cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Genetic and epigenetic alterations of steroidogenic factor‑1 in ovarian tumors

Steroidogenic factor-1 (SF-1), the product of the NR5A1 gene, is an essential transcription factor that is known to regulate steroidogenesis in ovarian epithelia, including the synthesis of progesterone, a suppressor of ovarian cancer. Expression of the SF-1 protein, a potential ovarian tumor suppressor, has been demonstrated in normal OSE cells, but is lost in most ovarian tumors and ovarian tumor cell lines. We examined loss of heterozygosity (LOH) and promoter methylation as potential mechanisms that may explain the loss of SF-1 protein in ovarian tumor tissues. Genotyping of three NR5A1 SNPs in matched tumor/normal tissues identified LOH in 16/36 (44%) of the ovarian tumors successfully analyzed, and somatic mutations (gain of allele) in 10% of the tumors. Furthermore, a methylation-sensitive restriction enzyme method was used to demonstrate statistically significant (p<0.0001) increase in the frequency of NR5A1 gene methylation in ovarian tumors (36/46; 78%) versus normal ovaries (1/11; 9%). These data suggest that the SF-1 encoding gene exhibits frequent genetic (LOH/base substitution) and epigenetic (methylation) somatic alterations in ovarian tumors. These data also present novel molecular mechanisms that may explain the loss of SF-1 protein in ovarian tumors, and its potential role in ovarian carcinogenesis.
Liquid phase axial mixing in a bubble column with viscous non‐newtonian liquids

This paper presents some new data for the liquid phase axial dispersion coefficient in a bubble column with highly viscous non-Newtonian liquids (μL > 0.03 Pa · s). The data were obtained in a 0.15 m diameter column operating in the slug flow regime, and the dispersion measurements were conducted using heat aas a tracer. The experimental results show that the dispersion coefficients increase with both gas and liquid velocities and quantitatively they are about three times higher than those obtained for the air-water system. The results are explained based on a known hydrodynamic model of vertical gas-liquid slug flow. On presente quelques donnees nouvelles relatives au coefficient de dispersion axiale, dans une colonne a bulles pour des liquides non newtoniens fortement visqueux (μL > 0.03 Pa · s). On a obtenu ces donnees dans une colonne a bulles de 0,15 m de diametre fonctionnant en regime d'ecoulement par pistonage (slug flow); on a fait les mesures de la dispersion en employant la chaleur comme traceur. Les resultats experimentaux indiquent que les coefficients de dispersion augmentent avec la vitesse du gaz et avec celle du liquide et que, en termes quantitatifs, ils sont environ trois fois plus eleves que ceux obtenus pour le systeme air-eau. On explique les resultats en se basant sur un modele hydrodynamique connu pour l'ecoulement vertical gaz-liquide en regime d'ecoulement par pistonage.
An operations network generator for computer aided process planning

Abstract Computer aided process planning (CAPP) forms the critical bridge between computer aided design (CAD) and computer aided manufacturing (CAM). Generating consistent and flexible process plans to suit a dynamic production environment is an important objective. Geometric tolerancing and dimensioning when properly applied ensures the most economical and effective production of part features. This can provide a functional production technique by which the engineering drawing specifications are translated into production instructions by means of a process plan. Most of the process planning systems currently available do not generate alternate process plans. Process planning is a decision making task whose decisions should take into account the production control objectives. Any fixed sequence of operations that is generated by a process plan is not necessarily the best possible sequence since the production environment changes as do the criteria for optimality (such as quality, quantity, machine utilization, etc.). The aim then should be to generate all the possible feasible operation sequences. The decision maker can then use the necessary optimality criteria to get the best sequence for the prevailing operating environment. A methodology is presented in this paper for the generation of alternate feasible operation sequences using a tree structure approach.
Intrachain flexibility constraints on phase stabilities and odd-even effects in multiple smectic-A and nematic liquid crystals.

The importance of the flexibility of n-alkyl tail chains in real liquid-crystal systems is reviewed. Two new microscopic, molecular statistical-physics theories (a full statistical theory and a simpler but accurate approximate theory) for the intrachain constraints on the n-alkyl tail-chain flexibility are presented and are compared with each other and with an old, more approximate theory for tail-chain flexibility used in earlier papers. The new approximate approach is computationally much faster than the full statistical method and is the first treatment to generate and explain odd-even effects in multiple smectic-A phases and the first treatment to generate and explain odd-even effects in smectic-A and nematic phases without resorting to ad hoc or arbitrarily adjustable fits to experimental data. Phase stabilities and odd-even effects for various thermodynamic and molecular ordering properties are calculated in the smectic-${A}_{1}$, smectic-${A}_{d}$, and nematic liquid-crystal phases and the isotropic liquid phase using the new approximate method. Some predictions and accompanying physical explanations are made for various systems that have not yet been chemically synthesized and/or experimentally studied. The theoretical results in this paper are in good semiquantitative and (in some cases) quantitative agreement with available experimental data and offer some significant improvements---compared with experiment---over the theoretical results of earlier papers, especially with regard to the relative stabilities of the nematic and multiple smectic-A phases. The calculations in this paper also show for the first time that intrachain constraints on the tail-chain flexibility are by far the major factor responsible for odd-even effects in these liquid-crystal systems.
Surgical results with artificial urinary sphincter.

