cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Prolonged c-jun expression in irradiated ataxia telangiectasia fibroblasts

Purpose: Ataxia telangiectasia (AT) is an autosomal recessive disorder associated with radiation sensitivity and anincreased incidence of leukemia, lymphoma, and some solid tumors. After exposure to ionizbtg radiation, cells from patients with AT demonstrate an attenuated G,-phase checkpoint. Because c-jun is known to reguiate, in part, the exit from G, and the onset of DNA replication, we analyzed c@n transcription in irradiated .4T fibroblasts. Methods and Materials: ATSBI fibroblasts were irradiated and RNA was extracted and assayed for c-jun expression by Northern blot analysis. Transcriptional regulation of c-&n was evaluated by use of the 5’ untrzmslated region of the jun promoter linked to the chloramphenicol acetyl transferase (CAT) reporter gene. Deletion mutants of the RSRF, SP-1, AP-1, and CCAAT domains within the jun promoter linked to the CAT reporter were transfected into AT531 cells. Transfectants were irradiated, and CAT expression was qua&Bed. After x-irradiation, nuclear protein binding to CCAAT was evaluated by an electrophoretic mobility shii assay. Results: X-ray-mediated c-&n expression was sustained in ATSBI cells as compared to only transient expression -irradiated normal diploid fibroblasts. Mutation of either the AP-1 or CCAAT domains within the c-jun promoter reduced transcription by 50% and combined deletion of both AP-1 and CCAAT cis-aetingelementsentirely eliminated radiation-mediated transcriptional activation. Electrophoretic mobility gel &ii assay of t&e nuclear proteins isolated from irradiated AT fibroblasts demonstrated their increased binding to the CCAAT sequence at 30 mln after irradiation. Competition for nuclear protein binding to the CCAAT sequence with excess cold CCAAT demonstrated that protein binding to this sequence was specific. These findings were distinct from induction by phorbol esthers in that the RSRF c&-acting element and DNA segments upstream of -’ 132 base pairs do participate in e.j,n induction by phorbol esthers but not by radiation. Conclusions: Radiation-mediated transcriptional regulation of c-jun is prolonged in AT fibroblasts and is regulated in combinatorial control by the AP-1 and CCAAT domains, and transcriptional regulation is distinct from that induced by phorbol esthers. Copyright 0 1996 Elsevier Science Inc. Radiation, Ataxia telangiectasia, c&n, CCAAT box.
Neurosensory Perception of Environmental Cues Modulates Sperm Motility Critical for Fertilization

Environmental exposures affect gamete function and fertility, but the mechanisms are poorly understood. Here, we show that pheromones sensed by ciliated neurons in the Caenorhabditis elegans nose alter the lipid microenvironment within the oviduct, thereby affecting sperm motility. In favorable environments, pheromone-responsive sensory neurons secrete a transforming growth factor-β ligand called DAF-7, which acts as a neuroendocrine factor that stimulates prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase [cyclooxygenase (Cox)]-independent prostaglandin synthesis in the ovary. Oocytes secrete F-class prostaglandins that guide sperm toward them. These prostaglandins are also synthesized in Cox knockout mice, raising the possibility that similar mechanisms exist in other animals. Our data indicate that environmental cues perceived by the female nervous system affect sperm function.
Effects of high-dose prepartum injections of Se and vitamin E on milk and serum concentrations in ewes

Abstract An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of relatively high-dose Se and vitamin E injections to pregnant ewes on serum Se and α-tocopherol concentrations of the dam and their offspring, the Se concentrations of colostrum and milk, and the relative lasting effects of these nutrients in the body. Ewes were randomly assigned to seven experimental groups that included treatment combinations of three levels of Se (0, 1.0 and 1.5 mg of Se per kg BW) and two levels of vitamin E (4.5 and 9.0 mg of α-tocopherol per kg BW). A control group received no supplementary Se or vitamin E. Treatments were administered 1 month prior to lambing with the quantity split into equal doses, the second dose being administered 8–10 days after the first. Treatment had no effect on serum Se concentrations of lambs or serum vitamin E concentrations of ewes. Serum Se in ewes was higher ( P P P P P P P
Interferon-γ and sinusoidal electric fields signal by modulating NAD(P)H oscillations in polarized neutrophils

Metabolic activity in eukaryotic cells is known to naturally oscillate. We have recently observed a 20-s period NAD(P)H oscillation in neutrophils and other polarized cells. Here we show that when polarized human neutrophils are exposed to interferon-gamma or to ultra-low-frequency electric fields with periods double that of the NAD(P)H oscillation, the amplitude of the NAD(P)H oscillations increases. Furthermore, increases in NAD(P)H amplitude, whether mediated by interferon-gamma or by an oscillating electric field, signals increased production of reactive oxygen metabolites. Hence, amplitude modulation of NAD(P)H oscillations suggests a novel signaling mechanism in polarized cells.
Multilingualism: spontaneous orders and System D: a concluding note

