cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Optic Neuropathy Complicating Multifocal Choroiditis and Panuveitis

Purpose To describe the clinical characteristics of patients with optic neuropathy complicating multifocal choroiditis and panuveitis (MFCPU). Design Retrospective case series. Methods Eight patients (11 eyes) with MFCPU and optic neuropathy from a single center were reviewed and clinical outcomes described. Results The median age of patients was 45 years; six patients were women and seven were Caucasian. In the six patients with available follow-up, the optic neuropathy was corticosteroid-responsive, but required corticosteroid treatment to prevent recurrences of optic nerve inflammation and subsequent vision loss. Five patients required immunosuppressive drug therapy during their treatment course. No patients had recurrence of optic neuropathy while receiving immunosuppressive drug therapy. Visual acuity improved or stabilized with treatment in nine of 11 affected eyes. Conclusions Optic neuropathy is an uncommon complication of MFCPU that may result in substantial visual morbidity. Immunosuppressive drug therapy may prevent recurrences of optic neuropathy and subsequent vision loss.
Preparation and characterization of chromium, molybdenum and tungsten compounds containing amino acid ester derivatized diimine ligands. Crystal structure of Mo(CO)4(pyca-β-ala-OEt)

Abstract The title compounds were prepared by heating solutions of ester-protected amino acids (H-β-Ala-OEt, H- l -Ala-OEt, H- l -Val-OMe, H- l -Asp(OMe)-OMe, GABA-OMe) and pyridine-2-carboxaldehyde in the presence of M(CO)4(pip)2 (M=Mo,W) or [NEt4][Cr(CO)5I]. The resulting novel complexes, M(CO)4(pyca-xxx-OR) (pyca=pyridinecarbaldehyde imine), contain an η2-N,N′-diimine ligand and were characterized by 1H- and 13C-NMR, IR and UV–vis measurements. The lone band in the visible portion of the electronic spectrum is assigned to a MLCT transition and exhibits solvatochromism. The crystal structure of Mo(CO)4(pyca-β-ala-OEt) (1b), was determined and confirms the presence of the bidentate α-diimine ligand. The metal lies in a pseudo Cs symmetry environment.
Guinea pig testicular proacrosin-acrosin system: Preliminary immunological characterization

Abstract In this study, immunochemical techniques were employed to examine the guinea pig (GP) testicular proacrosin-acrosin system. Monospecific polyclonal antibodies to the highly stable enzymatically active 34,000 molecular weight form of GP testicular acrosin were generated. Western blot analysis of acid extracts prepared from snap-frozen freshly excised GP testes revealed two major immunoreactive bands with mol. wts of approximately 62,000 and 48,000 and one minor band with an approximate mol. wt of 54–56,000. The 62,000 mol. wt molecule identified is in close agreement with the previously reported mol. wt for purified GP testicular proacrosin. Western blot analysis of different species of testicular acid extracts demonstrated the evolutionary relatedness of the proacrosin-acrosin systems since immunoreactivity was observed primarily with acid extracts from rodent species (rat, mouse and hamster) and not with extracts from evolutionarily less-related species (goat, ram and bovine). The majority of the cross-reactivity observed was characterized by immunoreactivity with the 62,000 and 48,000 mol wt molecules. The only species which exhibited cross-reactivity with the 54–56,000 mol. wt protein was rat. In addition, the iso-immunogenic and aspermatogenic properties of the 34,000 mol. wt form of GP testicular acrosin were examined. One out of five Hartley and one out of seven Strain 2 female GPs immunized and boosted with a total of 200 μ of purified protein exhibited increased levels of circulating anti-acrosin iso-antibodies. The antigenic specificity of the iso-antibodies observed in the two animals was verified by Western blot analysis. All other female animals, including two strain 13 GPs, exhibited very low or undetectable levels of such antibodies following immunization. One out of three male Hartley GPs immunized with 50 μg of the purified protein exhibited typical lesions of experimental allergic orchitis while none of a group of three animals developed lesions at a 5 μg dose. Taken together, these results suggest that the 34,000 mol. wt form of GP testicular acrosin is neither a highly potent iso-immunogen nor aspermatogenic autoantigen.
How Expected is the Unexpected Hanging

This is about a famous paradox introduced by philosophers in the 1940s. It was casually dismissed by Quine [1] in 1953. He cited five papers that preceded his in the prestigious British journal Mind. Martin Gardner wrote about unexpected quizzes, unexpected eggs, unexpected tigers, etc. in the 60s and 70s [2], [3], and his bibliography in [2] listed 23 references. Twenty years after Quine the paradox was dismissed again, in Mind, by A. J. Ayer [4]. In the 80s the paradox of the unexpected hanging was attacked with the methods of formal logic [5] by Professor R. M. Sainsbury, the current editor of Mind. It also reached the popular book stores [6]. Now we are into the 90s and Martin Gardner's book [2] has been reissued by the University of Chicago Press in a new edition [8] listing 57 references on the paradox! After a half-century of effort and nearly 60 papers it seems unlikely that any single article will resolve it. In fact, it is unclear which domain of human intelligence should take custody of it. Is it a problem in pure logic? semantics? psychology? probability theory? Is it a problem without a solution or with multiple solutions? One thing is clear: The paradox of the unexpected hanging has rarely been approached as a mathematical problem. Questions like "What is the numerical probability of the unexpected hanging?" or "What are necessary and sufficient conditions for the unexpected hanging?" have not been posed. That is what we do here.
Antioxidant use in nutraceuticals

