cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evaluating the Effectiveness of Destination Marketing Organisations' Websites: Evidence from China

Despite the extensive use of the Internet as a marketing tool by Chinese destination marketing organisations (DMOs), few studies have been conducted to measure the effectiveness of Chinese DMOs' websites. This study attempted to fill the gap by constructing a conceptual website evaluation model consisting of five dimensions of information, communication, transaction, relationship and technical merit. The proposed framework was tested to evaluate the effectiveness of each of the dimensions of 31 Chinese Provincial Tourism Administrations' (PTAs) websites. The results indicated that overall, the PTAs in China were not using their websites effectively. Among the five dimensions, transaction and relationship dimensions were the weakest areas of Chinese PTAs' websites. Great variation exists in the website effectiveness among different provinces. Suggestions and implications were provided and discussed. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Scabies in the Nursing Home

Scabies infection is antediluvian and ubiquitous both in developing and developed countries, yet often neglected. Scabies has a predilection to infect vulnerable subsets of population in crowding conditions, typically applicable to residents in the nursing home. The mite incites a unique immunological response from human hosts. Scabies does not manifest as a singular skin condition and may present atypically in older adults, the majority of nursing home residents, where delay has deleterious consequences. Further, pruritus or itching, the hallmark of scabies infection, is a common complaint from a variety of causes among older adults. Hence, the diagnosis is often delayed or missed. There are several pharmacological treatment options; long-term care practitioners need to understand the characteristics of each agent before selection. Even more relevant is the importance of nonpharmacological aspects of management, crucial in the success of averting spread or outbreaks in long-term care settings.
ZnO hybrid microcavities grown by plasma assisted molecular beam epitaxy

Strong coupling between the exciton and cavity modes were demonstrated in a bulk ZnO-based hybrid microcavity The hybrid microcavity consisted of a λ-thick bulk ZnO cavity layer sandwiched between a 29 pair Al 0.5 Ga 0.5 N/GaN bottom distributed Bragg reflector (DBR) and an 8 pair SiO 2 /Si 3 N 4 top DBR grown by molecular beam epitaxy, metalorganic chemical vapor deposition, and ultra high vacuum plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition, respectively. All layer interfaces were sharp and optical reflectivity measurements were performed to characterize the DBRs. The anti-crossing behavior in the polarton dispersion, which indicates the system is in the strong coupling regime was observed in angle-resolved photoluminescence measurements at room temperature, and a vacuum Rabi splitting of ∼50 meV in the ZnO-based hybrid microcavity was obtained.
Bilateral congenital amazia: A case report and systematic review of the literature

Summary Background Congenital breast anomalies present challenging management decisions to the plastic surgeon. One must consider the optimal age of reconstruction as well as the ideal surgical technique. Amazia, a very rare condition characterised by a complete lack of breast tissue in the presence of a nipple areolar complex (NAC), is one such congenital breast anomaly. Methods A comprehensive systematic review of the literature was performed to examine the various approaches to reconstruction of congenital breast anomalies. From this review, the data compiled included patient demographics and operative details, including type of reconstruction, treatment of the contralateral breast and treatment of the NAC. A case of bilateral amazia is also reported. Results Of 178 articles, 13 ultimately met the inclusion criteria and 54 individual patient reconstructions were identified from these papers. At the time of reconstruction, the patients were in the range of 13–54 years, with an average age of 27.6 years. Prosthetic and autologous reconstructions were equally represented (19 patients each, 35.2%; Table 2). Autologous reconstruction with prosthesis was slightly less common (15 patients, 27.8%). One patient was reconstructed using autologous lipo-augmentation only. Of the 36 cases in which the approach to the NAC was addressed, most (66.7%) were not reconstructed. Conclusions Amazia is a very rare congenital anomaly of the breast. This systematic review of the literature highlights the need for better reporting and examination of this type of data to allow for future study and to better advise on decision making regarding the timing of reconstruction, surgical technique and the approach to the NAC.
Genetic correlates of gene expression in recombinant inbred strains: a relational model system to explore neurobehavioral phenotypes.

Full genome sequencing, high-density genotyping, expanding sets of microarray assays, and systematic phenotyping of neuroanatomical and behavioral traits are producing a wealth of data on the mouse central nervous system (CNS). These disparate resources are still poorly integrated. One solution is to acquire these data using a common reference population of isogenic lines of mice, providing a point of integration between the data types. Recombinant inbred (RI) mice, derived through inbreeding of progeny from an inbred cross, are a powerful tool for complex trait mapping and analysis of the challenging phenotypes of neuroscientific interest. These isogenic RI lines are a retrievable genetic resource that can be repeatedly studied using a wide variety of assays. Diverse data sets can be related through fixed and known genomes, using tools such as the interactive web-based system for complex trait analysis, www.WebQTL.org. In this report, we demonstrate the use of WebQTL to explore complex interactions among a wide variety of traits—from mRNA transcripts to the impressive behavioral and pharmacological variation among RI strains. The relational approach exploiting a common set of strains facilitates study of multiple effects of single genes (pleiotropy) without a priori hypotheses required. Here we demonstrate the power of this technique through genetic correlation of gene expression with a database of neurobehavioral phenotypes collected in these strains of mice through more than 20 years of experimentation. By repeatedly studying the same panel of mice, early data can be re-examined in light of technological advances unforeseen at the time of their initial collection.
Renormalized effective QCD Hamiltonian: Gluonic sector

