cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Glucocorticoids Block the Effect of Insulin on Hepatic Glucose Production in Rabson-Mendenhall Syndrome (RMS) † 412

In RMS severe insulin resistance is caused by defective insulin receptors. This patient (Diabetes 43:1096, 1994) lacks insulin receptor binding due to a truncation of one allele and a point mutation of the other allele of the α subunit. He developed pulmonary hypertension and cor pulmonale and was considered for lung transplantation. A trial of Prednisone 1.2 mg/kg/day was initiated to determine if he could tolerate immunosuppressive therapy. We studied carbohydrate metabolism at baseline (BL) and after four days of glucocorticoid therapy (GC). Each study was preceeded by 24 hr of intravenous insulin to maintain plasma glucose (PG) at 150-200 mg/dl and a 12 hr fast. A primed (26.7 μmol/kg) continuous infusion (0.33 μmol/kg/min) of 6,6-2H2-glucose was started 2 hr before each study following which insulin was off for 2 hr (OFF) and resumed at 7 units/kg/hr for 2 hr. Dextrose was infused as needed to maintain PG at 170 mg/dl (CLAMP). Samples were obtained every 10 min during the last 30 min of OFF and CLAMP for PG, free insulin, C-peptide(C-P), β-OH butyrate (βOHb), and plasma 6,6-2H2-glucose isotopic enrichment by electron impact mass spectroscopy. During BL-OFF, PG rose to 245±7 mg/dl, C-P=10.29 ng/ml and βOHb=159 μM. During BL-CLAMP, glucose infusion rate was 3.80 mg/kg/min to maintain PG at 169±1 mg/dl, C-P=8.20 ng/ml. Tracer-determined glucose utilization rate (Rd) did not rise during CLAMP (OFF vs. CLAMP 7.71 vs. 5.30 mg/kg/min), but hepatic glucose production rate (HGP) fell (7.85 vs. 1.48 mg/kg/min). During GC, PG was 138±8 mg/dl during OFF, C-P=5.98 ng/ml. During GC-CLAMP, the glucose infusion rate was only 0.39 mg/kg/min to maintain PG at 169±3, C-P 10.93 ng/ml. Rd and HGP were similar (Rd: 5.14 vs. 4.71 mg/kg/min; HGP: 5.31 vs. 4.19 mg/kg/min; GC-OFF vs. GC-CLAMP). Free insulin concentrations were>400 μU/ml and βOHb concentrations remained low (<160mM) throughout both studies.
Deconstructing the Tiebout Hypothesis

Tiebout's pure theory of local expenditures is analysed in terms of: (1) the theory of individual choice left implicit in the model; (2) the problems posed by the internal logic of the model; and (3) the inability of the model to explain patterns and events that we see. It is shown that the conception of equilibrium maintained by Tiebout cannot be sustained within the workings of reasonable adjustment mechanisms. A contextual argument is advanced to demonstrate the link between individual choice and the context of mobility, The implications of the Tiebout model and the proposed contextual theory of choice and mobility are both explored with respect to the equality of outcomes and public policy.
Dietary Risk Factors for Sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease: A Confirmatory Case-Control Study.

Aims—This study’s primary purpose was to determine whether earlier findings suggesting an association between sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (sCJD), a transmissible spongiform encephalopathy of humans and specific dietary components could be replicated. The a priori hypotheses were that consumption of (i) foods likely to contain organ tissue and (ii) raw/rare meat are associated with increased sCJD risk. Study Design—Population-based case-control study.
EDITOR'S CORNER: CHANGING THE CULTURE

It is perfectly obvious that in any decent occupation…there are only two ways…of succeeding. One is by doing very good work, the other is by cheating.
Far Infrared Magneto-Optical Absorption in Small Bismuth Particles

A semiclassical model based on the measured properties of the free carriers in bulk bismuth successfully accounts for far infrared (ϖ ≤ 60 cm-1}) magnetic field dependent resonances observed in free-standing powders of ~ 0.5 μm diameter Bi particles prepared by inert gas evaporation. In earlier work, we found that particles with each of the three principal axes aligned parallel to the applied field were required to explain the data. The conclusion that these particles are bulk-like in nature remains valid when an ensemble of randomly oriented particles is treated using a Monte Carlo method.
Mark 11:16: A Status Quaestionis

The account of Jesus' demonstration in the temple (traditionally labeled, "The Cleansing of the Temple") in Mark 11:15-19 raises a host of questions. How does this account relate to the Johannine episode (Jn 2:13-22)? Does it describe an action of the historical Jesus or is it a creation of the community? If historical, does Mark preserve the intention of the historical Jesus or reinterpret the event's significance? What does the incident teach concerning the attitude of Jesus (and/or the early followers of Jesus) towards the temple? Why does Mark "sandwich" this event between the cursing and the withering of the fig tree in his "three-day scheme" of Jesus' entry into Jerusalem? In the midst of these questions, Mark 11:16 ("and he would not permit anyone to carry a vessel [skeu'o"] through the temple"), a verse unique to his gospel and almost universally recognized as enigmatic, receives minimal attention.
A time-varying model of the ionospheric F2-layer

