cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Hormonal regulation of epidermal tumor development.

The effects of hormones and hormone-like substances such as thyroxine, estradiol, hydrocortisone, calcitonin, prostaglandins (F 2α , A 2 ) or hormone deficiency (hypophysectomy, gonadectomy) on the development of carcinomas in mice and rats induced by 3-methylcholanthrene were investigated. Thyroxine, PGF 2α , calcitonin, and estradiol markedly enhanced the development of squamous cell carcinomas and basal cell carcinomas; an inhibition occurred following hydrocortisone, hypophysectomy, and gonadectomy. DNA labeling using [ 3 rH]-thymidine and radioautography revealed that DNA synthesis in neoplastic cells is also markedly influenced by the same hormones. Tumor histology and ultrastructure are profoundly affected and an increase of epithelial pearls, hyperchromatic basophilic cells, tonofilaments, polyribosomes, and lysosomes is observed following thyroxine and PGF 2α . An increase of keratinization and intramitochondrial granules occurred with estradiol and increased sclerosis followed calcitonin. A marked reduction of cell organelles occurred after hydrocortisone, hypophysectomy, and gonadectomy. Scanning electron microscopy shows salient changes in tumor cytoarchitecture and cell surfaces (blebs, ruffles). These findings demonstrate that-hormones can change the development of carcinomas, DNA synthesis as well as their cellular differentiation and consequently may be important modulators of epidermal carcinogenesis.
Nomenclature of Hymenocallis taxa (Amaryllidaceae) in southeastern United States

For the Flora of North America, Smith & Flory (2002) recognized 15 species and four infraspecific taxa of Hymenocallis in the southeastern United States from Texas and Oklahoma east to Virginia. Here we justify the selection of names used for these taxa in the Flora of North America treatment and typify those names.
Impact Evaluation of Forest Conservation Programs: Benefit-Cost Analysis, Without the Economics

Economists are increasingly using impact evaluation methods to measure the effectiveness of forest conservation programs. Theoretical analysis of two complementary economic models demonstrates that the average treatment effect on the treated (ATT) typically reported by these studies can be related to an economic measure of program performance only under very restrictive conditions. This is because the ATT is usually expressed in purely physical terms (e.g., avoided deforestation) and ignores heterogeneity in the costs and benefits of conservation programs. For the same reasons, clinical trials are a misleading analogy for the evaluation of conservation programs. To be more useful for economic analyses of conservation programs, impact evaluations should work toward developing measures of program outcomes that are economically more relevant, data that would enable the evaluation of impacts on forest degradation (not just deforestation) and primary forests (not forests in general), better estimates of spatially disaggregated treatment effects (not program-wide averages), and better information on the accuracy of estimated treatment effects as predictors of future risks.
Dislocation of the mandibular condyle into the temporal fossa.

Summary A case of traumatic anterosuperior dislocation of the mandibular condyle into the temporal fossa is described. This form of dislocation does not seem to have been previously reported. The causative mechanism, diagnostic features and the clinical management are discussed.
Biomedical optical tomography using dynamic parameterization and Bayesian conditioning on photon migration measurements

Stochastic reconstruction techniques are developed for mapping the interior optical properties of tissues from exterior frequency-domain photon migration measurements at the air-tissue interface. Parameter fields of absorption cross section, fluorescence lifetime, and quantum efficiency are accurately reconstructed from simulated noisy measurements of phase shift and amplitude modulation by use of a recursive, Bayesian, minimum-variance estimator known as the approximate extended Kalman filter. Parameter field updates are followed by data-driven zonation to improve the accuracy, stability, and computational efficiency of the method by moving the system from an underdetermined toward an overdetermined set of equations. These methods were originally developed by Eppstein and Dougherty [Water Resources Res. 32, 3321 (1996)] for applications in geohydrology. Estimates are constrained to within feasible ranges by modeling of parameters as beta-distributed random variables. No arbitrary smoothing, regularization, or interpolation is required. Results are compared with those determined by use of Newton-Raphson-based inversions. The speed and accuracy of these preliminary Bayesian reconstructions suggest the near-future application of this inversion technology to three-dimensional biomedical imaging with frequency-domain photon migration.
Evaluation of the Capacity of Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria and Fungi on Different Forms of Phosphorus in Liquid Culture

ABSTRACT In the present study, the capacity of phosphate solubilizing bacterial strain, Bacillus (FS3) and fungal isolates, Aspergillus FS9 and FS11 have been tested in National Botanical Research Institutes Phosphate nutrient medium (NBRIP) broths containing two different phosphate sources, Ca3(PO4)2 and rock phosphate (18% of total P2O5 and CaO 42.2%, of which 27 of P was soluble in 2% citric acid) at two different concentrations (10 and 20 g 250 ml−1). NBRIP broth without microbial inoculation was used as the control. The phosphorus solubilizing bacteria and fungi inoculation decreased solution pH and increased electrical conductivity, and Ca and P concentrations in solution culture. The largest pH decrease was found with FS9 fungi inoculation at 20 g 250 ml−1 with three calcium phosphate (TCP) applications when compared to control. Similarly, the highest EC values, Ca and P concentrations were found in NBRIP broth with FS9 inoculation at the concentration of 20 g 250 ml−1 TCP when compared to control ...
Relevance Trees and Mediation

