cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Soap-based detergent formulations: XII. Alternate syntheses of surface active sulfobetaines

Sulfopropylated amphoteric surfactants, previously reported in this journal, displayed excellent surface active properties and were good detergents in combination with soap. New synthetic routes were investigated for the preparation of such types of compounds to provide a more economical process and eliminate the hazards due to propanesultone, which was used in the previously reported synthetic procedure. A series of 2-hydroxy-3-sulfopropyl amphoteric surfactants was prepared by reacting sodium 3-chloro-2-hydroxy-1-propanesulfonate (the addition product of sodium bisulfite to epichlorophydrin) with various primary fatty amines as well as with fat derived N,N-dimethylalkylamines. Quaternary sulfobetaines not possessing a hydroxyl group were obtained from tertiary amines by reaction with allyl chloride followed by bisulfite addition. The solubility behavior (Krafft points) of these compounds indicated that they were not identical with the sulfobetaines prepared with the aid of propanesultone. The secondary and quaternary ammonium compounds exhibited limited water solubility but were good lime soap dispersing agents. They displayed good detergency in combination with soap. The quaternary ammonium derivatives were particularly effective on cottonpolyester blend fabrics.
Comparison of medial femoral cartilage deformation in normal adults according to gait conditions.

This study aimed to explore the deformation of medial femoral cartilage in normal adults according to gait conditions. Overall, 76 normal adults without degenerative arthritis or a knee injury on medical history were randomly assigned into control, flatland walk, slope walk, and stepper walk groups. The control group was rested for 30 min, the test group performed flatland walking, 16° slope walking, and stepper walking, respectively. The thickness of medial femoral cartilage before and after gait was evaluated through ultrasound test. Compared with the control group, a significant difference was noted for medial femoral cartilage deformation before and after gait in all the three groups. Comparison of the medial femoral cartilage deformation among the groups revealed a significant difference between the control group and the flatland walk, slope walk, and stepper walk groups (P 0.05). After a 30-min walk, the thickness of medial femoral cartilage was reduced, and a difference in deformation was noted according to gait conditions. The thickness of medial femoral cartilage was reduced more in the stepper walk and slope walk groups, wherein more load operates on the knee, than the flatland walk group.
Evaluating a Scalable Program for Undergraduate CS Research

Undergraduate research experiences have been shown to have many positive effects on undergraduates including increased confidence, sense of belonging and retention. However, many previous studies of undergraduate research experiences have focused on advanced undergraduate (juniors and seniors) in one-on-one research experiences with a faculty mentor. Less is known about the effects of early undergraduate research, particularly via opportunities that scale beyond one-on-one faculty-student relationships to encompass large numbers of early undergraduates. The research question addressed in this work is whether a more scalable group-based research model aimed at early undergraduates from groups underrepresented in computing would show the same kinds of benefits for participants as more personalized one-on-one programs aimed at more advanced students. We evaluated a group-based early research program in the computer science department of a large public university. Through survey data and direct measurements of performance and retention several years after students had completed the program, we found that students who participated in this program have higher overall GPAs, more confidence, and more interest in research compared to several different control groups. Our design also allowed us to examine the considerable impact that selection bias can have on the evaluation of research programs. This work both validates the scalable structure of this research program and provides a richer perspective on the benefits of early undergraduate research in CS.
Activation of eIF4E is increased dramatically in advanced prostate cancer and is inversely related to patient survival.

4063 eIF4E is the rate-limiting translation initiation factor governing the delivery of mRNA to ribosomes. eIF4E function is commonly enhanced in human and experimental cancers as a consequence of increased eIF4E expression or enhanced phosphorylation of the inhibitory eIF4E binding protein, 4EBP. Elevated eIF4E function preferentially enhances the translation of numerous potent growth and survival factors (e.g. c-myc, ODC, Cyclin D1). Accordingly, in experimental cancer models, eIF4E overexpression induces cellular transformation, tumorigenicity, invasion, metastasis and chemoresistance whereas eIF4E reduction can suppress malignancy. Increased eIF4E function has been demonstrated in human lymphomas and breast, head and neck, colon and bladder cancers. Moreover, eIF4E expression is consistently upregulated in metastases from numerous solid tumor types. Herein, we show for the first time that eIF4E function is elevated in human and experimental prostate cancers. In experimental prostate cancer models, eIF4E expression is increased specifically in hormone-refractory prostate cancer cells. In LNAI derivatives of LNCaP, 4EBP1 expression is reduced and the protein is hyperphosphorylated- a consequence of enhanced AKT signaling in LNAI cells. In hormone-refractory CWR22R xenograft tumors, the expression of eIF4E is increased relative to that in hormone- sensitive CWR22 tumors. In TRAMP transgenic tumors, eIF4E expression is also dramatically upregulated. Importantly, we also show that eIF4E function is elevated in human prostate cancer tissues. In a series of 140 prostate tissues, we show by immunohistochemistry that the levels of eIF4E and p4EBP1ser65 are substantially elevated in patients with advanced disease (≥ Gleason 7) (p
Home Assessments—Improving Patients’ Capacity for Self-Management

