cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Robust Spatial Sensing of Mating Pheromone Gradients by Yeast Cells

Projecting or moving up a chemical gradient is a universal behavior of living organisms. We tested the ability of S. cerevisiae a-cells to sense and respond to spatial gradients of the mating pheromone α-factor produced in a microfluidics chamber; the focus was on bar1Δ strains, which do not degrade the pheromone input. The yeast cells exhibited good accuracy with the mating projection typically pointing in the correct direction up the gradient (∼80% under certain conditions), excellent sensitivity to shallow gradients, and broad dynamic range so that gradient-sensing was relatively robust over a 1000-fold range of average α-factor concentrations. Optimal directional sensing occurred at lower concentrations (5 nM) close to the Kd of the receptor and with steeper gradient slopes. Pheromone supersensitive mutations (sst2Δ and ste2300Δ) that disrupt the down-regulation of heterotrimeric G-protein signaling caused defects in both sensing and response. Interestingly, yeast cells employed adaptive mechanisms to increase the robustness of the process including filamentous growth (i.e. directional distal budding) up the gradient at low pheromone concentrations, bending of the projection to be more aligned with the gradient, and forming a more accurate second projection when the first projection was in the wrong direction. Finally, the cells were able to amplify a shallow external gradient signal of α-factor to produce a dramatic polarization of signaling proteins at the front of the cell. Mathematical modeling revealed insights into the mechanism of this amplification and how the supersensitive mutants can disrupt accurate polarization. Together, these data help to specify and elucidate the abilities of yeast cells to sense and respond to spatial gradients of pheromone.
Extremely conserved histone H4 N terminus is dispensable for growth but essential for repressing the silent mating loci in yeast

Abstract Yeast histone H4 function was probed in vivo by deleting segments of this extremely conserved 102 amino acid protein. Deletions in the hydrophobic core of H4 are lethal and block chromosomal segregation. In contrast, deletions at the hydrophilic N terminus (residues 4–28) and C terminus (residues 100–102) are viable. However, N-terminal deletion alters normal chromatin structure and lengthens the cell cycle, especially G2. Surprisingly, removal of the H4 N terminus also derepresses the silent mating type loci, HML α and HMR a, disrupting mating. This activation is specific since other regulated genes ( GAL10, PHO5, CUP1 ) are repressed and induced normally in these cells. Deletions of the hydrophilic N termini of H2A or H2B do not show this effect on mating. These experiments allow us to define a unique H4 function that is not shared by other histones (H2A and H2B).
Invariant Natural Killer T Cells

Invariant Natural killer T cell (iNKT cells) are a subset of T cells, which are narrowly defined as a T cell lineage expressing a semi-invariant CD1d-restricted T cell Receptors (TCRs) composed by Vα24-Jα18/Vβ11 in human, and Vα14-Jα18/Vβ8,Vβ7, and Vβ2 in mouse. Unlike conventional T cells which recognize peptides bound to highly polymorphic major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I and II molecules, iNKT cells recognize lipid antigens, such as glycolipids, presented by CD1d, a non-polymorphic non-classical MHC class I molecule. Lipids derived from microbes, tumors, and allergens, as well as self lipids have been shown to be able to activate iNKT cells. Early on, in an immune response, ligation of the iNKT cell TCR leads to rapid and copious secretion of prototypical Th1 and Th2 cytokines. Moreover, like NK cells, iNKT cells express cytotoxic granules, such as perforin and granzyme that polarize upon activation of TCR and are able to kill target cells. Therefore iNKT cells are a very interesting subset of T cells that may bridge the innate and adaptive immune systems. Indeed, iNKT cells can mount specific responses to antigen with cytokine production and cytotoxic activity, however, their TCR evolved to recognize different glycolipid antigens in a conserved manner and to perform innate-like rather than adaptive functions. iNKT cells are now recognized as important players in atopic, autoimmune, infectious diseases, and cancer.
Angiographic and clinical outcome of intracoronary stenting: Immediate and long-term results from a large single-center experience

Objectives. The purpose of this study was to determine the immediate and long-term angiographic and clinical results of coronary stenting. Background. Although preliminary trials of endovascular stenting have demonstrated promising results, lack of long-term follow-up has limited the critical evaluation of the role of coronary stenting in the treatment of obstructive coronary artery disease. Methods. A total of 250 procedures using the Palmaz-Schatz stent, performed in 220 patients between June 1988 and July 1991, were examined. Minimal lumen diameter of the treated segments was measured on angiograms obtained before, after and 6 months after intervention. Results. Stent placement was successful in 246 (98%) of 250 lesions, reducing diameter stenosis from 77% to −2.5%. There were nodeaths or Q wave myocardial infarctions. One patient (0.4%) required emergency bypass surgery and one (0.4%) developed subacute thrombosis. Femoral vascular complications occurred in 36 patients (16%). Six-month angiographic follow-up was obtained in 91% of eligible patients. The overall angiographic restenosis rate (stenosis ≥50%) was 25%. By univariable analysis, the rate of restenosis was significantly higher for stents in the left anterior descending versus the right coronary artery (44% vs. 12%; p = 0.002); in diabetic patients (56% vs. 20%; p = 0.006), and in vessels with post-stent lumen diameter <3.31 mm (34% vs. 16%; p = 0.05). Stenting of the left anterior descending artery was the strongest predictor (p = 0.01) of restenosis in a multivariable model. Total survival was 97% and event-free survival (freedom from death, myocardial infarction or revascularization) was 70% at 36 months. Conclusions. Palmaz-Schatz stents can be placed successfully with a low incidence of major complications. The angiographic restenosis rate was 25%, and 70% of patients remained free of cardiovascular events at 3 years. Diabetes, small postprocedure lumen diameter and stenting of the left anterior descending artery are associated with higher rates of restenosis.
The TRMM Measurement Concept

