cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The association of incidental positron emission tomography uptake in the esophagus to gastroesophageal reflux disease

The Los Angeles (LA) classification is the most accurate means of assessing esophageal injury from caustic gastric acid with focused and greater concentrations in areas of erosive disease.1 However, data from animal models and patients have proposed that an initial diffuse inflammatory pathway contributes to injury in gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) mediated by interleukin (IL) 8, IL1β,2,3 and hypoxia-inducible factors.4,5 These observations demonstrate a lymphocyte predominant inflammatory process over course of 1-2 weeks associated with basal zone hyperplasia and dilation of intercellular spaces.6 In cultured human esophageal epithelial cells and patients, it is further suggested that acid causes this chronic inflammatory reaction.
Automated Monitoring of Pipeline Rights-Of-Way

NASA Ames Research Center and the Pipeline Research Council International, Inc. have partnered in the formation of a research program to identify and develop the key technologies required to enable automated detection of threats to gas and oil transmission and distribution pipelines. This presentation describes the Right-of-way Automated Monitoring (RAM) program and highlights research successes to date, continuing challenges to implementing the RAM objectives, and the program's ongoing work and plans.
Architectures for Adaptive Behavior in Biomimetic Underwater Robots

We are applying a conserved neurophysiological model to the control of behavior in fieldable underwater robots. The model is based on command neurons, coordinating neurons, central pattern generators and exteroceptive reflexes. We discuss implementations using finite state machines as well as electronic neuronal networks.
Insulin‐Like Growth Factor‐II is a Substrate for Dipeptidylpeptidase I (Cathepsin C)

We observed that the lysosomal enzyme, dipeptidylaminopeptidase I (DAP-I) caused the release of trichloroacetic-acid-soluble radioactivity from rat 125I-insulin-like growth factor-II (IGF-II). This activity could be blocked by dipeptide inhibitors of DAP-I, and was enhanced by chloride. Treatment of unlabeled rat IGF-II with DAP-I converted approximately 50% of the IGF-II to a species with a slightly shorter elution time on reverse-phase HPLC, whereas treatment of human IGF-II caused complete conversion to the species with the shorter elution time. Rat IGF-II purified from the rat BRL 3A cell line is a mixture of two molecules beginning with Ala-Tyr-Arg-Pro-Ser- and Tyr-Arg-Pro-Ser- [Marquardt, H., Todaro, G. J., Henderson, L. E. & Oroszlan, S. (1981) J. Biol. Chem. 256, 6859–6865] while human IGF-II begins with Ala-Tyr-Arg-Pro-Ser-. Determination of the N-terminal amino acid sequence of human IGF-II before and after digestion with DAP-I showed that DAP-I cleaved Ala-Tyr, terminating at Arg-Pro-; the rat IGF-II species beginning with Tyr-Arg-Pro-Ser- was resistant to digestion. In order to compare DAP-I-treated IGF-II with native IGF-II for binding to IGF receptors and IGF-binding proteins and in a bioassay, rat and human IGF-II were treated with DAP-I and the digested and undigested species were isolated by reverse-phase HPLC. The IGF-II/mannose 6-phosphate receptor was purified from rat placental membranes, the IGF-I receptor was solubilized from human placental membranes and IGF-binding proteins were partially purified from adult and three-day-old rat sera by sequential gel filtration on Sephadex G-200 (pH 8.0) and Sephadex G-50 (acid pH). The dose/response curves of the two IGF-II species were indistinguishable in radioreceptor assays utilizing the IGF-II/mannose 6-phosphate receptor and the IGF-I receptor and in IGF competitive binding assays utilizing partially purified IGF-binding proteins. The DAP-I-digested and native IGF-II species were also equipotent in stimulating [3H]thymidine incorporation into DNA in the human osteosarcoma cell line, MG-63. We conclude that DAP-I cleaves an N-terminal dipeptide from IGF-II and that this does not result in a change in the biological activity of the molecule.
Dynamics of the diradylglycerol responses of stimulated phagocytes.

Abstract The generation of diradylglycerols (sn-1,2 diacylglycerols (DAG) and 1-O-alkyl-2-acylglycerols (AAG] was investigated in human polymorphonuclear leukocytes stimulated with fMet-Leu-Phe, phorbol myristate acetate (PMA), or A23187. With each stimulus, the elevations in the mass of DAG clearly preceded that of AAG. The levels of both lipids increased over time, peaked by 15-20 min (fMet-Leu-Phe) or 45-60 min (PMA or A23187) and returned slowly toward base line thereafter. The base-line levels of DAG were some 4-fold higher than levels of AAG. On stimulation, the relative increases in AAG (approximately 4-fold, fMet-Leu-Phe; approximately 20-fold, PMA and A23187) were much greater than the corresponding relative increases in the levels of DAG (approximately 2-fold fMet-Leu-Phe; approximately 5-fold, PMA and A23187). The diradylglycerol responses were dependent upon agonist concentration. Prior treatment with cytochalasin B augmented the fMet-Leu-Phe diradylglycerol responses but did not alter unstimulated or PMA- or A23187-stimulated diradylglycerol responses. Depletion of extracellular Ca2+ blocked responses to fMet-Leu-Phe, but not to PMA. Treatment with pertussis toxin: (a) completely blocked the responses to fMet-Leu-Phe, (b) slightly suppressed the AAG but not the DAG response to PMA, and (c) did not affect the responses to A23187. Gas chromatographic/mass spectral analyses indicated that the AAG generated during cell activation consists of a mixture of species differentiated by 1-O-alkyl chains of 16:0, 18:0, 18:1 and an additional species that remains uncharacterized. Since DAG and AAG are reportedly activators and inhibitors, respectively, of protein kinase C activities, the sequential generation of these lipid messengers may provide for a system to critically control the activation of protein kinase C.
The Manufacturing/Marketing Interface: Critical Strategic and Tactical Linkages

