cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Single-cell analysis of cis-regulatory elements.

Abstract Plant tissues and organs are composed of functionally discrete cell types that are all defined by the same genome sequence. Cell-type variation in part arises from differential accessibility of cis-regulatory elements that encode the blueprints for transcriptional programs underlying cell identity and function. Owing to technical limitations, the role of cis-regulatory elements in cell identity maintenance, differentiation, and functional specialization has remained relatively unexplored in plant systems. Single-cell profiling has emerged as a powerful tool to circumvent these past obstacles by enabling unbiased charting of transcriptional and cis-regulatory states at the resolution of individual cells. Here, we review state-of-the-art single-cell approaches and analytical frameworks that have paved the way for establishing the link between cellular phenotypic variation and cis-regulatory mechanisms in plants.
SBMPO: Sampling Based Model Predictive Optimization for robot trajectory planning

Abstract Sampling-Based Model Predictive Control (SBMPO) is a novel nonlinear MPC (NMPC) approach that enables motion planning with dynamic models. This tool is also well suited to solve traditional MPC problems and has been tested in various situations ranging from robotics, task scheduling, resource management, combustion processes, and general optimization.
Diversity and composition of macroinvertebrate communities in a rare inland salt marsh

Inland salt marshes are rare habitats in the Great Lakes region of North America, formed on salt deposits from the Silurian period. These patchy habitats are abiotically stressful for the freshwater invertebrates that live there, and provide an opportunity to study the relationship between stress and diversity. We used morphological and COI metabarcoding data to assess changes in diversity and composition across both space (a transect from the salt seep to an adjacent freshwater area) and time (three sampling seasons). Richness was significantly lower at the seep site with both datatypes, while metabarcoding data additionally showed reduced richness at the freshwater transect end, consistent with a pattern where intermediate levels of stress show higher diversity. We found complementary, rather than redundant, patterns of community composition using the two datatypes: not all taxa were equally sequenced with the metabarcoding protocol. We identified taxa that are abundant at the salt seep of the marsh, including biting midges (Culicoides) and ostracods (Heterocypris). We conclude that (as found in other studies) molecular and morphological work should be used in tandem to identify the biodiversity in this rare habitat. Additionally, salinity may be a driver of community membership in this system, though further ecological research is needed to rule out alternate hypotheses.
Preliminary evaluation of 18F-NaF and 18F-FDG PET/CT in detection of metastatic disease in men with PSA relapse after treatment for localized primary prostate cancer

1916 Objectives To evaluate our preliminary findings of an ongoing clinical imaging trial for determination of the diagnostic utility of 18F-NaF and 18F-FDG PET/CT in detection of metastatic disease in men with treated localized primary prostate cancer who present with biochemical failure (PSA relapse) and negative or equivocal standard imaging tests. Methods 26 men (72.3+/-8.8 years) with treated localized primary prostate cancer (17 radical prostatectomy, 9 radiation therapy; Gleason score 7+/-1) underwent both 18F-NaF (10.4+/-1.2 mCi) and 18F-FDG (14.5+/-0.9 mCi) PET/CT scans on 2 separate days within one week. All patients presented with PSA relapse (16.2+/-44.4 ng/mL) based on treatment-specific AUA and ASTRO published criteria regardless of hormonal therapy. Content validity based on pattern of detected lesions was employed. The findings of both studies were cross-tabulated. Wilcoxon test was used to compare median PSA levels in men with at least one positive PET/CT study and those with both negative PET/CT studies. Results There were positive 18F-FDG studies only in 2 (7.6%), positive 18F-NaF studies only in 5 (19.2%), positive on both studies in 4 (15.4%) and negative on both studies in 15 (57.8%) men. 18F-FDG PET detected lymph node metastases and in nearly all cases displayed low metabolic activity at the positive 18F-NaF osseous lesion sites. The PSA level for patients with negative studies (n=15, median 2.88, range 0.97-34.6 ng/mL) was not statistically different (p=0.36) from the PSA level of those men with at least one positive PET/CT scan (n=11, median 4.40, range 0.57-238.0 ng/mL). Conclusions Our preliminary results suggest that 18F-NaF and 18F-FDG PET/CT may be useful in detection of occult osseous and soft tissue metastases, respectively, in men who present with biochemical failure after primary treatment for localized prostate cancer and have negative/equivocal standard imaging tests. Research Support Supported by NIH/NCI Grant No. R01-CA111613 (H. Jadvar)
The Dionysiac Chronotope

Before approaching Holderlin’s poems, Chap. 2 returns to Greece by articulating three successive forms of space and time. Together they represent a secret experience of ritual that the ancient Greeks cultivated. Further, they harness a socio-political potential that is made public with the invention of tragedy. Although indirectly, the chapter implicitly hints at the relevance of this historical transition for Holderlin whose songs are rooted in his translations of tragic plays. The sufferings of individual isolation and near-death experience that are redeemed by earthly and communal joy are projected onto the public stage. The chapter concludes by turning to one of the most striking, concentrated instances of this double-transformation in the opening verses of the tragedy that Holderlin translates just before he composes his most meaningful poems: Euripides’ Bacchae.
Is heterosynaptic modulation essential for stabilizing Hebbian plasticity and memory

