cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Family planning in Egypt. A planning response to an Islamic environment

The problem of choosing the appropriate strategy to increase acceptance and use of modern contraceptives is very complex. Islamic fundamentalism is an increasingly important factor in the environment of Egyptian family planning programs. This article presents Egypt as a case example, illustrating the importance of external environmental analysis in planning for the operational implementation of family planning programs. Within the specifics of the Egyptian case, we additionally illustrate one practical tool for developing a planning response to that environment: Warren's (1977) typology of strategies for implementing social change.
The effect of low-temperature alteration of basalt on the oceanic budget of potassium

Alteration of the oceanic crust along fractures is a major sink for the K supplied to the ocean. However, this process alone does not seem adequate to maintain the steady-state of the ocean with respect to K. Formation of authigenic K-bearing minerals may also be a major factor in its removal from sea water. Ion exchange and palagonitization appear to play relatively minor roles in the oceanic budget of K.
Renal Amyloidosis in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

,.l MYLOIDOSIS is a recognized complication ftof rheumatologic disorders, but has been reported rarely in association with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Renal biopsy is frequently performed in patients with SLE and nephrotic syndrome to establish the type and severity of lupus nephritis prior to therapy. The case reported here demonstrated renal amyloidosis, an unexpected cause of nephrotic syndrome. This process does not respond to conventional lupus therapy, which in turn might impose untoward effects. This case emphasizes the fact that nephrotic syndrome in patients with SLE might be due to diseases other than lupus nephritis.
Low-temperature test reaction for hydride transfer on solid acid catalysts

A new model test reaction is proposed for the estimation of low-temperature hydride transfer (HT) activity of solid acids. The reaction of cyclohexene with isobutane on zeolite Beta, ZSM-5 and sulfated zirconia distinguished between disproportionation/hydrogen transfer and HT. The effects of acid site density, catalyst structure and interaction with isobutane are discussed.
On the identification of multi-output linear time-invariant and periodic dynamic systems

Abstract In this paper we describe an efficient computational algorithm for estimating the coefficients of the characteristic polynomial of a linear time-invariant multi-output dynamic system, using only output observations, for qualitative analysis of the transition matrix or for evaluating its eigenvalues. We also give some computational results of the identification of those systems using the Ho-Kalman approach. Furthermore, an identification scheme for high-frequency periodic systems of unknown periods is described in detail.
Radiative Corrections to the Energies of Atoms and Molecules

Approximation method using sum rules for energy shift in atomic system due to interaction of electrons with vacuum electromagnetic field applied to hydrogen, helium and lithium atom ground states and hydrogen molecule
Detection of flaws and defects using lateral migration x-ray radiography

A new Compton X-ray backscatter imaging (CBI) technique called lateral migration radiography (LMR) is applied to detecting a class of sub-surface defects in materials and structures of industrial importance. Examples are delamination in layered composite structures, defects in deposited coatings on metal surfaces such as in aircraft jet engine components and geometrical structural/composition changes (e.g. due to corrosion)on the inside of shell-like components with only outside surface area access. LMR scans on aircraft samples showed intensity decreases of up to 25% in corroded areas relative to intensities in clean areas. Especially significant were scans of samples that were performed with the clean or uncorroded side facing up. The corrosion on the opposite side of these 2 mm thick samples, where there was contact between the frame member and the aircraft skin, was clearly visible. Scans of other samples showed that LMR is capable of detecting small flaws on the inside of shell-like components with only outside surface area access. Cracks around a fastener hole that were ~ 15 mm in length and no more than 0.25 mm in width were seen through the aircraft skin. Scans of an aluminum honeycomb structure demonstrated that LMR is also capable of picking up internal defects that include crushed core and debonding zones.
The effects of carbon monoxide on the heart: An in vitro study☆

Abstract Experiments were conducted to assess the effects of increasing concentrations of carbon monoxide (CO) on the isolated spontaneously beating rat heart. Hearts removed from male Sprague Dawley rats were perfused via the aorta with Krebs-Henseleit solution. Coronary flow was timed and collected in a calibrated vessel. Heart rate and pulse pressure were measured by a catheter inserted in the left ventricle and attached to a pressure transducer. After 30 min, the hearts were challenged for 10 min with perfusate containing increasing concentrations of CO and decreasing concentrations of O2. Coronary flow increased in response to CO concentrations below 50%. After 8 min, coronary flow increased by 40% in response to 10% CO challenge. Heart rate and pulse pressure were generally depressed by CO. Heart rate was depressed at the end of 8 min by 5, 10, 38, and 64%, respectively, by solutions equilibrated against 10, 25, 50, and 95% CO. Pulse pressure decreased with concentrations of 50% CO and above. These results indicate that coronary flow appears to be the most sensitive indicator of CO toxicity in the isolated heart.
A modal representation of chaotic attractors for the driven, damped pendulum chain

Abstract In this Letter we introduce a two-mode Fourier truncation of the damped driven nonlinear Schrodinger equation which captures the nature of one type of chaotic attractor for this pde. More specifically, this truncation correctly describes homoclinic crossings which are sources of temporal sensitivity along this chaotic attractor. The truncation provides a simple and explicit model dynamical system which is of interest in its own right and which can be used as a guide for analytical studies of chaotic attractors for the full pde. The most important feature of the model is that it faithfully represents the homoclinic structures of the full pde.
INNA for interelement correlations in rats after mercuric chloride exposure

In an animal model study, we exposed rats to mercuric chloride through drinking water continuously for eight to ten months. A group of these rats were then taken off mercuric chloride water and fed distilled water. A control group of rats was given distilled water. Rat brain, spinal cord, and kidney were analyzed to determine Hg and nine other elements by INAA. Significant imbalances were detected among the groups. Most of the mercury (Hg) was found to be eliminated from the tissues studied within the first thirty days. Implications of the data are discussed in light of observed trace element imbalances in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and Alzheimer's disease.
Modulation of queuine uptake and incorporation into tRNA by protein kinase C and protein phosphatase.

