cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Comparison of the effects of insulin and okadaic acid on phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase gene expression

Many hormones regulate the rate of synthesis of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK), the enzyme that governs the rate-limiting step in gluconeogenesis. In H4IIE rat hepatoma cells, glucocorticoids, retinoic acid and cyclic AMP (cAMP) increase PEPCK gene transcription whereas insulin and phorbol esters have the opposite effect. Insulin and phorbol esters are dominant as they prevent cAMP- and glucocorticoid-stimulated PEPCK gene transcription. In contrast, insulin and phorbol esters both stimulate transcription of gene 33 in the same H4IIE cells, with the same time course as seen for their inhibitory effect on PEPCK gene transcription. We now report that the protein phosphatase inhibitor, okadaic acid, mimics the action of insulin and phorbol esters on expression of both gene 33 and PEPCK gene in H4IIE cells. Okadaic acid stimulates gene 33 mRNA accumulation whereas it inhibits cAMP- and glucocorticoid-stimulated PEPCK mRNA accumulation. The effect of okadaic acid on the PEPCK gene is mediated through the PEPCK promoter as, in a cell line, HL1C, stably transfected with a PEPCK-chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) fusion gene, okadaic acid inhibits cAMP- and glucocorticoid-stimulated CAT expression. Desensitization of the protein kinase C pathway by exposure to phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate for 16 h abolishes the subsequent action of the phorbol ester but does not markedly affect the inhibition of cAMP- and glucocorticoid-stimulated CAT expression by insulin or okadaic acid. Even though insulin and okadaic acid appear to repress PEPCK gene expression through a pathway initially distinct from that used by phorbol esters, transient-transfection studies show that the final target of the action of okadaic acid, insulin and phorbol ester is the same DNA element.
Recent Enhancements to the Genetic Risk Prediction Model BRCAPRO

BRCAPRO is a widely used model for genetic risk prediction of breast cancer. It is a function within the R package BayesMendel and is used to calculate the probabilities of being a carrier of a deleterious mutation in one or both of the BRCA genes, as well as the probability of being affected with breast and ovarian cancer within a defined time window. Both predictions are based on information contained in the counselee’s family history of cancer. During the last decade, BRCAPRO has undergone several rounds of successive refinements: the current version is part of release 2.1 of BayesMendel. In this review, we showcase some of the most notable features of the software resulting from these recent changes. We provide examples highlighting each feature, using artificial pedigrees motivated by complex clinical examples. We illustrate how BRCAPRO is a comprehensive software for genetic risk prediction with many useful features that allow users the flexibility to incorporate varying amounts of available information.
Rehabilitation of cancer through oncogene inactivation

The inactivation of the MYC oncogene alone can reverse tumorigenesis. Upon MYC inactivation, tumors stereotypically reverse, undergoing proliferative arrest, cellular differentiation and/or apoptosis. The precise consequences of MYC inactivation appear to depend upon both genetic and epigenetic parameters. In some types of cancer following MYC inactivation, tumor cells become well differentiated and biologically and histologically normal, inducing sustained tumor regression. However, in some cases, these normal-appearing cells are actually dormant tumor cells and upon MYC reactivation they rapidly recover their tumorigenic properties. Future therapies to treat cancer will need to address the possibility that tumor cells can camouflage a normal phenotype following treatment, resting in a dormant, latently cancerous state.
Differences in the Role of Glycoprotein C of HSV-1 and HSV-2 in Viral Binding May Contribute to Serotype Differences in Cell Tropism

Heparan sulfate serves as a receptor for several herpesviruses. For herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1), pseudorabies virus, and bovine herpesvirus 1, glycoprotein C homologues have been shown to mediate the binding to cell-surface heparan sulfate. It has been assumed that glycoprotein C of HSV-2 (gC-2) plays a similar role in HSV-2 entry, but this has not been established experimentally. We first determined, using heparin-affinity chromatography, that gC-2 is a heparin-binding glycoprotein. To examine the role of gC-2 in HSV-2 infection, we constructed a gC-2 deletion mutant, HSV-2(G)gC-. In contrast to results obtained for the other alpha herpesviruses, we found that the HSV-2(G)gC- virus showed no loss in specific binding activity (particles bound/cell) or specific infectivity (PFU/particle) compared to the parental wild-type virus. Moreover, while gC-1 mutants show a marked lag in the rate of viral penetration, the gC-2-deletion virus did not. We did find that gC-2, like gC-1, protects virus from complement-mediated neutralization. These results suggest that, in contrast to HSV-1, gC-2 does not play the key role in viral binding. The major role of gC-2 may be to protect virus from complement-mediated neutralization. We speculate that serotype differences in the contribution of gC to viral binding may contribute to serotype differences in cell tropism.
The View From Ohio

For-profit health care enterprises are not inherently evil, says Ohio's assistant attorney general Nevertheless, vigilant oversight of conversions is needed.
Lymphoepithelial cyst of the pancreas - Evaluation with multidetector CT

