cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Abstract 468: Cancer cells with G/G mdm2 SNP309 have compromised transcriptional elongation of p53 target genes

Proceedings: AACR Annual Meeting 2014; April 5-9, 2014; San Diego, CA MDM2 protein is often found over-expressed in cancers with wild-type p53. A single nucleotide polymorphism (T to G) near the mdm2 P2 promoter, mdm2 SNP309, leads to MDM2 overexpression. This polymorphism is associated with accelerated tumor formation, decreased sensitivity to DNA damage treatment and compromised p53 transcriptional activity. Two G/G SNP309 cell lines MANCA (Burkitt lymphoma) and A875 (melanoma) express wild-type p53 protein not readily degraded by MDM2. This wild-type p53 does not activate target genes even after DNA damage. During the blocked transcription, MDM2 and p53 co-localize at p53 response elements on chromatin. Therefore, we hypothesized that MDM2 localized with p53 on the chromatin was the contributing factor for the compromised p53 transcriptional activity. We explored the mechanism for compromised p53 transcriptional activity in these G/G SNP309 cancer cell lines. When compared to fully activated wild-type p53 in ML-1 cells treated with etoposide, MANCA and A875 cell lines had comparable recruitment of total and initiated RNA pol II at transcription start sites (TSS) for p21 and puma genes. This indicated that G/G SNP309 cells had functional transcription initiation at p53 target genes after DNA damage treatment. We next assessed epigenetic modifications associated with active transcriptional elongation. Using H3K36 trimethylation (H3K36me3) as a hallmark for active elongation, we observed that ML-1 cells had a substantial increase in H3K36me3 after etoposide treatment at p21 and puma TSS that was not seen in MANCA or A875 cell lines. This lack of H3K36me3 suggested an inhibition in early transcriptional elongation. To address the participation of MDM2 in the elongation block we created a stable MDM2 knockdown MANCA cell line. Interestingly, MDM2 knockdown drastically increased MDMX protein levels and moderately increased activation of p53 target genes implying MDMX played a redundant role for MDM2. We are currently investigating the roles of MDM2 and MDMX in blocking transcriptional elongation. Interestingly, we have found that treatment of MANCA cells with low dose Actinomycin D reactivates the p53 pathway and studies are in progress to determine if this is through activation of transcriptional elongation. This work was supported by The Breast Cancer Research Foundation and The National Science Foundation (grant MCB-0744316) to J.B. M.R. was supported by the MBRS-RISE Program to Hunter College 3R25-GM060665. Citation Format: Melissa Rosso, Alla Polotskaia, Jill Bargonetti. Cancer cells with G/G mdm2 SNP309 have compromised transcriptional elongation of p53 target genes. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr 468. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-468
Memory-window-size-temperature dependence of the metal-nitride-oxide-silicon (MNOS) structure☆

Abstract MNOS capacitors were used to study the variation in memory window size as a function of temperature. Results of the investigation indicate that devices written with nonsaturating write/erase pulses exhibit a positive temperature coefficient due to the increase in conductivity of the nitride layer with increasing temperature. Devices written with saturating write/erase pulses exhibit a negative temperature coefficient as a result of fewer traps being available to trap charge as temperature is increased. Average values for the positive and negative temperature coefficients of all devices studied were 0.5 and −0.15 V per 25°C rise in temperature, respectively.
The effects of mood variation on state-dependent retention

Few studies have examined mood state-dependent retention—the notion that when the affective states accompanying learning and remembering are the same, information will be retained better than when they differ. Three experiments were conducted to examine state-dependent retention using a simple mood induction procedure and an unselected population of college students. Self-statements developed by Velten (1968) were chosen to influence subjects to feel somewhat depressed or elated or to experience no mood change. A 2 ×2 experimental design, incorporating a single word list and varying the mood conditions present during learning and later testing, was used in each of the first two experiments, neither of which revealed state dependence. However, a significant effect was found in the third experiment, which employed an interference paradigm. Subjects learned two lists of words under differing mood conditions. Testing was conducted under one of two mood conditions, elation or depression. Methodological issues and clinical implications of these findings are discussed.
Single-grain post-IR IRSL signals of K-feldspars from alluvial fan deposits in Baja California Sur, Mexico

Single grains of K-feldspar from alluvial fan units are dated using a more time-stable signal, the post-infrared infrared stimulated luminescence, or, ‘post-IR IRSL’. A quick measurement protocol is discussed, ‘fast post-IR IRSL,’ that stimulates first with the IR diodes at the lower temperature and then measures grain-by grain at the higher temperature. A criterion is offered for rejecting outlying grains based on hierarchical clustering. Single-grain fading rates are found to diverge from single aliquot fading values, and the fading rates from the brightest subset of grains correspond well with an infinite age cobble and independent age control. Age comparison with a cosmogenic depth-profile age shows agreement at 1σ. The depositional chronology suggests that the climate responsible for regionally-extensive, upper-regime floods which aggraded the older units, transitioned into a climate producing weaker channelized floods around the Late Pleistocene–Holocene transition.
Effects of hyperprolactinemia on estrous cyclicity, serum luteinizing hormone, prolactin, estradiol, and progesterone concentrations, and catecholamine activity in microdissected brain areas.

