cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The association of body fat composition with risk of breast, endometrial, ovarian and colorectal cancers among normal weight participants in the UK Biobank.

Background The association between body fat composition and risk of cancer in normal weight individuals (body mass index (BMI) 18.5-24.9 kg/m2) is unclear. Methods We examined the association of measures of adiposity with risk of incident cancers of the breast (postmenopausal), endometrium, ovary and colon/rectum among 149,928 normal weight individuals (40-70 years) who were enrolled in the UK Biobank cohort between 2006 and 2010. Results All of the body fat measures were positively associated with invasive postmenopausal breast cancer risk (hazard ratios (HR) for the uppermost quintile (Q5) versus the lowest quintile (Q1) ranged from 1.32 (95% CI: 1.09-1.60) for waist circumference (WC) to 1.56 (1.28-1.90) for BMI). Trunk fat mass index (HRQ5 vs Q1: 1.72, 95% CI: 1.02-2.89) and WC (HRQ5 vs Q1: 1.65, 95% CI: 1.01-2.70)) were positively associated with risk of endometrial cancer. Among males, trunk fat:trunk fat free mass ratio, trunk fat:leg fat mass ratio and (HRQ5 vs Q1: 1.63, 95% CI: 1.02-2.60; 1.92, 1.20-3.07 and 1.68, 1.05-2.66, respectively) were positively associated with colon cancer risk. None of the body fat measures was associated with risk of ovarian cancer or colorectal cancer in women. Conclusion The findings of this study suggest that the current normal weight category based on BMI includes individuals who are at increased risk of some obesity-related cancers.
Network Analysis of PTSD Symptoms in a Sample of Polyvictimized Youth.

Polyvictimization (i.e., the experience of multiple types of victimization) increases the risk for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) relative to single-type victimization. Network analysis has been used to conceptualize PTSD among children and adolescents exposed to specific types of victimization (e.g., maltreatment, natural disasters), but not among those theorized to be at highest risk of poor outcomes (i.e., polyvictimized youth). The current study used network analysis to enhance our understanding of PTSD symptoms in a diverse sample of adolescents exposed to polyvictimization. Data were drawn from the Longitudinal Studies on Child Abuse and Neglect, a multi-site study of children and adolescents living in the United States (ages 0-18). Using indicators of seven different types of age-16 victimization, k-means cluster analysis identified a subgroup of polyvictimized youth. A PTSD symptom network was estimated for polyvictimized youth, with depersonalization, self-blame, and sadness emerging as central symptoms. Regression analyses indicated that depersonalization prospectively predicted age-18 anxiety symptoms, p = .033. Central symptoms did not predict age-18 PTSD or depression symptoms. To date, this is the first network study on a polyvictimized sample. While preliminary, our findings suggest that dissociation and self-blame may be central to polyvictimized youth and that dissociation may represent an important prevention target for anxiety.
State of the Art of Predicting Short Period Climatic Variations

This paper offers an attempt to summarize, compare and critically examine methods of long range weather forecasting and to suggest avenues where greater progress might be found.
Determination, uniformity, and relevance: normative criteria for generalization and reasoning by analogy

If an agent is to apply knowledge from its past experience to a presen episode, it must know what properties of the past situation can justifiably be projected onto the present on the basis of the known similarity between the situations. The problem of specifying when to generalize or reason by analogy, and when not to, therefore looms large for the designer of a learning system. One would like to be able to program into the system a set of criteria for rule formation from which the system can correctly generalize from data as they are received. Otherwise, all of the necessary rules the agent or system uses must be programmed in ahead of time, so that they are either explicitly represented in the knowledge base or derivable from it.
Manganese, an Essential Trace Element for N2 Fixation by Rhodospirillum rubrum and Rhodopseudomonas capsulata: Role in Nitrogenase Regulation

Nitrogenase (N(2)ase) from the photosynthetic bacterium Rhodospirillum rubrum can exist in two forms, an unregulated form (N(2)ase A) and a regulatory form (N(2)ase R), the latter being identified in vitro by its need for activation by a Mn(2+)-dependent N(2)ase activating system. The physiological significance of this Mn(2+)-dependent N(2)ase activating system was suggested here by observations that growth of R. rubrum and Rhodopseudomonas capsulata on N(2) gas (a condition that produces active N(2)ase R) required Mn(2+), but growth on ammonia or glutamate did not. Manganese could not be shown to be required for the biosynthesis of either nitrogenase or glutamine synthetase or for glutamine synthetase turnover, but it was required for the in vitro activation of N(2)ases from N(2) and glutamate-grown R. rubrum and R. capsulata cells. Chromatium N(2)ase, in contrast, was always fully active and did not require Mn(2+) activation, suggesting that only the purple nonsulfur bacteria are capable of controlling their N(2)ase activity by this new type of regulatory system. Although R. rubrum could not substitute Fe(2+) for Mn(2+) in the in vivo N(2) fixation process, Fe(2+) and, to a lesser extent, Co(2+) could substitute for Mn(2+) in the in vitro activation of N(2)ase. Electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy of buffer-washed R. rubrum chromatophores showed lines characteristic of Mn(2+). Removal of the Mn(2+)-dependent N(2)ase activating factor by a salt wash of the chromatophores removed 90% of the Mn(2+), which suggested a specific coupling of this metal to the activating factor. The data presented here all indicate that Mn(2+) plays an important physiological role in regulating the N(2) fixation process by these photosynthetic bacteria.
A Review of “The Myth of American Religious Freedom”