In 1894, Ramon y Cajal first proposed that memory is stored as an anatomical change in the strength of neuronal connections. For the following 60 years, little evidence was recruited in support of this idea. This situation changed in the middle of the twentieth century with the development of cellular techniques for the study of synaptic connections and the emergence of new formulations of synaptic plasticity that redefined Ramon y Cajal's idea, making it more suitable for testing. These formulations defined two categories of plasticity, referred to as homosynaptic or Hebbian activity-dependent, and heterosynaptic or modulatory input-dependent. Here we suggest that Hebbian mechanisms are used primarily for learning and for short-term memory but often cannot, by themselves, recruit the events required to maintain a long-term memory. In contrast, heterosynaptic plasticity commonly recruits long-term memory mechanisms that lead to transcription and to synpatic growth. When jointly recruited, homosynaptic mechanisms assure that learning is effectively established and heterosynaptic mechanisms ensure that memory is maintained.
Distinguishing neuromuscular disorders based on the passive electrical material properties of muscle.

Introduction: The passive electrical properties of muscle, including conductivity and permittivity and their directional dependence, may be altered in neuromuscular disease; however, the character of these alterations is unknown. Methods: Fifteen wild-type mice, 13 amyotrophic lateral sclerosis mice, 9 muscular dystrophy (mdx) mice, and 15 mice with induced disuse atrophy were euthanized, and the gastrocnemius was excised. A 50-kHz current was applied immediately to the ex vivo muscle, and its material properties were calculated. Results: The disease groups showed distinct material property values [F(12, 119) = 14.6, P < 0.001] according to MANOVA. Post-hoc tests confirmed that differences existed between all 4 groups. They were most pronounced in the mdx mice, which had markedly increased conductivity. Direction-dependent properties of current flow also were significantly different among the groups (P < 0.001). Conclusions: These data confirm that the inherent passive electrical properties of muscle differ by disease type. We anticipate that similar data could eventually be obtained via surface measurements, providing an innovative approach to muscle disease diagnosis. Muscle Nerve 51: 49–55, 2015
An access protocol for use with a wide range of network environments

This paper describes a versatile media access network protocol - H3M. The H3M (Heterogeneous, Hierarchical, Highly Mobile) architecture incorporates within its structure both synchronous and asynchronous message handling; two mechanisms of effective capacity utilization and recovery (1) dynamic subframe switching and variable frequency, and (2) variable bandwidth software radio transceivers; the ability to operate with minimal routing protocols; and minimal control signaling and switching. Interconnection and interfacing with other protocols such as ATM and Ethernet is almost transparent and can be done with minimal repacketing. Further, H3M can be used in wired local area networks, can use WAN to interconnect effectively to distributed H3M network clusters, and can be adapted with minor modifications to be used in aircraft and near-Earth satellite communication networks. In this paper, we discuss H3M's versatility and present simulator performance information which demonstrates that it can deliver needed QoS for both synchronous and asynchronous messages over a wide range of load conditions.
Yeast prions act as genes composed of self-propagating protein amyloids.

Abstract We proposed genetic properties by which prions can be recognized among infectious elements. This indicated that [URE3] and [PSI], two nonchromosomal genetic elements of yeast, were prions (infectious altered forms) of Ure2p and Sup35p, respectively. Overexpression of Ure2p leads to the de novo appearance of the [URE3] prion, and the N-terminal 65–80 residues (the prion domain) are specifically responsible for this prion-inducing activity. The prion domain is sufficient to propagate [URE3] and is necessary for a Ure2p molecule to be affected by [URE3]. The remaining C-terminal residues 81–354 are responsible for nitrogen catabolite repression, the normal function of Ure2p. Ure2p is protease-resistant specifically in extracts of [URE3] strains and is aggregated in vivo specifically in such strains. The chemically synthesized Ure2p prion domain (Ure2p 1–65 ) spontaneously forms classic amyloid filaments (50 A diameter) in vitro , and specifically induces the native full length Ure2p to form a 1:1 amyloid cofilament (200 A). These amyloid cofilaments can prime amyoid filament formation by an excess of native Ure2p. The features of the in vitro amyloid propagation reaction appear to reproduce the in vivo properties of [URE3] prion propagation. This system may be useful for detecting new prions, finding amyloid-inducing and amyloid-curing agents, and determining the cellular components that affect the initiation and propagation of infectious amyloids. The [Het-s] prion was found in the filamentous fungus Podospora anserina by similar genetic tests to those we used for [URE3] and [PSI]. [Het-s] is necessary for a normal function of Podospora cells, heterokaryon incompatibility. This suggests that other normal cellular functions may involve a prion-like mechanism.
Moonlighting in Mitochondria