Presented at the Conference Perspectives in Operations Management in honor of Prof. Elwood S. Buffa, Nov. 2–3, 1991, at UCLA. Research support from the LEK Partnership, the Stanford Graduate School of Business, and the Stanford School of Engineering is gratefully acknowledged. Dr. Sara Beckman of Hewlett-Packard provided valuable conceptual suggestions during the formative stages of this project. Timothy Hough and Timothy Scholes of LEK furnished valuable suggestions at a later stage of this project.
Vaccination of Alzheimer's model mice with Aβ derivative in alum adjuvant reduces Aβ burden without microhemorrhages

Immunotherapy holds great promise for Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other conformational disorders but certain adverse reactions need to be overcome. The meningoencephalitis observed in the first AD vaccination trial was likely related to excessive cell-mediated immunity caused by the immunogen, amyloid-? (A?) 1–42, and the adjuvant, QS?21. To avoid this toxicity, we have been using A? derivatives in alum adjuvant that promotes humoral immunity. Other potential side effects of immunotherapy are increased vascular amyloid and associated microhemorrhages that may be related to rapid clearance of parenchymal amyloid. Here, we determined if our immunization strategy was associated with this form of toxicity, and if the therapeutic effect was age-dependent. Tg2576 mice and wild-type littermates were immunized from 11 or 19 months and their behaviour evaluated prior to killing at 24 months. Subsequently, plaque- and vascular-A? burden, A? levels and associated pathology was assessed. The therapy started at the cusp of amyloidosis reduced cortical A? deposit burden by 31% and A? levels by 30–37%, which was associated with cognitive improvements. In contrast, treatment from 19 months, when pathology is well established, was not immunogenic and therefore did not reduce A? burden or improve cognition. Significantly, the immunotherapy in the 11–24 months treatment group, that reduced A? burden, did not increase cerebral bleeding or vascular A? deposits in contrast to several A? antibody studies. These findings indicate that our approach age-dependently improves cognition and reduces A? burden when used with an adjuvant suitable for humans, without increasing vascular A? deposits or microhemorrhages.
Optimization of power flows in polyphase systems with significant source impedance

The paper considers optimized compensation of loads in unbalanced polyphase networks under non-sinusoidal operation and with significant source impedance. After formulating the problem in a suitable Hilbert space terminology, the optimal solution is obtained using Lagrange multiplier method. The paper also proposes a general framework for obtaining simplified, reduced-order versions of the optimal compensator which depend on fewer parameters, making them easier to implement.
Galanin can inhibit insulin release by a mechanism other than membrane hyperpolarization or inhibition of adenylate cyclase.

Abstract Studies on the mode of action of galanin to inhibit insulin release in RINm5F cells have shown that basal and glyceraldehyde-stimulated release were both inhibited. Galanin was inhibitory at concentrations in the low nanomolar range. Binding studies with 125I-labeled galanin indicated that the RINm5F cells exhibit a single set of sites estimated to be of the order of 30,000 sites/cell. Displacement of 125I-galanin by galanin from the receptor sites occurred over a similar concentration range to that which inhibited insulin release. Half-displacement was achieved with 2 nM galanin. Measurements of bis-(1,3-diethylthiobarbiturate) trimethineoxonol (bis-oxonol) fluorescence showed that galanin hyperpolarized the RINm5F cell plasma membrane. Measurements of intracellular free calcium, [Ca2+]i by means of the fluorescent indicator fura-2 showed that galanin decreased [Ca2+]i. As galanin did not inhibit either basal or glyceraldehyde-stimulated insulin release in the presence of the Ca2+ channel blocker nitrendipine, the hyperpolarization and reduction of Ca2+ entry appear to be a possible explanation for the galanin effects. However, quantitatively, the effects on membrane potential and [Ca2+]i appear to be insufficient to account for the potent inhibition of insulin release. Furthermore, evidence for an additional mechanism of action was obtained from experiments with 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA), a phorbol ester which stimulates insulin secretion by at least two mechanisms, one Ca2+ dependent and one Ca2+ independent. TPA-stimulated insulin release was inhibited by galanin over the same concentration range as for the inhibition of glyceraldehyde-stimulated release. Galanin inhibited TPA-stimulated release in the presence of maximally effective concentrations of nitrendipine and in the absence of extracellular Ca2+. These effects cannot be explained by hyperpolarization of the plasma membrane and consequent reduction of Ca2+ entry via the voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels. One suggested mechanism for the action of galanin is inhibition of adenylate cyclase. However, it was found that galanin inhibits insulin release even in the presence of 8-Br-cAMP, an agent which effectively bypasses adenylate cyclase. Therefore, an additional mechanism for the inhibitory effect of galanin must be present. All of the effects of galanin were sensitive to pertussis toxin. These data suggest two G-protein-dependent actions of galanin, one to hyperpolarize the plasma membrane and one at a distal point in stimulus-secretion coupling, close to the exocytotic event.
CHAPTER 37 – Cerebral Vascular System