David Sehat's The Myth of American Religious Freedom is a well-researched and cogently argued book that might have been better titled Why American Religious Freedom Is a Myth. This is because the b...
Mechanical Behavior of Materials

1. Stress and strain 2. Elasticity 3. Mechanical tensile testing 4. Strain hardening of metals 5. Plasticity 6. Strain-rate and temperature dependence of flow stress 7. Slip 8. Dislocation geometry and energy 9. Dislocation mechanics 10. Mechanical twinning 11. Hardening mechanisms 12. Discontinuous and inhomogeneous deformation 13. Ductility and fracture 14. Fracture mechanics 15. Viscoelasticity 16. Creep and stress rupture 17. Fatigue 18. Residual stresses 19. Ceramics 20. Polymers 21. Composites 22. Mechanical working Appendix I. Miller indices Appendix II. Stereographic projection.
Reaching Critical Mass in Nigeria's Telephone Industry

The sudden and rapid growth in access to telephones in Nigeria has certainly raised major questions for telecommunications scholars. Access to telephones in Nigeria had been marginal by the end of the twentieth century with the teledensity rate well below 1:100 for a country of estimated 130 million persons (Ajayi, Salawu and Raji 1999). Today, over 10 million Nigerians have access, improving the teledensity to 13:100 in barely five years! Growth rates are currently over 100 percent per year. What happened? How was the industry turned around? Has critical mass been reached? Has the rate of growth become selfsustaining? This paper explores all the above questions using the theory of critical mass as the framework for analysis. It concludes that a critical mass of users has been built in the urban centers and that access is rapidly approaching the saturation point. In addition, it argues that much more needs to be done in order to achieve similar growth rates in the rural areas.
An Integrated High Performance Mixed Signal IF-to-Digital Converter

A single `chip' IF-to-Digital converter sub-system containing Low Noise Amplifiers, AGC, down-conversion mixers, oscillators, baseband amplifiers, references and an A/D converte is presented. Mixed analog-digital circuit design and packaging techniques achieve a high level of integration using standard semiconductor processes. Measured results show that the IC can operate on IF signals between 30MHz-85MHz and decode transmissions up to 64QAM either in NTSC or PAL systems. Key performance factors include 63dB stable gain, 50dB IMD3, 40dB AGC range, 9dB input Noise Figure and 40Msps A/D conversion rate.
Hepatic cytochrome P-450 system in experimental hepatosplenic schistosomiasis: Presence of an artifact in spectrophotometric analysis

Several recent reports suggesting that the liver microsomal cytochrome P-450 system is impaired in Schistosoma mansoni infections in mice prompted a detailed investigation of the hepatic cytochrome P-450 system in murine schistosomiasis. Mice were prepared with three levels of Schistosoma mansoni infection and studied 8, 12 and 14 weeks post-exposure. Histological sections of the liver confirmed prominent granuloma formation and portal fibrosis which was dose and time dependent. Cytochrome P-450 levels appeared reduced grossly in microsomes from homogenates of infected livers, but accurate quantitation was complicated by the presence of a prominent peak at 422 nm. Ethylmorphine N-demethylase activity also appeared to be reduced in all infected animals, reaching a maximum decrease at 14 weeks of 44% of control values in the most heavily infected mice. NADPH-cytochrome c reductase activity and cytochrome b5 levels were similarly reduced. Utilization of techniques to separate hepatocytes from granulomatous material in infected livers eliminated the 422 nm peak and reversed several of the findings made with whole-liver derived microsomes. Cytochrome P-450 levels were reduced modestly (30%) at 8 weeks in the most heavily infected mice but returned to normal values by 14 weeks. Specific ethylmorphine N-demethylase activity of isolated hepatocytes was increased at 8 weeks with a return to normal by 14 weeks. Isolated granulomata were incriminated as one possible source of the 422 nm pigment in whole-liver derived microsomes but appeared unlikely to account fully for this finding. Thus, this investigation concluded that the cytochrome P-450 system is altered by experimental murine hepatosplenic schistosomiasis, but such alterations are subtle in nature and unlikely to contribute in major fashion to the observed changes in drug disposition.
The role of Pseudomonas lipopolysaccharide in cystic fibrosis airway infection.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) is a ubiquitous environmental Gram-negative bacterium found in soil and water. This opportunistic pathogen can cause infections in individuals with impaired phagocytic function, such as those with burns, exposure to chemotherapy, or cystic fibrosis (CF). PA infects the lungs of most individuals with CF, and is associated with severe progressive pulmonary disease that is the major cause of premature death in this disorder. The specific adaptations of PA to the CF airway responsible for bacterial persistence and antibiotic tolerance are not completely understood but may include increased alginate production (i.e., mucoid phenotype), biofilm formation, and specific lipid A modifications. During adaptation to the CF airway, PA synthesizes a variety of lipid A structures that alter host innate immune responses and promote bacterial persistence and chronic infection. The synthesis of specific lipid A structures is attributable to bacterial enzymes that: (1) remove the 3OH-C10:0 acyl chain from the 3-position (PagL); (2) add a C16:0 acyl chain to the 3OH-C10:0 chain at the 3’-position (PagP); (3) add C12:0 and 2OH-C12:0 acyl chains to the 3OH-C12:0 chains at the 2- and 2’-positions (HtrB and LpxO); and (4) add aminoarabinose to phosphate groups at the 1- and 4’-positions (PmrH, PmrF, PmrI, PmrJ, PmrK, and PmrE). These lipid A modifications represent an essential aspect of PA adaptation to the CF airway.
Formal verification of error correcting circuits using computational algebraic geometry

