cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
DNA damage and homologous recombination signaling induced by thymidylate deprivation.

Abstract DNA damage is accepted as a consequence of thymidylate deprivation induced by chemotherapeutic inhibitors of thymidylate synthase (TS), but the types of damage and signaling responses remain incompletely understood. Thymidylate deprivation increases dUTP and uracil in DNA, which is removed by base excision repair (BER). Because BER requires a synthesis step, strand break intermediates presumably accumulate. Thymidylate deprivation also induces cell cycle arrest during replication. Homologous recombination (HR) is a means of repairing persistent BER intermediates and collapsed replication forks. There are also intimate links between HR and S-phase checkpoint pathways. In this study, the goals were to determine the involvement of HR-associated proteins and DNA damage signaling responses to thymidylate deprivation. When RAD51, which is a central component of HR, was depleted by siRNA cells were sensitized to raltitrexed (RTX), which specifically inhibits TS. To our knowledge, this is the first demonstration in mammalian cells that depletion of RAD51 causes sensitivity to thymidylate deprivation. Activation of DNA damage signaling responses was examined following treatment with RTX. Phosphorylation of replication protein A (RPA2 subunit) and formation of damage-induced foci were strikingly evident following IC 50 doses of RTX. Induction was much more striking following RTX treatment than with hydroxyurea, which is commonly used to inhibit replication. RTX treatment also induced foci of RAD51, γ-H2AX, phospho-Chk1, and phospho-NBS1, although the extent of co-localization with RPA2 foci varied. Collectively, the results suggest that HR and S-phase checkpoint signaling processes are invoked by thymidylate deprivation and influence cellular resistance to thymidylate deprivation.
Convection and segregation in directional solidification of dilute and non-dilute binary alloys: Effects of ampoule and furnace design

A Petrov-Galerkin/finite-element method is used to analyze the effect of furnace configuration and ampoule design on the temperature field, the convection in the melt, the shape of the melt-solid interface, and the segregation of solute in the crystal, in the directional solidification of several dilute and nondilute binary semiconductor alloys. The vertical Bridgman-Stockbarger system leads to a two-cell flow structure, and the constant gradient furnace has only a single cell near the interface. Radial temperature gradients interact with the solute field to cause the previously predicted sideways diffusive instability, and addition of a solute that is less dense than the bulk melt and that is incorporated upon solidification decreases the intensity of the flow near the interface by increasing the melt density there. The present results have application to understanding of the effects on solute segregation of microgavity solidification and of applied magnetic fields.
In defence of keyword experiments : A reply to Gruneberg's commentary

Gruneberg (1998) argues that our findings (e.g. Wang and Thomas, 1992; Thomas and Wang, 1996) that the keyword method of foreign language learning leads to poorer long-term retention than rote rehearsal when the delay interval is manipulated between subjects is uninteresting because, in a natural setting, students would normally be tested soon after study. In reply, we assert that our data are internally valid and inform us with respect to the nature of the underlying causal relationship. Specifically, our experimental findings lead us to conclude that the imagery-based encodings of the keyword method are very fragile and unlikely to be retrievable after a delay unless frequently rehearsed. Also, another consequence of the difficulty of retrieving keyword images is that translation time is slower for keyword learners than for learners who rote rehearse. We argue that design and implementation of language instruction programmes is most likely to be successful when educators understand the underlying causal factors. Consequently, informed debate on the effectiveness of a learning strategy can only proceed with evidence gathered from both experimental and real-world settings. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Capillary electrophoresis with laser-induced fluorescence detection for chiral analysis and DNA binding studies of ruthenium(II) Tris-diimine complexes

Abstract The separation of Ru(II)) tris-diimine enantiomers was performed by chiral capillary electrophoresis (CE). A highly sensitive laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) detection system was employed for detection of transition metal complexes present in solution at the low micromolar range. An argon ion laser (457.9 nm, 0.15 mW) was used as an excitation source. The enantiomers of the [Ru(diimine) 3 ] 2+ complexes were separated using either potassium antimonyl- d -tartrate or dibenzoyl- l -tartrate ( l -DBT) as chiral resolving agents. The concentration limit of detection (LOD) for the tris(1,10-phenanthroline) Ru(II) complex was 12.5 μM and the LOD for the tris(2,2′-bipyridine) ruthenium(II) complex was 1.0 μM. These limits represent an improvement in the overall LOD by three-orders of magnitude relative to that obtained via UV–VIS detection. The CE–LIF system was also used to assess the stereoselective interactions between tris(1,10-phenanthroline) Ru(II) complexes and B-form deoxyribonucleic acid (B-DNA).
Knee Extensor Strength, Dynamic Stability, and Functional Ambulation: Are They Related in Parkinson's Disease?