The focus of this contribution is oxidation generated by oxygen and by all other reactive species, with an emphasis on reactive oxygen species. This study considers the different pathways that generate oxidative stress, which is a physiologic process that can become dangerous if becomes excessive and overcomes the reserve of antioxidants. Some of the most important methods to determine oxidative stress in plasma, both in humans and in experimental animals, are discussed; particular attention is given to the d-ROMs test, which detects the hydroperoxides in plasma and is a very simple and reliable method. The antioxidant hierarchy also is discussed to indicate the most powerful physiological antioxidant and those derived from food intake or supplementation. As every antioxidant also can be a pro-oxidant, indications are given about their use and how to avoid the administration of high dosages of a single antioxidant.
Guest histories: An untapped service resource

Abstract Advances in technology now allow hotel operators to “remember” every guest's preferences through guest histories. However, few hotels are making use of the mountain of data that hotel guests leave behind
Changing realities in emerging zoonoses.

In the 3 years since this International Conference on Emerging Zoonoses was last held, there have been significant changes in both the spread of numerous zoonoses and the manner in which zoonoses, both new and old, are perceived by scientists, governments and the public. Although the term ‘foreign animal/human diseases’ is still widely used, there is near unanimous awareness that such diseases are transboundary diseases, in which an outbreak in any country can spread rapidly throughout the world. Therefore, the recent outbreaks of Hendra virus in Australia and Nipah virus in Bangladesh constitute significant disease threats not only in those countries but in any country. Furthermore, the sporadic occurrences of the highly lethal H5N1 influenza virus and the existence of more transmissible human and avian influenza viruses of different subtypes threaten both animals and people with the dangers of new reassortants. The danger of such an unwanted event has not lessened, whatever the amount of publicity about influenza. It is crucial to understand that we cannot predict which emerging zoonosis in which country will suddenly become a disease of epidemic proportions. Rift Valley Fever, African swine fever and dengue fever are perhaps the three emerging diseases most in need of immediate vaccine development. However, Ebola-Marburg viral diseases, Hendra and Nipah viral diseases, and SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome)—the first pandemic of the 21st century—are just as likely to become the next focus of international concern. Meanwhile, malaria continues to kill many people in Africa and Asia with impunity, despite encouraging advances in vaccine development and treatment. In the midst of such a complex and changing disease environment, those gathered for this Sixth International Conference on Emerging Zoonoses sought to share their own work and to listen to the ideas and hopes of other scientists. The flippant phrase about the need ‘to network’ to advance one's career is a gross travesty of the purpose of any international conference, for it is only by meeting and sharing and listening that we can hope to improve the quality and relevance of our research. None of us have all the answers, but hopefully some of us have a few of the answers. Rather, it is not so much ‘answers’ that we seek but sensible preparation grounded in alert anticipation of the options for where and when the next significant disease outbreaks might occur. No doubt there will be multiple unexpected disease events before we next gather in 2014 in Berlin. There is a high probability that the zoonotic disease that concerns us most at the next conference will be some newly emerging disease, such as the recently discovered Schmallenberg virus. However, there is one reality that will not change. Veterinary medicine, human medicine and environmental awareness are the three foundations on which One Health is based and the only way that we can successfully confront changing realities in emerging and re-emerging zoonoses.
Development and validation of a stability indicating LC method for the assay and related substances determination of Exemestane, an aromatase inhibitor

A selective stability indicating HPLC method was developed and validated for quantification of impurities (process related and degradants) and assay determination of Exemestane. Stability indicating power of the method was established by forced degradation experiments and mass balance study. The chromatographic separation was achieved with Hypersil BDS-C-18 using gradient elution. The developed method is validated for parameters like accuracy, linearity, LOD, LOQ, ruggedness. Box-Behnken experimental design was applied to check the robustness of the method.
Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 Increases Skeletal Muscle Dihydropyridine Receptor α1S Transcriptional Activity by Acting on the cAMP-response Element-binding Protein Element of the Promoter Region