Abstract A model of the quiet F 2-layer at mid-latitudes is presented, which combines timedependent solutions of the F 2-layer continuity equation in a static atmosphere ( Rishbeth , 1963) with the time-varying atmospheric models of Harris and Priester (1962). The analysis makes use of the fact that the diurnal variations of the photoionization rate, and of the loss and diffusion coefficients, become relatively simple when considered in terms of fixed pressure-levels. The rates used for this model provide a good representation of the F 2-layer, especially by day. Several published values of production and loss rates at 300 km, for different levels of solar activity, are compared and found to be reasonably consistent. However, these rates are regarded as being determined only to within a factor of two. Not all F 2-layer phenomena can be explained by the model. Other processes may be important; in particular, there are difficulties in accounting for the behaviour of the F 2-layer at night, and these may indicate that the layer is maintained by slow downward diffusion of exospheric ionization or by corpuscular ionization.
Digital signatures — An overview

Abstract To satisfy the requirements demanded by many of today's business transactions, a communications system must provide the capability for messages to be signed by digital signatures. Being dependent upon both the message and the originator, digital signatures can be used by the message recipient to prove to an impartial third party (judge or adjudicator) not only the identify of the message's originator but also the message's true content. Two types of digital signatures are investigated: true signatures, and arbitrated signatures. A true signature can be validated by anyone having the correct nonsecret (public) validation parameter, whereas an arbitrated signature must be validated by a trusted arbiter. Arbitrated signatures appear to be adequate if the sender and receiver both belong to a common organization. However, true signatures are usually required when the sender and receiver belong to different organizations.
Data Infrastructure and Secondary to Postsecondary Tracking

In this article, we discuss the use of administrative data from schools, colleges and universities, and other public and private agencies and organizations for tracking students through their educational pathways. We focus on existing data collection systems that can be used to study successful postsecondary education transitions, including both statewide and local initiatives. We describe in detail the Youth Data Archive, which combines administrative data from multiple public and private agencies and organizations on a local level to ask and answer community questions about the youth they serve.
Characterization of malate dehydrogenase from the hyperthermophilic archaeon Pyrobaculum islandicum

Native and recombinant malate dehydrogenase (MDH) was characterized from the hyperthermophilic, facultatively autotrophic archaeon Pyrobaculum islandicum. The enzyme is a homotetramer with a subunit mass of 33 kDa. The activity kinetics of the native and recombinant proteins are the same. The apparent K ( m ) values of the recombinant protein for oxaloacetate (OAA) and NADH (at 80 degrees C and pH 8.0) were 15 and 86 microM, respectively, with specific activity as high as 470 U mg(-1). Activity decreased more than 90% when NADPH was used. The catalytic efficiency of OAA reduction by P. islandicum MDH using NADH was significantly higher than that reported for any other archaeal MDH. Unlike other archaeal MDHs, specific activity of the P. islandicum MDH back-reaction also decreased more than 90% when malate and NAD(+) were used as substrates and was not detected with NADP(+). A phylogenetic tree of 31 archaeal MDHs shows that they fall into 5 distinct groups separated largely along taxonomic lines suggesting minimal lateral mdh transfer between Archaea.
The effects of hypoxia on infections with Plasmodium cathemerium.

Received for publication January 31, 1955. The authors wish to acknowledge substantial aid from Parke, Davis and Co. in support of this study. * Present address: Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana. considerations led us to the study of the effects of hypoxia produced by a simulated high altitude, or lowered tension of oxygen on the natural resistance of the canary towards infections with P. cathemerium, as well as on the effect of an oxygen-deficient environment on the effectiveness of chemotherapy of the same infection.
INFLUENCE OF HOST FACTORS ON NEUROINVASIVENESS OF VESICULAR STOMATITIS VIRUS: IV. VARIATIONS IN NEUROINVASIVENESS IN DIFIERENT SPECIES.

Peripheral inoculation of vesicular stomatitis virus is constantly followed by myelitis or encephalitis in young mice, but not in young (or old) guinea pigs. The cause of this variation was elucidated by investigating the fate of the virus after inoculation by a number of different routes. Direct intracerebral injection of minimally infective amounts of virus was found to be equally fatal for young mice and young guinea pigs, indicating that the central nervous system as a whole was as easily injured by the virus in one species as in the other. The events following nasal instillation of the virus varied in young and old guinea pigs. While there appeared to be a transitory multiplication of virus in the nasal mucosa of both young and old, the central nervous system was regularly invaded only in the young. In these, virus was first found only in the anterior rhinencephalon; later it spread to the piriform and hippocampal (olfactory regions) but not to the neopallial portions of the cortex, and the only other area to exhibit virus was the diencephalon (including the pars optica hypothalami), where its further progression was apparently arrested. Absence of central nervous system disease following inoculation into sites supplied by spinal nerves (e.g. sciatic) was found to be due to inability of the virus to invade the nerves. Since direct intrasciatic inoculation frequently led to a fatal ascending myelitis, it was evident that the central nervous system could be invaded along the spinal nerves, and that they did not constitute the main barrier. Furthermore, since multiplication of virus was demonstrated in tissues supplied by the spinal nerves, a process of elimination made it seem possible that the specialized, terminal nerve endings might be the structures which prevent the progression of the virus from the infected tissues to the axons and hence also to the central nervous system. 7 day old guinea pigs (or guinea pigs as a species) were thus found to possess much the same type of barriers to the progression of peripherally inoculated vesicular stomatitis virus as are acquired by mice at a considerably later age. In a discussion of the present data, they have been correlated with known variations in neuroinvasiveness of other viruses and their bearing on the nature of inapparent or subclinical infections of the central nervous system has been considered.
Principles of stochastic dynamic optimization in resource management: the continuous-time case

