cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Technology of Formation of Future Skippers’ Readiness for Ecological Responsibility

The introduction to the article analyzes the problem of forming the readiness of future ship drivers. The main purpose of the study is the theoretical justification of the technology of formation of future skippers’ readiness for ecological responsibility. Methods. To achieve this goal, the analysis and synthesis of search results in information systems to determine the basic concepts of the study; methods of expert evaluation, testing, questionnaires, observation, modeling, forecasting have been used. The results. The article defines the essence of the concept of « ecological responsibility» as a moral quality of the future ship driver, formed in the process of professional training, which is manifested in the humane and rational attitude of the individual to the marine and river environment, and implemented in everyday professional activities. It is defined that the structure of ecological responsibility contains motivational, content-operational and evaluation-performance components. The specifics of formation of future skippers’ ecological responsibility in the process of their professional training are determined, on the basis of which the technology is developed as the one containing the following components: target (contains set of the purposes of forming ecological responsibility); semantic (based on humanization, fundamentalization, greening and interdisciplinary unity of natural sciences and humanities, it forms a modern picture of the world in the future skippers’ minds), operational (conditions, forms, methods, means of forming ecological responsibility); diagnostic (methods of determining the level of forming the future skippers’ ecological responsibility in the training process). The formation of future skippers’ ecological responsibility was tested at three levels (high, medium, low) and the following criteria: emotional value, informational, activity. Conclusions. The author concludes that the formation of future ship drivers’ ecological responsibility in the process of professional training is one of the most important components of skippers’ professional training.
A statistical atlas based approach to automated subject-specific FE modeling

Subject-specific modeling is increasingly important in biomechanics simulation. However, how to automatically create high-quality finite element (FE) mesh and how to automatically impose boundary condition are challenging.This paper presents a statistical atlas based approach for automatic meshing of subject-specific shapes. In our approach, shape variations among a shape population are explicitly modeled and the correspondence between a given subject-specific shape and the statistical atlas is sought within the "legal" shape variations. This approach involves three parts: (1) constructing a statistical atlas from a shape population, including the statistical shape model and the FE model of the mean shape; (2) establishing the correspondence between a given subject shape and the atlas; and (3) deforming the atlas to the subject shape based on the shape correspondence. Numerical results on 2D hands, 3D femur bones and 3D aorta demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach. A statistical atlas is constructed to account for shape variations.Shape correspondence is obtained through the eigenspace search.Subject-specific FE mesh is obtained from the deformed mesh of the mean shape.The method is automated and is applicable to shapes with large variations.
Region-Specific Rapid Regulation of Aromatase Activity in Zebra Finch Brain

Recent studies have shown that rapid modulation of the estrogen synthesizing enzyme, aromatase, regulates estrogen production in neurons to affect behavior and cognition. In songbirds, aromatase is expressed at high levels in the hippocampus (HP), hypothalamus (HYP), and caudomedial nidopallium (NCM), where estrogens have been shown to affect learning and memory (HP), reproductive behavior (HYP), and auditory processing (NCM). Previous studies, largely in the HYP of quail, show that aromatase activity is down-regulated by Ca2+-dependent phosphorylation. Here, using zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata), we ask if similar mechanisms are at work in the songbird HYP and if there are sex differences and differences in aromatase modulation between the HYP, HP and NCM. We quantified the conversion of [3H]androstenedione to estrone with a well-established in vitro assay to measure the effects of Ca2+, Mg2+, ATP, and an inhibitor of kinase activity in homogenates and partially purified brain fractions. We report a rapid down-regulation of aromatase activity in the presence of phosphorylating conditions across all three brain regions and both sexes. However, regional differences were seen in response to individual cofactor concentrations, some of which were improved by partial purification of the homogenates. Furthermore, while low concentrations of ATP inhibited aromatase activity, unexpectedly, inhibition was no longer seen with high ATP concentrations. These results provide evidence for a regional and temporal specificity in aromatase activity that has not been observed in songbirds.
Conservative Management of Twisted Testicular Appendages

We planned non-operative treatment of a twisted intrascrotal appendage in 23 consecutive patients, ranging in age from 6 to 45 years, in whom the diagnosis could be made confidently. Only 3 patients have required subsequent removal of the infarcted appendage because of persistent or recurrent pain. The remaining patients became free of pain within a week. Prompt surgical exploration to exclude torsion of the spermatic cord remains necessary if scrotal swelling obscures the diagnosis. At operation for the latter indication 5 additional boys were found to have a twisted appendix testis during the study interval.
Investigation of loss processes of Tm and Tm,Ho in YAG

The loss of excitation from various manifolds of Tm and Tm,Ho in YAG as a function of temperature and concentration is studied. Two probable loss mechanisms - a Tm up-conversion and a Ho up-conversion - are identified. A 785-nm CW diode laser with 400-nW peak power was focused to a small spot on the sample. The emission from the sample observed at 90 deg was monitored through a monochromator with slits open to 3 mm. Intensity of emission was measured by varying the power of the excitation source using a set of neutral density filters. Power is reported as the percentage of the peak power, and the intensity curves were normalized below 20 percent of transmission. The fact that there is emission above the pump energy indicates an up-conversion from excited manifolds. Nonlinear changes in the intensity of the emission from the Tm 3F4 manifold with the pump power reveals a loss of excitation from this manifold. The linear dependence of the 5I7 manifold emission with pump power at low Tm and high Ho concentrations and the gain of energy in the 5I6 manifold of Ho indicate that the 5I7 manifold loss is due to the coupling of Tm and Ho ions.
Coalitional Non-Cooperative Approaches to Cooperation

