cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Mindsets Predict Physical Activity and Relate to Chosen Management Strategies in Individuals with Knee Osteoarthritis

ObjectivesWe compared mindsets about physical activity among those with and without knee osteoarthritis and investigated if these mindsets relate to physical activity level and symptom management. MethodsParticipants with (n=150) and without (n=152) knee osteoarthritis completed an online survey at study enrollment (T1). Participants with knee osteoarthritis repeated the survey three weeks later (T2; n=62). The mindset questionnaire, scored from 1-4, assessed the extent to which individuals associate the process of exercising with less appeal-focused qualities (e.g., boring, painful, isolating, and depriving) vs. appeal-focused (e.g., fun, pleasurable, social, and indulgent) versus. Using linear regression, we examined the relationship between mindset and having knee osteoarthritis, and, in the subgroup of participants with knee osteoarthritis, the relationship between mindset at T1 and physical activity (via the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly) at T2. We also compared mindsets between those who use medication for management and those who use exercise. ResultsA less appeal-focused mindset regarding physical activity was marginally associated with having knee osteoarthritis ({beta}=-0.125, P=0.096). Within the knee osteoarthritis group, a more appeal-focused mindset predicted higher future physical activity ({beta}=20.68, P=0.039), controlling for current physical activity, demographics, and health. Individuals that used exercise with or without pain medication or injections had more appeal-focused process mindsets than those who used medication or injections without exercise (P 0.841, P<0.001) within the knee osteoarthritis population. ConclusionIn individuals with knee osteoarthritis, mindsets predict future physical activity levels and relate to an individuals management strategy. Mindsets are a reliable and malleable construct and may be a valuable target for increasing physical activity and improving adherence to rehabilitation strategies involving exercise among individuals with knee osteoarthritis.
Consequences of post-translational modifications on amyloid proteins as revealed by protein semisynthesis.

Abstract Alterations to the global levels of certain types of post-translational modifications (PTMs) are commonly observed in neurodegenerative diseases. The net influence of these PTM changes to the progression of these diseases can be deduced from cellular and animal studies. However, at the molecular level, how one PTM influences a given protein is not uniform and cannot be easily generalized from systemic observations, thus requiring protein-specific interrogations. Given that protein aggregation is a shared pathological hallmark in neurodegeneration, it is important to understand how these PTMs affect the behavior of amyloid-forming proteins. For this purpose, protein semisynthesis techniques, largely via native chemical and expressed protein ligation, have been widely used. These approaches have thus far led to our increased understanding of the site-specific consequences of certain PTMs to amyloidogenic proteins’ endogenous function, their propensity for aggregation, and the structural variations these PTMs induce toward the aggregates formed.
Anticipatory Planning and Dynamic Lost Person Models for Human-Robot Search and Rescue

In this work, we consider the problem of planning paths for a team of autonomous unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to assist search and rescue practitioners. To address the problem, we develop a fully integrated framework that includes information from all aspects of the search environment. We take into consideration lost person motion via a behavior-based predictive model, anticipated human searcher trajectories, as well as measurements from fixed field of view sensors on board UAVs. We use a metric of posterior risk as the optimization target as it is an indicator of improved situational awareness and the effectiveness of continuing search efforts. Monte Carlo simulations are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed framework.
7-Dehydrocholesterol-derived oxysterols cause neurogenic defects in Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome

Defective 3β-hydroxysterol-Δ7-reductase (DHCR7) in the developmental disorder, Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome (SLOS), results in deficiency in cholesterol and accumulation of its precursor, 7-dehydrocholesterol (7-DHC). Here, we show that loss of DHCR7 causes accumulation of 7-DHC-derived oxysterol metabolites, premature neurogenesis, and perturbation of neuronal localization in developing murine or human cortical neural precursors, both in vitro and in vivo. We found that a major oxysterol, 3β,5α-dihydroxycholest-7-en-6-one (DHCEO), mediates these effects by initiating crosstalk between glucocorticoid receptor (GR) and neurotrophin receptor kinase TrkB. Either loss of DHCR7 or direct exposure to DHCEO causes hyperactivation of GR and TrkB and their downstream MEK-ERK-C/EBP signaling pathway in cortical neural precursors. Moreover, direct inhibition of GR activation with an antagonist or inhibition of DHCEO accumulation with antioxidants rescues the premature neurogenesis phenotype caused by the loss of DHCR7. These results suggest that GR could be a new therapeutic target against the neurological defects observed in SLOS.
Social preference in rats not impacted by posterior parietal activity despite overall changes in familiarity-based social behavior

