cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effects of sleep and wake on astrocytes: clues from molecular and ultrastructural studies

Astrocytes can mediate neurovascular coupling, modulate neuronal excitability, and promote synaptic maturation and remodeling. All these functions are likely to be modulated by the sleep/wake cycle, because brain metabolism, neuronal activity and synaptic turnover change as a function of behavioral state. Yet, little is known about the effects of sleep and wake on astrocytes. Here we show that sleep and wake strongly affect both astrocytic gene expression and ultrastructure in the mouse brain. Using translating ribosome affinity purification technology and microarrays, we find that 1.4 % of all astrocytic transcripts in the forebrain are dependent on state (three groups, sleep, wake, short sleep deprivation; six mice per group). Sleep upregulates a few select genes, like Cirp and Uba1, whereas wake upregulates many genes related to metabolism, the extracellular matrix and cytoskeleton, including Trio, Synj2 and Gem, which are involved in the elongation of peripheral astrocytic processes. Using serial block face scanning electron microscopy (three groups, sleep, short sleep deprivation, chronic sleep restriction; three mice per group, >100 spines per mouse, 3D), we find that a few hours of wake are sufficient to bring astrocytic processes closer to the synaptic cleft, while chronic sleep restriction also extends the overall astrocytic coverage of the synapse, including at the axon–spine interface, and increases the available astrocytic surface in the neuropil. Wake-related changes likely reflect an increased need for glutamate clearance, and are consistent with an overall increase in synaptic strength when sleep is prevented. The reduced astrocytic coverage during sleep, instead, may favor glutamate spillover, thus promoting neuronal synchronization during non-rapid eye movement sleep.
Coping with brief periods of food restriction: mindfulness matters

The obesity epidemic had spawned considerable interest in understanding peoples’ responses to palatable food cues that are plentiful in obesogenic environments. In this paper we examine how trait mindfulness of older, obese adults may moderate brain networks that arise from exposure to such cues. Nineteen older, obese adults came to our laboratory on two different occasions. Both times they ate a controlled breakfast meal and then were restricted from eating for 2.5 hours. After this brief period of food restriction, they had an fMRI scan in which they were exposed to food cues and then underwent a 5-minute recovery period to evaluate brain networks at rest. On one day they consumed a BOOST® liquid meal prior to scanning, whereas on the other day they only consumed water (NO BOOST® condition). We found that adults high in trait mindfulness were able to return to their default mode network (DMN), as indicated by greater global efficiency in the precuneus, during the post-exposure rest period. This effect was stronger for the BOOST® than NO BOOST® treatment condition. Older adults low in trait mindfulness did not exhibit this pattern in the DMN. In fact, the brain networks of those low on the MAAS suggests that they continued to be preoccupied with the elaboration of food cues even after cue exposure had ended. Further work is needed to examine whether mindfulness-based therapies alter brain networks to food cues and whether these changes are related to eating behavior.
Lipid peroxidation in the adrenal glands of male rats exposed to 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD).

Abstract This study was performed to determine whether TCDD (50 μg kg ; single oral dose) could induce adrenal microsomal lipid peroxidation, which might be correlated to decreased levels of cytochrome P-450 and 21-hydroxylase activity. The amount of malondialdehyde (MDA) formed was significantly higher than controls at days 1 through 5 following TCDD treatment. Microsomal cytochrome P-450 levels were depressed after lipid peroxidation at days 1, 3, and 5, and 21-hydroxylase activity decreased at day 5 after TCDD treatment. This study shows that TCDD stimulates adrenal microsomal lipid peroxidation which is associated with decreased cytochrome P-450 levels and 21-hydroxylase activity.
A thin parallel-walled liquid hydrogen target

Abstract A liquid hydrogen target is described whose one-inch thickness is uniform within 0.002 inch over a three-inch diameter.
Radiological images on personal computers: introduction and fundamental principles of digital images.

This series of articles will explore the issues related to displaying, manipulating, and analyzing radiological images on personal computers (PC). This first article discusses the digital image data file, standard PC graphic file formats, and various methods for importing radiological images into the PC.
Health‐care professionals’ use of cancer‐related patient education materials: A pilot study

Abstract While the American Cancer Society and National Cancer Institute expend much effort designing patient education materials, little is known about how health‐care professionals use such materials in everyday practice. We piloted a descriptive study of primary care providers in San Francisco. Using a standardized questionnaire, we conducted face‐to‐face interviews with 71 health‐care professionals who responded to a mailed offer of a free set of American Cancer Society (ACS) materials. Most (72%) said their patients rarely or never requested cancer information, yet most (87%) distributed some type of health education material. However, 35 (49%) did not currently use ACS materials, citing as reasons: not having access to them (97%), incorrect language for patient population served (9%), and patient illiteracy (6%). Only 6% of providers believed these materials ineffective. The 33 practitioners using ACS materials most commonly distributed breast self‐examination, colorectal cancer screening, smoking c...
1,2,3‐benzotriazines. IV. The chemical reactivity of benzimidazo[1,2‐c] [1,2,3]benzotriazine