I would like to express my gratitude to the editor of this Special Issue for the opportunity to reflect on the articles. Even though this volume covers a wide range of issues, it has one underlying...
Benjamin Franklin Re-Examined: The Eternal American

Douglas Anderson. The Unfinished Life of Benjamin Franklin. Baltimore: The Johns Hopkins University Press, 2012. 232 pp., $55.00, ISBN 978-1421405230. Sheila L. Skemp. The Making of a Patriot: Benj...
Everyman's Doppler Satellite Navigation System

This paper describes a system of navigation by measurement of the Doppler shift in the radio transmissions from a near-Earth satellite, and simple equipment for making the measurements. It also shows that the current information which is needed by the navigator can be reduced to a number containing six decimal digits. Finally, it shows that the computations needed for the navigator to obtain a fix can be performed witlh the aid of tables that can be prepared at least 18 months in advance. Using these tables and a simple slide rule, but no other computational aids, a fix accurate to about 500 meters can be obtained in about 10 minutes. More accuracy can be obtained at the expense of time, or time can be saved at the expense of accuracy.
Predictors of survival after surgical treatment of spinal metastasis.

BACKGROUND: Surgery for spinal metastasis is a palliative treatment aimed at improving patient quality of life by alleviating pain and reversing or delaying neurologic dysfunction, but with a mean survival time of less than 1 year and significant complication rates, appropriate patient selection is crucial. OBJECTIVE: To identify the most significant prognostic variables of survival after surgery for spinal metastasis. METHODS: Chart review was performed on 200 surgically treated spinal metastasis patients at Stanford Hospital between 1999 and 2009. Survival analysis was performed and variables entered into a Cox proportional hazards model to determine their significance. RESULTS: Median overall survival was 8.0 months, with a 30-day mortality rate of 3.0% and a 30-day complication rate of 34.0%. A Cox proportional hazards model showed radiosensitivity of the tumor (hazard ratio: 2.557, P < .001), preoperative ambulatory status (hazard ratio: 2.355, P = .0001), and Charlson Comorbidity Index (hazard ratio: 2.955, P < .01) to be significant predictors of survival. Breast cancer had the best prognosis (median survival, 27.1 months), whereas gastrointestinal tumors had the worst (median survival, 2.66 months). CONCLUSION: We identified the Charlson Comorbidity Index score as one of the strongest predictors of survival after surgery for spinal metastasis. We confirmed previous findings that radiosensitivity of the tumor and ambulatory status are significant predictors of survival.
Contribution of self‐grooming to onset of puberty in male rats

Self-grooming was observed to increase during the prepubertal period of Long-Evans rats. Males were significantly more likely than females to engage in genital grooming during this period. To determine whether self-grooming contributes to the onset of puberty, males were fitted with collars that either prevented or allowed self-grooming of hindquarters or were left uncollared from 27 to 48 or 55 days of age when autopsied to determine weight of accessory organs. Ventral, dorsal, and lateral prostates and seminal vesicles were significantly lighter in those rats wearing collars that prevented self-grooming. It was concluded that self-grooming, probably of the genitals, contributes to accessory organ growth in males of this species.
Articulation of angled semicircular microfibers for a gecko-inspired anisotropic adhesive

A highly reusable synthetic gecko-inspired adhesive has been developed using angled polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) semicircular microscale fiber arrays, retaining up to 77% of the initial adhesion force over 10,000 repeated test cycles against a flat glass puck without exhibiting fiber wear. The dynamic adhesion and shear force measurements demonstrate the importance of specific shearing articulation to effectively switch the adhesion obtained from a maximum of 9.4 kPa for attachment to a minimum of zero for easy detachment. A maximum shear force of 85 kPa was also obtained, approaching the 88-226 kPa range reported for gecko feet and digits.
A randomized trial evaluating amiodarone for prevention of atrial fibrillation after pulmonary resection.

Background Atrial fibrillation (AF) occurs commonly after anatomic pulmonary resection. In this study, the efficacy of amiodarone for prevention of post–pulmonary resection AF was investigated. Methods One hundred thirty patients undergoing lobectomy, bilobectomy, or pneumonectomy were randomly assigned prospectively to receive amiodarone (n = 65) or no prophylaxis (control group, n=65). The amiodarone group received 1,050 mg by continuous intravenous infusion over 24 hours, initiated at the time of anesthesia induction, followed by 400 mg orally twice daily until hospital discharge or for a maximum of 6 days. The primary endpoint was AF requiring treatment during hospitalization. Secondary endpoints included postoperative length of hospital and intensive care unit stays. Results There were no significant differences between the amiodarone and control groups in demographics, comorbid conditions, extent of pulmonary resection, or preoperative or postoperative use of β-blockers or calcium-channel blockers. The incidence of AF was lower in the amiodarone group than in the control group (13.8% versus 32.3%, p = 0.02; relative risk reduction=57%). There was no difference between the amiodarone and control groups in median length of hospital stay (7 versus 8 days, p = 0.79), but median length of intensive care unit stay was shorter in the amiodarone group (46 versus 84 hours, p = 0.03). There was no significant difference between the amiodarone and control groups in the incidence of pulmonary complications or other adverse effects. Conclusions Amiodarone prophylaxis significantly reduces the incidence of AF after anatomic pulmonary resection, and is associated with a significant reduction in length of intensive care unit stay.
NEW PERSPECTIVES ON TEACHING ABOUT CONFLICT: SIMULATIONS, CASES, AND EXERCISES

