cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Degeneration of a Nonrecombining Chromosome

Comparative studies suggest that sex chromosomes begin as ordinary autosomes that happen to carry a major sex determining locus. Over evolutionary time the Y chromosome is selected to stop recombining with the X chromosome, perhaps in response to accumulation of alleles beneficial to the heterogametic but harmful to the homogametic sex. Population genetic theory predicts that a nonrecombining Y chromosome should degenerate. Here this prediction is tested by application of specific selection pressures to Drosophila melanogaster populations. Results demonstrate the decay of a nonrecombining, nascent Y chromosome and the capacity for recombination to ameliorate such decay.
Evaluating the Effects of Function-Based Interventions with Deaf or Hard of Hearing Students

This study examined the effectiveness of function-based interventions with students who are deaf or hard of hearing (D/HH). The participants were 3 elementary-aged males attending a center school for the deaf who exhibited chronic off-task behaviors throughout the school day. This study was conducted across 2 phases: (a) a descriptive functional behavior assessment (FBA) was conducted for each participant and (b) individualized function-based interventions were developed based on the results of the FBAs, followed by the implementation of the interventions in each classroom using a single-subject, ABAB reversal design. The function-based interventions significantly improved each participant's on-task behavior in his classroom environment. Furthermore, social validity ratings by each teacher revealed that the interventions were effective, easy to implement, and appropriate for each participant. Implications for application of the procedures used in this study with the D/HH population, limitations, and directions for future research are discussed.
Gonadotropic Activity in Bovine Serum and Placental Tissue1

The presence of a bovine pregnancy gonadotropin (BPG), with LH-like activity, was measured using the ventral prostate weight response in immature hypophysectomized rats. Phosphate buffer extracts (0.1 molar, pH 7.4) of maternal and fetal cotyledons and maternal and fetal intercotyledonary tissue taken at 3–5 months of pregnancy were fractionated by means of gel nitration (using Sephadex G-100) and bio-assayed with the ventral prostate test. Significant response was observed from fractions of these 4 regions of reproductive tissues. Studies on the behavior of labeled steroids on the column showed that steroids were separated from nonsteroid fractions. Significant response in the ventral prostate bio-assay indicative of LH-like activity was observed in an ammonium sulfate extract (0.25 molar, pH 7.0) of fetal cotyledons but no activity was found in the same which had been heat denatured. Some LH-like activity was measured in certain fractions of maternal jugular and uterine blood and all fractions of fetal ...
Expression, purification and crystallization of the FP domain of the human F-box protein Fbxo7.

Fbxo7 is a conserved protein in higher eukaryotes that belongs to the F-box protein family. Fbxo7 is the substrate-recognition component of the SCFFbxo7 (Skp1-Cul1-Fbox protein) E3 ubiquitin ligase. Besides the F-box motif, Fbxo7 also contains a C-terminal proline-rich region, an N-terminal ubiquitin-like domain and a novel FP (Fbxo7/PI31) domain preceding the F-box motif. The FP domains of Fbxo7 and the PI31 proteasome inhibitor mediate interaction between the two proteins. For structure determination of the FP domain of Fxbo7, a protein construct (amino acids 181–335) corresponding to the FP domain was expressed, purified and crystallized. The native and selenomethionine-labeled proteins crystallized in different crystal forms. Native and single-wavelength anomalous dispersion data sets with diffraction to 2.1 and 2.0 A resolution, respectively, have been collected and structure determination is in progress.
Evaluation of different fluorocarbon oils for their internal oxygen supply in glucose microsensors operated under oxygen-deficit conditions

Abstract Several fluorocarbon oils have been assessed and compared as an internal source of oxygen in connection to their use as binders for carbon-paste glucose biosensors. All four polychlorotrifluoroethylene oils tested dramatically increase the oxygen capacity of carbon-paste enzyme electrodes to allow convenient biosensing under severe oxygen-deficit conditions. The ability to address the oxygen demand depends upon the length of the chlorotrifluoroethylene polymer. The effects of the binder upon the redox activity of the liberated hydrogen peroxide, and on the sensor linearity and sensitivity are examined. A needle-type device, integrating the oxygen-rich enzyme electrode with the reference electrode, offers convenient glucose monitoring in oxygen-free solutions. On-line continuous testing of the needle biosensor indicates favorable dynamic properties with no carry-over effects over the physiological and pathophysiological range (2–15 mM glucose). Such attention to the oxygen demand should improve the reliability of devices for in vivo monitoring of glucose.
Increased brightness and lifetime of polymer light-emitting diodes with polyaniline anodes

Abstract The properties of light-emitting diodes based on poly(2-methoxy,5-(2′-ethylhexyloxy)-1,4-phenylenevinylene) (MEH-PPV) with indium-tin oxide (ITO) anodes are compared with those in which a layer of polyaniline (PAni) is coated between the ITO and the emissive polymer. It is found that the PAni injection layer yields higher current, brighter emission and a lower rate of degradation than ITO. The electrical behavior is discussed in terms of bulk and contact current limitation. The improvement in degradation is attributed to reduced oxidation as the PAni layer provides a barrier for the passage of oxygen out of the oxide. In addition, improvement in microscopic short formation indicates planarization of the anode interface by the PAni film.
Mycoplasma pneumoniae cytadherence: unravelling the tie that binds

