cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Distributed Massive MIMO Downlink

The feasibility of adopting distributed massive multiple-input multiple-output (D-MMIMO) for mitigating the achievable rate loss incurred by spatially-correlated fading at space-constrained user antenna arrays when served by co-located massive MIMO (C-MMIMO) counterpart is investigated. In order to explore a practically-viable design, the cumulative effects of spatial correlation at both multi-antenna access points (APs) and multi-antenna users, beamforming uncertainty caused by imperfectly estimated channel state information (CSI), and adverse effects of pilot contamination have been taken into account. The achievable user rates of the proposed D-MMIMO downlink operating in a multi-cell set-up are derived for finite&#x002F;infinite antenna array regimes at the distributed APs. Thereby, the achievable user rates for C-MMIMO counterpart are deduced and compared with those of the proposed D-MMIMO downlink. Through a rigorous analysis and simulation results, we show that the distributed transmissions rendered by D-MMIMO can provide significant performance gains compared to the C-MMIMO counterpart (i) by minimizing adverse effects of spatial correlation via distinct spatial-directions&#x002F;signatures rendered by distributed transmissions, (ii) by mitigating shadow fading via leveraging macro-diversity gains, and (iii) by reducing the average path-losses through effectively shortening transmission distances. Moreover, we reveal that the proposed D-MMIMO can be exploited to recover a significant portion of rate loss incurred by the lost of asymptotic channel orthogonality due to doubly-correlated channels when both APs and user nodes are equipped with space-constrained multiple-antenna arrays.
Epigenomic reprogramming of repetitive noncoding RNAs and IFN-stimulated genes by mutant KRAS

RAS genes are the most frequently mutated oncogenes in cancer. However, the effects of oncogenic RAS signaling on the noncoding transcriptome are unclear. We analyzed the transcriptomes of human airway epithelial cells transformed with mutant KRAS to define the landscape of KRAS-regulated noncoding RNAs. We found that oncogenic KRAS upregulates noncoding transcripts throughout the genome, many of which arise from transposable elements. These repetitive noncoding RNAs exhibit differential RNA editing in single cells, are released in extracellular vesicles, and are known targets of KRAB zinc-finger proteins, which are broadly down-regulated in mutant KRAS cells and lung adenocarcinomas. Moreover, mutant KRAS induces IFN-stimulated genes through both epigenetic and RNA-based mechanisms. Our results reveal that mutant KRAS remodels the noncoding transcriptome through epigenomic reprogramming, expanding the scope of genomic elements regulated by this fundamental signaling pathway and revealing how mutant KRAS induces an intrinsic IFN-stimulated gene signature often seen in ADAR-dependent cancers.
P267 Discordant cures are associated with Mycoplasma genitalium infection in men treated with azithromycin for nongonococcal urethritis

Background In men with nongonococcal urethritis (NGU), clinicians and patients rely on the resolution of urethritis signs and symptoms to determine the need for additional testing/treatment and when to resume sexual activity, respectively. Whether clinical NGU cure correlates with microbiological clearance across sexually transmitted infections (STI) remains unknown. Methods Within the Idiopathic Urethritis Men’s Project (IUMP), we identified men with mono-infection NGU due to Chlamydia trachomatis, Mycoplasma genitalium, or Ureaplasma urealyticum. Men had presented to the Bell Flower Clinic in Indianapolis, Indiana, and were diagnosed with NGU and enrolled in IUMP. Men provided a urine specimen for STI testing by NAAT, received azithromycin 1gm and returned for a 1-month test-of-cure visit. At the test-of-cure visit, men were asked about interval antibiotic use, sexual activity, interval urethritis signs and symptoms, and repeat STI testing was performed. Clinical cure was defined as resolution of urethritis signs and symptoms. Microbiological cure was defined as clearance of STI at the test-of-cure visit. Significance was evaluated by Fisher’s exact test. Results Seventy-five men were included in this analysis, 52 with CT, 16 with MG, and 7 with UU. Clinical cure occurred in 50–100% and microbiological cure occurred in 31–100% of men. Discordant cures were more common in men with MG than CT (44% vs 15%, p = 0.102); no UU discordant cures occurred. Men with MG-NGU were significantly more likely to have a clinical cure with microbiological failure compared to CT-NGU (31% vs 4%, p = 0.0042). Clinical failure with microbiological cure occurred in approximately 10% of men. Conclusions Discordant NGU cure outcomes do occur and are more common in men with MG-NGU. The most common discordant cure outcome was clinical cure with microbiological failure. In men treated with azithromycin for NGU, MG testing should be included and a test-of-cure considered to ensure STI clearance.
Giant Optical Nonlinearities via Infrared-Resonant Raman Scattering

An unconventional Raman scattering pathway via the nonlinear lattice polarizability can dominate the optical response of crystals driven resonantly with IR phonons, allowing giant optical nonlinearities and ultrafast dynamical control of material optical properties.
Zeta-Potentials and Surface Tensions

The biocompatibility of artificial materials is, among others, dependent on the interaction processes at the solid/liquid interface. These processes are determined by the surface properties which are generated by the chemical and physical nature of the biomaterial. From physics we know that the zeta-potentials and the surface tensions are important details in order to understand the reasons and the extent of interactions.
The Mer Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Is Required for the Loss of B Cell Tolerance in the Chronic Graft-versus-Host Disease Model of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