The case study on Ms. D, an older adult with multiple chronic conditions, illustrates the challenges for effective self-management due to medical conditions that lead to an increasing mismatch between the demands of living independently in her home environment and declining functional performance. Ms. D is unable to implement the self-management her PCP has asked of her not only due to her medical impairments but also due to her home environment. The home environment is often not addressed or recognized as part of the medical treatment plan. A home assessment by a multidisciplinary team assesses her independence and functional performance in the home to determine the need for home modifications, use of assistive devices and adaptive techniques, and further education regarding medication management and symptom control. Specific areas of concern for Ms. D are addressing her low vision, instructing her on strategies that allow her to adhere to the medication regimen, suggestions on the use of adaptive equipment, education regarding symptom management, and home modifications to increase safety and independent functional performance within the home.
Model Predictive Control for Stable Walking Using the Divergent Component of Motion with Footstep Location and Yaw Adaptation

This paper presents an extension of previous model predictive control (MPC) schemes for dynamic walking to the stabilization of the time-varying divergent component-of-motion (DCM). In order to add...
Ignorance of Law: How to Conceptualize and Maybe Resolve the Issue

Under what circumstances should ignorance that someone is violating a moral or criminal rule preclude or lessen his moral responsibility and/or penal liability? In this chapter, I first construct a schema or framework for how to think about this issue. Quite a bit of confusion and uncertainty, I am sure, derives from a failure to understand exactly what this question is asking. I next defend some substantive views about how this question should be answered. If my defense is cogent, I conclude that a person who is ignorant that his conduct violates a moral or legal rule is almost never as blameworthy and/or deserving of as much punishment as someone who is fully aware that his behavior is wrongful and/or criminal. The best general accounts of responsibility and blameworthiness are far more receptive than positive law to allowing ignorance of wrongdoing as a complete or partial excuse.
Discussion on "Predictively consistent prior effective sample sizes," by Beat Neuenschwander, Sebastian Weber, Heinz Schmidli, and Anthony O'Hagan.

Neuenschwander et al. address a seemingly easy but often complicated problem in applied Bayesian methodology. We discuss some issues that relate to the question of why one might care about the effective sample size ( E S S ) in a Bayesian model and the motivation for reporting the E S S .
Synthesis, plasmonic properties, and CWA simulant decontamination activity of first row early transition metal nitride powders and nanomaterials

The complexes MCl3(THF)3 (M = Ti, V, Cr) were used as precursors to form early transition metal nitrides, and solid solutions of these isomorphous complexes MxM’1−xCl3(THF)3 were prepared by co-crystallization. Heating the precursor under NH3 flow from 800 to 950 °C produced powders of the nitride MN, and solid solutions of these precursors produced alloys of the nitrides. Nanomaterials were synthesized by two methods: (1) reaction of a MCl3(THF)3 solution with 3 eq of KNH2 in THF in the presence (or absence) of oleylamine, followed by nitridation under NH3 flow at 650–950 °C and (2) loading a porous catalyst support such as pelletized Al2O3 with the MCl3(THF)3 complex, followed by similar heat treatment. The materials were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction, elemental analysis, SEM, and optical spectroscopy. Diffuse reflectance and UV–Vis-NIR spectroscopy showed the local surface plasmonic resonances (LSPRs). Although diffuse reflectance and UV–Vis-NIR spectroscopy showed LSPRs whose position was sensitive to surface functionalization and conditions of preparation, preliminary results show TiN nanoparticles have some activity in the degradation of the Chemical Warfare Agent (CWA) simulant DEMETON-S, but light plays no role in the mechanism.
Beyond protection: Fisheries co-benefits of no-take marine reserves

Abstract Overfishing and other anthropogenic impacts to ocean ecosystems have motivated widespread implementation of no-take marine reserves to protect biodiversity and fished resources. Fully protected marine reserves now comprise approximately 2.5% of the ocean and calls for enhanced protections abound. The benefits to marine biodiversity within reserve borders are clear, yet the contributions beyond borders remain the subject of continued scholarship. In this article, six co-benefits of marine reserves for fisheries are explored. Broadly, the six co-benefits fall within two categories 1) use of reserves as tools to adaptively learn, promote resiliency, and manage marine resources, especially in the face of a changing climate and 2) use of reserves to provide credit against uncertainty in management and sustainability criteria. Broader understanding and consideration of the benefits of marine reserves can further policy discussions and deepen conversations regarding social, ecological, and economic tradeoffs of implementing marine reserves.
Tumor-Specific Antibody, Cetuximab, Enhances the In Situ Vaccine Effect of Radiation in Immunologically Cold Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma

In head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) tumors that over-expresses huEGFR, the anti-EGFR antibody, cetuximab, antagonizes tumor cell viability and sensitizes to radiation therapy. However, the immunologic interactions between cetuximab and radiation therapy are not well understood. We transduced two syngeneic murine HNSCC tumor cell lines to express human EGFR (MOC1- and MOC2-huEGFR) in order to facilitate evaluation of the immunologic interactions between radiation and cetuximab. Cetuximab was capable of inducing antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) in MOC1- and MOC2-huEGFR cells but showed no effect on the viability or radiosensitivity of these tumor cells, which also express muEGFR that is not targeted by cetuximab. Radiation enhanced the susceptibility of MOC1- and MOC2-huEGFR to ADCC, eliciting a type I interferon response and increasing expression of NKG2D ligands on these tumor cells. Co-culture of splenocytes with cetuximab and MOC2-huEGFR cells resulted in increased expression of IFNγ in not only NK cells but also in CD8+ T cells, and this was dependent upon splenocyte expression of FcγR. In MOC2-huEGFR tumors, combining radiation and cetuximab induced tumor growth delay that required NK cells, EGFR expression, and FcγR on host immune cells. Combination of radiation and cetuximab increased tumor infiltration with NK and CD8+ T cells but not regulatory T cells. Expression of PD-L1 was increased in MOC2-huEGFR tumors following treatment with radiation and cetuximab. Delivering anti-PD-L1 antibody with radiation and cetuximab improved survival and resulted in durable tumor regression in some mice. Notably, these cured mice showed evidence of an adaptive memory response that was not specifically directed against huEGFR. These findings suggest an opportunity to improve the treatment of HNSCC by combining radiation and cetuximab to engage an innate anti-tumor immune response that may prime an effective adaptive immune response when combined with immune checkpoint blockade. It is possible that this approach could be extended to any immunologically cold tumor that does not respond to immune checkpoint blockade alone and for which a tumor-specific antibody exists or could be developed.
COVID-19 Communication-The Need for Humanity, Empathy, and Grace.

In this narrative medicine essay, a medical school professor expresses gratitude for the caring and empathy expressed by the team caring for her mother hospitalized with COVID-19 and emphasizes the importance of humanity and compassion over facts and statistics for families physically separated from their critically ill loved ones
Recessive diseases and founder genetics

Abstract Rare recessive diseases are difficult to study for one obvious reason: they are rare. It can be challenging to identify a sufficient number of cases to properly characterize a disease phenotype and subsequently identify the causative gene. Nevertheless, the quest to identify genes associated with human phenotypes, especially rare genetic diseases, has been a primary goal of genetic researchers for decades. The identification of rare disease-associated genes in humans has been greatly facilitated by the study of unusual clusters of disease, such as multiple affected members of the same family or multiple families with affected children within a special population. This chapter will define autosomal recessive inheritance, examine its role in rare pediatric disease, and review the historical contributions of founder populations and consanguineous families in unraveling the association between a rare disease and its causative gene.
Prognostic significance of NT5E/CD73 in neuroblastoma and its function in CSC stemness maintenance.

Cluster of differentiation 73 (CD73), a cell surface enzyme that catalyzes adenosine monophosphate (AMP) breakdown to adenosine, is differentially expressed in cancers and has prognostic significance. We investigated its expression profile in neuroblastoma (NB), its association with NB clinical outcomes, and its influence in the regulation of cancer stem cells’ (CSCs) stemness maintenance. RNA-Seq data mining (22 independent study cohorts, total n = 3836) indicated that high CD73 can predict good NB prognosis. CD73 expression (immunohistochemistry) gauged in an NB patient cohort (n = 87) showed a positive correlation with longer overall survival (OS, P = 0.0239) and relapse-free survival (RFS, P = 0.0242). Similarly, high CD73 correlated with longer OS and RFS in advanced disease stages, MYCN non-amplified (MYCN-na), and Stage-4-MYCN-na subsets. Despite no definite association in children 2Y. Consistently, high CD73 was associated with better OS in MYCN-na, high-risk, and stage-4 subsets of children > 2Y. Multivariate analysis identified CD73 as an independent (P = 0.001) prognostic factor for NB. Silencing CD73 in patient-derived (stage 4, progressive disease) CHLA-171 and CHLA-172 cells revealed cell-line-independent activation of 58 CSC stemness maintenance molecules (QPCR profiling). Overexpressing CD73 in CHLA-20 and CHLA-90 cells with low CD73 and silencing in CHLA-171 and CHLA-172 cells with high CD73 showed that CD73 regulates epithelial to mesenchymal transition (E-Cadherin, N-Cadherin, Vimentin), stemness maintenance (Sox2, Nanog, Oct3/4), self-renewal capacity (Notch), and differentiation inhibition (leukemia inhibitory factor, LIF) proteins (confocal-immunofluorescence). These results demonstrate that high CD73 can predict good prognosis in NB, and further suggest that CD73 regulates stemness maintenance in cells that defy clinical therapy.
Gaussian-inspired auxiliary non-equilibrium thermostat (GIANT) for Dissipative Particle Dynamics simulations

Abstract We present in this letter an auxiliary thermostat for non-equilibrium simulations in Dissipative Particle Dynamics based on the Gaussian distribution of particle velocities in the fluid. We demonstrate the ability of the thermostat to maintain the temperature under a wide range of shear rates and dissipative parameters, and to extend the shear rate window accessible by DPD significantly. The effect of proposed method on the viscosity of a DPD fluid is studied which is particularly of interest when the rheological behavior of a complex fluids is subject of DPD simulations. Furthermore, performance of the proposed method is compared to the ones from the well-known Lowe–Andersen scheme in regards to temperature and viscosity measurements.
Practice Essentials: Real Assets 201 - Exploring Global Infrastructure Indices