Summary Mycoplasma pneumoniae is the leading cause of pneumonia in older children and young adults. Mycoplasma adherence to the respiratory epithelium (cytadherence) is required for colonization and pathogenesis. Although considered to be among the smallest and simplest known prokaryotes, this cell-wall-less bacterium possesses a highly differentiated terminal structure that is thought to be functional in mycoplasma cell division, gliding motility, and cytadherence. Mutant analysis has identified mycoplasma proteins associated with cytadherence, and revealed novel regulatory features. Ultrastructural and biochemical studies have established the subcellular location and interaction of key components, several of which are phosphorylated by ATP-dependent kinase(s) in a manner that is responsive to changing nutritional conditions. This review summarizes recent progress in defining the composition, organization and regulation of the attachment organelle. What emerges is a picture of M. pneumoniae cytadherence as a multifactorial process that extends well beyond adhesin-receptor recognition.
First-principles calculations of β″-Mg5Si6/α-Al interfaces

Abstract The metastable β″-Mg5Si6 phase is often the most effective hardening precipitate in Al-rich Al–Mg–Si alloys. Two important factors that control the precipitate morphology are the strain energy and the interfacial energy between the precipitate and the matrix. By means of a first-principles supercell approach and density functional theory calculations, we have studied the interfacial properties between β″-Mg5Si6 and α-Al. We carefully construct a large number of interfacial cells in order to elucidate preferred interfacial terminations and orientations, as well as atom alignment and intermixing across the interface. Each of the low-energy interfaces we found possesses two key attributes: a high number of Al–Si bonds across the interface, and a face-centered cubic topological alignment of atoms across those interfaces. Our first-principles results yield quantitative values for the interfacial energies, lattice mismatches and strain energies that can be used in future predictions of precipitate morphologies as a function of size.
The use of the position analysis questionnaire in selecting correlates of job performance among mentally retarded workers

Abstract The present study investigated the efficiency of various existing measures, mainly psychological tests, for predicting job performance of mentally retarded workers in a sheltered occupational shop. Twenty-two production-related jobs and one nonproduction-related job were analyzed with the Position Analysis Questionnaire resulting in two job attribute clusters. Correlations between 19 predictor variables and 5 criterion variables, which consisted of supervisor ratings of job performance, were then calculated separately for subjects performing preferred jobs in each attribute group. The results indicated that, contrary to past research, existing measures are predictive of performance on some but not all jobs in a sheltered workshop.
Accuracy of Electronic Medical Record Medication Reconciliation in Emergency Department Patients

Background Medication history discrepancies have the potential to cause significant adverse clinical effects for patients. More than 40% of medication errors can be traced to inadequate reconciliation.
The survival of motor neurons (SMN) protein interacts with the snoRNP proteins fibrillarin and GAR1.

Abstract Background: The survival of motor neurons (SMN) protein is the protein product of the spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) disease gene. SMN and its associated proteins Gemin2, Gemin3, and Gemin4 form a large complex that plays a role in snRNP assembly, pre-mRNA splicing, and transcription. The functions of SMN in these processes are mediated by a direct interaction of SMN with components of these machineries, such as Sm proteins and RNA helicase A. Results: We show that SMN binds directly to fibrillarin and GAR1. Fibrillarin and GAR1 are specific markers of the two classes of small nucleolar ribonucleoprotein particles (snoRNPs) that are involved in posttranscriptional processing and modification of ribosomal RNA. SMN interaction requires the arginine- and glycine-rich domains of both fibrillarin and GAR1 and is defective in SMN mutants found in some SMA patients. Coimmunoprecipitations demonstrate that the SMN complex associates with fibrillarin and with GAR1 in vivo. The inhibition of RNA polymerase I transcription causes a transient redistribution of SMN to the nucleolar periphery and loss of fibrillarin and GAR1 colocalization with SMN in gems. Furthermore, the expression of a dominant-negative mutant of SMN (SMNΔN27) causes snoRNPs to accumulate outside of the nucleolus in structures that also contain components of gems and coiled (Cajal) bodies. Conclusions: These findings identify fibrillarin and GAR1 as novel interactors of SMN and suggest a function for the SMN complex in the assembly and metabolism of snoRNPs. We propose that the SMN complex performs functions necessary for the biogenesis and function of diverse ribonucleoprotein complexes.
Sebaceous Gland Hyperplasia of the Penis

A 22-year-old circumcised white man presented with asymptomatic 1 mm. papular lesions on the penis 11 days in duration. The lesions were arranged around the dorsal surface of the distal penile shaft. Biopsy was performed. Paraffin embedded sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin. On microscopy benign hyperplastic sebaceous glands were composed of multiple mature lobules that coalesced centrally (see figure). Cases of sebaceous gland hyperplasia from an 8-year period were reviewed for comparison. This review revealed 206 previous patients with sebaceous gland hyperplasia, mostly facial involvement, of whom the majority (198) were elderly (mean age 61.2 years).
Consequences of Sex Education on Teen and Young Adult Sexual Behaviors and Outcomes