The relationship between the microwave radiometer and the precipitation radar on the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission TRMM satellite is inherently complementary. Neither sensor by itself would be adequate to achieve the TRMM objectives but the match between the strengths and weaknesses of each sensor results in an extremely powerful payload. Here these strengths and weaknesses are discussed and a specific example is examined.
Developmental toxicity evaluation of ethylene glycol by gavage in New Zealand white rabbits

Artificially inseminated New Zealand white (NZW) rabbits were administered ethylene glycol (EG) by gavage on Gestational Days (GD) 6 through 19 at doses of 0, 100, 500, 1000, or 2000 mg/kg/day, with 23-24 inseminated animals per group. Clinical signs were recorded and water consumption was measured daily; does were weighed on GD 0, 6-19, 25, and 30. At necropsy (GD 30), maternal liver, kidney, and gravid uterine weights were recorded. Histopathologic examination was performed on kidneys from 10 does/dose and for all unscheduled deaths. Ovarian corpora lutea were counted and uterine implantation sites (total sites, resorptions, dead and live fetuses) were recorded. All live fetuses were weighed, sexed, and examined for external, visceral, and skeletal malformations and variations. EG resulted in profound maternal toxicity at 2000 mg/kg/day (42% mortality; three early deliveries and one spontaneous abortion) associated with renal pathology and unaccompanied by any other indicators of maternal toxicity. Renal lesions at 2000 mg/kg/day involved the cortical renal tubules and included intraluminal oxalate crystals, epithelial necrosis, and tubular dilatation and degeneration. No dose-related maternal toxicity occurred at 100-1000 mg/kg/day. There was no indication of developmental toxicity at any dose tested, including no effects on pre- or postimplantation loss, number of fetuses, fetal body weight, or sex ratio (% male fetuses) per litter, and no evidence of teratogenicity. The "no observable adverse effect level" (NOAEL) for maternal toxicity was therefore 1000 mg/kg/day and the NOAEL for developmental toxicity was at least 2000 mg/kg/day in this study. The sensitivity of NZW rabbits relative to that of Sprague-Dawley rats and Swiss mice for maternal and developmental toxicity from gavage administration of EG during organogenesis can be determined for maternal toxicity: rabbits > mice > rats, and for developmental toxicity, mice >> rats >> rabbits.
Ageing changes in the liver of two Poeciliid fishes, the guppy Poecilia (Lebistes) Reticulata and the amazon molly, P. formosa☆☆☆

Abstract Changes in the anatomy of the liver throughout life are described for two fishes, the guppy and the Amazon molly. There were few consistent and marked changes with age, other than an increase in lipochrome pigment in the guppy. Only in the livers of the two oldest females, which were senile and post-reproductive were there signs of alterations in liver cytology, which might have caused impairment of liver function.
Effect of levetiracetam on depression and anxiety in adult epileptic patients.

Abstract Background Interictal depression is common in patients with epilepsy and it significantly impacts quality of life. Some studies indicate that levetiracetam (LEV) may have mood stabilizing properties. Methods Twenty-five adults with uncontrolled partial seizures and concomitant depressive symptoms were treated with LEV. Patients were evaluated for depression and anxiety with several psychometric measures, including: Montgomery and Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS), Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS), Zung Self-rating Scale for Depression (Z-SDS), Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HARS), Zung Self-rating Scale for Anxiety (Z-SAS). Results Evaluations after 5 weeks and after 3 months of LEV treatment demonstrated significant improvement in depression and anxiety. Conclusions This uncontrolled study suggests that treatment with LEV may also improve depression and anxiety in patients with partial seizures. However, the sample of patients is limited and the possibility of a placebo effect cannot be excluded. These findings must be considered preliminary and should be replicated under placebo-controlled conditions.
Influence of ultrasonic treatment in PP/CNT composites using masterbatch dilution method

