cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Insulin degradation. XXVIII. Immunocytochemical localization of glutathione-insulin transhydrogenase in the pancreas, kidney and liver of normal and streptozotocin-diabetic rats and of lean and obese (ob/ob) mice

Glutathione-insulin transhydrogenase catalyzes the inactivation of insulin by splitting the hormone into A and B chains. We have localized this enzyme immunocytochemically by light microscopy in the pancreas, kidney and liver of both lean and obese (ob/ob) mice and similarly in normal and streptozotocin-diabetic rats. Localization was achieved by an antibody to glutathione-insulin transhydrogenase using a peroxidase-antiperoxidase technique. In comparison with tissues from control animals, positive immunostaining for glutathione-insulin transhydrogenase was increased in the obese mouse but reduced in the diabetic rat. Different tissues showed considerable variation in the amount of glutathioneinsulin transhydrogenase which could be detected. In the pancreatic islets there was little or no evidence for the presence of the enzyme in peripheral cells. In the kidney, immunocytochemical staining was found only in the proximal tubules. In the liver there was a generalised distribution of the enzyme, but the greatest concentration was in the periportal region. These observations parallel the biochemical data relating to glutathione-insulin transhydrogenase, indicating that different amounts of insulin degrading activity exist in different regions of tissues.
Histone Chaperones Spt6 and FACT: Similarities and Differences in Modes of Action at Transcribed Genes

The process of gene transcription requires the participation of a large number of factors that collectively promote the accurate and efficient expression of an organism's genetic information. In eukaryotic cells, a subset of these factors can control the chromatin environments across the regulatory and transcribed units of genes to modulate the transcription process and to ensure that the underlying genetic information is utilized properly. This article focuses on two such factors—the highly conserved histone chaperones Spt6 and FACT—that play critical roles in managing chromatin during the gene transcription process. These factors have related but distinct functions during transcription and several recent studies have provided exciting new insights into their mechanisms of action at transcribed genes. A discussion of their respective roles in regulating gene transcription, including their shared and unique contributions to this process, is presented.
Bypassing the first-pass effect for the therapeutic use of cannabinoids.

Abstract An oral formulation of Δ-9=tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in sesame oil (Marinol®) is at present used for the management of chemotherapy-related nausea and emesis. However, due partly to poor bioavailability, its efficacy is variable. To circumvent possible metabolism in the gut and a first-pass effect by the liver, a suppository formulation of THC hemisuccinate ester was prepared. Administration of the suppository containing 11.8 mg of the hemisuccinate ester (equivalent to 9 mg THC) to three adult females (two of whom had previously exhibited low plasma drug levels following a 10-mg dose of the oral formulation) led to a marked and sustained elevation of plasma drug levels. Areas under the curves for plasma THC were more than 30-fold higher than after oral dosing. The suppository was well tolerated. The higher and more sustained plasma drug level achieved with this new formulation should enhance its antiemetic efficacy.
Understanding information practices of interactive personal genomics users

The dramatic growth in the availability of personal genomic data to non-experts, and the use of digital media for delivering personal genomic information, raise important HCI questions. We seek to advance the theory and practice of HCI by investigating fundamental issues concerning non-expert interaction with complex scientific information. Specifically, we explore how people use interactive tools to engage with their personal genomic information. We present findings from a study of 63 early adopters of personal genomics, which highlight users' motivations, information practices, and needs.
Detection of ice and organics on an asteroidal surface

Recent observations, including the discovery in typical asteroidal orbits of objects with cometary characteristics (main-belt comets, or MBCs), have blurred the line between comets and asteroids, although so far neither ice nor organic material has been detected on the surface of an asteroid or directly proven to be an asteroidal constituent. Here we report the spectroscopic detection of water ice and organic material on the asteroid 24 Themis, a detection that has been independently confirmed. 24 Themis belongs to the same dynamical family as three of the five known MBCs, and the presence of ice on 24 Themis is strong evidence that it also is present in the MBCs. We conclude that water ice is more common on asteroids than was previously thought and may be widespread in asteroidal interiors at much smaller heliocentric distances than was previously expected.
Enhancing community awareness of and participation in local heritage with a mobile application

One goal of local communities is to create and reinforce community identity by connecting residents to their local heritage. Technologies have enabled and facilitated the creation and consumption of digitized history content provided by official history institutions as well as individuals. Although much research has been conducted to understand technical and social aspects of digital cultural heritage, little empirical research has investigated how people perceive, experience, and interact with community content that is socially generated and tied to locations, particularly with respect to building community heritage. To address this, we developed a mobile application called Lost State College (LSC) and conducted a user study with 34 local residents. The study results indicate that meaningful historic places evoked special attention from the participants, and that those who have lived in the community longer tended to contribute more to the community heritage effort. Participants utilized social features as a way of learning local history, reflecting personal experiences and stories, and co-creating rich layers of local history information from their perspectives.
Lack of adaptation to human tetherin in HIV-1 Group O and P