Recent literature points to a potential link between the evolution of complex social behavior and the posterior parietal cortex (PPC) in primates including humans (Parkinson & Wheatley, 2013). Thus far, this theory has been overlooked in other highly social animals that may have also evolved due to social selective pressures. In rodents, there is limited knowledge on the involvement of the PPC on sociality, and most studies of such behavior are limited to understanding social preference. We investigated the role of the PPC through two experiments using the 3-Chamber Sociability and Social Novelty test in rats (Crawley, 2004). In Experiment 1, we used a standard 3-Chamber paradigm, which included two novel demonstrators. In Experiment 2, this paradigm was altered to increase the difference in familiarity between demonstrators such that one demonstrator was highly familiar to the subject and the other was entirely novel. Rats with pre-testing permanent neurotoxic lesions were compared to sham surgery control rats, and the same rats were used for both experiments. Experiments 1 and 2 showed that both groups of rats preferred general social interaction, suggesting no deficit in sociability following PPC damage, regardless of demonstrator identity. Further, experimental and control rats showed similar levels of novelty preference following PPC damage, with novelty preferences increasing in Experiment 2. We argue that heightened novelty preference in Experiment 2 may reflect the increased difference in familiarity between demonstrators. Within the confines of the 3-Chamber task, our results suggest that PPC function was not required for general sociability or social novelty recognition. Because the PPC is implicated in abstract cognition, we argue that existing social tests in rodents may not adequately measure the complex cognitive capacities thought to be supported by the PPC. Future studies should investigate the role of the PPC in social cognition by employing behavioral tasks that require higher cognitive demand rather than testing inherent preference for social partners. Outside of our investigation of the PPC, these results show that social novelty preference can be manipulated through changes in familiarity of demonstrators, and that rats can discriminate others social identities.
Continuity and Change in the Opening Years of Life

Each historical period is characterized by a small number of intellectual concerns that become the titles of celebrated essays. Understanding, emotion, reason, morality, and freedom have many entries because each has been regarded as a quintessential property of human nature. Each remains a puzzle. Although these impenetrable themes continue to dominate the brooding of modern scholars, the puzzle of human psychological development is a relatively recent addition to the list. The reasons for its emergence as an enigma attracting serious study include historically novel apprehensions, demographic changes in the society, and the discovery of information about the child and its plan of growth.
Promoting physical education: the link to academic achievement.

(2009). Promoting Physical Education. Journal of Physical Education, Recreation & Dance: Vol. 80, No. 1, pp. 39-43.
Religious Diversity, Education, and the Concept of Separation: Do Good Fences Make Good Neighbors?

For more than two centuries, the doctrine of separation has been central to Americans’ understanding of the constitutional relationship between church and state. While the practical meaning of that doctrine has evolved in response to shifting interpretations by the courts, separation remains the key concept in formulating constitutionally permissible relations between religious and state institutions, including our schools. Thomas Jefferson famously described his understanding of the doctrine as a “wall of separation between Church and State,” a particularly apt metaphor given the concept’s perennial deployment as a defensive bulwark first against undue state interference in religious affairs and most commonly today against undue religious interference in secular affairs. Even after two centuries Jefferson’s wall remains a rampart manned on either side by two mutually suspicious camps equally convinced of the justice of their cause as well as the expansionist designs of their opponents. But, as the poet Robert Frost once said, “something there is that doesn’t love a wall.” For it seems that Jefferson’s wall is in constant need of mending, often breached — from the perspective of one camp or the other — by overzealous secularists bent on driving all traces of religion from public life or religious fanatics conspiring to foist their beliefs off on others.
Resource use rates and efficiency as indicators of regional sustainability : An examination of five countries

We examine trends from 1970 to the mid 1990’s of some variables related to development and sustainability for Costa Rica, Korea, Mexico, the Netherlands and the United States: first, by calculating energy and agricultural efficiencies over time, second, by examining the environmental impacts of economic activities, and third, by estimating ecological footprints. We find that many “optimistic” arguments about sustainability have been misleading, and that there is little or no indication that we are becoming any more sustainable or even efficient. Total quality-corrected energy consumption has increased for all five countries and the renewable energy portion is decreasing. The efficiency of turning energy into both agricultural production and GDP has declined for all countries except for the US. In general, there is a remarkable linearity between resource use and economic and agricultural production over all countries and all years, suggesting severe biophysical constraints to sustainable objectives. On the other hand, per capita ecological footprints have decreased somewhat in Costa Rica, Mexico, and the United States, while national ecological footprints have tended to remain constant except for Korea. While there has been a reduction of specific pollutants in the United States, some of this has been achieved by exporting heavy manufacturing industries. We conclude that continued population and economic growth in each country is likely to make the achievement of any kind of ‘sustainability’ increasingly unlikely. Sustainability, if that is desirable, requires a very different approach than what we have undertaken to date.
Improving survival with liver rupture complicating pregnancy.