The reactions of benzimidazo[1,2-c][1,2,3]benzotriazine (1) with fluoroboric acid, potassium iodide and phenyl isothiocyanate are described. The structure of the phenyl isothiocyanate product is elucidated by chemical and spectroscopic techniques. The reaction of 1 with alcoholic potassium hydroxide is shown to proceed by a free radical mechanism. The structure of the compound formed from 1 and sodium diethyl malonate is investigated by spectroscopic methods. The reduction and photochemical reactivity of 1 are also discussed.
Species-specific grazing rates of heterotrophic dinoflagellates in oceanic waters, measured with a dual-label radioisotope technique

A dual-isotope method was developed to measure grazing rates and food preferences of individual species of heterotrophic dinoflagellates from natural populations, collected from the Slope, Gulf Stream, and Sargasso Sea and from a transect from Iceland to New England, in 1983. The isotope method measures the grazing rates of microzooplankton which cannot be separated in natural populations on the basis of size. Tritiated-thymidine and 14C-bicarbonate were used to label natural heterotrophic and autotrophic food, respectively. Nine oceanic dinoflagellate species in the genera Protoperidinium, Podolampas, and Diplopsalis fed on both heterotrophic and autotrophic food particles with clearance rates of 0.4 to 8.0 μl cell-1 h-1, based on 3H incorporation, and 0.0 to 28.3 μl cell-1 h-1, based on 14C incorporation. Two dinoflagellate species, Protoperidinium ovatum and Podolampas palmipes, fed only on 3H-labelled food particles. Several species of dinoflagellates fed on bacteria (<1 μm) which had been prelabelled with 3H-thymidine. The clearance rates of heterotrophic dinoflagellates and ciliates were similar and within the range of tintinnid ciliate clearance rates reported in the literature. As heterotrophic dinoflagellates and ciliates can have comparable abundances in oceanic waters, we conclude that heterotrophic dinoflagellates may have an equally important impact as microheterotrophic grazers of phytoplankton and bacteria in oceanic waters.
A new evaluation of the uncertainty associated with CDIAC estimates of fossil fuel carbon dioxide emission

Three uncertainty assessments associated with the global total of carbon dioxide emitted from fossil fuel use and cement production are presented. Each assessment has its own strengths and weaknesses and none give a full uncertainty assessment of the emission estimates. This approach grew out of the lack of independent measurements at the spatial and temporal scales of interest. Issues of dependent and independent data are considered as well as the temporal and spatial relationships of the data. The result is a multifaceted examination of the uncertainty associated with fossil fuel carbon dioxide emission estimates. The three assessments collectively give a range that spans from 1.0 to 13% (2 σ). Greatly simplifying the assessments give a global fossil fuel carbon dioxide uncertainty value of 8.4% (2 σ). In the largest context presented, the determination of fossil fuel emission uncertainty is important for a better understanding of the global carbon cycle and its implications for the physical, economic and political world. Keywords: climate change, carbon cycle, uncertainty analysis (Published: 14 July 2014) Citation: Tellus B 2014, 66 , 23616, http://dx.doi.org/10.3402/tellusb.v66.23616
Children's definitions of the truth and their competency as witnesses in legal proceedings

Young children's competency as witnesses in legal proceedings has been debated during the past several years. This has been due in part to greater emphasis on prosecuting perpetrators of child sexual abuse and the consequent increase in the number of children being asked to testify at the trial of their alleged abusers. Little basic research has been done on one component of competency: children's definitions of the truth and lies. In this article, federal and state rules of evidence and case law regarding children's competency are reviewed. Previous investigations of children's definitions of lies are then presented, followed by a description of a more recent experiment. The results of this experiment suggest that children do have definitions of the truth in one regard that make it appropriate for them to be considered competent witnesses. The results also raise concerns about young children's eyewitness ability.
Evaluación multidimensional de la astenia relacionada con el cáncer

Resumen La astenia en el paciente con cancer es definida como una sensacion abrumadora y persistente de cansancio o agotamiento relacionado con el cancer o el tratamiento de este, que disminuye o impide la capacidad para el trabajo mental o fisico en el contexto de su actividad diaria y a pesar de un buen descanso. Es uno de los primeros sintomas que puede presentarse en el paciente con cancer, afectando de manera importante a la calidad de vida. El objetivo de esta revision es detallar las diferentes causas que influyen en la astenia y describir las escalas de medida que mas frecuentemente se utilizan para estudiarla. La metodologia empleada en esta revision es narrativa. En esta revision describimos como la astenia es un concepto multidimensional, ya que casi siempre esta provocada o influenciada por multiples causas. Esta multidimensionalidad interviene tambien en la comprension de la fisiopatologia. Por esta razon en esta revision diferenciaremos entre astenia primaria y secundaria definiendo y detallando cada una de ellas. Por otro lado, tambien analizamos el tipo de escalas empleadas para medir la astenia diferenciando entren las que miden la astenia de forma primaria o las que la miden desde un punto de vista multidimensional.
Correction of Patellar Luxation by Recession Sulcoplasty in Three Foals