This study examined whether formal sex education is associated with sexual health behaviors and outcomes using recent nationally representative survey data.
Influence of Light on Carbon Utilization in Aerobic Anoxygenic Phototrophs

Aerobic anoxygenic phototrophs contain photosynthetic reaction centers composed of bacteriochlorophyll. These organisms are photoheterotrophs, as they require organic carbon substrates for their growth whereas light-derived energy has only an auxiliary function. To establish the contribution of light energy to their metabolism, we grew the phototrophic strain Erythrobacter sp. NAP1 in a carbon-limited chemostat regimen on defined carbon sources (glutamate, pyruvate, acetate, and glucose) under conditions of different light intensities. When grown in a light-dark cycle, these bacteria accumulated 25% to 110% more biomass in terms of carbon than cultures grown in the dark. Cultures grown on glutamate accumulated the most biomass at moderate light intensities of 50 to 150 μmol m−2 s−1 but were inhibited at higher light intensities. In the case of pyruvate, we did not find any inhibition of growth by high irradiance. The extent of anaplerotic carbon fixation was detemined by radioactive bicarbonate incorporation assays. While the carboxylation activity provided 4% to 11% of the cellular carbon in the pyruvate-grown culture, in the glutamate-grown cells it provided only approximately 1% of the carbon. Additionally, we tested the effect of light on respiration and photosynthetic electron flow. With increasing light intensity, respiration decreased to approximately 25% of its dark value and was replaced by photophosphorylation. The additional energy from light allows the aerobic anoxygenic phototrophs to accumulate the supplied organic carbon which would otherwise be respired. The higher efficiency of organic carbon utilization may provide an important competitive advantage during growth under carbon-limited conditions.
Ascending–descending aortic bypass with valve-sparing root replacement for coarctation with aortic root aneurysm

A 55-year-old man with critical aortic coarctation, aortic root aneurysm, and aortic insufficiency underwent median sternotomy for ascending–descending aortic bypass and aortic root replacement. The patient was found to have a salvageable trileaflet aortic valve, allowing for valve-sparing root replacement (VSRR). Aortic bypass with VSRR has not previously been reported and may be the ideal operation for repair of coarctation with concomitant aortic root aneurysm.
Arachidonic acid and the brain.

Kinetic methods in unanesthetized rodents have shown that turnover rates of arachidonic acid (AA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in brain membrane phospholipids are rapid and energy consuming and that phospholipase A2 (PLA2) and acyl-CoA synthetase enzymes that regulate turnover are specific for one or the other PUFA. Thus, AA turnover in brain phospholipids was reduced, and AA-selective cytosolic cPLA2 or acyl-CoA synthetase, as well as cyclooxygenase (COX)-2, were downregulated in brains of rats given drugs effective against bipolar disorder, whereas DHA turnover and expression of DHA-selective calcium-independent iPLA2 were unchanged. Additionally, the brain AA and DHA cascades can be altered reciprocally by dietary or genetic conditions. Thus, following 15 wk of dietary (n-3) PUFA deprivation, DHA loss from rat brain was slowed because of reduced iPLA2 and COX-1 expression, whereas AA-selective cPLA2, sPLA2, and COX-2 were upregulated, as were AA and docosapentaenoic acid concentrations. Measured rates of AA and DHA incorporation into brain represent their respective rates of metabolic consumption, because these PUFA are not synthesized de novo or converted significantly from their precursors in brain. In healthy human volunteers, positron emission tomography (PET) was used to show that the brain consumes AA and DHA at respective rates of 17.8 and 4.6 mg/d, whereas in patients with Alzheimer disease, AA consumption is elevated. In the future, PET could be used to relate human brain rates of AA and DHA consumption to liver PUFA metabolism and dietary PUFA intake.
Anxiety and depression in ethnic minorities with chronic heart failure.

Abstract Background Considerable evidence confirms the high prevalence of anxiety and depression in the patients with heart failure (HF). However, little is known about the relationship of race/ethnicity to psychosocial variables in this population. The purpose of this study was to examine and compare the incidence of anxiety and depression in a cohort of non-Hispanic blacks, Hispanics, and non-Hispanic whites with advanced systolic HF. Methods and Results Two-hundred forty-one patients (7% non-Hispanic blacks, 22.8% Hispanics, 60.7% non-Hispanic whites) mean age 56.7 ± 13.0 years, male (70%), married (81%), retired (75%), New York Heart Association (NYHA) Class III (53.9%), and mean ejection fraction 31.2 ± 5.4%) from a single heart transplant facility were asked to complete a series of questionnaires to assess anxiety, depression, perceived control, social support, and financial stability. Non-Hispanic blacks had higher levels of anxiety ( P = .048) and depression ( P = .026) compared with Hispanics; a similar trend was noted when comparing non-Hispanic blacks and non-Hispanic whites, but these differences were not statistically significant. Perceived control was highest among Hispanics and lowest among non-Hispanic whites ( P = .046). In a multivariate model race/ethnicity, perceived control, and social support accounted for 30% of the variance in anxiety while race/ethnicity, NYHA Class, perceived control, and social support accounted for 41% of the variance in depression. Conclusions Our findings reveal that non-Hispanic blacks are more likely to be anxious and depressed than their counterparts. Because patient perceptions of control and social support are related to dysphorias known to influence morbidity and mortality, clinicians should regularly assess patients' concerns and assist in accessing appropriate services and treatments tailored to individual needs. Non-Hispanic blacks warrant increased scrutiny.
Topological properties of activity orders for matroid bases

