cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
“A disagreement between allies”: The United Kingdom, the United States, and the Soviet-Japanese territorial dispute, 1945–1956

Russian-Japanese relations are frozen in time by their territorial dispute over the Kuril Islands. In untangling the dispute, scholars have studied the history of Russo-Japanese relations, the USSR’s annexation of the islands in 1945, and the role of the United States as the USSR’s erstwhile wartime ally and Japan’s postwar partner. The United Kingdom, a key player in 1945, has been neglected in these studies. This article analyzes the evolution of the British position on the Soviet-Japanese territorial dispute from 1945 to the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries in 1956. The article reveals the marked divergence in this position from that of the United States, proceeding from a disagreement over the interpretation of the 1945 Yalta Agreement. In addition, the article highlights the manipulation of the territorial dispute by the United States to further its own political and security objectives and the British reaction to these maneuvers.
Rescuing imperfect antigens for immuno-oncology.

Targeting two antigens with BiTE-secreting CAR-T cells limits tumor immune escape in glioblastoma.
Yttrium-90-Labeled Anti-Glypican 3 Radioimmunotherapy Halts Tumor Growth in an Orthotopic Xenograft Model of Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the second most lethal malignancy globally and is increasing in incidence in the United States. Unfortunately, there are few effective systemic treatment options, particularly for disseminated disease. Glypican-3 (GPC3) is a proteoglycan cell surface receptor overexpressed in most HCCs and provides a unique target for molecular therapies. We have previously demonstrated that PET imaging using a 89Zr-conjugated monoclonal anti-GPC3 antibody (αGPC3) can bind to minute tumors and allow imaging with high sensitivity and specificity in an orthotopic xenograft mouse model of HCC and that serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels are highly correlated with tumor size in this model. In the present study, we conjugated 90Y, a high-energy beta-particle-emitting radionuclide, to our αGPC3 antibody to develop a novel antibody-directed radiotherapeutic approach for HCC. Luciferase-expressing HepG2 human hepatoblastoma cells were orthotopically implanted in the livers of athymic nude mice, and tumor establishment was verified at 6 weeks after implantation by bioluminescent imaging and serum AFP concentration. Tumor burden by bioluminescence and serum AFP concentration was highly correlated in our model. Yttrium-90 was conjugated to αGPC3 using the chelating agent 1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1,4,7,10-tetraacetic acid (DOTA) and injected via the tail vein into the experimental mice at a dose of 200 μCi/mouse or 300 μCi/mouse. Control mice received DOTA-αGPC3 without radionuclide. At 30 days after a single dose of the radioimmunotherapy agent, mean serum AFP levels in control animals increased dramatically, while animals treated with 200 μCi only experienced a minor increase, indicating cessation of tumor growth, and animals treated with 300 μCi experienced a reduction in serum AFP concentration, indicating tumor shrinkage. Mean tumor-bearing liver weight in control animals was also significantly greater than that in animals that received either dose of 90Y-αGPC3. These results were achieved without significant toxicity as measured by body condition scoring and body weight. The results of this preclinical pilot demonstrate that GPC3 can be used as a target for radioimmunotherapy in an orthotopic mouse model of HCC and may be a target of clinical significance, particularly for disseminated HCC.
The Accuracy of Group Beta Streptococcus Rectovaginal Cultures at 35 to 37 Weeks of Gestation in Predicting Colonization Intrapartum

Objective This study aims to investigate accuracy of group beta Streptococcus (GBS) rectovaginal cultures at 35 to 37 weeks in predicting intrapartum colonization. Study Design Institutional review board (IRB) approved prospective cohort study of 302 women from October 2015 to May 2017. Patients had the following tests for GBS: first trimester urine culture, rectovaginal culture at 35 to 37 weeks, and intrapartum rectovaginal culture. Outcomes included accuracy of 35- to 37-week GBS rectovaginal culture in detecting results intrapartum, and accuracy of first trimester urine culture in comparison to intrapartum rectovaginal cultures. Results There was sufficient evidence of agreement between results at 35 to 37 weeks with intrapartum cultures (p = 0.001). However, agreement was weak, 11 patients (3.7%) were GBS positive intrapartum but negative at 35 to 37 weeks; and 33 patients (11%) were initially GBS positive but were negative intrapartum. Sensitivity and specificity of the 35- to 37-week culture was 69% (95% confidence interval [CI]:54–84%) and 87% (95% CI: 83–91%), respectively. There was also weak agreement between first trimester urine culture and intrapartum rectovaginal culture. Specificity for this assessment was 98% (95% CI: 97–100%) and was significantly different compared with antepartum GBS culture (p Conclusion The 35- to 37-week GBS rectovaginal culture might be a poor predictor for intrapartum colonization.
The effects of doping alumina with silica in alumina-supported NiO catalysts for oxidative dehydrogenation of ethane

Abstract The production of ethylene via the oxidative dehydrogenation of ethane is well-documented as an energy efficient process. Alumina-supported NiO catalysts make the oxidative dehydrogenation of ethane more selective to ethylene and operate at low reaction temperatures ( × 10−2 μmolethylene/s·m2 at 500 °C.
Risk factors and racial disparities related to low maternal birth satisfaction with labor induction: a prospective, cohort study

