cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Estimating Diffusion Propagator and Its Moments Using Directional Radial Basis Functions

The ensemble average diffusion propagator (EAP) obtained from diffusion MRI (dMRI) data captures important structural properties of the underlying tissue. As such, it is imperative to derive an accurate estimate of the EAP from the acquired diffusion data. In this work, we propose a novel method for estimating the EAP by representing the diffusion signal as a linear combination of directional radial basis functions scattered in q-space. In particular, we focus on a special case of anisotropic Gaussian basis functions and derive analytical expressions for the diffusion orientation distribution function (ODF), the return-to-origin probability (RTOP), and mean-squared-displacement (MSD). A significant advantage of the proposed method is that the second and the fourth order moment tensors of the EAP can be computed explicitly. This allows for computing several novel scalar indices (from the moment tensors) such as mean-fourth-order-displacement (MFD) and generalized kurtosis (GK)—which is a generalization of the mean kurtosis measure used in diffusion kurtosis imaging. Additionally, we also propose novel scalar indices computed from the signal in q-space, called the q-space mean-squared-displacement (QMSD) and the q-space mean-fourth-order-displacement (QMFD), which are sensitive to short diffusion time scales. We validate our method extensively on data obtained from a physical phantom with known crossing angle as well as on in-vivo human brain data. Our experiments demonstrate the robustness of our method for different combinations of b-values and number of gradient directions.
Aminoglutethimide stimulates extra adrenal δ-4-androstenedione production

Abstract The source of androgens was investigated in dogs (mean weight 17.9 kg) during aminoglutethimide (AG) adrenal blockade because it has been found that AG treated postmenopausal patients maintain androgen concentrations in plasma while estrogens are suppressed. Treatment started 2 days following bilateral oophorectomy (sterile conditions). Group 1 (N = 5) received no drug, Group 2 (N = 5) received AG (20 mg/kg b.i.d. × 7 days, 10 mg/kg b.i.d. × 7 days), and Group 3 (N = 5) received AG plus Cortisol 0.5 mg/kg/day. At a second laparotomy (Na pentobarbital 35 mg/kg iv, 98% O2/2% CO2 controlled volume ventilation, anticoagulation, Na heparin), aortic and venous monitoring catheters and a left adrenal vein to femoral vein T-shaped silastic catheter for total left adrenal vein blood flow diversion were inserted. Five adrenal vein flow determinations with simultaneous aortic and adrenal vein blood samplings occurred over an hour. Radioimmunoassay (cortisol, 17-OH-progesterone and δ-4-androstenedione [D-4-A]) of pooled aortic and adrenal plasma of each dog with flow values allowed mean adrenal secretion rate calculations for each steroid determined. Treatments suppressed adrenal secretion of D-4-A (P ⩽ 0.004) (Group 1: 24,000 pg/min ± 11,300 (1 SD); Group 2: 5300 ± 1299; Group 3: 9800 ± 5100), but aortic concentrations of D-4-A were comparable (Group 1: 116 pg/ml ± 27; Group 2: 114 ± 70; Group 3: 92 ± 73) in observed and treated groups (analysis of variance). Linear regression correlation of adrenal D-4-A secretion to aortic concentration (r = 0.89, P ⩽ 0.04) in controls was absent in treated groups. Insignificant suppression of adrenal secretion of cortisol and 17-OH progesterone corresponds to the low AG dose required to avoid lethal obtundation in treated groups. AG treatment depressed the linear regression correlation of adrenal secretion to aortic concentrations of 17-OH progesterone. The results indicate a peripheral source of D-4-A. It can be hypothesized that AG induces hepatic enzymes of steroidogenesis for δ-4-androstenedione.
Minimal residual disease testing in acute leukemia

SUMMARY Predictive/prognostic factors in acute leukemia continue to be sought, in order to refine treatment strategies. Minimal residual disease (MRD) testing has been shown to be a statistically significant factor by multivariate analysis in both acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and acute myeloid leukemia. Its utility in guiding therapy has been more extensively studied in pediatric ALL, with some protocols having instituted MRD testing into therapeutic algorithms. The clinical impact of MRD testing in ALL and acute myeloid leukemia will be presented, including both molecular and flow cytometric methodologies, with a more focused discussion of the strategy, methodology and interpretation of MRD testing by multiparametric flow cytometry.
Glycoprotein hormones and their common A-subunit stimulate prolactin production by explant cultures of human leiomyoma and myometrium