Lymphoepithelial cyst of the pancreas is a rare cystic pancreatic tumor. In this case report we provide the imaging perspective of the lesion including the role of multidetector CT (MDCT) and CT angiography and 3D imaging.
Cardiovascular aspects of primary hyperparathyroidism

Data concerning the cardiovascular manifestations of primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) are inconsistent, which is due, in part, to the decrease in disease severity over the last several decades. In areas where patients tend to be more symptomatic, data support the presence of cardiovascular findings including myocardial and vascular calcification as well as increased cardiovascular mortality. Data from the cohorts in whom the disease is characterized by mild hypercalcemia, suggest that clinically overt cardiovascular manifestations are unusual in PHPT. Recent data, however, support the presence of subtle cardiovascular manifestations in mild disease, such as changes in endothelial function as well as increased vascular stiffness and perhaps diastolic dysfunction. Left ventricular hypertrophy is a more consistent finding across a spectrum of disease severity, though this finding may be related to hypertension, which has long been associated with PHPT.
Immiscibility of glass forming systems

Abstract The immiscibility boundaries of various simple glass forming systems were examined in terms of the regular solution model and the following observations were made: a) The two different types of alkali in mixed alkali glasses have a positive interaction energy parameter; they tend to segregate into like species; b) Alkali borates other than the lithium borate system are unlikely to show a glass-in-glass phase separation; c) The SiO 2 B 2 O 3 system does not show a phase separation. On the contrary, it has a negative interaction energy parameter; d) The distribution coefficient, or the ratio of the third component in the two separated phases, is related to the binary interaction energy parameters; e) The phase separation of the H 2 O-containing system is important in the chemical durability of glasses.
Toy-oriented changes in early arm movements II--joint kinematics.

Our recent work suggests that infants begin to change their hand and joint kinematics in the presence of a toy months before the onset of purposeful reaching. Moreover, these ‘toy-oriented’ changes in hand kinematics cluster into Early, Mid and Late phases. The purpose of the present study was to test hypotheses regarding toy-oriented changes in joint kinematics in the same infants. Methods: Thirteen infants were observed every other week from 8 weeks up to the first week of reaching around 20 weeks. At each session, a high-speed motion analysis system recorded infants’ arm movements with and without a toy present. Results: During the Early phase, infants scaled down their movements. In contrast, during the Mid phase infants scaled up their movements and did not change the relationship between the shoulder and elbow for speed and smoothness-related variables. In addition, infants showed toy-oriented changes such as increase in shoulder flexion and adduction. In the Late phase, infants continued to produce toy-oriented changes in shoulder orientation, and increased shoulder excursion and speed relative to the elbow. Thus, the toy-oriented changes in hand kinematics in the Mid and Late phases [Bhat, A. N., & Galloway, J. C. (2006). Toy-oriented changes in early arm movements of young infants: Hand kinematics. Infant Behavior and Development, 29(3), 358–372] more closely followed changes in shoulder kinematics. Lastly, results are discussed in terms of shoulder–elbow dissociations, speed–amplitude relationships, and the key role of spontaneous movements in the development of reaching.
The molecular basis for ethnic variation and histological subtype differences in prostate cancer

Prostate cancer is a common malignancy among men in Western countries. Recently the morbidity and mortality of prostate cancer increase dramatically in several oriental countries including China. Rapidly evolving technology in molecular biology such as high-throughput sequencing and integrative analysis of genomic and transcriptomic landscapes have enabled the identification of key oncogenic events for prostate cancer initiation, progression and resistance to hormonal therapy. These surging data of prostate cancer genome also provide insights on ethnic variation and the differences in histological subtype of this disease. In this review, differences in the incidence of prostate cancer and the prevalence of main genetic alterations between Asian and Western populations are discussed. We also review the recent findings on the mechanisms underlying neuroendocrine differentiation of prostate cancer and the development of small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma after androgen deprivation therapy.
Effects of serotonin depletion on local interneurons in the developing olfactory pathway of lobsters.

During embryonic life, the growth of the olfactory and accessory lobes of the lobster brain is retarded by serotonin depletion using 5,7-dihy- droxytryptamine (5,7-DHT) (Benton et al., 1997). The local and projection interneurons that synapse with che- mosensory cells in the olfactory lobes are potential tar- gets of this depletion. This study documents prolifera- tion and survival in the local interneuron cell clusters, and examines the differentiation of a prominent local interneuron, the serotonergic dorsal giant neuron (DGN), following serotonin depletion. An increase in dye coupling between the DGN and nearby cells is seen after serotonin depletion. However, morphometric analyses of individual DGNs in normal, sham-injected, and 5,7- DHT-treated embryos show that the general morphol- ogy and size of the DGNs are not significantly altered by serotonin depletion. Thus, the DGN axonal arbor occu- pies a greater proportion of the reduced olfactory lobes in the 5,7-DHT-treated embryos than in normal and sham-injected groups. The paired olfactory globular tract neuropils (OGTNs), where olfactory interneurons synapse onto the DGNs, are 75% smaller in volume than the comparable region in either sham-injected or nor- mal embryos. In vivo experiments using bromodeoxyuri- dine (BrdU) show that proliferation in the local inter- neuron soma clusters is reduced by 5,7-DHT treatment and that survival of newly proliferated local interneu- rons is also compromised. Our data suggest that alter- ations in the growth of the DGNs do not contribute to the dramatic reduction in size of the olfactory neuropils following serotonin depletion, but that cell proliferation and survival among the local interneurons are regulated by serotonin during development. Reduced numbers of local interneurons are therefore one likely reason for the growth reduction observed after serotonin depletion.
The insulin and IGF1 receptor kinase domains are functional dimers in the activated state