This special issue of the International Journal of Conflict Management is devoted to teaching materials for classes on negotiation and dispute resolution. We decided to devote an issue to teaching materials for two reasons. On the supply side, there are very few outlets for good teaching materials. Except for those connected to major case publishing outlets such as the Program on Negotiation (PON) at Harvard or the Dispute Resolution Center (DRC) at Kellogg, most people who develop new cases and simulations have no way to let the wider scholarly community know about their materials. On the demand side, there is always a need for innovation and change in teaching. Indeed, it is probably safe to assume that people would not be developing new materials if they found exactly what they needed in established sources. While PON, the DRC, and the major books on negotiation (e.g., Lewicki, Saunders, Minton, & Barry, 2003; Thompson, 2000; Currall, Geddes, Schmidt, & Hockner, 1993; Murnighan, 1993) are all extremely good, these sources can not meet everyone's teaching needs. This special issue includes seven papers that offer new ideas for cases and exercises. We hope that these will enliven and enrich your classroom experiences.
Autonomous tracking of designated persons in crowded scenes

This paper develops an algorithm for autonomous tracking of a person (target) within a crowded and temporally dynamic scene using a multispectral imaging system. The camera is stationary, the field of view is static, and the sensor pixel footprint is on the order of one inch. The operator designates the target to be tracked by selecting a single target-pixel in the first image frame, preferably close to the center of mass of the observable portion of the target in that particular frame. Following the initial designation, the algorithm provides tracking of the target in real-time autonomously with minimal latency. The tracking algorithm is based on a novel temporally adaptive spatial-spectral filter bank used to detect target presence or lack thereof in the field-of-regard of the video frame produced by the multispectral camera. The theory of the temporally adaptive spatial-spectral filter is based on an extension of our earlier work on the enhanced matched filter bank (EMFB). The concept of EMFB is founded on the theory of spatial matched filters, which is the optimal correlation filter for detection of a known image corrupted by noise.
Quantitative subunit hybridization of drosophilaα-Glycerophosphate dehydrogenase

The dimeric enzyme,α-Glycerophosphate dehydrogenase, was purified from eight Drosophila species by the method of Collier et al. (1976). The enzymes were inactivated at high pH and the conditions sufficient for reactivation were established. Electrophoretic patterns of reactivatedα-glycerophosphate dehydrogenases which were mixed following inactivation of two species' enzymes, demonstrate that high pH dissociates the enzyme into its constituent subunits and reactivation involves subunit reassociation. Twenty interspecific combinations of dissociated enzymes were allowed to reassociate, and the amounts of both heterospecific and homospecific enzyme activity and protein were determined by densitometry. In all 20 tests there were no differences between observed and expected heterospecific:homospecific enzyme ratios. These results are consistent with the very slow rate of evolution of this enzyme in the family Drosophilidae (Collier and MacIntyre, 1977).
Presidential Leadership on Foreign Policy, Opinion Polling, and the Possible Limits of “Crafted Talk”

The strategy of “crafted talk” (or framing) suggests that a politician uses public opinion to anticipate the most alluring, language to convince the public to follow a politician's own preferred policy (Jacobs & Shapiro, 2000). This manipulatory behavior by presidents has important consequences in the realm of constructing foreign policy, especially if the policy involves military service personnel, international prestige, or foreign conflict. However, no scholar has investigated White House archival data to examine the theoretical nuances of presidential “crafting” talk when constructing arguments for foreign policy. This article examines three case studies using internal polling memoranda and focus group results concerning the Vietnam War under President Johnson, the signing of the INF Treaty with the Soviet Union under President Reagan, and the Gulf War under President Bush. In each of the three cases, public opinion places serious constraints on presidential framing of foreign policy. Implications for...
Road network estimation through GMTI track fusion

Road networks and associated traffic flow information are topics that have an innumerable number of applications, ranging from highway planning to military intelligence. Despite the importance of these networks, archival databases that often have update rates on the order of years or even decades have historically been the main source for obtaining and analyzing road network information. This somewhat static view of a potentially changing infrastructure can cause the information to therefore be incomplete and incorrect. Furthermore, these road databases are not only static, but rarely provide information beyond a simple two-dimensional view of a road, where divided high-ways are represented in the same manner as a rural dirt road. It is for these reasons that the use of Ground Moving Target Indicator (GMTI) data and tracks to create road networks is explored. This data lends itself to being able to not only provide a single static snapshot of a network that is considered the network for years, but to provide a consistently accurate and updated changing picture of the environment. The approach employed for creating a road network from GMTI tracks includes a technique known as Continuous Dynamic Time Warping (CDTW), as well as a general fusion routine.
Current sunscreen issues: 2007 Food and Drug Administration sunscreen labelling recommendations and combination sunscreen/insect repellent products

