cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
DNA damage in leukocytes of workers occupationally exposed to 1-bromopropane.

Abstract 1-Bromopropane (1-BP; n -propyl bromide) (CAS No. 106-94-5) is an alternative to ozone-depleting chlorofluorocarbons that has a variety of potential applications as a degreasing agent for metals and electronics, and as a solvent vehicle for spray adhesives. Its isomer, 2-brompropane (2-BP; isopropyl bromide) (CAS No. 75-26-3) impairs antioxidant cellular defenses, enhances lipid peroxidation, and causes DNA damage in vitro. The present study had two aims. The first was to assess DNA damage in human leukocytes exposed in vitro to 1- or 2-BP. DNA damage was also assessed in peripheral leukocytes from workers with occupational exposure to 1-BP. In the latter assessment, start-of- and end-of-work week blood and urine samples were collected from 41 and 22 workers at two facilities where 1-BP was used as a solvent for spray adhesives in foam cushion fabrication. Exposure to 1-BP was assessed from personal-breathing zone samples collected for 1–3 days up to 8 h per day for calculation of 8 h time weighted average (TWA) 1-BP concentrations. Bromide (Br) was measured in blood and urine as a biomarker of exposure. Overall, 1-BP TWA concentrations ranged from 0.2 to 271 parts per million (ppm) at facility A, and from 4 to 27 ppm at facility B. The highest exposures were to workers classified as sprayers. 1-BP TWA concentrations were statistically significantly correlated with blood and urine Br concentrations. The comet assay was used to estimate DNA damage. In vitro, 1- or 2-BP induced a statistically significant increase in DNA damage at 1 mM. In 1-BP exposed workers, start-of- and end-of-workweek comet endpoints were stratified based on job classification. There were no significant differences in DNA damage in leukocytes between workers classified as sprayers (high 1-BP exposure) and those classified as non-sprayers (low 1-BP exposure). At the facility with the high exposures, comparison of end-of-week values with start-of-week values using paired analysis revealed non-sprayers had significantly increased comet tail moments, and sprayers had significantly increased comet tail moment dispersion coefficients. A multivariate analysis included combining the data sets from both facilities, log transformation of 1-BP exposure indices, and the use of multiple linear regression models for each combination of DNA damage and exposure indices including exposure quartiles. The covariates were gender, age, smoking status, facility, and glutathione S -transferase M1 and T1 (GSTM1, GSTT1) polymorphisms. In the regression models, start-of-week comet tail moment in leukocytes was significantly associated with serum Br quartiles. End-of-week comet tail moment was significantly associated with 1-BP TWA quartiles, and serum Br quartiles. Gender, facility, and GSTM1 had a significant effect in one or more models. Additional associations were not identified from assessment of dispersion coefficients. In vitro and in vivo results provide limited evidence that 1-BP exposure may pose a small risk for increasing DNA damage.
Conformational changes in ornithine decarboxylase enable recognition by antizyme.

Abstract Rapid, polyamine-induced degradation of mammalian ornithine decarboxylase ( l -ornithine carboxy-lyase, EC 4.1.1.17) (ODC) is though to be controlled by the availability of a small, ODC-binding protein termed antizyme. In this study we have investigated the ability of antizyme to bind ODC protein in various altered physiological states. In particular, cold, NaCl, spermidine and deprivation of coenzyme and substrate enhance enzyme-antizyme complex formation and are all found to promote ODC homodimer dissociation. Conversely, conditions that maintain the active ODC homodimer state prevent antizyme binding and inactivation of ODC. Further, covalent modification of ODC near its active site by difluoromethylornithine or phosphate also increases its sensitivity to antizyme. These results suggest that the initial signal in ODC degradation may actually be a subtle conformational change in the enzyme that enables antizyme to bind to the enzyme and may subsequently facilitate its degradation.
Preparation and reactions of niobium(V) sulphide complexes

Abstract An improved synthetic procedure to (PPh4)[NbSCl4] (1) is described involving the reaction of NbC15 with two equivalents of NaSBut. Complex 1 reacts with NaSPh to yield (PPh4)[NbS(SPh)4] (2), the crystal structure of which confirms a square-pyramidal geometry at the metal with a multiply-bonded sulphur at the apex (NbS = 2.171(2) A).
Taylor instability in boiling, melting and condensation or evaporation

Abstract The combined effect of interfacial tension, liquid viscosity and liquid layer thickness on Taylor instability of plane horizontal interfaces has been studied. The linear analysis has been made keeping in mind the potential application of the results to physical processes such as boiling, melting of a horizontal substrate placed beneath pools of immiscible or miscible liquids and condensation or evaporation from horizontal plates or tubes. In all cases the predicted most dangerous wavelengths are compared with the available experimental data, and with limiting analytical results wherever possible. A few experiments have been conducted to substantiate the effect of liquid viscosity during dripping from horizontal tubes.
The Effects of Aging on the Luminescence of PEG-Coated Water-Soluble ZnO Nanoparticle Solutions