The purpose of the present study was to determine the duration of PRL treatment required to suppress estrous cyclicity and preovulatory LH surges and to ascertain whether such treatment affects cyclicity by altering catecholamine activity and/or ovarian steroid secretion. Rats exhibiting 4-day estrous cycles were treated with ovine PRL (oPRL) or vehicle beginning on diestrous day 1 at 0900 h, diestrous day 2 at 2400 h, prqestrus at 0600 h, or proestrus at 1200 h. Jugular veins of rats were cannulated to the level of the right atrium on diestrous day 2. Unrestrained rats were bled on proestrus. Preovulatory LH surges and ovulation were completely blocked, and vaginal cytology remained leukocytic on the expected day of proestrus and estrus when oPRL treatment was begun on diestrous day 1. Such treatment elevated progesterone levels beginning on diestrous day 2 and suppressed the preovulatory rise in estradiol observed on proestrous morning and afternoon in control rats. To determine the effect of oPRL on ca...
Improving systems engineering curriculum using a competency-based assessment approach

This paper summarises the use of a competency-based approach to assess our university's systems engineering curriculum. Our team selected and validated a systems engineering competency model developed from within the space industry to perform an assessment of our core systems engineering courses. Next, we assessed the level to which a student successfully completing our programme, could potentially 'apply', with minimal guidance, those systems engineering capabilities we defined as critical. We identified the gaps or opportunity areas for improvement in our curriculum and based on these gaps, we developed an initial set of actions for improving our core systems engineering curriculum.
Exposure of mice to topical bovine thrombin induces systemic autoimmunity.

Bovine thrombin is used as an aid to hemostasis in medical and surgical procedures. At least 500,000 Americans are exposed to this therapeutic annually and reports suggest that exposure is associated with the development of autoreactive antibodies. To determine whether bovine thrombin can induce pathological autoimmunity we exposed nonautoimmune-prone galactose-α1-3-galactose-deficient mice to the two bovine thrombin preparations currently approved for use in the United States. We found that, like humans exposed to bovine thrombin, mice developed an immune response against the therapeutic and the xenogeneic carbohydrate galactose-α1-3-galactose, and some mice developed autoantibodies against clotting factors. Further, unexpectedly, a single exposure to this therapeutic also induced autoimmunity with features characteristic of systemic lupus erythematosus including antibodies against nuclear antigens, native DNA, double-stranded DNA, and cardiolipin. High levels of these autoantibodies correlated with glomerulonephritis in all mice evaluated. This autoimmune syndrome was detected in mice 15 weeks after a secondary exposure to bovine thrombin and female mice were found to develop the syndrome at a significantly greater frequency than males. Thus, these studies indicate that exposure to bovine thrombin preparations can induce a pathological systemic autoimmune syndrome with lupus-like serology.
Detecting physiological and pesticide-induced apoptosis in early developmental stages of invasive bivalves

In this study, embryos and early larval stages of two invasive bivalves, the Mediterranean mussel (Mytilus galloprovincialis) and zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha), were assayed for physiological apoptosis and stress-induced apoptosis post-exposure to a molluscicide, Bayluscide®. Physiological apoptosis was measured at 4-h intervals and Bayluscide® exposures were 4 h and 24 h beginning at both 30 min post-fertilization and at 24 h post-fertilization. Apoptosis was detected by the TUNEL assay, and apoptotic values were compared for the different stages present. The two bivalves tested for apoptotic cells displayed variations in physiological and stress-induced apoptotic values despite having the same life stage transitions. However, in the majority of exposures, we found that as pesticide concentrations increased, the apoptotic values decreased in the highest concentrations. We suggest that this change to apoptotic inhibition indicates that there is a threshold at which apoptosis can no longer be used as a protective measure against damaged cells. These concentrations that cause changes in apoptotic pattern should be further tested for long-term effects on reproduction and survival. By detecting sub-lethal concentrations that may impair recruitment to the population and the continuation of the life cycle, chemical control of invasive bivalves could be targeted to early life stages and to reduce potential environmental impacts resulting from the higher concentrations required to control adults.
Trigeminal ganglion neuronal activity and glial fibrillary acidic protein immunoreactivity after inferior alveolar nerve crush in the adult rat