The Mer receptor tyrosine kinase mediates apoptotic cell phagocytosis and modulates macrophage cytokine production. Mer−/− mice have defective clearance of apoptotic debris and develop a systemic lupus erythematosus-like autoimmune syndrome. It was surprising then that B6-Mer−/− recipients of bm12 spleen cells failed to develop anti-dsDNA and anti-chromatin autoantibodies, whereas B6 hosts produced the expected autoimmune chronic graft-vs-host (cGVH) reaction. The lack of autoantibody formation in cGVH was not due to the failure of Mer-deficient hosts to provoke alloreactivity, because Mer−/− spleen cells were recognized by bm12 T cells in MLR. Cell transfer experiments in Rag-knockout mice indicated that the lack of autoantibody production in Mer−/− cGVH disease hosts was due to an intrinsic B cell defect. This defect did not cause a global inability to produce autoantibodies, because in vivo exposure to LPS stimulated production of autoantibodies in both B6 and Mer−/− mice. We further observed that wild-type B6 B cells up-regulated Mer upon activation in cGVH, and that B cells from mice lacking Mer showed a decreased up-regulation of activation-associated cell surface markers. These findings indicate that Mer serves an important role in the activation of self-reactive B cells in systemic autoimmunity.
Alcohol-induced modulation of rictor and mTORC2 activity in C2C12 myoblasts.

Background: The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) kinase controls cell growth, proliferation, and metabolism through 2 distinct multiprotein complexes, mTORC1 and mTORC2. We reported that alcohol (EtOH) inhibits mTORC1 activity and protein synthesis in C2C12 myoblasts. However, the role that mTORC2 plays in this process has not been elucidated. In this study, we investigated whether mTORC2 functions as part of a feedback regulator in response to EtOH, acting to maintain the balance between the functions of Akt, mTORC2, and mTORC1. Methods: C2C12 myoblasts were incubated with EtOH for 18 to 24 hours. Levels of various mTORC2 proteins and mRNA were assessed by immunoblotting and real-time PCR, respectively, while protein–protein interactions were determined by immunoprecipitation and immunoblotting. An in vitro mTORC2 kinase activity assay was performed using Akt as a substrate. The rate of protein synthesis was determined by 35S-methionine/cysteine incorporation into cellular protein. Results: EtOH (100 mM) increased the protein and mRNA levels of the mTORC2 components rictor, mSin1, proline-rich repeat protein 5, and Deptor. There was also an increased association of these proteins with mTOR. EtOH increased the in vitro kinase activity of mTORC2, and this was correlated with decreased binding of rictor with 14-3-3 and Deptor. Reduced rictor phosphorylation at T1135 by EtOH was most likely due to decreased S6K1 activity. Knockdown of rictor elevated mTORC1 activity, as indicated by increased S6K1 phosphorylation and protein synthesis. Likewise, there were decreased amounts and/or phosphorylation levels of various mTORC1 and mTORC2 components including raptor, proline-rich Akt substrate 40 kDa, mSin1, Deptor, and GβL. Activated PP2A was associated with decreased Akt and eukaryotic elongation factor 2 phosphorylation. Collectively, our results provide evidence of a homeostatic balance between the 2 mTOR complexes following EtOH treatments in myoblasts. Conclusions: EtOH increased the activity of mTORC2 by elevating levels of various components and their interaction with mTOR. Decreased rictor phosphorylation at T1135 acts as mTORC1-dependent feedback mechanisms, functioning in addition to the insulin receptor substrate-I/PI3K signaling pathway to regulate protein synthesis.
Are we headed for a resurgence of the HIV epidemic among men who have sex with men

HIV remains a critical health issue for men who have sex with men (MSM). In the United States, an estimated 365,000 to 535,000 MSM are living with HIV, and 42% of new HIV infections occur in this population. Recent data on sexually transmitted diseases and on sexual behavior indicate the potential for a resurgence in HIV infections among MSM. Outbreaks of gonorrhea and syphilis have been reported in a growing number of cities, and several studies have observed an increase in unprotected anal intercourse among MSM. These increases in HIV risk behavior may be attributed to several factors that have affected the sexual practices of MSM, including changes in beliefs regarding the severity of HIV disease. These emerging data have implications for surveillance and intervention research activities and indicate a need to reevaluate, refocus, and reinvigorate HIV prevention efforts for MSM. Our recommendations for addressing the HIV prevention needs of MSM include the need to consider HIV-related issues within the broader context of the physical, mental, and sexual health of MSM.
On two nonprobabilistic utility measures for weapon systems

In this paper an attempt is made to derive two interval utility measures for public goods. The domain of the measures is partitioned into priority classes in such a way that each class contains an element, called a kernel, which can be moved by parameter variation to the immediately preceding class. The “expansion path” from priority class to priority class is determined by an optimality criterion. The measures themselves are based on optimality conditions that are similar to the familiar first-order conditions of consumer analysis. One is a product measure and the other one is additive.
Analysis of Wien filter spectra from Hall thruster plumes