The insulin receptor (IR) and insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor (IGF1R) are highly related receptor tyrosine kinases with a disulfide-linked homodimeric architecture. Ligand binding to the receptor ectodomain triggers tyrosine autophosphorylation of the cytoplasmic domains, which stimulates catalytic activity and creates recruitment sites for downstream signalling proteins. Whether the two phosphorylated tyrosine kinase domains within the receptor dimer function independently or cooperatively to phosphorylate protein substrates is not known. Here we provide crystallographic, biophysical and biochemical evidence demonstrating that the phosphorylated kinase domains of IR and IGF1R form a specific dimeric arrangement involving an exchange of the juxtamembrane region proximal to the kinase domain. In this dimer, the active position of α-helix C in the kinase N lobe is stabilized, which promotes downstream substrate phosphorylation. These studies afford a novel strategy for the design of small-molecule IR agonists as potential therapeutic agents for type 2 diabetes.
Morphogenesis of the mouse neural plate depends on distinct roles of cofilin 1 in apical and basal epithelial domains

The genetic control of mammalian epithelial polarity and dynamics can be studied in vivo at cellular resolution during morphogenesis of the mouse neural tube. The mouse neural plate is a simple epithelium that is transformed into a columnar pseudostratified tube over the course of ∼24 h. Apical F-actin is known to be important for neural tube closure, but the precise roles of actin dynamics in the neural epithelium are not known. To determine how the organization of the neural epithelium and neural tube closure are affected when actin dynamics are blocked, we examined the cellular basis of the neural tube closure defect in mouse mutants that lack the actin-severing protein cofilin 1 (CFL1). Although apical localization of the adherens junctions, the Par complex, the Crumbs complex and SHROOM3 is normal in the mutants, CFL1 has at least two distinct functions in the apical and basal domains of the neural plate. Apically, in the absence of CFL1 myosin light chain does not become phosphorylated, indicating that CFL1 is required for the activation of apical actomyosin required for neural tube closure. On the basal side of the neural plate, loss of CFL1 has the opposite effect on myosin: excess F-actin and myosin accumulate and the ectopic myosin light chain is phosphorylated. The basal accumulation of F-actin is associated with the assembly of ectopic basal tight junctions and focal disruptions of the basement membrane, which eventually lead to a breakdown of epithelial organization.
Chick brain calcium-binding protein: Comparison with intestinal vitamin D-induced calcium-binding protein

Abstract A protein has been detected in chick brain which is immunologically identical to the vitamin D-induced calcium-binding protein found in intestinal tissue. It is present in highest concentration in the cerebellum and at lower levels in the remainder of the brain. Brain calcium-binding protein has the same molecular weight and electrophoretic properties as intestinal calcium-binding protein. Although the synthesis of intestinal calcium-binding protein is totally dependent upon a source of vitamin D, this has not yet been shown for brain calcium-binding protein. The total calcium-binding protein content of the cerebellum of chicks fed a vitamin D-free diet continued to increase during growth from 1 to 5 weeks, and is not responsive to exogenous vitamin D or 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D.
Quantum chromodynamics on a tetrahedron at N c

We show how the ${N}_{c}=\ensuremath{\infty}$ limit for the single-link integral can be extracted from the finite-${N}_{c}$ solution both in the weak- and in the strong-coupling regimes. This result is used to provide a complete ${N}_{c}=\ensuremath{\infty}$ solution for quantum chromodynamics on a tetrahedron, thus implicitly providing a solution to the Makeenko-Migdal equation for a three-dimensional (albeit elementary) lattice system.
Honoring the Kun Lun Way: Cross-Cultural Organization Development Consulting to a Hospitality Company in Datong, China

This article presents a case study of the adaptation of Western organization development (OD) consulting practices to a Chinese hospitality business in Datong, China. Presented are the founder's personal history and management philosophy as well as the organization development interventions, outcomes, and challenges. The case study describes the consulting experiences of four teams of Western graduate students during the course of their research of and consultation to this company from 2004 to 2008. The cross-cultural relationship between the students and the organization is examined, providing insight into the practice of OD in an international setting.
Low temperature elastic constants of deformed polycrystalline copper

Abstract By ultrasonic methods, we studied copper's elastic constants between 295 and 4 K. The specimens consisted of polycrystals deformed by rolling. At ambient temperature, compared with annealed texture-free copper, the deformed specimens usually showed lower elastic stiffness: up to 11% in Young's modulus and 19% in shear modulus. The Poisson ratio increased up to 14%. These softenings reflect three internal-structure changes: texture, non-pinned dislocation density and anisotropic dislocation array. Cooling to 4 K showed regular behavior, nearly the same as for annealed texture-free copper. After plastic deformation, at ambient temperatures, the elastic constants showed time-dependent recovery.
Open systems interconnection

