cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
KIF14 Promotes AKT Phosphorylation and Contributes to Chemoresistance in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer

Abstract Despite evidence that kinesin family member 14 (KIF14) can serve as a prognostic biomarker in various solid tumors, how it contributes to tumorigenesis remains unclear. We observed that experimental decrease in KIF14 expression increases docetaxel chemosensitivity in estrogen receptor–negative/progesterone receptor–negative/human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative, "triple-negative" breast cancers (TNBC). To investigate the oncogenic role of KIF14 , we used noncancerous human mammary epithelial cells and ectopically expressed KIF14 and found increased proliferative capacity, increased anchorage-independent grown in vitro , and increased resistance to docetaxel but not to doxorubicin, carboplatin, or gemcitabine. Seventeen benign breast biopsies of BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation carriers showed increased KIF14 mRNA expression by fluorescence in situ hybridization compared to controls with no known mutations in BRCA1 or BRCA2 , suggesting increased KIF14 expression as a biomarker of high-risk breast tissue. Evaluation of 34 cases of locally advanced TNBC showed that KIF14 expression significantly correlates with chemotherapy-resistant breast cancer. KIF14 knockdown also correlates with decreased AKT phosphorylation and activity. Live-cell imaging confirmed an insulin-induced temporal colocalization of KIF14 and AKT at the plasma membrane, suggesting a potential role of KIF14 in promoting activation of AKT. An experimental small-molecule inhibitor of KIF14 was then used to evaluate the potential anticancer benefits of downregulating KIF14 activity. Inhibition of KIF14 shows a chemosensitizing effect and correlates with decreasing activation of AKT. Together, these findings show an early and critical role for KIF14 in the tumorigenic potential of TNBC, and therapeutic targeting of KIF14 is feasible and effective for TNBC.
Virus infection triggers insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus in a transgenic model: Role of anti-self (virus) immune response

We investigated the potential association between viruses and insulin-dependent (type 1) diabetes (IDDM) by developing a transgenic mouse model. By inserting into these mice a unique viral protein that was then expressed as a self-antigen in the pancreatic islets of Langerhans, we could study the effect on that expressed antigen alone, or in concert with an induced antiviral (i.e., autoimmune) response manifested later in life in causing IDDM. Our results indicate that a viral gene introduced as early as an animal's egg stage, incorporated into the germline, and expressed in islet cells does not produce tolerance when the host is exposed to the same virus later in life. We observed that the induced anti-self (viral) CTL response leads to selective and progressive damage of beta cells, resulting in IDDM.
The role of materials in the electronics world of 2012 A.D.: An update

In reviewing the predictions by G.K. Teal for 2012, I am struck most by the accuracy of his vision. The year 1962 was at the very beginning of the electronics revolution. Silicon integrated circuits were but a gleam in the eyes of a select few, yet Teal saw clearly that modern electronics would be based, fundamentally and pervasively, on "tailor-making materials starting at the atomic level". Personally, I believe that the development of new materials and novel structures is going to be as important to the evolution of electronics over the next 15 years as it has in the past 35 years.
Accumulation of astatine211 by thyroid gland in man.

Summary1. Accumulation of At211 by thyroid gland in patients suffering from various disorders of that organ has been demonstrated. 2. Accumulation of At211 by thyroid glands of these patients appears to be relatively higher than has been observed in experiments employing rats. 3. There may be a correlation between the uptake of At211 and stable iodine in thyroid tissue. 4. One patient with papillary adenocarcinoma showed no discernible accumulation of At211 in metastases present in cervical lymph nodes.
Maxing Out Our Take

Locating the origins of maximum sustainable yield in efforts to protect U.S. commercial fisheries against their competitors, Finley argues that the collapse of world fisheries does not illustrate the tragedy of the commons but stems from deliberate governmental and international policy.
The Long Arm of Eugenics

Are you fit? A fit parent? A fit body? A fit citizen? And what does it mean if you are not? If the language of "fitness" seems colloquial, if this sequence of questions feels predictable, if a "no" answer seems socially unacceptable, you are feeling the reach of eugenics. And, if this connection seems doubtful, I recommend the experience of reading, side by side, Katrina Irving's Immigrant Mothers: Narratives of Race and Maternity, 1890-1925; Allison Berg's Mothering the Race: Women's Narratives of Reproduction, 18901930; Wendy Kline's Building a Better Race: Gender, Sexuality, and Eugenics from the Turn of the Century to the Baby Boom; and Nancy Ordover's American Eugenics: Race, Queer Anatomy, and the Science of Nationalism. Together, these four books make visible the ubiquity of eugenic assumptions in the US. Although they do not say it in so many words, the authors show how eugenics may after all have succeeded in the US, where it was first applied institutionally, better than it did in Nazi Germany-better in the sense of longer and perhaps also in the sense of deeper, insofar as eugenics happened to emerge and to enter the fabric of American culture earlier in the country's history and therefore more formatively (a mere hundred years after its constitutional founding). Such a perspective suggests that American cultural historians might pay more attention to the formative role of eugenics in the US throughout the twentieth century and into the present, especially its embeddedness in our economic language. When we read Margaret Sanger's comment that "[t]he American public is taxed-and heavily taxed-to maintain an increasing race of morons which threatens the very foundations of our civilization," we might find the language of morons alien but the image of a recklessly "increasing," money-draining underclass is certainly familiar (qtd. in Ordover 148). The persistence of such assumptions gives a glimpse of eugenics's unspent currents. In Immigrant Mothers, Katrina Irving focuses on the three main positions within early-twentieth-century immigrant debatesnativist, assimilationist, and progressive. She argues that they share a common eugenic framework in which white races are assumed to
Simulations of state government fiscal policy: The balanced budget multiplier