Decreased birth satisfaction has been associated with labor induction. Yet, there is a paucity of data evaluating risk factors for decreased satisfaction associated with labor induction. We aimed to determine what factors impact low birth satisfaction in labor induction and evaluate racial disparities in birth satisfaction. We performed a prospective cohort study of women with term, singleton gestations undergoing labor induction at our institution from Jan 2018 to Jun 2018. Women completed the validated Birth Satisfaction Scale-Revised postpartum, which is subdivided into 3 domains: (1) quality of care provision, (2) women’s personal attributes, and (3) stress experienced during labor. A total satisfaction score above the mean was classified as “satisfied”, and below as “unsatisfied.” Domain and item scores were compared by race. Three hundred thirty of 414 (79.7%) eligible women were included. There was no significant difference in birth satisfaction by age, body mass index, Bishop score, or labor induction agent. Black women were 75% more likely to be unsatisfied than non-Black women (54.0% vs. 37.2%, OR 1.75 [95% CI 1.11–2.76], p = 0.037), nulliparas were 71% more likely to be unsatisfied than multiparas (54.2% vs. 40.9%, OR 1.71 [95% CI 1.09–2.67], p = 0.019), and women whose labor resulted in cesarean birth were almost 3 times more likely to be unsatisfied than women with a vaginal birth (67.4% vs. 42.3%, OR 2.82 [95% CI 1.69–4.70], p (p = 0.003). By race, domain 3 scores, which reflect preparedness for labor, were lower for Black women. No differences were seen for domain 1 or 2. Black race, cesarean birth, and increasing labor length were identified as risk factors for low birth satisfaction among women who underwent labor induction. Further studies should explore interventions to target women at risk for low birth satisfaction.
Mechanical Beneficiation of End-of-Life Lithium-Ion Battery Components

Recycling of end-of-life (EOL) lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) is imperative to resolve resource issues and manage waste streams of EOL LIBs. A mechanical-hydrometallurgical recycling route is preferable regarding material recovery and energy consumption, while cost reduction is challenging. Effective mechanical pre-treatment of EOL LIBs to beneficiate LIB components is key to reduce operating cost. In this study, the primary mechanical treatment (shredding and sieving) of LIB packs and the subsequent attrition milling were performed to investigate the liberation and separation of LIB components. The results demonstrated that the separation of LIB components was significantly improved by attrition milling of shredded LIB pieces. Active electrode materials (lithium metal oxide and graphite), metal foils (copper and aluminum), and low-value components (cell/pack casing, separator, plastic, and paper) were enriched in 2 mm fractions, respectively. A combination of these treatments demonstrates to be a promising method for LIB component beneficiation.
Germination of One-Seed Juniper Seeds Distributed by Different Frugivore Groups

Abstract One-seed juniper (Juniperus monosperma [Englem.] Sarg.) encroachment into grassland habitats is facilitated by a diverse group of frugivores. To test seed germination after gut passage, we collected pellets or scats containing mature seeds from four frugivore groups: passerine (perching) birds, lagomorphs (hares and rabbits), mesocarnivores (coyotes and foxes), and porcupines. For comparison of germination success, we also evaluated seeds from intact, nondigested one-seed juniper cones. We conducted germination trials under three different scenarios: 1) imbibed bare seeds (a measure of potential germination); 2) seeds still encased within a frugivore deposited pellet or scat matrix or still in a nondigested cone; and 3) matrix-free seeds that had gone through the matrix germination trials and then were freed from the matrix (a simulation of seeds that become dislodged from scats or pellets). In the bare seed trials, germination was highest (70.8% ± 7.4%) for seeds digested by mesocarnivores and was 63.9% ± 5.7% for porcupines, which was higher (P
Surgical treatment for endocardial fibroelastosis or anomalous left coronary artery; four years' experience with poudrage.

