cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Gene-expression analysis of hair cell regeneration in the zebrafish lateral line

Deafness caused by the terminal loss of inner ear hair cells is one of the most common sensory diseases. However, nonmammalian animals (e.g., birds, amphibians, and fish) regenerate damaged hair cells. To understand better the reasons underpinning such disparities in regeneration among vertebrates, we set out to define at high resolution the changes in gene expression associated with the regeneration of hair cells in the zebrafish lateral line. We performed RNA-Seq analyses on regenerating support cells purified by FACS. The resulting expression data were subjected to pathway enrichment analyses, and the differentially expressed genes were validated in vivo via whole-mount in situ hybridizations. We discovered that cell cycle regulators are expressed hours before the activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling following hair cell death. We propose that Wnt/β-catenin signaling is not involved in regulating the onset of proliferation but governs proliferation at later stages of regeneration. In addition, and in marked contrast to mammals, our data clearly indicate that the Notch pathway is significantly down-regulated shortly after injury, thus uncovering a key difference between the zebrafish and mammalian responses to hair cell injury. Taken together, our findings lay the foundation for identifying differences in signaling pathway regulation that could be exploited as potential therapeutic targets to promote either sensory epithelium or hair cell regeneration in mammals.
SU-FF-T-443: Use of Minimum Intensity Projection for Target Volume Delineation in 4D-CT Using Contrast for Liver Cancer

Purpose: To investigate the use of the minimum intensity projection (minIP) methodology for the accurate and rapid generation of internal target volumes (ITVs) in four‐dimensional CT (4D‐CT) scans using IV contrast for LiverCancer. Single (4D‐CT) scans reliably capture intrafractional tumor mobility for radiotherapy planning, but generating the ITVs requires the contouring of gross tumor volumes (GTVs) in up to 10 respiratory phases. The use of maximum intensity projection (MIP) protocols for the generation of ITVs in Lung has been recently shown to be reliable, but cannot be used for Liver due to the use of contrast agents. Method and Materials: We obtained the 10‐phase ITVs using the 4D‐CT data sets contoured by one physician using Pinnacle. The ITVs generated from the minIP volume data sets were determined by automatic contouring. Comparison of the ITVs was performed by focusing on the tumor volumes and voxel positions. Results: The results showed that the differences in the tumor volumes were slight in the lower lobe of the liver. In the upper lobe of the liver, however, we observed a significant difference in tumor volumes between the ITVs. This is because the minIP algorithm systematically chooses the lowest CT value in each 10‐phase voxel set, which leads to a preferential selection of lung tissue over liver tissue in the diaphragm region. In the lower lobe of the liver, the tissue is basically liver or tumor, and so tissue selection should generally not be as complex. Conclusion: The minIP algorithm has not been shown to be robust for the delineation of livertumors located near the top of the diaphragm. In the rare occasion where there is bowel including gas is located near the livertumor, we predict the minIP may also be inadequate for the tumor delineation.
Adenosine triphosphate and thiamine cross paths.

Just when we thought that all of the interesting biochemical cofactors have been identified, a new metabolite consisting of thiamine and ATP has been isolated from a number of organisms.
Metacognitive illusions can be reduced by monitoring recollection during study

Prior work has shown that judgments of learning (JOLs) are prone to an auditory metacognitive illusion such that loud words are given higher predictions than quiet words despite no differences in recall as a function of auditory intensity. The current study investigated whether judgments of remembering and knowing (JORKs)—judgments that focus participants on whether or not recollective details will be remembered—are less susceptible to such an illusion. In Experiment 1, participants studied single words, making item-by-item JOLs or JORKs immediately after study. Indeed, although increased volume elevated judgement magnitude for both JOLs and JORKs, the effect was significantly attenuated when JORKs were elicited. Experiment 2 replicated this finding and additionally demonstrated that participants making JORKs were less likely than participants making JOLs to choose to restudy quiet words relative to loud words. Taken together, these results suggest that JORKs are impacted less—in terms of both metacogniti...
Physical Health Complaints in Combat-Related Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: A Preliminary Report

Research has detailed the psychosocial parameters of combat-related posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but little information has been reported on it's physical health concomitants. Many aspects of the PTSD syndrome may interact to create chronic stress reactions that are related to the emergence of disease states. As part of an initial step in exploring the physical health risk associated with PTSD we examined self-reported health problems in two matched groups of treatment-seeking Vietnam combat veterans with and without PTSD. Overall, the PTSD group reported more current health problems, but no more physician diagnosed disorders than their non-PTSD cohort. Possible mechanisms responsible for the report of health complaints in PTSD are discussed.
Quantum mechanical study of the ring-closing reaction of the hexatriene radical cation.

