cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Recent Advances in Our Knowledge of mCRC Tumor Biology and Genetics: A Focus on Targeted Therapy Development

Metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) remains a highly lethal malignancy although considerable progress has resulted from characterizing molecular alterations such as RAS mutation status and extent of microsatellite instability (MSI) to guide optimal use of available therapies. The availability of gene expression profiling, next generation sequencing technologies, proteomics analysis and other technologies provides high resolution information on individual tumors, including metastatic lesions to better define intra-tumor and inter-tumor heterogeneity. Recent literature applying this information to further customize personalized therapies is reviewed. Current biomarker-based stratification used to select optimal therapy that is personalized to the mutation profile of individual tumors is described. Recent literature using whole exome sequencing of metastatic lesions and primary CRC tumors and other advanced technologies to more fully elucidate the tumor biology specific to mCRC sub-types and to develop more precise therapies that improve outcomes is also reviewed.
Designing Single Subject Research-Based Interventions for Clinical Neuropsychology Practice

The chapter introduces single subject-based interventions used in clinical neuropsychology practice to human service psychologists. The author first defined clinical neuropsychology and clinical neuropsychologists and introduced single subject-based designs as a research methodology that is used in clinical neuropsychology research and interventions. The author listed some common views of single subject designs and emphasized that it is important for researchers and clinicians to appreciate the strengths and unique features of single subject-based designs, despite their limitations. The history of single subject-based designs in experimental and clinical psychology contexts was briefly introduced, followed by an overview of experimental analysis of behavior and applied behavior analysis. Evidence-based interventions and increased evaluation and accountability in single subject designs were described. A clinical neuropsychology case was presented to demonstrate various single subject-based design types: ABAB design, BABA design, ABCBCA design, multiple-baseline design, changing-criterion design, multiple-treatment design, and quasi-single-case experimental design. The author also discussed why it is important for clinical neuropsychologists to focus on multicultural issues and how to provide culturally competent neuropsychological services to all clients. The advantages, limitations, and characteristics of single subject designs were summarized. In the future, it is recommended that single subject-based designs be better applied in two broad contexts.
Community Organizing in Alcohol and other Drug Prevention Coalition Building: The Role of Strategic Decisions

Abstract Community organizing and coalition building have become a common approach to prevention of alcohol and other drug problems. These techniques can be especially useful in approaching substance-related problems in college communities. Strategic decisions are involved in development of such coalitions which, ultimately, impact the efficacy of prevention efforts. This paper presents a case study of the development of a college-based alcohol and other drug prevention coalition with special attention given to strategic decisions. Strategic decision areas analyzed include mission, membership, leadership, and resources. Additionally, key learnings and suggestions for organizers and prevention specialists are offered.
A technique for simultaneous measurement of Ca2+, FRET fluorescence and force in intact mouse small arteries

FRET (Forster resonance energy transfer)-based biosensor molecules are powerful tools to reveal specific molecular interactions in cells. Typically however, they are used in cultured cells that (inevitably) express different genes than their counterparts in intact organisms. In such cells it may be impossible to administer physiological stimuli and measure physiological outputs. Here, through the use of transgenic mice that express a FRET-based myosin light chain kinase (MLCK) biosensor molecule, we report a technique for dynamically observing activation and regulation of MLCK within the smooth muscle cells of intact, functioning small arteries, together with measurement of arterial force production and intracellular [Ca(2+)].
Electrospinning Technology for Nanofibrous Scaffolds in Tissue Engineering

The sections in this article are Introduction Nanofibrous Scaffolds Fabrication Methods for Nanofibrous Scaffolds Phase Separation Self-assembly Electrospinning The Electrospinning Process History Setup Mechanism and Working Parameters Properties of Electrospun Nanofibrous Scaffolds Architecture Porosity Mechanical Properties Current Development of Electrospun Nanofibrous Scaffolds in Tissue Engineering Evidence Supporting the Use of Nanofibrous Scaffolds in Tissue Engineering Nanofibrous Scaffolds Enhance Adsorption of Cell Adhesion Molecules Nanofibrous Scaffolds Induce Favorable Cell–ECM Interaction Nanofibrous Scaffolds Maintain Cell Phenotype Nanofibrous Scaffolds Support Differentiation of Stem Cells Nanofibrous Scaffolds Promote in vivo-like 3D Matrix Adhesion and Activate Cell Signaling Pathway Biomaterials Electrospun into Nanofibrous Scaffolds Natural Polymeric Nanofibrous Scaffolds Synthetic Polymeric Nanofibrous Scaffolds Composite Polymeric Nanofibrous Scaffolds Nanofibrous Scaffolds Coated with Bioactive Molecules Engineered Tissues using Electrospun Nanofibrous Scaffolds Skin Blood Vessel Cartilage Bone Muscle Ligament Nerve Current Challenges and Future Directions Conclusion
Business Environment in Russia: Assessments and Reality