Algebraic error correcting codes (ECC) are widely used to implement reliability features in modern servers and systems and pose a formidable verification challenge. We present a novel methodology and techniques for provably correct design of ECC logics. The methodology is comprised of a design specification method that directly exposes the ECC algorithm's underlying math to a verification layer, encapsulated in a tool “BLUEVERI”, which establishes the correctness of the design conclusively by using an apparatus of computational algebraic geometry (Buchberger's algorithm for Gro¨bner basis construction). We present results from its application to example circuits to demonstrate the effectiveness of the approach. The methodology has been successfully applied to prove correctness of large error correcting circuits on IBM's POWER systems to protect memory storage and processor to memory communication, as well as a host of smaller error correcting circuits.
Comparison of Diameter and Perimeter Methods for Tumor Volume Calculation

PURPOSE: Lesion volume is often used as an end point in clinical trials of oncology therapy. We sought to compare the common method of using orthogonal diameters to estimate lesion volume (the diameter method) with a computer-assisted planimetric technique (the perimeter method). METHODS: Radiologists reviewed 825 magnetic resonance imaging studies from 219 patients with glioblastoma multiforme. Each study had lesion volume independently estimated via the diameter and perimeter methods. Cystic areas were subtracted out or excluded from the outlined lesion. Inter- and intrareader variability was measured by using multiple readings on 48 cases. Where serial studies were available in noncystic cases, a mock response analysis was used. RESULTS: The perimeter method had a reduced interreader and intrareader variability compared with the diameter method (using SD of differences): intrareader, 1.76 mL v 7.38 mL (P < .001); interreader, 2.51 mL v 9.07 mL (P < .001) for perimeter and diameter results, respectively...
Genetics of the Ribosomopathies

Ribosomopathies refer collectively to a group of disorders characterised by disruption of ribosome synthesis. Classically, these are rare genetic syndromes with developmental abnormalities, often involving abnormal blood cell production, as seen in Diamond Blackfan anaemia, the 5q-myelodysplastic syndrome and Shwachman-Diamond syndrome or causing craniofacial anomalies (Treacher Collins syndrome). However, research has recognised several new putative ribosomopathies (Bowen-Conradi syndrome and North American Indian childhood cirrhosis), and new revelations may force the reclassification of some older disorders (dyskeratosis congenita and cartilage hair hypoplasia). Finally, some, but not all, ribosomopathies predispose patients to solid tumours or haematologic malignancies. Here, we critically review the underlying genetics in old and new ribosomopathies and examine the pathophysiologic consequences of aberrant ribosome biogenesis. Key Concepts: Ribosomopathies refer collectively to a group of disorders characterised by disruption of ribosome synthesis. Most ribosomopathies are rare genetic syndromes with developmental abnormalities, often involving abnormal blood cell production or causing craniofacial anomalies. There are several new putative ribosomopathies and the classification of some disorders is in flux. Diamond-Blackfan anemia and Treacher Collins syndrome are two well-described ribosomopathies that share pathophysiologic similarities but have different clinical manifestations for the most part. Some, but not all, ribosomopathies predispose patients to solid tumours or haematologic malignancies. Keywords: ribosomopathies; developmental disorders; ribosomal stress; p53; bone marrow failure syndromes
Dispersion relations and mode shapes for waves in laminated viscoelastic composites by finite difference methods

Abstract Dispersion relations and mode shapes for wave propagation in a laminated, infinite viscoelastic composite are obtained by finite difference methods. A complex modulus formulation is used. Free vibrations are studied for which the frequency is complex and the wave number real. Floquet theory is applied. Discretization of the governing differential equations and quasi periodic boundary conditions leads to a generalized eigenvalue problem for a large, sparse complex matrix. This is solved by a method involving permutation of the matrix into a convenient banded form and by writing recursion relations for the determinant. As an example, numerical results are obtained for a two medium composite with the filament material elastic and the matrix material modelled as elastic in dilatation and a standard linear solid in shear. The method proves to be very efficient and accurate for calculating frequencies as well as mode shapes.
Visual-tracking-based robot vision system