Extending previous QCD Hamiltonian studies, we present a new renormalization procedure which generates an effective Hamiltonian for the gluon sector. The formulation is in the Coulomb gauge where the QCD Hamiltonian is renormalizable and the Gribov problem can be resolved. We utilize elements of the Glazek and Wilson regularization method but now introduce a continuous cut-off procedure which eliminates non-local counterterms. The effective Hamiltonian is then derived to second order in the strong coupling constant. The resulting renormalized Hamiltonian provides a realistic starting point for approximate many-body calculations of hadronic properties for systems with explicit gluon degrees of freedom. {copyright} {ital 1999} {ital The American Physical Society}
Diagnostic Tests, Drugs, and the Geriatric Patient

: The physiologic changes that occur with aging have a direct bearing on the use of diagnostic agents. In the elderly, the choice and dosage of these agents must be adjusted to the altered physiologic state of the patient. Examples discussed are the tuberculin test, the phentolamine test for pheochromocytoma, contrast media for angiocardiography or excretory urography, the barium-enema examination, the sulfobromophthalein test for liver function, and the oral glucose tolerance test.
Extinction as a function of run structure in two choice human learning

For 148 trials, human Ss predicted which of two stimulus lights would occur. During the first 112 trials each light occurred 56 times. For one group the light-sequence run structure consisted almost entirely of runs of Length 1 or 2. For a second group the run lengths were uniformly distributed from 1 to 7. Only the left light occurred during the last 36 trials. The proportion of Ss who predicted “right” on the extinction trials was initially low for the long run group, this group extinguished slowly. The short run group started higher but dropped to zero rapidly.
Determination of nutritional requirements in preterm infants, with special reference to ‘catch-up’ growth

The usual recommendation for feeding preterm infants is to provide sufficient nutrients to support rates of growth and nutrient accretion equal to intrauterine rates. However, most preterm infants don't tolerate feedings immediately and, therefore, incur significant deficits prior to achieving sufficient intake to support growth. Furthermore, unless they receive nutrient intakes in excess of those usually recommended, they will be smaller than a fetus of the same postmenstrual age at discharge and remain smaller for some time thereafter. The consequences of these early deficits are not known with certainty but there is some evidence that they should be repleted as soon as possible. This requires a redefinition of requirements to include those for both normal growth and catch-up growth. Strategies for doing so include: more aggressive early parenteral nutrition to reduce the magnitude of early losses; greater enteral intakes of protein, and, perhaps, other nutrients once enteral feedings are tolerated; and more attention to nutrition post-discharge. Of these, the latter is somewhat problematic. This is because there seems to be a finite period - perhaps as brief as a few weeks - during which response to increased nutrient intake occurs. Firm data are limited, but those available suggest that current nutritional management of preterm infants can be improved. Whether this will have long-term benefits remains to be determined.
Using urinary biomarkers to evaluate polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon exposure in 126 preschool children in Ohio

Limited data exist on exposures of young children to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the United States (US). The urinary metabolite of pyrene, 1-hydroxypyrene (1-OHPyr), is widely used as a biomarker of total PAH exposure. Our objectives were to quantify urinary 1-OHPyr levels in 126 preschool children over a 48-h period and to examine associations between selected sociodemographic/lifestyle factors and urinary 1-OHPyr levels. Monitoring was performed at 126 homes and 16 daycares in Ohio in 2001, and questionnaires and urine samples were collected. The median urinary 1-OHPyr level was 0.33 ng/mL. In a multiple regression model, sampling season (p = 0.0001) and natural log (ln)-transformed creatinine concentration (p = 0.0006) were highly significant predictors of ln-transformed 1-OH-Pyr concentration; cooking appliance type (p = 0.096) was a marginally significant predictor of ln(1-OHPyr). These children had higher median urinary 1-OHPyr levels compared to other US children (≤ 0.15 ng/mL) in pr...
Regulation by lysine of production of threonine-sensitive aspartokinase.

