cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Assessment of Hearing-Impaired and Deaf Children with the WISC-III

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the importance of Wechsler intelligence scale for children-third edition (WISC-III), which is a widely used test of intelligence for hearing-impaired children in North America. The Wechsler scales are a popular device used by clinicians and researchers interested in measuring the intellectual abilities of deaf children. The performance scales are also considered to be one of the best ways to assess intelligence. The chapter addresses both the practitioner and scientific perspectives. The professional literature presents both perspectives while describing the use of the Wechsler scales in deaf populations. Deaf children usually appear to have average intellectual abilities when assessed using language-reduced measures of cognitive ability. The ultimate clinical objective of the Wechsler scales is to differentially diagnose the impact of deafness from that of mental retardation as a cause of poor academic and language performance in deaf children. Adaptive behavior scores in communication, daily living skills, and socialization suggest adequate adaptation to the community environment.
Mechanism of chemical-induced toxicity: I. Use of a rapid centrifugation technique for the separation of viable and nonviable hepatocytes☆

A major obstacle in defining the mechanism of chemical-induced toxicity has been the inability to distinguish between events that cause cell death and those that result from cell death. This problem results from measuring biochemical parameters in tissues or cell pellets containing both viable and nonviable cells. In the present study, we described a method for the rapid separation of viable hepatocytes from nonviable cells and medium prior to biochemical analysis. Separation of viable hepatocytes was accomplished in a microcentrifuge tube by layering a sample of isolated hepatocyte suspension over a dibutyl phthalate oil layer and centrifuging for several seconds. As a result, greater than 90% of the hepatocytes centrifuged through dibutyl phthalate were viable while greater than 90% of the cells recovered above the oil layer were nonviable. The separation of viable hepatocytes by the dibutyl phthalate method was not affected by the presence of the hepatotoxins, adriamycin (ADR) in combination with 1,3-bis(2-chloroethyl)-1-nitrosourea (BCNU) or ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS), though the ratio of viable to nonviable cells in the suspension was drastically reduced. The metabolic and morphological integrity of hepatocytes centrifuged through dibutyl phthalate was altered after cell suspensions were treated with the ADR-BCNU or EMS. These chemically treated viable hepatocytes showed degenerative ultrastructural changes and a greater than 80% reduction in intracellular K+ and glutathione concentrations. Because centrifugation through dibutyl phthalate does not significantly alter the concentration of intracellular constituents nor the ultrastructure of control hepatocytes, the signs of reversible injury observed in hepatocytes centrifuged through oil resulted from the chemical treatment. These data indicate that the dibutyl phthalate separation technique offers the advantage of monitoring only viable hepatocytes for changes in membrane integrity or metabolic performance during a toxic chemical insult.
Colonization of shellfish by pathogenic Vibrios

Bacteria that are members of the Vibrio genus are ubiquitous in the marine environment and are part of the natural estuarine microflora. Several Vibrio species can accumulate in shellfish through filter feeding, and pose a significant threat to human health from important fishery resources. Little is known about the interactions of these microorganisms with shellfish that result in significant accumulation of the bacteria. Vibrio vulnificus can cause fatal septicemic infections in individuals who are immunocompromised or suffer from liver disease through consumption of raw shellfish harvested from warm water regions. In addition, the bacterium can cause severe necrotizing wound infections in otherwise healthy people who handle shellfish. Such infections impact the entire U.S. shellfish industry causing significant economic losses. Another vibrio, Vibrio parahaemolyticus, has a wider geographic distribution and is a significant source of shellfish-transmitted gastrointestinal illness in humans, with increased incidence during summer months. Our research is aimed at the characterization of surface structures called pili or fimbriae to ascertain their function in persistence of vibrios in oysters, as well as in human pathogenesis. Pili are thin (ca. 10 nm diameter) fiber-like structures that extend from bacterial cells and are often involved in cell to cell binding or attachment of a bacterium to a variety of biotic and abiotic surfaces. In initial studies on the role of a specific class of pili in V. vulnificus, designated type IV, we have demonstrated their role in adherence to human epithelial cells, biofilm formation, virulence in a mouse model, and persistence in oysters. We are currently examining the function of homologous pili in V. parahaemolyticus. If these factors prove to be responsible for the bacterium's ability to colonize oyster tissue, they may present a unique and specific target(s) for compounds designed to interfere with this attachment, leading to depuration methods that could potentially reduce or eliminate the organisms from oysters
Homozygosity and Heterozygosity for Null Col5a2 Alleles Produce Embryonic Lethality and a Novel Classic Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome–Related Phenotype

Null alleles for the COL5A1 gene and missense mutations for COL5A1 or the COL5A2 gene underlie cases of classic Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, characterized by fragile, hyperextensible skin and hypermobile joints. However, no classic Ehlers-Danlos syndrome case has yet been associated with COL5A2 null alleles, and phenotypes that might result from such alleles are unknown. We describe mice with null alleles for the Col5a2 . Col5a2 −/− homozygosity is embryonic lethal at approximately 12 days post conception. Unlike previously described mice null for Col5a1 , which die at 10.5 days post conception and virtually lack collagen fibrils, Col5a2 −/− embryos have readily detectable collagen fibrils, thicker than in wild-type controls. Differences in Col5a2 −/− and Col5a1 −/− fibril formation and embryonic survival suggest that α1(V) 3 homotrimers, a rare collagen V isoform that occurs in the absence of sufficient levels of α2(V) chains, serve functional roles that partially compensate for loss of the most common collagen V isoform. Col5a2 +/− adults have skin with marked hyperextensibility and reduced tensile strength at high strain but not at low strain. Col5a2 +/− adults also have aortas with increased compliance and reduced tensile strength. Results thus suggest that COL5A2 +/− humans, although unlikely to present with frank classic Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, are likely to have fragile connective tissues with increased susceptibility to trauma and certain chronic pathologic conditions.
Current mirrors with low input and low output voltage requirements