Water-soluble ZnO nanoparticles coated with polyethylene glycol biscarboxymethyl (PEG(COOH)2) were prepared in ethanol/water solutions. The ZnO nanoparticles have a hexagonal structure with an average size of 10 nm. Three different luminescence bands are observed from the nanoparticle solutions: green emission at 530 nm from surface states or defects, UV emission at 380 nm from the ZnO exciton, and an emission band at around 338 nm from the PEG(COOH)2. The fresh as-prepared samples have very strong green emission at 530 nm from surface states or defects but very weak excitonic emission at 380 nm. After dilution with ethanol, the green emission decreases in intensity and the excitonic emission increases. In the diluted samples, the excitonic luminescence intensity increases with storage time. This intensity increase is attributed to surface passivation by CH3COO− ligands resulting from precursor reactions in the ethanol solvent.
MODIFIED HUMAN IMMUNE SERUM GLOBULIN FOR INTRAVENOUS ADMINISTRATION: IN VITRO OPSONIC ACTIVITY AND IN VIVO PROTECTION AGAINST GROUP B STREPTOCOCCAL DISEASE IN SUCKLING RATS

. Human immune serum globulin (ISG) preparations were tested in an in vivo suckling rat protection assay and an in vitro opsonophagocytic assay against various types and strains of Group B streptococci (GBS). Standard ISG provided minimal protection in suckling rats against type III GBS sepsis, whereas preparations of ISG modified for intravenous administration (MISG) provided significant protection against all strains of type III, type II and type Ia GBS tested. Although less protection was obtained against type la strains, the survival in suckling rats challenged with all types of GBS varied from 73 % to 91% with MISG therapy, as compared with 5% to 12% survival in untreated animals. In this in vivo model, MISG was protective even when administered after bacterial challenge, but had to be administered within 5 h of infection. MISG also had high in vitro opsonic activity against GBS types III and II, but was less effective with some type Ia strains. Just as MISG was more protective than ISG in vivo, it also was more opsonic in vitro. A detailed comparison of one lot of MISG with its parent ISG revealed that the modified preparation actually contained less IgG. When equivalent concentrations of affinity-purified IgG from both preparations were tested, the IgG from MISG was significantly more opsonic. Since the affinity purification procedure eliminated the possibility that IgM or substances introduced in the modification process were actually responsible for the enhanced bactericidal activity, it appears that the individual IgG molecules in MISG may be more effective. These studies suggest that MISG which has been modified by reduction and alkylation for intravenous administration may provide a valuable adjunct to chemotherapy in the treatment of GBS disease in the neonate.
Effects of the beta-adrenergic blocker, propranolol, on the hamster (Mesocricetus auratus) rewarming from induced hypothermia☆

Abstract Hamsters were made hypothermic (core temperature of 7 °C) by a modification of the Giaja technique involving hypoxic, hypercapnic cold exposure. One group of hypothermic hamsters was injected with the beta-adrenergic blocker, propranolol. A control hypothermic group of hypothermic hamsters was injected with saline, and a third group, consisting of expired animals, was also studied. At the final temperature measurement (160 min of rewarming) the control hamsters had the highest mean temperature, the propranolol-treated hamsters were intermediate, and the expired group lowest, the latter leveling off at room temperature. The propranol-treated hamsters rewarmed at a rate significantly slower than the control subjects, thereby demonstrating the importance of the sympathetic beta-adrenergic system in rewarming from induced hypothermia.
SU‐EE‐A3‐02: Image‐Guided Planning Margin Determination for Concomitant Boost Treatment of 3D‐Conformal, IMRT, and Stereotactic Lung Cancer Radiotherapy

Purpose: To determine appropriate planning margins around the GTV for concomitant boost image‐guidedlungcancer treatments where the GTV is prescribed a higher dose than the CTV. Method and Materials: The dosimetric impact of the GTV planning margin (pGTV) margin was investigated with 3D isotropic expansions to the GTV, and simulations of interfractional target displacements relative to bone. Seven patients (IMRT and 3D‐conformal stereotactic) were included. GTVs and their respiratory motion envelopes were contoured from 4DCT images. All patients were aligned with daily projection imaging(IMRT) or CT(SBRT); perfect bony anatomy alignment was assumed. Average residual uncertainties (tumor versus bone) were previously determined from analysis of CBCTimages. A 3D displacement probability map was calculated (0.0+/−3.4mmAP, 0.8+/−3.4mmSI, and 0.5+/−2.7mmRL), assuming setup errors were normally distributed. To determine the worst‐case dose‐coverage, pGTVs were created by expanding the GTV by 6mm (95.5% probability). Cumulative dose distributions were calculated based on the 3D displacement probability map. The assumption of normally distributed displacements was not appropriate for hypo‐fractionated patients; therefore a worst‐case systematic displacement scenario was evaluated for one patient. Results: The 4mm pGTV demonstrated good dose coverage (> 90%). With the current planning techniques, the worst‐case analysis of GTV coverage showed that usually <=5% GTV would receive <95% Rx dose. Differences between the planned and cumulative dose distributions were minimal. For the hypofractionated Patient, the probabilities that the GTV will receive at least 98%, 96%, 94%, and 92% of the prescribed dose are 42%, 78%, 93%, and 95% respectively. Conclusion: Prescribing 90%–100% of the prescription dose to the GTV + 4mm planning margin should result in sufficient dosimetric coverage of the GTV for both IMRT and hypo‐fractionated stereotactic patients. When prescribing concomitant boosts a pGTV margin is required, but this need not be as great as the PTV margin around the CTV.
Endosomal localization of MHC class II-invariant chain complexes.

