cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Phenotypic selection on growth rhythm in whitebark pine under climatic conditions warmer than seed origins.

Growth rhythm that is well synchronized with seasonal changes in local climatic conditions is understood to enhance fitness; however, rapid ongoing climate change threatens to disrupt this synchrony. To evaluate phenotypic selection on growth rhythm under expected warmer and drier future climate, seedlings from 49 populations of whitebark pine (Pinus albicaulis Engelm.) were grown and measured over more than 10 years in two common garden field experiments on sites that approximate the projected future climate of the seed origins. Selection on growth rhythm was assessed by relating individual plant fitness to timing and rate of shoot elongation. Differential survival clearly evidenced selection on growth rhythm. We detected directional and stabilizing selection that varied in magnitude between experimental sites and among years. The observed phenotypic selection supports the interpretation of clinal variation among populations within tree species as reflecting adaptive variation in response to past natural selection mediated by climate. To the extent that growth rhythm is heritable, results of the present study suggest evolution of whitebark pine toward a more distinct timing of shoot elongation and generally more rapid elongation in the immediate next generation under ongoing climate change in environments similar to the study sites.
Bone mineral content and bone density is lower in adolescents with type 1 diabetes: A brief report from the RESISTANT and EMERALD studies

Abstract To understand the effect of type 1 diabetes (T1D) on bone mineral content (BMC) and bone density (BMD), we studied 125 T1D adolescents and 80 pubertal stage matched controls. T1D was associated with lower whole-body BMC and BMD compared to controls, even when adjusted for age, sex and sex hormones.
Single Sperm PCR Analysis — Implications for Preimplantation Genetic Disease Diagnosis

The polymerase chain reaction (PCR; Saiki et al., 1985, 1988; Mullis and Faloona, 1987) is a method of selective in vitro gene amplification. The principle of the PCR method is shown in Figure 1. Two small stretches of DNA of known sequence that flank the target region to be amplified (Figure la) are used to design two oligonucleotide primers. The synthetically made primers are chosen so that one is complementary to one flanking sequence while the other is complementary to the other flanking sequence. The 3’ hydroxyl ends of the primers face the target sequence. Following DNA denaturation of the target, the single stranded primers hybridize to their complementary flanking sequences (Figure lb). In the presence of a DNA polymerase the primers will be extended through the target sequence (Figure 1c). DNA denaturation, primer hybridization and DNA polymerase extension represent one PCR cycle. If the first cycle is followed by a second one (Figure 1d), more copies of the target sequence will be made.
Restriction of retroviral infection of macrophages.

Primate immunodeficiency viruses are highly specialized lentiviruses that have evolved to successfully infect and persist for the lifetime of the host. Despite encountering numerous potent antiviral factors, HIVs and SIVs are successful pathogens due to the acquisition of equally potent countermeasures in the form of accessory genes. The accessory gene Vpx encoded by HIV-2 and a subset of SIVs have a profound effect on the ability of lentiviruses to infect non-dividing cells, such as macrophages. Although most virus replication occurs in activated CD4+ T cells, myeloid lineage cells are natural targets of infection and play a central role in virus transmission, dissemination, and persistence. However, myeloid lineage cells are poorly sensitive to lentiviral infection due partly to the high-level expression of a host protein that regulates nucleic acid metabolism named SAMHD1. Degradation of SAMHD1 is induced by Vpx to eliminate this intrinsic antiviral factor. Importantly, SAMHD1 has also been implicated as a negative regulator of the innate immune response, so the interplay between SAMHD1 and Vpx is likely to have significant consequences for virus replication, persistence, and immune control.
Tests for Censoring of Extreme Values (Especially) When Population Distributions Are Incompletely Defined

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the tests for censoring of extreme values especially when population distributions are incompletely defined. The common feature of the study presented in the chapter is the problem of deciding whether a given set of data represents a complete random sample, or only the remainder of a sample after some form of censoring has been applied. It is impossible to construct useful procedures for deciding whether any set of observed values represents a complete random sample without specifying something more about the population distribution than simply requiring it to be continuous. The chapter discusses univariate and multivariate problems. The concept of censoring of extreme values needs modifications when dealing with multivariate data; although one can have such censoring in respect to one of the variables.
Amidships Assembly of the Sixteenth-Century Emanuel Point II Shipwreck

The Emanuel Point II (EP II) shipwreck was part of a 1559 Spanish colonizing expedition along the coast of Florida, under Tristan de Luna y Arellano. Initially discovered by University of West Florida archaeologists in 2006, over the last decade EP II has provided several generations of undergraduates and graduate students a platform for learning practical underwater techniques. Recent funding has allowed year-around work that included uncovering articulated hull structure in the amidships area. Archaeologists recorded the mainmast step and its associated pump well construction. Results from this analysis suggest that EP II was a relatively new ship with unique features, when compared to other known sixteenth-century vessels.
Cultural Flows and the Global Film Industry: A Comparison of Asia and Europe as Regional Cultures

