cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The itinerary of a vesicle component, Aut7p/Cvt5p, terminates in the yeast vacuole via the autophagy/Cvt pathways.

Aminopeptidase I (API) is delivered to the yeast vacuole by one of two alternative pathways, cytoplasm to vacuole targeting (Cvt) or autophagy, depending on nutrient conditions. Genetic, morphological, and biochemical studies indicate that the two pathways share many of the same molecular components. The Cvt pathway functions during vegetative growth, while autophagy is induced during starvation. Both pathways involve the formation of cytosolic vesicles that fuse with the vacuole. In either case, the mechanism of vesicle formation is not known. Autophagic uptake displays a greater capacity for cytosolic protein sequestration. This suggests the involvement of an inducible protein(s) that allows the vesicle-forming machinery to adapt to the increased degradative needs of the cell. We have analyzed the biosynthesis of Aut7p, a protein required for both pathways. We find Aut7p expression is induced by nitrogen starvation. Aut7p is degraded by a process dependent on both proteinase A and Cvt/autophagy components. Protease accessibility assays demonstrate that Aut7p is located within vesicles in strains defective in vesicle delivery or breakdown. Finally, theaut7/cvt5 mutant accumulates precursor API at a stage prior to vesicle completion. These data suggest that Aut7p is induced during autophagy and delivered to the vacuole together with precursor API by Cvt/autophagic vesicles.
Filtrable Agents Lethal for Ducks.

SummaryFiltrable agents, lethal for ducks, were obtained by Seitz filtration of plasma from ducks with lophurae, cathe-merium, relictum or elongatum malaria. Attempts to free the malaria of the filtrable agent were unsuccessful.
A direct pituitary action of progesterone on basal secretion of follicle-stimulating hormone in ovine cell culture: dependence on ovaries in vivo.

Progesterone (P4) inhibits FSH production by 60–70% in cell cultures of pituitaries from normal ewes. This communication reports that P4 is much less effective in inhibiting FSH production in cultures prepared from pituitaries of ovariectomized ewes. P4 (10−7 m) inhibited 61 ± 5% of basal FSH secretion in cultures from intact anestrous ewes. When cultures were prepared from pituitaries collected on day 9, 21, or 42 after ovariectomy, P4 inhibited FSH secretion by only 46 ± 3%, 16 ± 2%, and 10 ± 2%, respectively. One group of ewes received implants of 17β-estradiol (E2) at the time of ovariectomy. When cultures were prepared from these ewes 35 days after ovariectomy, P4 inhibited FSH secretion 56 ± 5%, not significantly different (P > 0.05) from inhibition in normal cultures. Furthermore, under similar culture conditions, E2 and a porcine ovarian inhibin preparation inhibited FSH secretion regardless of the length of time after ovariectomy. These in vitro results suggest that ovariectomy causes a time-depe...
New Form of Kane's Equations of Motion for Constrained Systems

A differentiated form of the constraint equations, that is, in terms of accelerations, is incorporated into Kane's equations for nonholonomic systems, resulting in equations of motion that are both full order and separated in the generalized accelerations. This means that the time derivatives of all generalized speeds appear in the equations, but only one in each equation. Thus, one obtains a single set of consistent equations without reducing the dimensionality of the space of generalized speeds from the number of generalized coordinates to the number of degrees of freedom. Furthermore, this full dimensionality is maintained without employing Lagrange multipliers. Finally, a systematic method to obtain analytical expressions for the constraint forces is derived. The resulting formulation is believed to be simple and useful in performance analysis and control system design for constrained dynamical systems.
Vitamin D–binding protein modifies the vitamin D–bone mineral density relationship

Studies examining the relationship between total circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels and bone mineral density (BMD) have yielded mixed results. Vitamin D-binding protein (DBP), the major carrier protein for 25(OH)D, may alter the biologic activity of circulating vitamin D. We hypothesized that free and bioavailable 25(OH)D, calculated from total 25(OH)D, DBP, and serum albumin levels, would be more strongly associated with BMD than levels of total 25(OH)D. We measured total 25(OH)D, DBP, and serum albumin levels in 49 healthy young adults enrolled in the Metabolic Abnormalities in College-Aged Students (MACS) study. Lumbar spine BMD was measured in all subjects using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Clinical, diet, and laboratory information also was gathered at this time. We determined free and bioavailable (free + albumin-bound) 25(OH)D using previously validated formulas and examined their associations with BMD. BMD was not associated with total 25(OH)D levels (r = 0.172, p = .236). In contrast, free and bioavailable 25(OH)D levels were positively correlated with BMD (r = 0.413, p = .003 for free, r = 0.441, p = .002 for bioavailable). Bioavailable 25(OH)D levels remained independently associated with BMD in multivariate regression models adjusting for age, sex, body mass index, and race (p = .03). It is concluded that free and bioavailable 25(OH)D are more strongly correlated with BMD than total 25(OH)D. These findings have important implications for vitamin D supplementation in vitamin D-deficient states. Future studies should continue to explore the relationship between free and bioavailable 25(OH)D and health outcomes.
Protocol for laboratory testing of crude-oil bioremediation products in freshwater conditions.