Abstract From June, 1974, until January, 1977, eleven AMS 721 genitourinary sphincters were installed in 9 men and 2 females. Long term success was achieved in 2 men. Failures were encountered in 9 patients (82 per cent) with urethral erosions (3 patients), infection (1 patient), and mechanical failure (5 patients) accounting for the complications necessitating prosthetic removal. From January, 1979, until May, 1981,15 males had the revised AMS model AS 742 (b) or (c) sphincter installed. Long term continence was achieved in 9 patients (60 per cent). Urethral erosion in 4 patients (27 per cent) and infection of the prosthesis in 2 men (13 per cent) accounted for failures. An improved surgical technique involving the installation of the device in a defunctionalized state with secondary activation is anticipated to improve future results.
Efficacy of anticholinergic and beta-adrenergic agonist treatment of maximal cholinergic bronchospasm in tracheally intubated rabbits.

Cholinergically induced bronchoconstriction is thought to be a major cause of bronchospasm during anesthesia. We used tracheally intubated rabbits (4-mm endotracheal tube) stimulated with methacholine to assess the efficacy of beta-adrenergic agonist and anticholinergic treatment in reversing the increases in respiratory system resistance. Four groups were compared: (a) inhaled metaproterenol, 20 puffs via metered dose inhaler (0.65 mg/puff); (b) inhaled ipratropium bromide, 20 puffs from a metered dose inhaler (18 micrograms/puff); (c) 2 mg of intravenous atropine; and (d) no treatment after methacholine challenge as a control group. Methacholine increased respiratory system resistance from 0.041 +/- 0.001 (mean +/- SEM) to 0.098 +/- 0.006 cm H2O.mL-1.s-1 (P < 0.001). Whereas beta-adrenergic agonist treatment was ineffective in ameliorating bronchoconstriction, inhaled ipratropium bromide and atropine were highly effective, causing an 86%-88% reversal in the methacholine-induced increase in respiratory system resistance. Both these agents were also effective in improving dynamic compliance. We conclude that inhaled ipratropium bromide is effective in treating cholinergic bronchospasm even when administered via a small endotracheal tube and that the beta-adrenergic agonist metaproterenol is ineffective in rabbits in the face of maximal cholinergic stimulation.
The interaction between κ-opioid agonist, U-50,488H, and kainic acid: behavioral and histological assessments

Abstract The effects of a selective κ-agonist, U-50,488H, on systemic kainic acid-induced behavioral and histological changes were studied in rats. U-50,488H inhibited kainic acid-induced wet dog shakes in a naloxone reversible manner; however, U-50,448H did not protect rats against kainic acid-evoked behavioral seizures. As revealed by histological analysis, kainic acid caused edema and severe neuronal damage in several brain regions, notably in CA1 but also in the CA3 fields of both hippocampi. Pretreatment of rats with U-50,488H markedly protected hippocampal neurons, especially those in CA1, against kainic acid-induced neurotoxicity. Naloxone by itself had a little effect on kainic acid-induced seizures or hippocampal neuron loss. Naloxone plus U-50,448H resulted in less severe seizures and, consequently, less hippocampal cell loss than after kainic acid alone. These data indicate that U-50,448H can markedly attenuate the neurotoxic and behavioral consequences of systemic kainic acid administration. However, the mechanism of these effects requires further study with more specific opioid antagonists.
Quantification of resident inflammatory cells in the human nasal mucosa

Abstract Background: To define the normal resident inflammatory cell population in the nasal mucosa, surgical specimens of human nasal turbinates were immunohistologically stained for various cell markers. Methods: Freeze-dried paraffin-embedded sections were stained for lymphocyte cell-surface markers, and Camoy's fixed sections were stained for mast cells and immunoglobulins. The numbers of stained cells were microscopically counted. Results: T cells (CD3 + cells) were abundant in the lamina propria, and the number of CD4 + cells and CD8 + cells accounted for two thirds and one third of CD3 + cell number, respectively. Cells that stained for the a-chain of the interleukin 2 receptor (activated cells, CD25+) were limited and accounted for only 0.6% of CD3+ cell number. B cells (CD22 + cells) and monocytes and macrophages (CD14+ cells) were observed less, frequently than T cells. Many immunoglobulin producing cells were found in close proximity-to the submucosal glands, and those cells were predominantly IgA+. Mast cells were widely distributed in the nasal mucosa, and about one third of these cells were stained for IgE molecules. Nonmast cells bearing IgE were rarely observed. Conclusion : Thus the dominant cell in the nasal mucosa is a CD3+, CD4+, CD25 - lymphocyte.
Deconvolution of SOFC Cathode Polarization

Current SOFC performance is limited primarily by cathode polarization. In order to address this we have undertaken a multi-faceted, multi- disciplinary approach to deconvolute the various contributions to SOFC cathode polarization. This approach involves using catalysis techniques to determine the fundamental oxygen reduction mechanism, using a FIB/SEM to quantify the cathode microstructure, and relating kinetics and microstructure to electrochemical performance. The results to date are summarized.
Structural analysis of Lilium longiflorum sporopollenin by 13C NMR spectroscopy