State governments are becoming increasingly aware that fiscal policy is a method of affecting the aggregate level of economic activity in the state. This study analyzes the economic effects of the balanced budget multiplier within the regional context. Using a simple model of a regional economy, the study shows that factor migration and state-federal tax interactions eliminate the possibility of a balanced budget multiplier for the region. In addition, the impact of policy on employment and disposable personal income, primary indications of regional welfare, may be assymetrical. A series of simulations employing an econometric model of Alaska illustrates the likely magnitude of effects upon a region.
Organic phase resistance to dissolution of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon compounds

The dissolution of naphthalene, phenanthrene, and pyrene from viscous organic phases into water was studied in continuous-flow systems for time periods ranging from several months to more than 1 year. By selecting nonaqueous phases ranging from low viscosity to semisolid, i.e., from a light lubricating oil to paraffin, the governance of mass transfer was shown to vary from water phase control to nonaqueous phase control. An advancing depleted-zone model is proposed to explain the dissolution of PAHs from a viscous organic phase wherein the formation of a depleted zone within the organic phase increases the organic phase resistance to the dissolution of PAHs. The experimental data suggest the formation of a depleted zone within the organic phase for systems comprising a high-viscosity oil, petrolatum (petroleum jelly), and paraffin. Organic phase resistance to naphthalene dissolution became dominant over aqueous phase resistance after flushing for several days. Such effects were not evident for low viscosity lubricating oil. The transition from aqueous-phase dissolution control to nonaqueous-phase dissolution control appears predictable, and this provides a more rational framework to assess long-term release of HOCs from viscous nonaqueous phase liquids and semisolids.
Determination of atomic positions using electron nanodiffraction patterns from overlapping regions: Si[110]

Abstract A procedure for determining atomic positions is described that utilizes electron nanodiffraction patterns from overlapping regions. The technique is applied using experimental data collected for Si[110] with a beam 4 A in diameter. Autocorrelation functions are calculated for each beam position and correlated with theoretical functions. The positions of the Si atoms are established with an accuracy of ±0.2 A, and images with 1 A resolution are computed for individual beam positions. It is also demonstrated how the technique may be used to determine, with similar resolution, the structure of noncrystalline regions adjacent to crystalline regions.
Influence of Mechanically Deboned Meat and Phosphate Salts on Functional and Sensory Attributes of Fermented Turkey Sausage

Abstract Semi-dry, fermented sausages were made, incorporating mechanically deboned turkey meat (MDTM) and hand deboned turkey meat in ratios of 0:100, 20:80, 35:65, and 50:50, and polyphosphate salt levels of 0% and 0.5%. These sausages were evaluated for objective and subjective characteristics: proximate composition and pH (raw and cooked), total acidity, yields, shear and tear strengths, and sensory acceptability. Addition of phosphates had no effect on the proximate composition or yields of sausages. This was contrary to literature reports, but was probably due to the long processing time of the sausages. Phosphate salts raised the pH of sausages, as expected. The shear and tear values of the sausages were significantly increased by addition of phosphates and significantly decreased by increasing levels of MDTM. No significant interactions were found. Sensory evaluations tended to indicate that, when thinly sliced, sausages were considered primarily for flavor rather than for texture or appearance. The sausages made in this study were all considered acceptable, to a degree dependent on the individual’s preference for the spicy flavor. Alkaline phosphate salts have potential use in stabilizing MDTM for use in semi-dry, fermented poultry sausages.
Activation of gene expression by small molecule transcription factors

Eukaryotic transcriptional activators are minimally comprised of a DNA binding domain and a separable activation domain; most activator proteins also bear a dimerization module. We have replaced these protein modules with synthetic counterparts to create artificial transcription factors. One of these, at 4.2 kDa, mediates high levels of DNA site-specific transcriptional activation in vitro. This molecule contains a sequence-specific DNA binding polyamide in place of the typical DNA binding region and a nonprotein linker in place of the usual dimerization peptide. Thus our activating region, a designed peptide, functions outside of the archetypal protein context, as long as it is tethered to DNA. Because synthetic polyamides can, in principle, be designed to recognize any specific sequence, these results represent a key step toward the design of small molecules that can up-regulate any specified gene.
Phase-space dynamics and quantum mechanics

In a recent paper Deal has postulated a new dynamical equation for quantum mechanical phase-space distribution functions. We analyze the new equation and show that it may be related to the traditional standard and antistandard phase-space representations of quantum mechanics. A brief review of these and other representations is also given.
Two mechanisms of vision in primates.

