cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Teaching and research: what is acceptable as research?

Many universities and colleges seem to be serious about exploring the potential of using technology in the classroom as a way to facilitate the creation of learning environments. Changes in attitudes and policies must take place if these institutions wish to ensure that their best faculty are engaged in the process. Universities usually value original research over research that leads to understanding that produces competence. It is incumbent upon those who would classify themselves as researchers in the latter category to take the lead in defining how one assesses whether students have in fact gained a level of understanding that produces competence. Failure to do so and leave the process up to the university as a whole will probably ensure that the initiative is abandoned or that it dies a slow death because competent faculty are not involved.
Inhibition of HDAC1 and DNMT1 modulate RGS10 expression and decrease ovarian cancer chemoresistance

RGS10 is an important regulator of cell survival and chemoresistance in ovarian cancer. We recently showed that RGS10 transcript expression is suppressed during acquired chemoresistance in ovarian cancer. The suppression of RGS10 is due to DNA hypermethylation and histone deacetylation, two important mechanisms that contribute to silencing of tumor suppressor genes during cancer progression. Here, we fully investigate the molecular mechanisms of epigenetic silencing of RGS10 expression in chemoresistant A2780-AD ovarian cancer cells. We identify two important epigenetic regulators, HDAC1 and DNMT1, that exhibit aberrant association with RGS10 promoters in chemoresistant ovarian cancer cells. Knockdown of HDAC1 or DNMT1 expression, and pharmacological inhibition of DNMT or HDAC enzymatic activity, significantly increases RGS10 expression and cisplatin-mediated cell death. Finally, DNMT1 knock down also decreases HDAC1 binding to the RGS10 promoter in chemoresistant cells, suggesting HDAC1 recruitment to RGS10 promoters requires DNMT1 activity. Our results suggest that HDAC1 and DNMT1 contribute to the suppression of RGS10 during acquired chemoresistance and support inhibition of HDAC1 and DNMT1 as an adjuvant therapeutic approach to overcome ovarian cancer chemoresistance.
A comparative study of clustering methods

Copyright (c) 1997 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved. In this paper we propose a methodology for comparing clustering methods based on the quality of the result and the performance of the execution. We applied it to several known clustering methods: FastClust, Autoclass, Relational data analysis, and Kohonen nets. The quality of a clustering result depends on both the similarity measure used by the method and its implementation. An important feature of our methodology is a synthetic data generation program that allows producing data sets with specific (or desired) patterns using a combination of parameters, such as the number and the type of the attributes, the number of records, etc. We define a {metricto measure the quality of a clustering method, i.e., its ability to discover some or all of the hidden patterns. The performance study is based on the resource consumption, i.e., CPU time and memory space.
The Role of D2-Autoreceptors in Regulating Dopamine Neuron Activity and Transmission

Dopamine D2-autoreceptors play a key role in regulating the activity of dopamine neurons and control the synthesis, release and uptake of dopamine. These Gi/o-coupled inhibitory receptors play a major part in shaping dopamine transmission. Found at both somatodendritic and axonal sites, autoreceptors regulate the firing patterns of dopamine neurons and control the timing and amount of dopamine released from their terminals in target regions. Alterations in the expression and activity of autoreceptors are thought to contribute to Parkinson's disease as well as schizophrenia, drug addiction and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), which emphasizes the importance of D2-autoreceptors in regulating the dopamine system. This review will summarize the cellular actions of dopamine autoreceptors and discuss recent advances that have furthered our understanding of the mechanisms by which D2-receptors control dopamine transmission.
Axial development and radial non-uniformity of flow in packed columns.

Flow inhomogeneity and axial development in low-pressure chromatographic columns have been studied by magnetic resonance imaging velocimetry. The columns studied included (a) an 11.7-mm I.D. column packed with either 50 μm diameter porous polyacrylamide, or 99 or 780 μm diameter impermeable polystyrene beads, and (b) a 5-mm I.D. column commercially packed with 10 μm polymeric beads. The packing methods included gravity settling, slurry packing, ultrasonication, and dry packing with vibration. The magnetic resonance method used averaged apparent fluid velocity over both column cross-sections and fluid displacements greater than one particle diameter and hence permits assessment of macroscopic flow non-uniformities. The results confirm that now non-uniformities induced by the conical distributor of the 11.7-mm I.D. column or the presence of voids at the column entrance relax on a length scale of the column radius. All of the 11.7-mm I.D. columns examined exhibit near wall channeling within a few particle diameters of the wall. The origins of this behavior are demonstrated by imaging of the radial dependence of the local porosity for a column packed with 780 μm beads. Columns packed with the 99-μm beads exhibit reduced flow in a region extending from ten to three-to-five particle diameters from the wall. This velocity reduction is consistent with a reduced porosity of 0.35 in this region as compared to approximately 0.43 in the bulk of the column. Ultrasonicated and dry-packed columns exhibit enhanced flow in a region located between approximately eight and 20 particle diameters from the wall. This enhancement maybe caused by packing density inhomogeneity and/or particle size segregation caused by vibration during the packing process. No significant non-uniformities on length scales of 20 μm or greater were observed in the commercially packed column packed with 10 μm particles.
Alcohol consumption and risk and prognosis of atrial fibrillation among older adults: the Cardiovascular Health Study.