Abstract A wide range of problems in economics, agriculture, and natural resource management have been analyzed using continuous-time optimal control models, where the state variables change over time in a stochastic manner. Using a firm-level investment model and a model of environmental degradation, this paper provides a concise introduction to continuous-time stochastic control techniques. The process used to derive the differential of a stochastic process is stressed and, in turn, is used to explain Ito's lemma, Bellman's equation, the Hamilton-Jacobi equation, the maximum principle, and the expected dynamics of choice variables. A basic extension of the dynamic duality literature is also provided, where the Hamilton-Jacobi equation is used to derive a stochastic and dynamic analogue of Hotelling's lemma.
Retention of Larval Dietary 32P in the Malpighian Tubules of Adult Stomoxys calcitrans, Haematobia irritans, and Cochliomyia macellaria

When 32P-labeled orthophosphate was fed to the larvae of the stable fly, Stomoxys calcitrans (L.), the difference in retention of the label by the males and females made it possible to achieve 100% separation of the sexes during the pupal stage. When larvae of the horn fly, Haematobia irritans (L.), were fed similarly the separation was about 90% accurate. With the secondary screwworm, Cochliomyia macellaria (F.), there was no difference between the sexes. The difference in degree of separation was related to the size of the Malpighian tubules; the tubules of the adult female stable fly weighed 5 times more than the tubules of the male. The female tubules of the horn fly were only about twice as heavy as the male and there was a slight overlap in the range; and there was no distinct difference between the weight of tubules of male and female secondary screwworms.
Tracing the Early Development of Harmful Algal Blooms on the West Florida Shelf with the Aid of Lagrangian Coherent Structures.

[1] Several theories have been proposed to explain the development of harmful algal blooms (HABs) produced by the toxic dinoflagellate Karenia brevis on the West Florida Shelf. However, because the early stages of HAB development are usually not detected, these theories have been so far very difficult to verify. In this paper we employ simulated Lagrangian coherent structures (LCSs) to trace potential early locations of the development of a HAB in late 2004 before it was transported to a region where it could be detected by satellite imagery. The LCSs, which are extracted from surface ocean currents produced by a data-assimilative HYCOM (HYbrid-Coordinate Ocean Model) simulation, constitute material fluid barriers that demarcate potential pathways for HAB evolution. Using a simplified population dynamics model we infer the factors that could possibly lead to the development of the HAB in question. The population dynamics model determines nitrogen in two components, nutrients and phytoplankton, which are assumed to be passively advected by surface ocean currents produced by the above HYCOM simulation. Two nutrient sources are inferred for the HAB whose evolution is found to be strongly tied to the simulated LCSs. These nutrient sources are found to be located nearshore and possibly due to land runoff.
ANNUAL VARIATION IN THE RESPONSE OF CROP-SACS AND VISCERA OF PIGEONS TO PROLACTIN

SINCE OUR FIRST PUBLICATION (I) ON THE ASSAY of prolactin by means of the weight of the crop-sacs of doves and pigeons we have studied various factors (2) which modify the extent to which a specific quantity of prolactin increases the weight of the cropsacs. The present study was undertaken to determine the re producibility throughout the year of the crop-sac weights obtained at any one time or season. A constant amount of the same preparation of prolactin was used in all tests, and groups of 10 birds were tested at intervals of 4 to 6 weeks during two years. During the first year of study large and unanticipated variations in crop-sac weights were observed at certain periods, and it was therefore decided to continue the study throughout a second year in order to verify the findings of the first year.
Are low-intensity induction strategies better for older patients with acute myeloid leukemia?

This study compares outcomes of low-intensity versus standard-intensity induction strategies for older patients with acute myeloid leukemia at the Weill Cornell Leukemia Program. From 1999 to 2009, 298 adults ≥60 years with AML underwent induction chemotherapy with low-intensity and standard-intensity regimens, based on physician and patient preferences and investigational protocol availability. Overall, 33% of the cohort achieved complete remission with initial treatment, 23% with low-intensity induction and 53% with standard-intensity induction (P < 0.0001). The median overall survival was 6.5 months and there was no significant difference in overall survival between patients initially treated with a low-intensity regimen compared to those receiving standard-intensity induction. There were no differences in 30- or 60-day mortality between the two groups.
Abnormal homocysteine metabolism in rheumatoid arthritis.