I N AUGUST, 1955 we reported our experience with a surgical procedure for endocardial fibroelastosis and anomalous left coronary artery.5 At that time three cases of endocardial fibroelastosis and one of anomalous left coronary artery were included, with one operative death and a survival of one year or more in the remaining three. It is the purpose of this communication to report on the progress of the original survivors and add our experience with six additional cases. In the original report we proposed the relatively simple procedure of instilling sterile talc powder into the pericardial sac over the surface of the left ventricle. This was suggested on the theory that anoxia of the left ventricle is the basic difficulty in each of the two conditions. In anomalous left coronary artery the blood supply to the left ventricle is from the pulmonary artery via the aberrant coronary artery, thus perfusing the myocardium with venous blood under low pressure, a situation which obviously would lead to some anoxia of the left ventricle. To us it seems likely that the basic difficulty in endocardial fibroelastosis is a result of obstruction to drainage of blood from the myocardium by the way of the Thebesian, arterioluminal and arteriosinusoidal vessels which are narrowed by the fibroelastic thickening of the endocardium. This view is not universally shared and is thought by some to be due, instead, to interference with heart action by a “constrictive endocarditis,” making it grossly similar to the difficulty encountered in constrictive pericarditis6 However, if the former concept is accepted myocardial anoxia is the end result of obstruction to drainage with its consequent venous stasis. If, then, both anomalous left coronary artery and endocardial fibroelastosis share a similar pathophysiology of myocardial ischemia, any procedure which might increase arterial blood supply to the left ventricle should increase the efficiency of the myocardium and alleviate the myocardial difficulty encountered in these two conditions. We felt that instillation of sterile talc powder into the pericardial sac over the left ventricle would fulfill this need by stimulating the growth of new blood vessels. The feasibility of this procedure was strengthened by the report of Thompson and Plachta,’ which cited their experience in both animals and humans. Their work showed that in experimental animals the instillation of talc in the pericardial sac led to (1) myocardial hyperemia, with dilatation of pre-existing vessels and formation of new ones in the myocardium; (2) foreign-body granuloma between the pericardium and myocardium; and (3) an adhesive granulomatous pericarditis without constriction, through which anastomoses occurred between
COVID-19 neuropsychological factors and considerations within the acute physical medicine and rehabilitation setting.

The global public health burden of the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is immense and has yet to be measured and understood in its entirety. Leading to and since the time it was declared ...
Returning a Puppy for Dog Guide Training: Factors That Affect Grief in Puppy Raisers and the Decision to Foster Again:

Introduction:Guiding Eyes for the Blind (GEB) breeds, raises, and trains dogs to serve as guides for people with visual impairments (i.e., those who are blind or have low vision). Their puppy raisi...
Mitochondrial drug delivery systems: therapeutic application for clinical bioenergetics in neurodegenerative disease

Abstract Mitochondrial dysfunction is a hallmark pathological process of multiple neurodegenerative diseases (NDs). This chapter will highlight mitochondrial dysfunction and therapeutic approaches to restore mitochondrial bioenergetics in NDs. There is a distinct focus on drug delivery systems that have unique pharmacokinetic signatures or novel formulations that can have advantages in translation. After introducing distinct deficits in mitochondrial function unique to each ND, we will highlight mitochondrial drug delivery approaches that target mitochondria through mechanisms of oxidative stress, mitochondrial membrane potential, mitochondrial permeability transition pore, mitochondrial-induced apoptosis, biofuel deficiency, and mitochondrial dynamics. Completed clinical trials will be discussed throughout, and promising new mitochondrial-targeted strategies will be proposed.
Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Price Gouging (But Were Afraid to Ask): A Response to Ramsi Woodcock, The Efficient Queue and the Case Against Dynamic Pricing

This essay is a response to Ramsi Woodcock's article "The Efficient Queue and the Case Against Dynamic Pricing," which is published in the Iowa Law Review. It observes that Woodcock's article is excellent, but seems unfinished.
Poverty in the USA: The Role of Job Market Polarization and Job Quality

The article argues that the puzzles of stagnating poverty rates amidst high growth and declining unemployment in the US can be explained by bad quality jobs and polarization of the jobs market (JMP). JMP accounts for the distribution of jobs across households, where high JMP implies there are more households with multiple employed people and more households with no employed people. Bad jobs are those that do not offer full-time work. While good jobs help households escape poverty, bad jobs do not. Also, lower JMP reduces poverty, but higher JMP pulls down families under the poverty line. The paper suggests that eradicating poverty requires labor market policies to be tailored more towards the distribution of jobs from individuals to households and altering bad jobs into good jobs than merely creating more jobs. This paper contributes to theory connecting jobs quality, polarization, and poverty, with supporting empirical evidence.
A Synthetic Elderly Companion Named Lois.

Described is a synthetic elderly companion named Lois, short for Loved One’s Information System, able to tend to an elder’s needs, monitor overall well-being and progress, detect decline and signs of further medical problems, and in general, ‘be there’ for an elder. Lois is a cognitive system comprised of computer displays, cameras, speakers, microphones, and various sensors placed throughout the home facilitating both non-invasive monitoring and highly interactive collaboration. Lois maintains a set of models enabling the recognition of events and changes of condition as well as the compiling of a historical record for later use by medical personnel and family members. Since Lois lives with the elder over an extended period of time Lois becomes tailored specifically to the elder learning their schedule, likes, dislikes, and tendencies. By working with the elder, the elder’s family members, and medical personnel, Lois is at the center of a synthetic elderly caregiver ensemble capable of performance superior to any human caregiver.
Demonstration of relaxed InGaN-based red LEDs grown with high active region temperature

Red LEDs were grown by metalorganic chemical vapor deposition with a high active region temperature of 870 °C on a relaxed InGaN/GaN superlattice buffer. The buffer was 100% biaxially relaxed by the thermal decomposition of an InGaN underlayer, measured by high resolution x-ray diffraction. Fabricated LEDs showed a low forward voltage of 2.25 V at a current density of 25 Acm-2 with no Al-containing layers in the active region, a peak emission wavelength of 633 nm at 200 Acm-2 and an on-wafer peak external quantum efficiency of 0.05%. Uniform red emission and relaxation were observed across a two-inch substrate.
Managing conflicts of interest in healthcare: the new frontier.