The ring-closing reaction of hexatriene radical cation 1•+ to 1,3-cyclohexadiene radical cation 2•+ was studied computationally at the B3LYP/6-31G* and QCISD(T)/6-311G*//QCISD/6-31G* levels of theo...
Improved acylated ghrelin suppression at 2 years in obese patients with type 2 diabetes: effects of bariatric surgery vs standard medical therapy

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) produces more durable glycemic control than sleeve gastrectomy (SG) or intensive medical therapy (IMT). However, the contribution of acylated ghrelin (AG), a gluco-regulatory/appetite hormone, to improve glucose metabolism and body composition in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) following RYGB is unknown. STAMPEDE (Surgical Treatment and Medication Potentially Eradicate Diabetes Efficiently) was a prospective, randomized controlled trial. Fifty-three (body mass index: 36±3 kg m−2, age: 49±9 years) poorly controlled patients with T2D (HbA1c (glycated hemoglobin): 9.7±2%) were randomized to IMT, IMT+RYGB or IMT+SG and underwent a mixed-meal tolerance test at baseline, 12, and 24 months for evaluation of AG suppression (postprandial minus fasting) and beta-cell function (oral disposition index; glucose-stimulated insulin secretion × Matsuda index). Total/android body fat (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry) was also assessed. RYGB and SG reduced body fat comparably (15–23 kg) at 12 and 24 months, whereas IMT had no effect. Beta-cell function increased 5.8-fold in RYGB and was greater than IMT at 24 months (P<0.001). However, there was no difference in insulin secretion between SG vs IMT at 24 months (P=0.32). Fasting AG was reduced fourfold following SG (P<0.01) and did not change with RYGB or IMT at 24 months. AG suppression improved more following RYGB than SG or IMT at 24 months (P=0.01 vs SG, P=0.07 vs IMT). At 24 months, AG suppression was associated with increased postprandial glucagon-like peptide-1 (r=−0.32, P<0.02) and decreased android fat (r=0.38; P<0.006). Enhanced AG suppression persists for up to 2 years after RYGB, and this effect is associated with decreased android obesity and improved insulin secretion. Together, these findings suggest that AG suppression is partly responsible for the improved glucose control after RYGB surgery.
Temperature and frequency dependences of the far-infrared and microwave optical absorption in amorphous materials

Microwave and far-infrared absorption have been studied in several chalcogenide and oxide glasses (${\mathrm{As}}_{2}$${\mathrm{Se}}_{3}$, ${\mathrm{Tl}}_{2}$Se${\mathrm{As}}_{2}$${\mathrm{Te}}_{3}$, 3Si${\mathrm{O}}_{2}$ \ifmmode\cdot\else\textperiodcentered\fi{} ${\mathrm{Na}}_{2}$O) at frequencies between 0.1 and 100 ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ at 300 K and at 0.8 ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ between 10 and 300 K. In addition, previously published data for Si${\mathrm{O}}_{2}$ and other amorphous materials are analyzed. The results exhibit comparable frequency- and temperature-dependent behavior for all amorphous materials. The magnitude of the absorption in the amorphous solids over the entire frequency range is strongly enhanced (by an order of magnitude) over the absorption in the corresponding crystalline solids. The enhanced absorption is interpreted in terms of disorder-induced optical coupling to Debye-like as well as to non-Debye-like modes. The non-Debye-like modes dominate the absorption at low frequencies $\frac{\ensuremath{\omega}}{2\ensuremath{\pi}c}\ensuremath{\ll}10$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ at temperatures $10lTl300$ K. It is shown that multiphonon difference processes as well as resonant optical excitations of two-level modes do not account for the experimental observations.
Nucleotide Inhibition of Post-Orotate Pyrimidine Synthesis Pathway Enzymes of Bovine Mammary Tissue

Abstract Effects of various nucleotides are evaluated on enzymes of the post-orotate portion of the pyrimidine synthesis pathway from lactating bovine mammary tissue. Orotate phosphoribosyltransferase shows minimal activation by most nucleotides tested, but orotidine-5′-phosphate decarboxylase is highly inhibited by several nucleotides with xanthosine, cytidine, and uridine 5′-phosphates being the most effective. It is possible that product inhibition by uridine Diphosphate of orotidine 5′-phosphate decarboxylase is an important factor in the accumulation of orotate in bovine milk.
The Impact of Maternal Employment Serious Youth Crime: Does the Quality of Working Conditions Matter?

Social critics and the general public have for some time voiced a variety of concerns related to the increasing entrance of women into the paid labor market. A popular assumption has been that the children of working women are prone to criminal activity. The authors analyze data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth (NLSY), using multiple regression models to examine whether the occupational status of mothers has criminogenic effects on their children during adolescence and early adulthood (15- to 19-year-olds). After tracing the effects of maternal resources, work hours, and occupational controls to criminality, the authors find that cumulative time spent by mothers in paid employment had no measurable influence on criminal involvement. On the other hand, coercively controlled maternal work over time was related to greater criminal involvement (in their children) in adolescence.
A fungal parasite (Ascomycetes: Laboulbeniales) of Cryptolestes ferrugineus (Stephens) (Coleoptera: Cucujidae)

Abstract An undescribed species of Dimeromyces is reported from Cryptolestes ferrugineus associated with grain storage in South Carolina, U.S.A. The fungus was observed only on the last visible abdominal segment of adult beetles.
An Empirical Comparison of Anticipatory and Response‐Based Supply Chain Strategies