OBJECTIVE: To assess total homocysteine (tHcy) metabolism in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHODS: Assessments were performed to determine the fasting levels of tHcy and the increase in tHcy in response to methionine (Met) challenge in blood samples from 28 patients with RA and 20 healthy age-matched control subjects. RESULTS: Fasting levels of tHcy were 33% higher in the RA patients than in the control subjects (mean +/- SD 11.7 +/- 1.5 nmoles/ml versus 8.8 +/- 1.1 nmoles/ml; P < 0.01). Four hours after Met challenge, the increase in plasma tHcy levels (delta tHcy) was higher in the RA patients (20.9 +/- 10.4 nmoles/ml) than in the control subjects (15.5 +/- 1.6 nmoles/ml) (P < 0.02). In a subgroup analysis, the delta tHcy in patients taking methotrexate (12.9 +/- 2.2 nmoles/ml) did not differ from that in the control group, while the delta tHcy in patients not taking methotrexate (25.3 +/- 1.7 nmoles/ml) was significantly higher (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Elevated tHcy levels occur commonly in patients with RA, and may explain some of the increased cardiovascular mortality seen in such patients. Studies of the prevalence and mechanism of hyperhomocysteinemia in RA are warranted.
A system for the detection and analysis of ultrasonic calls.

Abstract An electronic system for the acquisition, display and analysis of ultrasonic calls is described. This system generates output signals proportional to the predominant call frequency which can be recorded in real-time on a polygraph or subjected to detailed analysis by computer. In addition, a frequency-shifted audio output is provided.
Vasopressin stimulates the phosphorylation of an 83,000 Mr protein in the superior cervical ganglion

1. 32P-Labeled proteins from the superior cervical ganglion of the rat were separated by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and visualized by autoradiography. 2. The most heavily labeled phosphoprotein in the ganglion had a relative molecular weight of 83,000 and apI of 4.5. Phosphorylation of this protein was increased by phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate, an activator of the Ca2+/phospholipiddependent protein kinase, protein kinase C. This protein appears to be similar or identical to a specific protein kinase C substrate that has been described in other tissues (Blackshear, P. J.,et al., J. Biol. Chem.261:1459–1469, 1986). 3. Phosphorylation of this protein was also increased by treatment of the ganglion with phospholipase C (Bacillus cereus) but was not increased by 8-bromocyclic AMP or by nicotinic agonists. Vasopressin increased the hydrolysis of inositolcontaining phospholipids in the ganglion and also increased the labeling of the 83,000Mrprotein. Thus, vasopressin appears to activate protein kinase C in the ganglion. 4. Muscarine, which also increased phospholipid metabolism in the ganglion, did not increase the phosphorylation of the 83,000Mrprotein. Muscarine and vasopressin stimulate phospholipid metabolism in different structures within the ganglion (Horwitz, J.,et al., J. Pharmacol. Exp. Ther.237:312–317, 1986). Muscarine may increase phospholipid metabolism in structures that do not contain significant amounts of the 83,000Mrprotein.
Detection of the thyroxine-binding globulin (TBG) gene in six unrelated families with complete TBG deficiency.

T4-binding globulin (TBG) is a glycoprotein of hepatic origin which transports thyroid hormone in serum. Inherited TBG defects in man are X-chromosome linked and are expressed in hemizygotes as complete deficiency, partial deficiency, or excess. Since TBG is not necessary for thyroid hormone action, affected subjects are healthy. Using DNA probes for human TBG, we searched for restriction fragment length polymorphisms in six affected males belonging to 6 unrelated families with inherited complete TBG deficiency and an equal number of normal males. TBG could not be detected in the serum of any of the TBG-deficient males by a specific and sensitive RIA capable of detecting as little as 5 μg TBG/L or 0.031% of the average normal serum TBG concentration. DNA isolated from white blood cells was digested with 11 restriction endonucleases, and the digests were submitted to DNA blot analysis using two cloned TBG-DNA probes which together covered the entire protein coding and the 5′-flanking sequences of the TBG g...
True seed production in garlic

Despite a long history of obligate vegetative propagation, selected garlic clones can produce sexual seeds. By removing vegetative topsets from the inflorescence and cutting inflorescences from the underground bulb, 63 germinable seeds were produced from 11 garlic clones in Wisconsin. Protein analysis of the seedlings confirms their snygamic origin. The generation of new recombinants through sexual reproduction could have a major impact on garlic production worldwide.
Analysis of the Baldwin-Barth and Spalart-Allmaras one-equation turbulence model

We use perturbation methods to analyze Baldwin-Barth and Spalart-Allmaras model predictions for the defect layer. Additionally, we have exercised the models in 16 boundary-layer computations.
Approaches and challenges in targeting memory T cells in transplant tolerance

Memory T cells are an important cell type in the immune system and are vital to protective immunity against invading pathogens. However, a significant fraction of memory T cells is found to be alloreactive in transplant models, i.e. they can readily attack and dismantle allografts in transplant models. As memory T cells are not as easily amenable as naive T cells, memory T cells constitute a potent barrier to the induction of transplant tolerance. The key issues concerning memory T cells in transplantation are related to the tolerability of alloreactive memory T cells and the effects of commonly used immunosuppressive drugs on the memory response in transplant recipients. The real challenge in the future is to selectively tolerize alloreactive memory T cells but spare those involved in protective immunity following organ transplantation. This review will discuss recent advances in our understating of memory T cells in transplant models, with specific emphasis on the problems and challenges in targeting memory T cells in the induction of transplant tolerance.
Acetylcholine content in physiologically fatigued frog nerve-muscle preparations and in denervated muscle.