Abstract The reported maternal mortality of 59% that results from rupture of the liver in pregnancy is probably excessive if modem diagnostic and treatment techniques are fully utilized. The rarity and variable presentation should not lead to an incorrect diagnosis and possible fatal outcome. Pregnant patients or patients who recently have undergone delivery, especially those with hypertension, who complain of epigastric and/or discomfort in the right upper quadrant of the abdomen should be considered to be'candidates for rupture of the liver. Ultrasound, which is generally available, is an adequate diagnostic technique inmost patients. Computed tomography and technetium scanning are helpful tools. Ugation of specific bleeding points, compression, deep hepatic sutures, omental pedicles, topical agents, ligation of the hepatic artery, hepatic artery embolization, and other techniques should be used prior to performance of lohectomy. Drainage is recommended. Replacement of blood, correction of coagulation defects, monitoring of respiratory function, and attention to known postoperative complications should improve the outcome of patients with this serious complication.
Axonal Transport and the Neuronal Cytoskeleton

The neuronal cytoskeleton is a system of highly organized polymers that provide architectural support for axons and dendrites, and also provide railways for the transport of various classes of cytoplasmic constituents. Molecular motor proteins use the energy derived from adenosine triphosphate hydrolysis for the transport of organelles along the cytoskeletal polymers and for the transport of the polymers themselves. Axons can traverse exceeding long distances in the body, and hence require sophisticated mechanisms of axonal transport in both the anterograde and the retrograde direction. Keywords: axon; dendrite; neuron; axonal transport; microtubule; microfilament; motor protein
Molecular mechanisms involved in the desensitization of dopamine receptors in slices of corpus striatum.

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the biochemical changes that occur during the desensitization of striatal dopamine receptor. The experimental data indicate that prolonged occupancy of dopamine recognition sites confers subsensitivity to various dopamine-mediated mechanisms, which include radioligand recognition sites and the regulatory subunit of adenylate cyclase. In addition, data demonstrate that the desensitization of dopamine receptors is associated with an increased phosphorylation mediated by a cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)-dependent protein kinase of proteins located at postsynaptic membranes. The data suggest that in caudate nucleus, the dopamine-sensitive adenylate cyclase is a part of a multimolecular receptor complex consisting of various proteins with highly specific functions. The activity of adenylate cyclase is regulated by a tissue-specific distribution of D-1 or D-2 recognition sites coupled to the catalytic subunit of the enzyme by N s or N i subunits, respectively. The experimental data also indicate that during the desensitization of dopamine-sensitive adenylate cyclase, intracellular signals are amplified leading to an increase in the phosphorylation of specific proteins located in striatal membranes.
Avalanches, plasticity, and ordering in colloidal crystals under compression

Using numerical simulations we examine colloids with a long-range Coulomb interaction confined in a two-dimensional trough potential undergoing dynamical compression. As the depth of the confining well is increased, the colloids move via elastic distortions interspersed with intermittent bursts or avalanches of plastic motion. In these avalanches, the colloids rearrange to minimize their colloid-colloid repulsive interaction energy by adopting an average lattice constant that is isotropic despite the anisotropic nature of the compression. The avalanches take the form of shear banding events that decrease or increase the structural order of the system. At larger compression, the avalanches are associated with a reduction of the number of rows of colloids that fit within the confining potential, and between avalanches the colloids can exhibit partially crystalline or anisotropic ordering. The colloid velocity distributions during the avalanches have a non-Gaussian form with power-law tails and exponents that are consistent with those found for the velocity distributions of gliding dislocations. We observe similar behavior when we subsequently decompress the system, and find a partially hysteretic response reflecting the irreversibility of the plastic events.
The Role of Severe Dementia in Nursing Home Report Cards

Health care report cards are intended to improve quality, but there may be considerable heterogeneity in who benefits. In this article, we examine the intended and unintended effects of quality reporting for nursing home residents with severe dementia relative to other residents, using a difference-in-differences design to examine selected reported and unreported quality measures. Our results indicate that prior to public reporting, nursing home residents with severe dementia were at significantly higher risk of poor outcomes on most reported quality measures. After public reporting was initiated, outcomes for nursing home residents with severe dementia did not consistently improve or worsen. We see no evidence that individuals with severe dementia are being avoided by nursing homes, despite their potential negative impact on quality scores, but we do find an increase in coding of end-stage disease. Additional risk-adjustment, stratification, or additional quality measures may be warranted.
The fellow eye in NAION: report from the ischemic optic neuropathy decompression trial follow-up study.

Abstract PURPOSE: To examine the prevalence and incidence of second eye nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) and associated patient characteristics in patients enrolled in the Ischemic Optic Neuropathy Decompression Trial (IONDT) Follow-up Study. DESIGN: Randomized clinical trial with observational cohort. METHODS: Patients randomized to optic nerve sheath decompression surgery or careful follow-up had a diagnosis of acute unilateral NAION, visual acuity between 20/64 and light perception, and were aged 50 years or older. Eligible patients who declined randomization or whose visual acuity was better than 20/64 were not randomized but followed as part of an observational cohort. Follow-up examinations took place at 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months and annually thereafter. RESULTS: Four hundred eighteen patients were enrolled; 258 randomized and 160 observed. Previous NAION or other optic neuropathy was present in the fellow eye of 21.1% (88/418) of patients at baseline. Four patients developed optic neuropathy in the fellow eye at follow up that could not be conclusively diagnosed as NAION. New NAION in the fellow eye occurred in 14.7% (48/326) of patients at risk during a median follow up of 5.1 years. Randomized patients experienced a higher incidence (35/201; 17.4%) than nonrandomized patients (13/125; 10.4%). A history of diabetes and baseline visual acuity of 20/200 or worse in the study eye, but not age, sex, aspirin use, or smoking were significantly associated with new NAION in the fellow eye. Final fellow eye visual acuity was significantly worse in those patients with new fellow eye NAION whose baseline study eye visual acuity was 20/200 or worse. CONCLUSIONS: Follow-up data from the IONDT cohort provide evidence that the incidence of fellow eye NAION is lower than expected: new NAION was diagnosed in 14.7% of IONDT patients over approximately 5 years. Increased incidence is associated with poor baseline visual acuity in the study eye and diabetes, but not age, sex, smoking history, or aspirin use.
Self-structuring antennas for phased arrays