Abstract The exine was isolated from lily pollen which had been treated with 4-methylmorpholine N -oxide and shown by cross-polarization/magic-angle-spinning 13 C NMR to be predominantly an aliphatic polymer.
Paleobiogeographic patterns in the Middle and Late Devonian emphasizing Laurentia

Abstract The relative importance of tectonism and sea-level change in driving Middle to Late Devonian biogeographic patterns in marine invertebrates is investigated using phylogenetic biogeography. Taxa considered include two clades of brachiopods, one bivalve clade, and a suborder of phyllocarid crustaceans. These organisms colonized different depositional environments and played different roles in the Devonian ecosystem which allows biogeographic patterns to be considered in a cross-faunal analysis. Vicariance patterns are well resolved and may reflect biogeographic relationships developed in the Early to early Middle Devonian due to the uplift of intracratonic arches. Uplift of tectonic arches is inferred to occur during times of tectonic quiescence during the second and third (and possibly also the first) tectophase (after Ettensohn, F.R., 1985. The Catskill Delta complex and the Acadian Orogeny: a model. In: Woodrow, D. L., Sevon, W. D. (Eds.), The Catskill Delta. Geological Society of America, Boulder, CO, Special Paper 201, pp. 39–49. ) of the Acadian orogeny. Geo-dispersal patterns are not as well resolved, but may indicate dispersal across tectonic arches during downwarping associated with increased compressional tectonism during Ettensohn's (1985) [Ettensohn, F.R., 1985. The Catskill Delta complex and the Acadian Orogeny: a model. In: Woodrow, D. L., Sevon, W. D. (Eds.), The Catskill Delta. Geological Society of America, Boulder, CO, Special Paper 201, pp. 39–49] tectophases II and III. Geo-dispersal across relatively low arches may also be coincident with transgressive events IIa and IIc of Johnson et al. (1985) [Johnson, J.G., Klapper, G., Sandberg, C.A., 1985. Devonian eustatic fluctuations in Euramerica. Geological Society of America Bulletin 96, 567–587]. The overall lack of congruence between the vicariance and geo-dispersal patterns suggests that singular, tectonic events exerted more profound influence on Devonian biogeography than cyclical changes in sea level. Furthermore, the offset in perceived timing between vicariance and geo-dispersal patterns may indicate a fundamental change in the style of biogeographic patterns during the Middle Devonian and may have played a major factor in regulating biodiversity dynamics during the Late Devonian biodiversity crisis.
Disposition and metabolism of radiolabelled pentachloroanisole in rats and rabbits

Male Sprague-Dawley rats and New Zealand White rabbits were administered 14C-labelled pentachloroanisole (PCA) in corn oil by gavage as single doses of 25 mg/kg and were then placed in individual metabolism cages for as long as 4 days. Peak blood level of radioactivity occurred 6 hr after administration of the dose to rats and between 3 and 4 hr in rabbits; the blood elimination half-life ranged from 8 to 15 hr in rats and averaged 6 hr in rabbits. Rats excreted an average of 54.2% of the administered radiolabel in the urine and 32.4% in the faeces during the 96 hr following the dose; rabbits excreted an average of 84.2 and 13.1% of the radiolabel in the urine and faeces, respectively, during this time. Examination of the metabolites in the rat showed that 60% of the urinary radioactivity was attributable to tetrachlorohydroquinone (TCH), 3% to free pentachlorophenol (PCP) and 29% to conjugated PCP; faecal metabolites were PCP (85.7%), TCH (4.3%) and polar metabolite(s) (10%). In the rabbit, 58% of the urinary radioactivity was attributable to TCH, 8% to free PCP and 34% to conjugated PCP. Faecal metabolites consisted of PCP and conjugated material.
Reductive nitrosylation and proton-assisted bridge splitting of a (μ-Oxo)dimanganese(III) complex derived from a polypyridine ligand with one carboxamide group

Aerobic oxidation of the Mn(II) complex [Mn(Papy3)(H2O)](ClO4) (1, PaPy3- is the anion of the designed ligand N,N-bis(2-pyridylmethyl)amine-N-ethyl-2-pyridine-2-carboxamide) in acetonitrile affords...
Treatment of rectal carcinomas by means of endocavity irradiation

Direct contact irradiation may be used in the curative treatment of patients with carefully selected early rectal lesions. With earlier diagnosis, a large number of patients may present with suitable lesions. The treatments last three minutes and are administered every two weeks to a total dose of 9,000 rad to 12,500 rad. The patients require no general anesthesia or hospitalization and may continue working during this treatment. There appears to be no risk of morbidity or mortality. The rectum is preserved. Most beneficial of all to the patient, a colostomy is avoided, although later surgery is not precluded for local failures. It has been found that recurrence, should it occur, appears within the 18 months immediately following treatment. Good palliation can be achieved in some cases for patients with metastatic disease, for their local symptoms. We believe that the endocavity method of irradiation contributes an important advance in the management of patients with cancer of the rectum and feel it should be available universally.
Authorship patterns of surgical chairs.

