cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Tetrahydrocurcumin, Curcumin, and 5-Fluorouracil Effects on Human Esophageal Carcinoma Cells.

Background Esophageal cancer responds poorly to traditional therapies, and novel treatments are needed. The phytochemical curcumin is a potential treatment for Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma (ESCC). A curcumin metabolite, tetrahydrocurcumin (THCUR), has anti-cancer effects and greater bioavailability than curcumin. Objective Evaluate THCUR as an anti-cancer agent relative to curcumin and a standard cancer drug, 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), along with treatment interactions. Materials and methods Assay cell proliferation and viability following individual and combined delivery of the compounds to three ESSC cell lines (TE-1, TE-8, and KY-5) that have different percentages of Cancer Stem Cells (CSCs). Results Curcumin was significantly more effective than 5-FU in all three cell lines. It also had the greatest effect on KY-5 cells, which have the highest CSC properties, consistent with the ability of curcumin to target CSCs. Effects on ESCC cell proliferation were not detected from 40µM THCUR, a dosage above the IC50 of curcumin and 5-FU. However, THCUR at this dosage in combination with 5-FU significantly suppressed TE-1 cell proliferation, but 5-FU alone did not. As TE-1 has low CSC properties relative to the two other cell lines, it was expected to have the least resistance to chemotherapeutic treatments. Surprisingly, TE-1 was the most resistant to inhibition by 5-FU. Conclusion These results and the greater stability and water solubility of THCUR than curcumin support further testing of THCUR in combination with standard treatments, particularly for chemoresistant ESCC. In contrast to concerns that curcuminoids taken by patients through diet or diet supplements might interfere with chemotherapy, suppression of 5-FU efficacy by curcumin was not observed.
Discover probability: how to use it, how to avoid misusing it, and how it affects every aspect of your life

A positive aspect of this well-written practical book is that the readers do not need mathematics background to read and comprehend the contents of this motivating book. Focus is more on easy and d...
Using Deep Learning to Fill Spatio-Temporal Data Gaps inHydrological Monitoring Networks

Abstract. Long-term spatio-temporal changes in subsurface hydrological flow are usually quantified through a network of wells; however, such observations often are spatially sparse and temporal gaps exist due to poor quality or instrument failure. In this study, we explore the ability of deep neural networks to fill in gaps in spatially distributed time-series data. We selected a location at the U.S. Department of Energy's Hanford site to demonstrate and evaluate the new method, using a 10-year spatio-temporal hydrological dataset of temperature, specific conductance, and groundwater table elevation from 42 wells that monitor the dynamic and heterogeneous hydrologic exchanges between the Columbia River and its adjacent groundwater aquifer. We employ a long short-term memory (LSTM)-based architecture, which is specially designed to address both spatial and temporal variations in the property fields. The performance of gap filling using an LSTM framework is evaluated using test datasets with synthetic data gaps created by assuming the observations were missing for a given time window (i.e., gap length), such that the mean absolute percentage error can be calculated against true observations. Such test datasets also allow us to examine how well the original nonlinear dynamics are captured in gap-filled time series beyond the error statistics. The performance of the LSTM-based gap-filling method is compared to that of a traditional, popular gap-filling method: autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA). Although ARIMA appears to perform slightly better than LSTM on average error statistics, LSTM is better able to capture nonlinear dynamics that are present in time series. Thus, LSTMs show promising potential to outperform ARIMA for gap filling in highly dynamic time-series observations characterized by multiple dominant modes of variability. Capturing such dynamics is essential to generate the most valuable observations to advance our understanding of dynamic complex systems.
Ventral posterior substantia nigra iron increases over 3 years in Parkinson's disease

BACKGROUND Parkinson's disease (PD) is characterized in part by the progressive accumulation of iron within the substantia nigra (SN); however, its spatial and temporal dynamics remain relatively poorly understood. OBJECTIVES The objective of this study was to investigate spatial patterns and temporal evolution of SN iron accumulation in PD. METHODS A total of 18 PD patients (mean disease duration = 6.2 years) receiving dopaminergic therapy and 16 healthy controls were scanned with 3T MRI at baseline and 3 years later using quantitative susceptibility mapping, an indirect marker of iron content. Iron was assessed separately in the posterior SN and anterior SN at the ventral and dorsal levels of the SN. The results were corrected for the false discovery rate. RESULTS A significant group effect was found for the ventral posterior SN (P < .001) and anterior SN (P = .042) quantitative susceptibility mapping as well as significant group x time interaction effects (P = .02 and P = .043, respectively). In addition, a significant intragroup change during 3 years of follow-up was found only in the ventral posterior SN of PD (P = .012), but not healthy controls. No significant effects were detected for any dorsal SN measures. No associations were identified with clinical measures. CONCLUSIONS We found both cross-sectional and longitudinal SN iron changes to be confined to its more ventral location in PD. Because pathology studies also show the ventral SN to degenerate early and to the greatest extent in PD, the assessment of iron levels by quantitative susceptibility mapping in this area may potentially represent a disease progression biomarker in PD. © 2019 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
The Role of the Teacher

Let’s briefly recap some of the major points we covered in Part I, in which we addressed some fundamental issues of learning: We established that organizing processes are essential but can nonetheless break down under seemingly ordinary conditions. We looked at how breakdowns in organizing processes influence not just whether students learn, but how they experience learning. And we saw how repeated instances of frustrated organization may have long-term effects on students’ approaches and attitudes toward learning and, ultimately, their very capacity to learn.
Calpain-dependent cleavage of GABAergic proteins during epileptogenesis.