Lateral luxation of the patella in four femoropatellar joints of three foals was repaired by recession sulcoplasty and medial imbrication of the joint. One foal was euthanatized because of septic arthritis caused by incisional dehiscence, and the other two foals were normal 2 years after surgery. Recession sulcoplasty combined with medial imbrication of the joint capsule resulted in a functional femoropatellar joint and should be considered in foals affected with lateral patellar luxation.
Application of digital image processing to the analysis of two‐phase materials with spherical inclusions

Digital image processing was used to experimentally determine the two-dimensional pair distribution function of suspensions of solid spheres (cross-linked polystyrene spheres in silicone oil) and of composite materials with spherical inclusions (surface-treated glass spheres in unsaturated polyester resin). An assembly of optical devices and computers was used to obtain and store images of two-phase materials. Software was developed to analyze the information in the images in order to determine the pair distribution function. The technique developed is simple yet powerful, and with some modification could easily be adapted for the analysis of other multiphase systems.
Radiographic measures of hyperinflation in clinical emphysema. Discrimination of patients from controls and relationship to physiologic and mechanical lung function.

In a retrospective study we investigated the accuracy of radiographic measurements of hyperinflation in distinguishing a sample of patients with a clinical diagnosis of pulmonary emphysema (n = 44) from a sample of age- and sex-matched control subjects (n = 39). The relationship of the hyperinflation parameters to pulmonary function test results (PFTs) and arterial blood gas measurements (ABGs) in the emphysema patients was also examined. The radiographic measurements were diaphragmatic angle of depression, lung height, lung width, heart size, diaphragm level, radiographic total lung capacity (TLC), and size of the retrosternal air space. By discriminant function analysis, the best contributors to the function were lung height and diaphragmatic angle of depression, followed by radiographic TLC and heart size. The derived classification rule had a diagnostic accuracy of 88 percent. The radiographic measures, largely independent of one another, showed moderate correlations with percentage PFTs, ABGs, portable percentage spirometric studies, height, and weight. High correlations were found between several of the radiographic measurements and the PFTs that represent actual static lung volumes. The correlation between radiographically measured TLC and PFT TLC measured by the helium dilution technique was .90.
An auroral signature decoded.

It has been hard to relate the activity of the northern lights to specific events in space. But the latest data show that 'auroral streamers' can be matched to bursts of ionized particles from Earth's magnetotail.
Controlling DNA fragmentation in MALDI-MS by chemical modification

Fragmentation has proven to be a major factor limiting accessible mass range, sensitivity, and mass resolution in the analysis of DNA by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS). Previous work has shown that this DNA fragmentation is strongly dependent on both the MALDI matrix and the nucleic acid sequence employed. Fragmentation is initiated by nucleobase protonation, leading to cleavage of the N-glycosidic bond with base loss, followed by cleavage of the phosphodiester backbone. In this study, asymmetric oligonucleotides incorporating cytidine and cytidine analogs such as 5-methyl-2'-deoxycytidine, 5-bromo-2'-deoxycytidine, aracytidine, and 2'-fluorodeoxycytidine nucleosides were used to systematically investigate the influence of the structural changes on the stability of the N-glycosidic bond. Modifications of the deoxyribose sugar ring by replacing the 2'-hydrogen with more electron-withdrawing groups such as the hydroxyl or fluoro group stabilize the N-glycosidic bond to a greater extent than the C5 nucleobase modifications. 2'-Hydroxyl and 2'-fluoro groups respectively are shown to partially or completely block fragmentation at the modified nucleosides. Mixtures of oligonucleotides incorporating such modifications demonstrate remarkably extended accessible mass range, as well as increased sensitivity and mass resolution. The stabilization provided by these chemical modifications also expands the range of matrices useful for nucleic acid analysis, yielding in some cases greatly improved performance.
Concurrent visualization of time-varying computational fluid dynamics simulations

The visualization of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations is typically a post process. The engineer runs a simulation and stores the results in a solution file. The solution is then visualized using a CFD visualization package. If a simulation is time varying, a solution must be stored for various simulation times. Time-varying solution files are often very large, ranging in size from megabytes to gigabytes depending on the spatial and temporal resolution of the solution. Disk space soon becomes a limiting factor for the resolution of a solution. One way to avoid the disk problem is to visualize the solution one time step at a time concurrent with the generation of the solution, discarding the solution and storing the visualization. This paper will discuss some of the key issues of concurrent visualization as well as an implementation of this technique.© (1994) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Experiments on magnetization in superfluid3He