The brain vascular system is both unique and heterogenous in terms of structure, microvascular organization, and function. In addition to the quantitative differences, which reflect variations in metabolic rate as well as the existence of specialized endocrine secretory mechanisms, there are also wide variations in capillary structure. Most vessels in the nervous system possess endothelial cell tight junctions that provide a seal and prevent, or considerably hinder the passage of water-soluble molecules unless they interact with specialized transport systems. Another unique aspect of the brain circulation is the absence of a lymphatic system as known in most other organs. Although materials deposited in brain tissue or subarachnoid space can be recovered in the lymph nodes, this phenomenon is believed to be the result of transfer from cerebrospinal fluid to extracranial extracellular fluid through the cribriform plate and the spaces around the trunks of the emerging cranial and spinal nerves. Furthermore, the existence of a continuous vascular network explains the decrease of blood flow in areas surrounding an infarct, and provides the basis for therapeutic interventions aimed at enhancing perfusion by collateral circulation in this zone.
A Matter of Justice: Eisenhower and the Beginning of the Civil Rights Revolution – By David A. Nichols

President Dwight Eisenhower has fared poorly in the mainstream narrative of the civil rights struggle. Depicted as abdicating leadership in the area of civil rights, he quietly opposed the movement...
The appropriate use of inotropes in shock.

Shock is best defined as a syndrome of failure of the heart to pump blood into the aorta in sufficient quantity or under sufficient pressure to maintain the pressure-flow relationship for adequate tissue perfusion. The various therapeutic options available are best selected to insure the most efficient correction of identifiable pathophysiology. One such approach utilizes the principles of cardiac function outlined by Ernest Starling at the turn of the century.t Using the concept in Figure 1, the clinician attempts to identify the dynamic state of the myocardium hypothesizing the existence of a hyperdynamic contractile heart as might exist with sepsis or a hypodynamic state as seen in cardiogenic shock. Beyond this must be estimated the preload or end-diastolic volume further influencing ventricular output. Preload serves as an indication of adequacy of intravascular volume, yet varies dependent on the contractile state of the myocardium. Thus, in Figure 1 a number of points is designated on the Starling curves depicting states of altered preload and/or contractility. Once assessment of the patient in shock leads to an approximation of this existing pathophysiology selection of therapy follows. Figure 2 outlines the various therapeutic options available dependent on the identified abnormalities. Rapid assessment of response to the chosen therapy must be made to either insure the correctness of the initial selection or to indicate the need for alternative treatment. lnotropic therapy to increase myocardial contractility is commonly selected. Many considerations are involved in the timing for inotropic stimulation, the correct selection of agent, the desirability for concurrent pharmacology (i.e., afterload reduction) and the proper limits/'or increase in cardiac output. The goal of increased ventricular output first requires optimal levels of preload, lnotropic stimulation in the presence of intravascular hypovolaemia often fails to achieve increased stroke volume but rather results in undesirable effects of increased afterload, tachycardia and dysrhythmias. Achieving pulmonary artery wedge pressures in excess of 10-12 mmHg and preferably between 15 and 18 mmHg should precede institution of pharmacological inotropic stimulation. The relationship of afterload as indicated by calculation of vascular resistance should also be understood. Afterload reduction with arterial dilator therapy may be preferable to i notropic drugs when systemic arterial pressure is adequate, as such therapy may reduce myocardial wall tension and myocarVENTRtCULAR OUTPUT A = Hypovolemia B = Hypocontraclilo C = Hypervoh:mla Hypordynamlc
One-Session Treatment: Principles and Procedures with Children and Adolescents

One-Session Treatment (OST) is a massed, cognitive-behavioral exposure therapy that progresses over the course of a single, 3-hour session and was developed by Ost (1987, Scandinavian Journal of Behavior Therapy, 16, 175–184; 1989, One-session treatment for specific phobias. Behavior research and therapy, 27, 1–7; 1997, Phobias: A handbook of theory, research, and treatment, 227–247). Though originally developed as an intervention with adults, the adaptation and use of OST with children and adolescents have progressed substantially in the last decade or so.
Direct glucose stimulation of glycogen synthase phosphatase activity in a liver glycogen particle preparation