Abstract Previous work from our laboratory has shown that insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) increases the expression of the skeletal muscle dihydropyridine receptor (DHPR) α1subunit by regulating DHPR α1S nuclear transcription. In this study, we investigated the mechanism by which IGF-1 enhances expression of the DHPR α1S gene. To this end, the promoter region of the mouse DHPRα1S gene was recently cloned and sequenced and various promoter deletion-luciferase reporter constructs were used. These constructs were transfected into C2C12 cells and IGF-1 effects were measured by recording luciferase activity. IGF-1 significantly enhancedDHPR α1S transcription in those constructs carrying cAMP-response element-binding protein (CREB) binding site but not in CREB core binding site mutants. Gel mobility shift assay using a double stranded oligonucleotide for the CREB site in the promoter region, and competition experiments with excess unlabeled or mutated promoter oligonucleotide, and unlabeled consensus CREB oligonucleotide demonstrated that IGF-1 induces CREB binding to the DHPRα1S promoter. IGF-1-mediated enhancement in charge movement was prevented by incubating the cells with antisense but not with sense oligonucleotides against CREB. These results support the conclusion that IGF-1 regulates DHPR α1S transcription in muscle cells by acting on the CREB element of the promoter.
A Brief Review of Sleep Normality and Pathology among Adult Black Men

Healthcare disparities are a growing area of interest among scientists and clinicians. Articles identified from searches of the PubMed and PsycInfo databases, as well as the Google Scholar search engine including combinations of the key words and phrases: Black men, circadian rhythm, disease, ethnicity, gender, health disparities, illness, insomnia, race, sleep, sleep apnea, and sleep disorders were used for this review. This brief review addresses some of the limited work on sleep among Black men. Some information is available regarding expected sleep parameters, insomnia, sleep-disordered breathing, and sleep disturbances related to general medical conditions. Many areas are still in need of exploration and, although emphasizing aspects of sleep, the present work is intended as a foundation to encourage further exploration across many disciplines in the health sciences.
Polyisobutylene Modified Bisphenol A Diglycidyl Ether Based Epoxy Resins Possessing Improved Mechanical Properties

Epoxy telechelic polyisobutylenes (EP-PIB-EP), potentially useful to obtain flexible epoxies, were synthesized by reacting bromoallyl end-functional PIB with glycidol in the presence of NaH. The epoxy end-capped macromonomers were mixed with bisphenol A diglycidyl ether (DGEBA) and triethylenetetramine as curing agent and cured at elevated temperature. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) indicated nanophase segregation of rubbery domains at EP-PIB-EP ≤ 15 wt %, and the fracture toughness increased by 100% relative to the unmodified epoxy network, while the tensile and flexural strengths remained adequate. However, at EP-PIB-EP ≥ 20 wt % macrophase separation resulted in a drastic reduction in toughness along with other mechanical properties. Use of oligo(tetramethylene oxide) modified epoxy telechelic PIB (EP-oTHF-PIB-oTHF-EP) as soft segment significantly improved the miscibility, and cured materials with excellent fracture toughness were obtained even at 40 wt % rubber content. Thermal s...
The impact of war, famine, and economic decline on marital fertility in Ethiopia.

We examine recent fertility trends in Ethiopia for evidence of short- and long-term responses to famine, political events, and economic decline. We use retrospective data on children ever born from the 1990 National Family and Fertility Survey to estimate trends in annual marital conception probabilities, controlling for women’s demographic and socioeconomic characteristics. The results of our analysis provide evidence of significant short-term declines in conception probabilities during years of famine and major political and economic upheaval. In the longer term, marital fertility in both urban and rural areas declined in the 1980s after increasing moderately in the 1970s.
Stimulation of human granulocyte elastase by platelet factor 4 and heparin.

Abstract Highly purified platelet factor 4 (PF 4 ) was found to be a potent stimulator of human granulocyte elastase activity against native elastin and solubilized α elastin. Heparin neutralized this stimulation of elastolysis by PF 4 , but independently stimulated granulocyte elastase activity. Chondroitin sulfate, a constituent of the PF 4 carrier molecule, also stimulated granulocyte elastase activity. The stimulation of granulocyte elastase by PF 4 occurs at known serum concentrations of PF 4 .
Stratification of postprostatectomy urinary function using expanded prostate cancer index composite.

Objective To classify the Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite (EPIC)-Short Form urinary domain (EPIC-UIN) scores, as part of a validated health-related quality of life instrument after prostate cancer treatment into clinically meaningful functional categories. Materials and Methods Using a prospectively maintained database, approved by the institutional review board, of patients undergoing prostatectomy for malignancy, the patient and tumor factors and validated health-related quality of life instruments, including EPIC-UIN and the Incontinence Severity Index (ISI) were retrospectively reviewed. The questionnaires were completed preoperatively, at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months postoperatively, and yearly thereafter. Cutpoints were chosen for the EPIC-UIN scores to correlate with ISI, and statistical analysis querying this correlation was performed. Results A total of 446 patients completing 764 questionnaires were reviewed. On average, the patients were 59.2 years old with a Gleason score of 6.75. All patients underwent robotic-assisted (n = 224) or radical retropubic (n = 222) prostatectomy. The range of ISI scores at the prescribed measurement points was “mild” (0-6), “moderate” (7-16), and “severe” (≥17) in 58.9%, 28.9%, and 11.3% of patients, respectively. An EPIC-UIN score of 0-49, 50-69, and 70-100 was chosen to correlate with the ISI score of “severe,” “moderate,” and “mild,” with an agreement of 74.1% (weighted kappa coefficient 0.6541). Severe incontinence and moderate incontinence on the EPIC-UIN were associated with a sensitivity of 74% and 90.6% and specificity of 90.2% and 93.6%, respectively. Conclusion Categorical EPIC-UIN groups were developed to represent the mild, moderate, and severe incontinence. These categories provided meaningful guides for assessing postoperative urinary incontinence and recovery of urinary function.
Experimental Determination of Short-Circuit Currents in Electric Power Networks