Background The relationship of alcohol consumption with risk of atrial fibrillation (AF) is inconsistent in previous studies, and its relationship with prognosis of AF is undetermined. Methods As part of the Cardiovascular Health Study, a population-based cohort of adults 65 years and older from 4 US communities, 5609 participants reported their use of beer, wine, and spirits yearly. We identified cases of AF with routine study electrocardiograms and validated discharge diagnoses from hospitalizations. Results A total of 1232 cases of AF were documented during a mean of 9.1 years of follow-up. Compared with long-term abstainers, the multivariable-adjusted hazard ratios were 1.25 (95% CI, 1.02-1.54) among former drinkers, 1.09 (95% CI, 0.94-1.28) among consumers of less than 1 drink per week, 1.00 (95% CI, 0.84-1.19) among consumers of 1 to 6 drinks per week, 1.06 (95% CI, 0.82-1.37) among consumers of 7 to 13 drinks per week, and 1.09 (95% CI, 0.88-1.37) among consumers of 14 or more drinks per week ( P trend=0.64). In analyses of mortality among participants with AF, the hazard ratios were 1.27 (95% CI, 1.06-1.52) among former drinkers, 0.94 (95% CI, 0.76-1.18) among consumers of less than 1 drink per week, 0.98 (95% CI, 0.78-1.23) among consumers of 1 to 6 drinks per week, 0.73 (95% CI, 0.51-1.03) among consumers of 7 to 13 drinks per week, and 0.81 (95% CI, 0.59-1.11) among consumers of 14 or more drinks per week ( P trend=0.12). Conclusions Current moderate alcohol consumption is not associated with risk of AF or with risk of death after diagnosis of AF, but former drinking identifies individuals at higher risk.
Impact of Food Source on Survival of Red Flour Beetles and Confused Flour Beetles (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) Exposed to Diatomaceous Earth

A series of experiments was conducted to determine the effect of a flour food source on survival of red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum (Herbst), and confused flour beetle, Tribolium confusum (DuVal), exposed to the labeled rate (0.5 mg/cm2) of Protect-It, a marine formulation of diatomaceous earth. Beetles were exposed at 27°C, and 40, 57, and 75% RH in 62-cm2 petri dishes. When beetles were exposed for 1 or 2 d in dishes with the labeled rate (0.5 mg/cm2, or 31 mg per dish) of diatomaceous earth or in dishes containing flour at varying levels from 0 to 200 mg mixed with the labeled rate of diatomaceous earth, survival of both species increased as the amount of flour increased, and quickly plateaued at levels approaching 100%. In a second set of experiments, beetles were transferred to dishes containing flour at varying levels from 0 to 200 mg after they were exposed for 1 or 2 d in dishes with the labeled rate of diatomaceous earth alone. There were no significant differences in beetle survival among the levels of flour, however, survival in dishes with flour was usually greater than survival in dishes with diatomaceous earth alone. In a third test, beetles were exposed for 1, 2, and 3 d in dishes with either the labeled rate of diatomaceous earth alone (clean dishes), dishes with diatomaceous earth and empty straws, or dishes with diatomaceous earth and ≈300 mg of flour packed in the straws. Survival was not significantly different between clean dishes or dishes with straws, but survival in dishes containing the straws with flour was usually 100%, regardless of exposure interval. In all experiments, confused flour beetles were less susceptible to diatomaceous earth than red flour beetles. In addition, survival was negatively related to exposure interval and positively related to relative humidity.
Some aspects of fluid mechanics in chemical engineering

The prediction of the transfers of momentum, energy, and material is of ever-pressing concern to the engineer interested in process design. Recently developed facts concerning the transport of momentum which are of particular use in predicting transfers of energy and material are reviewed, as well as the background of thermodynamics associated with transport processes. The more elemental relationships pertaining to thermal and material transfer in flowing streams are considered, and some of the interrelations of the transport processes are presented.
Effect of Phenylthiocarbamide on Viability of Drosophila melanogaster Strains with High and Low Tyrosinase Activity

Kroman and Parsons1 have reported that the mutant ebony, e/e, in Drosophila is less viable than e/+ and +/+ on medium containing phenylthiocarbamide (PTC). They suggest2 that poor viability of e/e on PTC medium may be correlated with the low tyrosinase activity reported for this genotype3. Experiments were performed to test this suggestion using several other strains of flies, and the results indicate that factors other than those associated with low in vitro tyrosinase activity account for poor viability on medium containing PTC.
Hemizona Assay: Evaluation of Fertility Potential in Patients with Vasectomy Reversal