Background The purpose of this study was to determine if there was an increase in the average number of articles published per year for surgery department chairs and if there was an association of publication patterns during their academic careers to authorship position and types and quality of articles written. Methods Computerized literature searches were performed for 299 chairs of departments of surgery between 1950 and 2004. We compiled data on time as chair, number of publications per year, article types, authorship positions, and impact factors of the journals. Nonparametric tests allowed identification of differences between groups, and regression analyses were used to analyze publication trends over time. Results There was a significant increase in the number of articles published per year from the beginning to the end of the study ( P P P P P P Conclusions These findings provide valuable insight into the publication patterns of chairs of surgery departments. Individuals publish fewer articles as chairs and post-chairs, most likely due to the greater emphasis on administration and leadership duties during these career stages. Nevertheless, surgical department chairs tend to publish prolifically throughout their careers.
Investigation of the molecular species produced by the vaporization of the Group IIA metal nitrates from a graphite surface

The Group IIA metals studied exhibited similar mechanisms when atomized from graphite and tantalum lined surfaces. The vaporization of beryllium, magnesium, calcium, strontium and barium begins with the decomposition of the nitrate during drying and the deposition of the oxide on the interior of the graphite. Each metal appears to produce an early absorption by a hydroxide followed by the oxide and subsequently by the metal. The presence of carbides could not be confirmed but the graphite may play an active role in the atomization of the Group IIA nitrates, as suggested by the accelerated degradation of the furnace for most of the substances examined. The carbides did not appear to vaporize well from the graphite but did seem to react readily with water vapor from the air.
Differential effects of convulsive drugs on photically evoked after-discharge parameters.

Since sub-convulsive doses of pentylenetetrazol (Metrazol) had been shown to augment photically evoked after-discharge (AD) patterns both in terms of elicitation threshold and amplitude of spindle bursts, it was questioned whether these observations were indicative of those that might be obtained with other drugs categorized in the general class of convulsive agents. It was found that picrotoxin and strychnine were ineffective in augmenting AD although, consistent with previous observations, Metrazol potentiated the elicitation of AD. Furthermore, Metrazol, when interacted with strychnine or picrotoxin, did not elicit augmented AD patterns. Repeated injections of Metrazol also did not result in additional increments in AD. These results can be related to the modes of action of the three convulsive agents.
Transcription factor AP-2 regulates human insulin-like growth factor binding protein-5 gene expression.

Insulin-like growth factor binding protein-5 (IGFBP-5) is an important modulator of IGF actions. IGFBP-5 mRNA is abundant in human fibroblasts and is regulated by cAMP. To understand the molecular mechanism underlying this cell type-specific expression and regulation, we isolated the 5′-flanking region of the human IGFBP-5 gene and fused it to a promoter-less reporter plasmid encoding luciferase. Transient transfection of the construct into fibroblasts displayed both constitutive and cAMP-induced promoter activity in an orientation-specific manner. Sequence analysis revealed the existence of distal and proximal consensus AP-2 recognition sites located 5′ from the TATA box. Both sequences bound specifically to human AP-2 in vitro by gel shift mobility assay. The possible role of AP-2 was examined by cotransfection of AP-2-deficient HepG2 cells with the IGFBP-5 promoter construct and a human AP-2 expression construct. Cotransfection with AP-2 significantly elevated IGFBP-5 promoter activity. This trans-activation was IGFBP-5 promoter and AP-2 specific. In AP-2 abundant fibroblasts, expression of AP-2B, a dominant-negative inhibitor of AP-2, suppressed IGFBP-5 promoter activity. In HepG2 cells, AP-2B alone had no significant effect, but the AP-2-induced activation of promoter activity was inhibited by AP-2B in a dose-dependent manner. The relative functional importance of the putative AP-2 binding sites was examined using a number of deletion mutants and point mutations. When the first two distal CCCCACCC-like putative AP-2 sites were deleted or mutated, there was no change in AP-2-induced trans-activation. Deletion or mutation of the proximal GCCNNNGGC-like sequences, however, abolished the AP-2-induced activation. These results suggest that AP-2 regulates the IGFBP-5 gene expression through the proximal GCCNNNGGC-like sequences. This AP-2-mediated trans-activation contributes at least in part to the constitutively high expression of IGFBP-5 in fibroblasts and to the cAMP responsiveness of this gene.
Systematic studies of organic thin film transistor improvements

Future generations of flexible, transparent electronics require the use of polymer based thin-film transistors (TFTs) with high carrier mobility. The problem of enhancing TFT characteristics is addressed in this report. Systematic studies were performed to optimize the thickness and composition of the active and dielectric layers. Different electrode materials were tested along with “top” and “bottom” device configurations. Various coating techniques (SAM) were applied to achieve a higher degree of order in polymer chains of semi-conducting layer. Results demonstrate the influence of the mentioned factors on the TFT performance, including increase of mobility and on/off ratio.
Assessment of secondary traumatization with an emotional Stroop task.

