cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Possible brainstem involvement in the modification of thermoregulatory processes by chlordecone in rats.

The involvement of the central nervous system in the hypothermia induced by chlordecone was studied by evaluating the effects of infusions of chlordecone injected into the lateral and third ventricles and the cisterna magna on colonic temperature (Tcol). Compared to rats given vehicle, infusions of 40, 320 or 800 μg of chlordecone into the lateral ventricle or 320 or 800 μg of chlordecone into the third ventricle, through chronic indwelling cannulae, did not change significantly Tcol. However, intracisternal infusions of 80, 160, 320 or 800 μg of chlordecone produced significant hypothermia (maximally 2.2°C) which persisted for as long as 6 hr. Intracisternal infusions of chlordecone also produced a rapid increase in the temperature of the tail skin (Tsk) which persisted throughout the period of hypothermia. This suggests that the hypothermia produced by central administration of chlordecone is related to peripheral vasodilation. Since chlordecone has been reported to induce release of NE in the brainstem, and NE is known to modulate tonic vasomotor control in the medulla, the effects of NE infused intracisternally were studied. Intracisternal infusions of NE (16 μg) significantly decreased Tcol and increased Tsk, supporting the hypothesis that hypothermia induced by chlordecone is associated with vasodilatory effects, mediated by an adrenergic mechanism in the brainstem.
Substratum stability associated with the riverine macrophyte Justicia americana

SUMMARY 1. Patches of stable substratum in streams may be important refugia for benthic organisms during scouring floods. Streambed stone stability, packing and embeddedness were assessed within and adjacent to beds of the macrophyte Justicia americana in five Alabama streams. 2. The force needed to dislodge stones and embeddedness was about two times lower outside Justicia beds than within them. Significant positive correlations between stone stability and (i) degree of embeddedness, and (ii) the abundance of binding rhizomes and the presence of attached roots indicate that Justicia may physically modify the local streambed, indirectly enhancing substratum stability and reducing flow, thereby increasing sand deposition. 3. Despite higher stability (i.e. physical refugia during bed-moving spates) within Justicia beds, the abundance of epilithic plants (moss and Podostemum ceratophyllum) and pleurocerid snails (Elimia spp.) was similar both inside and outside the macrophyte beds. Several physical characteristics within macrophyte beds, such as low light, reduced current and increased sand intrusion, may create suboptimal conditions for benthic organisms in these habitats. 4. Additional work is needed to determine if Justicia biogenically enhances substratum stability or if its presence merely reflects patches of stable substratum within the streambed. Regardless of the mechanism, there is an association between Justicia beds and streambed characteristics.
Effects of native oxide removal from silicon substrate and annealing on SiO2 films deposited at 120 °C by plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition using disilane and nitrous oxide

The effects of native oxide removal from the Si substrate surface and annealing on SiO2 films deposited by plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition at 120 °C using Si2H6 and N2O are investigated. The effective oxide charge and the interface trap densities for the as‐deposited films with the native oxide etched off the substrate surface prior to the film deposition were nearly five times higher than for the as‐deposited films without the removal of the native oxide. Postdeposition annealing in N2 reduced the effective oxide charges for the films deposited on substrates without the native oxide. However, a 30 min postmetallization anneal at 400 °C in 5% H2 in N2 ambient reduced both the effective oxide charge density and the interface trap density much more effectively. The values for both these charge densities and the dielectric breakdown field were comparable after this postmetallization annealing regardless of the substrate cleaning procedure and the postdeposition annealing cycle in N2.
Simulation software for thermodynamic models, part 1

The extensive software available for simulating systems modeled by standard bond graphs does not address most thermodynamic systems, because they are not modeled effectively by those graphs. The convection bond graphs which do address those systems have not previously been implemented by generic simulation software. The complexities inherent in these bond graphs make the development of such software quite challenging; heretofore differential equations for each model have been written on an ad hoc basis from the bond graphs. Free downloadable software is described herein that deduces, organizes and executes differential equations for most convection and hybrid bond graphs, thereby simulating the unsteady behavior of lumped models that represent hybrid thermodynamic, mechanical, electrical and hydraulic systems. The imbedded computation of the thermodynamic properties of any of thirty-six different single or multiphase substances is generally accurate and efficient, requiring virtually no iteration. The user enters the bond graph largely through the use of two matrices; a graphical interface could be developed. Examples given include a steam catapult and a rock drill driven by compressed wet air. The inclusion of fluid kinetic energy and overall conclusions are made in part 2 of the paper.
Season of birth and onset of locomotion: Theoretical and methodological implications

Although empirical studies of motor development have tended to focus on physical and neurological factors, experiential factors are important as well. The hypothesis that season of birth would influence the onset of locomotion through experiential factors associated with variation in seasonal climate was examined. The primary measure was parental report of age of locomotor onset, collected on 425 infants, and was analyzed along with average monthly temperature. A seasonally effect was found, indicating that infants born in the summer and fall begin to crawl about 3 weeks later than infants born in the winter and spring. These data suggest that experiential factors, associated with seasonality and variation in climate, affect the timing of locomotor onset. The seasonality effect is discussed as a possible rate-limiting factor in motor development as described by dynamical systems approaches to motor development. The findings have methodological implications for studies of the organizing effects of the onset of self-produced locomotion.
Post-layout logic optimization of domino circuits