Our research team spent countless hours examining over 500 original research reports to identify, characterise, and map all documented ties between the medical products industry and the individuals, institutions, and activities in the healthcare ecosystem.1 Our goal was to move beyond discrete ties to understand the full network of relationships through which industry can influence care delivery. We were struck by the incredible breadth and variety of industry targets and strategies. Beyond these superficial findings, however, our map exposes the deeper structure that underlies these potential conflicts of interest—the stable, patterned system of direct industry ties and indirect, “downstream” interrelationships that consistently incentivise some choices and opportunities while discouraging or curbing others. The result: seemingly unlimited …
Systemic Corticosteroids in Childhood Vasculitides

Childhood vasculitides are a group of inflammatory diseases of various vessels in children. The diseases are complex and challenging both in their diagnosis and treatment since the outcome of some vasculitides may be serious or fatal. Henoch–Schonlein purpura (HSP) and Kawasaki disease (KD) account for approximately 60–80 % of all vasculitides; other forms of vasculitis are uncommon – Takayasu arteritis, polyarteritis nodosa – or rare – granulomatosis with polyangiitis, primary central nervous system vasculitis. In HSP, corticosteroids are generally used only in the most severe and life-threatening situations. There is no evidence that early use of corticosteroids can prevent kidney disease or change the long-term prognosis of renal involvement in children with HSP. Studies also have not demonstrated a clear advantage of using corticosteroids over supportive therapy to improve abdominal pain and hemorrhage. Corticosteroids have not been used as a first-line therapy for KD for the past 20 years owing to early retrospective studies showing their association with an increased risk of coronary artery aneurysms. Recent studies have provied convincing evidence that corticosteroids combined with intravenous immunoglobulins as an initial treatment reduce the overall risk of coronary artery aneurysms in severe KD. For rarer vasculitides, corticosteroids remain the cornerstone for induction therapy to achieve remission. They are used in high doses in conjunction with cytotoxic agents or biological therapy.
A Conversation about Observation

In the spirit of the Lindau Meeting, we present a dialogue between a Nobel laureate and a young researcher. This interchange started online, where it continues to unfold. Here is a digest of this conversation, which has developed across time and space.
Polygenic Disease and Retinitis Pigmentosa: Albinism Exacerbates Photoreceptor Degeneration Induced by the Expression of a Mutant Opsin in Transgenic Mice

Expression of a mouse opsin transgene containing three point mutations (V20G, P23H, and P27L; termed VPP) causes a progressive photoreceptor degeneration that resembles in many important respects that seen in patients with autosomal dominant retinitis pigmentosa caused by a P23H point mutation. We have attempted to determine whether the degree of degeneration induced by expression of the transgene is influenced by albinism, a genetically mediated recessive trait that results in a deficiency in melanin formation in pigmented tissues throughout the body. Litters of albino and pigmented mice (normal as well as transgenic) were reared in either darkness or cyclic light. Retinal structure and function were evaluated by light microscopy, electroretinography (ERG), and retinal densitometry. The data were consistent in demonstrating that at similar ages, the extent of photoreceptor degeneration was greater in transgenic albino animals than in their pigmented counterparts. The albino VPP mice had significantly fewer cell bodies in the outer nuclear layer of the retina, a larger reduction in ERG amplitude, and a lower rhodopsin content in the rod photoreceptors. These structural and functional differences could not be attributed to the greater level of retinal illumination experienced by the albino retina under normal ambient conditions, because they persisted when pigmented and albino mice were reared in darkness from birth. Although the explanation remains unclear, our findings indicate that the rate of photoreceptor degeneration in VPP mice is adversely affected by the existence of the albino phenotype, a factor that may have implications for the counseling of human patients with retinitis pigmentosa and a familial history of other genetic disorders.
Comprehensive Two-Dimensional Interrogation of the Tricuspid Valve Using Knowledge Derived from Three-Dimensional Echocardiography

Background Accurate identification of tricuspid valve (TV) leaflets by two-dimensional (2D) transthoracic echocardiography is difficult because of variability in the intersection between the imaging plane and leaflets. Using information obtained from multiplanar reconstruction (MPR) of three-dimensional (3D) data sets, the investigators sought to define "novel" 2D views that would allow targeted interrogation of TV leaflets using 2D transthoracic echocardiography. Methods Images of the TV in the standard 2D views (apical four chamber, right ventricular focused, right ventricular inflow, and parasternal short axis) and 3D data sets were acquired from the same probe position in 106 adults. Three-dimensional MPR was used to determine which leaflet combination was seen in the 2D image: anterior and septal, anterior and posterior, anterior alone, or posterior and septal. Using this analysis, 2D landmarks were identified to define nonstandard TV views tailored to depict specific leaflets. Two-dimensional images in these views and 3D data sets were then prospectively collected in 54 additional patients. Three independent readers analyzed these 2D views to determine TV leaflet combinations, and their interpretation was compared with 3D MPR–derived reference. Results Three-dimensional MPR views made it possible to define six nonstandard 2D views on the basis of anatomic clues and landmarks, which consistently depicted all the aforementioned leaflet combinations. When these six views were prospectively tested, the agreement of TV leaflet identification against 3D MPR was excellent (κ = 0.88, κ = 0.93, and κ = 0.98). Conclusion The nonstandard 2D views defined in this study allow accurate TV leaflet identification and may thus be useful when localization of TV leaflet pathology is clinically important.
Molecular characterization of the Escherichia coli K-12 zwf gene encoding glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase.