Abstract Nocera JR, Buckley T, Waddell D, Okun MS, Hass CJ. Knee extensor strength, dynamic stability, and functional ambulation: are they related in Parkinson's disease? Objective To evaluate the relationship between knee extensor strength, postural stability, functional ambulation, and disease severity in Parkinson's disease (PD). Design A cohort study. Setting University research laboratory. Participants Patients (N=44) with idiopathic PD. Intervention Not applicable. Main Outcome Measures Participants were evaluated on their isokinetic knee extensor strength. Additionally, participants completed an assessment of their postural stability (Functional Reach Test for static stability and a dynamic postural stability assessment as measured by the center of pressure–center of mass moment arm during gait initiation). Participants also underwent an evaluation of their functional ambulation as measured by a 6-minute walk test. Lastly, participants were evaluated by a neurologist specially trained in movement disorders to assess neurologic status and disease severity using the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale and the Hoehn and Yahr disability score. Results Knee extensor strength positively correlated with dynamic postural stability and negatively correlated with disease severity. Further, dynamic postural stability was negatively correlated to disease severity and positively correlated with functional ambulation in this cohort of patients with PD ( P Conclusions These findings suggest a malleable relationship between knee extensor strength, dynamic stability, and disease severity in PD. Although strength is only one piece of the puzzle in the functional outcome of PD, these findings may assist clinicians in designing appropriate interventions aimed at increasing function and decreasing fall risk in PD.
Interpreting three-dimensional scenes: A model building approach

Abstract A model-building approach to three-dimensional scene interpretation is described. It is represented as a set of programs called the EYE system and its emphasis is on the integration of depth and semantic information to form a three-dimensional model of a scene. The EYE system transforms an image into a model of a scene by successively converting it into region descriptions, surface representations, and finally, three-dimensional models of the objects in a scene. Depth cues provide relative and absolute depth and orientation estimates for regions. An iterative algorithm forms a set of surface descriptions which are globally consistent using the relative depth estimates to constrain the absolute depth estimates. Surfaces are grouped into distinct instances of objects using “long-term” object models represented with a semantic net. Results are presented for near views of color outdoor scenes. The central thesis of the EYE system is that there are several different types of depth cues and that while they can be computed independently they can be meaningfully interpreted only by combining the information from different depth cues under the guidance of semantic information about the objects in a scene.
Partially folded, molten globule and molten coil states of bovine pancreatic trypsin inhibitor

Three denatured states of bovine pancreatic trypsin inhibitor have been characterized, using two chemically synthesized analogues designed for study of folding intermediates. One analogue, [14-38]Abu, retains only the 14-38 disulphide. At pH 4.5-6 and 1-7 degrees C, [14-38]Abu is a highly ordered beta-sheet molten globule; it has the circular dichroism (CD), ANS-binding and folding kinetics of a molten globule; is partially folded by NMR analysis; and undergoes cooperative thermal denaturation. At low temperature [14-38]Abu also forms an acid state at pH 1.5, as well as a denatured state at pH 2.5. A second BPTI analogue with all three disulphide bridges eliminated, [R]Abu, lacks detectable secondary and tertiary structure but has stable hydrophobic surfaces and is collapsed. We term this species a 'molten coil'.
Intervención ambiental en sitios contaminados por plomo: la experiencia en los Estados Unidos de América

Durante una decada, los organismos estatales y federales han trabajado de manera conjunta con las comunidades a lo largo del territorio estadounidense, con el objeto de valorar el riesgo a la salud que implica la contaminacion por plomo en las zonas residenciales. A menudo dichas comunidades han estado vinculadas con instalaciones destinadas anteriormente a actividades como la mineria y la metalurgia; sin embargo, existen otras industrias como por ejemplo la fabricacion de pinturas y el reciclaje de baterias, tambien identificadas como fuentes de contaminacion por este metal. La vasta experiencia en las tareas de limpieza de los sitios contaminados ha puesto de manifiesto que los amplios programas destinados a identificar y manejar las vias de exposicion pueden ayudar, de manera efectiva, a disminuir los niveles de plomo en sangre de las poblaciones mas suceptibles, como la de los de ninos en edades tempranas. Los programas de intervencion ambiental son mas efectivos cuando en las localidades afectadas se ejecutan programas de educacion/intervencion en salud, orientados al desarrollo de estrategias individualizadas para manejar el riesgo que implica la presencia de dicho metal en el ambiente.
Navigating New Legal Demands for Franchisor Accountability

Franchising is a relationship wherein one organization (i.e., the franchisor) allows other organizations (i.e., franchisees) to use its brand name, products, and processes in exchange for fees. Because franchising offers franchisors the opportunity to build their brands quickly, it is perhaps not surprising that many firms rely on franchising as a key tool for organization design. One caution about franchising is that its use brings a complex array of legal issues into play. As franchising increases in popularity, so too does the scrutiny paid to this organizational form by the legal system. Indeed, the courts appear to be demanding increased accountability from franchisors. The goal of this Point of View article is to explain how organizations can avoid problems associated with increased accountability and even benefit from it.
Libraries as Journal Publishers