A cellular signaling pathway that responds to cytokines may coordinately control energy production by mitochondria.
Chips for chimps

If you ordered a pizza and found a chimpanzee standing at the door with your meal, you would probably have no trouble distinguishing the beast from the typical pizza delivery man. But given a short DNA fragment from the chimpanzee genome, it may be difficult or even impossible to distinguish between the two. With only 1.5% of the nucleotides differing, on average, segments of chimpanzee and human genes are often so similar that differences fall within the range of normal DNA sequence variation between individual humans. This similarity may seem to limit the usefulness of human-chimp genome comparisons, but there is another compelling reason to study the genomes of our primate relatives in detail: of nearly all of the single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in humans today, one or another of the nucleotides is shared with chimpanzees1, 2, 3. The search for ancestral and derived nucleotides has just been shifted into high gear by Joseph Hacia and colleagues4 (see page 164 of this issue) through their use of oligonucleotide microarrays.
A Review of “Teaching the Faith, Forming the Faithful: A Biblical Vision for Education in the Church”

Gary Parrett and S. Steve Kang of Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary have assembled a studied and theologically critical guide for revitalizing Christian formation in Evangelical settings. The boo...
UTILIZATION OF NITRATE BY PATHOGENIC AND SAPROPHYTIC MYCOBACTERIA

Hedgecock, L. W. (Veterans Administration Hospital, Kansas City, Mo.) and R. L. Costello. Utilization of nitrate by pathogenic and saprophytic mycobacteria. J. Bacteriol. 84:195–205. 1962—The ability of mycobacteria to utilize nitrate as a sole source of nitrogen was examined. Nitrate-nitrogen was readily utilized by Mycobacterium butyricum, M. smegmatis, and M. tuberculosis H37Ra. Nitrate and nitrite were both utilized as sole sources of nitrogen by M. tuberculosis H37Rv. The saprophytes and drug-resistant strains of tubercle bacilli failed to reduce nitrate after having been cultured repeatedly and stored in Kirchner medium. It was necessary to add molybdenum to Kirchner medium for continued nitrate reduction by the saprophytic mycobacteria, but not for M. tuberculosis. Nitrate reductase of M. tuberculosis was inhibited by tungstate; the inhibition was reversed by molybdate at a concentration of 1:10,000. Optimal conditions for the reduction of nitrate by washed whole cells and by a particulate sonictreated extract of M. tuberculosis were studied. Reduced diphosphopyridine nucleotide was required for reduction of nitrate by the cell extract. Nitrate reduction was inhibited by isoniazid but not by p-aminosalicylic acid or streptomycin.
THE CODE OF THE STREET AND INMATE VIOLENCE: INVESTIGATING THE SALIENCE OF IMPORTED BELIEF SYSTEMS†

Scholars have long argued that inmate behaviors stem in part from cultural belief systems that they “import” with them into incarcerative settings. Even so, few empirical assessments have tested this argument directly. Drawing on theoretical accounts of one such set of beliefs—the code of the street—and on importation theory, we hypothesize that individuals who adhere more strongly to the street code will be more likely, once incarcerated, to engage in violent behavior and that this effect will be amplified by such incarceration experiences as disciplinary sanctions and gang involvement, as well as the lack of educational programming, religious programming, and family support. We test these hypotheses using unique data that include measures of the street code belief system and incarceration experiences. The results support the argument that the code of the street belief system affects inmate violence and that the effect is more pronounced among inmates who lack family support, experience disciplinary sanctions, and are gang involved. Implications of these findings are discussed.
Fiber Length and Orientation in Long-Fiber Injection-Molded Thermoplastics — Part I: Modeling of Microstructure and Elastic Properties:

This article develops a methodology to predict the elastic properties of long-fiber injection-molded thermoplastics (LFTs). The corrected experimental fiber length distribution and the predicted and experimental orientation distributions were used in modeling to compute the elastic properties of the composite. First, from the fiber length distribution (FLD) data in terms of number of fibers versus fiber length, the probability density functions were built and used in the computation. The two-parameter Weibull's distribution was also used to represent the actual FLD. Next, the Mori—Tanaka model that employs the Eshelby's equivalent inclusion method was applied to calculate the stiffness matrix of the aligned fiber composite containing the established FLD. The stiffness of the actual as-formed composite was then determined from the stiffness of the computed aligned fiber composite that was averaged over all possible orientations using the orientation averaging method. The methodology to predict the elastic ...
‘A friend who understand fully’: notes on humanizing research in a multiethnic youth community

In this article, I conceptualize ethnographic, qualitative, and social language research with marginalized and oppressed communities as humanizing research. Humanizing research is a methodological stance, which requires that our inquiries involve dialogic consciousness‐raising and the building of relationships of dignity and care for both researchers and participants. I offer evidence that such humanization is not only ethically necessary but also increases the validity of the truths we gain through research. Working from a 2006–2007 study of language, literacy, and difference in a multiethnic high school and youth community, I provide examples from fieldwork that led to research that attempted to humanize rather than colonize the youth I worked with. I draw on the work of others to extend a long line of methodological thinking in pursuit of representation and humanization in interpretive studies in schools and communities.
Molecular Mechanisms of Calcium and Magnesium Binding to Parvalbumin

