cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Nitric oxide synthase genes and their interactions with environmental factors in Parkinson’s disease

Nitric oxide synthase (NOS) genes (NOS1, NOS2A, and NOS3) may create excess nitric oxide that contributes to neurodegeneration in Parkinson’s disease (PD). NOS genes might also interact with one another or with environmental factors in PD. Coding and tagging single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (27 NOS1, 18 NOS2A, and five NOS3 SNPs) were genotyped in families with PD (1,065 cases and 1,180 relative and other controls) and were tested for allelic associations with PD using the association in the presence of linkage test and the pedigree disequilibrium test (PDT), allelic associations with age-at-onset (AAO) using the quantitative transmission disequilibrium test, and interactions using the multifactor dimensionality reduction—PDT. Gene–environment interactions involving cigarette smoking, caffeine, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and pesticides were examined using generalized estimating equations in participants with environmental data available. Significant associations with PD were detected for the NOS1 SNPs rs3782218, rs11068447, rs7295972, rs2293052, rs12829185, rs1047735, rs3741475, and rs2682826 (range of p = 0.00083–0.046) and the NOS2A SNPs rs2072324, rs944725, rs12944039, rs2248814, rs2297516, rs1060826, and rs2255929 (range of p = 0.0000040–0.047) in earlier-onset families with sporadic PD, and some SNPs were also associated with earlier AAO. There was no compelling statistical evidence for gene–gene interactions. However, of the significantly associated SNPs, interactions were found between pesticides and the NOS1 SNPs rs12829185, rs1047735, and rs2682826 (range of p = 0.012–0.034) and between smoking and the NOS2A SNPs rs2248814 (p = 0.021) and rs1060826 (p = 0.013). These data implicate NOS1 and NOS2A as genetic risk factors for PD and demonstrate that their interactions with established environmental factors may modulate the environmental effects.
Optical Control Considerations For Phased Array Antennas

The advantages for the use of fiber optic components in communication electronics have led to their increased use in control and signal distribution applications. Recent theoretical and experimental work has surfaced some interesting possibilities for fiber-compatible aperture adjustment and signal feeding for phased array antennas. This paper presents the results of experimental investigations into direct microwave phase shift by optical excitation. The subject phase control method applies novel, light-sensitive PIN diodes in a microstrip phase shifter circuit sized for X-band operation. This phase shifter is made part of a two-element phased array breadboard to show the viability of this approach to array beamforming. Other areas presented include signal distribution methods suitable for large apertures consisting of many (e.g. thousands) radiating elements. Trade-off issues relevant to this subject area are highlighted.
Arginine vasopressin and the renal response to water loading in congestive heart failure

Previous studies have shown on the basis of isolated comparisons that plasma arginine vasopressin (AVP) levels are inappropriately increased for a given serum osmolality in patients with CHF. To explore further the osmoregulation of AVP in this condition, the response of plasma AVP to a 15- to 20-ml/kg oral water load was compared in 26 patients with CHF and 14 normal subjects. In the normal subjects, serum osmolality decreased from 289 +/- 5.0 to 282 +/- 5.0 mOsm/kg (p less than 0.001) and AVP from 3.6 +/- 1.1 to 2.1 +/- 0.78 pg/ml (p less than 0.001). In the patients with CHF, osmolality decreased from 289 +/- 7.0 to to 281 +/- 7.0 mOsm/kg and AVP from 7.1 +/- 3.6 to 5.8 +/- 3.4 pg/ml (p less than 0.001). As a percentage of the control value, the decrease in AVP was much greater in the normal group, 41 +/- 15% vs 18 +/- 10% (p less than 0.001). Urinary osmolality levels were measured before and after water loading in 11 patients and in 7 normal subjects. Normal subjects diluted from 812 +/- 130 to 133 +/- 26 mOsm/kg (p less than 0.001) and CHF patients from 599 +/- 218 to 253 +/- 170 mOsm/kg, a statistically significant (p less than 0.01) but smaller (p less than 0.05) level of suppression. There were, however, 2 distinct groups within the CHF population: one in which urine osmolality was appropriately decreased (from 594 +/- 269 to 144 +/- 37 mOsm/kg, p less than 0.01).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Spectral Analysis of Synchronization in a Lossless Structure-Preserving Power Network Model

This paper considers the synchronization and transient stability analysis in a simple model of a structure-preserving power system. We derive sufficient conditions relating synchronization in a power network directly to the underlying network state, parameters, and topology. In particular, we provide a spectral condition based on the algebraic connectivity of the network and a second condition based on the effective resistance among generators. These conditions build upon the authors' earlier results on synchronization in network-reduced power system models. Central to our analysis is the reduced admittance matrix of the network, which is obtained by a Schur complement of the network's topological admittance matrix with respect to its bus nodes. This network-reduction process, termed Kron reduction, relates the structure-preserving and the network-reduced power system model. We provide a detailed graph-theoretic, algebraic, and spectral analysis of the Kron reduction process leading directly to the novel synchronization conditions.
Assessing the Minimum Bandwidth Requirement for Transmitting MPEG-4 over Space