Technology and a collaborative nature, combined with the desire for more readily accessible information, have caused more libraries and librarians to consider becoming journal publishers. While the largest library-publishers have been providing their services for more than 15 years, resources are now more readily available to help libraries and faculty work together to publish new or well-established journals.
Ligands of second generation platinum analogs decrease both platinum-induced DNA cross-linking and its ability to interact with 1-β-D-arabinofuranosyl cytosine to potentiate cytotoxic efficacy☆

We evaluated the cytotoxic and DNA cross-linking (CL) ability of four second generation platinum coordination complexes (TNO-6, JM-89, JM-8 and JM-9) delivered alone or in combination with 1-beta-D-arabinofuranosyl cytosine (ara-C) to human colon cancer cells (LoVo). Cell survival varied markedly as a function of the particular substitution moiety. JM-8 and JM-9 were virtually ineffective, even at concentrations as high as 50 micrograms/ml. At that concentration cis-diamminedichloroplatinum(II) (cis-DDP) killed greater than 99.99% of the cells. JM-82 was slightly more active while TNO-6 was the only derivative with appreciably higher cytotoxic activity due to an abrogation of the shoulder region of the type C survival curve. The highest CL effect was observed for cis-DDP followed closely by TNO-6. Very little CL effects were demonstrated for the other three analogs JM-82, JM-8 and JM-9 when measured 6 h after treatment. The combination of cis-DDP and ara-C augmented 10-fold the cytotoxic activity of cis-DDP alone, an effect accompanied by an almost 2-fold increase in CL; every other analog failed to interact in a potentiating manner (either cytotoxicity, or CL at 6 h) with the antimetabolite. Thus, it appears clear that the associated moieties of the Pt coordination complex play a fundamental role in reducing the interaction of the analogs with DNA (as reflected by the decreased CL and cytotoxic effects produced by each agent alone) and in totally preventing their interaction with ara-C to yield a potentiating lethal effect.
An integrated approach to computer usage in the teaching of experimental psychology

Ongoing development of a series of laboratory modules for experimental psychology courses is described. The modules are designed to be implemented on a network of TRS-80 microcomputers, which are linked by a Network 3 controller. Within each module, the computer controls stimulus events, records individual data, probes the student for understanding of experimental concepts, and tabulates the class data. In addition to a discussion of the modules and their software implementation, the required hardware is described.
Vortex creation and pinning in high amplitude third sound waves

Changes of macroscopic circulation induced by high amplitude, rotationally polarized waves in a third sound resonator are measured. The results are compared to a model including a simple frictional vortex drag with the substrate. A significantly larger than expected concentration of vorticity is deposited in the vicinity of a central hole piercing the resonator which other modifications to the model cannot address.
Interfacial fracture toughness of transition metal nitrides

Abstract Interfacial fracture toughness is one of the key parameters in assessing and controlling the quality and performance of multiple-layer hard protective coatings. This paper reports on a study of interfacial fracture toughness of transition metal nitrides using ab initio density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Five transition metal nitrides, TiN, CrN, ZrN, VN and HfN, were selected for this study. The interfaces between these nitrides were constructed, and the ideal work of adhesion W ad and Young's modulus E along (100) and (110) orientations for these nitrides were calculated. On the basis of calculated W ad and E , the interfacial fracture toughness K IC was evaluated. The trends of interfacial fracture toughness were analyzed for two specific orientations (100) and (110). It is proposed that interfacial fracture toughness may be used as guidance for the development of multi-layer coatings for either wear or erosion protection.
Attention induces synchronization-based response gain in steady-state visual evoked potentials

When attention is voluntarily directed to a spatial location, visual sensitivity increases at that location. What causes this improved sensitivity? Studies of single neuron spike rates in monkeys have provided mixed results in regard to whether attending to a stimulus increases its effective contrast (contrast gain) or multiplicatively boosts stimulus-driven neural responses (response or activity gain). We monitored frequency-tagged steady-state visual evoked potentials (SSVEPs) in humans and found that voluntary sustained attention multiplicatively increased stimulus-driven population electrophysiological activity. Analyses of intertrial phase coherence showed that this attentional response gain was at least partially due to the increased synchronization of SSVEPs to stimulus flicker. These results suggest that attention operates in a complementary manner at different levels; attention seems to increase single-neuron spike rates in a variety of ways, including contrast, response and activity gains, while also inducing a multiplicative boost on neural population activity via enhanced response synchronization.
The effect of numerical precision upon simulated annealing

Abstract The representation of floating point numbers and the method of generating random floating point numbers can have a significant effect upon the performance of the simulated annealing algorithm. Finite precision may limit the minimum obtainable cost, may result in an optimal minimum temperature, and may imply an optimal chain length.
Temporal changes in edema, Na+, K+, and Ca++ in focal cortical stroke: GM1 ganglioside reduces ischemic injury.