Logic duplication, a commonly used synthesis technique to remove trapped inverters in reconvergent paths of Domino circuits, incurs high area and power penalties. In this paper, we propose a synthesis scheme to reduce the duplication cost by allowing inverters in Domino logic under certain timing constraints. In order to guarantee the robustness of such Domino circuits, we perform the reduction of logic duplication at the physical level. Experimental results show significant reduction in duplication cost, which translates into significant improvements in area, power, and/or delay.
Effects of sulfur upon Fe and Cr oxide thermal stability in 304 stainless steel

X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurements show that exposure of an Fe−Cr−Ni alloy to H2S and O2 under ultrahigh vacuum (UHV) conditions leads to the thermal instability of the Fe oxide without affecting the Cr oxide. An atomically clean metal surface, predominantly Fe in composition and free of internal sulfur, was exposed to H2S under controlled conditions in order to form a sulfided monolayer. Adsorbed S inhibited surface oxidation at temperatures between 325 K and 825 K. The presence of adsorbed S did not, however, inhibit the surface segregation of Cr for temperatures >600 K, compared to a S-free sample. Upon annealing of a sulfided sample to 900 K in UHV, the Fe oxide largely disappears, while no change is observed in the Cr oxide. The S-free sample shows no significant change in either the Fe or Cr oxides upon annealing. The results presented in this paper show that sulfidation of an alloy surface prior to oxidation and surface segregation can adversely affect the thermal stability of the Fe oxide without affecting the Cr oxide overlayer resulting from surface segregation and preferential oxidation.
Perspective on the use of exotic natural enemies for biological control of pest grasshoppers (Orthoptera: Acrididae)

A previous manuscript (Lockwood 1993) questioned the introduction of exotic natural enemies for control of grasshoppers that affect rangeland and agricultural crops. This article presents some opposite viewpoints on the use of classical biological control, grasshopper biology, economic impact, management tactics, the specific natural enemies either released or slated for release, environmental concerns, and the review of these programs before release. In many areas, full agreement is indicated with positions presented by Lockwood; however, major differences of opinion exist. We believe that there is no scientific basis for establishing the new terminology “neoclassical biological control,” so traditional terminology is retained. Data on the use of arthropods and pathogensin classical biological control (including use of exotic natural enemies for control of native pests) show that this approach to pest management has controlled important pest species, has been associated with few if any serious environmental problems, and is aviable technique that was endorsed by the National Academy of Sciences and others. Therefore, the notion that the introduction of exotic natural enemies is categorically inappropriate is not accepted, nor is the idea that increased federal regulation would necessarily improve natural enemy establishment, improve control success, or eliminate negative environmental side effects. Rather, it is felt that mandatory Environmental Assessments and Environmental Impact Statements would restrict implementation of classical biological control. The specific programs questioned by Lockwood (1993) were based on significant biological information, were reviewed thoroughly, and hold potential to provide long-term mitigation of a severe economic pest problem while reducing environmental risk linked with widespread pesticide application.
Evolutionary biology: Microbes exploit groundhog day.

Can microorganisms learn from history? When a sequence of environmental changes is repeated, natural selection might select for responses that enable the microbes to prepare for later challenges in the sequence.
Dynamic shear–strain localization and inclusion effects in lath martensitic steels subjected to high pressure loads

Abstract A three-dimensional multiple-slip dislocation-density based crystalline formulation, specialized finite-element formulations, and specialized Voronoi tessellations adapted to martensitic orientations, were used to investigate shear–strain localization, and dislocation-density evolution in martensitic microstructures under dynamic compressive loading conditions. The formulation is based on accounting for variant morphologies and orientations, secondary-phase structures, and initial dislocations-densities that are uniquely inherent to martensitic microstructures. The effects of strain rate and inclusions on the evolution of shear–strain localization were investigated. The analysis indicates that variant morphology and orientations have a direct consequence on dislocation-density accumulation and inelastic localization in martensitic microstructures, and that lath directions, orientations, and arrangements are critical characteristics of high-strength martensitic dynamic behavior. It is shown that tensile hydrostatic pressure due to the unloading of the plastic waves at the free boundary and extensive shear–strain accumulation occurs at certain triple junctions. Furthermore, plastic shear-slip accumulation between inclusions and the surrounding martensitic matrix results in shear–strain localization and increases in the tensile hydrostatic pressure at critical locations, such as trip junctions.
Electron transfer dissociation of sodium cationized polyesters: Reaction time effects and combination with collisional activation and ion mobility separation