Using lists of top 20 box office films in countries located in East Asia and Western Europe, I use the national origins of the most popular films in each country as an indication of the extent to which cultural flows of films are circulating among these countries. In contrast to other types of cultural flows, such as TV drama and music videos, cultural flows of films among countries in these regions are almost non-existent. American blockbuster films, national films and co-productions predominated on these lists. Two explanations for these findings are: (1) the world-wide domination of American films and the relatively un-competitive nature of regional film industries; (2) the fact that, unlike TV dramas, films cannot be adapted to specific audiences. Consequently, escapist American blockbusters, usually a form of science fiction, can be appreciated by regional audiences without adaptation while films from neighboring countries, dealing with personal, social and economic issues, cannot. One French film that imitated the typical American blockbuster was popular in both regions.
Development of Human Neuroblastomas in Mouse-Human Neural Crest Chimeras

Neuroblastoma (NB), derived from the neural crest (NC), is the most common pediatric extracranial solid tumor. Here we establish a platform that allows studying human NBs in mouse-human NC chimeras. Chimeric mice were produced by injecting human NC cells carrying NB relevant oncogenes in-utero into gastrulating mouse embryos. The mice developed tumors composed of a heterogenous cell population that closely resembled that seen in primary NBs of patients but were significantly different from homogenous tumors formed in xenotransplantation models. The human tumors emerged in immunocompetent hosts and were extensively infiltrated by mouse cytotoxic T cells reflecting a vigorous host anti-tumor immune response. However, the tumors blunted the immune response by inducing infiltration of regulatory T cells and expression of immune checkpoints similar to escape mechanisms seen in human cancer patients. Thus, this experimental platform allows studying human tumor initiation, progression, manifestation and tumor - immune-system interactions in an animal model system.
Long-Term Effects of Traumatic Brain Injury on Anxiety-Like Behaviors in Mice: Behavioral and Neural Correlates

Traumatic brain injury has been frequently linked to affective disorders such as anxiety and depression. However, much remains to be understood about the underlying molecular and signaling mechanisms that mediate affective dysfunctions following injury. A lack of consensus in animal studies regarding what the affective sequelae of TBI are has been a major hurdle that has slowed progress, with studies reporting the full range of effects: increase, decrease, and no change in anxiety following injury. Here, we addressed this issue directly by investigating long-term anxiety outcomes in mice following a moderate to severe controlled cortical impact injury using a battery of standard behavioral tests - the open field, elevated zero maze, and elevated plus maze. Mice were tested on weeks one, three, five and seven post-injury. Our results show that the effect of injury is time- and task-dependent. Early on – up to 3 weeks post-injury, there is an increase in anxiety-like behaviors in the elevated plus and zero mazes. However, after 5 weeks post-injury, anxiety-like behavior decreases, as measured in the open field and elevated zero maze. Immunostaining in the basolateral amygdala for GAD, a marker for GABA, at the end of the behavioral testing showed the late decrease in anxiety behavior was correlated with upregulation of inhibition. The approach adopted in this study reveals a complex trajectory of affective outcomes following injury, and highlights the importance of comparing outcomes in different assays and time-points, to ensure that the affective consequences of injury are adequately assessed.
Disruption of genes associated with Charcot-Marie-Tooth type 2 lead to common behavioural, cellular and molecular defects in Caenorhabditis elegans

Abstract Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease is an inherited peripheral motor and sensory neuropathy. The disease is divided into demyelinating (CMT1) and axonal (CMT2) neuropathies, and although we have gained molecular information into the details of CMT1 pathology, much less is known about CMT2. Due to its clinical and genetic heterogeneity, coupled with a lack of animal models, common underlying mechanisms remain elusive. In order to understand the biological importance of CMT2-casuative genes, we have studied the behavioural, cellular and molecular consequences of mutating nine different genes associated with CMT2 in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans (lin-41/TRIM2, dyn-1/DMN2, unc-116/KIF5A, fzo-1/MFN2, osm-9/TRPV4, cua-1/ATP7A, hsp-25/HSPB1, hint-1/HINT1, nep-2/MME). We show that C. elegans defective for these genes display debilitated movement in crawling and swimming assays. Severe morphological defects in cholinergic motors neurons are also evident in two of the mutants (dyn-1 and unc-116). Furthermore, we establish novel methods for quantifying muscle morphology and use these to demonstrate striking loss of muscle structure across the mutants that correspond with reductions in muscle function. Finally, using electrophysiological recordings of neuromuscular junction (NMJ) activity, we uncover reductions in spontaneous postsynaptic current frequency in lin-41, dyn-1, unc-116 and fzo-1 mutants. By comparing the consequences of mutating numerous CMT2-related genes, this study reveals common deficits in muscle structure and function, as well as NMJ signalling when these genes are disrupted.
Application of Conjoint Analysis to Improve Reliability of Dietician Consultation in Pediatric Celiac Disease.