The use of MPEG-4 for both scientific analysis and public outreach in the next phase of NASA Space missions is considered and the minimum bandwidth required is assessed. The video contents typical to the mission scenarios are analyzed to provide the tuning parameters for the video encoding process and the quality of service required at the IP network layer. Realistic space link simulation is then used to generate a-priori video quality assessment for a given set of space link conditions. The intent of this study is to provide the basis for tradeoff between bandwidth allocation for video traffic and quality of the video.
Convexity of learning vectors and their N-dimension boundary

Most neural networks consisting of discrete (or sign- function) neurons can be studied by discrete mathematics and N-dimension geometry. Particularly, the supervised learning of a feed-forward neural system is crucially related to the geometry of N-dimension convex cones in the N-space. It is shown in this paper that to learn a set of pattern sample vectors forming a convex cone in the N-space, it is only necessary to learn the boundary vectors (or the extreme edges) of this cone, which then makes the learning much more efficient. This paper provides a novel approach to test the convexity of a set of N-vectors (given numerically in an Euclidean N-space) and to find the boundary vectors of this set if it is convex.© (2002) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Studies on erythrocyte metabolism following acute blood loss in the horse.

SUMMARY Anaemic horses do not provide reticulocytes during an erythropietic response. Acute blood loss was studied in 4 ponies as a model to monitor changes in erythrocyte metabolism during active erythropoiesis. Following phlebotomy, erythrocyte adenosine-5-triphosphate, adenosine-5-diphosphate, glucose-6-phosphate, fructose-6-phosphate, and phosphoenolpyruvate increased significantly. The remaining glycolytic intermediates did not change. It is suggested that the determination of erythrocyte adenosine-5-triphosphate may be used to evaluate erythrocyte response following acute blood loss in the horse. RESUME Les chevaux anemiques ne produisent point de reticulocytes durant l'erythropoiese. On a etudie sur quatre poneys le resultat d'une importante soustraction sanguine, afin de verifier les variations du metabolisme des erythrocytes durant la phase de regeneration sanguine. A la suite d'une saignee les taux des adenosine − 5 - triphosphate, adenosine − 5 - diphosphate; glucose − 6 - phosphate, fructose − 6 - phosphate, et phosphoenolpyruvate furent augmentes de maniere significative. On pense que la determination du taux d'adenosine 5 triphosphate erythrocytaire peut permettre d'evaluer la reponse a une deperdition sanguine importante chez le cheval. ZUSAMMENFASSUNG Anaemische Pferde reagieren nicht mit einer Reticulocyten-ausschuttung anlasslich der aktivierten Erythropoese. Der akute Blutverlust wurde bei vier Ponies als Modell studiert, um die Veranderungen im Erythrocytenstoffwechsel wahrend der aktiven Erythropoese zu erfassen. Nach dem Aderlass ergaben sich signifikante Konzentrationsanstiege fur die folgenden Metaboliten: Adenosin − 5 - Triphosphat, Adenosin − 5 Diphosphat, Glucose − 6 - Phosphat, Fructose − 6 - Phosphat und Phosphoenolpyruvat. Die ubrigen Intermediarprodukte der Glycolyse veranderten sich nicht. Es wird vermutet, dass die Bestimmung des erythrocytaren Adenosin − 5 - Triphosphats nutzlich sein konnte zur Beurteilung der Erythropoeseaktivitat nach akuten Blutverlusten.
Hemoglobinuria misidentified as hematuria: review of discolored urine and paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria.

Discolored urine is a common reason for office visits to a primary care physician and urology referral. Early differentiation of the type or cause of discolored urine is necessary for accurate diagnosis and prompt management. Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria is a clonal disorder caused by acquired somatic mutations in the PIG-A gene on the X-chromosome of hemopoietic stem cells and leads to deficiency of surface membrane anchor proteins. The deficiency of these proteins leads to an increased risk of hemolysis of erythrocytes and structural damage of platelets, resulting in a clinical syndrome characterized by complement-mediated intravascular hemolytic anemia, bone marrow failure, and venous thrombosis. Patients with this clinical syndrome present with paroxysms of hemolysis, causing hemoglobinuria manifesting as discolored urine. This can be easily confused with other common causes of discolored urine and result in extensive urologic work-up. Three commonly confused entities of discolored urine include hematuria, hemoglobinuria, and myoglobinuria. Specific characteristics in a dipstick test or urinalysis can guide differentiation of these three causes of discolored urine. This article begins with a case summary of a woman presenting with cranberry-colored urine and a final delayed diagnosis of paryxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria. Her hemoglobinuria was misdiagnosed as hematuria, leading to extensive urologic work-up. The article also gives an overview of the approach to diagnosing and treating discolored urine.
Molecular dynamics calculations on relaxed and extended states of the polypentapeptide of elastin