Abstract 1. 1. Acetylcholine (ACh) content of the frog sartorius neuromuscular preparation was determined by the clam heart bioassay method. 2. 2. The ACh content was 37 pmoles/normal sartorius muscle. 3. 3. The ACh content of denervated muscle was about 18 pmoles. 4. 4. The ACh content of tetanically stimulated (via nerve) neuromuscular preparations was inversely related to the amplitude of the end-plate potential.
The Effects of Sodium Arsenite and Silvex on the Plankton Populations in Farm Ponds

Abstract A method of constructing polyethylene barriers which effectively divided a pond into two similar areas is described. With this technique, replications of treatment plots and control plots can be made in the same pond, thereby eliminating the problem of variability among ponds. A relatively new test statistic, sequential analysis, was adapted for research in aquatic weed control. This test statistic is extremely valuable in that it eliminates the necessity of pre-treatment sampling. Valid conclusions can be obtained more rapidly, and a larger number of experiments can be conducted during one season. Neither herbicide had any effect on the phytoplankton, and silvex was neither toxic nor inhibitory to zooplankton at concentrations of 2 ppm. Applications of 4 ppm sodium arsenite produced drastic reductions in zooplankton. Differences of between one and two orders of magnitude were observed when samples of rotifers from areas treated with sodium arsenite were compared with those from control of silvex...
The Sealed Windings Site-Assembled Transformer - A Case Study

The paper describes the assessment of economic and engineering factors which led to the choice of a sealed windings site-assembled transformer for an installation where, although by present day standards the rating is not large, transport limitations precluded the use of a three-phase transformer of normal design or even a specially designed three-phase light-weight high-loss unit.
Dynamic expression of neurotrophic factor receptors in postnatal spinal motoneurons and in mouse model of ALS

Neurotrophic factors support the survival of spinal motoneurons (MNs) and have been considered as strong candidates for treating motoneuron diseases. However, it is unclear if the right combination of neurotrophic factor receptors is present in postnatal spinal MNs. In this study, we show that the level of c-ret expression remains relatively stable in embryonic and postnatal spinal MNs. In contrast, the mRNA and protein of GFRα1 and -2 are progressively down-regulated in postnatal life. By 3 and 6 months of age, both receptors are barely detectable in spinal MNs. The down-regulation of GFRα1 appears accelerated in transgenic mice expressing mutant SOD1G93A. Despite the progressive loss of GFRα1 and -2, phosphorylation of c-ret shows no detectable reduction on tyrosine residues or on serine 696. In addition to the GFRα subunits, expression of TrkB also shows a dynamic change. During embryogenesis, there is twice as much full-length TrkB as the truncated TrkB isoform. However, this ratio is reversed in postnatal spinal cord. Expression of the mutant SOD1G93A appears to have no effect on the TrkB receptor ratio. Taken together, our data indicate that the expression of neurotrophic factor receptors, GFRα1, -2, and TrkB, is not static, but undergoes dynamic changes in postnatal spinal MNs. These results provide insights into the use of neurotrophic factors as therapeutic agents for ALS. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Neurobiol, 2006
Preliminary evaluation of 1′-[18F]fluoroethyl-β-D-lactose ([18F]FEL) for detection of pancreatic cancer in nude mouse orthotopic xenografts

Abstract Introduction Early detection of pancreatic cancer could save many thousands of lives. Non-invasive diagnostic imaging, including PET with [ 18 F]FDG, has inadequate resolution for detection of small (2–3 mm) pancreatic tumours. We demonstrated the efficacy of PET imaging with an 18 F-labelled lactose derivative, [ 18 F]FEDL, that targets HIP/PAP, a biomarker that is overexpressed in the peritumoural pancreas. We developed another analogue, 1-[ 18 F]fluoroethyl lactose ([ 18 F]FEL), which is simpler to synthesise, for the same application. We conducted a preliminary evaluation of the new probe and its efficacy in detecting orthotopic pancreatic carcinoma xenografts in mice. Methods Xenografts were developed in nude mice by injecting L3.6pl/GL + pancreatic carcinoma cells into the pancreas of each mouse. Tumour growth was monitored by bioluminescence imaging (BLI); accuracy of BLI tumour size estimates was verified by MRI in two representative mice. When the tumour size reached approximately 2–3 mm, the animals were injected with [ 18 F]FEL (3.7 MBq) and underwent static PET/CT scans. Blood samples were collected at 2, 5, 10, 20 and 60 min after [ 18 F]FEL injection to track blood clearance. Following imaging, animals were sacrificed and their organs and tumours/pancreatic tissue were collected and counted on a gamma counter. Pancreas, including tumour, was frozen, sliced and used for autoradiography and immunohistochemical analysis of HIP/PAP expression. Results Tumour growth was rapid, as observed by BLI and MRI. Blood clearance of [ 18 F]FEL was bi-exponential, with half-lives of approximately 3.5 min and 40 min. Mean accumulation of [ 18 F]FEL in the peritumoural pancreatic tissue was 1.29 ± 0.295 %ID/g, and that in the normal pancreas of control animals was 0.090 ± 0.101 %ID/g. [ 18 F]FEL was cleared predominantly by the kidneys. Comparative analysis of autoradiographic images and immunostaining results demonstrated a correlation between [ 18 F]FEL binding and HIP/PAP expression. Conclusion [ 18 F]FEL may be useful for non-invasive imaging of early-stage pancreatic tumours by PET. The results warrant further studies.
Infant Mortality Differentials among Hispanic Groups in Florida

