cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The small heat shock protein HspB2 is a novel anti-apoptotic protein that inhibits apical caspase activation in the extrinsic apoptotic pathway

Members of the conserved small heat shock protein (sHSP) family, such as αB-crystallin and Hsp27, are constitutively expressed in diverse malignancies and have been linked to several hallmark features of cancer including apoptosis resistance. In contrast, the sHSP HspB2/MKBP, which shares an intergenic promoter with αB-crystallin, was discovered as a chaperone of the myotonic dystrophy protein kinase and has not been previously implicated in apoptosis regulation. Here we describe a new function for HspB2 as a novel inhibitor of apical caspase activation in the extrinsic apoptotic pathway. Specifically, we demonstrate that HspB2 is expressed in a subset of human breast cancer cell lines and that ectopic expression of HspB2 in breast cancer cells confers resistance to apoptosis induced by both TRAIL and TNF-α. We also show that HspB2 inhibits the extrinsic apoptotic pathway by suppressing apical caspases-8 and 10 activation, thereby blocking downstream apoptotic events, such as Bid cleavage and caspase-3 activation. Consistent with these in vitro effects, HspB2 attenuates the anti-tumor activity of TRAIL in an orthotopic xenograft model of breast cancer. Collectively, our results reveal a novel function of HspB2 as an anti-apoptotic protein that negatively regulates apical caspase activation in the extrinsic apoptotic pathway.
Use of 22 nm Litho SEM Non-visual Defect Data as a Process Quality Indicator

This paper proposes that the non-visual defect rate for Litho layers is an indicator of the quality of the process up to and including Litho. “Non-visual” (NV) defects are those detected by optical defect inspection systems but not re-detected by the SEM review tool. The defects are occurring either on or below the surfaces of the films deposited immediately prior to lithography, or buried within the actual lithographic films. Rather than ignore the non-visual data obtained during defect inspection post lithography, the NV rate can be used as a quality indicator to trigger immediate action for root cause determination. This paper presents a new strategy for responding to Litho SEM NV defects based on a detailed study of the origin of these defects.
Polymersomes as viral capsid mimics

Polymersomes are self-assembled polymer shells composed of block copolymer amphiphiles. These synthetic amphiphiles have a similar amphiphilicity to lipids, but they have much larger molecular weights and so for this reason, plus many others reviewed here, comparisons of polymersomes to viral capsids composed of large polypeptide chains seem increasingly more appropriate. The wide range of polymers being used to make polymersomes is summarized together with descriptions of physical properties such as stability and permeability. Emerging studies of in vivo stealthiness and programmed disassembly for controlled release are also elaborated here together with a summary of targeting in vitro. Comparisons of polymersomes to viral capsids are shown to encompass many aspects of current designs. Drug Dev. Res. 67:4–14, 2006. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Distribution of Mutations in Human Thymidylate Synthase Yielding Resistance to 5-Fluorodeoxyuridine

Thymidylate synthase (TS) catalyzes methylation of dUMP to dTMP and is the target of cancer chemotherapeutic agents (e.g. 5-fluorouracil). Here, we used error-prone PCR to mutagenize the full-length human TS cDNA and then selected mutants resistant to 5-fluorodeoxyuridine in a bacterial complementation system. We found that resistant mutants contained 1–5 amino acid substitutions and that these substitutions were located along the entire length of the polypeptide. Mutations were frequent near the active site Cys195 and in the catalytically important Arg50 loop; however, many mutations were also distributed throughout the remainder of the cDNA. Mutants containing a single amino acid replacement identified the following 14 residues as unreported sites of resistance: Glu23, Thr51, Thr53, Val84, Lys93, Asp110, Asp116, Pro194, Ser206, Met219, His250, Asp254, Tyr258, and Lys284. Many of these residues are distant from the active site and/or have no documented function in catalysis or resistance. We conclude that mutations distributed throughout the linear sequence and three-dimensional structure of human TS can confer resistance to 5-fluorodeoxyuridine. Our findings imply that long range interactions within proteins affect catalysis at the active site and that mutations at a distance can yield variant proteins with desired properties.
Identification of Left Ventricular Myocardial Ischemia and Cardiac Prognosis with Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance: Updates from 2008 to 2010

Noninvasive imaging modalities are often used to manage patients with cardiovascular disease. Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) is increasingly used for diagnosing and evaluating myocardial ischemia and viability; moreover, stress CMR study results can be used to determine cardiac prognosis. In this article, we review recently published material regarding the performance of stress testing with CMR including a brief update regarding techniques, stress agents, diagnostic accuracy, prognosis, economic implications, and ongoing trials and future developments.
Possible charge dependence of nucleon-nucleon phase shifts☆

Phase shifts were calculated in a semi-theoretical model setting the quantum mass sequentially equal to the neutral pion mass and the charged pion mass. The results show that analysis under the assumption of charge independence may give false p-p phase values. (D.C.W.)
Ceramic Electrodes for ELF Bioeffects Studies