The subject of Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) standardization is becoming increasingly important to the telecommunications and information processing communities. A number of OSI standards have been completed, others are near completion, and initial product offerings by vendors have begun. This paper briefly defines what OSI is, the interrelationships of the various standards bodies, and the goals and benefits to users, vendors, country post telephone and telegraph bodies, common carriers, and governments. The IBM view of OSI and how it relates to Systems Network Architecture is also discussed.
Automatic antenna tuning unit for software-defined and cognitive radio

In this paper, we propose a new architecture for a closed-loop controlled antenna tuning unit (ATU) system (only transmitting path is shown). In contrast to previous work, no analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) are used. Using the ATU, the narrow instantaneous bandwidth of an electrically small antenna (ESA) is automatically tuned over a much wider frequency range by the ATU. This matching scheme ensures that the narrowband antenna is automatically matched to any desired frequency under all environmental conditions using circuits with practical component values and tolerances. It is imperative that the entire tuning process be completed rapidly using efficient algorithms and fast hardware, and for these algorithms and hardware to consume as little power as possible.
Novel in situ and ex situ techniques for the study of lithium/electrolyte interfaces

Various aspects of the reactivity of lithium toward propylene carbonate (PC) and poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) have been examined using ex situ and in situ spectroscopic techniques, respectively. Temperature programmed desorption of perdeuterated PC (d6-PC) layers condensed at about 150 K on a clean Li film supported on an Au foil yielded a broad m/e peak, at temperatures in the range from 220 to 520 K (and thus much lower than that found for Li2CO3), which was tentatively ascribed to the thermal decomposition of a lithium alkyl carbonate. A spectroelectrochemical cell/environment controlled chamber has been designed and constructed to examine Li/PEO(LiClO4) electrolyte interfaces formed by Li electrodeposition on to a thin Au layer sputtered on the surface of a Ge internal reflection element in situ using attenuated total reflection Fourier-transform infrared (ATR/FT-IR) spectroscopy. This assembly enables variable temperature measurements to be performed under conditions of utmost cleanliness. Preliminary results have indicated that in the case of PEO/LiClO4 this ATR/FT-IR technique has sufficient sensitivity to observe changes in the composition of the surface and near surface region, including reaction products and perchlorate anions, which contribute to the transport of charge in the electrolyte phase.
Intrauterine onset of a mononeuropathy : peroneal neuropathy in a newborn with electromyographic findings at age one day compatible with prenatal onset

Mononeuropathies are unusual at birth, and electromyographic (EMG) definition the first day of life has not been reported previously. Although neonatal mononeuropathies may be related to obstetric complications, prenatal mechanisms also merit consideration. We report an infant, born with a peroneal neuropathy, whose EMG was performed 18 h after birth. An isolated peroneal nerve lesion with lack of compound muscle action potential and the presence of fibrillation potentials, confined to the tibialis anterior muscle, suggested a primary intrauterine mechanism for this mononeuropathy. Because of an infant's small size, the temporal profile used in adults for appearance of EMG signs of wallerian degeneration may not apply. Inaccurate conclusions may result if the EMG standards for timing adult nerve injury are applied to newborns. To our knowledge, previous published cases of neonatal mononeuropathies have not included babies whose first EMG was performed before age 4 days. Therefore, an EMG study shortly after birth needed to be accomplished if strong support for the hypothesis of a prenatal onset were to be generated. Our findings are compatible with an intrauterine onset of this baby's peroneal neuropathy.
TRIP-1: A Regulator of Osteoblast Function

Transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) receptor interacting protein-1 (TRIP-1) is an intracellular protein expressed in osteoblasts with high affinity for type 5b tartrate resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP). It is suggested that through this interaction, TRIP-1 serves as a positive regulator of TGFβ signaling and osteoblast differentiation during bone remodeling. We show here that TRIP-1 is abundant in osteoblasts in vivo and in vitro. TRIP-1 mRNA and protein expression were increased at early stages and decreased at later stages during osteoblast differentiation, suggesting a predominant role during early maturation. To investigate a role during bone remodeling, primary osteoblasts were treated with different hormones and factors that are known to affect remodeling. TRIP-1 levels were decreased with dexamethasone and increased with vitamin D(3) , dihydrotestosterone (DHT), TGFβ1, and bone morphogenic protein 2 (BMP-2). Treatment with parathyroid hormone (PTH) and β-estradiol did not affect TRIP-1 levels. Transfected small interfering RNA (siRNA) against TRIP-1 inhibited osteoblast differentiation as characterized by a decrease in alkaline phosphatase staining and enzyme activity, and decrease in the expression of collagen I, alkaline phosphatase, Runx2, osteopontin, and osteocalcin. The proliferation of osteoblasts was also affected by TRIP-1 siRNA. This particular effect was defined by decreased cell number, marked reduction of cyclin D1, a 38% decrease of cells in S phase (p < 0.001) and a 97% increase of cells in the G2/M phase (p < 0.01) of the cell cycle. However, TRIP-1 siRNA did not induce an effect in apoptosis. Using a TGFβ luciferase reporter we found that knocking down TRIP-1 decreased the activation of TGFβ signaling by 40% percent (p < 0.001). In conclusion, our characterization of TRIP-1 in osteoblasts provides the first evidence of its key role as a positive regulator of osteoblast function.
The Nature of Molecular Recognition: Examples from Host/Guest Chemistry