This paper reports simulation research that empirically investigates and compares supply chain performance under varying conditions of information exchange and demand uncertainty. Specifically, the research objective is to quantitatively document the characteristics and performance impact of information exchange among supply chain entities. The findings suggest that the response‐based supply chain model consistently outperforms the anticipatory model in terms of customer service delivered under conditions of both low and high demand variation. Comparisons of inventory holdings across supply chain models demonstrate that the retailers' inventory burden is significantly lower in the response‐based scenario. The inventory savings enjoyed by retailers in the response‐based model are substantial enough to lower system‐wide inventories. In sum, the study supports the feasibility of achieving both improved service and lower inventories as a result of information sharing.
Reliability issues for III-V heterojunction bipolar transistors

Abstract This paper presents an overview of known and potential issues limiting heterojunction bipolar transistor stability and reliability based on material properties, heterojunction interfaces, device fabrication, and electrical and thermal stresses. While there has been remarkable progress in recent years in demonstrating the superior capabilities of GaAs- and InP-based heterojunction bipolar transistors, there remain important, unanswered questions with regard to device stability and reliability due to the immature nature of the technology in these materials systems. Based on published reports, the principal modes of device degradation observed to date in these transistors, such as reduction in the current gain due to Be outdiffusion from the base, will be summarized and the current understanding of their origins discussed. In addition, potential sources of device instabilities will be discussed, such as degradation phenomena observed in other related devices, such as semiconductor lasers and FETs, and reports of instabilities in material properties. The aim of this paper is to provide an improved understanding of the current limits imposed by degradation phenomena to device design, fabrication and operation, and thereby enable the development of more reliable, high performance devices and circuits.
Factitious Mastectomy and Hysterectomy: The Importance of Staying Abreast of the Medical Record

Psychiatrists practicing in the general hospital are likely to encounter patients who create or exaggerate medical symptoms, either to acquire some measure of secondary gain as is seen in malingering, or simply to occupy the sick role as is seen in factitious disorder. Here, we report the case of a woman who reported a complex medical history supported by the physical evidence of multiple surgical procedures consistent with her reported diagnoses.
Washington, D.C. update

Summary This article provides an update on recent MedPAC meetings as well as an update on current legislation regarding graduate medical education. Also included are updates on the physician quality reporting initiative and funding for Title VII programs.
Human Nucleotide Excision Repair Efficiently Removes Chromium-DNA Phosphate Adducts and Protects Cells against Chromate Toxicity *

Intracellular reduction of carcinogenic Cr(VI) leads to the extensive formation of Cr(III)-DNA phosphate adducts. Repair mechanisms for chromium and other DNA phosphate-based adducts are currently unknown in human cells. We found that nucleotide excision repair (NER)-proficient human cells rapidly removed chromium-DNA adducts, with an average t½ of 7.1 h, whereas NER-deficient XP-A, XP-C, and XP-F cells were severely compromised in their ability to repair chromium-DNA lesions. Activation of NER in Cr(VI)-treated human fibroblasts or lung epithelial H460 cells was manifested by XPC-dependent binding of the XPA protein to the nuclear matrix, which was also observed in UV light-treated (but not oxidant-stressed) cells. Intracellular replication of chromium-modified plasmids demonstrated increased mutagenicity of binary Cr(III)-DNA and ternary cysteine-Cr(III)-DNA adducts in cells with inactive NER. NER deficiency created by the loss of XPA in fibroblasts or by knockdown of this protein by stable expression of small interfering RNA in H460 cells increased apoptosis and clonogenic death by Cr(VI), providing genetic evidence for the role of monofunctional chromium-DNA adducts in the toxic effects of this metal. The rate of NER of chromium-DNA adducts under saturating conditions was calculated to be ∼50,000 lesions/min/cell. Because chromium-DNA adducts cause only small changes in the DNA helix, rapid repair of these modifications in human cells indicates that the presence of major structural distortions in DNA is not required for the efficient detection of the damaged sites by NER proteins in vivo.
Strategic Responses to Perceived Corruption in an Emerging Market: Lessons From MNEs Investing in China:

Success in foreign emerging markets is increasingly critical to the global market leadership for many multinational enterprises (MNEs). However, corruption in emerging markets is pervasive and ramp...
Fetal autopsy: a review of recent developments.

Objective: To analyze recent changes in fetal autopsy in response to developments in prenatal medicine. Method: During the period 1988 through 1997, 783 fetuses (75% induced abortions, 18% spontaneous abortions, and 7% stillbirths, all between the 12th and 40th week of gestation) with prenatally diagnosed congenital malformations and chromosomal aberrations were analyzed. We divided the autopsies into two periods: period A (1988–92, n=370) and period B (1993–97, n=413). All fetuses were analyzed before completion of 20 weeks of gestation. The malformations of the organ systems were presented according to their frequency for fetuses independent of the weeks of gestation. Results: An autopsy was performed prior to the completion of 20 weeks of gestation for 24% of the fetuses in period A and 45% in period B (P<0.0001). The number of diagnosed congenital heart malformations increased from 16% in period A to 23% in period B. The number of congenital heart malformations before completion of 20 weeks of gestation was only 21% in period A as compared to 42% in period B. Conclusions: In period B, clinical questions were raised in a more concrete form and ultrasound images gave more detailed information than in period A. Access to prenatal findings prior to postmortem examination has helped investigators to develop a specific, clinically oriented, autopsy strategy based on the prenatal findings which makes it possible to diagnose very small malformations and to select sectional planes of special interest. The use of an interdisciplinary database is required for communication.
Effect of Traps Equipped with Blacklight Lamps on Infestations of Lepidopteran Larvae in Field Corn Ears