A method for analyzing the Wien filter spectra obtained from the plumes of Hall thrusters is derived and presented. The new method extends upon prior work by deriving the integration equations for the current and species fractions. Wien filter spectra from the plume of the NASA-300M Hall thruster are analyzed with the presented method and the results are used to examine key trends. The new integration method is found to produce results slightly different from the traditional area-under-the-curve method. The use of different velocity distribution forms when performing curve-fits to the peaks in the spectra is compared. Additional comparison is made with the scenario where the current fractions are assumed to be proportional to the heights of peaks. The comparison suggests that the calculated current fractions are not sensitive to the choice of form as long as both the height and width of the peaks are accounted for. Conversely, forms that only account for the height of the peaks produce inaccurate results. Also presented are the equations for estimating the uncertainty associated with applying curve fits and charge-exchange corrections. These uncertainty equations can be used to plan the geometry of the experimental setup.
The Work–Family Role Interface: A Synthesis of the Research from Industrial and Organizational Psychology

This chapter provides an overview of research and theory with regard to work–family issues. Common themes within the work–family literature are addressed as well as emerging areas of interest. Review topics include positive and negative interdependences between work and family roles, work–family balance, individual differences associated with work–family, organizational and national supports for work–family, and cross-national research. The chapter concludes with three priority areas for future research. Specifically, programmatic research in the areas of technology/virtual work, connecting work–family research with neuroscience, and investigations focused on older workers are discussed. Keywords: work–family conflict; work–family balance; work–family interactions; dual-career couples; positive spillover
Extraordinary Minds: Portraits of Exceptional Individuals and an Examination of Our Extraordinariness

Introduction: Toward a Science of Extraordinariness Ordinary Development Extraordinary Development Master: The Case of Mozart Maker: The Case of Freud Introspector: The Case of Woolf Influencer: The Case of Gandhi Varieties of Extraordinariness Lessons.
X-RAY AND $gamma$-RAY ASTRONOMY

X-ray and gamma ray astronomy, discussing observational methods, physical processes of generation, radiation intensity, etc
Exploring changes in the spatial distribution of stream baseflow generation during a seasonal recession

[1] Relating watershed structure to streamflow generation is a primary focus of hydrology. However, comparisons of longitudinal variability in stream discharge with adjacent valley structure have been rare, resulting in poor understanding of the distribution of the hydrologic mechanisms that cause variability in streamflow generation along valleys. This study explores detailed surveys of stream base flow across a gauged, 23 km2 mountain watershed. Research objectives were (1) to relate spatial variability in base flow to fundamental elements of watershed structure, primarily topographic contributing area, and (2) to assess temporal changes in the spatial patterns of those relationships during a seasonal base flow recession. We analyzed spatiotemporal variability in base flow using (1) summer hydrographs at the study watershed outlet and 5 subwatershed outlets and (2) longitudinal series of discharge measurements every ∼100 m along the streams of the 3 largest subwatersheds (1200 to 2600 m in valley length), repeated 2 to 3 times during base flow recession. Reaches within valley segments of 300 to 1200 m in length tended to demonstrate similar streamflow generation characteristics. Locations of transitions between these segments were consistent throughout the recession, and tended to be collocated with abrupt longitudinal transitions in valley slope or hillslope-riparian characteristics. Both within and among subwatersheds, correlation between the spatial distributions of streamflow and topographic contributing area decreased during the recession, suggesting a general decrease in the influence of topography on stream base flow contributions. As topographic controls on base flow evidently decreased, multiple aspects of subsurface structure were likely to have gained influence.
The Effects of Team-Based Functional Assessment on the Behavior of Students in Classroom Settings

We examined the impact of functional assessment interventions on both the appropriate and challenging behaviors of groups of students within preschool classrooms for children with special needs and for children at risk. We also examined the effectiveness of a training model to teach school-based teams to conduct functional assessment. The results indicated that school-based teams were able to conduct functional assessment during intervention and maintained functional assessment skills during follow-up observations. In addition, the functional assessment procedures resulted in a decrease in challenging behavior and nonengagement and an increase in active engagement and peer interaction for groups of students within classroom settings. The levels of appropriate and challenging behavior observed during intervention and maintenance within at-risk and special education classrooms were similar to those observed in early childhood control classrooms.
Rab27a enables myosin Va-dependent melanosome capture by recruiting the myosin to the organelle