Abstract In Escherichia coli K-12, expression of zwf, the gene for glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase, is coordinated with the cellular growth rate and induced by superoxide-generating agents. To initiate the study of the molecular mechanisms regulating its expression, the gene was cloned and its DNA sequence was determined. The 5' ends of zwf mRNA isolated from cells growing in glucose and acetate minimal media were mapped. The map was complex in that transcripts mapped to -45, -52, and -62, with respect to the beginning of the coding sequence. Three analytical methods were used to search the DNA sequence for putative promoters. Only one sequence for a promoter recognized by the sigma 70 form of RNA polymerase was found by all three search routines that could be aligned with a mapped transcript, indicating that the other transcripts arise by processing of the mRNA. A computer-assisted search did not reveal a thermodynamically stable long-range mRNA secondary structure that is capable of sequestering the translation initiation region, which suggests that growth-rate-dependent regulation of glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase level may not be carried out by a mechanism similar to the one for the gene (gnd) for 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase. The DNA segment between the -10 hexamer and the start point of transcription resembles the discriminator sequence of stable RNA genes, which has been implicated in stringent control and growth-rate-dependent regulation.
Disulfide bond formation between the COOH-terminal domain of the beta subunits and the gamma and epsilon subunits of the Escherichia coli F1-ATPase. Structural implications and functional consequences

A set of mutants of the Escherichia coli F1F0-type ATPase has been generated by site-directed mutagenesis as follows: beta E381C, beta S383C, beta E381C/epsilon S108C, and beta S383C/epsilon S108C. Treatment of ECF1 isolated from any of these mutants with CuCl2 induces disulfide bond formation. For the single mutants, beta E381C and beta S383C, a disulfide bond is formed in essentially 100% yield between a beta subunit and the gamma subunit, probably at Cys87 based on the recent structure determination of F1 (Abrahams, J. P., Leslie, A. G. W., Lutter, R., and Walker, J. E. (1994) Nature 370, 621-628). In the double mutants, two disulfide bonds are formed, again in essentially full yield, one between beta and gamma, the other between a beta and the epsilon subunit via Cys108. The same two cross-links are produced with CuCl2 treatment of ECF1F0 isolated from either of the double mutants. These results show that the parts of gamma around residue 87 (a short alpha-helix) and the epsilon subunit interact with different beta subunits. The yield of covalent linkage of beta to gamma is nucleotide dependent and highest in ATP and much lower with ADP in catalytic sites. The yield of covalent linkage of beta to epsilon is also nucleotide dependent but in this case is highest in ADP and much lower in ATP. Disulfide bond formation between either beta and gamma, or beta and epsilon inhibits the ATPase activity of the enzyme in proportion to the yield of the cross-linked product. Chemical modification of the Cys at either position 381 or 383 of the beta subunit inhibits ATPase activity in a manner that appears to be dependent on the size of the modifying reagent. These results are as expected if movements of the catalytic site-containing beta subunits relative to the gamma and epsilon subunits are an essential part of the cooperativity of the enzyme.
Characterization of Reaerosolization From Impingers in an Effort to Improve Airborne Virus Sampling

Aims: To assess the impact of reaerosolization from liquid impingement methods on airborne virus sampling. Methods and Results: An AGI-30 impinger containing particles [MS2 bacteriophage or 30-nm polystyrene latex (PSL)] of known concentration was operated with sterile air. Reaerosolized particles as a function of sampling flow rate and particle concentration in the impinger collection liquid were characterized using a scanning mobility particle sizer. Reaerosolization from the impinger was also compared to that from a BioSampler. Results show that reaerosolization increases as flow rate increases. While the increased particle concentration in the impinger collection liquid leads to an increase in the reaerosolization of PSL particles, it does not necessarily lead to an increase in the reaerosolization of virus particles. Reaerosolization of virus particles begins to decrease as the particle concentration in the impinger collection liquid rises above 106 PFU ml−1. This phenomenon results from aggregation of viral particles at high concentrations. Compared with micron-sized particles, nanosized virus particles are easier to aerosolize because of reduced inertia. Reaerosolization from the BioSampler is demonstrated to be significantly less than that from the impinger. Conclusions: Reaerosolization from impingement sampling methods is a mode of loss in airborne virus sampling, although it is not as significant a limitation as the primary particle size of the aerosol. Utilizing a BioSampler coupled with short sampling periods to prevent high accumulative concentrations can minimize the impact of reaerosolization. Significance and Impact of the Study: This study confirms reaerosolization of virus particles to be a mode of loss in impingement sampling and identifies methods to minimize the loss.
Associations between sensation seeking and d-amphetamine reinforcement.