Abstract OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of the gonadotropins luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and human chorionic gonadotropin on prolactin production by human leiomyomas and myometrium. A secondary goal was to explore the effect of thyroid-stimulating hormone and the A-subunit common to all these glycoproteins in the same system. STUDY DESIGN: Explant cultures were established, and harvested medium was assayed for total protein and prolactin. Dose-response studies were performed with follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, and human chorionic gonadotropin. A second set of studies was conducted with a single dose of human chorionic gonadotropin, thyroid-stimulating hormone, and A-subunit. RESULTS: Gonadotropins, thyroid-stimulating hormone, and A-subunit all stimulated prolactin production in both leiomyoma and myometrium. Prolactin production was significantly higher in leiomyoma than in myometrium. A positive effect of time, dose, and gonadotropin treatment on prolactin production was seen in each tissue. There was no treatment effect on total protein secretion. CONCLUSIONS: All four glycoprotein hormones and their common A-subunit stimulate prolactin production. This appears to be a specific effect. (AM J OBSTET GYNECOL 1994;170:677-83.)
Reactive oxygen species and preterm premature rupture of membranes-a review

Preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) results initially from damage to collagen in the chorioamnion leading to a tear in the membrane. Tissue-damaging molecules called reactive oxygen species (ROS) are capable of damaging collagen in the chorioamnion that could lead to PPROM. This hypothesis is supported by epidemiological studies linking clinical conditions known to produce ROS or reduce antioxidant protection to PPROM, by in-vitro studies in which membrane segments exposed to ROS exhibited tissue alterations consistent with PPROM, and by clinical studies showing that chorioamnion and amniotic fluid samples obtained from PPROM patients exhibit excessive collagen degradation. The role of antioxidants to protect the chorioamnion from ROS damage has been demonstrated in one in-vitro study. A prospective, randomized blinded trial of antioxidant therapy during pregnancy is needed to evaluate this approach for the prevention of PPROM.
Glucocorticoid Receptor Activity Contributes to Resistance to Androgen-Targeted Therapy in Prostate Cancer

Despite new treatments for castrate-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC), the prognosis of patients with CRPC remains bleak due to acquired resistance to androgen receptor (AR)-directed therapy. The glucocorticoid receptor (GR) and AR share several transcriptional targets, including the anti-apoptotic genes serum and glucocorticoid-regulated kinase 1 (SGK1) and Map kinase phosphatase 1 (MKP1)/dual specificity phosphatase 1 (DUSP1). Because GR expression increases in a subset of primary prostate cancer (PC) following androgen deprivation therapy, we sought to determine whether GR activation can contribute to resistance to AR-directed therapy. We studied CWR-22Rv1 and LAPC4 AR/GR-expressing PC cell lines following treatment with combinations of the androgen R1881, AR antagonist MDV3100, GR agonist dexamethasone, GR antagonists mifepristone and CORT 122928, or the SGK1 inhibitor GSK650394. Cell lines stably expressing GR (NR3C1)-targeted shRNA or ectopic SGK1-Flag were also studied in vivo. GR activation diminished the effects of the AR antagonist MDV3100 on tumor cell viability. In addition, GR activation increased prostate-specific antigen (PSA) secretion and induced SGKI and MKP1/DUSP gene expression. Glucocorticoid-mediated cell viability was diminished by a GR antagonist or by co-treatment with the SGK1 inhibitor GSK650394. In vivo, GR depletion delayed castrate-resistant tumor formation, while SGK1-Flag-overexpressing PC xenografts displayed accelerated castrate-resistant tumor initiation, supporting a role for SGK1 in GR-mediated CRPC progression. We studied several PC models before and following treatment with androgen blockade and found that increased GR expression and activity contributed to tumor-promoting PC cell viability. Increased GR-regulated SGK1 expression appears, at least in part, to mediate enhanced PC cell survival. Therefore, GR and/or SGK1 inhibition may be useful adjuncts to AR blockade for treating CRPC.
Letter search through words and nonwords: The effect of fixed, absent, or mutilated targets

The present study attempted to eliminate the word superiority effect found in letter search by holding the target letter fixed across trials. The expectation was that the target would thereby become so familiar and salient that the subject would “see” only that letter during search. Even with the target-letter held fixed (Experiment I), however, search was still faster through words than through nonwords, indicating that nontarget letters had been “seen” as well. Search also remained faster through words than through nonwords when the number of exposures to the target was further increased by having the subject search for the absence rather than the presence of the target letter (Experiment III). In line with the notion of “proofreader’s errors,” however, search became relatively more accurate on nonwords than on words when it required detection of the “mutilation” produced by substituting an F for an E, e.g., BASKFT, BAKFRY (Experiment IV).
A Reinvestigation of the Relationship Between Big-Time Basketball Success and Average SAT Scores:

The advertising effect argues that a high-quality athletic team creates a positive spillover beneficial to the academic mission. This article reexamines the proposition that a university having a successful basketball program improves the quality of incoming freshmen measured by their average SAT scores. If true, large expenditures of universities on big-time basketball and negative publicity from scandals might be justified. Previous literature provides contradictory evidence that is based on only 2 academic years. This article revisits the issue using data for academic years 1993-2002 and concludes there is no consistent evidence a highly successful basketball team has a favorable advertising effect on average SAT scores. Conference fixed effects reveal positive impacts from being in a major conference, a result that supports previous findings regarding the importance of being affiliated with a Bowl Championship Series (BCS) football conference.
Women in leadership positions within obstetrics and gynecology: does the past explain the present?