Abstract Reported are the first molecular dynamics calculations on the elastomeric polypentapeptide of elastin as (VPGVG)7. The salient points are that (1) there is little change in internal energy on extension; (2) a trajectory of 50 ps is insufficient to reflect the primary structural periodicity in rms displacements of torsion angles, but does show librational processes and their damping on extension; and (3) the recurring β-turn structure is retained.
Correcting for wavelet stretch in common-angle migration improves vertical and lateral resolution

s, 234–237. Rupert, G. B., and J. H. Chun, 1975, The block move sum normal moveout correction: Geophysics, 40, 17–24. Shatilo, A., and F. Aminzadeh, 2000, Constant normal-moveout (CNMO) correction: A technique and test results: Geophysical Prospecting, 48, 473–488. Swan, H. W., 1997, Removal of offset-dependent tuning in AVO analysis: 67th Annual International Meeting, SEG, Expanded Abstracts, 175–178. Trickett, S., 2003, Stretch-free stacking: 73rd Annual International Meeting, SEG, Expanded Abstracts, 2008–2011 Tygel, M., J. Schleicher, and P. Hubral, 1994, Pulse distortion in depth migration: Geophysics, 59, 1561–1569 258 SEG/New Orleans 2006 Annual Meeting
Experiments in robust control of rotor unbalance response using magnetic bearings

The stability and performance robustness of an algorithm for the suppression of unbalance induced vibration of rotors supported in magnetic bearings is examined in a series of experiments. The results are used to validate previously reported analysis and synthesis tools. The synthesis results produce an adaptation algorithm gain matrix which is robust to structured uncertainty in the rotor. Three synthesized gain matrices are tested. Each results in significantly greater robustness than the standard solution of the problem. The experimental results also demonstrate that the degree of stability and performance robustness obtained with the synthesized gain matrices is very close to that specified in the design procedure.
Sensory-Driven Enhancement of Calcium Signals in Individual Purkinje Cell Dendrites of Awake Mice

Summary Climbing fibers (CFs) are thought to contribute to cerebellar plasticity and learning by triggering a large influx of dendritic calcium in the postsynaptic Purkinje cell (PC) to signal the occurrence of an unexpected sensory event. However, CFs fire about once per second whether or not an event occurs, raising the question of how sensory-driven signals might be distinguished from a background of ongoing spontaneous activity. Here, we report that in PC dendrites of awake mice, CF-triggered calcium signals are enhanced when the trigger is a sensory event. In addition, we show that a large fraction of the total enhancement in each PC dendrite can be accounted for by an additional boost of calcium provided by sensory activation of a non-CF input. We suggest that sensory stimulation may modulate dendritic voltage and calcium concentration in PCs to increase the strength of plasticity signals during cerebellar learning.
Mathematical tasks designed to foster a reconceptualized view of early arithmetic

We discuss mathematical tasks used in a first mathematics content course for elementary teachers at our university to foster a deep conceptual understanding of early arithmetic, including basic concepts of number, number relationships and strategies, and coordinating units of different rank. Our approach is to immerse our students in a base 8 world for up to six weeks. A key aspect is that we develop base 8 vocabulary. We use base 8 analogs of instructional sequences developed in classroom teaching experiments in the elementary grades that have been proven successful to promote deep conceptual understandings of basic arithmetic and place-value numeration in young children. As a result, our students have unique opportunities to develop a reconceptualized view of early arithmetic and learn how it can be advanced.
Circular orbits and spin in black-hole initial data

The construction of initial data for black-hole binaries usually involves the choice of free parameters that define the spins of the black holes and essentially the eccentricity of the orbit. Such parameters must be chosen carefully to yield initial data with the desired physical properties. In this paper, we examine these choices in detail for the quasiequilibrium method coupled to apparent-horizon/quasiequilibrium boundary conditions. First, we compare two independent criteria for choosing the orbital frequency, the "Komar-mass condition" and the "effective-potential method," and find excellent agreement. Second, we implement quasilocal measures of the spin of the individual holes, calibrate these with corotating binaries, and revisit the construction of nonspinning black-hole binaries. Higher-order effects, beyond those considered in earlier work, turn out to be important. Without those, supposedly nonspinning black holes have appreciable quasilocal spin; furthermore, the Komar-mass condition and effective-potential method agree only when these higher-order effects are taken into account. We compute a new sequence of quasicircular orbits for nonspinning black-hole binaries, and determine the innermost stable circular orbit of this sequence.
Suppression of adenosine-activated chloride transport by ethanol in airway epithelia.

Alcohol abuse is associated with increased lung infections. Molecular understanding of the underlying mechanisms is not complete. Airway epithelial ion transport regulates the homeostasis of airway surface liquid, essential for airway mucosal immunity and lung host defense. Here, air-liquid interface cultures of Calu-3 epithelial cells were basolaterally exposed to physiologically relevant concentrations of ethanol (0, 25, 50 and 100 mM) for 24 hours and adenosine-stimulated ion transport was measured by Ussing chamber. The ethanol exposure reduced the epithelial short-circuit currents (ISC) in a dose-dependent manner. The ion currents activated by adenosine were chloride conductance mediated by cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR), a cAMP-activated chloride channel. Alloxazine, a specific inhibitor for A2B adenosine receptor (A2BAR), largely abolished the adenosine-stimulated chloride transport, suggesting that A2BAR is a major receptor responsible for regulating the chloride transport of the cells. Ethanol significantly reduced intracellular cAMP production upon adenosine stimulation. Moreover, ethanol-suppression of the chloride secretion was able to be restored by cAMP analogs or by inhibitors to block cAMP degradation. These results imply that ethanol exposure dysregulates CFTR-mediated chloride transport in airways by suppression of adenosine-A2BAR-cAMP signaling pathway, which might contribute to alcohol-associated lung infections.
Effect of Incomplete Records on Sire Evaluation