Molecular dynamics simulations have been used to investigate the relationship between the coordinating residues of the EF-hand calcium binding loop of parvalbumin and the overall plasticity and flexibility of the protein. The first simulation modeled the transition from Ca(2+) to Mg(2+) coordination by varying the van der Waals parameters for the bound metal ions. The glutamate at position 12 could be accurately and reversibly seen to be a source of selective bidentate ligation of Ca(2+) in the simulations. A second simulation correlated well with the experimental observation that an E101D substitution at EF loop position 12 results in a dramatically less tightly bound monodentate Ca(2+) coordination by aspartate. A final set of simulations investigated Ca(2+) binding in the E101D mutant loop in the presence of applied external forces designed to impose bidentate coordination. The results of these simulations illustrate that the aspartate is capable of attaining a suitable orientation for bidentate coordination, thus implying that it is the inherent rigidity of the loop that prevents bidentate coordination in the parvalbumin E101D mutant.
Spasticity in children with cerebral palsy: a retrospective review of the effects of intrathecal baclofen.

The administration of baclofen by intrathecal pump is a new technique used to reduce spasticity for individuals with upper motor neuron system injuries. Children with cerebral palsy often have difficulty in mobility because of this form of spasticity. The purpose of this study was to assess the functional outcomes of intrathecal baclofen pump therapy with spasticity in children with cerebral palsy. A retrospective review of medical records for pediatric cerebral palsy patients receiving intrathecal baclofen for intractable spasticity was performed. Of 23 sequential medical records meeting requirements for inclusion in the study, 17 subjects had sufficient recorded data to be included in the study. Data from the medical records included Ashworth scores, therapy complications, and changes in mobility and independence. Although no significant changes in the upper extremities with intrathecal baclofen occurred at one and three months, the trial bolus showed statistically significant changes in mean Ashworth s...
Socially sustainable control framework for self-driving vehicles

Considering an emerging technological potential for large-scale deployment of self-driving vehicles, there is a need to establish intersection control mechanism. Contrary to some of the previous research efforts, this paper is proposing an expanded design perspective that includes social sustainability. The approach for sustainable design focuses on the notion of social justice. The framework of social justice is developed through a system of priority levels and hierarchically decentralized control based on distributed vehicle intelligence. The control mechanism has been developed in an agent-based environment. Testing of the system has proved its safety, user comfort, efficiency, and delay distribution requirements. Several recommendations for further research are presented.
Reactions of 3,5-dimethyl-1-phenyl-1H-pyrazole with electrophiles

Reactions of 3,5-dimethyl-1-phenyl-1H-pyrazole with various electrophilic reagents were studied. Electrophilic attack occurred regioselectively at the C4 atom in the pyrazole ring.
Health risk as an emerging field within the new penology

Abstract It is persuasively argued that a new vision of penology is emerging based on offender classification techniques in which offenders are rationally distributed into groups according to the degree of control warranted by their risk profiles. This article extends the concept of risk within the new penology framework to include health risk. Data from female prisoners showed that many of the women in the sample had at one time in their lives acquired sexually transmitted diseases, had engaged in high-risk sexual activities, and drug taking behavior. Community health agents and social workers will emerge as control agents to supervise prisoners in the free community with public health risk profiles.
A condition for the nonexistence of ancillary statistics

This note gives a simple condition for the nonexistence of nontrivial ancillary statistics. The result shows that in sampling from a discrete exponential family with a regression model, usually there is no nontrivial ancillary statistic.
A Longitudinal Study of the Effects of Academic and Social Integration and Commitment on Retention.

This longitudinal study predicted retention from academic integration, social integration, and commitment to remain in college in a sample of first-year students at a residential, private research university. When assessed separately, first-semester reports of commitment mediated the effects of both academic and social integration on retention six semesters later.
Incidence of stings or bites of the red imported fire ant (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) and other arthropods among patients at Ft. Stewart, Georgia, USA.