In 1993, the Environmental Protection Agency, National Risk Management Research Laboratory (EPA, NRMRL), with the National Environmental Technology Application Center (NETAC), developed a protocol for evaluation of bioremediation products in marine environments [18]. The marine protocol was adapted for application in freshwater environments by using a chemically defined medium and an oil-degrading consortium as a positive control. Four products were tested using the modified protocol: two with nutrients and an oleophilic component; one with nutrients, sorbent, and organisms; and one microbial stimulant. A separate experiment evaluated the use of HEPES and MOPSO buffers as replacements for phosphate buffer. The oleophilic nutrient products yielded oil degradation similar to the positive control, with an average alkane removal of 97.1±2.3% and an aromatic hydrocarbon removal of 64.8±1.2%. The positive control, which received inoculum plus nutrients, demonstrated alkane degradation of 98.9±0.1% and aromatic degradation of 52.9±0.1%. The sorbent-based product with inoculum failed to demonstrate oil degradation, while the microbial stimulant showed less oil degradation than the positive control. Replacement of phosphate buffer with other buffers had no significant effect on one product's performance. Differences in product performance were easily distinguishable using the protocol, and performance targets for alkane and aromatic hydrocarbon degradation are suggested.
Conditional MLL‐CBP targets GMP and models therapy‐related myeloproliferative disease

Chromosomal translocations that fuse the mixed lineage leukemia (MLL) gene with multiple partners typify acute leukemias of infancy as well as therapy-related leukemias. We utilized a conditional knockin strategy to bypass the embryonic lethality caused by MLL-CBP expression and to assess the immediate effects of induced MLL-CBP expression on hematopoiesis. Within days of activating MLL-CBP, the fusion protein selectively expanded granulocyte/macrophage progenitors (GMP) and enhanced their self-renewal/proliferation. MLL-CBP altered the gene expression program of GMP, upregulating a subset of genes including Hox a9. Inhibition of Hox a9 expression by RNA interference demonstrated that MLL-CBP required Hox a9 for its enhanced cell expansion. Following exposure to sublethal γ-irradiation or N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea (ENU), MLL-CBP mice developed myelomonocytic hyperplasia and progressed to fatal myeloproliferative disorders. These represented the spectrum of therapy-induced acute myelomonocytic leukemia/chronic myelomonocytic leukemia/myelodysplastic/myeloproliferative disorder similar to that seen in humans possessing the t(11;16). This model of MLL-CBP therapy-related myeloproliferative disease demonstrates the selectivity of this MLL fusion for GMP cells and its ability to initiate leukemogenesis in conjunction with cooperating mutations.
Constructivism Is Difficult

(2001). Constructivism Is Difficult. The American Mathematical Monthly: Vol. 108, No. 1, pp. 50-54.
Suppression of graft-versus-host reactions by d- and l-chloramphenicol

Abstract The ability of chloramphenicol ( d -threo CAP) and its optical isomer, l -threo CAP, to suppress local graft vs host reactions beneath the renal capsule of Fl hybrid rats was examined. Both isomers abrogated lymphocyte proliferation at the injection sites when blood levels were maintained near 40 μg/ml for one week by continuous intravenous infusion. Since l -threo CAP does not inhibit mitochondrial protein synthesis, it seems unlikely that the immunosuppressive effect of d -threo CAP can be attributed to this mechanism.
Application of multivariate analysis to height-weight comparisons of normal children and children with cystic fibrosis

Recently,Weihofen andPringle compared, by means of „Z-scores“, the heights and weights of 36 children with cystic fibrosis with the heights and weights of 30 „normal“ children, finding that indeed the sick children were both significantly shorter and significantly lighter than healthy ones. However, it would be expected that this be the case, and for that reason, we ask and answer, by means of multivariate statistical theory, whether the height-weight growth in normal children has been not just retarded, but distorted. That is, if growth has been retarded, as could be the case with any ill child regardless of the illness, he could possibly recover what he has lost more readily if his growth is uniformly retarded, as a prematurely born infant can reach full height-weight proportions. Of course, we define mathematically exactly what we mean by the term „distortion“. Next, we correct several calculation errors ofWeihofen andPringle and point out the necessity of publishing the raw data. That is, we wrote Mrs.Weihofen for the original data for normal children and were told that she „must have discarded“ it. Since not all data is available, it cannot be reviewed for accuracy, and we must make an approximation, which we explain, in order to apply our multivariate statistical procedure. However, we do not feel that the approximation will seriously affect the results, and, in any case, it affords an opportunity to demonstrate the method.
The Earth's Magnetic Field Fuels Inter-Disciplinary Education.

There is no doubt that integrated concepts inspire students and take learning to a new level. As we fly, we fly through the magnetic field of the Earth. We used the concepts involved in flying to develop an exercise that bonds geology, physics and life sciences.
Exploiting Pragmatic Rules: Devious Messages.