Background HIV-1 viruses are categorized into four distinct groups: M, N, O and P. Despite the same genomic organization, only the group M viruses are responsible for the world-wide pandemic of AIDS, suggesting better adaptation to human hosts. Previously, it has been reported that the group M Vpu protein is capable of both down-modulating CD4 and counteracting BST-2/tetherin restriction, while the group O Vpu cannot antagonize tetherin. This led us to investigate if group O, and the related group P viruses, possess functional anti-tetherin activities in Vpu or another viral protein, and to further map the residues required for group M Vpu to counteract human tetherin.
Appropriate Technology for Education in Developing Countries

Abstract In recent years, appropriate technology has become an important approach to development in third world nations. Proponents of appropriate technology maintain that developing nations must eschew complex, imported technology and rely on local initiative and production. In education, projects incorporating appropriate technology have included folk theatre and instructional radio in place of computers and television. But defining just what technology is appropriate is difficult. Popular enthusiasm, participation, and feedback often appear to be more important to appropriateness than technical descriptions or specifications. The question then becomes, ‘How can that enthusiasm and participation be generated, and how can it be channelled in ways that are consonant with other development plans?’ Several recommendations to planners of educational development projects follow from this question.
Leptospiral Agglutinins In Sera from Southern Illinois Herpetofauna

A total of 84 amphibians and reptiles were collected in southern Illinois and cultured for leptospires. All cultures were negative. Sera from 182 specimens were tested, and leptospiral agglutinins were detected in 6 of the 12 species examined. Sera from 18 (26%) of 69 seropositive turtles reacted to Leptospira ballum and 59 (86%) reacted to L. hyos. Inversely, 6 of 9 seropositive snake sera (67%) reacted to L. ballum, but only 1 (11%) reacted to L. hyos. Agglutinins were also detected for L. canicola, L. icterohaemorrhagiae, L. pomona, L. sejroe and L. hardjo. The highest percentage (89.1%) of reactors was in red-eared turtles (Pseudemys scripta elegans). There was no diference in the response of either sex or size classes of the red-eared turtles, although no small turtles were collected. It was postulated that high titers and high reactor rates developed in aquatic turtles in response to continue exposure to water-borne leptospires. In terrestial snakes the mode of infection was probably associated with...
Interstate and International Competition for Groundwater Resources: Revisiting A Groundwater Management Issue 15 Years Later

Abstract During the 1970s and 1980s a great deal of attention was focused on changes in federalstate relations over the management of water resources. Some felt the prospects for increased federal involvement in groundwater management was likely. A survey of interstate and international competition for groundwater resources in the contiguous 48 states conducted in 1985 found significant areas of competition for water resources. This article presents the results of an updated survey conducted in 2000 and summarizes the current state of competition between states for groundwater and examines the likelihood of increased federal involvement in the management of those resources.
Principles of Non-Tunneled Central Venous Access

Non-tunneled central venous access has become an important tool in the management of the sick patient, particularly in the intensive care unit. Image guidance allows more precise placement of lines with overall lower complication rates compared with guidance by physical landmarks. The use of image guidance has brought a procedure traditionally performed by surgeons into the realm of the interventional radiologist. Techniques for placement of non-tunneled central venous catheters, hemodialysis catheters, and peripherally inserted central catheter lines will be discussed.
Cyclic changes in the surface structure of the cervix from the ewe as revealed by scanning electron microscopy.

Abstract Thirty parous ewes were divided into six groups and sacrificed on day 0 (first day of estrus), 1, 2, 10, 15 or 16 of the estrous cycle. The cervices were removed immediately and processed for examination with the scanning electron microscope. Observation of the tissues reveals that the surface of the cervix is highly convoluted, which results in the formation of numerous folds or crypts. Two forms of columnar epithelial cells, a ciliated and a non-ciliated cell with microvilli, line the luminal surface of the cervix in the day 10, luteal-phase ewes. However, on day 15, 2 days before estrus, the non-ciliated cells differentiate into two morphologically distinct types of secretory cells. One type forms when the apex of the non-ciliated cell dilates outward into the lumen of the cervix. Concurrent with apical enlargement, the microvilli are lost and the limiting cell membrane becomes smooth. The other type of cell is characterized by only a slight apical swelling. Consequently, remnants of microvilli along with secretory granules can be observed on the limiting membrane of this cell. Both cells release a paniculate component, which is believed to be a precursor of mucus, into the lumen of the cervix. These particles undergo a series of morphological transformations to form a fibrillar layer, generally referred to as ‘cervical mucus’, that covers the epithelial surface at estrus. One to 2 days following the onset of estrus, the fibers become more closely associated with amorphous material that begins to coagulate, thereby revealing the underlying ciliated and non-ciliated cells that characterize the cervix of the luteal-phase ewe. The cyclical variation in secretory cells and factors that may influence the structural transformations which occur in mucus are discussed.
Effect of methamphetamine on the development of acute morphine tolerance and dependence in mice