Whenever metal electrodes are used for chronic exposure of biological material to ELF electric fields in a liquid medium, there is a possibility that observed effects are caused directly by ions from the electrodes rather than by the electric field. The problem can be avoided by using insulated electrodes, but ordinarily this severely limnits the fields which can be obtained in the medium. We show here that by using high dielectric constant ceramic electrodes, current densities greater than 10 A/M2 are achievable at frequencies above 50 Hz.
Children's Development and Societal Divisions

How do racial; cultural; socioeconomic; gender; and ability differences, divisions, and inequities affect the quality of children's lives and their future prospects? Before beginning this review, I...
Gain-guiding effects in an amplifier with focused gain

The non-Hermitian character of a gain-guided amplifier leads naturally to a description of the amplified field in terms of a nonorthogonal mode basis. We present a theoretical analysis, based on a nonorthogonal mode expansion, for the output of an amplifier with focused gain. The theory predicts that the gain-guided nature of the amplification process can lead to excess noise in the output of the amplifier
Mechanical behavior of functionalized nanotubes

The potential use of carbon nanotubes as reinforcements in composite materials is greatly enhanced by improving the fiber-matrix interface bonding. A proposed method to increase the fiber-matrix bonding is by functionalizing the nanotubes. We use molecular dynamics and statics simulations to study the tensile mechanical response of functionalized carbon nanotubes. It is found that the there is a marginal increase in stiffness in functionalized nanotubes, and the stiffness values are found to increase with the increase in number of attachments. When deformed at high temperatures, formation of topological and failure are found to occur at lower strains.
Effect of basal epicardial tone on endothelium-independent coronary flow reserve measurement

Increased basal epicardial tone may attenuate the coronary flow reserve (CFR) by causing vasodilatation of resistance vessels. We examined the effect of basal epicardial tone on the endothelium-independent CFR measurements in subjects with nonobstructive coronary disease. Patients underwent evaluation of endothelium-independent CFR using adenosine (18–36 μg) and endothelium-dependent CFR using acetylcholine (10−6M-10−4M), both administered intracoronary. CFR to adenosine, presented as the ratio of Doppler flow velocities post- and pre-adenosine, was measured at baseline and after intracoronary nitroglycerin (200 μg). Nitroglycerin increased the coronary artery diameter by 19.7 ± 2.5%, and decreased the coronary vascular resistance from 3.0 ± 0.2 mm Hg/ml/min to 1.8 ± 0.1 mm Hg/ml/min (p < 0.0001). The response to adenosine at baseline and after nitroglycerin was similar (CFR ratio of 2.52 ± 0.09 and 2.57 ± 0.10, respectively, p = NS). The effect of nitroglycerin on the response to adenosine did not correlate with coronary endothelial function (r2 = 0.06, p = 0.13). The basal epicardial tone does not affect CFR measurements in patients with angina and nonobstructive coronary disease. Cathet. Cardiovasc. Diagn. 44:392–396, 1998. © 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Engineering Education in the Internet Age: Contrasting Faculty Adoption

This study examines internet usage in undergraduate mechanical engineering courses in a small private university in California, with the goal of establishing best practices for faculty implementation of online content. To do this, six mechanical engineering faculty were interviewed regarding their use of internet resources in their various courses, and their views on how successful or unsuccessful they were in using the internet to improve their pedagogy. A survey was then administered to junior and senior mechanical engineering students to identify their needs and to triangulate the interview findings. It was found that faculty can be grouped into three general archetypes based on their use of online resources in each of their courses: internet resisters, internet users, and internet adopters. It was also found that while professors would invariably teach each individual course as a single archetype, most would teach different courses as different archetypes, to best fit each course's requirements and co...
Identification of p53 and Human Papilloma Virus in Schneiderian Papillomas

Schneiderian papilloma of the nose is an unusual neoplasm with the propensity for local tissue destruction, recurrence, and malignant degeneration. Human papilloma virus (HPV) is related to a subset of sinonasal papillomas and has been implicated in the pathogenesis of cancer by interaction with the host p53 protein. Detection of p53 and HPV could be clinically useful as tumor markers for lesions with oncogenic potential. Thirty specimens for p53 were studied and nine (30%) stained positive. HPV was detected in six (20%). In the presence of p53, an odds ratio for carcinoma was 1.19:1, or 19% higher than expected. In the presence of HPV the odds ratio for carcinoma was 11.5:1, or 11.5 times higher than expected. In the presence of HPV an odds ratio for finding an elevated amount of p53 was 2.2:1. The data support the hypothesis that HPV and p53 may interact in a novel manner and elevate the risk for neoplasia.
Hosting Business Meetings and Special Events in Virtual Worlds: A Fad or the Future?