Of the two aspartokinases known to occur in Escherichia coli, the synthesis and activity of one enzyme is regulated by lysine, and threonine controls the activity of the other enzyme (1). In E. coli 9723, only lysine-sensitive aspartokinase was detected in extracts from cells grown in inorganic salts-glucose medium, and this enzyme is synergistically inhibited by a combination of lysine and leucine, the inhibitory effects of which are prevented in a competitive manner by Mg++ (2). In the present study, it has been found that lysine, in addition to controlling the synthesis and activity of the lysine-sensitive aspartokinase, induces the formation of the threonine-sensitive enzyme in E. coli 9723. During a nine-hour incubation period in the presence of lysine, the production of the lysine-sensitive enzyme was almost completely suppressed, and at the same time, an appreciable amount of the threonine-sensitive enzyme appeared. The aspartokinase level found in these cells cultured in the presence of lysine was reduced to about one-third of that found in cells grown in saltsglucose medium without lysine; qualitatively, the aspartokinase in the former case was sensitive to inhibition by threonine but not by lysine or leucine, while the aspartokinase in the latter case was inhibited more than 85% by lysine plus leucine. It is suggested that these E. coli cells manifest a biological control mechanism whereby excess production of lysine (one of the products of the aspartokinase pathway) not only controls lysine production, but also produces a change-over in cellular synthesis from the lysine-sensitive enzyme (repressed by lysine) to the threonine-sensitive enzyme (induced by lysine), the latter aspartokinase then being regulated by excess production of threonine, another end-product of aspartokinase.
Adaptive Selling Behavior and Its Impact on Pharmaceutical Sales Performance

Academic research in pharmaceutical marketing has traditionally focused on the pharmacist, the physician, and the patient. Another important role in the successful marketing of pharmaceutical products, however, is that played by the pharmaceutical sales representative. This study examined the level of salespeople's customer orientation and actual adaptive selling behavior in an attempt to identify the impact that these two variables have on selling success. The results of the analysis were mixed. Customer orientation was marginally significant in respect to sales performance, but customer orientation was not statistically significant in respect to salespeople's adaptive behavior and was in the direction opposite to that expected. In addition, the level of salespeople's adaptive selling behavior, while in the hypothesized direction, was not statistically related to sales performance. Possible explanations for these results, as well as suggestions for their usefulness in future research and application in t...
PS3-32: Patients with Co-Occurring Hypertension, Obesity, and Depression: Diagnosis vs. Treatment, and Is Treatment of One Condition Associated with Changes in Other Conditions?

Background/Aims Hypertension (HTN), overweight and/or obesity (OVRWT), and depression (DEP) frequently co-occur. Research on co-occurring chronic conditions often relies on Medicare claims data, and is subject to biases from age limits and reliance on claims-based diagnoses. We use electronic health record (EHR) data from a multispecialty practice to study the occurrence of these conditions among all adults. We assess the probability that previously untreated patients with high blood pressure (BP) receive a diagnosis and subsequently are treated with drugs, and the impact of such treatment on both the BP and body mass index (BMI) of people who also have OVRWT and/or DEP.
Time-Reversal Experiments in Dipolar-Coupled Spin Systems

By applying a suitable sequence of strong rf fields, a system of dipolar-coupled nuclear spins can be made to behave as though the sign of the dipolar Hamiltonian had been reversed. The system then appears to develop backward in time, and states of nonequilibrium magnetization can be recovered in systems which would superficially appear to have decayed to equilibrium. This behavior is consistent with dynamical and thermodynamical principles, but shows that the spin-temperature hypothesis must be employed with caution. The theory of the timereversal phenomenon is discussed, including the practical limitations on the accuracy with which it can be achieved. Various echo experiments in the laboratory and in the rotating frame are reported. The application of repeated time reversals to the problem of high-resolution NMR in solids is discussed.
Synthesis and theoretical analysis of the structures and bonding in five new neutral square planar bis[2,4-di(aryl)-1,3,5-triazapentadienato]nickel(II) complexes

Solvothermal reactions in methanol of nickel acetate tetrahydrate, Ni(OAc) 2 · 4H 2 O, with benzonitrile derivatives NC(C 6 H 4 )X, where X is one of the electron withdrawing substituents –CN, –NO 2 , or –CF 3 , located at the m - or p -positions relative to –CN, yield complexes of the general formula Ni{HN C(R)–N C(R)–NH} 2 . More specifically, 3-nitrobenzonitrile, 4-nitrobenzonitrile, 1,3-dicyanobenzene, 1,4-dicyanobenzene, and ααα-trifluoro- p -toluonitrile are found to react with Ni(OAc) 2 · 4H 2 O to yield Ni{HN C(R)–N C(R)–NH} 2 , where R = 3-(NO 2 )C 6 H 4 , 4-(NO 2 )C 6 H 4 , 3-(CN)C 6 H 4 , 4-(CN)C 6 H 4 , or 4-(CF 3 )C 6 H 4 , respectively. Analogous reactions of nitriles lacking electron withdrawing groups do not occur under similar conditions. Solid-state structures have been determined for the complexes with p -NO 2 , p -CN, and p -CF 3 substituents on the phenyl rings. In addition, we describe density functional theory (DFT) and natural bonding orbital theory (NBO) studies on a simplified analog of these compounds, aimed at understanding their molecular bonding. It is shown that the new compounds for which solid-state structures have been determined are model examples of coordination compounds containing robust ω-bonds.
Partitioning the production processes when assembling a bore and shaft

The problem of assembling of two mating parts is considered. Making use of the probability distributions of the bore and shaft, and the specifications on the fit between them, it is desired to define the dimensions of separate groups for the bore and for the shaft that these parts can be placed in, such that the specifications on the fit when parts in these groups are assembled will be met with certainty. This is accomplished by formulating an optimisation problem such that the number of such groups is made a minimum subject to a specified lower bound on the sum of the probabilities of a sample lying in each group, and introducing a method of generating approximate solutions. The method makes use of the ‘solver’ and ‘chart wizard’ functions that are contained in Microsoft Excel©. Using the dimensions of the groups, an expression for the expected number of assemblies generated by each group is presented.
Attitude change and information integration in fear appeals

A 2 × 2 × 2 factorial experiment investigated the combinatorial rule individuals use to integrate information about the components of a fear appeal. Individuals were presented information about a h...
Characterization of an obese syndrome in the pig.