High accuracy, high output resistance current mirrors are derived from conventional mirrors using MOS and bipolar DC level shifters. The modified structures have significantly reduced input and output voltage requirements. Experimental results of a CMOS test chip are shown that verify the proposed structures.
Dietary change among hominins and cercopithecids in Ethiopia during the early Pliocene

The incorporation of C4 resources into hominin diet signifies increased dietary breadth within hominins and divergence from the dietary patterns of other great apes. Morphological evidence indicates that hominin diet became increasingly diverse by 4.2 million years ago but may not have included large proportions of C4 foods until 800 thousand years later, given the available isotopic evidence. Here we use carbon isotope data from early to mid Pliocene hominin and cercopithecid fossils from Woranso-Mille (central Afar, Ethiopia) to constrain the timing of this dietary change and its ecological context. We show that both hominins and some papionins expanded their diets to include C4 resources as early as 3.76 Ma. Among hominins, this dietary expansion postdates the major dentognathic morphological changes that distinguish Australopithecus from Ardipithecus, but it occurs amid a continuum of adaptations to diets of tougher, harder foods and to committed terrestrial bipedality. In contrast, carbon isotope data from cercopithecids indicate that C4-dominated diets of the earliest members of the Theropithecus oswaldi lineage preceded the dental specialization for grazing but occurred after they were fully terrestrial. The combined data indicate that the inclusion of C4 foods in hominin diet occurred as part of broader ecological changes in African primate communities.
Chechnya: Life in a War‐Torn Society

Chechnya: Life in a War-Torn Society. Valery Tishkov. Berkeley: University of California Press, 2004. 284 pp.
Nutritional composition and antioxidant activity in hazelnut shells from US-grown cultivars

Summary The hard shell of a hazelnut is a major waste of the hazelnut industry. The chemical composition, phenolic compounds (total phenolics, tannins and condensed tannins), antioxidant activity (DPPH and ABTS free-radical scavenging assays), and the relationships between phenolic compounds and antioxidant activities of the hazelnut shells from twelve US grown cultivars were investigated to for potential commercial development. Crude fibre accounted for over 85% of total carbohydrate. The shells contained high concentrations of phenolic compounds. Concentrations of phenolic constituents and ABTS•+ -scavenging capacities were significantly higher (P > 0.05) in the Oregon cultivars than their Nebraska counterparts. There were significant positive correlations between ABTS•+ scavenging capacities and the phenolic compounds, whereas DPPH• -scavenging capacity demonstrated a weak negative correlation with ABTS•+ scavenging capacity and the phenolics. The results suggest that hazelnut hard shell may serve as a potential source of natural antioxidants for food applications.
The complex interplay of iron, biofilm formation, and mucoidy affecting antimicrobial resistance of Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a Gram-negative opportunistic bacterial pathogen that is refractory to a variety of current antimicrobial therapeutic regimens. Complicating treatment for such infections is the ability of P. aeruginosa to form biofilms, as well as several innate and acquired resistance mechanisms. Previous studies suggest iron plays a role in resistance to antimicrobial therapy, including the efficacy of an FDA-approved iron chelator, deferasirox (DSX), or Gallium, an iron analog, in potentiating antibiotic-dependent killing of P. aeruginosa biofilms. Here, we show that iron-replete conditions enhance resistance of P. aeruginosa nonbiofilm growth against tobramycin and tigecycline. Interestingly, the mechanism of iron-enhanced resistance to each of these antibiotics is distinct. Whereas pyoverdine-mediated iron uptake is important for optimal resistance to tigecycline, it does not enhance tobramycin resistance. In contrast, heme supplementation results in increased tobramycin resistance, while having no significant effect on tigecycline resistance. Thus, nonsiderophore bound iron plays an important role in resistance to tobramycin, while pyoverdine increases the ability of P. aeruginosa to resist tigecycline treatment. Lastly, we show that iron increases the minimal concentration of tobramycin, but not tigecycline, required to eradicate P. aeruginosa biofilms. Moreover, iron depletion blocks the previous observed induction of biofilm formation by subinhibitory concentrations of tobramycin, suggesting iron and tobramycin signal through overlapping regulatory pathways to affect biofilm formation. These data further support the role of iron in P. aeruginosa antibiotic resistance, providing yet another compelling case for targeting iron acquisition for future antimicrobial drug development.
Flexible fiberoptic bronchoscopy.

Although the availability of flexible fiberoptic bronchoscopy (FFB) has been a major advance in adult pulmonary medicine, the role of FFB in pediatric patients is not well defined. In this article, we try to review our 10-year experience in over 4,000 cases where FFB has been utilised. We feel that this procedure is safe, cost effective and is tolerated much better than the laryngoscopy or open tube bronchoscopy. It is rapid in diagnosing upper airway obstruction and can be done in an upright position.
Design and synthesis of polymetallic complexes based on meso-calix[4]pyrrole: platforms for multielectron chemistry.