Las Vergnas (European J. Combin. 22 (2001) 709) introduced several lattice structures on the bases of an ordered matroid M by using their external and internal activities. He also noted (personal communication) that when computing the Mobius function of these lattices, it was often zero, although he had no explanation for that fact. The purpose of this paper is to provide a topological reason for this phenomenon. In particular, we show that the order complex of the external lattice L(M) is homotopic to the independence complex of the restriction M*|T where M* is the dual of M and T is the top element of L(M). We then compute some examples showing that this latter complex is often contractible which forces all its homology groups, and thus its Mobius function, to vanish. A theorem of Bjorner (Matroid Applications, Encyclopedia of Mathematics and its Applications, vol. 40, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 1992, pp. 226.) also helps us to calculate the homology of the matroid complex.
Integration of transcriptional and posttranslational regulation in a glucose signal transduction pathway in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

Glucose is an important source of carbon and energy for many organisms. This is particularly apparent in the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, whose sophisticated glucose-sensing and -signaling mechanisms enable it to sense a wide range of glucose concentrations and utilize glucose efficiently (2, 7, 13). One of the first responses of yeast cells to glucose is induction of expression of the HXT genes, encoding glucose transporters (3, 18, 21, 28, 40). This is achieved through a signal transduction pathway that begins at the cell surface with the Snf3 and Rgt2 glucose sensors and ends in the nucleus with the Rgt1 transcription factor, which binds to HXT gene promoters (5, 12, 14, 27, 31). The glucose signal generated by Rgt2 and Snf3 at the cell surface alters Rgt1 function in the nucleus by stimulating degradation of Mth1 and Std1 (4, 23), paralogous proteins that bind to Rgt1 and are necessary for it to repress transcription (20, 30, 32). Mth1 and Std1 also interact with the C-terminal tails of the Rgt2 and Snf3 glucose sensors (19, 32). This places them in proximity to the Yck1 protein kinase, which is associated with the Snf3 and Rgt2 glucose sensors and is thought to catalyze phosphorylation of Mth1 and Std1 when glucose binds to the sensors (23, 37). Phosphorylated Mth1 and Std1 are targets of the SCFGrr1 ubiquitin-protein ligase, which is thought to catalyze their ubiquitination, thereby targeting them for degradation by the 26S proteasome (37). In the absence of Mth1 and Std1, Rgt1 loses its ability to repress transcription, leading to derepression of HXT gene expression (4, 20, 24, 30, 32). While there is ample evidence that glucose induces degradation of Mth1 via the 26S proteasome, conflicting results have been reported for the effect of glucose on Std1 (4, 23, 37). STD1 expression is induced by glucose via the Rgt2/Snf3-Rgt1 signal transduction pathway (15), and our data suggest that Std1 degradation is dampened by this glucose induction of STD1 expression via the Rgt2/Snf3-Rgt1 pathway. By contrast, MTH1 expression is repressed by glucose via the Snf1-Mig1 glucose repression pathway, and our results suggest that this reinforces Mth1 degradation. Thus, opposing transcriptional regulation of MTH1 and STD1 expression provides for rapid induction of HXT gene expression in response to glucose and for prompt establishment of repression of HXT gene expression when the available glucose has been exhausted. Thus, the course of induction and repression of the HXT genes is the result of close collaboration between two different glucose-sensing pathways that helps ensure efficient utilization of this key nutrient.
Evidence that women meeting physical activity guidelines do not sit less: an observational inclinometry study.

Background The inactivity physiology paradigm proposes that sedentary behaviors, including sitting too much, are independent of the type of physical activity delineated for health in the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans. Thus, we hypothesized that, when accounting for behaviors across the entire day, variability in the amount of time spent sitting would be independent of the inter-and intra-individual time engaged in sustained moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA).
Optical Design And Analysis Of Carbon Dioxide Laser Fusion Systems Using Interferometry And Fast Fourier Transform Techniques

The optical design and analysis of the LASL carbon dioxide laser fusion systems required the use of techniques that are quite different from the currently used method in conventional optical design problems. The necessity for this is explored and the method that has been successfully used at Los Alamos to understand these systems is discussed with examples. This method involves characterization of the various optical components in their mounts by a Zernike polynomial set and using fast Fourier transform techniques to propagate the beam, taking diffraction and other nonlinear effects that occur in these types of systems into account. The various programs used for analysis are briefly discussed.
Composite Glucocorticoid Regulation at a Functionally Defined Negative Glucocorticoid Response Element of the Human Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone Gene