Russia has been upgraded 19 places, from 111th to 92nd, out of the 189 countries covered by the recent Doing Business 2014, the report made by the World Bank and the International Finance Corporation. The performed work has shown tangible results. However, a sober attitude towards assessing the real effect of this very important work on the business environment at large is needed. This country has been ranked behind the 100th place for 5 of the 10 areas and behind the 150th place for 2 areas covered by the Doing Business ranking. The 12-place upgrade for Russia on such an essential area as the ease of starting a business ignores that corruption at the local level is one of the main obstacles in the country. It refers to some other areas too. Most importantly, the Doing Business ranking covers major characteristics pertaining to business environment, leaving aside such most painful ones as protection of entrepreneurs’ ownership and individual rights, poor judicial system, corruption etc. No real success can be achieved unless all of the lagging institutional areas undergo systemic reforms.
Optical and electrical manipulation of spin orientation in compound semiconductors

We describe how optical pulses and gate voltages could be used instead of magnetic fields to orient, manipulate, and decohere spins in compound semiconductors. Device proposals based on these phenomena include the magnetic bipolar transistor.
SEISMIC STRESS RESPONSES OF SOYBEAN TO DIFFERENT PHOTOSYNTHETIC PHOTON FLUX

Physical agitation applied as periodic seismic stress (shaking) reduced stem elongation, leaf expansion, and biomass accumulation by vegetative soybeans. Level of photon flux (PPF) influenced the type and extent of plant response to mechanical stress. Plant parts responded differently as PPF varied between 135 and 592 micromoles m-2 s-1. Stem length was significantly reduced by seismic stress at 135 micromoles m-2 s-1 but this effect was insignificant at higher PPFs. Reduced stem length resulted from an inhibition of internode elongation. Stem diameter was unaffected by stress at the PPFs tested. In contrast to effects on stem elongation, leaf area was insensitive to stress treatments at 135 micromoles m-2 s-1 but was progressively inhibited by stress as PPF increased. Statistically significant reductions in shoot f. wt and d. wt by seismic stress occurred only at 295 micromoles m-2 s-1. Root biomass accumulation was not affected by seismic stress at any PPF used in this study.
Identification of fluid and substrate chemistry based on automatic pattern recognition of stains

This study proposes that images of stains from 100-nanolitre drops can be automatically identified as signatures of fluid composition and substrate chemistry, for e.g. rapid biological testing. Two datasets of stain images are produced and made available online, one with consumable fluids, and the other with biological fluids. Classification algorithms are used to identify an unknown stain by measuring its similarity to representative examples of predefined categories. The accuracy ranges from 80 to 94%, compared to an accuracy by random assignment of 3 to 4%. Clustering algorithms are also applied to group unknown stain images into a number of clusters each likely to correspond to similar combinations of fluids and substrates. The clustering accuracy ranges from 62 to 80%, compared to an accuracy by random assignment of 3 or 4%. The algorithms were also remarkably accurate at determining the presence or absence of biotin and streptavidin respectively in the liquid and on the glass, the salt composition, or the pH of the solution.
An Essential Role of the Cytoplasmic Tail of CXCR4 in G-Protein Signaling and Organogenesis

CXCR4 regulates cell proliferation, enhances cell survival and induces chemotaxis, yet molecular mechanisms underlying its signaling remain elusive. Like all other G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs), CXCR4 delivers signals through G-protein-dependent and -independent pathways, the latter involving its serine-rich cytoplasmic tail. To evaluate the signaling and biological contribution of this G-protein-independent pathway, we generated mutant mice that express cytoplasmic tail-truncated CXCR4 (ΔT) by a gene knock-in approach. We found that ΔT mice exhibited multiple developmental defects, with not only G-protein-independent but also G-protein-dependent signaling events completely abolished, despite ΔT's ability to still associate with G-proteins. These results reveal an essential positive regulatory role of the cytoplasmic tail in CXCR4 signaling and suggest the tail is crucial for mediating G-protein activation and initiating crosstalk between G-protein-dependent and G-protein-independent pathways for correct GPCR signaling.
Single cell targeting using plasmon resonant gold-coated liposomes

We have developed an experimental system with the potential for the delivery and localized release of an encapsulated agent with high spatial and temporal resolution. We previously introduced liposome-supported plasmon resonant gold nanoshells; in this composite structure, the liposome allows for the encapsulation of substances, such as therapeutic agents, neurotransmitters, or growth factors, and the plasmon resonant structure facilitates the rapid release of encapsulated contents upon laser light illumination. More recently, we demonstrated that these gold-coated liposomes are capable of releasing their contents in a spectrally-controlled manner, where plasmon resonant nanoparticles only release content upon illumination with a wavelength of light matching their plasmon resonance band. We now show that this release mechanism can be used in a biological setting to deliver a peptide derivative of cholecystokinin to HEK293 cells overexpressing the CCK2 receptor. Using directed laser light, we may enable localized release from gold-coated liposomes to enable accurate perturbation of cellular functions in response to released compounds; this system may have possible applications in signaling pathways and drug discovery.
Filoviruses as emerging pathogens