Approximately 40 to 60% of men who undergo a successful vasovasostomy have “functional failure” or failure to conceive even though active sperm are present. Factors of this functional failure include sperm abnormalities (oligoasthenoteratospermia) and antisperm antibodies. Nine male patients 32 to 43 years of age who underwent vasovasostomy were included in the study group. These patients demonstrated ductal patency 3 to 6 months after surgery. After attempts at fertility with their spouses failed, the couples underwent urological and gynecological evaluation. Semen parameters were recorded and further evaluation was performed using immobilizing and agglutination antibodies as well as direct immunobead test and the hemizona assay (HZA). Semen parameters presented varying levels of sperm concentration, percent motility, and morphology (strict). Antisperm antibodies were present in 4 of the 9 patients. Three of 4 patients with antibodies and 4 of 5 patients without antibodies benefitted from hemizona assay ...
Untangling the T branch of the hematopoiesis tree

T cells develop in the thymus. Previous work suggested an early separation of lymphoid from myeloerythroid lineages during hematopoiesis and hypothesized the thymus was settled exclusively by lymphoid-restricted hematopoietic progenitors. Recent data have instead established the existence of lymphoid-myeloid progenitors, which possess lymphoid and myeloid lineage potentials but lack erythroid potential. Myeloid and lymphoid potentials are present at the clonal level in early thymic progenitors, confirming that progenitors settling the thymus include lymphoid-myeloid progenitors. These results revise our view of the T lineage branch of hematopoiesis and focus attention on the generation, circulation, and homing of lymphoid-myeloid progenitors to the thymus.
Cold-induced urticaria with a familial transmission: a case report and review of the literature

Introduction Cryopyrin-associated periodic syndrome is a rare genetic disorder causing cold-induced urticaria, severe arthralgias, and (potentially) renal failure and hearing loss. Therapies that effectively control the symptoms and prevent the complications of this debilitating disorder are now available, making recognition of this disease important.
Choosing the Appropriate Scale of Reserves for Conservation

▪ Abstract Over the past ten years the scientific basis for reserve selection and design have rapidly developed. This period has also been characterized by a shift in emphasis toward large spatial and organizational scales of conservation efforts. I discuss the evidence in support of this shift toward larger scale conservation by contrasting the success of fine-filter (genes, populations, species) conservation and coarse-filter (communities, habitats, ecosystems, landscapes) conservation. Conservation at both organizational scales has been successful and merits continued support, although fine-filter conservation is more straightforward. Ecological theory suggests that conservation at large scales is preferred. Despite this preference, both fine- and coarse-filter conservation objectives have been met by small reserves. In many landscapes there are no opportunities for the conservation of native species diversity that encompass a large spatial scale. Thus, reserve selection at any organizational scale may...
Social Support, Gender, and Inmate Adjustment to Prison Life Insights From a National Sample

Although living in prison is difficult for all inmates, anecdotal evidence and a small number of qualitative studies on women's prisons suggest that females have greater social support needs while incarcerated. This claim is important for a more complete understanding of adjustment to prisons. In particular, extra and intrainstitutional social support mechanisms may reduce the inmate-perceived stresses associated with imprisonment and yield fewer official rule infractions. Using a multilevel analysis, the authors explore ties between social support mechanisms and reported rules infractions of a nationally representative sample of male and female state prison inmates. Findings suggest that female inmates experienced more social support than did their male counterparts. Some of the included social support mechanisms seem to affect inmates'adjustment to prison, and the effect of marital status on misconduct varies by gender. The implications of these findings for understanding prison life and for prison admi...
High‐resolution frequency determination of discrete signal components

An important problem in many applications involves the determination of the frequency of a limited set of sinusoidal components in a time domain signal. The Fourier transform is used as the fundamental tool for conversion to the frequency domain. In the present investigation, an analysis is conducted of the errors inherent in the use of the Fourier transform without time domain windowing, and an algorithm is developed which makes it possible to obtain the frequency of the component signals with high accuracy. This algorithm combines the advantages of the Gaussian window with the computational efficiency of the Fast Fourier Transform (FFT).
Dissection of Individual Functions of the Sendai Virus Phosphoprotein in Transcription

The Sendai virus P protein is an essential component of the viral RNA polymerase (P-L complex) required for RNA synthesis. To identify amino acids important for P-L binding, site-directed mutagenesis of the P gene changed 17 charged amino acids, singly or in groups, and two serines to alanine within the L binding domain from amino acids 408 to 479. Each of the 10 mutants was wild type for P-L and P-P protein interactions and for binding of the P-L complex to the nucleocapsid template, yet six showed a significant inhibition of in vitro mRNA and leader RNA synthesis. To determine if binding was instead hydrophobic in nature, five conserved hydrophobic amino acids in this region were also mutated. Each of these P mutants also retained the ability to bind to L, to itself, and to the template, but two gave a severe decrease in mRNA and leader RNA synthesis. Since all of the mutants still bound L, the data suggest that L binding occurs on a surface of P with a complex tertiary structure. Wild-type biological activity could be restored for defective polymerase complexes containing two P mutants by the addition of wild-type P protein alone, while the activity of two others could not be rescued. Gradient sedimentation analyses showed that rescue was not due to exchange of the wild-type and mutant P proteins within the P-L complex. Mutants which gave a defective RNA synthesis phenotype and could not be rescued by P establish an as-yet-unknown role for P within the polymerase complex, while the mutants which could be rescued define regions required for a P protein function independent of polymerase function.
The political consequences of Islam’s economic legacy:

Several of the Middle East’s traditional economic institutions hampered its political development by limiting checks on executive power, preventing the formation of organized and durable opposition movements, and keeping civil society weak. They include Islam’s original tax system, which failed to protect property rights; the waqf, whose rigidity hampered the development of civil society; and private commercial enterprises, whose small scales and short lives blocked the development of private coalitions able to bargain with the state. These institutions contributed to features that sustain autocracies and keep democracies unstable: high corruption, low trust, widespread nepotism and high tolerance for law-breaking.
Bearings-only target motion analysis with acoustic propagation models of uncertain fidelity

The augmented bearings-only target motion analysis (TMA) problem arises when the bearing measurements of the classical bearings-only TMA problem are augmented with received signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) measurements. A combined acoustic propagation and sensor (CAPS) performance prediction model specifying the conditional density of the SNR measurements is assumed given; however, mismatch may exist between the CAPS model and the real world. We present a novel "missing data" formulation of the augmented bearings-only TMA problem using an empirical maximum a posteriori (EMAP) method for target parameter estimation, and show that it provides a natural and straightforward technique for mitigating CAPS model mismatch. The EMAP approach leads to an iteratively reweighted, linear least-squares algorithm for solving both the augmented bearings-only TMA problem and the classical (nonaugmented) bearings-only TMA problem. Examples are provided.
The Idea of Revenge in Lombard Society in the Eighth and Tenth Centuries: The Cases of Paul the Deacon and Liudprand of Cremona

BOTH Paul the Deacon and Liudprand of Cremona belonged to Lombard society, separated by a little over a century and a half. Both lived in turbulent times and witnessed the overthrow of native kings by transalpine invaders; moreover, both participated in the intellectual and administrative life of north Italy before and after invasions from the north. Paul and Liudprand wrote of the events which in their minds formed their respective contemporary worlds. Their inttrests in human history provide modern historians with significant records both of the Lombards and of north Italy on the eve of two crucial turning points. Our purpose here is to examine the conception of revenge and retribution in the histories of Liudprand of Cremona and Paul the Deacon. Since there is a sharp difference between their thoughts on the subject, we have an opportunity to reflect on the differing ways in which two medieval Lombard writers approached revenge and retribution. While it is presumptuous to claim their views embody contemporary legal values or give us a complete picture of vengeance in Lombard Law, it is possible that the different approaches in their accounts reflect the impact of social change during the years which separated them. Paul the Deacon lived in the last half of the eighth century. He witnessed the final consolidation of the Lombard position in northern Italy, on the eve of the invasion of Charlemagne (774). The Lombards had migrated to northern Italy during the sixth century and gradually gained control over the north and center; they achieved their point of greatest penetration when King Aistulf took Ravenna (751) from the Byzantine Empire. During those years a weak monarchy and traditional ducal power had kept the kingdom from consolidating. However, during the eighth century, as the territorial ambitions reached their limits, a series of ambitious kings reversed the particularism and developed forceful, central rule over north Italy. The territories under the control of these kings and their magnates, and the lands further south that were dominated by independent Lombard dukes, experienced the hegemony of Germanic custom. Yet the Roman-Italians remained the majority population and preserved strong Roman traditions, including elements of town life. Even before Paul's day the two worlds had begun the slow process of fusion.
The Impact of State Regulatory Activity on the Use of Local Government Debt

: This article examines the effect of various state government regulatory, oversight, and assistance programs on the level of local government borrowing for a national sample of 2,087 communities with over 10,000 persons. Both traditional debt limits and referenda requirements and other state programs regulating or assisting local government borrowing are analyzed in a model of local debt choice. State-imposed local debt limits do appear to have a depressing effect on communities' debt levels. Of the other programs reviewed it appears that active rather than legislative state oversight and assistance activities have the greatest influence on the use of local debt. It is also concluded that future research should concentrate on the relationship between the borrowing activities of local governments and the variety of special districts that exist in metropolitan areas.
Extraordinary Flood Response of a Small Urban Watershed to Short-Duration Convective Rainfall

Abstract The 9.1 km2 Moores Run watershed in Baltimore, Maryland, experiences floods with unit discharge peaks exceeding 1 m3 s−1 km−2 12 times yr−1, on average. Few, if any, drainage basins in the continental United States have a higher frequency. A thunderstorm system on 13 June 2003 produced the record flood peak (13.2 m3 s−1 km−2) during the 6-yr stream gauging record of Moores Run. In this paper, the hydrometeorology, hydrology, and hydraulics of extreme floods in Moores Run are examined through analyses of the 13 June 2003 storm and flood, as well as other major storm and flood events during the 2000–03 time period. The 13 June 2003 flood, like most floods in Moores Run, was produced by an organized system of thunderstorms. Analyses of the 13 June 2003 storm, which are based on volume scan reflectivity observations from the Sterling, Virginia, WSR-88D radar, are used to characterize the spatial and temporal variability of flash flood producing rainfall. Hydrology of flood response in Moores Run is c...
Kinetic and kinematic gait analysis in dogs.