Summary First-lactation records of artificially sired Holstein daughters were examined to determine the effect of excluding incomplete records from sire evaluation. Results indicate that the average difference of incomplete records from stable-mate averages is different from herd level to herd level. The average difference is greater in high-producing herds than in lower-level herds. Incomplete records of daughters of high-level sires are closer to their stable-mate averages than are incomplete records of daughters of low-level sires. The effects of herd level and sire level are apparently additive in determining the average difference of incomplete records from their stable-mate records. Although the evidence indicates that a small differential bias would result in favor of low-level sires at the expense of high-level sires, if incomplete records are excluded from sire evaluation this bias is so small that it is unimportant, because of the approximately constant fraction of incomplete records of all first records over all sire levels and because of the small fraction of incomplete records (5-7%).
Regulation of computer communications

Abstract The Federal Communications Commission has developed policies for the resale and shared use of common carrier services. This decision will affect the operation of common user computer networks. The policies established by this decision are summarized in this paper. Resale operations will be regulated as common carriage. Sharing arrangements will remain unregulated. Sharing must be conducted on a non-profit basis. Resale is restricted to private line services. The FCC has established a policy of open entry for resale carriers without regard to impact on existing carriers. The existing restraints which restrict the provision of data processing by common carriers are applicable to resale carriers but request for waivers will be entertained.
Molecular mechanisms regulating CD19, CD20 and CD22 gene expression

The CD19, CD20 and CD22 genes encode transmembrane proteins that are of vital importance to B-cell function. Similar to the immunoglobulin (Ig) genes, they are expressed in a lineage-specific and developmentally regulated manner. Here, John Kehrl and colleagues describe how an understanding of the transcriptional regulation of the CD19, CD20 and CD22 genes is leading to valuable insights into some of the important molecular events that occur in B-cell development and differentiation.
Large time behavior of the Lp norm of Schrödinger semigroups

Abstract LetV ⩽ 0, V ϵ C0∞(Rv) with v ⩾ 3 be such that H = − 1 2 Δ + V ⩾ 0 but for any e > 0, − 1 2 Δ + (1 + e)V is not positive. We determine the exact rate of divergence of the norm of e−tH as a map from L∞ to L∞. A number of related problems are discussed.
Scaling behavior of phase-separating binary liquids in porous media.

A computer simulation is performed to study the phase-separation dynamics of binary liquids in a porous glass. The pores are modeled with two-dimensional interconnected tunnels, the liquid molecules with Ising spins, the wetting effect of the pore walls with an external field that the wall atoms provide to their neighboring spins, and the time evolution with the Kawasaki spin-exchange dynamics. Because of the highly correlated nature of the tunnel walls, the Phytagorean distance is irrelevant for the spin correlation
CMOS front end components for micropower RF wireless systems

New applications have recently appeared for a low power, low cost, “embedded radio”. These wireless interfaces for handheld mobile nodes and Wireless Integrated Network Sensors (WINS) must provide spread spectrum signaling for multi-user operation at 902-928 MHz. Cost considerations motivate the development of complete micropower CMOS RF systems operating at previously unexplored low power levels. Micropower CMOS VCO and mixer circuits, developed for these emerging narrow-band communication systems, are reported here. Design methods combining high-Q inductors and weak inversion MOSFET operation enable the lowest reported operating power for RF front end components including a voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) and mixer operating at frequencies of 400 MHz — 1 GHz. In addition, the VCO, by virtue of its high-Q inductive components, displays the lowest reported phase noise for 1 GHz CMOS VCO system for any power dissipation.
Generalization of the WKB Theory for Tunneling between Two Different One-Dimensional Periodic Potentials

A general analysis of tunneling in a one-dimensional heterojunction is given. The analysis is given in terms of a generalization of the WKB theory specifically developed to apply to potentials which, as $x$ tends to $\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}\ensuremath{\infty}$, tend to periodic functions of position, rather than to constants. The theory is particularly suited for narrow junctions. The tunneling probability is shown to factor into a bulk factor which is proportional to the product of the group velocities in the periodic potentials on both sides of the junction, and into a barrier factor. The latter depends primarily on solutions of the barrier Hamiltonian, and only for a thick junction may it be approximated by a simple exponential.
Rolling Contact Fatigue of Superelastic Intermetallic Materials (SIM) for Use as Resilient Corrosion Resistant Bearings