Relevance trees attempt to capture the decisions mediators make at various times, and offer guidance as to which strategies may be particularly appropriate for particular types of disputes. The relevance tree can be useful for helping the mediator take a rigorous and systematic approach to problem solving. A relevance tree can call attention to features of a dispute that a third party—particularly an inexperienced third party—might overlook. Therefore, relevance trees have implications for mediator training.
Evaluation of Ascorbic Acid as a Quorum‐sensing Analogue to Control Growth, Sporulation, and Enterotoxin Production in Clostridium perfringens

: Inhibition of quorum sensing measured by autoinducer-2 (AI-2) activity was investigated in the presence and absence of ascorbic acid, an AI-2 analogue. Subsequent effects on AI-2 production, as well as growth, sporulation, and enterotoxin (C. perfringens enterotoxin [CPE]) production in Clostridium perfringens were examined. The addition of ascorbic acid to supernatants from ground beef resulted in a 100-fold decrease in AI-2 activity. The addition of sodium ascorbate, a nonacidic salt of ascorbic acid, also resulted in AI-2 assay inhibition. Spore production decreased in the presence of ascorbic acid. Western immunoblot analyses showed that CPE levels were highest after 24 h without ascorbic acid. This study explored the unique concept of signal inhibition to control pathogens in food.
Proteins as complex systems

Abstract A protein molecule, glasses, and other complex systems have rugged energy landscapes with many valleys that correspond to slightly different structures called conformational sub-states. This leads to similar phenomena such as many metastable states below a transition temperature and slow relaxation processes near the transition temperature that are non-exponential in time and non-Arrhenius in temperature. These glass-like properties of a protein are demonstrated by probing the infrared CO stretch bands of carbomonoxymyoglobin (MbCO). The sensitivity of these bands to pressure and the environment such as pH and solvent is used to show that below the transition temperature the properties of the protein at temperature, T, and pressure, P, depend on the thermodynamic history (proving metastability). P-release experiments performed near the glass transition temperature reveal several relaxation processes, two of which are similar to the α relaxation in glasses. Additional evidence for conformational sub-states and glass-like properties comes from ligand-protein binding at low T, X-ray diffraction, Mossbauer effect, neutron scattering, kinetic and spectral hole burning, and specific heat at low T.
Late complications and long-term quality of life for survivors (>5 years) with history of head and neck cancer.

Background Quality of life (QOL) outcomes become critical for survivors of head and neck cancer. Most QOL studies were based on 5-year outcomes. This study focused late complications and >5-year outcomes and also compared the 2 standard treatments. Methods The long-term problems were identified through mail surveys. The 2 treatment arms were compared for differences. Results Seventy-three of 234 possible survivors were identified as still living. Forty-seven returned responses were analyzed to determined problems and QOL. Fifty-three percent reported delayed complications which occurred after 5 years. When the 2 treatments were compared, no statistically significant differences were noted. The survivors in the chemoradiotherapy (CRT) group reported greater difficulties with swallowing, sticky saliva, feeding tube, and weight gain. The survivors in the surgery and postoperative radiation therapy (SRT) group reported more problems with trismus. Conclusion Some complications do not occur until after 5 years. The CRT group tended to have more problems. Head Neck, 2012
A comparison of mivacurium dosage requirements during isoflurane and desflurane anesthesia

Abstract Study Objective: To evaluate the dose requirement and recovery characteristics of mivacurium infusions during anesthesia with equipotent concentrations of either desflurane or isofiurane. Design: Randomized, open-study comparing the effects of desflurane and isoflurane on mivacurium-induced neuromuscular blockade. Setting: Operating suite of a university-affiliated medical center. Patients: 41 ASA status I, II, and III adult patients, requiring more than 45 minutes of neuromuscular blockade for surgery. Interventions: Following a standardized induction sequence and established steady desflurane-nitrous oxide (DES group) or isoflurane-nitrous oxide (ISO group) anesthesia at 1 minimum alveolar concentration (MAC), an intubating dose of 0.2 mg/kg of mivacurium chloride was administered. Ventilation was maintained with a face mask until the first twitch (T1) of the evoked train-of-four (TOF) reached 10% or less of control when tracheal intubation was performed. T1 was allowed to return to 10% of its control value. An infusion of mivacurium at the initial rate of 5 μg/kg/min was then started and adjusted to maintain T1 at 10% ± 2% of control. Within 20 minutes of completion of surgery, the mivacurium infusion was stopped, and the time for the evoked electromyograph (EMG) to return to 25% and 75% of the original baseline was noted. Measurements and Main Results: Neuromuscular function was monitored continuously by an evoked EMG. The average infusion rate was 5.7 ± 2.4 μg/kg/min (mean ± SD) for DES group (n = 20) and 6.6 ± 2.7 μg/kg/min for ISO group (n = 21) (p = NS). There was no change in the infusion rate of mivacurium over time for both groups. However, there was an inverse relationship in both groups between the time to recovery following a bolus dose and the subsequent mean infusion rate of mivacurium (correlation coefficient=−5.0; p Conclusion: There were no differences in the dose requirement and recovery indices of mivacurium during either desflurane or isoflurane-based anesthesia. Patients who took longer to recover from the bolus dose in both groups showed a subsequent reduction in dose requirements of mivacurium.
Jacobi's identity and the König-Egerváry theorem