Introduction Celiac disease (CD) management involves lifelong adherence to a gluten-free diet, making the dietician a key member in CD care. However, our institution lacked a standardized process for dietary consultation in newly diagnosed CD. Methods To understand provider CD care preferences, a 24-1 fractional factorial conjoint analysis was performed. Attributes studied (2 levels each) included type of initial follow-up gastroenterology (GI) provider, interval from diagnosis to follow-up, concurrence of initial dietary consultation with gastroenterology visit, and on-going follow-up GI provider. CD care was standardized in July 2014 to facilitate concurrent visits with the clinician and dietician during the same clinical session. Changes to mean time of dietary consultation and reliability of dietary consultation were monitored using an individual-control and G-control chart, respectively. Standard control chart rules were followed. Results Conjoint analysis identified shorter time to initial follow-up visit and concurrent GI/dietician visits as more important attributes in newly diagnosed CD subjects' care. Types of follow-up provider during first or subsequent visits were identified as less important attributes. After initiation of a standardized follow-up process, a special cause was identified in December 2015 with a decrease in the mean time to dietary consultation from 30 to 20 days. In addition, standardized follow-up resulted in a more reliable process as evident by a special cause on the G-control chart in February 2015. Conclusion Conjoint analysis identified attributes thought to be important in CD follow-up care. After redesign of our care process, a decrease in time to dietary consultation with improved reliability was observed.
"Ion Solvation Spectra": Free Energy Analysis of Solvation Structures of Multivalent Cations in Aprotic Solvents.

Using advanced molecular dynamics free energy sampling techniques—both classical and ab initio—we analyze the solvation structures of multivalent cations in aprotic solvents. In contrast to previou...
Unit Equations on Quaternions

A classical result about unit equations says that if $\Gamma_1$ and $\Gamma_2$ are finitely generated subgroups of $\mathbb C^\times$, then the equation $x+y=1$ has only finitely many solutions with $x\in\Gamma_1$ and $y\in \Gamma_2$. We study a noncommutative analogue of the result, where $\Gamma_1,\Gamma_2$ are finitely generated subsemigroups of the multiplicative group of a quaternion algebra. We prove an analogous conclusion when both semigroups are generated by algebraic quaternions with norms greater than 1 and one of the semigroups is commutative. As an application in dynamics, we prove that if $f$ and $g$ are endomorphisms of a curve $C$ of genus $1$ over an algebraically closed field $k$, and $\mathrm{deg}(f), \mathrm{deg}(g)\geq 2$, then $f$ and $g$ have a common iterate if and only if some forward orbit of $f$ on $C(k)$ has infinite intersection with an orbit of $g$.
Teaching Kinetics and Equilibrium Topics Using Interlocking Building Bricks in Hands-on Activities

Two in-class interlocking building brick-based activities were used to engage students in class and help improve student performance on chemical kinetics and equilibrium questions. In the kinetics activity, a pseudo-first-order bimolecular reaction is modeled with different numbers of colored bricks. In the equilibrium activity, the relationship between the rates of forward and reverse reactions and equilibrium amounts is demonstrated with different numbers of assemblers and disassemblers. A second part of this activity illustrates the concept of Le Châtelier’s principle by changing the conditions after the system has reached equilibrium. Student performance on in-class questions was higher after completing the activities.
El Madrid de Carranque de Ríos: De la ficción cinematográfica a la edición interactiva: Patricia Barrera Velasco and María Del Mar Mañas Martínez, editors. Renacimiento, 2019. 256 pp., softcover.

El Madrid de Carranque de Rios, exito colectivo de seis investigadoras a ambos lados del Atlantico, se acerca a la figura de Andres Carranque de Rios (1902–1936) desde puntos de vista criticos y me...
New Therapeutic Targets and Treatment Options for Thrombotic Microangiopathy: Caplacizumab and Ravulizumab.

Objective: To review the efficacy and safety of caplacizumab and ravulizumab for thrombotic microangiopathy. Data Sources: A literature search from January 2011 to May 2020 was performed using the ...
Understanding Early-Married Men’s Involvement in Marital Interventions

Evidence suggests men are more reluctant to participate in relational interventions than women. Past research has shown how personality characteristics and demographics influence marital interventi...
English Law and American Democracy in the Revolutionary Republic: Maryland, 1776-1822