Across real assets, infrastructure investments have recently attracted the most interest among investors, partly due to their cash-generative capacity. In addition to this appealing investment characteristic, infrastructure investments also tend to be uncorrelated with the broader vagaries of the business cycle. Even while the global economy remains mired in malaise, governments have continued to increase their investments in major projects. According to a recent report , global infrastructure expenditure is expected to reach USD 40 trillion over the next decade or two, as the developing world is experiencing unprecedented urbanization and the developed world is grappling with aging assets. There is also a growing recognition that infrastructure investments can boost employment and enhance a country’s economic performance, as evidenced by the British government’s recent decision to underwrite infrastructure projects, despite its unwavering determination to reduce public expenditure. The analysis provided in this educational paper appraises indirect investments, with a particular focus on the relevant SP The salient investment features of infrastructure indices; The performance of infrastructure indices compared to core equities and in inflationary environments; The potential diversification benefits of an allocation to infrastructure; A review of S&P Dow Jones Infrastructure Indices.
Latino informal immigrant entrepreneurs in South Texas

Purpose – The purpose of the paper is to shed light on Latino informal immigrant entrepreneurs within a specific border zone in South Texas. Three research questions inform this study: What is the demographic profile of the Latino informal immigrant entrepreneur? What is the occupational profile of the Latino informal immigrant entrepreneur? What is the business profile of the Latino informal immigrant entrepreneur?Design/methodology/approach – In total, 198 Latino informal entrepreneurs in South Texas were interviewed, through a purposive sampling design, between 2005 and 2008.Findings – The major findings establish a benchmark for Latino informal immigrant entrepreneurs.Originality/value – The value of the research is the provision of empirical insights into an otherwise understudied population.
Introduction to waveform recorder testing

It is shown that a wealth of information can be gathered on a waveform recorder by conducting two general tests: the sine-fit test and the step response test. The sine-fit test includes the effects of noise, nonlinearities, and aperture uncertainty but does not measure amplitude flatness or phase linearity. Sine-wave data may also be used to obtain a code-bin histogram, differential nonlinearity, and amplitude as a function of frequency. The step response yields pulse parameters (e.g. transition duration, overshoot, and settling time). In addition the step response can be used to generate amplitude and phase versus frequency, amplitude flatness, and phase linearity. The frequency response of these parameters can be extended by acquiring the step response in equivalent time mode. It may be appropriate to supplement these tests with specialized tests (e.g. aperture uncertainty) which may be important to a particular measurement. >
Dislocation Dynamics — Phase Field

Dislocation, as an important category of crystal defects, is defined as a one-dimensional line (curvilinear in general) defect. It not only severely distorts the atomic arrangement in a region (called core) around the mathematical line describing its geometrical configuration, but also in a less severe manner (elastically) distorts the lattice beyond its core region. Dislocation core structure is studied by using the methods and models of atomistic scale (see Chapter 2). The long-range strain and stress fields generated by dislocation are well described by linear elasticity theory. In the elasticity theory of dislocations, dislocation is defined as a line around which a line integral of the elastic displacement yields a non-zero vector (Burgers vector). The elastic fields, displacement, strain and stress, of an arbitrarily curved dislocation are known in the form of line integrals. For complex dislocation configurations, the exact elasticity solution is quite difficult. A conventional alternative is to approximate a curved dislocation by a series of straight line segments or spline fitted curved segments. This involves explicit tracking of each segment of the dislocation ensemble (see “Dislocation Dynamics — Tracking Methods” by Ghoniem). In a finite body, the strains and stresses depend on the external surface. For general surface geometries, the elastic fields of dislocations are difficult to determine.
Anatomic considerations of the anterior upper cervical spine during decompression and instrumentation: a cadaveric based study

We evaluated the anatomical considerations specific to the high anterior retropharyngeal approach to the cervical spine. Surgical exposure of the anterior upper cervical spine can sometimes be challenging due to the surrounding neurovascular structures. Using three adult cadavers, we performed high anterior retropharyngeal cervical dissection of the left and right side for a total of six approaches (six sides). During the dissection, all important neurovascular elements were noted and photographed, and anatomical relationships to the spinal vertebral bodies and disc spaces were analyzed. There are certain anatomic considerations that are unique to the high anterior cervical spine. The unique structures include the hypoglossal nerve and the superior thyroid artery/nerve. Only the superior thyroid artery in this region has numerous anatomical variations. Awareness of other structures, including the carotid artery, recurrent laryngeal nerve, and esophagus also remains important. Awareness of the anatomical structures in the anterior upper cervical spine is essential for performing safe anterior upper cervical spinal surgery, avoiding serious complications.
Effect of the Extinction Distance in X-Ray Rocking Curve Analyses of II-VI Compounds

Double crystal x-ray rocking curves from single crystal CdTe and CdZnTe of various degrees of crystalline perfection were recorded under diffraction conditions in which the extinction distance varied from under 10 microns to more than 100 microns. In crystals of intermediate quality the rocking curves recorded under conditions of long extinction length showed structure not evident in those recorded under conditions of short extinction length. Integrated reflectivity measurements were performed at both long and short extinction lengths. The results have been interpreted within the framework of a transition from kinematic to dynamical diffraction.
An automated procedure for the extraction of metabolic network information from time series data.