Abstract Of all the animal virus families that cause disease in man least is known about members of Filoviridae. This family, which contains Marburg and Ebola viruses, is one member of the order Mononegavirales, RNA viruses with a single negative genomic strand. The natural history of the filoviruses is unknown, but they have on occasion caused small but lethal monkey or human epidemics. Each outbreak has been contained by increasing the precautions taken during contact with sick humans or non-human primates. Nevertheless, because of our ignorance of the genetics and natural history of these viruses, their established high pathogenicity for man and other primates, and their potential for causing aerosol infections, they continue to be of considerable concern for biomedical science.
Kinetics of the polymerization of divinylbenzene isomers

The overall rates of polymerization of m- and p-divinylbenzene, a 2:1 mixture of the meta and para isomers, and commercial divinylbenzene have been followed viscometrically. Data at 60 and 80°C. show that the meta isomer polymerizes most rapidly. Ratios of rates show differences in activation energies. An effect on the overall rates is tentatively attributed to the increased resonance stabilization of the p-vinylphenyl-derived radical which further decreases the already low reactivity of the styrene-derived radical. The possibility that steric factors contribute significantly to the rate difference is considered to be unlikely.
Chapters and Units: Frequent versus Infrequent Testing Revisited.

Test scores of students choosing a frequent (chapter-by-chapter) testing program were compared with scores of students choosing a unit (four-chapter) testing program. Unlike previous reports, neither option was associated with superior performance. The advisability of allowing students to select their preferred testing option is highlighted.
Solar-powered/fuel-assisted rankine cycle power and cooling system: sensitivity analysis

The subject of this analysis is a solar power/cooling system based on a novel hybrid steam Rankine cycle. Steam is generated by the use of solar energy collected at about 100/sup 0/C, and it is then superheated to about 600/sup 0/C in a fossil-fuel-fired superheater. The addition of about 20-26 percent of energy as fuel doubles the power cycle's efficiency as compared to organic fluid Rankine cycles operating at similar collector temperatures. A sensitivity analysis of the system's performance to the size and type of its components was performed by a transient (hourly) computer simulation over the month of August in two representative climatic regions (Washington, D.C. and Phoenix, Ariz.), and led to the description of a system configuration which provides optimal energy performance. The newly designed turbine's predicted efficiency is seen to be essentially invariant with system configuration, and has a monthly average value of about 73 percent.
Diagnosis of Lower Respiratory Tract Infections: What We Have and What Would Be Nice

Study objectives To review the various methods used to diagnose lower respiratory tract infections. Design Review of literature with appropriate references to various techniques proposed to diagnose pneumonia. Intervention Compare and contrast different proposed approaches to diagnose pneumonia. Results Bronchoscopic techniques appear more clear cut for certain nonbacterial pathogens. Their role in immunocompromised patients is more clear cut, while in the nonimmunocompromised patient, invasive diagnostic techniques probably provide a higher certainty of the final diagnosis of the patient. Recent interest has focused on nonbronchoscopic techniques for the mechanically ventilated patient. None of these techniques has been demonstrated to change clinical outcome. Conclusions Diagnosis of lower respiratory tract infection has to be tailored for the individual patient. Decision about which procedure to do is influenced by the patient's underlying immune status, level of illness, and response to empiric therapy.
Contractile, metabolic and electrophysiologic effects of ethanol in the isolated rat heart.

Abstract The metabolic, functional and electrical effects of ethanol were studied in the isolated isovolumic rat heart retrogradely perfused at constant flow using phosphorus-31 nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and surface electrogram recordings. Ethanol (0.75 to 6.0 vol%; 128 to 1024 m m ) caused a concentration-dependent decline in developed pressure without a change in adenosine triphosphate, phosphocreatine, inorganic phosphate or pH. Ethanol (6%) caused abolition of electrical activity. The functional decline could be rapidly and completely reversed by perfusing with ethanol-free solution and, significantly although not completely, reversed by increasing perfusate calcium to 4 m m . Furthermore, ethanol shifted the perfusate calcium-tetanic pressure relationship in the presence of ryanodine (1 μ m ) downwards and to the right. The results suggest ethanol's acute effects in this model are not mediated by changes in energy metabolism or cellular pH, but rather by sarcolemmal effects and by a decrease in both myofilament calcium sensitivity and maximal force generating ability.
Anti-tumor immunity induced by Interleukin-12 gene therapy in a metastatic model of breast cancer is mediated by natural killer cells

An intrahepatic tumor model for metastatic breast cancer was generated in syngeneic mice by direct inoculation of JC cells, a murine mammary adenocarcinoma cell line. Intratumoral administration of a recombinant adenoviral vector expressing the murine Interleukin-12 (ADV-mIL-12) resulted in significant reduction in the tumor volume compared to control vector. Tumor regression was also evident on histopathologic analysis of the liver, where inflammatory changes as opposed to nuclear atypia predominated after IL-12 vector treatment. There was a significant prolongation in the long term survival of IL-12 treated animals, with complete tumor rejection in 40% of the animals. In vivo depletion studies using specific monoclonal antibodies against the various lymphocyte subsets showed a significant reduction in long term survival after natural killer (NK) cell depletion. This suggests that the NK cell is a critical effector in the antitumor effect mediated by IL-12. These results strongly support the potential role of gene mediated cytokine therapy for the treatment of metastatic breast cancer.
Injection locked multi-section gain-coupled dual mode DFB laser for terahertz generation

