cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Natural spat collecting in the pacific oyster crassostrea gigas (thunberg)

The oyster cultivation industry of Hiroshima has a history of nearly 400 years and provides about 70% of the oyster production for the whole of Japan. The favourable location enables all the spat to be produced locally and the number of collector plates used for this purpose each year reaches 200–300 million. The natural system of spat collecting which is operated at Hiroshima is explained here in detail. In the first half, the spawning methods, primary environmental factors, development, early life history, the fundamentals of larval development and ecology, resistance of the larvae to their environment, conditions for attachment of the larvae, larval growth and decline, etc. are discussed in detail. In the second half, the practical and technical facts concerning setting up forecasts of spat production, the appropriate number of collector plates for spat collection, the growth and decline of juvenile attached oysters are presented.
Interaction of Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Agonist and Antagonist with Progesterone, Prolactin, or Human Chorionic Gonadotropin during Pregnancy in the Rat

Two GnRH analogs, one agonist and one antagonist, have been administered to pregnant female rats with or without concomitant treatments with progesterone (Po), PRL, or hCG. During the first week of gestation, Po was consistently capable of totally reversing the deleterious effect of the agonist, while PRL and hCG were slightly less effective. During the second week of pregnancy, only Po and hCG were effective. When the antagonist was injected during either the first or second week after mating, both Po and hCG could prevent the abortifacient action of the analog, while PRL was without effect. These data suggest that the antigestational properties of gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists are at least partially mediated through inhibition of PRL secretion, while those of gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonists do not appear to be. Additionally, hCG as well as Po proved capable of counteracting the antigonadal effects of both classes of analogs.
Torsional vibration of wind-excited symmetrical structures

Abstract A method for estimating the torsional dynamic response of a symmetrical structure subjected to a normally-incident wind is presented. The procedure is based on random-vibration concepts and parallels the gust factor approach currently used in engineering design. An analytical expression is derived for the torsional aerodynamic admittance function, and an approximate expression is presented for computing the expected maximum torsional response. Numerical examples are presented which indicate that the torsional response depends on the width of the structure and its torsional natural frequency.
Approach to the Patient with Gestational Diabetes after Delivery

The diagnosis of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) identifies patients with a pancreatic β-cell defect. In some patients, the defect is transient or stable, but in most it is progressive, imparting a high risk of diabetes for at least a decade after the index pregnancy. The β-cell defects in GDM can result from many causes, including genetic variants typical of monogenic forms of diabetes and autoimmunity typical of evolving type 1 diabetes. No specific disease-modifying therapies are available for those patients. The majority of women with GDM have clinical characteristics indicating a risk for type 2 diabetes (T2D). Available evidence indicates that T2D can be prevented or delayed by intensive lifestyle modification and by medications, particularly those that ameliorate insulin resistance. Clinical management should include assessment of glucose tolerance in the postpartum period to detect diabetes or assess diabetes risk. Women who don't have diabetes should be advised about their risk and participate in family planning to prevent subsequent pregnancies with undiagnosed hyperglycemia. All patients should be monitored for rising glycemia indicative of progressive β-cell deterioration. We suggest a combination of fasting glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin measurements for this purpose. Monitoring should be initiated at least annually and should be intensified if glycemia is rising and/or impaired. Lifestyle modification is advised to reduce the risk for T2D. Like monitoring, lifestyle modification should be intensified for rising glycemia and/or development of impaired glucose levels. At present, there is insufficient evidence to recommend medications to prevent T2D. Close follow-up and monitoring will allow initiation of pharmacological treatment as soon as diabetes develops. Children of women with GDM are at increased risk for obesity and diabetes. They should receive education, monitoring, and lifestyle advice to minimize obesity and diabetes risk.
A method for identifying nonlinear terms in parabolic initial-boundary value problems

Abstract The problem of identifying unknown nonlinear coefficients in a one dimensional diffusion equation is considered. It is shown that these coefficients can be recovered from “correct” overposed data. The main analytical tools used are the maximum principle and monotonicity, both of the underlying operator and of the overposed data. In some cases a naturally induced fixed point formulation results, while in other cases a collocation method is induced and this yields a unique piecewise linear function approximation to the undetermined coefficient. The results of some numerical simulations are given.
Fusing chlorophyll fluorescence and plant canopy reflectance to detect TNT contamination in soils