Cortical focal ischemia in the rat was induced by middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAo) together with permanent occlusion of the ipsilateral common carotid artery (CCAo) and a temporary (1 hr) occlusion of the contralateral CCA. By using a defined cortical tissue sampling procedure at 3, 6, 24, 72, 96, and 120 hr after the MCAo + CCAo, patterns of edema and ion (Na+, K+, and Ca++) changes in a primary and three peri-ischemic cortical areas are described. Ionic imbalances and edema formation have distinct patterns, are time dependent, and are different when comparing primary and peri-ischemic areas. Calcium increases to “neurotoxic” levels appear temporally independent of edema formation, reaching magnitudes 20 times greater than basal levels in the pri-mary infarct area. Na+ increases correlate with increases in water, while K+ losses do not appear to be directly related to edema formation or Na+ and Ca++ increases. K+ losses are only significant in the primary infarct area. Rats treated with GM1 ganglioside (10 mg/kg, i.m.) daily showed significant reductions in edema, Na + and Ca ++ increases. These ganglioside effects were evident as early as 24 hr after the ischemic injury. Ca++ increases, which was maximal at 72 hr after the ischemic injury, was reduced by greater than 50% in GM1-treated animals. The mechanism by which GM1 is an effective neuroprotective agent may be evidenced by its effects on Ca++ influx/efflux processes in injury.
Sudden oak death: endangering California and Oregon forest ecosystems

Sudden oak death is a new disease affecting tanoak (Lithocarpus densiflora) and oaks (Quercus spp) in California and Oregon, caused by the recently described pathogen Phytophthora ramorum. It has reached epidemic proportions in several counties in central California, leading to the death of tens of thousands of trees. In addition to oaks and tanoak, P ramorum has been found in nearly all woody plant species in mixed evergreen and redwood forests from central California to southern Oregon. Plant species that are not killed appear to serve as a reservoir for the pathogen. The high susceptibility of tanoak to infection and death suggests that P ramorum is an exotic pathogen, but its origins, and most details of its biology and ecology, remain unknown. Our limited knowledge only compounds our concern over the long-term implications of this epidemic for the ecology of coastal forests.
Colour-Blind Praxis in Havana: Interrogating Cuban Teacher Discourses of Race and Racelessness.

Despite massive gains in racial equality over the past 50 years, racism persists in twenty-first century Cuba. One of the key tools for the preservation and maintenance of racism is the discourse of racelessness through which the relevance of race is denied and silenced. Paradoxically, the racelessness frame has also been a guiding anti-racist force for over a century; an effective tool for challenging racism on the island since the late eighteenth century. Based on interviews with 41 Cuban teachers conducted in the Havana area, this article investigates teacher understandings of race and racelessness in Cuban society generally, and with regard to the schooling context in particular. Conversations with teachers reveal a paradoxical formation in which teachers using the racelessness approach, are indeed doing race work in their classrooms following an anti-racism derived from the larger Cuban race narrative as well as from their own experiences with race and racism.
Diffuse dermal angiomatosis of the breast: clinicopathologic study of 5 patients.

Background Diffuse dermal angiomatosis (DDA) is a rare skin condition considered to be a type of reactive angioendotheliomatosis. Histologic features are quite characteristic. It has been reported in association with vaso-occlusive disease, trauma, or underlying hypercoagulability. In the past, it was thought to be most common on the lower extremities. Objective The purpose of this study was to describe the clinical and histologic features of 5 patients with DDA. Methods The clinical and histologic features of 5 patients with DDA were evaluated. Results Five women (47-58 years old) had DDA of the breast. Histologic examination showed a diffuse proliferation of benign endothelial cells between the collagen bundles throughout the dermis. Limitations The main limitation of our study is the limited number of patients. Conclusion Involvement of the breast is much more common than previously reported. Smoking seems to be a strong risk factor for the disease. Revascularization, oral corticosteroids, and oral anticoagulation have all been reported to be somewhat successful in the treatment of DDA of the breast.
Total kinetic analysis reveals how combinatorial methylation patterns are established on lysines 27 and 36 of histone H3

We have developed a targeted method to quantify all combinations of methylation on an H3 peptide containing lysines 27 and 36 (H3K27-K36). By using stable isotopes that separately label the histone backbone and its methylations, we tracked the rates of methylation and demethylation in myeloma cells expressing high vs. low levels of the methyltransferase MMSET/WHSC1/NSD2. Following quantification of 99 labeled H3K27-K36 methylation states across time, a kinetic model converged to yield 44 effective rate constants qualifying each methylation and demethylation step as a function of the methylation state on the neighboring lysine. We call this approach MS-based measurement and modeling of histone methylation kinetics (M4K). M4K revealed that, when dimethylation states are reached on H3K27 or H3K36, rates of further methylation on the other site are reduced as much as 100-fold. Overall, cells with high MMSET have as much as 33-fold increases in the effective rate constants for formation of H3K36 mono- and dimethylation. At H3K27, cells with high MMSET have elevated formation of K27me1, but even higher increases in the effective rate constants for its reversal by demethylation. These quantitative studies lay bare a bidirectional antagonism between H3K27 and H3K36 that controls the writing and erasing of these methylation marks. Additionally, the integrated kinetic model was used to correctly predict observed abundances of H3K27-K36 methylation states within 5% of that actually established in perturbed cells. Such predictive power for how histone methylations are established should have major value as this family of methyltransferases matures as drug targets.
On-chip inductance modeling and analysis