Abstract It has been suggested that the rate of queuine uptake into cultured human fibroblasts is controlled by phosphorylation levels within the cell. We show that the uptake of queuine is stimulated by activators of protein kinase C (PKC) and inhibitors of protein phosphatase; while inhibitors of PKC, and down-regulation of PKC by chronic exposure to phorbol esters inhibit the uptake of queuine into cultured human fibroblasts. Activators of cAMP- and cGMP-dependent kinases exert no effect on the uptake of queuine into fibroblast cell cultures. These studies suggest that PKC directly supports the activity of the queuine uptake mechanism, and that protein phosphatase activity in the cell acts to reverse this. Regardless of the modulation of uptake rate, the level of intracellular queuine base saturates in 6 h. However, there is still an effect on the incorporation rate of queuine into tRNA of fibroblast cultures even after 24 h. We now show that the incorporation of queuine into tRNA in cultured human fibroblasts by tRNA-guanine ribosyltransferase (TGRase) is also stimulated by activators of PKC and inhibitors of protein phosphatase: while inhibitors of PKC decrease the activity of this enzyme. These studies suggest that PKC supports both the cellular transport of queuine and the activity of TGRase in cultured human fibroblasts, and that protein phosphatase activity in fibroblasts acts to reverse this phenomenon. A kinase-phosphatase control system, that is common to controlling both intracellular signal transduction and many enzyme systems, appears to be controlling the availability of the queuine substrate and the mechanism for its incorporation into tRNA. Since hypomodification of transfer RNA with queuine is commonly observed in undifferentiated, rapidly growing and neoplastically transformed cells, phosphorylation of the queuine modification system may be critical regulatory mechanism for the modification of tRNA and subsequent control of cell growth and differentiation.
Tobacco use prevalence - disentangling associations between Alaska Native race, low socio-economic status and rural disparities

Background. Tobacco use rates are exceptionally high among indigenous people in North America. Alaska Native, low socio-economic status (SES) and rural communities are high-priority populations for Alaska’s Tobacco Control program. Design. For the purpose of better informing tobacco control interventions, we conducted a descriptive study to describe high-priority groups using prevalence-based and proportion-based approaches. Methods. With data from 22,311 adults interviewed for Alaska’s 2006-2010 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS), we used stratified analysis and logistic regression models to describe the current use of cigarettes and smokeless tobacco (SLT) (including iq’mik, a unique Alaska Native SLT product) among the 3 populations of interest. Results. ‘‘Population segments’’ were created with combinations of responses for Alaska Native race, SES and community type.We identified the highest prevalence and highest proportion of tobacco users for each type of tobacco by ‘‘segment.’’ For cigarette smoking, while the largest proportion (nearly one-third) of the state’s smokers are non-Native, high SES and live in urban settings, this group also has lower smoking prevalence than most other groups. Alaska Native, low SES, rural residents had both high smoking prevalence (48%) and represented a large proportion of the state’s smokers (nearly 10%). Patterns were similar for SLT, with non- Native high-SES urban residents making up the largest proportion of users despite lower prevalence, and Alaska Native, low SES, rural residents having high prevalence and making up a large proportion of users. For iq’mik use, Alaska Native people in rural settings were both the highest prevalence and proportion of users. Conclusion. While Alaska Native race, low SES status and community of residence can be considered alone when developing tobacco control interventions, creating ‘‘population segments’’ based on combinations of factors may be helpful for tailoring effective tobacco control strategies and messaging. Other countries or states may use a similar approach for describing and prioritizing populations. Keywords: Alaska/epidemiology; Smoking/epidemiology; Prevalence; Smoking/ethnology; Indians, North American; Tobacco, smokeless (Published: 5 August 2013) This paper is part of Supplement 1, 2013, ICCH15 Proceedings . More papers from this Supplement can be found here . Citation: Int J Circumpolar Health 2013, 72 : 21582 - http://dx.doi.org/10.3402/ijch.v72i0.21582
Reflecting on the power of one

By now, many of you know about and may have already registered for the SCAI Annual Scientific Sessions in Partnership with ACC i2 Summit (the “SCAI-ACCi2” meeting), which will run concomitantly with ACC.08, March 29 – April 1, in Chicago. This meeting will combine the best of the annual meeting of the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions (SCAI) and the American College of Cardiology i2 Summit. It will provide a setting at which the medical community will have access to the top-tier information and experts in interventional cardiology scientific education, training and communication.
Minority recruitment in criminal justice Targeting Alaska Natives