TNT is released into the soil from many different sources, especially from military and mining activities, including buried land mines. Vegetation may absorb explosive residuals, causing stress and by understanding how plants respond to energetic compounds, we may be able to develop non-invasive techniques to detect soil contamination. The objectives of our study were to examine the physiological response of plants grown in TNT contaminated soils and to use remote sensing methods to detect uptake in plant leaves and canopies in both laboratory and field studies. Differences in physiology and light-adapted fluorescence were apparent in laboratory plants grown in N enriched soils and when compared with plants grown in TNT contaminated soils. Several reflectance indices were able to detect TNT contamination prior to visible signs of stress, including the fluorescence-derived indices, R740/R850 and R735/R850, which may be attributed to transformation and conjugation of TNT metabolites with other compounds. Field studies at the Duck, NC Field Research Facility revealed differences in physiological stress measures, and leaf and canopy reflectance when plants growing over suspected buried UXOs were compared with reference plants. Multiple reflectance indices indicated stress at the suspected contaminated sites, including R740/R850 and R735/R850. Under natural conditions of constant leaching of TNT into the soil, TNT uptake would be continuous in plants, potentially creating a distinct signature from remotely sensed vegetation. We may be able to use remote sensing of plant canopies to detect TNT soil contamination prior to visible signs.
FRANKIA ASSEMBLAGES ASSOCIATED WITH ALNUS RUBRA AND ALNUS VIRIDIS ARE STRONGLY INFLUENCED BY HOST SPECIES IDENTITY

This study examined the effect of host species identity on the structure of Alnus-associated Frankia bacterial assemblages in the Pacific Northwest, United States, using two approaches. First, Frankia in nodules were sampled from six stands of Alnus rubra or Alnus viridis. Second, a bioassay was conducted where A. rubra and A. viridis seedlings were grown in different soils collected from these two hosts. Frankia genotypes were characterized with nifH sequences and bacterial assemblages were compared using taxon- and divergence-based analyses. Strong host associations were evident in the field; the dominant Frankia genotypes showed significant associations with either A. rubra or A. viridis, and there were host-associated groupings at the assemblage level as well. In the bioassay, host associations among Frankia genotypes were evident but less pronounced, reflecting an interaction between host species and other factors. Although nodule abundance varied among bioassay treatments, seedling dry mass was not ...
On Antibiotic Prophylaxis in Cardiac Surgery: A Risk Factor for Wound Infection

Abstract During a 30-month period, median sternotomy wound infections or endocarditis developed during the first 60 days postoperatively following 20 of 1,204 (1.7%) adult cardiac procedures at the University of Maryland Hospital. Fifty percent of the infected patients received perioperative clindamycin prophylaxis. A retrospective study was conducted in which the odds ratio estimate of the relative risk of sternotomy infection or endocarditis for patients receiving clindamycin prophylaxis compared with patients receiving cefamandole was found to be 17.0 ( p p Staphylococcus epidermidis , were resistant in vitro to clindamycin. Perioperative clindamycin administration was not fully effective in preventing wound infection following cardiac surgery at our hospital, thus providing indirect evidence for the efficacy of prophylaxis with cephalosporin-containing regimens. Trials of alternative antibiotics to clindamycin for prophylaxis in penicillin-allergic patients undergoing cardiac surgery are indicated.
Engineering as an Adventure [Memoirs]

As an undergraduate and graduate student in electromechanical engineering and control engineering, my life was forever changed by having the chance to live in different cultures. Through these experiences, I learned firsthand how engineering is inherently an international discipline, which could even be a world model for collaboration.
Synchronization accuracy obtainable with multiplier phototubes

The jitter in multiplier phototube synchronization systems is analyzed. The effect of bandwidth, phototube, and optical parameters on jitter is determined, and optimum operating parameters are derived. In the Appendix the intensity range of superiority of the multiplier phototubes over simple vacuum phototubes is determined.
High-dose dexmedetomidine for noninvasive pediatric procedural sedation and discharge readiness.

Background The University of North Carolina's (UNC) Pediatric Sedation Service adopted a noninvasive procedural sedation protocol that uses dexmedetomidine in children based on review of literature that reported fast recovery times and low morbidity. This study aimed to compare dexmedetomidine discharge readiness times observed at UNC with those previously published with a hypothesis that the discharge times at UNC are longer than those previously published. A secondary aim was to evaluate the safety profile of the protocol. Methods Pediatric outpatients (6 months-18 years) who received dexmedetomidine per protocol for a noninvasive procedure or study from January 2011 through April 2012 were included in this retrospective chart review. A total of 615 patient encounters were evaluated. Patients received bolus doses of 2 μg·kg(-1) over 10 min for up to three doses followed by a 1 μg·kg(-1) ·h(-1) infusion (group 1) or a 1.5 μg·kg(-1) ·h(-1) infusion (group 2). Primary outcomes included time to sedation, time to arousal, and time to discharge. Results No significant differences between the dosing groups were noted. Time to discharge was significantly shorter for group 1 (79 min) than for group 2 (101 min). The range of discharge times at UNC was 78.7-100.9 min compared to previous studies that report recovery times of 24.8-35.2 min. Conclusion Dexmedetomidine arousal and discharge times observed at UNC were longer than anticipated when compared to literature. The safety profile of the drug was comparable to prior studies.
An analysis of the interactions between the Sem-5 SH3 domain and its ligands using molecular dynamics, free energy calculations, and sequence analysis.