OBJECTIVE To determine whether the proportion of leadership positions in obstetrics and gynecology held by women is consistent with expectations based on the proportion of women entering residency at the time of current leaders. METHODS Leadership positions were considered as department chairs affiliated with the Council of University Chairs of Obstetrics and Gynecology, editors of the 20 obstetrics and gynecology journals with the highest impact factors [corrected],and presidents of influential professional societies. Publically available data were accessed to determine sex and the year of medical school graduation for each individual holding each leadership position, as well as to determine the number of men and women entering residency in obstetrics and gynecology per year. Actual and expected proportions of leadership positions held by women were compared using χ² tests. RESULTS Women should hold 71 of the total 194 leadership positions based on the proportion of women entering residency during the mean graduation year among leaders. Women actually hold 41 of these leadership positions (21.1%; P<.001). Considering only leaders who graduated during the years in which residency matching data were available, women should hold 28 of these 74 leadership positions. Women actually hold 20 of the leadership positions from this subset (27.0%; P=.05). CONCLUSION Women are underrepresented in leadership positions in obstetrics and gynecology, and this cannot be explained by historical sex imbalances among physicians entering our specialty.
Using Control Theory to Improve Productivity of Service Systems

The trend towards service business is progressing rapidly throughout the world economics. Responding to the demands for service innovation and service productivity improvement, service science is emerging as a new research field that applies multi-disciplinary studies to service systems. In this paper we propose using control theory as a means to design service management solutions that are robust to system dynamics and uncertainty. We further present several control problems and challenges that are fundamental to service systems, and the opportunities of applying control theory to modeling service systems, controlling service resources, and monitoring service quality. Moreover, we demonstrate how control technologies can be applied to service systems through three case studies: (1) quantifying the complexity and IT management, (2) dispatching consultants in service transition, and (3) monitoring service quality and variability.
Novel insights into the differential functions of Notch ligands in vascular formation

The Notch signaling pathway is a critical component of vascular formation and morphogenesis in both development and disease. Compelling evidence indicates that Notch signaling is required for the induction of arterial-cell fate during development and for the selection of endothelial tip and stalk cells during sprouting angiogenesis. In mammals, two of the four Notch receptors (Notch1 and Notch4) and three of the five Notch ligands (Jagged1, Dll1, and Dll4) are predominantly expressed in vascular endothelial cells and are important for many aspects of vascular biology. During arterial cell-fate selection and angiogenesis, the roles of Notch1 and Notch4 are thought to be similar, and the function of Dll4 is well-characterized. However, the molecular mechanisms that determine the functional similarities and differences of Notch ligands in vascular endothelial cells remain largely unknown; consequently, additional research is needed to elucidate the ligand-specific functions and mechanisms associated with Notch activation in the vascular endothelium. Results from recent studies indicate that Dll1 and Dll4 have distinct roles in the specification and maintenance of arterial cell identity, while Dll4 and Jagged1 have opposing functions in tip- and stalk-cell selection during sprouting angiogenesis. This review will focus on the newly discovered, distinct functions of several Notch ligands in the regulation of blood vessel formation and will provide perspectives for future research in the field.
Telomere Length, Telomerase Activity, and Replicative Potential in HIV Infection: Analysis of CD4+ and CD8+T Cells from HIV-discordant Monozygotic Twins

To address the possible role of replicative senescence in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, telomere length, telomerase activity, and in vitro replicative capacity were assessed in peripheral blood T cells from HIV+ and HIV− donors. Genetic and age-specific effects on these parameters were controlled by studying HIV-discordant pairs of monozygotic twins. Telomere terminal restriction fragment (TRF) lengths from CD4+ T cells of HIV+ donors were significantly greater than those from HIV− twins. In contrast, telomere lengths in CD8+ T cells from HIV+ donors were shorter than in HIV− donors. The in vitro replicative capacity of CD4+ cells from HIV+ donors was equivalent to that of HIV− donors in response to stimulation through T cell receptor CD3 and CD28. Little or no telomerase activity was detected in freshly isolated CD4+ or CD8+ lymphocytes from HIV+ or HIV− donors, but was induced by in vitro stimulation of both HIV+ and HIV− donor cells. These results suggest that HIV infection is associated with alterations in the population dynamics of both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, but fail to provide evidence for clonal exhaustion or replicative senescence as a mechanism underlying the decline in CD4+ T cells of HIV-infected donors.
Psychotherapies for Trauma and Substance Abuse in Women: Review and Policy Implications