Abstract Epileptogenesis is the processes by which a normal brain transforms and becomes capable of generate spontaneous seizures. In acquired epilepsy, it is thought that epileptogenesis can be triggered by a brain injury but the understanding of the cellular or molecular changes unraveling is incomplete. In the CA1 region of hippocampus less GABAergic activity precede the appearance of spontaneous seizures and calpain overactivation has been detected after chemoconvulsant-induced status epilepticus (SE). Inhibition of calpain overactivation following SE ameliorates seizure burden, suggesting a role for calpain dysregulation in epileptogenesis. The current study analyzed if GABAergic proteins (i.e., gephyrin, the vesicular GABA transporter and the potassium chloride co-transporter 2) undergo calpain-dependent cleavage during epileptogenesis. A time-dependent generation of break down products (BDPs) for these proteins was observed in the CA1 region of hippocampus after pilocarpine-induced SE. Generation of these BDPs was partially blocked by treatment with the calpain inhibitor MDL-28170. These findings suggest that calpain-dependent loss of GABAergic proteins might promote the erosion of inhibitory drive and contribute to hyperexcitability during epileptogenesis.
Accelerating GluCEST imaging using deep learning for B 0 correction

Purpose Glutamate weighted Chemical Exchange Saturation Transfer (GluCEST) MRI is a noninvasive technique for mapping parenchymal glutamate in the brain. Because of the sensitivity to field (B0 ) inhomogeneity, the total acquisition time is prolonged due to the repeated image acquisitions at several saturation offset frequencies, which can cause practical issues such as increased sensitivity to patient motions. Because GluCEST signal is derived from the small z-spectrum difference, it often has a low signal-to-noise-ratio (SNR). We proposed a novel deep learning (DL)-based algorithm armed with wide activation neural network blocks to address both issues. Methods B0 correction based on reduced saturation offset acquisitions was performed for the positive and negative sides of the z-spectrum separately. For each side, a separate deep residual network was trained to learn the nonlinear mapping from few CEST-weighted images acquired at different ppm values to the one at 3 ppm (where GluCEST peaks) in the same side of the z-spectrum. Results All DL-based methods outperformed the "traditional" method visually and quantitatively. The wide activation blocks-based method showed the highest performance in terms of Structural Similarity Index (SSIM) and peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR), which were 0.84 and 25dB respectively. SNR increases in regions of interest were over 8dB. Conclusion We demonstrated that the new DL-based method can reduce the entire GluCEST imaging time by ˜50% and yield higher SNR than current state-of-the-art.
Oxygen-functionalized alkyne precursors in carbon nanotube growth

Functionalization of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) with heteroatoms enables covalent attachment, opening up a world of potential material structures. However, common functionalization techniques are hazardous and lack precision. Here, we evaluate an in situ functionalization technique using oxygen-containing alkyne precursors. CNTs were successfully derived from propargyl alcohol and propiolic acid, growing at a rate of 67 ± 7 and 19 ± 3 µm min–1, respectively. While there was no substantial increase in the oxygen content of resultant CNT structures (all less than 1% O), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy revealed subtle incorporations of carboxyl and hydroxyl functionality. An analysis of reactor effluent showed that both oxygen-containing species shed oxygen groups, where propargyl alcohol yielded a reactive atmosphere high in methylacetylene, and propiolic acid thermally degraded to acetylene and CO2, potentially explaining the enhanced catalyst lifetimes (approximately 75 min). These results support the universality of alkyne-promoting chemistries and delineate the limits of stable, oxygen-bearing alkynes to support point-directed functionalization schemes. Evidence that carbon nanotubes (CNTs) can form from intact C2-C4 subunits, primarily as alkynes, in a polymerization-like growth mechanism opened the doors for functionalized alkynes to direct the placement of heteroatoms in CNT lattice structures. If possible, this would alleviate the need for ex situ functionalization, the costs and environmental burdens associated with high concentration acid processing, and eliminate the random nature currently limiting CNT functionalization. Here, we demonstrate that oxygen-functionalized alkynes dominantly shed their oxygen-containing groups prior to or simultaneously with incorporation in the CNT, resulting in limited incorporation of oxygen groups into the CNT structure. As a whole, the work sheds light on fundamental reaction processes that give rise to carbonaceous nanostructures through polymerization and defines the limits of current in situ functionalization strategies.
Secondary flows in the wake of a vertical axis wind turbine of solidity 0.5 working at a tip speed ratio of 2.2