The Src-homology-3 (SH3) domain of the Caenorhabditis elegansprotein Sem-5 binds proline- rich sequences. It is reported that the SH3 domains broadly accept amide N-substituted residues instead of only recognizing prolines on the basis of side chain shape or rigidity. We have studied the interactions between Sem-5 and its ligands using molecular dynamics (MD), free energy calculations, and sequence analysis. Relative binding free energies, estimated by a method called MM/PBSA, between different substitutions at sites -1, 0, and +2 of the peptide are consistent with the experimental data. A new method to calculate atomic partial charges, AM1-BCC method, is also used in the binding free energy calculations for different N-substitutions at site -1. The results are very similar to those obtained from widely used RESP charges in the AMBER force field. AM1-BCC charges can be calculated more rapidly for any organic molecule than can the RESP charges. Therefore, their use can enable a broader and more efficient application of the MM/PBSA method in drug design. Examination of each component of the free energy leads to the construction of van der Waals interaction energy profiles for each ligand as well as for wild-type and mutant Sem-5 proteins. The profiles and free energy calculations indicate that the van der Waals interactions between the ligands and the receptor determine whether an N- or a CR-substituted residue is favored at each site. A VC value (defined as a product of the conservation percentage of each residue and its van der Waals interaction energy with the ligand) is used to identify several residues on the receptor that are critical for specificity and binding affinity. This VC value may have a potential use in identifying crucial residues for any ligand-protein or protein-protein system. Mutations at two of those crucial residues, N190 and N206, are examined. One mutation, N190I, is predicted to reduce the selectivity of the N-substituted residue at site -1 of the ligand and is shown to bind similarly with N- and CR-substituted residues at that site.
Biopharmaceuticals Go to Market: Patterns of Worldwide Development

New drugs become available at different rates in different countries. Who's ahead and who's behind?
Cardiac Responses on the Visual Cliff in Prelocomotor Human Infants

Human infants younger than crawling age yielded reliable cardiac decelerations when placed directly atop the deep side of a visual cliff and generally nonsignificant changes when atop the shallow side. Distress was elicited less frequently on the deep side than on the shallow at these ages, in contrast to the behavior of older infants and other species. Prelocomotor infants thus can discriminate the two sides of the cliff, but not by means of distress at loss of optical support.
Salmon calcitonin nasal spray : An effective alternative to estrogen therapy in select postmenopausal women.

The efficacy and safety of estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) and salmon calcitonin in the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis are reviewed with special consideration given to patients for whom ERT, the primary antiresorptive therapy for osteoporosis, is not indicated, tolerable, or is refused. The various formulations of estrogen and salmon calcitonin, for which the nasal spray formulation was recently approved for use in the United States, are reviewed in depth with reference to dose ranges, side effects, and convenience. Data regarding increases in bone mineral density (BMD) produced by each agent are presented. Specifically, the range of increases in BMD induced by ERT and salmon calcitonin are comparable. Given the substantial public health consequences of postmenopausal osteoporosis and osteoporotic fractures, the primary care physician is increasingly faced with the need to educated and recruit postmenopausal patients to appropriate therapy with the optimal agent for that particular patient. In the many patients who are unable or unwilling to accept, initiate, and comply with prescribed ERT, alternative therapeutic options are necessary Based on the established safety profile of salmon calcitonin, ease of administration, an uncomplicated dosing regimen, no reported drug interactions, and the lack of uterine bleeding associated with ERT or gastrointestinal adverse effects of other agents used to treat osteoporosis, salmon calcitonin nasal spray is an appropriate alternative approach for the treatment of postmenopausal bone loss.
Near-field radiation from a ridge waveguide transducer in the vicinity of a solid immersion lens.

A near-field optical system is investigated to improve the transmission efficiency of near-field transducers. A ridge waveguide is placed adjacent to a solid immersion lens (SIL) but separated by a low-index dielectric layer. The incident electric field near the focus of the SIL is determined by the Richards-Wolf vector field equations. The finite element method is used to solve Maxwell's equations. A spot size of 31 nm is obtained. The maximum value of the absorbed optical power density in the recording medium is $7.51\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}4}\text{ }\mathrm{m}\mathrm{W}/{\mathrm{n}\mathrm{m}}^{3}$ for a 100 mW input power.
Estrogen inhibition of noradrenaline release in the rabbit oviduct1