Nerve injury to the mandibular division of the trigeminal nerve has been shown to cause satellite cell reactions that extend beyond the mandibular division of the trigeminal ganglion into the maxillary and ophthalmic divisions. The goal of this study was to determine whether any physiological abnormalities correlated with this dispersal of satellite cell reaction. We investigated the electrophysiological and satellite cell glial fibrillary acidic protein immunoreactivity (GFAP-IR) changes that occur within the trigeminal ganglion 3, 10 and 59 days after a crush injury of the inferior alveolar nerve (IAN). At 3 days after IAN crush, there were no mechanically-evoked responses to ipsilateral stimulation of the skin and intraoral structures (e.g., mandibular incisor, lower lip and rostral mandibular gingiva) innervated by the IAN. However, the peripheral representations of the auriculotemporal, mylohyoid, lingual and maxillary nerve were intact and no abnormal responses to mechanical stimulation were detected to stimulation of tissue innervated by these nerves. By 10 days after the IAN crush, mandibular neurons responded to mechanical and electrical stimuli of the peripheral receptive field of the IAN, but with slower conduction velocities and higher electrical thresholds compared to control values. These abnormal electrophysiological response characteristics persisted 59 days following nerve injury. At 3, 10 and 59 days after IAN crush, 3-4% of the recorded mandibular neurons displayed spontaneous activity that was never observed in rats without nerve injury. Spontaneous activity was also never observed in neurons recorded in the maxillary or ophthalmic divisions of the trigeminal ganglion. Intense GFAP-IR in satellite cells was observed surrounding a mean of 131.7 neurons/section within the mandibular division of the trigeminal ganglion 3 days after nerve injury and around 50.3 neurons/section at 10 days. GFAP-IR was also present surrounding 16.5 and 10.3 neurons/section in the maxillary division of the trigeminal nerve at 3 and 10 days, respectively. At 59 days after IAN crush, GFAP-IR satellite cells were found around 22.9 neurons/section in the mandibular division of the trigeminal nerve, but were not found elsewhere in the trigeminal ganglion. The more extensive distribution of neurons encircled by satellite cell GFAP-IR compared to the trigeminal ganglion region containing abnormal electrophysiological responses demonstrates that abnormal neuronal signaling may not be characteristic of trigeminal ganglion neurons that are surrounded by GFAP injury reactions. However, the persistence of GFAP-IR 59 days after nerve injury suggests that satellite cell GFAP is involved in the long-term recovery of injured neurons.
The r0 structural parameters of equatorial and axial chlorocyclobutane, conformational stability from temperature dependent infrared spectra of xenon solutions, and vibrational assignments

Variable temperature (−55 to −100 °C) studies of the infrared spectra (4,000–400 cm−1) of chlorocyclobutane, c-C4H7Cl, dissolved in liquid xenon have been carried out. The infrared spectrum (4,000–100 cm–1) of the gas has also been recorded. For this puckered ring molecule the enthalpy difference between the more stable equatorial conformer and the axial form, has been determined to be 361 ± 17 cm−1 (4.32 ± 0.20 kJ/mol). This stability order is consistent with that predicted by ab initio calculations but the ∆H is much lower than the average energy value of 646 ± 73 cm−1 obtained from the MP2 ab initio calculations or 611 ± 28 cm−1 from the B3LYP density functional theory calculations. The percentage of the axial conformer present at ambient temperature is estimated to be 15 ± 1%. By utilizing previously reported microwave rotational constants for both conformers combined with ab initio MP2(full)/6–311+G(d,p) predicted structural values, adjusted r 0 parameters have been obtained. The determined heavy atom structural parameters for the equatorial conformer are: the distances C–Cl = 1.783(5), C1–C4 = 1.539(3), C4–C6 = 1.558(3) A, and angles ∠C6C4C1 = 86.9(5), ∠C4C1C5 = 89.7(5)°, and for the axial conformer are: the distances C–Cl = 1.803(5), C1–C4 = 1.547(3), C4–C6 = 1.557(3) A, and angles ∠C6C4C1 = 86.3(5), ∠C4C1C5 = 88.9(5) and the puckering angles for the equatorial and axial conformers are 30.7(5)° and 22.3(5)°, respectively. The conformational stabilities, harmonic force fields, infrared intensities, Raman activities, depolarization ratios and vibrational frequencies have been obtained for both conformers from MP2(full)/6-31G(d) ab initio calculations and compared to experimental values where available. The results are discussed and compared to the corresponding properties of some similar molecules.
Computer Education in Didactic Programs in Dietetics

Abstract LEARNING OUTCOME: To assess the current level of computer education in Didactic Programs in Dietetics. With the rapid expansion of telecommunications in the world the need to provide Didactic Program in Dietetic (DPD) students computer skills is more critical than ever. The proposed new education standards for DPD Programs, which define the entry-level foundation knowledge, skills, and competencies for credentialing eligibility, include several competencies for the use of computers. Yet, no clear guidelines are given for the level of computer competence that is expected. In addition to the unclear levels of competencies needed by DPD students, the many problems of providing access to hardware and software is frequently unreported. A survey was conducted to determine the current level of computer education in DPD programs, and to identify future goals and the problems encountered in meeting these goals. A questionnaire consisting of program enrollment information, current computer facilities, problems in providing computer education, and current computer education was sent to DPD Program Directors (n=225). A usable response rate of 36.4% (n=82) was received. When asked to indicate if their program currently provided adequate computer skills, 74% indicated they did, while 26% of the program indicated they did not currently provide adequate computer skills. On a scale of one to five, one indicated minimum education and five the highest education level, the overall rating was a 3.1. The type of computer education currently offered by DPD programs is: nutrition analysis programs (99%), word processing (86%), telecommunications (76%), food costing / menu management (71%), clinical nutrition software (50%). When asked to indicate their top three problems in providing computer education to their students, the response in the order of frequency sited was: current time available of faculty members (54%), cost of the software (49%), current curriculum too full (40%) and access to computers in a classroom setting (40%). The need for computer education is clear, but specific skills needed and the problems in providing these skills need further discussion.
Microbes and the brain