A self-structuring antenna (SSA) has been developed to enable scalable and rapidly upgradable phased array systems over broad tunable bandwidths. The SSAs are of a patch antenna design, utilizing shorting pins distributed throughout the patch face to control current distribution through switch activation. This paper describes the SSA concept, the design approach for this application, and presents measured results of two prototype designs.
Conjugated ionic polyacetylenes: 8. Amphiphilic poly(N-octadecyl-2-ethynylpyridinium bromide)

Abstract An amphiphilic, ionic, conjugated polymer, poly( N -octadecyl-2-ethynylpyridinium bromide) (PNO2EPB), was prepared by two different synthetic processes. One involved a direct reaction of 2-ethynylpyridine (2EPY) with 1-bromooctadecane (1-BO), the other involved quaternization of the uncharged poly(2-ethynylpyridine) (P2EPY) with 1-BO. A fully quaternized PNO2EPB homopolymer was produced in the former reaction, but a copolymer of 2EPY and N -octadecyl-2-ethynylpyridinium bromide (NO2EPB) was obtained in the latter due to partial quaternization of P2EPY. The structure and properties of these polymers were investigated. The study of PNO2EPB formation using differential scanning calorimetry and ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometry indicated that quaternization of 2EPY monomer by 1-BO preceded polymerization of quaternized 2EPY monomer. Fully quaternized PNO2EPB displays a longer conjugation length and an enhanced thermal stability compared with the partially quaternized P2EPY-q-octa and the non-quaternized P2EPY. The study of compression isotherms of monolayers of the fully quaternized polymer leads to the conclusion that the alkyl (octadecyl) chains of the repeating unit are perpendicular to the water interface while the conjugated polymer chains are in the plane of the interface.
Selective intermanual transfer of adaptive effects during adaptation to prism

Complete adaptation to prism has the appearance of a unitary phenomenon; but, at intermediate stages of adaptation, the total adaptive effect can be analyzed into two components which combine additively. One of these two components transfers 100% from adapted hand to unadapted hand, whereas the other does not transfer at all. It is concluded that one is a change in the apparent position of the visual stimulus while the other is a change in the felt position of the adapted hand.
Pitfalls of electric power quality indices

Several indices are in common use for the quantification of electric power quality. These indices are convenient for condensing complex time and frequency domain waveform phenomena into a number. However, a variety of commonly encountered circumstances are not readily accommodated (e.g. quasiperiodic and aperiodic signal components and noninteger multiples of the power frequency). Also, the power acceptability curves have been used as convenient measures of power quality and these curves do not capture three-phase detail of power quality problems. In this paper, the general subject of pitfalls of power quality indices is discussed and suggestions for alleviating these problems are made.
Wear debris from bipolar femoral neck-cup impingement: A cause of femoral stem loosening

The source of wear debris in total hip arthroplasty may occur at various interfaces: metal-ultra-high molecular-weight polyethylene bearings, metal-cement micromotion, bone-cement interfaces, and implant coatings. Wear-induced osteolysis may result in a spectrum of radiographic changes from radiolucent lines to massive osteolysis. Subsequent loosening of the implant may occur and revision may be difficult because of bone deficiencies. Impingement of the femoral neck on the acetabular component may result in polyethylene and/or metal debris, leading to early femoral stem loosening. The five cases presented, involving six hips, illustrate how bipolar cup-stem impingement may result in significant wear-induced femoral osteolysis.
Evidence That the Presence of a Half‐Sibling Negatively Impacts a Child's Personal Development

Abstract. This paper examines the relationship between a child's family structure and his or her development. While most prior research in this area has defined a child's family structure according to his or her relationship to adults in the household, this study examines the relationship of the child to not only adults but also other children in the household. We provide evidence that half-siblings brought into the household from previous relationships affect the well-being of children born into a subsequent marriage who live with both of their biological parents. Stepchildren and children living with both biological parents exhibited more behavior problems and scored worse on reading achievement tests when half-siblings were present. In contrast, stepchildren living without half-siblings in the home fared no worse than biological children without half-siblings. These results not only highlight a previously overlooked at-risk group (children living with half-siblings brought into the household from a parent's prior relationship), but they also illustrate the potential ramifications of classifying children into family structures based on their individual relationship with the householders, rather than based on the family types. The authors illustrate the relevance of these findings to current policy-making decisions regarding marriage promotion policies and child support legislation.
Pushing the boundaries of human expertise in face perception: Emotion expression identification and error as a function of presentation angle, presentation time, and emotion