Abstract Composites of polypropylene (PP) filled with multiwalled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) of various concentrations were prepared by a twin screw extruder using direct compounding (DC) method without and with ultrasonic treatment. In addition, a masterbatch of 20 wt% PP/CNT composites were prepared without and with ultrasonic treatment and diluted to the same concentrations as in the DC method without ultrasonic treatment. This is called the masterbatch dilution (MD) method. The rheological, electrical and mechanical properties were investigated. The microdispersion was determined using optical microscopy to correlate the processing, properties and structure. It was shown that the MD method provided better dispersion of CNT in PP matrix than the DC method. This was indicated by an increase of the storage modulus, viscosity, electrical and mechanical properties. The fractal dimension of CNTs, D, and the backbone fractal dimension, x, of the CNT network were determined by fitting the rheological data to the scaling model. The lower fractal dimension of CNT and higher backbone fractal dimension of CNT network in composites prepared by the MD method compared with composites obtained by the DC method indicated a better dispersion. Additionally, a lower D and a higher x values as well as the favorable effect on the morphology and mechanical properties were achieved when the ultrasonic treatment at an amplitude of 13 μm was applied in the MD method, indicating an advantage in use of the ultrasonic treatment in preparing the PP/CNT masterbatch.
A simple solution to the distance puzzle: balanced data and Poisson estimation

We propose the use of a balanced panel data set and Poisson regression as a solution to the distance puzzle. Employing annual data for the period 1972–2010, we confirm the existence of the puzzle by applying OLS regression to both an unbalanced panel data set and a narrowly defined balanced panel. We find that Poisson regression remedies the distance puzzle, producing a constant trend for the distance coefficient when the unbalanced panel is examined and a positive trend for the balanced data. The findings confirm the common intuition that the influence of transport costs on trade flows has decreased over time.
The impact of cropland cover on river nutrient levels in the Mississippi River Basin

Aim This study developed high-resolution datasets of the area of maize, soybean and wheat cultivation in the United States for 1950, 1970 and 1992. The datasets were used to examine the relationship between individual crop cover and nutrient levels in rivers across the Mississippi River Basin. Location This study was conducted in the United States, with focus on the Mississippi River Basin. Methods County and state-level estimates of the planted area of maize, soybean and wheat were integrated with a satellite-derived pattern in total cropland to develop 5′ × 5′ resolution datasets of the fractional area of maize, soybean and wheat in the United States for 1950, 1970 and 1992. Regression analysis was used to determine the relationships between mean levels of nitrogen, phosphorous and silica in 25 rivers across the Mississippi Basin, and the extent of maize, soybean and wheat cultivation in the watersheds. Results The crop datasets provide a spatially explicit representation of the area of the three primary crops in 1950, 1970 and 1992. The datasets clearly depict the rapid expansion of soybean cultivation, the increased specialization of individual agricultural regions, and the accompanying reduction in agricultural biodiversity since 1950. The statistical analysis identified strong correlations between the extent of maize and soybean cover in a watershed and the level of nitrogen (N) and phosphorous (P) at the watershed outlet. In particular, the area of maize appears to be strongly related to the concentration of total-N and the ratio of dissolved inorganic-N and organic-N at the watershed outlet. Conclusions The intensification of cultivation of the three primary crops — maize, soybean and wheat — has altered land cover and water quality across the U.S. since 1950. The high present-day rate of fertilizer use on maize and the expansion of soybean cultivation could be largely responsible for the change in nutrient ratios in the Mississippi River since 1950.
Deep shot: a framework for migrating tasks across devices using mobile phone cameras

A user task often spans multiple heterogeneous devices, e.g., working on a PC in the office and continuing the work on a laptop or a mobile phone while commuting on a shuttle. However, there is a lack of support for users to easily migrate their tasks across devices. To address this problem, we created Deep Shot, a framework for capturing the user's work state that is needed for a task (e.g., the specific part of a webpage being viewed) and resuming it on a different device. In particular, Deep Shot supports two novel and intuitive interaction techniques, deep shooting and deep posting, for pulling and pushing work states, respectively, using a mobile phone camera. In addition, Deep Shot provides a concise API for developers to leverage its services and make their application states migratable. We demonstrated that Deep Shot can be used to support a range of everyday tasks migrating across devices. An evaluation consisting of a series of experiments showed that our framework and techniques are feasible.
Reprint of “Living with(out) borders: The intimacy of oppression”☆

Abstract Recounting the multiple oppressions of the queer Chicana, Anzaldua describes this as the “intimate terror” of being caught in-between the different worlds she inhabits. In this paper I argue that the theme of intimacy is crucial for understanding the political life and its hold on the subject's body. My discussion of intimacy and oppression begins in Merleau-Ponty's philosophy because it presents an influential and constructive way to think about intersubjective relations and the intimate way we inhabit our worlds. I am particularly interested in his description of the body as a desiring body that is without borders and encroaches on other bodies. The writings of Anzaldua, Hooks, Fanon, and Ahmed importantly complicate the initial analysis. While understanding bodies as “living without borders” is helpful for beginning to understand the intimate structure of oppressive relations, it does not yet make sense of the very real and oppressive borders that we might encounter on a daily basis. I suggest that we understand such borders as equally intimate, that is, as enacted sedimentations of the lived body. Thus I conclude that *because we are boundless* we engage in an intimate intersubjective relationship that is *boundary creating* and thus potentially violent.
Virtual 2-D gel electrophoresis: visualization and analysis of the E. coli proteome by mass spectrometry.