CD4-positive T cells recognize foreign antigens displayed on the surface of antigen-presenting cells as small peptides bound to MHC class II molecules. Thus, the ability of antigen-presenting cells to generate these class II-peptide complexes is central to the initiation and regulation of immune responses. Class II predominantly associates with peptides derived from soluble protein antigens that are internalized and degraded within endosomal compartments. It is within these endosomal compartments that class II encounters and binds antigenic peptides. A number of signals have been implicated in directing the intracellular transport of class II to endosomes. These include sequences within class II itself and within the class II-associated invariant chain (Ii).
The Particle in a Box Redux: Improved Experimental Conditions for the Laser Synthesis of Linear Polyynes

The one-dimensional, particle-in-a-box model is an integral part of most undergraduate physical chemistry courses. Linear polyynes can be synthesized and are found to serve as real-world examples of the particle-in-a-box model. An improved set of experimental conditions for the laser synthesis of linear polyynes has been determined. Specifically, a Nd:YAG laser operating at 532 nm and 20 mJ/pulse for 5 min can produce sufficient polyynes to be detected with a UV–vis spectrophotometer. Students can use the experimental wavelength and the eigenvalue expression for the particle in a box to calculate the length of the box and compare it to the length of the molecule with good results. The lower laser energy used here is important because it enables a less costly laser to be used for the experiment, which will enable more instructors to incorporate the experiment into their curriculum.
Copolymer-1-induced inhibition of antigen-specific T cell activation: interference with antigen presentation

Copolymer-1 (Cop-1) has been shown to inhibit in vivo development of experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE) in animals and has been reported to have some therapeutic benefit in relapsing/remitting multiple sclerosis (MS). The mechanism by which Cop-1 acts in vivo is not known. The present study demonstrates that Cop-1 inhibits the in vitro response of several antigen-specific murine T cell hybridomas restricted to I-A, and to a lesser extent, I-E. The ability of human myelin basic protein (MBP)-specific T cell lines (TCL) to lyse targets in the context of three HLA-DR types associated with MS was also impaired by Cop-1. The results suggest that the observed inhibition was due to competition between Cop-1 and nominal antigen for the class II major histocompatibility complex (MHC) peptide binding site.
THE RESPONSE OF EUKARYOTIC TOPOISOMERASES TO DNA DAMAGE

Beyond the known mutagenic properties of DNA lesions, recent evidence indicates that several forms of genomic damage dramatically influence the catalytic activities of DNA topoisomerases. Apurinic sites, apyrimidinic sites, base mismatches, and ultraviolet photoproducts all enhance topoisomerase I-mediated DNA cleavage when they are located in close proximity to the point of scission. Furthermore, when located between the points of scission of a topoisomerase II cleavage site, these same lesions (with the exception of ultraviolet photoproducts) greatly stimulate the cleavage activity of the type II enzyme. Thus, as found for anticancer drugs, lesions have the capacity to convert topoisomerases from essential cellular enzymes to potent DNA toxins. These findings raise exciting new questions regarding the mechanism of anticancer drugs, the physiological functions of topoisomerases, and the processing of DNA damage in the cell.
Responses of song sparrows to song.type matching via interactive playback

The aggressive and singing responses of ten territorial male song sparrows, Melospiza melodia, to sustained song-type matching via interactive playback were examined. This auditory stimulus, which involves both synchronous switching and song-type matching, was hypothesized to be a strong aggressive threat. Responses were compared to five other trial types in which the switching pattern and song-type similarity were independently varied. The six trial types were organized into a factorial design with three switching levels (no switching, synchronized switching, and rapid unsynchronized switching) and two matching levels (shared song-types and unshared song-types). The aggressive response of the birds, a composite index of the correlated behaviors of singing rate, perch change rate, and time spent close to the speaker, showed significant main effects of both the switching and the matching factors, with no interaction effect. The response was highest for the shared/ unsynchronized switching trial and lowest for the unshared/no switching trial. Since the synchronous switching trials produced aggressive responses intermediate between the no switching and rapid unsynchronized switching trials, our results corroborate earlier studies showing that switching rate, song-type diversity and song similarity are the key determinants of aggressive approach. However, the switching rate of the focal birds during playback was not correlated with the other response variables and showed a very different pattern from the aggressive response. Switching rate increased during unshared/synchronized trials and decreased during shared/ synchronized (i.e., song-type matching) trials. The tendency of the birds to refrain from switching when they were song-type matched by playback led to long bouts of matched-type countersinging. These results suggest that song-type matching locks two countersinging birds into a new level of interaction in which information other than aggressive motivation is exchanged.
THE GLYCEMIC RESPONSE TO ALANINE AND SALINE LOAD IN THE NEONATE: THE SIGNIFICANCE OF STRESS