There are two kinds of depth perception for robot vision systems: quantitative and qualitative. The first one can be used to reconstruct the visible surfaces numerically while the second to describe the visible surfaces qualitatively. In this paper, we present a qualitative vision system suitable for intelligent robots. The goal of such a system is to perceive depth information qualitatively using monocular 2-D images. We first establish a set of propositions relating depth information, such as 3-D orientation and distance, to the changes of image region caused by camera motion. We then introduce an approximation-based visual tracking system. Given an object, the tracking system tracks its image while moving the camera in a way dependent upon the particular depth property to be perceived. Checking the data generated by the tracking system with our propositions provides us the depth information about the object. The visual tracking system can track image regions in real-time even as implemented on a PC AT clone machine, and mobile robots can naturally provide the inputs to our visual tracking system, therefore, we are able to construct a real-time, cost effective, monocular, qualitative and 3-dimensional robot vision system. To verify our idea, we present examples of perception of planar surface orientation, distance, size, dimensionality and convexity/concavity.© (1992) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Ciliate Protozoa in the Rumen of the Lactating Cow

Abstract The rumen contents of 70 lactating Holstein cows fed five different rations were examined for ciliate protozoa. Species of eight genera of the family Ophryoscolecidae and two genera of the family Isotrichidae were observed, with Entodinium, Epidinium, Polyplastron, Ophryoscolex , and Isotricha predominating. Isotricha appeared frequently in the rumens of cows fed a ration containing cane molasses, whereas Polyplastron, Epidinium , and Ophryoscolex were frequently present in cows fed a ration containing hemicellulose extract. There were no differences in the frequency of appearance of most ciliate protozoa in the rumens of cows fed different quantities of calcium and phosphorus. Entodinium caudatum appeared frequently in the rumens of cows fed rations containing large quantities of grain starch. Polyplastron multivesiculatum or Ophryoscolex caudatus or both were not seen in cows containing Epidinium caudatum or Eudiplodinium maggii . However, O. caudatus was seen together with Epidinium tricaudatum. P. multivesiculatum was not seen together with Metadinium medium .
The effect of acoustic phonon confinement on the momentum and energy relaxation of hot carriers in quantum wires

The momentum and energy relaxation rates associated with electron-acoustic phonon interaction in a free-standing rectangular GaAs quantum wire have been calculated taking into account confined and interface phonon modes. Phonon confinement has two major consequences: (i) it increases relaxation rates by several orders of magnitude, and (ii) it increases the ratio of absorption to emission processes in narrow intervals of energy thereby making the energy relaxation rate in these intervals negative. An external magnetic field always decreases the momentum relaxation rate (thus increasing the carrier mobility) even though the scattering rate (the inverse of the quasi-particle lifetime) may increase or decrease depending on whether the interaction is polar (piezoelectric) or non-polar (deformation potential).
Buoyancy induced transport in porous media saturated with pure or saline water at low temperatures

Abstract Terrestrial water is commonly found at temperature levels at which a density extremum, or a trend towards an extremum, occurs. The buoyancy force, with an extremum, then may become very complicated, with local flow reversal and convective inversion. Density differences may then not be expressed linearly in temperature. Such flows are formulated here, calculating the buoyancy force from a density equation of state which is of very high accuracy, yet of simple form. The resulting equations of motion are applied to vertical plane flows in a porous medium. Several new parameters arise. However, a similarity formulation results for many interesting and practical applications, for a wide diversity of temperature conditions. Specific solutions are given for flow and transport for bounding temperature conditions at which local buoyancy force reversal as well as convective inversion occur.
An Internal Performance Assessment of CancerGene Connect: An Electronic Tool to Streamline, Measure and Improve the Genetic Counseling Process

CancerGene Connect (CGC) is a web-based program that combines the collection of family and medical history, cancer risk assessment, psychosocial assessment, report templates, a result tracking system, and a patient follow up system. The performance of CGC was assessed in several ways: pre-appointment completion data analyzed for demographic and health variables; a time study to assess overall time per case and to compare the data entry by the genetic counselor compared to the patient, and a measured quality assessment of the program via observation and interview of patients. Prior to their appointment, 52.3 % of 2,414 patients completed the online patient questionnaire section of CGC. There were significant differences in completion rates among racial and ethnic groups. County hospital patients were less likely to complete the questionnaire than insured patients (p < 0.0001); and likewise uninsured patients and patients with Medicare/Medicaid were less likely to complete the questionnaire than private patients (p < 0.0001). The average genetic counseling time per case was 82 min, with no significant differences whether the counselor or the patient completed CGC. CGC reduces genetic counselor time by approximately 14–46 % compared to average time per case using traditional risk assessment and documentation methods previously reported. All surveyed users felt the questionnaire was easy to understand. CGC is an effective tool that streamlines workflow, and provides a standardized data collection tool that can be used to evaluate and improve the genetic counseling process.
The Connectivity of Streets: Reach and Directional Distance