For 7 years, 1962–68, a study has been underway near Oxford, N. C., to determine the effectiveness of blacklight lamps used in traps to attract tobacco hornworm moths, Manduca sexta (Johannson). The 324–1115 traps which were operated from mid-May to October also captured as many as 900 corn earworm moths, Heliothis zea (Boddie), per checking interval of 3–4 days as well as limited numbers of fall armyworm moths, Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith). Since both these species sometimes attack field corn and cause similar damage, the present paper reports the effect of the hornworm trapping program on lepidopteran insects attacking field corn.
Reconstructive options for gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.

In Western countries, esophagogastric cancers have migrated toward the gastroesophageal junction (GEJ), with adenocarcinoma the predominating histologic type. GEJ cancers are the fastest growing cancers in the United States. Cancer development after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RNYGB) is not well characterized. Altered anatomy poses technical challenges for surgical resection. We report our reconstructive experience with GEJ adenocarcinoma diagnosed after RNYGB.
Transportation and Elevation System for Greenhouse Crops

A closed loop transportation and elevation system for greenhouse crop production benches was designed and tested. Its purpose was to improve access to tomato plants in production. The system met two major design criteria: (1) benches could be elevated, and (2) benches could be interchanged between any two rows within a greenhouse bay. The system consisted of aluminum transportable benches, a pipe track system, transfer-elevation device (TED), and two rear transfer mechanisms (RTM). The centralized work station within the bench transport system, provided the possibility of performing labor studies to evaluate the system/labor interactive performance of the overall production process. The relative comparison of the operation times required for each operation for an elevated versus a non-elevated bench was evaluated and a measure of the relative bench transport time was determined.
Long-term effects of tanoak competition on Douglas-fir stand development

In 1- to 2-year-old Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco var. menziesii) plantations near Cave Junction and Glendale, Oregon, sprout clumps of tanoak (Lithocarpus densiflorus (Hook. & Arn.) Rehd.) and other hardwoods were removed with herbicides in April 1983 to leave relative covers of 0%, 25%, 50%, or 100% of the nontreated cover, which averaged 15%. In 1996 (Cave Junction) and 1998 (Glendale), precommercial thinning (PCT) of Douglas-fir and cutting of nonconifer woody species were operationally applied across the four densities of tanoak. In 2005, Douglas-fir in 0% relative cover of tanoak averaged 5–8 cm larger at breast height and 3–6 m taller, and had two to four times the net stand volume of those growing in 100% relative cover. From 1999 to 2005, Douglas-fir stand growth accelerated more rapidly in tanoak relative covers of 0% and 25% than in covers of 50% and 100%. Differential development of Douglas-fir and hardwoods in relative covers of 0%, 25%, and 100%, followed by selection of ...
Compound conditioning: Component strength in a compound CS as a function of test trial ratio

An active avoidance conditioning paradigm was used in training 48 male albino rats to a compound CS, light and tone. Four groups of subjects, each divided into three subgroups, were overtrained to the compound with intervening test trials to the compound, tone, or light according to the ratios 1/60, 1/30, 1/10, 1/5. The same CS was given on all test trials. After overtraining, each subject received an extinction session to all stimuli. The results showed the component response strengths increased during overtraining. On the first test trial, the response strength to the compound was greatest, whereas on the last test trial, the response strengths to the compound, light, and tone were similar. The effects of test trial ratios were minimal.
Identification and morphological classification of horizontal, bipolar, and amacrine cells within the zebrafish retina.

Horizontal, bipolar, and amacrine cells in the zebrafish retina were morphologically characterized using DiOlistic techniques. In this method, 1,1′-dioctadecyl-3,3,3′,3′-tetramethylindocarbocyanine perchlorate (DiI)-coated microcarriers are shot at high speed onto the surfaces of living retinal slices where the DiI then delineates axons, somata, and dendrites of isolated neurons. Zebrafish retinal somata were 5–10 μm in diameter. Three horizontal cell types (HA-1, HA-2, and HB) were identified; dendritic tree diameters averaged 25–40 μm. HA somata were round. Cells classified as HA-2 were larger than HA-1 cells and possessed an axon. HB somata were flattened, without an axon, although short fusiform structure(s) projected from the soma. Bipolar cells were separated into 17 morphological types. Dendritic trees ranged from 10 to 70 μM. There were six Bon types with axon boutons only in the ON sublamina of the inner plexiform layer (IPL), and seven Boff types with axon boutons or branches only in the OFF sublamina. Four types of bistratified bipolar cells displayed boutons in both ON and OFF layers. Amacrine cells occurred in seven types. Aoff cells (three types) were monostratified and ramified in the IPL OFF sublamina. Dendritic fields were 60–150 μM. Aon pyriform cells (three types) branched in the ON sublamina. Dendritic fields were 50–170 μM. Adiffuse cells articulated processes in all IPL strata. Dendritic fields were 15–90 μM. These findings are important for studies examining signal processing in zebrafish retina and for understanding changes in function resulting from mutations and perturbations of retinal organization. J. Comp. Neurol. 477:371–385, 2004. Published 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Various clinical manifestations in patients with thrombotic microangiopathy.