Medical treatment for arthropod sting/bite attacks was requested at Ft. Stewart, Georgia, USA, by 329 persons during the period 1 April to 30 September 1979. A total of 370 visits, including 7 days hospitalization for 5 patients, was recorded for these patients. The red imported fire ant (RIFA) was responsible for 49% of the outpatient visits and 5 days of hospitalization. Attacks by unidentified arthropods were responsible for 26% of the visits. The remainder of the cases (ranging from 1 to 5% each) were attributed to wasps, bees, spiders, mosquitoes, ticks, chiggers and fleas. The predominant age category of military personnel, 18–44 years, accounted for 78% of the patients. Eight persons (5%) stung by RIFA exhibited symptoms of shock, and 11 (7%) developed secondary infections, most requiring multiple visits for treatment. Nine symptoms were identified for 278 patients, with edema (82%), urticaria (43%) and respiratory distress (5%) predominating. Other symptoms, which included nausea, vomiting, dizziness, numbness and blurred vision, occurred predominantly in patients under 25 years of age. Cost of treatment, based on data supplied by the Office of the Surgeon General, U.S. Army, is discussed.
Morphology and toxicology of Prorocentrum arabianum sp. nov., (dinophyceae) a toxic planktonic dinoflagellate from the Gulf of Oman, Arabian Sea

Abstract A new species of planktonic dinoflagellate, Prorocentrum arabianum isolated from the Gulf of Oman, is described using both scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and light microscopy. This clonal isolate has the following morphological characteristics: (1) cell shape is asymmetric; (2) thecal surface is rugose, covered with small poroids; (3) periflagellar area is unornamented, and (4) intercalary band is horizontally striated. Analysis of P. arabianum confirms the production of one cytotoxic compound and one ichthyotoxic compound. P. arabianum is the second known toxic planktonic Prorocentroid dinoflagellate.
Old people in the emergency room: age-related differences in emergency department use and care.

Little is known about how the care received in emergency departments (ED) by the elderly population differs from that received by younger people. We prospectively abstracted ED records of 1620 consecutive patients visiting a large community hospital ED over a 22-day period in 1984 for demographic and medical variables. Charts of patients presenting with five specific complaints (dyspnea, chest pain, abdominal pain, syncope, and motor vehicle accidents) were also analyzed for process of care variables and, for patients hospitalized, the accuracy of the ED diagnosis. Older people (ie, those greater than or equal to 65 years of age) do not seem to be overutilizers of the ED for minor complaints, in fact, they tend to be more acutely ill on presentation than younger people. Older people were more likely to be hospitalized (46% v 10%, P less than .001), to arrive by ambulance (35% v 10%, P less than .001), and to have an identified source of primary care (95% v 64%, P less than .01). Older people stayed longer in the ED than younger people if they were eventually released home but shorter if admitted to the hospital. Test ordering patterns for specific complaints varied by patient age (eg, older patients had more electrocardiograms performed for chest pain and fewer urinalyses for abdominal pain than younger patients). Therapy for specific complaints showed less age effect. Although generally more diagnostic tests were performed on older patients, the ED diagnosis tended to be more accurate for younger patients. Our data indicate that the process of ED care may be substantially different for the elderly population and have implications for future planning and financing of medical care.
Three-dimensional imaging of objects embedded in turbid media with fluorescence and Raman spectroscopy

We present a single-ended technique for three-dimensional imaging of objects embedded in a turbid medium by the use of time-resolved fluorescence emission or Raman scattering. The technique uses the earliest arriving photons, which we show are not sensitive to the relatively long fluorescence lifetime, and thus can be used to extract the desired spatial information accurately, even at a distance equivalent to 100 mean free paths. The results also demonstrate the feasibility and the potential of one's combining time-resolved optical tomography with fluorescence or Raman spectroscopy to localize and identify the embedded objects. This technique may be valuable for the diagnosis of disease in highly scattering human tissue because it can provide spatial and biochemical information about the composition of embedded lesions.
External memory page remapping for embedded multimedia systems

As memory speeds and bus capacitances continue to rise, external memory bus power will make up an increasing portion of the total system power budget for system-on-a-chip embedded systems. Both hardware and software approaches can be explored to balance the power/performance tradeoff associated with the external memory.In this paper we present a hardware-based, programmable external memory page remapping mechanism which can significantly improve performance and decrease the power budget due to external memory bus accesses. Our approach was developed by studying common data access patterns present in embedded multimedia applications. In the paper, we evaluate a mechanism that can perform page remapping of external memory. We also develop an efficient algorithm to map application data and instruction memory into external memory pages. We employ graph-coloring techniques to guide the page mapping procedure. The objective is to avoid page misses by remapping conflicting pages to different memory banks (i.e., by assigning them different colors). Our algorithm can significantly reduce the memory page miss rate by 70-80% on average. For a 4-bank SDRAM memory system, we reduced external memory access time by 12.6%. The proposed algorithm can reduce power consumption in majority of the benchmarks, averaged by 13.2% of power reduction. Combining the effects of both power and delay, our algorithm can benefit significantly to the total energy cost.
The role of muscarinic M1 and M2 receptors in airway constriction in the cat.