Abstract Past research results suggest that reliable identification of emotions conveyed by facial expressions can be made either when faces are: (1) briefly glimpsed, or (2) viewed in profile. Of interest was whether such effects would persist when perceivers encountered both manipulations, briefly (100 ms) viewing 90-degree profile faces. Our results show that expertise in emotion perception has limits: Identification accuracy of emotions conveyed by facial expressions was poor when 90-degree profile views of faces were presented for only 100 ms, especially for the emotions of sadness and anger. Our results also suggest that: (1) overall, observers can more accurately perceive happiness in faces than they could perceive negative emotions, and (2) in relatively easy viewing conditions, identification of faces displaying sadness and anger were most often confused, but when 90-degree profile faces were viewed for only 100 ms, sad faces and angry faces were most often misidentified as neutral faces.
The Development of a University-Based Forensics Training Center as a Regional Outreach and Service Activity

This paper describes a university-based Forensics Training Center (FTC) established by a Department of Justice grant for the purpose of improving the ability of state and local law enforcement in the Southeastern part of the United States to address the rising incidence of computer based crime. The FTC effort is described along with supporting evidence of its need. Current and planned activities of the FTC are described
Electroencephalogram and heart rate regulation to familiar and unfamiliar people in children with autism spectrum disorders.

Few studies have examined whether familiarity of partner affects social responses in children with autism. This study investigated heart rate regulation (respiratory sinus arrhythmia [RSA]: The myelinated vagus nerve’s regulation of heart rate) and temporal–parietal electroencephalogram (EEG) activity while nineteen 8- to 12-year-old children with autism and 14 controls viewed videos of a familiar and an unfamiliar person reading a story. Children with autism had lower overall RSA levels and exhibited decreased RSA to the unfamiliar person, versus control children. Both groups decreased temporal–parietal EEG activity to the unfamiliar person. Higher RSA was related to higher social skill ratings and fewer problem behaviors. Thus, the social difficulties of children with autism may be characterized by specific mobilization to unfamiliar people.
On the Theory of Induction

Induction serves three purposes. It discovers hypotheses, it offers evidential support for generalities, and it tells us something about the future. There are no doubt others; but we shall be concerned chiefly with these. The search for evidence involves a peculiar method in the choosing of axioms, while formal guesses about the future rely upon the estimation of chances. Carnap’s excellent book is one of the most suggestive that has yet appeared on the topic. However, he is concerned with its logical aspects. Here we shall be occupied chiefly with aspects considered inherent; we shall deal with sub-topics, such as the phenomenology of induction or the theory of applications, only as they contribute to the broader viewpoint. We shall not impose an explanation upon induction but seek the one implicit in inductive procedures. There is a further difference. Carnap distinguishes logical from empirical probability. The understanding in this article is that induction proper is to be distinguished from the two meanings of probability, on grounds which will presently be introduced. Induction, we shall assume, is the generic name covering three groups of operations: induction proper, confirmation and frequency. All three, however, involve both the logical and the empirical orders to some extent.
Polynucleotide Phosphorylase Is a Component of a Novel Plant Poly(A) Polymerase

We have isolated cDNA clones encoding a novel RNA-binding protein that is a component of a multisubunit poly(A) polymerase from pea seedlings. The encoded protein bears a significant resemblance to polynucleotide phosphorylases (PNPases) from bacteria and chloroplasts. More significantly, this RNA-binding protein is able to degrade RNAs with the resultant production of nucleotide diphosphates, and it can add extended polyadenylate tracts to RNAs using ADP as a donor for adenylate moieties. These activities are characteristic of PNPase. Antibodies raised against the cloned protein simultaneously immunoprecipitate both poly(A) polymerase and PNPase activity. We conclude from these studies that PNPase is the RNA-binding cofactor for this poly(A) polymerase and is an integral player in the reaction catalyzed by this enzyme. The identification of this RNA-binding protein as PNPase, which is a chloroplast-localized enzyme known to be involved in mRNA 3′-end determination and turnover (Hayes, R., Kudla, J., Schuster, G., Gabay, L., Maliga, P., and Gruissem, W. (1996) EMBO J. 15, 1132–1141), raises interesting questions regarding the subcellular location of the poly(A) polymerase under study. We have reexamined this issue, and we find that this enzyme can be detected in chloroplast extracts. The involvement of PNPase in polyadenylation in vitro provides a biochemical rationale for the link between chloroplast RNA polyadenylation and RNA turnover which has been noted by others (Lisitsky, I., Klaff, P., and Schuster, G. (1996) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U. S. A.93, 13398–13403).
Cytogenetically defined myelodysplasia after melphalan-based autotransplantation for multiple myeloma linked to poor hematopoietic stem-cell mobilization: the Arkansas experience in more than 3000 patients treated since 1989

Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) is a well-recognized complication of chemotherapy for multiple myeloma (MM). Serial bone marrow metaphase examinations were performed for MM restaging in 3077 patients undergoing high-dose therapy (HDT). MDS-associated cytogenetic abnormalities (MDS-CAs) were observed in 105 of 2418 patients in whom cytogenetic data were available after HDT. MDS-CAs occurred transiently in 72 patients and on 3 successive occasions (persistent MDS-CAs) in 33 patients, for 10-year estimates of 4% and 2%, respectively; only 21 patients developed overt clinical MDS and 5, acute myeloblastic leukemia (AML). MDS-CA development was linked to lower CD34 yield at collection, longer time interval from MM diagnosis to HDT, older age, and lower platelet recovery after HDT; persistent MDS-CAs were predicted by CD34 yield of less than 3 × 106/kg and need for more than 2 apheresis procedures. Applying a tertile frequency distribution over time to all 105 patients with MDS-CAs, its detection early after HDT was associated with longer time interval from diagnosis and low pre-HDT platelet count (likely resulting from pre-HDT damage), whereas late-onset MDS-CAs were noted among patients treated with Total Therapy 2 and Total Therapy 3 that applied post-HDT consolidation chemotherapy (suggesting possible post-HDT damage). While the risk of MDS-CAs was low and clinical MDS occurred infrequently, monitoring after post-HDT consolidation chemotherapy appears warranted.
Subdivision of the human Y chromosome.

The normal human Y chromosome was subdivided into 6 distinct bands by Q, C bandings and microdensitometric tracing. The best results were obtained from chromosomes not fully condensed. The results reveal that at late prophase the Y can be subdivided in 1 single unstained band in short arm 5 bands in the long arm. These 5 bands from centromere to telomere are: a pericentric C+ band Yq1; unstained band Yq2; C+ band Yq3; lightly stained band Yq4; and a C+ band Yq5. These observational results were substantiated by densitometric tracings. The Yq3 and Yq5 bands can sometimes be subdivided further into a dark and a light C+ zone. The Q band analysis indicates that the distal heterochromatin can be subdivided in two regions with the Yq4 band appearing as a lightly stained zone. We believe the terminal heterochromatin of the prevalent human Y represents a single tandem duplication.
The Effect of Basal Hypothalamic Isolation on Pituitary-Thyroid Activity and the Response to Propylthiouracil

Basal hypothalamic deafferentation extending from the posterior border of the optic chiasm to the mid-mammillary bodies resulted in depression of plasma TSH, thyroxine (T4), and triiodothyronine (T3) concentration to 50% of normal controls within 7 days. Administration of 0.15% propylthiouracil (PTU) in the diet from postoperative day 26 caused a pronounced drop in the plasma T3 level and a rise in plasma TSH level within two days in the control animals, but had little effect during this interval in the deafferented animals. After 12 days of PTU, plasma T3 and T4 concentrations had dropped to undetectable concentrations in the control animals but both were still detectable in the deafferented animals. After 25 days of PTU, plasma T4 and T3 levels were undetectable and plasma TSH levels were significantly elevated above normal in all animals. Thyroid hypertrophy at that time was as great in the deafferented as in the control rats, although plasma TSH concentration was 50% lower in the former. Administratio...
Elastic Moduli of Cells Undergoing Neoplastic Transformation

Using an Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) with a 5.3 um diameter spherical probe we determined the elastic modulus of human mammary epithelial cells (HMEC) as they undergo neoplastic transformation from normal to immortal, tumorigenic, and finally metastatic. We did the measurements over both cytoplasmic and nuclear regions; and as a function of the cells location with respect to a colony (inside a colony, on the periphery of a colony, isolated cells).Tumorigenic and metastatic cells will grow in multiple layers rather than as a colony when confluence increases. So our measurements do not include the inside of a colony part for tumorigenic and metastatic cells. Normal cells show a significant difference in modulus depending on their colony environment. Measurements to date indicate that the cytoplasmic moduli in these 3 different environments for normal HMEC cells are 220 +/- 40 Pa, 380 +/- 50 Pa, and 650 +/- 70 Pa respectively (modulus +/- sem). We expect to report moduli under similar conditions for immortalized and tumorigenic HMEC cells and metastatic cells known as MDA-MB-231. In addition, for normal HMEC cells, we observe moduli differences due to cellular structures with the nuclear modulus being significantly higher (280 +/- 30 Pa, 680 +/- 90 Pa, and 690 +/- 100 Pa respectively) than the modulus of the cytoplasm. We also plan to report on these structural differences for immortalized, tumorigenic and metastatic versions of HMEC cells.This work is supported by NSF Materials and Surface Engineering grant CMMI-1152781.
Polypropylene-graphite nanocomposites made by solid-state shear pulverization: Effects of significantly exfoliated, unmodified graphite content on physical, mechanical and electrical properties