This article reviews computerized force plate analysis and kinematic gait analysis techniques currently used in dogs. The necessary equipment is described and the basic principles of data collection are reviewed. These techniques are frequently used in experimental studies evaluating gait and their use as clinical and diagnostic tools is increasing.
Hepatitis B and hepatocellular carcinoma

Chronic infection with the hepatitis B virus has been linked epidemiologically to the development of hepatocellular carcinoma for more than 30 years. Although the mechanisms by which chronic hepatitis B viral infection results in hepatocellular carcinoma are unclear, there is good evidence that the virus itself exerts a direct hepatocarcinogenic effect, and this has implications for prevention. First, programs of universal infant vaccination have been shown to be effective in reducing the rate of hepatocellular carcinoma among children. This benefit should be translated into adulthood among vaccine recipients. Second, it has been suggested that antiviral therapy against hepatitis B may reduce the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma. Antiviral therapy against hepatitis B is effective in causing prolonged lowering of serum levels of hepatitis B virus DNA. There are emerging data showing that prolonged antiviral therapy may reduce the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma among certain patients with chronic hepatitis B.
Cerebral angioplasty using the Scepter XC dual lumen balloon for the treatment of vasospasm following intracranial aneurysm rupture

Background Cerebral vasospasm following subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) results in significant morbidity and mortality. Intra-arterial administration of calcium channel blockers or intracranial angioplasty may be performed when non-invasive medical management fails to prevent neurologic deterioration. Technical improvements in balloon catheters are expected to improve the success and safety of cerebral angioplasty. Objective To describe our initial experience with the new Scepter XC balloon catheter in cerebral vasospasm treatment following SAH. Design All patients who underwent cerebral angioplasty using the Scepter XC balloon for the treatment of medically refractory cerebral vasospasm after SAH were identified. Patient demographic information, procedural details, and outcome were obtained from electronic medical records. Results Five consecutive patients undergoing vasospasm treatment with cerebral angioplasty using the Scepter XC were identified. All treated patients had medically refractory vasospasm that was moderate or severe. Angioplasty of the supraclinoid internal carotid artery, the A1 and A2 segments of the anterior cerebral artery, the M1 and M2 segments of the middle cerebral artery, the V4 segment of the vertebral artery, and the basilar artery was performed. All angioplasty procedures were technically successful, and the degree of vasospasm improved significantly following angioplasty. There were no complications related to the cerebral angioplasty procedures. Conclusions The Scepter XC balloon catheter is safe and effective in the treatment of cerebral vasospasm following SAH. The excellent trackability and stability of the balloon catheter and the extra compliant design of the balloon represent technical advancements in the endovascular armamentarium in the treatment of cerebral vasospasm.
Effects of Imide Analogs on Enzymes Required for Cholesterol and Fatty Acid Synthesis

Twelve imide analogs were examined for their ability to lower serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels in mice. Potent activity was observed for compounds containing a phthalimide or saccharin ring structure. The ability to lower serum cholesterol appears to be related to the ability to suppress acetyl-CoA synthetase activity. The availability of acetyl-CoA in the cytoplasm is a key regulatory component for cholesterol and fatty acid synthesis. The capacity to reduce serum triglycerides was related directly to the ability of the compound to inhibit acetyl-CoA carboxylase activity, the regulatory enzyme of fatty acid synthesis.
Toward a Communication Competency Model of Group Leadership

This article argues that current trait, style, situational, and functional leadership approaches pose several barriers to increasing our understanding of the relationship between leadership and group performance. An alternative conceptualization of leadership based upon communication competencies is presented. In the first section, a critique of traditional leadership approaches is offered. In the second section, a communication competency model is developed. Three situational factors that influence the need for the performance of communication competencies are proposed (1) task complexity, (2) group climate, and (3) role relationships. In the third section, a series of heuristic propositions-linking communication competencies, conversational topics, situational dimensions, and group outcomes are stated to serve as a framework for future leadership research from a communication competency perspective
The Treatment of Creative Blocks: A Comparison of Waking Imagery, Hypnotic Dream, and Rational Discussion Techniques

Forty-eight volunteers reporting creative blocks in relation to artistic, literary, scientific, or professional projects, were randomly assigned to one of four conditions: (1) Waking Imagery, (2) H...
Lipid presentation by human CD1 molecules and the diverse T cell populations that respond to them