Abstract In glycogen particle suspensions prepared from fed rats given either glucagon or glucose in order to increase or decrease the phosphorylase a concentration, respectively, glucose stimulation of synthase phosphatase activity was observed. In preparations from glucagon-treated rats, addition of glucose stimulated synthase and phosphorylase phosphatase simultaneously and not sequentially. Synthase phosphatase stimulation was glucose concentration dependent even when phosphorylase a had been rapidly reduced to a low level. The estimated A 0.5 for glucose stimulation of synthase phosphatase activity was 27 m m . An A 0.5 for glucose stimulation of phosphorylase phosphatase activity could not be estimated since activity was still increasing with concentrations of glucose as high as 200 m m . In preparations from glucose-treated rats which contain virtually no phosphorylase a , glucose stimulation was still apparent but the A 0.5 was increased modestly (36 m m ). Stimulation of synthase phosphatase activity was specific for glucose. Several other monosaccharides and the polyhydric alcohol sorbitol were ineffective.
Expression of recombinant Ara h 6 in Pichia pastoris but not in Escherichia coli preserves allergic effector function and allows assessment of specific mutations.

Scope: Ara h 6 has recently been recognized as an important peanut allergen. Recombinant allergens have been used for analysis of IgE binding, but have not been used to analyze the allergic effector activity that is more relevant to allergic reactions. Methods and results: Ara h 6 was expressed as a recombinant protein in both Escherichia coli and Pichia pastoris (rAra h 6-E. coli and rAra h 6-Pichia, respectively). Effector activity was assayed by measuring degranulation of RBL SX-38 cells sensitized with IgE from patients with severe peanut allergy. Compared to native Ara h 6 (nAra h 6), rAra h 6-Pichia had intact effector function whereas rAra h 6-E. coli had significantly reduced function. The lower effector activity in rAra h 6-E. coli compared to nAra h 6 and rAra h 6-Pichia did not appear to be due to differences in posttranslational modificatons (analyzed by mass spectrometry and staining for carbohydrates) and may be due to subtle alteration(s) of folding seen on CD analysis and on nonreduced gels. Finally, we introduced point mutations in four important IgE-binding linear epitopes of Ara h 6 and found dramatically reduced allergic effector activity. Conclusion: Our studies demonstrate the utility of fully functional rAra h 6-Pichia as a starting point for analysis of specific mutations that adversely affect allergic effector function.
Clinical and nutritional correlates of C-reactive protein in type 2 diabetic nephropathy

Abstract Background: Patients with diabetic nephropathy are at elevated cardiovascular risk. C-reactive protein (CRP) has been used to successfully predict cardiovascular events. Objective: We identified clinical and biochemical characteristics that correlate with CRP levels in diabetic nephropathy patients. Design: Baseline data obtained from 722 patients in the Irbesartan Diabetic Nephropathy Trial included age, sex, body mass index (BMI), systolic blood pressure (BP), serum creatinine, plasma low- and high-density cholesterol, triacylglycerol, serum albumin, hemoglobin A1C, 24h urinary protein excretion, plasma total homocysteine (tHcy), folate, B12, pyridoxal 5′-phosphate (PLP, active form of Vitamin B 6 ), and plasma CRP levels. Results: In univariate analyses CRP was positively associated with female sex ( r =0.08; P =0.04), BMI ( r =0.34; P r =0.21; P r =0.08; 0.04), and inversely associated with PLP ( r =−0.17; P r =−0.09; P =0.02). A stepwise multiple regression model found CRP directly correlated with BMI ( P P P Conclusions: These results extend previous findings of an inverse relationship between Vitamin B 6 and CRP. The lack of association between CRP and certain established or emerging cardiovascular risk factors offers novel information regarding cardiovascular risk in this population.
EFFECT OF HAEMIN SUPPLEMENTATION ON PORPHYRIN ACCUMULATION AND CATALASE SYNTHESIS DURING ANAEROBIC GROWTH OF STAPHYLOCOCCUS.

GROWTH of some facultatively anaerobic micro-organisms under anaerobic rather than aerobic conditions leads to an impaired synthesis of haem compounds1–3. This is accompanied by a large accumulation of coproporphyrin in cultures of Bacillus cereus1 and by a diminished synthesis of catalase in cells of Saccharomyces cerevisiae4. Previous work in this laboratory has revealed that Staphylococcus epidermidis also exhibits an impaired haem synthesis during anaerobic growth, which results in an inability to reduce nitrate under these conditions5,6. Results reported in this communication indicate that the accumulation of coproporphyrin and the decreased catalase synthesis which occur during anaerobic growth of one strain, of S. epidermidis are markedly affected by the addition of haemin to the growth medium.
The Potlatch: A Structural Analysis'

Significant variations are shown to be present in the potlatch in two Northwest Coast societies. Differences occur in occasions for potlatches, in frequency, in guests present, and in the nature of their relationship to the host. These variations are related to variations in the social structures of the societies. The Tlingit and the Kwakiutl are selected for comparison, using an approach which involves the building of models based upon a rule of marriage for the Tlingit and a rule of succession for the Kwakiutl. Analysis of the potlatches of these two societies verifies the structural models.
Partial-wave analysis of pion photoproduction