The peripheral accumulation of melanosomes characteristic of wild-type mouse melanocytes is driven by a cooperative process involving long-range, bidirectional, microtubule-dependent movements coupled to capture and local movement in the actin-rich periphery by myosin Va, the product of the dilute locus. Genetic evidence suggests that Rab27a, the product of the ashen locus, functions with myosin Va in this process. Here we show that ashen melanocytes, like dilute melanocytes, exhibit normal dendritic morphology and melanosome biogenesis, an abnormal accumulation of end-stage melanosomes in the cell center, and rapid, bidirectional, microtubule-dependent melanosome movements between the cell center and the periphery. This phenotype suggests that ashen melanocytes, like dilute melanocytes, are defective in peripheral melanosome capture. Consistent with this, introduction into ashen melanocytes of cDNAs encoding wild-type and GTP-bound versions of Rab27a restores the peripheral accumulation of melanosomes in a microtubule-dependent manner. Conversely, introduction into wild-type melanocytes of the GDP-bound version of Rab27a generates an ashen/dilute phenotype. Rab27a colocalizes with end-stage melanosomes in wild-type cells, and is most concentrated in melanosome-rich dendritic tips, where it also colocalizes with myosin Va. Finally, neither endogenous myosin Va nor an expressed, GFP-tagged, myosin Va tail domain fusion protein colocalize with melanosomes in ashen melanocytes, in contrast to that seen previously in wild-type cells. These results argue that Rab27a serves to enable the myosinVa-dependent capture of melanosomes delivered to the periphery by bidirectional, microtubule-dependent transport, and that it does so by recruiting the myosin to the melanosome surface. We suggest that Rab27a, in its GTP-bound and melanosome-associated form, predominates in the periphery, and that it is this form that recruits the myosin, enabling capture. These results argue that Rab27a serves as a myosin Va 'receptor', and add to the growing evidence that Rab GTPases regulate vesicle motors as well as SNARE pairing.
On the driving traction acting on a surface of strain discontinuity in a continuum

The notion of the driving traction on a surface of strain discontinuity in a continuum undergoing a general thermomechanical process is defined and discussed. In addition, the associated constitutive notion of a kinetic relation, in which the normal velocity of propagation of the surface of discontinuity may be a given function of the driving traction and temperature, is introduced for the special case of a thermoelastic material.
Calorimetric Examination of Cut Fresh Pineapple Metabolism

Isothermal microcalorimetric analysis of cut fresh pineapple was used to examine metabolic events occurring in the fruit under different storage conditions. The results define conditions most suited for cut pineapple storage. The baseline heat production for pineapple tissue is quite low (0.2 μW per mg wet weight). During storage, heat producing metabolic reactions develop which cause spoilage of the fruit. The time course of heat production during storage is affected by changes in atmosphere and by chemical treatments. Effects of inhibitor and antibiotic additions indicate that most of the heat production associated with spoilage is related to the growth of microbial flora.
Passive and Active Polarization Imaging: Fundamentals, Phenomenology, and Systems

This tutorial will review the fundamentals of sensing the vector nature of the optical field, explore phenomenology in applications ranging from microscopy to astronomy, and present state-of-the-art imaging polarimeters.
Toxicity and Avoidance Tests with Prudhoe Bay Oil and Pink Salmon Fry

ABSTRACT With the potential of oil pollution harming Alaska's marine resources, experiments were conducted at the National Marine Fisheries Service, Auke Bay Fisheries Laboratory to determine the concentrations of Prudhoe Bay crude oil that are acutely toxic to pink salmon fry in fresh water and seawater and also the concentrations of this oil that the fry would avoid. Observed 96-hour TLM values were 88 mg of oil/liter of water in fresh water and 213 mg/liter in seawater in June and 110 mg/liter in seawater in August. Among fry held in seawater, older fry were more susceptible to oil toxicity than younger fry and older fry were also more sensitive in their detection and avoidance of oil; older fry in seawater avoided oil concentrations as low as 1.6 mg of oil/liter of water. The avoidance of oil by salmon fry was quite apparent and suggests that there is potential for oil pollution to change their migration behavior.
Deficient counterregulatory hormone responses during hypoglycemia in a patient with insulinoma

Counterregulatory hormone responses were evaluated in a 37-yr-old woman before and after removal of a benign insulin-producing islet cell tumor. Counterregulatory hormone concentrations were measured during a glucose clamp with graded reductions of plasma glucose from 5.2 to 2.6 mmol/L. In the study before surgery, the increase in plasma epinephrine concentration was markedly blunted (by greater than 90%) compared to that in the study after surgery. The peak plasma norepinephrine concentration was similarly reduced by 71%, and plasma cortisol by 63%. In addition, the glycemic thresholds for secretion of the counterregulatory hormones were lower before removal of the tumor. Peak plasma GH responses were equivalent before and after surgery, but the threshold for GH secretion was 21% lower in the first hypoglycemia study. We conclude 1) that there is evidence for abnormal glucose counterregulatory hormone secretion in this patient, which may contribute to the pathogenesis of hypoglycemia seen in patients with insulinoma; 2) the reversal of reduced counterregulatory hormone secretion after tumor resection suggests that these defective hormonal responses may be related to recurrent hypoglycemia, persistent hyperinsulinemia, or both; and 3) that abnormal glucose counterregulation may exist in the absence of type 1 diabetes.
Change management and your electrical safety program

A Change Agent understands that their job is not done when their Electrical Safety Program (“ESP”) is approved and funded; in fact their job has just begun. The long-term success and sustainability of an ESP, as with any organizational change, depends on how well people throughout the impacted culture accept and adopt the change(s). But, as we all know from personal experience, change can be unsettling or upsetting to people who feel that change is being thrust upon them. So how do successful “Change Agents” do it? How do they lead entire organizations to adopt new work processes, new job requirements, new department configurations? The change management principals needed to lead a team through rapid growth, or downsizing are similar to those required when a management team sets out to change the culture of electrical safety in their organization. This paper will explore the principals and processes needed to become an effective Change Agent. Note: This paper builds off the one delivered at the 2012 ESW, “Selling Electrical Safety in Your Organization.” However, the concepts herein do not require a prior knowledge of that paper.
Low temperature electrical and thermal transport in amorphous NiP produced by plasma arc spraying