Superelastic intermetallic materials (SIM), such as 60NiTi, are emerging as candidates for corrosion and shock-resistant rolling element bearings. Compared with metals, the intermetallic materials are more brittle and may be prone to rolling contact fatigue degradation. In this paper, a series of three ball-on-rod rolling contact fatigue tests were conducted using polished steel balls and NiTi rods prepared by vacuum casting and powder metallurgy techniques. The test protocol matched that used in ASTM STP 771 except that the steel balls were not intentionally roughened. In general, the NiTi rods exhibit fatigue damage at much lower stress levels than commercial bearing steels. At the lowest stress level tested (1.7 GPa), 60NiTi rods that were largely free from processing defects gave acceptably long lives, and testing was terminated without failure after 800 h. At elevated stress (2.5 GPa), failure occurred for some specimens, while others reached the preset test length goal of 800 h. Improperly prepared 60NiTi rods that had unconsolidated particles or significant ceramic inclusions occasionally experienced surface fatigue prior to completion of the test period even at the lowest stress level. Alloyed NiTi rods containing small amounts of Hf as a microstructural processing aid generally endured higher stress levels than the baseline 60NiTi composition. Two predominant fatigue failure mechanisms were observed: intergranular (grain boundary) fracture and intragranular (through the grains) crack propagation. The results suggest that further fatigue capability improvements could be obtained through process improvements, microstructural refinements and alloying. SIM currently available are recommended for mechanically benign applications involving modest stress levels and rates of stress cycle accumulation. Applications that include high continuous loads (stress) and high speeds for long durations should be avoided.
A new lamination theory for layered textile composites that account for manufacturing induced effects

This paper is concerned with the development of a new lamination theory for layered textile composites that can account for manufacturing induced effects. The theory can be used for the calculation of the effective linear elastic extensional and bending stiffnesses of laminated textile composite panels. A representative unit cell (RUC) of the textile architecture is first identified along with its constituents. Tow geometry is represented analytically taking account of tow undulation. Each tow is modeled as a transversely isotropic linear elastic solid and the contribution from each tow to the RUC elastic bending stiffness is obtained by volume averaging, taking account of the volume fraction of each constituent. The formulation is amenable to the incorporation of geometric changes to the textile architecture that occurs through manufacturing induced consolidation. Predictions of the elastic bending stiffness are compared against experimental data, showing a strong correlation between the analytical model and the experimental results.
Regulation of murine sinonasal cilia function by microbial secreted factors

Background: Chronic rhinosinusitis is a multifactorial disease resulting in impaired mucociliary clearance. Recent literature suggests that different bacterial species are associated with varied disease severity. We examined the immediate effect of microbial secreted factors on sinonasal ciliary function. Methods: Murine primary sinonasal cultures were established in an air-liquid interface (ALI). Bacterial supernatants were isolated from H. influenza, S. pneumoniae, S. aureus, and P. aeruginosa cultures, as well as co-cultures of H. influenza/S. pneumoniae and S. aureus/P. aeruginosa. Controlling for pH and osmolarity, supernatants were administered at 50% concentration to the apical surface of the ALI culture. Basal ciliary beat frequency (CBF) was recorded for 20 minutes, at 5-minute intervals. Control groups were treated with culture broth. At minimum, experiments were performed in triplicate. Stimulated CBF was recorded after mechanical stimulation via short bursts of pressurized air (55 mmHg). Results: All supernatants reduced basal CBF. S. pneumoniae and P. aeruginosa caused significant reduction in CBF at all time points, with the largest decrease of −46.3 ± 1.6% (p < 0.001) for S. pneumoniae and −27.1 ± 2.8% (p < 0.001) for P. aeruginosa. S. aureus caused the basal CBF to decline by −33.0 ± 2.8% (p < 0.001) at 5 minutes, which reversed by 20 minutes. Overall, H. influenza yielded the least change in CBF (−20.0 ± 2.8%, p < 0.002). Co-cultures (H. influenza/S. pneumoniae and S. aureus/P. aeruginosa) resulted in delayed CBF reduction compared with monocultures. P. aeruginosa also blunted stimulated CBF (p < 0.02). Conclusion: Results demonstrated acute decreases in murine sinonasal CBF after exposure to bacterial supernatants. Moreover, P. aeruginosa resulted in diminished ciliary stimulation capacity. © 2012 ARS-AAOA, LLC.
From Object to Installation in Bruno Taut’s Exhibit Pavilions

This study investigates the gradual evolution of the idea of installation in three experimental exhibition pavilions designed before World War I by the German architect Bruno Taut. In collaboration with the critic Adolf Behne, Taut gradually transferred ideas from Expressionist painting to architecture and helped move his designs, and with it modern architecture more generally, from a focus on visual “objects,” to multisensory “experiences,” an idea that continues to resonate in modern installations today.
Prenatal screening: Professional standards and the limits of parental choice

Medicine has a strong tradition of respect for parental autonomy in reproductive decisions. As prenatal diagnostic technology develops, the physician's obligation to the prospective parents with respect to prenatal screening must be determined, and standards for disclosure of diagnostic capabilities and results must be developed. This article explores potential justifications for limits on parental choice in prenatal screening. Information about screening capabilities can be limited appropriately when resources do not exist to ensure accurate testing and counseling. Other policy limits to parental information and choice based on risk levels, cost-benefit analyses, or harms to the parent-child relationship cannot be established without broad consensus on complex ethical issues. Limits to parental choice may be more appropriately applied through the moral values of individual physicians in their provision of diagnostic services.
Transcriptional oncogenomic hot spots in Barrett's adenocarcinomas: serial analysis of gene expression.