Cooperative and non-cooperative approaches to game theory represent two polar, and simplifying, extremes. In the former, it is assumed that players can make commitments that are binding, i.e., an agreement once made is enforceable. In contrast, non-cooperative game theory assumes that agreements cannot be enforced and equilibrium agreements or strategies, therefore, must be self-enforcing.
Performance Comparison of Gasoline-Water and Gasoline-Methanol Emulsions as Spark Ignition Engine Fuels

Performance comparisons of gasoline-water and gasoline-methanol emulsions as spark ignition engine fuels are presented. The gasoline-water mixture as a fuel contains 5%, 10% and 15% of water by volume versus 30% of methanol by volume in gasohol. Engine output, peak pressure, fuel consumption, and mass burning rate of all fuel emulsions were recorded and analyzed with the pressure-time data. The experiments were carried out on a commercial single cylinder, air cooled spark ignition engine at 2000 RPM and MBT operating conditions. Satisfactory running results were obtained and no abnormal or sluggish movement of the engine was observed during the tests. Preliminary results indicate that the gasoline-water emulsion can be adopted and burned efficiently in an existing SI engine power plant.
Focal Adhesion Kinase-dependent Apoptosis of Melanoma Induced by Tyrosine and Phenylalanine Deficiency

We found previously that restriction of tyrosine (Tyr) and phenylalanine (Phe) inhibited growth and metastasis of B16BL6 murine melanoma and arrested these cells in the G0-G1 phase of the cell cycle. Here, we report that deprivation of these two amino acids in vitro induces apoptosis in B16BL6 and in human A375 melanoma cells but not in nontransformed, neonatal murine epidermal cells or human infant foreskin fibroblasts. Four days after deprivation of Tyr and Phe in vitro, 37% of B16BL6 and 51% of A375 melanoma cells were undergoing apoptosis. Apoptosis was not associated with elevation in intracellular calcium or alteration in p53 or c-myc protein expression. Expression and Tyr phosphorylation of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) were inhibited in both melanoma cell lines by deprivation of Tyr and Phe but not by deprivation of glutamine or serum. Tyr phosphorylation of FAK in Tyr- and Phe-deprived melanoma cells was enhanced within 30 min of refeeding with complete DMEM. FAK protein expression recovered within 60 min, and cell viability recovered within 24 h. Genistein, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor that specifically inhibits Tyr phosphorylation of FAK, did not induce apoptosis in A375 melanoma cells at a concentration of 50 microM. Genistein prevented the recovery of cell viability upon refeeding with Tyr and Phe to previously deprived A375 melanoma cells. These data collectively indicate that apoptosis induced by Tyr and Phe deprivation is FAK-dependent.
La relación de las trayectorias de edad adulta emergentes con el uso de drogas y otros correlatos

Interest in “Emerging Adulthood” (EA) as a unique developmental period has increased. This study examined the heterogeneity of EA among at-risk youth (N=1,677) by identifying trajectories of development across individuals. First, an 8-item version of the Inventory of Dimensions of EA (IDEA) measure was tested for factorial invariance across three time points; the 5-item EA measure was found to be factorially invariant. Next, latent class growth modeling identified three unique developmental trajectories. Lastly, classes were compared on demographics and health-risk behaviors. Class 1 represented a large, low-risk class (highest on EA). Classes 2 and 3 were comparably sized (~5% of the sample). Class 2 appears to be a high-risk class that decreases in EA, while Class 3 appears to be a medium-risk class that increases in EA. This study confirms that not everyone experiences EA similarly and that continuation high school students do not circumvent EA (move directly to adulthood).
Reverse in situ combustion

Fur den Fall einer hinsichtlich Temperatur und Partialdruck des Oxydenden nichtlinearen Quellenfunktion wird die in-situ-Verbrennung von Rohol untersucht. Die Warmeubertragung wird in ihrer Abhangigkeit von den Mechanismen der Konvektion, der Leitung und des Warmeubergangs zwischen festem und Gaszustand erortert. Es wird gezeigt, dass es eine stetige Losung gibt, und eine konvergierende Iterationsmethode wird angegeben.
Neural computing for built-in self-repair of embedded memory arrays

A demonstration is presented of how to represent the objective function of the memory repair problem as a neural network energy function, and how to utilize the neural net's convergence property to find near-optimal solutions. Two algorithms have been developed using a neural network, and their performance is compared with the 'repair most' algorithm that is used commercially. For randomly generated defect patterns, the proposed algorithm with a hill-climbing capability has been found to be successful in repairing memory arrays in 98% of the cases, as opposed to the repair most algorithm's 20% of cases. >
A Preliminary Study on the Utilization of Water-in-Oil Emulsions in Diesel Engines

Abstract A single cylinder diesel engine study of water-in-oil emulsions was conducted to investigate the effects of water emulsification on particulate emission and the IMEP, with the fuel-air ratio ranging from 0.02 to 0.07. Results indicate that an optimum water content for particulate reduction seems to be between 10 and 20 percent by volume, and that with equal amount of fuel injection the IMEP is minimally affected with water addition.
Iatrogenic coronary-cameral fistula after left ventricular radiofrequency ablation.