Thermal phonons experience the same environment in a NiP alloy formed by plasma arc spraying as in a sample formed by electrodeposition. The phonon scattering in the two materials is different. 13 refs.
Image compression by vector quantization of multiresolution decompositions

Abstract An image compression scheme is introduced which involves a multiresolution decomposition derived from the wavelet transform. The use of this transformation in image coding is motivated by its similarity to the processing which occurs at the cortical level of the visual system and by the fact that subband coding in general allows the coder to be better matched to the signal statistics. In this work, each subband is coded separately by vector quantization. This work differs from previous wavelet transform coding schemes involving vector quantization in that the quantization parameters for each subband are selected by a nonlinear optimization procedure which involves constraints on the overall bit-rate and the encoding complexity. The multiplicative visual model is reviewed and a motivation for cascading this system with the wavelet transform to give a more complete description of human vision is provided. Empirical results are presented which demostrate the effectiveness of the technique for compressing monochromatic images. Signal-to-noise ratio measurements are shown which demostrate the system performance for various selections of bit-rate and complexity.
Distalward Modification of the Arterial Pulse Wave in Children with Congenital Aortic Stenosis

In 38 children with congenital aortic stenosis (32 valvar, three subvalvar, and three supravalvar: 28 preoperative, ten postoperative), the left ventricular pressure, left ventricular-to-aortic pressure difference and aortic valve area were compared with several components of the central and peripheral arterial pulse waves. In 23 patients, a catheter-tip manometer was used, and in 15, pressure was measured with a regular manometer system and corrected for artifact by resynthesis of pulse waves after harmonic analysis. The severity of the anomaly was not reflected in the central or peripheral pulse pressure, the first derivative of these pressures, mean aortic pressure, pulse wave velocity, or peripheral amplification of pulse waves or of their individual harmonics. While in adults with aortic stenosis, the various pulse wave characteristics correlate with severity, the change in the pulse wave as it travels down the aorta in children is so modified by vascular factors as to be worthless in assessing the s...
Extinction after regular and irregular reward schedules in the infant rat: Influence of age and training duration

Greater persistence in extinction is observed following inconsistent reward compared to that observed following consistent reward, an effect termed the partial reinforcement extinction effect (PREE). We report three experiments in which the extinction rates of random partially reinforced (PRF) or continuously reinforced (CRF) infant rat pups were compared to the extinction rate of pups trained with an alternative and regular schedule of partial reinforcement, known as patterned single alternation (PSA). In PSA, subjects learn to alternate speed of responding in anticipation of the regular alternation of reward and nonreward trials in the straight alley runway. In Experiment 1, 17-day-old PSA subjects showed CRF-like extinction rates; whereas in Experiment 2, in which extinction was initiated early in training prior to the onset of the PSA discrimination, PSA subjects showed prolonged, PRF-like extinction curves. In contrast, 12-day-old pups in Experiment 3 showed no reward-schedule-related differences in extinction, despite differences in behavior during acquisition. These results prompt a modification of Amsel's (1962) model of discrimination learning, and suggest the existence of a dissociation between different types of reward-related expectancies in the younger subjects.
Space charge regions at silver halide surfaces: Experimental results for undoped AgCl

Abstract Vibrating capacitor measurements have been made of the variation with temperature of the surface potential of AgCl single crystals of surface orientation (100), (210), (110) and (111). The magnitude and temperature variation of the surface potential was found to be strongly dependent on the orientation of the free surface. The data are interpreted in terms of a model which attributes the existence of surface space charge potentials to differences in the binding energies of silver ions at surface sites relative to normal interior lattice sites. The results are summarized in terms of the Gibbs free energies Δ G v ( hkl ) for cation vacancy formation and give ΔG v (110) = + 0.01 eV + 5 kT , ΔG v (100) = − 0.2 eV + 10 kT , ΔG v (210) = = − 0.8 eV + 23 kT , ΔG v (111) = + 0.8 eV − 20 kT . These numbers have large absolute uncertainties but the relative values for the different orientations are reliable. The values of Δ G v hkl can be used to calculate the magnitude and sign of the surface space charge fields and allow some predictions on the formation of photographic latent images near free surfaces.
Abstract B20: Ex vivo prostate cancer organ culture: Development and validation of an experimental model system to test novel targeted therapies in prostate cancer and offer a patient-tailored approach