Abstract Nanocomposites made from polypropylene and as-received graphite were prepared by solid-state shear pulverization (SSSP) as a function of graphite loading (0.3–8.4 wt%). X-ray diffraction indicates that SSSP employing harsh pulverization conditions yields substantial graphite exfoliation at 0.3–2.7 wt% graphite content with less exfoliation being achieved at higher graphite content. With increasing graphite content, thermal degradation temperature and non-isothermal onset crystallization temperature increase substantially (by as much as 35 and 23 °C relative to neat polypropylene) while isothermal crystallization half-time decreases dramatically. In contrast, Young’s modulus and tensile yield strength exhibit maxima (∼100% and ∼60% increases, respectively, relative to neat polypropylene) at 2.7 wt% graphite content, with all nanocomposites retaining high elongation at break values except at the highest filler loading. Electrical conductivity measurements indicate percolation of graphite at 2.7 wt% and higher graphite content, consistent with rheology measurements showing the presence of a solid-like response of melt-state shear storage modulus as a function of frequency. Significant tunability of graphite exfoliation and property enhancements is demonstrated as a function of SSSP processing.
Relationship between ataxin-1 nuclear inclusions and Purkinje cell specific proteins in SCA-1 transgenic mice

Spinocerebellar ataxia-1 (SCA-1), like other polyglutamine diseases, is associated with aggregation of mutant protein ataxin-1 in the nuclei of susceptible neurons. The role of ataxin-1 aggregates in the pathogenesis of susceptible neurons, especially cerebellar Purkinje cells, is unknown. The present study was initiated to determine the temporal relationship between ataxin-1 aggregation and the sequence of specific biochemical changes in Purkinje cells in SCA-1 transgenic mice (TM). Earlier, we demonstrated that SCA-1 TM with no Purkinje cell loss and no alterations in home cage behavior show decreased expression of calcium-binding proteins calbindin-D28k (CaB) and parvalbumin (PV) in Purkinje cells. To determine if increased expression of mutant ataxin-1 in TM is also associated with earlier biochemical changes in Purkinje cells, both heterozygous and homozygous (B05 line of SCA-1) TM were used. The age of onset of ataxia in SCA-1 TM was at 12 weeks in heterozygotes and 6 weeks in homozygotes. In 6 week old heterozygous TM, Western blot analysis of growth associated protein 43 (GAP-43) and synaptophysin revealed no significant alterations as compared with the age-matched nontransgenic mice (nTM), whereas CaB was significantly reduced. β-III-Tubulin was used as a specific Purkinje cell marker protein, immunohistochemical localization showed strong β-III-tubulin immunoreactivity (IR) in Purkinje cells in 6 week old heterozygous TM, whereas CaB and PV IR were markedly reduced in the same neurons (double immunofluorescence staining). Most Purkinje cells from heterozygous (12 weeks old) and homozygous (6 weeks old) TM contained ataxin-1 nuclear inclusions (NIs). Cells with and without visible NIs revealed reduced PV and CaB IR; however, the changes were overtly more severe in cells with visible NIs. In contrast, the same cells were strongly immunoreactive to β-III-tubulin. CaB, which is also present in the nucleus, colocalized with ataxin-1 and ubiquitin positive NIs. Further, RT-PCR analysis of CaB mRNA in the cerebellum in 6 week old heterozygous TM demonstrated a significant decrease in mRNA in comparison with the aged-matched nTM. These data suggest that there are selective alterations in the expression of CaB and PV in Purkinje cells which possibly occur earlier than ataxin-1 aggregation. Further, we speculate that ataxin-1 aggregates may not be toxic in general; however, they may deplete specific proteins essential for Purkinje cell viability in SCA-1 TM.
A note on the estimation of evoked response

The traditional average evoked response is compared and contrasted with several alternate estimates, derived from frequency domain considerations, for a model of evoked responses superimposed upon a stationary noise series. Further, a means of constructing approximate confidence intervals for the values of an evoked response is indicated. The case of several simultaneously recorded series is also considered.
Mechanisms and results of balloon angioplasty for the treatment of in-stent restenosis.

Restenosis within tubular slotted stents is secondary to intimal hyperplasia and is usually treated with percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA). Sequential intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) was used to assess the mechanisms and results of PTCA for in-stent restenosis. Sixty-four restenotic Palmaz-Schatz stents were studied by IVUS imaging before and after PTCA. IVUS measurements of stent and lumen cross-sectional areas (CSAs) at 5 segments (proximal and distal stent edges, proximal and distal stent bodies, and the central articulation) were used to calculate intimal hyperplasia CSA (stent — lumen CSA). The results of the 5 segments were then averaged. Mean and minimum CSAs were compared before and after PTCA. Quantitative angiographic measurements showed a minimal lumen diameter increase from 1.05 ± 0.63 mm (mean ± 1 SD) before intervention to 2.77 ± 0.51 mm after PTCA (p <0.0001). Conversely, the diameter stenosis decreased from 63 ± 19% to 18 ± 12% (p <0.0001). IVUS measurements showed a minimum lumen CSA increase from 2.3 ± 1.3 mm2 to 6.1 ± 2.2 mm2 (p <0.0001) as a result of an increased minimum stent CSA (7.2 ± 2.4 mm2 to 8.7 ± 2.6 mm2, p <0.0001) and a decreased intimal hyperplasia CSA within the stent (4.9 ± 2.2 mm2 to 2.7 ± 2.0 mm2, p <0.0001). Of the total mean lumen enlargement, 56 ± 28% was the result of additional stent expansion and 44 ± 28% was the result of a decrease in neointimal tissue. The minimum lumen CSA after PTCA was significantly smaller than the minimum stent CSA before PTCA (presumably an accurate reflection of lumen dimensions immediately after stent implantation; p = 0.0002). The mechanism of PTCA for restenosis is a combination of additional stent expansion and tissue extrusion out of the stent; there is a relatively high residual stenosis (angiographic diameter stenosis of 18 ± 12%). (Am J Cardiol 1996;78:618–622)
A phase I trial of chlorambucil administered in short pulses in patients with advanced malignancies