A 52-year-old white woman with normal cardiac andcoronary anatomy, frequent premature ventricular com-plexes (PVCs), and syncope underwent electrophysiologicstudy, which revealed sustained monomorphic ventriculartachycardia (VT). Radiofrequency (RF) ablation was per-formed. VT could not be induced, so noncontact activationmapping of PVCs was performed. Ablation at the earliestsite of endocardial activation of the respective PVC con-ﬁrmedbypacemapofthePVCs(Figure1A)wasperformedusing an internally irrigated 4-mm-tip catheter (Boston Sci-entiﬁc, Natick, MA, USA). Lesions initially were deliveredcaudal to the lateral mitral annulus. RF ablation was deliv-ered under temperature control not exceeding 40°C, withpower titrated to achieve a drop of 10 .
Image-guided hypo-fractionated stereotactic radiosurgery to spinal lesions.

Objective This article demonstrates the technical feasibility of noninvasive treatment of unresectable spinal vascular malformations and primary and metastatic spinal tumors by use of image-guided frameless stereotactic radiosurgery. Methods Stereotactic radiosurgery delivers a high dose of radiation to a tumor volume or vascular malformation in a limited number of fractions and minimizes the dose to adjacent normal structures. Frameless image-guided radiosurgery was developed by coupling an orthogonal pair of x-ray cameras to a dynamically manipulated robot-mounted linear accelerator that guides the therapy beam to treatment sites within the spine or spinal cord, in an outpatient setting, and without the use of frame-based fixation. The system relies on skeletal landmarks or implanted fiducial markers to locate treatment targets. Sixteen patients with spinal lesions (hemangioblastomas, vascular malformations, metastatic carcinomas, schwannomas, a meningioma, and a chordoma) were treated with total treatment doses of 1100 to 2500 cGy in one to five fractions by use of image-guided frameless radiosurgery with the CyberKnife system (Accuray, Inc., Sunnyvale, CA). Thirteen radiosurgery plans were analyzed for compliance with conventional radiation therapy. Results Tests demonstrated alignment of the treatment dose with the target volume within +/-1 mm by use of spine fiducials and the CyberKnife treatment planning system. Tumor patients with at least 6 months of follow-up have demonstrated no progression of disease. Radiographic follow-up is pending for the remaining patients. To date, no patients have experienced complications as a result of the procedure. Conclusion This experience demonstrates the feasibility of image-guided robotic radiosurgery for previously untreatable spinal lesions.
In vivo administration of anti-CD3 prevents malignant progressor tumor growth

Malignant progressor tumors are only weakly immunogenic and can evade host recognition and rejection. One approach to therapy involves activation of the host antitumor cellular effector mechanisms. Since monoclonal antibodies to CD3 (anti-CD3) can activate T cells in vitro, an attempt was made to determine if tumor immunity could be achieved by the administration of anti-CD3 in vivo. T lymphocytes from mice injected with anti-CD3 showed increased interleukin-2 receptor (IL-2R) expression, increased proliferation to recombinant IL-2 (rIL-2), and enhanced reactivity in both an allogeneic mixed lymphocyte reaction and a mixed lymphocyte tumor culture. Malignant tumor growth in treated mice was also examined. The anti-CD3 treatment prevented tumor outgrowth that would have killed untreated animals and also stimulated an in vivo response against a malignant progressor tumor providing lasting tumor immunity.
Do menstrual problems explain gender gaps in absenteeism and earnings?: Evidence from the National Health Interview Survey

Abstract The health effects of menstruation are a controversial explanation for gender gaps in absenteeism and earnings. This paper provides the first evidence on this issue using data that combines labor market outcomes with information on health. We find that menstrual problems could account for some of the gender gap in illness-related absences, but menstrual problems are associated with other negative health conditions, suggesting that our estimates may overstate causal effects. Nevertheless, menstrual problems explain very little of the gender gap in earnings.
Membrane and protein interactions of oxysterols.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Oxysterols, oxidation products of cholesterol, mediate numerous and diverse biological processes. The objective of this review is to explain some of the biochemical and cell biological properties of oxysterols based on their membrane biophysical properties and their interaction with integral and peripheral membrane proteins. RECENT FINDINGS: According to their biophysical properties, which can be distinct from those of cholesterol, oxysterols can promote or inhibit the formation of membrane microdomains or lipid rafts. Oxysterols that inhibit raft formation are cytotoxic. The stereo-specific binding of cholesterol to sterol-sensing domains in cholesterol homeostatic pathways is not duplicated by oxysterols, and some oxysterols are poor substrates for the pathways that detoxify cells of excess cholesterol. The cytotoxic roles of oxysterols are, at least partly, due to a direct physical effect on membranes involved in cholesterol-induced cell apoptosis and raft mediated cell signaling. Oxysterols regulate cellular functions by binding to oxysterol binding protein and oxysterol binding protein-related proteins. Oxysterol binding protein is a sterol-dependent scaffolding protein that regulates the extracellular signal-regulated kinase signaling pathway. According to a recently solved structure for a yeast oxysterol binding protein-related protein, Osh4, some members of this large family of proteins are likely sterol transporters. SUMMARY: Given the association of some oxysterols with atherosclerosis, it is important to identify the mechanisms by which their association with cell membranes and intracellular proteins controls membrane structure and properties and intracellular signaling and metabolism. Studies on oxysterol binding protein and oxysterol binding protein-related proteins should lead to new understandings about sterol-regulated signal transduction and membrane trafficking pathways in cells.
Money, interest, and prices: Some international evidence