Research on the recruitment of minorities to justice system careers typically focuses on the attitudes and behaviors of discriminating majorities. The attitudes of potential minority applicants and the particular situation of indigenous people remain largely unexplored in the literature. The research reported here focuses on the attitudes of Alaska Natives toward criminal justice careers. This article uses focus group data to identify and describe specific preferences and perceptions that constitute barriers to greater recruitment of Alaska Natives. These data contribute toward a more comprehensive model of minority recruitment by allowing us to understand minority employment in terms of both majority discrimination and the preferences of minorities.
Equilibrium constants under physiological conditions for the reactions of l-phosphoserine phosphatase and pyrophosphate: l-serine phosphotransferase

Abstract The observed equilibrium constants (Kobs) for the l -phosphoserine phosphatase reaction [EC 3.1.3.3] have been determined under physiological conditions of temperature (38 °C) and ionic strength (0.25 m ) and physiological ranges of pH and free [Mg2+]. Using Σ and square brackets to indicate total concentrations K obs = Σ L-serine][Σ P i ] Σ L-phosphoserine]H 2 O] , K = L-H · serine ± ]HPO 4 2− ] [L-H · phosphoserine 2− ]H 2 O] . The value of Kobs has been found to be relatively sensitive to pH. At 38 °C, K+] = 0.2 m and free [Mg2+] = 0; Kobs = 80.6 m at pH 6.5, 52.7 m at pH 7.0 [ΔGobs0 = −10.2 kJ/mol (−2.45 kcal/mol)], and 44.0 m at pH 8.0 ([H2O] = 1). The effect of the free [Mg2+] on Kobs was relatively slight; at pH 7.0 ([K+] = 0.2 m ) Kobs = 52.0 m at free [Mg2+] = 10−3, m and 47.8 m at free [Mg2+] = 10−2, m . Kobs was insignificantly affected by variations in ionic strength (0.12–1.0 m ) or temperature (4–43 °C) at pH 7.0. The value of K at 38 °C and I = 0.25 m has been calculated to be 34.2 ± 0.5 m [ΔGobs0 = −9.12 kJ/mol (−2.18 kcal/ mol)]([H2O] = 1). The K for the phosphoserine phosphatase reaction has been combined with the K for the reaction of inorganic pyrophosphatase [EC 3.6.1.1] previously estimated under the same physiological conditions to calculate a value of 2.04 × 104, m [ΔGobs0 = −28.0 kJ/mol (−6.69 kcal/mol)] for the K of the pyrophosphate: l -serine phosphotransferase [EC 2.7.1.80] reaction. K obs = [ Σ L-serine ][ Σ P i ] [ Σ L-phosphoserine ][ H 2 O ] , K = [L-H · serine ± ]HPO 4 2− ] [L-H · phosphoserine 2− ]H 2 O . Values of Kobs for this reaction at 38 °C, pH 7.0, and I = 0.25 m are very sensitive to the free [Mg2+], being calculated to be 668 [ΔGobs0 = −16.8 kJ/mol (−4.02 kcal/mol)] at free [Mg2+] = 0; 111 [ΔGobs0 = −12.2 kJ/mol (−2.91 kcal/mol)] at free [Mg2+] = 10−3, m ; and 9.1 [ΔGobs0 = −5.7 kJ/mol (−1.4 kcal/mol) at free [Mg2+] = 10−2, m ). Kobs for this reaction is also sensitive to pH. At pH 8.0 the corresponding values of Kobs are 4000 [ΔGobs0 = −21.4 kJ/mol (−5.12 kcal/mol)] at free [Mg2+] = 0; and 97.4 [ΔGobs0 = −11.8 kJ/ mol (−2.83 kcal/mol)] at free [Mg2+] = 10−3, m . Combining Kobs for the l -phosphoserine phosphatase reaction with Kobs for the reactions of d -3-phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase [EC 1.1.1.95] and l -phosphoserine aminotransferase [EC 2.6.1.52] previously determined under the same physiological conditions has allowed the calculation of Kobs for the overall biosynthesis of l -serine from d -3-phosphoglycerate. K obs = [ Σ L-serine ][ Σ NADH ][ Σ P i ][ Σ α- ketoglutarate ] [Σ d-3- phosphoglycerate ][Σ NAD + ][Σ L-glutamat0] The value of Kobs for these combined reactions at 38 °C, pH 7.0, and I = 0.25 m (K+ as the monovalent cation) is 1.34 × 10−2, m at free [Mg2+] = 0 and 1.27 × 10−2, m at free [Mg2+] = 10−3, m .
Use of high concentration contrast media (HCCM): principles and rationale—body CT