Abstract The effect of methamphetamine on morphine analgesia (tail-flick assay) was studied in non-tolerant mice and in mice made acutely tolerant to morphine following a single injection of 100 mg/kg morphine. The analgesic potency of morphine was increased in non-tolerant and tolerant mice to the same extent by 3.2 mg/kg methamphetamine (3.3 and 4.4 fold increases, respectively). In contrast, the ED50's for morphine analgesia and naloxone-precipitated jumping in mice pretreated with either 100 mg/kg morphine or both morphine and 3.2 mg/kg methamphetamine were not significantly different, indicating that methamphetamine had no effect on the development of acute morphine tolerance and dependence. Although methamphetamine had no effect on the development of acute tolerance to morphine, 4-day pretreatment with methamphetamine produced cross-tolerance to morphine analgesia. However, cross-tolerance to morphine was not accompanied by enchanced sensitivity to naloxone.
Cigarette smoking among native and foreign-born African Americans.

PURPOSE: To examine differences in current smoking status and the number of cigarettes consumed daily between foreign and native-born African Americans, and the impact of demographic and socio-economic status (SES) factors on smoking behavior. METHODS: Data were obtained from combining the 1990–1994 National Health Interview Surveys and consisted of 16,738 U.S. born and foreign-born African Americans between 18 and 64 years of age. The statistical analysis included cross-tabulations and weighted multiple logistic regression (MLR) using the Statistical Packages for the Social Sciences (SPSS) and the Survey Data Analysis (SUDAAN) computer programs. RESULTS: Adjusted MLR analysis revealed that native-born African Americans were more likely (odds ratio (OR) = 2.7, p < 0.001) to be current smokers than foreign-born blacks. Within the native-born group, smoking prevalence decreased with increasing education and income, but these associations were not found for foreign-born blacks. Women in both groups were less likely than men to be current smokers. Statistically significant differences were not found between the two groups in the number of cigarettes smoked per day. CONCLUSIONS: This analysis of nativity and smoking behavior further demonstrates the social diversity among African Americans and suggests the differential impact of social and cultural factors on smoking behavior within racially classified social groups. In areas where there are substantial numbers of foreign-born blacks, researchers should consider differentiating smoking status by nativity. Though differences in smoking prevalence were apparent for native and foreign-born American Americans, prevention and cessation programs are needed for both groups.
Public Entrepreneurship as Social Creativity

The article begins with an overview of the innovation process and the entrepreneurial process, each treated as separate but interrelated phenomena. The innovation process tracks the evolution of a new idea through time, whereas the entrepreneurial process tracks the activities that entrepreneurs develop to promote and defend the idea against its detractors. The model of innovation and entrepreneurship introduced distinguishes between individual and collective entrepreneurship and identifies two types of collective entrepreneurship: team entrepreneurship and functional entrepreneurship. A Minnesota case study demonstrates the power of both team and functional entrepreneurship. It also illustrates how important the linkages are between the entrepreneurs and their larger community. An innovative idea's development and survival depends on an “ecology of organizations” that provide “venture” capital for analysis and experimentation. The vast networks of contacts and associations represent a form of social capi...
Perceptions of Health Status and Survival in Patients With Metastatic Lung Cancer

Abstract Context Cognitive awareness of having a terminal illness is associated with critical treatment decisions and outcomes. However, little is known about the course and correlates of such perceptions in patients with metastatic lung cancer. Objectives We explored changes in perceptions of health status over time in patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and whether awareness of having a terminal illness was associated with survival. Methods For this secondary analysis of clinical trial data, we assessed perceptions of health status at baseline, 12, 18, and 24 weeks. At each time point, patients with metastatic NSCLC completed a measure of quality of life (Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Trial Outcome Index) and also reported whether they were "relatively healthy," "seriously but not terminally ill," or "seriously and terminally ill." We reviewed patients' medical records to gather data on clinical characteristics. Results At baseline, 49.3% reported being relatively healthy, whereas the remainder self-identified as seriously but not terminally ill (38.2%) or seriously and terminally ill (12.5%). Over multiple assessments, 24.8% reported having a terminal illness. Adjusting for known prognostic factors, patients' time-varying perceptions of health status remained a significant predictor of survival (hazards ratio = 1.50, 95% CI = 1.07–2.09, P = 0.019). Conclusion A minority of patients with metastatic NSCLC acknowledged being terminally ill. Those reporting that they were seriously and terminally ill had shorter survival compared with those who did not consider themselves terminally ill, even after adjusting for decline in physical and functional well-being.
Preliminary observations on the relationship of calcium ingestion to vitamin D status in the green iguana (Iguana iguana)