Abstract The influence of the end effects in the wake development of a vertical axis wind turbine is studied using a Large-Eddy Simulation methodology, coupled with an Immersed-Boundary technique, for a value of solidity σ ​= ​Nc/D ​= ​0.5 (N: number of blades; c: chord length of the blades; D: diameter of the turbine), a tip speed ratio TSR ​= ​RΩ/U∞ ​= ​2.206 (R: radius of the turbine; Ω: angular speed; U∞: free-stream velocity) and a Reynolds number Re ​= ​DU∞/ν ​= ​180, 000 (ν: kinematic viscosity). The end effects at the tip of the blades originate significant secondary flows, especially on the windward side. They promote additional lateral displacement of the momentum deficit from the leeward side towards the windward side, increase the levels of turbulence and reinforce the asymmetry of the wake system. Turbulence is also intensified by the shear produced at the top and bottom boundaries of the wake between the free-stream and the decelerated flow downstream of the turbine. Significant vertical flows are produced, whose intensity and orientation were found dependent on the horizontal coordinate between leeward and windward sides. Their overall effect consists in contributing to momentum recovery downstream of the turbine, which is indeed faster at the locations closer to its spanwise boundaries, especially on the leeward side.
States' use of Medicaid to meet the needs of autistic individuals.

Objective To assess the use of Medicaid programs, including waivers, to address the needs of aging autistic individuals. Data sources We gathered data on Medicaid programs in place between 2004 and 2015 for 50 states and the District of Columbia from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services website, by contacting state Medicaid administrators and advocacy groups, and by reviewing the Medicaid Analytic eXtract Waiver Crosswalk. Study design This retrospective analysis classified each Medicaid program and documented state changes over time in eligibility criteria: those serving autism spectrum disorder only, autism spectrum disorder or intellectual disability, and intellectual disability only. Data collection/extraction methods We captured age and diagnosis eligibility criteria for Medicaid programs serving any of the three target groups. Principal findings A total of 269 Medicaid programs met our criteria and most programs (51%) were 1915(c) waivers. The number of autism-specific 1915(c) waivers grew more than fivefold during the study period, outpacing increases in waivers serving individuals with intellectual disability. Conclusions States varied in their use of Medicaid to address the needs of the aging autism population. Further study of characteristics of states that changed their Medicaid programs, and of the health care use and outcomes associated with these changes, are needed to identify opportunities to replicate effective approaches to meeting the needs of this population.
Tier-based treatment for opioid use disorder in the primary care setting

Background: Two primary care clinics implemented an opioid use disorder (OUD) treatment program that integrates behavioral health counseling with buprenorphine treatment and uses tiers. This project aimed to understand how patients moved through tiers in this program. Method: We purposively sampled 20 patients with at least 10 OUD-related treatment visits; we documented tier changes at all visits between September 1, 2016 and December 31, 2018 using a standard data collection instrument. These data were used to construct run-charts. Results: About 45% of sampled patients had at least one relapse noted and 60% of patients dropped in tier during the study. Reductions in tier often happened when the patient was navigating difficult psychosocial situations in their life, whereas increases in tier often accompanied positive life events. We also found variation in use of the tiers. Discussion: OUD treatment from two clinics by tier illustrates that recovery is an individualized process based on patient need that can fluctuate due to psychosocial triggers and significant life events. Having tiers can guide treatment and provide both clinicians and patients with information about what to expect during treatment while still allowing the flexibility to meet patients where they are. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).
State Estimation and Run-Out Reduction for Magnetically Levitated Motor Systems

Magnetically levitated motor systems create opportunities for new applications of electromechanical power conversion where high-speed and contact-free operation are required. These systems require position sensors and control algorithms for stable levitation which often require filters to reduce feed-back noise. Noisy position feedback creates challenges for high-bandwidth estimation of velocity and disturbance force; however, these unmeasured states can be helpful for high-performance control algorithms. This common problem in drives for electric motors has been solved using the Luenberger-style motion state observer. This paper investigates the applicability of the observer to digitally-controlled magnetically levitated systems. First, the observer’s embedded plant model is derived for discrete-time implementation. Then, it is shown that the most advantageous use-case of the observer is different for magnetically levitated systems versus rotary motor systems. Unlike motor systems, the zero-lag filtering property of observers is minimally useful, while the ability to estimate and reject disturbances yields significant performance improvements for applications that care about run-out. In a prototype bearingless motor, rotor run-out is reduced by 5x by using control techniques based on the proposed observer.
Quantum Computing Since Democritus