CD1 molecules bind and present lipid-based antigens to T cells. Humans express both Group 1 (CD1a, CD1b and CD1c) and Group 2 (CD1d) CD1 molecules with nonredundant functions in the human immune response. Studies of Group 1 CD1 molecules and the T cells that respond to them have lagged behind Group 2 due to the lack of a suitable model system. However, recent work has thrust the Group 1 CD1s into the limelight, revealing their importance in tissue surveillance and microbial defense. Here I review recent advances in Group 1 CD1 lipid presentation, the T cell populations that respond to them and the role of CD1 molecules in engagement of human γδ T cells.
Immunohistochemical Detection of Multiple Myeloma 1/Interferon Regulatory Factor 4 (MUM1/IRF-4) in Canine Plasmacytoma: Comparison with CD79a and CD20

Multiple myeloma oncogene 1/interferon regulatory factor 4 (MUM1/IRF4) is involved in lymphoid cell differentiation, particularly in the production of plasma cells. We examined the immunoreactivity of mouse monoclonal antibody Mum-1p to MUM1/IRF4 and compared it with expression of CD79a and CD20 in 109 plasmacytomas in 107 dogs. Tissues had been fixed in formalin and embedded in paraffin. One hundred one of 109 (93.5%) tumors were positive for MUM1/IRF4. The staining was nuclear with weak cytoplasmic reaction. Fifty-nine of 105 (56.2%) plasmacytomas were positive for CD79a; only 21 of 108 (19.4%) cases were positive for CD20. MUM1/IRF4 staining was performed on 139 other tumors including B- and T-cell lymphomas, histiocytic proliferations, mast cell tumors, and melanocytic tumors. The only MUM1/IRF4-positive nonplasmacytic tumors were 10 B-cell lymphomas and 1 anaplastic lymphoma. We conclude the following: 1) Antibody Mum-1p is very specific for canine plasmacytomas, 2) antibody Mum-1p is superior in sensitivity and specificity to CD79a and CD20 for the identification of canine plasmacytomas in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues, 3) canine lymphomas that express MUM1/IRF4 are few and usually of B-cell origin, 4) other canine leukocytic and melanocytic tumors do not express MUM1/IRF4, and 5) prospective studies are needed to determine whether the expression of MUM1/IRF4, particularly in lymphomas, has prognostic significance.
Hypersonic flow separation in shock wave boundary layer interactions

An assessment is presented for the experimental data on separated flow in shock wave turbulent boundary layer interactions at hypersonic and supersonic speeds. The data base consists mainly of two dimensional and axisymmetric interactions in compression corners or cylinder-flares, and externally generated oblique shock interactions with boundary layers over flat plates or cylindrical surfaces. The conditions leading to flow separation and the subsequent changes in the flow empirical correlations for incipient separation are reviewed. The effects of the Mach number, Reynolds number, surface cooling and the methods of detecting separation are discussed. The pertinent experimental data for the separated flow characteristics in separated turbulent boundary layer shock interaction are also presented and discussed.
Photochemically generated organometallic radicals as reducing agents

Irradiation of metal–metal bonded carbonyl dimers in the presence of appropriate ligands generates a class of intermediates which are powerful reducing agents; Ru3(CO)12, CpMo(CO)3Cl (Cp = cyclopentadienyl), and the ferricyanide ion were reduced in order to demonstrate the utility of these photogenerated reducing agents.
Attentional guidance by working memory differs by paradigm: An individual-differences approach

The contents of working memory (WM) have been repeatedly found to guide the allocation of visual attention; in a dual-task paradigm that combines WM and visual search, actively holding an item in WM biases visual attention towards memory-matching items during search (e.g., Soto et al., Journal of Experimental Psychology: Human Perception and Performance, 31(2), 248-261, 2005). A key debate is whether such memory-based attentional guidance is automatic or under strategic control. Generally, two distinct task paradigms have been employed to assess memory-based guidance, one demonstrating that attention is involuntarily captured by memory-matching stimuli even at a cost to search performance (Soto et al., 2005), and one demonstrating that participants can strategically avoid memory-matching distractors to facilitate search performance (Woodman & Luck, Journal of Experimental Psychology: Human Perception and Performance, 33(2), 363-377, 2007). The current study utilized an individual-differences approach to examine why the different paradigms--which presumably tap into the same attentional construct--might support contrasting interpretations. Participants completed a battery of cognitive tasks, including two types of attentional guidance paradigms (see Soto et al., 2005; Woodman & Luck, 2007), a visual WM task, and an operation span task, as well as attention-related self-report assessments. Performance on the two attentional guidance paradigms did not correlate. Subsequent exploratory regression analyses revealed that memory-based guidance in each task was differentially predicted by visual WM capacity for one paradigm, and by attention-related assessment scores for the other paradigm. The current results suggest that these two paradigms--which have previously produced contrasting patterns of performance--may probe distinct aspects of attentional guidance.
Analysis of the normalized LMS algorithm with Gaussian inputs