The blood glucose /BG/ increment post saline at 12–18 hours of life was 12.4±6.8 /n=9/; at 36–48 hours 6.7 ± 7.6 /n+10/ and at 7–16 days 9.4 ± 6.3 mg/100 ml /n=15/. The response to alanine load in well matched, nonstressed neonates /n=19/ was similar to that of saline, a finding possibly indicating lack of gluconeogenesis in these three age-groups. However in stressed neonates /n=10/, aged 7–16 days, the glycemic response to alanine /BG increment 21.6 ± 5.9/ over that of saline /BG increment 10.7 ± 9.38/ was significant /p 0.01/. The findings suggest that in evaluating small BG changes following alanine load one needs 1/ to consider previous exposure to stress and 2/ saline controls matched for age.
Gamma-Glutamyl-Transpeptidase in Myocardial Infarction Clinical and Experimental Studies

The activity of γ-glutamyl-transpeptidase was determined serially in patients with acute myocardial infarction up to 32 days after the onset of chest pain. Peak enzyme activity was found in all patients between the eighth and eleventh day after infarction. Some patients showed a rise in serum activity 48 hr after infarction. In 33 mongrel dogs with experimental myocardial infarction, γ-glutamyl-transpeptidase activity was estimated in the homogenate of the normal and necrotic heart muscle as soluble and particle-bound enzyme activity. The changes of free and particle-bound activity showed different patterns. The soluble enzyme activity was highest during the first 4 days and approached normal level after 8 days. Particle-bound activity was significantly decreased after 24 hr and showed thereafter a continuous rise to 10 times the control values 10 days after the coronary artery occlusion. These studies indicate that several determinations of γ-glutamyl-transpeptidase activity in serum of patients with myo...
Cloning and expression of the α9 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor subunit in cochlear hair cells of the chick

Hair cells of the vertebrate inner ear are subject to efferent control by the release of acetylcholine (ACh) from brainstem neurons. While ACh ultimately causes the hair cell to hyperpolarize through the activation of small conductance Ca(2+)-activated K(+) channels, the initial effect is to open a ligand-gated cation channel that briefly depolarizes the hair cell. The hair cell's ligand-gated cation channel has unusual pharmacology that is well matched to that of the nicotinic subunit alpha9 expressed in Xenopus oocytes. We used sequence-specific amplification to identify the ortholog of alpha9 in the chick's cochlea (basilar papilla). Chick alpha9 is 73% identical to rat alpha9 at the amino acid level. A second transcript was identified that differed by the loss of 132 base pairs coding for 44 amino acids near the putative ligand-binding site. RT-PCR on whole cochlear ducts suggested that this short variant is less abundant than the full length alpha9 mRNA. In situ hybridization revealed alpha9 mRNA in sensory hair cells of the chick cochlea. The pattern of expression was consistent with the efferent innervation pattern. The alpha9 label was strongest in short (outer) hair cells on which large calyciform efferent endings are found. Tall (inner) hair cells receiving little or no efferent innervation had substantially less label. The cochlear ganglion neurons were not labeled, consistent with the absence of axo-dendritic efferent innervation in birds. These findings suggest that alpha9 contributes to the ACh receptor of avian hair cells and supports the generality of this hypothesis among all vertebrates.
Smell: the worm turns.

The worm Caenorhabditis elegans has many advantages as an experimental organism. These have been exploited to investigate how, at a single-neuron level, neural circuits transform sensory signals into behaviour.
U.S. and International In-Hospital Costs of Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation: a Systematic Review.

Context The in-hospital costs of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) have not been well established.
Transferring the atom statistics of a Bose-Einstein condensate to an optical field

We consider a single-mode Bose-Einstein condensate with an arbitrary initial density matrix. This mode is coupled to another condensate mode via a quantized optical-field. We describe a method for transferring the diagonal elements of the initial density matrix in a number state basis to the optical-field's density matrix.
Conditions for Positive and Negative Correlations Between Fitness and Heterozygosity in Equilibrium Populations

The past decades have witnessed extensive efforts to correlate fitness traits with genomic heterozygosity. While positive correlations are revealed in most of the organisms studied, results of no/negative correlations are not uncommon. There has been little effort to reveal the genetic causes of these negative correlations. The positive correlations are regarded either as evidence for functional overdominance in large, randomly mating populations at equilibrium, or the results of populations at disequilibrium under dominance. More often, the positive correlations are viewed as a phenomenon of heterosis, so that it cannot possibly occur under within-locus additive allelic effects. Here we give exact genetic conditions that give rise to positive and negative correlations in populations at Hardy-Weinberg and linkage equilibria, thus offering a genetic explanation for the observed negative correlations. Our results demonstrate that the above interpretations concerning the positive correlations are not complete or even necessary. Such a positive correlation can result under dominance and potentially under additivity, even in populations where associated overdominance due to linked alleles at different loci is not significant. Additionally, negative correlations and heterosis can co-occur in a single population. Although our emphasis is on equilibrium populations and for biallelic genetic systems, the basic conclusions are generalized to non-equilibrium populations and for multi-allelic situations.
Measures for Security in a Counterinsurgency