We hypothesized the vitamin D-deficient green iguanas with depleted calcium stores would seek to augment calcium intake by self-selection of a high calcium source. Eight green iguanas were offered free-choice ground oystershell in addition to their regular diet. Of these, two had not been exposed to ultraviolet (UV-B) radiation for > 5 years and were demonstrated to be vitamin D-deficient by low circulating levels of the principal vitamin D metabolite, calcidiol (25-hydroxy-cholecalciferol). The six others had been exposed to a UV-B emitting bulb for the previous 3 years and had high circulating calcidiol levels. Average daily food intake (expressed as dry matter per kg body mass) did not differ between the Low-D and High-D iguanas. The daily oystershell intake of the Low-D iguanas (0.02–0.03 g/kg) was lower than that of the High-D iguanas (0.06–0.70 g/kg), leading to a significant difference in calcium intake. The failure of iguanas to increase calcium intake in response to vitamin D-deficiency was puzzling and suggests that vitamin D, as a steroid hormone, may play some role in the expression of calcium appetite. Zoo Biol 16:201–207, 1997. © 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
A post-Huygens Titan surface science mission design

With the Cassini-Huygens atmospheric probe drop-off mission fast approaching, it is essential that scientists and engineers start scoping potential follow-on surface science missions. This paper provides a summary of the first year of a two year design study (Chau et al., 2003) which examines in detail the desired surface science measurements and resolution, potential instrument suite, and complete payload delivery system. Also provided are design concepts for both an aerial inflatable mobility platform and deployable instrument sonde. The tethered deployable sonde provides the capability to sample near-surface atmosphere, sub-surface liquid (if it exists), and surface solid material. Actual laboratory tests of the amphibious sonde prototype are also presented
ACTIVITY SELECTION UNDER CONDITIONS OF RISK AND INSTABILITY: CONSIDERATION OF FREQUENCY

The terms ‘instability’ and ‘risk’ are sometimes used interchangeably in the literature. Some make the argument that instability will shift the firm's supply curve to the left if the producer is risk-averse Risk, however, is associated with the unpredictable residuals, or deviations from the producer's revenue expectations. The inherent instability of these returns does not necessarily imply an added exposure to risk as long as the producer forms his expectations based on the entire information set available to him when constructing the mathematical model representing his judgement on the variables' future behaviour. The producer may also respond to the relative instability of the returns generated by an enterprise even if risk, as defined above, is perceived to be non-existent. The existence of prediction errors exposes the producer to conditions of choice under risk while the predictable component exposes the producer to conditions of choice under instability. His preferences with regard to risk and instability may be quite different. The purpose of this paper is to extend the traditional planning model under risk to account for the producer's attitude toward the predicted instability of returns over time, and to illustrate the effect that this attitude will have upon his production plans.
Progress Towards a Wideband RF Imager

RF imaging is the mapping of signal intensity to the available azimuth and elevation angles of arrival. Although the result is analogous to optical images, which are formed using optical lenses, RF imagers typically use processor-intensive synthesis imaging techniques to form the image from signals collected by an antenna array. As the antenna array element count and the bandwidth of the receivers grow, however, the required processing power rapidly increases. In the experiment presented in this paper, we choose an electro-optic process to form the RF images. We upconvert the array of antenna signals onto an spatial optical fiber array, which allows us to use a lens as a Fourier optical beamformer. As we show with initial results, this forms frequency-scaled narrowband images of the RF object onto an image plane where they may be detected by an optical camera. To collect wideband images, we must compensate for the narrowband frequency scaling, so we incorporate a spectral hole burning (SHB) crystal as a time integrating image channelizer. The SHB crystal integrates narrowband images within 1 MHz wide spectral bins across a spectral bandwidth up to 30 GHz. These narrowband images are sequentially read from the crystal and scaled by an external zoom lens such that, when integrated on an optical camera, they form a wideband image. We present experimental progress towards forming a one dimensional image across a frequency band of 2-4 GHz
Novel antitumor agents from higher plants.

This review article describes research on cytotoxic natural products isolated from plant sources, primarily preclinical lead identification and structural modification studies performed in the Natural Products Laboratory of Dr. K. H. Lee. As a result of this work, more than 100 new cytotoxic antitumor compounds and their synthetic analogs have shown confirmed activity in NCI's in vitro human tumor cell lines bioassay and are of current interest to NCI for further in vivo evaluation. A significant and ongoing project involves novel antitumor analogs related to podophyllotoxin and etoposide, and has led to a potent derivative designated GL331 (17). This compound is currently in Phase IIa clinical trials and shows promise as an anticancer drug, especially for drug-resistant cancers. Bioactivity-directed fractionation and isolation of medicinal herbs (primarily herbs of Chinese origin) have also led to many classes of cytotoxic compounds including polyphenolic compounds, sesquiterpene lactones, lignans, quassinoids, triterpene glucosides, flavonoids, colchicine derivatives, and quinone derivatives. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Med Res Rev, 19, No. 6, 569–596, 1999
“Take the Fifth”: Mentoring Students Whose Cultural Communities Were Not Historically Structured Into U.S. Higher Education