What is molecular recognition? It is the fact that molecular hosts bind more tightly to certain “guest” molecules than others. What is the physical basis for it? There are two possible sources for this — covalent, where certain guests have the appropriate groups to form stronger covalent chemical bonds with the host than do others; or non-covalent, where the stronger binding of certain guests to the host is due to a combination of electrostatic and van der Waals interactions between host and guest and differential internal strain. The focus on this review is mainly on our work in non-covalent molecular recognition of organic hosts by small neutral and ionic molecular guests from 1982-present. This enables us to give an historical perspective on the evolution of computational techniques as well as describing the increase in our understanding of molecular recognition.
Role of major lifetime stressors in patients' and spouses' reactions to cancer.

This study examined the role of number of major lifetime stressors (e.g., rape, abuse), and the perceived resolution of those stressors, in cancer patients' (n = 54) and spouses' (n = 30) appraisals and current mood. We hypothesized that a high number of lifetime stressors, and low resolution ratings, would be associated with more distress and more negative appraisals of the cancer. Hierarchical regression analyses showed that number of lifetime stressors was a positive predictor of patients' ratings of the cancer's threat, and a positive predictor of their spouses' anger. Mean resolution ratings were a significant positive predictor of spouses' positive affect. The findings suggest that experience with previous stressors affects an individual's reactions to cancer.
On the dynamics of topographical core-mantle coupling

Abstract We examine the dynamics of topographical core-mantle coupling, the process by which angular momentum is exchanged between the Earth's fluid outer core and solid mantle through the action of pressure forces acting on topography on the core-mantle boundary. We show that methods for calculating the torque directly from observations based on the assumption of tangentially geostrophic flow at the core surface should yield a zero torque if the mantle is an electrical insulator and the gravitational acceleration is radial. We discuss the effect of relaxing these assumptions and argue that such methods remain incapable of determining the torque on the core, either due to violation of the underlying assumption of tangential geostrophy or the admission of larger non-topographical torques.
The role of testicular sensitivity to gonadotropins in sexual maturation of the male rat.

Abstract The possible etiologies of sexual maturation have been systematically analyzed in the male rat. The changing patterns of LH and FSH in blood during maturation appear to be explained by changing feedback sensitivity to gonadal steroids and changing response or the pituitary to gonadotropin releasing hormone. The changing responses to GnRH are in turn explained by testosterone modulation at a pituitary level. LH is high in the 10-day-old animal, falls at 20 days, and then steadily increases during maturation. FSH, in contrast, is high at 10 and 20 days and falls progressively as maturation proceeds. Testicular sensitivity or response to LH progressively increases during maturation and appears to be a major factor in increasing testosterone concentrations. Five days following hypophysectomy, the immature male rat shows little or no testosterone secretion in response to large doses or LH. Responsiveness may he restored by pretreatment with FSH. The magnitude or the response appears to be related to the duration of exposure to, as well as the dose of, FSH. FSH appears to induce responsiveness to LH. The mechanism of this induction is uncertain. LH receptor populations do not appear to change during FSH exposure. Thus a major factor in sexual maturation in the male rat appears to be changing sensitivity of the teslis to LH stimulation of testosterone secretion.
Anterior segment ischemia after strabismus surgery

Surgery on the extraocular muscles of the eye is generally consisted a safe procedure which is associated with low morbidity and mortality. While infrequent, intra-operative complications occasionally occur. Tenotomy of multiple rectus muscles can result in interruption of the vascular supply to the anterior segment of the eye. Anterior segment ischemia (ASI) may result. This article reviews the complication of anterior segment ischemia as a result of strabismus surgery and its potential for producing permanent visual loss.
Behavior of Berea sandstone under confining pressure part I: Yield and failure surfaces, and nonlinear elastic response

Abstract Results of a comprehensive experimental study of Berea sandstone involving uniaxial and triaxial compression experiments ( σ 1 > σ 2 = σ 3 ) are presented in terms of axial and circumferential strains versus axial stress, as well as the failure stress states for different confining pressure. Based on these results a failure surface and an initial yield surface have been proposed, and since the elastic response of Berea sandstone is nonlinear, a constitutive model is given in terms of the hypoelasticity theory. The shear and bulk moduli are found to depend on confining pressure and volume strain, respectively, and the equations for this variation with confining pressure and deformation are obtained.
Coparenting and Nonresident Fathers’ Monetary Contributions to Their Children