A first series of highly metalated calix[4]pyrrole derivatives has been obtained by treating calix[4]pyrrole with [RuCp*(CH3CN)3]PF6 in THF under reflux for 4 h to give the corresponding tetrakisruthenocene-like product and then with Cu(OTf)2 in the presence of triethylamine to give the corresponding copper(II) complex. This latter product contains five metal centers supported by a core ligand consisting of 32 non-hydrogen atoms. Electrochemical and ESR spectroscopic analyses provide support for the notion that both complexes are capable of transferring four electrons reversibly at a potential of 0.95 V vs SCE. Related studies involving the copper complex reveal the presence of an additional reversible reduction at −0.34 V vs SCE that is ascribed to a Cu(II)/Cu(I) couple. These findings make these systems of potential interest as simple-to-prepare electron reservoirs and as possible models for enzyme active sites.
Photoluminescence study of the effect of strain compensation on InAs/AlAsSb quantum dots

Abstract We investigate stacked structures of InAs/AlAsSb/InP quantum dots using temperature- and power-dependent photoluminescence. The band gap of InAs/AlAsSb QDs is 0.73 eV at room temperature, which is close to the ideal case for intermediate band solar cells. As the number of quantum dot layers is increased, the photoluminescence undergoes a blue-shift due to the effects of accumulated compressive strain. This PL red shift can be counteracted using thin layers of AlAs to compensate the strain. We also derive thermal activation energies for this exotic quantum dot system.
Ethanol Alters Brain Phospholipid Levels Which Correlate with Altered Brain Morphology

The effects of embryonic exposure on brain phospholipid levels were studied by injecting various concentrations of ethanol into fertile chicken eggs at 0 days of development. At 18 days of development, the levels of total phospholipids and various phospholipid classes were assayed in brain tissue and correlated to neuron densities within the cerebral hemispheres and the optic lobes. Although ethanol concentrations ranging from 0 to 3700 microns/Kg egg wt. failed to influence either total brain weight or total brain phospholipid levels, ethanol-induced changes in the levels of individual phospholipid classes were observed. When injected with 7 microns of ethanol/Kg egg wt., a 2- to 3-fold increase in brain phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) levels were observed with reduced levels of brain phosphatidylcholine (PC) and brain sphingomyelin (SP). When injected with 74 microns of ethanol/Kg egg wt., ethanol-induced increases in brain phosphatidylserine (PS) and PE were observed with ethanol-induced decreases in brain PC and SP. Cell fractionation studies demonstrated ethanol-induced increases in brain PE and PS and ethanol-induced decreases in brain PC and SP in nuclear, mitochondrial, and microsomal membranes. These ethanol-induced alterations in brain phospholipid profiles correlated with ethanol-induced reductions in neuron densities within the cerebral hemispheres and optic lobes.
Electrocardiographic imaging of normal human atrial repolarization.

Knowledge of normal atrial activation and repolarization patterns provides an important baseline for understanding atrial arrhythmias. We recently published images of normal atrial activation under complete physiological conditions, using a novel noninvasive imaging modality developed in our laboratory, called Electrocardiographic Imaging (ECGI).1 256 carbon electrodes organized in strips are applied to the patient's torso surface to obtain body surface potentials (BSP) and the patient undergoes thoracic noncontrast gated CT with the electrodes in place. The BSP and anatomical information from the CT scan (torso-heart geometrical relationship) are combined mathematically by ECGI algorithms to noninvasively construct epicardial potential maps, electrograms and activation sequences (isochrones) and repolarization patterns.2 Here we provide images of normal atrial repolarization obtained from a 49-year-old male with normal atrial activity. The figure shows ECGI images of atrial surface potentials at two instances during depolarization (left panel, 18ms and 36ms from onset of P wave) and repolarization (right panel, 105ms and 123ms from onset of P wave); arrows show propagation of zero potential lines, + is potential maximum, - is potential minimum. The sequence of repolarization (white arrows) is determined by and follows the sequence of depolarization (black arrows), unlike the ventricles where the repolarization sequence is determined by local repolarization properties.2 A close similarity between potential patterns during depolarization and repolarization is evident in the image and is consistent with previous invasive mapping in canine experiments.3 The patterns are almost identical, except that the polarity is reversed. This indicates that the repolarization sequence follows the depolarization sequence, because differences in action potential durations across the atria are much smaller than differences in atrial activation times, as expected in the absence of a specialized conduction system involvement. LA: left atria; RA: right atria; SVC: superior vena cava; IVC: inferior vena cava; PV: pulmonary veins (denoted by the four black circles).
Anomalous Nature of Neutral-to-Ionic Phase Transition in Tetrathiafulvalene-Chloranil

A phase transition starting at 84 K and indicated by a marked color change of the sample has been found in the organic insulator tetrathiafulvalene-chloranil. Optical, infrared, and Raman measurements indicate that this is a reversible transition from a nominally neutral (N) solid to a nominally ionic (I) salt. Surprisingly, the N-I transition is not first order, but occurs over a broad temperature region (\ensuremath{\sim}30 K), in which there is a coexistence of N and I molecules.
Thermal oscillations in n-germanium at low temperature

Abstract The low-temperature breakdown in germanium is shown to be unstable under certain circumstances. The instability occurs when a small increase in current in part of the sample produces a local temperature rise which cannot be dissipated before it in turn causes a further current increase. The instability generally results in thermal relaxation oscillations of the sample with associated electrical relaxation oscillations of the measuring circuitry. The oscillations cause an effective negative resistance to appear when d.c. measurements are made in the usual manner.
Geomicrobiology: Sediment reactions defy dogma.