This article presents a description of the African Atlantic Research Team as exemplary of ten years of successful mentoring of undergraduate and graduate university students who are focused on a Ph.D in disciplines traditionally associated with academic research and teaching. The team is distinctive because it is multi-disciplinary in composition, the majority of its members are from communities historically excluded from structures of U.S. higher education, and its activities focus on members working collaboratively and collectively through most areas of their academic learning and socialization. Though the numbers of this case study are small, 95% of team members successfully completed their bachelor’s degree with majors that facilitate their application for graduate study in disciplines linked to academic research, writing, and university instruction. These undergraduate majors differ from those focusing upon social problems or applied or professional majors. Eighty percent of the team members applied for graduate study, and only one did not attend graduate school.
Outdoor image recording and area measurement system

The objective of this paper is to enable CCD camera for area measuring while recording images simultaneously. Based on an established relationship between pixel number and distance in this paper, we can derive the horizontal and vertical length of a targeted object, and subsequently calculate the area covered by the object. Because of the advantages demonstrated, the proposed system can be used for large-area measurements. For example, we can use this system to measure the size of the gap in the embankments during flooding, or the actual area affected by the landslides. Other applications include the surveying of ecosystems by inspecting how widely spread is a certain type of life form. For places which are difficult or impossible to reach, this system can be particularly useful in performing area measurements. Experiments conducted in this paper have indicated that different shooting distances and angles do not affect the measuring results.
Pathological outcomes and strategies to achieve optimal cancer control during robotic radical prostatectomy in Asian-Indian men.

Introduction and Objectives : There is a paucity of information in the literature about the characteristics of prostate cancer in the Asian-Indian population. We wanted to evaluate the oncological outcomes of Asian-Indians and Caucasians. We also derived a nomogram for prediction of extraprostatic extension (EPE) and presented biochemical recurrence (BCR) rates in the Asian-Indian population. Materials and Methods : A total of 2367 D'Amico low-risk patients underwent robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) for clinically localized prostate cancer between January 2005 and July 2010 by a single surgeon. Of these 56 (2.4%) patients were Asian-Indians and 2025 were Caucasians (85.6%). Univariate and multivariate models were created for predicting EPE. A multivariate logistic regression model was used to develop a predictive nomogram. BCR was defined as a prostate-specific antigen ≥0.2 at any postoperative time point. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was used to investigate BCR rates. Results : A significantly greater percentage of Asian-Indians compared to Caucasians had EPE (32.3 vs. 16.5; P = 0.01). In multivariate analysis adjusted for significant variables from univariate analyses, Asian-Indian race (P = 0.028), age (P = 0.050), maximum percentage cancer on biopsy (P Conclusions : This study highlights that while Asian-Indians have more advanced cancer variables, their risk of BCR after surgery is similar to Caucasian patients. Further work is required to better understand the social, genetic and environmental factors that affect the biology of prostate cancer in men of Asian-Indian descent.
Effectiveness of Polyene Antibiotics in Treatment of Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathy in Transgenic Mice Expressing Syrian Hamster PrP Only in Neurons

To date very few drugs have favorably influenced the course of transmissible spongiform encephalopathies. In previous studies, the polyene antibiotics amphotericin B (AmB) and MS-8209 prolonged the incubation time in Syrian hamsters of the 263K strain of scrapie, but AmB had no effect against other scrapie strains in Syrian hamsters. In the present experiments using transgenic mice expressing Syrian hamster PrP in neurons only, MS-8209 extended the life spans of animals infected with the 263K strain but not the DY strain. AmB was effective against both 263K and DY and prevented death in 18% of DY-infected animals. The AmB effect against strain 263K was more prominent in mice whose endogenous PrP gene had been inactivated by homologous recombination. It was unclear whether this difference was due to a change in the duration of the disease or to possible interactive effects between the mouse PrP gene and the drugs themselves. The effectiveness of treatment after intracerebral scrapie infection in transgenic mice expressing PrP only in neurons suggested that neurons are important sites of action for these drugs.
Preventing Depression in Later Life: State of the Art and Science Circa 2011