The percentage of children in the United States living apart from their biological father has increased, while public assistance for single mothers has diminished. This has resulted in a need to better understand and promote nonresident fathers’ economic support of their children. In the present study the author used data from the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study (N = 1,752) to examine how coparenting—the degree to which parents are mutually supportive and cooperative in raising their child—is related to nonresident fathers’ monetary contributions. Results from pooled regression and fixed effects models indicate that coparenting is positively associated with fathers’ likelihood of paying formal and informal child support and the amount of these payments. Findings from cross-lagged structural equation models suggest that the association between coparenting and fathers’ payments is reciprocal but that coparenting has a stronger effect on fathers’ payments than fathers’ payments do on coparenting.
Disequilibrium of strontium isotopes between mineral phases of parental rocks during magma genesis — a discussion

Abstract Consideration of available diffusion rate data at high temperatures and pressures casts serious doubt on disequilibrium melting as a mechanism by which variable 87Sr/86Sr ratios can be generated in basaltic melts whose parental rocks were at or below the low-velocity layer for more than a million years. Diffusion rates are orders of magnitude faster in these regions than in the upper lithosphere and lower crust. Ultramafic fragments with minerals in isotopic disequilibrium are pieces of the upper lithosphere, where elapsed time and comparatively low temperatures have resulted in the observed disequilibrium. Regional isotopic heterogeneity in the mantle is the most reasonable explanation for isotopic variability found in abyssal basalts.
Benefits of early initiation of insulin therapy to long-term goals in type 2 diabetes mellitus

Abstract Background: The natural history of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) includes a progressive worsening of glycemic control and accelerated cardiovascular risk. Aggressive glycemic control early in the course of the disease has the potential to significantly reduce the risk of DM-related microvascular and macrovascular complications. Objective: The purpose of this article was to present the rationale and evidence supporting early initiation of insulin therapy, even on a short-term basis, for the treatment of type 2 DM. The article also summarizes the current understanding of the impact of insulin therapy on this disease. Methods: English-language articles were identified primarily through searches of PubMed (1991–2005). Search terms included insulin, insulin therapy, early use, beta-cell , and type 2 diabetes . Results: Current algorithms for the treatment of patients with type 2 DM take a stepwise approach, beginning with the introduction of an oral antidiabetic agent and intensification of the oral regimen over time as the patient fails to achieve glycemic control. However, a lengthy stepwise approach with oral antidiabetic therapy alone is often inadequate and prolongs the patient's exposure to glucotoxic effects, which in turn contribute to microvascular and macrovascular complications. Conversely, early introduction of insulin therapy, even on a short-term basis, may alter the course of the disease and minimize its clinical sequelae. This approach is a reversal of the traditional treatment algorithm and places the emphasis on treatment success, as opposed to intensification based only on treatment failure. However, barriers to the initiation of insulin therapy on the part of the physician and the patient are pervasive. Conclusions: A fundamental change in the approach to DM management and attitudes toward the use of insulin for people with type 2 DM is necessary. Insulin should not be viewed as a treatment option of last resort. The initiation of insulin early in the course of disease may help patients achieve long-term glycemic control and improved quality of life.
DELAY CONTROL FOR CDF SCHEDULING USING MARKOV DECISION PROCESS

We consider the problem of controlling the user service delays for a system that employs a scheduling scheme based on Cumulative Density Functions (CDF) of user channels in a correlated Rayleigh fading environment. We first formulate and solve this control problem as a Markov Decision Process (MDP) on the system state space formed by the user channel conditions and delay times. The MDP formulation, however, has prohibitively high complexity for systems with typical number of users. We then propose an approximation to the MDP formulation that can achieve performance close to MDP optimal solution but has much lower complexity for large systems.
Solar power satellites: our next generation of satellites will deliver the sun's energy to Earth

The paper addresses the means for gathering energy from sunlight in space and transmitting it to Earth via Solar Power Satellites. The motivating factor is that the output of our sun is the largest potential energy source available, with the capability of providing inexhaustible quantities of clean electrical energy to every location on Earth. The challenge is that considerable financial, intellectual and diplomatic resources must be focused on designing and implementing new types of energy infrastructures in space and on the ground. These include: 1) next-generation space platforms, arrays, and power transmission systems; 2) more flexible and powerful launch vehicles for delivering materials to space; 3) specialized receivers, converters and storage systems on earth, and the in-orbit position allocations, spectrum and software that make these systems work together efficiently and safely.
Thermal stability of ionic liquid BMI(BF4) in the presence of nucleophiles

Abstract We have found that a common ionic liquid––one containing a N-N′-dialkylimidazolium cation––decomposes in the presence of nucleophiles at much lower temperatures than previously believed. The decomposition occurs through SN2 attack of the nucleophile on the electrophilic alkyl groups attached to the imidazolium ring.
Critical Issues in Providing Integrated Library Systems

Six vendors discuss the issues that most affect their role in the implementation of integrated systems within libraries. Major areas of concern include: 1) expectations versus reality, 2) the nature of the vendor‐library relationship, and 3) the challenges of incorporating new technology and standards.
Pre-1920 Government Documents Literature: A Selective Bibliography