Novel high-throughput measurement techniques in vivo are beginning to produce dense high-quality time series which can be used to investigate the structure and regulation of biochemical networks. We propose an automated information extraction procedure which takes advantage of the unique S-system structure and supports model building from time traces, curve fitting, model selection, and structure identification based on parameter estimation. The procedure comprises of three modules: model Generation, parameter estimation or model Fitting, and model Selection (GFS algorithm).The GFS algorithm has been implemented in MATLAB and returns a list of candidate S-systems which adequately explain the data and guides the search to the most plausible model for the time series under study. By combining two strategies (namely decoupling and limiting connectivity) with methods of data smoothing, the proposed algorithm is scalable up to realistic situations of moderate size. We illustrate the proposed methodology with a...
RENAL LESIONS ASSOCIATED WITH GOLD THERAPY; LIGHT AND ELECTRON MICROSCOPIC STUDIES.

Light and electron microscopic studies were performed on renal biopsies of three patients who developed proteinuria following injections of gold in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. The renal lesions were shown to be lipoid nephrosis in one patient and membranous glomerulonephritis in two patients. One of the three cases developed a typical nephrotic syndrome. In the cases presented, gold was felt to be the antigenic stimulus promoting the development of the renal lesion. Studios de microscopia optic e electronic esseva executate in biopsias renal de tres patientes qui disveloppava proteinuria post injectiones de auro in le tractamento de arthritis rheumatoide. Esseva constatate que le lesiones renal esseva nephrosis lipoide in un caso e glomerulonephritis membranose in le duo alteres. Un del tres patientes disveloppava un typic syndrome nephrotic. In le casos presentate il esseva opinate que auro esseva le agente del stimulo antigenic que promoveva le disveloppamento del lesion renal.
The Caratheodory-Fejer extension theorem

A construction of Caratheodory and Fejer [1] produces a function which is bounded and analytic in the unit disk with specified initial coefficients. An operator generalization of the construction is now obtained for application to the invariant subspace problem. A formal proof [2] of the existence of invariant subspaces is given by the theory of square summable power series [3] in its vector formulation [4]. But the justification of the formal argument requires a determination of extreme points of a convex set [5]. A solution is now given to an extension problem for convex decompositions which arises in connection with the Caratheodory-Fejer theorem. A necessary condition for an extreme point is obtained as an application. The condition is conjectured to be sufficient.
Epidemiology of malnutrition

The World Health Organisation classifies malnutrition worldwide as the greatest threat to public health. An expert report of the Council of Europe clearly showed that malnutrition in hospitalised patients is a real existing problem in all European countries, including Switzerland. According to the literature, malnutrition is prevalent in 20 - 60 % of patients on hospital admission. Malnutrition increases with age and is found more and more in obese subjects. Unintentional weight loss is the main feature of disease-related malnutrition in normalweight and obese individuals. The nutritional problem in obese persons manifests itself through nutrient imbalances and micronutrient deficiency. The cause for nutritional deficiencies is a hypercaloric diet with its energy - dense, but qualitative low - value foods. Depending on the extent of obesity, certain micronutrients are to be critically evaluated. It has been proven that for instance the vitamin D and iron metabolism are pathologically impaired by the increased fatty tissue. In Switzerland, the proportion of people under 20 years has decreased from 40.7 % (1900) to 20.6 % (2011), whereas in the elderly over 64 years, an increase from 5.8 % to 17.2 % has been recorded. In the very elderly people over 80 years, the increase from 0.5 % to 4.8 % has been particularly pronounced. Because malnutrition increases with age, it will be an important issue in the future and hospitals, nursing homes and home care will be particularly affected.
Markers of prostate region-specific epithelial identity define anatomical locations in the mouse prostate that are molecularly similar to human prostate cancers.