The roles of nature and nurture as determinants of human behaviour have been grist for philosophers for millennia. For much of the twentieth century infectious diseases captured the popular imagination with the hope that vaccines and antibiotics would provide cures not only for diseases clearly due to microbes such as poliomyelitis, rabies, and syphilis, but also for chronic brain disorders of unknown pathogenesis such as multiple sclerosis, depression, and schizophrenia. Proponents of infectious bases for these disorders have cited such evidence as discordance for disease in monozygotic twins (schizophrenia), increased prevalence with distance from the equator (schizophrenia and multiple sclerosis), and preponderance of second-trimester matemal exposure to respiratory tract infections, particularly influenza (autism, schizophrenia). More recently, we became enamoured with the notion that panaceas will arise through genome projects. Frustration with the ability to move beyond simple allelic Van Gogh: infected with microbes? associations to genetic causation has led to models based on interactions of genes. Although such models are plausible, it is reasonable to reintroduce the environment into the equation. As with most complex dialectics, the answers are likely to be found in synthesis: susceptibility genes coupled with environmental factors such as infectious agents, toxins, and psychosocial stressors. Most people would agree that if the relationship between any microbial agents and schizophrenia, affective disorders, or multiple sclerosis were elementary, the influence of such environmental factors on disease expression should already be apparent. A number of scenarios have been proposed to explain the difficulties in apprehending specific microbes through routine strategies for pathogen detection: low-level persistence in neural tissues, "hit-and-run" mechanisms, or indirect effects of pathogens through mechanisms such as molecular mimicry, where immune responses to an agent cross-react with normal host tissues to cause disease. Alternatively,
A solid-phase Bcr-Abl kinase assay in 96-well hydrogel plates

Regulated phosphorylation by protein tyrosine kinases (PTKs), such as c-Abl, is critical to cellular homeostasis. In turn, once deregulated as in the chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) fusion protein Bcr-Abl, PTKs can promote cancer onset and progression. The dramatic success of the Bcr-Abl inhibitor imatinib as therapy for CML has inspired interest in other PTKs as targets for cancer drug discovery. Here we report a novel PTK activity and inhibition screening method using hydrogel-immobilized peptide substrates. Using acrylate crosslinkers, we tether peptides via terminal cysteines to thiol-presenting hydrogels in 96-well plates. These surfaces display low background and high reproducibility, allowing semiquantitative detection of peptide phosphorylation by recombinant c-Abl or by Bcr-Abl activity in cell extracts using traditional anti-phosphotyrosine immunodetection and chemifluorescence. The capabilities of this assay are demonstrated by performing model screens for inhibition with several commercially available PTK inhibitors and a collection of pyridopyrimidine Src/Abl dual inhibitors. This assay provides a practical method to measure the activity of a single kinase present in a whole cell lysate with high sensitivity and specificity as a valuable means for efficient small molecule screening.
Development and Pathophysiological Basis of Thrombolytic Therapy in Acute Myocardial Infarction Part I. 1912–1977 The Controversy Over the Pathogenetic Role of Thrombus in Acute Myocardial Infarction

Although acute myocardial infarction (MI) was among the indications of Fletcher's 1959 safety study of thrombolytic therapy, this indication was not pursued in subsequent U.S. trials. The 1977 FDA approval of thrombolytic therapy did not include acute MI. The view that coronary thrombus, due to rupture of the underlying plaque and frequently associated with dissecting hemorrhage from the lumen into the plaque causes MI, had lost its dominance. Branwood had concluded that coronary thrombosis was not the cause but the consequence of MI, occurring in a minority of patients. Paterson had ascribed plaque hemorrhage to rupture of capillaries within the plaque. Autopsy studies in the mid-1960s provided fresh evidence that coronary thrombi were common in acute MI and that intimal fissuring caused both intraluminal thrombosis and plaque hemorrhage. Despite this, Robert's view that plaque fissures were artifacts resulting from sectioning arteries, and that coronary thrombosis resulted from a prolonged low output state associated with large infarcts, prevailed. Meanwhile, European investigators continued to explore thrombolysis in acute MI, although they believed that the lysis time for a coronary thrombus exceeded the time limit of myocardial tolerance of anoxia. They hoped to improve collateral flow and microcirculation by lysing microthrombi in capillaries and venules within and around the infarct zone. The reduction in blood viscosity associated with fibrinolytic therapy was expected to further improve collateral flow and to decrease myocardial oxygen demand by reducing afterload. The discussion about the pathogenesis of acute MI was limited by the inherent selection bias of autopsy studies and a paucity of in vivo angiographic data.
A complete dissolution procedure for SnPb solders using nitric and hydrochloric acids with simultaneous determination of major and trace elements by ICP/OES.