Quantitative measures to gauge progress in a counterinsurgency in use today include the number of enemy, friendly, and civilian casualties, and the level of violence. While common, each of these has drawbacks. With this and the sparseness of the literature on this topic in mind, we argue for a series of improved measures. These include the ratio of who is initiating incidents, an historical analysis of incidents and related variables, and an analysis of insurgent target sets. These measures are presented using data for Al Anbar province, Iraq, along with a discussion of their advantages over more common metrics.
Constraints on the Acceleration of Anomalous Cosmic Rays

The recent determination of an upper limit of 0.2 pc on the distance to the source of the anomalous cosmic rays, and the implied upper limit on their age imposes a significant observational constraint on possible acceleration mechanisms. Adiabatic cooling in the expanding wind makes the constraints significantly more stringent. In the light of these constraints, the rate of second-order Fermi acceleration is much too low to play a significant role. Diffusive shock acceleration, even at the strong termination shock of the solar wind, is sufficient only if one discards the standard expression for the maximum acceleration rate based on the Bohm limit. Only diffusive acceleration at the quasi-perpendicular solar wind termination shock has a high enough acceleration rate to be the source of the anomalous component.
Electrostatic coupling to pH‐titrating sites as a source of cooperativity in protein‐ligand binding

This paper describes an alternative mechanism for the cooperative binding of charged ligands to proteins. The ligand-binding sites are electrostatically coupled to protein side chains that can undergo protonation and deprotonation. The binding of one ligand alters the protein's protonation equilibrium in a manner that makes the the binding of the second ligand more favorable. This mechanism requires no conformational change to produce a cooperative effect, although it is not exclusive of conformational change. We present a theoretical description of the mechanism, and calculations on three kinds of systems: A model system containing one protonation site and two ligand-binding sites; a model system containing two protonation sites and two ligand-binding sites; and calbindin D9k, which contains two Ca2+-binding sites and 30 protonation sites. For the one-protonation-site model, it is shown that the influence of the protonation site can only be cooperative. The competition of this effect with the anticooperative effect of ligand-ligand repulsion is studied in detail. For the two-protonation site model, the effect can be either cooperative or, in special cases, anticooperative. For calbindin D9k, the calculations predict that six protonation sites in or near the ligand-binding sites make a cooperative contribution that approximately cancels the anticooperative effect of Ca2+-Ca2+ repulsion, accounting for more than half of the total cooperative effect that is needed to overcome repulsion and produce the net cooperativity observed experimentally. We argue that cooperative mechanisms of the kind described here are likely when there is more than one ligand-binding site in a protein domain.
Regional Lymph Node Uptake of [18F]Fluorodeoxyglucose after Definitive Chemoradiation Therapy Predicts Local-Regional Failure of Locally Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: Results of ACRIN 6668/RTOG 0235

Purpose The American College of Radiology Imaging Network (ACRIN) 6668/Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) 0235 study demonstrated that standardized uptake values (SUV) on post-treatment [ 18 F]fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) correlated with survival in locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). This secondary analysis determined whether SUV of regional lymph nodes (RLNs) on post-treatment FDG-PET correlated with patient outcomes. Methods and Materials Included for analysis were patients treated with concurrent chemoradiation therapy, using radiation doses ≥60 Gy, with identifiable FDG-avid RLNs (distinct from primary tumor) on pretreatment FDG-PET, and post-treatment FDG-PET data. ACRIN core laboratory SUV measurements were used. Event time was calculated from the date of post-treatment FDG-PET. Local-regional failure was defined as failure within the treated RT volume and reported by the treating institution. Statistical analyses included Wilcoxon signed rank test, Kaplan-Meier curves (log rank test), and Cox proportional hazards regression modeling. Results Of 234 trial-eligible patients, 139 (59%) had uptake in both primary tumor and RLNs on pretreatment FDG-PET and had SUV data from post-treatment FDG-PET. Maximum SUV was greater for primary tumor than for RLNs before treatment ( P P =.320). Post-treatment SUV of RLNs was not associated with overall survival. However, elevated post-treatment SUV of RLNs, both the absolute value and the percentage of residual activity compared to the pretreatment SUV were associated with inferior local-regional control ( P Conclusions High residual metabolic activity in RLNs on post-treatment FDG-PET is associated with worse local-regional control. Based on these data, future trials evaluating a radiation therapy boost should consider inclusion of both primary tumor and FDG-avid RLNs in the boost volume to maximize local-regional control.
Robustness of coherent SPE-OCDMA to combined dispersion impairments

The sensitivity of spectrally phase encoded OCDMA performance in an environment of chromatic dispersion plus polarization mode dispersion with several signature sequence families is investigated.
Modular verification of code with SAT

An approach is described for checking the methods of a class against a full specification. It shares with traditional model checking the idea of exhausting the entire space of executions within some finite bounds, and with traditional verification the idea of modular analysis, in which a method is analyzed, in isolation, for all possible calling contexts.The analysis involves an automatic two-phase reduction: first, to an intermediate form in relational logic (using a new encoding described here), and second, to a boolean formula (using existing techniques), which is then handed to an off the shelf SAT solver.A variety of implementations of the Java Collections Framework's List interface were checked against existing JML specifications. The analysis revealed bugs in the implementations, as well as errors in the specifications themselves.
Evaluating tourism resource areas in Nigeria for development