Between 1776 and 1784, eleven of the original thirteen states made some provision for the continuing authority of the common law and British statutes. But there were highly significant variations in the pattern from state to state, variations that helped to differentiate each state as a unique jurisdiction. In Maryland, despite the effort of leading lawyers to settle the matter once and for all in 1776, the precise effects of Article 3 had to be worked out over several decades of political, legal, and intellectual maneuvering. As a result, Marylanders left a remarkable record of politicians, lawyers, and judges contesting for different views of the importance of legal continuity in a democratic republic. This history helps explain why Marylanders are still entitled to the benefits of the common law by the authority of Article 5 of their current constitution, and it also illuminates a defining feature of American democracy, the tension between its theory of sovereignty and the rule of law in practice. As historians and students of the revolutionary era in Maryland well know, the constitution of 1776 as a whole was a defeat for direct democracy and any popular agenda of social leveling or economic equality that may have been in play, A few idealists, notably Colonel Rezin Hammond of Anne Arundel County, were elected to the 1776 convention but were unable to build a strong statewide political coalition. Effectively led by their wealthy and worldly leaders, notably Charles Carroll of Carrollton, Matthew Tilghman, Samuel Chase, Thomas Johnson, Charles Carroll the Barrister, and William Paca, a majority of delegates embraced independence from the British Empire but voted consistently for a style of government that was familiar and predictable. Why was this plan so conservative? In part because delegates embraced a conception of democratic legitimacy shaped not just by Revolutionary ideals and rhetoric about liberty and rights, but also by the particulars of local legal history.
Chronic Lymphocytic Thyroiditis and Aggressiveness of Pediatric Differentiated Thyroid Cancer.

Objectives/hypothesis Hashimoto's Thyroiditis (HT) is a common cause of hypothyroidism. Among adults with differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC), HT appears to be associated with less severe disease burden. In the absence of information regarding HT and disease burden among children with DTC, we assessed the relationship between pediatric DTC severity and HT. Study design Retrospective cohort. Methods Charts from 90 pediatric patients who underwent surgical removal of DTC from 2002 to 2017 at tertiary-care children's hospital were reviewed. Demographic, clinical, surgical, pathology, and outcome details were compared between patients with and without HT. Consistency among diagnostic modalities of HT was also evaluated. Results Median age at presentation was 16.0 years (range 4.2-18.9 years). Twenty-two patients were male (24%). Forty-five patients (50%) had HT based on presence of thyroid autoantibodies and/or surgical pathology findings and 45 patients did not have HT. Patients with HT had increased odds of microcalcifications (odds ratio [OR]: 3.01, P = .031) and decreased odds of palpable nodules (OR: 0.212, P = .024) and T2 lesions (vs. T1) (OR: 0.261, P = .015) compared with non-HT. No significant differences in demographics and the incidence of multifocality, extrathyroidal extension, lymphovascular invasion, lymph node or pulmonary metastases, disease recurrence, or radioactive iodine treatment were found between the two groups. Thyroglobulin/thyroid peroxidase autoantibodies and surgical pathology indicative of HT were concordant in 82.4% (κ = 0.635, P Conclusion HT was present in 50% of children with DTC. Patients with DTC and HT presented with smaller tumors compared to non-HT patients. No significant differences in other markers of disease aggressiveness were found between the two groups. Level of evidence 3 Laryngoscope, 2021.
Editorial Comment: Vital Iodine Tumor Burden on Dual-Energy CT Outperforms Conventional CT Metrics of Response in Patients With GIST Undergoing Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor Therapy.

This Editorial Comment discusses the following AJR article: Dual-Energy CT Vital Iodine Tumor Burden for Response Assessment in Patients With Metastatic GIST Undergoing TKI Therapy: Comparison to S...
An Eight-Element 140 GHz Wafer-Scale Phased-Array Transmitter with 32 dBm Peak EIRP and > 16 Gbps 16QAM and 64QAM Operation

This paper presents an 8-element 140 GHz wafer-scale phased-array transmitter in CMOS. It is based on intermediate-frequency (IF) beamforming transmit channels with 5-bit phase and 4-bit gain control at the IF band (9–14 GHz) with LC-based Wilkinson combiners, a shared local-oscillator (LO) multiplier chain and distribution network. On-chip image rejection filters (IRF) and LO leakage cancellation circuits are designed in each channel to improve the array in-band linearity and suppress the LO leakage. Differential on-chip antenna feeds (on top metal) are electromagnetically (EM) coupled to high-efficiency patch antennas on a 100-µm-thick quartz superstrate. The antennas are placed λ/2 (~140 GHz) apart between adjacent channels in the horizontal and vertical directions with a chip size of 5.4 mm × 5.1 mm. The 4 × 2-element array can scan to ±30° in the elevation plane (E-plane). The phased-array transmitter results in a measured EIRP of 27–32 dBm at 134–146 GHz. It supports up to 16 Gb/s data rate per carrier for both 16 and 64QAM waveforms at an EIRP of 22 and 20 dBm, repectively, with −25 dBc EVM (for 64QAM). To the best of our knowledge, this paper presents the first CMOS wafer-scale phased-array transmitter at 140 GHz, resulting in high radiated power and high speed communications.
On Matrices that are not Similar to a Toeplitz Matrix and a Family of Polynomials Tewodros Amdeberhan and Georg Heinig

A conjecture from the second author’s paper [Linear Algebra Appl., 332–334 (2001) 519–531] concerning a family of polynomials is proved and strengthened. A consequence of this is that for any n ≥ 4 there is an n × n matrix that is not similar to a Toeplitz matrix, which was proved before for odd n and n = 6, 8, 10.
Compact terahertz instruments for planetary missions