That our ability to understand, treat, and even cure disease has reached its current state and improves still further every year is remarkable. Nonetheless, the ultimate goal of medicine and health care is prevention of illness: the reduction of incidence through preempting new cases of illness, in addition to protection from downstream consequences of already established illness. The 2008 National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) Strategic Plan (http://www.nimh.nih.gov/about/strategic%2Dplanning%2Dreports/) includes prevention as one of its key objectives with respect to mental disorders such as depression. By preventing depression, one hopes ultimately to enhance health span and life span. Because unipolar major depression is among the leading contributors to the global burden of illness-related disability,1 and is predicted to be the greatest contributor to illness burden by 2030,2 it is a matter of public health significance to identify people at high risk for depression and/or who are already mildly symptomatic, and to discover ways of implementing timely and rational risk reduction strategies to preempt major depression.3 In this article, the published literature is reviewed to summarize what is known about depression prevention in older adults, and, ultimately, to inform future research.
Comparison between two analytic strategies to detect linkage to obesity with genetically determined age of onset: the Framingham Heart Study

Genes have been found to influence the age of onset of several diseases and traits. The occurrence of many chronic diseases, obesity included, appears to be strongly age-dependent. However, an analysis of potential age of onset genes for obesity has yet to be reported. There are at least two analytic methods for determining an age of onset gene. The first is to consider a person affected if they possess the trait before a certain age (an early age of onset phenotype). The second is to define the phenotype based on the residual from a survival analysis. No regions provided evidence for linkage at the more stringent level of p < 0.001. However, five regions showed consistent suggestive evidence for linkage (one marker with p < 0.01 and a second contiguous marker at p < 0.05). These regions were chromosome 1 (280–294 cM) and chromosome 16 (56–64 cM) for overweight using the survival analysis residual method and chromosome 13 (102–122 cM), chromosome 17 (127–138 cM), and chromosome 19 (23–47 cM) for obese before age 35. Only one region (chromosome 19 at 23–47 cM) showed somewhat consistent results between the two analytic methods. Potential reasons for inconsistent results between the two methods, as well as their strengths and weaknesses, are discussed. The use of both methods together to explore the genetics of the age of onset of a trait may prove to be beneficial in determining a gene that is linked only to an early age of onset phenotype versus one that determines age of onset through all age groups.
Associations Between Measures of Socioeconomic Position and Chronic Nitrogen Dioxide Exposure in Worcester, Massachusetts

Census block-group-specific predicted outdoor nitrogen dioxide (NO(2); a marker of traffic pollution) levels and four census block group socioeconomic position (SEP) measures were used to evaluate whether chronic exposures to traffic-related air pollutants are higher in areas with lower SEP, after controlling for spatial autocorrelation in mixed models. NO(2) levels were predicted using a geographic information system (GIS)-based spatiotemporal model that was validated with measured NO(2) concentrations. The GIS-based model predicted weekly NO(2) concentrations with high accuracy (slope of 0.98 from regression of held-out observations on predictions) and precision (cross-validation mean absolute error of 2.2 ppb). The model performed well in both rural and urban areas and warm and cold seasons. Estimated mean block group NO(2) concentrations were significantly negatively associated with median household income, and positively associated with poverty, crowding, and low educational attainment rates after controlling for spatial autocorrelation. Results indicated that a standard deviation (3.5 ppb) increase in block group NO(2) concentrations was associated with a $9090 decrease in median household income. Results suggest that on average those with lower SEP experience higher chronic exposure to outdoor NO(2).
Epitaxial Film Growth of Single Crystal Ce/V Prepared by Molecular-Beam Epitaxy

The growth of epitaxial films of cerium (Ce)/vanadium (V)/on single crystal sapphires (α-A1 2 0 3 ) was studied by in-situ reflection high energy electron diffraction and x-ray scattering. For the first time Ce(111) single crystal film was grown on V(110)/α-A1 2 O 3 (11 2 0) in the Frank-van der Merwe mode. A new epitaxial orientation, different from the well known Nishiyama-Wasserman or Kurdjumov-Sachs orientations is found in the present study. Subsequent V(110) layers grow epitaxially with three equivalent domains.
A framework for debating augmented futures: Classifying the visions, promises and ideographs advanced about augmented reality

While AR is slowly becoming reality, projections about the technology are divided. The direction that AR will take, the form AR will come in, how it should be used and the societal impact it will have are all being contested. With emerging technologies such as AR, these debates occur in a mostly rhetorical space, as positions and visions of the future are advanced. Some of these are also negative visions, arguing against the technology. These communications, arguments, and positions are how the technology is made persuasive to those in and outside the AR community, but have yet to be empirically studied or understood. This study seeks to map out the rhetorical promises that are being made about AR. Through qualitative interviews with a variety of actors in the AR community, this study advances a taxonomy of technological promises, higher order principles that those promises appeal to, and finally the contested characteristic that can change the valence of the vision. This framework will help make the debate about AR clearer, and help people frame their discussions and debates about AR in a more productive way.
The Role of Energy Density in the Overconsumption of Fat