Experiments with split-brain monkeys led me to consider that vision of space and vision of object identity may be subserved by anatomically distinct brain mechanisms. In this paper I examine the visual mechanisms of the brain to test the idea that vision involves two parallel processes; one ambient, determining space at large around the body, the other focal which examines detail in small areas of space.
Species specific differences in the in vitro metabolism of the flame retardant mixture, Firemaster® BZ-54.

Firemaster® BZ-54 is a flame retardant additive and consists of a brominated benzoate (2-ethylhexyl 2,3,4,5-tetrabromobenzoate; TBB) and a brominated phthalate (bis (2-ethylhexyl) 2,3,4,5-tetrabromophthalate; TBPH). Previous research has shown that fathead minnows exposed in vivo to Firemaster® BZ-54 accumulate TBB and TBPH. This study examined the in vitro biotransformation potential of TBB and TBPH in hepatic subcellular fractions (i.e., S9, microsomes and cytosol) in the fathead minnow, common carp, mouse and snapping turtle. Metabolism was evaluated by measuring the loss of the parent TBB or TBPH and identifying potential metabolites in the sample extracts. Metabolic loss of TBPH was measured for all species, while TBB loss was observed for all species except for the snapping turtle. Several metabolites were observed in all of the incubations except for snapping turtle. Metabolites observed appeared to be derived from TBB, given their structures and lack of appearance in the snapping turtle incubations. One of these metabolites, 2,3,4,5-tetrabromomethylbenzoate has been identified for the first time in a biological system. When metabolized, TBB and TBPH loss was found in each subcellular fraction suggesting that the enzyme(s) involved are present in both soluble and membrane-bound forms. It can be concluded that a broad range of species are capable of metabolizing TBB and TBPH to various metabolites and further research should be carried out to ascertain the specific products formed from metabolism of TBB and TBPH.
Interactions between D1 and muscarinic receptors in the induction of striatal c-fos in rats depleted of dopamine as neonates.

Abstract The contributions of striatal D1 receptors to the expression of sensorimotor behavior are qualitatively different in rats depleted of dopamine (DA) as neonates vs. as adults. In an effort to reveal neuronal mechanisms underlying these behavioral differences we determined the effects of the partial D1 agonist SKF 38393, the muscarinic antagonist scopolamine, and the combination of the two drugs on the induction of c- fos in the striatum and its projection sites, the globus pallidus and substantia nigra. Adult rats, given intracerebroventricular injections of 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA, 50 μg/5 μl/hemisphere) or its vehicle on postnatal day 3, were treated with SKF 38393 (1.5 mg/kg, i.p.), scopolamine (5.0 mg/kg, i.p.) or the combination of the two drugs. There was no significant induction of c- fos in vehicle-treated controls, regardless of drug administration. In DA-depleted rats, scopolamine also did not induce c- fos whereas SKF 38393 produced a significant increase in the number of FOS-positive cells in the dorsal, but not ventral, striatum. The combined administration of scopolamine and SKF 38393 resulted in a potent synergism in the number of FOS-positive cells in DA-depleted rats. These interactions between lesion condition and drugs on c- fos induction were not secondary to differences in drug-induced behavioral activity. Activity levels were no different in vehicle vs. DA-depleted rats following the combined administration of scopolamine + SKF 38393, yet the two groups of rats exhibited marked differences in the density of FOS-positive striatal neurons. The effects of scopolamine and SKF 38393 on c- fos induction in striatum are qualitatively similar to those reported in rats DA-depleted as adults and suggest that, at this single-label level of analysis, the ability of D1 and muscarinic receptors to influence striatal activity does not contribute to the marked age-related differences in the behavioral effects of DA depletions.
Associations of Alcohol, Nicotine, Cannabis, and Drug Use/Dependence with Educational Attainment: Evidence from Cotwin‐Control Analyses

Background Although substance use is associated with reduced educational attainment, this association may be owing to common risk factors such as socioeconomic disadvantage. We tested whether alcohol, nicotine, and illicit drug use and dependence were associated with lifetime educational attainment after controlling for familial background characteristics. Methods Data were from a 1987 questionnaire and a 1992 telephone diagnostic interview of 6,242 male twins (n = 3,121 pairs; mean age = 41.9 years in 1992) who served in the U.S. military during the Vietnam era and therefore, were eligible for educational benefits after military service. Reduced educational attainment (<16 years) was examined in twin pairs discordant for substance use history. Substance use and dependence risk factors assessed were early alcohol and cannabis use, daily nicotine use, lifetime cannabis use, and alcohol, nicotine, cannabis, and any illicit drug dependence. Results Three significant differences were observed between at-risk twins and their cotwins: Compared to their low-risk cotwins, likelihood of completing <16 years of education was significantly increased for the following: (i) twins who used alcohol before age 18 (adjusted OR = 1.44; 95% CI: 1.02 to 2.05), (ii) twins with a lifetime alcohol dependence diagnosis (adjusted OR = 1.76; 95% CI: 1.27 to 2.44), and (iii) twins who had used nicotine daily for 30 or more days (adjusted OR = 2.54, 95% CI: 1.55 to 4.17). However, no differences in education were observed among twin pairs discordant for cannabis initiation, early cannabis use, or cannabis, nicotine, or any illicit drug dependence. Conclusions Even in a veteran population with access to military educational benefits, early alcohol use, alcohol dependence, and daily nicotine use remained significantly associated with years of education after controlling for shared familial contributions to educational attainment. The association between other substances and educational attainment was explained by familial factors common to these substance use phenotypes and adult educational attainment.
The role of hormones in apical dominance. New approaches to an old problem in plant development