In the present study, we investigated the influence of estrogen on 3H-noradrenaline (3H-NA) release induced in the oviductal isthmus by electrical stimulation, potassium and calcium. The fractional release of 3H-NA was measured in oviducts isolated from ovariectomized rabbits and from ovariectomized rabbits treated with estradiol cypionate, 70 micrograms/kg im 72 h before an experiment. Electrical field stimulation of the intramural nerves induced muscle contraction and augmented the release of labelled NA from the muscle. The 3H-NA release was reduced after estrogen treatment when reuptake of NA into the nerve terminals was blocked by desipramine, 10(-6) M. Estrogen also reduced the 3H-NA release evoked by exposure of the oviducts to 121 mM KC1 in the presence of calcium (2.5 mM) and in a high potassium, calcium-free medium upon the addition of 2.5 mM calcium. In the presence of desipramine a small fraction of 3H-NA was released in high potassium, calcium-free medium. This release was unaffected by estrogen. These results suggest that estrogen reduces the release of NA from the adrenergic nerves within the oviduct and that this action is exerted primarily on the calcium-dependent release. It therefore might be due to a reduction in the entry of calcium into the nerve terminal.
Pulmonary manifestations of the Churg-Strauss syndrome and related idiopathic small vessel vasculitis syndromes.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Pulmonary vascular involvement and the resulting clinical manifestations are prominent in several of the idiopathic systemic small vessel vasculitis syndromes. This group of syndromes, often referred to as the antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vaculitis syndromes, is composed of the Churg-Strauss syndrome, Wegener's granulomatosis, microscopic polyangiitis, and several organ specific subsets of the latter. The former three syndromes form the basis of this review. RECENT FINDINGS: Because the presenting signs and symptoms are variable and because these are uncommon disorders, the clinical manifestations in different age groups, ethnic groups, sexes, stage of disease among others have been documented by way of a number of case series and case reports. The role of the antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody in these disorders is being clarified. In diagnosis, the usefulness of the test depends on the sensitivity and specificity of testing in the population being studied. In pathogenesis, the antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody may be causative or may merely be associated with the clinical manifestations. SUMMARY: These disorders, although distinctive, are often difficult to diagnose and commonly pose a perplexing clinical scenario for the clinician. A thorough history, physical examination, and a high index of suspicion is mandatory if these entities are to be recognized expeditiously.
A century of controversy over the foundations of mathematics

I would like to talk about some crazy stuff. The general idea is that sometimes ideas are very powerful. I’d like to talk about theory, about the computer as a concept, a philosophical concept.
Understanding the PRoFESS Study for Secondary Stroke Prevention.

The Prevention Regimen for Effectively Avoiding Second Strokes (PRoFESS) trial is the largest secondary stroke prevention study completed to date. It compared extended-release dipyridamole plus aspirin (eDYP-ASA) versus clopidogrel and telmisartan versus antihypertensive regimens excluding angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs). No statistical differences were found in either arm for the primary outcome of fatal or nonfatal stroke or prespecified secondary end points. eDYP-ASA also was associated with increases in major hemorrhagic events but not with statistical increases in combined rates of stroke recurrence or hemorrhage. Despite PRoFESS, the role of ARBs post stroke remains unclear, as concomitant angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor use in PRoFESS obscured whether just blood pressure lowering or renin-angiotensin system blockade is important. The resulting interpretation that eDYP-ASA is “not noninferior” has raised questions about how to interpret noninferiority analyses. Also, although the PRoFESS editorialists suggested that aspirin, the historical bystander control, was the “winner,” a review of prior antiplatelet studies suggests that the benefits of aspirin, either as combination or monotherapy, are outweighed by its bleeding hazards. The benefits of clopidogrel or eDYP-ASA, compared with aspirin, are small but real, and both remain preferred agents in secondary stroke prevention.
Evaluation of Nal(Tl) Scintillator as a Fast Neutron Monitor

The fast neutron induced reaction 1271(n,n') followed by the absorption of the 57 keV gamma ray of the deexcitation of the 1271 first excited state allows a conventional Nal(Tl) detector to be utilized as a high efficiency, fast neutron detector. The interaction length for the emission of the 57 keV gamma ray produced by the passage of neutrons of energy 2.8 MeV and 14.1 MeV through Nal(Tl) has been measured. A? 2.8 MeV, ? = 0.0079 ± 0.0009 cm-1; at 14.1 MeV, ? = 0.0050 ± .0005 cm-1.
Current Bioelectromagnetics Research Activities in Europe

This paper presents the number of projects, funding and average duration of ongoing research projects by country in Europe, as of May 2006. In total, there are 240 projects distributed among 13 countries listed have organized national research programs. The list of projects in the EMF-NET, which is an initiative of the EC, includes the development of some of the most innovative radio-frequency exposure systems. These projects also involve the use of cutting-edge techniques in genomics, proteomics, and transcriptomics. Clearly, colleagues in Europe are moving ahead on the frontiers of bioelectromagnetics research
Rho GTPases mediated integrin αvβ3 activation in sphingosine-1-phosphate stimulated chemotaxis of endothelial cells

Integrins, a family of transmembrane heterodimeric polypeptides, mediate various biological responses including cell adhesion and migration. In this report, we show that sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) activates integrin αvβ3 in endothelial cells (ECs) via the sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor subtype 1 (S1P1)-mediated signaling pathway. S1P treatment results in the activation of integrin αvβ3 in the lamellipodia region of ECs, suggesting that integrin αvβ3 plays a critical role in the S1P-stimulated chemotactic response of ECs. Indeed, S1P treatment induces the association of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and cytoskeletal proteins with integrin αvβ3, the ligation of αv and β3 subunits, as well as enhances endothelial migration on vitronectin-coated substrata. Knockdown endothelial S1P1 receptor, treatments with pertussis toxin or dominant-negative-Rho family GTPases abrogates the S1P-induced integrin αvβ3 activation in ECs. Consequently, these treatments markedly inhibit the S1P-induced endothelial migratory response on vitronectin-coated substrata. Collectively, these data indicate that the S1P-mediated signaling via the S1P1/Gi/Rho GTPases pathway activates integrin αvβ3, which is indispensable for S1P-stimulated chemotactic response of ECs.
Teaching Standards to Engineers