Several industry challenges have resulted in reduced business activity. Additionally, reduced budgets combined with increased demands have required practitioners to be innovative in meeting business needs. In response, some forward-thinking companies have adopted information technology solutions. This research investigates the awareness, acceptance, and adoption of virtual reality applications. Findings indicate that virtual meetings and special events are innovative and viable methods to effectively and efficiently achieve organizational objectives. Still, in the early stages of development, the use of virtual reality within the meetings, incentive, convention, and exhibition industry looks promising; however, widespread adoption may be years away.
Design of a physically-based distributed parameter model for arid-zone surface-groundwater management

Abstract A conjunctive use study was conducted for the management of surface- and groundwater in the coastal aquifers of the Red Sea coast in Saudi Arabia. The objective of this study was to investigate the conceptual feasibility of implementing a good development strategy of surface- and groundwater in the region. The arid hydrology of the region and the agronomic practices and traditions of water allocation unique to the region required the design and development of a special model. A previous paper presented the analytical and numerical procedures that were used in the design and development of this model. This paper discusses the application of the developed model to conduct a case study in the Wadi Jizan aquifer in Saudi Arabia. Four development strategies based on three surface-water development schemes and two groundwater development schemes were designed. The model was used to simulate the physical and operational behavior of the system for a 17-yr. study period. The strategies were evaluated with respect to their effects on the surface-water system which consists of the wadi, distribution canals and farms, the groundwater system which consists of the unsaturated and saturated zones of the aquifers, and the agronomic system which includes all the components which deals with the use of water for crop production. The study results show that properly designed conjunctive management strategies which make use of the aquifer for storage of excess flood water could be effectively used to conserve and develop the limited freshwater supplies in the region to increase agricultural production.
Proportional hazards analysis of field warranty data

This paper describes a proportional hazards reliability analysis and some of the methods of statistical inference, based on asymptotic theory. The authors report application of the Weibull proportional hazards model to the analysis of actual field warranty data for automotive air conditioning compressors. Statistical inference is illustrated through asymptotic normal confidence intervals and the likelihood ratio test statistic. The research employed a commercial data set to test theories relevant to defensive systems reliability analysis, and illustrates technology transfer from defense-research to commercial applications.
Collaborative design research: Lessons from continuous auditing

In this paper we discuss Collaborative Design Research – a hybrid methodology for undertaking design science research in collaboration with industry partners – that has been applied to the area of Continuous Auditing and which also has wider applicability to AIS research. Collaborative Design Research has a role at the time in the evolution of a field when early adopting practitioners have made the decision to implement an innovation, but there is as yet no established product or set of best practices that makes it obvious what they should do. We discuss eight key issues facing researchers attempting to do collaborative design research: 1) choice of implementation partner (IP), 2) choice of projects, 3) managing expectations, 4) building on the expertise of the IP, 5) introducing innovation to the IP, 6) project evaluation and reassessment, 7) cost and resource management, and 8) publishing results.
The effect of temperature on the cytogenetic damage induced by fast neutrons in Tradescantia microspores

Abstract The effect of temperatures ranging from 0° to 36°G on the induction of chromosome aberrations by 50 rads of fission neutron irradiation has been studied. There was no significant difference between two treatments at 23°C when one was in air and the other in nitrogen, nor between two treatments in nitrogen, one at 23°G and the other at 36°C. However, in nitrogen at 0°C more chromosome exchanges (rings and dicentrics) were found than when radiation was delivered at 23°C. Various mechanisms by which fast neutron irradiation at low temperatures could influence the production of chromosome aberrations under anaerobic conditions are discussed.
Language-Internal Explanation: The Distribution of Russian Impersonals

This article exemplifies LANGUAGE-INTERNAL EXPLANATION. It seeks to document and to explain the inability of Russian impersonal clauses to be infinitival. We argue that this gap is the consequence of two independent facts of Russian grammar: a case restriction on a silent expletive pronoun and the requirement that subjects of infinitival clauses be dative. These clash in infinitival contexts, which explains the gap. The explanation is language-internal in that it relies on no putatively universal principles. At the same time, each type of device posited is needed independently in the grammars of other languages. Our result bears on the issue of what language-particular properties expletives may have, on the issue of whether silent expletives exist, and on the more general theoretical issue of whether clauses are required to have subjects universally.
Adrenergic neurons: Are they present on microvessels in cheek pouches of hamsters?

Abstract Catecholaminergic innervation was investigated in the cheek pouch, mesentery, and cremaster muscle of the hamster. These tissues were removed from normal hamsters after anesthetization with sodium pentobarbital. They were prepared immediately for visualization of catecholamines by using a glyoxylic acid fluorescent technique. Visualization was accomplished via a Zeiss fluorescent microscope with a 470-nm barrier and a 420-nm excitation filter. No fluorescence was observed in or around the microvessels of the cheek pouch; however, intense flourescence was demonstrated around and along microvessels in the mesentery and cremaster muscle. Thus, within the limitations of this technique, this study demonstrates that local catecholamines, either as a component of adrenergic neurons or a part of the local tissue milieu, are nondetectable in the microvessels within the cheek pouch as compared to mesenteric and muscle tissue of the hamster.
The exonuclease activity of hPMC2 is required for transcriptional regulation of the QR gene and repair of estrogen-induced abasic sites