In recent years, research has focused on why fat is so readily overconsumed. Although the palatability of many high fat foods can encourage overconsumption, another possibility is that fat is not very satiating. A number of studies have compared the effects of fat and carbohydrate on both satiation (the amount eaten in a meal) and satiety (the effect on subsequent intake), but have found little difference between these macronutrients when the palatability and energy density were similar. On the other hand, the energy density of foods has been demonstrated to have a robust and significant effect on both satiety and satiation, independently of palatability and macronutrient content. It is likely that the high energy density of many high fat foods facilitates the overconsumption of fat. An understanding of the role that the energy density of foods plays in the regulation of food intake should lead to better dietary management of hunger and satiety in conditions associated with both over- and underconsumption of energy, such as obesity and anorexia.
Application of random set-based clustering to landmine detection with hyperspectral imagery

We apply a population-based classifier to Long Wave HyperSpectral Imagery (LWHSI) for the purposes of landmine detection. In LWHSI, there are many environmental factors that are correlated with groups of samples (pixels in an image) in sample populations (individual images). These factors greatly affect samples' values making it difficult for standard classification models to perform well on a consistent basis. Population-based classifiers capture information correlated with sample populations. We perform classification experiments over a range of LWHSI imagery and compare results between the population-based classifier and standard kNN. After analysis, we show that the use of population-correlated information in LWHSI greatly improves classification results and consistency.
Combined central precocious puberty and primary gonadal failure after treatment of childhood malignancy in two boys: a diagnostic and therapeutic conundrum.

Central precocious puberty and primary gonadal failure are known sequelae of childhood cancer or its treatment. Here we report two boys with coexistant central precocious puberty and primary gonadal failure after treatment for childhood malignancies.
RADIOGRAPHIC IMAGING OF THE ARTIFICIAL URINARY SPHINCTER PRESSURE REGULATING BALLOON

Purpose: Radiography of the artificial urinary sphincter is done for the postoperative evaluation of recurrent incontinence. We investigated the ability of urologists and radiologists to detect changes in the radiographic appearance of the pressure regulating balloon at various volumes of contrast solution.Materials and Methods: We obtained 20 sequential radiographs of a pressure regulating balloon lying atop the pelvic region of a body phantom. The volume of contrast solution within the balloon was decreased by 1 cc in each radiograph from 20 to 1 cc. Urologists and radiologists examined the radiographs for changes in balloon size, density and circularity. Radiographs were reviewed in side-by-side comparison with a baseline radiograph and also independently without reference to baseline study.Results: On side-by-side comparison changes in balloon size, density and circularity were first seen at 17, 13 and 8 cc of contrast solution, respectively. On independent review changes in size, density and circular...
On resolution and exponential discrimination between Gaussian stationary vector processes and dynamic models

We derive new necessary and sufficient conditions for exponentially convergent discrimination between two stationary vector Gaussian processes, and relate them to previously studied conditions for parameter identifiability and consistent discrimination.
Multichannel classification of single EEG trials with independent component analysis

We have previously shown that classification of single-trial electroencephalographic (EEG) recordings is improved by the use of either a multichannel classifier or the best independent component over a single channel classifier. In this paper, we introduce a classifier that makes explicit use of multiple independent components. Two models are compared. The first (“direct”) model uses independent components as time-series inputs, while the second (“indirect”) model remixes the components back to the signal space. The direct model resulted in significantly improved classification rates when applied to two experiments using both monopolar and bipolar settings.
Computed tomography characteristics of unresectable primary renal cell carcinoma treated with neoadjuvant sunitinib.

Abstract Introduction In patients with locally advanced and metastatic RCC, selection criteria for nephrectomy are imprecise. Neoadjuvant sunitinib might downsize unresectable tumors and enable nephrectomy. CT scans of unresectable primary RCCs before and after neoadjuvant sunitinib were retrospectively reviewed to identify radiographic features associated with patient selection for surgery. Patients and Methods CT scans of 27 patients with RCC (31 tumors) treated with neoadjuvant sunitinib were performed as part of a prospective clinical trial. After neoadjuvant sunitinib, tumors were surgically resected in 13 patients (17 tumors) and not resected in 14 patients (14 tumors). Response to treatment with sunitinib was assessed with Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors and MASS criteria. Results On the contrast-enhanced CT scan before nephrectomy compared with the baseline CT scan, 88% of resected tumors demonstrated decreased size (median decrease 26%; −2.0 cm; P P = .004), and 76% had increased necrosis ( P P = .005). In addition, the degree of baseline necrosis was less in tumors subsequently resected than in nonresected tumors ( P = .05). Multivariate analysis showed that higher tumor attenuation after 2 cycles of sunitinib therapy and a favorable response (MASS criteria) after 2 cycles of sunitinib therapy were independent predictors of subsequent tumor resection. Conclusion In unresectable primary RCC tumors, changes in select CT parameters after 2 cycles of neoadjuvant sunitinib might be associated with the potential for surgical resection.
Extracting the Benefit of Nexrutine® for Cancer Prevention