Scores on an emotional Stroop task discriminated secondary traumatization effects in 9 adult children of veterans while standard trauma measures did not.
PROPELLANT MANAGEMENT IN BOOSTER AND UPPER-STAGE PROPULSION SYSTEMS

A summary review of some of the technical issues which surround the design of the propulsion systems for Booster and Upper Stage systems are presented. The work focuses on Propellant Geyser, Slosh, and Orientation. A brief description of the concern is given with graphics which help the reader to understand the physics of the situation. The most common solutions to these problems are given with there respective advantages and disadvantages.
Navigation using linear photo detector arrays

The growth of light emitting diodes (LED's) for illumination enables new approaches both for communication and navigation. One of the challenges when LED's are used in the navigation systems is how to extract and capitalize effectively on the encoded LED ID. A single photo detector (PD) provides the simplest hardware approach and could communicate with LED's at a very high data rate, but only offers the most basic level of positioning. Cameras provides much more informative position measurements; however, there are challenges to achieving high rate LED-to-camera data communications due to the current hardware architectures of cameras. Alternatively, linear PD arrays allow high sample rates, high accuracy and low cost. This article investigates the issues (observability, extrinsic parameter calibration, and vehicle state initialization) related to implementation of a positioning and communications system built on a linear optical sensor array.
Li7(α, p)Be10 and Li6(α, p)Be9 reactions at 30 MeV

Angular distributions for the Li/sup 7/( alpha ,p)Be/sup 10/ and Li/sup 6/( alpha ,p) Be/sup 9/ reactions were obtained for the ground state of the residual nucleus, using 30 Mev alpha -particles. In the case of the Li/sup 7/ reaction an angular distribution was obtained leaving the residual nucleus in the flrst excited state. Of particular interest in all three of these angular distributions is the sharp increase in differential cross section at back angles. It is shown that the present theories of direct reactions are inadequate to account for this structure.
Examination of the LnCl3/RLi alkylation system for organic synthesis using yttrium as a probe including the X-ray crystal structure of Li2Y8Cl18O4(THF)12

Abstract The LnCl3/RLi reagent system commonly used with Ln=Ce for organic alkylation reactions has been studied with Ln=Y to make use of the 89Y nucleus (I = 1/2) in NMR analyses. The ‘YCl’ obtained by the current literature methods of dehydrating LnCl3(H2O)x reagents in the LnCl3/RLi system contains water by elemental analysis, by reactivity with LiCH2SiMe3 and LiMe, and by X-ray analysis of recrystallized material which proved to be [YCl2(H2O)6]Cl. The complexity of the intermediates that may be present in these systems when reagents are not rigorously purified is shown by the structure of Li2Y8Cl18O4(THF)12, which was isolated from a YCl3/LiCH2SiMe3 reaction. The complex contains a tetracapped tetrahedron of yttrium atoms with two outlying lithium atoms all of which are connected by four μ4-O, fourteen μ2-Cl and two μ3-Cl atoms. Each lithium and each capping yttrium are ligated by two THF groups.
Requirements, Risks, and Responsibility: Mothering and Fathering in Books about Raising Boys

The last two decades have been marked by increased attention from scholars, policy makers, and the mass media to girls' needs and experiences. More recently, two developments have contributed to a gender focus that puts boys at the center of popular and academic discourse: recent school shootings and reactions to the research focusing on girls. As one of many attempts at refocusing academic and policy discourse on boys, a genre of books about raising boys has emerged. This study discusses three popular books on the gender ideologies of parenting, by Gurian (1997), Pollack (1998), and Kindlon and Thompson (1999). We find that the three books hold mothers to higher expectations and to more elaborate requirements than they hold fathers. The claimed risks to sons associated with mothers assume an overabundance of qualities that these authors argue mothers are expected to possess in moderate proportions. Moreover, women's internal/biological processes, such as temperament, are more likely to be blamed for bad mothering, while external/environmental processes tend to be blamed for bad fathering. This examination has implications for policy decisions, research fund allocations, the reconstitution of essentialist and patriarchal expectations held by the lay public, the scholarly work on mother-blame, and the academic discourse on gender development.
The Shavzin-Carsch Collection of Historic Jewish Children's Literature

The Shavzin-Carsch Collection of Cincinnati's Isaac M. Wise Temple is a special collection devoted to historically significant American Jewish children's literature. As of this writing, there are over seven hundred volumes in the collection, including early children's books published by the Jewish Publication Society, titles listed in early juvenile bibliographies of the Jewish Book Annual, and books cited in key retrospective articles on Jewish children's literature. This paper describes the collection, and relates how it came to be established, its potential uses to researchers, and future issues to be considered in its expansion.
Equilibrium distributions of dipalmitoyl phosphatidylcholine and dilauroyl phosphatidylcholine in a mixed lipid bilayer: atomistic semigrand canonical ensemble simulations.

Conventional molecular dynamics (MD) simulations are seriously limited by the slow rate of diffusive mixing in their ability to predict lateral distributions of different lipid types within mixed-lipid bilayers using atomistic models. A method to overcome this limitation, using configuration-bias Monte Carlo (MC) “mutation” moves to transform lipids from one type to another in dynamic equilibrium, is demonstrated in binary fluid-phase mixtures of lipids whose tails differ in length by four carbons. The hybrid MC−MD method operates within a semigrand canonical ensemble, so that an equilibrium composition of the mixture is determined by a constant difference in chemical potential (Δμ) chosen for the components. Within several nanoseconds, bilayer structures initiated as pure dipalmitoyl phosphatidylcholine (DPPC) or pure dilauroyl phosphatidylcholine (DLPC) converge to a common composition and structure in independent simulations conducted at the same Δμ. Trends in bilayer thickness, area per lipid, density...
Cataract surgery in patients with sarcoidosis-associated uveitis.