A dual mode multi-section gain-coupled distributed feedback laser with tunable mode spacing is subharmonically injection locked at 0.315 THz. The injected signal consists of an optical comb with harmonics 35 GHz apart and a bandwidth of approximately 1.9 THz. The optical comb is a result of strong four-wave mixing in a highly-nonlinear dispersion-shifted fiber. In order to observe locking of the multi-section laser, the output is optically downconverted to RF frequencies using the same optical comb. The locked multi-section DFB laser is a coherent and tunable optical source suitable for continuous-wave terahertz generation systems.
Spectrally shaped broadband study of up-conversion in Y2O3:Er3+

Abstract We present a novel scheme for studying up-conversion through excited state absorption (ESA) by using a broadband excitation source with spectral shaping capabilities. Up-conversion processes have typically been investigated using a single, narrowband excitation source, when the two steps of the process are coincident in frequency, which is often made possible by broadening mechanisms of the intermediate excited state manifolds. Thus, narrowband sources are limited in the systems they can excite and what material information they can provide. With broadband light, we are able to drive up-conversion with non-coincident frequencies as well. Finally, by windowing the spectrum, we determine the optimal excitation bandwidth for low-concentration (1%) Y2O3:Er3+ nanocrystals.
The relationship between hopping and coherent motion in dynamically disordered systems

Abstract Diverse transport processes are described within a framework previously developed only for systems undergoing random host reorganization concurrent with carrier hopping. The rule D (ω)= D 0 (ω-iλ) relating frequency-dependent diffusion with and without random reorganization at rate λ is shown equivalent to a condition on the carrier velocity autocorrelation function that often applies, for physically different reasons, to both coherent and hopping transport. Formulation in terms of mean-square carrier displacement leads to rules for combining renewal (e.g. scattering and host reorganization) processes, and predicts how renewal affects frequency-dependent transport in physically different cases.
Enthalpy of (quinoline + 1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene) between 291 and 655 K at pressures to 10342 kPa

Abstract Enthalpy measurements were made on six mixtures ( m -cresol + tetralin) along isobars from 207 to 10342 kPa, in the temperature range 291 to 655 K, using a reference-fluid boil-off calorimeter. For { xm -CH 3 C 6 H 4 OH + (1 − x )C 10 H 12 }, measurements were made at x = 0.1667, 0.3333, 0.5000, 0.6667, 0.7500, and 0.8333. In addition to the direct calorimetric results, equations for the liquid and vapor enthalpies as well as ideal-gas enthalpies are reported.
Multiple perforations occurring during the treatment of ulcerative colitis with ACTH.

A fatal case of multiple bowel perforations and peritonitis occurring in a 32-year-old white female treated with ACTH during an acute exacerbation of chronic ulcerative colitis is presented. The signs of acute inflammation were partially suppressed, although those of perforation were present. Profound shock attended surgery after withdrawal of the hormone.
Transient and quasi-steady-state dissolution of biotite at 22–25°C in high pH, sodium, nitrate, and aluminate solutions

Abstract Biotite dissolution under conditions of high pH and high aluminum, sodium, and nitrate concentrations analogous to those found in tank wastes at the Hanford Site was investigated using continuously stirred flow-through reactors at 22 to 25 °C. Experiments were designed to simulate tank leaks into the Hanford vadose zone where Fe(II) from biotite is the dominant reducing agent available to immobilize certain contaminants. Both non-steady-state and steady-state dissolution kinetics were quantified; interest in non-steady-state kinetics derives from the inherently transitory nature of tank leaks. Biotite was conditioned in pH 8 solutions to simulate the alkaline environment of the Hanford sediment, and then reacted in pH 10–14 solutions, some including 0.055 M Al(NO3)3 and/or 2 M or 6 M NaNO3. Initial dissolution transients (intervals of rapid release rates that decay to slower steady-state rates) showed fast preferential release of K followed by near-stoichiometric release of Si, Al, and Mg, and slower release of Fe. Each increase in pH resulted in a second transient with the greatest amounts of Si, Al, and K released at pH 14, followed by pHs 13, 12, 11, and 10. Fe release also was highest at pH 14, but unchanging at pHs 10–13 within experimental error. Transient releases at high pH are attributed to dissolution of amphoteric secondary phases such as ferrihydrite that are inferred from saturation calculations and solid analyses to form during the conditioning interval. Transient release of Si was inhibited by the presence of 0.055 M Al(NO3)3; the effects of Al(NO3)3 and NaNO3 on the release rates of Al, Fe, Mg, and K were variable and generally outweighed by the effect of pH. Quasi-steady-state release rates were slowest at pH 11–12 (10−12.2 mol biotite m−2 s−1 for Si) and increased in either direction in pH away from this minimum (to 10−11.5 at pHs 8 and 14 for Si). Fe release rates at high pH were sufficient to account for observed Cr(VI) reduction at Hanford. The net release rates of the major framework cations, from which the biotite dissolution rate is inferred, may reflect the precipitation of secondary phases or the alteration of biotite to vermiculite. The most extensive solid-phase alterations were observed in Na-enriched solutions.
Fock-Tani Hamiltonian for Reactions Involving Two-Electron Atoms