We have previously reported that the expression of antioxidative stress enzymes is upregulated by trans-hydroxytamoxifen (TOT) in breast epithelial cell lines providing protection against estrogen-induced DNA damage. This regulation involves Estrogen Receptor β (ERβ) recruitment to the Electrophile Response Element (EpRE) and a novel protein, human homolog of Xenopus gene which Prevents Mitotic Catastrophe (hPMC2). We have also demonstrated that ERβ and hPMC2 are required for TOT-dependent recruitment of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP-1) and Topoisomerase IIβ (Topo IIβ) to the EpRE. Sequence analysis reveals that the C-terminus of hPMC2 encodes a putative exonuclease domain. Using in vitro kinetic assays, we found that hPMC2 is a 3′–5′ non-processive exonuclease that degrades both single-stranded and double-stranded substrates. Mutation of two conserved carboxylate residues drastically reduced the exonuclease activity of hPMC2, indicating the relative importance of the catalytic residues. Western blot analysis of breast cancer cell lines for Quinone Reductase (QR) levels revealed that the intrinsic exonuclease activity of hPMC2 was required for TOT-induced QR upregulation. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays also indicated that hPMC2 was involved in the formation of strand breaks observed with TOT treatment and is specific for the EpRE-containing region of the QR gene. We also determined that the transcription factor NF-E2-related factor-2 (Nrf2) is involved in the specificity of hPMC2 for the EpRE. In addition, we determined that the catalytic activity of hPMC2 is required for repair of abasic sites that result from estrogen-induced DNA damage. Thus, our study provides a mechanistic basis for transcriptional regulation by hPMC2 and provides novel insights into its role in cancer prevention.
ACP Journal Club. Corticosteroid injection worsened recovery and recurrence of tennis elbow; physiotherapy had no effect.

Source Citation Coombes BK, Bisset L, Brooks P, Khan A, Vicenzino B. Effect of corticosteroid injection, physiotherapy, or both on clinical outcomes in patients with unilateral lateral epicondylalg...
Effect of gate resistance on high-frequency power switching efficiencies of advanced power MOSFETs

Accurate gate resistance values for large-area power MOSFETs have been obtained from calorimetric power loss measurements. It is shown that advanced power MOSFETs fabricated using refractory silicide gates exhibit a fivefold reduction in the gate resistance compared to conventional power MOSFETs with heavily POCl/sub 3/-doped polysilicon gates. Power MOSFETs with integral Schottky diodes are shown to further reduce the resistive-gate power dissipation. A simple analysis is used to evaluate the switching efficiency of power MOSFETs as a function of output current and switching frequency. >
Dynamics of Nosema pyrausta in natural populations of the European corn borer, Ostrinia nubilalis : A six-year study

Nosema pyrausta (Paillot) (Microsporida: Nosematidae) is an obligatory intracellular parasite of the European corn borer, Ostrinia nubilalis (Hubner) (Lepi- doptera: Crambidae). This pathogen is maintained in natural populations of O. nubilalis by both horizontal and vertical transmission. The impact of N. pyrausta on fecundity of adults and survival of larvae has been well documented in laboratory and field research. In an extensive study covering a 6 year period at one site, we described the effect of N. pyrausta within O. nubilalis populations in a continuous corn following corn ecosystem. We documented the presence of the pathogen through all life stages of O. nubilalis (egg, larva, pupa, adult), by collecting throughout the crop season and examining each insect stage in the laboratory for the frequency of infection with N. pyrausta. The percentage of infection with N. pyrausta and magnitude of the O. nubilalis population fluctuated throughout generation 1 and generation 2. Both horizontal and vertical transmission played a role in maintaining N. pyrausta in the population in both generations. There were strong correlations between percentage adults with N. pyrausta and percentage larvae with N. pyrausta, and between percentage eggs with N. pyrausta and percentage larvae with N. pyrausta. There was a weak correlation between percentage adults with N. pyrausta and percentage eggs with N. pyrausta .T he percentage of insects infected with N. pyrausta was always lowest in the egg.
Coadsorption of two monomer species on a square lattice with first- and second-neighbor interactions

We obtain the low-temperature phases and phase transitions of the coadsorption of two monomer species on a semi-infinite square lattice of odd width M, with first- and second-neighbor interactions. We study the cases for which first-neighbor interactions between two monomers of the same species are repulsive, allowing all other interactions to be attractive or repulsive. Most of the numerical results are found to fit exact closed-form expressions in M, thus allowing exact analytic extrapolations to the infinite two-dimensional case (M5‘). @S1063-651X~97!05508-6# While no exact solution of lattice models for the adsorption or coadsorption of gas molecules on surfaces has been analytically derived, when first- and second-neighbor interactions between the adsorbed molecules are considered, lowtemperature numerical studies of one species of monomers adsorbed on a square lattice allow one to obtain closed-form analytic expressions for all possible phases and for the conditions under which phase transitions occur @1#. In this previous work, the surface considered was a semi-infinite M3N square lattice ( N!‘) in the presence of a gas containing one molecular species, with the adsorbed molecules each occupying one site. For this reason, we referred to them as monomers. The system is at thermal equilibrium with the monomer chemical potential energy m depending on the external gas pressure. The interaction energies of an adsorbed monomer are V0 with the lattice, V with any first-neighbor monomer at a distance a, and W with any second-neighbor monomer at a distance a&. The assumption was that the first-neighbor interaction is repulsive, V,0, allowing the second-neighbor interaction to be either attractive or repulsive. The study showed six distinct interaction regions with ‘‘p phases’’ appearing sequentially with increasing external pressure, from the empty lattice phase p0 to the fully covered lattice phase p 15 , as follows @1#.
Antibacterial peptides isolated from insects