No means has yet been discovered whereby the abnormal rise of current occurring during short circuits is avoided. Protection against its destructive effects remains, therefore, a subject of major importance. Among the problems requiring short-circuit current determinations, the following are the chief ones: (1) Selection of oil circuit breakers of the required interrupting capacity. (2). Determination of the size of current-limiting reactors. (3) Determination of relay settings in relay systems depending on selective action from over-current and directional relays. (4) Calculation of mechanical stresses in the structural elements of apparatus subject to short-circuit electromagnetic forces. Each of these problems requires the knowledge of the magnitude of short-circuit currents; relay problems frequently require, in addition, the relative phases of currents and voltages at different points of the system during short circuits; in item (4) above the wave-form of the short-circuit current sometimes has to be considered. The available information on the latter subjects, i. e. on phase relations and on wave form during short circuits is relatively meager, probably because it has been required in special cases only. Nevertheless, the demands for these data are increasing — on account of both the tendency towards increased sensitiveness of protective devices and the rapid increase in the magnitude of the short-circuit currents to be handled — and it will be worth while, therefore, if this added information is obtained. This paper is confined to the problems of the determination of the magnitude of short-circuit currents. The magnitude of short-circuit currents depends on a multiplicity of factors which have been enumerated and dealt with in other publications.1 When the impedances of all the circuit elements affected by the short-circuit are known together with the current-time decrement characteristics of all machinery capable of supplying current to the short circuit,2 the problem of short-circuit-current determination resolves itself into one of current division in a given network of electrical conductors under given electromotive forces. In the following paper, the comparative merits of three methods — calculation, a-c. test, and d-c. test — of determining short-circuit currents in networks are briefly discussed. Two d-c. experimental methods applicable to the “short-circuit calculating table” are analyzed in detail. The accuracy of its results, by both methods, is obtained for a variety of circuit conditions. The proper field of use of the short-circuit calculating table, and the best method of its application are determined.
Hard times in the land of plenty: The effect on income and disability later in life for people born during the great depression

Abstract We use 20th-century data to examine how community economic conditions at the time of birth influenced various measures of socioeconomic success as adults. Our analysis focuses on the worst downturn ever experienced in the United States: the Great Depression. We merge individual information reported by respondents in the U.S. Censuses of 1970 and 1980 with information on state per capita income during the individual's year of birth in their state of birth. Results indicate that the effect of state income per capita in the birth year on income and disability later in life varies with changes in income levels. Individuals born in the trough of the Depression in low-income states had substantially lower incomes and higher work disability rates later in life than workers born in those states in the peak year of 1929. However, the effect of being born during the trough of the Depression in states with higher incomes during the first half of the 20th century was much weaker on income and disability later in life.
Evaluation of the adolescent with chronic abdominal or pelvic pain

Abdominal and pelvic pain are among the most common reasons adolescent women present to primary care physicians gynecologists and emergency departments. Caring for patients with unexplained chronic or recurrent abdominal symptoms can be both frustrating and time consuming. Both organic and psychosocial factors must be considered and both may simultaneously contribute to an adolescent’s experience of pain. An approach that explores concurrently the physiological and psychological components of pain is therefore a clinician’s most effective strategy. Although definitions vary chronic abdominal pain may be considered any pain that has been present continuously or intermittently for at least 3 months. Recurrent or intermittent pain may either be cyclic or noncyclic in nature. Pain with a specific identifiable physiological cause is often referred to as “organic” pain; pain without a clear identifiable cause and/or pain that appears to be exacerbated by psychosocial factors is frequently referred to as “functional” pain. (excerpt)
Convergence of the 1 Z Expansion

Lower bounds to the convergence radii of the $\frac{1}{Z}$ expansions are reported for some lowlying states of the isoelectronic series of the helium and lithium atom. It is proven for the first time that the $\frac{1}{Z}$ expansion converges for the ground state of the helium atom. The investigation of the $1^{2}S$ and $1^{2}P_{u}$ states of the lithium atom indicated poor convergence properties of the $\frac{1}{Z}$ expansion for systems with more than two electrons. The Brillouin-Wigner perturbation expansion of the ground state of the helium atom is shown to converge if $\frac{1}{(Z\ensuremath{-}\ensuremath{\sigma})}$ is used as perturbation parameter for $\ensuremath{\sigma}=0.34$.
Comparing contributions of soil versus root colonization to variations in stomatal behavior and soil drying in mycorrhizal Sorghum bicolor and Cucurbita pepo