SummaryMetabolic abnormalities associated with obesity were studied with two strains of pigs possessing varying propensities for lipid and protein deposition. The lean strain has a subcutaneous fat thickness of 2.8 cm and the obese strain, 8.0 cm. Adipose tissue enzymes associated with lipogenesis were elevated severalfold in the obese pig. The same enzymes in the liver were not altered. Gluconeogenic enzymes were elevated in the obese pig indicating a shift in the metabolism of amino acids. Enzymatic response to fasting and refeeding appears to be more dynamic in the lean type pig.
Distributed consensus filter on directed graphs with switching topologies

We consider distributed estimation on a directed graph with switching topologies. Motivated by a recent PI consensus filter, we modify the protocol and remove the requirement of bi-directional exchange of neighboring gains for fixed topologies. We then extend the protocol to switching topologies and propose a new hybrid consensus filter design. Convergence results under both balanced directed and general directed graphs are given for switching graphs. We finally show satisfactory simulation results.
Time-dependent neurobiological effects of colchicine administered directly into the hippocampus of rats

Abstract Rats were given bilateral injections of colchinine into the dorsal and ventral hippocampus. Behavioral, neurochemical and histopathological measurements were taken, up to 12 weeks after surgery. Colchicine produced a consistent increase in spontaneous motor activity, enhanced acoustic startle reactivity, and accelerated acquisition of two-way shuttle ☐ avoidance, but did not affect reactivity to a noxious thermal stimulus. Measurement of dynorphin in the hippocampus indicated ithat colchicine rapidly depleted this neuropeptide, which is thought to be contained preferentially in the mossy fibers of granule cells of the hippocampus. Colchicine also decreased Met-enkephalin in the hippocampus, but the magnitude of the change (22%) was less than that (89% depletion) observed for hippocampal dynorphin. Examination of hippocampal morphology using light microscopic techniques indicated that colchicine caused approximately 60% degeneration of granule cells in the hippocampus. Although the length of the pyramidal cells was decreased (12–16%), the width of the CA 1 and CA 3 region of the hippocampus was not affected. These data underscore the importance of the granule cells in the mediation of behavioral processes such as motor activity, startle reactivity and performance of shuttle ☐ avoidance.
Unawareness of deficits in neuropsychological syndromes

Damage to different regions of the brain can cause a variety of neuropsychological deficits, including specific disturbances of language, memory, perception and motor function. A significant number of brain-damaged patients are unaware of their deficits, even when they are profound and have debilitating effects on patients' performance. This article reviews clinical observations and experimental investigations concerning unawareness of deficits, considers methodological issues, and critically evaluates different interpretations of the phenomenon. An integrative theoretical framework is proposed to account for unawareness of deficits in diverse neuropsychological syndromes. Possible directions for future research are outlined.
The microbubble or the microparticle

decompression sickness (DCS) has long been attributed to physical forces exerted by inert gas bubbles that may form in tissues, resulting in vascular occlusion and tissue disruption. Bubble formation occurs when a decrease in ambient pressure exceeds the rate at which soluble inert gas (e.g.,
Histological preparation of developing vestibular otoconia for scanning electron microscopy

The unique nature of vestibular otoconia as calcium carbonate biominerals makes them particularly susceptible to chemical deformation during histological processing. We fixed and stored otoconia from all three otolith endorgans of embryonic, hatchling and adult Japanese quail in glutaraldehyde containing either phosphate or non-phosphate buffers for varying lengths of time and processed them for scanning electron microscopy. Otoconia from all age groups and otolith endorgans processed in 0.1 M phosphate buffer (pH 7.4) showed abnormal surface morphology when compared to acetone fixed controls. Otoconia processed in 0.1 M sodium cacodylate or HEPES buffered artificial endolymph (pH 7.4) showed normal morphology that was similar to controls. The degree of otoconial deformation was directly related to the time exposed to phosphate buffer. Short duration exposure produced particulate deformations while longer exposures resulted in fused otoconia that formed solid sheets. Otoconial surface deformation and fusing was independent of the glutaraldehyde component of the histological processing. These findings should help vestibular researchers to develop appropriate histological processing protocols in future studies of otoconia.
Essential Angular Derivatives and Maximum Growth of Koenigs Eigenfunctions

Abstract We introduce the notion of essential angular derivative for functions φ mapping the open unit disk U holomorphically into itself. After exploring some of its basic properties, we show how the essential angular derivative of φ determines the maximum growth rate of the Koenigs eigenfunction σ for φ when φ has an attractive fixed point in U . Our work answers some questions about growth of Koenigs functions recently posed by Pietro Poggi-Corradini.
Evaluating Offensive Performance in Baseball

We introduce a new statistic for evaluating offensive performance in baseball: the offensive performance average OPA. The OPA is based on the increase in expected runs caused by the batter and includes the contributions of his stolen bases. This paper also discusses some other averages used for offensive evaluations and ranks the averages by means of correlation coefficients using team data for 1965-1975. Some variations on the OPA are given and the OPA is used to provide a list of the ten best major-league offensive players of all time.
Nation-wide transmission overlay design and benefits assessment for the U.S.