Women are subject to high rates of interpersonal violence. One frequent co-occurring issue is substance abuse, which may arise posttrauma as a way to cope. In this article, psychosocial therapies for co-occurring trauma and substance abuse are reviewed. Description of empirically studied models is provided, as well as results of the empirical studies. Overall, this area of work suggests positive growth in the availability of new models but very limited empirical work thus far for all but one model. Directions for the future include the need for greater study of treatments in this area, as well as the need to address issues beyond specific models (e.g., workforce issues, access to care, and changing the culture of treatment systems). Policy implications are also offered.
Population structure and genetic diversity of trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) above and below natural and man-made barriers in the Russian River, California

The final publication is available at link.springer.com. Link to abstract: http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10592-006-9183-0
The Use Value of Fight Club in Teaching Theories of Religion

. Teaching theories and methods for the academic study of religion poses certain challenges, especially when first-year students are the primary targeted audience. In the following note from the classroom, the author describes a model for successfully employing the film Fight Club as a case study for exploring some of the theoretical concepts of Freud, Durkheim, and Weber. The author also considers what other pedagogical goals and learning methods can be integrated into a prolonged engagement with this film. Throughout the piece, the author attempts to assess what were the strengths and weaknesses of various aspects of this layered and developmentally oriented project as well as the potential benefits for employing material from popular culture in an introductory-level course.
ATP Induces Protein Arginine Deiminase 2-Dependent Citrullination in Mast Cells through the P2X7 Purinergic Receptor

Posttranslational modifications regulate physiology either by directly modulating protein function or by impacting immune recognition of self-proteins. Citrullination is a posttranslational modification formed by the conversion of arginine residues into the citrulline amino acid by protein arginine deiminase (PAD) family members. We have identified mast cells as a major source of the PAD2 enzyme. Activation of the P2X7 purinergic receptor (P2X7) by the inflammatory "danger" signal ATP induces PAD2 activity and robust protein citrullination. P2X7-mediated activation of PAD2 is sensitive to p38 MAPK and protein kinase C inhibitors, and PAD2 regulates the expression of the TNFR2, Adamts-9, and Rab6b transcripts in mast cells. Further, the PAD2 enzyme and its citrullinated substrate proteins are released from mast cells on activation with ATP. PAD2 expression is closely linked with inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) synovial tissue, and PAD2 and citrullinated proteins are found in the synovial fluid of RA patients. In addition, RA is associated with the development of autoantibodies to citrullinated self-proteins. Our results suggest that P2X7 activation of mast cells may play a role in inflammation by providing PAD2 and PAD2 substrates access to the extracellular space.
Nitazoxanide Treatment for Giardiasis and Cryptosporidiosis in Children

OBJECTIVETo review the pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, adverse effects, drug interactions, dosing recommendations, and clinical efficacy of nitazoxanide, a new antiprotozoal/anthelmintic/antibacterial agent.DATA SOURCESA MEDLINE search (1966-February 2004) of both human and animal research data published in the English language was conducted.STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTIONAll primary and review articles pertaining to the MEDLINE search were reviewed for inclusion. Emphasis was placed on randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials.DATA SYNTHESISNitazoxanide is approved for the treatment of giardiasis and cryptosporidiosis (first drug approved for the latter indication) in immune-competent children <12 years of age. Most studies in immune-competent patients have reported clinical and parasitologic response rates close to 80% and 70%, respectively, for both indications. Response rates have been lower in immune-compromised patients.CONCLUSIONSNitazoxanide should be available for patients unable to...
Narrative Structure and Epistemological Uncertainty in Carmen Laforet's Nada

This study is concerned with the narrativestructure of CarmenLaforet's Nada and its thematic implications of radical epistemologicaluncertainty. The relationship between the two Andreas (older narrator and younger protagonist) is important in that all the material that the former uses has been gathered by and filtered through her unreliable younger self, while she in turn is responsible for formulating the narrative and (re)creating the different person that she was. Even more telling is the striking contrast between the chronologically organized but very patchy account of Andrea's twelve months in post-Civil War Barcelona and the entirely non-chronological and highly fragmentary manner in which she receives biographical information about her friends and relatives. She is constantly sorting and sifting, shaping and revising what she knows, or thinks she knows, about other people, in an open-ended process that has only given very partial results by the novel's close. It would appear that there are signific...
Identifying significant temporal variation in time course microarray data without replicates

An important component of time course microarray studies is the identification of genes that demonstrate significant time-dependent variation in their expression levels. Until recently, available methods for performing such significance tests required replicates of individual time points. This paper describes a replicate-free method that was developed as part of a study of the estrous cycle in the rat mammary gland in which no replicate data was collected. A temporal test statistic is proposed that is based on the degree to which data are smoothed when fit by a spline function. An algorithm is presented that uses this test statistic together with a false discovery rate method to identify genes whose expression profiles exhibit significant temporal variation. The algorithm is tested on simulated data, and is compared with another recently published replicate-free method. The simulated data consists both of genes with known temporal dependencies, and genes from a null distribution. The proposed algorithm identifies a larger percentage of the time-dependent genes for a given false discovery rate. Use of the algorithm in a study of the estrous cycle in the rat mammary gland resulted in the identification of genes exhibiting distinct circadian variation. These results were confirmed in follow-up laboratory experiments. The proposed algorithm provides a new approach for identifying expression profiles with significant temporal variation without relying on replicates. When compared with a recently published algorithm on simulated data, the proposed algorithm appears to identify a larger percentage of time-dependent genes for a given false discovery rate. The development of the algorithm was instrumental in revealing the presence of circadian variation in the virgin rat mammary gland during the estrous cycle.
A Note on Post Hoc Analysis of Mastery Test Data