Conclusions: The authors analyzed the incidence of cataract development and the visual outcome of cataract surgery performed on patients with sarcoidosis-associated uveitis who were treated at the Immunology Service at the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary during a 17-year period. Methods: The records of 102 patients with sarcoidosis-associated uveitis who were treated with topical and regional corticosteroids, systemic nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, systemic steroids, or with systemic immunosuppressive chemotherapy were reviewed. Cataract surgery was performed on those eyes in which cataract developed, resulting in decreased visual acuity of 20/100 or less. The incidence of cataract development and visual results of cataract extraction and intraocular lens implantation were analyzed. Results: In this cohort of 102 patients, visually significant cataracts that warranted surgery developed in 10 (16 eyes). In addition, four patients (5 eyes) had a visually significant cataract at the time of first evaluation. A total of 14 patients (21 eyes) underwent cataract surgery. Posterior chamber lens implantation accompanied cataract surgery in 19 (90.5%) of 21 eyes. The average final visual acuity of the 21 eyes after cataract surgery was 20/51, and 61 % of the eyes achieved a stable visual acuity of 20/ 40 or better. The major causes of the decreased visual acuity in patients who had less than 20/40 visual acuity were sequelae of chronic posterior uveitis, cystoid macular edema, epiretinal membrane, and glaucomatous optic nerve damage. Conclusion: Posterior chamber lens implantation and cataract surgery in patients with sarcoidosis-associated uveitis can be well tolerated when absolute control of the inflammation is achieved. Pre-existing retinal pathology and glaucoma as a result of uncontrolled inflammation resulting in permanent ocular structural damage were found to be the most important factors for determining the postoperative final visual acuity.
Tissue factor and tumor cells: as bad as it gets?

Comment on Yu et al, page [1734][1] Yu and colleagues have characterized sequential transforming events that drive the up-regulation of tissue factor on colorectal tumor cells. Furthermore, tissue factor expression defines the aggressive character of these cells in vivo. In the last decade,
Unplanned intubation: when and why does this deadly complication occur?

Background Risk factors for unplanned intubation have been delineated, but details regarding when and why reintubations occur as well as strategies for prevention have not been defined. Methods Over a 2-year period, 104 of 3,141 patients (3.3%) monitored via the American College of Surgeons-National Surgical Quality Improvement Program required unplanned intubation. These patients were compared to those who remained extubated and were characterized by (1) the operation performed; (2) the postoperative day when reintubation occurred; and (3) the underlying causes. Results Patients who required reintubation were significantly older (65.8 years) and were more likely to be male (55%) and to have several comorbidities, weight loss (16%), dependency (14%), or sepsis (9%). The operations complicated most commonly by unplanned intubation were gastrectomy (13%), nephrectomy (10%), colectomy (9%), pancreatectomy (8%), hepatectomy (7%), and enterectomy (6%). The most common causes and median postoperative days were sepsis (33%, day 8) and aspiration/pneumonia (31%, day 4). Sepsis was due most commonly to an abdominal or pelvic abscess (74%), which was frequently not recognized despite an inflammatory response. Aspiration occurred most commonly after upper abdominal operations (78%) despite signs of diminished bowel function. Conclusion Postoperative sepsis and aspiration/pneumonia account for two thirds of unplanned intubations. Opportunities for management of patients exist for the prevention of this deadly complication.
Flexibility in the control of rapid aiming actions.

Across three different task conditions, the adaptability of reciprocal aiming movements was investigated. Task difficulty was manipulated by changing ID, with 9 IDs between 2.5 and 6.5 tested. Reciprocal aiming movements were performed with ID scaled (predictable) in a trial in a decreasing (high 6.5–low 2.5) or increasing manner (low 2.5–high 6.5) or with ID constant in a trial and changed randomly across trials. Movement time scaled linearly with ID in both the scaling ID and control ID presentations. A critical ID boundary (IDC) was identified, and the adaptation of aiming movements was a function of this critical boundary. For IDs IDC, the findings suggest a predominance for feedback control based on the dwell time and symmetry ratio measure. Within this ID range, the absolute time spent decelerating was increased, possibly to insure accuracy and minimize MT, with the predictable changes associated with an increase in ID needing less time devoted to feedback processing compared to the other ID presentations. The results are consistent with the theoretical position that aiming motions may be controlled by a limit cycle mechanism with ID IDC. The results suggest that the ability of the motor system to adapt to both scaled and random changes in ID revolves around a modulation of pre-planned and feedback-based control processes.
The DFRC method for lignin analysis. 2. Monomers from isolated lignins

Monomers released from derivatization followed by reductive cleavage (DFRC degradation) of lignins have been identified by mass spectra and/or comparison of their GC retention times with authentic ...
The proximate determinants of the decline to below-replacement fertility in Addis Ababa Ethiopia.