Although the basic functions of the prostate gland are conserved among mammals, its morphology varies greatly among species. Comparative studies between mouse and human are important because mice are widely used to study prostate cancer, a disease that occurs in a region-restricted manner within the human prostate. An informatics-based approach was used to identify prostate-specific human genes as candidate markers of region-specific identity that might distinguish prostatic ducts prone to prostate cancer from ducts that rarely give rise to cancer. Subsequent analysis of normal and cancerous human prostates demonstrated that the genes microseminoprotein-β (MSMB) and transglutaminase 4 (TGM4) were expressed in distinct groups of ducts in the normal human prostate, and only MSMB was detected in areas of prostate cancer. The mouse orthologs of MSMB and TGM4 were then used for expression studies in mice along with the mouse ventrally expressed gene spermine binding protein (SBP). All three genes were informative markers of region-specific epithelial identity with distinct expression patterns that collectively accounted for all ducts in the mouse prostate. Together with the human data, this suggested that MSMB expression defines an anatomical domain in the mouse prostate that is molecularly most similar to human prostate cancers. Computer-assisted serial section reconstruction was used to visualize the complete expression domains for MSMB, SBP, and TGM4 in the mouse prostate. This showed that MSMB is expressed in prostatic ducts that comprise 21% of the mouse dorso-lateral prostate. Finally, the expression of MSMB, SBP, and TGM4 was evaluated in a mouse prostate cancer model created by the prostate epithelium-specific deletion of the tumor suppressor PTEN. MSMB and TGM4 were rapidly and dramatically down-regulated in response to PTEN deletion suggesting that this model of prostate cancer includes a more rapid de-differentiation of the prostatic epithelium than is observed in organ-confined human prostate cancers.
Neutral Hydrogen Gunn-Peterson Absorption from an Overdensity in the Diffuse Intergalactic Medium at Redshift 0.8?*

The results of a search for diffuse neutral hydrogen "Gunn-Peterson" absorption, including possible absorption from any overdensity in the diffuse intergalactic medium, at low to moderate redshifts (z < 1.2) are discussed. The relatively low incidence of Lyα forest lines at these redshifts makes this work more straightforward than would be the case at higher redshifts. Criteria for the selection of QSO spectra leading to conservative estimates of Gunn-Peterson absorption are discussed, including the requirement that spectra shortward of the O VI λ1032 emission line be available. Thus, extrapolation of the continuum from longward to shortward of the Lyα emission line can be replaced by interpolation of the continuum in the spectral interval between Lyα and O VI emission. Analyses of Hubble Space Telescope Faint Object Spectrograph data on two QSOs with zem < 1 are presented here for illustrative purposes. PKS 1354+195 (zem ≈ 0.72) shows no evidence for an absorption trough to an optical depth limit of τGP-H I(z ≈ 0.5) < 0.02, which is the normal case. However, PKS 2145+067 (zem ≈ 0.99) shows evidence for a rare 12%-14% depression. If this is indeed Gunn-Peterson absorption, there must be an overdensity in the intergalactic medium near redshift z ≈ 0.8 toward PKS 2145+067 which is ≈ 3-7 times the density required for a typical nondetection. The region extends more than 500 h−1100 Mpc along the sight line and, for J912 ≈ 10-22 ergs s-1 Hz-1 cm-2 sr-1, has typical gas density ng ≈ 10-6 cm-3 and temperature T ≈ (1-2) × 105 K. If the proposed overdense region is spherical and not filamentary in shape, this same effect may be visible in objects near the sight line toward PKS 2145+067. Alternative possibilities are discussed.
A vertebrate actin-related protein is a component of a multisubunit complex involved in microtubule-based vesicle motility

Actin is a cytoskeletal protein which is highly conserved across eukaryotic phyla. Actin filaments, in association with a family of myosin motor proteins, are required for cellular motile processes as diverse as vesicle transport, cell locomotion and cytokinesis. Many organisms have several closely related actin isoforms. In addition to conventional actins, yeasts contain actin-related proteins that are essential for viability. We show here that vertebrates also contain an actin-related protein (actin-RPV). Actin-RPV is a major component of the dynactin complex, an activator of dynein-driven vesicle movement, indicating that unlike conventional actins which work in conjunction with myosin motors, actin-RPV may be involved in cytoplasmic movements via a microtubule-based system.
Evidence of soil-pica behaviour and quantification of soil ingested.

A previously published report1 on soil ingestion in children, revealed evidence that one of the subjects, a 3.5-year-old female, displayed soil-pica behaviour. Soil ingestion estimates for this chi...
Breast cancer CADx based on BI-RAds descriptors from two mammographic views.

In this study we compared the performance of computer aided diagnosis (CAD{sub x}) algorithms based on Breast Imaging Reporting And Data System (BI-RADS trade mark sign ) descriptors from one or two views. To select cases for the study with different mediolateral (MLO) and craniocaudal (CC) view descriptors, we assessed the agreement in BI-RADS trade mark sign lesion descriptors, BI-RADS trade mark sign assessment, and subtlety ratings for 1626 cases from the Digital Database for Screening Mammogrpahy (DDSM) using kappa statistics. We used 115 mass cases with different descriptors for the two views to design linear discriminant analysis (LDA) based CAD{sub x} algorithms. The CAD{sub x} algorithms used BI-RADS trade mark sign descriptors and patient age as features. The algorithms based on BI-RADS trade mark sign descriptors from both the views performed marginally better than algorithms based on BI-RADS trade mark sign descriptors from a single view. A system that averaged the results of two classifiers trained separately on the MLO and CC views displayed the best performance (A{sub z}=0.920{+-}0.027). Thus, some improvement in performance of BI-RADS trade mark sign based CAD{sub x} algorithms may be achieved by combining information from two mammographic views.
Completeness in oriented matroids

