident in boiling water reactor Mark III containment design

Abstract In boiling water reactor (BWR) design, safety scenarios such as main steam line break need to be evaluated. After the main steam line break, the steam will fill the upper dry well of the containment. It will then enter the vertical vent and eventually flow into the suppression pool via horizontal vents. The steam will create large bubbles in the suppression pool and cause the pool to swell. The impact of the pool swell on the equipment inside the pool and containment structure needed to be evaluated for licensing. GE has conducted a series of one-third scale three-vent air tests in supporting the horizontal vent pressure suppression system used in Mark III containment design for General Electric BWR plants. During the test, the air–water interface locations were tracked by conductivity probes. The pressure was measured at many locations inside the test rig as well. The purpose of the test was to provide a basis for the pool swell load definition for the Mark III containment. In this paper, a transient three-dimensional CFD model to simulate the one-third scale Mark III suppression pool swell process is illustrated. The Volume of Fluid (VOF) multiphase model is used to explicitly track the interface between the water liquid and the air. The CFD results such as flow velocity, pressure, interface locations are compared to the data from the test. Through comparisons, a technical approach to numerically model the pool swell phenomenon is established and benchmarked.
BLS identification by orthogonal functions with application to immunology

An overview is given of BLS (bilinear system) identification and a method which uses Walsh functions is introduced. Walsh functions, their group properties with respect to binary algebra and their integral approximation in terms of Walsh functions, are used conveniently to identify BLS parameters for a simplified model of the immune system's generation of antibodies in disease control. The technique is effective for time-variant bilinear systems and quadratic systems as well.
Minimally-invasive technique for transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF)

Minimal access surgical techniques have been described for diskectomy and laminectomy procedures performed through tubular exposures. Tubular exposures, however, restrain visibility to a fixed diameter and require co-axial instrument manipulation. An independent blade retractor system has been developed to overcome the obstacles of working through a tube. Decompression and circumferential fusion can be accomplished through this minimal access exposure via a combination of laminectomy and transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) coupled with minimally invasive pedicle screw fixation. Herein, we describe a minimally-invasive technique for TLIF exposure. Illustrations, intraoperative photographs, and fluoroscopic images supplement this technique. We found that the described minimally-invasive system provides comparable exposure to the traditional-open techniques with the benefits of minimally-invasive techniques. Additionally, it does not have the added constraints of a tubular system. We were able to perform TLIFs without any additional complications. Minimal access decompression and TLIF can be performed safely and effectively using this minimally-invasive system. Besides the retractor system, no additional specialized instruments are required. An operative microscope is not required, in fact, all our cases were performed using operative loupes. The light attachment provides superb visbility without the discomfort of having to wear a headlight. Thus far we have found no added risks or complications using this system. We are currently working on long-term analysis and follow-up to further evaluate this system’s efficacy.
Regioselective conjugate reduction and reductive silylation of α,β-unsaturated

Abstract Regioselective conjugate reduction and reductive silylation of α,β-unsaturated aldehydes using the stable copper(I) hydride cluster, [(Ph3P)CuH]6, is reported. The reaction is general for a range of aldehyde substitution patterns, providing the saturated aldehyde, intermediate silyl enol ether, or completely reduced alcohol in high yield, depending on reaction conditions.
2005 Special Issue: Stochastic resonance in noisy spiking retinal and sensory neuron models

Two new theorems show that small amounts of additive white noise can improve the bit count or mutual information of several popular models of spiking retinal neurons and spiking sensory neurons. The first theorem gives necessary and sufficient conditions for this noise benefit or stochastic resonance (SR) effect for subthreshold signals in a standard family of Poisson spiking models of retinal neurons. The result holds for all types of finite-variance noise and for all types of infinite-variance stable noise: SR occurs if and only if a sum of noise means or location parameters falls outside a 'forbidden interval' of values. The second theorem gives a similar forbidden-interval sufficient condition for the SR effect for several types of spiking sensory neurons that include the Fitzhugh-Nagumo neuron, the leaky integrate-and-fire neuron, and the reduced Type I neuron model if the additive noise is Gaussian white noise. Simulations show that neither the forbidden-interval condition nor Gaussianity is necessary for the SR effect.
elk, tissue-specific ets-related genes on chromosomes X and 14 near translocation breakpoints