Abstract This annotated bibliography provides a selective guide to pre-1920 literature relating to government publications. Abstracts of selected articles, books, and proceedings are classified under broad subject categories. The literature covers Federal, as well as British and State documents. These historical writings not only provide a foundation for government document literature, but also show the strengths and weaknesses in working with government publications.
Chondromyxoid Fibroma of the Lumbar Spine in a Pediatric Patient

Chondromyxoid fibroma is a rare nonmalignancy that comprises <1% of all bone tumors. It typically presents with pain, swelling, and tenderness to palpation. The lesion has a predilection for the metaphysis of long bones of the lower extremity, most commonly in the proximal tibial metaphysis. Patients often present in their second or third decade of life, although some reports have included a younger average age. Sporadic reports of chondromyxoid fibroma in the spine are found in the literature. This article presents the second case of a chondromyxoid fibroma of the lumbar spine in a pediatric patient, along with a literature review with emphasis on recurrence rates and malignant transformation.
β-Arrestin Goes Nuclear

Arrestins have important roles in the cytoplasm and at the plasma membrane, including the desensitization and internalization of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). In this issue of Cell, Kang et al. (2005) provide evidence that β-arrestin 1 moves to the nucleus in response to GPCR stimulation, where it regulates gene expression by facilitating histone acetylation at specific gene promoters.
Low-dose rosiglitazone exerts an antiinflammatory effect with an increase in adiponectin independently of free fatty acid fall and insulin sensitization in obese type 2 diabetics.

Background: We have previously demonstrated an early and potent antiinflammatory effect of troglitazone and rosiglitazone. Hypothesis: Because inflammatory mediators interfere with insulin signal transduction, we have now hypothesized that rosiglitazone exerts an initial antiinflammatory effect independently of its metabolic actions including the suppression of the plasma concentration of free fatty acids (FFAs), insulin, and glucose after which insulin sensitization occurs. Patient and Methods: Fourteen patients with type 2 diabetes were included in the study. Eight patients were given 2 mg daily of rosiglitazone for 6 wk, whereas the other six patients were given a placebo for the same period. Results: After a 2-mg dose of rosiglitazone, plasma FFAs, insulin, and glucose concentrations and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance did not change. Plasma C-reactive protein, serum amyloid A, and matrix metalloproteinase concentrations fell significantly at wk 1 and continued to be significantly l...
ECHOCARDIOGRAPHIC LOCATION OF THE INTERATRIAL SEPTAL COMMUNICATION IN INFANTS WITH HYPOPLASTIC LEFT HEART SYNDROME

Subxiphoid two dimensional echocardiograms (echos) were examined in infants (<1 year) with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS, n=15), secundum atrial septal defects (ASD2, n=15) and persistent fetal circulation (PFC, n=15). The location of the interatrial communication (IAC) was characterized in horizontal (H) and sagital (S) echo planes. Measurements determined were: 1) H plane distance from the center of the IAC to the right atrial posterior wall (Hc), 2) total H plane atrial septal length (HL), 3) S plane distance from the center of the IAC to the superior right atrial wall (Sc), and 4) total S plane atrial septal length (SL).Results were expressed as ratios (mean ± SD):
Dynamic optimization for the core-flooding problem in reservoir engineering

Abstract Relative permeability and capillary pressure correlations are required for reservoir simulation and hence for proper exploitation of petroleum resources. These flow functions are typically estimated from laboratory scale two-phase flow displacement experiments. This work aims at estimating these flow functions from multi-fractional-flow experiments. The system is governed by partial differential equations (PDEs). The PDEs are discretized spatially giving rise to a differential-algebraic equation (DAE) system. The DAE optimization problem is then solved using a simultaneous approach wherein the differential and the algebraic variables are fully discretized leading to a large-scale nonlinear programming (NLP) problem. This core-flooding problem is also governed by the “outlet-end effect”, which is an on–off condition relating capillary pressure, flow rates and pressures of individual phases at the outlet. This effect is modeled using a complementarity formulation. The multi-fractional-flow experiment is modeled by appending several blocks of models, each corresponding to a given fractional flow. The resulting optimization problem is solved using an interior point algorithm capable of handling large-scale NLPs. Our methodology is reliable and robust and is demonstrated on several cases with good parameter estimates.
Electron microscope cytochemical analysis of chronic myelocytic leukemia: A case report

A patient with Philadelphia chromosome positive CML was studied to characterize the blast transformation. Peripheral blood and bone marrow at the onset of the blast crisis were evaluated with cytochemistry, chromosome analysis, cell surface markers, terminal transferase assay, and electron microscopy. Although light microscopic examination and cytochemistry suggested lymphoblastic morphology, ultrastructural cytochemistry demonstrated the myelomonocytic features of the transformation. This study suggests that electron microscopic cytochemistry is useful in evaluating the heterogeneous nature of the blast phase of CML.
Statistical kinetics for pulverized coal combustion