Using newly developed silicon micromachining technology that enables low-mass and highly integrated receivers, we are developing a state-of-the-art terahertz radiometer/spectrometer instrument for planetary orbiter missions to Mars, Venus, Titan, and the Galilean moons. Our flexible receiver architecture provides a powerful instrument capability in a light-weight, low-power consuming compact package which offer unprecedented sensitivity performance, spectral coverage, and scalability to meet the scientific requirements of multiple missions. The instrument will allow a large number of chemical species, such as water, NO 2 , N 2 O, NH 3 , SO 2 , H 2 S, CH 4 , and HCN, among others, in the atmospheres of Mars, Venus, and Titan to be detected at concentrations below a part per billion. It will also be able to pinpoint their location in latitude, longitude, and in altitude. The maturation of this terahertz instrument will have an immediate impact on other areas such as multi-pixel focal plane heterodyne arrays for astrophysics and terahertz imagers and radars for a variety of national security applications.
Relationships Between Treatment Components, Client-Level Factors, and Positive Treatment Outcomes

How different amounts and components of treatment affect substance abuse treatment outcomes is fundamentally important to evaluating current treatment practices and recommending improvements. Through a secondary analysis of data from the National Treatment Improvement Evaluation Study (NTIES), the present study examined the relationships between treatment components, client-level factors, and positive treatment outcomes. Several components were shown tohave significant effects on the odds of a positive outcome, over and above the effects of client background characteristics. Depending on treatment modality, these included length of stay; whether or not clients reported seeing their treatment plan hours per month in group and individual counseling; utilization ofeducational, vocational, and other ancillary services; use of antianxiety and drug and alcohol medications; and client matching. Several interactions between client-level factors and treatment components were also observed. Studylimitations are discussed, followed by implications for policy and practiceand suggestions for further research.
Intersection theory on $\Mbar_{1,4}$ and elliptic Gromov-Witten invariants

The WDVV equation is satisfied by the genus 0 correlation functions of any topological field theory in two dimensions coupled to topological gravity, and may be used to determine the genus 0 (rational) Gromov-Witten invariants of many projective varieties (as was done for projective spaces by Kontsevich). In this paper, we present an equation of a similar universal nature for genus 1 (elliptic) Gromov-Witten invariants -- however, it is much more complicated than the WDVV equation, and its geometric significance is unclear to us. (Our prove is rather indirect.) Nevertheless, we show that this equation suffices to determine the elliptic Gromov-Witten invariants of projective spaces. In a sequel to this paper, we will prove that this equation is the only one other than the WDVV equation which relates elliptic and rational correlation functions for two-dimensional topological field theories coupled to topological gravity. It is unclear if there are any further equations of this type on the small phase space in higher genus, but we think it unlikely. (The genus 0 and 1 cases are special, since the correlation functions on the small phase space determine those on the large phase space.)
Kinematic Synthesis for Smart Hand Prosthesis

The dream of a bionic replacement appendage is becoming reality through the use of mechatronic prostheses that utilize the body's myoelectric signals. This paper presents a process to accurately capture the motion of the human hand joints; the obtained information is to be used in conjunction with myoelectric signal identification for motion control. In this work, the human hand is modeled as a set of links connected by joints, which are approximated to standard revolute joints. Using the methods of robotics, the motion of each finger is described as a serial robot, and expressed as Clifford algebra exponentials. This representation allows us to use the model to perform kinematic synthesis, that is, to adapt the model to the dimensions of real hands and to obtain the angles at each joint, using visual data from real motion captured with several cameras. The goal is to obtain an adaptable motion tracking system that can follow as many different motions as possible with sufficient accuracy, in order to relate the individual motions to myoelectric signals in future work
Anxiety disorders in adolescents

Once you have identified that your adolescent patient has an anxiety disorder, it's time to assess the depth of the problem to discover the best treatment.
PET AND MRI-GUIDED FOCUSED ULTRASOUND SURGERY FOR HYPOXIC-TISSUE ABLATION COMBINED WITH RADIOTHERAPY IN SOLID TUMORS

Background : The raonale was to develop an ablaon approach to destroy regions of tumor resistant to radiaon and thus reduce theme required for whole tumor ablaon, while improving overall tumor control aer radiotherapy. Materials and Methods : The system is composed of a micro positron emission tomography (mPET), 7T magnec resonance imaging (MRI), and a customized MRI-compable focused ultrasound applicator. 18F- fluoromisonidazole (18F-miso) radioacve tracer delineated hypoxic regions based on a threshold tumor/muscle acvity rao. 18F -miso PET/MRI fused images were used for targeng tumor hypoxic regions for focused ultrasound ablaon. With MRI real-�me temperature imaging guid ance, PET-detected hypoxic regions of tumor could be selecvely ablated to temperatures (T>55 o C). In vivo validaon experiments were performed in SCK and 4T1 murine mammary carcinomas. In two tumor response assays, sequence dependence of combined radiotherapy and ablaon was studied in the SCK tumor model. Tumor ablaon was performed using a conducve probe or focused ultrasound and ionizing radiaon administered in single doses of 15-20 Gy. Results : Tumor growth was abolished when ablaon was applied immediately AFTER radiaon while interesngly; when ablaon was administered immediately BEFORE radiaon, there was no difference in observed growth delay compared to ablaon or radiaon alone. Conclusion : PET and MRI guided focused ultrasound surgery (MRgFUS) of tumor hypoxic regions is feasible and will be potenally useful for preclinical studies using ultrasound, radiaon or chemotherapy. This study suggests that radiaon precedes ablave therapy to avoid unwanted stress response or addional hypoxia induced by the ablaon, potenally confounding the improved response potenal for combined therapy.
In vivo regulation of rRNA transcription occurs rapidly in nondividing and dividing Drosophila cells in response to a phorbol ester and serum