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates sunscreens as over-the-counter drugs. This article describes sunscreen actives available in the United States, new developments available elsewhere, and the amendment to the FDA 1999 sunscreen monograph, released on August 27, 2007, which proposes a new grading system for ultraviolet B protection, a cap of the sunburn protection factor to 50+, and a 4-star grading of ultraviolet A protection. In addition, current data on combination sunscreen and insect repellent products are discussed. Application of a combination product too frequently poses the risk of insect repellent toxicity, whereas application too infrequently invites photodamage. It may be prudent to follow the same approach of our Canadian colleagues of discontinuing combination products until more investigations are available.
Genetic markers of mediastinal tumors.

Most adult mediastinal tumors are thymic in nature, and only more recently has there been scientific inquiry into the molecular biology and genetic alterations associated with these tumors. There is an increasing appreciation of specific genetic polymorphisms in myasthenia gravis and associated thymoma. In addition, thymic tumor progression is regulated by perturbations in expression of specific tumor suppressor genes and signal transduction pathways important in oncogenesis. This article highlights the known genetic and signaling pathway alterations important in the tumor biology of mediastinal tumors, with emphasis on thymic tumors. It also discusses the association of genetic markers with thymoma, thymic carcinoma, germ cell tumors, lymphoma, and neurogenic tumors. New gene-based techniques have enabled scientists to uncover differential gene expression patterns between subtypes of thymomas, correlate tumor marker expression with germ cell tumors, and determine a link between the NF-κB and JAK/STAT pathways with Hodgkin's and non-Hodgkin'slymphoma. Additionally, the use of genetic analysis has uncovered an important role for various tumor suppressor genes in the pathogenesis of paraganglioma and pheochromocytoma.
Oxygen budgets in macrophyte impacted streams

Abstract Measurements of daily dissolved oxygen variations were made throughout a calender year on three separate segments of a stream dominated by the growth of aquatic macrophytes. Mass balance budgets, quantifying respective sources and sinks of dissolved oxygen for the study segments, demonstrated the validity of incorporating an aquatic plant respiration pattern which varied in direct proportion to dissolved oxygen concentrations. The effects of oxygen consumption by the plant population on field estimates of reaeration, daily gross primary productivity, community respiration and maximum net primary productivity in the budgeting process are evaluated.
Discovery of a ptsHI operon, which includes a third gene (ptsT), in the thermophile Bacillus stearothermophilus.

The discovery of a ptsHl operon in Bacillus stearothermophilus XL-65-6 coupled with our previous report of a cel operon (Lai Ingram, J Bacteriol 175, 6441-6450, 1993) demonstrates that this thermophilic organism contains all of the genes required for cellobiose uptake by the phosphoenolpyruvate-dependent phosphotransferase system (PTS). Genes encoding the two general PTS proteins, HPr (ptsH) and enzyme l (ptsl), were cloned and sequenced. These form an operon which includes a third small gene (ptsT) of unknown function (encoded product M r 18428). Both ptsH and ptsl were expressed at high levels from a single plasmid in Escherichia coli and complemented corresponding host mutations. Although the translated sequences for these genes were similar to homologues from Gram-positive mesophiles (64-77% identity), the B. stearothermophilus gene products were unusual in having a higher predicted pi and fewer negatively charged amino acid residues. Enzyme I also contained more alanine and leucine than mesophilic counterparts. Interestingly, ptsT inhibited the growth of E. coli ptsl mutants at 37°C. No such inhibition was observed during incubation at a lower temperature (30°C) or in E. coli DH5α, which is wild-type for ptsl. The predicted translation product from ptsT contained a high proportion of basic amino acids (27%) and had a high predicted pl (pH 117), properties similar to bacterial histone-like proteins, but did not exhibit homology to any sequences in the current database. Regions upstream and downstream from the ptsHl operon contain genes with homology to Bacillus subtilis ptsG and wapA (wall-associated protein), respectively.
Manual refactoring changes with automated refactoring validation

Refactoring, the practice of applying behavior-preserving changes to existing code, can enhance the quality of software systems. Refactoring tools can automatically perform and check the correctness of refactorings. However, even when developers have these tools, they still perform about 90% of refactorings manually, which is error-prone. To address this problem, we propose a technique called GhostFactor separating transformation and correctness checking: we allow the developer to transform code manually, but check the correctness of her transformation automatically. We implemented our technique as a Visual Studio plugin, then evaluated it with a human study of eight software developers; GhostFactor improved the correctness of manual refactorings by 67%.
Pair Emission from Fluorine Bombarded with Protons