We introduce two measures of connectivity that are applicable to standard GIS-based representations of street networks. The reach of a point measures the total street length covered by all paths ex...
The Validity Range of Low Fidelity Structural Membrane Models

Three classes of structural models can be considered for the characterization of thin extensible pressurized membranes. A low-fidelity, linear model assumes that all of the membrane’s resistance to a transverse pressure is provided from geometric stress-stiffening, and that movement along the membrane is purely out-of-plane. A medium-fidelity model can include geometric nonlinearity (finite strains, non-conservative pressure loads); while the highest level of membrane modeling assumes material nonlinearity: specifically, hyperelasticity. Common modeling applications such as performance prediction, failure prevention, and structural optimization all require repeated function evaluations. As computational cost is proportional to model fidelity, what is the validity range of the two lower fidelity models discussed above? The presence of a large pre-tension within the membrane is known to lessen the role of nonlinear elastic effects: the range of linear transverse deformation increases with pre-tension. Conversely, very low pre-tensions require the use of a nonlinear model, as the linear model becomes unbounded. This work studies the Hencky–Campbell problem for model validation purposes: hydrostatic inflation of a thin flat circular membrane, clamped along its boundary, with an arbitrary initial tension. A full-field, non-contact visual image correlation system is used to estimate the material properties of the rubber membrane, measure the state of pre-tension in the circular sheet, and document the displacement and strain fields as a function of applied pressure. The resulting data set is then compared directly with numerical simulations, in order to estimate the location of the surface of data points wherein a particular low fidelity model (either linear or geometrically nonlinear) loses its predictive capability.
Multiple-diffraction expansion for intermediate-energy reactions

A multiple-diffraction expansion for heavy-ion reactions is constructed in which the leading term is Glauber's phenomenological multiple-diffraction amplitude. This is achieved with the help of a pseudopotential between elementary particles in ions which in the Glauber approximation gives the empirical elementary scattering amplitude. The leading corrections to Glauber's phenomenological amplitude include (i) a wave-spreading term of Wallace, (ii) an internal-excitation term of Hahn, (iii) a pseudopotential term which contains effects of wave spreading and zero-point motion of bound particles in ions, and (iv) a Pauli term for antisymmetrizing two clusters of identical fermions. Explicit expressions for these corrections are given in the impact-parameter representation. The nature of these corrections is briefly discussed.
THE HIGHER CLASSIFICATION OF THE ORDER EMBIOPTERA: A CLADISTIC ANALYSIS

Abstract A matrix of 41 Embiid taxa (representing the 8 formally recognized families of the Order) and 36 characters were cladistically analysed as a first attempt for understanding the higher classification of the Order Embioptera. The resulting trees were rooted with Clothodidae as the sister group of the other Embioptera. The results suggest that the current classification contains several artificial groups. With the rooting used, only Anisembiidae and Australembiidae are monophyletic. Embiidae is polyphyletic, as Australembiidae+ Notoligotomidae, Enveja (incertae sedis) and Oligotomidae+Teratembiidae appear within Embiidae, and the “embiid” Microembia appears within Notoligotomidae. Oligotomidae is paraphyletic in terms of Teratembiidae. Four of the genera included in the analysis are paraphyletic: Mesembia, Chelicerca (in terms of Dactylocerca and Pelorembia ), Aposthonia (in terms of Oligotoma ), and Metoligotoma (in terms of Australembia ). Pelorembia and Dactylocerca are synonymized with Chelicerca .
Scanning Electrochemical Microscopy of Living Cells. 4. Mechanistic Study of Charge Transfer Reactions in Human Breast Cells

Scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) has recently been employed for probing the redox properties of individual mammalian cells. It was shown that intracellular redox activity can be probed noninvasively by measuring the rate of mediator regeneration by the cell. Depending on the properties of the mediator species (e.g., formal potential, ionic charge, and hydrophobicity), different steps can limit the rate of the mediator regeneration reaction. This paper describes the evaluation of several factors that determine the rates of different steps of the process. These include intracellular concentration of redox centers, mixed redox potential inside the cell, and the rate of membrane permeation by mediator species. The kinetic analysis has been carried out to clarify the origins of different rates of the overall charge-transfer reaction in different cell types and with different redox mediators. The results can be used to facilitate differentiation between different types of cells, for example, normal and metastatic breast cells, on the basis of differences in redox responses.
The perforated appendiceal carcinoid in children: a surgical dilemma

The decision for aggressive reoperation after discovery of an appendiceal carcinoid is generally based upon criteria such as size, grade, degree of involvement of the mesoappendix or the appendiceal base, lymphovascular invasion, and the presence of goblet cell or adenocarcinoid features. No guidelines currently exist for the management of perforated appendiceal carcinoids. We present a case of perforated appendiceal carcinoid that was subsequently treated with right hemicolectomy, and we review the pertinent literature.
The case for a standard system of electrification for American railroads