Background Thrombotic microangiopathy (TM) is characterized by thrombocytopenia and microangiopathic hemolytic anemia in association with diffuse microthrombi in the arteriolar capillaries of various organs. Its clinical manifestation is protean, and a few well-defined clinical syndromes have been recognized. A clear understanding of the consequence of TM is needed to appreciate the unusual clinical syndromes due to atypical presentation of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP). Methods The medical records of patients with known diagnoses of TTP, hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), and the syndrome in which hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelet count are found in association with pregnancy were examined retrospectively from 1981 to 1994 and prospectively from 1995 to 2000. Various thrombotic microangiopathic presentations were identified in these patients. Their response to exchange plasmapheresis was evaluated, and their clinical outcome was determined. Results A total of 74 patients were diagnosed with TM. Among these patients, several well-defined thrombotic microangiopathic presentations were identified. These presentations included TTP in 57 patients, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in 13 patients, HUS in 9 patients, the syndrome in which hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelet count are found in association with pregnancy in 9 patients, peripheral digit ischemic syndrome (PDIS) in 6 patients, pancreatitis in 3 patients, hepatitis in 3 patients, and nonocclusive mesenteric ischemia (NOMI) in 2 patients. Exchange plasmapheresis was an effective treatment, with a response rate of 79%. A poor prognosis was evident when ARDS was present, with an overall survival rate of 46%. Conclusion Traditionally, TTP and HUS are considered the main entities of TM. It is evident that other manifestations of TM, if unrecognized in a timely fashion, can lead to fatality. The understanding of the pathophysiologic consequences of TM and the recognition of its atypical presentations are essential to achieve favorable outcomes in patients with this life-threatening disease.
Role of Neurotrophic Factor Alterations in the Neurodegenerative Process in HIV Associated Neurocognitive Disorders

Migration of HIV infected cells into the CNS is associated with a spectrum of neurological disorders, ranging from milder forms of HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND) to HIV-associated dementia (HAD). These neuro-psychiatric syndromes are related to the neurodegenerative pathology triggered by the release of HIV proteins and cytokine/chemokines from monocytes/macrophages into the CNS –a condition known as HIV encephalitis (HIVE). As a result of more effective combined anti-retroviral therapy patients with HIV are living longer and thus the frequency of HAND has increased considerably, resulting in an overlap between the neurodegenerative pathology associated with HIV and that related to aging. In fact, HIV infection is believed to hasten the aging process. The mechanisms through which HIV and aging lead to neurodegeneration include: abnormal calcium flux, excitotoxicity, signaling abnormalities, oxidative stress and autophagy defects. Moreover, recent studies have shown that defects in the processing and transport of neurotrophic factors such as fibroblast growth factors (FGFs), neural growth factor (NGF) and brain-derived growth factor (BDNF) might also play a role. Recent evidence implicates alterations in neurotrophins in the pathogenesis of neurodegeneration associated with HAND in the context of aging. Here, we report FGF overexpression curtails gp120-induced neurotoxicity in a double transgenic mouse model. Furthermore, our data show disparities in brain neurotrophic factor levels may be exacerbated in HIV patients over 50 years of age. In this review, we discuss the most recent findings on neurotrophins and HAND in the context of developing new therapies to combat HIV infection in the aging population.
Assessment of Healthcare Professionals’ Knowledge About Warfarin-Vitamin K Drug-Nutrient Interactions

Objective: Dietary vitamin K can interact with oral anticoagulant drugs and interfere with their therapeutic safety and efficacy. Therefore, knowledge about drug-nutrient interactions involving vitamin K possessed by physicians, pharmacists, dietitians and nurses practicing anticoagulant therapy was assessed.Methods: Healthcare practitioners were surveyed using a 30-question, 98-item questionnaire on the most common and/or important food interactions with warfarin, drug interactions with warfarin and general drug-nutrient interactions involving vitamin K. The study sample included 160 randomly selected healthcare providers (40 physicians, pharmacists, dietitians and nurses) from 10 hospitals with 200 to 1000 beds from six Massachusetts regions. Random selection was conducted from a pool of selected healthcare providers practicing anticoagulant therapy who counsel patients receiving warfarin.Results: All surveys were completed within three months of the start of the study, and all participants provided usa...
Alternative splicing of fibroblast growth factor receptors in human prostate cancer.