Redox reactions in widely spatially separated layers of marine sediments are coupled to each other. This suggests that bacteria mediate the flow of electrons between the layers — an idea that would previously have been dismissed.
Transcriptional networks regulating the costamere, sarcomere, and other cytoskeletal structures in striated muscle

Structural abnormalities in striated muscle have been observed in numerous transcription factor gain- and loss-of-function phenotypes in animal and cell culture model systems, indicating that transcription is important in regulating the cytoarchitecture. While most characterized cytoarchitectural defects are largely indistinguishable by histological and ultrastructural criteria, analysis of dysregulated gene expression in each mutant phenotype has yielded valuable information regarding specific structural gene programs that may be uniquely controlled by each of these transcription factors. Linking the formation and maintenance of each subcellular structure or subset of proteins within a cytoskeletal compartment to an overlapping but distinct transcription factor cohort may enable striated muscle to control cytoarchitectural function in an efficient and specific manner. Here we summarize the available evidence that connects transcription factors, those with established roles in striated muscle such as MEF2 and SRF, as well as other non-muscle transcription factors, to the regulation of a defined cytoskeletal structure. The notion that genes encoding proteins localized to the same subcellular compartment are coordinately transcriptionally regulated may prompt rationally designed approaches that target specific transcription factor pathways to correct structural defects in muscle disease.
SENSITIVE DENSITY-FLUCTUATION MEASUREMENTS USING WAVELENGTH-MODULATION SPECTROSCOPY WITH HIGH-ORDER-HARMONIC DETECTION

We discuss experimental and theoretical results which show that when wavelength-modulation spectroscopy is used to monitor concentration fluctuations of gaseous species, greater sensitivity may be obtained if one uses high-order detection. We also show that, depending on the ambient concentration being monitored, there are regions in which the commonly used second derivative would show a negligible variation of signal magnitude with concentration fluctuations, whereas measurement with a higher harmonic would result in a much improved signal. Theoretical results for the measurements of any transition that can be described by the Voigt profile are given. The technique discussed is illustrated by presenting the results of measurements of wavelength-modulation spectroscopy of lines in the oxygenA band. Different detection harmonic orders are suitable for different ambient concentrations, and a related criterion that helps in the determination of a suitable detection harmonic order is given.
Antibody-catalyzed degradation of cocaine

Immunization with a phosphonate monoester transition-state analog of cocaine provided monoclonal antibodies capable of catalyzing the hydrolysis of the cocaine benzoyl ester group. An assay for the degradation of radiolabeled cocaine identified active enzymes. Benzoyl esterolysis yields ecgonine methyl ester and benzoic acid, fragments devoid of cocaine's stimulant activity. Passive immunization with such an artificial enzyme could provide a treatment for dependence by blunting reinforcement.
Sealants Revisted: An Update of the Effectiveness of Pit-and-Fissure Sealants

The first sealant clinical trials used cyanoacrylate-based materials. These were replaced by dimethacrylate-based products which were marketed. A major difference between marketed sealants is their method of polymerization. First-generation sealants were initiated by ultraviolet light, second-generation sealants are autopolymerized, and third-generation sealants use visible light. Over time, clinical retention was found to be greater for second generation as compared with first-generation sealants. Five to 7 years after initial application the pits and fissures of approximately one third of teeth treated with first-generation sealants were fully protected as compared with two thirds of the teeth treated with second-generation sealants. First-generation, ultraviolet light initiated, sealants are no longer marketed. Clinical reports indicate that retention is similar for second- and third-generation systems, but longer clinical evaluations are necessary. A recent innovation is the addition of fluoride to sealants. Fluoride release to the saliva from a fluoride sealant system is rapid, but clinical studies are needed to determine if the fluoride addition improves caries inhibition.
Association between Respiratory Syncytial Virus Activity and Pneumococcal Disease in Infants: A Time Series Analysis of US Hospitalization Data