The Fock-Tani Hamiltonian is found for scattering processes involving up to two ions and two electrons. Possible bound-state species include one or two electrons bound on an ion fixed at the origin, and a one-electron projectile atom. A diagrammatic technique is illustrated that simplifies the algebra of the transformation. Coulomb- or plane-wave states are automatically generated by the same asymptotic Hamiltonian for all arrangement channels.
Cerebrospinal fluid GABA concentration: relationship with impulsivity and history of suicidal behavior, but not aggression, in human subjects.

Abstract The objective of this study was to assess the relationship between cerebrospinal fluid concentrations of the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and measures of impulsivity and related behaviors (aggression and suicidality) in healthy volunteer and personality disordered subjects. CSF GABA levels, and measures of impulsivity, aggression, and history of suicidal behavior were obtained by morning lumbar puncture in 57 healthy volunteer subjects and in subjects with personality disorder. CSF GABA levels were not found to correlate with measures of aggression but were found to correlate directly with measures of impulsivity; e.g., a composite measure of impulsivity in all subjects ( r = 0.35, df = 46, P = 0.015) and in personality disordered subjects examined separately ( r = 0.39, df = 30, P = 0.029). In the personality disorder group, CSF GABA levels were higher among subjects with a history of suicidal behavior compared with those without this history. These data suggest that central GABAergic function correlates directly with impulsiveness and history of suicidal behavior, but not aggressiveness, in personality disordered subjects. This may be consistent with observations that high doses of benzodiazepines can lead to “behavioral disinhibition” in human subjects. Further work assessing this and other aspects of the central GABA system in personality disordered subjects are warranted.
Nucleation simulations in the wake of a jet aircraft in stratospheric flight

Abstract An efficient method for calculating the nucleation rates of H 2 SO 4 H 2 O aerosol droplets is developed using classical nucleation theory for a binary vapor system. The nucleation model is used to predict binary homogeneous and heterogeneous nucleation rates in the exhaust stream of a supersonic aircraft flying in the stratosphere. Calculations indicate that, assuming at least 0.01% of sulfur is emitted as H 2 SO 4 , the H 2 SO 4 H 2 O particle formation rate is large enough to enhance the background sulfate aerosol concentration substantially. Heterogeneous nucleation, although somewhat slower, may convert a substantial fraction of the soot particles into acid aerosols (notwith-standing rapid water vapor condensation on the soot). Model results are compared with a balloon measurement taken in the aircraft exhaust plume in which the sulfuric acid aerosol concentration was greatly enhanced above the background. The observed aerosols consist of pure sulfuric acid-water solutions without a nucleating “core”, which is consistent with the prompt homogeneous binary sulfuric acid nucleation in the jet plume. Simulations do not support an alternative delayed mechanism that requires photooxidation of SO 2 into H 2 SO 4 followed by homogeneous nucleation in the humid air (like the formation of new sulfate aerosols in volcanic eruption clouds).
The 1,000,000 lives campaign

Every year at least five million people around the world die from injuries—prevention of 20% of these deaths is an ambitious but feasible goal The Institute of Medicine’s report “Crossing the Quality Chasm” estimated that as many as 98,000 lives are lost each year in hospitals in the United States due to medical errors.1 In response, the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) has developed an ambitious “100,000 Lives” campaign, aimed at saving 100,000 lives each year in the US.2 The IHI is a non-profit organization that is seeking to improve health by “advancing the quality and value of healthcare”. The IHI is enlisting 2000 hospitals across the US to participate in this campaign by instituting six evidenced based strategies to decrease hospital deaths: (1) rapid response teams to reverse signs of acute cardiorespiratory decline in patients and prevent cardiorespiratory arrests; (2) evidence based care for patients with acute myocardial infarctions; (3) medication reconciliation to prevent adverse drug effects; (4) prevention of central line infections through five simple interventions for care of central lines; (5) use of preoperative antibiotics to prevent surgical wound infections; and (6) prevention of ventilator associated pneumonia through four simple interventions. This 100,000 lives campaign is a voluntary activity in which hospitals sign up to participate, receive “how to” guides on each of the six topics, and share information with one another on accomplishments. Over 2500 hospitals have agreed to participate, acknowledging the fact that quality of care and patient safety are increasingly recognized by the public as important to their own individual health. These kinds of bold, but feasible, goals have been responsible for enormous advances in the health of people around the world. The goal of eradication of smallpox was set and achieved, wiping out a scourge that existed in the world for …
The HMG‐I/Y protein PF1 stimulates binding of the transcriptional activator GT‐2 to the PHYA gene promoter