Abstract A U.S. nation-wide transmission overlay is a high capacity, multi-regional transmission grid, potentially spanning all three interconnections, designed as a single integrated system to provide economic and environmental benefits to the nation. The objective of this paper is to identify benefits to building a national transmission overlay and to lay out essential elements to facilitate continued dialog on this topic. A preliminary study performed on a national scale using a long term investment planning software illustrated that a national transmission overlay, under a high renewable penetration scenario, could result in cost-reduction of between one quarter trillion and one-half trillion dollars over a 40-year period, while promising to increase infrastructure resilience and flexibility.
Spline methods for multiconfiguration Hartree–Fock calculations

The earlier numerical multiconfiguration Hartree–Fock atomic structure package was not designed with high-performance computers in mind. In this paper, some new algorithms based on spline–Galerkin methods are described that are appropriate for concurrent/vector architectures. The goal is to improve the level of numerical accuracy by several orders of magnitude using fewer basis functions than points in a numerical grid. Of critical importance is the robustness of the code: The most serious problems in the numerical implementation were associated with orthogonality constraints. In a spline basis approach, the orthogonality requirements can be integrated into quadratically convergent update procedures. These procedures are evaluated for a number of cases.
Optimization of multi-band AMC surfaces with magnetic loading

This work presents single-bband and multi-band artificia magnetic conducting (AMC) surface designs that are shown to have significant bandwidth enhancement achieved by loading the substrate with a magnetic material. In both cases, a conventional AMC structure consisting of a high impedance frequency selective surface (HZ-FSS) is optimized using a genetic algorithm (GA) for maximum bandwidth. The single-band design operates at 2 GHz, while the multiband design has targeted resonant frequencies of 860 MHz, 1.575 GHz, and 1.88 GHz. These design examples serve to demonstrate that the inclusion of a modest amount of magnetic material within the substrate allows for improved bandwidth at all resonant frequencies.
Preparation of thin CuInS2 films via a two-stage process

Abstract Thin CuInS2 films were made via a two-stage process. In the first step CuIn films are prepared by molecular beam deposition which are converted into CuInS2 films in the second step by a subsequent anneal in a sulphur-containing atmosphere. In this way polycrystalline CuInS2 films are obtained which show only the zinc blende phase. The optimum conditions for single-phase CuInS2 formation and the influence of deviations from the ideal composition are discussed.
Coherent 2D Resonance Raman Spectroscopy as a tool for studying molecular structure

Abstract Coherent 2D Resonance Raman Spectroscopy (C2DRRS) is a new spectroscopic technique that can sort normally congested Resonance Raman peaks into predictable patterns. This paper discusses evidence that connects the location, shape and spacing of these patterns to the relative size of specific spectroscopic constants. Simulations and experimental results for the Δ v = 0 and Δ v = 1 transitions of the C 2 Swan band reveal a relatively simple relationship between spectroscopic constants and the resulting 2D pattern.
Caveolin modulates integrin function and mechanical activation in the cardiomyocyte

β1 integrins (β1) transduce mechanical signals in many cells, including cardiac myocytes (CM). Given their close localization, as well as their role in mechanotransduction and signaling, we hypothesized that caveolin (Cav) proteins might regulate integrins in the CM. β1 localization, complex formation, activation state, and signaling were analyzed using wild-type, Cav3 knockout, and Cav3 CM-specific transgenic heart and myocyte samples. Studies were performed under basal and mechanically loaded conditions. We found that: (1) β1 and Cav3 colocalize in CM and coimmunoprecipitate from CM protein lysates; (2) β1 is detected in a subset of caveolae; (3) loss of Cav3 caused reduction of β1D integrin isoform and active β1 integrin from the buoyant domains in the heart; (4) increased expression of myocyte Cav3 correlates with increased active β1 integrin in adult CM; (5) in vivo pressure overload of the wild-type heart results in increased activated integrin in buoyant membrane domains along with increased association between active integrin and Cav3; and (6) Cav3-deficient myocytes have perturbed basal and stretch mediated signaling responses. Thus, Cav3 protein can modify integrin function and mechanotransduction in the CM and intact heart.
TMPRSS2- driven ERG expression in vivo increases self-renewal and maintains expression in a castration resistant subpopulation.