Background: The importance of bacterial infections following respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) remains unclear. We evaluated whether variations in RSV epidemic timing and magnitude are associated with variations in pneumococcal disease epidemics and whether changes in pneumococcal disease following the introduction of seven-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV7) were associated with changes in the rate of hospitalizations coded as RSV. Methods and Findings: We used data from the State Inpatient Databases (Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality), including .700,000 RSV hospitalizations and .16,000 pneumococcal pneumonia hospitalizations in 36 states (1992/1993– 2008/2009). Harmonic regression was used to estimate the timing of the average seasonal peak of RSV, pneumococcal pneumonia, and pneumococcal septicemia. We then estimated the association between the incidence of pneumococcal disease in children and the activity of RSV and influenza (where there is a well-established association) using Poisson regression models that controlled for shared seasonal variations. Finally, we estimated changes in the rate of hospitalizations coded as RSV following the introduction of PCV7. RSV and pneumococcal pneumonia shared a distinctive spatiotemporal pattern (correlation of peak timing: r=0.70, 95% CI: 0.45, 0.84). RSV was associated with a significant increase in the incidence of pneumococcal pneumonia in children aged ,1 y (attributable percent [AP]: 20.3%, 95% CI: 17.4%, 25.1%) and among children aged 1–2 y (AP: 10.1%, 95% CI: 7.6%, 13.9%). Influenza was also associated with an increase in pneumococcal pneumonia among children aged 1–2 y (AP: 3.2%, 95% CI: 1.7%, 4.7%). Finally, we observed a significant decline in RSV-coded hospitalizations in children aged ,1 y following PCV7 introduction (218.0%, 95% CI: 222.6%, 213.1%, for 2004/2005–2008/2009 versus 1997/1998–1999/2000). This study used aggregated hospitalization data, and studies with individual-level, laboratory-confirmed data could help to confirm these findings. Conclusions: These analyses provide evidence for an interaction between RSV and pneumococcal pneumonia. Future work should evaluate whether treatment for secondary bacterial infections could be considered for pneumonia cases even if a child tests positive for RSV. Please see later in the article for the Editors’ Summary.
Hyperspectral imaging for detection of non-O157 Shiga-toxin producing Escherichia coli (STEC) serogroups on spread plates of mixed cultures

We investigated the feasibility of visible and near-infrared (VNIR) hyperspectral imaging for rapid presumptive-positive screening of six representative non-O157 Shiga-toxin producing Escherichia coli (STEC) serogroups (O26, O45, O103, O111, O121, and O145) on spread plates of mixed cultures. Although the traditional culture method is still the "gold standard" for presumptive-positive pathogen screening, it is time-consuming, labor-intensive, not effective in testing large amount of food samples, and cannot completely prevent unwanted background microflora from growing together with target microorganisms on agar media. A previous study was performed using the data obtained from pure cultures individually inoculated on spot and/or spread plates in order to develop multivariate classification models differentiating each colony of the six non-O157 STEC serogroups and to optimize the models in terms of parameters. This study dealt with the validation of the trained and optimized models with a test set of new independent samples obtained from colonies on spread plates of mixed cultures. A new validation protocol appropriate to a hyperspectral imaging study for mixed cultures was developed. One imaging experiment with colonies obtained from two serial dilutions was performed. A total of six agar plates were prepared, where O45, O111 and O121 serogroups were inoculated into all six plates and each of O45, O103 and O145 serogroups was added into the mixture of the three common bacterial cultures. The number of colonies grown after 24-h incubation was 331 and the number of pixels associated with the grown colonies was 16,379. The best model found from this validation study was based on pre-processing with standard normal variate and detrending (SNVD), first derivative, spectral smoothing, and k-nearest neighbor classification (kNN, k=3) of scores in the principal component subspace spanned by 6 principal components. The independent testing results showed 95% overall detection accuracy at pixel level and 97% at colony level. The developed model was proven to be still valid even for the independent samples although the size of a test set was small and only one experiment was performed. This study was an important first step in validating and updating multivariate classification models for rapid screening of ground beef samples contaminated by non-O157 STEC pathogens using hyperspectral imaging.
Activation and Repression of Cellular Immediate Early Genes by Serum Response Factor Cofactors

The induction of expression of many cellular immediate early genes (IEG) involves the transcription factor serum response factor (SRF). Two families of SRF coactivators have also been implicated in IEG induction, the ternary complex factors (TCFs), ELK1, Sap1, and Net, and the myocardin-related factors, MKL1 and MKL2. We found that serum induction of some SRF target genes is preferentially regulated by MKL1/2, whereas others are redundantly activated by both TCFs and MKL1/2. Yet ELK1 can also repress transcription. Binding of ELK1 and MKL1 to SRF has been found to be mutually exclusive in vitro, suggesting that ELK1 could repress expression of IEGs by blocking MKL1 binding. We characterized the in vivo binding of MKL1 and ELK1 to target genes and found an inverse relationship of serum-induced MKL1 binding and serum-decreased ELK1 binding. However, experiments with short hairpin RNA-mediated MKL1/2 depletion and expression of a nuclear MKL1 (N100) variant in stably transfected cells failed to alter ELK1 binding, suggesting that ELK1 binding to target genes is regulated independently of MKL1/2. Nevertheless, we found that short interfering RNA-mediated depletion of TCFs increased target gene expression in cells containing the N100 MKL1 activator, most notably in cells under continuous growth conditions. These results indicate that the TCFs can function both as activators and repressors of target gene expression depending upon the cellular growth conditions.
Zircon U-Pb age of the Pescadero felsite: A Late Cretaceous igneous event in the forearc, west-central California Coast Ranges