Abstract Monetarists have long advocated that money is a central variable to the explanation of price inflation. Across a group of major industrial countries, the evidence does not provide a clear support for the monetarists' claims. A change in the nominal interest rate significantly determines price change in the short run, and the effect may be prolonged over time. Further, the relationship between the interest rate and price appears independent of the stance of monetary policy, expansionary or contractionary. Subsequently, changes in the interest rate in response to nonmonetary factors are important determinants of price change in many countries.
Experimental test of virtual photon theory for pion electroproduction on light nuclei

The virtual photon spectrum shape and intensity within several MeV of the kinematic limit was measured for /sup 9/Be(e,..pi../sup +/)/sup 9/Li,e' and /sup 16/O(e,..pi../sup +/)/sup 16/N,e'(T/sub ..pi../=28 MeV, theta/sub ..pi../=90/sup 0/). The intensity over this interval is 1.25 +- 0.10 times plane-wave virtual photon theory predictions; the shape agrees with theory within errors. Measurements on the proton 30 to 55 MeV below the end point agree with the intensity predictions of virtual photon theory within the errors ( +- 8%).
Cytogenetic analysis of malignant skin tumors induced in chemically treated TG-AC transgenic mice.

TG.AC mice (which carry a v-Ha-ras transgene) rapidly develp papillomas in response to 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA). Approximately 30% of the papilomas are associated with subsequent development of maliganancies. Early-passage spindle-shaped tumor cells arising from explant cultures of TPA-induced tumors in TG-AC mice were tumorigenic when transplanted to syngeneic recipients. The v-Ha-ras transgene in the transplanted tumors was expressed at a high level. To identify possible genetic changes associated with the development of malignant tumors, explanted cells were cultured in vitro and assessed for karyotypic changes between the second and third passages by analyzing G-banded metaphase chromosomes. For comparison, skin malignancies were induced in nontransgenic FVB/N mice (parent strain) by 7, 12-dimethylbenz[a] anthracene (DMBA) Initiation and TPA promotion, and their G-banded metaphase chromosomes were analyzed. Trisomy (in at least 50% of about 30 metaphases) of chromosome 15 (in five of 15 tumors) and chromosome 6 (four of 15 tumors) was observed in TG.AC mice, independent of chemical treatment or tumor type. Of six tumors from DMBA/TPA-treated FVB/N mice, three had trisomy 10 or 15 (or both), and two appeared normal. The absence of trisomy 7 is notable because c-Ha-ras maps to that chromosome. The absence of trisomy 7 in the six FVB/N DMBA/TPA-induced skin malignancies contrasts with DMBA/TPA- induced karyotypic effects in SENCAR mice. Expression of the v-Ha-ras transgene may have precluded the requirement for endogenous mutant ras and allelic imbalance involving chromosome 7 in TG.AC mice, but it could not have in FVB/N mice. These results suggest the possibility that the observed trissmies are consequential, rather than causal, events in the development of TG.AC or FVB/N skin malignancies. Molecular genetic analysis will be required to understand the changes associated with tumorigenesis in this transgenic line as well as in the parent mouse line. ©1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Improved blood velocity measurements with a hybrid image filtering and iterative Radon transform algorithm

Neural activity leads to hemodynamic changes which can be detected by functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). The determination of blood flow changes in individual vessels is an important aspect of understanding these hemodynamic signals. Blood flow can be calculated from the measurements of vessel diameter and blood velocity. When using line-scan imaging, the movement of blood in the vessel leads to streaks in space-time images, where streak angle is a function of the blood velocity. A variety of methods have been proposed to determine blood velocity from such space-time image sequences. Of these, the Radon transform is relatively easy to implement and has fast data processing. However, the precision of the velocity measurements is dependent on the number of Radon transforms performed, which creates a trade-off between the processing speed and measurement precision. In addition, factors like image contrast, imaging depth, image acquisition speed, and movement artifacts especially in large mammals, can potentially lead to data acquisition that results in erroneous velocity measurements. Here we show that pre-processing the data with a Sobel filter and iterative application of Radon transforms address these issues and provide more accurate blood velocity measurements. Improved signal quality of the image as a result of Sobel filtering increases the accuracy and the iterative Radon transform offers both increased precision and an order of magnitude faster implementation of velocity measurements. This algorithm does not use a priori knowledge of angle information and therefore is sensitive to sudden changes in blood flow. It can be applied on any set of space-time images with red blood cell (RBC) streaks, commonly acquired through line-scan imaging or reconstructed from full-frame, time-lapse images of the vasculature.
An expert system for FASTBUS diagnosis