When fluorine is bombarded by protons of suitable energies gamma-rays with 6.3±0.1 Mev quantum energy are emitted. Measurements of the gamma-ray yield as function of proton energy were first made by Hafstad and Tube(1) and later with higher resolution and over a greater range by Bernet, Herb and Parkinson.(2)
Antibacterial hemolymph proteins of Manduca sexta

Abstract 1. 1. Exclusion column fractionated immune hemolymph of the M. sexta larva contains five peaks of anti-E. coli activity with molecular weights of > 140 kD and approximately 91, 54, 14 and 4 kD, plus one peak of lysozyme activity with a molecular weight of 17 kD. 2. 2. Purification of the 54 kD peak showed that this peak consists of the previously described M18 proteins which have monomeric weights of approximately 20 kD and had antibacterial activity against certain gram negative bacteria. 3. 3. Approximately 80% of the total hemolymph antibacterial activity was detected in the 14 and 4 kD peaks. These proteins, which kill both gram negative and gram positive bacteria, appeared to be directly analogous to the cecropins of H. cecropia. 4. 4. The > 140 and 91 kD peaks constituted only a minor part of the total antibacterial activity.
Lung cancer and diesel exhaust: A review

The evidence from animal studies indicates that organic extracts of diesel particulate are mutagenic and carcinogenic. Of four animal inhalation studies, two have been positive and two have been largely negative. The most recent data indicate that inhalation studies may be positive only with high doses of exhaust. Human studies of diesel-exposed occupations have been inconclusive. These studies have focused on truck drivers, bus drivers and garage workers, railroad workers, and heavy equipment operators. Most human studies have not been able to estimate exposure to diesel exhaust. Negative studies have frequently suffered from insufficient potential latency. Positive studies have often failed to control for smoking, and have sometimes involved confounding occupational exposures. In general, the occupational epidemiology of diesel-exposed workers is made difficult by the fact that many of the suspected toxic components of diesel-exhaust are also present in cigarette smoke and in ambient air. There are two ongoing epidemiologic studies in the United States, focusing on railway workers and truck drivers, which attempt to overcome prior difficulties. Preliminary data from the study of truck drivers indicates an excess of lung cancer among workers in the trucking industry compared to the U.S. population, but these data need to be controlledmore » for smoking and analyzed according to diesel exposure.« less
The doctor as double agent.

The article “Trusthworthiness as a Clinical Variable” raises a number of issues and concerns that go to the very core of the physician–patient relationship. The place to begin the discussion of these issues is with the concept of a fiduciary relationship, which is defined as one grounded on trust and confidence. While a certain degree of mutuality of trust is presumed, the key to understanding the essence of a fiduciary relationship is to grasp the critical disparity of knowledge, and hence of power and responsibility, between the parties. Indeed, the physician–patient relationship is the quintessential fiduciary relationship because of the vast disparity in knowledge about disease and treatment between the clinician and the typical lay patient. The consequence of this disparity is that the physician has a moral (and ultimately a legal) responsibility to utilize that manifestly superior knowledge exclusively for the benefit of the patient. The general ethical principles that govern the fiduciary relationship do not vary depending on the nature of the patient's diagnosis or prognosis, or the nature of the physician's area of medical practice. The four cardinal principles of ethics in contemporary medicine are beneficence, nonmaleficence, justice, and respect for patient autonomy. Ultimately, through the exercise of individual autonomy, the patient must be the final arbiter of what constitutes benefit or harm, for these are fundamentally normative and largely subjective concepts, rather than scientific and objective. Informed consent is the primary means by which the imbalance of power is moderated in order to enable the patient to assess the benefits and burdens of disease and the therapeutic options. Prior to the imposition of the doctrine of informed consent by the courts onto medicine, necessitating the shift in the controlling paradigm of the physician–patient relationship from paternalism to shared decision making, physicians routinely withheld from patients important …
The role of busulfan/cyclophosphamide regimens in allogeneic and autologous bone marrow transplantation.

(1989). The Role of Busulfan/Cyclophosphamide Regimens in Allogeneic and Autologous Bone Marrow Transplantation. Cancer Investigation: Vol. 7, No. 5, pp. 509-513.
Finding the vertices nearest to a point in a hypercube

Abstract An algorithm is presented and analyzed for the following problem: given a point in the unit hypercube, iteratively output its nearest vertex, its second nearest vertex, and so forth. A more general version of this problem is also addressed, namely: given a d -long vector w of nonnegative reals, iteratively output nonnegative integer-valued vectors v 1 , v 2 ,… where v n gives the n th smallest value of w T · v .
Survival outcomes for clonal evolution in chronic myeloid leukemia patients on second generation tyrosine kinase inhibitor therapy

Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a clonal myeloproliferative disorder that typically evolves through 3 clinical phases: chronic phase, accelerated phase (AP), and blastic phase. The hallmark of CML, the Philadelphia (Ph) chromosome, is an abnormally short chromosome 22 that results from a balanced translocation t(9;22) (q34;q11.2). The translocation leads to the formation of a hybrid gene BCR-ABL that encodes for the fusion protein Bcr-Abl with its characteristic deregulated tyrosine kinase activity.1 Clonal evolution in CML denotes the presence of a variety of additional, nonrandom chromosomal abnormalities besides the Ph chromosome. Clonal evolution occurs in approximately 30% of patients in AP and about 80% patients in blastic phase.2,3 Although clonal evolution may involve any abnormality within any chromosome, the most commonly reported abnormalities include double Ph, chromosome 17 abnormalities, and trisomy 8. Clonal evolution has been considered a criterion for AP of CML, particularly when it appears during the course of therapy. In this setting, clonal evolution is associated with a poor prognosis.3–11 The prognostic significance of clonal evolution may vary with different therapeutic modalities. The outcome after allogeneic stem cell transplant may not be adversely affected by clonal evolution, with a reported long-term survival rate of 60% if clonal evolution was the only feature of AP.12,13 Interferon (IFN)-α therapy caused complete resolution of clonal evolution in 46% patients, with a better response rate if clonal evolution was not associated with other features of AP, although patients with abnormalities of chromosome 17 had a worse outcome compared with those with other abnormalities.8 In patients treated with IFN-α and low-dose Ara-C, 3-year survival rates of 67% were observed if clonal evolution was the only feature of AP disease, compared with 22% if other features of AP were present (P < .01).14 With imatinib, the outcome of patients with clonal evolution is significantly inferior compared with those without clonal evolution.7 Patients who develop resistance to imatinib frequently develop clonal evolution as a mechanism of resistance (or associated with resistance).15–17 The second generation tyrosine kinase inhibitors dasatinib and nilotinib are effective in patients with CML after failure of imatinib.18,19 The significance of different chromosomal abnormalities associated with clonal evolution for the outcome after therapy with second generation tyrosine kinase inhibitors is unknown. Herein, we analyzed the response to therapy and long-term outcome after second generation tyrosine kinase inhibitor therapy in patients with CML with clonal evolution after imatinib failure.
The power of storytelling: Using narrative in the healthcare context

AbstractInformation exchange and relational development, as well as health behaviour change via clinical counselling, occur in the medical interview. In the realm of more widespread health education efforts, the public can be educated about health issues through persuasive health campaigns. Within medical training, there are issues of learning both the art and science of medicine, understanding the basic science of disease as well as the individual patient's illness experience and its influence on health. Narrative is a key communication strategy and concept crucial in all of these interrelated issues, as human beings are all storytellers. Understanding patients' experiences in the clinical encounter and in clinical training through their stories, and communicating health information in a persuasive, easily understood manner in various settings may be accomplished through the use of narrative, as a clinical counselling strategy, an information-gathering technique, and a teaching tool. This paper will adva...
Weight control beliefs, body shape attitudes, and physical activity among adolescents.

BACKGROUND: Relatively little is known about how perceived weight controllability influences important psychological health factors among adolescents. Thus, the purpose of this study is to explore adolescents' weight controllability beliefs and how those beliefs influence weight-related attitudes and behaviors. METHODS: Adolescents (N = 369, mean age = 13.14, SD = 0.95) enrolled in physical education completed a survey packet, which included demographic questions and items targeting obesity, body shape, and weight controllability beliefs. RESULTS: Participants believed that fat children have weight problems because they consume too many calories, are lazy, have access to junk food, and lack self-control. Those who endorsed high weight controllability beliefs were more likely to indicate that a thin person, as compared to a fat person, would enjoy physical activity and be coordinated, have higher levels of personal weight and body shape satisfaction, and engage in vigorous physical activity more days per week. CONCLUSIONS: Perceived weight controllability may be an important construct to study further, particularly in relationship to health- and weight-related attitudes and behaviors.
The kinases MEKK2 and MEKK3 regulate transforming growth factor-β-mediated helper T cell differentiation.

Summary Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) are key mediators of the T cell receptor (TCR) signals but their roles in T helper (Th) cell differentiation are unclear. Here we showed that the MAPK kinase kinases MEKK2 (encoded by Map3k2 ) and MEKK3 (encoded by Map3k3 ) negatively regulated transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)-mediated Th cell differentiation. Map3k2 −/− Map3k3 Lck-Cre/− mice showed an abnormal accumulation of regulatory T (Treg) and Th17 cells in the periphery, consistent with Map3k2 −/− Map3k3 Lck-Cre/− naive CD4 + T cells' differentiation into Treg and Th17 cells with a higher frequency than wild-type (WT) cells after TGF-β stimulation in vitro. In addition, Map3k2 −/− Map3k3 Lck-Cre/− mice developed more severe experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. Map3k2 −/− Map3k3 Lck-Cre/− T cells exhibited impaired phosphorylation of SMAD2 and SMAD3 proteins at their linker regions, which negatively regulated the TGF-β responses in T cells. Thus, the crosstalk between TCR-induced MAPK and the TGF-β signaling pathways is important in regulating Th cell differentiation.
REVISITING THE STANDARD ERRORS OF MEASUREMENT, ESTIMATE, AND PREDICTION AND THEIR APPLICATION TO TEST SCORES '