The role of hormones in apical dominance has been under investigation with traditional ‘spray and weigh’ methods for nearly 5 decades. Even though the precision of hormone content analyses in tissue has greatly improved in recent years, there have been no significant breakthroughs in our understanding of the action mechanism of this classical developmental response. Auxin appears to inhibit axillary bud outgrowth whereas cytokinins will often promote it. Conclusive evidence for a direct role of these or other hormones in apical dominance has not been forthcoming. However, promising new tools and approaches recently have begun to be utilized. The manipulation of endogenous hormone levels via the use of transgenic plants transformed with bacterial genes (iaaM and ipt from Agrobacterium tumefaciens and iaaL from Pseudomonas syringae pv. savastanoi) has demonstrated powerful effects of auxin and cytokinin on axillary bud outgrowth. Also, possible auxin and cytokinin involvement of rolB and C genes from Agrobacterium rhizogenes whose activity is associated with reduced apical dominance in dicotyledons has received considerable attention. The characterization of unique mRNAs and proteins in non-growing and growing lateral buds before and after apical dominance release is helping to lay the groundwork for the elucidation of signal transduction and cell cycle regulation in this response. The use of auxin-deficient, and auxin/ethylene-resistant mutants has provided another approach for analyzing the role of these hormones. The presumed eventual employment of molecular assay systems (SAUR/GH3 promoters fused with GUS reporter gene) which are presently being developed for analyzing auxin localized in lateral buds will hopefully provide a critical test for the direct auxin inhibition hypothesis.
The role of polyamines in β-adrenergic stimulation of calcium influx and membrane transport in rat heart

The beta-adrenergic agonist 1-isoproterenol induced an early (less than 1 min) stimulation of endocytosis, amino acid transport and hexose transport, monitored by the temperature-sensitive uptake of horseradish peroxidase, alpha-aminoisobutyrate and 2-deoxyglucose, respectively, in rat ventricle cubes. This stimulation was time- and concentration-dependent and was maximum at 10(-8) M isoproterenol. The beta-adrenergic antagonist propranolol blocked isoproterenol stimulation of membrane transport, thereby confirming beta-adrenoceptor mediation; 2.5 mM EGTA, 1 mM LaCl2 and 100 microM verapamil blocked the hormonal response without affecting basal transport. The calcium ionophore A23187 caused an acute stimulation of endocytosis, hexose and amino acid transport. Isoproterenol rapidly (less than 30 s) stimulated 45Ca2+ influx. These data suggest that stimulus-response (stimulus-"transport") coupling is mediated by a rise in cytosolic Ca2+ concentration. A rapid (less than 30 to 60 s) increase in ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) activity, followed by an early (less than 1 to 2 min), sustained increase in putrescine, spermidine and spermine concentrations was evoked by 10(-7) M isoproterenol. The ODC inhibitor alpha-difluoromethylornithine (DFMO, 5 mM) suppressed the isoproterenol-induced increase in ODC and polyamine levels and the stimulation of 45Ca influx, endocytosis, hexose transport, and amino acid transport. Putrescine (0.5 mM) negated DFMO inhibition and restored the increase in polyamines, 45Ca influx, endocytosis, and transport of hexose and amino acid. These data suggest that polyamine synthesis is involved in isoproterenol stimulation of Ca2+ influx and membrane transport functions in ventricular myocardium. These findings are consistent with a model for signal transduction and stimulus-response coupling in which polyamines function as intracellular messengers to generate cytosolic Ca2+ signals by stimulating Ca2+ influx.
Src, PKCα, and PKCδ are required for αvβ3 integrin-mediated metastatic melanoma invasion