This note suggests a post hoc analysis procedure for use with the type of data likely in mastery testing-skewed, non-normal in distribution with a truncated range. It is suggested that various characteristics of the data be examined if analysis using parametric multivariate techniques is conducted.
Overview of enhanced uplink for 3GPP W-CDMA

Enhanced uplink technology is currently being considered for standardization in 3GPP W-CDMA (Release-6) with the standard scheduled for completion in the 4/sup th/ quarter of 2004. Enhanced uplink technology under consideration includes advanced techniques such as adaptive modulation and coding (AMC), hybrid ARQ (HARQ), fast rate control or fast scheduling by the node-B (base station), higher peak rates (up to 2 Mbps) and a reduced transition latency between CELL_DCH, CELL_FACH and CELL_PCH states. These techniques reduce overall delay, and increase throughput significantly compared to release-99/4/5 3GPP W-CDMA. In this paper, the physical layer aspects of enhanced uplink for 3GPP W-CDMA FDD are discussed in detail with accompanying link and system simulation results. These results show that the sector and user throughput of the enhanced uplink (EU) can be improved by more than 50% compared to release-99/4/5 3GPP W-CDMA.
COMPARISON OF ASD AND LRFD CODES FOR WOOD MEMBERS. II: FLEXURAL LOADING

A comparison of the economies of the structural design of wood members subjected to axial loads using the allowable stress design (ASD) and reliability-based [load and resistance factor design (LRFD) format] codes is presented. Analyses considered the combinations of dead load only and dead plus live loads due to floor occupancy, snow, wind, and seismic activity. Ratios of live-to-dead loads ranged from zero to 10. The relative economies of the ASD and LRFD codes show the combined influences of the time-related factors assigned to the various load types, load and resistance factor values, and live-to-dead load ratios. The behavioral equations in both codes are now virtually the same. Since the allowable material stresses of the LRFD code are equal to the ASD value multiplied by a constant, the resulting economies are not species- or grade-dependent. For tension and zero-length compression loading, the LRFD format provided the more optimal design for all loading combinations except snow and seismic loadings when the live loads exceed three and four times the dead load, respectively. For columns with the potential for buckling, the LRFD format yielded larger buckling adjustment factors for wind and seismic loadings than did the ASD code. For all other loading arrangements, the ASD format produced larger factors. For floor loading, a 20% advantage over the LRFD code was observed for very slender columns.
The Genetic and Environmental Covariation Among Psychopathic Personality Traits, and Reactive and Proactive Aggression in Childhood

The present study investigated the genetic and environmental covariance between psychopathic personality traits with reactive and proactive aggression in 9- to 10-year-old twins (N = 1,219). Psychopathic personality traits were assessed with the Child Psychopathy Scale (D. R. Lynam, 1997), while aggressive behaviors were assessed using the Reactive Proactive Questionnaire (A. Raine et al., 2006). Significant common genetic influences were found to be shared by psychopathic personality traits and aggressive behaviors using both caregiver (mainly mother) and child self-reports. Significant genetic and nonshared environmental influences specific to psychopathic personality traits and reactive and proactive aggression were also found, suggesting etiological independence among these phenotypes. Additionally, the genetic relation between psychopathic personality traits and aggression was significantly stronger for proactive than reactive aggression when using child self-reports.
Comparative genetics of postembryonic development as a means to understand evolutionary change

Summary This review addresses the use of comparative studies of development to help understand the mechanisms underlying the evolution of morphological and physiological diversity. Mutation analysis in experimental model organisms is at the core of our understanding of how development works, and these findings have proven important in the identification and functional support of genetic variations associated with character change in natural populations. However, it has been argued that the essential and pleiotropic effect of many developmentally important genes limits the utility of such mutational study of development toward understanding evolution. Here, I argue that an analysis of the genetic regulation of postembryonic development will refine such comparative analysis. By focusing on late developmental events, one limits the type of genes as well as the types of genetic and developmental changes that may underlie evolutionary change. This may refine the predictive value of such comparative analysis. In this review, I discuss the use of fish as experimental and natural models to address these questions. Fish have several established, experimental models for genetic analysis. Additionally, the morphological and genetic diversity among fish provides a wealth of new models in which to look at the genetic and developmental basis of character change. This broadening of comparative genetic analysis may resolve the bias against geneticmonsters and what they can tell us about evolutionary change.
Macromolecular Solvation Energies Derived from Small Molecule Crystal Morphology