The Konig-Egervary theorem, which asserts that the maximum size of a partial matching in a relation equals the minimum size of a separating set, is proved using Jacobi's identity relating complementary minors in a matrix and its adjugate.
Does outpatient laboratory testing represent influenza burden and distribution in a rural state

Background Laboratory testing results are often used to monitor influenza illness in populations, but results may not be representative of illness burden and distribution, especially in populations that are geographically, socioeconomically, and racially/ethnically diverse. Objectives Descriptive epidemiology and chi-square analyses using demographic, geographic, and medical condition prevalence comparisons were employed to assess whether a group of individuals with outpatient laboratory-confirmed influenza illness during September–November 2009 represented the burden and distribution of influenza illness in New Mexico (NM). Patients/Methods The outpatient group was identified via random selection from those with positive influenza tests at NM laboratories. Comparison groups included those with laboratory-confirmed H1N1-related influenza hospitalization and death identified via prospective active statewide surveillance, those with self-reported influenza-like illness (ILI) identified through random digit dialing, and the NM population. Results This analysis included 334 individuals with outpatient laboratory-confirmed influenza, 888 individuals with laboratory-confirmed H1N1-related hospitalization, 39 individuals with laboratory-confirmed H1N1-related death, 334 individuals with ILI, and NM population data (N = 2 036 112). The outpatient laboratory-confirmed group had a different distribution of demographic and geographic factors, as well as prevalence of certain medical conditions as compared to the groups of laboratory-confirmed H1N1-related hospitalization and death, the ILI group, and the NM population. Conclusions The outpatient laboratory-confirmed group may reflect provider testing practices and potentially healthcare-seeking behavior and access to care, rather than influenza burden and distribution in NM during the H1N1 pandemic.
Sleeping with the enemy: an essay on mixed identity in the context of violent conflict

When competition between groups becomes violent the female of a mixed marriage and her offspring are often vulnerable to violence by not only the group from which her male partner is assigned but also to violent acts by members of the group with which she is identified. When the goal of an adversary is to eliminate manifestations of identity the role of the individual within a society, including children and other non-combatants, is of little consequence. Using the conflict in the former Yugoslavia and in Rwanda as a focus this essay takes a bio-social and cultural comparative approach in exploring the situational factors underlying genocidal behavior wherein the woman in a mixed conjugal union and her offspring are disproportionately vulnerable to violence. The possible co-evolvement of individual behaviors with group-level institutions is considered as worthy of more focused attention in an attempt to understand the intense vulnerability of some women and children in environments of lethal conflict.
A Mutually Assured Destruction Mechanism Attenuates Light Signaling in Arabidopsis

After light-induced nuclear translocation, phytochrome photoreceptors interact with and induce rapid phosphorylation and degradation of basic helix-loop-helix transcription factors, such as PHYTOCHROME-INTERACTING FACTOR 3 (PIF3), to regulate gene expression. Concomitantly, this interaction triggers feedback reduction of phytochrome B (phyB) levels. Light-induced phosphorylation of PIF3 is necessary for the degradation of both proteins. We report that this PIF3 phosphorylation induces, and is necessary for, recruitment of LRB [Light-Response Bric-a-Brack/Tramtrack/Broad (BTB)] E3 ubiquitin ligases to the PIF3-phyB complex. The recruited LRBs promote concurrent polyubiqutination and degradation of both PIF3 and phyB in vivo. These data reveal a linked signal-transmission and attenuation mechanism involving mutually assured destruction of the receptor and its immediate signaling partner.
A mutant alpha subunit of Gi2 induces neoplastic transformation of Rat-1 cells.

Abstract In a recently discovered class of oncogenes, GTPase-inhibiting mutations constitutively activate alpha subunits of signal-transducing guanine nucleotide-binding proteins (G proteins). Somatic mutations in a subclass of endocrine tumors are found in the arginine-179 codon of the alpha subunit of Gi2 (alpha i2), creating the putative gip2 oncogene. We have tested the ability of gip2 to mediate neoplastic transformation of Rat-1 and NIH 3T3 fibroblasts in tissue culture. Expression of a mutant alpha i2 cDNA encoding cysteine in place of arginine-179 (alpha i2-R179C) caused Rat-1 cells to grow to a higher density in monolayer culture, to lose anchorage dependence, and to form tumors when injected subcutaneously into nude mice. In contrast, expression of alpha i2-R179C failed to alter growth or tumorigenicity of NIH 3T3 cells. We conclude that gip2 is an oncogene, by the criterion that it induces neoplastic transformation of Rat-1 cells. Failure of gip2 to transform NIH 3T3 cells is in keeping with clinical indications that gip2 is a tissue-selective oncogene.
Nutritional Supplements and Ergogenic Aids