Numerous complex pharmacokinetic interrelationships affect the use of contrast media for computed tomography (CT) imaging. The volume, concentration, and rate of injection, all affect the degree of enhancement that is achieved with an injection of contrast material. In addition, the injection technique, whether the contrast is infused with a constant injection rate (uniphasic injection) or whether the rate is altered during the injection (multiphasic injection) also affect the magnitude and duration of contrast enhancement. In body CT imaging, the liver poses unique challenges in managing the use of intravenous contrast material because of its dual blood supply and the need to complete imaging before equilibrium occurs between the intravascular and extravascular compartments. The magnitude of hepatic enhancement that is ultimately achieved is related primarily to the amount of iodinated contrast material that accumulates in the extravascular space within the target organ, independent of the speed of the CT scanner. The key determinant of the onset of the equilibrium phase is the injection duration. Given that a high injection flow rate (4-5 ml/s) is desirable for arterial phase imaging, the injection duration is maintained with use of an appropriate contrast volume. Thus, modifications of total iodine dose are best done with alterations in contrast concentration. The magnitude of arterial enhancement that is achieved is related to both the concentration and rate of contrast administration. The speed of the scanner determines its ability to record image data during the most advantageous time period, the peak of arterial enhancement. Thus, rapid imaging is particularly advantageous for optimal contrast use in CT angiography as well as in multiphasic imaging of the parenchymal organs.
IRS-1-Rad51 nuclear interaction sensitizes JCV T-antigen positive medulloblastoma cells to genotoxic treatment.

The large T-antigen from human polyomavirus JC (JCV T-antigen) is suspected to play a role in malignant transformation. Previously, we reported that JCV T-antigen requires the presence of a functional insulin-like growth factor I receptor (IGF-IR) for transformation of fibroblasts and for survival of medulloblastoma cell lines; that IGF-IR is phosphorylated in medulloblastoma biopsies and that JCV T-antigen inhibits homologous recombination-directed DNA repair, causing accumulation of mutations. Here we are evaluating whether JCV T-antigen positive and negative mouse medulloblastoma cell lines, which significantly differ in their tumorigenic properties, are also different in their abilities to repair double strand breaks of DNA (DSBs). Our results show that despite much stronger tumorigenic potential, JCV T-antigen positive medulloblastoma cells are more sensitive to genotoxic agents (cisplatin and γ-irradiation). Subsequent analysis of DNA repair of DSBs indicated that homologous recombination-directed DNA repair (HRR) was selectively attenuated in JCV T-antigen positive medulloblastoma cells. JCV T-antigen did not affect HRR directly. In the presence of JCV T-antigen, insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS-1) translocated to the nucleus where it co-localized with Rad51, possibly attenuating HRR. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
PEROXIDATION, VITAMIN E, AND SICKLE‐CELL ANEMIA*

In summary, we propose the following scheme (Figure 5) to describe the role of peroxidation in the pathophysiology of SCA. Sickle erythrocytes are more susceptible to peroxidation than are normal erythrocytes. This increased susceptibility to peroxidation is, in part, due to decreased blood vitamin E levels and abnormal membrane phospholipid organization induced by sickling. The peroxidative damage of sickle erythrocytes may accelerate or contribute to loss of cell deformability and to chronic hemolysis. Peroxidative damage can produce abnormal cellular properties, such as potassium leak and reduced filterability, and contribute to formation of ISCs. Increased red cell rigidity can initiate episodes of capillary obstruction, leading to vasoocclusive painful crises and to tissue infarction. Liver dysfunction as well as increased production of bilirubin secondary to hemolysis could result in bile sludging and decreased secretion of bile salts into the intestinal lumen. Reduced bile salt secretion leads to partial fat and vitamin E malabsorption. Vitamin E deficiency enhances red cell susceptibility to peroxidation and promotes a vicious cycle in SCA. Although we have not studied factors that might initiate peroxidative damage, sickle hemoglobin and excess body iron should be considered as potential sources. Our studies suggest that vitamin E supplementation to sickle-cell patients could be of clinical benefit.
Effect of a mixture of cryoprotectants in attaining liquid nitrogen survival of callus cultures of a tropical plant.

Abstract Survival of sugarcane suspension cultures at low frozen temperatures was maximized and a decrease in toxicity of cryoprotectants achieved by mixing glucose, dimethyl sulfoxide, and polyethylene glycol and controlling the rates at which frozen-cell temperature was lowered. Callus tissue renewed its growth and differentiated into plantlets after being frozen to −23 °C and, also, grew and differentiated rootlets after storage over liquid nitrogen for 5 weeks.
The New Paradigm Wars: Is There Room for Rigorous Practitioner Knowledge in Schools and Universities?

ccording to Schon (1995) "the new scholarship" implies "a kind of action research with norms of its own, which will conflict with the norms of technical rationality-the prevailing epistemology built into the research universities" (p. 27). The "battle" of snails that Schon refers to echoes the "paradigm wars" among "positivists," interpretivists, and critical theorists, satirically described by Gage (1989) in the pages of Educational Researcher. While we believe that practitioner research cannot be subsumed under any of Gage's three paradigms without doing it damage, our purpose in this article is not to argue for separate paradigm status. Nevertheless, we believe that the insider status of the researcher, the centrality of action, the requirement of spiraling self-reflection on action, and the intimate, dialectical relationship of research to practice, all make practitioner research alien (and often suspect) to researchers who work out of Gage's three academic paradigms. If anything, academic traditions of feminist and poststructural research might be more compatible with these characteristics. It is interesting to speculate on why metaphors of war and battles are evoked to discuss these epistemological debates. While it could be attributed to the academic version
Fluorescent Si Nanoparticle-Based Electrode for Sensing Biomedical Substances