With operating frequencies approaching the gigahertz range, inductance is becoming an increasingly important consideration in the design and analysis of on-chip interconnect. We present an accurate technique for modeling and analyzing the effects of parasitic inductance on power grid noise, signal delay and crosstalk. We propose a detailed circuit model composed of interconnect resistance, inductance and distributed capacitance, device decoupling capacitances, quiescent activity in the grid, pad locations, and pad/package inductance which accurately determines current distribution and, hence, on-chip inductive effects, and proves superior to the traditional simplified loop inductance approach. The model uses partial inductances, computed using an analytical formula for a pair of parallel rectangular conductors spaced in any relative position. We present experimental results, obtained from simulations of industrial circuits, that show the importance of various model components while analyzing on-chip inductance. We also propose a simple sparsification technique to handle large, dense partial inductance matrices.
Low cost clock cleaner solution for reference clock sources

With the increase in data processing speeds, the requirement for a clean reference clock source for high-speed data processing is paramount. A clean reference clock source for a high-speed data system must satisfy the following criteria: generates a clock signal with very fast rising and falling edges, exhibits low intrinsic jitter and does not add additional jitters through the clock distribution network. Generally, the cost of a reference clock source rises with the quality of the clock signal. This paper proposes a low-cost clock cleaner solution for reference clock sources called the Clock Cleaner. The Clock Cleaner provides a wide range of reference clock frequencies with very low phase noise and jitter. The Clock Cleaner offers an affordable and flexible way for electronic system designers to prototype their high-speed applications. This paper presents the implementation of the Clock Cleaner using an Altera Cyclone III FPGA device and a NIOS II processor. This paper also analyzes the Clock Cleaner's phase noise and jitter performance and compares them with two commercial clock generation equipments.
Outcomes in surgical versus medical patients with the secondary abdominal compartment syndrome.

Abstract Background Secondary abdominal compartment syndrome (SACS) is a well-recognized sequelae of massive fluid resuscitation in surgical patients, but has only anecdotally been reported in the medical patient population. The purpose of this study was to compare the clinical scenarios, physiologic indices, and outcomes of patients with SACS due to medical versus trauma etiologies. Methods Patients undergoing decompression for SACS from January 1999 to January 2006 were identified using our computerized operative records. Results During the 7-year study period, 54 patients developed SACS (41 postinjury patients and 13 medical patients). There were no significant differences in demographics, physiologic indices, or fluid resuscitation between the medical and postinjury groups: age (46.6 ± 4.7 vs 40.6 ± 2.3), bladder pressure (33.5 ± 1.1 vs 32.8 ± 1.8), peak airway pressures (45.9 ± 2.4 vs 49.3 ± 2.1), base deficit (14.6 ± 1.4 vs 13.6 ± 1.1), and fluids (18.5 ± 1.8 vs 16.0 ± 1.5 liters). Patients with a medical cause of SACS had a significantly longer time to decompression (21 ± 3.6 versus 6.5 ± 1.9 hours), significantly higher incidence of MOF (62% v 27%), and trend toward greater mortality (54% versus 34%). Conclusions Patients with diverse disease processes may develop SACS. Despite similar age and physiologic indices, the MOF and mortality rates associated with medical SACS are markedly higher. These findings highlight the need for routine monitoring in at-risk patients, prevention of pathologic intra-abdominal hypertension, and a low threshold for decompression.
Some Observations on Educational Research and Development in Sweden

Abstract Alkin, Marvin C, & Johnson, Mauritz (1972). Some Observations on Educational Research and Development in Sweden. Scand. J. educ. Res. 16, 41‐60. The authors present their view of the current research and development (R & D) activities supported by Byra L 4 of the Swedish National Board of Education, based on observations made during a three‐month visit to Sweden in Spring of 1971. The rationale and priorities of the R & D program and their relationship to project selection procedures are discussed. The nature and extent of quality control and project monitoring from the national level are discussed in terms of such a preestablished rationale. Various types of possible evaluation activities arc described. Coordination of projects and dissemination of results and resulting products are reviewed, with several means of assuring better data usage and dissemination of information suggested. The question of project leadership is studied as it exists at this time and as it is evolving. The changing situa...
A terahertz focal plane array using HEB superconducting mixers and MMIC IF amplifiers