Abstract The role of prejunctional inhibitory and facilitatory muscarinic receptors was investigated in cats with tracheal hyperresponsiveness to vagal stimulation. Intrathoracic airway caliber (total lung resistance (RL) and dynamic compliance (Cdyn)) and the diameter of tracheal ring 4 were measured during vagal stimulation and local acetylcholine (ACh) injection before and after administration of the M1 receptor antagonist pirenzepine or the M2 receptor antagonist gallamine. The responses of tracheal ring 4, RL, and Cdyn to ACh were unaltered by gallamine or pirenzepine. Changes in RL and Cdyn during vagal stimulation were enhanced by gallamine, but the magnitude of tracheal constriction was unchanged. Vagally induced tracheal constriction was decreased by pirenzepine in hyperresponsive but not in control cats. The M2 receptors limit intrathoracic airway constriction, but a functional role for M2 receptors in the cervical trachea could not be demonstrated. However, these data suggest that M1 excitatory receptors may play a role in vagally mediated tracheal hyperreactivity.
PROGNOSTIC VALUE OF CARBONIC ANHYDRASE IX AND KI67 AS PREDICTORS OF SURVIVAL FOR RENAL CLEAR CELL CARCINOMA

ABSTRACT Purpose: The natural history of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is complex and not entirely explained by conventional prognostic factors. In this study we evaluated the prognostic value of carbonic anhydrase IX (CAIX) and Ki67 to predict survival in RCC. Materials and Methods: Immunohistochemical analysis using a CAIX and a Ki67 monoclonal antibody was performed on tissue microarrays constructed from paraffin embedded specimens from 224 patients treated with nephrectomy for clear cell renal carcinoma. CAIX and Ki67 staining were correlated with clinical factors, pathological features and survival. Median followup was 34 months (range 0.3 to 117) and disease specific survival was the primary end point assessed. Results: Univariate statistical analysis showed that high Ki67 staining and low CAIX staining correlated significantly with poor median survival (21 months, p Conclusions: Ki67and CAIX are useful prognostic biomarkers for RCC that improve the survival prediction and classification of kidney cancer.
β-Amyloid-mediated vasoactivity and vascular endothelial damage

Deposits of beta-amyloid are apparent in ageing and Alzheimer's disease, but the role of this peptide in neurodegeneration is unclear. The free-radical theory of ageing may also account for Alzheimer-type degeneration and consequently links between free-radical generation and beta-amyloid have been sought. We demonstrate here that beta-amyloid interacts with endothelial cells on blood vessels to produce and excess of superoxide radicals, with attendant alterations in endothelial structure and function. The superoxide radical can scavenge endothelium-derived relaxing factor and produce potent oxidizing agents, which can cause lipid peroxidation and other degenerative changes. The alterations in vascular tone and endothelial damage are prevented by the oxygen-radical-scavenging enzyme superoxide dismutase. These observations suggest a normal vasoactive role for beta-amyloid as well as a mechanism by which beta-amyloid may play a role in vascular abnormalities and neurodegeneration mediated by free radicals.
Anorexia nervosa in a 38-year-old woman 2 years after gastric bypass surgery.

Received June 22, 1998; revised July 7, 1998; accepted August 20, 1998. From the Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center; the Virginia Institute for Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University; the Department of Psychiatry, Virginia Commonwealth University, Medical College of VirginiaHospitals; and the Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Nutrition,Virginia Commonwealth University, Medical College of Virginia Hospitals. Address correspondence and reprint requests to Dr. Bulik, Virginia Institute of Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics, P.O. Box 980126, Department of Psychiatry, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298–0126. E-mail: cbulik@hsc.vcu.edu. Copyright 1999 The Academy of Psychosomatic Medicine. The emergence of frank anorexia nervosa (AN) following gastric bypass surgery for obesity highlights the importance of developing appropriate prescreening procedures and postoperative monitoring to reduce the probability of adverse outcomes. Although postbypass AN is not a common outcome, it may be a preventable one. Bonne et al. reported two cases of AN in males after undergoing vertical banded gastroplasty (VBG) for treatment of morbid obesity. Further, Atchison et al. report on two female cases of AN following gastric-reduction surgery and suggest that presurgical qualities of dependency and using food for emotional comfort may be predictors of the liability to develop AN. In this report, we describe the development of AN (binging and purging subtype) in a 38year-old woman 2 years following gastric bypass surgery. We followed the patient from 1995 to 1998.
DIATOM MINERALIZATION OF SILICIC ACID IV. KINETICS OF SOLUBLE Si POOL FORMATION IN EXPONENTIALLY GROWING AND SYNCHRONIZED NAVICULA PELLICULOSA1

Silicic acid taken up from the growth medium by Navicula pelliculosa (Breb.) Hilse was shown to enter at least two compartments: i) soluble pools; ii) insoluble fraction comprised predominantly of the silica frustule. Soluble Si pools were extracted by a variety of agents from cells uniformly labeled for ten generations in medium containing 68Ge-Si(OH)4. 100 C water soluble and 0 C perchloric acid (PCA) soluble Si pools of 680 mM Si·l−1 and 490 mM Si·l−1 cell water represented 13 and 9%, respectively, of total, cell Si in exponential growth phase cells. Uniformly labeled cells synchronized by the combined synchronization technique accumulate at the cell cycle stage where silica frustule development is initiated. These cells contain water and PCA soluble pools of 10 nmol Si·106 cells−1 and-8.8 nmol Si·106 cells−1, respectively. On addition of Si(OH)4, a rapid uptake ensues allowing the Si pool to expand 2.5-fold, apparently to provide precursors of the silica frustule.
Specific Targeting of Gene Therapy to Prostate Cancer Using a Two-step Transcriptional Amplification System