This article examines infant mortality differentials among Hispanic groups using linked birth-death certificate data from the 1980-1982 birth cohorts in Florida. Findings indicate some large differentials between groups in rates of infant mortality for both endogenous and exogenous causes of death with Puerto Ricans and Mexicans having higher rates than Cubans and other Hispanics from each set of causes. Results also show that controlling for background and intervening variables of the infant mortality process explains a portion of the mortality differentials while interactions between Hispanic origin and independent variables suggest some unique relationships between ethnic origin and explanatory factors. Factors that might aid in the further explanation of the infant mortality differentials between groups are discussed. (EXCERPT)
Staged stereotactic irradiation for acoustic neuroma.

Objective Stereotactic radiosurgery has proven effective in the treatment of acoustic neuromas. Prior reports using single-stage radiosurgery consistently have shown excellent tumor control, but only up to a 50 to 73% likelihood of maintaining hearing at pretreatment levels. Staged, frame-based radiosurgery using 12-hour interfraction intervals previously has been shown by our group to achieve excellent tumor control while increasing the rate of hearing preservation at 2 years to 77%. The arrival of CyberKnife (Accuray, Inc., Sunnyvale, CA) image-guided radiosurgery now makes it more practical to treat acoustic neuroma with a staged approach. We hypothesize that such factors may further minimize injury of adjacent cranial nerves. In this retrospective study, we report our experience with staged radiosurgery for managing acoustic neuromas. Methods Since 1999, the CyberKnife has been used to treat more than 270 patients with acoustic neuroma at Stanford University. Sixty-one of these patients have now been followed up for a minimum of 36 months and form the basis for the present clinical investigation. Among the treated patients, the mean transverse tumor diameter was 18.5 mm, whereas the total marginal dose was either 18 or 21 Gy using three 6- or 7-Gy fractions. Audiograms and magnetic resonance imaging were obtained at 6-months intervals after treatment for the first 2 years and then annually thereafter. Results Of the 61 patients with a minimum of 36 months of follow-up (mean, 48 mo), 74% of patients with serviceable hearing (Gardner-Robinson Class 1-2) maintained serviceable hearing at the last follow-up, and no patient with at least some hearing before treatment lost all hearing on the treated side. Only one treated tumor (2%) progressed after radiosurgery; 29 (48%) of 61 decreased in size and 31 (50%) of the 61 tumors were stable. In no patients did new trigeminal dysfunction develop, nor did any patient experience permanent injury to their facial nerve; two patients experienced transient facial twitching that resolved in 3 to 5 months. Conclusion Although still preliminary, these results indicate that improved tumor dose homogeneity and a staged treatment regimen may improve hearing preservation in acoustic neuroma patients undergoing stereotactic radiosurgery.
Fault prognosis using dynamic wavelet neural networks

Prognostic algorithms for condition based maintenance of critical machine components are presenting major challenges to software designers and control engineers. Predicting time-to-failure accurately and reliably is absolutely essential if such maintenance practices are to find their way into the industrial floor. Moreover, means are required to assess the performance and effectiveness of these algorithms. This paper introduces a prognostic framework based upon concepts from dynamic wavelet neural networks and virtual sensors and demonstrates its feasibility via a bearing failure example. Statistical methods to assess the performance of prognostic routines are suggested that are intended to assist the user in comparing candidate algorithms. The prognostic and assessment methodology proposed here may be combined with diagnostic and maintenance scheduling methods and implemented on a conventional computing platform to serve the needs of industrial and other critical processes.
Geographic Patterns of Song Similarity in the Dickcissel (Spiza Americana)

Abstract Song sharing among neighboring males is a well-known, frequent outcome of song learning in oscine passerines and some other groups, but only limited investigations of the spatial scale of this phenomenon have been pursued. On the basis of recordings of 1,043 individuals, we investigated song sharing in Dickcissels (Spiza americana) at local and regional scales at sites from northern Kansas to northern Oklahoma. Classification of song elements revealed decreasing song similarity with increasing distances between individual birds at small to intermediate scales, to ~10 km. At the largest spatial scales (10–300 km between sites), there was very little similarity among sites and no obvious tendency for a decrease in similarity with increasing distances among our 30 sites. At our intensively sampled site, analyses of quantitative measurements showed that, at least for our most widely shared song element, frequency and duration were more similar in closer birds. Thus, distance between birds influences ...
PRACTICAL SAFETY TOOL FOR LOCAL LOW-VOLUME RURAL ROADS: THE ROAD SAFETY AUDIT REVIEW