An energy-dependent partial-wave analysis of pion photoproduction data through the second-resonance region (0--1 GeV laboratory kinetic energy) is presented. A set of energy-independent analyses has also been obtained starting from the energy-dependent solution. The data set contains 9074 data for the reactions \ensuremath{\gamma}+p\ensuremath{\rightarrow}p+${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\pi}}}^{0}$, \ensuremath{\gamma}+p\ensuremath{\rightarrow}n+${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\pi}}}^{+}$, \ensuremath{\gamma}+n\ensuremath{\rightarrow}n+${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\pi}}}^{0}$, \ensuremath{\gamma}+n\ensuremath{\rightarrow}p+${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\pi}}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}}$, and the inverse reaction ${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\pi}}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}}$+p\ensuremath{\rightarrow}n+\ensuremath{\gamma} (converted to \ensuremath{\gamma}+n\ensuremath{\rightarrow}p+${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\pi}}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}}$). The predictions of our solutions are compared with the results of previous analyses. Suggestions are made for future experiments.
Phoenix Population Origins, 1870–1900

This research reconstructs the population origins for Phoenix, Arizona, based on U.S. manuscript census counts by state and foreign country for 1870, 1880, and 1900. Population‐origin counts are ta...
Amygdala neural activity reflects spatial attention towards stimuli promising reward or threatening punishment

Humans and other animals routinely identify and attend to sensory stimuli so as to rapidly acquire rewards or avoid aversive experiences. Emotional arousal, a process mediated by the amygdala, can enhance attention to stimuli in a non-spatial manner. However, amygdala neural activity was recently shown to encode spatial information about reward-predictive stimuli, and to correlate with spatial attention allocation. If representing the motivational significance of sensory stimuli within a spatial framework reflects a general principle of amygdala function, then spatially selective neural responses should also be elicited by sensory stimuli threatening aversive events. Recordings from amygdala neurons were therefore obtained while monkeys directed spatial attention towards stimuli promising reward or threatening punishment. Neural responses encoded spatial information similarly for stimuli associated with both valences of reinforcement, and responses reflected spatial attention allocation. The amygdala therefore may act to enhance spatial attention to sensory stimuli associated with rewarding or aversive experiences.
Far-infrared absorption, vibrational spectra and structure of beta-propiolactone

Abstract The infrared and Raman spectra of beta-propiolactone have been recorded and a complete vibrational analysis carried out. It is concluded that the molecule has a plane of symmetry and belongs to the point group C8. The twenty-one normal vibrations of this point group are assigned. The ring-puckering vibration was observed directly in the far infrared spectrum of the liquid, and also in the mid-infrared spectrum of the vapor as sum and difference bands with the carbonyl stretching frequency. It is concluded that the vibration is very anharmonic.
A General, Iterative Method Of Image Recovery

A general iterative method of restoring linearly degraded images has been introduced recently [J. Opt. Soc. Amer., 4, 208-215 (1987)]. In this paper, the general method is reformulated into a more tractable fixed point iterative procedure. The new formulation is shown to be an implementation of the steepest descent algorithm. The inherent step size of the generalized method is found to be responsible for its slow convergence. A new method is presented whose increased step size offers accelerated convergence. The realization of the new accelerated method is shown to require only a minor modification of the original algorithm. A new stopping criterion is also introduced. Computer simulations demonstrate a significant improvement in the rate of convergence of the new method.
Influence of crosslinking on the tensile strength and fractography of poly(methyl methacrylate)

Glassy crosslinked networks were prepared by copolymerization of methyl methacrylate with up to 4.7 mole-percent ethylene dimethacrylate. These networks were degraded by exposure to γ-rays and the solubilized fraction estimated by benzene extraction using the analysis of A. R. Schultz. The efficiency of the Crosslinking agent was found to be 0.5 and this value was used to calculate the molecular weight between crosslinks. The molecular weight of the primary molecules in the network, M, was estimatfrom the radiation dose using the known fact that one fracture requires an energy deposition of 59 ev. Crosslinking was found to have little influence on the tensile strength of networks of primary molecular weight > 105. In contrast. crosslinking raised, the strength of polymers of M < 105 to, a value approaching that of a high molecular weight linear polymer (ca. 70MN/m2). Crosslinking was found to have only a small influence on the gross morphology of fracture surfaces.
Rising PSA after a radical treatment.

Despite improvements in detection of early prostate cancer and surgical technique, approximately 25% of men develop biochemical recurrence following radical prostatectomy. Recurrence after local prostate cancer treatment, detectable only by a rise in serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA), is an increasingly common problem facing clinicians. Analysis of clinical and pathological factors can indicate the likelihood of treatment failure. In addition, at biochemical failure, PSA velocity or doubling time may indicate whether recurrent disease is local or distant to the prostate bed. Those thought to have local recurrence may benefit from radiation therapy, whereas those thought to have metastatic disease may benefit from systemic treatment, the most common being androgen deprivation. Some patients may be candidates for surveillance alone.
The aerobiology of Fusarium graminearum