Consideration of the relationship between semantics and pragmatics leads to a formal analysis of pragmatic implications customarily made by auditors in this culture. The analysis isolates four types of responses to yes-no demand questions: (1) explication, (2) prepositional implication, (3) relational implication, and (4) transparent question. It further shows how the latter three types can be exploited by devious communicators and proposes some possible social extensions of the system.
The poetry of Medbh McGuckian: the interior of words

Shane Alcobia-Murphy and Richard Kirkland, Cork, Cork University Press, 2010, 272 pp., €39.00, ISBN 9781859184653 Medbh McGuckian is a Belfast poet who has amassed a large and fascinating body of w...
Dasatinib sensitizes KRAS mutant colorectal tumors to cetuximab

KRAS mutation is a predictive biomarker for resistance to cetuximab (Erbitux) in metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). This study sought to determine if KRAS mutant CRC lines could be sensitized to cetuximab using dasatinib (BMS-354825, Sprycel), a potent, orally bioavailable inhibitor of several tyrosine kinases, including the Src family kinases (SFKs). We analyzed 16 CRC lines for: (1) KRAS mutation status, (2) dependence on mutant KRAS signaling and (3) expression level of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and SFKs. From these analyses, we selected three KRAS mutant (LS180, LoVo and HCT116) cell lines and two KRAS wild-type cell lines (SW48 and CaCo2). In vitro, using poly-D-lysine/laminin plates, KRAS mutant cell lines were resistant to cetuximab, whereas KRAS wild-type lines showed sensitivity to cetuximab. Treatment with cetuximab and dasatinib showed a greater antiproliferative effect on KRAS mutant lines when compared with either agent alone in vitro and in vivo. To investigate potential mechanisms for this antiproliferative response in the combinatorial therapy, we performed Human Phospho-Kinase Antibody Array analysis, measuring the relative phosphorylation levels of 39 intracellular proteins in untreated, cetuximab, dasatinib or the combinatorial treatment in the KRAS mutant lines LS180, LoVo and HCT116 cells. The results of this experiment showed a decrease in a broad spectrum of kinases centered on the β-catenin pathway, the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway, AKT/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway and the family of signal transducers and activators of transcription (STATs) when compared with the untreated control or monotherapy treatments. Next, we analyzed tumor growth with cetuximab, dasatinib or their combination in vivo. KRAS mutant xenografts showed resistance to cetuximab therapy, whereas KRAS wild type demonstrated an antitumor response when treated with cetuximab. KRAS mutant tumors exhibited minimal response to dasatinib monotherapy. However, as in vitro, KRAS mutant lines exhibited a response to the combination of cetuximab and dasatinib. Combinatorial treatment of KRAS mutant xenografts resulted in decreased cell proliferation, as measured by Ki67, and higher rates of apoptosis, as measured by TUNEL (terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling). The data presented in this study indicate that dasatinib can sensitize KRAS mutant CRC tumors to cetuximab and may do so by altering the activity of several key signaling pathways. Furthermore, these results suggest that signaling via EGFR and SFKs may be necessary for cell proliferation and survival of KRAS mutant CRC tumors. These data strengthen the rationale for clinical trials combining cetuximab and dasatinib in the KRAS mutant CRC genetic setting.
Rydberg-Atom Population Transfer By Population Trapping in a Chirped Microwave Pulse

We demonstrate that Rydberg atoms can be transferred to states of lower principal quantum number by exposing them to a frequency chirped microwave pulse. Specifically, we have transferred $n=75$ atoms to $n=66$ with a 400-ns pulse chirped from 7.8 to 11.8 GHz. In spite of the large number of coupled levels, using a simplified model we can describe the process reasonably well as a sequence of adiabatic rapid passages.
Reversible luminescent reaction of amines with copper(I) cyanide

Copper(I) cyanide exposed to various liquid or vapor-phase amines (L) at ambient temperature produces a variety of visible photoluminescence colors via reversible formation of amine adducts. The adducts show phase matches to authentic (CuCN)Ln, n = 0.75–2.0, produced by heating CuCN with liquid amine.
The gut microbiome: a new frontier for alcohol investigation.

Alcohol consumption is common in the United States, where 52% of adults aged 18 and over are reported to be regular drinkers, defined as consuming at least 12 drinks in the past year (http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/alcohol.htm). Approximately 7.2% of adults (> 18 years) and half as many youth (12–17 years) are reported to have an alcohol use disorder, in which 15% of youth drinkers are estimated to engage in binge drinking. (http://pubs.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/AlcoholFacts&Stats/AlcoholFacts&Stats.htm)
FUNCTIONAL ACTIVITY OF A CHEMICALLY INDUCED THYMIC SARCOMA

Abstract Thymic tumours were induced by direct intrathymic injection of 7,12-dimethylbenzanthracene in newborn mice. Most of these tumours were malignant lymphomas and two were thymic reticulosarcomas. One of the thymic reticulosarcomas proved effective in the restoration of body growth, survival-rates, lymphoid development, and homograft immunity in neonatally thymectomised syngeneic mice grafted subcutaneously with the thymic tumour. It seems most likely that this tumour functions by means of a humoral or inductive factor operating at long range.
Dorsal approach to scaphoid nonunion