Serial analysis of gene expression (SAGE) provides quantitative and comprehensive expression profiling in a given cell population. In our efforts to define gene expression alterations in Barrett's-related adenocarcinomas (BA), we produced eight SAGE libraries and obtained a total of 457,894 expressed tags with 32,035 (6.9%) accounting for singleton tags. The tumor samples produced an average of 71,804 tags per library, whereas normal samples produced an average of 42,669 tags per library. Our libraries contained 67,200 unique tags representing 16,040 known gene symbols. Five hundred and sixty-eight unique tags were differentially expressed between BAs and normal tissue samples (at least twofold; P ≤ 0.05), 395 of these matched to known genes. Interestingly, the distribution of altered genes was not uniform across the human genome. Overexpressed genes tended to cluster in well-defined hot spots located in certain chromosomes. For example, chromosome 19 had 26 overexpressed genes, of which 18 mapped to 19q13. Using the gene ontology approach for functional classification of genes, we identified several groups that are relevant to carcinogenesis. We validated the SAGE results of five representative genes (ANPEP, ECGF1, PP1201, EIF5A1, and GKN1) using quantitative real-time reverse-transcription PCR on 31 BA samples and 26 normal samples. In addition, we performed an immunohistochemistry analysis for ANPEP, which demonstrated overexpression of ANPEP in 6/7 (86%) Barrett's dysplasias and 35/65 (54%) BAs. ANPEP is a secreted protein that may have diagnostic and/or prognostic significance for Barrett's progression. The use of genomic approaches in this study provided useful information about the molecular pathobiology of BAs. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
The Association between Specific Substances of Abuse and Subcortical Intracerebral Hemorrhage Versus Ischemic Lacunar Infarction

Background: Hypertension damages small vessels, resulting in both lacunar infarction and subcortical intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). Substance abuse has also been linked to small vessel pathology. This study explores whether the use of specific substances (eg., cocaine, tobacco) is associated with subcortical ICH over ischemia in hypertensive individuals. Methods: Patients with hypertension, admitted with lacunar infarcts (measuring 1 drink per day (women), >2 drinks per day (men). Logistic regression was performed with ICH as the dependent variable comparing those presenting with ICH to those presenting with ischemia. Results: Of the 580 patients included in analysis, 217 (37%) presented with ICH. The average age was similar between the two groups (64.7 versus 66.3 years). Illicit/controlled drug use was associated with a significantly increased risk of ICH over stroke in unadjusted models (25% versus 15%, p=0.02), with the largest effect seen in users ≥65 years old (not statistically significant). Smoking was associated with ischemia over ICH in a dose-dependent manner: any history of smoking OR 1.84, CI 1.19-2.84; current use OR 2.23, CI 1.37-3.62; heavy use OR 2.48, CI 1.50-4.13. Alcohol use was not preferentially associated with either outcome (p=0.29). Conclusions: In hypertensive patients, tobacco use is associated with an increased risk of subcortical ischemia compared to ICH; while use of illicit/controlled substances appears to be predictive of hemorrhage.
Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) and bone: is there a relationship in humans?

Summary In animals, high fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) states improve insulin resistance but induce bone loss. Whether FGF21 relates to bone mineral density (BMD) is unknown in humans. Contrary to prediction from animal findings, we found higher FGF21 levels associating with greater BMD in women, independent of age and body composition.
Interdisciplinary treatment and training issues in the acute inpatient psychiatry unit

While interdisciplinary team treatment processes are well elaborated in geriatric treatment settings and literature, there has been less elaboration of the interdisciplinary model in other clinical areas. This paper describes the independent evolution of an analogous interdisciplinary team model in an acute, tertiary care inpatient psychiatric unit in a Veterans Affairs hospital in the USA. The practices, benefits and drawbacks of the model in a psychiatric setting are similar to those described in the gerontological literature.
The cDNA Cloning and Characterization of Inositol Polyphosphate 4-Phosphatase Type II EVIDENCE FOR CONSERVED ALTERNATIVE SPLICING IN THE 4-PHOSPHATASE FAMILY

Inositol polyphosphate 4-phosphatase (4-phosphatase) is a Mg2+-independent enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis of the 4-position phosphate of phosphatidylinositol 3,4-bisphosphate, inositol 1,3,4-trisphosphate, and inositol 3,4-bisphosphate. We have isolated cDNA encoding a 105,257-Da protein that is 37% identical to the previously cloned 4-phosphatase. Recombinant protein was expressed in Escherichia coli and shown to hydrolyze all three 4-phosphatase substrates with enzymatic properties similar to the original enzyme. We designate the original 4-phosphatase and the new isozyme as inositol polyphosphate 4-phosphatase types I and II, respectively. 4-Phosphatase II is highly conserved with the human and rat enzymes having 90% amino acid identity. A conserved motif between 4-phosphatase I and II is the sequence CKSAKDRT that contains the Cys-Xaa5-Arg active site consensus sequence identified for other Mg2+-independent phosphatases. Northern blot analysis indicated that 4-phosphatase II is widely expressed with the highest levels occurring in the skeletal muscle and heart. In addition, cDNA encoding alternatively spliced forms of human 4-phosphatase I (107, 309 Da) and rat 4-phosphatase II (106,497 Da) were also isolated that encode proteins with a putative transmembrane domain near their C termini. These alternatively spliced forms were expressed as recombinant proteins in E. coli and SF9 insect cells and found to possess no detectable enzymatic activity suggesting that additional factors and/or processing may be required for these alternatively spliced isozymes.
Different patterns of interatrial conduction in clockwise and counterclockwise atrial flutter