Abstract The electron transfer dissociation (ETD) characteristics of doubly sodiated polylactide were investigated at varying ion–ion reaction times, ranging from 20 to 220 ms. ETD product ion yields and signal-to-noise ratio maximized at the shortest reaction time. At longer times, the extent of Na/H or H/Na exchange reactions rose, causing spectral crowding; in addition, the sensitivity decreased significantly due to ion losses from neutralization and scattering. ETD in quadrupole ion trap (QIT) and quadrupole/time-of-flight (Q/ToF) mass spectrometers using fluoranthene and p -nitrotoluene reagent anions, respectively, led to similar product ions. The Q/ToF configuration allowed for collisionally activated dissociation (CAD) of the ETD total ion current under mild activation conditions, which gave rise to new and more abundant fragment distributions by mainly depleting residual reduced precursor ions. The ETD and ETD/CAD fragmentation patterns were markedly different from the fragments generated by simple CAD, thereby providing complementary structural information about the analyzed polyester. The collision cross-sections of the major ETD fragment series, determined by ion mobility mass spectrometry (IM–MS) experiments on the Q/ToF instrument, agreed well with the linear architectures expected from radical-induced cleavages at the (CO)-O-alkyl bonds promoted by the electron added in the ETD event.
INHIBITION AND RECOVERY OF DNA SYNTHESIS IN UV‐IRRADIATED CHINESE HAMSTER V‐79 CELLS†

— DNA replication in UV-irradiated Chinese hamster V-79 cells was analyzed by measuring the incorporation of 14C-thymidine into acid precipitable form and by DNA fiber autoradiography. As expected, UV exposure resulted in a rapid deceleration in the rate of thymidine incorporation, reaching a minimum rate 60–75 min following exposure to 2–10Jm-2. After an additional 1–2h the rate of thymidine incorporation began to recover slowly, approaching the control rate within 10h following exposure to 10 Jm-2 or less. The mechanism of the inhibition and recovery in thymidine incorporation was examined by DNA fiber autoradiography. The results indicate that UV radiation produces lesions in DNA which temporarily block chain growth of DNA that is synthesized during the first 5 h after exposure. Within 10 h after exposure, the lesions have either been repaired or modified (or the replicative enzymes altered) so that DNA chain growth is no longer impeded.
Algorithms for time-optimal control of CNC machines along curved tool paths

The problem of specifying the feedrate variation along a curved path, that yields minimum traversal time for a 3-axis CNC machine subject to constraints on the feasible acceleration along each axis, is addressed. In general, this time-optimal feedrate incurs bang-bang control, i.e., maximum acceleration/deceleration is demanded of at least one axis throughout the motion. For a path defined by a polynomial parametric curve r(xi), we show that the (square of the) time-optimal feedrate can be determined as a piecewise-rational function of the curve parameter xi, with break-points corresponding to the roots of certain polynomial equations. Furthermore, this type of feedrate function is amenable to a real-time interpolator algorithm that drives the machine directly from the analytic curve description, eliminating the need for linear/circular G code approximations. The theoretical and computational aspects of such time-optimal feedrate functions are presented, together with experimental results from their implementation on a 3-axis mill driven by an open-architecture software controller. (C) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Fluorescence labeling of the human erythrocyte anion transport system. Subunit structure studied with energy transfer

Abstract The anion transport system of human red cells was isolated in vesicles containing the original membrane lipids and the 95 000 dalton polypeptides (band 3) by the method of Wolosin et al. (J. Biol. Chem. (1977) 252, 2419–2427). The vesicles have a functional anion transport system since they display sulfate transport that is inhibited by the fluorescent probe 8-anilinonaphthalene 1-sulfonate (ANS) with similar potency as in red cells. The vesicles were labeled with the SH-specific probe fluorescein mercuric acetate (FMA). Labeling lowers FMA fluorescence, and is prevented or reversed by dithiothreitol, suggesting that the reaction is with a thiol group on the protein. Fluorescence titrations show a maximum labeling stoichiometry of 1.3 ± 0.4 mol FMA/mol 95 000 dalton polypeptide. The polarization of bound FMA fluorescence is high indicating that the probe is highly immobilized. Pretreatment with Cu2+ + o-phenanthroline under conditions that crosslink band 3 in ghosts decreases FMA labeling 50%. Differences in kinetics of FMA labeling in sealed and leaky vesicles suggest that the reactive SH group is located in the intravesicular portion of the protein (corresponding to the cytoplasmic surface of the red cell) and that FMA can cross the membrane. Inhibitors of anion transport have no effect on FMA labeling kinetics suggesting it is not transported via the anion
Effect of coronary artery size on the prevalence of atherosclerosis.

Abstract To investigate the effect of coronary artery size on the prevalence of atherosclerosis, we measured the diameters of the major coronary arteries prospectively in 884 consecutive patients referred for coronary arteriography. For each artery, we assigned patients to 3 groups: group S (small) and group L (large) with diameters >1SD smaller and larger, respectively, than the mean; and group A (average), with diameters within 1 SD of the mean. As specified during study design, we compared the frequency of lesions ≥50% diameter stenosis in groups S and L for each artery. We adjusted for relevant covariates by performing logistic regression on data from all 884 patients with coronary diameter entered as a continuous variable. In group S versus L, respectively, the frequency of ≥50% lesion was 6.5% versus 2.4% (p = 0.13) in the left main artery; 61.3% versus 35.8% (p = 0.0001) in the right coronary artery; 58.1% versus 40.7% (p = 0.008) in the left anterior descending artery, and 47.4% versus 22.2% (p = 0.0001) in the circumflex artery. Multivariate analysis showed that coronary diameter was a significant independent predictor of lesions in the right coronary artery (p = 0.000001), left anterior descending artery (p = 0.001), and circumflex artery (p = 0.0002) and nearly significant in the left main artery (p = 0.077). Thus, small coronary artery size may be a risk factor for atherosclerosis.
Growth responses of cell cultures in a galactose medium