Weathered felsite is associated with the late Campanian–Maastrichtian Pigeon Point Formation near Pescadero, California. Poorly exposed, its age and correlation are uncertain. Is it part of the Pigeon Point section west of the San Gregorio–Hosgri fault? Does it rest on Nacimiento block basement? Is it dextrally offset from the Oligocene Cambria Felsite, ~185 km to the southeast? Why is a calc-alkaline hypabyssal igneous rock intrusive into the outboard accretionary prism? To address these questions, we analyzed 43 oscillatory-zoned zircon crystals from three incipiently recrystallized pumpellyite ± prehnite ± laumontite-bearing Pescadero felsite samples by sensitive high-resolution ion microprobe–reverse geometry (SHRIMP-RG) and laser ablation–inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) techniques. Thirty-three zircons gave late Mesozoic U-Pb ages, with single-grain values ranging from 81 to 167 Ma; ten have pre-Mesozoic, chiefly Proterozoic ages. A group of the four youngest Pescadero zircons yielded an apparent maximum igneous age of ca. 86–90 Ma. Reflecting broad age scatter and presence of partly digested sandstone inclusions, we interpret the rest of the zircons (perhaps all) as xenocrysts. Twenty-three zircons were separated and analyzed from two samples of the similar Cambria Felsite, yielding a unimodal 27 Ma U-Pb age. Clearly, the origin of the Upper Oligocene Cambria Felsite is different from that of the Upper Cretaceous Pescadero felsite; these rocks are not correlated, and do not constrain displacement along the San Gregorio–Hosgri fault. Peak ages differ slightly, but relative probability curves for Mesozoic and pre-Mesozoic Pescadero zircons compare well, for example, with abundant U-Pb age data for detrital zircons from Franciscan metaclastic strata ~100 km to the east in the Diablo Range-San Francisco Bay area, San Joaquin Great Valley Group turbidites, Upper Cretaceous Nacimiento block Franciscan strata, and Upper Cretaceous forearc units of the Transverse Ranges. Based on zircon U-Pb ages, geologic and petrographic relations, the Pescadero felsite and a capping, sheared metaconglomerate underlie the Pigeon Point Formation. We infer that the magma formed by anatexis of Franciscan or Great Valley clastic sedimentary rocks originating from a parental Mesozoic Sierran-Mojave-Salinian calc-alkaline arc. The felsite erupted during Late Cretaceous time, was metamorphosed to pumpellyite-prehnite grade within the subduction zone, and then was rapidly exhumed, weakly zeolitized, and exposed before Pigeon Point forearc deposition. Pescadero volcanism apparently reflects a previously unrecognized ca. 86–90 Ma felsic igneous event in the accretionary margin.
Recent developments in pseudophakic dysphotopsia.

AbstractPurpose of reviewPhotic phenomena associated with intraocular lenses can degrade visual performance following intraocular lens implantation. Postoperative dysphotopsia introduces glare, halos, starbursts and shadows in a small number of patients. Understanding the optical mechanisms behind t
Mixed anion (phosphate/oxalate) bonding to iron(III) materials.

A novel phosphate/oxalate inorganic−organic hybrid material has been prepared to elucidate synthesis and bonding characteristics of iron(III) with both phosphate and organic matter (OM). Such mixed anion bonding of inorganic oxyanions and OM to iron(III) and aluminum(III) in environmental systems has been proposed but not proven, mainly because of the complexity of natural geochemical matrices. The compound reported here with the molecular formula of [C3H12N2]2[Fe5(C2O4)2(HxPO4)8] (I) was hydrothermally synthesized and characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction and X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS). In this new structure, Fe−O octahedra and P−O tetrahedra are connected by corner-sharing to form a 2-D network in the a−b plane. Oxalate anions cross-link these Fe−P layers constructing a 3-D anionic framework. A diprotonated structure-directing template, DAP (1,3-diaminopropane), resides in the oxalate layer of the structure and offsets the negative charge of the anionic framework. Iron K-edge XANES ...
High-dose liposomal daunorubicin and high-dose cytarabine combination in patients with refractory or relapsed acute myelogenous leukemia

BACKGROUND Liposomal encapsulation of daunorubicin (DaunoXome, DNX; Nexstar Pharmaceutical, Boulder, CO) changes the pharmacology profile to increase delivery to tumor sites and decrease toxicity. The authors investigated the effect of daunorubicin in combination with ara-C in patients with refractory or recurring acute myelogenous leukemia (AML). PATIENTS AND METHODS Sixty-two patients with refractory or recurring AML received escalating doses of daunorubicin of 75, 100, 125, or 135 mg/m2 daily for 3 days together with ara-C 1 g/m2 intravenous continuous infusion daily for 4 days. RESULTS Eighteen patients (29%) achieved a complete remission (CR) and 7 (11%) a hematologic improvement (i.e., met all criteria for CR except for platelet count < 100 × 109/L) for an overall response rate of 40%. The dose-limiting toxicity was mucositis in 4 in 9 (44%) patients treated at the 150 mg/m2 dose level, but minimal at 125 mg/m2 (2 of 32, 6%) or 135 mg/m2 (1 of 13, 8%). Cardiotoxicity Grade 2 was observed in 4 patients (6%) and Grade 3 or higher in 4 patients (6%). The median CR duration was 63 weeks, and overall survival rate was 25 weeks, with 28% patients alive after 1 year. CONCLUSIONS The combination of DNX (or liposomal daunorubicin) and ara-C has significant antileukemia activity with acceptable toxicity. Further studies are warranted to investigate the role of high-dose anthracyclines in frontline AML therapy. Cancer 2001;92:7–14. © 2001 American Cancer Society.
“Revisiting the Soviet Moment in Sub‐Saharan Africa”