Mass spectrometric surface analysis of isoelectric focusing gels provides an ultrasensitive approach to proteome analysis. This “virtual 2-D gel” approach, in which mass spectrometry is substituted for the size-based separation of SDS−PAGE, provides advantages in mass resolution and accuracy over classical 2-D gels and can be readily automated. Protein identities can be postulated from molecular mass (±0.1−0.2% for proteins of <50 kDa in size) and pI (±0.3 pH unit) and confirmed by MALDI in-source decay of the intact protein (providing sequence spanning up to 43 residues) or by peptide mass mapping following gel-wide chemical cleavage. Additionally, posttranslational modifications such as fatty acid acylation can be detected by the mass-resolved heterogeneity of component hydrocarbon chains. Sensitivity was evaluated by comparing the number of proteins detected by this method to equivalently loaded silver-stained 2-D gels. In the 5.7−6.0 pH range, E. coli is predicted to contain 435 proteins; virtual 2-D ...
Substrate current-a device and process monitor

Typical characteristics of an n-channel, enhancement-mode, insulated-gate field effect transistor (IGFET) are shown in Figure 1. The drain current is plotted against the drain voltage for different values of the gate voltage. It can be seen from the figure that, after saturation is reached, the drain current increases again as the drain voltage is further increased. This additional current is attributed to the substrate current and can be measured simultaneously in the substrate lead.
Basic emotions and their biological substrates: A nominalistic interpretation

The thesis of this article is that an attitude akin to pragmatism is internal to the scientific enterprise itself, and as a result many scientists will make the same types of non-essentialistic interpretations of their subject matter that are made by pragmatists. This is demonstrably true with respect to those scientists who study the biological basis of emotion such as Panksepp, LeDoux, and Damasio. Even though these scientists are also influenced by what cognitive psychologists call the essentialist bias, their research programs are coherent with Peter Zachar’s rejection of natural kinds in favor of practical kinds. When the confrontation with complexity leads a scientist to offer non-essentialist interpretations, two popular options are to go eliminativist or go nominalist. Pragmatists prefer the nominalistic option, and we provide reasons for suggesting that scientists should as well.
STATUS OF THE FIRE ANT DECAPITATING FLY PSEUDACTEON TRICUSPIS (DIPTERA: PHORIDAE) IN LOUISIANA

Abstract Eight releases of the South American fire ant decapitating fly, Pseudacteon tricuspis Borgmeier, were conducted in Louisiana from 1999 to 2006. Although P. tricuspis was initially recaptured at 88% of the release sites, four of the releases ultimately failed, so long-term establishment was only 43%. Fly populations from two releases have expanded out 50-80 km from their release sites (Fall 2006).
Chaotic thermal convection in a rapidly rotating spherical shell: consequences for flow in the outer core

Abstract Results of a combined laboratory and numerical study of fully developed thermal convection in a rapidly rotating spherical shell are presented. We determine the effects of rotation and a solid inner core on high Reynolds number buoyancy-driven flow in a fluid with the geometry of the Earth's liquid outer core. Centrifugal acceleration is used as a substitute for the spherical gravity field of the core. Experiments are made with Prandtl number Pr = 7, Ekman numbers E ⩾ 2 × 10 −6 and Rayleigh numbers Ra T ⩽ 3 × 10 9 . Numerical calculations of finite-amplitude convection are made using a quasi-geostrophic flow model with the same Prandtl number, and with Ra T ⩽ 5 × 10 7 and E ⩾ 2 × 10 −5 . Near the onset of convection, the motion consists of periodic columnar cells aligned parallel to the rotation axis and arrayed around the axial cylinder tangent to the inner sphere. The cells spiral and propagate in the direction of rotation, the platform in the equatorial plane resembling a drifting pinwheel. At Rayleigh numbers greater than a few times critical, the periodic pinwheel planform is replaced by chaotic, time-dependent convection consisting of numerous columnar vortices that fill the spherical shell. The vortices are driven by ribbon-shaped plumes concentrated near the equatorial plane. Reynolds stresses derived from the vortices and large-scale temperature gradients produced by the plumes generate a large-scale zonal flow that is retrograde (westward) near the inner boundary tangent cylinder, and prograde (eastward) in an equatorial band near the outer boundary. Our results suggest that convection in the Earth's core consists of irregularly distributed columnar vortices plus a secondary zonal flow.
A new genus and species of lungless salamander (family Plethodontidae) from the Appalachian highlands of the south-eastern United States

We describe a striking new species of the lungless salamander family Plethodontidae from the Appalachian foothills of northern Georgia, USA. This miniature species, c. 25–26 mm (adult standard length), is so distinctive genetically and morphologically that we erect a new genus, the first new genus of amphibian described from the US in nearly 50 years. It is unique among plethodontids from eastern North America in displaying sexual colour dimorphism. Although certain miniaturized plethodontids exhibit a reduced number (four) of digits on the pes, this species possesses a full complement of five toes. A plethodontid phylogeny derived from mitochondrial and nuclear DNA sequences places it in the tribe Spelerpini as the sister taxon to Eurycea. Genetic divergence between the new species and Eurycea for the nuclear gene Rag-1 (4.7%) is among the higher levels observed between long-established spelerpine genera (2.6–5.3%). This new form appears to be rare and is of immediate conservation concern.
Nonempirical approach to structure–activity studies†