Abstract Under specific conditions utilized, Eagle's minimum essential medium containing “substantially glucose-free” galactose instead of glucose supported the growth of every cell culture tested with the exception of embryonic cells. Growth of various primary kidney cultures in galactose-EMEM was greater or, at least, equal to that obtained with the same medium containing glucose. Cell lines of non-human origin showed extensive growth in galactose-EMEM and were further stimulated by supplemental pyruvate. Only limited, if any, growth of human cell lines occurred in galactose-EMEM under routine conditions of culture. The growth response of these cells was greatly increased and approached that with glucose if the initial pH of the galactose medium was adjusted in the acid pH range or, with WISH cells, if the galactose medium was supplemented with pyruvate.
Photothermal treatment of glioma; an in vitro study of macrophage-mediated delivery of gold nanoshells

One of the major factors that limits the treatment effectiveness for gliomas is the presence of the blood–brain barrier (BBB) which protects infiltrating glioma cells from the effects of anti-cancer agents. Circulating monocytes/macrophages (Ma) have a natural ability to traverse the intact and compromised BBB and loaded with anti cancer agents could be used as vectors to target tumors and surrounding tumor infiltrated tissue. Nanoshells (NS) are composed of a dielectric core (silica) coated with an ultrathin gold layer which converts absorbed near-infrared light (NIR) to heat with an extremely high efficacy and stability. We have investigated the effects of exposure to laser NIR on multicell human glioma spheroids infiltrated with empty (containing no nanoshells) or nanoshell loaded macrophages. Our results demonstrated that; (1) macrophages could efficiently take up bare or coated (PEGylated) gold NS: (2) NS loaded macrophages infiltrated into glioma spheroids to the same or, in some cases, to a greater degree than empty Ma; (3) NIR laser irradiation of spheroids incorporating NS loaded macrophages resulted in complete growth inhibition in an irradiance dependent manner, and (4) spheroids infiltrated with empty macrophages had growth curves identical to untreated control cultures. The results of this study provide proof of concept for the use of macrophages as a delivery vector of NS into gliomas for photothermal ablation and open the possibility of developing such regimens for patient treatment.
Carotid intima-media thickness and plaque assessment by trained medical residents: validation and preliminary testing of a training protocol.

Background Training of nonsonographer physicians or staff members is needed to implement carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) and plaque screening by ultrasound for the assessment of subclinical atherosclerosis. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of formal training on CIMT assessment and plaque detection by medical residents. Methods A medical resident (R1) was trained using an abbreviated American Society of Echocardiography CIMT protocol. CIMT and plaque assessment by R1 were compared against an expert scanner on 60 subjects using a portable US system. A second medical resident (R2) was then trained on the CIMT protocol focusing on plaque visualization after the results of the first phase of the study were analyzed, and the results were compared against an expert on an additional 10 subjects. Results In the first phase of the study, a total of 106 images (94% interpretable) were available for CIMT and plaque assessment by both R1 and the expert. CIMT measurements were bioequivalent within the limits of ultrasound resolution, with 88% agreement. Variability on plaque presence was high, with only 53% agreement. R2 and the expert each scanned 10 new subjects twice, from whom 40 images were available for interpretation. R2 demonstrated CIMT agreement (93%) comparable with that observed in phase 1 but with greatly improved plaque agreement (100%). Intraobserver variability during phase 2 for both R2 and the expert was extremely low. Conclusions Medical residents can undergo rapid training for CIMT measurement and plaque visualization to detect subclinical atherosclerosis compared with an expert.
PHYTOPLANKTON LIPIDS: INTERSPECIFIC DIFFERENCES AND EFFECTS OF NITRATE, SILICATE AND LIGHT‐DARK CYCLES1

The lipid content of various phytoplankton species was measured in response to nitrogen and silicon limitation and over the cell cycle in synchronized cultures. In a survey of 30 species it was found that during log-phase growth, green algae contained an average of 17.1% total lipids (% of total dry weight), whereas diatoms contained an average of 24.5%. Nitrogen deprivation for 4 to 9 days resulted in 2- to 3-fold increases in the lipid content of green algae, whereas both increases and decreases were noted in diatoms, depending on the species. The greatest lipid content measured in the study was 72% in Monallantus salina (strain GSB Sticho) which had been deprived of nitrogen for 9 days. Nitrate replenishment in a nitrogen starved culture of Oocystis polymorpha Groover & Bold showed that the excess cellular lipids do not rapidly disappear during recovery, until cell division occurs. A silicate deprivation experiment with Cyclotella cryptica Reimann, Lewin & Guillard (strain 7c) showed an increase in the total cellular lipid fraction from. 30 to 42% of dry weight within 6 h of the onset of silicon limitation, while the mass of lipid material per cell doubled within 12 h. The total lipid fraction in O. polymorpha was found to remain constant over the cell cycle in synchronized cultures regardless of the light regime. The data presented provided the first internally consistent study of phytoplankton lipids for a wide range of species and several growth conditions.
Comparative biochemistry of collagen. Some amino acids and carbohydrates.