Abstract The complexity of the FASTBUS network at CDF makes access to expert assistance a necessity for efficient operation. A software Expert System has been proposed to diagnose FASTBUS errors and advise users on recovery options in the interactive DAQ environment. This paper introduces some basic features of rule-based programming and uses examples to describe how expert systems function. A prototype system, FBEXPERT, has been developed using a language called OPS5 and applied to the diagnosis of a network problem. This paper includes an example which shows how the system updates its knowledge base as it proceeds to the correct solution.
Bartonellosis: an emerging infectious disease of zoonotic importance to animals and human beings

Objective – To provide a review of clinically relevant observations related to Bartonella species as emerging pathogens in veterinary and human medicine. Data Sources – Literature as cited in PubMed and as generated by each of the authors who have contributed to various aspects of the clinical understanding of bartonellosis. Human Data Synthesis – Important historical and recent publications illustrating the evolving role of animal reservoirs as a source of human infection. Veterinary Data Synthesis – Comprehensive review of the veterinary literature. Conclusions – In addition to inducing life-threatening illnesses, such as endocarditis, myocarditis, and meningoencephalitis and contributing to chronic debilitating disease, such as arthritis, osteomyelitis, and granulomatous inflammation in cats, dogs, and potentially other animal species; pets and wildlife species can serve as persistently infected reservoir hosts for the transmission of Bartonella spp. infection to veterinary professionals and others with direct animal contact.
Postprandial changes of selected blood and ruminal metabolites in ruminating calves fed diets with or without hay.

Abstract Eight ruminally cannulated Holstein bull calves were used in a switchback design to evaluate effects of hay on post-prandial changes in ruminal pH, ammonia and VFA, blood ketones, and plasma glucose, NEFA, VFA, and urea N. Calves were fed 4.5 kg/d of calf starter with or without hay for ad libitum consumption. Blood and ruminal fluid were sampled every 2h for 12h on d 21 (periods 1 and 2) or d 13 (period 3). Ruminal pH declined from 6.6 at 0h to 5.3 by 2h. Changes in ruminal and plasma VFA were consistent with low pH and rapid fermentation of soluble carbohydrate. Ruminal ammonia, molar percentage butyrate, and blood ketones, plasma urea N, and plasma molar percentage butyrate were lower when hay was fed. Postprandial increases in blood β-hydroxybutyrate and acetoacetate were reduced when hay was fed, and correlated .65 and .50, respectively, to ruminal butyrate. Concentration of β-hydroxybutyrate averaged 1.24 and 1.87 mmol/L at 4h postfeeding. These data suggest that rapid consumption of limited amounts of grain increased in ruminal VFA and blood ketones; increase in ketones was smaller when hay was included in the diet.
Torsion topological groups with minimal open sets

Torsion topological groups with the additional property that the intersection of open sets is open are considered and their topological structure is determined:1) the topology is uniquely determined by a normal subgroup;2) each group is uniquely an extension of an indiscrete group by a discrete group;3) the topology may be changed within limits without changing the dual group.
The acquisition of a running response as a function of odor buildup, squad rotation, and introduction of naive subjects

A three-phase experiment was conducted in which rats received a double-alternation schedule of reward and nonreward. During Phase 1, the baseline period, double-alternation behavior was displayed earlier and more strongly by subjects run last in the daily sequence. This finding suggests that both reward and nonreward odor cues are cumulative over subjects. During Phase 2, a subject-rotation procedure was initiated; that is, each day the last subject in the previous day’s running sequence was moved to the first position in the sequence, etc. Rotation to the first position in the group led to an immediate disruption of responding. During Phase 3, two naive rats were inserted at the beginning of the running sequence and two at the end. The results, which showed that the naive animals placed at the end of the sequence acquired the patterning response much faster than those placed in the beginning positions, are interpreted as reflecting preparedness to respond to such intensified odors.
Risk factors for gastrointestinal tract colonization with extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Escherichia coli and Klebsiella species in hospitalized patients.

We describe the prevalence of and risk factors for colonization with extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)–producing Escherichia coli and Klebsiella species (ESBL-EK) in hospitalized patients. The prevalence of colonization with ESBL-EK was 2.6%. Colonization was associated with cirrhosis, longer duration of hospital stay prior to surveillance, and prior exposure to clindamycin or meropenem.
Gut hormones, obesity, polycystic ovarian syndrome, malignancy, and lipodystrophy syndromes.