Abstract We have been studying the miniaturization of silicon crystals and the transition from the solid state to the atomistic state. We demonstrated the existence of “sweet spots” in cluster size in the range 1–3 nm that have enhanced chemical, structural, and photo stability. The particles are produced by an electrochemical etching process as dispersion in liquid, and they are reconstituted in films, patterns, alloys, or spread on chips to produce super chips. Unlike bulk, these Si nanoparticle configurations have a spectacular ability to glow in distinct RGB colors. In this paper we describe an electrode sensor built by decorating metal or heavily doped silicon electrode with nanoparticles. We demonstrated amperometric response of the electrode to glucose and compared the response to that of heavily doped silicon wafer decorated with GOx. The all silicon electrode shows improved sensitivity, selectivity and stability. Light induced modulation of the response allows phase sensitive detection. The device is suitable for miniaturization, which may enable in vivo use.
A cholinergic receptor 12-hour interval-timer displaying "circa" periodicities.

Abstract 1. 1. The finding of brief pulses of receptor escape from atropine blocking of acetylcholine paralleling moonset and moonset-plus-12-hr led to a search for similar pulses paralleling sunset. 2. 2. Pulses occurring in the hour before sunset as well as in the hour before sunset-plus-12-hr were found. 3. 3. The pulses of receptor escape associated with sunset and sunset-plus-12-hr were in the opposite direction from those associated with moonset and moonset-plus-12-hr. 4. 4. The direction of receptor escape in all cases reversed with the winter solstice. 5. 5. These findings appear to provide evidence for an endogenous 12-hr interval-timer responding to external 24- and 24.8-hr oscillating systems which interact to yield a family of frequencies including those designated “circa”.
DTI for assessing axonal integrity after contusive spinal cord injury and transplantation of oligodendrocyte progenitor cells

We describe the feasibility of using diffusion tensor magnetic resonance imaging (DT-MRI) to study a contusive model of rat spinal cord injury following human stem cell transplantation at and around the site of injury. Rats receiving either a laminectomy or contusion injury were transplanted with oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs). During the course of the study, bioluminescence imaging (BLI; up to 100 days) and somatosensory evoked potentials (SSEPs; up to 42 days) were used to evaluate cell survival and functional outcomes. Spinal cords were then analyzed ex vivo upon termination using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). Improvements in fractional anisotropy (FA) at day 100 post-transplantation corresponded with cell survival and functional SSEP improvements. Thus, we illustrate the feasibility of DTI for evaluating axonal integrity in SCI after cell replacement therapies, and we provide examples utilizing OPC transplantations in a contusion rat model.
Processing of bacteriophage T4 tRNAs: a precursor of species 1 RNA

Abstract A precursor molecule of species 1 RNA, p2Sp1, that accumulates when an rne (RNase E − ) mutant is infected with a T4 deletion mutant (Δ27) is also found after infection of an rne host mutant by different deletion mutants or wild type bacteriophage T4. Low levels of this molecule were also found in a wild-type host infected with a wild-type T4. This precursor molecule accumulates at higher concentrations at 43°C as compared to 30°C or 37°C. Structural analysis of the precursor molecules from the different sources has shown a complete identity of p2Sp1 RNA isolated from the different sources. Therefore, we suggest that this precursor is a normal intermediate in processing of T4 tRNAs, and that it is unrelated to a particular T4 deletion strain. Since RNase E does not process this precursor, its accumulation in an rne mutant reflects an interaction between RNase E and the enzyme that processes this intermediate.
Acquiring competence for shoot development in Arabidopsis: ARR2 directly targets A-type ARR genes that are differentially activated by CIM preincubation.

Shoots can be regenerated from roots in Arabidopsis by treating root explants with cytokinin, however, shoot regeneration requires preincubation on callus induction medium (CIM) prior to induction on cytokinin-rich shoot induction medium (SIM). A cytokinin-inducible marker gene, RESPONSE REGULATOR 15 (ARR15), was identified through a "CIM dropout experiment" with similar requirements for CIM preincubation. The requirements for ARR15 contrasted to ARR5, another cytokinin-inducible ARR gene that does not require CIM preincubation. We show here that despite their differences, both ARR5 and ARR15 are direct targets of the transcriptional B-type response regulator, ARR2. This was demonstrated by identifying genes upregulated following β estradiol induced nuclear relocation of an ARR2-estradiol receptor fusion protein. The differences in CIM preincubation requirements for ARR5 and ARR15 expression indicate an additional layer of control for these A-type ARR genes during SIM incubation. For ARR15, the CIM requir...
Some sample programs currently accepted by a natural language programming system

This note lists several sample programs currently accepted by a natural language programming system. The natural language programming system takes a program written in a certain kind of "parenthesized" natural language, translates the program into an internal representation, and then executes this representation.
RPA Inhibition Increases Replication Stress and Suppresses Tumor Growth