This article focuses on the training needed by technical experts, and explores the type of academic course work as well as training that they need in the field of standards and standardization.
Detection of phosphate esters on chromatograms: An improved reagent

Abstract We have modified and simplified the C. S. Hanes and F. A. Isherwood 1949, spray for detecting phosphate esters on thin-layer chromatograms. Our reagent is sprayed on the chromatogram in a one-step procedure and gives a stable, blue color with nanomolar amounts of biologically important phosphate esters.
Career Assessment and the Person-Centered Approach:

This article integrates some of the major literature of person- centered counseling and its contextual application to career counseling and career assessment. The discussion of a person- centered career counseling model and the use of testing or assessment in the person-centered stance emphasizes several factors in tandem with the crux of the person-centered approach. A historical perspective of the person-centered approach, the major premise hypothesized by Rogers of certain basic core conditions that are necessary and sufficient for therapeutic personality change, is reviewed within the perspective of person-centered assessment. In addition, a model which incorporates the principles of the person- centered approach is reviewed and examples of assessment from this particular framework are presented.
A Process Planning Method for Thin Film Mask Projection Micro-Stereolithography

In this study, a process planning method is presented for the Mask Projection Micro-Stereolithography process with the ability to cure a film of various thicknesses on flat or curved transparent substrates. In this process, incident radiation, patterned by a dynamic mask, passes through a transparent substrate to cure photopolymer resin layers that grow progressively from the substrate surface. When compared to existing Stereolithography techniques, this technique eliminates the necessity of recoating, reducing process time and improving accuracy. A regression model is adopted in this process plan to accurately control the curing front on the substrate. An existing Mask Projection Micro-Stereolithography process planning method is extended to account for radiation transmission through the substrate. The models are verified using experiments.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Comparison of Low Intensity Laser Enhancement of Oxygen Chemisorption on GaAs Using O2 and N2O

The sticking coefficient for molecular oxygen on GaAs(110) up to about one-halft monolayer coverage can be enhanced by two or three orders of magnitude when the semiconductor surface is illuminated by an argon ion laser with intensities of 5 W/cm2 or less. Previous work has shown that this effect is nonthermal and roughly independent of wavelength for above-bandgap radiation, implying that photogenerated electrons and/or holes are responsible in some way. In this paper we present recent work which shows that transfer of energy from the GaAs to oxygen molecules physisorbed on the surface causes the breakup of the oxygen and so enhances the reaction. This conclusion comes from comparison of our photoemission results for O2 and N2O exposures made under the same conditions, N2O being chosen since only 1.7 eV is needed to remove the oxygen atom as opposed to the 5.1eV required to break an O-O bond. Nitrous oxide, in contrast to O2, shows only slight photoenhancement and has a much lower activation energy for the dissociative sticking coefficient, demonstrating that removal of the dissociation of O2 as a reaction step also removes the major part of the activation energy barrier to oxygen chemisorption. Since N20 and photoenhanced O2 have similar kinetics, we conclude that the breakup of O2 is the reaction step accelerated by illumination. Another clue to the nature of the photoenhancement comes from our finding that both n- and p-type GaAs display similar O2 laser enhancement ratios. An estimate of the carrier concentrations at the surface predicts that electrons and holes are present in equal amounts at the surfaces of both doping types, however, so this result does not distinguish between single-carrier and recombination-related enhancement mechanisms.
Side-to-side differences in overuse running injury susceptibility: A retrospective study

Despite the number of studies examining factors associated with overuse running injury, little is known about why an individual gets injured on a particular side of the body. Abnormal levels of several strength, structural, kinetic, and kinematic factors have been attributed to injury susceptibility. However, while most studies have compared the injured limb of injured runners to an arbitrary limb of healthy controls, there is some evidence to suggest that injury risk is related to characteristics on both sides of a runner. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate how bilateral characteristics of strength, structural, kinetic, and kinematic factors relate to overuse injury. The first purpose was to compare these factors between the injured and uninjured limbs of runners with a history of injury on only one side of their bodies. The results showed that hip internal rotation range of motion and peak tibial acceleration were both elevated on the side with a history of injury. The second purpose was to compare asymmetry levels between the injured runners and runners who had never sustained a running-related injury. Asymmetry levels were similar between groups for all variables, which suggests that some level of asymmetry is normal. The final purpose of the study was to compare bilateral values of these factors between the injured and uninjured runners. The results showed that hip internal rotation range of motion, as well as the deviation from normal arch height index, were bilaterally elevated in the injured runners. Although peak tibial acceleration was different between sides of the injured runners, it was not bilaterally elevated compared to the uninjured runners. These results support the notion that injury risk may be related to risk factors on both sides.
TARGETING RESISTANCE PATHWAYS IN BRAF-MUTANT PEDIATRIC GLIOMAS