Abstract Hydroxyproline, proline, glycine, tyrosine and the carbohydrate composition of eleven native and limid collagens and derived gelatins from a mammal, fish, echinoderm, two coelenterates and a poriferan plus the composition of a fish elastin are reported.
Characterization of Benzo[a]Pyrene metabolites formed by 3-methylcholanthrene-induced goldfish, black bullhead and brown bullhead

Abstract 1. Metabolites of BaP formed by 3-MC-induced goldfish ( Carassius auratus ), black bullhead ( Ictalurus melas ), brown bullhead ( Ictalurus nebulus ) and rat have been separated by HPLC. 2. The main metabolites in both bullhead species and the rat were 3-hydroxy-BaP and BaP 9,10- and 7,8-dihydrodiols, whereas BaP 1,6- and 3,6-diones and 9- and 3-hydroxy-BaP predominated in the goldfish. 3. Induced rat formed over 10 times as many total metabolites as the fish. 4. No induction was observed in the 3-MC-treated brown bullheads kept at 7°C. 5. TCPO and α-naphthoflavone decreased metabolite production by 50 and 30%, respectively.
Elevated cell-free serum DNA detected in patients with myocardial infarction.

Abstract Background: Cell-free DNA is detectable in the circulation. Increased cell-free DNA has been detected in cancer patients and individuals with trauma. We want to know whether patients with myocardial infarction (MI) also have increased cell-free DNA in their blood. Methods: We used a QIAamp blood kit for DNA extraction from serum and the PicoGreen DNA kit for quantification. DNA patterns of serum DNA were established by gel electrophoresis on 2.5% metarphor gel. Results: The average serum DNA in MI patients (N=55) was 511±398 ng/ml, more than 10-fold higher than normal (36.3±23.8 ng/ml, n=274). Patients with increased CK-MB (>4%) were associated with highly increased concentrations of cell-free DNA (93.4%). There was no correlation between the concentration of cell-free DNA and the concentrations of CK-MB, troponin I and C-reactive protein. In serial specimens, we found that the cell-free DNA rose early, but peaked behind CK-MB. A slightly diffused DNA ladder could be found with pooled cell-free DNA from MI patients by electrophoresis with the smallest DNA band at only a few hundred base pairs. Conclusions: Cell-free DNA in MI patients is increased in patients diagnosed with MI, and may complement troponin and CK-MB in a multiple marker test format.
Constancy and Variability: Dialogic Literacy Events as Sites for Improvisation in Two 3rd-Grade Classrooms.

This multisite study investigates dialogic literacy events that revolved around narrative and informational texts in two 3rd-grade classrooms. The authors offer a metaphor of musical improvisation to contemplate dialogic literacy events as part of the repertoire of teaching and learning experiences. In literacy learning, where there is much structure and also many degrees of freedom, an improvisation metaphor is helpful for considering attentive listening, contingent responding, and creative interplay in the classroom. This study contributes to literature on dialogic literacy events by explicating how teachers and students are interdependent coparticipants who collaboratively construct meaning as they improvise during text-based discussions. The authors analyze discourse from multiple instances of two focal dialogic literacy events: discussions of fables and folktales in a low-socioeconomic-status school in the northeastern United States and discussions of newspaper articles in a middle-class school in th...
Abstract 3501: Flavopiridol decreases Mcl-1 and XIAP in acute myeloid leukemia cell resulting in augmentation of sorafenib-induced apoptosis

Proceedings: AACR 102nd Annual Meeting 2011‐‐ Apr 2‐6, 2011; Orlando, FL The PI3K/AKT/mTOR and Raf/MEK/ERK pathways, resulting in increased levels of Mcl-1, XIAP and survivin, have been found to be activated in acute myeloid leukemia cells (AML) due to the mutant receptor tyrosine kinases. FMS-like tyrosine kinase (FLT3) mutations including FLT3-internal tandem duplication (FLT3-ITD) are found in about 30% of cases of acute myeloid leukemia and confer an increased relapse rate and reduced overall survival. Sorafenib, inhibiting Raf-1 of the MAPK pathway resulting in diminished MEK and ERK phosphorylation, is being tested in AML patients with FLT3-ITD and modest responses have been observed: similarly flavopiridol, a CDK and mRNA transcription inhibitor, has been tested in AML patients with some evidence of activity. We hypothesize that sorafenib plus flavopiridol will have enhanced therapeutic effects. The combined apoptotic effects of sorafenib plus flavopiridol were investigated in HL-60, MV4;11 FLT3-ITD+ cells, as well as in primary leukemic cells isolated from AML patients. Sorafenib and flavopiridol indepedently induced apoptosis at 10 μM and 200 nM, respectively, in HL-60 cells which was correlated with the down-regulation of Mcl-1, XIAP and/or survivin. The combination of sorafenib (5 μM) plus flavopiridol (100 nM) produced augmented apoptosis associated with enhanced diminution in levels of Mcl-1. MV4;11 cells were more sensitive than HL-60 cells to sorafenib-induced apoptosis, but not to flavopiridol, with the down-regulation of Mcl-1 and survivin. Addition of flavopiridol to MV4;11 cells enhanced sorafenib-induced apoptosis with augmented down-regulation of XIAP. Primary cells isolated from two AML patients with FLT3-ITD+ cells exhibited augmented apoptosis induction with the combination treatment of sorafenib plus flavopiridol. Our data suggest that the augmented apoptosis induction in AML cells by sorafenib plus flavopiridol is mediated by decreasing levels of complimentary anti-apoptotic proteins. This novel combination therapy is worthy of a clinical trial in FLT3-ITD+ AML patients. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 3501. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-3501
Tracheotomy in very low birth weight neonates: indications and outcomes.