Some of the more important aspects of system standardization for main-line railroad electrification in the United States are discussed. Investigation has shown that the commercial-frequency system appears to have enough advantages to justify its recommendation for American railroads.
p62/SQSTM1 is overexpressed and prominently accumulated in inclusions of sporadic inclusion-body myositis muscle fibers, and can help differentiating it from polymyositis and dermatomyositis

p62, also known as sequestosome1, is a shuttle protein transporting polyubiquitinated proteins for both the proteasomal and lysosomal degradation. p62 is an integral component of inclusions in brains of various neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer disease (AD) neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) and Lewy bodies in Parkinson disease. In AD brain, the p62 localized in NFTs is associated with phosphorylated tau (p-tau). Sporadic inclusion-body myositis (s-IBM) is the most common progressive muscle disease associated with aging, and its muscle tissue has several phenotypic similarities to AD brain. Abnormal accumulation of intracellular multiprotein inclusions, containing p-tau in the form of paired helical filaments, amyloid-β, and several other “Alzheimer-characteristic proteins”, is a characteristic feature of the s-IBM muscle fiber phenotype. Diminished proteasomal and lysosomal protein degradation appear to play an important role in the formation of intra-muscle-fiber inclusions. We now report that: (1) in s-IBM muscle fibers, p62 protein is increased on both the protein and the mRNA levels, and it is strongly accumulated within, and as a dense peripheral shell surrounding, p-tau containing inclusions, by both the light- and electron-microscopy. Accordingly, our studies provide a new, reliable, and simple molecular marker of p-tau inclusions in s-IBM muscle fibers. The prominent p62 immunohistochemical positivity and pattern diagnostically distinguish s-IBM from polymyositis and dermatomyositis. (2) In normal cultured human muscle fibers, experimental inhibition of either proteasomal or lysosomal protein degradation caused substantial increase of p62, suggesting that similar in vivo mechanisms might contribute to the p62 increase in s-IBM muscle fibers.
A computer simulation facility for packet communication architecture

Several proposals for computer data processing and memory systems that exploit the inherent parallelism in programs expressed in data flow form have been advanced recently. These systems have packet communication architecture—each system consists of many units that interact only through the transmission of information packets through channels that link pairs of units. A simulation facility for evaluating the programmability and potential performance of these proposed data processing and memory systems has been designed. The facility uses microprocessor modules to emulate the behavior of system units or groups of units. By conducting a simulation in accurate scale time a precise extrapolation of performance of a proposed system may be obtained. The user of the facility will specify the system to be simulated in an architecture description language. A host computer translates the system description modules into microprocessor programs and controls the loading and monitors the operation of the microprocessors. Application of the facility is illustrated by consideration of a simple data flow processor.
Ambient-based pollution mechanisms: A comparison of homogeneous and heterogeneous groups of emitters

Abstract Over the last two decades, ambient-based tax mechanisms have been offered as a potential solution to the problem of nonpoint source water pollution. Previous theoretical analyses suggest that the performance of ambient-based tax mechanisms does not depend on firm characteristics, such as size, whilst policy discussions advocate that such mechanisms are best suited for regulating relatively homogeneous firms. Using controlled laboratory experiments, we provide empirical evidence that the distribution of firm sizes does have a significant impact on observed group decision making and further that heterogeneity has the potential to generate both some relatively desirable outcomes as well as some outcomes that are not attractive. These results suggest that richer theoretical models that capture important strategic interactions and social preferences are needed to better describe laboratory behavior and, by extension, behavior in potential policy settings.
Computer graphic techniques for study of temporal and spatial relationships of multidimensional data derived from biplane roentgen videograms with particular reference to cardioangiography

Abstract Orthogonal diameters of roentgen silhouettes of a test object (balloon) were measured automatically on each of about 80 video lines comprising its biplane images recorded 60 times/sec along with intraballoon pressure, P(t), during its distention with a roentgendense liquid at a known rate and volume. The balloon's surface was calculated from these data plus regional volumes, V(L,), circumferences, C(L, t), stresses, P(t) × C(L, t), and strains, ΔL L , and their derivatives. Spatial surfaces of the balloon with superposed isovalue lines and continuous surface displays of the interrelationships of these functions were generated. These multidimensional data-dense images can be photographed or recorded on a video disk for dynamic analysis during forward or reverse variable time-base and stop-action replays. Sequential 60/sec images derived from angiograms of the left ventricle with superposed isoparameter lines along with other hemodynamic variables illustrate the capability of detailed operator-computer interactive analysis of the spatial and temporal interrelationships of the various determinants of cardiac function.
Reference limits of serum TSH and free T4 are significantly influenced by race and age in an urban outpatient medical practice