Integrins, cell-surface receptors that mediate adhesive interactions between cells and the extracellular matrix (ECM), play an important role in cancer progression. Expression of the vitronectin receptor αvβ3 integrin correlates with increased invasive and metastatic capacity of malignant melanomas, yet it remains unclear how expression of this integrin triggers melanoma invasion and metastasis. Two melanoma cell lines C8161.9 and M14 both express high levels of αvβ3 integrin and adhere to vitronectin. However, only the highly metastatic C8161.9 cells are capable of invading vitronectin-enriched Matrigel in an αvβ3-depenent manner. Elevated levels of PKCα and PKCδ, and activated Src were detected specifically in the highly metastatic melanoma cells, but not in the low metastatic M14 cells. Inhibition of Src or PKC activity suppressed αvβ3-dependent invasion. Furthermore, over expression of Src or PKCα and PKCδ was sufficient to confer αvβ3-dependent invasiveness to M14 cells. Stress fiber formation and focal adhesion formation were almost completely absent in C8161.9 cells compared to M14 cells. Inhibition of Src signaling was sufficient to restore normal actin architecture, and resulted in decreased p190RhoGAP phosphorylation and enhanced RhoA activity. Src had no effect on Rac activity. Loss of PKCα expression, but not PKCδ, by siRNA inhibited Rac and PAK activity as well as invasiveness. Loss of PKCα restored focal adhesion formation and partially restored stress fiber formation, while loss of PKCδ primarily restored stress fibers. The misregulated expression of PKCα and PKCδ and elevated Src activity in metastatic melanoma cells is required for efficient αvβ3-mediated invasion. PKCα and Src enhance αvβ3-mediated invasion in part by increasing the GTPase activity of Rac relative to RhoA. PKCα influences focal adhesion formation, while PKCδ controls stress fibers.
Emission spectrum for polar super rotors in a cold buffer gas

Rate coefficients for cold and ultracold He + CO collisions are used together with radiative lifetimes to investigate the relaxation of rotationally hot polar molecules in the presence of a cold or ultracold helium buffer gas. Starting with an initial Gaussian distribution of highly excited rotational states, such as might be produced by an optical centrifuge, the time-dependent relaxation of a collection of super rotors is studied and in the case of CO an emission spectrum which contains the collisional information is predicted as a function of buffer gas density. Implications for the experimental detection of cold and ultracold quasiresonant atom-diatom scattering is discussed.
Design and On-Sun Testing of a Solid Particle Receiver Prototype

A prototype direct absorption central receiver, called the solid particle receiver (SPR), was recently built and tested on-sun at Sandia National Laboratories. The SPR consists of a 6 m tall cavity through which a 1 m wide curtain of spherical ceramic particles is dropped and directly heated with concentrated solar energy. The focus of this current effort is to provide an experimental basis for the validation of computational models that have been created to support the development of the solid particle receiver as a solar interface for thermochemical hydrogen and solar power systems. In this paper we present detailed information on the design and construction of the receiver as well as test data including the temperature change of the particles and internal cavity walls. We conclude with a discussion of the steps needed to demonstrate the overall feasibility of the SPR concept.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Mode-of-disparities error correction of eye-tracking data.

In eye-tracking research, there is almost always a disparity between a person’s actual gaze location and the location recorded by the eye tracker. Disparities that are constant over time are systematic error. In this article, we propose an error correction method that can reliably reduce systematic error and restore fixations to their true locations. We show that the method is reliable when the visual objects in the experiment are arranged in an irregular manner—for example, when they are not on a grid in which all fixations can be shifted to adjacent locations using the same directional adjustment. The method first calculates the disparities between fixations and their nearest objects. It then uses the annealed mean shift algorithm to find the mode of the disparities. The mode is demonstrated to correctly capture the magnitude and direction of the systematic error so that it can be removed. This article presents the method, an extended demonstration, and a validation of the method’s efficacy.
Effects of environmental factors on radiocadmium uptake by four species of marine bivalves

Temperature, salinity, bottom-sediment type, and zinc concentration all influenced Cd uptake by 4 marine bivalves (Mya arenaria, Mytilus edulis, Mulinia lateralis and Nucula proxima) in short-term static assay systems using 109Cd as a tracer. The experimental system consisted of aquaria containing 20 l of seawater maintained under controlled light and temperature conditions. The water contained either 5 or 20 μg/l Cd and tracer. Distribution and kinetics of the metal were monitored in the water column and organisms. The results demonstrate that Cd uptake rates differed widely among the organisms tested. An increase in temperature increased Cd uptake rate by all test organisms. A decrease in salinity increased Cd uptake by all organisms tested. The presence of bottom sediment depresses Cd accumulation in some benthic animals. Zinc in concentrations of 0.5 mg/l substantially decreased Cd uptake by Mytilus edulis and Mulinia lateralis. It is suggested that all important species and environmental variables be considered when studying heavy-metal uptake by marine organisms or when establishing water-quality criteria.
A comparison of the effects of amphetamine on fixed interval performance maintained by electrical stimulation of the brain versus food reinforcement

Rats with implanted unilateral hypothalamic bipolar electrodes were trained to bar press for both electrical stimulation of the brain (ESB) and food on a fixed interval (FI) 1-min schedule of reinforcement. A comparison in the same animals was made of the disruptive effects of d-amphetamine on FI performance maintained by these two reinforcers. Overall, FI remained more intact under the influence of amphetamine with ESB rather than with food reinforcement. The feasibility of using more complex schedules of reinforcement to study the effects of drugs on self-stimulation was demonstrated.
Inguinal node metastases