Objective/Hypothesis: To review incidence of, indications for, and outcomes of tracheotomy in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants. Study Design: Retrospective review in tertiary care hospital. Methods: Eighteen VLBW (<1,500 g) infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia undergoing tracheotomy in the neonatal intensive care unit between October 1997 and June 2002 were studied. Controls consisted of 36 VLBW infants undergoing intubation without tracheotomy, two per study infant, matched by gestational age and weight. Outcome measures included duration and number of intubation events, time to decannulation, complications, comorbidities, length of stay, and speech, language, and swallowing measures. Results: Infants undergoing tracheotomy had an average duration of intubation of 128.8 days with a median number of 11.5 intubation events, both significantly greater than those of controls. Percentage of those with laryngotracheal stenosis was 44% of study infants had laryngotracheal stenosis compared to 1.6% in all intubated VLBW infants. The tracheotomy group had a significantly higher incidence of gastroesophageal reflux, pulmonary hypertension, and gastrostomy tube placement. The overall tracheotomy-related complication rate was 38.9%. Three were lost to follow-up, and five deaths occurred, two possibly tracheotomy-related. Six of ten were decannulated by an average time of 3.8 years, two of six after laryngotracheal reconstruction. Four of ten remained cannulated for a variety of reasons. Disorders of speech, language, and swallowing were common. Conclusions: When considering tracheotomy in VLBW infants, the total number of intubation events should be monitored as well as the total duration of intubation. The relatively high incidence of laryngotracheal stenosis argues for earlier endoscopy and possibly earlier tracheotomy in infants with developing stenoses.
A kinetic analysis of the memory of a developmental interaction. Mating interactions in Tetrahymena pyriformis.

Abstract The kinetics of an inductive intercellular interaction and the decay of the memory of that interaction during a developmental process have been analysed. The effects of three inhibitors (actinomycin D, cordycepin and α-amanitin) of RNA synthesis have been examined, in order to explore the role of RNA in both processes. In the protozoan Tetrahymena pyriformis, inductive intercellular interactions between starved cells of complementary mating types result in the ability to form heterotypic cell pairs. These interactions have been shown previously to be blocked by either actinomycin D or rapid agitation [1, 2]. We show here that the effects of both actinomycin D and agitation are restricted to the first phase of the inductive period. This implies that two separable processes take place during the inductive period: (1) a period during which cells are activated by the induction; (2) a maturation period during which preparations for pair formation in activated cells are completed. In contrast to the effects of actinomycin D, neither cordycepin nor α-amanitin blocks the induction of pair-forming ability. Since rapid agitation also independently blocks pair formation, the kinetics of the decay of the memory of the inductive interactions may be analysed by interrupting pairing for various lengths of time by agitation. In the absence of any inhibitors, the decay of the memory is a random, discrete event for any cell, with a half-time of 3.9 ± 1.4 h. While α-amanitin has only a moderate effect on the memory, both actinomycin D and cordycepin dramatically accelerate its decay, reducing the half-time to 35 ± 5 min. A biochemical model which accounts for these observations and which may be applicable to other developmental systems is proposed.
A mammalian DNA repair enzyme that excises oxidatively damaged guanines maps to a locus frequently lost in lung cancer