Written by noted quantum computing theorist Scott Aaronson, this book takes readers on a tour through some of the deepest ideas of maths, computer science and physics. Full of insights, arguments and philosophical perspectives, the book covers an amazing array of topics. Beginning in antiquity with Democritus, it progresses through logic and set theory, computability and complexity theory, quantum computing, cryptography, the information content of quantum states and the interpretation of quantum mechanics. There are also extended discussions about time travel, Newcomb's Paradox, the anthropic principle and the views of Roger Penrose. Aaronson's informal style makes this fascinating book accessible to readers with scientific backgrounds, as well as students and researchers working in physics, computer science, mathematics and philosophy.
Support for Sex Education and Abstinence Education Among Arkansas State Legislators

The purpose of the study was to identify characteristics of state legislators who supported or opposed school sex education and abstinence education programs. Subjects for the study were 135 members of the Arkansas state legislature. Subjects participated in a mail survey with 73 legislators (54%) responding. Results indicated greater support among Democrats for sex education. Support for abstinence education was independent of party affiliation, but frequent churchgoers were more likely to oppose abstinence education. Support for legislation to promote the teaching of abstinence was independent of religiosity, but subjects indicating a greater degree of religiosity were less likely to think that “education related to sexuality should be limited to abstinence until marriage.” These results have implications for working with legislators on issues related to sexuality/abstinence education.
Solar variability and ozone

Stratospheric temperature and concentration of ozone above 26 km, as measured by rocket-borne instruments, showed an increase from 1964 to 1969-70, and a decline between 1970 and 1975, closely following the solar cycle, which peaked in 1969 (+0.89 correlation at both 35 and 50 km). Similar correlations were found between the ozone density and the 10.7 cm solar radio flux (as measured by the Nimbus IV satellite), and between ozone column density and the Lyman-alpha flux, both observations being taken over the same 10 month period. A mechanism is hypothesized which would link solar flux variation with both changes in stratospheric temperature and concentration of ozone (which is produced by the photodissociation of stratospheric oxygen molecules by solar radiation in the ultraviolet wavelength region).
Effects of heat and chemical stress on development.

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the effects of heat and chemical stress on development. The chapter presents common features of environmental induced morphological defects during mammalian and Drosophila development. Cellular response to heat is the prototype system for this analysis. Heat is easy to apply and withdraw, and the effects of heat on cells have been extensively studied in a wide variety of experimental systems. Evidence that several teratogenic chemicals cause defects by a mechanism similar to heat is also presented in the chapter. It is suggested to make several reviews on teratology and on the heat-shock response for more general treatments of these subjects. Similarities in the means by which developmental defects are induced in vertebrates and Drosophila suggest that some kinds of defects may be induced by similar mechanisms. The similarities include the fact that heat and a group of chemicals that induce synthesis of heat-shock proteins induce defects in mammals, chickens, and flies. Different kinds of defects are even produced in one type of animal, depending on the precise timing of the environmental insult. Developmental defects induced by heat in mice, rats, and flies can all be prevented by thermotolerance-inducing treatments.
Recent Developments in Computer Organization

Publisher Summary This chapter reviews the historical development and fundamental principles of computer logical organization. A fast computer may be time-shared among slow users or slow input-output devices, each of which has a separate program. This time-sharing among several programs is called multiprogramming. The outlook for content-addressed memories can be calculated by analyzing the uses, alternative means of accomplishing the same functions, and costs. Most high-speed computers contain several central registers, usually realized in transistors or other logical elements, used for holding immediately needed operands and intermediate results. Estrin in 1960 proposed a Fixed-Plus-Variable-Structure computer organization consisting of a conventional large scientific computer plus an inventory of high-speed substructures which can be interconnected in various ways, and thus specialized to assist in various problems. It would seem unlikely that the scientific computing field will produce the best examples of the power of the approach. Combinatorial problems of all kinds would be expected to show much more dramatic improvements.
An Interaction Between Orbitofrontal and Rhinal Cortices Contributing to Reward Seeking Behavior

Monkeys given a disconnection of rhinal cortex from orbitofrontal cortex do not distinguish among different reward sizes, in a manner similar to that seen in monkeys with a bilateral rhinal cortex removal. Thus, it seems that reacting to differences among rewards requires communication between rhinal and orbitofrontal cortices. We suggest that the orbitofrontal cortex assesses value and rhinal is important for remembering the relations among the different reward sizes. This interaction provides a platform for studying information exchange across brain regions.
DNA bending at adenine . thymine tracts.