Twenty-two hundred and thirty-two patients with inguinal node metastases were reviewed. The primary site of malignancy was determined in 2210 (99%) of these patients and was, in order of frequency, skin of the lower extremities, cervix, vulva, skin of the trunk, rectum and anus, ovary and penis. The determinant three-year survival rate for the remaining 22 patients with metastatic disease from an unknown primary site was 50%. The source of the primary (stomach) was discovered in only one of the 22 patients; however, the treatment of choice was superficial groin dissection, and if surgical excision was adequate, radiation therapy did not appear to be necessary to obtain local control.
Eye movement desensitization across subjects: Subjective and physiological measures of treatment efficacy

Eye movement desensitization (EMD) was investigated in an experimental multiple baseline across subjects design. Six subjects who met the diagnostic criteria for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) were included in the study. While the EMD technique advanced by Shapiro has been reported to be clinically effective, major methodological issues have been raised which remain to be addressed. One issue raised is whether exposure to the traumatic image is sufficient to account for the reported clinical effects of EMD or whether the addition of saccadic eye movements is central to the treatment. This study attempted to address this concern by comparing two EMD-based procedures: a Non-saccade phase (without the saccadic eye movements) which functioned as a control and a second that included saccadic eye movements. Dependent variables included self-report information (SUDs, behavioral symptoms reports) and physiological data (heart rate and systolic blood pressure). The results showed no significant decreases in SUDs level with the EMD minus the saccadic eye movements procedure. However, five of the six subjects reported clinically significant decreases in their SUDs levels with the inclusion of the saccadic eye movements. This study appears to corroborate previous work employing single-case design as well as pre and postcomparisons.
Symmetric and Alternating Groups Generated by a Full Cycle and Another Element

Working in the symmetric group on the positive integers, let pk denote the ?-cycle (1,2,... , &), where k > 1. It is fairly well known (and is proved in [2]) that if n > k, then the subgroup generated by pk and pn is either the full symmetric group Sn or the alternating group An. In this paper, we determine all the permutations a e Sk such that (cr, pn) is either An or Sn for all sufficiently large integers n. Of course, there is no mystery about when we get An and when we get Sn. If a set of permutations is known to generate one of these two groups, then the result is An if all of the generating permutations are even, and otherwise it is Sn. In particular, if 1 = S2oThus in TopSpin®, every permutation of the objects can be effected by legal moves of the puzzle. (See [3] for more about puzzles of this type.) We present an easily-checked condition on a permutation a e Sk that is necessary for (a, pn) to be either An or Sn for all sufficently large n. (The necessity is proved in Lemma 1, below.) Our main theorem is that this condition is also sufficient: if the condition is satisfied and n > 2k 1, then (cr, pn) is either An or 5n. To state our results, we define a numerical invariant for nonidentity permutations on a finite set of positive integers. Given a € Sk, write g (a) to denote the greatest common divisor of the integers cr(i) i for 1 < / < k. Since the GCD of a list of integers is unaffected by adjoining some extra zeros to the list, g (a) depends only on the numbers actually moved by <r, and thus it depends only on a, and not on the integer k. (But, of course, we must assume that k is large enough so that a can be viewed as an element of S?.)
Encountering and Integrating Kierkegaard's Absolute Paradox:

Kierkegaard's absolute paradox is proposed as the fundamental basis for a cohesive existential-phenomenological theory of perception. Absolute paradox is defined as a continuum of physical, intellectual, and emotional finitude (limitation) counterpoised by physical, intellectual, and emotional infinitude (freedom). After setting forth the tenets of this theory of paradox, the author explores its implications for the history of philosophical thought and individual and social psychology. In particular, he inquires as to why this paradox is so often denied and trivialized. He concludes that both philosophically and psychologically persons often fear paradox-even to a life-threatening degree-and therefore adopt polarized or extreme views. Finally, the author discusses integrated or balanced philosophical and psychological perspectives. He claims that such perspectives are possessed by persons who are able to encounter paradox and constructively transform what had once been denied or alien. The article is inte...
On the distinguishability of downconverted modes with orbital angular momentum

Assuming two quantum states of spontaneous parametric downconversion carrying orbital angular momentum, one may ask the question what is the minimum probability of error in identifying between two of these biphoton states by an arbitrary physical measurement over the biphoton state generated. While correctly chosen geometries may lead to perfect distinguishability of modes, it is worth noticing that experimental subtleties may lead to a poor mode distinguishability. We discuss the case where a restricted range instead of the needed range of wave vectors is collected by the experimental setup. These considerations may be useful for some applications, e.g., cryptography.
Seabird predation on the sea-skater Halobates sericeus (Heteroptera: Gerridae)

Regurgitated food samples were collected from 18 species of seabirds on 8 of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands between February 1978 and February 1981. Sea-skaters (Halobates sericeus) was found in the diets of 9 species, but can be considered to be an important food item for only 4 species: the blue-gray noddy Procelsterna cerulea; the Bonin petrel Pterodroma hypoleuca; the gray-backed tern Sterna lunata; and Bulwer's petrel, Bulweria bulwerii. The blue-gray noddy, by far the most important avian predator of Halobates spp., may at times feed exclusively on this food item and may appreciably reduce the populations of sea-skaters within their foraging territories.
Metastases after fractionated radiation therapy of three murine tumor models.