The Soviet Union’s involvement of sub-Saharan Africa came on the heels of African independence. During the Cold War, both the USSR and the United States engaged in an intense struggle for the “soul of Africa,” vying to win over the newly independent African nations. The Soviets offered Africans an alternative model of socio-economic development and hoped that its implementation would result in a closer geoplitical alliance and Africa’s inevitable march toward socialism. However, these early euphoric expectations were dashed when it became clear that African nations were often pursuing their own pragmatic objectives. Even those regimes who formally committed to socialism were, in fact, using ideology and exploiting the cold war rivalries and superpower sensibilities for their own political expediency. In Angola, in Somalia, in Ethiopia, and in Southern Africa, the Soviets were left to contend with regimes and political movements that often defied their expectations. Soviet involvement in sub-Saharan Africa diminished greatly in the wake of Mikhail Gorbachev’s reforms in the Soviet Union. With the Cold War waning and the Soviet economy in shambles, the USSR had little incentive to continue its presence in Africa. By the time of Soviet collapse in 1991, the country had lost much of its earlier clout and prominence in Africa, south of the Sahara.
Effects of various durations of timeout on the noncompliant behavior of children

The present study investigated the relationship between duration of timeout and the noncompliant behavior of children. Using a combined between subjects-reversal design, timeout durations of 10 sec, 1 min, or 4 min were applied and subsequently withdrawn. In addition, a control group which received only verbal feedback contingent on noncompliance was used. In comparison with the feedbeck control group, all timeout durations suppressed noncompliance and maintained the behavior at significantly lower levels during the withdrawal period. Furthermore, relative to either of the other two durations, the 4 min timeout was more effective in suppressing the target behavior and maintaining the suppression when the timeout contingency was removed. The 1 min timeout was also associated with significantly less noncompliance than the 10 sec timeout during the withdrawal period.
ASYMPTOTIC LEARNING IN PSYCHOPHYSICAL THEORIES1

The major types of models that have been proposed to account for the psychophysical data that are obtained when the stimulus differences are small are described briefly. Because it is clear that contingency variables, such as presentation schedules and payoffs, as well as the physical stimuli affect the response probabilities, recent models have included a trial dependent decision mechanism in addition to the (usually) static sensory one. Such models all appear to be special cases of two very general, but mathematically distinct, families of models, which are formulated in eqns. 1 and 5. Hypotheses about how the subject selects the response-bias parameters of the decision process are examined. The assumption that they are chosen so as to maximize the expected payoff leads to incorrect predictions for special cases of both families. The alternative hypothesis studied is that the bias parameters are altered from trial to trial on the basis of information feedback according to one or another stochastic learning model. Primary attention is paid to the asymptotic expected values predicted for these parameters. Several such learning processes are described, their relations to static psychophysical models outlined, and their ability to explain data discussed.
FimH‐mediated Escherichia coli K1 invasion of human brain microvascular endothelial cells

Adhesion to brain microvascular endothelial cells, which constitute the blood-brain barrier is considered important in Escherichia coli K1 bacterial penetration into the central nervous system. Type 1 fimbriae are known to mediate bacterial interactions with human brain microvascular endothelial cells (HBMEC). Here, we demonstrate that type 1 fimbriae, specifically FimH adhesin is not only an adhesive organelle that provides bacteria with a foothold on brain endothelial cells but also triggers signalling events that promote E. coli K1 invasion in HBMEC. This is shown by our demonstrations that exogenous FimH increases cytosolic-free-calcium levels as well as activates RhoA. Using purified recombinant mannose-recognition domain of FimH, we identified a glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored receptor, CD48, as a putative HBMEC receptor for FimH. Furthermore, E. coli K1 binding to and invasion of HBMEC were blocked by CD48 antibody. Taken together, these findings indicate that FimH induces host cell signalling cascades that are involved in E. coli K1 invasion of HBMEC and CD48 is a putative HBMEC receptor for FimH.
Low-energy neutrino factory design

The design of a low-energy (4 GeV) neutrino factory (NF) is described, along with its expected performance. The neutrino factory uses a high-energy proton beam to produce charged pions. The ${\ensuremath{\pi}}^{\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}}$ decay to produce muons (${\ensuremath{\mu}}^{\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}}$), which are collected, accelerated, and stored in a ring with long straight sections. Muons decaying in the straight sections produce neutrino beams. The scheme is based on previous designs for higher energy neutrino factories, but has an improved bunching and phase rotation system, and new acceleration, storage ring, and detector schemes tailored to the needs of the lower energy facility. Our simulations suggest that the NF scheme we describe can produce neutrino beams generated by $\ensuremath{\sim}1.4\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{21}$ ${\ensuremath{\mu}}^{+}$ per year decaying in a long straight section of the storage ring, and a similar number of ${\ensuremath{\mu}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ decays.
Oxygen Solubilization by Lung Surfactant

To illustrate the concept of solubilization as a possible mode of gas transport in biological systems, dog lung surfactants in varying concentrations were tested for their ability to solubilize oxygen. The degree of gas solubilization was determined by GC, using a modified tonometer as an absorption chamber. The concentration of surfactant was found to be an essential factor for gas solubilization. Surfactant concentration above the CMC yielded anomalously high gas absorption. Solubilization of the gas is thought to occur by a partitioning effect into the interior of surfactant micelles.
Purification, crystallization and preliminary X-ray diffraction analysis of the carbohydrate-binding region of the Streptococcus gordonii adhesin GspB.