Introduction: There is no cure for metastatic prostate cancer and novel targeted therapies are urgently required to improve survival and offer a patient-tailored approach. The purpose of this study is to validate the ex vivo organ culture model system of clinical human prostate cancers from patients for analysis of the effects of novel therapeutic agents in prostate cancer. In the studies presented here, we exploited ex vivo organ cultures to target the Jak2-Stat5a/b signaling pathway by a pharmacologic inhibitor of Stat5a/b IST5-002 in clinical prostate cancers. Development and validation of this ex vivo organ culture system may provide a more physiologic preclinical model than cell cultures or xenograft tumors to establish the efficacy of various novel targeted therapies and provide information on the probability of a drug9s overall success in advancing through the drug development stages. In addition, ex vivo organ cultures may provide a tool to identify patients specifically sensitive to a given targeted therapy. Experimental Procedures: Organ cultures of prostate cancers from 10 patients undergoing radical prostatectomy were started within 2 hours of surgery. Tissue explants were cultured in a medium containing the pharmacologic inhibitor of Stat5a/b IST5-002 or the control at various concentrations starting at 10 µM for 7 days and analyzed for viability by hematoxylin-eosin staining and “in situ DNA end-labeling” assay. Stat5a/b activation was analyzed by immunohistochemistry for phosphorylated and nuclear Stat5a/b. In addition, qPCR was performed for the downstream target genes of Stat5a/b. Results: The overall morphology of malignant human prostate was well maintained in all the ten ex vivo organ cultures. All the prostate cancers analyzed by organ cultures in this study showed an effective dose-dependant drug response to the pharmacologic inhibitor of Stat5a/b by decreased Stat5 phosphorylation and downregulation of Stat5-target genes in cultured prostate cancers demonstrating the inhibitory effect of IST5-002 on the Jak-Stat5a/b signaling pathway. The minimum dose of the IST5-002 found to be effective was 25µM Conclusions: The pharmacologic inhibitor of Stat5a/b, IST5- 002 shows promising preclinical activity in clinical prostate cancers demonstrated by 3D-ex vivo organ cultures of clinical human prostate cancers as the experimental model system and would be a promising drug for use in a phase I clinical trial. Ex vivo organ culture system may serve as a tool to analyze the effects of various novel targeted therapies in human prostate cancer to supplement the data obtained from prostate cancer cell lines, and xenograft prostate tumors. Finally, the use of ex vivo prostate organ cultures from individual patients may help to select those patients who would respond to a given targeted therapy providing a patient-tailored approach. Citation Information: Clin Cancer Res 2010;16(14 Suppl):B20.
Upstream stimulatory factors regulate the C/EBPα gene during differentiation of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes

During adipocyte differentiation, CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein alpha (C/EBPalpha) functions as a pleiotropic transcriptional activator of numerous adipocyte genes. The promoter of the C/EBPalpha gene has an E-box upstream of C/EBP binding site. Deletion or mutation of the E-box decreases promoter activity, suggesting that the E-box participates in the regulation of C/EBPalpha expression. Protein binding to the E-box during the adipocyte differentiation is increased as indicated by EMSA and UV cross-linking. Purification of the E-box binding proteins from differentiated 3T3-L1 adipocytes, showed that USF and AP-4 are associated with the E-box. Supershift analysis showed that USF1 and USF2 bind to this element as heterodimers, whereas the addition of anti-AP-4 antibody enhanced the binding complex, suggesting that AP-4 negatively regulates the promoter activity. The expression of AP-4 is reciprocally regulated with USF-1 during adipocyte differentiation. These findings suggest that USF-1 and 2 play roles in C/EBPalpha expression, whereas the AP-4 represses it.
Small Mammal Responses to Fine Woody Debris and Forest Fuel Reduction in Southwest Oregon

Abstract Despite its importance for wildlife, most forests in the Pacific Northwest contain low volumes of large downed wood compared to fine woody debris (FWD). We used a replicated experiment to compare short-term responses of deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus) and western red-backed voles (Clethrionomys californicus) among 3 arrangements of FWD: piled, lopped and scattered, and pile burning, a commonly used method of fuel reduction in commercial Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) forests in southwest Oregon, USA. We assessed habitat use, density, and survival of mice and voles during 2 consecutive summers (Jun–Aug 1999 and 2000). Both mice and voles used FWD cover disproportionately from its availability, and they differed in their responses to specific FWD arrangements. Mice used piled FWD (proportional use = 37.0%, 90% CI = 33.0–44.0) 43% more than expected (26.0). Number of mice captured (&#x1d465; = 1.9 mice, 90% CI = 1.5–2.5) and index of home range size (&#x1d465; = 4.8 m, 90% CI = 0.7–8.9) at individual FWD ...
Observation, Measurement, and Computation in Finite Games

Limitations in agents’ ability to observe, measure and compute are studied. A formulation in terms of induced changes in the players’ subjective perception of the game makes it possible to study these phenomena on a common footing with objective variation in the game. We study a model where payoffs undergo continuous variation and players reason about the process from limited local information. Specifically, finite games, and statements about them, are interpreted within sheaf models, which incorporate both variation and a logic of limited observation. Nash’s theorem on the existence of equilibrium is not valid unless special observational properties hold, although closely related statements are valid. The possibility of learning to play a mixed strategy Nash equilibrium from observation of past play is also examined within the framework.
Infrared multiphoton dissociation of unsubstituted metal carbonyls at 5 μm