The synthesis of ribosomes is an essential cellular process which requires the transcription of the rRNA genes by RNA polymerase I (Pol I). The regulation of rRNA synthesis is known to be coupled to growth regulation. In nongrowing, slowly growing, and rapidly growing Drosophila cells, exposure to the tumor-promoting phorbol ester 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) increases the synthesis of precursor and mature rRNAs. Using nuclear run-on assays, we show that TPA enhances transcription of the rRNA genes. These results suggest that TPA regulates expression of RNA genes transcribed by Pol I, irrespective of the growth state of the cells. In slowly dividing Drosophila cells, increasing the serum concentration rapidly alters the accumulation of rRNA by enhancing rDNA transcription within 1 h. Thus, TPA and serum are each able to rapidly regulate rRNA gene expression in Drosophila cells. These results indicate that the RNA Pol I transcription system can be regulated by agents which have previously been shown to effect specific genes transcribed by the RNA Pol II system.
Computing pre-college program: Initial impact to first-year student in computer science

The Department of Computer Science at Hampton University was awarded the HBCU-UP TIP Project to reform three gateway courses and implement an intensive computing summer bridge program (SBP) in an effort to improve student academic performance and increase retention and graduation rates in the major. By integrating Computational Thinking into lower-level courses, the proposed project also seeks to strengthen Computer Science students and better prepare them to meet the modern demands in the field. In the first year of the project there have been several changes to the curriculum content of the gateway courses as well as the implementation of the summer pre-college program. The summer 2014 was the first computing pre-college program. There were nineteen participants currently in the summer program. The students were engaged and excited to be a part of this program. The Computer Science Seminar course served as the initiative for a supplemental undergraduate research award request. The course focused not only ensuring the students understand computer science as a field of study, but also how computer science impacts all fields of study and everything in their daily lives. There were several speakers, FBI, Industry, University faculty, and previous graduates. The initial results has been extremely rewarding as we noticed from their performance in the first semester program course, CS1. This poster will discuss the curriculum we used during the summer program, sample exercises, feedback from students as well as lesson learnt for us to improve next year program.
The Generalized Lattice-Point Problem

The generalized lattice-point problem, posed by Charnes and studied by M. J. L. Kirby, H. Love, and others, is a linear program whose solutions are constrained to be extreme points of a specified polytope. We show how to exploit this and more general problems by convexity or intersection cut strategies without resorting to standard problem-augmenting techniques such as introducing 0-1 variables. In addition, we show how to circumvent "degeneracy" difficulties inherent in this problem without relying on perturbation which provides uselessly shallow cuts by identifying nondegenerate subregions relative to which cuts may be defined effectively. Finally, we give results that make it possible to obtain strengthening cuts for problems with special structures.
Sintering of MgO and MgO-TiC ceramics by plasma, microwave and conventional heating

The densification of MgO and MgO-TiC ceramics by hollow cathode plasma and microwave sintering techniques was studied. The resultant fractional densities were compared to those of conventionally sintered samples. It was demonstrated that indirect heating and sintering of MgO by microwave radiation was possible. Higher fractional densities were obtained in MgO by microwave sintering in comparison to conventional sintering under the same conditions. In the case of MgO-TiC composites, chemical reaction led to Mg2TiO4 formation in all samples. Plasma sintering suppressed this reaction and exhibited reduced sinterability upon TiC addition. On the other hand, small amounts of TiC additions aided the conventional sintering of MgO, resulting in better mechanical properties. Furthermore, commercial grade MgO was sintered to higher densities than relatively pure research grade MgO. Hardness and fracture toughness values are reported.
When do foreign banks ‘cut and run’? Evidence from west European bailouts and east European markets