Abstract The incidence of lung metastases after fractionated radiation therapy was compared to single dose irradiation in a retrospective analysis of three murine tumor models. For FSall and SCCVII 5 or 15 fractions over 5 days were given using curative and subcurative doses and photons and neutrons. Data were pooled from different experiments. In mice with locally controlled FSaII the incidence of lung metastases was the same after all treatments, whereas in mice with locally controlled SCCVII, metastases were enhanced after 15 fractions. Photon and neutron irradiations yielded similar results. Local recurrences were followed by increased metastases. MCaIV was subcuratively irradiated with 9 equal fractions followed by a top-up dose to achieve local control. Metastases were high if doses per fraction were low and interfraction time intervals long. The data on MCaIV indicate increased metastases if clonogenic cells during treatment represent a large proportion of the integral tumor burden. The results on FSaII and SCCVII indicate that fractionated treatments might differently influence distant metastasis in different tumor models.
Stable carbon isotope fractionation in the search for life on early Mars.

The utility of measurements of C-13/C-12 ratios in organic vs inorganic deposits for searching for signs of life on early Mars is considered. It is suggested that three assumptions are necessary. First, if there was life on Mars, it caused the fractionation of carbon isotopes in analogy with past biological activity on earth. Second, the fractionation would be detectable. Third, if a fractionation would be observed, there exist no abiotic explanations for the observed fractionation pattern.
Simple Estimates of the Electron Transport Properties of Molecules

We discuss how the complex bandstructure describes tunneling within a molecule, and how it can be used to understand single molecule conduction. Simple estimates of the conduction properties of some molecules can be obtained with minimal (or no) computational effort. Examples considered include tunneling current through SiO 2 , transistor action of biphenyl-dithiol, the effect of benzene ring rotation on tunneling through polyphenyl chains, and a designed molecule which -according to the form of its complex bandstructure - may function as a p-channel transistor.
Seasonal patterns in the phytochemistry of three Populus species

Abstract We monitored seasonal changes in the leaf quality characteristics of three native species of Populus during 1986. Leaf water and nitrogen contents of each species declined during the growing season. The phenolic glycosides salicin, salicortin, tremuloidin and tremulacin occurred in Populus tremuloides and P. gradidentata ; all but tremulacin occurred in P. deltoides . Levels of salicin and tremuloidin were low throughout the growing season in all three species. Among the tree species, concentrations of salicortin and tremulacin were highest, and exhibited the least among-plant variation and strongest seasonal declines in P. grandidentata . Levels of salicortin and tremulacin were intermediate in P.tremuloides , varied greatly among individual trees, and did not significantly decrease during the growing season. Levels of salicortin were relatively low, varied considerably among trees, and did not decline seasonally in P. deltoides . Spatial and temporal variation in these constituents produces plant parts, individuals and species with differential resistance to insect herbivores.
Assessing the role of US agriculture in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and generating additional environmental benefits

Abstract This study measures the changes in Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions from US crop production under a scenario where farmers face higher energy prices with the implementation of the Kyoto Protocol. The focus is on predicting the impact on direct and indirect energy, resource use, and measuring the changes in specific GHGs. The study also assesses the potential for additional environmental benefits from the changes in agricultural resource use. The analyses rely on the results from a calibrated mathematical programming model of regional US crop production. The model accounts for input substitution when farmers are faced with external shocks. The results suggest that when energy prices increase, there is a relatively small decrease in total harvested acreage, but a more significant drop in the use of energy-intensive resources. Overall, GHG emissions from US crop production decrease by 20%, suggesting agriculture is more effective in abating GHG emissions than the other sectors of US economy. There is also a good potential for additional positive environmental externalities from the decreases in resources used in crop production.
Buffer management for lossless service in shared buffer switches

Fair scheduling and buffer management are two typical approaches to provide differentiated service. Fair scheduling algorithms usually need to keep a separate queue and maintain associated state variables for each incoming flow, which makes them difficult to operate and scale. On the contrary, buffer management (in conjunction with FIFO scheduling) needs only a constant amount of state information and processing, and can be efficiently implemented. In this paper, we consider using buffer management to provide lossless service for guaranteed performance flows in shared buffer switches. We study the buffer size requirement and buffer allocation strategies by starting with the single output switch and then extending the analytical results to the general multiple output switch. We present a universally applicable buffer allocation method for assuring lossless service, and validate the correctness of the theoretical results through simulations.
Mechanism of Inhibition of Ribosomes by Streptomycin

During streptomycin inhibition of translation of phage mRNA the peptidyl-tRNA is blocked in the ribosome P site. The binding of both aminoacyl-tRNA and peptidyl-tRNA to the ribosomal A site is impaired.
Stylet penetration behavior resulting in inoculation of beet severe curly top virus by beet leafhopper, Circulifer tenellus