The results of a number of experiments on the dynamic and static magnetic properties of superfluids3He-A and3He-B are presented as well as a description of the 160-MHz rf-biased SQUID system used to make the magnetic flux measurements. Properties of both A and B phases were studied in both a rectangular cavity, a quasiideal geometry for3He-A, and in a stack of parallel plates, a quasiideal geometry for3He-B. The following results are presented: (1) Systematic studies of the properties of the “wall-pinned” magnetization ringing mode in3He-B, including the zero time frequency, which shows a discrepancy with theory, and the relaxation, which tends to confirm the essence of the theoretical ideas; also included are a variety of data on the effect of the finite size of the magnetic field change and the “biasing” field. (2) A complicated propagating magnetic disturbance has been observed using a novel method and systematics of its properties are studied. (3) The linear ringing frequencies of the B and A phases at a pressure of 27.0 bar in the parallel plate geometry have been studied with a result consistent with the assignment of the ABM state to3He-A and the BW state to3He-B. (4) Nonlinear ringing has been studied in both A and B phases in both geometries for both the oscillatory and driven modes. In the limit 1-T/T c → 0 we find 2πf R /γΔH → 2 for both phases in both geometries. Although the general character of ringing frequencyf R as a function ofΔH follows the theory, there are substantial quantitative discrepancies which cannot be explained by relaxation. Relaxation has been observed and our results have been discussed by Ambegaokar and Levy. (5) New measurements of static magnetism in the parallel plate geometry show agreement with all earlier work, indicating that the discrepancy between static and dynamic measurements cannot be explained by a geometrical effect. An experimental manifestation of the AB interfacial energy enabled an estimate of the coherence length to be made which is in qualitative agreement with theory.
Feasibility of Meeting NCEP/AHA Dietary Guidelines in Patients with Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors

Abstract LEARNING OUTCOME : To assess the feasibility of meeting the NCEP/AHA Step 1/2 dietary guidelines in patients with CVD risk factors. The NCEP/AHA dietary guidelines have been recommended for the majority of the American population as a means to prevent or treat cardiovascular disease. However, the feasibility of achieving these guidelines has not been extensively tested. The objective of this study was to determine the health effects and feasibility of achieving the Step 1/2 dietary guidelines of two 10-week dietary interventions designed to treat individuals with marginally controlled hypertension, dyslipidemia or NIDDM. In a multi-center trial, 548 participants aged 25-70 were randomized to one of the following intervention groups: 1) a dietitian-guided self-selected mixed-food plan (SS; n=274) or, 2) a proprietary prepared nutrient-fortified meal plan (CCNW; n=274). Both prescribed plans provided (% kcal) 17% fat, 21% protein and 62% carbohydrate. Mean nutrient values and % meeting Step 1/2 guidelines at the end of treatment are shown (%kcal):
AGU section‐wide electronic connections: A case history from SPA

In the spring of 1994 when the Internet was rapidly expanding and the World Wide Web was still developing,several of us serving in the SPA Section Executive Committee decided to launch an electronic newsletter and section Web site. The purpose of each was multifold. The newsletter would provide a way to rapidly disseminate items of recent interest, allowing widespread, immediate community response when warranted and a venue for advertising events of specific concern to SPA members and others with space physics connections. It would serve as an effective bulletin board for the exchange of useful information; for example, the launch of a spacecraft, the release of a special data set, or notes on honors bestowed upon SPA members.
Whole-body Vibration at Thoracic Resonance Induces Sustained Pain and Widespread Cervical Neuroinflammation in the Rat

Background Whole-body vibration (WBV) is associated with back and neck pain in military personnel and civilians. However, the role of vibration frequency and the physiological mechanisms involved in pain symptoms are unknown.
In situ produced 7-chlorokynurenate provides protection against quinolinate- and malonate-induced neurotoxicity in the rat striatum.

Excitotoxic mechanisms may play a critical role in the pathophysiology of several neurological and psychiatric diseases. Excitatory amino acid receptor antagonists are therefore of great therapeutic interest, but untoward side effects often prevent their clinical use. Targeting the glycine coagonist site of the (NMDA) receptor may bypass these shortcomings. The present study was designed to evaluate the neuroprotective characteristics of l-4-chlorokynurenine (4-Cl-KYN), a synthetic compound which is enzymatically converted to the selective glycine/NMDA receptor antagonist 7-chlorokynurenate (7-Cl-KYNA). Using slow (2 h) intrastriatal infusions of the excitotoxins quinolinate (QUIN; 120 nmol) or malonate (6.8 micromol) as the experimental paradigm, the neuroprotective potency of 4-Cl-KYN was first compared with that of exogenous 7-Cl-KYNA, using glutamate decarboxylase activity as a lesion marker. One hundred and thirty-five nanomoles of the prodrug 4-Cl-KYN or 27 nmol 7-Cl-KYNA, the former used in a pre- and cotreatment regimen, were required to block QUIN or, less efficiently, malonate toxicity. In separate animals, the metabolic fate of this neuroprotective dose of 4-Cl-KYN was examined in vivo. In control striata, the treatment gave rise to 170 +/- 25 pmol 7-Cl-KYNA/mg protein, approximately six times less than an infusion of 27 nmol exogenous 7-Cl-KYNA, indicating greatly superior efficacy of the focally produced antagonist. Notably, the conversion of 4-Cl-KYN to 7-Cl-KYNA increased by 82% in the presence of QUIN. 4-Cl-KYN was also metabolized to 4-chloro-3-hydroxyanthranilate, an established, powerful inhibitor of QUIN synthesis. This unique pharmacological profile and the fact that the prodrug, unlike 7-Cl-KYNA, readily penetrates the blood-brain barrier suggest that 4-Cl-KYN may be exceptionally useful as an anti-excitotoxic agent.
Lattice-dynamics and network-dynamics studies of vibrational modes in lithium-doped borate glasses.