Abstract Background: Guanine residues in the genome are vulnerable to attack by free radicals and reactive oxygen species. A major lesion thus produced, 8-oxoguanine ( O G), causes mutations by mis-pairing with adenine during replication. In bacteria and budding yeast, O G is removed from the genome through the action of base-excision DNA repair (BER) enzymes, which catalyze expulsion of the aberrant base and excision of its sugar moiety from the DNA backbone. Although O G is known to be produced in and cleansed from mammalian genomes, the enzymes responsible for O G repair in these cells have remained elusive. Results: Here, we report the cloning and biochemical characterization of mammalian BER enzymes that specifically target O G residues in DNA. These 8-oxoguanine DNA glycosylases, hOgg1 (human) and mOgg1 (murine), are homologous to each other and to yeast Ogg1. They also contain an active site motif – the Helix–hairpin–Helix, Gly/Pro-rich–Asp motif – characteristic of a superfamily of BER proteins with a similar core fold and active site geometry. Both hOgg1 and mOgg1 exhibit exquisite selectivity for the base opposite O G in DNA, operating with high efficiency only on O G base-paired to cytosine. Furthermore, hOgg1 and mOgg1 are unable to process a panel of alternative lesions, including 8-oxoadenine, yet bind with high affinity to synthetic abasic site analogs. The proteins operate through a classical glycosylase/lyase catalytic mechanism; mutation of a catalytically essential lysine residue results in loss of catalytic potency but retention of binding to O G-containing oligonucleotides. The hOGG1 gene is localized on the short arm of chromosome 3 (3p25/26) in a region commonly deleted in cancers. Conclusions: These results conclusively establish the existence and identity of an 8-oxoguanine DNA glycosylase/lyase in human and murine cells, completing the triad of proteins that together protect mammals from the genotoxic effects of guanine oxidation. The observation that at least one allele of hOGG1 is commonly deleted in cancer cells suggests that such cells may possess a reduced capacity to counter the mutagenic effects of reactive oxygen species, a deficiency that could increase their overall genomic instability. This speculation is fueled by recent observations that cells constitutively active for the Ras/Raf pathway constitutively produce high levels of superoxide, a known generator of O G.
BEHAVIOR OF OIL AND GAS FROM DEEPWATER BLOWOUTS

This paper presents a detailed analysis of different deepwater blowout scenarios using the Clarkson deepwater oil and gas model (CDOG). In CDOG, hydrate formation, hydrate decomposition, gas dissolution, nonideal behavior of gas, and possible gas separation from the main plume due to strong cross-currents, are integrated with the jet/plume hydrodynamics and thermodynamics. CDOG takes into account unsteady-state three-dimensional variation of ambient currents and density stratification. Detailed comparisons between CDOG simulations and deepspill field experiments have been published. The model is used to simulate 30 deepwater blowout scenarios based on realistic cases and the results are analyzed in this paper. The scenarios demonstrate the differences in plume behavior due to different ambient conditions, different types of gas, possible hydrate formation, and variations in gas-to-oil ratio. Some key findings of these analyses follow. Oil droplet sizes affect the oil surfacing time significantly. For oil-only blowouts, the ambient conditions do not affect the oil surfacing time significantly, but the location and the size of the slick are affected. For oil and gas mixes, the surfacing time is not sensitive to the type of gas in the mix, but is somewhat dependent on the ambient conditions. In none of the cases simulated here, did free gas reach the water surface. While changing the release temperature had only an insignificant effect on the model results, changing oil type or gas-to-oil ratio did affect the model results. The analyses are useful to engineers/scientists and administrators.
Direct assessment of stable isotope variability in planktonic foraminifera populations

Abstract A large number of tests of three species of planktonic foraminifera, Globigerinoides sacculifer, Orbulina universa , and Pulleniatina obliquiloculata , were analyzed for stable oxygen and carbon isotopes in a western equatorial Pacific box core. Estimates of population variance were calculated using a statistical technique known as the jackknife. These estimates were used to generate sampling curves which provide the number of foraminiferal tests required in an isotopic analysis when precision and reliability criteria are specified. The jackknife results have important sampling implications: (1) a large number of foraminiferal tests are required to obtain statistically reliable isotope data. For example, given a machine precision (standard deviation) of 0.09in0, 417 tests ( G. sacculifer , 355–420 μm) are required to obtain a δ 18 O precision of 0.1in0 with 90% reliability. (2) Variance is a function of test diameter, with greater variance being found in larger size fractions. (3) Variance is dependent on foraminiferal species. (4) Variance differences between glacial and interglacial samples are not significant. (5) In the size interval 600–900 μm, a systematic relationship is not seen between size and δ 18 O or δ 13 C. (6) Replicate analysis is a practical method of improving isotope data quality. Size- and species-related variance differences are probably related to a number of factors, including depth habitat, seasonal production of tests, species vertical migrations, and vital and/or symbiosis-caused effects. Knowledge of data variance permits error assessment in sediment “unmixing” analyses and optimization of spectral estimates.
A method for measuring steroid adsorption to tissue culture plasticware

Tritiated test steroids were added to culture medium in plastic tissue culture vessels. At different time intervals, levels of radioactivity in the plastic itself and in the culture medium were measured. There was significant adsorption of steroids to the test vessel. We describe here a general procedure to measure the amount of steroid hormone adsorbed from culture media by tissue culture plasticware, and the remaining amount actually available to the cells in the medium. Such measurements may be critical in establishing doses of steroids for in vitro endocrinology experiments.
Local realism versus quantum theory : violation of the generalized spin-s Bell inequalities for a set of three distinct axes