In 1979 Dudek presented a simplification of Lord and Novick's 1968 work on standard errors and their application to test scores. However, the standard error of measurement has continued to be misin...
Conditional signaling by Toll-like receptor 4

SPECIFIC AIMSResistance to infection is thought to be triggered when microorganisms or their products stimulate Toll-like receptors (TLR), a family of proteins homologous to drosophila Toll. As one example, TLR4 is stimulated by subnanomolar concentrations of lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a component of the cell wall of Gram (–) bacteria. While LPS clearly can stimulate TLR4, endogenous substances such as heparan sulfate were also recently found to be effective agonists. If TLR4 responds to normal constituents of extracellular matrix, such as heparan sulfate and hyaluronic acid, we questioned how leukocytes, endothelial cells, and other cells that express TLR4 could maintain quiescence in microenvironments rich in these endogenous activators of the receptor. To determine how cells expressing the TLR4 receptor complex function in microenvironments rich in endogenous agonists, we developed in vitro and in vivo model systems that would allow us to measure TLR4 activation. We found that under quiescent conditions...
All Ramsey numbers for cycles in graphs

In the past, Ramsey numbers were known for pairs of cycles of lengths r and s when one of the following occurred: (1) r and s are small, (2) one of r or s is small relative to the other, or (3) r is odd and r = s. In this paper we complete the Ramsey number problem for cycles by verifying their previously conjectured values.
Synchronization problem in delay-line oscillator SAW sensors

Abstract Many surface acoustic wave (SAW) sensors are self-excited oscillators, where the self-excitation is a consequence of the time-delay in the propagation of the acoustic waves. In dual-delay-line oscillator sensors, differences in the lengths of delays are detected through differences in oscillation frequencies. In this paper, we identify synchronization as a potential problem that can cause the sensors to behave in an unexpected manner. We model SAW sensors with delay differential equations. Using the method of averaging and the stability analysis of the fixed points of the averaged equations, we show that stable synchronized solutions exist in dual-delay-line oscillator sensors consisting of one pair of fingers each. For dual-delay-line oscillator sensors with multiple-fingers, we use numerical simulation methods to show the occurrence of synchronization. We propose methods to reduce the possibility of synchronization. Moreover, we propose methods for sensing in the presence of synchronization.
Fusion for Component Based Face Recognition

This paper proposes a practical way to realize the diversity in face recognition system for performance improvement by fusing the classification results from the components (characteristic regions such as eyes, nose and mouth) and from the whole face image, instead of concatenating the face feature and the modular features for a single classifier. The extracted sub-images are not totally independent from the face image, but the experiments show that the fused result is improved from the recognition result based on the face or components alone. The fusion is implemented and compared at both score level and decision level. Communication resources are preserved between the sensor and fusion point in decision level fusion at the expense of performance, and the selection of which fusion scheme to use depends on the system resources and performance requirement.
Humanism and the profession of surgery in the era of medical perestroika.

It is impossible to adequately express to the members of the Association my gratitude for the privilege of serving as your president. To be so recognized by my friends and colleagues instills deep feelings of humility and of pride for this singularly great honor, and I shall be forever grateful for your confidence and support. I am keenly aware that the combination of your generosity and my good fortune does not endow me with any profound wisdom or magic solution to the many difficult problems currently confronting the field of surgery in the United States. I also realize that it is rare that one has the opportunity and privilege of discussing a personally selected subject before a semi-captive audience with the sophistication of the Pacific Coast Surgical Association. As physicians, and particularly as surgeons, we have been recognized as professionals. Since King James IV of Scotland in 1505 granted the
Amelioration of experimental glomerulonephritis by dietary protein restriction