The surgical approach for treatment of scaphoid nonunion usually involves various combinations of screws and Kirschner wires, with or without bone grafts. This article reports our results with 36 dorsal-approach bone grafting procedures for treatment of scaphoid nonunion with Kirschner wires. Union was achieved in 89%. The average follow-up was 5 years. Flexion/extension averaged 76% of the opposite wrist, and grip strength was 88% of the opposite hand. Ninety-one percent of the employed patients returned to their original jobs. The dorsal approach provides satisfactory exposure for fragment reduction and bone grafting.
Indirect nontarget effects of host-specific biological control agents: Implications for biological control

Classical biological control of weeds currently operates under the assumption that biological control agents are safe (i.e., low risk) if they do not directly attack nontarget species. However, recent studies indicate that even highly host-specific biological control agents can impact nontarget species through indirect effects. This finding has profound implications for biological control. To better understand the causes of these interactions and their implications, we evaluate recent case studies of indirect nontarget effects of biological control agents in the context of theoretical work in community ecology. We find that although particular indirect nontarget effects are extremely difficult to predict, all indirect nontarget effects of host specific biological control agents derive from the nature and strength of the interaction between the biological control agent and the pest. Additionally, recent theoretical work suggests that the degree of impact of a biological control agent on nontarget species is proportional to the agent’s abundance, which will be highest for moderately successful control agents. Therefore, the key to safeguarding against indirect nontarget effects of host-specific biological control agents is to ensure the biological control agents are not only host specific, but also efficacious. Biological control agents that greatly reduce their target species while remaining host-specific will reduce their own populations through density-dependent feedbacks that minimize risks to nontarget species.
Atomic boron speed distribution measurements in the plume of a hall thruster using laser-induced fluorescence

Hall thrusters are a type of electric propulsion device which are increasingly used for satellite station keeping and deep-space propulsion applications. Despite the widespread use and maturity of Hall thruster technology, much of the plasma physics which governs their operation remains unknown. Of particular interest is the sputter erosion process which slowly erodes the insulating channel walls. A cavity ring-down spectroscopy (CRDS) sensor has been developed for real-time in-situ measurements of the eroded atomic boron density1,2, which, when coupled with the boron speed distribution, yields an absolute channel erosion rate. While the speed distributions of sputtered boron are fairly well known from a simple planar geometry and with controlled plasma conditions3, a Hall thruster is more complicated.
Religious practice and cultural politics in Jewish Copenhagen

The small Jewish community of Copenhagen is one of the most liberal and assimilated in Europe. In its liturgy, its leadership, and its ritual practice, however, it maintains strictly orthodox forms. In this article, I examine how this orthodox dominance has persisted, despite the often vigorously expressed dissatisfaction of the liberal majority. I argue that the confluence of Jewish religious forms with the cultural setting of contemporary Denmark tends to confer control over ritual practice on the orthodox. The interaction of Jewish institutional structures with Danish social patterns leads to orthodox social control, whereas the interaction of Jewish religious ideas with the Danish cultural setting promotes cultural control. These outcomes have implications for social scientific approaches to contemporary conservative religious movements, which have often been characterized primarily as forms of opposition to modern social change. The political dynamics of such movements are not simple reflections of a broad opposition between tradition and modernity; they emerge out of the intricate and often unpredictable interplay of religious structures with the social and cultural worlds within which those structures are embedded.
Adaptive and Robust Digital Harmonic-Reject Mixer With Optimized Local Oscillator Spacing

Harmonic-reject mixers (HRM) are commonly used in wideband receivers to suppress the effects of spurious harmonic interferers. Both analog and digital HRMs have been proposed in the literature. In existing works, the local oscillator (LO) phases are assumed to be equally spaced. When viewed as a multiuser access system, the drawback of equally-spaced LO phases is that the signature vectors of the desired signal and some harmonic interferers become aligned, limiting the number of interferers that can be attenuated. In this paper, a digital HRM with non-uniform phase spacing that can suppress additional harmonics while being robust to gain and phase mismatches is described. This paper also presents a low-complexity, adaptive and robust digital HRM receiver that enables the fewest LOs and analog-to-digital converters necessary depending on the interference environment for low power. The performance of the adaptive non-uniformly spaced HRM is shown to be significantly superior to existing HRMs with equal LO phase spacing.
Platelet-derived Growth Factor and Lysophosphatidic Acid Inhibit Growth Hormone Binding and Signaling via a Protein Kinase C-dependent Pathway

Growth hormone (GH) regulates body growth and metabolism. GH exerts its biological action by stimulating JAK2, a GH receptor (GHR)-associated tyrosine kinase. Activated JAK2 phosphorylates itself and GHR, thus initiating multiple signaling pathways. In this work, we demonstrate that platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) down-regulate GH signaling via a protein kinase C (PKC)-dependent pathway. PDGF substantially reduces tyrosyl phosphorylation of JAK2 induced by GH but not interferon-γ or leukemia inhibitory factor. PDGF, but not epidermal growth factor, decreases tyrosyl phosphorylation of GHR (by approximately 90%) and the amount of both total cellular GHR (by approximately 80%) and GH binding (by approximately 70%). The inhibitory effect of PDGF on GH-induced tyrosyl phosphorylation of JAK2 and GHR is abolished by depletion of 4β-phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA)-sensitive PKCs with chronic PMA treatment and is severely inhibited by GF109203X, an inhibitor of PKCs. In contrast, extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1 and 2 and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase appear not to be involved in this inhibitory effect of PDGF. LPA, a known activator of PKC, also inhibits GH-induced tyrosyl phosphorylation of JAK2 and GHR and reduces the number of GHR. We propose that ligands that activate PKC, including PDGF, LPA, and PMA, down-regulate GH signaling by decreasing the number of cell surface GHR through promoting GHR internalization and degradation and/or cleavage of membrane GHR and release of the extracellular domain of GHR.
Computational Systems Bioinformatics and Bioimaging for Pathway Analysis and Drug Screening