Significant advances in gene therapy have been made as a result of the improvement of gene delivery systems, discovery of new therapeutic genes, better understanding of mechanisms of disease progression, exploration and improvement of tissue-specific gene regulatory sequences, and development of better prodrug/enzyme systems. This review discusses adenoviral-based and prostate-specific cancer gene therapy--emphasizing tissue-specific promoter choices to increase gene therapy safety and specificity--and the development of prostate-targeted vectors, with a focus on the two-step transactivation system for amplifying gene expression, specifically in prostate cancer cells. Several examples will be discussed for the scientific basis and therapeutic applications. In addition, prostate cancer gene therapy clinical trials and future directions in this field will also be described briefly.
Preserving adult height potential in girls with idiopathic true precocious puberty

We designed a prospective study of height potential in giris with idiopathic precocious puberty, comparing the presenting features of giris with and without evidence of reduced adult height potential. The 14 giris with impaired adult helght prognoses (group 1) were reexamined after treatment with a gonadotropin releasing hormone agonist, nafarelin. The seven giris with the prognosis of unimpaired height (group 2) were followed without therapy. We found that the group could be distinguished at initial examination by the greater bone age/height age ratio of group 1 (mean ± SEM: 1.4 ± 0.06 vs 1.0 ± 0.05; p p p p p
Interpreting WISC-R and McCarthy scatter: A caution

Abstract In this investigation, indices of scatter on the WISC-R and McCarthy Scales were examined for 20 educable mentally retarded and 20 learning disabled children in relation to a similar control group. The scatter found in the two exceptional samples was also compared to the variability found in the standardization samples of the WISC-R and McCarthy. Results indicated that the learning-disabled sample exhibited more WISC-R subtest scatter and McCarthy Scale variability than the standardization sample but not more than the control group. The implications of these findings are discussed.
Renal Impairment Following Total Joint Arthroplasty: Who Is at Risk?

Postoperative renal impairment is a serious complication of major surgeries that leads to increased morbidity and mortality. The objective of our study was to identify the risk factors for renal impairment following total joint arthroplasty. Among 17 938 total joint arthroplasties performed between 2000 and 2007, patients developing renal complications were identified. For performing univariate and multivariate analyses, patients with renal impairment were matched in a 1:2 ratio with control group who did not develop renal impairment. Ninety-eight (0.55%) patients developed either acute renal failure or acute renal injury. We identified the following as independent risk factors: elevated body mass index; elevated preoperative serum creatinine; and history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, liver disease, congestive heart failure, hypertension, and underlying heart disease. Renal impairment was significantly associated with increased duration of hospital stay and with in-hospital and 1-year all-cause mortality. In high-risk patients, preoperative optimization might be considered in an attempt to reduce the incidence of such a complication.
X-ray diffraction studies of bacterial pili

Abstract A sample of bacterial pili was prepared from Escherichia coli . An X-ray diffraction pattern was obtained from an oriented wet gel specimen in 0.01 m -phosphate buffer (pH 7.0) packed in a capillary tube. Sixteen independent spots were observed with the spacing of the outermost being 4.2 A. Analysis of the diffraction pattern shows that the arrangement of subunits in pili rods is strictly simple-helical with 3.14 5 units being present in one turn of the helix and the axial rise per unit being 8.09 o A.
P‐117: Ordering in Highly Anisotropic Liquid Crystal Nano‐Droplets: Scattering Polarizer Applications

By stretching (tensile strain) a polymer dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) film, the liquid crystal (LC) droplets become elliptical and a polarization separation optical element is created. These films have potential as scattering polarizers in liquid crystal displays (LCDs). We report a comprehensive study on the liquid crystal alignment in stretched 5CB/PVA polymer dispersed liquid crystal by means of solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) techniques. We are able to elucidate the nature of the liquid crystal polymer interaction by measuring the degree of orientational order at the droplet wall as a function of strain.
Chronic beryllium disease: an updated model interaction between innate and acquired immunity.