Insects are amazingly resistant to bacterial infections. To combat pathogens, insects rely on cellular and humoral mechanisms, innate immunity being dominant in the latter category. Upon detection of bacteria, a complex genetic cascade is activated, which ultimately results in the synthesis of a battery of antibacterial peptides and their release into the haemolymph. The peptides are usually basic in character and are composed of 20-40 amino acid residues, although some smaller proteins are also included in the antimicrobial repertoire. While the proline-rich peptides and the glycine-rich peptides are predominantly active against Gram-negative strains, the defensins selectively kill Gram-positive bacteria and the cecropins are active against both types. The insect antibacterial peptides are very potent: their IC50 (50% of the bacterial growth inhibition) hovers in the submicromolar or low micromolar range. The majority of the peptides act through disintegrating the bacterial membrane or interfering with membrane assembly, with the exception of drosocin, apidaecin and pyrrhocoricin which appear to deactivate a bacterial protein in a stereospecific manner. In accordance with their biological function, the membrane-active peptides form ordered structures, e.g. alpha-helices or beta-pleated sheets and often cast permeable ion-pores. Their cytotoxic properties were exploited in in vivo studies targeting tumour progression. Although the native peptides degrade quickly in biological fluids other than insect haemolymph, structural modifications render the peptides resistant against proteases without sacrificing biological activity. Indeed, a pyrrhocoricin analogue shows lack of toxicity in vitro and in vivo and protects mice against experimental Escherichia coli infection. Careful selection of lead molecules based on the insect antibacterial peptides may extend their utility and produce viable alternatives to the conventional antimicrobial compounds for mammalian therapy.
Global sensitivity analysis of the radiative transfer model

With the recently launched Soil Moisture Active Passive (SMAP) mission, it is very important to have a complete understanding of the radiative transfer model for better soil moisture retrievals and to direct future research and field campaigns in areas of necessity. Because natural systems show great variability and complexity with respect to soil, land cover, topography, precipitation, there exist large uncertainties and heterogeneities in model input factors. In this paper, we explore the possibility of using global sensitivity analysis (GSA) technique to study the influence of heterogeneity and uncertainties in model inputs on zero order radiative transfer (ZRT) model and to quantify interactions between parameters. GSA technique is based on decomposition of variance and can handle nonlinear and nonmonotonic functions. We direct our analyses toward growing agricultural fields of corn and soybean in two different regions, Iowa, USA (SMEX02) and Winnipeg, Canada (SMAPVEX12). We noticed that, there exists a spatio-temporal variation in parameter interactions under different soil moisture and vegetation conditions. Radiative Transfer Model (RTM) behaves more non-linearly in SMEX02 and linearly in SMAPVEX12, with average parameter interactions of 14% in SMEX02 and 5% in SMAPVEX12. Also, parameter interactions increased with vegetation water content (VWC) and roughness conditions. Interestingly, soil moisture shows an exponentially decreasing sensitivity function whereas parameters such as root mean square height (RMS height) and vegetation water content show increasing sensitivity with 0.05 v/v increase in soil moisture range. Overall, considering the SMAPVEX12 fields to be water rich environment (due to higher observed SM) and SMEX02 fields to be energy rich environment (due to lower SM and wide ranges of TSURF), our results indicate that first order as well as interactions between the parameters change with water and energy rich environments.
Molecular classification of papillary thyroid carcinoma: distinct BRAF , RAS , and RET/PTC mutation-specific gene expression profiles discovered by DNA microarray analysis

Thyroid cancer poses a significant clinical challenge, and our understanding of its pathogenesis is incomplete. To gain insight into the pathogenesis of papillary thyroid carcinoma, transcriptional profiles of four normal thyroids and 51 papillary carcinomas (PCs) were generated using DNA microarrays. The tumors were genotyped for their common activating mutations: BRAF V600E point mutation, RET/PTC1 and 3 rearrangement and point mutations of KRAS, HRAS and NRAS. Principal component analysis based on the entire expression data set separated the PCs into three groups that were found to reflect tumor morphology and mutational status. By combining expression profiles with mutational status, we defined distinct expression profiles for the BRAF, RET/PTC and RAS mutation groups. Using small numbers of genes, a simple classifier was able to classify correctly the mutational status of all 40 tumors with known mutations. One tumor without a detectable mutation was predicted by the classifier to have a RET/PTC rearrangement and was shown to contain one by fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis. Among the mutation-specific expression signatures were genes whose differential expression was a direct consequence of the mutation, as well as genes involved in a variety of biological processes including immune response and signal transduction. Expression of one mutation-specific differentially expressed gene, TPO, was validated at the protein level using immunohistochemistry and tissue arrays containing an independent set of tumors. The results demonstrate that mutational status is the primary determinant of gene expression variation within these tumors, a finding that may have clinical and diagnostic significance and predicts success for therapies designed to prevent the consequences of these mutations.
Biphasic Elimination of Noscapine