Current knowledge of the aerobiology of Fusarium graminearum sensu lato is based on decades of published research documenting the processes of spore discharge, atmospheric transport, and deposition in this important pathogen of cereal crops worldwide. Spores from both local and more distant sources have been shown to cause infection in susceptible cereal crops when environmental conditions are favorable. Susceptible crops may be exposed throughout a growing season to airborne spores deposited in rain events and in night-time hours through gravitational settling. Given that spores deposited on cereal florets originate from distant as well as local sources, disease risk forecasts, based currently on weather favoring local spore production during the days before peak infection (i.e., initiation of crop flowering), might be improved by placing greater emphasis on local weather directly favoring infection at and following the time of flowering. Also, considering the genetic diversity of fungal spores introduced to local agricultural fields following atmospheric transport, crop breeders should select resistant varieties based on screening against a set of fungal isolates that represent the range of virulence observed in fungal populations across a broader geographic region. An increased understanding of the aerobiology of F. graminearum contributes to the overall knowledge of plant pathogen transport in the atmosphere.
Acetylcholinesterase Expression in Muscle Is Specifically Controlled by a Promoter-Selective Enhancesome in the First Intron

Mammalian acetylcholinesterase (AChE) gene expression is exquisitely regulated in target tissues and cells during differentiation. An intron located between the first and second exons governs a approximately 100-fold increase in AChE expression during myoblast to myotube differentiation in C2C12 cells. Regulation is confined to 255 bp of evolutionarily conserved sequence containing functional transcription factor consensus motifs that indirectly interact with the endogenous promoter. To examine control in vivo, this region was deleted by homologous recombination. The knock-out mouse is virtually devoid of AChE activity and its encoding mRNA in skeletal muscle, yet activities in brain and spinal cord innervating skeletal muscle are unaltered. The transcription factors MyoD and myocyte enhancer factor-2 appear to be responsible for muscle regulation. Selective control of AChE expression by this region is also found in hematopoietic lineages. Expression patterns in muscle and CNS neurons establish that virtually all AChE activity at the mammalian neuromuscular junction arises from skeletal muscle rather than from biosynthesis in the motoneuron cell body and axoplasmic transport.
The Virtual War on Terror: Counterterrorism Narratives in Video Games

Over the past decade, a great deal of research has been done to analyze the ways in which popular media, especially movies and television shows, construct fictional terrorist threats. However, little attention has been given to the extremely popular genre of counterterrorism video games and how they fit into the War on Terror media narrative. Counterterrorism video games reflect many of the themes of other media about terrorism, such as the demonization of terrorist enemies and the exaggeration of terrorist threats. However, video games strengthen these themes to make the threat of terrorism appear more pervasive and imminent. Consequently, counterterrorism games display an intensified vision of the War on Terror narrative, in which the entire world is a war zone. This leads game narratives to simulate and justify more extreme state responses to terrorism.
Abstract C33: Akt-EphA2 signaling axis promotes diffuse infiltrative invasion of glioma in vivo and regulates glioma stem cell properties

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is among the most lethal types of human cancer. Diffuse infiltrative invasion is a major cause for the poor prognosis; however the underlying mechanisms remain to be fully elucidated. Using human glioblastoma stem-like cells (GSCs) that recapitulate the highly invasive propensity of primary glioblastomas, we find that ephrin receptor A2 (EphA2) critically regulates glioma invasion in vivo. ShRNA knockdown of EphA2 markedly diminished intracranial invasion. Conversely overexpression of EphA2 enhanced the invasion. The effects required Akt-mediated phosphorylation of EphA2 on serine 897. In vitro, the Akt-EphA2 signaling axis in GSCs was maintained in the absence of ephrin-A ligands and disrupted upon ligand stimulation. In accordance, GSCs invasion was significantly increased in brain slices from the Efna1;Efna3;Efna4 triple knockout mice compared with those from the wild type littermates. Mechanistically overexpression of wild type but not S897A mutant EphA2 promoted GSC self-renewal, which was correlated with the increased expression of stem cell markers. Taken together, the results show that EphA2 stimulates glioma invasiveness in vivo in cooperation with Akt, which is negatively regulated by ephrin-As in tumor microenvironment. Citation Format: Hui Miao, Nickolas W. Gale, Bingcheng Wang. Akt-EphA2 signaling axis promotes diffuse infiltrative invasion of glioma in vivo and regulates glioma stem cell properties. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Tumor Invasion and Metastasis; Jan 20-23, 2013; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(3 Suppl):Abstract nr C33.
Metaphors, models, and analogies in social science and public policy

Review of critics of the logical positivist description of scientific method and of academic accounts of policymaking suggests that analogies and metaphors are central features of the social-scientific enterprise. Critics of metaphorical thinking in social science argue that these “devices” are used uncritically and obscure reality because they are too intuitive and too interpretative to be considered scientific. But this approach is probably dangerous because it assumes that metaphors, analogies, and models have only scientific consequences. As devices of thinking, they also have effects on public life as well. Assessment of analogies and metaphors must depend on their implications for reforming the world. At issue is the question of whether policy science uses analogies and metaphors in a responsible fashion and whether policy scientists are willing to take responsibility for the world they imagine.
Density Functional Study of the 13C NMR Chemical Shifts in Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes with Stone−Wales Defects