AbstractWe carried out a phase I trial with chlorambucil. Thirty patients with advanced cancer were entered in six dose levels: 36, 48, 60, 84, 108, and 144 mg/m2. The drug was given in six divided oral doses every 6 hours and the regimen was repeated every 3 weeks. The median age was 62 years (31-84), median Kamofsky performance status (KPS) 60 (40-90). All patients but one had received prior radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or both. Central nervous system toxicity was dose limiting, occurring in 5 of 6 patients at 144 mg/m2. It was characterized by transient seizures, hallucinations, lethargy, stupor, and coma. Metoclopramide was successful in controlling nausea and vomiting, which was severe if the antiemetic was not used. Leukopenia (3 patients) and thrombocytopenia (2 patients) were mild. One patient with colorectal carcinoma had a minor response, and two patients with non-small cell lung cancer had stable disease. A safe dose for phase II trials is 108 mg/m2 in six 6-hourly oral doses.
Hexagonal tight frame filter banks with idealized high-pass filters

This paper studies the construction of hexagonal tight wavelet frame filter banks which contain three “idealized” high-pass filters. These three high-pass filters are suitable spatial shifts and frequency modulations of the associated low-pass filter, and they are used by Simoncelli and Adelson in (Proc IEEE 78:652–664, 1990) for the design of hexagonal filter banks and by Riemenschneider and Shen in (Approximation Theory and Functional Analysis, pp. 133–149, Academic Press, Boston 1991; J. Approx Theory 71:18–38 1992) for the construction of 2-dimensional orthogonal filter banks. For an idealized low-pass filter, these three associated high-pass filters separate high frequency components of a hexagonal image in 3 different directions in the frequency domain. In this paper we show that an idealized tight frame, a frame generated by a tight frame filter bank containing the “idealized” high-pass filters, has at least 7 frame generators. We provide an approach to construct such tight frames based on the method by Lai and Stockler in (Appl Comput Harmon Anal 21:324–348, 2006) to decompose non-negative trigonometric polynomials as the summations of the absolute squares of other trigonometric polynomials. In particular, we show that if the non-negative trigonometric polynomial associated with the low-pass filter p can be written as the summation of the absolute squares of other 3 or less than 3 trigonometric polynomials, then the idealized tight frame associated with p requires exact 7 frame generators. We also discuss the symmetry of frame filters. In addition, we present in this paper several examples, including that with the scaling functions to be the Courant element B 111 and the box-spline B 222. The tight frames constructed in this paper will have potential applications to hexagonal image processing.
Mouse killing, insect predation, and conspecific attack by rats with differing prior aggressive experience.

Abstract Mouse-killing, cockroach predation, and conspecific attack were examined in male Long-Evans rats with a history of intraspecific aggression (n=20), defeat (n=20), or no aggressive experience (n=20). Roaches were more likely to be attacked during 30 min tests, and were attacked more rapidly than mice or rats regardless of previous social experience of subjects. Rats with aggressive experience attacked conspecifics more readily than subjects with defeat or no experience. There was no effect of prior experience on mouse-killing. These results indicate that mouse-killing does not correspond closely to either predation or intraspecific attack.
The Dynamics of Cell Proliferation in Haploid and Diploid Tissues of Nicotiana tabacum

Summary Haploid plants of Nicotiana tabacum were obtained by culturing anthers at the microspore stage. Explants of pith tissue from haploid as well as diploid plants were grown in vitro, and changes in cell number, cell size, and fresh weight were determined over a 16-day period. In the tissue from diploid plants a decrease in cell size was seen after the eighth day in culture, but the tissues from haploid plants exhibited a slight increase in cell size. Spectrophotometric determination of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) was made to investigate the time course of DNA synthesis during cell proliferation and culture. A wide range of ploidy levels was seen in the fresh pith tissues of both haploid and diploid .plants. Culture of these tissues resulted in increased levels of ploidy in a large proportion of the cells. In general, cells with lower DNA content per nucleus entered the cell cycle sooner than those with a higher amount. After an extended period of time in culture both haploid and diploid cxplants showed a variety of polyploid and aneuploid cells. The effects of pfluorophenylalanine (PFP) on explant growth and ploidy were tested. PFP was inhibitory to the growth of all cells, but haploid cells were inhibited slightly less than those of higher ploidy. Spectrophotometric data are presented to demonstrate that PFP can be used to maintain - or even increase - the population of haploid cells in tissue cultures derived from haploid plants of tobacco.