ABSTRACTVery high levels of foreign bank ownership in central and eastern Europe (CEE) gave rise to fears that the region would be vulnerable to ‘cutting and running’ during a financial crisis, whereby western parent banks would repatriate capital and liquidity to their home markets and abandon their CEE clients. Such fears were compounded by the economic nationalism of late 2008 and early 2009 in western Europe, as well as by west European bank bailout programmes that privileged home markets over foreign ones. Although CEE experienced a severe credit crunch in late 2008, compared to other financial and economic crises, western bank behaviour in CEE has not amounted to ‘cutting and running’. While many experts credit the ‘Vienna Initiative’ for maintaining foreign bank exposures in the region, this paper argues instead that it was the deep form of financial integration to which CEE was subject that kept banks committed. Specifically, western banks’ ‘second home market’ business model, in which capital mov...
NEIGHBORING GROUP PARTICIPATION IN ORGANIC REDOX REACTIONS. 13. INTRAMOLECULAR INTERACTION OF THE β-PHOSPHONIC ACID GROUP IN THE AQUEOUS IODINE OXIDATION OF THIOETHERS AND DISULFIDES.1 GENERATION OF A PHOSPHONIC-PHOSPHORIC ANHYDRIDE

Abstract The oxidation of the phosphonic acid-thioether, 2-methylthioethanephosphonic acid (MTEP) and the oxidative-cleavage of the phosphonic acid-disulfide (PED) by aqueous iodine are accelerated by neighboring-group participation. The pH profiles indicate that in both cases it is the dianionic form of the phosphonate group which is responsible for accelerations of 106 and 102 in the reactions of MTEP and PED. respectively, compared to analogs without neighboring groups. The oxidative cleavage of PED in the presence of phosphate buffer generates ca. 30% of a hydrolytically stable, mixed phosphonic-phosphoric anhydride, which makes the proposed cyclic sulfenic-phosphonic anhydride intermediate one of the more efficient phosphate-coupling agents in aqueous solution. In contrast, no mixed anhydride is generated during the oxidation of MTEP in phosphate buffer.
The balance between protective and pathogenic immune responses in the TB-infected lung

Mycobacterial tuberculosis remains a disease of major importance. In this Focus Review, Orme, Robinson and Cooper discuss lung immune responses to mycobacteria and describe how the bacterium can manipulate host immunity to its own ends. Tuberculosis is a disease of the lung, and efficient transmission is dependent on the generation of a lesion in the lung, which results in a bacterium-laden cough. Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) is able to manipulate both the innate and acquired immune response of the host. This manipulation results in an effective CD4+ T cell response that limits disease throughout the body but can also promote the development of progressively destructive lesions in the lung. In this way Mtb infection can result in an ambulatory individual who has a lesion in the lung capable of transmitting Mtb. The inflammatory environment within the lung lesion is manipulated by Mtb throughout infection and can limit the expression of acquired immunity by a variety of pathways.
Megakaryocytes and beyond: the birth of platelets.

Summary. Megakaryocytes are highly specialized precursor cells that differentiate to produce blood platelets via intermediate cytoplasmic extensions known as proplatelets. Recent advances in the understanding of megakaryocyte differentiation and platelet formation rely on a combination of genetic and cell biological studies with detailed structural analysis of cultured cells. Visualization of sequential steps in endomitosis has expanded our views on how megakaryocytes acquire polyploid DNA content, whereas studies in mouse models of platelet disorders provide clues into transcriptional pathways and those leading to the assembly of platelet-specific secretory granules. The experimental findings forge stronger links between cellular processes and molecular mechanisms, while observation of the underlying morphologic events in beginning to yield insights into the cytoskeletal mechanics of proplatelet formation. Here we review salient aspects of the emerging appreciation of the cellular and molecular basis of thrombopoiesis.
A general existence theorem for symmetric floating drops

An existence theorem for floating drops due to Elcrat, Neel, and Siegel is generalized. The theorem applies to all radially symmetric domains, and to both light and heavy floating drops, and utilizes new results in annular capillary theory.
Adsorption of Sulfonate on Kaolinite and Alumina in the Presence of Gypsum

Loss of surfactants by adsorption and precipitation that can occur during enhanced oil recovery by micellar flooding is a complex phenomenon dependent not only on solution properties such as pH and salinity, but also on the presence of even minor mineral constituents such as gypsum and limestone. In this study, the results on adsorption of isomerically pure decylbenzenesulfonate on gypsum, kaolinite, and alumina are presented. Sulfonate abstraction by kaolinite and alumina in the presence of trace amounts of gypsum also is determined. Adsorption of sulfonates varied significantly from mineral to mineral. Gypsum exhibited a sharp increase in adsorption above 4 to 6 x 10-5 kmol/cu m of residual sulfonate. Tests using the supernatant of gypsum showed sulfonate precipitation by the dissolved mineral species to be a major factor responsible for the high uptake. A thermodynamic analysis of the solubility and stability characteristics of gypsum and anhydrite is presented. 15 references.
Lipoxene: a new group of trihydroxy pentaenes of eicosapentaenoic acid derived from porcine leukocytes.