Abstract Amelioration of experimental glomerulonephritis by dietary protein restriction. We have examined the effects of various levels of dietary protein intake on the course of nephrotoxic serum nephritis in the rat by feeding low (4.6% casein), standard (23% casein), and high (57.5% casein) protein diets which were identical in calorie, mineral, and electrolyte content. Nephritic rats on a high protein diet manifested heavy proteinuria, hypoalbuminemia, hypercholesterolemia, azotemia, and elevated serum creatinine levels. In those subjected to dietary protein restriction, proteinuria remitted and azotemia did not develop. While mesangial widening, interstitial abnormalities, and segmental proliferation and sclerosis of glomeruli occurred regularly in nephritic rats fed high protein diets, histologic abnormalities were virtually absent in those on low protein intake. Animals on a standard protein intake manifested histologic and clinical features intermediate in severity. We conclude that the renal functional and histologic consequences of nephrotoxic serum nephritis can be averted by dietary protein restriction. Amelioration d'une glomerulonephrite experimentale par une restriction proteique alimentaire. Nous avons examine les effets de differents niveaux d'apports proteiques alimentaires sur le developpement d'une nephrite serique nephrotoxique chez le rat, soumis a des regimes pauvre (4,6% de caseine), standard (23% de caseine) ou eleve (57,5% de caseine) en proteines, identiques par leur contenu calorique, mineral, et electrolylique. Les rats nephritiques avec un regime riche en proteines avaient une proteinurie importante, une hypoalbuminemie, une hypercholesterolemie, une azotemie, et des niveaux de creatinine serique eleves. Chez ceux soumis a une restriction proteique alimentaire, la proteinurie a disparu, et l'azotemie ne s'est pas developpee. Alors qu'un epaississement mesangial, des anomalies interstitielles et une proliferation segmentaire et une sclerose des glomerules se sont produits regulierement chez les rats nephritiques recevant des regimes riches en proteines, les anomalies histologiques etaient virtuellement absentes chez ceux avec un faible apport proteique. Les animaux recevant un apport proteique standard avaient des caracteristiques histologiques et cliniques de severite intermediaire. Nous concluons que les consequences fonctionnelles et histologiques renales de la nephrite serique nephrotoxique peuvent etre evitees par la restriction proteique alimentaire.
HoxA10 Regulates Transcription of the Gene Encoding Transforming Growth Factor β2 (TGFβ2) in Myeloid Cells

HoxA10 is a homeodomain transcription factor that is maximally expressed in myeloid progenitor cells. HoxA10 is overexpressed in a poor prognosis subset of human acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and in vivo overexpression of HoxA10 in murine bone marrow induces myeloid leukemia. HoxA10 contributes to myeloid progenitor expansion and differentiation block, but few target genes have been identified that explain the influence of HoxA10 on these processes. The current study identifies the gene encoding transforming growth factor β2 (TGFβ2) as a HoxA10 target gene. We found that HoxA10 activated TGFβ2 transcription by interacting with tandem cis elements in the promoter. We also determined that HoxA10 overexpression in myeloid progenitor cells increased Tgfβ2 production by the cells. Tgfβ2 stimulates proliferation of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells. Therefore, these studies identified autocrine stimulation of myeloid progenitors by Tgfβ2 as one mechanism by which HoxA10 expands this population. Because HoxA proteins had not been previously known to influence expression of pro-proliferative cytokines, this has implications for understanding molecular mechanisms involved in progenitor expansion and the pathobiology of AML.
An online segmentation tool for cervicographic image analysis

Cervicography is an important visual screening method for cervical cancer prevention. Automatic segmentation of clinically significant regions in acquired images may provide valuable assistance toward research in cervical cancer detection. This paper presents a Web-accessible cervicographic image segmentation system that incorporates several novel segmentation algorithms developed for particular tissue types and landmarks. The system combines the advantages of two commonly used programming languages, Matlab and Java. It relieves the research groups in academic institutes from the heavy burden of re-developing the sophisticated segmentation algorithms originally implemented in Matlab, while allowing medical experts to evaluate the segmentation algorithms using, perhaps, their own image data acquired at remote locations. It offers attractive properties of flexibility, extensibility and Web-accessibility in a prototype image processing application. The system is integrated with other applications that have been developed for uterine cervix image analysis at the U.S. National Library of Medicine. The architecture and concept of this system are generalizable and can be applied to different medical image processing tasks.
Further aspects of the analysis of indirect effects in ecosystems

In perceiving the structural design of ecosystems, direct interactions are so explicit that in contrast indirect influences propagated over causal networks tend to be neglected or at best underestimated. An approach has been sought for making indirect effects as explicit as, and thus comparable with, direct ones, and evaluating their relative significance, in the compartmental model framework. In the present paper this course is further explored, based on the notion of path-partitioning of the total influence of one compartment on another. All paths from one compartment to another may be classified into paths associated with the direct and indirect effects portions of the total influence. By means of this path classification, explicit expressions for direct and indirect effects in ecosystems are derived. By examining the ratio of direct to indirect effects, it is shown that indirect effects are no less significant than direct ones, at least in the ecosystems examined to date. In fact, indirect effects tend to dominate direct ones with increasing system order, strength of direct interaction, and system connectance.
Environmental Factors in Professional Development Activities: Does Type of Academic Library Affiliation Make a Difference?.

Abstract The importance of continuing professional development activities for academic librarians is generally acknowledged, but differences in activity levels according to type of academic institution have received little examination. This study compares academic librarians in a single state on the basis of type of employing institution: 2-year institution, predominately 4-year college, or doctorate-granting institution. Demographic profiles of librarians and institutional support for professional activities did not vary significantly across type of institution, but a number of notable differences emerged when the professional behavior of the three groups was compared. Librarians at doctorate-granting institutions belonged to more professional associations, were more active in those organizations, and published more. However, in other activity areas, different comparative patterns were discovered.