Summary Objective The suitability of TSH reference limits derived from national databases to outpatient practices has not been established. We aimed to determine whether race and age influence the distribution of TSH and free T4 (fT4). Design A cross-sectional study of an urban outpatient medical practice. Participants Patients (n = 22 116) without clinical evidence of thyroid disease or use of thyroid-specific medications. Measurements Comparison of TSH and fT4 distributions in specific racial and age groups including blacks, whites and Hispanics. Results TSH was distributed at higher concentrations, without skew, in whites compared to blacks (median, 1·54 mIU/l vs. 1·18 mIU/l, P 80 years old) compared to young (20–29 years old) (median, 1·61 mIU/l vs. 1·13 mIU/l, P 80 years were misclassified as having high TSH compared to those aged 20–29 years (P 4·5 mIU/l. Conclusions Reference limits for TSH differ between races and with age. Use of race- and age-specific reference limits decreases misclassification of patients with lowered or raised TSH in an urban practice. The unique fT4:TSH relationships of blacks and whites may be genetically determined. The implications of the small decrement in fT4 as TSH increases remain to be explored.
Testicular and paratesticular neoplasms in patients 60 years of age and older.

Testicular and paratesticular neoplasms from 50 patients 60 years of age or older were assessed with respect to histologic type, clinical findings and outcome. Neoplasms of germ cell origin comprised 24% of the series; there were ten seminomas and two teratocarcinomas. The seminomas were palpable many months before diagnosis and were larger than the other neoplasms. Only two deaths could be attributed to their dissemination. Both teratocarcinomas metastasized and caused death. There were five gonadal stromal neoplasms (10%), one Sertoli cell tumor, three interstitial cell tumors and one undifferentiated stromal tumor. None of the neoplasms recurred or metastasized. Eleven neoplasms (22%) were of supportive tissue or paratesticular origin and six of these arose from muscle—one leiomyoma, two leiomyosarcomas and three rhabdomyo-sarcomas. The other tumors were two malignant mesotheliomas, one fibroma, one fibrosarcoma and one carcinoma of the epididymis. The lymphoreticular neoplasms were the most common lesion in this series and presented as primary testicular tumors in 22 patients (44%). In five patients asynchronous tumors appeared in the other testes. All but two neoplasms were reticulum cell sarcomas. All patients for whom survival information was available died with disseminated disease.
Developments in the scientific understanding of osteoporosis

During the past 10 years we have experienced very significant developments in our understanding of bone biology, and this has improved our abilities to both diagnose and treat patients with osteoporosis. This review covers some of the significant discoveries in bone biology that have led to a better understanding of osteoporosis, including a few of the discoveries that have been translated into new therapies to treat patients with osteoporosis and the structural deterioration of patients with inflammatory arthritis.
Cell geometry and contractile abnormalities of myocytes from failing human left ventricle.

Objectives: Systolic and diastolic dysfunction of the failing human heart may be due to changes in myocyte function, or to extracellular influences such as necrosis, fibrosis or repositioning of viable cells. In order to determine the contribution of cellular factors we have characterised the contraction amplitudes, and contraction and relaxation velocities of single myocytes isolated from failing human left ventricle. Methods: Myocytes were enzymatically isolated from the left ventricles of 42 subjects, superfused at 32 °C and paced at 0.2 Hz. Using a video/edge tracking system we obtained contraction amplitude and contraction and relaxation velocities as well as times to peak contraction (TTP) and to 50% and 90% relaxation (R50 and R90). Concentration-response curves to Ca2+ were constructed for each cell. Results: There was little difference in contraction amplitude at any Ca2+ concentration between cells from failing and non-failing hearts at this low frequency. At maximally activating Ca2+ concentrations (6–20 mM) there was a 30% slowing of relaxation velocity in myocytes from patients with both mild-moderate ( P < 0.001) and severe ( P < 0.001) congestive heart failure. Contraction and relaxation times were increased in myocytes from failing hearts [TTP: 0.46 ± 0.02 s ( n = 34 patients) vs. 0.35 ± 0.02 s ( n = 6), P < 0.01 and R50: 0.25 ± 0.02 s ( n = 34) vs. 0.16 ± 0.02 s ( n = 6), P < 0.001]. Impaired relaxation was seen with most etiologies, including ischemic and dilated cardiomyopathies and mitral valve disease. Myocytes from failing hypertrophied ventricles were more severely affected than those from failing non-hypertrophied hearts for both contraction and relaxation velocities. Cells from failing hypertrophied ventricles had a significantly larger area than from non-failing or failing non-hypertrophied ventricles, although cell length and sarcomere length were similar between groups. Larger myocytes did not show a more pronounced change in relaxation velocity than normally sized cells from the same hypertrophied ventricle. Conclusions: Significant impairment of relaxation can be observed in ventricular myocytes from failing human heart under conditions where contraction amplitude appears normal. The defect is not confined to one etiology of disease, but is exacerbated during hypertrophy. An increase in cell size, although observed in myocytes from hypertrophied ventricle, does not itself account for changes in relaxation. Cellular changes contribute to diastolic dysfunction in the failing human heart.
Proline modulates the intracellular redox environment and protects mammalian cells against oxidative stress