After a brief review of empirical and nonempirical schemes used in the study of molecular properties, the difficulties associated with structure–activity correlations are outlined. Part of the difficulty originates with the lack of precise definition of a structure. An analogy is made with similarly vague concepts of structural chemistry—the notion of aromaticity. This follows with the description of a characterization of structures by selected graph invariants. In particular we consider the count of weighted paths derived from suitable weighting of the individual bonds in a structure. We adopted the weighting factors (mn)−1/2 introduced originally for the definition of the connectivity index. The approach thus combines some features of the very successful connectivity index with features of path sequences, found very useful in comparative studies of related compounds. As an illustration of the combined approach we consider a set of some 40 therapeutically active substances, studied previously by others, and derive their clustering (classification) which is solely based on the count of weighted paths and is devoid of any empirical parametrization.
Effect of Protein and Energy Intake by Primiparous Sows During Lactation on Sow and Litter Performance and Sow Serum Thyroxine and Urea Concentrations

The effects of protein and energy intakes by primiparous sows during a 28-d lactation on thyroxine (T4) and urea concentrations in blood serum of sows, and sow and litter performance were examined in two experiments. Dietary treatments were protein intakes of 380 (LP) and 760 (HP) g of crude protein X sow-1 X d-1 and energy intakes of 8 (LE) and 16 (HE) Mcal of metabolizable energy (ME) X sow-1 X d-1 in a 2 X 2 factorial arrangement. In Exp. 1 (34 sows), neither protein nor energy intake affected serum T4 concentrations. In both experiments, serum urea concentrations during lactation were influenced by both protein (P less than .001) and energy (P less than .001) intakes. In Exp. 2 (221 sows), sows fed LP or LE lost more weight (P less than .001) during lactation than sows fed either HP or HE. Backfat loss was greater (P less than .001) in sows fed diets of LE than HE, whereas sows fed HP lost more backfat (P = .016) than sows fed LP. Pig weights on d 28 were influenced by both protein (P less than .001) and energy (P = .038), with sows that were provided high intakes of either protein or energy having heavier pigs. Litter weight at weaning was heavier (P less than .005) for sows consuming HP. Sows fed LP had larger litters at d 14 (P = .051) and 28 (P = .046) than sows fed HP. Sow energy intake had no effect on litter size or weight. Percentages of sows in estrus by 7, 14 and 35 d postweaning were higher (P less than .004, P less than .030 and P less than .060, respectively) for sows fed HP than LP, whereas sow energy intakes had no effect on the interval from weaning to first estrus.
Cloning, characterisation and comparative analysis of a starch synthase IV gene in wheat: functional and evolutionary implications

Starch is of great importance to humans as a food and biomaterial, and the amount and structure of starch made in plants is determined in part by starch synthase (SS) activity. Five SS isoforms, SSI, II, III, IV and Granule Bound SSI, have been identified, each with a unique catalytic role in starch synthesis. The basic mode of action of SSs is known; however our knowledge of several aspects of SS enzymology at the structural and mechanistic level is incomplete. To gain a better understanding of the differences in SS sequences that underscore their specificity, the previously uncharacterised SSIVb from wheat was cloned and extensive bioinformatics analyses of this and other SSs sequences were done. The wheat SSIV cDNA is most similar to rice SSIVb with which it shows synteny and shares a similar exon-intron arrangement. The wheat SSIVb gene was preferentially expressed in leaf and was not regulated by a circadian clock. Phylogenetic analysis showed that in plants, SSIV is closely related to SSIII, while SSI, SSII and Granule Bound SSI clustered together and distinctions between the two groups can be made at the genetic level and included chromosomal location and intron conservation. Further, identified differences at the amino acid level in their glycosyltransferase domains, predicted secondary structures, global conformations and conserved residues might be indicative of intragroup functional associations. Based on bioinformatics analysis of the catalytic region of 36 SSs and 3 glycogen synthases (GSs), it is suggested that the valine residue in the highly conserved K-X-G-G-L motif in SSIII and SSIV may be a determining feature of primer specificity of these SSs as compared to GBSSI, SSI and SSII. In GBSSI, the Ile485 residue may partially explain that enzyme's unique catalytic features. The flexible 380s Loop in the starch catalytic domain may be important in defining the specificity of action for each different SS and the G-X-G in motif VI could define SSIV and SSIII action particularly.
BRCA mutations and risk of prostate cancer in Ashkenazi Jews.