The LMS adaptive filter algorithm requires a priori knowledge of the input power level to select the algorithm gain parameter μ for stability and convergence. Since the input power level is usually one of the statistical unknowns, it is normally estimated from the data prior to beginning the adaptation process. It is then assumed that the estimate is perfect in any subsequent analysis of the LMS algorithm behavior. In this paper, the effects of the power level estimate are incorporated in a data dependent μ that appears explicitly within the algorithm. The transient mean and second-moment behavior of the modified LMS (NLMS) algorithm are evaluated, taking into account the explicit statistical dependence of μ upon the input data. The mean behavior of the algorithm is shown to converge to the Wiener weight. A constant coefficient matrix difference equation is derived for the weight fluctuations about the Wiener weight. The equation is solved for a white data covariance matrix and for the adaptive line enhancer with a single-frequency input in steady state for small μ. Expressions for the misadjustment error are also presented. It is shown for the white data covariance matrix case that the averaging of about ten data samples causes negligible degradation as compared to the LMS algorithm. In the ALE application, the steady-state weight fluctuations are shown to be mode dependent, being largest at the frequency of the input.
Model checking programs

The majority of the work carried out in the formal methods community throughout the last three decades has (for good reasons) been devoted to special languages designed to make it easier to experiment with mechanized formal methods such as theorem provers and model checkers. In this paper, we give arguments for why we believe it is time for the formal methods community to shift some of its attention towards the analysis of programs written in modern programming languages. In keeping with this philosophy, we have developed a verification and testing environment for Java, called Java PathFinder (JPF), which integrates model checking, program analysis and testing. Part of this work has consisted of building a new Java Virtual Machine that interprets Java bytecode. JPF uses state compression to handle large states, and partial order reduction, slicing, abstraction and run-time analysis techniques to reduce the state space. JPF has been applied to a real-time avionics operating system developed at Honeywell, illustrating an intricate error, and to a model of a spacecraft controller, illustrating the combination of abstraction, run-time analysis and slicing with model checking.
When Choice of Data Matters: Analyses of U.S. Crime Trends, 1973–2012

This study uses UCR and NCVS crime data to assess which data source appears to be more valid for analyses of long-term trends in crime. The relationships between UCR and NCVS trends in violence and six factors from prior research are estimated to illustrate the impact of data choice on findings about potential sources of changes in crime over time. Crime-specific data from the UCR and NCVS for the period 1973–2012 are compared to each other using a variety of correlational techniques to assess correspondence in the trends, and to UCR homicide data which have been shown to be externally valid in comparison with other mortality records. Log-level trend correlations are used to describe the associations between trends in violence, homicide and the potential explanatory factors. Although long-term trends in robbery, burglary and motor vehicle theft in the UCR and NCVS are similar, this is not the case for rape, aggravated assault, or a summary measure of serious violence. NCVS trends in serious violence are more highly correlated with homicide data than are UCR trends suggesting that the NCVS is a more valid indicator of long-term trends in violence for crimes other than robbery. This is largely due to differences during the early part of the time series for aggravated assault and rape when the UCR data exhibited consistent increases in the rates in contrast to general declines in the NCVS. Choice of data does affect conclusions about the relationships between hypothesized explanatory factors and serious violence. Most notably, the reported association between trends in levels of gasoline lead exposure and serious violence is likely to be an artifact associated with the reliance on UCR data, as it is not found when NCVS or homicide trend data are used. The weight of the evidence suggests that NCVS data represent more valid indicators of the trends in rape, aggravated assault and serious violence from 1973 to the mid-1980s. Studies of national trends in serious violence that include the 1973 to mid-1980s period should rely on NCVS and homicide data for analyses of the covariates of violent crime trends.
Peptides: chemistry, biology, and pharmacology.

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the chemistry, biology, and pharmacology of peptides. Peptides are small proteins composed of fewer than 50 amino acids. Unlike most globular proteins, peptides frequently have modified amino (N) and carboxyl (C) termini, contain D-amino acids and multiple disulfide bridges, or exist in cyclic forms with linked N and C termini. These features not only contribute to the functional role of these compounds, but also confer stability in physiological environments, specifically by preventing proteolytic degradation. The number of naturally occurring peptides that have been identified and structurally characterized has grown substantially in the past decade as a result of improved protein purification and sequencing techniques and through the isolation of cDNAs encoding putative peptide like structures. The production of synthetic derivatives of these compounds, including competitive antagonists and potent agonists, the use of these agents in increasingly refined physiological studies, and the identification of their cellular receptors are gradually clarifying their functional role.
Turnover of fibronectin and laminin by alveolar epithelial cells