Background and Objectives While many individuals experiment with stimulants, only a subset transition to abuse or dependence. One characteristic widely associated with stimulant abuse vulnerability in general is sensation seeking (SS), though less clear is how individuals' baseline SS may predict their response to acute stimulant administration. Methods In this secondary analysis, we examined associations between SS and d-AMPH choice and subjective response among healthy male (n = 16) and female (n = 21) adults participating in an outpatient laboratory study wherein they received repeated opportunities to sample and choose between d-AMPH (5, 10, and 20 mg/70 kg) and placebo. Results Among males, elevated baseline SS was associated with increased d-AMPH choice and positive subjective effects at 5 and 10 mg/70 kg doses. Among females, there were no significant associations between SS and d-AMPH choice or subjective effects. Discussion and Conclusions Elevated SS in males may be associated with increased sensitivity to d-AMPH reinforcement and positive subjective effects. Data from this study suggest that SS may not predict sensitivity to stimulants in females, though future studies with larger sample sizes are necessary to answer this definitively. Scientific Significance Sensation seeking may reflect an important characteristic underlying sensitivity to stimulant reinforcement. Efforts to better understand these individual differences would inform efforts to identify and intervene with those at risk for developing abuse or dependence. (Am J Addict 2015;24:435 –442)
Peroxisome Proliferator-activated Receptor γ Agonists Induce Proteasome-dependent Degradation of Cyclin D1 and Estrogen Receptor α in MCF-7 Breast Cancer Cells

Treatment of MCF-7 cells with the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) γ agonists ciglitazone or 15-deoxy-Δ12,14-prostaglandin J2 resulted in a concentration- and time-dependent decrease of cyclin D1 and estrogen receptor (ER) α proteins, and this was accompanied by decreased cell proliferation and G1-G0→S-phase progression. Down-regulation of cyclin D1 and ERα by PPARγ agonists was inhibited in cells cotreated with the proteasome inhibitors MG132 and PSII, but not in cells cotreated with the protease inhibitors calpain II and calpeptin. Moreover, after treatment of MCF-7 cells with 15-deoxy-Δ12,14-prostaglandin J2 and immunoprecipitation with cyclin D1 or ERα antibodies, there was enhanced formation of ubiquitinated cyclin D1 and ERα bands. Thus, PPARγ-induced inhibition of breast cancer cell growth is due, in part, to proteasome-dependent degradation of cyclin D1 (and ERα), and this pathway may be important for other cancer cell lines.
Airglow Processes in Planetary Atmospheres

We summarize results of recent studies of the airglows of the terrestrial and the outer planets. Since the comprehensive review of Fox a decade ago, there are new data on the Venus nightglow, including results from Pioneer Venus in the UV and visible spectral regions. Ground-based observations of the visible nightglow have also been carried out. In the infrared, there is considerable new information from ground-based observations of the O 2 Infrared Atmospheric band system. There have been no new visible/IR airglow measurements of Mars, and there are in any case no nightglow data to compare with the terrestrial and Venusian nightglows. For the terrestrial atmosphere, there is new data originating with sky spectra from large telescopes. Lidar measurements have been used extensively to study the chemistry and dynamics of metal atoms, and improvements have been made in satellite monitoring of visible emissions, particularly the nightglow continuum. The Voyager UVS provided a wealth of observations of outer planet airglow and aurorae; in the ensuing decades, these data have been supplemented by a variety of ground-based near IR and spacebased UV observations. The long-standing mystery surrounding the excess brightness of giant planet dayglow emissions appears to have been resolved in favor of a predominantly solar excitation mechanism. Uncertainties in the intensity and variability of solar ultraviolet and soft X-ray emissions present the most fundamental difficulty in interpreting the dayglow spectra of the giant planets.
Vectors with bidirectional reporter genes for studying divergent promoters.

Publisher Summary A number of vectors have been developed with two reporter genes arranged in a head-to-head fashion to analyze simultaneously divergent transcription from the same promoters. The reporter genes used in these vectors included firefly luciferase, β-galactosidase, chloramphenicol acetyltransferase, β-glucuronidase, growth hormone (both human and bovine), and secreted alkaline phosphatase. This chapter reviews some of these dual reporter vectors and their potential applications and pitfalls. Bidirectional transcription has been found to occur from both eukaryotic and prokaryotic promoters. Dual reporter vectors provide a versatile way to analyze the divergent transcription seen from these promoters. These vectors, although useful, do suffer from some systemic deficiencies. The availability of newer reporter proteins such as the green fluorescent protein and its mutants may allow new vectors to be developed that overcome most of these defects.
Afterloading: The Technique That Rescued Brachytherapy

Although brachytherapy had been established as a highly effective modality for the treatment of cancer, its application was threatened by mid-20th century due to appreciation of the radiation hazard to health care workers. This review examines how the introduction of afterloading eliminated exposure and ushered in a brachytherapy renaissance.
The Phyletic Interpretation of Macromolecular Sequence Information: Simple Methods