BACKGROUND: Mutational activation of BRAF is a common finding in pediatric gliomas. As many as 14% of pediatric high grade glioma and up to 66% of certain subtypes of low grade pediatric glioma contain the BRAFV600E mutation. Small molecule inhibitors that selectively target BRAFV600E, and that are FDA approved for treating melanoma, have shown significant efficacy in treating BRAFV600E glioma in pre-clinical studies. Nonetheless, and despite showing initial efficacy, acquired drug resistance significantly limits the use of BRAFV600E inhibitors in clinical settings. Here, we have identified molecular mechanisms of BRAFV600E inhibitor resistance in glioma, and our detailing of these adaptive mechanisms offer strategies to delay and/or overcome drug resistance. METHODS: To enable our studies, we generated multiple BRAFV600E inhibitor resistant glioma cell lines and tumor models. RESULTS: BRAFV600E inhibitor resistant AM38 and DBTRG-05MG human glioma cells, subjected to extended exposure to PLX4720, show reduced MAP kinase inhibition as well as reduced cell cycle arrest and apoptotic response, relative to corresponding naive cells that have not been previously exposed to inhibitor. In addition, BRAFV600E glioma xenografts, established by implantation with PLX4720-resistant glioma cells, do not respond to inhibitor treatment, resulting in lack of benefit to animal subject survival from treatment. By phospho-kinase array and gene expression analysis, we found that certain receptor tyrosine kinases, including EGF and Axl receptors, and pro-survival kinases involved in Wnt signaling, are hyperactivated in BRAFV600E inhibitor resistant gliomas. Armed with this information, we show that pharmacological and genetic inhibition of those pathways significantly reduces the viability of PLX4720 resistant cells. CONCLUSIONS: In summary, we have identified mechanisms of BRAFV600E inhibitor resistance from sustained BRAF inhibitor treatment of glioma cells, and these mechanisms involve activation of signaling mediators important to tumor cell proliferation and survival. Our results suggest novel therapeutic strategies for treating BRAFV600E -mutant pediatric glioma that should delay acquired resistance, and possibly take advantage of tumor adaptive mechanisms to BRAF inhibitor therapy. SECONDARY CATEGORY: Pediatrics.
Sleep and Breathing in Restrictive Thoracic Cage and Lung Disease

Restriction in pulmonary function is characterized by reduction in absolute lung volumes. The prototypical restrictive diseases include disorders of the chest wall and lung parenchyma and are characterized by significant respiratory abnormalities during sleep. Sleep may be disturbed by frequent respiratory-related arousals and hypoxemia may be profound, especially during rapid eye movement sleep. Patients with sleep-associated hypoventilation often suffer significant daytime functional sequelae and lowered survival rates. Although supplemental oxygen therapy may alleviate the nocturnal hypoxemia, nocturnal intermittent positive pressure ventilation with or without oxygen seems to improve daytime function and offers a survival advantage in severe disease.
Interleukin-1β Suppresses Retinoid Transactivation of Two Hepatic Transporter Genes Involved in Bile Formation

Cytokines have been implicated in the pathogenesis of inflammatory cholestasis. This is due to transcriptional down-regulation of hepatic transporters including the Na+/bile acid cotransporter, ntcp, and the multispecific organic anion exporter, mrp2. We have recently shown that ntcp suppression by lipopolysaccharidein vivo is caused by down-regulation of transactivators including the previously uncharacterized Footprint B-binding protein. Both the ntcp FpB element and the mrp2 promoter contain potential retinoid-response elements. We hypothesized that retinoic acid receptor (RAR) and retinoid X receptor (RXR) heterodimers would activate these two genes and that cytokines that reduce bile flow might do so by suppressing nuclear levels of these transactivators. Retinoid transactivation and interleukin-1β down-regulation of thentcp and mrp2 promoters were mapped to RXRα:RARα-response elements. Gel mobility shift assays demonstrated specific binding of RXRα:RARα heterodimers to the ntcpand mrp2 retinoid-response elements. The RXRα:RARα complex was down-regulated by IL-1β in HepG2 cells. An unexpected finding was that an adjacent CAAT-enhancer-binding protein element was required for maximal transactivation of the ntcp promoter by RXRα:RARα. Taken together, these studies demonstrate regulation of two hepatobiliary transporter genes by RXRα:RARα and describe a mechanism which likely contributes to their down-regulation during inflammation.
Association of RNase mitochondrial RNA processing enzyme with ribonuclease P in higher ordered structures in the nucleolus: a possible coordinate role in ribosome biogenesis

Abstract RNase mitochondrial RNA processing enzyme (MRP) is a nucleolar ribonucleoprotein particle that participates in 5.8S ribosomal RNA maturation in eukaryotes. This enzyme shares a polypeptide and an RNA structural motif with ribonuclease P (RNase P), a nuclear endoribonuclease originally described in the nucleus that processes RNA transcripts to generate their mature 5' termini. Both enzymes are also located in mitochondria. This report further characterizes the relationship between RNase MRP and RNase P. Antisense affinity selection with biotinylated 2'-O-methyl oligoribonucleotides and glycerol gradient fractionation experiments demonstrated that small subpopulations of RNase MRP and RNase P associate with each other in vivo in macromolecular complex, possibly 60-80S preribosomes. This latter notion was supported by fluorescence in situ hybridization experiments with antisense oligonucleotides that localized that RNA components of RNase MRP and RNase P to the nucleolus and to discrete cytoplasmic structures. These findings suggest that small subpopulations of RNase MRP and RNase P are physically associated, and that both may function in ribosomal RNA maturation or ribosome assembly.
Parental Care Aids, but Parental Overprotection Hinders, College Adjustment.