The potential of proline to suppress reactive oxygen species (ROS) and apoptosis in mammalian cells was tested by manipulating intracellular proline levels exogenously and endogenously by overexpression of proline metabolic enzymes. Proline was observed to protect cells against H(2)O(2), tert-butyl hydroperoxide, and a carcinogenic oxidative stress inducer but was not effective against superoxide generators such as menadione. Oxidative stress protection by proline requires the secondary amine of the pyrrolidine ring and involves preservation of the glutathione redox environment. Overexpression of proline dehydrogenase (PRODH), a mitochondrial flavoenzyme that oxidizes proline, resulted in 6-fold lower intracellular proline content and decreased cell survival relative to control cells. Cells overexpressing PRODH were rescued by pipecolate, an analog that mimics the antioxidant properties of proline, and by tetrahydro-2-furoic acid, a specific inhibitor of PRODH. In contrast, overexpression of the proline biosynthetic enzymes Delta(1)-pyrroline-5-carboxylate (P5C) synthetase (P5CS) and P5C reductase (P5CR) resulted in 2-fold higher proline content, significantly lower ROS levels, and increased cell survival relative to control cells. In different mammalian cell lines exposed to physiological H(2)O(2) levels, increased endogenous P5CS and P5CR expression was observed, indicating that upregulation of proline biosynthesis is an oxidative stress response.
The economics of pesticides and pest control.

Pesticides have been a major contributor to the growth of agricultural productivity and food supply. Yet, they are a source of concern because of human and environmental health side effects. This paper presents methodologies for assessing the productivity and health effects of pesticides. It also provides an overview of some of the major empirical findings. This paper covers major research that analyzes alternative approaches to address issues of resistance buildup, risk and environmental and human health, predator–prey relationships, as well as dynamic considerations. The paper summarizes existing policies that vary from the prescribed social optimum suggested by economic theory to those motivated by political–economy factors and risk aversion. Analysis is provided to relate pesticide policies to the larger context of agricultural and environmental management. This paper also presents recent modeling of invasive species and agricultural biotechnology.
Regenerative Medicine for Skin Diseases: iPS Cells to the Rescue

Induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells reprogrammed from somatic cells have the potential to differentiate, under appropriate conditions, to any cell type. Recent studies, including two papers in this issue (Bilousova et al., 2011; Tolar et al., 2011), have demonstrated that iPS cells can differentiate into keratinocytes. Thus, iPS cells may provide a novel approach to applying regenerative medicine to cutaneous diseases such as epidermolysis bullosa.
Review of Keith Wailoo, Julie Livingston, and Peter Guarnaccia, eds., A Death Retold: Jesica Santillan, The Bungled Transplant, and Paradoxes of Medical Citizenship 1

“What should we do with her story now? You tell me.” So ends A Death Retold, an edited volume of 17 essays offering distinct perspectives on the heart and lung transplants and death of Jesica Santi...
Style, Technology and Iron Smelting Furnaces in Bantu-Speaking Africa

The purpose of this study is to investigate how and why iron smelting furnaces exhibit style. This goal stems from a broader question conceming why a great diversity of iron smelting furnaces exists in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in the Bantu-speaking area. The effort falls into three sections. First, I discuss some theoretical issues of style in archaeology as they affect socially conscious interpretations of variation in material culture. My particular focus is upon the behavioral foundation of style as it relates to the process of production. Second, and centering on the complex object which a furnace is, I address the factors that cause stylistic variation in the process of African iron smelting. With the working de& nition of technological style and a methodology for reading stylistic variation in the iron smelting process, I proceed to suggest how and why iron smelting furnaces exhibit style in the context of MaShona culture in present-day Zimbabwe. A functional view of style, generally following Wobst (1977) and Wiessner (1983, 1985), is important for probing into some of the relationships between the technology and style of iron smelting furnaces. More specifically, technological style (Lechtman 1977; Lechtman and Steinberg 1979; Steinberg 1977) provides the framework to examine the behavioral underpinnings of style and the cultural influences which structure technological behavior into a form of communication. I define technological style as the formal integration of the behaviors performed during the manufacture and use of material culture which, in its entirety, expresses social information. The theory of technological style requires that we direct our attention to the iron smelters and the operations they perform. The furnace is merely a physical manifestation of the smelting event and offers a means to reconstruct the behavioral choices made. The position of the master iron smelter in his culture, on the other hand, a person with special
Using a Practical Context to Encourage Conceptual Change: An Instructional Sequence in Bicycle Science

The grounding of science instruction in practical applications has been strongly emphasized in the science education literature. The notion of concept status change allows one to view the importance of practical applications from a learning theory perspective. This article describes an instructional sequence in which a bicycle context was used to increase the status of appropriate concepts of work and simple machines. The instructional sequence was pilot tested in an applied physics course for elementary education majors. Implications are made for conceptual change pedagogy and for curriculum design.