Purpose: The Breast Cancer Linkage Consortium and other family-based ascertainments have suggested that male carriers of BRCA mutations are at increased risk of prostate cancer. Several series looking at the frequency of BRCA mutations in unselected patients with prostate cancer have not confirmed this finding. To clarify this issue, we conducted a large case-control study. Experimental Design: Blood specimens from 251 unselected Ashkenazi men with prostate cancer were screened for the presence of one of the three common Ashkenazi founder mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2 . The incidence of founder mutations was compared with the incidence of founder mutations in 1472 male Ashkenazi volunteers without prostate cancer using logistic regression analysis after adjusting for age. Results: Thirteen (5.2%) cases had a deleterious mutation in BRCA1 or BRCA2 compared with 28 (1.9%) controls. After adjusting for age, the presence of a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation was associated with the development of prostate cancer (odds ratio, 3.41; 95% confidence interval, 1.64–7.06; P = 0.001). When results were stratified by gene, BRCA2 mutation carriers demonstrated an increased risk of prostate cancer (odds ratio, 4.78; 95% confidence interval, 1.87–12.25; P = 0.001), whereas the risk in BRCA1 mutation carriers was not significantly increased. Conclusions: BRCA2 mutations are more likely to be found in unselected individuals with prostate cancer than age-matched controls. These results support the hypothesis that deleterious mutations in BRCA2 are associated with an increased risk of prostate cancer.
Two additional midline barriers function with midline lefty1 expression to maintain asymmetric Nodal signaling during left-right axis specification in zebrafish

Left-right (L/R) patterning is crucial for the proper development of all vertebrates and requires asymmetric expression of nodal in the lateral plate mesoderm (LPM). The mechanisms governing asymmetric initiation of nodal have been studied extensively, but because Nodal is a potent activator of its own transcription, it is also crucial to understand the regulation required to maintain this asymmetry once it is established. The ‘midline barrier’, consisting of lefty1 expression, is a conserved mechanism for restricting Nodal activity to the left. However, the anterior and posterior extremes of the LPM are competent to respond to Nodal signals yet are not adjacent to this barrier, suggesting that lefty1 is not the only mechanism preventing ectopic Nodal activation. Here, we demonstrate the existence of two additional midline barriers. The first is a ‘posterior barrier’ mediated by Bmp signaling that prevents nodal propagation through the posterior LPM. In contrast to previous reports, we find that Bmp represses Nodal signaling independently of lefty1 expression and through the activity of a ligand other than Bmp4. The ‘anterior barrier’ is mediated by lefty2 expression in the left cardiac field and prevents Nodal activation from traveling across the anterior limit of the notochord and propagating down the right LPM. Both barriers appear to be conserved across model systems and are thus likely to be present in all vertebrates.
Transmission characteristics of narrow line-width interconnections on silicon substrates

Loss and dispersion characteristics have been investigated for narrow-linewidth 5- mu m- and 1- mu m-wide Au/Cr microstrip structures on low- and high-resistivity semiconductor substrates. Low-resistivity silicon substrates with narrow microstrip lines exhibit large losses and moderate-to-excessive dispersion, which may render them undesirable for use in large-area, high-speed, VLSI circuits. Alternatively, high-resistivity silicon substrates were found to have significantly lower attenuation and nearly linear phase characteristics for 5- mu m linewidths over the 10-GHz frequency range considered. However, for 1- mu m linewidths the loss and dispersion characteristics for both high- and low-resistivity substrate microstrip lines may be problematic when used in digital and analog environments where maintaining waveform integrity is of key concern. The data presented should assist in the design and layout of high-speed, large VLSI chips which use small geometry interconnects. >
A Variational Approach to Reconstructing Images Corrupted by Poisson Noise

We propose a new variational model to denoise an image corrupted by Poisson noise. Like the ROF model described in [1] and [2], the new model uses total-variation regularization, which preserves edges. Unlike the ROF model, our model uses a data-fidelity term that is suitable for Poisson noise. The result is that the strength of the regularization is signal dependent, precisely like Poisson noise. Noise of varying scales will be removed by our model, while preserving low-contrast features in regions of low intensity.
Bimodal Reading: Benefits of a Talking Computer for Average and Less Skilled Readers

Studies have shown that when information is presented through visual and auditory channels simultaneously (i.e., bimodal presentation), speed of processing and memory recall are enhanced. The present study demonstrated the efficacy of a bimodal approach to fostering reading comprehension. Eighteen average readers (9 girls and 9 boys) and 18 less skilled readers (8 girls and 10 boys) in Grades 8 and 9 participated in the study. Students were presented with social studies and science passages via a computer. Passages were presented in three conditions: visually (on screen), auditorily (read by digitized voice), and bimodally (on screen, highlighted, while being voiced). Following each passage, students answered 10 oral-response, short-answer comprehension questions. Results indicated that less skilled readers comprehended more with bimodal versus unimodal presentations. Overall, their performance in the bimodal condition was commensurate with average readers' comprehension in the visual condition. For less ...
Rating scales for heartburn (HB) studies