The central-force nearest-neighbor model for glasses is used to discuss the Raman and infrared vibrational data for the family of lithium-doped borate glasses ${\mathrm{B}}_{2}$${\mathrm{O}}_{3}$-x${\mathrm{Li}}_{2}$O. The addition of the dopant is shown to cause local structural changes, including the transformation of threefold-coordinated borons to fourfold-coordinated ones. An extremely simple structural model for the glass gives good qualitative agreement with experiment. The results of lattice-dynamics calculations fall within the allowed frequency band limits predicted by network dynamics and give information on the distribution of modes within the bands. The success of this model illustrates the importance of short-range order on the vibrational spectra of covalently bonded solids.
Transcatheter laser dissolution of human atherosclerotic plaques: A model for testing catheters and techniques

We constructed a model of the human arterial circulation that can be used to test laser angioplasty catheters and techniques on obstructed human coronary arteries under simulated physiologic conditions of blood pressure and flow. In this model system, a balloon-tipped catheter with a central, 0.02-cm light fiber was used to deliver 4 W of laser energy to two obstructed human cadaver coronary artery segments and four normal dog femoral artery segments. Flushing the catheter with saline during the lases minimized lateral thermal tissue damage. Channels were created in the obstructed arteries that were twice the diameter of the light fiber used to lase. One of four dog arteries perforated, underscoring the potential hazards of the procedure and the need for laser catheters that are flexible and capable of precise alignment.
Not what it was and not what it will be: The future of job design research

This summary commentary explores the likely future directions of research and theory on the design of organizational work. We give special attention to the social aspects of contemporary work, the process by which jobholders craft their own jobs, the changing contexts within which work is performed, and the increasing prominence of work that is performed by teams rather than individuals. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Retina Congress 2009: Ocular oncology

This event marked the 27th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Retina Specialists, the 32nd Annual Meeting of The Macula Society and the 42nd Annual Meeting of The Retina Society. The scientific program included several important papers and posters in the area of ocular oncology. Many of the topics that were covered are likely to have an immediate impact on clinical management, including molecular prognostic testing and postradiotherapy outcomes in uveal melanoma, new treatments for radiation retinopathy and super-selective intra-arterial chemotherapy for retinoblastoma.
Pyroxenes can be used to estimate upper mantle water content

The ocean of water locked in the rocks of Earth's mantle can influence geological processes such as melting and mineral deformation. Traditionally, researchers have used the mineral olivine to study the water in Earth's upper mantle, but evolving technology has offered scientists the ability to use other minerals as well.
Support Vector Machines with the Ramp Loss and the Hard Margin Loss

In the interest of deriving classifiers that are robust to outlier observations, we present integer programming formulations of Vapnik's support vector machine (SVM) with the ramp loss and hard margin loss. The ramp loss allows a maximum error of 2 for each training observation, while the hard margin loss calculates error by counting the number of training observations that are in the margin or misclassified outside of the margin. SVM with these loss functions is shown to be a consistent estimator when used with certain kernel functions. In computational studies with simulated and real-world data, SVM with the robust loss functions ignores outlier observations effectively, providing an advantage over SVM with the traditional hinge loss when using the linear kernel. Despite the fact that training SVM with the robust loss functions requires the solution of a quadratic mixed-integer program (QMIP) and is NP-hard, while traditional SVM requires only the solution of a continuous quadratic program (QP), we are able to find good solutions and prove optimality for instances with up to 500 observations. Solution methods are presented for the new formulations that improve computational performance over industry-standard integer programming solvers alone.
Similarity Parameter for Two-Stream Turbulent Jet-Mixing Region

u = velocity component in .XT-direction Ua = velocity in faster freestream Ub = velocity in slower freestream X, Y = coordinates in the reference coordinate system 77 = dimensionless position; rj = aY/X = dimensionless velocity; = u/Ua 06 = velocity ratio of the two streams; <£& = Ub/Ua
Self‐monitoring reactivity and a severe feeding problem

The case of a 5½ year old multiply handicapped boy with a severe food refusal problem is described. During a preliminary three week data collection period, before any planned intervention was introduced, daily feedings began improving on both subjective and more objective parental ratings. Self‐monitoring reactivity appeared to contribute to the improvement as the boy's parents reported that they altered their feeding expectations and behaviors as they acquired an understanding of feeding patterns. Improvement was maintained three weeks after initial data collection on the parental ratings. Follow‐up six and 12 months after the cessation of counseling contacts indicated that improvement was still maintained, although other factors may also explain this maintenance.
The Ca2+-dependent protease inhibitor of rat ventral prostate: properties of the inhibitor and effects of castration on Ca2+-dependent protease and inhibitor activities