The carbohydrate-binding region of the bacterial adhesin GspB from Strepto­coccus gordonii strain M99 (GspBBR) was expressed in Escherichia coli and purified using affinity and size-exclusion chromatography. Separate sparse-matrix screening of GspBBR buffered in either 20 mM Tris pH 7.4 or 20 mM HEPES pH 7.5 resulted in different crystallographic behavior such that different precipitants, salts and additives supported crystallization of GspBBR in each buffer. While both sets of conditions supported crystal growth in space group P212121, the crystals had distinct unit-cell parameters of a = 33.3, b = 86.7, c = 117.9 A for crystal form 1 and a = 34.6, b = 98.3, c = 99.0 A for crystal form 2. Additive screening improved the crystals grown in both conditions such that diffraction extended to beyond 2 A resolution. A complete data set has been collected to 1.3 A resolution with an overall Rmerge value of 0.04 and an Rmerge value of 0.33 in the highest resolution shell.
Synthesis, reactions and X-ray crystal structures of metallacrown ethers with unsymmetrical bis(phosphinite) and bis(phosphite) ligands derived from 2-hydroxy-2′-(1,4-bisoxo-6-hexanol)-1,1′-biphenyl

Abstract Chlorodiphenylphosphine and 2,2′-biphenylylenephosphorochloridite react with 2-hydroxy-2′-(1,4-bisoxo-6-hexanol)-1,1′-biphenyl to yield the new α,ω-bis(phosphorus-donor)-polyether ligands, 2-Ph 2 PO(CH 2 CH 2 O) 2 –C 12 H 8 -2′-OPPh 2 ( 1 ) and 2-(2,2′-O 2 C 12 H 8 )P(CH 2 CH 2 O) 2 –C 12 H 8 -2′-P(2,2′-O 2 C 12 H 8 ) ( 2 ). These ligands react with Mo(CO) 4 (nbd) to form the monomeric metallacrown ethers, cis -Mo(CO) 4 {2-Ph 2 PO(CH 2 CH 2 O) 2 –C 12 H 8 -2′-OPPh 2 } ( cis - 3 ) and cis -Mo(CO) 4 {2-(2,2′-O 2 C 12 H 8 )P(CH 2 CH 2 O) 2 –C 12 H 8 -2′-P(2,2′-O 2 C 12 H 8 )} ( cis - 4 ), in good yields. The X-ray crystal structures of cis - 3 and cis - 4 are significantly different, especially in the conformation of the metal center and the adjacent ethylene group. The very different 13 C-NMR coordination chemical shifts of this ethylene group in cis - 3 and cis - 4 suggest that the solution conformations of these metallacrown ethers are also quite different. Both metallacrown ethers undergo cis – trans isomerization in the presence of HgCl 2 . Although the cis – trans equilibrium constants for the isomerization reactions are nearly identical, the isomerization of cis - 3 is more rapid. Phenyl lithium reacts with cis - 3 to form the corresponding benzoyl complexes but does not react with either trans - 3 or cis - 4 . Both the slower rate of cis – trans isomerization of cis - 4 and its lack of reaction with PhLi are consistent with weaker interactions between the hard metal cations and the carbonyl oxygens in both trans - 3 and cis - 4 .
Direct collisionally activated and trapping-mediated dissociative chemisorption of neopentane on clean Pt(111): the activity of surface defect sites

Molecular beam results indicate that the dissociative chemisorption of neopentane on Pt(111) occurs by both direct collisionally activated and trapping-mediated mechanisms. Direct dissociation dominates at translational energies greater than about 110 kJ mol−1, exhibits normal energy scaling and is nearly independent of the surface temperature. The trapping-mediated pathway, which displays a significant temperature dependence, is the controlling dissociative adsorption mechanism at gas-molecule translational energies less than 110 kJ mol−1. Experiments performed on Pt(111) surfaces with differing defect-site densities indicate that trapping-mediated dissociation is facilitated by surface defects. The measured surface-temperature dependence of the trapping-mediated dissociation probability was accurately reproduced by a model which assumes that the rate of migration to defects is rapid compared to the dissociation and desorption rates.
Cross industry integration for power plants that utilize hydrocarbon fuels and supercritical fluids

Abstract This manuscript provides a basis for optimization of supercritical fluid power cycles, a forum for future power plants and a pathway on how currently used supercritical power cycles can have a springboard effect for wider penetration of Supercritical Fluids into energy and other domains. Relaxation of cross industry barriers to entry, modularized platforms, and effective integration are expected to accelerate realization of wider usage of supercritical fluid technologies. Specific case studies include supercritical water power cycle integrated biomedical waste to electricity facility, integrated biomass or coal conversion to liquid fuels and power plants, and urea/ammonia production in integrated gasification combined cycle power plants.
Generation and detection of ultrasonic stress waves in materials using embedded optical fibers

Broadband ultrasonic stress waves have been generated and detected in solid resin specimens using embedded fiber elements. Generation was achieved by launching a short, high energy pulse into a large diameter fiber rod having one end embedded in the specimen. Absorption at an absorber location along the length of the fiber produced ultrasonic wave motion through rapid localized heating. The generated waves were detected using a stabilized Mach-Zehnder fiber interferometer with part of one arm embedded several centimeters from the generation site.