Glucocorticoid-dependent negative feedback of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis is mediated in part through direct inhibition of hypothalamic CRH gene transcription. In the present study, we sought to further localize and characterize glucocorticoid receptor (GR) and AP-1 interactions at a functionally defined negative glucocorticoid response element (nGRE) of the CRH promoter. Transient transfection studies in mouse corticotroph AtT-20 cells demonstrated that internal deletion of the nGRE (2278 to 2249 nucleotides) within the context of 1 kb of the intact CRH promoter resulted in decreased 8-BrcAMP stimulation and glucocorticoid-dependent repression of CRH promoter activity. The nGRE conferred transcriptional activation by both cAMP and overexpressed c-jun or c-fos AP-1 nucleoproteins as well as specific glucocorticoid-dependent repression to a heterologous promoter. A similar profile of regulation was observed for the composite GRE derived from mouse proliferin promoter. The CRH nGRE was clearly distinct from the consensus cAMP response element (CRE) at 2224 nucleotides, which increased basal activity and cAMP responsiveness of a heterologous promoter but did not confer glucocorticoid-dependent repression. High-affinity binding sites for both GR and AP-1 nucleoproteins were identified at adjacent elements within the nGRE. Mutations that disrupted either GR or AP-1 binding activity were associated with loss of glucocorticoid-dependent repression. These results are consistent with a composite mechanism of glucocorticoid-dependent repression involving direct DNA binding of GR and AP-1 nucleoproteins at discrete adjacent sites within the CRH promoter. (Molecular Endocrinology 13: 1629‐1644, 1999)
LASER-INDUCED BREAKDOWN SPECTROSCOPY: PRINCIPLES, APPLICATIONS, AND INSTRUMENTS

Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) has been used for a variety of applications, usually those requiring remote or in situ spectrochemical analysis. Several beryllium monitoring instruments based on LIBS have been built. The progress and implementation of this technique will be reviewed.
Phonetics instruction improves learners' perception of L2 sounds

Explicit phonetics instruction can help second language (L2) learners to moderately improve their pronunciation, but less is known about how the instruction affects learners’ perception, even though there is evidence that perception and pronunciation are related. This study provided phonetics instruction to students (n = 46) studying Spanish as a foreign language and measured the resulting change in their perception of eight target phones as compared with a control group (n = 41). Perception was assessed with discrimination tests immediately following instruction and three weeks later. Results indicated that the instruction conferred a small advantage in the delayed posttest and that course level was not a significant factor, suggesting that phonetics instruction was effective for attuning the perception of learners at multiple stages of development.
Treatment of the post-ischaemic inflammatory syndrome of diabetic nephropathy

Background. Diabetes mellitus and its complications are a public health problem of epidemic proportions. Both diabetes and chronic kidney disease (CKD) increase the risk of acute kidney injury (AKI). Months after a single episode of acute ischaemia to the diabetic kidney, we have found an accelerated progression of nephropathy, with impaired function, severe renal inflammation, microvascular dysfunction, fibrosis and apoptotic cell death. We termed this entity the post-ischaemic inflammatory syndrome. We now test the hypothesis that blocking inflammation ameliorates the post-ischaemic inflammatory syndrome. Methods. Obese–diabetic ZS rats (F1 hybrids of spontaneously hypertensive heart failure and Zucker fatty diabetic rats) were treated with mycophenolate mofetil (MMF), subjected to renal ischaemia or sham surgery, and monitored via the powerful technique of intravital microscopy. Results. Amelioration of post-ischaemia inflammation with MMF therapy improved long-term renal function, microvascular dysfunction, fibrosis and apoptosis. Conclusion. These data support the hypothesis that the post-ischaemic inflammatory syndrome accelerates diabetic CKD, is a critical determinant of injury, and can be successfully treated.
Abstract 3329: Human prolactin increased chemosensitivity of breast cancer stem cells in MCF-7 and primary breast tumors from HER2/neu transgenic mice

Proceedings: AACR 101st Annual Meeting 2010‐‐ Apr 17‐21, 2010; Washington, DC Background. Tumors are organized in a cellular hierarchy, in which cancer stem cells (CSCs) are the only cells that have the ability of self-renewal and differentiation. CSCs generally are in quiescent state and resistant to chemotherapy, which is one of the reasons that using conventional chemotherapeutics often leads to enrichment in CSCs. It is known that adult stem cells (ASCs) and CSCs share many common features. In adult mammary tissue, one of the distinctive features is its ability to go through multiple proliferation and involution cycles during pregnancy, suggesting that ASCs in this organ are readily responsive to female hormone regulations. One such hormone that plays a crucial role in this process is human prolactin (hPRL), which is required for mammary lobuloalveolar formation, terminal differentiation, and for synthesis of milk components. In this study, we hypothesize that simultaneous administration of hPRL with chemotherapeutic agents such as doxorubicin (Dox) will increase the cytotoxic effects of the chemotherapeutic drugs towards CSCs through the induction of CSCs proliferation/differentiation by hPRL. Methods. MCF-7 human breast cancer cells and primary mouse breast cancer cells isolated from MMTV-neu transgenic mice were used in this study. Tumorsphere formation assay and ALDH activity measured by flow cytometry were used to measure the functional response of the CSCs after co-treatment of hPRL and Dox. Results. (1) hPRL treatment increased tumorspheres formation in both MCF-7 (1.3-fold ± 0.24, p<0.05) and primary mouse breast cancer cells (2.3-fold ± 0.34, p<0.001). (2) Dox treatment (25ng/ml) increased ALDH+ cell population (7.74-fold ± 0.42, p<0.001), despite the fact that there is no significant change in total tumorspheres number (3) Combination of hPRL and Dox treatment decreased 50% of tumorspheres formation compared that of Dox treatment alone. Conclusion. Our preliminary results suggest that hPRL is able to improve Dox's efficacy towards CSCs. Further studies are needed to validate the results. This novel therapeutic approach may open doors for designing new strategy for breast cancer treatment. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 3329.
Artificial Recharge of Groundwater with Reclaimed Municipal Wastewater: Current Status and Proposed Criteria