The study examines the spatial pattern of 101 destinations considered important in Nigeria by tourists, and categorised them into various grades, employing a questionnaire survey of 634 tourists randomly selected from seven centres in Nigeria. A standard stanine rating scheme was used to evaluate the value of the 101 destinations in Nigeria for attracting tourists. The study revealed eight tourism regions in Nigeria, with two regions, Lagos and Yankari/Jos/Abuja emerging as primary attractive tourism regions, and four regions, the Western, Northeastern, Edo/Delta and North Central tourism regions emerging as secondary tourism regions. Destinations considered most important were mostly short distance or nearby, and associated with both cultural and natural resources, especially wildlife/games and beaches/water areas. The study concludes with implications for destination planning, development and marketing.
Examining the Neuroscience Evidence for Sensory-Driven Neuroplasticity: Implications for Sensory-Based Occupational Therapy for Children and Adolescents

When Ayres first presented the theory of sensory integration (SI), she grounded it in the neuroscience literature. Neuroplasticity was then, and is today, considered to be at the heart of this theory. This evidence-based review sought to critically examine the basic science literature to specifically identify evidence for the assumptions and tenets of Ayres' theory of SI. We reviewed literature between 1964 and 2005, within psychological, physiological, and biomedical areas, addressing neuroplasticity. The review focused on sensorimotor-based neuroplasticity; explored the data that addressed the links among sensory input, brain function, and behavior; and evaluated its relevance in terms of supporting or refuting the theoretical premise of occupational therapy using an SI framework (OT/SI) to treatment. Although direct application from basic science to OT/SI is not feasible, we concluded that there was a basis for the assumptions of Ayes' SI theory.
Leader vision formation and forecasting: The effects of forecasting extent, resources, and timeframe

Abstract Vision formation, and vision articulation, is held to be a central component of leader performance. Less is known, however, about the variables giving rise to viable visions. In the present effort, the impact of forecasting on vision formation was examined. Study participants were asked to write a speech describing their vision for a new school. Prior to writing this speech, participants were asked to forecast the outcomes of vision implementation. It was found that the extent of forecasting, along with forecasting of temporal and resources considerations, influenced the quality of vision statements. Forecasting was improved when people thought about causes, as opposed to goals, and implications, as opposed to facts. The implications of these findings for understanding leader performance in vision formation are discussed.
A 1.8-GHz CMOS fractional-N frequency synthesizer with randomized multiphase VCO

A 1.8 GHz fractional-N frequency synthesizer implemented in 0.6 /spl mu/m CMOS with an on-chip multiphase voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) exhibits no spurs resulting from phase interpolation. The proposed architecture randomly selects output phases of a multiphase VCO for fractional frequency division to eliminate spurious tones. Measured phase noise at 1.715 GHz is lower than -80 dBc/Hz within a 20 kHz loop bandwidth and -118 dBc/Hz at 1 MHz offset with no fractional spurs above -70 dBc/Hz. The synthesizer has a frequency resolution step smaller than 10 Hz. The chip consumes 52 mW at 3.3 V and occupies 3.7 mm/spl times/2.9 mm.
Sunitinib significantly suppresses the proliferation, migration, apoptosis resistance, tumor angiogenesis and growth of triple-negative breast cancers but increases breast cancer stem cells.

The majority of triple-negative breast cancers (TNBCs) are basal-like breast cancers. However there is no reported study on anti-tumor effects of sunitinib in xenografts of basal-like TNBC (MDA-MB-468) cells. In the present study, MDA-MB-231, MDA-MB-468, MCF-7 cells were cultured using RPMI 1640 media with 10% FBS. Vascular endothelia growth factor (VEGF) protein levels were detected using ELISA (R & D Systams). MDA-MB-468 cells were exposed to sunitinib for 18 hours for measuring proliferation (3H-thymidine incorporation), migration (BD Invasion Chamber), and apoptosis (ApopTag and ApoScreen Anuexin V Kit). The effect of sunitinib on Notch-1 expression was determined by Western blot in cultured MDA-MB-468 cells. 106 MDA-MB-468 cells were inoculated into the left fourth mammary gland fat pad in athymic nude-foxn1 mice. When the tumor volume reached 100 mm3, sunitinib was given by gavage at 80 mg/kg/2 days for 4 weeks. Tumor angiogenesis was determined by CD31 immunohistochemistry. Breast cancer stem cells (CSCs) isolated from the tumors were determined by flow cytometry analysis using CD44+/CD24- or low. ELISA indicated that VEGF was much more highly expressed in MDA-MB-468 cells than MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cells. Sunitinib significantly inhibited the proliferation, invasion, and apoptosis resistance in cultured basal like breast cancer cells. Sunitinib significantly increased the expression of Notch-1 protein in cultured MDA-MB-468 or MDA-MB-231 cells. The xenograft models showed that oral sunitinib significantly reduced the tumor volume of TNBCs in association with the inhibition of tumor angiogeneisis, but increased breast CSCs. These findings support the hypothesis that the possibility should be considered of sunitinib increasing breast CSCs though it inhibits TNBC tumor angiogenesis and growth/progression, and that effects of sunitinib on Notch expression and hypoxia may increase breast cancer stem cells. This work provides the groundwork for an innovative therapeutic strategy in TNBC therapy by using sunitinib plus γ-secretase inhibitor to simultaneously target angiogenesis and CSC.
Effect of added l-glutamic acid on male broiler performance when using wheat- or corn-based diets and 2 different anticoccidials