Published data concerning the elimination of noscapine from various species were critically re-examined. It would appear that noscapine is distributed into a third compartment prior to exponential elimination. An analogy between the pharmacodynamics of noscapine and the barbiturate, thiopental, is considered.
Generating β Cells from Stem Cells—The Story So Far

Despite intensive research, a treatment for diabetic patients that completely restores normoglycemia for an indefinite period of time remains elusive. Although islet transplantation temporarily confers normoglycemia to patients, the lack of a renewable source of insulin-producing β cells hampers the use of this treatment option. Although significant hurdles remain, recent advances in stem cell biology indicate that generation of fully matured β cells from uncommitted progenitor cells, including human embryonic stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells derived from somatic cell populations, is becoming an achievable goal.
Calculating the influence of external changes on the photoluminescence of a CdS quantum dot

The influence of external charges on the radiative recombination rate of an electron−hole pair in a CdSe quantum dot is investigated via atomistic empirical pseudopotential calculations. It is found that, when a negative external charge is near the surface of a CdSe quantum dot, its Coulomb potential could be strong enough to pull the hole away from the electron and results in a reduction of the radiative recombination rate by a factor of 70. Distance, direction, charge number, and charge type dependences of this effect are investigated.
Strategies to improve global influenza surveillance: A decision tool for policymakers

Global pandemic influenza preparedness relies heavily on public health surveillance, but it is unclear that current surveillance fully meets pandemic preparedness needs. We first developed a conceptual framework to help systematically identify strategies to improve the detection of an early case or cluster of novel human influenza disease during the pre-pandemic period. We then developed a process model (flow diagram) depicting nine major pathways through which a case in the community could be detected and confirmed, and mapped the improvement strategies onto this model. Finally, we developed an interactive decision tool by building quantitative measures of probability and time into each step of the process model and programming it to calculate the net probability and time required for case detection through each detection pathway. Input values for each step can be varied by users to assess the effects of different improvement strategies, alone or in combination. We illustrate application of the tool using hypothetical input data reflecting baseline and 12-month follow-up scenarios, following concurrent implementation of multiple improvement strategies. We compared outputs from the tool across detection pathways and across time, at baseline and 12-month follow up. The process model and outputs from the tool suggest that traditional efforts to build epidemiology and laboratory capacity are efficient strategies, as are more focused strategies within these, such as targeted laboratory testing; expedited specimen transport; use of technologies to streamline data flow; and improved reporting compliance. Other promising strategies stem from community detection – better harnessing of electronic data mining and establishment of community-based monitoring. Our practical tool allows policymakers to use their own realistic baseline values and program projections to assess the relative impact of different interventions to improve the probability and timeliness of detecting early human cases or clusters caused by a novel influenza virus, a possible harbinger of a new pandemic. Policymakers can use results to target investments to improve their surveillance infrastructure. Multi-national planners can also use the tool to help guide directions in surveillance system improvements more globally. Finally, our systematic approach can also be tailored to help improve surveillance for other diseases.
Genetic diversity in harvested and protected populations of wild American ginseng, Panax quinquefolius L. (Araliaceae)

Genetic diversity was examined at 16 allozyme loci in 21 wild populations of the medicinal plant American ginseng, Panax quinquefolius L. (Araliaceae). This species has been harvested from forests in North America for more than 250 years. Average expected heterozygosity was significantly greater within protected populations (He 5 0.076) than within populations in which harvesting was permitted (He 5 0.070). More notably, genetic structure was greater among unprotected populations (GST 5 0.491) than among protected populations (GST 5 0.167). These differences in the level and distribution of genetic diversity in American ginseng populations indicate that harvesting may have significant evolutionary implications for this species. Age class structure also shifted toward smaller, nonreproductive plants in unprotected populations. Juvenile plants had lower genetic diversity ( He 5 0.067) than reproductive plants (He 5 0.076) suggesting that conserving a proportion of the largest (oldest) plants in each population is important to protect reproductive fitness and the evolutionary potential of the species. Due to its high genetic structure, conservation recommendations include protecting populations throughout the range of P. quinquefolius.
What Is the Best Therapy for My Moderate to Severe Ulcerative Colitis? State-of-the-Art Therapy for Moderate to Severe Ulcerative Colitis

The symptoms of ulcerative colitis (UC) are caused by inflammation of the large intestine, which is composed of the colon and the rectum. Most of the symptoms of UC are caused by inflammation of the rectum. The severity of your symptoms and additional factors help us choose the appropriate therapy for you. Patients having, for example, four or more bowel movements per day or other symptoms like fever or anemia are categorized as having moderately to severely active colitis. Because of your current symptoms, we believe your UC belongs to that category.
The effect of elevated dietary citrus pulp on the growth, feed efficiency, carcass merit, and lean quality of finishing pigs