Abstract A complete and fast dissolution procedure for tin and lead based solders is described. Trace and major elemental concentrations are determined by inductively coupled argon plasma emission (ICP) spectroscopy. One gram solder samples in the concentration range of 40–63 wt % tin are completely dissolved using nitric and hydrochloric acids. ICP analyses of certified reference materials prepared by this dissolution method are reported and compared to reference values. Based on comparison, the sample preparation method discussed is successful for quantitative analysis of trace and major elements in tin—lead solders.
Uncertainty in 14C model ages of saturated zone waters: The influence of soil gas in terranes dominated by C3 plants

Summary Many groundwater 14 C age models require the assumption of the δ 13 C value of soil CO 2 at the time of recharge. Concurrently, δ 13 C values of DIC are used to estimate the contribution of “live” carbon from the soil zone and “dead” carbon via the dissolution of calcite. Thus, model ages are critically sensitive to the δ 13 C value of CO 2 in soil. Soil CO 2 was sampled monthly throughout Utah representing a variety of elevations, climates, and plant communities where C 3 plant assemblages dominate. A δ 13 C value of ∼−22 ± 1.5‰ (1 σ ) was obtained where plant growth and soil microbial activity are not strongly suppressed by aridity. During spring and early summer in highly vegetated uplands, a value of −24.0 ± 0.6‰ was found. Used as model age inputs, the associated uncertainties produce errors of ±500 and ±200 yr, respectively for model ages of saturated zone waters. At one field station, δ 13 C values of soil CO 2 vary between −8‰ at the soil/atmosphere interface to ∼−23‰ at depth, confounding the choice of model input values depending on where water in the soil column is assumed to acquire its gas. Measurements, inverse models, and forward models of δ 13 C gradients indicate that during recharge, >50% pore saturation decreases the atmospheric exchange such that isotopic gradients are erased at depths >10–20 cm. Thus, large vertical gradients in this key input to model age calculations can be neglected. In summary, this work represents a significant improvement in understanding the origin and variability of δ 13 C values extant in the vadose zone during recharge, and permit a realistic assessment of the uncertainty in 14 C ages of saturated zone waters resulting from the choice of this parameter.
Sealing of boreholes using natural, compatible materials: Granular salt

Granular salt can be used to construct high performance permanent seals in boreholes which penetrate rock salt formations. These seals are described as seal systems comprised of the host rock, the seal material, and the seal rock interface. The performance of these seal systems is defined by the complex interactions between these seal system components through time. The interactions are largely driven by the creep of the host formation applying boundary stress on the seal forcing host rock permeability with time. The immediate permeability of these seals is dependent on the emplaced density. Laboratory test results suggest that careful emplacement techniques could results in immediate seal system permeability on the order of 10{sup {minus}16} m{sup 2} to 10{sup {minus}18} m{sup 2} (10{sup {minus}4} darcy to 10{sup {minus}6}). The visco-plastic behavior of the host rock coupled with the granular salts ability to ``heal`` or consolidate make granular salt an ideal sealing material for boreholes whose permanent sealing is required.
Comparison of the 10 000 and 43 000 dalton polypeptide populations isolated from the water soluble and insoluble fractions of human cataractous lenses.

Abstract The 10 000 and 43 000 dalton polypeptides from pooled human cataractous lenses were isolated from the water soluble fraction and were compared with the respective polypeptides isolated from the water insoluble fraction. The water soluble proteins were first separated with Sephadex G-200 under non-deaggregating conditions. The 10 000 dalton polypeptide was found principally in the last major protein component eluting from the column. The 43 000 dalton polypeptide was found apparently complexed non-covalently primarily within three aggregate populations ranging in size from 4 to 15 × 10 4 daltons. The 43 000 as well as the 10 000 dalton polypeptides from the G-200 column were purified in acetic acid-urea on Sephadex G-100 and G-150, respectively. The 10 000 dalton polypeptide can also be purified after the initial column fractionation without dissociation. The polypeptides from the water insoluble fraction were isolated by methodologies previously reported. Characterization of the 10 000 and 43 000 dalton polypeptides isolated from the water soluble and insoluble fractions indicated marked similarities. However, with both polypeptide populations the water insoluble component contained a greater negative charge, lower abundance of certain amino acids (e.g. tryptophan, tyrosine, methionine), and a greater atypical fluorescence. Immunochemical data indicates that the 10 000 dalton population from both soluble and insoluble fractions contains components arising from a number of different polypeptides including soluble crystallins and the extrinsic 43 000 dalton polypeptide. It was found that there is complete immunochemical identity between the soluble 43 000 dalton polypeptide and its counterpart in the disulfide high molecular weight species and the species isolated from the urea extracted nonreduced water insoluble fraction. However, the urea extracted reduced water insoluble fraction reacted only to the extent of 30% with the anti-water soluble 43 000 dalton polypeptide suggesting at least one other 43 000 dalton component which is present only in the water insoluble fraction.
SDSS galaxy clustering: luminosity and colour dependence and stochasticity

Differences in clustering properties between galaxy subpopulations complicate the cosmological interpretation of the galaxy power spectrum, but can also provide insights about the physics underlying galaxy formation. To study the nature of this relative clustering, we perform a counts-in-cells analysis of galaxies in the Sloan Digital Sky Survey in which we measure the relative bias between pairs of galaxy subsamples of different luminosities and colours. We use a generalized Χ 2 test to determine if the relative bias between each pair of subsamples is consistent with the simplest deterministic linear bias model, and we also use a maximum likelihood technique to further understand the nature of the relative bias between each pair. We find that the simple, deterministic model is a good fit for the luminosity-dependent bias on scales above ∼2 h -1 Mpc, which is good news for using magnitude-limited surveys for cosmology. However, the colour-dependent bias shows evidence for stochasticity and/or nonlinearity which increases in strength towards smaller scales, in agreement with previous studies of stochastic bias. Also, confirming hints seen in earlier work, the luminosity-dependent bias for red galaxies is significantly different from that of blue galaxies: both luminous and dim red galaxies have higher bias than moderately bright red galaxies, whereas the biasing of blue galaxies is not strongly luminosity dependent. These results can be used to constrain galaxy formation models and also to quantify how the colour and luminosity selection of a galaxy survey can impact measurements of the cosmological matter power spectrum.
The ontogeny of littermate preferences in juvenile golden-mantled ground squirrels: effects of rearing and relatedness