Summary The DNA-binding proteins PF1 and GT-2 are factors that bind to different functionally defined, positively acting cis-elements in the PHYA genes of oat and rice, respectively. PF1 is an HMG-I/Y protein, with its cognate cis-element being an AT-rich sequence, designated PE1, whereas GT-2 is a transcriptional activator with twin DNA binding domains that recognize a triplet of GTboxes in a complex motif designated GTE. To further define the DNA-binding activity of PF1 and to explore potential inter-relationships between the two factors, we have performed a series of in vitro DNA-binding experiments with both PE1 and GTE target sites. The data show that, consistent with its membership of the HMG-I/Y protein family, PF1 can bend DNA when bound to PE1. In addition, PF1 can bind promiscuously, with varying affinity, to other AT-containing motifs, including GTE. When co-incubated with GT-2, PF1 enhances the specific DNA-binding activity of GT-2 toward GTE, the first report of such activity for a plant HMG-I/Y protein. This enhancement takes place without demonstrable physical contact between the two proteins, suggesting the possibility of a novel, indirect mechanism of recruitment involving DNA target-site pre-conditioning. The evidence indicates therefore that PF1 and GT-2 do not perform functionally equivalent roles in positively regulating oat and rice PHYA gene expression. However, the data suggest the possibility that PF1 may act as an architectural factor, promiscuously recognizing a spectrum of AT-containing elements in plant promoters, with the general function of catalyzing enhanced binding of conventional cognate transcriptional regulators to these elements via DNA bending.
Colloidal Gold Aerogels: Preparation, Properties, and Characterization

Colloidal metal aerogels are composite nanoscale materials that combine the high surface area and porosity of aerogels with the unique optical and physical properties of metal colloids. As such, they are being developed as advanced sensor, catalytic, and electrocatalytic materials. We have prepared colloidal gold−silica aerogels containing gold colloids ranging in size from 5 to 100 nm. The results presented herein focus on 5- and 28-nm Au-containing silica aerogels for the initial characterization of the interaction between the metal colloid and the silica matrix. A blue-shift of the Au plasmon resonance for silica-immobilized Au colloids (relative to the same colloids in a native Au sol) indicates an interaction between the Au colloid and the nanoscale silica network. Transmission electron microscopy measurements have been used to determine the average size and distribution of the colloidal Au particles, as well as to image the nanoscale silica environment supporting an immobilized Au colloid. Small-ang...
A Curriculum Module Enhances Students' Gerontological Practice-Related Knowledge and Attitudes

Abstract The incorporation of greater gerontological content in social work curricula has been recognized as a pressing educational need for many years. Many social work students are not exposed to the specialized knowledge and skills needed to effectively serve older adults. A frequently reported barrier to curricular development in aging is the perception that the curriculum is too full to accommodate significant additions. This empirical study explored the potential for a limited curriculum module to enhance MSW and BSW students' gerontological practice-related knowledge, attitudes, and interest. Findings suggest that a brief, concentrated educational intervention is a promising avenue for increasing knowledge about assessment and intervention with older adults, and for enhancing positive attitudes toward them, especially among undergraduate students.
Role of nitric oxide in skeletal muscle : synthesis, distribution and functional importance

Over the last two decades, nitric oxide (NO) has been established as a novel mediator of biological processes, ranging from vascular control to long-term memory, from tissue inflammation to penile erection. This paper reviews recent research which shows that NO and its derivatives also are synthesized within skeletal muscle and that NO derivatives influence various aspects of muscle function. Individual muscle fibres express one or both of the constitutive NO synthase (NOS) isoforms. Type I (neuronal) NOS is localized to the sarcolemma of fast fibres; type III (endothelial) NOS is associated with mitochondria. Isolated skeletal muscle produces NO at low rates under resting conditions and at higher rates during repetitive contraction. NO appears to mediate cell-cell interactions in muscle, including vasodilation and inhibition of leucocyte adhesion. NO also acts directly on muscle fibres to alter cell function. Muscle metabolism appears to be NO-sensitive at several sites, including glucose uptake, glycolysis, mitochondrial oxygen consumption and creatine kinase activity. NO also modulates muscle contraction, inhibiting force output by altering excitation-contraction coupling. The mechanisms of NO action are likely to include direct effects on redox-sensitive regulatory proteins, interaction with endogenous reactive oxygen species, and activation of second messengers such as cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). In conclusion, research published over the past few years makes it clear that skeletal muscle produces NO and that endogenous NO modulates muscle function. Much remains to be learned, however, about the physiological importance of NO actions and about their underlying mechanisms.
Ground and Excited State Electronic Properties of Halogenated Tetraarylporphyrins. Tuning the Building Blocks for Porphyrin-based Photonic Devices