Practical tools for improving transportation safety are needed worldwide. It has been estimated that motor vehicle-related crashes account for more than 1 million fatalities each year, and the number of serious injuries far exceeds fatalities. Local and low-volume roads are significantly overrepresented in crash statistics. Globally, the road safety audit (RSA) concept has been recognized as an effective tool in identifying and reducing the crash potential of roadways when used to analyze the safety aspects of project plans and designs before completion. In the local rural road arena, many safety issues are associated with existing roadway networks. Many of these networks have developed over time with little or no planning or design. There is a critical need for a practical tool that focuses on the safety of the existing as-built local road network. The RSA review (RSAR) process has been developed for this purpose, giving specific recognition to the functionality of the road being evaluated for safety issues. Significant numbers of safety improvements are needed, and practical approaches to address these needs are crucial. The RSAR tool has the potential to be particularly beneficial to local governments in systematically addressing safety deficiencies on existing rural road networks. In addition, it is a proactive safety tool that has the potential to protect agencies from tort liability since it establishes a record of the organization's safety agenda. An RSAR methodology that can be adapted by local agencies is presented. A case study illustrating the application of this process is included. Also highlighted is a local rural training program that has been presented in several states for county applications. The focus is on U.S. county applications, but it is recognized that the process has utility for other agencies and has application in other countries. The necessity for training as a key component in the development of a sustainable safety program is emphasized.
Marriage and the Shifting Priorities of a New Generation of Lesbians and Gays

“Be careful what you ask for,” goes the old adage. “You just might get it.” This advice is well-taken by interest groups that successfully press for policy goals at odds with the preferences of the broader population. Victory may be won, but at the expense of awakening widespread opposition and aggravating friend and foe alike.
Key-insulated symmetric key cryptography and mitigating attacks against cryptographic cloud software

Software-based attacks (e.g., malware) pose a big threat to cryptographic software because they can compromise the associated cryptographic keys in their entirety. In this paper, we investigate key-insulated symmetric key cryptography, which can mitigate the damage caused by repeated attacks against cryptographic software. To illustrate the feasibility of key-insulated symmetric key cryptography, we also report a proof-of-concept implementation in the Kernel-based Virtual Machine (KVM) environment.
An electrostatic model for the frequency shifts in the carbonmonoxy stretching band of myoglobin: correlation of hydrogen bonding and the stark tuning rate.

The effect of internal and applied external electric fields on the vibrational stretching frequency for bound CO (νCO) in myoglobin mutants was studied using density functional theory. Geometry optimization and frequency calculations were carried out for an imidazole−iron−porphine−carbonmonoxy adduct with various small molecule hydrogen-bonding groups. Over 70 vibrational frequency calculations of different model geometries and hydrogen-bonding groups were compared to derive overall trends in the C−O stretching frequency (νCO) in terms of the C−O bond length and Mulliken charge. Simple linear functions were derived to predict the Stark tuning rate using an approach analogous to the vibronic theory of activation.1 Potential energy calculations show that the strongest interaction occurs for C−H or N−H hydrogen bonding nearly perpendicular to the Fe−C−O bond axis. The calculated frequencies are compared to the structural data available from 18 myoglobin crystal structures, supporting the hypothesis that the ...
Theory of resonant modulation at millimeter wave frequencies of inhomogeneously biased monolithic quantum-well lasers

We show theoretically that resonant modulation at millimeter wave frequencies of inhomogeneously biased monolithic quantum-well laser diodes provides an enhancement in the modulation efficiency of >14 dB over that of the homogeneously biased laser, accompanied by a corresponding 7 dB increase in the noise and a comparable decrease in the signal-to-intermodulation distortion. We derive simple expressions for the enhancement in the modulation efficiency, the noise and intermodulation distortion, and discuss the limits of this approach and the trade off between these quantities. The theoretical results presented here are in good agreement with recently published experimental work. >
Toward Real Medicaid Reform

In this paper we argue that there is a real need for Medicaid reform primarily because of the large differences among states in coverage and benefits and because of the program’s high and rising costs. We describe and develop several options for Medicaid reform that would expand coverage, provide fiscal relief to states, shift responsibility for some or all of the care of dual eligibles to the federal government, and eliminate or restructure disproportionate-share hospital (DSH) payments. We conclude with a discussion on a number of other issues, particularly Medicaid cost containment and the federal matching payment structure.
Latency-Associated Nuclear Antigen of Kaposi's Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus Recruits Uracil DNA Glycosylase 2 at the Terminal Repeats and Is Important for Latent Persistence of the Virus

Latency-associated nuclear antigen (LANA) of KSHV is expressed in all forms of Kaposi9s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV)-mediated tumors and is important for TR-mediated replication and persistence of the virus. LANA does not exhibit any enzymatic activity by itself but is critical for replication and maintenance of the viral genome. To identify LANA binding proteins, we used a LANA binding sequence 1 DNA affinity column and determined the identities of a number of proteins associated with LANA. One of the identified proteins was uracil DNA glycosylase 2 (UNG2). UNG2 is important for removing uracil residues yielded after either misincorporation of dUTP during replication or deamination of cytosine. The specificity of the ′LANA-UNG2 interaction was confirmed by using a scrambled DNA sequence affinity column. Interaction of LANA and UNG2 was further confirmed by in vitro binding and coimmunoprecipitation assays. Colocalization of these proteins was also detected in primary effusion lymphoma (PEL) cells, as well as in a cotransfected KSHV-negative cell line. UNG2 binds to the carboxyl terminus of LANA and retains its enzymatic activity in the complex. However, no major effect on TR-mediated DNA replication was observed when a UNG2-deficient (UNG −/− ) cell line was used. Infection of UNG −/− and wild-type mouse embryonic fibroblasts with KSHV did not reveal any difference; however, UNG −/− cells produced a significantly reduced number of virion particles after induction. Interestingly, depletion of UNG2 in PEL cells with short hairpin RNA reduced the number of viral genome copies and produced infection-deficient virus.
High-resolution simulation of basin-scale nitrate transport considering aquifer system heterogeneity