Abstract The social preferences of captive, juvenile golden-mantled ground squirrels, Spermophilus lateralis , were studied as a first step towards explaining the development of kin-differential behaviour, which occurs frequently in the genus Spermophilus . There groups of young (four litters/group) were reared in the laboratory and then transferred as juveniles at about 36 days of age to an outdoor, semi-natural environment in which social interactions between juveniles were recorded. In group 1, littermates (young born to a common dam) were reared together until behavioural observations began. In groups 2 and 3, pups were cross-fostered between dams shortly after birth to examine how rearing (together or apart) and relatedness (littermates or non-littermates) affected juveniles' social interactions in the semi-natural environment. Social interactions were recorded for a 9-14-day period beginning when juveniles reached about 37 days of age, which coincides with when they would come above ground for the first time in nature. In all three groups, juveniles' social preferences were manifested most clearly in social play. In group 1, littermates (reared together) played together about twice as often as non-littermates (reared apart) on a per pair basis, which suggests that a shared rearing environment influenced the development of social preferences. In groups 2 and 3 in which pups had been cross-fostered, play-bout frequencies were ordered (high to low): littermates reared together>non-littermates reared together>littermates reared apart>non-littermates reared apart, and statistical analysis revealed that both rearing and relatedness contributed to this ordering. The sex of a pair also affected play-bout frequencies (M-M>M-F>F-F) independently of rearing and relatedness. Results from S. lateralis are compared with studies on other congeners, including parallel work on S. beldingi , in an effort to link interspecific differences in ecology and social organization to differences in the developmental systems that underlie the extent of kin favouritism in ground squirrels.
Meteoritic material in a boulder from the Apollo 17 site - Implications for its origin

Sixteen samples of Boulder 1 from Station 2 at the Apollo 17 site were analyzed by radiochemical neutron activation analysis for Ag, Au, Bi, Br, Cd, Cs, Ge, Ir, Ni, Rb, Re, Sb, Te, Tl, U, and Zn. Two clast samples contam no meteoritic material and appear to consist of relatively pristine igneous rocks: an unusual, KREEP-rich pigeonite basalt of very high Ge content, and an alkali-poor coarse norite. Nine grey or black breccia samples contain a unique, Group 3 meteoritic component of Ir/Au ratio 0.65–0.82, which appears to separate into subgroups 3H and 3L on the basis of Ni, Ge, and Re content. It is quite distinct from the Group 2 component (Ir/Au - 0.46–0.54) that dominates at the Apollo 17 site. The unique black-rimmed clasts from this boulder show striking compositional zoning. The cores of anorthositic breccia are very low in Rb, Cs, and U, and have a distinctive 5L meteoritic component (Ir/Au≈1.1). The black rinds are 5- to 10-fold richer in Rb, Cs, and U and have a Group 3 meteoritic component. The cores may represent breccias formed in an earlier impact that became coated with alkali-rich ejecta during the event that produced the boulder. Because of the rarity of the Group 3 meteoritic component at the Apollo 17 site, this boulder cannot represent ordinary Serenitatis ejecta, with their characteristic admixture of the Group 2 Serenitatis projectile. It may represent pre-Serenitatis material excavated from the fringes of the crater during late stages of the Serenitatis impact, but only lightly shocked and hence uncontaminated by the Serenitatis projectile.
Targeting MEK induces myeloma-cell cytotoxicity and inhibits osteoclastogenesis.

Activation of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase1/2 (ERK1/2) signaling cascade mediates human multiple myeloma (MM) growth and survival triggered by cytokines and adhesion to bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs). Here, we examined the effect of AZD6244 (ARRY-142886), a novel and specific MEK1/2 inhibitor, on human MM cell growth in the bone marrow (BM) milieu. AZD6244 blocks constitutive and cytokine-stimulated ERK1/2 phosphorylation and inhibits proliferation and survival of human MM cell lines and patient MM cells, regardless of sensitivity to conventional chemotherapy. Importantly, AZD6244 (200 nM) induces apoptosis in patient MM cells, even in the presence of exogenous interleukin-6 or BMSCs associated with triggering of caspase 3 activity. AZD6244 sensitizes MM cells to both conventional (dexamethasone) and novel (perifosine, lenalidomide, and bortezomib) therapies. AZD6244 down-regulates the expression/secretion of osteoclast (OC)–activating factors from MM cells and inhibits in vitro differentiation of MM patient PBMCs to OCs induced by ligand for receptor activator of NF-κB (RANKL) and macrophage-colony stimulating factor (M-CSF). Finally, AZD6244 inhibits tumor growth and prolongs survival in vivo in a human plasmacytoma xenograft model. Taken together, these results show that AZD6244 targets both MM cells and OCs in the BM microenvironment, providing the preclinical framework for clinical trials to improve patient outcome in MM.
Serum chitotriosidase activity and Wegener's granulomatosis.