The ATR/Chk1 pathway is a critical surveillance network that maintains genomic integrity during DNA replication by stabilizing the replication forks during normal replication to avoid replication stress. One of the many differences between normal cells and cancer cells is the amount of replication stress that occurs during replication. Cancer cells with activated oncogenes generate increased levels of replication stress. This creates an increased dependency on the ATR/Chk1 pathway in cancer cells and opens up an opportunity to preferentially kill cancer cells by inhibiting this pathway. In support of this idea, we have identified a small molecule termed HAMNO ((1Z)-1-[(2-hydroxyanilino)methylidene]naphthalen-2-one), a novel protein interaction inhibitor of replication protein A (RPA), a protein involved in the ATR/Chk1 pathway. HAMNO selectively binds the N-terminal domain of RPA70, effectively inhibiting critical RPA protein interactions which rely on this domain. HAMNO inhibits both ATR autophosphorylation and phosphorylation of RPA32 Ser33 by ATR. By itself, HAMNO treatment creates DNA replication stress in cancer cells that are already experiencing replication stress, but not in normal cells, and it acts synergistically with etoposide to kill cancer cells in vitro and slow tumor growth in vivo. Thus, HAMNO illustrates how RPA inhibitors represent candidate therapeutics for cancer treatment, providing disease selectivity in cancer cells by targeting their differential response to replication stress.
Serum and tissue hormone levels of vaginally and orally administered estradiol.

Abstract Objective: Our purpose was to determine serum and endometrial estradiol levels when micronized estradiol is administered vaginally and orally. Study Design: Five subjects were given oral estradiol (2 mg twice daily), during an artificial luteal phase, and another group of 5 subjects were given the same dose of estradiol by the vaginal route. Endometrial biopsies and blood samples were obtained on day 21 of the cycle, 2 hours after the last dose was administered. Tissue and blood samples were assayed for estradiol. Results: Serum estradiol levels were significantly higher with vaginally administered estradiol than with orally administered estradiol (2344 ± 398 vs 279 ± 76 pg/mL, P P Conclusions: Vaginal administration of estradiol is more effective in increasing serum and endometrial levels of estradiol than the oral route and may represent the optimal route of administration for recipients of egg donation. If the vaginal route of estradiol administration is considered for menopausal replacement therapy, much lower doses of the standard oral quantities should be used. Furthermore, if the uterus is present, a progestin must be used to compensate for the high tissue levels of estradiol. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 1999;180:1480-3.)
A new ROC analysis method considering the correlation between neighboring pixels

In this paper, we introduce a novel receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis method that considers spatial correlation between pixels to evaluate classification algorithms. ROC analysis is one of the most important tools in the evaluation of medical images and computer aided diagnosis (CAD) systems. It provides a comprehensive description of the detection accuracy of the test image. To evaluate the localization performance, operating points of ROC curves are obtained based on the classification results of individual pixels. To this date, the confidence level or intensity value of each pixel is assumed to be independent within the image. However, this assumption is not satisfied in real problems. In this paper, a new ROC analysis algorithm that considers the correlation between neighboring pixels is proposed. Our results show that the new ROC curves provide a more accurate evaluation of the test image.
Polynomial Representation of Thermodynamic Tables

IN a recent communication Berry, Black and Enderby1 describe an interesting use of the Tchebichef polynomials to represent the thermodynamic steam tables of Keenan and Keyes. This was a preliminary description which will presumably be followed by more details and a tabulation of the actual expansion coefficients. However, based on this initial communication, it is apparent that these authors have done a particularly elegant job of reducing a lengthy tabulation to a relatively small number of expansion coefficients. It is the purpose of this communication to point out the possibility of even further reduction in the number of coefficients required to represent the thermodynamic data2.
Diffuse Transmittance Spectroscopy of Polymeric Fibers

In this work, a new Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic technique (diffuse transmittance) is introduced. Its principle is based on the collection and the analysis of the diffusely transmitted infrared radiation through fibrous samples. The qualitative as well as the quantitative aspects of the method have been investigated. A comparative analysis of diffuse reflectance (DRIFT) and diffuse transmittance (DT) spectra shows that orientation of the sample has little effect on DT spectra, as compared with DRIFT spectra. With the use of ultra-high modulus polyethylene fabrics as a substrate coated with 12-nitrododecanoic acid, the concentration dependence of F(T), a function of the diffuse transmittance T, defined as F(T) = (1 - T)2/2T, was investigated within the coating thickness range of 0 to 50 nm.
The CPI subscales as predictors of parental coping with childhood leukemta

Determined the role of the standard CPI subscales, the Summed Coping Scale, and the current Adjustment Rating Scale in prediction of parental coping with leukemia, with 30 mothers and 25 fathers of children with Leukemia. None of the standard CPI subscales was found to be a significant predictor of coping, as measured by a situation-specific instrument, the Family Coping Scale. The Summed Coping Scale and the CARS were significant as predictors for fathers, but not for mothers. It is suggested that coping with the specific situation may be a better predictor of later coping in a similar situation than more global assessments.
Family-based association tests for ordinal traits adjusting for covariates.