The myb-ets-containing acute leukemia virus, E26, transforms myeloblasts and erythroblasts in culture and causes a mixed erythroid and myeloid leukemia in chicks. Genes (ets-1, ets-2, and erg) with variable relatedness to the v-ets oncogene of the E26 virus have been identified, cloned, and characterized in several species. Two new members (elk-1 and elk-2) of the ets oncogene superfamily have now been identified. Nucleotide sequence analysis of the elk-1 cDNA clone revealed that this gene encodes a 428-residue protein whose predicted amino acid sequence showed 82% similarity to the 3' region of v-ets. The elk or related sequences appear to be transcriptionally active in testis and lung. The elk cDNA probe detects two loci in the human genome, elk-1 and elk-2, which map to chromosome regions Xp11.2 and 14q32.3, respectively. These loci are near the translocation breakpoint seen in the t(X;18) (p11.2;q11.2), which is characteristic of synovial sarcoma, and the chromosome 14q32 breakpoints seen in ataxia telangiectasia and other T cell malignancies. This suggests the possibility that rearrangements of elk loci may be involved in pathogenesis of certain tumors.
Homochlorcyclizine: An antiallergic drug with multiple clinical properties

Abstract 1.1. N-p-chloro-benzhydryl-N'-methyl-homopiperazine dihydrochloride is a drug possessing a wide range of clinical effect and is useful in certain types of asthma and allergic cough and resistant cases of seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis, urticaria, dermatitis, and some other allergic and allergic-like manifestations. 2.2. Its clinical effectiveness cannot be satisfactorily explained by its known antagonism to histamine, acetylcholine, or serotonin or by simple bronchodilator action. It is possible that its action concerns antagonism against the slow-reacting substance or other known or unknown muscle-contracting or capillary permeability factors.
Baseline Mapping of Phragmites australis (Common Reed) in Three Coastal Mississippi Estuarine Basins

Over the last two decades, the northern Gulf of Mexico has undergone tremendous growth and development that has resulted in extensive and ongoing habitat modification. We had the opportunity to survey the main channels and bayous of three coastal estuarine basins for the presence and coverage of the invasive Phragmites australis (common reed). The occurrence and area of P. australis was highly variable among the lower Pascagoula River, Back Bay of Biloxi, and St. Louis Bay basins, with the largest amount of coverage (0.489 km 2 ) found within the lower Pascagoula River basin and the smallest in Back Bay of Biloxi (0.0056 km 2 ). Monospecific-stand coverage (47.2%) dominated both mixed-tree (27.2%) and mixed-marsh (26.6%) coverages in the lower Pascagoula River basin, whereas in the Back Bay of Biloxi, mixed-marsh coverage (71.4%) was greater than monospecific-stand (25.0%) and mixed-tree (3.6%) coverages. The only portion of St. Louis Bay containing P. australis (0.069 km 2 ) was near the mouth of the Jourdan River, with monospecific-stand (62.3%) dominating the mixed-marsh (36.2%) and mixed-tree (1.5%) coverages. Although we were not able to survey all possible areas of each estuarine basin, the information gained in this study provides baseline data on the occurrence of this invasive species in the three main Mississippi coastal basins. Future monitoring of the spread of common reed, especially in the light of continued coastal development, is necessary if resource managers are to make informed decisions about which management ac- tion (water diversions and restoration scenarios) might positively influence this highly invasive native species.
The mechanism of surface heterodiffusion at elevated temperatures