In prior studies we learned that colonization of soil can be as important as colonization of roots in determining mycorrhizal influence on the water relations of host plants. Here we use a path analysis modeling approach to test (a) whether quantity of hyphae in soil contributes to variations in stomatal behavior and soil drying, and (b) whether soil colonization or root colonization has a stronger influence on these stomatal and soil drying responses. Experiments were performed on Sorghum bicolor and Cucurbita pepo, with soils and roots colonized by a mixture of Glomus intraradices and Gigaspora margarita. Soil colonization generally made more significant contributions to stomatal conductance than did root colonization. Soil colonization did not make significant direct contributions to soil water potential measures (soil water potential at stomatal closure or soil drying rate), whereas root colonization did contribute a potentially important path to each. The findings further support a role for mycorrhization of the soil itself in contributing to the regulation of stomatal behavior of host plants.
Isolation and characterization of a new subtype A variant of human immunodeficiency virus type I from Nigeria

In November 1993 an apparently healthy 23-year-old man with no known neurological disorder donated blood for an extended family member who required a blood transfusion at University College Hospital in Ibadan Nigeria. His plasma tested positive for HIV-1 antibodies. It also had 125 pg/ml of HIV-1 p24 protein without the dissociation of immune complexes. Laboratory researchers recovered a new variant of HIV-1 from the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). In vitro the new HIV-1 variant was very cytopathic and replicated well in normal PBMCs in established T-cell lines and in the monocytic cell line U937. Freshly isolated primary macrophage/monocyte cells achieved the highest replicative titre of the new virus and had the least cytopathology. The researchers used cDNA clones containing the env gene to further characterize the new virus. DNA sequence analysis of 14 clones with the coding region for its gp 120 protein classified the Nigerian HIV isolate as HIV-1 subtype A. Only one other subtype A virus from Rwanda has been characterized. It did not exhibit extreme cytopathicity in various cell types as did the Nigerian strain. Distinguishing characteristics of the Nigerian strain include: it grows well in lymphocytes monocytes and macrophages and exhibits cytopathicity without causing syncytia. The Nigerian man from whom the new strain came developed AIDS 6 months after the blood donation and died 4 months later. Most macrophage-tropic viruses are linked to neurotropism. The Nigerian cytopathic HIV-1 strain a macrophage-tropic virus replicates quickly. These findings suggest that this new HIV-1 strain may have enhanced pathogenesis and the rapid onset of clinical disease within a short period.
Barrett's esophagus: best of Digestive Disease Week 2003.

The definition of Barrett’s esophagus is conceptually simple. It is the replacement of the normal squamous mucosa by specialized intestinal metaplasia within the esophagus. Barrett’s esophagus would only be a clinical curiosity if not for its predisposition toward neoplastic change. In spite of all the knowledge and data gathered thus far on Barrett’s, much remains unknown. Why do some patients develop Barrett’s while others do not? Why do some with Barrett’s advance to adenocarcinoma? Once Barrett’s develops, what is the optimal prevention strategy for adenocarcinoma? These clinical unknowns touch only the tip of the iceberg and have made Barrett’s esophagus a subject of intense research. This review offers some of the highlights from Digestive Disease Week 2003, comprised of posters of distinction and oral presentations.
Response of a Pituitary Tumor to Thyroid Hormone

Administration of propylthiouracil to rats bearing pituitary tumor MtTW5 decreased the rate of tumor growth. When thyroidectomized rats were inoculated with pituitary tumor, no growth of the tumor was observed, nor were any of the hormonally produced effects found. Implantation of thyroid glands or administration of thyroxine caused a prompt restoration of pituitary tumor growth, mammary tumor growth, and a generalized increase in body weight. Thyroidectomy of rats bearing large pituitary tumor caused an immediate cessation of further tumor growth. Slices of liver from tumorbearing rats were incubated in vitro with acetate- l-14C and were found to produce radioactive carbon dioxide and fatty acids at a faster rate than liver slices from normal rats. Whereas liver slices from thyroidectomized rats bearing MtTW5 inoculum metabolized acetate-1-14C at control rates, administration of thyroxine caused the stimulation of pituitary tumor growth, which caused an increase in acetate metabolism by the liver. Retrop...
The chloride concentration of saliva and sweat in infancy.

Summary 1. The chloride concentration of the saliva at birth is high in both premature and term infants and falls rapidly during the first week of life. 2. The salivary chloride concentration continues to fall at a much slower rate during the first two years of life and then appears to stabilize through 10 years of age. 3. On the other hand, the chloride concentration of sweat is low at birth, even in the premature infant. 4. The importance of these observations in the diagnosis of cystic fibrosis of the pancreas is pointed out. 5. The possible relation of salivary chloride concentration to the presence of the staphylococcus in the nose and throat is discussed.
Methylation markers for prostate cancer prognosis: a systematic review

We conducted a systematic review to summarize current evidence on the prognostic utility of DNA methylation markers in prostate cancer and ascertain knowledge gaps to inform future research. We identified relevant studies using combined key search against PubMed database. Inclusion criteria were studies of human subjects that examined the association between DNA methylation markers and prostate cancer disease outcomes. The methodological quality of each study was systematically evaluated. Findings were qualitatively summarized. Due to heterogeneity and concerns of internal validity, no meta-analysis was performed. Twenty studies were reviewed; sample size ranged from 35 to 605 men in the prognostic analyses. Sixteen studies examined methylation markers in prostate cancer tissue and four examined circulating DNA methylation markers. Of all genes reviewed, paired-like homeodomain transcription factor 2 (PITX2) methylation was examined in two more rigorously designed studies and was found to be associated with biochemical recurrence. Common limitations in current literature included small sample sizes, lack of adequate adjustment for established prognostic factors, and poor reporting quality. Evidence on the prognostic utility of methylation markers in prostate cancer is inconclusive. Future research should ascertain large samples with adequate follow-up and include patients of racial/ethnic minority and those treated with modalities other than prostatectomy (e.g., using prostate cancer diagnostic biopsy as tissue source).
Roof-Nesting Least Terns Travel to Forage in Brackish/Marine Waters

Abstract Sternula antillarum (Least Tern) are small, migratory seabirds that are listed as threatened or endangered in every state in which they occur. While their natural nesting habitat is open beach, Least Terns have adapted to nest on flat tar and gravel roofs, sometimes many kilometers inland. We used the “fish drop” technique to collect fish that birds dropped around a roof colony in Pinellas County, FL to assess use of fresh and saltwater fish species as prey. We collected 37 fish from 12 different species. The most common (n = 11) was Dorosoma petenense (Threadfin Shad), a species found primarily in marine/brackish waters, but often stocked in man-made freshwater ponds to supplement piscivorous fish prey. Eighteen of the remaining 26 fish, encompassing 7 of the remaining 11 species, are marine/brackish species, 5 individuals are freshwater species, and 3 are freshwater/brackish species. Roof-nesting Least Terns appeared to forage in stormwater ponds and a lake found near the colony, but they also ...
Effect of TCP on self-similarity of network traffic

It is now well known that Internet traffic exhibits self-similarity, which cannot be described by traditional Markovian models such as the Poisson process. In this work, we simulate a simple network with a full implementation of TCP-Reno. We also assume Poisson arrivals at the application layer specifically to determine whether TCP can cause self-similarity even when input traffic does not exhibit long-range dependence. Our study shows that, at some loads TCP can induce the appearance of self-similarity. In particular, when load is low and loss is rare, traffic looks Poisson. When load is high and the network is overloaded, TCP congestion control can smooth out the burstiness of the aggregate stream so that traffic at the bottleneck tends to Poisson. However, when load is intermediate and the network is prone to occasional bouts of congestion, as is typical of many networks, traffic can become self-similar. Moreover, factors such as round trip time and number of streams passing through the bottleneck can cause the network to become congested at different loads, and consequently affect the range of load over which self-similarity can be observed. The impact of one self-similar TCP stream has also been observed. In particular, our study show that if one or more streams passing through the bottleneck is self-similar and the aggregate flow does not exceed the capacity, traffic observed at the bottleneck will also be self-similar.
The relation between prosodic structure, syllabification and segmental realization: Evidence from a child with fricative stopping

This study is concerned with the interaction between prosodic structure, phonotactic structure and syllabification in the realization of segmental targets. It is based on a detailed investigation into the realization of intervocalic fricative targets by a child who stopped fricatives word-initially, but produced them correctly word-finally. Intervocalic fricatives in different prosodic and phonotactic domains were elicited using controlled repetition tasks, backed up by speech samples. It was found that intervocalic fricatives were realized correctly provided they occurred between strong and weak syllables within a word, in a phonotactic sequence which is permissible word-finally, e.g./f/ in buffalo, selfish. Intervocalic fricatives were generally stopped in other prosodic domains, e.g./f/ in beautiful, and in other phonotactic domains, e.g./f/ in comfort. These findings have implications for the processes involved in the output of lexical phonology.
A Constrained Optimization Approach to Preserving Prior Knowledge During Incremental Training

In this paper, a supervised neural network training technique based on constrained optimization is developed for preserving prior knowledge of an input-output mapping during repeated incremental training sessions. The prior knowledge, referred to as long-term memory (LTM), is expressed in the form of equality constraints obtained by means of an algebraic training technique. Incremental training, which may be used to learn new short-term memories (STMs) online, is then formulated as an error minimization problem subject to equality constraints. The solution of this problem is simplified by implementing an adjoined error gradient that circumvents direct substitution and exploits classical backpropagation. A target application is neural network function approximation in adaptive critic designs. For illustrative purposes, constrained training is implemented to update an adaptive critic flight controller, while preserving prior knowledge of an established performance baseline that consists of classical gain-scheduled controllers. It is shown both analytically and numerically that the LTM is accurately preserved while the controller is repeatedly trained over time to assimilate new STMs.
An optimal morphing between polylines

We address the problem of continuously transforming or morphing one simple polyline into another so that every point p of the initial polyline moves to a point q of the final polyline using the geodesic shortest path from p to q. We optimize the width of the morphing, that is, the longest path made by a point on the polyline. We present an algorithm for finding the minimum width morphing in O(n2) time using O(n) space, where n is the total number of vertices of polylines. This improves the previous algorithm7 by a factor of log2 n.
In situ electroporation of surface-bound siRNAs in microwell arrays

Gene silencing using RNA interference (RNAi) has become a prominent biological tool for gene annotation, pathway analysis, and target discovery in mammalian cells. High-throughput screens conducted using whole-genome siRNA libraries have uncovered rich sets of new genes involved in a variety of biological processes and cellular models of disease. However, high-throughput RNAi screening is not yet a mainstream tool in life science research because current screening platforms are expensive and onerous. Miniaturizing the RNAi screening platform to reduce cost and increase throughput will enable its widespread use and harness its potential for rapid genome annotation. With this aim, we have combined semi-conductor microfabrication and nanolitre dispensing techniques to develop miniaturized electroporation-ready microwell arrays loaded with siRNA molecules in which multiplexed gene knockdown can be achieved. Arrays of microwells are created using high-aspect ratio biocompatible photoresists on optically transparent and conductive Indium-Tin Oxide (ITO) substrates with integrated micro-electrodes to enable in situelectroporation. Non-contact inkjet microarraying allows precise dispensing of nanolitre volumes into the microwell structures. We have achieved parallel electroporation of multiple mammalian cells cultured in these microwell arrays and observed efficient knockdown of genes with surface-bound, printed siRNAs. Further integration of microfabrication and non-contact nanolitre dispensing techniques described here may enable single-substrate whole-genome siRNA screening in mammalian cells.
Comparative intrinsic optical signal imaging of wild-type and mutant mouse retinas

Functional measurement is important for retinal study and disease diagnosis. Transient intrinsic optical signal (IOS) response, tightly correlated with functional stimulation, has been previously detected in normal retinas. In this paper, comparative IOS imaging of wild-type (WT) and rod-degenerated mutant mouse retinas is reported. Both 2-month and 1-year-old mice were measured. In 2-month-old mutant mice, time course and peak value of the stimulus-evoked IOS were significantly delayed (relative to stimulus onset) and reduced, respectively, compared to age matched WT mice. In 1-year-old mutant mice, stimulus-evoked IOS was totally absent. However, enhanced spontaneous IOS responses, which might reflect inner neural remodeling in diseased retina, were observed in both 2-month and 1-year-old mutant retinas. Our experiments demonstrate the potential of using IOS imaging for noninvasive and high resolution identification of disease-associated retinal dysfunctions. Moreover, high spatiotemporal resolution IOS imaging may also lead to advanced understanding of disease-associated neural remodeling in the retina.
Simplifying analog CMOS design for undergraduates

We have developed a method of simplifying physical design for undergraduates enrolled in analog VLSI design. The analog CMOS course is a VLSI design course with laboratory that includes design, fabrication and testing of analog CMOS circuits. A student's design begins with a simple current mirror and ends with different types of sampling circuits such as switched-capacitor and autozero circuits. The layout of thest parts is simplified by using cells similar to those used for analog stack generators. By introducing this course, more advanced digital VLSI courses can be taught at the undergraduate level, including those with larger projects.
A review of experimental and modeling techniques to determine properties of biopolymer-based nanocomposites.

The nonbiodegradable and nonrenewable nature of plastic packaging has led to a renewed interest in packag- ing materials based on bio-nanocomposites (biopolymer matrix reinforced with nanoparticles such as layered silicates). One of the reasons for unique properties of bio-nanocomposites is the difference in physics at nanoscale as compared to that at macroscale. Therefore, the effect of nanoscale on the properties of bio-nanocomposites is discussed. Prop- erties of bio-nanocomposites are governed by the extent of dispersion of nanoparticles in the biopolymer matrix and interaction between nanoparticles and the biopolymer. Selection of proper technique to determine properties of these bio-nanocomposites is very critical in assessing their performance. Experimental techniques (tensile testing, barrier prop- erty measurement, dynamic mechanical analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, rheological measurement) to determine the mechanical, barrier, thermal, and rheological properties of bio-nanocomposites are dis- cussedintermsofmethodology,interpretationofresults,andapplicationinstudyingthepropertiesofbio-nanocomposites. Mathematical modeling plays an important role in predicting the properties of bio-nanocomposites and comparing them to the measured properties. This comparison helps in better understanding the mechanism for much improved properties of bio-nanocomposites. Mathematical modeling is also helpful in understanding the effects of different parameters on the properties of bio-nanocomposites. Therefore, the article describes mathematical modeling of mechanical and barrier properties of bio-nanocomposites using analytical micromechanics.
Stage‐specific gene expression during sexual development in Phytophthora infestans