Categorical or VAS scales at fixed intervals after a provocative meal (PM) have been used to show H2-receptor antagonists (H2RAs) prevent meal-induced HB. We investigated measurement characteristics of a 10-point ordinal rating (1= mildest ever through 10= worst ever) versus validated 4-category Likert rating (none, mild, moderate, severe). Methods: Double-blind parallel study with 282 HB-sufferers randomized to take famotidine (fam) 20 or placebo before 4 self-selected PMs eaten at home. HB intensity rated on 4-point scale q30 minutes post-meal for 3 hours, then maximum HB during the 3 hours rated on 10-point scale (value of 0 assigned if no HB). Construct validity assessed using Spearman correlation (SC) between the scales. Discriminant validity assessed by comparing mean of 10-point scale scores among groups of meal sessions with none, mild, moderate, or severe peak HB. Responsiveness between scales compared using effect size. Results: Peak HB with fam 20 significantly less than placebo according to periodic 4-point and single 10-point ratings. SC coefficient between scales was 0.943. Mean scores on 10-point scale show clear distinction among categories for peak HB on 4-point scale. Effect size with 10-point scale (−0.249) was virtually identical to that with 4-point scale (−0.252). Conclusion: Ability of single ordinal rating of peak HB to differentiate between treatments is similar to that seen with 4-category Likert rating. Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics (2004) 75, P56–P56; doi: 10.1016/j.clpt.2003.11.213
Developmental milestones in toddlers with autistic disorder, pervasive developmental disorder—not otherwise specified and atypical development

Objective: To investigate age differences in developmental milestone attainment among toddlers with Autistic Disorder, PDD-NOS and atypical development.Methods: A questionnaire was administered to caregivers of toddlers to obtain ages of onset of developmental milestones. The study included 1044 participants with 442, 112, 498 and 497 participants in first word, first phrase, crawling and walking analyses, respectively.Results: Significant differences were found between groups on the attainment of milestones within normal limits, delayed or not yet attained. Significant differences were also found between groups in age of saying first word and onset of crawling. There were no significant differences between groups for walking or first phrase.Conclusion: Increased severity of autism has been noted to be related to greater deficits in a multitude of areas. With basic human motor behaviours also appearing to follow that trend, motor and speech skills should be targeted in early intervention programmes.
Comparison between rigid and flexible systems for drilling the femoral tunnel through an anteromedial portal in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

Purpose The purpose of this study was to compare the differences in femoral tunnel length and distance to the lateral anatomic structures when using standard and flexible guide pins for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) femoral tunnel drilling through a medial portal. Methods Using a medial arthroscopic portal in 10 cadaveric knees, we sequentially drilled straight and flexible guide pins into the center of the ACL femoral footprint using the same starting point. We recorded the interosseous length and distances to the peroneal nerve and the femoral origin of the lateral collateral ligament (LCL) for each pin. Results The mean interosseous length was 43.5 mm for the flexible pin and 37.1 mm for the straight pin ( P = .01). The mean distance to the peroneal nerve was 42.3 mm for the flexible pin and 37.8 mm for the straight pin ( P = .33). The mean distance to the femoral origin of the LCL was 26.1 mm for the flexible pin and 13.4 mm for the straight pin ( P = .003). Conclusions The use of commercially available flexible reamers and 42° femoral guides results in longer femoral interosseous tunnel length than can be achieved with a straight guide pin. Femoral interosseous length consistently of 40 mm can be achieved with this technique and cannot be replicated with a rigid straight pin. This is advantageous for femoral tunnel drilling in an anatomic ACL reconstruction that uses suspensory fixation devices. There is minimal risk to the peroneal nerve and the femoral origin of the LCL unless lateral femoral wall blowout occurs. Clinical Relevance Flexible pins allow longer femoral tunnels and safer distances from the LCL by use of a medial portal technique.
Direct inhibition of the sodium/hydrogen exchanger after prolonged regional ischemia improves contractility on reperfusion independent of myocardial viability

Abstract Background A mechanism for myocardial dysfunction after ischemia and reperfusion is Na + /H + exchanger activation. Although past in vivo models of limited ischemia and reperfusion intervals demonstrate that Na + /H + exchanger inhibition confers myocardial protection when administered at the onset of ischemia, the effect of Na + /H + exchanger inhibition on myocardial function after prolonged ischemia and reperfusion remains unknown. This investigation tested the hypothesis that Na + /H + exchanger inhibition instituted at reperfusion and after prolonged coronary occlusion in pigs would influence myocardial contractility independent of myocardial viability. Methods A coronary snare and sonomicrometry crystals were placed in pigs (n = 21, 32 kg). Coronary occlusion was instituted for 120 minutes followed by reperfusion for 180 minutes. At 105 minutes of ischemia, pigs were randomized to ischemia and reperfusion only (saline solution, n=11) or Na + /H + exchanger inhibition (HOE-642, 3 mg/kg intravenously, n=10). Myocardial injury was determined by tissue staining and measurement of plasma myocyte–specific enzymes. Myocardial contractility was determined by calculation of the regional end-systolic pressure-dimension relation (millimeters of mercury per centimeter) and by assessment of interregional shortening. Results Infarct size was not different between groups (39% ± 6%, P = .26). Moreover, at 180 minutes of reperfusion, plasma troponin-I and creatine kinase MB values had increased to identical levels in the ischemia and reperfusion–only and Na + /H + exchanger inhibition groups (300 ± 35 and 50 ± 6 ng/mL, respectively). At 90 minutes of ischemia, regional end-systolic pressure-dimension relation decreased from baseline (5.7 ± 0.5 versus 2.7 ± 0.3, P P + /H + exchanger inhibition (4.4 ± 0.7, P Conclusions Na + /H + exchanger inhibition instituted at reperfusion improved contractility independent of myocardial viability as assessed by absolute infarct size and myocyte-specific enzyme release. Thus, modulation of Na + /H + exchanger activity in the setting of prolonged ischemia and reperfusion may hold therapeutic potential.
Mobile Solar Water Pumping: Providing Off-Site Watering as an Aid to Livestock Distribution and Improved Riparian Condition