Current status and the proposed criteria for artificial recharge of groundwater with reclaimed municipal wastewater are discussed with special reference to controlling microbial pathogens and trace organic contaminants. The draft criteria have been developed by the State of California Interagency Water Reclamation Coordinating Committee, followed by the Groundwater Recharge Committee of the Department of Health Services (DHS). The proposed criteria are in the final review process and are expected to be adopted in late 1992 by the DHS as a part of the revised, state-wide Wastewater Reclamation Criteria. The discussions and the draft criteria presented in this paper facilitate the approval of groundwater recharge projects by identifying the nature and characteristics of groundwater recharge projects that do not jeopardize the public water supply systems including use of groundwater for potable water supply. These criteria are intended to provide uniform state-wide application of regulations on which to regulate and design groundwater recharge projects using reclaimed municipal wastewater as a source of recharge water.
Electron-donating capabilities and evidence for redox activity in low oxidation state iron complexes bearing bis(amidine)pyrimidylidene ligands

AbstractLow-valent iron complexes bearing bis(amidine)pyrimidylidene (or carbenodiamidine, CDA) ligands have been synthesized and characterized by X-ray crystallography, Mossbauer spectroscopy, infrared spectroscopy, EPR spectroscopy, and DFT calculations. One electron reduction of (CDA)FeCl2 (1) resulted in the formation of (CDA)FeCl (2), which demonstrated an unusual metal−N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) interaction where a redox non-innocent NHC participates in a one electron π-interaction with the metal center. This interaction renders the complex best described as a low-spin iron(II) complex that is antiferromagnetically coupled to a singly reduced CDA ligand. Two electron reduction of 1 under an atmosphere of carbon monoxide resulted in the formation of the diamagnetic complex (CDA)Fe(CO)2 (3). Complex 3 demonstrated significantly lower CO stretching frequencies compared to previously reported bis(imino)pyridine and even bis(N-heterocyclic carbene)pyridine iron complexes, which reflects the significant...
A Positive Youth Development Approach to Bullying: Promoting Thriving and Reducing Problem Behaviors

Bullying has been linked to a number of problematic developmental outcomes. However, to create positive and meaningful change in individuals, programs and policies need to go beyond punitive actions against bullying behaviors and acknowledge and respond to the complexities involved in bullying. In this chapter, we present a reframing of bullying and bullying interventions using a strength-based, positive youth development perspective. We discuss innovative and effective ways of approaching bullying prevention and intervention efforts. To this end, we discuss the need for taking the whole child into account as well as the multiple contexts in which he or she lives. By moving beyond traditional bullying perspectives, we offer an approach that will help practitioners, policy makers, and educators create effective learning environments that support the development of the whole student and promote a positive school climate. We conclude the chapter by providing recommendations for future research, educational programs, and policy initiatives. Specifically, we recommend that programs and schools (1) address individual, peer group, family, and school norms; (2) promote social and emotional learning as foundational to individual development, peer group functioning, and school climate; and (3) involve families in anti-bullying and positive behavior promotion efforts.
Sexual Function and Female Radical Cystectomy: A Case Series

AbstractWe interviewed 9 sexually active women about sexual function before and after radical cystectomy. Of the women 6 also had received preoperative irradiation. Seven women resumed sexual activity. All subjects experienced dyspareunia on initial attempts but 6 had overcome the pain at followup 6 to 37 months postoperatively. These women were coitally orgasmic and reported no decrease in pleasure or change in the type of sexual stimulation required to produce orgasm. The results provide knowledge about the physiology of female orgasm and a basis for counseling patients.
South Africa and Iran in the Apartheid Era

This article analyses the multifaceted relations between apartheid-era South Africa and Iran. In 1942, the exile of Iran’s ex-Shah in Johannesburg put South Africa on the map of Iran’s rulers. In the 1970s, close economic and military ties were established between the two states, based on economic complementarities and shared concern with the threat of communism and Soviet penetration into the Indian Ocean. By 1978, Iran provided over 90 per cent of South Africa’s oil. These ties did not prevent the Iranians from denouncing apartheid or bending its rules when in South Africa. The Islamic revolution of 1979 caused a break in formal relations. It affected South Africa in two ways: oil imports were disrupted, and it contributed to the growing militancy of South African Muslims in the anti-apartheid struggle. Iran then made financial contributions to the ANC, resulting in a friendly resumption of ties after the end of apartheid. The article uses extensive interviews with South African and Iranian diplomats wh...
Structural Architecture of Prothrombin in Solution Revealed by Single Molecule Spectroscopy.