Abstract Objective: We evaluated serum chitotriosidase activity in patients with Wegener's granulomatosis (WG) and compared the values to controls. Design and Methods: We used a standard fluorometric assay to measure chitotriosidase enzyme activity. Results: Serum chitotriosidase enzyme activity levels were higher in WG patients. We found no association between clinical disease activity and chitotriosidase enzyme activity. Conclusions: Serum chitotriosidase enzyme activity has limited utility as a biomarker in WG patients.
The effects of pacing and masking on stutterers' and nonstutterers' speech initiation times

Abstract The present study was undertaken to determine whether pacing and masking would facilitate improved speech initiation times (SITs) both for stutterers and for nonstutterers. All subjects were tested in control, pacing, and masking conditions. The results showed that both stutterers and nonstutterers (1) improved their SITs during the pacing condition as compared with the control condition ( p = 0.01), (2) had slower SITs in the masking condition as compared with the control condition ( p = 0.05), and (3) had faster SITs during the pacing as compared with the masking condition ( p = 0.01). The SIT between-group findings demonstrated that stutterers were slower than nonstutterers across all SIT conditions ( p = 0.08). The discussion of these results centers on the facilatory nature of novel stimulation in modifying speech-system functioning.
The role of luminal contents in radiation enteritis

A guinea pig model was used to evaluate luminal content as a factor in the development of acute radiation enteritis. Surgical bypass of one half of the small bowel created an isolated segment free of luminal contents. Radiation effects on this empty intestine were compared with effects on bowel in continuity, on intestine containing bile only, and on intestine containing pancreatic enzymes plus food. The animals were subjected to a single dose of 1600 rad via an abdominal port and killed 4 days later. Surviving crypts per circumference provided one index of the severity of the injury. Intestinal damage was further evaluated by histologic grading. Surviving crypts were significantly fewer for irradiated segments of bowel containing any of the components of the intestinal stream compared to either nonirradiated controls or irradiated but empty bowel. Histologic scoring revealed a gradation of injury, with progressively more severe damage in empty irradiated bowel, and in intestine containing only pancreatic secretion, bile, and all components of the luminal stream. We conclude that both bile and pancreatic secretions in the lumen enhance acute radiation-induced small-bowel injury.
Microbiome remodelling leads to inhibition of intestinal farnesoid X receptor signalling and decreased obesity

The antioxidant tempol reduces obesity in mice. Here we show that tempol alters the gut microbiome by preferentially reducing the genus Lactobacillus and its bile salt hydrolase (BSH) activity leading to the accumulation of intestinal tauro-β-muricholic acid (T-β-MCA). T-β-MCA is an farnesoid X receptor (FXR) nuclear receptor antagonist, which is involved in the regulation of bile acid, lipid and glucose metabolism. Its increased levels during tempol treatment inhibit FXR signalling in the intestine. High-fat diet-fed intestine-specific Fxr-null (Fxr(ΔIE)) mice show lower diet-induced obesity, similar to tempol-treated wild-type mice. Further, tempol treatment does not decrease weight gain in Fxr(ΔIE) mice, suggesting that the intestinal FXR mediates the anti-obesity effects of tempol. These studies demonstrate a biochemical link between the microbiome, nuclear receptor signalling and metabolic disorders, and suggest that inhibition of FXR in the intestine could be a target for anti-obesity drugs.
Combined effects of prenatal polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and material hardship on child IQ.

Abstract Importance Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are common carcinogenic and neurotoxic urban air pollutants. Toxic exposures, including air pollution, are disproportionately high in communities of color and frequently co-occur with chronic economic deprivation. Objectives We examined whether the association between child IQ and prenatal exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons differed between groups of children whose mothers reported high vs. low material hardship during their pregnancy and through child age 5. We tested statistical interactions between hardships and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, as measured by DNA adducts in cord blood, to determine whether material hardship exacerbated the association between adducts and IQ scores. Design Prospective cohort. Participants were recruited from 1998 to 2006 and followed from gestation through age 7 years. Setting Urban community (New York City) Participants A community-based sample of 276 minority urban youth Exposure measure Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon–DNA adducts in cord blood as an individual biomarker of prenatal polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon exposure. Maternal material hardship self-reported prenatally and at multiple timepoints through early childhood. Main outcome measure Child IQ at 7 years assessed using the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children. Results Significant inverse effects of high cord PAH–DNA adducts on full scale IQ, perceptual reasoning and working memory scores were observed in the groups whose mothers reported a high level of material hardship during pregnancy or recurring high hardship into the child's early years, and not in those without reported high hardship. Significant interactions were observed between high cord adducts and prenatal hardship on working memory scores ( β = − 8.07, 95% CI (− 14.48, − 1.66)) and between high cord adducts and recurrent material hardship ( β = − 9.82, 95% CI (− 16.22, − 3.42)). Conclusion The findings add to other evidence that socioeconomic disadvantage can increase the adverse effects of toxic physical “stressors” like air pollutants. Observed associations between high cord adducts and reduced IQ were significant only among the group of children whose mothers reported high material hardship. These results indicate the need for a multifaceted approach to prevention.
Two new species of Potentilla (Rosaceae) from the Intermountain Region of Western U.S.A.