Androgenic anabolic steroids increase muscle strength, muscle size, and lean body mass. They are also illegal and 99% of users report adverse side effects, some which are permanent and/or life threatening. Human growth hormone can affect body composition but there is no evidence that it increases strength, endurance, power, or workload capacity. Blood doping and erythropoietin increase endurance and VO2Max but carry significant risk for cardiovascular complications and infectious diseases. These methods offer no performance benefit in power and anaerobic sports. Amphetamines and caffeine are stimulants that increase alertness, improve focus, decrease reaction time, and delay fatigue, allowing for an increased intensity and duration of training. Both are increasingly prevalent in sports while being associated with serious health risks and possible impairing performance. Creatine increases total and lean body mass and improves performance in repeated bouts of high-intensity exercise. There is no clear performance benefit on a single bout of exercise or event. It seems to be safe in previously healthy athletes when following the currently described dosing regimens.
Computer programs for the analysis of cellular survival data.

Four programs have been written to enable radiobiologists to build a computer data base of cellular dose-survival data, calculate cell survival with a correction for cell multiplicity at the time of irradiation, fit various survival models to the data by iteratively weighted least squares, and calculate the ratio of survival levels corresponding to specified doses or the ratio of doses that produce specified survival levels (e.g., oxygen enhancement ratio or relative biological effectiveness). The programs make plots of survival curves and data, and they calculate standard errors and confidence intervals of the fitted survival curve parameters and ratios. The programs calculate survival curves for the linear-quadratic, repair-saturation, single-hit multitarget, linear-multitarget, and repair-misrepair models of cell survival and have been designed to accommodate the addition of other survival models in the future. The programs can be used to compare the accuracy with which different models fit the data, d...
Efficient generation and wavelength conversion of single photons from quantum nanophotonic devices

Single photon sources based on a self-assembled quantum dot in nanophotonic waveguides, gratings, and cavities are interfaced with nonlinear media and electro-optic modulators to demonstrate quantum frequency conversion and amplitude modulation of single photon states.
Applying theories of Institutional Helping to Informal Volunteering: Motives, role identity, and prosocial personality

Dispositional variables from a volunteer model were shown to apply to informal volunteering. The model integrates two theories of the volunteer process: functional analysis and role identity theory. Undergraduates, ( N = 139), completed an informal volunteer inventory, and measures of motives, role identity, and prosocial personality. Two dimensions of informal volunteering: people-oriented and task-oriented were revealed. Both correlated with motives for helping and role identity. The personality dimension of Helpfulness was associated with both Informal Volunteering - People (IVP) and Informal Volunteering - Task (IVT), while Other-oriented Empathy correlated only with IVP. This study is the first to demonstrate the applicability of a model of formal volunteering to ongoing informal helping. Variables heretofore conceptualized as describing individuals within organizations, are seen as equally important in initiating and sustaining informal helping.
Obese and diabetic KKAy mice show increased mortality but improved cardiac function following myocardial infarction

Abstract Background Introduction of the yellow obese gene (A y ) into mice ( KKAy ) results in obesity and diabetes by 5 weeks of age. Methods Using this model of type 2 diabetes, we evaluated male and female 6- to 8-month-old wild-type (WT, n =10) and KKAy ( n =22) mice subjected to myocardial infarction (MI) and sacrificed at day (d) 7. Results Despite similar infarct sizes (50%±4% for WT and 49%±2% for KKAy , P =not significant), the 7d post-MI survival was 70% ( n =7/10) in WT mice and 45% ( n =10/22) in KKAy mice ( P KKAy mice at baseline compared to WT ( P KKAy post-MI ( P KKAy (5%±1% in WT and 10%±2% in KKAy , P KKAy was accompanied by reduced macrophage numbers and collagen I and III levels (both P Griffonia (Bandeiraea) simplicifolia lectin-I staining for vessel density demonstrated fewer vessels in KKAy infarcts (5.9%±0.5%) compared to WT infarcts (7.3%±0.1%, P Conclusion In conclusion, our study in KKAy mice revealed a paradoxical reduced post-MI survival but improved cardiac function through reduced inflammation, extracellular matrix accumulation, and neovascularization in the infarct region. These results indicate a dual-role effect of obesity in the post-MI response.
Ulcerative sarcoidosis: a rare manifestation of a common disease.