Genomic rearrangements commonly occur in many types of cancers and often initiate or alter the progression of disease. Here we describe an in vivo mouse model that recapitulates the most frequent rearrangement in prostate cancer, the fusion of the promoter region of TMPRSS2 with the coding region of the transcription factor, ERG. A recombinant bacterial artificial chromosome including an extended TMPRSS2 promoter driving genomic ERG was constructed and used for transgenesis in mice. TMPRSS2-ERG expression was evaluated in tissue sections and FACS-fractionated prostate cell populations. In addition to the anticipated expression in luminal cells, TMPRSS2-ERG was similarly expressed in the Sca-1hi/EpCAM+ basal/progenitor fraction, where expanded numbers of clonogenic self-renewing progenitors were found, as assayed by in vitro sphere formation. These clonogenic cells increased intrinsic self renewal in subsequent generations. In addition, ERG dependent self-renewal and invasion in vitro was demonstrated in prostate cell lines derived from the model. Clinical studies have suggested that the TMPRSS2-ERG translocation occurs early in prostate cancer development. In the model described here, the presence of the TMPRSS2-ERG fusion alone was not transforming but synergized with heterozygous Pten deletion to promote PIN. Taken together, these data suggest that one function of TMPRSS2-ERG is the expansion of self-renewing cells, which may serve as targets for subsequent mutations. Primary prostate epithelial cells demonstrated increased post transcriptional turnover of ERG compared to the TMPRSS2-ERG positive VCaP cell line, originally isolated from a prostate cancer metastasis. Finally, we determined that TMPRSS2-ERG expression occurred in both castration-sensitive and resistant prostate epithelial subpopulations, suggesting the existence of androgen-independent mechanisms of TMPRSS2 expression in prostate epithelium.
Next-generation dialyser design using sustainable design methods

Life-Cycle Analysis (LCA) is used to understand the holistic flow of energy and materials throughout a product's life. As part of a comprehensive approach to design next-generation dialysers, we performed a LCA of an Optiflux F180NR dialyser. Combining LCA insights with a functional analysis of each product component, we analysed which components could be improved most effectively. Determining that the polycarbonate housing was the optimal area of focus, we used SolidWorks and COSMOSWorks to test, in-silico, the strength of various reduced-weight housing designs. The final design weighed 17% less than the original without a significant loss in strength.
Guinea pig as an animal model for the study of urinary bladder function in the normal and obstructed state

The guinea pig has become an excellent model for the study of mechanical and electrical mechanisms regulating bladder function in the normal and obstructed state. Much preliminary work has been done on the in vitro behavior of the detrusor smooth muscle. The tissue has permitted electrophysiological studies by sucrose gap, microelectrode, and patch clamp technique. Excellent urodynamic studies can be performed under anesthesia. A recent model of bladder obstruction has resulted in a source of tissue which is suitable for electrophysiological analysis of the muscle. Low-cost and simple animal care requirements permit large-scale studies correlating urodynamic, structural, biochemical, contractile, and electrophysiological changes in response to obstruction.
Adaptation of naturally paced saccades.

In the natural environment, humans make saccades almost continuously. In many eye movement experiments, however, observers are required to fixate for unnaturally long periods of time. The resulting long and monotonous experimental sessions can become especially problematic when collecting data in a clinical setting, where time can be scarce and subjects easily fatigued. With this in mind, we tested whether the well-studied motor learning process of saccade adaptation could be induced with a dramatically shortened intertrial interval. Observers made saccades to targets that stepped left or right either ∼250 ms or ∼1,600 ms after the saccade landed. In experiment I, we tested baseline saccade parameters to four different target amplitudes (5°, 10°, 15°, and 20°) in the two timing settings. In experiments II and III, we adapted 10° saccades via 2° intrasaccadic steps either backwards or forwards, respectively. Seven subjects performed eight separate adaptation sessions (2 intertrial timings × 2 adaptation direction × 2 session trial lengths). Adaptation proceeded remarkably similarly in both timing conditions across the multiple sessions. In the faster-paced sessions, robust adaptation was achieved in under 2 min, demonstrating the efficacy of our approach to streamlining saccade adaptation experiments. Although saccade amplitudes were similar between conditions, the faster-paced condition unexpectedly resulted in significantly higher peak velocities in all subjects. This surprising finding demonstrates that the stereotyped “main sequence” relationship between saccade amplitude and peak velocity is not as fixed as originally thought.
Multiple mononeuropathy or mononeuritis multiplex in diabetics

Separation of two distinct clinical entities occurring in diabetes mellitus seems important. Mononeuritis multiplex occurs with a worsening of the diffuse neuropathy and seems unrelated to control. Multiple mononeuropathy is likely related to entrapment which requires specific therapy.
The relationship between body mass index and the diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome.