Intrinsic bending of DNA molecules results from local structural polymorphism in regions of homopolymeric dA · dT which are at least 4 base pairs long; the A · T tracts must be repeated in phase with the helix screw. Bending, in the direction of base-pair tilt rather than roll, occurs at the junctions between the A · T tract and adjacent B-DNA, with a larger angle at the 3′ than at the 5′ end of the A tract.
Collision-induced dissociation measurements on Li+(H2O)n, n = 1-6: The first direct measurement of the Li+-OH2 bond energy

Collision-induced dissociation of Li+(H2O)n, n = 1−6, with xenon (and with argon for n = 1) is studied as a function of kinetic energy using guided ion beam mass spectrometry. In all cases, the primary and lowest energy dissociation channel observed is endothermic loss of one water molecule. The cross section thresholds are interpreted to yield 0 and 298 K bond energies after accounting for the effects of multiple ion−molecule collisions, internal energy of the complexes, and dissociation lifetimes. The experimental bond energies determined here are in good agreement with previous experimental (high-pressure mass spectrometric, HPMS, measurements) and theoretical results for all complexes. In the case of Li+(H2O), the value determined here is actually the first direct measurement of the bond energy. This value lies somewhat below the value reported in the HPMS study which was extrapolated from data for larger clusters. Because the HPMS value has been used extensively to establish an absolute Li+ affinity ...
Effects of Isoflurane on Intracellular Calcium in Boutons of Hippocampal Neurons

Current knowledge of the molecular and cellular mechanisms of anesthetic action is insufficient to explain amnesia, unconsciousness or immobilization, the principal features of general anesthesia. A more detailed knowledge of the blocking mechanisms of volatile anesthetics (VAs) on presynaptic targets is critical to understanding their synaptic mechanisms of action. Here we show inhibition of synaptic vesicle (SV) exocytosis by the volatile anesthetic isoflurane as a function of nerve terminal [Ca2+]i, determined in the presence of varying external [Ca2+]e to test the hypothesis that VAs inhibit neurotransmitter release upstream of Ca2+ entry and thus reduce exocytosis in proportion to reductions in intracellular [Ca2+]i. Laser-scanning fluorescence image measurements of intracellular Ca2+ in transfected neonatal rat hippocampal neurons were made using the genetically encoded Ca2+-indicator GCaMP3 (Tian et al., 2009) or the acetoxymethyl (AM) ester of the Ca2+-sensitive dye fluo5 (10 μM) (Ariel & Ryan, 2010), and action potential (AP)-evoked exocytosis was measured with synaptophysin-pHluorin. The effect of isoflurane on [Ca2+]i correlates with its effect on exocytosis at varying external [Ca2+] to reveal minimal direct effect on the Ca2+ sensitivity of exocytosis. These data suggest the primary anesthetic targets in the inhibition of neurotransmitter release from small synaptic vesicles are situated upstream of Ca2+ entry and not within the synaptic vesicle fusion machinery.
EXERCISE TESTS AND ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY IN CHILDREN WITH CHRONIC RENAL FAILURE /CRF/

40 children with CRF on conservative treatment /CT/, on haemodialysis /HD/ or after renal transplantation /RT/ underwent repeated cardiologic investigations by chest x-ray, EGG, PCG, physical working capacity /PWC-170/ and echocardiography. In CRF PWC-170 was lower than in controls /C//mean percentile Pc 18 vs. 60, p < 0.01/. In patients on CT, PWC-170 was negatively related to the degree of CRF. A correlation was also found between PCW-170 and renal anaemia. After starting HD, PWC-170 failed to rise significantly /mean Pc 22/ whereas after RT it increased /mean Pc 35/. By echocardiography the left ventricular relative cross-sectional area difference was 56, 4 % in children with CRF compared to 60, 8 % in C /p < 0.05/. The relative velocity of contraction was 0.74 in CRF vs. 1,00 in C /p < 0.05/. It is proposed to follow children with CRF by early and repetitive cardiologic examinations with the non-invasive techniques described.
Ordinary differential equation for local accumulation time

Cell differentiation in a developing tissue is controlled by the concentration fields of signaling molecules called morphogens. Formation of these concentration fields can be described by the reaction-diffusion mechanism in which locally produced molecules diffuse through the patterned tissue and are degraded. The formation kinetics at a given point of the patterned tissue can be characterized by the local accumulation time, defined in terms of the local relaxation function. Here, we show that this time satisfies an ordinary differential equation. Using this equation one can straightforwardly determine the local accumulation time, i.e., without preliminary calculation of the relaxation function by solving the partial differential equation, as was done in previous studies. We derive this ordinary differential equation together with the accompanying boundary conditions and demonstrate that the earlier obtained results for the local accumulation time can be recovered by solving this equation.
Implementing International Strategy at the Business Unit Level: The Role of Managerial Decision-Making Characteristics

Several recent studies have examined the managerial characteristics associated with different strategy types. This research extends these studies by identifying the decision-making characteristics of top level management that are related to the strategic archetypes for competing in a global industry. The utility of three decision-making characteristics-risk taking, openness in decision making, and group consensus-are evaluated for global and multidomestic strategies. A contingency framework is also proposed, examining the simultaneousfit of all three characteristics to both international strategy types. Support was found for increased organizational performance as the decision-making characteristics are aligned more closely to the requirements of the organization's international strategy.
Description of a Second Microsatellite Marker and Linkage Analysis of the Muscle Glycogen Synthase Locus in Familial NIDDM

