Proof for Minimum Sensitivity of Nested Canalizing Functions, a Fractal Bound, and Implications for Biology.

We prove that nested canalizing functions are the minimum-sensitivity Boolean functions for any activity ratio and we determine the functional form of this boundary which has a nontrivial fractal structure. We further observe that the majority of the gene regulatory functions found in known biological networks (submitted to the Cell Collective database) lie on the line of minimum sensitivity which paradoxically remains largely in the unstable regime. Our results provide a quantitative basis for the argument that an evolutionary preference for nested canalizing functions in gene regulation (e.g., for higher robustness) and for plasticity of gene activity are sufficient for concentration of such systems near the "edge of chaos."

Hemangiopericytoma arising from the wall of the urinary bladder.

Hemangiopericytoma (HPC) arising from within the urinary bladder is exceptionally rare. A 45-year-old man having the symptoms of left groin pain, vague suprapubic discomfort and frequency was admitted to our clinic. Pelvic tomography revealed a tumor in the bladder wall measuring 4 x 3 cm and was not clearly distinct from the lower abdominal wall. Partial cystectomy was performed and the histopathological examination confirmed the hemangiopericytoma. Three thousand rad exterior beam irradiation was performed after operation. Partial cystectomy and adjuvant radiotherapy may be a simple and effective alternative operation for the patient with HPC.

Serum cardiac troponin-I in active rheumatic carditis.

OBJECTIVE: The study was performed to investigate the level of serum cardiac troponin I (cTnI), a specific marker for myocardial cell damage, in the acute rheumatic carditis (RC). METHODS: Twenty seven consecutive patients with acute RC and 23 healthy children were enrolled. RESULT: cTnI level in both groups showed no statistical difference (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Serum cTnI level did not gain clinical use.