The coagulation factor prothrombin has a complex spatial organization of its modular assembly that comprises the N-terminal Gla domain, kringle-1, kringle-2, and the C-terminal protease domain connected by three intervening linkers. Here we use single molecule Forster resonance energy transfer to access the conformational landscape of prothrombin in solution and uncover structural features of functional significance that extend recent x-ray crystallographic analysis. Prothrombin exists in equilibrium between two alternative conformations, open and closed. The closed conformation predominates (70%) and features an unanticipated intramolecular collapse of Tyr(93) in kringle-1 onto Trp(547) in the protease domain that obliterates access to the active site and protects the zymogen from autoproteolytic conversion to thrombin. The open conformation (30%) is more susceptible to chymotrypsin digestion and autoactivation, and features a shape consistent with recent x-ray crystal structures. Small angle x-ray scattering measurements of prothrombin wild type stabilized 70% in the closed conformation and of the mutant Y93A stabilized 80% in the open conformation directly document two envelopes that differ 50 A in length. These findings reveal important new details on the conformational plasticity of prothrombin in solution and the drastic structural difference between its alternative conformations. Prothrombin uses the intramolecular collapse of kringle-1 onto the active site in the closed form to prevent autoactivation. The open-closed equilibrium also defines a new structural framework for the mechanism of activation of prothrombin by prothrombinase.
Abstract 4393: A pooled shRNA screen in 3D cultures of primary tumor propagating cells identifies regulators of innate chemoresistance in KRAS-driven NSCLC

Despite advances developing targeted therapies for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), patients carrying activating KRAS mutations still have no effective targeted therapeutics and respond poorly to chemotherapy. Discovering drug targets that work in combination with existing chemotherapeutics to inhibit innate chemoresistance and prevent re-initiation of tumor growth could reduce the likelihood of relapse and extend patient survival. Heterogeneous tumor propagating cell (TPC) populations in NSCLC have been shown to have increased chemoresistance, an enhanced ability to re-seed tumors in immunocompromised mice, and express genes associated with poor prognosis. To target chemoresistance in TPCs, we have developed a 3D culture model for functional genomic screens using primary tumor cells from a mouse model of NSCLC driven by activation of KRAS and p53 loss. Using pooled shRNA libraries, we have performed a focused screen in 3D TPC cultures of over 3,000 shRNAs targeting 600 genes associated with chemotherapeutic response in TPCs, TPC gene expression, DNA damage response, or bulk tumor resistance. We selected targets for validation, characterization, and in vivo studies if knockdown of a gene selectively sensitized TPCs to platinum-based chemotherapy or inhibited growth of TPCs. Multiple DNA damage response pathways were implicated in chemoresistance including known regulators, such as ATR and the translesion synthesis pathway. Many genes expressed selectively by TPCs alone or in response to chemotherapy were required for chemoresistance, including regulators of mitochondrial transport, RNA export, and DNA replication. A parallel screen using the KRAS-mutant LKR10 cell line was used as a control for shRNA representation and to determine which targets are required for TPCs to survive in 3D but not in 2D cultures. 3D-specific vulnerabilities include genes that are expressed highly in TPCs or in chemoresistant tumors and represent potential KRAS vulnerabilities that exist in the TPC population. Most chemoresistance targets and KRAS vulnerabilities are not shared by LKR10 cells grown in 2D suggesting growth in a multidimensional matrix exposes therapeutic opportunities that are distinct from cells grown as monolayers. Although functional genomic screens using primary tumor cells in 3D have limited throughput, focused screens utilizing primary tumor cells have the potential to discover therapeutic opportunities that exist in vivo that have not been uncovered in screens utilizing cell lines in 2D. Citation Format: David Richard Simpson, Dedeepya Vaka, Yanyan Zheng, John Tamaresis, Alejandro Sweet-Cordero. A pooled shRNA screen in 3D cultures of primary tumor propagating cells identifies regulators of innate chemoresistance in KRAS-driven NSCLC. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 107th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2016 Apr 16-20; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(14 Suppl):Abstract nr 4393.
Building capacity for water, sanitation, and hygiene programming: Training evaluation theory applied to CLTS management training in Kenya