The C-13 NMR chemical shifts of (7,0), (8,0), (9,0), and (10,0) single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) with Stone-Wales (SW) defects have been studied computationally using a gauge-including projector-augmented plane-wave (GIPAW) density functional theory (DFT) method. A SW-defect substantially broadens the NMR signal of a particular tube, however, in general the average shift of the non-defect carbons does not differ greatly from that of the pristine species. "Parallel" orientations of the defect site yields shifts at around 150-160 ppm from atoms in the defect site which are separated from the rest of the NMR signal. Therefore, the results indicate that C-13 NMR might be able to detect the presence of, and perhaps even quantify the concentration of SW defects found in SWNTs. Differences in the NMR obtained for two defect orientations are analyzed by comparing the shifts of the defect atoms with those of planar and bent structures of the azupyrene mole Representative visualizations for the shielding tensors of the (8,0) SWNT with and without defects are also reported.
Analyzing simulation experiments with common random numbers

To analyze simulation runs which use the same random numbers, the blocking concept of experimental design is not needed. Instead, this paper applies a linear regression model with a nondiagonal covariance matrix. This covariance matrix does not need to have a specific pattern such as constant covariances. A simple example yields surprising results. The paper proposes a new framework for the error analysis. This framework consists of three factors (namely, common random numbers, replication, model validity), each with three levels.
The Effect of Hydrogen Ion and Alcohol Concentration on the Solubility of Phenobarbital

The solubility of phenobarbital in alcohol with varying pH has been determined. The data should make it possible to determine the approximate solubility of phenobarbital for any pH and any alcohol concentration up to 50 per cent. The data indicate that it is possible to prepare phenobarbital solutions which have both good stability and solubility using minimal amounts of alcohol if the pH is adjusted.
Social exclusion modifies climate and deforestation impacts on a vector-borne disease.

American Cutaneous Leishmaniasis emergence has been associated with changes in the interaction between people and forests. The association between outbreaks and forest clearance, higher risk for populations living close to forests, and the absence of this disease from urban settings has led to the proposal that it will disappear with the destruction of primary forests. This view ignores the complex nature of deforestation as a product of socioeconomic inequities. Our study shows that such inequities, as measured by a marginalization index, may ultimately determine risk within the country, with socially excluded populations most affected by the disease. Contrary to the established view, living close to the forest edge can diminish the risk provided other factors are taken into account. Additionally, differences in vulnerability to climatic variability appear to interact with forest cover to influence risk across counties where the disease has its largest burden. Incidence exacerbation associated with El Nino Southern Oscillation is observed in counties with larger proportions of deforestation. Our study calls for control efforts targeted to socially excluded populations and for more localized ecological studies of transmission in vectors and reservoirs in order to understand the role of biodiversity changes in driving the emergence of this disease.
Skeletal muscle enzyme activity, fiber composition and VO2 max in relation to distance running performance.

Muscle biopsy samples were obtained from the gastrocnemius of 26 well-trained runners of widely varying ability. Portions of the sample were analyzed for succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) activity and for muscle fiber composition. \(\dot V\)O2 max was determined during uphill treadmill running. Mean values for muscle SDH activity (14.6 U/g), fiber composition (55% slow twitch) and \(\dot V\)O2 max (60.9 ml/kg×min−1) were lower than reported previously for groups of elite and sub-elite runners. The physiological data were consistent with the performance ability of the sample [5∶12, 11∶20 and 36∶40 (min∶s) for 1, 2 and 6 miles, respectively]. Within the sample, performance was most strongly related to \(\dot V\)O2 max (r=−0.84, −0.87 and −0.88 for 1, 2, and 6 miles). There was little relationship between muscle SDH activity and either performance (r=−0.11, −0.14, −0.20 for 1, 2, and 6 miles) or \(\dot V\)O2 max (r=0.23). The relationship between muscle fiber composition and performance was only modestly strong (r=−0.52, −0.54, −0.55 for 1, 2, and 6 miles). The results indicate that the primary determinant of cross-sectional differences in running performance is \(\dot V\)O2 max. Skeletal muscle metabolism apparently contributes little to these cross-sectional differences and may be of much greater importance to variations in performance within an individual.
Diminishing returns?: revisiting perception of computing performance

The computing performance literature offers guidelines and frameworks, but data on the limits of user appreciation for performance are scarce. This paper presents a study of user satisfaction with different levels of computing performance. Thirty-five participants performed common computing tasks such as creating email and Web surfing. They rated computing performance for specific task elements - such as application launching and menu responsiveness - that occurred during those tasks. They repeated the tasks under varying levels of computer performance. Results include user ratings as a function of computing performance for each of the task elements. The results have implications for system designers who create products that must meet user expectations for performance.
Detoxification and stress response genes expressed in a western North American bumble bee, Bombus huntii (Hymenoptera: Apidae)