The rational design of molecular photonic devices relies on the ability to select components with predictable electronic structure, excited state lifetimes and redox chemistry. Electronic communication in multiporphyrin arrays depends critically on the relative energies and electron density distributions of the frontier molecular orbitals, especially the energetically close highest occupied molecular orbitals (a2u and a1u). To explore how these ground and excited state properties can be modulated, we have synthesized and characterized 40 free base (Fb), magnesium and zinc tetraarylporphyrins. The porphyrins bear meso-substituents with the following substitution patterns: (1) four identical substituents (phenyl, o-chlorophenyl, p-chlorophenyl, o,o'-difluorophenyl, pentafluorophenyl, mesityl); (2) one, two, three or four o,o'-dichlorophenyl substituents; (3) one p-ethynylphenyl group and three mesityl or pentafluorophenyl groups; (4) one p-ethynyl-o,o″-dichlorophenyl or p-ethynyl-o,o″-dimethylphenyl and thr...
Hamartomatous polyposis syndromes: molecular genetics, neoplastic risk, and surveillance recommendations.

Hamartomatous polyposis syndromes are characterized by an overgrowth of cells or tissues native to the area in which they normally occur. Juvenile polyposis syndrome (JPS) results from germ-line mutations in the SMAD-4 gene (18q21.1) that encodes for an enzyme involved in transforming growth factor beta(TGF-β) signal transduction. The increased neoplastic risk may result from SMAD-4 mutations in the stromal component, which stimulate epithelial dysplasia and progression to invasive malignancy. Peutz-Jeghers syndrome (PJS) is associated with germ-line mutations in the LKB1 gene (19p13.3) that encodes a multifunctional serine-threonine kinase. These mutations occur in the epithelial component, suggesting a direct tumor suppressor effect. Patients are at an increased risk of intestinal and extraintestinal malignancies, including breast, pancreatic, ovarian, testicular, and cervical cancer. Cowden’s disease is associated with germ-line mutations in the PTEN gene (10q22–23) and an increased risk of breast and thyroid malignancies. Ruvalcaba-Myhre-Smith syndrome is less common; controversy suggests that it may represent a variant of Cowden’s disease. Conclusions: Genetic alterations underlying hamartomatous polyposis syndromes are diverse. Carcinogenesis may result from either germ-line mutations in the stroma (JPS) or as a direct result of functional deletion of tumor suppressor genes (PJS). Diagnosis depends on clinical presentation and patterns of inheritance within families. Suggested surveillance guidelines for the proband and first-degree relatives are outlined.
Contrasts in Patients' and Providers' Explanations of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Purpose: To investigate explanations of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) from young women's perceptions of the illness experience and providers' understanding of the disease. Design and Methods: This ethnographic study included 17 women from age 26 to 40 years who were under medical care for RA, and five health care providers of these participants. Findings: Two main themes were identified: (a) having RA ‘is a pain’ and (b) it changed me. The first theme represented the participants' physical and emotional suffering, interferences in their everyday lives, and aggravations in receiving health care. The second theme represented the life and lifestyle changes the women experienced as a result of having RA. The providers' explanations included two themes: (a) functioning in a normal manner and (b) controlling the disease. The first theme was keeping the women's physical functioning as normal as possible. The second theme was the providers' goal to control the disease, which they believed would lead to the preservation of joint function and manageable pain levels. Regarding results of health care, the participants and providers had comparable beliefs about decreasing the physical pain and improving joint function but they had disparate notions about the participants' being active partners in communication and negotiation processes of their health care. Conclusions: The findings indicated the importance of discovering potential disparities in patients' and providers' explanations of RA, and revealed the participants' desire for clinical support in becoming partners in their own health care.
Pleurotaenium trabecula, a desmid of wetland biofilms: the extracellular matrix and adhesion mechanisms

Pleurotaenium trabecula (Ehren.) Nageli is a placoderm desmid that commonly occurs in wetland biofilms of the southeastern Adirondacks (NY, USA). It often displays a distinctive habit whereby the cell remains attached to the substrate via the polar end of one semicell, while the remainder of the cell is suspended in the water column. In this study, we examined the extracellular matrix (ECM) of this alga to elucidate its adhesion mechanisms and postadhesion behavior. The ECM consists of the following: (i) an extracellular polymeric substance (EPS), which includes polyanionic and sulfated polysaccharides; (ii) a thin pectin-containing primary cell wall, which is quickly sloughed off after postcytokinetic semicell expansion; and (iii) a thick secondary cell wall that is perforated with a distinct pore complex. Each pore of this complex possesses an external network of densely aggregated fibrils. Selective solubilization and immunolabeling studies suggest that these fibrillar aggregates or “adhesion centers” (i.e., ACs) contain arabinogalactan protein and are involved in initial adhesion of the cell to a substrate. We propose that postinitial adhesion behavior entails localized secretion of EPS derived from a large pool of EPS-containing vesicles situated in the peripheral cytoplasm. As the EPS absorbs water, hygroscopic pressure breaks the connections between the ACs on the cell wall and substrate and allows a portion of a cell to lift up into the water column.
Religious well-being in noninstitutionalized elderly women.