Abstract 1. 1. The rat ventral prostate contains a heat stable inhibitor of Ca 2+ -dependent protease. This inhibitor was found to exist in a wide range of molecular weights (approx. 40–270 kDa) in adult rats. 2. 2. However, in rats immediately post puberty (45 days of age) the inhibitor was predominantly of the higher molecular weight forms. 3. 3. The inhibitor was also found in the dorsolateral and anterior (coagulating gland) prostate lobes but was of lower specific activity than in the ventral lobe. 4. 4. Although the activities of the Ca 2+ -dependent protease and inhibitor decreased per ventral prostate gland after castration, these activities were not different during the first 10 days postcastration when expressed per g wet wt or per unit cytosol protein. 5. 5. With a longer duration of castration, there was a decline in the specific activity (per unit protein) of the protease and an increase in that of the inhibitor. 6. 6. Thus, the activities of the protease and inhibitor change in concert with the amount of cellular cytosol protein during the active period of castration-induced atrophy. 7. 7. However, in long term castrated rats, functions carried out by the Ca 2+ -dependent protease may be effectively suppressed. 8. 8. These data suggest that the Ca 2+ -activated protease probably is involved in the regulation of some metabolic processes in the active gland and is not prominent in the castration induced atrophy of the ventral prostate unless it functions through the proteolysis of some select protein(s).
Perirenal candidial abscess

Perirenal candidial abscesses are rare, with few well-documented cases in the literature. We describe a case of a perinephric abscess treated with amphotericin B and nephrectomy.
Generation of photocurrent in quantum dot infrared photodetectors: Role of Pauli correlations

We report on our study of the role of the Pauli exclusion principle in the generation of photocurrent in quantum dot infrared photodetectors. The properties of photodetectors are determined by the balance between relaxation and photogeneration rates. Due to the Pauli principle, the relaxation rate depends on the number of available states in the quantum dots. This dependence is strong for small quantum dots with few levels in each dot and weak for large quantum dots or quantum wells. We study both the $I\text{\ensuremath{-}}V$ characteristics of the system and low-frequency current noise. In $I\text{\ensuremath{-}}V$ dependence, the Pauli principle enhances the photocurrent at a given bias voltage. The current noise has more complicated dependence. At low bias voltage, the Pauli principle enhances the noise, while at high voltage, the exclusion principle suppresses the noise of the current. With increasing intensity of illumination, the effects of the Pauli principle are suppressed due to depletion of the dot levels.
Functional analysis and molecular modeling of a cloned urate transporter/channel.

Recombinant protein, designated UAT, prepared from a cloned rat renal cDNA library functions as a selective voltage-sensitive urate transporter/channel when fused with lipid bilayers. Since we previously suggested that UAT may represent the mammalian electrogenic urate transporter, UAT has been functionally characterized in the presence and absence of potential channel blockers, several of which are known to block mammalian electrogenic urate transport. Two substrates, oxonate (a competitive uricase inhibitor) and pyrazinoate, that inhibit renal electrogenic urate transport also block UAT activity. Of note, oxonate selectively blocks from the cytoplasmic side of the channel while pyrazinoate only blocks from the channel's extracellular face. Like oxonate, anti-uricase (an electrogenic transport inhibitor) also selectively blocks channel activity from the cytoplasmic side. Adenosine blocks from the extracellular side exclusively while xanthine blocks from both sides. These effects are consistent with newly identified regions of homology to uricase and the adenosine A1/A3 receptor in UAT and localize these homologous regions to the cytoplasmic and extracellular faces of UAT, respectively. Additionally, computer analyses identified four putative α-helical transmembrane domains, two β sheets, and blocks of homology to the E and B loops of aquaporin-1 within UAT. The experimental observations substantiate our proposal that UAT is the molecular representation of the renal electrogenic urate transporter and, in conjunction with computer algorithms, suggest a possible molecular structure for this unique channel.
Simultaneous Development of Autoimmune Disease and Malignancy in Two Elderly Patients

: Two elderly patients who presented with symptoms of “systemic rheumatic or autoimmune disease” had high serum titers of fluorescent anti-nuclear antibody (ANA). Signs of malignancy were evident at the time of the first examination. T-cell dysfunction in the aged may permit the simultaneous development of autoimmunity and neoplasia. When rheumatic symptoms with a high titer of fluorescent ANA develop in elderly patients, an exhaustive search for malignancy should be considered.
Generation and Use of Recombinant Human Bone Sialoprotein and Osteopontin for Hydroxyapatite Studies