Training and capacity building are long established critical components of global water, sanitation, and hygiene (WaSH) policies, strategies, and programs. Expanding capacity building support for WaSH in developing countries is one of the targets of the Sustainable Development Goals. There are many training evaluation methods and tools available. However, training evaluations in WaSH have been infrequent, have often not utilized these methods and tools, and have lacked rigor. We developed a conceptual framework for evaluating training in WaSH by reviewing and adapting concepts from literature. Our framework includes three target outcomes: learning, individual performance, and improved programming; and two sets of influences: trainee and context factors. We applied the framework to evaluate a seven-month community-led total sanitation (CLTS) management training program delivered to 42 government officials in Kenya from September 2013 to May 2014. Trainees were given a pre-training questionnaire and were interviewed at two weeks and seven months after initial training. We qualitatively analyzed the data using our conceptual framework. The training program resulted in trainees learning the CLTS process and new skills, and improving their individual performance through application of advocacy, partnership, and supervision soft skills. The link from trainees' performance to improved programming was constrained by resource limitations and pre-existing rigidity of trainees’ organizations. Training-over-time enhanced outcomes and enabled trainees to overcome constraints in their work. Training in soft skills is relevant to managing public health programs beyond WaSH. We make recommendations on how training programs can be targeted and adapted to improve outcomes. Our conceptual framework can be used as a tool both for planning and evaluating training programs in WaSH.
Neurodegeneration with Trichorrhexis Invaginata

Two siblings are reported from the Medical College of Ohio with an autosomal recessive syndrome characterized by hair and skin abnormalities, hypoplastic nails, hypotonia, areflexia, and progressive neurological deterioration.
Advancing the Art of Rhinoplasty with Tissue Engineering

Tissue engineering of human septal cartilage could profoundly affect our surgical decisions with primary and revision rhinoplasties. This technology would provide adequate quantity of engineered tissue for cartilage grafting that is frequently used in nasal reconstruction. In theory, the process would begin after a small septal cartilage donor specimen is obtained from the patient. Many of the initial steps in preparing the tissue involve standardized tissue culture techniques. However, modifications to the subsequent tissue growth process tend to affect the success for correct tissue development and maturation. These modifications have a significant impact on the tissue composition and its mechanical strength, which is critical in engineering a cartilage graft suitable for implantation into the nasal framework. An update of these various tissue growth methodologies is provided in this chapter.
Bread Givers (1880)

The class of 1881 has invited you this evening to the First Junior Exhibition ever given within the walls of Rockford Seminary. The fact of its being the first, seems to us a significant one, for it undoubtedly points more or less directly to a movement which is gradually claiming the universal attention.
Chest injuries thoraxtrauma

Background: Chest injuries contribute significantly to trauma deaths, either as the primary cause or through secondary injury to the brain from hypoxia or hypotension. Many chest injuries are life threatening and need to be addressed within minutes upon arrival at the hospital.
Patient preferences for provider roles in collaborative breast cancer survivorship care.

184 Background: Prior studies have exploredbarriers to collaborative cancer care and suggest a need for greater clarity about clinician roles. However, little is known about patient’s preferences and expectations for which clinicians handle various aspects of care after primary cancer treatment. Methods: A weighted random sample of newly diagnosed breast cancer patients in the Georgia and Los Angeles SEER registries were surveyed approximately 6 months after diagnosis (expected final N = 2600, 70% current response rate). Patient preferences for which clinician handles the following aspects of care after treatment were ascertained: follow-up mammograms, screening for other cancers, general preventive care, treatment of comorbidities, physical symptoms, emotional symptoms, and reassurance about their breast cancer. Response categories included primary care clinician (PCP), cancer doctors, either or both. The associations between patient demographic and clinical factors with preferences for clinician roles w...
Use of a geographic information system to produce pest monitoring maps for south Texas cotton and sorghum land managers

Abstract Geographic information system (GIS) tools were used to create pest monitoring maps based on field insect pest monitoring data taken during a two-year demonstration project in south Texas, 2015–2016. GPS-enabled handheld devices with GIS software were preloaded with a basemap and shapefiles containing insect abundance and plant injury data entry lines. Pest monitoring data were entered and stored on the handheld device while conducting otherwise normal pest monitoring activities. The shapefiles were then transferred to a standard desktop computer, where pest monitoring maps were produced using GIS mapping software. Dots using a 5-color scheme were projected and mapped corresponding to the sampling sites. The color scheme represented five different insect density categories relative to the economic threshold of the insect being monitored: green shades were chosen for two categories below the economic threshold, yellow was chosen for a category that included the economic threshold, and orange and red were chosen for two categories exceeding the economic threshold. The insects monitored were cotton fleahopper, Pseudatomoscelis seriatus (Reuter), and verde plant bug, Creontiades signatus Distant, (Hemiptera: Miridae), on cotton, Gossypium hirsutum L., and sugarcane aphid, Melanaphis sacchari (Zehntner) (Hemiptera: Aphididae), on sorghum, Sorghum bicolor (L.). Pest monitoring maps were created and delivered to land managers within a half-day of data collection. The pest monitoring maps were used by cooperating land managers to better target and prioritize insecticide use to whole fields. Spatial variation in pest density along the field edges was observed. Considering future uses of the spatially variable data portrayed on the maps, a scenario of using insecticides in within-field precision zones matched to sampling sites resulted in a projected reduction of insecticide use (between 40 and 70% depending on the pest) compared with a scenario where insecticides were sprayed to whole fields based on field averages of pest density derived from the same data.