We present a focal plane array (FPA) designed for operation at terahertz frequencies. The FPA is based on NbN phonon-cooled hot electron bolometer mixers directly coupled to wide-band microwave monolithic integrated circuit IF amplifiers. The array incorporates all the required dc-bias and IF circuitry in a compact split-block design. We present new experimental results describing the optical coupling efficiency to the array, as well as receiver noise temperature measurements. The measurements were performed at 1.6 THz, showing good agreement with theoretical predictions. This is the first low-noise heterodyne focal plane array to be reported for any frequency above 1 THz.
Organic single crystals: tools for the exploration of charge transport phenomena in organic materials

The promise of organic semiconductors for use in new and existing electronic devices has initiated exploration of the underlying transport mechanisms in such materials. Single crystals offer a unique way to investigate charge transport as a function of molecular properties and arrangement. Recent developments in techniques show great promise for such exploration, and point to the convergence of theory and experiment for this important class of functional materials.
On the spatial heterogeneity of net ecosystem productivity in complex landscapes

Micrometeorological flux towers provide spatially integrated estimates of net ecosystem production (NEP) of carbon over areas ranging from several hectares to several square kilometers, but they do so at the expense of spatially explicit information within the footprint of the tower. This finer-scale information is crucial for understanding how physical and biological factors interact and give rise to tower-measured fluxes in complex landscapes. We present a simple approach for quantifying and evaluating the spatial heterogeneity of cumulative growing season NEP for complex landscapes. Our method is based on spatially distributed information about physical and biological landscape variables and knowledge of functional relationships between constituent fluxes and these variables. We present a case study from a complex landscape in the Rocky Mountains of Montana (US) to demonstrate that the spatial distribution of cumulative growing season NEP is rather large and bears the imprint of the topographic and vegetation variables that characterize this complex landscape. Net carbon sources and net carbon sinks were distributed across the landscape in manner predictable by the intersection of these landscape variables. We simulated year-to-year climate variability and found that some portions of the landscape were consistently either carbon sinks or carbon sources, but other portions transitioned between sink and source. Our findings reveal that this emergent behavior is a unique characteristic of complex landscapes derived from the interaction of topography and vegetation. These findings offer new insight for interpreting spatially integrated carbon fluxes measured over complex landscapes.
Why a Consumer Electronic Device is Difficult to Use

This paper describes a cognitive usability analysis of a home stereo as well as an experiment that tests the predictions borne out of that analysis using the RAFIV method of cognitive usability analysis (Sherry, Polson, Fennell, & Feary, 2002). At the heart of this method is a five-stage model that describes a user's cognitive steps as they perform a task. This model provides a framework for analyzing an interface by asking whether or not each stage can be accomplished purely through label-following. The results suggest that the RAFIV technique can be used to predict which tasks might prove difficult for users. Furthermore, it suggests that the number of recall steps within a task can play a negative role in a user's ability to complete that task.
START: an automated tool for serial analysis of chromatin occupancy data

Summary: The serial analysis of chromatin occupancy technique (SACO) promises to become a widely used method for the unbiased genome-wide experimental identification of loci bound by a transcription factor of interest. We describe the first web-based automatic tool, termed sequence tag analysis and reporting tool (START), for processing SACO data generated by experiments performed for the yeast, fruit fly, mouse, rat or human genomes. The program uses as input sequences of inserts from a SACO library from which it extracts all SACO tags, maps them to genomic locations and annotates them. START returns detailed information about these tags including the genes, the genomic elements and the miRNA precursors found in their vicinity, and makes use of the MAPPER database to identify putative transcription factor binding sites located close to the tags. Availability: The program is available at http://bio.chip.org/start/ Contact: vdmarinescu@chip.org Supplementary information: Supplementary information is available at http://bio.chip.org/doc/start/START-supplementary.pdf
Addressing substance abuse and violence in substance use disorder treatment and batterer intervention programs

Substance use disorders and perpetration of intimate partner violence (IPV) are interrelated, major public health problems. We surveyed directors of a sample of substance use disorder treatment programs (SUDPs; N=241) and batterer intervention programs (BIPs; N=235) in California (70% response rate) to examine the extent to which SUDPs address IPV, and BIPs address substance abuse. Generally, SUDPs were not addressing co-occurring IPV perpetration in a formal and comprehensive way. Few had a policy requiring assessment of potential clients, or monitoring of admitted clients, for violence perpetration; almost one-quarter did not admit potential clients who had perpetrated IPV, and only 20% had a component or track to address violence. About one-third suspended or terminated clients engaging in violence. The most common barriers to SUDPs providing IPV services were that violence prevention was not part of the program’s mission, staff lacked training in violence, and the lack of reimbursement mechanisms for such services. In contrast, BIPs tended to address substance abuse in a more formal and comprehensive way; e.g., one-half had a policy requiring potential clients to be assessed, two-thirds required monitoring of substance abuse among admitted clients, and almost one-half had a component or track to address substance abuse. SUDPs had clients with fewer resources (marriage, employment, income, housing), and more severe problems (both alcohol and drug use disorders, dual substance use and other mental health disorders, HIV + status). We found little evidence that services are centralized for individuals with both substance abuse and violence problems, even though most SUDP and BIP directors agreed that help for both problems should be obtained simultaneously in separate programs. SUDPs may have difficulty addressing violence because they have a clientele with relatively few resources and more complex psychological and medical needs. However, policy change can modify barriers to treatment integration and service linkage, such as reimbursement restrictions and lack of staff training.
Use and distribution of organochlorine pesticides. The future in Africa