Abstract Incubation of porcine leukocytes with [1-14C]-15-hydroperoxyeicosapentaenoic acid (15-HPEPE) results in the formation of a group of polar metabolites which after separation and purification by RP-HPLC and SP-HPLC were found to be a series of new compounds containing three hydroxy groups and four conjugated double bonds. The structures of these new metabolites were established by U.V. spectrophotometry and GC MS to be trihydroxy pentaenes of EPA, i.e., 5,6,15-trihydroxy-7,9,11,13,17-eicosapentaenoic acid and 5,14,15-trihydroxy-6,8,10,12,17-eicosapentaenoic acid. Because of the additional double bond at C17–18, these two new metabolites of EPA were proposed to be lipoxene A and lipoxene B, respectively.
Fate of Pathologically Bound Oxygen Resulting from Inhalation of Labeled Ozone in Rats

Inhaled ozone (O3) reacts chemically with respiratory tract biomolecules where it forms covalently bound oxygen adducts. We investigated the fate of these adducts following inhalation exposure of rats to labeled ozone (18O3, 2 ppm, 6 hr or 5 ppm, 2 hr). Increased 18O was detected in blood plasma at 7 hr post exposure and was continuously present in urine for 4 days. Total 18O excreted was ~53% of the estimated amount of 18O3 retained by the rats during 18O3 exposure suggesting that only moderate recycling of the adduct material occurs. The time course of excretion, as well as properties of the excreted 18O were determined to provide guidance to future searches for urinary oxidative stress markers. These results lend plausibility to published findings that O3 inhalation could exert influences outside the lung, such as enhancement of atherosclerotic plaques.
The Attitudes of Minority Junior High and High School Students toward Veterinary Medicine

There is a documented lack of racial diversity in veterinary medicine. It has been suggested that lack of animal ownership by minorities, cultural and ethnic biases relating to animals, and a lack of role models of color within the veterinary profession are reasons for the lack of racial diversity in veterinary medicine. The purpose of this study was to survey the attitudes of minority junior high and high school students toward veterinary medicine. It was hypothesized that African American and Latino students in New York City (NYC) would have limited experience with veterinary medicine and would not have a favorable attitude toward the profession. In fact, the survey, which was sent to several NYC schools, found that minority students have a positive view of animals and of veterinary medicine. The survey also showed that a deficiency of minority role models for students, a lack of interest in and enjoyment of veterinary medicine on the part of students, a perception on the part of students that veterinary medicine does not provide a satisfying lifestyle, and inadequate student exposure to the profession are key factors in the lack of racial diversity in veterinary medicine.
The "global surgeon": is it time for modifications in the American surgical training paradigm?

Objective “Global surgery” is becoming an increasingly popular concept not only for new trainees, but also for established surgeons. The need to provide surgical care in low-resource settings is laudable, but the American surgical training system currently does not impart the breadth of skills required to provide quality care. We propose one possible model for a surgical fellowship program that provides those trainees who desire to practice in these settings a comprehensive experience that encompasses not only broad technical skills but also the opportunity to engage in policy and programmatic development and implementation. Methods This is a descriptive commentary based on personal experience and a review of the literature. Results The proposed model is 2 years long, and can either be done after general surgery training as an additional “global surgery” fellowship or as part of a 3 + 2 general surgery + global surgery system. It would incorporate training in general surgery as well as orthopedics, urology, obstetrics & gynecology, neurosurgery, plastics & reconstructive surgery, as well as dedicated time for health systems training. Incorporating such training in a low-resource setting would be a requirement of such a program, in order to obtain field experience. Conclusions Global surgery is a key word these days in attracting young trainees to academic surgical residency programs, yet they are subsequently inadequately trained to provide the required surgical services in these low-resource settings. Dedicated programmatic changes are required to allow those who choose to practice in these settings to obtain the full breadth of training needed to become safe, competent surgeons in such environments.
Effects of Prior Cocaine Versus Morphine or Heroin Self-Administration on Extinction Learning Driven by Overexpectation Versus Omission of Reward

Abstract Background Addiction is characterized by an inability to stop using drugs, despite adverse consequences. One contributing factor to this compulsive drug taking could be the impact of drug use on the ability to extinguish drug seeking after changes in expected outcomes. Here, we compared effects of cocaine, morphine, and heroin self-administration on two forms of extinction learning: standard extinction driven by reward omission and extinction driven by reward overexpectation. Methods In experiment 1, we trained rats to self-administer cocaine, morphine, or sucrose for 3 hours per day (limited access). In experiment 2, we trained rats to self-administer heroin or sucrose for 12 hours per day (extended access). Three weeks later, we trained the rats to associate several cues with palatable food reward, after which we assessed extinction of the learned Pavlovian response, first by pairing two cues together in the overexpectation procedure and later by omitting the food reward. Results Rats trained under limited access conditions to self-administer sucrose or morphine demonstrated normal extinction in response to both overexpectation and reward omission, whereas cocaine-experienced rats or rats trained to self-administer heroin under extended access conditions exhibited normal extinction in response to reward omission but failed to show extinction in response to overexpectation. Conclusions Here we show that cocaine and heroin can induce long-lasting deficits in the ability to extinguish reward seeking. These deficits were not observed in a standard extinction procedure but instead only affected extinction learning driven by a more complex phenomenon of overexpectation.