Coal is a heterogeneous substance whose structure and properties are highly variable on the length scale of the particle sizes used in suspension-fired combustion systems. For certain applications the statistical variations among particles can play an important role. In this paper, three specialized, single-particle techniques are applied to quantify the variations in combustion reactivity and char particle density within pulverized char particle populations. Reactivity variations are investigated through captive particle imaging experiments and entrained flow reactor experiments employing single-particle optical diagnostics. Single-particle density variations are determined directly by a novel technique based on an electrodynamic microbalance equipped with an automated video imaging and image processing system. From these data, a coal-general statistical kinetic model is developed and validated against a large set of single-particle temperature measurements for ten coals of various rank burning in three different combustion environments. The model incorporates a single empirical parameter describing the heterogeneity in reactivity and can adequately describe the entire database using a single coal-independent value of this parameter. The use of the model is demonstrated in a series of numerical simulations of complete burnout process for size-classified and polydisperse fuel samples. The simulations show that incorporating statistical kinetics has an important effect on burnout predictions in certain cases, the importance increasing with decreases in temperature, mean reactivity, and breadth of the particle size distribution.
Unusual Recurrence of Ovarian Carcinoma 9 Years after Initial Diagnosis

Ovarian carcinomas typically metastasize to multiple sites via exfoliation, lymphatic spread, or direct invasion. Gastrointestinal tract involvement is usually the result of exfoliation with direct invasion of tumor within the mesentery or through serosal surfaces. We present a case of late recurrence of ovarian carcinoma isolated to the sigmoid mucosa, heralded only by brief left lower quadrant pain with hematochezia in a patient otherwise disease free for 9 years. This unusual presentation illustrates the therapeutic dilemma faced by clinicians when a tumor is of uncertain origin and underscores the need for continued follow-up and close scrutiny of new symptoms in patients with stage I disease and for those who enjoy prolonged disease-free intervals.
The EBP50-moesin interaction involves a binding site regulated by direct masking on the FERM domain.

Members of the ezrin-radixin-moesin (ERM) protein family serve as regulated microfilament-membrane crosslinking proteins that, upon activation, bind the scaffolding protein ERM-phosphoprotein of 50 kDa (EBP50). Here we report a 3.5 A resolution diffraction analysis of a complex between the active moesin N-terminal FERM domain and a 38 residue peptide from the C terminus of EBP50. This crystallographic result, combined with sequence and structural comparisons, suggests that the C-terminal 11 residues of EBP50 binds as an α-helix at the same site occupied in the dormant monomer by the last 11 residues of the inhibitory moesin C-terminal tail. Biochemical support for this interpretation derives from in vitro studies showing that appropriate mutations in both the EBP50 tail peptide and the FERM domain reduce binding, and that a peptide representing just the C-terminal 14 residues of EBP50 also binds to moesin. Combined with the recent identification of the I-CAM-2 binding site on the ERM FERM domain (Hamada, K., Shimizu, T., Yonemura, S., Tsukita, S., and Hakoshima, T. (2003) EMBO J. 22, 502-514), this study reveals that the FERM domain contains two distinct binding sites for membrane-associated proteins. The contribution of each ligand to ERM function can now be dissected by making structure-based mutations that specifically affect the binding of each ligand.
Origins of abnormally high IR CO frequencies of semicarbazones in the solid state Part III. Raman spectra of semicarbazones

Abstract Raman spectra of 28 semicarbazones (R 1 R 2 CNNHCONH 2 ; R 1 = aryl, alkyl; R 2 = H, CH 3 , alkyl) were obtained in the solid state. Several semicarbazones were deuterated at the NH and NH 2 positions to help with the band assignments. These Raman spectra were compared with the corresponding solid-state IR spectra which, in many instances, have been found to exhibit abnormally high CO frequencies. The observed differences in the infrared (IR) and Raman CO frequencies were up to 83 cm −1 . In general, these differences were higher for the compounds which exhibit abnormally high IR CO (> 1700 cm −1 ) than for those in the normal range (ca. 1690 cm −1 ). It is concluded that the abnormally high IR CO frequencies are caused, at least in part, by the vibrational coupling of the CO in the solid-state H-bonded structure.
Sorption-enhanced water gas shift reaction by sodium-promoted calcium oxides

Abstract The water gas shift reaction was evaluated in the presence of novel carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) capture sorbents, both alone and with catalyst, at moderate reaction conditions (i.e., 300–600 °C and 1–11.2 atm). Experimental results showed significant improvements to carbon monoxide (CO) conversions and production of hydrogen (H 2 ) when CO 2 sorbents are incorporated into the water gas shift reaction. Results suggested that the performance of the sorbent is linked to the presence of a Ca(OH) 2 phase within the sorbent. Promoting calcium oxide (CaO) sorbents with sodium hydroxide (NaOH) as well as pre-treating the CaO sorbent with steam appeared to lead to formation of Ca(OH) 2 , which improved CO 2 sorption capacity and WGS performance. Results suggest that an optimum amount of NaOH exists as too much leads to a lower capture capacity of the resultant sorbent. During capture, the NaOH-promoted sorbents displayed a high capture efficiency (nearly 100%) at temperatures of 300–600 °C. Results also suggest that the CaO sorbents possess catalytic properties which may augment the WGS reactivity even post-breakthrough. Furthermore, promotion of CaO by NaOH significantly reduces the regeneration temperature of the former.