Pesticides have been used in the continent for about eight decades. Major use has been in agriculture, livestock development, and disease vectors control. Recent international conventions have been made with little scientific data and information on the tropical situa- tion. Rapid development of resistance to pesticides demands better scientific understanding of pest management. Tropical research data on organochlorine pesticides show rapid degra- dation pattern, low residue levels, and widespread distribution. Given the above, there is a need to factor into consideration tropical climatological calamities in any future pesticide policy. Continued use of pesticides is anticipated in the tropics.
The influence of aerobic fitness on cerebral white matter integrity and cognitive function in older adults: results of a one-year exercise intervention

Cerebral white matter (WM) degeneration occurs with increasing age and is associated with declining cognitive function. Research has shown that cardiorespiratory fitness and exercise are effective as protective, even restorative, agents against cognitive and neurobiological impairments in older adults. In this study, we investigated whether the beneficial impact of aerobic fitness would extend to WM integrity in the context of a one-year exercise intervention. Further, we examined the pattern of diffusivity changes to better understand the underlying biological mechanisms. Finally, we assessed whether training-induced changes in WM integrity would be associated with improvements in cognitive performance independent of aerobic fitness gains. Results showed that aerobic fitness training did not affect group-level change in WM integrity, executive function, or short-term memory, but that greater aerobic fitness derived from the walking program was associated with greater change in WM integrity in the frontal and temporal lobes, and greater improvement in short-term memory. Increases in WM integrity, however, were not associated with short-term memory improvement, independent of fitness improvements. Therefore, while not all findings are consistent with previous research, we provide novel evidence for correlated change in training-induced aerobic fitness, WM integrity, and cognition among healthy older adults.
Synthesis and SAR of azalide 3,6-ketal aromatic derivatives as potent gram-positive and gram-negative antibacterial agents

3,6-Ketals of 15-membered azalide pseudoaglycones are a novel series of macrolide antibiotics. The aromatic derivatives of the azalide 3,6-ketals demonstrated potent antibacterial activities against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.
Prenatal hormonal therapy improves pulmonary compliance in the nitrofen-induced CDH rat model

Neonates with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) experience a high mortality despite intensive medical and surgical management. The associated pulmonary hypoplasia is accompanied by an underlying biochemical deficiency that bears similarity to respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) in the premature newborn. Using therapies extrapolated from those used to treat RDS, the authors have previously shown correction of the immature pulmonary biochemical indices in the nitrofen rat CDH model. This study investigates the functional and histological outcome of prenatal hormone therapy on CDH rats. Compared with saline-treated CDH controls, dexamethasone-treated CDH animals achieved significant increases in lung distensibility (P = .0006) and functional residual capacity (P = .004); CDH rats treated with combined dexamethasone and thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) showed improved functional residual capacity (P = .043) and alveolar stability (P = .025); CDH animals treated with TRH alone (TRH-CDH) showed no improvement in any parameter tested. Histologically, the lungs from dexamethasone- and dexamethasone-TRH-treated CDH animals showed changes that included narrow septal walls, increased air saccule size, and thinning of the pulmonary interstitium compared with the lungs of saline or TRH-CDH rats, which were developmentally arrested at the canalicular stage. Lung weights and lung weight-body weights ratios were similar in all CDH rats, confirming that treatment did not impair pulmonary growth. These results support the potential clinical use of prenatal pharmacological therapies to treat human fetuses with prenatally diagnosed CDH.
Tissue triglycerides, insulin resistance, and insulin production: implications for hyperinsulinemia of obesity

Obesity is associated with both insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia. Initially hyperinsulinemia compensates for the insulin resistance and thereby maintains normal glucose homeostasis. Obesity ...
Biomineralization on the stalk of the eustigmatophyte Pseudocharaciopsis (Eustigmatophyceae)

The stalks of the eustigmatophyte Pseudocharaciopsis minuta were examined by light and scanning electron microscopy. Light microscopy revealed orange-red granules at the base of the stalk. Energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis of the bases indicated that they were mainly composed of manganese. Manganese has not been previously reported from eustigmatophytes. This study indicates that the Eustigmatophyceae needs further study into many aspects of the biology.
Effect of Hospital Volume on Prosthesis Use and Mortality in Aortic Valve Operations in the Elderly