Methods were provided in the preceding section for the formulation of phylogenies, the reconstruction of ancestral sequences, and the counting of evolutionary changes in the context of the phylogeny, all based upon macromolecular sequences such as DNA and protein. The results of such an analysis are not facts in the sense that every detail must be a correct representation of the way it really happened. Those results are, however, chosen so that more of those details are expected to be correct than alternative formulations.
Grandiose and vulnerable narcissism from the perspective of the interpersonal circumplex

Abstract A growing empirical literature documents the existence of two distinct dimensions of narcissism, grandiose and vulnerable. In order to better understand the nature of these dimensions, we examined them in the context of the interpersonal circumplex (IPC). Using a sample collected on-line ( N = 277), we examined the relations between these two narcissism dimensions – generated as a result of an exploratory factor analysis of 15 narcissism and narcissism-related scales – and two measures of the IPC. GN was most strongly linked with high agency and low communion. Conversely, vulnerable narcissism was most strongly linked with low communion. The data also suggest that the assessment of IPC can substantially influence the pattern of findings for vulnerable narcissism.
Region Based Image Annotation

We propose an unsupervised approach to segment color images and annotate its regions. The annotation process uses a multi-modal thesaurus that is built from a large collection of training images by learning associations between low-level visual features and keywords. We assume that a collection of images is available and that each image is globally annotated. The objective is to extract representative visual profiles that correspond to frequent homogeneous regions, and to associate them with keywords. These labeled profiles would be used to build a multi-modal thesaurus that could serve as a foundation for region based annotation. Our approach has two main steps. First, each image is coarsely segmented into regions, and visual features are extracted from each region. Second, the regions are categorized using a novel algorithm that performs clustering and feature weighting simultaneously. As a result, we obtain clusters of regions that share subsets of relevant features. Representatives from each cluster and their relevant visual and textual features would be used to build a thesaurus. The proposed approach is trained with a collection of 2695 images and tested with several different images.
Visualization of Model Results and Field Observations in Irregular Coastal Regions

Accurate simulations of the circulation and transport of material substance in the coastal zones of the Great Lakes are needed to assess the impacts of such shoreline developments as drinking water intakes and sewage outfalls and diversions on water quality. It is almost impossible for the coastal modeller to develop or apply three-dimensional fluid dynamics models without having access to good visualization tools, which are a necessary step before model performance can be evaluated. The visualization package with rendering ability, Iris Explorer, has been used in a study of coastal exchange flow between Hamilton Harbour and Lake Ontario. Three-dimensional irregularly gridded output of coastal models is difficult to handle computationally. Novel extensions of the software written to visualize irregular three-dimensional and time-dependent data either from finite element models or from arrays of field instruments are described. A number of examples are provided which illustrate the benefits of advanced visualization methods and computer animation in interpreting three-dimensional mathematical model output and of the employment of these display tools in validating the models with extensive collections of field data.
Intracellular photochemical reactions in the RPE cell exhibit a wavelength dependence that resembles the action spectrum of melanin

Melanosomes isolated from retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells support photochemical oxidation of cellular components when excited by visible light. These reactions have an action spectrum peaking between 450 and 500 nm. We now report that similar, wavelength-dependent reactions occur within intact RPE cells. The chemical probes, 2', 7'-dichlorofluorescein and dihydrorhodamine 123, are non-fluorescent when reduced and fluorescent when oxidized. Cultured bovine and baboon RPE cells were labeled with these probes, and then exposed to quantum-equivalent, 488, 514.5 or 647.1 nm emissions from Argon and Krypton ion CW lasers. The probes were isolated from the cells by solid phase extraction, and the amount of oxidized probe quantified by HPLC with fluorescence detection. Alternatively, cells were imaged with a fluorescence microscope. Images were acquired at various intervals after the cells were exposed to blue ((lambda) max equals 490 nm) and yellow ((lambda) max equals 582 nm) wavelengths derived from the microscope exciter lamp. The kinetics and amplitude of the fluorescence change in the cells were quantified with image processing software. Both types of experiments yielded the conclusion that blue-green wavelengths, on a quantal basis, most efficiently induced photo-oxidative stress in the pigmented cells. The microscopy also indicated that fluorescence was restricted to the cytoplasm. These findings are consistent with the involvement of melanosomes in photo- oxidative reactions.
Gold cluster formation on C60 surfaces observed with scanning tunneling microscopy: Au-cluster beads and self-organized structures