Perspectives on the News commentaries are now part of a new, free monthly CME activity. The Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, New York, is designating this activity for 2.0 AMA PRA Category 1 credits. If you wish to participate, review this article and visit www.diabetes.procampus.net to complete a posttest and receive a certificate. The Mount Sinai School of Medicine is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians . This is the third in a series of four articles on presentations at the World Congress on the insulin resistance syndrome (IRS), reviewing relationships between insulin resistance and gut hormones, obesity, polycystic ovarian syndrome, malignancy, and lipodystrophy syndromes. Steve Bloom (London, U.K.) discussed satiety signals, noting that obesity is “key to the [insulin resistance] syndrome” and that it ultimately is caused by overeating. Childhood obesity is on the rise, with 40% of children expected to be overweight by 2010. He asked, what explains the reduction in hunger after a meal? Bulk in the stomach and nutrients in the circulation appear not to be the cause. There must be specific signals from the gut to the brain, neural and/or hormonal. It appears that, when stimulated, a small area in the proximal gastric fundus, near the esophagus, sends vagal signals mediating satiety. Studies have attempted to replicate gut hormonal signals by infusion, with cholecystokinin (CCK) decreasing food intake but causing pancreatitis and acting as a growth factor for pancreatic acinar cells, which could cause increased pancreatic cancer risk. Ghrelin decreases after meals and may be a negative satiety signal, as its direct effect is to stimulate food intake. Pancreatic polypeptide may be a factor, and the distal small bowel and colon produce glucagon-like peptide (GLP)-1, oxyntomodulin, and peptide YY (PYY), additional candidate …
Functional Series and the Control of Nonlinear Systems

Nonlinear systems, particularly those with soft nonlinearities, can be characterized by functional series expansions. Commonly used expansions include the Volterra series, the Wiener series, and the Cameron-Martin series. The Cameron-Martin series (analogous to a Fourier series) represents systems by a superposition of specially constructed nonlinear component systems. These component systems form their outputs from products of Hermite polynomials of the outputs of sets of linear filters exhibiting certain useful properties. Consequently, nonlinear system output control objectives can be reformulated in terms of the states and outputs of these linear filters, which can in turn be controlled by conventional linear control methods. Several new results are given.
A study on evolving the architecture of circuit switched domain in UMTS core networks

Most mobile operators, particularly those operators with 2G GSM networks, prefer UMTS R99 or R4 as their 3G standard to evolve and upgrade their legacy 2G mobile networks. The UMTS technique, as a smooth replacement for GSM technique, provides an evolved path for the mobile operators to deploy the next generation IP based soft-switch mobile core networks. This paper first describes the basic architecture and topology of UMTS R4 core network and introduces two options in network planning: flat structure or layered structure. To propose an evolution path, the paper then suggests a “three layer structure” solution to seamlessly converge UMTS R4 core network with legacy GSM core network. The proposed solution approach achieves the all-IP vision and is capable of convergence with IMS and EPC.
Systemic acquired resistance signal transduction

Abstract Systemic acquired resistance (SAR) is an inducible plant defense response in which a prior foliar pathogen infection activates resistance in noninfected foliar tissues. Salicylic acid (SA) accumulation is essential for the establishment of SAR. While SA is probably not the long‐distance systemic signal instrumental for SAR activation, it is required for transduction of the signal in noninfected tissues. Although SAR was first described as a response to necrogenic pathogen infection, synthetic chemicals have been identified that effectively activate SAR. Elucidation of SAR signal transduction has been facilitated by the identification and characterization of Arabidopsis mutants. Disease lesion mimic mutants exhibit constitutive SAR as well as spontaneous lesion formation similar to pathogen‐associated hypersensitive cell death. Some disease lesion mimic mutants do not exhibit a lesioned phenotype when SA accumulation is prevented, thereby providing evidence for a feedback loop in SAR signal transd...
Reflections on a Constructivist Approach to Teaching

(1996). Reflections on a Constructivist Approach to Teaching. Journal of Early Childhood Teacher Education: Vol. 17, No. 1, pp. 15-25.
Regional Differences in the Thickness (Cell Layers) of the Human Stratum Corneum: An Ultrastructural Analysis

The importance of the stratum corneum as the rate-limiting barrier to perceutaneous penetration has been well documented in the literature. Data have also been reported which suggest that the barrier function of this zone varies among different regions of the body. However, little attention has been given to regional variation of two morphologic parameters know to affect permeability–thickness and number of cell layers. In the present study, significant regional variation in both the mean thickness and the mean number of cell layers has been documented for four selected , sample regions of the body of a population of six adult volunteers, and for two more homogeneous subgroups separated by sex and age. While the pooled data from the total population and the pooled data from the male and female subgroups are in general agreement. It has been shown that there is also marked individual variation within a region that is characteristic and specific for each individual. The number of cell layers appears to account for the variation in thickness.
Atrazine Metabolism in Resistant Corn and Sorghum