The premise of today's drug development is that the mechanism of a disease is highly dependent upon underlying signaling and cellular pathways. Such pathways are often composed of complexes of physically interacting genes, proteins, or biochemical activities coordinated by metabolic intermediates, ions, and other small solutes and are investigated with molecular biology approaches in genomics, proteomics, and metabonomics. Nevertheless, the recent declines in the pharmaceutical industry's revenues indicate such approaches alone may not be adequate in creating successful new drugs. Our observation is that combining methods of genomics, proteomics, and metabonomics with techniques of bioimaging will systematically provide powerful means to decode or better understand molecular interactions and pathways that lead to disease and potentially generate new insights and indications for drug targets. The former methods provide the profiles of genes, proteins, and metabolites, whereas the latter techniques generate objective, quantitative phenotypes correlating to the molecular profiles and interactions. In this paper, we describe pathway reconstruction and target validation based on the proposed systems biologic approach and show selected application examples for pathway analysis and drug screening.
Aerosol-assisted synthesis of mesoporous titania nanoparticles with high surface area and controllable phase composition

Mesoporous titania nanoparticles (denoted as MTN) with high surface area (e.g., 252 m2 g−1) were prepared using tetrapropyl orthotitanate (TPOT) as a titania precursor and 10–20 nm or 20–30 nm silica colloids as templates. Co-assembly of TPOT and silica colloids in an aerosol-assisted process and immediate calcination at 450 °C resulted in anatase/silica composite nanoparticles. Subsequent removal of the silica colloids from the composite by NaOH solution created mesopores in the TiO2 nanoparticles with pore size corresponding to that of silica colloids. Effects of silica colloids’ contents on MTN porosity and crystallites’ growth at a higher calcination temperature (e.g., 1000 °C) were investigated. Silica colloids suppressed the growth of TiO2 crystallites during calcination at a higher calcination temperature and controllable contents of the silica colloids in precursor solution resulted in various atomic ratios of anatase to rutile in the calcinated materials. The mesostructure and crystalline structure of these titania materials were characterized by transmission electron microscope (TEM), scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), differential thermal analysis (DTA)-thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA), and N2 sorption.
Intermediate Outcomes of Dual Renal Allografts: The University of Washington Experience

ABSTRACTPurpose: The increased survival advantage of renal transplantation with end stage renal disease combined with an increasing incidence of renal disease fuel an increasing disparity between supply and demand for transplantable kidneys. Despite efforts to increase cadaveric organ donation through education and publicity, the number of cadaveric kidneys transplanted has not increased and in the last year was surpassed by kidneys transplanted from living donors. In an effort to maximize cadaver organ donors use of kidneys from expanded criteria donors has been investigated. In select cases both donor kidneys have been transplanted into a single recipient, which is called dual renal transplant. We report on the 4-year dual renal transplant graft and patient outcomes and compare these to age matched single cadaver kidney transplants.Materials and Methods: A retrospective review of 10 dual renal transplant recipients and 10 age matched single cadaver kidney recipients was performed. All patients underwent...
Hudson River sediments as a source of actinomycetes exhibiting antifungal activity

Actinomycetes were isolated from sediments obtained from the Hudson River. Pretreatments utilized to improve the recovery of these microorganisms included heat and exposure to phenol or benzalkonium chloride. In addition, plating of sediment samples on selective agar substrates was also employed. These pretreatments eliminated or severely limited the growth of contaminating microorganisms thereby facilitating the isolation of actinomycetes. Of 165 isolates obtained, 22 exhibited significant antimycotic activity following growth in submerged culture. Among the test fungi examined, Candida krusei and Trichoderma viride proved to be the most susceptible to the active substances present in the fermentation broths. All but three of the latter contained polyenes. With one exception, the bioactive actinomycetes were identified as streptomycetes.
Case report 688

The double spinous process sign at multiple levels is a reliable indication of fractures of multiple spinous processes. When multiple thoracic vertebrate are involved, as in the patient reported here, the AP radiograph may offer the sole clue to the extent of injury on the plain films.
The Development of Interventional Cardiology

Twenty years have passed since the beginning of clinical interventional cardiology on the occasion of the first angioplasty procedure performed by Andreas Gruentzig. This discipline, which started as an added technique for physicians who performed cardiac catheterization, has evolved into a field
Regional decoupling of N-acetyl-aspartate and glutamate in schizophrenia.

Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS) allows the non-invasive measurement of several metabolites, including N-acetyl-aspartate (NAA), an amino acid exclusively synthesized in the mitochondria of neurons, and glutamate, an amino acid involved in excitatory neurotransmission and metabolism. In view of recent postmortem studies in schizophrenia (SZ) revealing mitochondrial abnormalities as well as perturbed expression of the enzymes regulating the glutamate–glutamine cycle, we hypothesized that a disruption in the homeostasis of NAA and glutamate in SZ is present. Fifty subjects with SZ and 48 matched healthy controls (HC) were enrolled in this 1H-MRS study. Voxels were placed in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and hippocampus; NAA/Cr and glutamate + glutamine (Glx)/Cr ratios were obtained. We did not find any significant differences between the groups in metabolite levels in both the ACC and hippocampus. In the hippocampus we found that NAA/Cr and Glx/Cr ratios were significantly correlated in HC (r=0.40, p<0.01 (corrected p=0.048)) but not in SZ (r=−0.06; p=0.71), a difference that was statistically significant (z=2.22, p=0.02). Although no differences in neurometabolites between SZ and HC were apparent, correlations between NAA/Cr and Glx/Cr in healthy subjects in the hippocampus were found, and this correlation was lost in subjects with SZ. To our knowledge, this is the first study to suggest decoupling of these metabolites, a pathophysiological change that may be unique to SZ. However, these results warrant replication and further exploration before definite conclusions can be drawn.
Severe transient hypertension after greater palatine foramen block in a patient taking midodrine.

Abstract We report an episode of transient, severe hypertension occurring within 2 minutes of injection of 1% lidocaine with 1:100 000 U of epinephrine in a patient taking midodrine for orthostatic hypotension. We hypothesize that the patient's autonomic nervous system was dangerously susceptible to the effect of local anesthetic when combined with the vasoactive systemic effect of midodrine. Surgeons should minimize the use of vasoconstrictors in patients treated with midodrine to avoid hypertensive complications.
Impacts of dreissenid mussel invasions on chlorophyll and total phosphorus in 25 lakes in the USA

SUMMARY 1. Invasions of zebra and quagga mussels have had long-term, large-scale impacts on lake ecosystems in the USA as characterised by high abundance, broad-scale spread and effective adaption to new environmental conditions. Due to their high filtering capacity, decreases in chlorophyll a (Chl) and total phosphorus (TP) concentrations have been reported in many affected lakes. 2. In 25 US lakes, we analysed the effects of dreissenid invasions on changes in Chl and TP concentrations, measured as the probability of a concentration decrease in the post-invasion period and changes in Chl–TP relationships using Bayesian hierarchical regressions. We also examined whether changes in Chl and TP concentrations and in the Chl–TP relationship differed according to lake hydromorphology, such as mean depth or mixing status (mixed versus stratified lakes). 3. Our results showed that dreissenid invasions were often, but not always, associated with subsequent TP and Chl declines. Dreissenid effects on Chl and TP may be influenced by lake thermal structure. Decreases in Chl and TP were consistently found in mixed lakes where benthic– pelagic coupling is tight, while the effects were less predictable in stratified lakes. Within stratified lakes, Chl and TP reductions were more clearly discernible in deeper lakes with long water residence times. 4. Regression results demonstrated that a joint increase in slope and decrease in intercept and a tighter correlation of the Chl–TP relationship were likely to occur in dreissenid-invaded lakes; this does not support the idea of a shift from bottom-up to top-down control of primary production. These results have important implications for management, suggesting that a relaxation of TP standards would be unwarranted. 5. Across lakes, the slope of the Chl–TP relationship for mixed lakes was substantially higher than that for stratified lakes before mussel invasion, indicating an important role of light in limiting primary production. The slope differences between mixed and stratified lakes decreased in the post-invasion period, possibly because mussel filtration results in a relaxation of light limitation that is more pronounced in deeper, stratified lakes.
Aperture dependent loss analysis in vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers

A study of the influence of oxide apertures on the internal loss in vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSEL's) is performed for two different aperture placements within the VCSEL cavity. It is found that when apertures are placed at a node in the standing wave of a VCSEL cavity there are negligible aperture dependent losses. However, when apertures are placed at an antinode there is a clear relationship between aperture dimension and internal loss.
Survival during renal replacement therapy among African Americans infected with HIV Type 1 in urban Baltimore, Maryland