Between 1990 and 2000, the total fertility rate (TFR) in Ethiopia declined moderately from 6.4 to 5.9 children per woman of reproductive age. During the same period, the TFR in the capital city of Addis Ababa declined from 3.1 to 1.9 children per woman. Even more striking than the magnitude of this decline is that it occurred in the absence of a strong and effective national family planning program. In this study, the components of this fertility decline are identified using the Bongaarts framework of the proximate determinants of fertility. The results of a decomposition analysis indicate that a decrease in the age-specific proportions of women who are married, followed by an increase in contraceptive use are the most important mechanisms by which fertility has declined in Addis Ababa. Poor employment prospects and relatively high housing costs are likely factors that encourage couples to delay marriage and reduce marital fertility.
Molecular quantum electrodynamics in the Heisenberg picture: A field theoretic viewpoint

Quantum electrodynamics (QED) is the physical theory that describes the interaction of electrons and photons at a fundamental level. Its characteristic feature is that the radiation field, as well as the system of material particles, obeys the postulates of quantum mechanics. A rigorous non-relativistic formulation of this theory applicable to atoms and molecules has also been developed and applied with outstanding success to a number of processes of interest to chemical physicists, being most commonly explicated for a system of charged particles coupled to the electromagnetic field, with the latter second quantized. Calculations are subsequently carried out in the Schrodinger picture. In the last twenty-five years or so, considerable work on Coulomb gauge QED of molecules has been performed in the Heisenberg representation of quantum mechanics by adopting a completely field theoretic point of view. The methods and results of this approach, which offer significant advantages over conventional perturbative...
LOWER RISK OF THROMBOEMBOLIC DISEASE AFTER TOTAL HIP REPLACEMENT WITH NON-CEMENTED THAN WITH CEMENTED PROSTHESES

During the course of a prospective, randomised trial comparing dextran 40 with antithrombin III plus heparin as prophylaxis against thrombosis after total hip replacement, an unexpectedly low incidence of postoperative thromboembolic disease was found in patients receiving non-cemented (0 of 23) rather than cemented prostheses (4 of 13, 31%). Despite the small number of patients, the difference was significant and necessitated modification of the protocol. These preliminary findings suggest that the type of hip replacement used was more important than the type of antithrombotic medication in preventing venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism.
Use of nephrostomy drape for nonendoscopic procedures

The use of a nephrostomy drape for perineal prostatectomy and laparoscopic renal/ureteral surgery is illustrated. Draping is simplified, fixation sites for cords are present, and a large pocket for instruments and drainage is provided. The nephrostomy drape is recommended for use during operations performed on nonhorizontal surfaces, or when several instruments attached by cords are used.
Patterns of convergence and divergence of retinal and cortical synaptic terminals in the cat superior colliculus.

The spatial distributions of retinal and area 17 synapses in the zonal, superficial gray, and upper optic layers of the cat superior colliculus have been examined quantitatively. The colliculus was systematically sampled throughout its rostral-caudal extent. The position of every retinal and ipsilateral area 17 synaptic terminal was mapped with a computer microscope plotter. From these plots, the depth, medial-lateral position, and synaptic density were calculated. Retinal terminals (RT) were identified by their characteristic pale mitochondria, cortical terminals (CT) by degeneration after area 17 lesions. Of 14,939 plotted terminals, 58% were retinal, 42% from area 17. The two sets of synapses were partially segregated along both the dorsal-ventral and rostral-caudal planes of the colliculus. In the dorsal ventral plane, nearly 2/3 of RT were concentrated in a dense band within the upper superficial gray layer. The remainder were lightly distributed throughout the deep superficial gray and upper optic layers. By contrast, almost 3/4 of all CT lay in a 100–300 μm band just below the retinal dense band, within the deep superficial gray. The two sets of terminals were also partly segregated in the rostral-caudal plane. The rostral tip of the colliculus, which has a representation of the ipsilateral hemifield, had a very dense accumulation of RT, but almost no CT. The area centralis representation, just behind the rostral pole, showed a marked decrease in RT density. CT were most densely distributed in this region. In more caudal regions of the colliculus, RT gradually increased while CT decreased in density. The medial to lateral distribution of both RT and CT had obvious peaks and troughs, but these were randomly distributed. These results indicate that: (1) RT and CT synapses in the colliculus overlap less than previously reported. It is, therefore, likely that many cells in the superior colliculus do not receive afferents from both sources. (2) Although retinal and cortical terminals have a patchy distribution, there is no indication that they form regular, alternating columns in the superior colliculus.
Clastogenic effects of methylnitrosourea and ethylnitrosourea on chromosomes from human fibroblasts cell lines

Human fibroblast cell lines were pulse-treated for 1 h with either methylnitrosourea (MNU) or ethylnitrosourea (ENU) at various time intervals before harvesting for chromosome analysis. Cells treated with 1 X 10(-3) M, 5 X 10(-4) M, and 1 X 10(-4) M final concentrations of MNU and ENU during the G2 or M phases of the cell cycle showed a significant increase in chromatid-type abnormalities over controls. Cells exposed to MNU or ENU 23 h before harvest showed some chromosome-type abnormalities, reflecting probable damage induced during the G1 phase of the cell cycle or derived from chromatid damage induced during the previous cell cycle. The mitotic indices and incidences of abnormalities suggested a dose response effect when cells were treated with the two higher concentrations and the three concentrations, respectively, of MNU or ENU. Chromatid abnormalities were observed in MUN and ENU-treated cells from each of four cell lines. From this investigation, it was concluded that MNU and ENU treatment of human diploid cell lines in vitro induced both chromatid and chromosome aberrations. MNU and ENU, both of which had previously been shown to be mutagenic in experimental animals, are, therefore, also considered to be mutagenic at the chromosome level in human fibroblasts grown and treated in cell culture.
trkB encodes a functional receptor for brain-derived neurotrophic factor and neurotrophin-3 but not nerve growth factor