Non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) is characterized by impaired insulin-stimulated glucose uptake into glycogen. Both biochemical and genetic data have implicated glycogen synthase as a candidate for the genetic predisposition to diabetes. To test this hypothesis, we isolated cosmid clones containing genomic DNA for the glycogen synthase (GSY) gene and identified a region of 20 GT repeat units in a clone that extended 15 kilobases 3′ to the gene. This region was highly polymorphic with nine alleles (heterozygosity 0.74). With the use of this polymorphism, the GSY was mapped on chromosome 19q between markers D19S217 and D19S210 and at Θ = 0.036 from the histidine-rich calcium-binding protein (HRC) locus. Linkage to GSY was rejected under multiple models with logarithm of odds (LOD) scores of −1.36 to −5.22. In contrast, we could not reject linkage under dominant and intermediate (additive) models for the HRC locus (maximum LOD scores 1.51 and 1.54), despite the close proximity to GSY. Multipoint analysis of NIDDM versus GSY and HRC placed the putative diabetes locus centromeric to HRC and away from GSY. Furthermore, analysis of the previously associated Xba I polymorphism suggested neither linkage nor sib-pair sharing. We conclude that mutations of the GSY gene are unlikely to play a major role in the predisposition to NIDDM in our families. However, we cannot exclude a modifying role in a polygenic disorder or an important role in some families. The moderately positive LOD scores near the HRC locus suggest a need for evaluation of this region in additional NIDDM families.
Improved detection of tides at Europa with radiometric and optical tracking during flybys

Abstract Due to its eccentric orbit about Jupiter, Europa experiences periodic tidal deformation, which causes changes in its gravitational field and induces both radial and transverse displacements of the surface. The amplitude and phase of these tidal changes are diagnostic of internal structure, and can be measured with sufficient radiometric and optical tracking of a spacecraft during a series of flyby encounters with Europa. This paper presents results of the simulated accuracy for recovery of the tides of Europa through measuring the second-degree tidal Love numbers k 2 , h 2 , and l 2 . A reference trajectory, which consists of a total of 45 close flybys, was considered and a detailed covariance analysis was performed. The study was based on Earth-based Doppler tracking during ± 2 h of each periapsis passage and surface imaging data taken below 500 km altitude. The result shows that the formal uncertainty of the second-degree tidal Love numbers can be estimated to be σ k 2 = 0.01 , σ h 2 = 0.02 , and σ l 2 = 0.01 , which is sufficient to constrain the global ice thickness to about 10 km under reasonable assumptions. Moreover, the forced librations of Europa can be measured to 0.3″ accuracy, which can further constrain Europa's interior structure.
Microstructural features of a new precipitation-strengthened Cu8Cr4Nb alloy

Abstract Microstructural characteristics of a new precipitation-strengthened copper alloy with 8 at.% Cr and 4 at.% Nb (Cu8Cr4Nb) have been investigated using transmission electron microscopy. A bimodal distribution of Cr2Nb precipitates was found in extruded and aged alloys. Specific particle microstructures were identified to distinguish between primary and secondary precipitates that were directly related to liquid and solid precipitation processes. In the study of the microstructural changes upon aging, no significant coarsening of the Cr2Nb precipitates was observed during aging at 773 and 973K up to 100 h.
Effect of carbon tetrachloride on blood glutathione reductase activity in rabbits

Abstract Glutathione reductase was estimated in the plasma and the whole blood of rabbits before and after the administration of carbon tetrachloride. Only the frequency of administering a fixed dose of 0.05 ml per animal was changed during the experiment. At no-dose frequency a spontaneous variation with time was seen in the plasma and whole blood GR concentrations. At monthly and biweekly intervals, the GR levels rose to a higher value after each succeeding dose. The weekly and daily frequencies maintained the already high plasma and whole blood levels. However, the portion delivered by the red cells to the whole blood GR value decreased dramatically during that period. Bilirubin appeared in the blood only during daily administration of carbon tetrachloride.
Reduced histamine levels and H3 receptor antagonist-induced histamine release in the amygdala of Apoe-/- mice

The histamine H(3) receptor is a constitutively active G protein-coupled receptor for the neurotransmitter histamine that serves a negative feedback function. A role for the histamine H(3) receptor has been suggested in neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinsons disease and Alzheimer's disease. Mice deficient in apolipoprotein E (apoE), a protein involved in development, regeneration, neurite outgrowth, and neuroprotection, show increased measures of anxiety and reduced sensitivity to effects of histamine H(3) receptor antagonists on measures of anxiety. In this study, we tested whether in mice lacking apoE (Apoe-/-) histamine levels and histamine release in brain areas involved in the regulation of anxiety are altered. H(3) receptor antagonist-induced histamine release was lower in the amygdala of Apoe-/- than wild-type mice. In contrast, there were no genotype differences in histamine release in the hypothalamus. Consistent with these data, histamine immunohistochemistry revealed lower total and synaptic histamine levels in the central nucleus of the amygdala of Apoe-/- than wild-type mice. Such changes were not seen in the hypothalamus, hippocampus, or cortex. In Apoe-/- mice, chronically decreased histamine levels and reduced histamine release in the amygdala might contribute to increased measures of anxiety.
Gifted Potential and Emerg-Ing Abilities in Young Children: As Influenced by Diverse Backgrounds