Background.African Americans with human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection and kidney disease are at increased risk of end-stage renal disease requiring renal replacement therapy (RRT), particularly in urban areas with high rates of poverty and injection drug use. It is unknown how the widespread use of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has affected survival during RRT in this vulnerable population.Methods.African American patients infected with HIV-1 who required RRT were identified from 2 cohorts that included 4509 Africans Americans infected with HIV-1 who were recruited during the period 1988–2004 in Baltimore, Maryland. Survival after initiation of RRT was compared for those who initiated treatment in the pre-HAART and the HAART eras using Kaplan-Meier curves. Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was used to adjust for potential confounders.Results.RRT was initiated in 162 patients (3.6%) during 10.6 years of follow-up (119 during the HAART era). Compared with patients who started RRT in the pre-HAART era, those in the HAART era were older (P < .001) and more likely to have CD4 cell counts of ⩽200 cells/mm 3 (P = .01). A total of 126 patients (78%) died during follow-up; among those who initiated RRT during the HAART era, 87 deaths occurred (73%). Median survival time in the pre-HAART era was 22.4 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 9.3–30.7); during the HAART era, it was 19.9 months (95% CI, 14.7–26.5; P = .94). In the multiple Cox regression model, factors independently associated with increased mortality included age (hazard ratio [HR], 1.30; 95% CI, 1.06–1.60; P = .01), lower serum albumin level (HR, 0.72; 95% CI, 0.57–0.91; P < .007), lower CD4 cell count (HR, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.82–0.99; P < .03), and the lack of HAART (HR, 0.52; 95% CI, 0.33–0.82; P = .005).Conclusions.Older age, lower serum albumin level, lower CD4 cell count, and the lack of HAART are independent predictors of poor survival among African Americans infected with HIV-1 undergoing RRT in a resource-limited urban area. RRT survival was similar in the pre-HAART and HAART eras, likely reflecting inadequate HIV treatment in this population.
Sequence Detection Algorithms for PHY-Layer Sensing in Dynamic Spectrum Access Networks

Spectrum sensing is a critical function for enabling dynamic spectrum access (DSA) in wireless networks that utilize cognitive radio (CR). In DSA networks, unlicensed secondary users can gain access to a licensed spectrum band as long as they do not cause harmful interfere to primary users. Spectrum sensing is subject to errors in the form of false alarms and missed detections. False alarms cause spectrum under-use by secondary users, and missed detections cause interference to primary users. Although existing research has demonstrated the utility of a Markov chain for modeling the spectrum access pattern of primary users over time, little effort has been directed toward spectrum sensing based upon such models. In this paper, we develop general sequence detection algorithms for Markov sources in noise for spectrum sensing in DSA networks. We assign different Bayesian cost factors for missed detections and false alarms, and we show that a suitably modified forward-backward sequence detection algorithm is optimal in minimizing the detection risk. Two advanced sequence detection algorithms, the complete forward algorithm and the complete forward partial backward algorithm are introduced and their performances are compared as well. Along the way, we observe new fundamental limitations on sensing performance that we term the risk floor and the window length limitation of energy detection and coherent detection that arise from mismatch of their observation window with the PU's spectrum access pattern.
Trends in drug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis in New York City, 1991-2003.

Background. Two drug-resistance surveys showed a very high prevalence of drug resistance among isolates obtained from patients with tuberculosis in 1991 and 1994 in New York, New York.Methods. A cross-sectional survey in April 1997 and a survey of incident cases in April–June 2003 were conducted. The trend in the proportion of drug resistance in the 4 surveys was examined separately for prevalent and incident cases. Risk factors for drug resistance in incident cases were also assessed.Results. The number of patients was 251 in the 1997 survey and 217 in the 2003 survey. Among prevalent cases, the percentage of cases with resistance to any antituberculosis drug decreased from 33.5% in 1991 to 23.8% in 1994 and to 21.5% in 1997 (P < .001, by test for trend); cases of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis also decreased significantly, from 19% in 1991 to 6.8% in 1997 (P < .001, by test for trend). Among incident cases in the 4 surveys, the decrease in resistance to any antituberculosis drugs was not statistically significant; however, the decrease in multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (from 9% in 1991 to 2.8% in 2003) was statistically significant (P = .002, by test for trend). However, in 2003, a worrisome increase in incident cases of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (an increase of 23%) was seen among previously treated patients with pulmonary tuberculosis not born in the United States. Human immunodeficiency virus infection, a strong predictor for drug resistance in 1991 and 1994, was not associated with drug resistance in subsequent surveys.Conclusions. Intensive case management, including directly observed therapy, adherence monitoring, and periodic medical review to ensure appropriate treatment for each patient, should be sustained to prevent acquired drug resistance.
CMOS technology for low voltage/low power applications

In this paper, the scaled CMOS as the ideal technology for the low power revolution, is discussed. It is shown that by the proper scaling of the CMOS devices, improved performance, power, and density can be achieved SIMULTANEOUSLY. The above scaling is made possible by; the reduction of the supply voltage, and the improved manufacturing tolerances and minimum dimensions. The reduction of the supply voltage is needed to lower the power dissipation per device and to maintain adequate reliability at improved performance. The CMOS technologies ranging from 0.25 /spl mu/m CMOS @ 2.5 V down to 0/1 /spl mu/m @ 1.XV on bulk and SOI (Silicon On Insulator) are presented. Over two orders of magnitude improvement in power x delay (mW/MIPS) is expected by the scaling of CMOS down to the 0.1 /spl mu/m (Leff) regime. >
Hearing preservation following surgical removal of meningiomas affecting the temporal bone