Background— The terms counterclockwise (CC) and clockwise (C) atrial flutter (Afl) are used to describe right atrial activation around the tricuspid valve in the left anterior oblique view. The manner in which the left atrium is activated, as reflected by coronary sinus (CS) recordings, has not been systematically evaluated. Methods and Results— Nine patients with both CC and C Afl underwent electrophysiological study with CS recordings during both rhythms with the use of a decapolar catheter with the tip placed in the distal CS. Patterns of CS activation during each type of Afl as well as during during sinus rhythm were categorized into 1 of 3 patterns: sequential proximal-to-distal, sequential distal-to-proximal, and fused, indicating activation from different directions. In 7 of 9 patients, the pattern of CS activation in CC Afl and C Afl differed, with a proximal-to-distal pattern in CC Afl and a fused pattern in C Afl. In 2 patients, pacing the high right atrial septum near the presumed site of Bachm...
Dependence of Mechanical Strength of Brittle Polycrystalline Specimens on Porosity and Grain Size

An empirical equation form, approximating the apparent dependence of the strength of brittle polycrystalline specimens on the combined effect of porosity and grain size, has been developed from concepts and data in the literature. The form is shown to be applicable to data for thoria and chromium carbide specimens.
Low-Dose Angiotensin II Enhances Pressor Responses Without Causing Sustained Hypertension

Subpressor doses of angiotensin II (SP-Ang II) cause a slow increase in blood pressure in rats as assessed by tail cuff plethysmography (TCP), reflecting either sustained hypertension or an exaggerated pressor response to diverse stimuli. We examined whether subpressor doses of Ang II enhance blood pressure responses to simple stress (handling of trained rats for TCP). We implanted telemetry in Sprague-Dawley rats. After 10 days of recovery and TCP training, we implanted osmotic minipumps with either SP-Ang II (50 ng/kg per minute) or vehicle, and then measured systolic blood pressure continuously in unrestrained rats for 13 days. We also recorded telemetry readings while obtaining TCP measurements every 2 days. SP-Ang II increased blood pressure from 13419 to 15922 mm Hg by TCP, which matched the simultaneous telemetry readings of 13120 to 15425 mm Hg. In contrast, SP-Ang II did not change the blood pressure in the unrestrained rats (measured with continuous telemetry: 1242 versus 1271 mm Hg). The blood pressure in the control rats did not change in the unrestrained state (1253 versus 1285 mm Hg on days 0 and 12, respectively), and only slightly increased during TCP (115 and 64 mm Hg by TCP and simultaneous telemetry, respectively; PNS). In summary, SP-Ang II, although unable to provoke sustained hypertension, nonetheless magnifies the pressor response to otherwise trivial stimuli. We speculate that even modestly elevated Ang II levels may contribute to hypertensive complications because such levels promote the punctuation of an apparent normotensive state by episodic hypertension occasioned by seemingly innocuous stimuli. (Hypertension. 2003;42(part 2):798-801.)
Dynamic stability of axially loaded columns subjected to stochastic excitations.

This paper deals with Lyapunov-type analysis of the dynamic stability of a linear elastic column subjected to an axial stochastic load. Within the past decade, the interest in stability of stochastic systems of differen tial equations has rapidly increased, as indicated by the large number of papers on the subject. The intent of this paper is to provide sufficient conditions on the absolute value of the excitation applied to the column problem in order to insure mean-square global stability. Although this problem has been investigated by several authors by considering the concept of almost sure stability, the bounds provided are related to only the mean value of the absolute value of the excitation, or, at best, the standard deviation of a Gaussian process with zero mean. In the present paper, we are able to relate the required bounds, for mean-square global stability, to the mean and variances of the excitation. The bounds are applicable for any general continuous random process. The sufficient bounds are obtained by using a Lyapunov type of approach, introduced by Bertram and Sarachik and extended here for stability in the mean-square sense.
Piloting on the Edge: Approaches to Flight Control Solutions

Flying near the edge of the safe operating envelope is an inherently unsafe proposition. Space missions, especially one-of-a-kind missions in which uncertainties are common, need technologies that can sustain flight at the "edge" of the stability and performance envelope of the spacecraft. Edge of the envelope here implies that small changes or disturbances in system state or system dynamics can take the system out of the safe envelope in a short time and could result in catastrophic failures. Performance that fully exploits available resources to maintain safe flight in the midst of either greater uncertainty or greater needed performance than originally planned is non trivial. In this paper, we outline two novel control concepts that are well suited for enabling edge of the envelope flight. The outlined technologies work with both piloted and autonomous applications.
Manufacturing and Cure Kinetics Modeling for Macro Fiber Composite Actuators