Abstract The oriented matroid is a structure combining the notions of independent set and opposite element. Dependence induces a closure operator which in the vector space model is the convex hull. Weak completeness is defined as having every maximal convex set contain a maximal subspace; completeness means that every subspace is weakly complete. It is shown that all finite oriented matroids are complete, that in many infinite cases there is an easy criterion for completeness, and that in the vector space model completeness is equivalent to (Dedekind) completeness of the underlying field. A brief discussion of the axioms and basic properties of oriented matroids is also included.
Astrocytes Protect Oligodendrocyte Precursor Cells via MEK/ERK and PI3K/Akt Signaling

Accumulating evidence suggest that trophic coupling among different cell types in the brain is required to maintain normal CNS function. Here we show that astrocytes secrete soluble factors that can be oligodendrocyte-supportive. Oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) and astrocytes were prepared from neonatal rat brain and cultured separately. We conducted cell culture medium-transfer experiments to examine whether astrocytes secrete OPC-protective factors. Conditioned media from astrocytes protected OPCs against H(2)O(2)-induced oxidative stress, starvation, and oxygen-glucose deprivation. This protective effect may be mediated in part via ERK and Akt signaling pathways. Astrocyte-conditioned media upregulated the phosphorylation levels of ERK and Akt in OPC cultures. Blockade of ERK or Akt signaling with U0126 or LY294002 cancelled the OPC-protective effects of astrocyte-conditioned media. Taken together, these data suggest that astrocytes are an important source for oligodendrocyte-supportive factors. Coupling between these two major glial components in brain may be vital for sustaining white matter homeostasis.
COLORECTAL CANCER COMPLICATING PREGNANCY

Colorectal carcinoma complicating pregnancy is rare but associated with a high maternal mortality rate. Stage for stage the survival data are the same for pregnant patients and nonpregnant controls, however diagnosis is often delayed due to pregnancy-associated gastrointestinal symptoms masking cancer symptoms. A high degree of suspicion, especially in high-risk patients, is the key to early detection and improved prognosis. Digital rectal exams, occult fecal blood tests, and flexible sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy are performed as indicated. Treatment primarily consists of en-bloc resection of the malignancy and regional lymph nodes; timing of colorectal surgery and delivery are based upon clinical presentation, fetal age, and maternal desires.
The Evolution of Marx's Perspective of Mercantilism

Marx, like orthodox political economists, developed a concept of historical and economic change that corresponds to the period and mode of thought and policy that is today called “mercantilism”. Marx′s treatment of the subject was varied and uneven and did not achieve a fully developed state until his conception of value and capitalism was well defined and he could apply the notion of mercantilism to his analysis of economic development. In his early writings, Marx addressed mercantilism doctrine while mainly ignoring economic developments taking place in the mercantilist era. In the second period, Marx and Engel′s emphasis was shifted to historical development. It was during the third period when Marx developed his theory of surplus value that his conception of mercantilism became grounded in economic development and attained maturity. Only when Marx′s concept of mercantilism had practical significance could its significance be fully developed.
Comparison of Infection of Mice by Mycelial and Yeast forms of Blastomyces Dermatitidis

Organisms causing human blastomycosis are regularly found in the yeast form in the lesions; and in the mycelial form when grown on artificial medium at room temperature. The mycelial form can be transformed into the yeast form by animal passage or merely by growing on blood agar at incubator temperature. Repeated mouse passage does not appear to enhance the virulence for mice of the causative organism.1 It is of interest to inquire whether the mycelial form is as infectious as the yeast form when equivalent dosages are given to mice. No one knows whether man acquires either cutaneous or systemic forms of blastomycosis from the mycelial or the yeast form although the former source is the more probable. Mice can be caused to develop extensive abdominal and pulmonary lesions regularly by the intraperitoneal injection of the yeast form of some strains of Blastomyces dermatitidis. Will the mycelial form do the same? One might argue that the mycelial form would be encapsulated in the abdominal cavity, possibly by the omentum, and that pulmonary lesions would not occur. From the older literature one gathers that extensive animal lesions were not produced with regularity, and it is not always clear what form of the organism was used or what dosage was employed. Spring2 noted that "20 days is the optimum time for the development of the disease in mice." Strains varied in ability to produce animal lesions. "Death should not be expected." In mice there was a tremendous hyperplasia of yeast forms, and the tissue reaction was not effective. The dosage was not given. The injections used must have been of the mycelial form, however, since cultures were kept at room temperature. Of 14 animals injected there "were four instances of universal generalization; that is, multiple miliary blastomycetic abscesses in most of the organs, and both thoracic and abdominal."
A converse theorem for Dirichlet series with poles

Abstract We prove a generalization of Hecke's converse theorem for Dirichlet series with a finite number of poles, with no restrictions on their locations.
Alteration of mast cell responsiveness to adenosine by pertussis toxin