Summary Scarcoidosis is a systemic disease with cutaneous involvement occurring in 25% of cases. Ulcerative lesions are extremely rare. In recent reviews of the literature only twenty-seven possible cases have been recorded (Schwartz, 1982). We describe a further case with unusual features.
Untersuchungen zur Physiologie der Tonusmuskeln

Zwei fur quantitative Arbeiten geeignete Praparate von Tonusmuskeln werden beschrieben. Die damit erzielten Ergebnisse sind: 1. Die isometrische Zuckung zeigt in beiden Muskeln einen stark asymmetrischen Verlauf, ziemlich schnellen Anstieg der Spannung und langsame Erschlaffung. 2. Die ruhenden Muskeln entwickeln innerhalb des physiologisch wichtigen Langenbereiches keine nennenswerten bleibenden elastischen Krafte und verhalten sich fast rein plastisch. 3. Dehnung des ruhenden Muskels hat eine vorubergehende Spannungserhohung zur Folge, die aber bald verschwindet, wenn die Lange konstant bleibt. Der zeitliche Verlauf der Spannungsabnahme, der sogenannten Relaxation, geschieht nach einer einfachen Exponentialkurve, und diese ist identisch mit der Erschlaffungskurve einer isometrischen Kontraktion. 4. Beim Pecten-Tonusmuskel ist die Erschlaffung nach einer Serie von schwachen Reizen schneller, als wenn nur mit Einzelreizen in groseren Zeitabstanden gereizt wird. Bei konstanter Belastung hat die gleiche Art der Reizung eine Beschleunigung der Dehnung des verkurzten Musels zur Folge. 5. Diese Hemmung ist mit einer Anderung der physikalischen Eigenschaften verbunden. Die Relaxation des ungereizten Muskels wird im gleichen Mase beschleunigt wie die Erschlaffung. 6. Die Bedeutung dieser Erscheinungen fur die Energetik der Muskeln wird erortert.
Advective Time Scales of Agulhas Leakage to the North Atlantic in Surface Drifter Observations and the 3D OFES Model

AbstractThe advective transit time of temperature–salinity anomalies from the Agulhas region to the regions of deep convection in the North Atlantic Ocean is an important time scale in climate, because it has been linked to variability in the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation. Studying this transit time scale is difficult, because most observational and high-resolution model data are too short for assessment of the global circulation on decadal to centennial time scales. Here, results are presented from a technique to obtain thousands of “supertrajectories” of any required length using a Monte Carlo simulation. These supertrajectories allow analysis of the circulation patterns and time scales based on Lagrangian data: in this case, observational surface drifter trajectories from the Global Drifter Program and Lagrangian data from the high-resolution OGCM for the Earth Simulator (OFES). The observational supertrajectories can only be used to study the two-dimensional (2D) surface flow, whereas th...
DDC-induced retrograde amnesias prevented by injections of dl-DOPS

Abstract Injection of a dopamine beta-hydroxylase inhibitor, diethyldithiocarbamate (DDC) in rats 30 min prior to training of a step-down passive avoidance task impaired performance of the task 24 hr later. Similarly, injection of DDC 30 min prior to testing blocked retrieval of a passive avoidance habit trained in normal rats the previous day. Injection of a direct norepinephrine (NE) precursor, dl-threo 3,4,-dihydroxyphenylserine (DOPS) 60 min before DDC prevented both amnesias. These data support the hypothesis that reduced levels of NE are responsible for DDC-induced amnesias.
Hypothalamic and septal neuronal responses to iontophoretic application of salicylate in rats.

Abstract Iontophoretic application of sodium salicylate to neurones in the septum and preoptic/ anterior hypothalamic area in afebrile rats resulted in excitation of the majority of drug-sensitive cells tested. The excitatory and inhibitory responses of neurones to salicylate were similar to those produced by comparable application of acetylcholine, 5-hydroxytryptamine, and norepinephrine. Tests with preoptic/anterior hypothalamic temperature-sensitive neurones showed that the majority of warm-sensitive cells was excited by salicylate. The responses of these presumed thermoregulatory neurones to salicylate are compatible with, and may therefore be involved in producing, the augmented heat-loss which is characteristic of salicylate-induced defervescence from pyrogen fever.
Identification of cut-points in commonly used hip osteoarthritis-related outcome measures that define the patient acceptable symptom state (PASS)

To determine patient acceptable symptom state (PASS) estimates in outcome measures commonly used in hip osteoarthritis (OA). Identification of cut-points on commonly used outcome measures associated with patient satisfaction with their current state of health. As part of a randomized controlled trial, 70 patients with a clinical diagnosis of hip OA undergoing a 9-session physiotherapy treatment program completed four physical performance measures and three self-report measures at 9 weeks and 1 year. Upon completion of treatment, patients assessed their current health status according to the PASS question. Cut-points were estimated using receiver operating characteristic curves (anchor-based method), based on the patient’s response to the PASS question. At 9 weeks and 1 year, identified cut-points were, respectively, ≤10 and ≤11 for the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) pain subscale; ≤35 and ≤40 on the WOMAC physical function subscale; ≥+5 and ≥+6 on the global rating of change score; ≤6.05 and ≤5.30 s for the timed-up-and-go; ≤28.3 and ≤24.9 for the 40-m self-paced walk test; ≥11 and ≥12 repetitions for the 30-s chair stand test; and ≥46 repetitions for the 20-cm step test. Initial target cut-points signaling patient satisfaction with their current symptom state following physiotherapy in patients with hip osteoarthritis were determined for seven outcome measures over 1 year.
Molecular Disruptions of the Panglial Syncytium Block Potassium Siphoning and Axonal Saltatory Conduction: Pertinence to Neuromyelitis Optica and other Demyelinating Diseases of the Central Nervous System