Background Fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) are known to play an important role in the growth of normal prostatic epithelial cells and may promote proliferation of neoplastic prostatic epithelial cells via autocrine or paracrine mechanisms. The affinity of FGFs for FGF receptors 1–3 is critically dependent on an alternative splicing event involving the coding region for the carboxy terminal portion of the third extracellular immunoglobulin-like domain that leads to two different isoforms of each receptor (IIIb and IIIc). We therefore sought to determine whether changes in alternative splicing of FGF receptors occur in human prostate cancer. Methods RNAs from normal prostate and clinically localized or metastatic prostate cancers were analyzed by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) followed by digestion of products with restriction enzymes specific for each FGF receptor isoform and quantitation of the relative amounts of each isoform after electrophoresis. For FGFR-2, this was correlated with immunohistochemistry to determine the localization of the protein product. Results FGFR-1 is expressed exclusively as the IIIc isoform in prostate cancer while FGFR-3 is expressed predominantly as the IIIb isoform, similar to the expression pattern in normal prostatic epithelial cells. In contrast, there was variable expression of the FGFR-2 IIIb and IIIc isoforms. In the majority of cases the FGFR-2 IIIb isoform was the predominant or exclusive isoform expressed, similar to normal epithelial cells, but in a subset of cases the IIIc isoform was increased, indicating a change in alternative splicing of FGFR-2 in some cases. Conclusions In most cases of prostate cancer there are no changes in alternative splicing of FGF receptors, but in a subgroup there is increased expression of the FGFR-2 IIIc isoform. Given that the affinity of FGFs is highly dependent on the isoform of FGF receptor expressed, this information is critical in understanding the effects of FGFs on prostate cancer cells in vivo. Prostate 46:163–172, 2001. © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Epidermal growth factor receptors in rat ovarian tissue.

Epidermal growth factor is known to have mitogenic effects in the ovary. To determine whether this effect is receptor-mediated, and whether the receptor number changes during the estrus cycle, in this study we have evaluated the total and occupied EGF receptor (EGFr) concentrations and receptor binding characteristics in adult rat ovaries collected at diestrus and early estrus. These represent stages before and after the pituitary LH/FSH surges of the estrus cycle. The 100000 g plasma membrane fractions were isolated and EGFr concentrations evaluated with and without 1 mM EDTA treatment at pH 4.5 in order to release receptor-bound ligand and therefore assess the unoccupied and total receptor concentrations. EGF receptor affinity and number were analyzed by Scatchard analysis. No statistically significant difference between unoccupied and total receptor concentration in the diestrus phase ovaries was found. The percent- age of occupied receptors (total-unoccupied) in diestrus membranes was 7.1%. In early estrus ovaries, a significant increase (P < 0.05) was observed in total receptor concentration when compared with the number of unoccupied receptors. The percentage of occupied receptors in early estrus membranes was 35.7%. Comparison between the ovaries from the two phases indicated an almost twofold increase in total EGF receptor number in early estrus membranes when compared with diestrus membranes. Furthermore, the percentage of occupancy between the two studied groups indicate a significant increase (P<0.05) in the number of occupied receptors in early estrus when compared to diestrus. Thus, we have demonstrated that not only EGF receptor concentrations are modulated through the rat estrus cycle, but also the concentration of EGF-like substances bound to such receptors.
Icosahedral Order, Frustration, and the Glass Transition: Evidence from Time-Dependent Nucleation and Supercooled Liquid Structure Studies

One explanation for the glass transition is a geometrical frustration owing to the development of non-space-filling short-range order (icosahedral, tetrahedral). However, experimental demonstrations of this are lacking. Here, the first quantitative measurements of the time-dependent nucleation rate in a Zr59Ti3Cu20Ni8Al10 bulk metallic glass are combined with the first measurements of the evolution of the supercooled liquid structure to near the glass transition temperature to provide strong support for an icosahedral-order-based frustration model for the glass transition in Zr-based glasses.
Trends in Selected Kinematic and Myoelectric Variables Associated with Learning a Novel Motor Task

Abstract Cinematographic and electromyographic methods were used to coordinate the collection of kinematic and myoelectric data on 41 male subjects. The novel motor task consisted of propelling a four-wheeled carriage along a level aluminum track to a criterion velocity by a knee extension movement. Mean performance scores demonstrated that a significant amount of learning took place over 21 trials. The finding of learning over practice provided a basis by which changes in the kinematic and myoelectric variables were analyzed. Statistical analysis consisted of a One-Sample Hotelling's T2 Test and Trend Analysis using a Multiple Regression Program. Data were collected on trials 1, 2, 6, 15, and 21. Results revealed that: (1) both knee joint and ankle joint angular velocities at release followed the same trend as performance scores; (2) two myotemporal variables had no significant trends on the four muscles under investigation; and (3) two knee flexors had linear trends and two knee extensors had cubic tren...
Simultaneous Sudden Frequency Deviations and Sudden Enhancements of the Total Electron Content of the Ionosphere

THE response of the ionosphere to solar flares has been studied mostly by the sudden changes which develop in the D-region. A study of the ionosphere as a whole during flare events is much more instructive but also much more difficult, because ionospheric sounders cease to function because of the greatly enhanced absorption in the D-layer. Sudden frequency deviations (SFD) in h.f. radio signals reflected from the ionosphere provide a very useful technique and have been used extensively for the study of the rapid changes which occur in the E and F-regions during solar flares1.
Cranial deformation and nonmetric trait variation.