Beet leafhopper, Circulifer tenellus (Baker) (Homoptera: Cicadellidae), is the only known North American vector of beet curly top virus (Geminiviridae), which causes major economic losses in a number of crops including sugar beet, tomato, beans, and peppers. Beet curly top virus is a phloem-limited, persistently transmitted, circulative geminivirus. The strain/species of curly top virus used in this study is the CFH strain, also referred to as beet severe curly top virus (BSCTV). The direct current (DC) electrical penetration graph technique was used to determine the specific stylet penetration behavior associated with inoculation of BSCTV. Viruliferous leafhoppers were allowed to feed on healthy 3–4-week-old sugar beet plants until specific electrical penetration graph waveforms were produced, at which point feeding was artificially terminated. A series of comparisons between leafhoppers that produced different combinations of waveforms clearly implicated waveform D1 as the only waveform correlated with inoculation of BSCTV. All successful inoculations contained waveform D1, and 56 out of 64 leafhoppers that produced waveform D1 successfully inoculated test plants. Eighty-five leafhoppers did not produce waveform D1 and none of these inoculated BSCTV. While the occurrence of waveform D1 appears to be necessary for BSCTV inoculation, there was no correlation between duration of waveform D1 and inoculation success rate. The correlation of waveform D1 and BSCTV inoculation found in this study implies that waveform D1 is associated with phloem salivation.
Solid-State Nanopore Translocation of Idealized Helical Repeat Proteins

We report on the translocation of consensus tetratricopeptide repeat (CTPR) proteins with 10 and 20 repeats through single solid-state nanopores formed in a free standing silicon nitride membrane. The translocation of CTPR proteins was measured in KCl solution at pH below and above its isoelectric point (pI), as well as with and without denaturing agent, Guanidine HCl. When a CTPR protein molecule transits through a nanopore driven by an applied voltage, it partially blocks the ions (K+ and Cl-) flow in the nanopore and generates a characteristic electric current blockage signal. The current blockage signal reveals information about the size, conformation, and primary sequence of the CTPR protein molecule. Previous translocation studies carried out with DNA have established that higher bias voltages result in shorter duration current blockages indicating that DNA translocates faster at a stronger electric field. However, CTPR translocation studies presented here show that longer duration current blockades were observed at higher bias voltages. We explain this surprising result by theoretical analysis of CTPR protein translocation in solid state nanopores. We discuss how the inhomogeneous distribution of the primary charge sequence of the CTPR proteins predicts translocation barriers that are proportional to the bias voltage. Larger barriers at higher bias voltages will result in longer translocation times, consistent with our experimental results.
Seeking Consensus: A New Approach

Abstract Simulated evolution is used to generate consensus forecasts of next-day minimum temperature for a site in Ohio. The evolved forecast algorithm logic is interpretable in terms of physics that might be accounted for by experienced forecasters, but the logic of the individual algorithms that form the consensus is unique. As a result, evolved program consensus forecasts produce substantial increases in forecast accuracy relative to forecast benchmarks such as model output statistics (MOS) and those from the National Weather Service (NWS). The best consensus produces a mean absolute error (MAE) of 2.98°F on an independent test dataset, representing a 27% improvement relative to MOS. These results translate to potential annual cost savings for electricity production in the state of Ohio of the order of $2 million relative to the NWS forecasts. Perfect forecasts provide nearly $6 million in additional annual electricity production cost savings relative to the evolved program consensus. The frequency of ...
PROMETHEUS and POSEIDON: Harnessing the power of advanced cardiac imaging.

Imaging has played a central role in gauging the potential therapeutic effects of cellular therapies in cardiovascular medicine. In earlier studies, left ventriculography was used as the means of evaluation of the global myocardial function.1 Although this modality had its benefits with convenience and availability, the method does not allow for sufficient global ventricular cavity reconstruction because it only allows one to measure the ventricle in 2 planes. Some earlier transition to 2-dimensional echocardiography was made in clinical trials2; however, cardiac MRI soon became the gold standard modality to image patients undergoing cellular therapy in clinical trials. The fact that the modality not only allows for very precise global and regional function but also very effectively measures what we consider fibrotic or scar burden made it the obvious front-runner. Subsequent studies bore this point out well.3,4 In fact, therapies that had a great deal of promise in earlier stages of application had lesser salutary signals with later studies.5 For instance, changes in ejection fraction (EF) that were noted in earlier bone marrow cell studies in the setting of acute myocardial infarction, such as Reinfusion of Enriched Progenitor Cells and Infarct Remodeling in Acute Myocardial Infarction6 (REPAIR-AMI, where EF was measured by ventriculography), were not noted in the Swiss Multicenter Intracoronary Stem Cells Study in Acute Myocardial Infarction (SWISS-AMI, where EF was measured by cardiac MRI). One potential contributing factor to this change is the difference in the imaging modality in the earlier versus later studies, which highlights the importance of imaging methodology in clinical stem cell trials. This observation was confirmed in a recent meta-analysis in that positive outcomes in EF were noted more in bone marrow cell studies when echocardiography or ventriculography was used as the imaging modality over cardiac MRI. …