Mobile solar water pumping: providing off-site watering as an aid to livestock distribution and improved riparian condition DOI:10.2458/azu_rangelands_v29i2_primrose
A unified header compression framework for low-bandwidth links

Compressing protocol headers has traditionally been an attractive way of conserving bandwidth over low-speed links, including those in wireless systems. However, despite the growth in recent years in the number of end-to-end protocols beyond TCP/IP, header compression deployment for those protocols has not kept pace. This is in large part due to complexities in implementation, which often requires a detailed knowledge of kernel internals, and a lack of a common way of pursuing the general problem across a variety of end-to-end protocols. To address this, rather than defining several new protocol-specific standards, we present a unified framework for header compression. This framework includes a simple, platform-independent header description language that protocol implementors can use to describe high-level header properties, and a platform-specific code generation tool that produces kernel source code automatically from this header specification. Together, the high-level description language and code generator free protocol designers from having to understand any details of the target platform, enabling them to implement header compression with relatively little effort. We analyze the performance of compression produced using this framework for TCP/IP in the Linux 2.0 kernel and demonstrate that unified, automatically-generated header compression without significant performance penalty is viable.
Sources of glacial moisture in Mesoamerica

Paleoclimatic records from Mesoamerica document the interplay between Atlantic and Pacific sources of precipitation during the last glacial stage and Holocene. Today, and throughout much of the Holocene, the entire region receives its principal moisture in the summer from an interaction of easterly trade winds with the equatorial calms. Glacial records from sites east of 95 ° W in Guatemala, Florida, northern Venezuela and Colombia record dry conditions before 12 ka, however. West of 95 ° W, glacial conditions were moister than in the Holocene. For example, pollen and diatom data show that Lake Patzcuaro in the central Mexican highlands was cool, deep and fresh during this time and fossil pinyon needles in packrat middens in Chihuahua, Sonora, Arizona, and Texas indicate cooler glacial climates with increased winter precipitation. Cold Gulf of Mexico sea-surface temperatures and reduced strength of the equatorial calms can explain arid full and late glacial environments east of 95 ° W whereas an intensified pattern of winter, westerly air flow dominated hydrologic balances as far south as 20 ° N. Overall cooler temperatures may have increased effective moisture levels during dry summer months in both areas.
Effect of interfacial bonding on the strength of adhesion of elastomers. II. Dissimilar adherends

Two elastomer layers, differing either in initial degree of crosslinking or in chemical reactivity, were bonded together by a free-radical crosslinking process. The elastomers employed were polybutadiene (BR) and an ethylene-propylene copolymer (EPR) differing in the efficiency of crosslinking by dicumyl peroxide by a factor of about 20. When a fully crosslinked sheet of either elastomer was pressed into contact with a partially crosslinked sheet of the same elastomer and the crosslinking then taken to completion, the strength of adhesion under threshold conditions was found to be qualitatively in accord with the predictions of a simple theoretical treatment for the degree of interlinking in terms of the corresponding homogeneous crosslinking reaction. Whereas the theory suggests that the effective degree of interlinking will be one-half of that generated in a homogeneous system, the experimental results were in accord with a figure of about 70%. When a layer of one elastomer was bonded to a layer of the other in a similar way, the strength of adhesion was found to be relatively high when the initial fully crosslinked layer was BR and relatively low when it was EPR. These results were also in qualitative agreement with theoretical predictions for the degree of chemical interlinking developed between layers differing in chemical reactivity. Thus a general correlation appears to hold between the threshold strength of adhesion and the amount of interlinking.
What if we ask a different question?: social inferences create product ratings faster

Consumer product reviews are the backbone of commerce online. Most commonly, sites ask users for their personal opinions on a product or service. I conjecture, however, that this traditional method of eliciting reviews often invites idiosyncratic viewpoints. In this paper, I present a statistical study examining the differences between traditionally elicited product ratings (i.e., "How do you rate this product'") and social inference ratings (i.e., "How do you think other people will rate this product'"). In 5 of 6 trials, I find that social inference ratings produce the same aggregate product rating as the one produced via traditionally elicited ratings. In all cases, however, social inferences yield less variance. This is significant because using social inference ratings 1) therefore converges on the true aggregate product rating faster, and 2) is a cheap design intervention on the part of existing sites.
Analysis of local observability for feature localization in a maritime environment using an omnidirectional camera

Autonomous operation by a surface vehicle in a maritime setting requires that the surface vehicle detects non-water objects, including shoreline, hazards to navigation, and other moving vessels. In order to assess the utility of an omnidirectional camera for detecting and localizing non- water objects, we rigorously investigate observability of both stationary and moving features. For stationary features, we find that all but a small subset of the features are observable. For moving features, we show that an important class of feature and ASV trajectories are not observable.