Abstract The growth mechanism of Au-clusters on fullerene layers has been investigated by scanning tunneling microscopy in ultrahigh vacuum at room temperature. The fullerene layers, which serve as substrates, are formed on a graphite surface and exhibit the typical combination of round and fractal shapes, and small sections of the original graphite substrate are exposed. The immobile Au-clusters are concentrated on the C 60 terminated surface section, and the original fullerene island structures are preserved. A preferential nucleation of Au-clusters is observed at the C 60 –graphite edges while the C 60 –C 60 edges remains undecorated. These Au-clusters are placed directly on the edge and shared by the graphite and fullerene layer. They form bead-like structures, which densely populate this edge, while the first layer C 60 islands are clearly depleted of Au-clusters. A roughness analysis of the fullerene surface indicates the presence of Au atoms (or very small clusters), which are embedded in the fullerene surface, and likely situated in the troughs in between the large molecules. These Au atoms are highly mobile and cannot be individually resolved at room temperature. The analysis of the spatial and size distributions of Au-clusters provides the basis for the development of a qualitative model, which describes the relevant surface processes in the Au–fullerene system. The simultaneous deposition of Au and fullerene on graphite leads to the formation of highly organized structures, in which Au-clusters are embedded in a ring of fullerene molecules with a constant width of about 4 nm. The mechanism for the formation of these structures is highly speculative at present and further experiments will be pursued in the near future. A comprehensive analysis of the Au–C 60 system is presented, which contributes to the advancement in our understanding of the metal–fullerene interaction and furthers the development of composite materials of interest in the synthesis of solar cells and metal contacts to organic materials.
CRRES plasma wave experiment

The CRRES plasma wave experiment is designed to provide information on the plasma wave environment and the total plasma density in the Earth's radiation belts and throughout the CRRES orbit. This information is valuable both for studying the naturally occurring wave-particle interactions affecting the plasma and particle environment in the plasmasphere and magnetosphere as well as for studying the chemical releases. The electric field sensors for this instrument consist of two long electric dipole antennas (about 100 m tip-to-tip), and the magnetic field sensor is a search coil magnetometer mounted at the end of a 6-m boom. The instrument has a 14-channel spectrum analyzer covering the frequency range from 5.6 Hz to 10 kHz, and a 128-step sweep frequency receiver covering the frequency range from 100 Hz to 400 kHz.
Structural analysis of a defective transfer-like region in a staphylococcal aminoglycoside resistance plasmid

Abstract Staphylococcus epidermidis clinical isolate MH6502 contained the 51.9-kb nonconjugal plasmid pMH6502, which has homology to a major part of the transfer gene region of a known conjugal plasmid. Plasmid pMH6502 mediates aminoglycoside and ethidium bromide resistance. During restriction digest analysis of pMH6502, a double logarithmic regression of marker data gave a better linear relationship than a semi-logarithmic one. The analysis indicated several differences in the transfer-like region of pMH6502 compared to the analogous region of the S. aureus conjugal plasmid pG01. The transfer-like region was in the opposite orientation compared to pG01. An Eco RI site that is within the transfer-like region of pMH6502, has no analogue in pG01. A Hin dIII site, located outside a 6.3-kb Eco RI fragment in the transfer gene region of pG01, is inside the analogous fragment of pMH6502. A model is proposed to describe how a conjugal ancestral plasmid of pMH6502 could alter to its present form.
Keratin 13 expression is linked to squamous differentiation in rabbit tracheal epithelial cells and down-regulated by retinoic acid.

Abstract Rabbit tracheal epithelial (RbTE) cells in primary culture undergo at confluence a multistep program of squamous differentiation. This study examines the expression of keratins in RbTE cells in relation to this differentiation process. During the exponential growth phase RbTE cells are undifferentiated and express three major keratins, K5, K14, and K19, and two minor keratins, K6 and K16. Squamous differentiation is accompanied by increased expression of keratins K6, K16, and K19, and in particular of keratin K13, which reacts specifically with the monoclonal antibody AE8. These changes in keratin synthesis coincide with the commitment to terminal differentiation. Retinoic acid, an inhibitor of the expression of the squamous differentiated phenotype, inhibits the increase in the expression of K6, K16, and K13 and reduces the expression of K5 and K14; however, retinoic acid treatment results in increased levels of keratin K19 and K18. Retinoic acid inhibits the expression of K16 and K13 at concentrations as low as 10−9–10−10 M. At least some of these changes in keratins appear to be related to alterations in the cellular levels of the respective mRNAs. Our results indicate that specific changes in keratin expression, in particular keratin K13, correlate with the onset of squamous differentiation in RbTE cells. Induction of the expression of keratin K13 may function as a marker of squamous differentiation in tracheobronchial epithelial cells.
Regulation of juvenile hormone esterase activity in the European corn borer, Ostrinia nubilalis

Abstract The regulation of juvenile hormone esterase in last-instar diapause and nondiapause larvae of Ostrinia nubilalis was investigated using topically applied juvenile hormone I and a juvenile hormone mimic, methoprene. The influence of the head on juvenile hormone esterase was also investigated. Both juvenile hormone and methoprene caused increases in esterase levels when applied to feeding animals. Neither the hormone nor methoprene was capable of elevating nondiapause esterase activity to levels comparable to those found in untreated prediapause larvae. The esterase levels could be elevated in the larval body, without the head, during prepupal development of nondiapause larvae and in post-feeding diapause larvae. In both cases, juvenile hormone or methoprene induced juvenile hormone esterase activity in head-ligated animals. Topically applied methoprene prolonged feeding and delayed the onset of diapause. When methoprene was applied to larvae that had entered diapause, it disrupted diapause by inducing a moult.