Identification of exceptional potential in young children, especially those from culturally diverse and economically disadvantaged backgrounds, must become a better informed process if we are to provide necessary and appropriate schooling to develop that potential. A case for idiographic assessment to complement nomothetic information is proposed. The purpose of this study has been to extend knowledge about the many ways emerging giftedness in young children from diverse backgrounds may be observed in home and school settings, and in the particular setting of a specialized summer program for bright 3 and 4- year-olds. Emergence of intelligence and extraordinary competence are documented in children's content and symbol system preferences, modality consistencies in information gathering, exploration pace, play preferences, and peer and adult interactions. Observed behaviors are described, illustrated by examples in context, categorized as to epistemological orientation, and related to Gibson's human behavior hallmarks.
Kinetic phase transitions and tricritical point in an Ising model with competing dynamics

Abstract The nonequilibrium phase diagram of an Ising model in which the evolution of the spins reflects diffusion as well as ordering, is determined via dynamic mean-field theory (pair approximation). There is a first-order transition (in zero field) for sufficiently large diffusion rates.
Cattle Culture in the Brazilian Amazon

The majority of research on the expansion of cattle raising in Amazonia focuses on political economic drivers and resultant deforestation. The cultural constructions surrounding cattle raising, which are central to understanding the appeal of this livelihood in other parts of the world, have yet to be described in the Brazilian Amazon. This paper examines "cattle culture"—the positive cultural constructions associated with cattle raising and analyzes the paths that brought it to one of the "greenest" corners of Amazonia. In the western Amazon state of Acre, Brazil, the rubber tapper movement protested the arrival of cattle ranching in the 1980s, capturing worldwide attention with a message of sustainable forest-based development. Across Amazonia, groups who once opposed or were displaced by cattle are now adopting it—including Acrean rubber tappers and colonists. Drawing on primary data collected among rural and urban groups in Acre, I explain how cattle culture emerged in a state with a short and contest...
Hormonal effects on the neural retina: corticoid uptake, specific binding and structural requirements for the induction of glutamine synthetase.

Abstract The specificity of hormone structure in the induction of glutamine synthetase was investigated in the chick embryo retina. Modification or elimination of the activity, while the removal of the side chain or the reduction of the Δ4,3-keto grouping abolished inductive activity altogether. No one functional group appeared to be responsible for the inductive properties of the steroid molecule. No correlation between total uptake and inductive ability of various steroids was observed. However, uptake of [3H]cortisol and [3H]corticosterone, both good inducers, was almost identical, with maximal accumulation occurring within 15–20 min in culture. Steroids which increased glutamine synthetase activity were found to compete effectively for corticoid-binding sites (“receptors”) as evidenced by reduction of retinal uptake and accumulation of [3H]cortisol in their presence. Steroids which had no effect on synthetase levels had no effect on [3H]cortisol accumulation. Progesterone was an exception in that it was not an inducer, but did compete well with [3H]cortisol in the retina. It also effectively blocked the induction of glutamine synthetase by cortisol. A direct relationship is indicated between specific “receptor” binding of steroid and subsequent enzymic differentiation in the neural retina.
Nanophotonics: Magnet-controlled plasmons

Surface plasmons hold great promise for on-chip miniaturization of all-optical circuits, but practical methods of switching them are needed. Researchers have now demonstrated strong — and potentially fast — modulation of plasmons using a magnet.
Conducting Research in Schools: A Practical Guide

Cognitive development unfolds in many contexts, and one of the most important of these contexts is school. Thus, understanding the school context is critical for understanding development. This article discusses some of the reasons why cognitive developmental researchers might wish to conduct research in schools, describes how to get started conducting research in schools, and offers advice to help make school-based research proceed more smoothly.
Diffusion of magnetic flux elements on a fractal geometry

Recent observations have indicated that magnetic field elements are distributed on the Sun in fractal patterns with dimension D < 2. We suggest that the transport of magnetic field elements across the solar surface should be treated as diffusion on a fractal geometry. We review a semi-analytical, theoretical treatment of fractal diffusion. Comparison with observations of small-scale motions of solar magnetic flux concentrations indicates that fractal diffusion may be taking place with dimension in the range 1.3 to 1.8. It is shown that, compared to the predictions that would be made for two-dimensional diffusion, fractal diffusion in this range would lead to an increased level of in situ flux cancellation in decaying active regions by 7% to 35%. Other work in specialities outside of solar physics may be useful in explaining solar magnetic phenomena.
A thorough pelvic lymph node dissection in presence of positive margins associated with better clinical outcomes in radical cystectomy patients.