SUMMARY Glutamic acid may play a role in skin integrity, which could influence carcass quality. A study was undertaken to determine if supplementing l -Glu would influence the live performance and carcass quality of broilers when using different cereal and anticoccidial sources. The study consisted of 2 cereal sources (wheat or corn), 2 l -Glu levels (0 or 1.75%), and 2 anticoccidial sources (monensin or halofuginone), for a total of 8 treatments with diets meeting or exceeding nutrient recommendations for essential amino acids and energy for the starter (0 to 17 d of age), grower (18 to 43 d of age), and finisher (44 to 48 d of age) feeds. Each dietary treatment was fed to 4 replicate pens of birds containing 33 chicks/pen at the time of placement. Adding l -Glu to the starter diets with monensin improved FE regardless of the cereal source; however, the opposite was true for halofuginone. Feed efficiency at d 43 and 48 was improved with added Glu, although during the grower period, cereal and anticoccidial sources did influence FE independently. Bruising of wings and drumsticks, and back skin problems were influenced by anticoccidial source. Adding Glu reduced drumstick deformities, especially when halofuginone was used in the diets. Yields of breast fillets and tenders were significantly greater for corn-fed vs. wheat-fed broilers. Breast fillet yield (g) was lower for broilers fed halofuginone. Drumstick yield (%) was increased with the addition of Glu to the diet. Supplementing the diet with Glu reduced carcass defects, which may reflect the need for Glu in connective tissue formation during rapid growth. The benefit of Glu may depend on the anticoccidial and cereal sources used.
DNA synthesis in yeast cell-free extracts dependent on recombinant DNA plasmids purified from Escherichia coli

Abstract In our attempts to establish a cell-free DNA replication system for the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, we have observed that recombinant DNA plasmids purified from Escherichia coli by a common procedure (lysozyme-detergent lysis and equilibrium banding in cesium chloride ethidium bromide gradients) often serve as templates for DNA synthesis by elongation enzymes. The templates could be elongated equally well by enzymes present in the yeast cell-free extracts, by the large proteolytic fragment of E. coli DNA polymerase I or by T4 DNA polymerase. The template activity of the purified plasmids was dependent on the presence of heterologous DNA segments in the bacterial vectors. The template activity could be diminished by treatment with alkali. We propose that the ability of recombinant plasmids isolated from bacterial hosts to serve as elongation templates may lead to erroneous conclusions when these plasmids are used as templates for in vitro replication or transcription reactions.
Cyclopolymerizable Monomers for Use in Dental Resin Composites

The simple reaction of conventional monofunctional acrylate monomers with paraformaldehyde has yielded a new class of difunctional monomers. The unique proximity of the double bonds within these compounds allows a facile cyclopolymerization to incorporate a cyclic ether structure into the polymer backbone. The external position of the acrylate esters means that these pendant groups can be varied for alteration of the physical properties of the monomers and the corresponding polymers. A series of the new monomers has been prepared and polymerized under dilute solution and bulk conditions to yield non-crosslinked and crosslinked polymers, respectively. The polymers exhibited high degrees of conversion and significantly reduced polymerization shrinkage, compared with polymers obtained from conventional diacrylate or dimethacrylate monomers. These properties appear to be a direct result of an efficient cyclopolymerization process. The combination of improved conversion to polymer with less contraction makes t...
A Fundamental Derivation of the Nodal Diffusion Equation and Its Variation

A new nodal interface diffusion equation is derived by applying the second form of Green’s theorem to the transverse-integrated diffusion equation. By virtue of this integral equation, a unified th...
Endemic social diversity within natural kin groups of a cooperative bacterium

The spatial structure of genetic diversity underlying social variation is a critical determinant of how cooperation and conflict evolve. Here we investigated whether natural social groups of the cooperative soil bacterium Myxococcus xanthus harbor internal genetic and phenotypic variation and thus the potential for social conflict between interacting cells. Ten M. xanthus fruiting bodies isolated from soil were surveyed for variation in multiple social phenotypes and genetic loci, and patterns of diversity within and across fruiting body groups were examined. Eight of the 10 fruiting bodies were found to be internally diverse, with four exhibiting significant variation in social swarming phenotypes and five harboring large variation in the number of spores produced by member clones in pure culture. However, genetic variation within fruiting bodies was much lower than across fruiting bodies, suggesting that migration across even spatially proximate groups is limited relative to mutational generation of persisting endemic diversity. Our results simultaneously highlight the potential for social conflict within Myxococcus social groups and the possibility of social coevolution among diverse related lineages that are clustered in space and cotransmitted across generations.
Valganciclovir: therapeutic role in pediatric solid organ transplant recipients