During the last decade, there have been concerted efforts to reduce beryllium (Be) exposure in the workplace and thereby reduce potential cases of this occupational lung disorder. Despite these efforts, it is estimated that there are at least one million Be-exposed individuals in the U.S. who are potentially at risk for developing chronic beryllium disease (CBD). Previously, we reviewed the current CBD literature and proposed that CBD represents a model interaction between innate and acquired immunity (Sawyer et al., Int Immunopharmacol 2:249–261, 2002). We closed this review with a section on “future directions” that identified key gaps in our understanding of the pathogenesis of CBD. In the intervening period, progress has been made to fill in some of these gaps, and the current review will provide an update on that progress. Based on recent findings, we provide a new hypothesis to explain how Be drives sustained chronic inflammation and granuloma formation in CBD leading to progressive compromised lung function in CBD patients. This paradigm has direct implications for our understanding of the development of an immune response to Be, but is also likely applicable to other immune-mediated lung diseases of known and unknown etiology.
Structural evolution of sol-gel systems through viscosity measurement

Abstract Amorphous oxide gels obtained from the sol-gel process are important intermediates in the formation of glasses and ceramics. The structure of gels formed by reactions during gelation controls the viscosity of the solution. Thus the viscosity measurements are informative on the ultimate structure of the gel. Direct viscosity measurement is used in an attempt to investigate the evolution of the particles in a sol in light of a recently developed model which relates the particle evolution to the viscosity change as a function of time. The effects of catalysts and precursors on the gel structure and, consequently, the viscosity-time dependence are reported.
Medical management of obstructive sleep apnea

Abstract The last 20 years have seen remarkable gains in our understanding of the pathophysiology of sleep-disordered breathing. The rapid growth in both scientific and clinical knowledge has been fueled by the development of nonsurgical therapies for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). These medical therapies have provided the avenue for public acceptance of the diagnosis and treatment of this common medical condition. However, medical therapy requires active patient participation, to achieve the desired outcomes of improved sleep continuity, daytime functioning, and quality of life. Conservative therapies, such as weight loss and patient positioning; and pharmacological therapies, have been disappointing. Positive pressure therapy has become the treatment of choice for the vast majority of OSA patients. Oral appliances offer an acceptable treatment alternative for select patients. Present research indicates that these mechanical approaches can produce significant decreases in the frequency and severity of sleep-disordered breathing and nocturnal oxyhemoglobin desaturation. Preliminary data from ongoing studies suggest that these interventions will reduce long-term morbidity and possibly mortality. Copyright © 1999 by W.B. Saunders Company Progress in Cardiovascular Diseases, Vol. 41, No. 5 (March/April), 1999: pp 377-386
Activity-based costing: A necessity for the future of manufacturing

“Continual improvement.” “Enterprise excellence.” Are these merely the manufacturing buzzwords of the 9Os? Perhaps, but more likely, these two phrases represent a trend in manufacturing that is beginning now and may well continue far into the future. The increasing globalization of the marketplace and rapid technological changes in the manufacturing environment have created a fierce arena of competition for U.S. manufacturing businesses. In order to maintain a position as a viable competitor in this arena and, more importantly, to achieve any competitive advantage, companies must adopt strategies that integrate environmental, market, and technical opportunities in the most efficient and effective manner (Turney, 1989). This is where continual improvement and enterprise excellence come into play. Continual improvement focuses on improving all activities related to bringing a product to market, not just the manufacturing process. These activities include “research, design, development, marketing, finance, production, packaging, etc.” (Brimson, 1991, p. 5). Enterprise excellence focuses on improved product design, a better product mix, and removal of waste from operating activities (Brimson). While some may argue that the goals of enterprise excellence have been espoused by manufacturing firms for years, experts in the field such as Robin Cooper and Robert S. Kaplan of the Harvard Business School contend that these goals cannot be achieved without a commitment to continual improvement (“Activity-Based Costing,” 1989). Furthermore, Cooper and Kaplan assert that an integral part of developing and implementing a continual improvement strategy involves revamping manufacturing firms’ productcosting systems. The product-costing system developed by Cooper and Kaplan and already adopted by some manufacturing companies is activity-based costing (ABC). ABC has been described as playing a large part in the “ongoing search for opportunities to improve and attain competitive advantage” (Turney, 1992, p. 21). This report will explain how an activity-based costing system (ABCS)
The use of biomarkers in occupational health research, practice, and policy

Biomarkers are potentially useful tools for occupational health and safety research, practice, and policy. However, the full realization of this potential has not been achieved. In this paper, the progress made in these three usage areas is reviewed to identify what efforts can be taken to realize the full promise of biomarkers. Biomarker uses are described by a diverse taxonomy that builds on the categories of exposure, effect and susceptibility, and the continuum between exposure and disease prognosis. The most significant uses of biomarkers in occupational health have been in biological monitoring of workers. Other important uses have been in enhancing research and assessing mechanisms of action of occupational toxicants at low exposures. Seven critical areas will influence the extent to which the potential of biomarkers in occupational health and safety is realized. These include: (1) adequate investment in validation; (2) obtaining international agreement on exposure guidelines; (3) exploring the utility of biomarkers in regulation; (4) applying biomarkers to critical occupational safety and health questions; (5) developing the exposome; (6) utilizing biomarkers to address emerging occupational health issues; and (7) continuing to address the ethical and social justice issues related to biomarkers. Overall, if biomarkers are to make a major contribution to occupational health and safety then a more holistic approach to bringing them from the laboratory to practice will be needed.