OBJECTIVES To evaluate the effect of positive surgical margins in patients with muscle-invasive transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder on survival. METHODS A retrospective evaluation of a prospectively maintained radical cystectomy database consisting of the data from 344 patients was performed. Cox regression analysis was done, and Kaplan-Meier tables were developed to evaluate the contribution of this finding to clinical outcomes. RESULTS A total of 304 (88.4%) patients had negative surgical margins in the radical cystectomy specimen, and 40 (11.6%) had positive surgical margins. On univariate analysis, positive surgical margins conferred a significant risk of poorer clinical outcomes. The 5-year overall (OS) and disease-specific survival (DSS) rate was 9% and 18% for patients with positive margins compared with 48% and 65% for patients with negative margins, respectively. The multivariate analysis demonstrated a significant independent risk of decreased recurrence-free survival, DSS, and OS for patients with positive surgical margins. The corresponding hazard ratios were 2.29 (95% confidence interval 1.54-3.41, P 15 lymph nodes were removed during surgery. CONCLUSIONS The presence of positive surgical margins in the pathologic specimen confers a significant independent risk of reduced recurrence-free survival, DSS, and overall survival. Nevertheless, patients with positive surgical margins will still benefit from a meticulous pelvic lymph node dissection.
Labor patterns in grand multiparas

Abstract Five hundred consecutive normal, term, grand multiparous labors were the subject of retrospective computer analysis. The purpose of the present study is to describe a labor curve applicable to the grand multipara. Computer analysis revealed the following features of the “grand multipara” labor curve. The following deviations from the “classical” curve were observed: (1) The active phase of labor begins at 5–6 cm of cervical dilatation. (2) There is no deceleration phase. (3) Descent of the presenting part begins at 7–8 cm of cervical dilatation. Knowledge of the labor pattern may be helpful in the clinical management of labor in the grand multiparous patient.
Current opinion on the classification and definition of genital tract prolapse

Purpose of review There are few issues in obstetrics and gynecology that seem so readily apparent but are in actuality replete with confusion than the diagnosis of genital tract prolapse. This stems from the difficulties in defining genital tract prolapse and from the long history of turmoil regarding how to classify and describe it. In the past 5-10 years our specialty has begun to make inroads into these issues. Finally, there is an accepted classification system and because of this we are beginning to recognize what represents normal vaginal support versus genital tract prolapse. Recent findings In 1993 the confusion regarding the classification of genital tract prolapse was documented by a very thorough review of the literature; in response, the Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification system was developed. Subsequent to this, several articles have begun to define the epidemiology of genital tract prolapse and this is providing a glimpse of what differentiates pathologic genital tract prolapse from normal support. Summary We can now reliably classify and describe genital tract relaxation and imply what is normal support versus pathological genital tract prolapse. However, we still have not defined genital tract prolapse, determined its prevalence or provided the clinician with a simple and reliable means of testing for its presence or absence.
Fluorogenic Tagging of Peptide and Protein 3-Nitrotyrosine with 4-(Aminomethyl)benzenesulfonic Acid for Quantitative Analysis of Protein Tyrosine Nitration

Protein 3-nitrotyrosine (3-NT) has been recognized as an important biomarker of nitroxidative stress associated with inflammatory and degenerative diseases, and biological aging. Analysis of protein-bound 3-NT continues to represent a challenge since in vivo it frequently does not accumulate on proteins in amounts detectable by quantitative analytical methods. Here, we describe a novel approach of fluorescent tagging and quantitation of peptide-bound 3-NT residues based on the selective reduction to 3-AT followed by reaction with 4-(aminomethyl)benzenesulfonic acid (ABS) in the presence of K3Fe(CN)6 to form a highly fluorescent 2-phenylbenzoxazole product. Synthetic 3-NT peptide (0.005-1 μM) upon reduction with 10 mM sodium dithionite and tagging with 2 mM ABS and 5 μM K3Fe(CN)6 in 0.1 M Na2HPO4 buffer (pH 9.0) was converted with yields >95% to a single fluorescent product incorporating two ABS molecules per 3-NT residue, with fluorescence excitation and emission maxima at 360 ± 2 and 490 ± 2 nm, respectively, and a quantum yield of 0.77 ± 0.08, based on reverse-phase LC with UV and fluorescence detection, fluorescence spectroscopy and LC–MS–MS analysis. This protocol was successfully tested for quantitative analysis of in vitro Tyr nitration in a model protein, rabbit muscle phosphorylase b, and in a complex mixture of proteins from C2C12 cultured cells exposed to peroxynitrite, with a detection limit of ca. 1 pmol 3-NT by fluorescence spectrometry, and an apparent LOD of 12 and 40 pmol for nitropeptides alone or in the presence of 100 μg digested cell proteins, respectively. LC–MS–MS analysis of ABS tagged peptides revealed that the fluorescent derivatives undergo efficient backbone fragmentations, allowing for sequence-specific characterization of protein Tyr nitration in proteomic studies. Fluorogenic tagging with ABS also can be instrumental for detection and visualization of protein 3-NT in LC and gel-based protein separations.