The panglial syncytium maintains ionic conditions required for normal neuronal electrical activity in the central nervous system (CNS). Vital among these homeostatic functions is "potassium siphoning," a process originally proposed to explain astrocytic sequestration and long-distance disposal of K(+) released from unmyelinated axons during each action potential. Fundamentally different, more efficient processes are required in myelinated axons, where axonal K(+) efflux occurs exclusively beneath and enclosed within the myelin sheath, precluding direct sequestration of K(+) by nearby astrocytes. Molecular mechanisms for entry of excess K(+) and obligatorily-associated osmotic water from axons into innermost myelin are not well characterized, whereas at the output end, axonally-derived K(+) and associated osmotic water are known to be expelled by Kir4.1 and aquaporin-4 channels concentrated in astrocyte endfeet that surround capillaries and that form the glia limitans. Between myelin (input end) and astrocyte endfeet (output end) is a vast network of astrocyte "intermediaries" that are strongly inter-linked, including with myelin, by abundant gap junctions that disperse excess K(+) and water throughout the panglial syncytium, thereby greatly reducing K(+)-induced osmotic swelling of myelin. Here, I review original reports that established the concept of potassium siphoning in unmyelinated CNS axons, summarize recent revolutions in our understanding of K(+) efflux during axonal saltatory conduction, then describe additional components required by myelinated axons for a newly-described process of voltage-augmented "dynamic" potassium siphoning. If any of several molecular components of the panglial syncytium are compromised, K(+) siphoning is blocked, myelin is destroyed, and axonal saltatory conduction ceases. Thus, a common thread linking several CNS demyelinating diseases is the disruption of potassium siphoning/water transport within the panglial syncytium. Continued progress in molecular identification and subcellular mapping of glial ion and water channels will lead to a better understanding of demyelinating diseases of the CNS and to development of improved treatment regimens.
Linear measurements in 2-dimensional pelvic floor imaging: the impact of slice tilt angles on measurement reproducibility.

Abstract Objective: Magnetic resonance imaging techniques have improved the study of female pelvic dysfunction. However, disagreements between magnetic resonance measurements and their derived 3-dimensional reconstructions were noted. We tested the hypothesis that these discrepancies stemmed from variations in magnetic resonance acquisition angle. Study Design: Images from the pelvis of the Visible Human Female (a thinly sliced cadaveric image data set) were obtained. Slices in the axial plane were rotated around pivot points in the pelvis to yield a set of similar-appearing para-axial images. A parameter that described the maximum anterior-posterior dimension of the levator hiatus was defined. This levator hiatus parameter was measured on all of the rotated images and compared with an expected value that was calculated from trigonometry. The levator hiatus was also measured on a group of similar-appearing slices rotated slightly around a defined point. Results: In 1 group of slices, expected levator hiatus variation was 1.5 to 6.1%, whereas measured variation was 4% to 15%. Among the similar-appearing rotated slices, 4.8% to 16.0% variations were seen in the levator hiatus. Conclusion: Identical measurements made on radiologic images can vary widely. Slice acquisition must be standardized to avoid errors in data comparison. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 2001;185:537-44.)
The effect of grade on compliance using nonpharmaceutical interventions to reduce influenza in an urban elementary school setting.

Objectives The Pittsburgh Influenza Prevention Project (PIPP) has previously shown that school-aged children in grades K-5 can learn hygiene-based, nonpharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) and persist in these behaviors over the duration of an influenza season. The purpose of this study was to determine whether age (as estimated by grade) plays any role in this ability. Methods The Pittsburgh Influenza Prevention Project is a prospective, controlled, randomized trial of the effectiveness of a suite of NPIs in 10 elementary schools. The project measured adoption of NPIs by students through surveys of intervention homeroom teachers before, during, and after the influenza season and control home-room teachers after influenza season. Results There were large, statistically significant improvements and persistence over time across all grade levels, in students' concern about influenza and their daily practice of NPIs that promote health behaviors-"wash or sanitize your hands often" and "cover your coughs and sneezes." Nonpharmaceutical interventions characterized as extinguishing unhealthy behaviors, such as "avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth" or "home is where you stay when you are sick," showed no reliable improvement. Conclusions The study provides evidence that elementary school-aged children, across all grades, can understand and implement protective NPIs and maintain these activities throughout influenza season and beyond. Improvements were most prominent when teaching students to engage in health-promoting behaviors. Habitual behaviors (unconscious touching) and changing family behaviors (staying home) seem less susceptible to intervention. These results will be useful to public health policy makers and health care practitioners considering methods of infectious disease prevention in school-based settings.
Looking from the outside in: the use of video in attachment-based interventions

This paper provides an account of multiple potential benefits of using video in clinical interventions designed to promote change in parent–child attachment relationships. The power of video to pro...
A morphological and electrophoretic comparison of Henry's lake salmo clarki and salmo clarki x salmo gairdneri hybrids

Abstract 1. 1. The influence of hybrid Cutthroat x Rainbow trout on the natural population of Cutthroat trout in Henry's Lake, Idaho, was examined by analysis of standard morphological characters and sera protein profiles. 2. 2. The protein profiles were obtained by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis. 3. 3. The morphological analysis indicated that most of the hybrids were similar to the native Cutthroat trout. 4. 4. The electrophoretic analysis showed differences in protein profiles of Rainbow and Cutthroat trout but no differences between hybrid and native Cutthroat trout.
Human T cell antigen expression by primate T cells

Phylogenetic study in primates of the reactivity of 11 monoclonal antibodies to human T cells and rosette formation in the reaction of primate T cells with sheep erythrocytes demonstrate that the s...
Demonstration of collisionally enhanced degenerate four-wave mixing in a plasma.