We present a class of family-based association tests (FBATs) for ordinal traits that adjust for the effects of covariates. For complex diseases, especially mental health conditions including nicotine dependence and substance use, the outcome variables are often recorded in an ordinal rather than quantitative scale. The naturally recorded ordinal traits are commonly analyzed either as quantitative traits or are dichotomized. It has been demonstrated repeatedly in recent studies that these commonly used approaches to dealing with ordinal traits are inadequate and result in loss of power. In this report, we make use of conditional likelihood to derive score test statistics that belong to a general class of FBATs. We conducted simulation studies to compare the type I error and power of our proposed test with existing tests. The empirical result suggests that our test produces reasonable type I errors and has power far exceeding (often doubling) those of existing tests. We applied our proposed test to a data set on alcohol dependence and found that six single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are significantly associated (P-values ≤0.001) with alcohol dependence after adjusting for gender and age. Three of the SNPs (rs619, rs1972373, and rs1571423) or their tightly linked regions have been suggested in the literature from the analysis of the same data, demonstrating the consistent findings between various methods. The other three SNPs (rs485874, rs718251, and rs1869907) are identified for the first time using this data set, underscoring the potential power of our proposed test. Genet. Epidemiol. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Calcium Regulation of Dendritic Growth via CaM Kinase IV and CREB-Mediated Transcription

We report that CaM kinase IV and CREB play a critical role in mediating calcium-induced dendritic growth in cortical neurons. Calcium-dependent dendritic growth is suppressed by CaM kinase inhibitors, a constitutively active form of CaM kinase IV induces dendritic growth in the absence of extracellular stimulation, and a kinase-dead form of CaM kinase IV suppresses dendritic growth induced by calcium influx. CaM kinase IV activates the transcription factor CREB, and expression of a dominant negative form of CREB blocks calcium- and CaM kinase IV-induced dendritic growth. In cortical slice cultures, dendritic growth is attenuated by inhibitors of voltage-sensitive calcium channels and by dominant negative CREB. These experiments indicate that calcium-induced dendritic growth is regulated by activation of a transcriptional program that involves CaM kinase IV and CREB-mediated signaling to the nucleus.
Providing Access to Unique Information Sources: A Reusable Platform for Publishing Bibliographic Databases on the Web.

The Scholarly Communication Center (SCC) within Rutgers University Libraries has launched several important digital library projects. A major objective of the SCC has been to publish unique information sources on the Web that are not likely to be published elsewhere. Publishing bibliographic databases on the Web can significantly enhance access to an original collection of research literature and further enrich the library collection. We have found that reusable technology platforms offer a special opportunity for research libraries to fill a new role. Through the platform technology and a well defined process, libraries are able quickly and effectively to publish databases on the Web.
Predictors of outside funding for research among AASCU institutions: A reanalysis

Muffo and Coccari (1982) analyzed data pertaining to the causes of variation in the number and amount of external funds for research. Unfortunately, their analysis is methodologically flawed by the presence of multicollinearity and has led them to conclusions unsupported by their data. By using LISREL, which treats highly correlated manifest variables as indicators of underlying latent factors, this reanalysis shows that the only significant indicators of funding are past success in securing funds and an emphasis on graduate education.
Local parameters in cocurrent mercury‐nitrogen flow: Parts I and II

An experimental study was made in a cocurrent vertical mercury-nitrogen flow of local parameters, including local liquid velocity and gas fraction. In Part I the pertinent quantities are carefully defined and power-law continuity expressions derived. A description is given of the apparatus, including a simple local liquid velocity probe. In Part II experimental velocity and void profiles are given for the mercury-nitrogen flow. The regime is slug flow, but the slugs are not axisymmetrical, on account of the nonwetted walls. Intensities of density and liquid velocity fluctuations are computed for the first time and a comparison made with Levy's mixing-length theory.
Advances in Nonlinear Dynamic Engine Simulation With an Example: Dynamic Performance Behavior of a Gas Turbine With One Reheat Turbine Stage and Two Combustion Chambers

The paper discusses some recent advances in dynamic engine simulation technology. A brief presentation of the physical background is followed by a detailed description of the turbine component, its modular representation, and its integration into the nonlinear dynamic engine simulation code GETRAN. In order to ensure the capability, accuracy, robustness, and reliability of the turbine module in interaction with GETRAN, comprehensive critical performance assessment and validation tests were performed. Two conceptually different engine configurations were dynamically simulated and their transient behavior was analyzed and compared with each other. As the first example, a full scale dynamic simulation of an advanced high performance single spool single shaft power generation gas turbine engine is presented. The second example includes the full scale dynamic simulation of an advanced power generation gas turbine engine with a reheat turbine stage and two combustion chambers. The comparison of these engines shows clearly the impact of the dynamic operation on the performance of individual gas turbine engines under consideration.Copyright © 1996 by ASME
Increased incidence of cancer and cancer-related mortality among persons with chronic hepatitis C infection, 2006–2010

Background & Aims Persons chronically infected with the hepatitis C virus (HCV) may be at higher risk for developing and dying from non-liver cancers than the general population. Methods 12,126 chronic HCV-infected persons in the Chronic Hepatitis Cohort Study (CHeCS) contributed 39,984 person-years of follow-up from 2006 to 2010 and were compared to 133,795,010 records from 13 Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results Program (SEER) cancer registries, and approximately 12million U.S. death certificates from Multiple Cause of Death (MCOD) data. Measurements included standardized rate ratios (SRR) and relative risk (RR). Results The incidence of the following cancers was significantly higher among patients with chronic HCV infection: liver (SRR, 48.6 [95% CI, 44.4–52.7]), pancreas (2.5 [1.7–3.2]), rectum (2.1 [1.3–2.8]), kidney (1.7 [1.1–2.2]), non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) (1.6 [1.2–2.1]), and lung (1.6 [1.3–1.9]). Age-adjusted mortality was significantly higher among patients with: liver (RR, 29.6 [95% CI, 29.1–30.1]), oral (5.2 [5.1–5.4]), rectum (2.6 [2.5–2.7]), NHL (2.3 [2.2–2.31]), and pancreatic (1.63 [1.6–1.7]) cancers. The mean ages of cancer diagnosis and cancer-related death were significantly younger among CHeCS HCV cohort patients compared to the general population for many cancers. Conclusions Incidence and mortality of many types of non-liver cancers were higher, and age at diagnosis and death younger, in patients with chronic HCV infection compared to the general population.
Employing super-efficiency analysis as an alternative to DEA: An application in outpatient substance abuse treatment