Abstract Molecular dynamics simulations employing the Lennard-Jones potential have been performed on Kr/Ar(111) to investigate the nature of high-temperature surface heterodiffusion. These suggest that high activation energies and preexponential factors observed experimentally at temperatures above approximately 0.70 T m arise from adatom-vacancy pair formation, which sharply increases the number of mobile species. Evidence is also obtained that at intermediate temperatures (0.45 T m m ), Arrhenius curves mass transfer diffusivity can depend on both coverage and adsorbate interactions. For adsorbates which exhibit islanding, low coverage diffusion is characterized by an activation energy equal to the enthalpy of migration, whereas at moderate coverage the activation energy contains an additional term due to the enthalpy of formation of mobile adatoms from immobile islands.
Lumbaler Diskogener Schmerz - Bandscheibendegeneration und Minimalinvasive Therapie

Discogenic pain has been responsible for a countless number of missed workdays and millions if not billions of dollars of lost revenue. Minimally invasive interventional therapies of the discogenic back pain gained significant acceptance among the proceduralists. The centuries old dilemma of discogenic low back pain has by no means been answered. We know today that discogenic low back pain has a multitude of causes. The leaking "chemical soup" within the nucleus pulposus is certainly responsible for causing inflammation and thus pain. However, neuropeptides released from peripheral endings of nociceptive afferents are also inflammatory mediators and pain generators. The nerves innervating the discs have been identified and in many cases denervated with good results. These nerves from posterior to anterior include the sinuvertebral nerve, the rami communicantes, and the sympathetic trunk. Diagnosing discogenic low back pain is the key to successful treatment. Classically this should be a low back pain in a "band-like" distribution without radiculopathy that is worse in the morning, worse with Valsalva, and aggravated by standing in flexion. Provocative discography with manometric monitoring is essential in aiding the diagnosis. Once the diagnosis is confirmed, a multitude of invasive therapy may be offered including: L2 root sleeve blocks, intradiscal RFTC, RFTC of the rami communicantes, or Comparative data on the effectiveness of the above-mentioned procedures is lacking and may in fact be an excellent topic for future discussion.
Acentriolar mitosis activates a p53-dependent apoptosis pathway in the mouse embryo

Abstract Centrosomes are the microtubule-organizing centers of animal cells that organize interphase microtubules and mitotic spindles. Centrioles are the microtubule-based structures that organize centrosomes, and a defined set of proteins, including spindle assembly defective-4 (SAS4) (CPAP/CENPJ), is required for centriole biogenesis. The biological functions of centrioles and centrosomes vary among animals, and the functions of mammalian centrosomes have not been genetically defined. Here we use a null mutation in mouse Sas4 to define the cellular and developmental functions of mammalian centrioles in vivo. Sas4-null embryos lack centrosomes but survive until midgestation. As expected, Sas4−/− mutants lack primary cilia and therefore cannot respond to Hedgehog signals, but other developmental signaling pathways are normal in the mutants. Unlike mutants that lack cilia, Sas4−/− embryos show widespread apoptosis associated with global elevated expression of p53. Cell death is rescued in Sas4−/− p53−/− double-mutant embryos, demonstrating that mammalian centrioles prevent activation of a p53-dependent apoptotic pathway. Expression of p53 is not activated by abnormalities in bipolar spindle organization, chromosome segregation, cell-cycle profile, or DNA damage response, which are normal in Sas4−/− mutants. Instead, live imaging shows that the duration of prometaphase is prolonged in the mutants while two acentriolar spindle poles are assembled. Independent experiments show that prolonging spindle assembly is sufficient to trigger p53-dependent apoptosis. We conclude that a short delay in the prometaphase caused by the absence of centrioles activates a previously undescribed p53-dependent cell death pathway in the rapidly dividing cells of the mouse embryo.
How should one study brain adrenergic receptors in aging

Contradictory findings and lack of definitive information regarding adrenergic receptors in aging results in part from problems related to the methodology that has been used to study this question. Limitations of available techniques and new biochemical, molecular biological, and physiological methods that may prove particularly helpful for future studies are discussed.
Structural characterization of chemically synthesized cubic lanthanum sulphide (γ-La2S3)