Spirituality is recognized as an important component of health care practice with elderly people. Yet, discussion of the role it plays in elderly women on a day‐to‐day basis is minimal, and it is frequently not addressed in quality‐of‐life studies in this population. The purposes of this study were to describe the level of religious well‐being and selected characteristics of religiosity in a sample of 114 non‐institutionalized, largely rural elderly women (Mdn age = 75), as well as to identify the relationship between selected factors and the level of religious well‐being. Descriptive research revealed a high level of religious well‐being among the participants and significant positive correlation between religious well‐being and the variables of social support and hope (p < .001). Through stepwise multiple regression, hope emerged as the single significant predictor of religious well‐being (p < .001), explaining 31% of the variance in the dependent variable. The majority of respondents reported regularly...
An integrated design strategy for future manufacturing systems

Abstract The horizons of the industrial world are changing rapidly. Industrial planning, in the past, tended to assume that markets were almost infinite and that whatever was manufactured could be sold if the price was low enough. Now it can be seen that resources and markets are finite. Additionally, in many developed countries less than full employment is a concern. It is necessary to rethink the paradigms of manufacturing and to ensure that manufacturing endeavors bring benefits to all stakeholders. The possible fractal, or “cellular,” nature of organizations and engineering systems is discussed in an attempt to discover ground rules for the design of future manufacturing systems. Also covered is manufacturing systems development and the concepts, components, and organizational aspects of which that are the basis for successful integration to provide products, employment, and prosperity for an increasingly global society. This paper was derived from notes prepared for a talk with the same title delivered at the VI Simposium Internacional de Ingenieria at the Universidad De Monterrey in September 1994.
The novel atypical antipsychotic olanzapine, but not the CCK-B antagonist LY288513, blocks apomorphine-induced disruption of pre-pulse inhibition.

Pre-pulse inhibition (PPI) of the acoustic startle response is the diminution of the startle response when the startle stimulus is preceded by a weaker, non-startle-eliciting stimulus. Deficits in PPI occur in animals following the administration of apomorphine and in schizophrenic patients. In this study, we examined the ability of the novel atypical antipsychotic olanzapine and the cholecystokinin (CCK)-B antagonist LY288513 to reverse the apomorphine-induced disruption of pre-pulse inhibition. Olanzapine (3.0 and 5.0 mg/kg, i.p.), but not LY288513 (1.0-100 mg/kg, p.o.), blocked apomorphine-induced disruption of PPI. These results indicate that olanzapine, but not LY288513, has dopamine antagonist properties in vivo and predict that olanzapine, but not LY288513, will have antipsychotic activity in man.
Competence and commitment of Caenorhabditis elegans vulval precursor cells.

Abstract Multipotent Caenorhabditis elegans vulval precursor cells (VPCs) choose among three fates (1°, 2°, and 3°) in response to two intercellular signals: the EGF family growth factor LIN-3 induces 1° fates at high levels and 2° fates at low levels; and a signal via the receptor LIN-12 induces 2° fates. If the level of LIN-3 signal is reduced by a lin-3 hypomorphic mutation, the daughters of the VPC closest to the anchor cell (AC), P6.p, are induced by the AC. By expressing LIN-3 as a function of time in LIN-3-deficient animals, we find that both VPCs and the daughters of VPCs are competent to respond to LIN-3, and VPC daughters lose competence after fusing with the hypodermis. We also demonstrate that the daughters of VPCs specified to be 2° can respond to LIN-3, indicating that 2° VPCs are not irreversibly committed. We propose that maintenance of VPC competence after the first cell cycle and the prioritization of the 1° fate help ensure that P6.p will become 1°. This mechanism of competence regulation might have been maintained from ancestral nematode species that used induction both before and after VPC division and serves to maximize the probability that a functional vulva is formed.
Roger Dickinson (1929–2012)

Roger Dickinson was one of the titans of macromarketing who helped to develop the field during its first thirty years. A retailing scholar highly regarded for his professional insights, he was an e...
Use of Rhodamine-WT Dye to Map Effluent Mixing Zones in Lake Dillon, Summit County, Colorado

ABSTRACT The Breckenridge Sanitation District discharges tertiary-treated sewage effluent into Lake Dillon, Colorado, a major water supply reservoir for Denver. The effluent plume was mapped using rhodamine-WT dye during ice-covered and open-water conditions and compared to a criterion issued in a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency policy statement regarding mixing-zone dilution. Rhodamine-WT dye was used as a tracer and was injected directly into the sewage effluent at the outlet of the treatment plant. Dye concentrations were determined using fluorometric analysis. Dye-concentration isolines were determined by interpolation of a rectangular sampling grid. At all sampling locations, plateau dye concentrations were reached within 48 hours after injection began. Results indicated that the Breckenridge Sanitation District's effluent mixing zone extended 158.5 m (520 ft) into the lake during ice-covered conditions on March 15, 1995 (the date of maximum effluent discharge during the study period) and extend...