Cranial deformation is known to influence many traditional craniometric variables, but its effects on nonmetric trait variation are not well characterized. In this study, we examine the effects of three types of deformation (annular, lambdoid flattening, and fronto-occipital) on nonmetric traits, using a large sample of protohistoric and prehistoric crania. Our results indicate that a few traits are increased or decreased in relative frequency by particular types of deformation, but that these effects have little impact on the calculation of biological distances between groups. © 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Differential gene expression in Alternaria gaisen exposed to dark and light

Character states during sporulation have been used to segregate and describe many small-spored species of Alternaria, but some are not supported by published phylogenetic analyses. The conidiation response of Alternaria gaisen was characterized by selective subtractive hybridization of cDNA produced from cultures of A. gaisen grown either in total darkness or in total darkness followed by scarification and 24 h exposure to light. Transcripts or their translation products were identified using BLAST. Multiple transcripts with similarity to ORF-1 of the AM-toxin gene were obtained from the light library. L152 is a full reading frame EST in the light library whose ORF translation has similarity to the conserved domain aegerolysin (pfam06355). A set of 11 ex-type or representative isolates including A. alternata, A. gaisen, A. yaliinficiens, A. arborescens, A. tenuissima and A. brassicicola were resolved by UPGMA analysis of a partial genomic sequence (415–425 base pairs) of L152, but were not resolved by a similar analysis of ITS sequences. Furthermore, the resolved lineages of the L152 dataset were reflective of the diversity previously hypothesized by morphological evaluations of sporulation patterns. Although the ITS rDNA sequence region is generally accepted as the most likely candidate for fungal barcoding, the analysis of L152 sequences presented here resolved closely related species or species groups where other loci, including ITS, have not. Based on these results, the sequences of putative aegerolysin homologs were variable, parsimony-informative and warrant additional analyses with a broader isolate set including related genera and species.
Dynamics of polymeric liquids using polarization-modulated laser Raman scattering

Abstract A new experimental technique, ‘polarization-modulated laser Raman scattering’ (PMLRS), is presented for the study of the dynamics of polymeric materials subjected to transient flows. A detailed analysis of the experiment based on Jones-Mueller matrix calculus is presented. Jones and Mueller matrices that take into account the integrated effect of the deformed sample's birefringence are developed for a Raman scattering element, using either the 0° or 180° scattering geometries. To test the predictions of the theory a Raman scattering system, based on high-speed phase modulation (50 kHz) of the incident light coupled with phase-sensitive detection, has been developed. This system is also capable of simultaneously measuring birefringence. Single-step reversal extension and step strain experiments were conducted using a polyisobutylene melt. Experiments were done using the Raman scattered light associated with the v stretching vibration of C-H groups present in the specimen. The results obtained indicate that the Raman signal ratios all depend on the second- and fourth-order moments of the orientation distribution function of polymer segments and on the sample's birefringence.
IDENTIFYING URBAN TURNAROUND IN HUNGARY

Changing levels of population concentration in the Hungarian urban system for the period 1870-1 980 are investigated to test for the occurrence of urban turnaround: the switch in overall growth dynamics from agglomeration to deglomeration. The analysis, which uses a rank-size model "expanded" into quadratics of time to account for nonlinear "drift" in the parameter estimates, indicates that the Hungarian urban system experienced predominantly agglomerative trends until the mid-1970s; afterwards, deglomerative trends dominated.
Effect of gas diffusion layer anisotropy on mechanical stresses in a polymer electrolyte membrane

Abstract Mechanical stresses arise in a polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEFC) components since the polymer electrolyte membrane swells and shrinks with the change in hydration and these dimensional changes of the membrane are constrained by the cell assembly and the gas diffusion layers (GDLs). The carbon paper that is used as the GDL in PEFCs exhibits strong anisotropy due to the orientation of the fibers in the material. In this study, we investigate the role of GDL anisotropy on the stress distribution in a PEFC. A finite element model is developed to determine the mechanical stresses in a PEFC membrane. The impact of GDL anisotropy on the mechanical stresses in the membrane is emphasized and it is shown that isotropic mechanical properties lead to inaccurate stress predictions. Due to very low Young's modulus of the GDL in the through-plane direction (0.5 MPa) compared to its in-plane value (9 GPa), through-plane stresses induced in the membrane become negligible. The effects of the water content profiles on the stress distribution are also investigated and it is found that accurate description of water transport is critical for a reliable analysis of the hygral stresses.
A phasmid shuttle vector for the cloning of complex operons in Salmonella.

Abstract Phasmid (phage plasmid hybrid) P4 vir1 can be propagated in Escherichia coli as a helper-dependent lytic phage, as a plasmid, or as a prophage. On the basis of an understanding of these modes of propagation, derivatives of P4 have been constructed for use as cloning vectors. In this report we demonstrate that phasmid P4 (i) will propagate as a helper-dependent lytic phage and as a plasmid in Salmonella spp. and (ii) can be used as a high efficiency phage shuttle vector for the reversible transfer of cloned genes between Salmonella spp. and E. coli. For both E. coli and Salmonella spp., P4 phage-mediated gene transfer proved to be only 10-fold lower than plaquing efficiency. For the case of Salmonella spp., this frequency is ca. 104-fold more efficient than is typically found for the transformation of DNA molecules. The usefulness of this cloning vector system for analyses of pathogenic virulence factors is demonstrated by the cloning and expression of both the P pilus adhesin operon and the hemolysin operon of uropathogenic E. coli.
An X-ray investigation of the high temperature anomaly in pure V2O3☆