Abstract Cubic lanthanum sulphide (γ-La2S3) belongs to the family of rare-earth chalcogenides and is a potential far-infrared (8-14 μm) transmitting material. Low-temperature chemical techniaues incorporating organometallics have been employed to synthesize ultrafine sulphide precursors (about 20 nm in size) at room temperature. The precursors transform to form cubic (γ-La2S3) powders at 1000°C. The thermal stability, phase evolution characteristics and microstructure of the fine particles have been investigated using differential scanning calorimetry, X-ray diffraction and electron microscopy. Convergent-beam electron diffraction was performed on the crystalline powders and hot-pressed ceramics and the space group was identified to be 143d.
Opposing regulation of human alveolar Type II cell differentiation by nitric oxide and hyperoxia

Clinical trials demonstrated decreasing rates of bronchopulmonary dysplasia in preterm infants with hypoxic respiratory failure treated with inhaled nitric oxide (iNO). However, the molecular and biochemical effects of iNO on developing human fetal lungs remain vastly unknown. By using a well-characterized model of human fetal alveolar type II cells, we assessed the effects of iNO and hyperoxia, independently and concurrently, on NO-cGMP signaling pathway and differentiation. Exposure to iNO increased cGMP levels by 40-fold after 3 d and by 8-fold after 5 d despite constant expression of phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5). The levels of cGMP declined significantly on exposure to iNO and hyperoxia at 3 and 5 d, although expression of soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC) was sustained. Surfactant proteins B and C (SP-B, SP-C) and thyroid transcription factor (TTF)-1 mRNA levels increased in cells exposed to iNO in normoxia but not on exposure to iNO plus hyperoxia. Collectively, these data indicate an increase in type II cell markers when undifferentiated lung epithelial cells are exposed to iNO in room air. However, hyperoxia overrides these potentially beneficial effects of iNO despite sustained expression of sGC.
Evaluating the performance of copula models in phase I-II clinical trials under model misspecification

Traditionally, phase I oncology trials are designed to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD), defined as the highest dose with an acceptable probability of dose limiting toxicities(DLT), of a new treatment via a dose escalation study. An alternate approach is to jointly model toxicity and efficacy and allow dose escalation to depend on a pre-specified efficacy/toxicity tradeoff in a phase I-II design. Several phase I-II trial designs have been discussed in the literature; while these model-based designs are attractive in their performance, they are potentially vulnerable to model misspecification. Phase I-II designs often rely on copula models to specify the joint distribution of toxicity and efficacy, which include an additional correlation parameter that can be difficult to estimate. We compare and contrast three models for the joint probability of toxicity and efficacy, including two copula models that have been proposed for use in phase I-II clinical trials and a simple model that assumes the two outcomes are independent. We evaluate the performance of the various models through simulation both when the models are correct and under model misspecification. Both models exhibited similar performance, as measured by the probability of correctly identifying the optimal dose and the number of subjects treated at the optimal dose, regardless of whether the data were generated from the correct or incorrect copula, even when there is substantial correlation between the two outcomes. Similar results were observed for a simple model that assumes independence, even in the presence of strong correlation. Further simulation results indicate that estimating the correlation parameter in copula models is difficult with the sample sizes used in Phase I-II clinical trials. Our simulation results indicate that the operating characteristics of phase I-II clinical trials are robust to misspecification of the copula model but that a simple model that assumes independence performs just as well due to difficulty in estimating the copula model correlation parameters from binary data.
'Pope as prevention'? Condom use by Catholics increased in five HIV endemic countries in sub-Saharan Africa during Pope Benedict XVI's tenure.