Nitrate contamination presents a growing threat to many groundwater basins relied upon for drinking water. This study combines geostatistical techniques, parallel computing of fl ow simulation, and particle tracking to develop realistic nitrate loading and transport scenarios. The simulation scenarios are patterned after the rapidly urbanizing Llagas groundwater subbasin in the south San Francisco Bay area of California. In the Llagas subbasin, groundwater is the sole municipal water supply. A key component of this study is the development of a highly resolved model of the heterogeneity in the aquifer system using a new geostatistical technique for simulating hydrofacies architecture that can incorporate uncertain or “soft” data, such as well driller logs. Numerical simulations of nitrate transport indicate the degree to which a heterogeneous conceptual model can account for dispersion relative to a conventional homogeneous model assuming typical dispersivity coeffi cients. The heterogeneous model transport results are found to be consistent with observed nitrate contamination patterns and depth distribution as well as groundwater-age trends with depth. The model provides a realistic test-bed for prediction of future nitrate concentrations, including the time frame for potential nitrate impacts to deep wells, given that geochemical data indicate that denitrifi cation is not likely to occur.
Gene expression in leaves of Theobroma cacao in response to mechanical wounding, ethylene, and/or methyl jasmonate

Yield of Theobroma cacao (cacao), the source of chocolate, is limited by disease and insect pests. Developmental stage influences the resistance of cacao leaves to disease and insect pests. Mechanical wounding, ethylene, and methyl jasmonate induce resistance to pests in many plant species. The effects of mechanical wounding, ethylene, and methyl jasmonate on gene expression was studied in cacao leaves at two developmental stages, young red (YR) and mature green (MG). Differential expression was observed for genes putatively encoding a DNA binding protein (TcWRKY-1), a protein regulating cell division (TcORFX-1), a Type III peroxidase (TcPer-1), an endo-1,4-β-glucanase (TcGlu-1), a class VII chitinase (TcChiB), a caffeine synthase (TcCaf-1), and a light-harvesting complex protein (TcLhca-1). Wounding induced TcWRKY-1 and TcORFX-1 in YR and MG leaves. Elevated TcPer-1 mRNA levels were detected in YR and MG leaves after wounding. Wounding induced TcChiB in YR leaves and repressed TcLhca-1 in MG leaves. Ethylene (12 μL L−1) induced TcPer-1 in YR and MG leaves but induced TcGlu-1 in MG leaves only. Ethylene repressed TcLhca-1 and TcCaf-1 in YR leaves. Ethylene repressed TcLhca-1 and TcChiB in MG leaves. Methyl jasmonate (0.2 mM) induced TcCaf-1 and TcChiB in YR leaves and TcPer-1 and TcChiB in MG leaves. Ethylene/methyl jasmonate combined induced TcChiB in YR leaves and TcGlu-1 in MG leaves. 1-Methylcyclopropene, an inhibitor of ethylene action, blocked ethylene induced responses but did not block responses to wounding or methyl jasmonate. The cacao response to wounding, ethylene, and/or methyl jasmonate was influenced by developmental stage. Cross-talk between ethylene and methyl jasmonate action on cacao gene expression resulted in synergistic and antagonistic responses. It is critical to account for tissue developmental stage when studying the molecular responses of cacao to mechanical wounding, ethylene, and methyl jasmonate. The constituative and inducible defense strategies used by cacao are dependent on the developmental stage of the tissues involved.
Selective Photoelectrochemical Reduction of Aqueous CO2to CO by Solvated Electrons

Reduction of CO2 by direct one-electron activation is extraordinarily difficult because of the −1.9 V reduction potential of CO2. Demonstrated herein is reduction of aqueous CO2 to CO with greater than 90 % product selectivity by direct one-electron reduction to CO2.− by solvated electrons. Illumination of inexpensive diamond substrates with UV light leads to the emission of electrons directly into water, where they form solvated electrons and induce reduction of CO2 to CO2.−. Studies using diamond were supported by studies using aqueous iodide ion (I−), a chemical source of solvated electrons. Both sources produced CO with high selectivity and minimal formation of H2. The ability to initiate reduction reactions by emitting electrons directly into solution without surface adsorption enables new pathways which are not accessible using conventional electrochemical or photochemical processes.
Energy rate density. II. Probing further a new complexity metric

Appraisal of the concept of energy rate density continues, as both a potential quantitative metric for complexity studies and a key feature of a unifying hypothesis for the origin and evolution of material systems throughout Nature writ large. This article extends a recent study reported in this journal, hereby analyzing normalized energy flows for an array of complex systems experiencing physical, biological, and cultural evolution. The results strengthen the comprehensive scenario of cosmic evolution in broad and general ways yet with much deep, empirical evidence. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Complexity 2011 © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A stereospecific synthesis of a dihydrofuran analog of leukotriene A4

Abstract A stereospecific synthesis of a dihydrofuran analog of leukotriene A 4 , 3 , starting from (+)-D-mannose ( 4 ) is described.