A frequency-doubled carbon dioxide laser of modest output energy (1 mJ) has been used to study, for the first time, the infrared multiphoton absorption by, and dissociation of, the unsubstituted carbonyls of vanadium, chromium, iron, nickel, molybdenum, and tungsten. The multiphoton absorption cross-sections measured for Ni(CO)4, Fe(CO)5, Cr(CO)6, Mo(CO)6, and V(CO)6 are high (σ∼2×10−17) and ensure facile multiphoton dissociation. In focussed beams a pressure independent reaction yield proportional to the 1.5 power of the beam energy is observed for Fe(CO)5, Cr(CO)6, and Mo(CO)6 implying threshold fluences of only 32, 25, and 26 mJ cm−2, respectively. The stoichiometry of the reaction, observed by a pressure measurement technique, is consistent with production of metal atoms and carbon monoxide as final products for Ni(CO)4, Fe(CO)5, Cr(CO)6, and Mo(CO)6. This extensive decarbonylation along the ground state surface is consistent with recent studies of the photochemistry of these molecules from excited electronic states.
Apple storage in northern Greece

Inadequate storage space and the expense of processing fruit mean surplus crops in Greece, although nearby countries, such as Israel, do not produce apples.
Long‐Term Outcome in Dogs with Patent Ductus Arteriosus: 520 Cases (1994–2009)

Background Published information regarding survival and long-term cardiac remodeling after patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) closure in dogs is limited. Objectives To report outcome and identify prognostic variables in dogs with PDA, and to identify risk factors for persistent remodeling in dogs with a minimum of 12 months of follow-up after closure. Animals Five hundred and twenty client-owned dogs. Methods Retrospective review of medical records of 520 dogs with PDA. Outcome was determined by contacting owners and veterinarians. Dogs with PDA closure and ≥ 12 months of follow-up were asked to return for a re-evaluation. Results In multivariable analysis of 506 dogs not euthanized at the time of diagnosis, not having a PDA closure procedure negatively affected survival (HzR = 16.9, P < .001). In 444 dogs undergoing successful PDA closure, clinical signs at presentation (HzR = 17, P = .02), concurrent congenital heart disease (HD) (HzR = 4.8, P = .038), and severe mitral regurgitation (MR) documented within 24 hours of closure (HzR = 4.5, P = .028) negatively affected survival. Seventy-one dogs with ≥ 12 months follow-up demonstrated a significant reduction in radiographic and echocardiographic measures of heart size (P = 0) and increased incidence of acquired HD (P = .001) at re-evaluation. Dogs with increased left ventricular size and low fractional shortening at baseline were more likely to have persistent remodeling at re-evaluation. Conclusions and Clinical Importance Patent ductus arteriosus closure confers important survival benefits and results in long-term reverse remodeling in most dogs. Clinical signs at presentation, concurrent congenital HD, and severe MR negatively affect survival. Increased left ventricular systolic dimensions and systolic dysfunction at baseline correlated significantly with persistent remodeling.
Hemiplegic migraine: Hyperperfusion and abortive therapy with intravenous verapamil

A 20-year-old female with hemiplegic migraine was treated during an acute attack with intravenous verapamil, which reproducibly resolved the headache within 20 min but did not affect her hemiplegia. Magnetic resonance (MR) and computed tomographic (CT) angiography and perfusion performed during the attack showed vasodilation and hyperperfusion. Cerebral hyperperfusion concurrent with hemiplegia suggests a dissociation between cerebral perfusion and neuronal function in hemiplegic migraine. The beneficial effect of verapamil on headache but not hemiplegia suggests a distinct mechanism for pain and neuronal dysfunction in hemiplegic migraine, with the beneficial effect on pain not due to vasodilation.
The relationship between adjunctive drinking, blood ethanol concentration and plasma corticosterone across fixed-time intervals of food delivery in two inbred mouse strains

Schedules of intermittent food delivery induce excessive fluid intake, termed schedule-induced polydipsia (SIP), and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis activation is important for the expression and maintenance of this adjunctive behavior. Previous work has focused on examining the relationship between water intake and plasma corticosterone (CORT) in rats at a single or a limited range of fixed time (FT) intervals. However, little remains known regarding SIP and the corresponding stress response (1) across the bitonic function that epitomizes adjunctive behavior, (2) when ethanol is the available fluid, and (3) when a species other than rat or multiple strains are studied. Here we report the findings from ethanol-preferring C57BL/6J (B6) and non-preferring DBA/2J (D2) mice serially exposed to progressively larger FT intervals (0 → 60 min) and given access to either water or a 5% (v/v) ethanol solution. Following 2 weeks of experience with each schedule, blood samples were collected at the conclusion of the last 60-min session to evaluate CORT and the blood ethanol concentration (BEC) achieved. While both strains exhibited a bitonic function of ethanol intake and BEC that peaked at or near a 5-min interval, only D2 mice showed a similar response with water. In contrast, CORT levels rose monotonically with incremental increases in the FT interval regardless of the strain examined or fluid type offered, indicating that glucocorticoid release likely reflects the aversive aspects of increasing intervals between reinforcement rather than engagement in adjunctive behavior. These findings also caution against the use of a single intensity stressor to evaluate the relationship between stress and ethanol intake, as the magnitude of stress appears to affect ethanol consumption in a non-linear fashion.
Depressed oxidative metabolism in skeletal muscle after chronic alcohol consumption