Increased weignt and, more recently, body mass index (BMI), have been suggested as risk factors for carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). In an effort to determine the relative risk (RR) of obesity in the development of CTS, 949 patients who had an evaluation of the right upper extremity that included motor and sensory conduction studies of the median and ulnar nerves were reviewed. Of these patients, 261 were diagnosed with a median mononeuropathy at the wrist. Those individuals who were classified as obese (BMI > 29) were 2.5 times more likely than slender individuals (BMI < 20) to be diagnosed with CTS. Forty-three percent of obese women and 32% of obese men had the diagnosis of CTS compared to 21% of slender women and 0% of slender men. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
A case of gastrointestinal stromal tumor diagnosed on prostate biopsy

This Case Study describes a 56-year-old man who initially presented to his urologist with lower urinary tract symptoms. Four years later, a gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) was diagnosed after prostate biopsy. This article discusses the role of immunohistochemistry for diagnosing GIST, and the pharmacologic and surgical management of this unusual prostatic tumor.
Yeast biota of the red imported fire ant

Few researchers have addressed the relationship between the Solenopsis complex and its internal microbiota. Most investigations on the red imported fire ant (Solenopsis invicta) are either control oriented or emphasize the species' negative impact on ecosystems. The objectives of this study were to isolate and identify yeasts from the red imported fire ant and to determine the impact of associated yeasts on colony vigour. Colonies were collected from five locations in Texas that represent a transect along a decreasing moisture gradient from the southeastern to the northwestern region of the state. Colonies were collected during winter of 1992, and the spring, summer, and autumn months of 1993. Physiological and morphological tests showed that the 327 yeast isolates from worker haemolymph represent five yeast species: Candida parapsilosis, Candida lipolytica, Candida guillermondii, Candida rugosa, and Debaryomyces hansenii var. hansenii. The biomass of red imported fire ant colonies with yeasts was significantly greater than ant colonies without yeasts during winter and spring months. Moreover, 80% of the fourth-instar larvae collected during the autumn months harboured yeasts. These data indicate that the presence of yeast does not reduce colony biomass. A high prevalence of yeasts in larvae suggests a nutritional role and that this association is not random.
Darwinian Behavior in a Cold, Sporadically Fed Pool of Ribonucleotides

A testable, explicit origin for Darwinian behavior, feasible on a chaotic early Earth, would aid origins discussion. Here I show that a pool receiving unreliable supplies of unstable ribonucleotide precursors can recurrently fill this role. By using numerical integration, the differential equations governing a sporadically fed pool are solved, yielding quantitative constraints for the proliferation of molecules that also have a chemical phenotype. For example, templated triphosphate nucleotide joining is >104 too slow, suggesting that a group more reactive than pyrophosphate activated primordial nucleotides. However, measured literature rates are sufficient if the Initial Darwinian Ancestor (IDA) resembles a 5′-5′ cofactor-like dinucleotide RNA, synthesized via activation with a phosphorimidazolide-like group. A sporadically fed pool offers unforeseen advantages; for example, the pool hosts a novel replicator which is predominantly unpaired, even though it replicates. Such free template is optimized for effective selection during its replication. Pool nucleotides are also subject to a broadly based selection that impels the population toward replication, effective selection, and Darwinian behavior. Such a primordial pool may have left detectable modern traces. A sporadically fed ribonucleotide pool also fits a recognizable early Earth environment, has recognizable modern descendants, and suits the early shape of the phylogenetic tree of Earthly life. Finally, analysis points to particular data now needed to refine the hypothesis. Accordingly, a kinetically explicit chemical hypothesis for a terran IDA can be justified, and informative experiments seem readily accessible. Key Words: Cofactor—RNA—Origin of life—Replication—Initial Darwinian Ancestor (IDA). Astrobiology 12, 870–883.
The effects of different thymidine concentrations on DNA replication in pea-root cells synchronized by a protracted 5-fluorodeoxyuridine treatment

Single-cell and DNA fiber autoradiography, cytophotometry and velocity sedimentation in alkaline sucrose gradients were used to analyse DNA replication and nascent replicon maturation in 5-fluorodeoxyuridine (FUdR)-synchronized cells of Pisum sativum. The replicon size was not significantly changed by the protracted FUdR treatment. When the synchronized cells were released from the inhibitor, labeled with [3H]TdR for 30 min, and chased in medium containing 1 X 10(-6) M or lower concentrations of cold thymidine, DNA replication stopped after approx. 25% of the genome had replicated, and the nascent strands failed to grow above 9 - 12 X 10(6) D single-stranded (ss) DNA. When the cells were chased in medium with 1 X 10(-5) M cold thymidine, the DNA content of the labeled cells steadily increased with time and the size of the nascent molecules grew continuously until replicon size was achieved; then they were accumulated at replicon size until the cells arrived in late S or G2. When the FUdR-synchronized cells were chased in medium containing 1 X 10(-4) M cold thymidine, the size of the nascent strands increased continuously with time, indicating that some neighbouring nascent replicons were joined as soon as they completed their replication. These observations led us to postulate that in FUdR-synchronized cells the rates of chain elongation, cell progression through the S phase and nascent replicon maturation are controlled by thymidine availability.
Parallel methods for solving fundamental file rearrangement problems

Abstract We present parallel algorithms for the elementary binary set operations that, given an EREW PRAM with k processors, operate on two sorted lists of total length n in O(n/k + log n) time and O(k) extra space and are thus time-space optimal for any value of k ≤ n/(log n). Our methods are stable, require no information other than a record's key, and do not modify records as they execute.
Electrophoretic separation of complexes involved in the splicing of precursors to mRNAs