Previous work has shown that students who have troublesome relationships with their parents show higher risk factors for poorer college adjustment. In the present study, we focused on the balance between two key aspects of parenting style, parental care and overprotection, as they affect the transition to college life. Eighty-three undergraduate college students completed the College Adjustment Scales and the Parental Bonding Instrument. The most successful college adjustment was seen in students with parents viewed as providing the unique combination of high care and low overprotection. Higher parental care and less overprotection were significantly associated with better college adjustment across several domains of college-related problems, including academic problems, anxiety, interpersonal problems, depression, self-esteem problems, and family problems. Both maternal and paternal care was critical for successful college adjustment. These results have important implications for understanding how famili...
Beyond the Message in a Bottle: The Other Critical Theory

Book reviewed in this article: Alex Demirovic, Der nonkonformistische Intellektuelle. Die Entwicklung der Kritischen Theorie zur Frankfurter Schule
Identification of a Human Mitotic Checkpoint Gene: hsMAD2

In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, MAD2 is required for mitotic arrest if the spindle assembly is perturbed. The human homolog of MAD2 was isolated and shown to be a necessary component of the mitotic checkpoint in HeLa cells by antibody electroporation experiments. Human, or Homo sapiens, MAD2 (hsMAD2) was localized at the kinetochore after chromosome condensation but was no longer observed at the kinetochore in metaphase, suggesting that MAD2 might monitor the completeness of the spindle-kinetochore attachment. Finally, T47D, a human breast tumor cell line that is sensitive to taxol and nocodazole, had reduced MAD2 expression and failed to arrest in mitosis after nocodazole treatment. Thus, defects in the mitotic checkpoint may contribute to the sensitivity of certain tumors to mitotic spindle inhibitors.
Cardiac and respiratory responses to gradual hypoxia in three ecologically distinct species of fresh-water fish

Abstract 1. 1. Rainbow trout, bluegill sunfish and brown bullhead catfish were subjected to gradual hypoxia. 2. 2. Heart rate, ventilation rate and routine oxygen consumption were measured. 3. 3. Trout increased ventilation depth, while bluegills showed increased ventilation rate under hypoxia. Bradycardia was common to all species. 4. 4. Trout and bluegills showed varying degrees of oxygen regulation. Catfish more closely resembled an oxygen conforming species.
Generation of Coastal Inertial Oscillations by Time-Varying Wind

Abstract The excitation of coastal inertial oscillations by a rapidly varying wind is investigated. It is shown that the mean-square response to a completely random forcing is ϕ¯2 ∝ ∫ ϕδ2dt, where ϕδ is the response to impulsive forcing and the integral is over the record length. The rms response therefore initially increases with time as t½, and reaches stationarity in the decay scale for ϕδ. As in the random-walk problem, the t½ increase is a result of the superposition of uncorrelated steps. Continuous random forcing preferentially increases subsurface amplitudes, since the energy flux from the coast-surface corner causes a surface decay and a subsurface growth of ϕδ. With assumed parameters, a step-input wind forcing of 1 dyn cm−-2 generates inertial oscillations of 4 cm s−1 in the surface layer and 0.7–1.5 cm s−1 below. With a random wind in the range (−0.5, 0.5) dyn cm−2, the surface values increase to 8–11 cm s−1 and the subsurface values to 3–7 cm s−1. With an observed wind-forcing the surface and...
Morphology of the Antennae of the Bat Flea Myodopsylla Insignis (Siphonaptera: Ischnopsyllidae)

The antennae of Myodopsylla insignis (Siphonaptera: Ischnopsyllidae) obtained from the Little Brown Myotis, Myotis lucifugus, were examined via light and scanning electron microscopy. The antennae of both sexes are similar in overall construction but, as in most fleas, show strong sexual dimorphism. Male antennae are longer than those of the female and have greater numbers of setae on the scape and the pedicel. The annuli of the male club have sensillae, which are absent in the female. When the male antenna is raised out of its fossa and held erect above the head capsule, the medial surface of the club reveals about 250 spatulate setae; these stalked setae with expanded ends are believed to be used by the male to hold the female during copulation. The setae may adhere via an internal hydraulic mechanism involving hemolymph transfer, but no external secretion or adhesive substance was observed in this species.
Antigenically Distinct G Glycoproteins of BRSV Strains Share a High Degree of Genetic Homogeneity