Experimental evidence for degenerate four-wave mixing in a plasma is presented for the first time. The thermal force contribution to the signal reflectivity, as evidenced by its temporal shape and dependence on plasma density, pump and probe intensities, and polarizations, dominates that due to the ponderomotive force in the collisional plasma. The pump-pump grating, which is driven by a much stronger ponderomotive force, is found not to affect adversely the signal reflectivity.
A review of life-cycle analysis studies on liquid biofuel systems for the transport sector

Given current oil prices and the heavy dependence of many countries on imported oil, the potential for producing or importing liquid transportation fuels made from biomass is attracting keen interest in many developing and industrialized countries. There is also some interest in biofuels for climate change mitigation. This article reviews the rich literature of published life-cycle analyses (LCAs) of liquid biofuels, with a focus on elucidating the impacts that production and use of such biofuels might have on emissions of greenhouse gases. Reviews of LCAs for “conventional” liquid biofuels (biodiesel and sugar/starch bioethanol) and potential “future” liquid biofuels (Fischer-Tropsch fuels, dimethyl ether, and cellulosic bioethanol) are included. Striking features of the LCAs reviewed include almost exclusive contextual focus on Europe or North America, wide ranges in net energy balance results and GHG impacts among different biofuels and even for the same biofuel, and a lack of focus on evaluating GHG impacts per unit of land area. The wide range of reported LCA GHG results is due in part to the wide range of plausible values for key input parameters, among which the four most significant parameters exhibiting the greatest variability and/or uncertainty are (1) the climate-active species included in the calculation, (2) assumptions around N2O emissions, (3) the allocation method used for co-product credits, and (4) soil carbon dynamics. Finally, from a comparison of GHG impacts of biomass used for transportation fuels against those for stationary applications one concludes that under some conditions biofuels will provide greater GHG mitigation benefits, but under other conditions, biopower will be favored. It is difficult to make broad and unequivocal statements on this point. Case-specific analysis is required.
Sexual functioning in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma.

BACKGROUND The objectives of the current study were to assess the rates of sexual dysfunction in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and compare the rates of sexual morbidity with a sample of patients diagnosed with chronic liver disease (CLD) and the general population. It was expected that patients diagnosed with HCC would have a greater prevalence of sexual dysfunction than those diagnosed with CLD and the general population, respectively. Furthermore, those patients who reported a sexual dysfunction would also have a poorer quality of life (QOL). METHODS Twenty-one men diagnosed with HCC and 23 men diagnosed with CLD completed a battery of questionnaires that included the Sexual History Questionnaire and the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Hepatobiliary. RESULTS Results indicated that 41% of patients reported a current sexual problem (29% of HCC patients and 71% of patients with CLD) and 43% met the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders–4th edition (DSM-IV) criteria for at least 1 type of sexual dysfunction (25% of patients with HCC and 75% of patients with LD). Of the total sample, 68% reported being diagnosed with a comorbid medical condition or taking a medication that had potential sexual side effects. After eliminating cases with comorbid medical conditions and/or who were taking medications that contributed to sexual morbidity, the rate of sexual problems were found to be similar to that of the general population. Clinically significant differences were found with regard to the QOL. People who were experiencing sexual problems also reported a poorer QOL. CONCLUSIONS Although a large percentage of sexual dysfunction may have been secondary to comorbid medical problems and medications, treatment of the sexual dysfunction is still warranted. Cancer 2005. © 2005 American Cancer Society.
Distribution of Water Masses in and Near the Straits of Mackinac

Abstract Three cruises in the Straits of Mackinac area were conducted from 30 August to 8 October 1973. Samples were taken from up to 11 depths during each cruise and analyzed for silica, nitrate, total and soluble phosphorus, chlorophyll a , pH, water temperature, and specific conductance. Cluster analyses were used to visualize the relationship between stations for each depth on all cruises. The clearest relationships observed were from 0, 5, and 10 m depths, while clusters of data from other depths were not as useful in describing water masses. Analyses of 0 - 10 m depths showed a consistent homogeneous water mass extending through the northern edge of the Straits proper, past the western edge of Mackinac Island, to south of Bois Blanc Island. This cluster of stations was found during most wind conditions at the three depths considered. The last cruise, 6-8 October, occurred during a period of light winds from the southeast which partially disrupted this cluster. Relationships between the variables were defined by factor analysis which showed silica and nitrate increased with decreasing water temperature and pH, and partly as a function of depth. Secchi disc values tended to vary independently of most other variables, implying these readings had little value in explaining water quality in the Straits region.
EXAFS studies on the PN and POX states of the P-clusters in nitrogenase