Type II pulmonary epithelial cells in primary culture synthesize and assemble a multicomponent extracellular matrix which exhibits biological activity in vitro. Simultaneously, the pneumocytes degrade components of the underlying matrix, such that matrix composition may be determined by the balance of synthesis and turnover. The present work defines turnover of the specific matrix glycoproteins, fibronectin and laminin, both in the type II cell and in its extracellular matrix. Pulse-chase experiments demonstrate that both fibronectin and laminin, identified by immunoprecipitation, turn over rapidly in the cell and extracellular matrix compartments, with half-lives < 10 h. In the cell compartment, initial rates of laminin turnover are more rapid than those of fibronectin on culture day 2, but these rates are similar on day 6. Matrix fibronectin also turns over rapidly, with similar rates on day 2 and day 6. During the chase interval, small but increasing amounts of immunoprecipitable fibronectin are detected in the medium, suggesting that a portion of the glycoprotein may be released to the extracellular compartment, rather than degraded. Alternatively, release of immunoreactive glycoprotein may involve ongoing processing and secretion of residual radiolabeled fibronectin by the cells. The results suggest that matrix composition may be determined by turnover, as well as synthesis, of its components.
EBV noncoding RNA EBER2 interacts with host RNA-binding proteins to regulate viral gene expression

Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) produces a highly abundant noncoding RNA called EBV-encoded RNA 2 (EBER2) that interacts indirectly with the host transcription factor paired box protein 5 (PAX5) to regulate viral latent membrane protein 1/2 (LMP1/2) gene expression as well as EBV lytic replication. To identify intermediary proteins, we isolated EBER2–PAX5-containing complexes and analyzed the protein components by mass spectrometry. The top candidates include three host proteins splicing factor proline and glutamine rich (SFPQ), non-POU domain-containing octamer-binding protein (NONO), and RNA binding motif protein 14 (RBM14), all reported to be components of nuclear bodies called paraspeckles. In vivo RNA–protein crosslinking indicates that SFPQ and RBM14 contact EBER2 directly. Binding studies using recombinant proteins demonstrate that SFPQ and NONO associate with PAX5, potentially bridging its interaction with EBER2. Similar to EBER2 or PAX5 depletion, knockdown of any of the three host RNA-binding proteins results in the up-regulation of viral LMP2A mRNA levels, supporting a physiologically relevant interaction of these newly identified factors with EBER2 and PAX5. Identification of these EBER2-interacting proteins enables the search for cellular noncoding RNAs that regulate host gene expression in a manner similar to EBER2.
Abstract PR13: miR-17-92 mediates MYC oncogene addiction

The MYC oncogene is frequently overexpressed in human cancers. MYC can transcriptionally and translationally regulate the expression of thousands of genes. However, it was unclear which specific genes are responsible for MYC to maintain a neoplastic state. The microRNA cluster miR-17-92 is a major MYC target gene known to regulate proliferation, survival, and angiogenesis, which are several of the key phenotypes associated with MYC oncogene addiction. The resemblance of biological functions between MYC and miR-17-92 thus evoked the hypothesis that miR-17-92 is causally responsible for at least part of the mechanism by which MYC maintains a neoplastic state. We have found that miR-17-92 regulates multiple histone modifiers, such as Sin3b, Hbp1, Suv420h1, and Btg1, as well as the apoptosis regulator Bim, to maintain autonomous proliferation, survival, and self-renewal of MYC-driven tumors. Conversely, MYC inactivation downregulates the expression of miR-17-92 and results in the loss of neoplastic features as a consequence of restoration of senescence, apoptosis, and differentiation. Thus, the expression of miR-17-92 can dictate the cellular fates of MYC-driven tumors between survival versus apoptosis and proliferation versus senescence. Our findings provide a mechanistic insight into why tumors are dependent on or addicted to MYC. Citation Format: Yulin Li, Peter S. Choi, Stephanie C. Casey, David L. Dill, Dean W. Felsher. miR-17-92 mediates MYC oncogene addiction. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Myc: From Biology to Therapy; Jan 7-10, 2015; La Jolla, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Res 2015;13(10 Suppl):Abstract nr PR13.
Stability Analysis of a Vibrational System Subject to Negative Viscous Damping and Displacement-Dependent Dry Friction Damping

A stability analysis is conducted of an autonomous single-degree-of-freedom system damped with negative viscous damping and a displacement-dependent Coulomb friction force. The geometry of the dry friction damping element yields a friction force that grows linearly with the system displacement. The most direct application of this system is in the study of a turbomachinery blade with shroud interfaces designed to achieve this geometry. Recent studies have shown that the damping of systems with this type of displacement-dependent dry friction force resembles linear structural damping and suggests that this arrangement may be an effective means of flutter suppression in these turbine and fan blade applications. For this study, the inclusion of negative viscous damping is used in order to approximate destabilizing aerodynamic forces. An exact analysis is conducted to determine the stability of this autonomous system. Results show that energy losses from the displacement-dependent dry friction damper are large enough to achieve local and even global stability under certain conditions.Copyright © 2003 by ASME
A Study of the Oxygen Transport Kinetics in SrFeO3-x

Experimental results from electrical conductivity relaxation (ECR) measurements on SrFeO3-x are described. Values of Dchem and kchem were obtained by monitoring the variation of the time dependence of the electrical conductivity after an abrupt change in the oxygen partial pressure. Values for the oxygen ion and vacancy diffusion coefficients were calculated from the measured thermodynamic factors and compared with those of other compositions in the series La1-xSrxFeO3-x. The surface exchange coefficients, kchem and kex were also determined.