Abstract Bovine respiratory syncytial (BRS) virus can be divided into antigenic subgroups based on the reactivity of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) to the attachment glycoprotein, G. Further, the polyclonal antibody response of calves vaccinated with recombinant vaccinia viruses expressing the G protein of a particular subgroup is also subgroup-specific. To investigate the genetic basis for the antigenic heterogeneity of the BRS virus G protein, the genes for the G protein from 6 BRS virus strains representative of the antigenic subgroups were cloned, sequenced, and compared with the prototype subgroup A strain, 391-2. There was only 10% nucleic acid difference and 15% amino acid difference between strains from different subgroups. These findings are in sharp contrast to the situation with human RS virus, where there is a 45% difference in amino acid identity between subgroups. In fact, the extent of amino acid difference between BRS virus subgroups is similar to the level of heterogeneity observed within human subgroups. Analysis of the reactivity of mAbs with peptides from the cysteine-rich region (174–188) of the G protein representing each antigenic subgroup indicated that amino acids at positions 180, 183, and possibly 184 are important in subgroup distinction. Taken together, these data suggest that although the genetic variation responsible for the antigenic differences determining subgroups among BRS viruses is more limited than that observed among human RS virus subgroups, the amino acid differences that exist have a profound effect upon antibody recognition.
Quantitative Morphology Study of Cu-Neutralized Poly(styrene-ran-methacrylic acid) Ionomers: STEM Imaging, X-ray Scattering, and Real-Space Structural Modeling

Our previous study showed quantitative correspondence between the size of ionic aggregates in a Cu-neutralized poly(styrene-ran-methacrylic acid) ionomer (Cu-SMAA) measured from scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) images and the sizes determined from X-ray scattering data interpreted using the Yarusso−Cooper model. Here we compare the average sample volume per ionic aggregate (Vp) from STEM images and X-ray scattering data from Cu-SMAA. The relationship between the 3D morphology of hard spheres as defined by the Yarusso−Cooper parameters (R1, RCA, Vp) and the projected 2D images obtained by STEM was elucidated by modeling. These simulations show that a significant number of the ionic aggregates in Cu-SMAA are obscured due to overlap effects and provide a quantitative relationship between the number of spheres in 3D and the number of features in 2D projections as a function of specimen thickness. Upon measuring the local thickness of a Cu-SMAA specimen using electron energy loss spectrometry (...
MTBE and aromatic hydrocarbons in North Carolina stormwater runoff

Abstract A total of 249 stormwater samples were collected from 46 different sampling locations in North Carolina over an approximate 1-year period and analyzed to identify land use types where fuel oxygenates and aromatic hydrocarbons may be present in higher concentrations and at greater frequency. Samples were analyzed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry in ion selective mode to achieve a quantitation limit of 0.05 μg/l. m -, p -Xylene and toluene were detected in over half of all samples analyzed, followed by MTBE; o -xylene; 1,3,5-trimethylbenzene; ethylbenzene; and 1,2,4-trimethylbenzene. Benzene, DIPE, TAME and 1,2,3-trimethylbenzene were detected in
Multifractal evolution in interacting galaxies: from supergiant molecular clouds to stellar superclusters in the Antennae

During the late stages of galaxy mergers or galactic interactions, supergiant molecular cloud complexes are turned into large numbers of stellar superclusters. Supergiant molecular cloud complexes show fractal structure due to turbulence and/or self-gravitation; therefore, superclusters formed out of these complexes are expected to exhibit similar geometry. Here we study the evolution of the multifractal pattern of the projected spatial distribution of supergiant molecular cloud complexes in the Antennae (NGC 4038/4039) as they turn into superclusters during the sustained starburst event. Using two data sets of the positions of supergiant molecular clouds and of stellar superclusters, the fractal spectrum is determined using the Minkowski-sausage method to calculate the Minkowski-Bouligand dimension as a function of the parameter q. For clouds, this measure varies with q in the range 0.7-2.2 for q in the interval [-4, 4]. For the projected distribution of superstar clusters it varies with q in the range 1.15-1.71. For the overlap region in the Antennae, the average projected fractal dimension of supergiant clouds is found to be 1.3 and the average fractal dimension of superclusters is 1.6. Our results indicate that during star formation the local fractal dimension increases, likely due to diffusion-like evolution.
Three-dimensional optical lines fabricated onto substrate for on-board interconnection

Optical lines using polymer materials fabricated on an organic substrate with metal lines and pads are proposed to realize fully optical interconnections among high performance LSIs. This optical line enable transmit high speed optical signals not only on a plane surface but to vertical direction. It has following four particular portions; (1) Curved parallel optical waveguide; (2) 45 degree reflection mirror; (3) Optical via hole with coaxial structure; (4) Optical joint between package and board. The optical line characterized by transmission loss and passed through eye diagram, and good optical signal transmission is confirmed to really use for optical interconnection between LSIs. Then on-board optical signal transmission is demonstrated by that VCSEL and PIN-PD are assembled using flip-chip technology on a circuit board with other electric devices of driving circuit, and also package-to-board optical joint are demonstrated by passing through solder reflow process.