The Hunt bumble bee (Bombus huntii Greene, Hymenoptera: Apidae) is a holometabolous, social insect important as a pollinator in natural and agricultural ecosystems in western North America. Bumble bees spend a significant amount of time foraging on a wide variety of flowering plants, and this activity exposes them to both plant toxins and pesticides, posing a threat to individual and colony survival. Little is known about what detoxification pathways are active in bumble bees, how the expression of detoxification genes changes across life stages, or how the number of detoxification genes expressed in B. huntii compares to other insects. We found B. huntii expressed at least 584 genes associated with detoxification and stress responses. The expression levels of some of these genes, such as those encoding the cytochrome P450s, glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) and glycosidases, vary among different life stages to a greater extent than do other genes. We also found that the number of P450s, GSTs and esterase genes expressed by B. huntii is similar to the number of these genes found in the genomes of other bees, namely Bombus terrestris, Bombus impatiens, Apis mellifera and Megachile rotundata, but many fewer than are found in the fly Drosophila melanogaster. Bombus huntii has transcripts for a large number of detoxification and stress related proteins, including oxidation and reduction enzymes, conjugation enzymes, hydrolytic enzymes, ABC transporters, cadherins, and heat shock proteins. The diversity of genes expressed within some detoxification pathways varies among the life stages and castes, and we typically identified more genes in the adult females than in larvae, pupae, or adult males, for most pathways. Meanwhile, we found the numbers of detoxification and stress genes expressed by B. huntii to be more similar to other bees than to the fruit fly. The low number of detoxification genes, first noted in the honey bee, appears to be a common phenomenon among bees, and perhaps results from their symbiotic relationship with plants. Many flowering plants benefit from pollinators, and thus offer these insects rewards (such as nectar) rather than defensive plant toxins.
Circuits of Microspheres for Applications in Integrated Optoelectronics and Controllable Optical Delay Lines

We report on circuits of optically coupled microspheres with controllable photonic dispersions achieved by tuning the inter-resonator gap sizes. This will include a discussion of device design and modeling as well as experimental results.
Bayesian Hierarchical Pattern Mixture Models for Comparative Effectiveness of Drugs and Drug Classes Using Healthcare Data: A Case Study Involving Antihypertensive Medications

Comparative effectiveness research aims, in part, to provide evidence most relevant to clinical decision making. One decision relevant to hypertensive patients is which therapeutic drug class is the most safe and effective. In addition, once a drug class has been chosen it would be useful to know whether there are differences in effectiveness between drugs within class. Randomized trials are unlikely to provide sufficient evidence for answering these questions. We therefore propose a modeling approach that can be used to address the questions using administrative databases. We propose a Bayesian hierarchical model, where drugs are nested within their corresponding class. We account for the type of missing data that are common in these databases using a pattern mixture model. The methodology is illustrated using data from a comparative effectiveness study of antihypertensive medications.
The clinical spectrum of ocular lymphoma

Background. Ocular lymphoma is an uncommon cause of chronic vitreitis or uveitis, often refractory to steroid treatment, and frequently representing another site of multifocal primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL). Methods. The authors reviewed the medical and ophthalmologic records of 24 patients with ocular lymphoma; 23 had associated PCNSL. Results. In half, the eyes were the initial site of disease; in the others central nervous system (CNS) lymphoma developed before, or concurrent with, ocular lymphoma. Most patients had bilateral ocular symptoms; slit-lamp examination revealed asymptomatic disease in four. Vitrectomy was not always diagnostic, particularly in patients who had received steroids. Ocular ultrasound, performed on seven patients, provided an objective measure of disease and treatment response. Patients received a variety of therapeutic combinations of steroids, radiation, and chemotherapy, including high-dose cytosine arabinoside. Despite therapy, eventual ocular or CNS relapse or both was common. Thirteen patients have died, 12 with known recurrent CNS disease. Conclusions. Ocular lymphoma frequently is associated with PCNSL. The diagnosis should be considered in patients with steroid-resistant chronic vitreitis or uveitis. Patients with PCNSL should be carefully evaluated for ocular involvement, regardless of symptoms. Treatment can contribute to prolonged remission, but eventual ocular or CNS relapse is the rule.
Topographical organization of GABAergic neurons within the ventral tegmental area of the rat.

The ventral tegmental area (VTA), the origin of dopaminergic cell bodies that comprise the mesocorticolimibic DA system, is widely implicated in drug and natural reward, cognition, and several psychiatric disorders. In addition to dopaminergic neurons, this region is populated by GABAergic neurons, which both regulate the firing of their dopaminergic counterparts and send projections throughout the brain. Although the dopaminergic neurons of the VTA have been extensively characterized neuroanatomically, much less is known about the GABAergic neurons in this region. Recent data suggest that the rostro-caudal topographic organization of these GABAergic neurons may correspond to their ability to regulate drug reward. In the present study, we used immunohistochemical techniques to examine the frequency and topography of GABAergic neurons throughout the rostro-caudal axis of the VTA and the extent to which they coexpress other proteins, including tyrosine hydroxylase (a marker of DA neurons), cholecystokinin, parvalbumin, calretinin, and calbindin d 28k. Synapse 61:87–95, 2007. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc.