cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Abstract 352: Anti-aging Gene Klotho Deficiency Causes Hypertension and Vascular Dysfunction via Upregulation of Mammalian Target of Rapamycin (mTOR)

Klotho is a recently discovered anti-aging gene. Genetic mutation of klotho expedites the aging process and shortens the lifespan while overexpression of klotho slows down the aging process and extends the lifespan by 20%. Interestingly, blood pressure (BP) was elevated significantly and vasodilatory responses to acetylcholine and sodium nitroprusside were impaired in klotho heterozygeous (+/-) mice, suggesting that klotho deficiency causes hypertension and vascular dysfunction. It is noted that klotho deficiency is associated with upregulation of mTOR expression and NADPH oxidase activity and downregulation of Mn-SOD expression in aortas and kidneys. Inhibition of mTOR by rapamycin abolished the upregulation of NADPH oxidase activity and O 2 - production and the downregulation of Mn-SOD expression and decreased BP to the control levels. Inhibition of mTOR also abolished vascular endothelial dysfunction and macrophage infiltration in kidneys in klotho (+/-) mice. The upregulation of NADPH oxidase activity and downregulation of Mn-SOD may be involved in klotho deficiency-induced hypertension which can be decreased significantly by apocynin (NADPH oxidase inhibitor) or Tempol (O 2 - scavenger). These results demonstrate, for the first time, that klotho is essential in the maintenance of normal blood pressure. Klotho deficiency-induced hypertension and vascular dysfunction are mediated by upregulation of mTOR. This study also reveals a previously unidentified role of mTOR in the regulation of NADPH oxidase and MnSOD. (Supported by HL105302 and HL102074).
To the Rescue!? Brokering a Rapid, Scaled and Customized Compassionate Response to Suffering after Disaster

Suffering comes in many forms that significantly impact organizations' operations and performance. As a result, recent research on compassion organizing seeks to explain how efforts to notice, feel, and respond to suffering create organizational (and societal) benefits. Widespread suffering can be generated by natural disasters, which in turn can trigger compassionate organizational responses. In this paper, we build on social capital theory to theorize about how compassionate ventures leverage network relationships to identify and mobilize resources. We also explore how differences in these approaches influence the magnitude, speed, and customization of the response, all of which are theorized indicators of the effectiveness of compassion organizing in alleviating suffering. We use structural equation modeling to test our model and find that compassionate ventures with stronger ties to the local community are more likely to bundle (i.e., stretch) resources, which facilitates a speedy, customized, and large magnitude response. In contrast, those with stronger ties outside the local community are more likely to pursue (i.e., chase) new resources, which results in a large magnitude response, but one that is not associated with speed or customization. We discuss the implications of our findings and make recommendations for future research. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Detection of infection preferences of the alfalfa seed chalcid, Bruchophagus roddi Gussakovskiy, 1933 (Hymenoptera: Eurytomidae) in alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) fields of Igdir, Turkey

This study was conducted to estimate the infection of Bruchophagus roddi in 66 alfalfa fields in Igdir, Turkey during the month of August in 2014-2015, and to determine infection preferences of B. roddi for number of pods in a bunch (NPB) and number of seeds in a pod (NSP). CHAID algorithm was preferred in the prediction of the number of seeds damaged (NSD) through district, year, NPB and NSP. In Aralik district, B. roddi preferred the seeds of varieties with NSP£3.8 (0.858 NSD) at lower rate in 2015. In Karakoyunlu, Tuzluca and Central districts in 2015, varieties with NPB>11 were preferred less but varieties with 9 10 were preferred less but varieties whose NSP was greater than 7.6 were preferred at the highest proportion by B. roddi in Aralik district in the 2015.
Deep learning with coherent nanophotonic circuits

Artificial Neural Networks have dramatically improved performance for many machine learning tasks. We demonstrate a new architecture for a fully optical neural network that enables a computational speed enhancement of at least two orders of magnitude and three orders of magnitude in power efficiency over state-of-the-art electronics.
Rituximab Hypersensitivity: Evaluation, Desensitization, and Potential Mechanisms

Background Rituximab (Rituxan) hypersensitivity (RITS) can be severe and limits the ability to further administer the treatment. Understanding its pattern and desensitization may permit administration in difficult cases. Objective Analyze RITS patient characteristics, hypersensitivity pattern, and desensitization outcomes to optimize management. Methods Twenty-five patients with RITS were referred to the Allergy/Immunology Unit at Massachusetts General Hospital over 5 1/2 years. Their clinical reaction patterns were analyzed. Drug desensitizations were performed using 3 related continuous intravenous protocols that were chosen on the basis of clinical history, skin test reactivity, and the patient's previous desensitization outcomes. Results Of the 25 referred patients, 23 had lymphoma of various types. The 25 patients underwent 170 continuous intravenous desensitizations based on 3 related protocols, with most based on the intermediate protocol. All but 2 desensitizations were completed successfully. Overall 24% of the desensitizations were complicated by hypersensitivity reactions. Two patients with serum sickness and a patient with mast cell disorder were also successfully managed. The average hypersensitivity reaction grade was 3.0 (2-4) before desensitization and 0.41 with desensitization. Skin tests were performed in 18 patients, with 5 patients positive initially and 2 more converted from negative to positive. Skin test status was not helpful for risk stratification for hypersensitivity reactions. Tryptase level was elevated during 21% of desensitizations with reactions but rare among asymptomatic desensitizations. Conclusions Nearly all patients with severe sensitivity to rituximab can be successfully desensitized. IgE-mediated mechanism and mast cell degranulation, in addition to cytokine release syndrome and tumor lysis syndrome, may contribute to a significant portion of hypersensitivity reactions among patients with RITS.
Communicable Diseases, Globalization of

This article examines the spatial distribution of leading infectious causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Beginning with simple models explaining the spatial pattern of infectious diseases, the epidemiologic transition, and disease ecology models, the article focuses on HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, polio, SARS, and influenza as well as sexually transmitted infections such as gonorrhea. It addresses the problem of disease strain mutation and especially drug resistance, and argues for the application of genotyping in medical geography research. The article emphasizes how migration and increased global interaction are producing a globalization of infectious diseases while at the same time, ethnic residential segregation is producing spatial concentrations of infectious disease or different strains of disease.
Breaking Symmetry in Viral Icosahedral Capsids as Seen through the Lenses of X-ray Crystallography and Cryo-Electron Microscopy

The majority of viruses on Earth form capsids built by multiple copies of one or more types of a coat protein arranged with 532 symmetry, generating an icosahedral shell. This highly repetitive structure is ideal to closely pack identical protein subunits and to enclose the nucleic acid genomes. However, the icosahedral capsid is not merely a passive cage but undergoes dynamic events to promote packaging, maturation and the transfer of the viral genome into the host. These essential processes are often mediated by proteinaceous complexes that interrupt the shell's icosahedral symmetry, providing a gateway through the capsid. In this review, we take an inventory of molecular structures observed either internally, or at the 5-fold vertices of icosahedral DNA viruses that infect bacteria, archea and eukaryotes. Taking advantage of the recent revolution in cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) and building upon a wealth of crystallographic structures of individual components, we review the design principles of non-icosahedral structural components that interrupt icosahedral symmetry and discuss how these macromolecules play vital roles in genome packaging, ejection and host receptor-binding.
Economics of red pine management for utility pole timber

Including utility poles in red pine management regimes leads to distinctly different management recommendations. Where utility pole markets exist, managing for poles will maximize net returns. To do so, plantations should be maintained above 110 ft2/ac, higher than usually recommended. In Michigan's northern lower peninsula, approximately 195,000 ac of established stands were suitable for utility pole management in 1980. Landowners can increase the soil expectation value (4% discount rate) on their investment from $4.00/ac to $104/ac by managing for poles along with pulpwood and sawtimber on site index 75, well-stocked stands.
Fundamentals of International Technology Transfer

The term technology transfer appears to have been coined largely in the 1970’s. During that time, the concept of technology transfer began to emerge on an international scale and was quickly coupled with efforts to establish global opportunities for cooperation, collaboration, technical exchange and the creation of joint ventures to perpetuate the movement of technologies on a global scale. However, the origins of technology transfer have far deeper roots in our cultures than this recent period in history.
Burnout and Depression Among Roman Catholic Secular, Religious, and Monastic Clergy

Burnout and depression among Roman Catholic secular, religious order, and monastic (Cistercian) priests was investigated using the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) and the Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression (CESD) scale. Additionally, a Self-Report-Inventory (SRI) was included requesting information on demographics as well as four categories of predictor variables (vocational satisfaction, social support, spiritual activities, and physical environment) associated with burnout and depression. All participants were randomly selected. The survey yielded a return rate of 90.67%. Secular clergy reported significantly greater emotional exhaustion than did monastic clergy. Secular priests also had significantly greater depression (72%), when compared to religious (40.8%) and monastic (39.5) clergy. Overall group comparisons revealed that secular clergy experienced the highest degree of burnout and depression, monastics the least, and religious priests falling in between. The lack of social support and sense of isolation, for secular clergy, were key elements associated with their experience of both burnout and depression.
Faculty Performance Evaluation; One Answer to Accountability Demands

(1981). Faculty Performance Evaluation; One Answer to Accountability Demands. Journal of Physical Education and Recreation: Vol. 52, No. 7, pp. 78-80.
Go Fix It: Comedy as an Agent of Political Activation*

Objective One of the recent late‐night political comedy successes is John Oliver's Last Week Tonight, which includes frequent calls to action at the end of a segment, encouraging viewers to do something about the problem they have just learned about. Methods Using an experimental design, this study investigates the effects of these calls to action on the likelihood of engaging with the issue of net neutrality. Results Findings suggest that exposure to political comedy activates viewers to engage in small but meaningful behaviors, but does not spill over to encourage more difficult political behaviors, nor does it boost political efficacy. Conclusion The call to action, encouraging viewer participation in remedying a problem addressed in a political comedy show, seems effective at encouraging viewers to participate. However, it may not make them feel more equipped to do so.
Demonstration of Infectious Transgression Through the Skull Base Occurring 9 Years After Pituitary Adenoma Resection.

Background Sellar infections represent less than 1% of all sellar lesions and can be life-threatening. These infections occur de novo in up to 70% of patients or can less commonly develop after surgical treatment of another primary lesion, such as a pituitary adenoma. Case Description We report a unique case of a 27-year-old woman with a recurrent pituitary adenoma treated with 2 previous transsphenoidal resections. She ultimately presented with hypopituitarism, followed by headaches, malaise, chills, and visual-field and acuity deficits 9 years after her second transsphenoidal resection. During the second operation, the sellar floor was reconstructed with hydroxyapatite bone cement. On the most recent presentation, magnetic resonance imaging of the brain and pituitary demonstrated a residual sellar mass accompanied by significant enhancement and T2 hyperintensity of the infundibulum, hypothalamus, optic chiasm, and optic tracts. The patient was started on empiric antibiotics and steroids before frank purulence in the sella was discovered and removed by transsphenoidal endoscopy. Cultures were positive for methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus and Propionibacterium acnes. At her 3-month follow-up evaluation, the patient had complete resolution of her symptoms and radiographic findings. Conclusions This case demonstrates the fact that patients with pituitary lesions who have foreign material used for surgical closure can present with infections many years after the initial intervention. Furthermore, with appropriate clinical diagnosis and treatment, the reactive inflammation caused by sellar infection is reversible. We review the literature regarding the risk factors and management strategies for delayed postoperative sellar infections.
Salt-deficient Diet Exacerbates Cystogenesis in ARPKD via Epithelial Sodium Channel (ENaC)

Abstract Background Autosomal Recessive Polycystic Kidney Disease (ARPKD) is marked by cyst formation in the renal tubules, primarily in the collecting duct (CD) system, ultimately leading to end-stage renal disease. Patients with PKD are generally advised to restrict their dietary sodium intake. This study was aimed at testing the outcomes of dietary salt manipulation in ARPKD. Methods PCK/CrljCrlPkhd1pck/CRL (PCK) rats, a model of ARPKD, were fed a normal (0.4% NaCl; NS), high salt (4% NaCl; HS), and sodium-deficient (0.01% NaCl; SD) diets for 8 weeks. Immunohistochemistry, GFR measurements, balance studies, and molecular biology approaches were applied to evaluate the outcomes of the protocol. Renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) levels were assessed using LC-MS/MS, and renal miRNA profiles were studied. Findings Both HS and SD diets resulted in an increase in cystogenesis. However, SD diet caused extensive growth of cysts in the renal cortical area, and hypertrophy of the tissue; RAAS components were enhanced in the SD group. We observed a reduction in epithelial Na+ channel (ENaC) expression in the SD group, accompanied with mRNA level increase. miRNA assay revealed that renal miR-9a-5p level was augmented in the SD group; we showed that this miRNA decreases ENaC channel number in CD cells. Interpretation Our data demonstrate a mechanism of ARPKD progression during salt restriction that involves activity of ENaC. We further show that miR-9a-5p potentially implicated in this mechanism and that miR-9a-5p downregulates ENaC in cultured CD cells. Our findings open new therapeutic possibilities and highlight the importance of understanding salt reabsorption in ARPKD.
A Signal Reconstruction Technique For Power Delivery Analysis

This document describes a signal processing technique to reconstruct the high-frequency current of a DDR4 DIMM at BGA level, by using the current measured at a remote shunt resistor.Simulation results using the reconstructed current show very good correlation with experimental data, proving that the proposed approach is an accurate, reliable low-cost low-complexity characterization technique.
Land Surface Phenology Along Urban to Rural Gradients in the U.S. Great Plains

Abstract The elevated surface and air temperatures of urban environments can influence the timing of vegetation growth dynamics within and across city boundaries. We examined patterns of land surface phenology (LSP) throughout the U.S. Great Plains region, which contains diverse metropolitan areas embedded within a predominately agricultural landscape. We assembled a time series (2002–2012) of Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) Nadir BRDF-Adjusted Reflectance (NBAR) data and land surface temperature data at 500 m and 1000 m spatial resolution, respectively. We derived measures of the vegetated land surface and the thermal regime of the growing season at 8-day intervals using the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and Accumulated Growing Degree-Days (AGDD). Fitting the convex quadratic LSP model of NDVI as a function of AGDD yielded two phenometrics – Peak NDVI and Thermal Time to Peak – and one model fit metric – the adjusted coefficient of determination (r 2 adj ) – for each pixel per growing season. We linked the phenometrics with impervious surface area (ISA) data extracted from the U.S. Geological Survey National Land Cover Dataset (NLCD) to characterize differences in timing and amplitude of peak greenness between urban areas and their surrounding landscapes. Our results reveal the broad control of climatic conditions and moisture availability on phenological patterns across urban to rural gradients, with drier, southern cities displaying more varied responses of peak greenness timing and amplitude to urban intensity.
Topical Agents for Premature Ejaculation: A Review.

Abstract Introduction Premature ejaculation (PE) is among the most common sexual dysfunctions that affect men. Currently, topical medications are considered a first-line treatment option for PE, with no specific medication having market approval in the United States specifically for the treatment of PE. Topical agents for PE include eutectic mixture of local anesthetics cream, topical eutectic mixture for premature ejaculation spray, severance secret-cream, resiniferatoxin, and an assortment of over-the-counter treatments, including medicated condoms, sprays, and wipes. Aim Given the paucity of controlled studies for these treatment modalities, the goal of this article is to review the currently available options for PE to help educate providers in appropriate treatment options. Methods Comprehensive review of published literature, as well as clinical experience were evaluated to determine efficacy of known treatments for PE. Main Outcome Measure The topical treatment options and efficacy of these options for PE were reviewed. Eutectic mixture of local anesthetics, topical eutectic mixture for premature ejaculation, severance secret-cream, resiniferatoxin, and medicated condoms are the mainstay of treatment. Each has certain risks and benefits associated with use as described, as well as relative cost of use. Results Although data supporting the effectiveness of topical agents for PE is limited, prior clinical trials demonstrate increases in timed intravaginal ejaculatory latency time and improved patient-partner sexual satisfaction survey scores on some treatment options. Conclusion More research is needed to evaluate efficacy, cost-effectiveness, potential side effects, and benefits of combined medical and psychological intervention for better ejaculatory control. Butcher MJ, Zubert T, Christiansen K, et al. Topical Agents for Premature Ejaculation: A Review. Sex Med Rev 2020;8:92–99.
Linfadenectomía de rescate en pacientes con cáncer de próstata tratados con prostatectomía radical o radioterapia y tomografía por emisión de positrones (PET) con colina positiva

Resumen Introduccion y objetivos La recidiva ganglionar en el cancer de prostata es un escenario terapeutico controvertido. Las guias clinicas recomiendan el uso de terapia hormonal, tratamiento «a la carta» o incluir en ensayos clinicos. Estudiamos en el presente estudio el impacto de la linfadenectomia de rescate en pacientes seleccionados. Material y metodos Revisamos retrospectivamente a 23 pacientes consecutivos con cancer de prostata tratados mediante prostatectomia radical o radioterapia externa, a quienes se les practico linfadenectomia de rescate desde diciembre del 2005 hasta noviembre del 2015. Se realizo analisis univariante y bivariante para evaluar la relacion entre factores de riesgo y respuesta a la linfadenectomia. Resultados Encontramos que en los pacientes con respuesta bioquimica; la hormonoterapia fue retrasada 14,9 meses comparandolo con los que no respondieron (2,8 meses), p = 0,00026. A pesar de que no se alcanzo la significacion estadistica (p = 0,072), el tiempo de duplicacion de PSA podria ser un factor pronostico de recidiva radiologica ya que los pacientes con tiempo de duplicacion Conclusiones La linfadenectomia de rescate es un tratamiento que puede retrasar el uso de hormonoterapia en pacientes seleccionados.
Toward a Common Framework for Labor Force Statistics in East Asia – A Survey on the Practice and Recommendations

The paper aims to survey the conventional labor force statistical concepts and practices used by selected East Asian governments and to propose a series of alternative frameworks for improved labor force statistics. These frameworks include the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)’ multiple underemployment rate series and the International Labor Office (ILO)’s labor underutilization framework. After carefully examining various problems inherent in conventional labor force statistics in East Asia, the paper recommends that East Asian governments should adopt a common alternative framework for labor force statistics in order to enhance regional economic cooperation and to help design and implement a region-wide coordinated labor market policy in times of financial and economic instability and crisis.
Foreign Military Intervention and the Duration of Civil Wars Revisited

AbstractStudies of the impact of foreign military intervention on the duration of civil wars most often fail to distinguish conflicts in which a single external state intervenes from those in which...
Fertility awareness and parenting intentions among Mexican undergraduate and graduate university students.

An online, cross-sectional survey was carried out between November 2017 and January 2018 to assess fertility awareness among students attending the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) i...
A generative adversarial network-based (GAN-based) architecture for automatic fiducial marker detection in prostate MRI-only radiotherapy simulation images.

Purpose Clinical sites utilizing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-only simulation for prostate radiotherapy planning typically use fiducial markers for pretreatment patient positioning and alignment. Fiducial markers appear as small signal voids in MRI images and are often difficult to discern. Existing clinical methods for fiducial marker localization require multiple MRI sequences and/or manual interaction and specialized expertise. In this study, we develop a robust method for automatic fiducial marker detection in prostate MRI simulation images and quantify the pretreatment alignment accuracy using automatically detected fiducial markers in MRI. Methods and materials In this study, a deep learning-based algorithm was used to convert MRI images into labeled fiducial marker volumes. Seventy-seven prostate cancer patients who received marker implantation prior to MRI and CT simulation imaging were selected for this study. Multiple-Echo T1 -VIBE MRI images were acquired, and images were stratified (at the patient level) based on the presence of intraprostatic calcifications. Ground truth (GT) contours were defined by an expert on MRI using CT images. Training was done using the pix2pix generative adversarial network (GAN) image-to-image translation package and model testing was done using fivefold cross validation. For performance comparison, an experienced medical dosimetrist and a medical physicist each manually contoured fiducial markers in MRI images. The percent of correct detections and F1 classification scores are reported for markers detected using the automatic detection algorithm and human observers. The patient positioning errors were quantified by calculating the target registration errors (TREs) from fiducial marker driven rigid registration between MRI and CBCT images. Target registration errors were quantified for fiducial marker contours defined on MRI by the automatic detection algorithm and the two expert human observers. Results Ninety-six percent of implanted fiducial markers were correctly identified using the automatic detection algorithm. Two expert raters correctly identified 97% and 96% of fiducial markers, respectively. The F1 classification score was 0.68, 0.75, and 0.72 for the automatic detection algorithm and two human raters, respectively. The main source of false discoveries was intraprostatic calcifications. The mean TRE differences between alignments from automatic detection algorithm and human detected markers and GT were Conclusions We have developed a deep learning-based approach to automatically detect fiducial markers in MRI-only simulation images in a clinically representative patient cohort. The automatic detection algorithm-predicted markers can allow for patient setup with similar accuracy to independent human observers.
Research on the influence of pulse parameters on surface charge of epoxy resin

The dynamic characteristic of the surface charge on insulating material is an important electrical characteristic, which can effectively reflect the insulation performance of materials. The phenomenon of surface charge accumulation leads to surface discharge and surface flashover. In this paper, the surface charge accumulation and dissipation of epoxy resin under different pulse parameters were studied. The experimental results showed that the increase of pulse frequency intensified the phenomenon of surface charge accumulation and inhibited the process of charge dissipation. Meanwhile, the increase of the number of pulses led to the increase of surface charge accumulation first and then saturation. At the same time, it inhibited the process of surface charge dissipation.
Correlation Between Morphometric Parameters and Geology of Igneous and Metamorphic Basins in Colombia

The geometry and hydrological response of a watershed is determined by a combination of precipitation, plant cover and soil resistance to erosion, with rock type being a determining variable. Hydrological studies demand important computational resources, in time and personnel that limit its development. However, for basins with similar geology, whether igneous, metamorphic or sedimentary, it is possible to express the morphometry from mathematical relations that depend on simple metrics such as the length of the riverbed and allow establishing the area, perimeter, shape factor and slope of the basin.
Surgeon Factors Have a Larger Effect on Vascular Access Type and Outcomes than Patient Factors.

ABSTRACT Background and objectives Though patient factors are frequently linked to hemodialysis vascular access selection and outcomes, variability by surgeon and surgeon specialty may play a role as well. The objective of this study is to examine the extent to which individual surgeons influence selection of vascular access type, removal of tunneled hemodialysis catheter (THC), and repeat vascular access. Design, setting, participants, & measurements A national claims database was used to identify patients initiating hemodialysis via a THC between 2011 and 2017. Likelihood of repeat AVF/AVG was analyzed using mixed-effects logistic regression. Time from initial arteriovenous fistula (AVF)/graft (AVG) to THC removal and time to repeat AVF/AVG were analyzed using Weibull proportional hazard models. Individual surgeon identifier served as the random effect in all models. Results 6,908 AVF/AVG met the inclusion criteria: 5366 (78%) AVF and 1,542 (22%) AVG. Surgeon specialty only had a significant influence on access type, with vascular surgeons having 26% greater odds of performing AVG compared to general surgeons (P = 0.006). Relative to the other independent variables, individual surgeon identifier had the greatest magnitude of effect on access type (median odds ratio, 2.36; 95% CI, 2.09-2.72). Individual surgeon identifier had the second greatest magnitude of effect likelihood of THC removal (median hazard ratio, 1.66; 95% CI, 1.58-1.77) and second access (median hazard ratio, 1.83; 95% CI, 1.66-2.05), in both cases second only to the effect of AVG, which was associated with greater likelihood of THC removal (hazard ratio 1.91; 95% CI, 1.77-2.07) and lower likelihood of second access (hazard ratio 0.44; 95% CI, 0.38-0.52). Conclusion Individual surgeons are associated with greater variation in vascular access type and likelihood of repeat access than surgeon specialty and measurable patient demographics/co-morbidities. Future research should focus on identifying which surgeon factors are associated with improved outcomes.
Pathobiological Responses to Implants

The introduction of implants in the 1950s revolutionized the field of medicine. Vascular grafts, heart valves, orthopedic implants, contact lenses, wound dressings, and other implants have extended the life spans and improved quality of life. However, the introduction of this new technology is also associated with pathobiological responses that in some cases can be life-threatening. Many of the adverse responses to implants are associated with interactions between components of biological pathways and inflammatory mediators with the implant surface or materials emanating from implants. These responses include complement depletion and increased predisposition to infection, local inflammation and foreign body response to implant materials, symptoms of systemic connective-tissue-like disorders with silicone implants, phagocytosis of wear debris by macrophages and migration to local lymph nodes, immediate hypersensitivity to implant materials, nonphysiological calcification leading to implant failure, extrusion of plastic implants from beneath the surface of tissues, and intimal hyperplasia associated with vascular stents.
Far Infrared Detectors

There exist a large and growing number of useful far infrared detectors. A complete discussion of the properties of each of these detectors, including its practical and fundamental limitations, is far beyond the scope of this chapter. Fortunately, reviews do exist which present much of this material in a useful form. Of particular value are the chapter on detectors in Spectroscopic Techniques for Far Infrared, Submillimetre and Millimetre Waves1 and large portions of The Detection and Measurement of Infra-red Radiation.2 In this chapter some detailed information will be presented on the two far infrared detectors currently of greatest value for the spectroscopy of solids: the doped Ge bolometer and the InSb detector. In addition, heterodyne techniques, which are expected to be of increased importance in the future, will be briefly described and the superconductive Josephson effect detector will be mentioned as an example of a new development. The most commonly used far infrared detector, the Golay cell, will not be discussed since it is significantly less sensitive than the low temperature detectors and since it is sufficiently well engineered that near optimum performance can generally be achieved by simply plugging it in. Although an attempt has been made to keep this chapter self contained, supplementary reading in the above mentioned reviews is highly recommended.
Seizures in Arteriovenous Malformations

Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are congenital lesions resulting from an abnormal communication of arteries and veins in the absence of an intervening capillary bed. The main risk associated with AVMs is cerebral hemorrhage which can be life threatening or disabling. Unruptured AVMs may present with headaches or seizures; the latter have been reported in 24–40 % of patients with AVMs. A few features may predict a higher seizure occurrence in AVMs such as size of AVM greater than 4 cm, posterior cerebral location, presence of a dilated arterial feeder, and impaired venous drainage. Patients with AVMs who do not have a history of epilepsy and experience a first unprovoked seizure at presentation have greater than 50 % chance of developing epilepsy in the future. The diagnosis of AVMs-associated seizures entails using sophisticated imaging techniques as well as electrophysiology to identify the epileptogenic zone. Treatment of seizures may include the medical and/or surgical approaches, with a variety of surgical approaches having shown efficacy in achieving seizure control.
High-level expression and purification of a recombinant human erythropoietin produced using a baculovirus vector

Conditions presently have been established for the high-level expression and simplified purification of recombinant human erythropoietin produced in Spodoptera frugiperda cells. Expression, as mediated by infection with a recombinant baculovirus, was accomplished in suspension culture using reduced levels of serum and media supplements experimentally determined to provide optimum levels of factor production (500,000 U/L). Purification of this recombinant human erythropoietin to virtual homogeneity (greater than or equal to 99%) was accomplished via a simple three-step procedure involving isocratic elution from DEAE-Sephacel, reverse-phase high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) on a C4 medium, and the single-step elution of purified hormone from concanavalin A agarose. Overall, an 890-fold purification was accomplished with a recovery of 80% as assayed in vitro. Biologically, this purified erythropoietin is highly active, possessing a specific activity in vitro of 200,000 U/mg protein. Chemically, this erythropoietin (molecular weight [mol wt] 26,200) appears exceptionally uniform in its oligosaccharide constitution (30%) as contrasted with heterogeneously glycosylated erythropoietins derived from mammalian cells (mol wt 30,000 to 38,000; 40% to 50% complex-type oligosaccharide). Thus, human erythropoietin as presently produced in an insect cell line comprises not only an abundant source of highly active, readily purified hormone for studies of its mechanism of action and cell surface receptor, but also represents a uniquely homogeneous form that should prove advantageous for direct structural analyses.
Revisiting the Koebner Phenomenon: Role of NGF and Its Receptor System in the Pathogenesis of Psoriasis

Nerve growth factor (NGF) influences the key pathological events of psoriasis: keratinocyte proliferation, angiogenesis, and T-cell activation. We have systematically examined the kinetics of NGF expression, keratinocyte proliferation, and migration of T lymphocytes in the epidermis in Koebner-induced developing psoriatic plaques. In skin traumatized by the tape-stripping method (n = 12), a marked up-regulation of NGF in Koebner-positive lesions (n = 7) was observed 24 hours after trauma. Synthesis of NGF reached its maximum level in the 2nd week. Furthermore, cultured keratinocytes from nonlesional skin of psoriasis patients produced 10 times higher levels of NGF compared with keratinocytes from healthy individuals. To substantiate the in vivo effect of NGF secreted by keratinocytes in psoriatic plaques, we studied psoriatic plaques and normal human skin in a SCID-human skin xenograft model. The transplanted psoriatic plaques demonstrated marked proliferation of NGF-R (p75)-positive nerve fibers compared with only a few nerves in the transplanted normal human skin. Our results demonstrate that 1) in a developing psoriatic lesion, up-regulation of NGF together with keratinocyte proliferation are early events and precede epidermotropism of T lymphocytes; 2) keratinocytes in patients with psoriasis are primed to produce elevated levels of NGF; and 3) NGF synthesized by these keratinocytes is functionally active.
Using Normal Deduction Graphs in Default Reasoning

This paper presents a formalization of commonsense reasoning by using normal deduction graphs (NDGs), which form a powerful tool for deriving Horn and non-Horn clauses, based on Kleene's three-valued logic. We show how NDGs, in conjunction with default logic, can be used to answer queries of commonsense reasoning by developing a formalization with results which are consistent with Etherington's ordered network theory. Index terms: Artificial intelligence, commonsense reasoning, default reasoning, first-order logic, inference, logic programming, normal deduction graph.
Biosynthesis of unsaturated sphingolipid bases by microsomal preparations from oysters.

Abstract A cell-free particulate preparation from oyster viscera incorporated [14C]palmitate and [14C]serine into the long chain base sphingadienine. Both double bonds of the product were shown to have the trans configuration. trans-2-Hexadecenoic and trans-6-hexadecenoic acids were not effective in decreasing the incorporation of the radioactive label from palmitate, nor was label from palmitate incorporated into these two monounsaturated fatty acids. Excess sphinganine (dihydrosphingosine) and sphing-4-enine (sphingosine) added to incubation mixtures also had little effect on the level of incorporation of palmitate into the dienic base, whereas about 30% reduction was observed when 3-ketosphinganine was added. Mono- and diunsaturated 3-keto bases were produced in vitro in the absence of NADPH, and 3-keto[14C]sphinganine and 3-keto[14C]sphing-4-enine were converted in high yields to labeled 3-ketosphingadienine under these conditions. These data are consistent with a mechanism involving condensation of palmitoyl coenzyme A with serine and subsequent desaturations of the 3-ketosphinganine to form mono- and diunsaturated intermediates, followed by reduction to sphingadienine.
FASTA Search Programs

The FASTA programs search protein and deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) databases for sequences with statistically significant similarity. The programs compare proteins, DNA and short peptides and oligonucleotides, and run on most popular computers. FASTA and BLAST both seek to identify homologous proteins or DNA sequences. BLAST is faster, but FASTA is more flexible, providing both rigorous (SSEARCH, LALIGN, GGSEARCH and GLSEARCH) and heuristic (FASTA, FASTX/Y, TFASTX/Y and FASTS/M/F) algorithms, a wider range of scoring matrices and different approaches for estimating statistical significance. In addition, the FASTA programs offer options to search a small, representative database, but then the report results from a larger sequence set linked to the initial significant hits. The FASTA programs can also annotate the alignments to include the conservation state of aligned functional residues, such as active sites, and subalignment scores associated with domain boundaries. The FASTA programs provide flexible and rigorous alternatives to BLAST for protein, translated-DNA and DNA alignment. Key Concepts: The FASTA program uses a heuristic (approximate) strategy for finding similar sequences, but the FASTA package includes SSEARCH and GGSEARCH, which provide rigorous algorithms. Homologs can be identified because they share excess (statistically significant) sequence similarity. E()-values (expect-values) report the significance (expectation) of a sequence similarity score. Sequence alignments are more accurate when the scoring matrix matches the evolutionary distance of the aligned sequences. The FASTA programs can align against sequences not included in the initial search using library expansion. The FASTA programs can use external annotations to modify aligned sequences and to partition similarity scores. Keywords: sequence similarity; homology; statistical significance; protein sequence comparison; DNA sequence comparison
Connections: integrated first year engineering education at the Colorado School of Mines

We are developing and implementing the Connections program, an integrated series of active learning based courses and seminars which will allow first year engineering students to develop significant connections among their studies in humanities, social and physical sciences, and engineering. By connecting first year courses via a series of interdisciplinary modules and developing the connections further in a seminar series, we allow students to discover the relationships among the humanities, science, and engineering disciplines they are studying. The result is students who are beginning to construct the "big picture" of engineering as a human enterprise, thereby appreciating the importance of liberal learning in their education, their profession, and their lives. The paper describes the Connections structure including details of the Connections seminar and examples of Connections modules. We also report preliminary evaluation results from Connections pilot courses taught during the 1994-95 academic year.
Lexicalized Aspectual Usage in Oral Proficiency Interviews

This study suggests that Intermediate High and Advanced speakers produce aspectually valid constructions in Oral Proficiency Interviews (OPIs) in large part because they are doing more than assigning aspect to lexical categories (Lexical aspect hypothesis), but because they are assigning lexicalized meaning to discrete verbs, for example govorit' (imperfective)-'to talk,' but skazat' (perfective)-'to say.' Analysis of the data from 55 OPIs conducted with second language (L2) Russian speakers ranging from Intermediate High to Superior confirms three hypotheses: (a) the proportion of aspectual utterances that owe their correctness to lexicalization decreases as proficiency increases; (b) aspectual competence as demonstrated by the greater number of aspectually non-lexicalized verbs in the speech of L2 Russian speakers rises with proficiency level; (c) a decrease in the proportion of lexicalized verbs in an examinee's speech correlates positively with an increase in the variety of verbs used. Other findings include a relative paucity of unprefixed verbs of motion in the corpus and a high ratio of lexicalized forms of skazat''to say,' and their distribution did not correlate with proficiency levels in either direction. The high ratio of aspectually lexicalized items in the corpus and the aspectual inaccuracies to which they lead have implications for teaching students who are approaching Intermediate High and Advanced levels of proficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide stimulates prolactin gene expression in a rat pituitary cell line

Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) has been shown to activate adenylate cyclase and stimulate PRL secretion in dispersed pituitary cells. We have employed the GH3 rat pituitary cell line to investigate whether PACAP can regulate expression of the PRL gene. PACAP increased cellular levels of cAMP in a concentration-dependent fashion (EC50, approximately 6 x 10(-9) M). PACAP also increased PRL mRNA levels in GH3 cells, implying that this peptide stimulates a step in expression of the PRL gene. In addition, PACAP strongly stimulated chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) activity in GH3 cells transiently transfected with a plasmid containing the first 187 basepairs of the rat PRL promoter cloned up-stream of the CAT gene, implying that PACAP stimulates transcription directed by the PRL promoter. The PACAP stimulation of CAT activity was observed at concentrations as low as 10(-11) M. We examined the action of PACAP on expression of a 5'-deletion series of PRL-CAT constructs. The PACA...
Structure and Reactivity of a Cobalt(I) Phthalaldehyde Complex with Both σ- and π-Bonded Aldehyde Groups.

A bidentate phthalaldehyde ligand with both σ and π coordination of the aldehyde groups is found in [(C5 Me5 )Co{(C(O)H)2 C6 H4 }] (structure depicted). This complex is the "resting state" of the catalyst in the ring closure of the dialdehyde to give the lactone. Interchange of coordination modes occurs with a barrier of 70 kJ mol-1 at 35°C. Investigation of other CoI chelate complexes with a single aldehyde group shows that the coordination mode of the aldehyde is dictated by the nature of the bonding of the other ligating group.
VASODEPRESSION INDUCED BY ACETYLCHOLINE IN THE ATROPINIZED DOG

The pressor response to acetylcholine in the atropinized dog resulted from an increase in cardiac output. The pressor response was attributed solely to the release of adrenaline from the adrenal medulla. After giving compound P-286 (N-diethylaminoethyl-N-isopentyl-N'N'-di-isopropylurea) to these dogs, acetylcholine lowered blood pressure, owing to a decrease in total peripheral resistance in the absence of an increase in cardiac output. P-286 presumably blocked the liberation of adrenaline from the adrenal glands by acetylcholine. The blood vessels contributing to the fall in peripheral resistance were not in the intestines. The fall in blood pressure was not blocked by dichloroisoprenaline and it was still present in dogs treated with reserpine. It is suggested that the fall in blood pressure was due to stimulation of ganglion cells subserving vasodilatation.
Neutron capture in the giant resonance region of /sup 15/N

The /sup 14/N(n,..gamma../sub 0/)/sup 15/N reaction has been studied over a neutron energy range of 5.6 MeV to 13 MeV. Data include a 90/sup 0/ excitation function measured in 200 keV steps, and seven angular distributions. The angular distribution data show good agreement with the results of a phenomenological direct semidirect model calculation. No non-E1 radiation is required to account for these data. The cross section as a function of energy is similar to the /sup 14/N(p,..gamma../sub 0/)/sup 15/O reaction and different from the /sup 14/C(p,..gamma../sub 0/)/sup 15/N reaction. These differences can be understood in terms of the different isospin states allowed in each reaction.
Genetic algorithms in noisy environment

Genetic algorithms (GA) have been widely used in the areas of function optimization and machine learning. In many of these applications, the effect of noise is a critical factor in the performance of the genetic algorithms. In this paper, we propose an effective method for obtaining the optimal solution by using an optimal solution list and systematically changing certain parameters of the algorithm. Our results show that the optimal solution list is able to provide a small solution set that contains near optimal solutions. >
Cellular and molecular pathogenesis of periventricular white matter injury

Periventricular white matter injury has a high incidence, particularly in the premature infant. A prominent feature of the pathogenesis of this injury, which ultimately results in disrupted myelination of periventricular white matter tracts, is a loss of oligodendrocytes (OLs). The timing of injury corresponds to the period in white matter development when OL precursors predominate. This article focuses on current understanding of the cellular and molecular basis for the developmental vulnerability of OL precursors that may predispose to their loss in periventricular leukomalacia (PVL). Recent advances in the cellular neurobiology of OL development have permitted study of the processes that regulate survival of developing OLs. Several potentially complementary etiologies for the developmental vulnerability of OL precursors are reviewed: (1) free-radical–mediated toxicity in the setting of oxidative stress, (2) cytotoxic cytokines, and (3) a critical dependence on selected trophic factors during certain periods in OL development. Recent work indicates that these causes of cell death are mediated by a common mechanism involving apoptosis. Potential therapeutic interventions for interruption of the pathways mediating OL death are examined. MRDD Research Reviews 3:96–107, 1997. © 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.