The morphology of small molecule crystals provides a model for evaluating surface solvation energies in a system with similar packing density to that observed for amino acid residues in proteins. The solvation energies associated with the transfer of methylene and carboxyl groups between vacuum and aqueous phases are estimated to be approx. +40 and -260 cal/A^2, respectively, from an analysis of the morphology of succinic acid crystals. These solvation energies predict values for contact angles in reasonable agreement with measurements determined from macroscopic monolayer surfaces. Transfer free energies between vapor and water phases for a series of carboxylic acids are also predicted reasonably well by these solvation energies, provided the surface exposure of different groups is quantitated with the molecular surface area rather than the more traditional accessible surface area. In general, molecular surfaces and molecular surface areas are seen to have important advantages for characterizing the structure and energetics of macromolecular surfaces. Crystal faces of succinic acid with the lowest surface energies in aqueous solution are characteristically smooth. Increasing surface roughness and apolarity are associated with higher surface energies, which suggests an approach for modifying the surface properties of proteins and other macromolecules.
Current Localization, Non-Uniform Heating, and Failures of ZnO Varistors

Metal oxide varistors have highly nonlinear electrical characteristics and are widely used as devices for over-voltage protection. Varistor applications range from the use of small varistors to protect delicate electronic components to the use of much larger varistors for the protection of electrical-power-distribution systems. Non-uniform heating of ZnO varistors by electrical pulses occurs on three different spatial scales: (1) microscopic (sub-micron), (2) intermediate (sub-millimeter), and (3) macroscopic (of order of millimeters or centimeters). Heating on these scales has different origins and different consequences for device failure in large and small varistors. On the microscopic scale, the heating localizes in strings of tiny hot spots. They occur at the grain boundaries in a conducting path where the potential is dropped across Schottky-type barriers. These observations are interpreted by applying transport theory and using computer simulations. It is shown that the heat transfer on a scale of the grain size is too fast to permit temperature differences that could cause a varistor failure. On an intermediate size scale, the heating is most intense along localized electrical paths. The high electrical conductivity of these paths has microstructural origin, i.e., it derives from the statistical fluctuations of grain sizes and grain boundary properties. Current localization on the intermediate size scale appears to be significant only in small varistors. On the macroscopic scale, current localization in large blocks can be attributed to inhomogeneities in the electrical properties which originate during ceramic processing. The resulting non-uniform heating is shown to cause destructive failures of large varistor blocks.
Pilot study of atomoxetine in patients with Parkinson's disease and dopa-unresponsive Freezing of Gait.

Freezing of gait (FoG) is a common and debilitating condition in Parkinson’s disease (PD) associated with executive dysfunction. A subtype of FoG does not respond to dopaminergic therapy and may be related to noradrenergic deficiency. This pilot study explores the effects of atomoxetine on gait in PD patients with dopa-unresponsive FoG using a novel paradigm for objective gait assessment. Ten patients with PD and dopa-unresponsive FoG were enrolled in this eight-week open label pilot study. Assessments included an exploratory gait analysis protocol that quantified spatiotemporal parameters during straight-away walking and turning, while performing a dual task. Clinical, and subjective assessments of gait, quality of life, and safety were also administered. The primary outcome was a validated subjective assessment for FoG (FOG-Q). Atomoxetine was well tolerated, however, no significant change was observed in the primary outcome. The gait analysis protocol correlated well with clinical scales, but not with subjective assessments. DBS patients were more likely to increase gait velocity (p = 0.033), and improved in other clinical assessments. Objective gait analysis protocols assessing gait while dual tasking are feasible and useful for this patient population, and may be superior correlates of FoG severity than subjective measures. These findings can inform future trials in this population.
Some Remarks on the V -Particles

It is qualitatively investigated whether the abundance of $V$-particle production can be reconciled with their long lifetime by using only interactions of a conventional structure. This is possible, provided a $V$-particle is produced together with another heavy unstable particle (Sec. II). Two distinct groups of interactions are needed: for one, the coupling is strong (II); for the other, it is very weak (III). Two kinds of $V$-particles are considered, Fermions of mass $\ensuremath{\sim}2200m$ and Bosons ($\ensuremath{\sim}800m$). The arguments are somewhat different, according to whether the latter are nonpseudoscalar (III) or pseudoscalar (V). The competition with processes involving $\ensuremath{\mu}$-mesons is discussed (IV). Possible connections with the $\ensuremath{\tau}$-meson are commented on in Sec. V. The preliminary nature of the present analysis is stressed (VI).
INTERMITTENT STIMULATION BY LIGHT : III. THE RELATION BETWEEN INTENSITY AND CRITICAL FUSION FREQUENCY FOR DIFFERENT RETINAL LOCATIONS.