Morphological and biochemical studies were performed on skeletal muscle obtained from rats and baboons fed alcohol chronically along with an adequate diet. Muscle mitochondria from both species demonstrated marked alterations: enlargement and distortion of shape, loss of cristae, and vacuolization of the matrix. Following an overnight fast, when alcohol was no longer measurable in the blood, respiration in muscle slices obtained from the rats was depressed 25–40% (P < 0.01–0.05) both in the presence and absence of added substrate. Isolated mitochondria from rats and baboons demonstrated depressions in oxygen consumption ranging from 45 to 60%. These changes were present with various substrates: glutamate (10 mm), glycerol-1-phosphate (10 mm), and malonate with alpha-ketoglutarate (5 mm + 5mm). Changes were similar in States 3 and 4 of respiration. ADP:O ratios and respiratory control ratios were not significantly different in alcohol-fed and control animals. Thus, chronic alcohol consumption results in morphological changes in muscle mitochondria associated with a marked depression in oxidative metabolism.
Alignment Changes Due to Incomplete Component Seating in Total Knee Arthroplasty

Mechanical axis restoration remains a primary goal of total knee arthroplasty. Incomplete asymmetrical component seating, through intended or unintended alterations in surgical technique, changes the component alignment and, thus, the overall mechanical axis. Using a trigonometric analysis, it was determined that incomplete seating of 1 to 5 mm can alter the coronal alignment by 0.7° to 4.9°, depending on the amount of asymmetry as well as the size of the femoral or tibial component. This analysis quantifies the degree of changes surgeons should expect when incomplete component seating is encountered intraoperatively.
A Phenomenological Model for Wind Speed and Shear Stress Profiles in Vegetation Cover Layers

Abstract A phenomenological model for the mean wind speed and Reynolds shear stress profiles with height in a vegetation cover layer is derived from forms suggested by truncation of the equations of turbulent fluid motion at second order in fluctuating velocity products. The initial formulation is unique in that the force per unit volume resisting fluid motion is treated as a body force having a height-dependent character. The body force is assumed to be proportional to the instantaneous speed squared and in the opposite direction from the instantaneous velocity. Viscous forces are ignored as are all pressure forces except for a steady vertical pressure gradient. Closure of the, equations is effected by a phenomenological assumption linking the static pressure and the square of the mean wind speed. The mean wind speed profile predicted by the model is an exponential in the cumulative drag area per unit planform area as a function of height, which is a simple exponential in height for cover with uniform pl...
Comparison of gas chromatographic methods for volatile lipid oxidation compounds in soybean oil

To develop new knowledge on undesirable flavors affecting the quality of foods containing polyunsaturated lipids, we investigated the volatiles in soybean oil oxidized at different conditions by three capillary gas chromatographic methods: (a) direct injection (5 min heating at 180 C); (b) static headspace (20 min heating at 180 C, pressurizing for one min), and (c) dynamic headspace (purging 15 min at 180 C onto a porous polymer trap, desorbing from trap for five min). A fused silica column was used with bonded polymethyl and phenyl siloxane phase. At peroxide values between 2 and 10, the major volatile products found in soybean oil by the three methods were pentane, hexanal, 2-heptenal, 2,4-heptadienal and 2,4-decadienal. The intensities of each volatile compound varied with the analytical methods used.
Wave propagation in a fluid‐filled fracture — An experimental study

A laboratory experimental study has been carried out to investigate the mode trapping characteristics of a fluid-filled fracture between two elastic solids. Using a small circular cylindrical receiver of 2.7 mm diameter, we were able to measure the wave motion directly inside a 2.8 mm thick fracture and to obtain array data for the propagating waves. The data was processed using Prony's method to give velocity of the wave modes as a function of frequency. The experimental results agree with the theoretical predictions quite well. Specifically, in a “hard” (aluminum) fracture where the shear velocity of the solid is greater than the fluid velocity, four normal modes were detected in the frequency range up to 2.4 MHz. Whereas in a “soft” (lucite) fracture where the shear velocity is smaller than the fluid velocity, four leaky-P modes were detected in the same frequency range. In both cases, a fundamental mode analogous to Stoneley waves in a borehole was detected. In particular, the velocity of this mode approaches zero in the low frequency limit, as indicated by the theory and confirmed by the experiment in a low frequency range down to 25 kHz.
Experimental validation for quantitative protein network models.

Cellular responses are the consequence of complex reactions of protein networks. The complexity should ultimately be described by a set of formulas in a quantitative fashion, in which each formula defines the reactions in response to given types of input. However, testing these formulas has not been a simple task because of the lack of appropriate means for experimental validation. ‘Reverse-phase’ lysate microarrays have been proved to be powerful for such requirements and thus can be a good resource for providing an experimental reference point for the theoretical biology of protein networks.
A Kinematic-Ambiguity-Free Test for A 1 and B mesons

The photoproduction reaction channel $\ensuremath{\gamma}n\ensuremath{\rightarrow}p{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{+}{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{\ensuremath{-}}{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ is suggested as a means to test whether the ${A}_{1}$ and the $B$ mesons are genuine resonances or kinematic effects. Implications for the duality principle are discussed.