It is a common clinical impression that preservation of hearing is more often achieved when removing a meningioma than a similarly sized acoustic tumor. However, relatively few reports have focused on postoperative hearing results after meningioma removal, and detailed audiometric data are not commonly provided, particularly in the neurosurgical literature. During the past 16 years, 56 meningiomas affecting the temporal bone have been surgically removed at the House Ear Clinic. Hearing preservation was attempted in 16 (29%) of the 56 cases, and these were the focus of this study. The primary presenting symptom was otologic in 67% of these cases, including hearing loss as the primary symptom in 27%. Measurable postoperative hearing was present in 11 (92%) of 12 patients with postoperative audiograms available, and 8 (67%) of 12 patients had good hearing postoperatively. Hearing was preserved near the preoperative level (within 10 dB speech reception threshold and 15% speech discrimination) in 75% of cases.
Improved importance sampling for cone-beam simulations using SimSET

The SimSET (Simulation System for Emission Tomography) software package uses importance sampling (IS) techniques to improve its efficiency. The original IS techniques work well for parallel-hole and fan-beam tomography, but are not well suited to cone-beam tomography. In the authors' original IS algorithms, photons are forced to hit the inside face of the collimator within a user specified axial acceptance angle. Small acceptance angles result in the largest efficiency gains. For parallel-hole collimators, the angle is usually chosen to be the maximum deviation from perpendicular at which a photon can pass through a collimator hole. For cone-beam, the acceptance angle must be set using the holes with the greatest deviation from perpendicular, resulting in poor efficiency. The authors have designed a new IS algorithm for cone-beam which bases the acceptance angle on the axial deviation from the central angle of the cone-beam holes. This results in substantial changes to the authors' IS algorithms and look-up tables. The new algorithm causes no bias in simulations using forced detection. For cone-beam simulations it leads to a 2-4/spl times/ efficiency gain over the authors' original IS algorithm.
Transparent reporting of missing outcome data in clinical trials: applying the general principles of CONSORT 2010

In clinical trials, missing outcome data can be problematic, potentially introducing bias and affecting internal and external study validity.1–7 These concerns are not new. Multiple guidelines for investigators emphasise the importance of first minimising the causes of missing data, such as loss to follow-up, and then using appropriate statistical strategies to account for missing values.5 ,8–11 In spite of the increased focus on addressing missing outcome data in the design and analysis phases of clinical trials, there continues to be significant variability in how the missing data—and the related statistical analyses—are reported in the medical literature.2 ,12 Systematic reviews of published studies have found that few clinical trial reports provide a complete description of the investigators’ strategy for addressing missing outcome data,2 ,12 which can significantly impact the interpretation of study findings.1 ,3 ,4 ,6 ,7 As the recommended statistical approaches to missing data grow increasingly complex,8 ,13–15 there is more need than ever to ensure that clinical trials are reported clearly and include sufficient detail to allow readers to critically assess the underlying assumptions made by investigators. The CONSORT (Consolidated Standards of Reporting) statement,16 which was developed to improve the reporting of clinical trials, is widely used as the standard for the format and content of clinical trial reports. While the guidelines in the updated CONSORT 2010 statement only explicitly call for investigators to address missing outcome data in the …
Blood Oxygen Level Dependent Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging for Presurgical Planning

Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) has become a common tool for presurgical sensorimotor mapping, and is a significant preoperative asset for tumors located adjacent to the central sulcus. fMRI has changed surgical options for many patients. This noninvasive tool allows for easy display and integration with other neuroimaging techniques. Although fMRI is a useful preoperative tool, it is not perfect. Tumors that affect the normal vascular coupling of neuronal activity will affect fMRI measurements. This article discusses the usefulness of blood oxygen level dependent (BOLD) fMRI with regard to preoperative motor mapping.
Immunomodulators and Rituximab in the Management of Autoimmune Pancreatitis

Autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) is a unique form of chronic pancreatitis that is characterized by a dramatic response to steroid therapy. The remission rate for induction treatment with steroids is essentially 100%, and steroids remain highly effective when used for treating disease relapses. Unfortunately, an important subset of patients have refractory disease that is difficult to treat on the basis of inability to tolerate steroids or the development of frequent relapses requiring prolonged treatment with high-dose steroids. Steroid-sparing immunomodulators, such as azathioprine and mycophenolate mofetil, were primarily introduced in an effort to manage these patients. More recently, rituximab, a monoclonal anti-CD20 antibody, has also been used in these patients, including those who were resistant or intolerant to immunomodulators. Available data suggests there may be a role for these steroidsparing treatments, but further controlled studies are awaited to more accurately define the benefit of these agents for maintenance of disease remission.
ON ISOMETRIC ACTIONS

Let G be a group. Suppose we are given an isometric action of G on a metricspace M. By an isometric action we mean that each element of G acts not merely asa homeomorphism but as an isometry of M. In this situation can we always extendM nicely to a larger metric space so that G is realised as the full isometry group ofthe extension? Here nicely means, on the one hand, preserving the properties of actionsuch as freeness, discreteness, discontinuity et cetera and, on the other hand, preservingboundedness, connectedness properties et cetera of M. In Section 3 of this article wehave formulated one possible definition of what can be regarded as a nice extension.The main aim of this article is to provide a partial answer to the above question.Our construction of such a desired extension M of M is under the restrictions that Mis a connected, bounded metric space of cardinalit