The current standard of care for prostate cancer includes hormone therapy, radiation therapy and radical prostatectomy, each with its own set of undesirable side effects. In this regard there is an unmet need to develop strategies that can prevent or delay the development of clinical prostate cancer. One potential area involves the use of natural compounds involving botanicals. Along these lines we have found that Nexrutine®, a dietary supplement derived from Phellodendron amurense bark extract, has prostate cancer prevention activity. The "extract" nature of this botanical, which constitutes a blend of several active protoberberine alkaloids, allows it to target several pathways deregulated in prostate cancer simultaneously. In this review, we will emphasize the prospective translational benefit of Nexrutine® as a chemopreventive agent for prostate cancer management. The potential of Nexrutine® was first identified and has subsequently been most exhaustively studied with reference to prostate cancer. Therefore the focus of this review is on the use of Nexrutine® in prostate cancer. In addition we have summarized the emerging evidence regarding the use of Nexrutine® in other tumor models to demonstrate the potential benefits of Nexrutine®.
[Diphenyldi(pyrazol-1-yl)methane]­dinitratocobalt(II)

In the title compound, [Co(NO3)2(C19H16N4)], the diphenyl­dipyrazolylmethane ligand coordinates to CoII in a bidentate fashion forming a six-membered ring with an approximate boat configuration. The mean planes of the two pyrazolyl rings are separated by an angle of 39.6 (2)°. The coordination at the CoII center is best described as distorted octa­hedral with two NO3− anions serving as bidentate ligands for charge balance. The dihedral angle between the mean planes of the two nitrate rings is 85.0 (1)° and that between the mean planes of the two phenyl rings is 73.7 (1)°. The crystal structure is stabilized by weak inter­molecular C—H⋯O and intra­molecular C—H⋯N hydrogen-bond inter­actions.
Metal nanoparticles as biospecific contrast agents for cancer imaging

Optical imaging techniques have shown promise for pre-cancer detection; furthermore, there is significant interest in identifying cancer specific biomarkers. We present optically interrogated contrast agents based on metal nanocrystals for optical imaging with molecular specificity.
Engineered Photosystem II reaction centers optimize photochemistry versus photoprotection at different solar intensities.

The D1 protein of Photosystem II (PSII) provides most of the ligating amino acid residues for the Mn4CaO5 water-oxidizing complex (WOC) and half of the reaction center cofactors, and it is present as two isoforms in the cyanobacterium Synechococcus elongatus PCC 7942. These isoforms, D1:1 and D1:2, confer functional advantages for photosynthetic growth at low and high light intensities, respectively. D1:1, D1:2, and seven point mutations in the D1:2 background that are native to D1:1 were expressed in the green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. We used these nine strains to show that those strains that confer a higher yield of PSII charge separation under light-limiting conditions (where charge recombination is significant) have less efficient photochemical turnover, measured in terms of both a lower WOC turnover probability and a longer WOC cycle period. Conversely, these same strains under light saturation (where charge recombination does not compete) confer a correspondingly faster O2 evolution rate and ...
Ulcerative colitis and an abnormal cholangiogram.

The patient, who has had ulcerative colitis for more than 30 years, now has mild, intermittent pain in his right upper quadrant. What is the diagnosis?
Heating in Stochastic Magnetic Fields

This review is concerned with the nature of micro-structure of the force-free magnetic field in coronal loops and how this micro-structure is created by random motions of the foot points of the field lines anchored in the convecting photosphere. This micro-structure enhances joule heating because the current is strongly filamented in fine scales. The effective Lundquist number is reduced by orders of magnitude from that based on the gross dimensions of the coronal loop. It examines whether the magnetic field lines are laminar or chaotic and if chaotic, over what fraction of the volume of the coronal loop. Finally, the propagation and dissipation of Alfven waves in stochastic magnetic fields, where the field lines are chaotic in a significant fraction of the flux tube volume, is described.
Effect of Electrospray Ionization Source Conditions on the Tautomer Distribution of Deprotonated p-Hydroxybenzoic Acid in the Gas Phase

The deprotonation site of p-hydroxybenzoic acid upon electrospray ionization has been a subject of fervent debate in several articles in the Journal of the American Chemical Society and elsewhere. General consensus is that electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) experimental results reflect the situation in solution to a considerable extent. Our research, using ion-mobility mass spectrometry, challenges the notion that ESI-MS results directly reflect solution-phase structures and demonstrates that the relative populations of the thermodynamically less favored gaseous carboxylate tautomer or the thermodynamically more favored gaseous phenoxide tautomer, generated from the same aqueous solution of p-hydroxybenzoic acid by ESI, can be varied back and forth by changing the probe position, capillary voltage, desolvation-gas temperature, sample infusion flow rate, and cone voltage. In other words, solvent effects are not the primary criteria that determine the relative population distributions of tau...