Bone sialoprotein (BSP) and osteopontin (OPN) are two extracellular bone matrix proteins that have the ability to modulate the growth of hydroxyapatite in vitro. Studies of BSP/OPN hydroxyapatite interactions in the past have been directed toward the identification of essential structural elements that allow these two proteins to modulate hydroxyapatite growth. However, these studies are limited by the finite quantities of purified extracellular matrix proteins. I have utilized a recombinant E. coli expression system to obtain milligram quantities of human bone sialoprotein and human osteopontin that may be used to study extracellular matrix protein interactions with hydroxyapatite.
Evaluation of crystalline amino acid test diets including ph adjustment with red drum (Sciaenops ocellatus) and hybrid striped bass (Morone chrysops × Morone saxatilis)

Abstract The red drum and hybrid striped bass are cultured in the United States for both stock enhancement and food production. Based on previous observations in this laboratory, the hybrid striped bass appeared to use pH-adjusted crystalline amino acid test diets more readily than the red drum. Therefore, the present study was conducted to directly compare responses of red drum and hybrid striped bass fed crystalline amino acids with and without neutralization (pH 7) relative to an intact protein diet composed of red drum muscle. Fifteen red drum (initially 1.5–2.5 g each) and 15 hybrid striped bass (4.5–5.5 g each) were placed separately in each of nine 38-l aquaria (18 aquaria total) as part of a brackish water (7‰) recirculation system. Each diet was randomly assigned to three replicate tanks of red drum and hybrid striped bass. After a 55-day feeding period, both red drum and hybrid striped bass fed the intact protein diet had significantly ( P
Visual–vestibular interaction in progressive supranuclear palsy

We measured the stability of gaze during horizontal head rotations at 1-3 Hz in four patients with progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), while they viewed a stationary target. Median gain of compensatory eye movements was 0.94, similar to control subjects. During rotation in darkness, median gain of vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) was 0.88, similar to controls. Conversely, the median gain of smooth-pursuit eye movements at 1.0 Hz was 0.23, lower than controls. A simple superposition model of smooth pursuit and the VOR could not account for the observed gaze stability during fixation. Our results are further evidence that a visually mediated mechanism, independent of smooth pursuit, optimizes eye movements to compensate for head rotations.
Using unfamiliar platforms in software engineering projects

This paper describes the use of programming projects for handheld devices within software engineering project classes. There are several benefits associated with using an unfamiliar platform and development tools in upper-level software engineering courses. The student's lack of familiarity with the development environment forces more time to be spent early on in the requirements and design of the project. In addition, the increasing popularity of mobile computing devices has made handheld programming experience valuable to graduating students in their job searches. This paper addresses the motivation for using handheld device programming projects, the technical issues associated with such projects, and the results of several semesters worth of teaching experience and student feedback.
Structural, Technical, and Definitional Issues: The Case of Geography, “GIS,” and K-12 Classrooms in the United States

This article examines the structural, technical, and definitional issues associated with linking specific technologies to K-12 content standards. It examines the case of the “Geography for Life” K-12 standards and the proliferation of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to understand the wider implications of integrating the implementation of content standards with the introduction of highly specialized information systems. The article proposes geographic educators re-conceptualize “GIS” to engage the themes of contemporary geography, maximize the role of existing IT infrastructures, and facilitate standard implementation. While this article examines the case of geography, it demonstrates the need to assess the role, if any, for information technologies in the development and implementation of K-12 content standards in the classroom. Finally, the article examines the conceptual and practical importance of positioning information technologies within the context of both higher education and the K-12 classr...
Cigarette smoking and the risk of rheumatoid arthritis among postmenopausal women: Results from the Iowa Women's Health Study

Abstract Purpose To determine whether cigarette smoking increases the risk of rheumatoid arthritis among postmenopausal women. Subjects and methods We followed a cohort of 31 336 women in Iowa who were aged 55 to 69 years in 1986 and who had no history of rheumatoid arthritis. Through 1997, 158 cases of rheumatoid arthritis were identified and validated based on review of medical records and supplementary information provided by physicians. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression was used to derive rate ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the association between cigarette smoking and rheumatoid arthritis. Results Compared with women who had never smoked, women who were current smokers (RR = 2.0; 95% CI: 1.3 to 2.9) or who had quit 10 years or less before study baseline (RR = 1.8; 95% CI: 1.1 to 3.1) were at increased risk of rheumatoid arthritis, but women who had quit more than 10 years before baseline were not at increased risk (RR = 0.9; 95% CI: 0.5 to 2.6). Both the duration and intensity of smoking were associated with rheumatoid arthritis. Multivariable adjustments for age, marital status, occupation, body mass index, age at menopause, oral contraceptive use, hormone replacement therapy, alcohol use, and coffee consumption did not alter these results. Conclusion These results suggest that abstinence from smoking may reduce the risk of rheumatoid arthritis among postmenopausal women.
Promoting Network Formation in Nanorod-filled Binary Blends