Abstract An X-ray investigation of pure V 2 O 3 in the temperature region 300 to 700 K has revealed the presence of more than one phase coexisting from ≈450 to at least 700 K. This observation can be correlated with the high temperature resistivity anomaly and with recent nmr studies on this material.
Comment on Leeflang and Wittink

Abstract While I agree with much of the Leeflang and Wittink article [Internat. J. Res. Marketing 17 (2000) 105], I feel that the marketing modeling “industry” is not as mature as they believe. In my opinion, (1) the models are not standardized due to the lack of cumulative knowledge-building, (2) the penetration of models into actual use is somewhat overstated, (3) there is still much we do not know about marketing phenomena, and (4) marketing is still a borrower rather than a creator of new methods and models. The increased amount of data becoming available makes the future of marketing modeling very bright.
Sulfhydryl−Disulfide Interchange-Induced Interparticle Protein Polymerization in Whey Protein-Stabilized Emulsions and Its Relation to Emulsion Stability

Polymerization of proteins via sulfhydryl−disulfide interchange occurs at the oil−water interface. However, it is not known if this polymerization reaction takes place only within the protein film of an emulsion particle or also occurs between the protein films of emulsion particles. To elucidate this, emulsions made with pure β-lactoglobulin and pure α-lactalbumin were mixed at 1:1 ratio and the time-dependent intermolecular sulfhydryl−disulfide interchange between the protein films of β-lactoglobulin-stabilized and α-lactalbumin-stabilized emulsion droplets were studied. In pure protein emulsions, polymerization of β-lactoglobulin occurred whereas it did not occur in α-lactalbumin. However, disulfide cross-linked β-lactoglobulin−α-lactalbumin polymers formed in the cream phase but not in the serum phase of the emulsion-mix emulsions of pure β-lactoglobulin and pure α-lactalbumin emulsions. The extent of polymerization increased with storage time, indicating the occurrence of interparticle polymerization...
The role of angular measurements for inverse problems in biomedical optics

Using the theory of radiative transport, we analyze inverse problems for biomedical diagnostics. In particular, we study the role that angular measurements may have in solving problems of practical interest.
Small molecule inhibitor of lipoteichoic acid synthesis is an antibiotic for Gram-positive bacteria

The current epidemic of infections caused by antibiotic-resistant Gram-positive bacteria requires the discovery of new drug targets and the development of new therapeutics. Lipoteichoic acid (LTA), a cell wall polymer of Gram-positive bacteria, consists of 1,3-polyglycerol-phosphate linked to glycolipid. LTA synthase (LtaS) polymerizes polyglycerol-phosphate from phosphatidylglycerol, a reaction that is essential for the growth of Gram-positive bacteria. We screened small molecule libraries for compounds inhibiting growth of Staphylococcus aureus but not of Gram-negative bacteria. Compound 1771 [2-oxo-2-(5-phenyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-ylamino)ethyl 2-naphtho[2,1-b]furan-1-ylacetate] blocked phosphatidylglycerol binding to LtaS and inhibited LTA synthesis in S. aureus and in Escherichia coli expressing ltaS. Compound 1771 inhibited the growth of antibiotic-resistant Gram-positive bacteria and prolonged the survival of mice with lethal S. aureus challenge, validating LtaS as a target for the development of antibiotics.
Clinical onset and diagnosis of eating disorders in premenarcheal girls is preceded by inadequate weight gain and growth retardation.

Aim: To study growth and weight changes before the presentation of an eating disorder (ED) with premenarcheal onset. Methods: Growth charts from the school health services were obtained for 45 girls assessed during the period 1990–2000 at Uppsala University Children's Hospital. Measurements of weight and height from the charts and at presentation were recalculated into standard deviation scores (SDS). Results: At their maximal weight the girls were 12.5 ±1.7 (mean ± SE) y old. They were then lighter, shorter and leaner than the general population mean, as evidenced by SDS below zero for weight (-0.43 ± 1.08; mean ± SD), height (-0.45 ± 1.01) and body mass index (BMI) (-0.35 ± 1.07). At presentation approximately 1 y later they had lost 5.8 ± 4.3 kg and were considerably underweight (weight SDS -2.27 ± 1.33) and further stunted (height SDS -0.76 ± 0.97). The point on the growth curves with the highest SDS for weight was observed at 8.5 ± 1.4 y of age. The girls were then heavier (weight SDS 0.35 ± 0.93) and less lean (BMI SDS 0.42 ± 0.97) than the population average. A tendency to track down through weight and height curves before the onset of weight loss was thus observed. Total weight deficit was as much as 31 ± 10% of expected body weight. Analyses of weight and height deficits indicated that two-thirds of the weight deficit and 60% of the height deficit was generated before the onset of weight loss. Conclusion: Girls with eating disorders presenting before menarche may have a long history of poor weight gain and growth retardation before the onset of weight loss. This is in contrast to older girls, who commonly start weight loss at an above-average weight without prior poor weight gain. Since the psychopathology of ED in young girls may be different and less evident compared with older teenagers it is important to be aware that poor weight gain and growth retardation may be associated with early-onset ED.