Abstract Adenosine potentiates mouse bone marrow-derived mast cell mediator release by a mechanism that appears to involve cell surface adenosine receptors. In an attempt to explore possible interactions between G proteins and adenosine receptors, mast cells were incubated with activated pertussis toxin, an agent that ADP-ribosylates and inactivates some G protein subtypes, prior to challenge with specific antigen or the calcium ionophore A23187. Mast cells preincubated with 10 ng ml pertussis toxin for at least 2hr exhibited an inhibition of antigen-induced β-hexosaminidase and leukotriene C4 release. The ability of adenosine to potentiate β-hexosaminidase release was attenuated to an even greater degree by pertussis toxin. A23187-stimulated mediator release was not altered by pertussis toxin, although a modest inhibition of the ability of adenosine to enhance A23187-induced β-hexosaminidase release was observed in pertussis toxin-treated mast cells. Although up to 24-hr exposure to 100 ng ml pertussis toxin did not alter resting mast cell cyclic AMP levels, the ability of adenosine to elevate cell cyclic AMP concentrations was diminished markedly by doses of the toxin higher than those required to affect mediator release. Neither antigen-stimulated intracellular free calcium level augmentation alone nor the additional potentiation of these levels by adenosine was changed by pertussis toxin treatment. Inositol trisphosphate was generated by mast cells stimulated by IgE-mediated mechanisms, but a preincubation with pertussis toxin did not influence its generation. In summary, adenosine appeared to produce some of its alterations in mast cell biochemical events by a mechanism that was partially inhibited by pertussis toxin. The nature of the G protein linked to the mast cell adenosine receptor is yet to be determined.
The Millimeter-Wave Spectrum of the CaOH Radical (X 2 Sigma +)

The pure rotational spectrum of the calcium hydroxide radical (CaOYH) in its X 2 Σ + (v = 0) ground state has been observed in the laboratory using millimeter/submillimeter direct absorption spectroscopy. CaOH was generated by the reaction of hydrogen peroxide with calcium vapor, produced in a Broida-type oven. Eleven rotational transitions of the species were measured in the range 80-320 GHz to an accuracy of ±50 kHz
The resiliency challenge presented by soft failure incidents

A common problem observed on mainframe installations, and one which presents a significant challenge for resiliency and high availability, involves soft failure incidents. In contrast to catastrophic failures, soft failures involve some degree of system shutdown without an obvious cause. This has been described with the phrase: "Systems don't break; they just stop running, and we don't know why." Extending a medical paradigm, this paper proposes a new method for solutions deployed on IBM z/OS™ systems to respond when either the system or the application stops running. The current approach is to treat the "disease," by determining the cause of the problem and taking action to prevent its recurrence. The new approach is to determine whether the system or application is behaving abnormally, identify the cause of this abnormal behavior, and take action to treat the "symptom." This new approach uses machine learning and mathematical modeling to identify normal behavior, enabling the detection of abnormal behavior before it impacts the customer. Based on an analysis of critical problems and preliminary modeling work, the types of abnormal behavior identified are assigned to broad categories. In this paper, we describe the progress being made to address the challenge of soft failures by implementing this new paradigm.
Effects of light, growth media, and seedling orientation on bioassays of alfalfa autotoxicity.

Most assessments of allelopathy involve bioassays. Our objective was to improve the sensitivity of an alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) seedling bioassay for evaluating genetic tolerance to autotoxic leaf extracts. In a petri dish assay on imbibed seed, light inhibited hypocotyl elongation of controls and increased root elongation. Root growth was sensitive to the autotoxin in both light and darkness. An agar medium gave better root growth of controls and lower standard errors than did filter paper when petri dishes were placed on edge to encourage downward root growth or were placed flat where roots grew laterally. Hypocotyl growth was not very sensitive to the autotoxic chemical(s) on either agar or paper medium when the plate was flat, because the hypocotyl arched upward to escape contact with the extract. Hypocotyl growth was sensitive in a rolled paper towel treatment held vertically because the hypocotyl remained in continuous contact with the extract. On agar plates placed flat, 50% inhibition of root length occurred at an extract concentration that was about 8% of that needed for 50% inhibition of germination at 36 and 48 h. Root growth was stimulated up to 15% above controls at very low concentrations of leaf extract. Root length at 120 h was the best indicator of autotoxic effects of alfalfa leaf extracts. We evaluated 17 germplasms and three cultivars of alfalfa for root growth response to the autotoxic chemical and found a twofold range (P < 0.05) in tolerance.
Myoblasts transferred to the limbs of embryos are committed to specific fibre fates

In the limb bud of the 5-day-old avian embryo, when primary muscle fibre formation is beginning and before specific muscles appear, differences in the expression of fast and slow myosin heavy chain genes can be detected among primary fibres of the premuscle masses. Myoblasts that form colonies of fibres of specific types can be isolated from these limb buds. To assess the role of myoblast commitment in specifying fibre types during embryonic development, we cloned myoblasts of specific types from embryonic and adult muscles, transfected them with a reporter gene, and transferred them into developing limb buds. After transfer, cloned myoblasts formed fibres in the limb with the same patterns of myosin heavy chain gene expression as the fibres they formed in cell culture. These results demonstrate that initial skeletal muscle fibre type diversity during avian limb development can originate, in part, from the commitment of distinct myoblast types to the formation of specific fibre types.