Introduction: Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is a common infectious complication after solid organ transplantation (SOT) and is associated with the increased risk of opportunistic infections and allograft rejection, as well as decreased patient survival. Ganciclovir has been the mainstay antiviral agent for prevention and treatment of CMV; however, its clinical use is hampered by the poor oral bioavailability and the need for intravenous access. Valganciclovir, an oral prodrug of ganciclovir, is up to 10 times more bioavailable than oral ganciclovir and has replaced ganciclovir as a first-line agent in the management of CMV in adult SOT patients. Areas covered: This article examines the safety and efficacy of valganciclovir in pediatric SOT patients, with a particular focus on prophylaxis of CMV infections. An in-depth review of the literature, including pertinent data from the adult SOT population, and a discussion of unmet needs are provided. The pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of valganciclovir ...
Rejection of ascites tumor allografts. I. Isolation, characterization, and in vitro reactivity of peritoneal lymphoid effector cells from BALB-c mice immune to EL4 leukosis.

Peritoneal exudate cells (PEC), obtained after the rejection of EL4 leukemia by BALB/c mice, are much more effective in the specific in vitro destruction of 51Cr-labeled EL4 cells than are spleen, thymus, lymph node, or peripheral blood lymphocytes. The presence of a large number of effector cells at the site of graft rejection is reflected in the potent cytolytic activity seen in vitro. Effector cells temporarily lose cytolytic reactivity when treated with trypsin but regain reactivity with time. This recovery occurs in normal as well as in immune serum. The destructive reactivity of PEC is increased when macrophages are removed. The remaining population of nonadherent PEC is composed primarily of small- to medium-sized lymphocytes. Complex tissue culture media are not needed, but there is a definite requirement for serum. The required serum component is heat stable, nondialyzable, and is not consumed during the reaction. The use of an ascites allograft system made these observations possible and permitted the isolation of those host cells intimately associated with rejection.
A Link Evaluation Model Based on Gauss Distribution for Wireless Sensor Networks

Communication link evaluation plays an important role in the design of upper layer protocols for wireless sensor networks. The paper firstly investigates the existing typical link evaluation metrics in wireless sensor networks based on the platform ofMicaZ, then takes packet reception rate as the evaluation metric to experimentally study the characteristics of communication link, and according to the statistic analysis of large amount of sampling values, a link evaluation model based on Gauss distribution is brought forward and validated by the tests. This research is expansible, therefore, the established link evaluation model can provide guidance for application, and also can provide valuable references for the simulation research of upper layer protocols.
The need to consider modes of cognition in designing systems that require distributed decision making

Distributed decision-making systems may have an impact on the functions necessary for successful group decision-making. In particular, the constraints on group interaction, communication, and individual environment that are imposed by a distributed decision-making system may affect individuals' mode of cognition (analysis, intuition, pattern matching, or functional thinking). This in turn may affect decision quality. Methods for compensating for this effect are suggested. >
A high-level register optimization technique for minimizing leakage and dynamic power

A large fraction of the total power dissipated in a digital circuit is consumed by the clocked elements in the data-path. Hence, savings in power usage of these components can be directly reflected in a circuit's overall power consumption. Reducing power through techniques that optimize power consumption in combinational elements has been extensively discussed in the existing literature. However, these techniques cannot be applied for reducing the power in sequential elements. In this work, we focus on this problem, and introduce a novel cluster-based register optimization technique that is employed in High-Level Synthesis (HLS) with Power Islands. Our experiments conducted on several synthesis benchmarks implemented at the transistor level using a 65 nm process technology showed anaverage reduction of 18% in total power consumption due to our technique with no or little area overhead.
David M. Raup, 1933–2015

David M. Raup was one of the most influential paleontologists of the second half of the 20th century, infusing the field with concepts from modern biology and laying the foundation for several major lines of research that continue today: theoretical morphology, which addresses why, despite eons of evolution, the spectrum of realized biological forms is such a tiny fraction of those that are theoretically possible (1); first-order patterns in the geologic history of biodiversity, in particular whether it has increased steadily over time and what the answer implies about the biosphere and the nature of the fossil record (2, 3); mathematical modeling of evolution: for example, patterns that result from the very structure of evolutionary trees and the apparent order that emerges from stochastic processes (4); and temporal patterns of biological extinction in the history of life and their implications for the drivers of extinction and the place of Earth in the Cosmos (5⇓–7). Despite his many accomplishments, Dave was modest and not known to seek attention or proselytize. He preferred to let his research do the talking. David Raup ( Right ) and Jack Sepkoski discussing analyses of extinction rates in the early 1980s. Image … [↵][1]1Email: foote{at}geosci.uchicago.edu. [1]: #xref-corresp-1-1
Effect of marination on lightness of broiler breast fillets varies with raw meat color attributes

Abstract Marination effect on meat color L* values was evaluated in chicken breast fillets with different color attributes. Samples were marinated in a vacuum tumbler. Color was measured on the fillet dorsal side at 4 h (pre-marination) and 48 h postmortem (PM). There was no difference (P