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of elevated dietary citrus pulp (DCP) on the growth, feed efficiency, carcass merit, and lean quality of finishing pigs. Over a 49-d trial period, pigs (n = 40) were fed 1 of 4 diets: a corn–soybean meal control diet (CON; n = 10) or the same diet with DCP replacing 15% (n = 10), 22.5% (n = 10), or 30% (n = 10) of the total diet DM. Pigs fed the CON and 22.5% DCP diets had greater (P < 0.02) G:F than pigs fed 30% DCP. Fat over the LM received greater (P < 0.04) lightness values in animals fed the CON diet than those consuming either 22.5 or 30% DCP diets. Pigs fed CON or 15% DCP exhibited lower (P ≤ 0.03) lean redness scores than lean from pigs fed 22.5 or 30% DCP. When evaluated objectively, bellies from CON-fed pigs were firmer (P < 0.01) than all other dietary treatment groups, but bellies from CON- and 15% DCP–fed pigs garnered greater (P < 0.04) subjective firmness scores than pigs fed 22.5 or 30% DCP. Belly thickness at both the blade and flank ends decreased with increasing DCP, whereas pigs fed the CON diet exhibited the thickest (P < 0.03) bellies. Overall, DCP inclusion above 15% of the diet DM appeared to be economically detrimental to overall production because of negative effects on growth performance and pork belly quality.
The precipitin band as a mechanical barrier revealed by gel diffusion studies of gonadotropic hormones.

SummaryUnder certain experimental conditions, a specific antigenic component of pregnant mare's serum gonadotropin (PMSG) reacted with a hyperimmune antiserum to ovine luteinizing hormone (LH) to form an early-appearing heavy precipitin line in agar gel double diffusion preparations. It was demonstrated that it interfered with the free diffusion of some unrelated antibodies in a multiple precipitating antigen/antibody system. In addition, removal of this line by treatment of PMSG with urea unmasked a well-defined line identified in another study as a contaminant of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). Failure of the latter line to appear under similar conditions when untreated PMSG was used was ascribed to the interference with diffusion of the FSH contaminant through the strong mechanical barrier formed by the specific component of PMSG.
Simple Model of the Mars Observer Laser Altimeter Laser Transmitter

The Mars Observer Laser Altimeter utilizes a space qualified diode laser pumped Q-switched Nd:YAG laser transmitter. We present a simple numerical model of the laser energetics predicting the pulse energy, pulse width and temperature dependence.
Goblet cell density and distribution in cats with clinically and histologically normal conjunctiva.

The aim of this study was to evaluate goblet cell density (GCD) and distribution in cats without clinical evidence of ocular surface disease and without histologic evidence of conjunctival disease.Fourteen Domestic Shorthair cats euthanized for reasons unrelated to this study.Before euthanasia, cats were verified using slit-lamp biomicroscopy and fluorescein staining to be free of eyelid or ocular surface abnormalities. Immediately after euthanasia, bilateral conjunctival specimens including third eyelid (TEL) were collected, routinely processed, and stained with periodic acid-Schiff and hematoxylin and eosin. Thirteen conjunctival regions were identified. For each region, GCD was expressed as the percentage of goblet cells/200 basal epithelial cells.Mean GCD ranged widely by region: anterior surface of the TEL = 48.8%, fornicial regions = 47.0%, palpebral regions = 38.5%, bulbar regions = 19.6%, and posterior surface of the TEL = 12.6%. The anterior surface of the TEL had significantly higher GCD than did the bulbar and the palpebral regions, but not the fornicial regions. Bulbar conjunctiva had significantly lower GCD than did all other conjunctival regions except the posterior surface of the TEL. No significant difference was noted between GCD of male versus female cats, dorsal versus ventral regions, or lateral versus medial regions.Although conjunctival GCD ranged widely by region, the anterior surface of the TEL appears to be an excellent location for assessing conjunctival goblet cells in cats because this area has high GCD and is more readily accessible than is the palpebral, fornicial, or bulbar conjunctiva.
The Application of Computer-Aided Text Analysis in Social Entrepreneurship Research

ABSTRACT Social entrepreneurs often make public appeals for funding to investors who are motivated by non-financial considerations. This emerging research context is an opportunity for researchers ...
Effect of Pyridoxine on Levodopa Metabolism in Normal and Parkinsonian Subjects

SummaryThe effect of pyridoxine on the metabolism of Levodopa was studied in four normal volunteer subjects and five Parkinsonian patients. Each subject served as his own control. Co-administration of Levodopa and pyridoxine in Parkinsonian patients, but not in healthy subjects, significantly decreased DOPA excreted in urine and concomitantly increased urinary DA and DOPAC. Clinically worsened symptoms followed co-administration of pyridoxine and Levodopa in two of five Parkinsonians studied. These data suggest that pyridoxine enhances extracerebral metabolism of Levodopa in chronically treated Parkinsonian patients.
Real Time Spatial-Temporal Signal Processing by Wave-Mixing with Cascaded Second-Order Nonlinearities