Using a hybrid computational approach, we introduce A-like nanorods into a phaseseparating AB blend, which has 45/55 composition. In the absence of the rods, the minority A phase forms droplets in the matrix of B. With the addition of N = 670 rods that interact solely through a short range repulsive interaction (mimicking the steric stabilization provided by a coating of A ligands), the mixture retains this droplet morphology. When, however, we add an effective attraction between the sterically stabilized rods, the nanoparticles form extensive networks in the A phase, which can form a continuous phase. In addition to altering the morphology of the mixture, the attractive interaction influences the rate of domain growth. In particular, at early times, the mutually attractive rods increase the growth rate of the domains in the early stage. At late times, the domain growth crosses over to a slow growth regime. Our findings demonstrate that the morphology and coarsening of a rod-filled blend can be controlled by varying the rod-rod interaction and hence, provides guidelines for tailoring the electrical and mechanical properties of the nanocomposites.
Comparison of hybrid density functional, Hartree–Fock, and GW calculations on NiO

The electronic band structure of NiO in the ferromagnetic state is calculated using the B3LYP hybrid density functional, the Hartree–Fock (HF) method, and the GW approximation (GWA) with dielectric functions constructed using either B3LYP or HF wave functions and energy eigenvalues. The band structure from the GWA calculation based on B3LYP wave functions is quite similar to the parent B3LYP band structure; the main differences are in valence bandwidth and in the upward shift of the empty minority spin Ni 3d bands relative to the same bands in the B3LYP calculation. The band structure from the GWA calculation based on HF wave functions differs in that there are large upward shifts in valence band positions in the GWA calculation relative to the HF calculation, which result from screening of the bare exchange term in the Fock operator. Matrix elements of the HF exchange operator are obtained using wave functions from self-consistent HF or B3LYP calculations. Magnitudes of these matrix elements for several states at the Γ point of the Brillouin zone are compared, and it is found that the only major difference occurs in the empty minority spin bands derived from Ni 3d states of e symmetry. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2006
Techniques for energy-efficient power budgeting in data centers

We propose techniques for power budgeting in data centers, where a large power budget is allocated among the servers and the cooling units such that the aggregate performance of the entire center is maximized. Maximizing the performance for a given power budget automatically maximizes the energy efficiency. We first propose a method to partition the total power budget among the cooling and computing units in a self-consistent way, where the cooling power is sufficient to extract the heat of the computing power. Given the computing power budget, we devise an optimal computing budgeting technique based on knapsack-solving algorithms to determine the power caps for the individual servers. The optimal computing budgeting technique leverages a proposed on-line throughput predictor based on performance counter measurements to estimate the change in throughput of heterogeneous workloads as a function of allocated server power caps. We set up a simulation environment for a data center, where we simulate the air flow and heat transfer within the center using computational fluid dynamic simulations to derive accurate cooling estimates. The power estimates for the servers are derived from measurements on a real server executing heterogeneous workload sets. Our budgeting method delivers good improvements over previous power budgeting techniques.
Influence of thiourea on organ weights of rats as related to food intake.

SummaryThe reduction in food intake caused by the addition of a half of one percent of thiourea to the diet for 20 days did not influence organ weight/body weight ratios in spite of a body weight loss. In addition to thyroid hypertrophy, a decrease in seminal vesicle weight was evident after feeding thiourea, although the gonadotropic hormone content of the pituitary of thioureafed and pair-fed rats did not differ. Pituitary, testis, adrenal, kidney and liver weights were not significantly changed.
MO-F-WAB-05: Predictor Model Training for Real-Time Motion Management of Lung Tumors

Purpose: Real‐time image guided radiotherapy requires tumor motion prediction to compensate for system specific latencies caused by image acquisition, motion estimation, hardware control and other factors. The performance of prediction models depends strongly on the amount of patient specific data available for training. This may be problematic if additional imaging dose is associated with the training data acquisition. To solve this problem, we investigate the use of chest wall motion data as a surrogate to train a linear predictor for lung tumor motion. Methods: A dataset containing both lung tumor and chest wall motion trajectories for 172 beams/fractions of lung radiotherapy (11 patients) is used. We implement a linear prediction model and estimate the average geometric tracking error as a function of latency. Each trajectory is split into a dataset used for training the predictor model and one used for verification. In a second study we compare two training scenarios for a fixed system latency value of 250 ms. In the first scenario tumor motion is used for training directly, while in the second scenario the external surrogate motion trajectory is used. Verification is performed in both scenarios with the tumor motion trajectory as the reference. Results: For latencies of 0–500ms, the average error without using a predictor increases approximately linearly to 4 mm and at 250 ms we observe 1.8 mm. Using the linear predictor model the error is reduced by an average of about 50%. Training the predictor model with external surrogate data provides similar results. Conclusion: A linear prediction model can reduce latency induced tracking errors by an average of 50% in real‐time image guided radiotherapy systems with system latencies of about 250 ms. External surrogate data is suitable to train the prediction model yielding similar prediction performance as training with lung tumor motion data directly. The project described was supported, in part, by Award Number R21CA156068 from the National Cancer Institute. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Cancer Institute or the National Institutes of Health.