Summary Eight genes that are upregulated during sexual development in the heterothallic oomycete, Phytophthora infestans, were identified by suppression subtractive hybridization. Two genes showed very low but detectable expression in vegetative hyphae and became induced about 40- to >100-fold early in mating, before gametangial initials appeared. The remaining six loci were not induced until later in mating, coincident with the formation of gametangia and oospores, with induction levels ranging from 60- to >100-fold. Five genes were single copy, and three were members of families. Sequence analysis revealed that the predicted products of three of the genes had similarity to proteins that influence RNA stability, namely a ribonuclease activator, the pumilio family of RNA-binding proteins and RNase H. The products of two other mating-induced genes resembled two types of Phytophthora proteins previously shown to elicit plant defence responses. Each mating-induced gene was also expressed in a self-fertile strain, which was shown to be a heterokaryon. However, quantitative and qualitative differences existed in their expression in normal matings and in the self-fertile heterokaryon. Besides the mating-induced genes, two extrachromosomal RNA elements were identified.
Adolescent risk factors for purging in young women: findings from the national longitudinal study of adolescent health

There exists a dearth of prospective adolescent eating disorder studies with samples that are large enough to detect small or medium sized effects for risk factors, that are generalizable to the broader population, and that follow adolescents long enough to fully capture the period of development when the risk of eating disorder symptoms occurring is highest. As a result, the purpose of this study was to examine psychosocial risk factors for purging for weight control in a nationally representative sample of adolescents. Data were extracted from the restricted-use data sets of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (Waves I-III), selecting females with valid demographic and purging information (N = 5,670). The prevalence of purging was 0.88% at Wave II and 0.56% at Wave III. In multivariable multinomial logistic regressions, purging at Wave II was predicted by parental poverty and low levels of self-esteem at Wave I; purging at Wave III was predicted by body mass index and the frequency of delinquent behaviors at Wave I. Individuals with high body mass index, individuals with low self-esteem, and individuals in families experiencing economic hardship appear specifically at risk for the development of purging behaviors in later years and may benefit from more targeted prevention efforts.
Adaptive medical feature extraction for resource constrained distributed embedded systems

Tiny embedded systems have not been an ideal outfit for high performance computing due to their constrained resources. Limitations in processing power, battery life, communication bandwidth and memory constrain the applicability of existing complex medical/biological analysis algorithms to such platforms. Electrocardiogram (ECG) analysis resembles such algorithm. In this paper, we address the issue of partitioning an ECG analysis algorithm while the wireless communication power consumption is minimized. Considering the orientation of the ECG leads, we devise a technique to perform preprocessing and pattern recognition locally on small embedded systems attached to the leads. The features detected in pattern recognition phase are considered for classification. Ideally, if the features detected for each heart beat reside in a single processing node, the transmission will be unnecessary. Otherwise, to perform classification, the features must be gathered on a local node and thus, the communication is inevitable. We perform such feature grouping by modeling the problem with a hypergraph and applying partitioning schemes. This yields a significant power saving in wireless communication. Furthermore, we utilize dynamic reconfiguration by software module migration. This technique with respect to partitioning enhances the overall power saving in such systems. Moreover, it adaptively alters the system configuration in various environments and on different patients. We evaluate the effectiveness of our proposed techniques on MIT/BIH benchmarks.
Osmoprotectants suppress the production and activity of matrix metalloproteinases induced by hyperosmolarity in primary human corneal epithelial cells.

Purpose Hyperosmolarity has been recognized as a proinflammatory stress in the pathogenesis of dry eye disease. This study investigated the suppressive effect of osmoprotectants (L-carnitine, erythritol, and betaine) on the production and activity of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in primary human corneal epithelial cells (HCECs) exposed to hyperosmotic stress.
Aiming High and Falling Short California’s Eighth-Grade Algebra-for-All Effort

The United States is in the midst of an effort to intensify middle school mathematics curricula by enrolling more 8th graders in Algebra. California is at the forefront of this effort, and in 2008, the state moved to make Algebra the accountability benchmark test for 8th-grade mathematics. This article takes advantage of this unevenly implemented policy to understand the effects of curricular intensification in middle school mathematics. Using district-level panel data from all California K–12 public school districts, we estimate the effects of increasing 8th-grade Algebra enrollment rates on a 10th-grade mathematics achievement measure. We find that enrolling more students in advanced courses has negative average effects on students’ achievement, driven by negative effects in large districts.