A common technique for conducting efficiency analyses consists of a two-stage procedure that combines data envelopment analysis (DEA) with Tobit regression. As the DEA scores are censored at one, this method has the drawback of masking important information at the upper tail of the distribution of scores. In this paper, we present a DEA-based methodology for a two-stage efficiency analysis where the upper bound constraint of one for the efficiency scores is relaxed. This method, super-efficiency DEA, is contrasted with the two-stage approach that employs traditional, bounded DEA scores. We use data from the National Drug Abuse Treatment Survey to examine how the relative efficiency of the treatment units is affected by the organizational structures, operating characteristics and treatment modalities of a nationally representative sample of outpatient substance abuse treatment units. Our results show that the super-efficiency DEA approach offers advantages over the traditional methodology. It is easy to implement, and, for the same sample size provides more information.
Peculiarities of copper binding to alpha-synuclein.

Abstract Heavy metals have been implicated as the causative agents for the pathogenesis of the most prevalent neurodegenerative disease. Various mechanisms have been proposed to explain the toxic effects of metals ranging from metal-induced oxidation of protein to metal-induced changes in the protein conformation. Aggregation of α-synuclein is implicated in Parkinson's disease (PD), and various metals, including copper, constitute a prominent group of α-synuclein aggregation enhancers. In this study, we have systematically characterized the α-synuclein-Cu2+ binding sites and analyzed the possible role of metal binding in α-synuclein fibrillation using a set of biophysical techniques, such as electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), electron spin-echo envelope modulation (ESEEM), circular dichroism (CD), and size exclusion chromatography (SEC). Our analyses indicated that α-synuclein possesses at least two binding sites for Cu2+. We have been able to locate one of the binding sites in the N-terminal region. ...
Academic Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Departments and the Future of Our Specialty

Strong and healthy academic physical medicine and rehabilitation (PMR the size of externally funded research; local and national ranking based on the department’s reputation, mortality index, safety record, and discharges; and compliance with a range of regulations and requirements. Institutional leadership also may judge the health of a department by various other factors that may negatively affect the reputation of a fiscally sound academic department, including, for example, adverse publicity, poor patient care, weak academic programs, and poor internal and/or external reviews with citations. Furthermore, external factors may have a positive or negative influence on the health of any medical specialty, such as organizational changes that result from health care reform, changes in third-party payments, and new and revolutionary diagnostic and therapeutic techniques that eliminate the need for previously accepted clinical services. It also is a fact that most large academic medical centers have changing needs for space and program development, which may affect departments in a beneficial or adverse fashion. The various threats and opportunities that face academic departments demand vigilance by their leaders who must constantly identify and address each of these in a proactive fashion. Judging from the above brief and limited description of the different factors that affect the survival and health of academic departments, it should be clear that there is no status quo and never a time to rest on laurels. This article will address some of the inner operations of an academic PM&R department and examine how these may influence the future of our specialty.
Dispersion of Raman Cross Section in CdS and ZnO over a Wide Energy Range

The dispersion of the Raman cross sections of several phonon modes in CdS and ZnO using a wide range of laser energies has been measured. The ${E}_{1}(\mathrm{LO})$ and multi-LO (2-LO, 3-LO and 4-LO) modes in CdS have been studied over the energy range extending from $0.45{E}_{\mathrm{ex}}$ (exciton energy) to $1.1{E}_{\mathrm{ex}}$. For the ${E}_{1}(\mathrm{LO})$ mode, both the "forbidden"\ifmmode\bullet\else\textbullet\fi{} ($\mathrm{zz}$) and allowed ($\mathrm{zx}$) geometries were employed. The dispersive behavior of the cross section in these two geometries is in agreement with theory for energies below ${E}_{\mathrm{ex}}$. The dispersion of multi-LO-phonon scattering is also presented. For ZnO, the dispersion of the cross section for the ${E}_{1}(\mathrm{LO})$, ${E}_{1}(\mathrm{TO})$, ${A}_{1}(\mathrm{TO})$, and ${E}_{2}$ modes was measured over the energy range of $(0.57\ensuremath{-}0.76){E}_{\mathrm{ex}}$. The behavior of the LO modes is expalined in terms of a cancellation between the deformation and Fr\"ohlich contributions to the LO scattering cross section. For the TO modes, resonant cancellation was not observed, in contrast to the results of recent studies of CdS and ZnS. A simple model is used to discuss these differences between the ZnO and CdS behavior. Finally, a resonant enhancement of the scattering from the 2-LO mode in ZnO when the scattered-photon energy was coincident with ${E}_{\mathrm{ex}}$ is reported.