In a historic shift in November 2010 Pope Benedict XVI acknowledged that the use of condoms may be justified to prevent the spread of HIV. Whether the Pope’s policy shift impacted condom use by the fastest growing Catholic populations living in sub-Saharan Africa and to what extents remains largely unknown. This brief describe changes in condom use by Catholics in five HIV endemic countries – Cameroon Mozambique Rwanda Uganda and Zimbabwe – during Pope Benedict XVI’s tenure from April 2005 until February 2013. Using Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) in sub-Sahara Africa the authors searched data for ‘condom use at last sex’ and religious affiliation. Condom use by Catholics ranged between 2.3% and 23.8% in women and between 6.0% and 38.3% in men. During the Pope’s tenure Catholics have increased condom use in these five countries on average by 71.5% for men and women combined. It is possible that Catholics in these countries somewhat increased their condom use as a direct result of the policy shift or indirectly through the involvement of Catholic leaders institutions and local organization. In addition the Pope’s statement may have dissipated some of the stigma surrounding condom use among Catholics.
Stability, accuracy and efficiency of some underintegrated methods in finite element computations

In an attempt to increase computational efficiency in the numerical solution of highly nonlinear problems in solid and fluid mechanics, underintegrated finite element methods have been employed by many analysts. Underintegration refers to the use of a rule of an order lower than that required to integrate polynomial integrands exactly. The main drawback of this technique is related to the production of rank-deficient stiffness matrices, or equivalently an expanded kernel of the governing linear momentum operators. Such a development can introduce numerical instabilities. In order to overcome this difficulty, artificial stiffness or viscosity methods, or other stabilization methods have been proposed. One approach involves the elimination of spurious modes in a postprocessing operation. The present study is concerned with this a posteriori elimination method, taking into account the results which can be expected from it, and some of its possible extensions.
DIFFERENCES IN PRIMARY RESPONSE GENE EXPRESSION IN RENAL COMPENSATORY HYPERTROPHY AND HYPERPLASIA

The induction of a family of primary response genes (ie, genes whose transcription is not dependent on new protein synthesis) occurs within minutes after stimulation of quiescent 3T3 cells by phorbol esters and growth factors. A similar pattern of gene expression is seen in PC-12 pheochromocytoma cells induced to differentiate by nerve growth factor (NGF), suggesting that a common set of activating signals occur in different forms of cell growth. To determine whether the same "activation" process occurs in renal hypertrophy, we measured mRNA levels in mice subjected to uninephrectomy (UNX) or sham operation. Regenerative renal hyperplasia was induced by intraperitoneal folic acid (FA) injection with vehicle as control. Northern blots showed induction of these genes by FA with elevated mRNA levels persisting for up to 24 to 48 hours. UNX and sham operation demonstrated a slight and transient elevation of mRNA levels, with a prompt return to basal levels by 60 minutes.
Detection of turbid waters and absorbing aerosols for the MODIS ocean color data processing

Atmospheric correction for the ocean color products derived from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) uses two near-infrared (NIR) bands centered at 748 and 869 nm for identifying aerosol type and correcting aerosol contributions at the MODIS visible wavelengths. The ocean is usually assumed to be black for open oceans at these two NIR bands with modifications for the productive waters and aerosols are assumed to be non- or weakly absorbing. For cases with strongly absorbing aerosols and cases with the significant NIR ocean contributions, the derived ocean color products will have significant errors, e.g., the derived MODIS normalized water-leaving radiances are biased low considerably. Both cases lead to a significant drop of the sensor-measured radiance at the short visible wavelengths, and they both have similar and indistinguishable radiance characteristics at the short visible wavelengths. To properly handle such cases, the strongly absorbing aerosols and turbid waters need to be identified. Therefore, an appropriate approach (different from the standard procedure) may be carried out. In this paper, we demonstrate methods to identify the turbid waters and strongly absorbing aerosols using combinations of MODIS-measured radiances at the short visible, NIR, and short wave infrared (SWIR) bands. The algorithms are based on the fact that for the turbid waters the ocean has significantly large contributions at the NIR bands, whereas at the SWIR bands the ocean is still black due to much stronger water absorption. With detection of the turbid waters, the strongly absorbing aerosols can then be identified using the MODIS measurements at the short visible and NIR bands. We provide results and discussions for test and evaluation of the algorithm performance with various examples in the coastal regions for the turbid waters and for various absorbing aerosols (e.g., volcano ash plumes, dust, smoke). The proposed algorithms are efficient in the data processing, and can be carried out prior to the atmospheric correction procedure.