The use of piezoelectric ceramic materials for structural actuation is a fairly welldeveloped practice that has found use in a wide variety of applications. However, just as advanced composites offer many benefits over traditional engineering materials for structural design, actuators that utilize the active properties of piezoelectric fibers can improve upon many of the limitations encountered with monolithic piezoceramic devices used to control structural dynamics. This paper discusses the Macro Fiber Composite (MFC) actuator, which utilizes piezoceramic fibers, for example, lead zirconate titanate (PZT), embedded in an epoxy matrix for structural actuation. An overview of the MFC assembly process is presented, followed by a cure kinetics model that describes the behavior of the thermosetting epoxy matrix. This empirical model is seen to agree closely with the experimental data.
The Effect of the Tsetse Fly on African Development

The TseTse ‡y is unique to Africa and transmits a parasite harmful to humans and lethal to livestock. This paper tests the hypothesis that the TseTse reduced the ability of Africans to generate an agricultural surplus historically. Ethnic groups inhabiting TseTse-suitable areas were less likely to use domesticated animals and the plow, less likely to be politically centralized and had a lower population density. These correlations are not found in the Tropics outside of Africa, where the ‡y does not exist.
High amino acid diversity and positive selection at a putative coral immunity gene ( tachylectin-2 )

Genes involved in immune functions, including pathogen recognition and the activation of innate defense pathways, are among the most genetically variable known, and the proteins that they encode are often characterized by high rates of amino acid substitutions, a hallmark of positive selection. The high levels of variation characteristic of immunity genes make them useful tools for conservation genetics. To date, highly variable immunity genes have yet to be found in corals, keystone organisms of the world's most diverse marine ecosystem, the coral reef. Here, we examine variation in and selection on a putative innate immunity gene from Oculina, a coral genus previously used as a model for studies of coral disease and bleaching. In a survey of 244 Oculina alleles, we find high nonsynonymous variation and a signature of positive selection, consistent with a putative role in immunity. Using computational protein structure prediction, we generate a structural model of the Oculina protein that closely matches the known structure of tachylectin-2 from the Japanese horseshoe crab (Tachypleus tridentatus), a protein with demonstrated function in microbial recognition and agglutination. We also demonstrate that at least three other genera of anthozoan cnidarians (Acropora, Montastrea and Nematostella) possess proteins structurally similar to tachylectin-2. Taken together, the evidence of high amino acid diversity, positive selection and structural correspondence to the horseshoe crab tachylectin-2 suggests that this protein is 1) part of Oculina's innate immunity repertoire, and 2) evolving adaptively, possibly under selective pressure from coral-associated microorganisms. Tachylectin-2 may serve as a candidate locus to screen coral populations for their capacity to respond adaptively to future environmental change.
Regulated cell death pathways: New twists in modulation of BCL2 family function

A number of cell death pathways have been recognized. Though apoptosis and autophagy have been well characterized, programmed necrosis has recently received attention and may provide clinical alternatives to suppress resistant tumors. Necrosis is primarily characterized by large-scale permeabilization, swelling, and rupture of cell membranes and the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Traditionally, necrosis in cancer cells has been indicative of poor prognoses, as chronic inflammation was found to encourage tumor growth. Yet, many antitumor effects associated with necrosis have been discovered in certain settings, such as the formation of an effective antitumor immune response. In this way, finding ways to attenuate the pro-tumor effects of necrosis while engaging the antitumor pathways via drugs, radiation, and sensitization may prove valuable as a clinical focus for the future. We hypothesize that the use of Bcl-2 inhibitors may enhance necrotic death characterized by inflammation and antitumor immunity. In this article, we briefly review apoptosis and autophagy and reason how necrosis may be a suitable alternative therapeutic endpoint. We then highlight novel inhibitors of Bcl-2 that may provide clinical application of our hypothesis in the future.
Evidence that macrophages are programmed to die after activating autologous, cloned, antigen-specific, CD4+ T cells

The bone marrow produces large numbers of monocytes daily, but the mechanisms balancing production and elimination are unknown. In this report we demonstrate that macrophages (M phi) undergo apoptosis after activating autologous CD4+ cells. Since apoptosis is a genetically programmed response, these results argue that M phi death can be part of a normal immune response. This event may have relevance to monocyte/M phi homeostasis, as well as immune response regulation and host defenses to intracellular organisms.
Cabinet Terminations and Critical Events

We present an empirical assessment of Lupia and Strom's noncooperative bargaining model of cabinet terminations. We construct a stochastic version of the model and derive several testable implications. As the next mandatory election approaches: (1) the probability of an early election increases; (2) a cabinet's risks of being replaced without an intermediate election may be flat or even decrease; and (3) the overall chance that a cabinet falls (for whatever reason) increases. Using nonparametric duration analysis on a 15-country data set, we find qualified support for the Lupia and Strom model. We conclude that the strategic approach is more promising than the nonstrategic alternative, but a more fully dynamic strategic model will be required to account for the dynamics of cabinet stability.