Abstract A variety of findings seem to functionally link brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and neurotrophin-3 (NT-3), while distinguishing both of these factors from the third member of the neurotrophin family, nerve growth factor (NGF). Here we demonstrate that all three of these neuronal survival molecules bind similarly to the low affinity NGF receptor, but that BDNF and NT-3, unlike NGF, do not act via the high affinity NGF receptor. However, both BDNF and NT-3, but not NGF, bind to full-length and truncated forms of a receptor-like tyrosine kinase, trkB, for which no ligand had previously been identified. In addition to binding BDNF and NT-3, trkB can mediate functional responses to both of these neurotrophins when it is expressed in PC12 cells, although BDNF appears to be the more effective ligand. Thus trkB encodes an essential component of a functional receptor for BDNF and NT-3, but not for NGF. Further evidence predicts the existence of additional functional receptors for the neurotrophins.
Animal models for studying the action of topoisomerase I targeted drugs.

Many of the cytotoxic drugs that are active in the curative or palliative treatment of human cancers are now known to mediate their effects through interaction with DNA topoisomerases stabilizing covalent DNA-protein intermediates. The epipodophylotoxins, anthracyclines, anthrapyrazoles, and actinomycins appear to target topoisomerase II, whereas drugs of the camptothecin class work specifically through their interaction with topoisomerase I. Some, such as actinomycin D, certain rebeccamycin analogs, and a new class of ethylidene glucoside-epipodophyllotoxins, may be dual-topoisomerase inhibitors (1). The clinical utility of the epipodophyllotoxin, etoposide, and the anthracyclines doxorubicin, daunorubicin, and actinomycin D have been well-established (2). The spectrum of utility of camptothecin drugs in treatment of human cancer also remains to be determined. However, current results from clinical trials suggest that drugs that target topoisomerase I may represent novel agents with considerable activity in a relatively broad spectrum of malignancies.
Simpler and more general minimization for weighted finite-state automata

Previous work on minimizing weighted finite-state automata (including transducers) is limited to particular types of weights. We present efficient new minimization algorithms that apply much more generally, while being simpler and about as fast.We also point out theoretical limits on minimization algorithms. We characterize the kind of "well-behaved" weight semirings where our methods work. Outside these semirings, minimization is not well-defined (in the sense of producing a unique minimal automaton), and even finding the minimum number of states is in general NP-complete and inapproximable.
CAN RELIGION GO BEYOND REASON

Let me first state my views on salient points, so as to declare my hand. Explanations will come later.
Transdisciplinary Cardiovascular and Cancer Health Disparities Training: Experiences of the Centers for Population Health and Health Disparities

The Centers for Population Health and Health Disparities program promotes multilevel and multifactorial health equity research and the building of research teams that are transdisciplinary. We summarized 5 areas of scientific training for empowering the next generation of health disparities investigators with research methods and skills that are needed to solve disparities and inequalities in cancer and cardiovascular disease. These areas include social epidemiology, multilevel modeling, health care systems or health care delivery, community-based participatory research, and implementation science. We reviewed the acquisition of the skill sets described in the training components; these skill sets will position trainees to become leaders capable of effecting significant change because they provide tools that can be used to address the complexities of issues that promote health disparities.
Enhanced T Cell Migration to Sites of Microscopic CNS Disease: Complementary Treatments Evaluated by 2- and 3-D Image Analysis

Novel therapies are being developed to attack tumour or other abnormal cells within the brain. A general problem is the need for delivery to sites of microscopic disease. Leukocytes offer an attractive solution; they are able to both move through tissue and recognize abnormal targets. Leukocytes may act as effectors, or as vehicles for drugs, retroviral vectors or other agents. Here, we illustrate complementary ways of enhancing leukocyte migration to sites of microscopic central nervous system (CNS) disease. Enhanced T cell migration to sites of disseminated tumour is used as the example. Computer-assisted image analysis is used to evaluate migration patterns in 2 and 3 dimensions. Shared regulatory features in the migration of tumour and responding cells, and the opportunities and questions they imply, are discussed.
The Generation of Surfzone Eddies in a Strong Alongshore Current

AbstractThe surfzone contains energetic two-dimensional horizontal eddies with length scale larger than the water depth. Yet, the dominant eddy generation mechanism is not understood. The wave-resolving model funwaveC is used to simulate surfzone eddies in four case examples, from the SandyDuck field experiment, that had alongshore uniform bathymetry. The funwaveC model is initialized with the observed bathymetry and the incident wave field in 8-m depth and reproduces the observed cross-shore structure of significant wave height and mean alongshore current. Within the surfzone, the wave-resolving funwaveC-modeled E(f, ky) spectra and the bulk (frequency and ky integrated) rotational velocities are consistent with the observations below the sea–swell band (<0.05 Hz), demonstrating that the model can be used to diagnose surfzone eddy generation mechanisms. In the mean-squared perturbation vorticity budget, the breaking wave vorticity forcing term is orders of magnitude larger than the shear instability gene...