Signal and image processing operations, such as convolution, correlation, and phase conjugation, have been implemented by holographically recorded filtering elements placed in the Fourier plane of a coherent telecentric imaging system.1 The concept of holographic processing has been recently adopted for ultrafast temporal waveforms, generating a spectral hologram and achieving signal processing capabilities on ultrafast waveforms.2,3
Factors Affecting Investment and Perceptions for the Bulgarian Market

This paper presents the research findings of a dual-survey process designed to understand the level of potential investor trust in the Eastern European market of Bulgaria both before and after being given information on the daily working environment for small businesses. The first survey inventories several key aspects of issues facing small businesses in Bulgaria and was distributed to potential investors. They are surveyed twice, both before and after exposure to the results of an inventory of owner issues. The second survey of Bulgarian business people was used to inventory these owner issues. The current climate of transitional economies and European bailouts means uncertainty for all aspects of global business. By furthering understanding of perceptions of investors and actual Bulgarian business practices, this research attempted to ascertain if increased trust was possible and if increased trust would translate to willingness to create business partnerships. Both surveys utilized a Likert scale. The potential investors surveyed were expatriates living in Sofia, Bulgaria and small business owners in the Mid-western United States. A second survey was given to Bulgarian small business owners. This work served to identify currently held practices, issues and ideas encountered in the Bulgarian market. The initial survey of expatriates and small business owners showed a general lack of trust in, and understanding of, Bulgarian businesses, practices and their national context. After exposure to the inventoried results of the Bulgarian business environment, the surveyed individuals responded with increased levels of trust in multiple aspects of the Bulgarian Original Research Article British Journal of Economics, Management & Trade, 4(2): 197-212, 2014 198 business environment and a willingness to partner with, and invest in, these businesses.
Quantifying the Effect of Pyraclostrobin on Grainfill Period and Kernel Dry Matter Accumulation in Maize

Abstract Strobilurin fungicides are effective against a wide range of foliar fungal diseases on several crops and may offer additional physiological benefits, including plants staying green longer ...
Vaughan Williams's Songs of Travel: A Note on the Structural Role of the Thematic Recollections in Songs 4 and 9

To begin with two observations: (1) of the nine songs that eventually came to comprise Vaughan Williams's Songs of Travel, two – Nos 4 (‘Youth and Love’) and 9 (‘I Have Trod the Upward and the Downward Slope’) – quote material from earlier songs; and (2) in an article published in 1897, Vaughan Williams criticized some of his predecessors for lacking a ‘nice sense of proportion’ in their music, surely implying, therefore, that he valued it in his own music. And it is with the interaction of those recollections and that ‘nice sense of proportion’ in songs 4 and 9 that we will be concerned.
Acute pain service, Kandang Kerbau Hospital, 1995--a first year's experience.

Aim: To determine the efficacy and safety of the different modes of post-operative analgesia in the first 24 hours for both caesarean section and major gynaecological procedures. Methods: Being a purely descriptive study, the patients were not randomised to the post-operative analgesic mode. The choice was made both by the patient and the anaesthetist. The modes employed were continuous intravenous morphine, continuous intravenous pethidine, epidural morphine/bupivacaine, epidural bupivacaine/fentanyl and spinal morphine. During the first 24 hours, the patients' maximum pain scores, ability to sleep well, presence of nausea and/or vomiting, pruritus, respiratory depression and drowsiness and/or giddiness were elicited. Backache and inflammation at the site of insertion of the epidural catheter were also elicited in patients on regional analgesia They were also asked if they were satisfied with the Pain Service. Results: Out of 2,024 patients, 60% had undergone caesarean section and 40% had undergone major gynaecological procedures. Continuous intravenous morphine, the most common mode, was used in 83% of obstetric patients and 47.9% of gynaecological patients. Only one obstetric patient and one gynaecological patient complained of severe pain at rest while 12 obstetric patients and 3 gynaecological patients had severe pain on movement or coughing. Side-effects, most commonly nausea and/or vomiting and drowsiness and/or giddiness, were present in 8.8% of obstetric patients and 32.5% of gynaecological patients. 99.3% of obstetric patients and 99.6% of gynaecological patients were overall satisfied with their analgesia. Conclusion: Our post-operative analgesic modes were found to be effective and safe.
Raynaud's phenomenon in radial forearm free-tissue transfer.

During 1998, 69 patients underwent eitherfasciocutaneous or osteofasciocutaneous radial forearm free-tissue transfers at our institution. Three of these patients (4.3%), who had undergone a total o...
Urodynamic studies in anesthetized children.

AbstractUrodynamic study was done on 31 neurologically normal children with urinary infection and/or severe voiding disturbances. The evaluation was performed with the child under anesthesia because awake testing proved unsatisfactory. Detrusor contraction occurred in 29 children under anesthesia and sufficient data were obtained to identify accurately patterns of dysfunction and to initiate therapy. A method for anesthetic neurourologic study using enflurane is presented, which permits reliable and reproducible urodynamic observations to be made in patients in whom awake investigations are incomplete or unsatisfactory.