The metabolism of 2-chloro-4-ethylamino-6-isopropylamino-s-triazine (atrazine) in the resistant species, corn (Zea mays L.) and sorghum (Sorghum vulgare Pers.) was not the same. In corn, atrazine was metabolized via both the 2-hydroxylation and N-dealkylation pathways while sorghum metabolized atrazine via the N-dealkylation pathway. Atrazine metabolism in corn yielded the metabolites, 2-hydroxy-4-ethylamino-6-isopropylamino-s-triazine (hydroxyatrazine), 2-hydroxy-4-amino-6-isopropylamino-s-triazine (hydroxycompound I), and 2-hydroxy-4-amino-6-ethylamino-s-triazine (hydroxycompound II). None of these hydroxylated derivatives appeared as metabolites of atrazine in sorghum.Hydroxycompounds I and II were formed in 2 ways in corn: (1) by benzoxazinone-catalyzed hydrolysis of 2-chloro-4-amino-6-isopropylamino-s-triazine (compound I) and 2-chloro-4-amino-6-ethylamino-s-triazine (compound II) that were formed by N-dealkylation of atrazine and (2) by N-dealkylation of hydroxyatrazine, the major atrazine metabolite in corn. The interaction of the 2-hydroxylation and N-dealkylation pathways in corn results in the formation of the 3 hydroxylated non-phytotoxic derivatives of atrazine.
Aequorin: its ionic specificity.

Abstract The specificity of the cation-aequorin luminescent reaction was investigated. Contrary to present belief, this reaction was not specific for Ca 2+ and Sr 2+ . Over a dozen cations were capable of eliciting light emission from aequorin. Although these cations are not normally present in significant amounts in biological fluids, the present observations may be of importance in interpretting the luminescence obtained after the intracellular injection of aequorin.
Thapsigargin, a weak skin tumor promoter, alters the growth and differentiation of mouse keratinocytes in culture

Thapsigargin (Tg), applied twice weekly to the backs of CD-1 mice initiated with 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene, promoted papillomas on the skin of ∼50% of the mice. Tg alone induced papillomas in 10% of the mice. Although Tg and 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) are synergistic in a keratinocyte co-culture assay for promotion, skin tumor promotion by TPA was inhibited by co-treatment with Tg. Treatment of cultured keratinocytes with non-toxic doses of Tg increased the level of intracellular free Ca 2+ and delayed Ca 2+ -induced stratification. Tg blocked expression of the spinous layer differentiation marker keratin 1 (K1), while inducing cornification, a marker of differentiation in the granular layer/stratum corneum. In medium with 1.4 mM Ca 2+ , Tg prolonged keratinocyte proliferation and selected foci of monolayer cells. A Tg-independent cell line, TK-1, was developed from a single dish in which foci continued to expand after Tg removal. Grafting TK-1 cells on to the backs of nude mice as part of a reconstituted skin resulted in the development of dysplastic papillomas with a high rate of progression to squamous cell carcinomas.
RNA exodus to Israel: RNA controlling function in the far reaches of the neuron

The EMBO Workshop on RNA Control of Neuronal Function took place in Kfar Blum, Israel, between 22 and 26 May 2005, and was organized by J. Richter, R. Singer and J. Yisraeli. More information about the meeting can be found at: www.embo‐rna‐neurons.com ![][1] It has been 25 years since quantitative electron microscopy studies from Oswald Steward and colleagues depicted the enrichment of polyribosomes beneath synapses and dendritic spines (Steward & Levy, 1982). Now there are dozens of groups who have made important advances in identifying the many mRNAs that are localized there, the cis ‐acting sequences and trans ‐acting factors that influence mRNA localization and translation, and receptor signalling pathways that affect mRNA regulation (reviewed in Sutton & Schuman, 2005). Importantly, progress has also been made in perturbing RNA regulation using pharmacology and animal models that has provided proof that regulation of RNA can control neuronal function. Axonal mRNA localization has also been recognized by the neuroscience community and this meeting sought to discuss progress in identifying axonal mRNAs and their function during axon guidance and regeneration (reviewed in Piper & Holt, 2004). In this review, we present highlights of the meeting that address exciting recent reports on mechanisms, regulation and function of mRNA transport and local translation in both dendrites and axons. We also comment on several related talks that dealt with other aspects of post‐transcriptional regulation of RNA and provide insight into the diversity of ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complexes and possible interrelationships with those that affect mRNA localization and translation. ### Messenger RNA regulation in dendrites and synapses O. Steward (Irvine, CA, USA) discussed how local protein synthesis has the potential to facilitate the co‐translational assembly of molecules required for postsynaptic assembly and plasticity. Steward and Worley's previous studies of dentate granule cells in vivo have indicated a multistep model for the glutamatergic regulation of transcription, dendritic mRNA … [1]: /embed/graphic-1.gif
Chemopreventive Potential of Synergy1 and Soybean in Reducing Azoxymethane-Induced Aberrant Crypt Foci in Fisher 344 Male Rats

Synergy1, a prebiotic composed of Inulin and Oligofructose (1 : 1). Soybean meal is a natural source of isoflavones. The objective was to investigate the effects of feeding Synergy1 and SM on the incidence of azoxymethane- (AOM-) induced aberrant crypt foci (ACF) in Fisher 344 male rats. Rats (54) were randomly assigned to 9 groups (). Control group (C) was fed AIN-93G and treatment groups Syn1 and SM at 5% and 10% singly and in combinations. Rats were injected with two s/c injections of AOM at 7 and 8 weeks of age at 16 mg/kg body weight and killed at 17 weeks by CO2 asphyxiation. Colonic ACF enumeration and hepatic enzyme activities were measured. Reductions (%) in total ACF among treatment groups fed combinations were higher (67–77) compared to groups fed singly (52–64). Synergistic mechanisms among phytochemicals may be responsible suggesting protective role in colon carcinogenesis with implications in food product development.
Approach to neuromuscular disorders in the intensive care unit