Splicing complexes were analyzed by electrophoresis on a native low-percentage polyacrylamide gel. Two distinct heparin-resistant complexes, A and B, are assembled specifically on an RNA precursor containing authentic 5' and 3' splice sites. This assembly is ATP-dependent. Kinetic experiments suggest that complex A is converted with time to a larger, slower migrating complex B. Complexes A and B detected by gel electrophoresis correspond to material sedimenting at 25S and 35S, respectively. Substrate RNA containing only the 3' splice site is capable of forming the smaller complex A but not complex B. Complex A protects sequences upstream of the 3' splice site, encompassing the branch site and polypyrimidine tract from digestion by RNAase T1. U2 snRNA, but not U1 snRNA was detected in both complexes A and B by Northern hybridization analysis. Interestingly, an endogenous large complex containing U2 snRNP could be detected in nuclear extracts.
A topological rationale for the dependence of grain growth on strain during superplastic deformation

Abstract A model which relates the grain growth which occurs during superplastic deformation to the amount of strain has been developed. This model relies on three-dimensional grain topology, and is based on the premise that as grains grow in a constant volume system, the number of grains must diminish accordingly. During normal grain growth, surrounding grains will occupy—in a generally isotropic manner—the space occupied by a grain which is shrinking and eventually disappears. An applied uniaxial stress will act to bias the movement of surrounding grains into such spaces in a way which results in macroscopic strain. By following the evolution of a single column of grains within a three-dimensional sample loaded in uniaxial compression, the relationship between grain growth and macroscopic strain is predicted to be linear, with a ratio of 0.29. This ratio is a factor of two greater than that which has been observed experimentally, which can be explained by the inability of the present model to account for grains leaving the column in a manner other than by shrinking to zero volume.
Reaction time measurement of receptive field properties in the human fovea

Abstract A Westheimer-like function has been obtained for simple reaction time (RT) to target luminance increments superimposed upon homogeneous background fields. RT to a constant-luminance target progressively increases as the outer diameter of a constant-luminance background is increased up to approximately 6′–8'. Further increases in background diameter up to approximately 10′–22′ then result in progressive decreases in RT. Beyond this background diameter RT remains relatively constant. The magnitude of this effect diminishes rapidly as target luminance is increased beyond a near-threshold value.
A technique for intraradicular dental implants.

Abstract A technique utilizing nonvital roots for the support of intraradicular dental implants has been developed and tested. Using this technique it may be possible to preserve the roots of teeth that would normally be lost because of periodontal involvement. In this technique, a suitable tooth is treated endodontically. The crown is then removed to the height of the alveolar crest, and the root is drilled and tapped to accept a threaded stainless steel Heli-Coil insert. The root is then covered with a gingival flap. This allows for the regeneration of periodontal tissues around the root while it isolated from the oral environment. Following the period of natural healing, a stainless steel post is threaded into the Heli-Coil root implant. In the present studies (canine roots in a rhesus monkey), the implant posts are fitted with Adaptic crowns. These implants have been in place for more than 6 months with no sign of implant failure.
Improving gene expression data interpretation by finding latent factors that co-regulate gene modules with clinical factors

In the analysis of high-throughput data with a clinical outcome, researchers mostly focus on genes/proteins that show first-order relations with the clinical outcome. While this approach yields biomarkers and biological mechanisms that are easily interpretable, it may miss information that is important to the understanding of disease mechanism and/or treatment response. Here we test the hypothesis that unobserved factors can be mobilized by the living system to coordinate the response to the clinical factors. We developed a computational method named Guided Latent Factor Discovery (GLFD) to identify hidden factors that act in combination with the observed clinical factors to control gene modules. In simulation studies, the method recovered masked factors effectively. Using real microarray data, we demonstrate that the method identifies latent factors that are biologically relevant, and extracts more information than analyzing only the first-order response to the clinical outcome. Finding latent factors using GLFD brings extra insight into the mechanisms of the disease/drug response. The R code of the method is available at http://userwww.service.emory.edu/~tyu8/GLFD .
The impact of family, peer, and school contexts on depressive symptoms in adolescents with spina bifida.

OBJECTIVE Based on social ecological theory, this study examined the joint relations among adolescents' family, peer, and school contexts and depressive symptoms in youth with spina bifida using cumulative, protective, and specific effects models. METHOD Sixty families of adolescents with spina bifida and 65 comparison families reported on adolescents' positive experiences within these contexts and on depressive symptoms when youth were 14-15 and 16-17 years old. RESULTS Adolescents with spina bifida had fewer total positive contexts and less positive experience within peer and school contexts, as compared to typically developing adolescents. Greater total number of positive contexts and higher levels of positive experiences within family and school contexts were associated with fewer depressive symptoms for both groups; peer positive experiences were related to lower depressive symptoms for typically developing adolescents only. CONCLUSION Adolescents with spina bifida have fewer positive contexts, which may place them at risk for higher levels of depressive symptoms.