Two new species ofPotentilla from the Intermountain West (U.S.A.) are described and illustrated here for the first time.Potentilla cottamii is known only from the higher quartzite slopes of the Pilot Range and the Raft River Mountains of western Box Elder Co., Utah and adjacent Elko Co., Nevada in the Great Basin. It most closely resemblesP. hyparctica, P. robbinsiana, andP. frigida, which may be its closest living relatives.Potentilla angelliae is known only from one collection from a subalpine meadow on Boulder Mountain of the Aquarius Plateau in southern Utah. It most closely resemblesP. crinita, P. subjuga, andP. bicrenata, the first of which is considered to be its closest relative.
Changes in EEG power spectra and behavioral states in rats exposed to the acetylcholinesterase inhibitor chlorpyrifos and muscarinic agonist oxotremorine.

Organophosphates (OPs) inhibit acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity causing cholinergic stimulation in the central nervous system (CNS). Cholinergic systems are crucial in electroencephalogram (EEG) generation and regulation of behavior; however, little is known about how OP exposure affects the EEG and behavioral states. We recorded EEG, core temperature and motor activity before and after exposure to the OP pesticide chlorpyrifos (CHP) in adult female rats implanted with telemetric transmitters. The recording and reference electrodes were placed in the occipital and frontal bones, respectively. The animals received CHP, 25 mg/kg, p.o., or oxotremorine (OX), 0.2 mg/kg, s.c. CHP led to a significant increase in delta (0.1-3.5 Hz), slow theta (4-6.5 Hz), gamma 2 (35.5-50 Hz), reduction in fast theta (7-8.5 Hz), alpha/sigma (9-14 Hz), beta 1 (14.5-24 Hz), beta 2 (24.5-30 Hz) and gamma 1 (30.5-35 Hz) powers, slowing of peak frequencies in 1-9 Hz range, hypothermia and decrease in motor activity. The drop in 7-14 Hz was associated with cholinergic suppression of sleep spindles. Changes in behavioral state were characterized by dramatic diminution of sleep postures and exploring activity and prolongation of quiet waking. There was recovery in all bands in spite of continued inhibition of AChE activity [44,45] in rats exposed to CHP. OX-induced EEG and behavioral alterations were similar to CHP except there was no increase in delta and the onset and recovery were more rapid. We did not find a correlation between the EEG and core temperature alterations. Overall, changes in EEG (except in delta band) and behavior following CHP were attributable to muscarinic stimulation. Cortical arousal together with increased quiet waking and decreased sleep after CHP occurred independently from inhibition of motor activity and lowering of core temperature.
An underwood‐like model for a finite mass exchanger

A mathematical model is presented for a multicomponent, two-stream, countercurrent mass exchanger with a finite number of stages. The model relates the outlet compositions to the inlet compositions and the flow rate ratio of the two streams going through the exchanger, as well as the number of stages in the exchanger. An iterative solution procedure employing this model is proposed for the mass exchanger design problem. The model requires solution of a polynomial equation whose roots may be complex. Bounds to the real roots of the polynomial have also been established. Two examples illustrating how the method is employed are presented. The second example demonstrates that the iterative procedure converges even in the complex domain, and that complex roots exist for a real column.
Primary aortic sarcoma mimicking aortic dissection.

Abstract Dissecting aortic aneurysms are often fatal and must be treated early for a favorable outcome. Symptoms and signs that suggest the diagnosis of acute dissection include chest pain, pulmonary edema, extremity ischemia, syncope, stroke, paraplegia, renal failure and sudden death.1 Conditions in which some of these findings also occur include myocardial infarction, pancreatitis, cholelithiasis, renal colic, mesenteric ischemia and embolic or hemorrhagic strokes. Recognition of these conditions is important, as they each require a different management approach. We report a case of a primary aortic tumor masquerading as an aortic dissection.
Sports Officials’ Hearing Status: Whistle Use as a Factor Contributing to Hearing Trouble

The objectives of this study were to examine the prevalence of hearing loss in a sample of sports officials and estimate the duration of whistle use required to reach a permissible 8-hr 100% noise dose. We conducted an online survey of 321 sports officials regarding their exposure to whistle noise and symptoms of hearing loss and tinnitus, and we assessed the acoustic characteristics of commercially available whistles. Male sports officials registered in Michigan had a greater prevalence of self-reported hearing trouble and tinnitus than observed in the general population of the midwestern United States. Sound levels produced by whistles range between 104 and 116 dBA, which corresponds to maximum unprotected exposure times of 90 to 5 sec, respectively. These findings suggest that whistle use may contribute to hearing loss among sports officials.
Precise spin concentrations using aqueous flat cells

Le lieu de la cellule dans la cavite, dans les spectrometres RPE pour l'etude de solution aqueuse est souvent la cause d'erreur systematique. Le but des auteurs est d'eliminer cette cause d'erreur en utilisant un dispositif modifie