Neuromuscular disorders increasingly are recognized as a complication in patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) and represent a common cause of prolonged ventilator dependency. The distinct syndromes of critical illness myopathy, prolonged neuromuscular blockade, and critical illness polyneuropathy (CIP) may arise as a consequence of sepsis, multi-organ failure, and exposure to various medications—notably, intravenous corticosteroids and neuromuscular blocking agents—but the pathophysiology of these disorders remains poorly understood. More than one syndrome may occur simultaneously, and the distinctions may be difficult in a particular patient, but a specific diagnosis usually can be established after careful clinical, electrodiagnostic, and, when necessary, histological evaluation. For example, asthmatics requiring treatment with corticosteroids and neuromuscular blocking agents may develop an acute myopathy characterized by generalized weakness, preserved eye movements, elevated creatine kinase levels, and myopathic motor units on electromyography (EMG). Muscle biopsy demonstrates distinctive features of thick (myosin) filament loss on ultrastructural studies. Conversely, those with a prolonged ICU course that is complicated by episodes of sepsis with failure to wean from the ventilator, distal or generalized flaccid limb weakness, and areflexia probably have CIP. EMG in these patients demonstrates reduced or absent motor and sensory potentials with neurogenic motor units. Prolonged neuromuscular blockade most commonly occurs in patients with renal failure who have received prolonged infusions of neuromuscular blockers. There is severe flaccid, areflexic paralysis with normal sensation, facial weakness, and ophthalmoparesis that persists for days or weeks after the neuromuscular blockers have been discontinued. Repetitive nerve stimulation shows a decrement of the compound muscle action potential and, in most cases, establishes a disorder of neuromuscular transmission. With the recent epidemic of West Nile virus infection, a clinical syndrome of acute flaccid paralysis with several features indistinguishable from poliomyelitis has emerged. This article critically examines the clinical, electrophysiological, and pathological features of these and other acute neuromuscular syndromes that arise in the context of ICU care and summarizes the current understanding of the pathophysiology and treatment of these disorders.
Learning to bootstrap from examples

Bootstrap is a technique which permits the operational state of a system to bring itself into another operational state by means of its own action[1]. It has been claimed in past that the system architecture at the time of bootstrap can be well-configured as delta functions[2--3] as AM[4] has shown us. The use of such heuristics lead to new domain concepts, facts and new judgemental rules. This enforced learning by discovery. However, questions still remain open: how the system is going to know about the time and place for having a bootstrap? Several examples have been worked out where the infra-structure permitting bootstrap is constructed out of a set of ground atomic formulea. It is also enquired what will be the consequence if only a partial set of these atomic formulea are known. Attempts have been made to see whether these atomic formulea increase monotonically in time, and consequently, what will be the nature of default reasoning learned from non-monotonicity. Finally, it is claimed that machine learning of clustured concepts are possible that predict times and places of bootstraps definable under specialized atomic formulea generating the infra-structure.
Thermonuclear breakup reactions of light nuclei. II - Gamma-ray line production and other applications

The main consequence of nuclear breakup reactions in high-temperature plasmas is shown to be to reduce the production of the gamma-ray lines, due to the breakup of these species at high temperature. Results of the emissivities of all the relevant gamma-ray lines are discussed. It is shown that the magnitude of the breakup effect on the line emissivities depends strongly on temperature, but more importantly on the plasma density and on the available time for the ion processes. Other effects considered include the production of neutrons (from the breakup of helium) and its consequences (such as the production of gamma rays from n-capture reactions and dynamical effects in accretion disk plasmas).
Efficacy of High-Fiber Diets in the Management of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

ABSTRACT Objective To review outcomes of randomized controlled clinical trials exploring the efficacy of different types of diets containing various amounts of fiber in the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Methods We searched PubMed, Medline, and Google Scholar for published data from the past decade (through December 2009) on dietary patterns and risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Only randomized controlled trials investigating the effect of whole grains, fiber, or vegetarian diets on type 2 diabetes were included. Search criteria included whole grain, fruit, vegetable, fiber, and meat intake regarding insulin sensitivity and glycemic responses in healthy, prediabetic, and diabetic persons. Results A total of 14 randomized clinical trials were included. Addition of insoluble or soluble fiber to meals, increased consumption of diets rich in whole grains and vegetables, and vegan diets improve glucose metabolism and increase insulin sensitivity. The greatest improvement in blood lipids, body weight, and hemoglobin A1c level occurred in participants following low-fat, plant-based diets. Conclusions Increased consumption of vegetables, whole grains, and soluble and insoluble fiber is associated with improved glucose metabolism in both diabetic and nondiabetic individuals. Improvements in insulin sensitivity and glucose homeostasis were more evident in participants following a plant-based diet compared with other commonly used diets. (Endocr Pract. 2011;17:132-142)