Background This study was designed to examine the effect of hospital procedural volume on outcomes in aortic valve replacement (AVR) in the elderly. Methods The study included 277,928 Medicare beneficiaries who underwent AVR from 2000 through 2009 at one of 1,255 participating hospitals. Operative mortality and the use of mechanical prostheses were analyzed according to hospital annual procedural volume. Annual AVR volume was divided into 5 different categories: the smallest volume group with less than 10 AVRs per year to the largest group averaging more than 70 AVRs per year. Results The overall observed operative mortality rate was 7.3%; for isolated AVR it was 5.5%. Lower-volume hospitals exhibited increased adjusted operative mortality: 10 cases or fewer per year—odds ratio (OR), 1.55; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.39 to 1.72; 11 to 20 cases per year—OR, 1.35; 95% CI, 1.23 to 1.47; 21 to 40 cases per year—OR, 1.15; 95% CI, 1.06 to 1.25; 41 to 70 cases per year—OR, 1.10; 95% CI, 1.01 to 1.20 relative to those hospitals performing more than 70 cases per year. The discrepancy in operative mortality between low- and high-volume hospitals diverged during the study. Mechanical valve use decreased with increasing hospital volume ( p = 0.0001). Mechanical valves were used in 64.5% of AVRs in hospitals with an annual AVR volume less than 10 in contrast to only 25.4% in hospitals with an annual AVR volume more than 70. After adjustment, the use of mechanical valves was independently associated with increased operative mortality (OR, 1.15; 95% CI, 1.11–1.19). Conclusions Low-volume centers were characterized by increased adjusted operative mortality and greater use of mechanical prostheses, a trend that persisted during the 10-year course of the study. These data would support the center-of-excellence concept for AVR and may be particularly relevant in the elderly population.
Same Monster Different Mask: How Neoliberal Market Principles Changed Public Schools and Established White Domination of Public Education in New Orleans

In this chapter, I provide a critique of neoliberal economic principles and the establishment of charter schools. The case details the take-over of New Orleans, LA (US) schools after the catastrophic devastation of Hurricane Katrina. This site became a testing ground for neoliberal education policy where a school system that served largely African American students with primarily African American teachers was disestablished by policy, the African American controlled union was undercut, and the school system was decentralized allowing for the neoliberal experiment with charters to take place. The “public” is identified as the problem with education, even as public dollars are used for private gain. My central question became: “How does a catastrophe create and recreate urban schools and urban school reform as a political site for negotiating race in a catastrophic moment?” Drawing from previous work connecting Whiteness as property, my critique seeks to establish that both the market and the school reform charter program are forms of White domination. Thus, I argue that the “new” New Orleans educational system was both a direct assault on the power of African Americans to control the education of their children, and on the African American middle class that was largely built around the teaching occupation.
Patient-Reported Quality of Life in Men with Transurethral Resection of the Prostate Undergoing Proton Therapy for Management of Prostate Cancer

Abstract Purpose: We report on quality of life (QOL) and early toxicity among men with prostate cancer who underwent transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) before proton therapy. Materials and Methods: Between 2006 and 2010, 1,289 patients were treated definitively with proton therapy for prostate cancer at our institution and enrolled on a prospective outcomes-tracking protocol. Ninety-six of the men had received a TURP before proton therapy, while 1,193 men had not. Baseline comorbidities, medications, expanded prostate index composite (EPIC) score, international prostate symptom score (IPSS), and CTCAE vs.3 toxicity assessment were collected prospectively. The Kaplan-Meier product limit method was used to estimate freedom from toxicity. Results: Men who had TURP before proton therapy had lower baseline EPIC scores for urinary incontinence, bowel summary, and sexual summary compared with the non-TURP group, but no significant difference in urinary obstructive score was observed. After controllin...
Juvenile Hormone Activity of Acetals Applied Topically and as a Vapor to the Yellow Mealworm

Five of 19 acetals were as active as the standard farnesyl methyl ether (methyl 3,7,11-trimethyl-2,6,10-dodecatrienyl ether) when tested topically for juvenile hormone activity against Tenebrio molitor L. The acetals differed from sesamex only in that the phenyl substituents were other than the methylenedioxy moiety. Sesamex, which is a pyrethrin and carbamate synergist, showed high juvenile: hormone activity, but acetaldehyde 3,4-dichlorophenyl 2-(2-ethoxyethoxy)ethyl acetal was more active. A modified bioassay showed that vapors of the active chemicals also caused juvenilization.
Corn Rootworm : Population Reduction Associated with the Ant, Lasius neoniger

In field observations in 1973 and 1976, there were 74 to 80% fewer corn rootworm ( Diabrotica spp.) larvae beneath corn plants that had a colony of the ant Lasius neoniger Emery, at their base. Means were 26.5 vs. 5.2 and 22.9 vs. 6.0. None of the stalks examined that harbored ant colonies were lodged. This is the first demonstrated example of a biological control for corn rootworms in the field.