When measurements of the critical fusion frequency for white light over a large range of intensities are made with the rod-free area of the fovea, the relation between critical frequency and log I is given by a single sigmoid curve, the middle portion of which approximates a straight line whose slope is 11.0. This single relation must be a function of the foveal cones. When the measurements are made with a retinal area placed 5 degrees from the fovea, and therefore containing both rods and cones, the relation between critical frequency and log I shows two clearly separated sections. At the lower intensities the relation is sigmoid and reaches an upper level at about 10 cycles per second, which is maintained for 1.25 log units, and is followed by another sigmoid relationship at the higher intensities similar to the one given by the rod-free area alone. These two parts of the data are obviously separate functions of the rods at low intensities and of the cones at high intensities. This is further borne out by similar measurements made with retinal areas 15 degrees and 20 degrees from the fovea where the ratio of rods to cones is anatomically greater than at 5 degrees . The two sections of the data come out farther apart on the intensity scale, the rod portion being at lower intensities and the cone portion at higher intensities than at 5 degrees . The general form of the relation between critical frequency and intensity is therefore determined by the relative predominance of the cones and the rods in the retinal area used for the measurements.
Electronic Raman scattering as an ultra-sensitive probe of strain effects in semiconductors

Semiconductor strain engineering has become a critical feature of high-performance electronics because of the significant device performance enhancements that it enables. These improvements, which emerge from strain-induced modifications to the electronic band structure, necessitate new ultra-sensitive tools to probe the strain in semiconductors. Here, we demonstrate that minute amounts of strain in thin semiconductor epilayers can be measured using electronic Raman scattering. We applied this strain measurement technique to two different semiconductor alloy systems using coherently strained epitaxial thin films specifically designed to produce lattice-mismatch strains as small as 10(-4). Comparing our strain sensitivity and signal strength in Al(x)Ga(1-x)As with those obtained using the industry-standard technique of phonon Raman scattering, we found that there was a sensitivity improvement of 200-fold and a signal enhancement of 4 × 10(3), thus obviating key constraints in semiconductor strain metrology.
The Mass Implementation of International Sex Education Guidelines and the Legal and Moral Ramifications as Presented by the Roman Catholic Church

The Roman Catholic Church, through its many teachings, boldly stands in opposition to the U.N.’s proposed regulations and ideologies ensuring the individual person is protected and cultivated into a mature and modest sexual human being. The world we exist in today is full of information about sexuality, health and lifestyle choices not available to previous generations. As we have progressed technologically and have begun to further understand the many contours of human sexuality, our culture and government have forced further regulation and imposed duties on educators that had been previously under the control of parents and religious communities. The true question that is asked of the legal community is whether the regulations imposed upon educators actually have improved the sexual health of humans in these regulated jurisdictions. This further regulation has pushed the family to accept the educational material required by regulators, like the U.N. and foreign governments, even if the required material is against the better judgment of families and religious organizations.The goals of sex education in many jurisdictions are drastically different compared to those of the Church. The Church has been an advocate of sex education from the home and religious community to ensure that children gather knowledge about sexuality as they mature as an individual. The Church teaches that parents should play a significant role in determining when they feel it is appropriate to introduce a new topic on sexuality to the child. These discussions between parents and children are most effective when accompanied with programming and informational gatherings in the community. The Church purports that education should be conducted with appropriate materials and with modesty and friendship as dominating forces in the curriculum.
Similariton laser

Self-similar evolution of pulses in a laser is observed theoretically and experimentally for the first time. This new regime of operation has the potential to increase the pulse energy from femtosecond fiber lasers by two orders of magnitude.
Effects of Dolomitic Lime on Growth and Nutrient Uptake of Buddleia davidii ‘Royal Red’ Grown in Pine Bark

Abstract Buddleia davidii Franch. ‘Royal Red’ was grown in pine bark amended with 0.0, 2.4, 4.7 or 9.5 kg/m3 (0.0, 4.0, 8.0, or 16.0 lbs/yd3) dolomitic lime. Growth characteristics responded quadra...
The Biologist as Industrial Consultant

BIOLOGISTS have been known to stray from university laboratories into those maintained by private industry. While the character of biological research in the industrial world is relatively familiar, less well-defined is the biologist's position in an industrial consultant firm. It may be of interest to biologists in general to learn how their professional colleagues fit into such an organization in terms of their status, contributions, and opportunities for research.
Abstract 5421: Targeting glucose and glutamine for the metabolic management of systemic metastatic cancer