The MoFe protein of nitrogenase is an α2β2 tetramer that contains two each of two different types of metal centers, the FeMo-cofactor and the P-clusters. The function of the P-clusters is believed to be to accept electrons from the Fe protein of nitrogenase and to donate them to the FeMo-cofactor. We have studied the P-clusters of Azotobacter vinelandii nitrogenase in both the PN and POX states utilizing Fe K-edge X-ray absorption spectroscopy. Since the MoFe holoprotein contains the seven iron FeMo-cofactor centers in addition to P-clusters, we have utilized a FeMo-cofactor-deficient MoFe protein synthesized by the Δnif H strain DJ54. That MoFe protein is an α2β2 tetramer that contains P-clusters by the criteria of metal analysis, CD spectroscopy, cluster extrusion, and electrochemical reduction of the POX state. Several important results have emerged from our XAS studies. The first shell Fe-S coordination shows the same average Fe-S distance (2.26 A) in both states. The second coordination shells could only be well fit using two different Fe-Fe contributions. In both states, short Fe-Fe components with distances of 2.57 A and 2.42 A for the PN and POX states, respectively, were required to complement longer 2.75 A and 2.70 A distances. Understanding of the P-cluster structure is essential if we are to make advances in understanding the role of the P-clusters and their participation in electron transfer through the nitrogenase system.
Hyperglycemia and acquired weakness in critically ill patients: potential mechanisms

Critical illness polyneuropathy/critical illness myopathy (CIP/CIM) is a major cause of mortality and long-term morbidity in critically ill patients, but the true incidence and prevalence of these syndromes are not known. Hermans and colleagues show that when intensive insulin therapy is used as part of routine clinical practice in the intensive care unit, the incidence of CIP/CIM as determined by electrophysiologic testing is reduced. Our understanding of the mechanisms responsible for inducing prolonged weakness in intensive care unit patients is limited, and the role of hyperglycemia in modulating these processes is unknown. Intensive insulin therapy currently remains the only effective therapeutic intervention that has been shown to reduce the incidence of CIP/CIM.
Ballistic aerosol marking

Ballistic Aerosol Marking (BAM) is a radically new printing concept that combines the simplicity of a direct marking technique such as inkjet printing with the quality and color range/stability of Xerography. This is achieved by using high-speed gas jets as the transport fluid and Xerographic toner particles as the marking material. In this paper we will provide an introduction into this novel concept, discuss design considerations from Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and electrostatics simulations, and show some proof-of-concept results from single channel experiments.
SU-FF-I-104: Performance of a PET-CT Scanner for Hot Lesion at High Activity Concentration

Objective: To evaluate PET‐CT scanner for hot lesion at high activity concentration with and without radioactive background. Method: Four hollow spheres (2.96, 2.00, 1.45 and 0.91 cm) were installed to a PET‐SPECT phantom with three inserts: hot lesions, uniformity linearity, cold lesions and cold spheres. 666 MBq of F‐18 was in cylindrical tank with all inserts and the spheres. Two large spheres contained 26 MBq leading to a lesion to background ratio of 13.2, and two small ones were empty as cold lesions. Three bed sets of 15 cm axial field of view (slice thickness is 3.75 mm) each were scanned for a total of 9 minutes, and CT (120 kV/80 mA) scan as well. Images were at 30 min interval for two hours and then 60 min for last three, and reconstructed with OS‐EM. RoIs and VoIs were defined manually. Same RoI for the largest sphere was used to obtain count as background to both RoI and VoI respectively. Result: Artifacts appeared on PET‐AC and PET‐CT images of the hot spheres and the inserts for first four data sets (0, 30, 60 and 90 min respectively) when the total activity was from 666 to 370 MBq. When it dropped from 370 to 147 MBq, images started to appear normal. However, VoI counts of the hot spheres decreased linearly with decay of the activity over the seven scans. This suggested that the PET‐AC images can still yield accurate VoI counts under the high random and scattering counts from high activity in the cylinder‐background and the CT scan will identify the regions even the images appear distorted. Conclusion: PET‐AC images degraded due to increased random events and scatters at high activity. Regional counts can be measured with AC and RoI from CT data (independent of activity from F‐18) in fused images.
A freely available real-time operating system well suited for astronomy and the physical sciences

This paper wants to be a practical example in building a real-time data-acquisition and control system from scratch using relatively non-expensive PC hardware and open-source software. The practical example of building the control system for the Michigan Infrared Combiner (MIRC) at the CHARA interferometer will be used to give the reader a 'hands-on' experience in installing and configuring the RTAI-Fusion real-time operating system and developing a complete control system with it.
Catalytic Activity of the N-Terminal Domain of Escherichia coli Asparagine Synthetase B Can Be Reengineered by Single-Point Mutation

The development of mechanistic strategies for the modification of enzyme function is of considerable biotechnological interest. We now report that replacement of the catalytically important residue...