Some simple inequalities which demonstrate the incompatibility of local realism with quantum theory are derived. They establish, for the first time, necessary conditions for violation of the generalized spin-{ital s} Bell inequalities for a set of three distinct {ital noncoplanar} axes. For {ital s}=1/2, however, these inequalities are equivalent to Wigner's results, thus giving necessary and {ital sufficient} conditions.
Biological activity of poly(maleic acid-alt-2-cyclohexyl-1,3-dioxepin-5-ene)

The polyanionic polymer poly(maleic acid-alt-2-cyclohexyl-1,3-dioxepin-5-ene), poly(MA-CDA), was developed as an immunomodulator. It was found that the cell affinity of poly(MA-CDA) could be significantly enhanced by hydrophobic chemical modification. This paper deals with the biological activities of poly(MA-CDA) and hydrophobically modified poly(MA-CDA), including immunostimulating activity, antitumour activity and antiviral activity. © 1998 SCI.
Ernest Becker and the Psychology of Worldviews

Sheldon Solomon, Jeff Greenberg, and Tom Pyszczynski offer experimental confirmation for Ernest Becker's claim that the fear of death is a powerful unconscious motive producing polarized worldviews and scapegoating. Their suggestion that their findings also prove Sigmund Freud's theory of repression, with worldviews as its irrational products, is questionable, although Becker's own statements about worldviews as “illusions” seem to invite such interpretation. Their basic theory does not depend on this, however, and abandoning it would enable them to take better advantage of their finding that worldviews incorporating the values of rationality and tolerance tend to counteract polarization effects.
An Eye for an Eye? A Note on the Southern Subculture of Violence Thesis

Efforts to explain regional variations in rates of violent crime have frequently cited the southern subculture of violence thesis. However, the evidence for the existence of such a subculture has been inconclusive. This study investigates regional differences in the levels and determinants of support for interpersonal violence under defensive or retaliatory circumstances. Using data from the 1983 General Social Survey, this research finds that native southerners are disproportionately inclined to condone defensive or retaliatory forms of violence. There is evidence that the public religious culture of the South may play a significant role in legitimizing these types of violence. Some results are consistent with arguments that interregional migration and cohort substitution are attenuating regional differences in views regarding violence. Several directions for future research on violent attitudes are discussed
Advanced CSiC Composites for High-temperature Nuclear Heat Transport with Helium, Molten Salts, and Sulphur-iodine Thermochemical Hydrogen Process Fluids

This paper discusses the use of liquid-silicon-impregnated (LSI) carbon-carbon composites for the development of compact and inexpensive heat exchangers, piping, vessels and pumps capable of operating in the temperature range of 800 to 1100°C with high-pressure helium, molten fluoride salts, and process fluids for sulfur-iodine thermochemical hydrogen production. LSI composites have several potentially attractive features, including ability to maintain nearly full mechanical strength to temperatures approaching 1400°C, inexpensive and commercially available fabrication materials, and the capability for simple forming, machining and joining of carbon-carbon performs, which permits the fabrication of highly complex component geometries. In the near term, these materials may prove to be attractive for use with a molten-salt intermediate loop for the demonstration of hydrogen production with a gas-cooled high temperature reactor. In the longer term, these materials could be attractive for use with the moltensalt cooled Advanced High Temperature Reactor, molten salt reactors, and fusion power plants.
Seasonal dissolved inorganic nitrogen and phosphorus budgets for two sub-tropical estuaries in south Florida, USA

Interactions among geomorphology, circulation, and biogeochemical cycling determine estuary responses to external nutrient loading. In order to better manage watershed nutrient inputs, the goal of this study was to develop seasonal dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) and phosphorus (DIP) budgets for the two estuaries in south Florida, the Caloosahatchee River estuary (CRE) and the St. Lucie Estuary (SLE), from 2002 to 2008. The Land–Ocean Interactions in the Coastal Zone (LOICZ) approach was used to generate water, salt, and DIN and DIP budgets. Results suggested that internal DIN production increases with increased DIN loading to the CRE in the wet season. There were hydrodynamic effects as water column concentrations and ecosystem nutrient processing stabilized in both estuaries as flushing time increased to >10 d. The CRE demonstrated heterotrophy (net ecosystem metabolism or NEM 0.0) increased significantly with external DIP loading. This included DIP consumption and a bloom of a cyanobacterium ( Microcystis aeruginosa ) following hurricane-induced discharge to the SLE in 2005. Additionally, while denitrification provided a microbially-mediated N loss pathway for the CRE, this potential was not evident for the SLE where N 2 fixation was favored. Disparities between total and inorganic loading ratios suggested that the role of dissolved organic nitrogen (DON) should be assessed for both estuaries. Nutrient budgets indicated that net internal production or consumption of DIN and DIP fluctuated with inter- and intra-annual variations in freshwater inflow, hydrodynamic flushing, and primary production. The results of this study should be included in watershed management plans in order to maintain favorable conditions of external loading relative to internal material cycling in both dry and wet seasons.
The Allocation of Functions between Man and Machines in Automated Systems

Abstract : The report postulates that men are good at doing that which machines are not good at doing and machines are good at doing that which men are not good at doing. Thus men and machines are not comparable, but complementary, and the term 'allocation of tasks to men and machine' becomes meaningless. Rather a task must be done by men and machines.