Metastatic cancer is a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Current therapeutic options consist of chemotherapy, radiation, or targeted therapies. However, these therapies are often toxic, effective over a small range of cancer types, or result in drug resistance. Therefore, a more global, less toxic strategy for the management of metastatic cancer is required. Though most cancers display increased glucose metabolism, glutamine is also a major energy substrate for many cancers. We evaluated the anti-metastatic potential of 6-diazo-5-oxo-L-norleucine (DON), a glutamine analog, using the new VM mouse model of systemic metastasis. In addition we evaluated the combined inhibition of glucose and glutamine metabolism by treating mice with both DON, which targets glutamine, and calorie restriction (CR), which reduces circulating glucose levels. We found that primary tumor growth was about 20-fold less in DON treated mice than in untreated control mice. We also found that DON treatment administered alone or in combination with CR inhibited metastasis to liver, lung, and kidney as detected by bioluminescence imaging and histology. Although DON treatment alone did not reduce the incidence of tumor metastasis to spleen compared to the controls (68% controls, 50% DON treatment), DON administered together with CR significantly reduced the incidence of metastasis to the spleen to 27%, indicating a diet/drug synergy. Furthermore, DON toxicity was less in the DON + CR group than in the DON alone group. Less DON was needed to achieve the same level of tumor growth inhibition when administered with CR than administered alone. Finally, survival was greater in the DON + CR group than in the DON group alone further illustrating drug/diet synergy. Our findings provide proof of concept that metabolic therapies targeting both glucose and glutamine metabolism can manage systemic metastatic cancer. (Supported by Boston College REG). Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 5421.
Discovering the cause of stillbirth.

Purpose of review Stillbirth remains a major problem worldwide, with disparities both between and within nations. Evaluation and classification is essential for development and evaluation of preventive strategies. Recent findings Recently, several organizations have developed standardized protocols for stillbirth evaluation on the basis of maternal history, foetal examination/autopsy and placental pathology. Evaluation is moving from a search for discrete causes to recognition of contributing factors. Comparison of classification guidelines identifies several with the potential for effective preservation of data and identification of causes or contributing factors for most stillbirths. Higher and lower income nations have differing rates, epidemiology and causes of stillbirths requiring different preventive strategies. Summary In lower income/higher risk groups, basic improvements in antenatal/obstetric care including targeted prevention/treatment of infections, induction after 41 weeks, skilled attendants at delivery and availability of emergency obstetric care can result in very significant risk reduction, whereas in higher income/lower risk groups, further research, more complex interventions and attention to societal risk factors such as obesity are required for further improvement.
Social Class and Life Cycle as Predictors of Shopping Behavior

Traditionally it has been held that consumer buying behavior can be classified by social class and stage in the family life cycle. Recently it has been suggested that these distinctions have been o...
An Audiovisual Producer/User's View of Videodisc Technology

Brigham Young University, associated with the Mormon Church, is one of the world's largest users and producers of audiovisual materials. In recent years, the University has been adopting such new information technology as multichannel interactive cable television, computer-aided instruction and audio- and videotape to supplement its live and filmed instruction. Recent developments in videodisc technology are being watched with great interest in hopes of finding ways to reduce both the bulk of audiovisual materials and the costs of storing and transmitting information. A consensus of cost estimates — comparing videodisc with other media — is given.
The observation of tolerance in a social network model

In dynamic social networks, agents are able to make and break connections with neighbors to improve their payoffs. Rules have recently developed which help agents evaluate their neighbors and decide whether to break a connection. These rules have introduced the idea of tolerance in dynamic networks by allowing an agent to maintain a relationship with a bad neighbor for some time. In this research, we investigate and define the phenomenon of tolerance in dynamic social networks, particularly with the Highest Weighted Reward rule. We define a mathematical model to predict an agent's tolerance of a bad neighbor and determine the factors that affect it. Tolerance of other agents is an intuitive human behavior, and its presence in social network models suggests that the development of social interaction rules among agents shows qualities of human interactions that exist in real life.
Visualization of Bactericidal Concentrations of Nitrofurantoin Macrocrystals in Primate and Human Urinary Tract Tissue

The distribution of orally administered nitrofurantoin macrocrystals in the urinary tract was studied by whole body radioautography in female squirrel monkeys and by bioautography of excised human kidney. The drug was rapidly absorbed and widely distributed throughout the simian urinary tract and human kidney. Concentrations of 14C drug in simian renal cortex and renal pelvis were up to 5 times plasma levels. Nitrofurantoin-derived antibacterial activity was observed by bioautography throughout sections of human kidney at concentrations that killed susceptible human urinary tract pathogens.
In Vivo Conformational Dynamics of Hsp90 and Its Interactors

Hsp90 belongs to a family of some of the most highly expressed heat shock proteins that function as molecular chaperones to protect the proteome not only from the heat shock but also from other misfolding events. As many client proteins of Hsp90 are involved in oncogenesis, this chaperone has been the focus of intense research efforts. Yet, we lack structural information for how Hsp90 interacts with co-chaperones and client proteins. Here, we developed a mass-spectrometry-based approach that allowed quantitative measurements of in vitro and in vivo effects of small-molecule inhibitors on Hsp90 conformation, and interaction with co-chaperones and client proteins. From this analysis, we were able to derive structural models for how Hsp90 engages its interaction partners in vivo, and how different drugs affect these structures. In addition, the methodology described here offers a new approach to probe the effects of virtually any inhibitor treatment on the proteome level.