cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Dent-inert post-buckling behavior of liquid nanofoam-filled tube

Abstract Thin-walled tubes have been widely used in crashworthiness applications such as automotive and aerospace industries. However, inevitable structural imperfections in the tube wall impose adverse effects on the energy absorption performance of the tube. Here, we have employed a fluid-like and highly compressible material, i.e. liquid nanofoam (LN), as a filler to suppress the negative impact of structural imperfection. The mechanical performance of empty tubes and LN-filled tubes (LNFT) with different dent imperfections has been evaluated by quasi-static uniaxial compression tests. Results show that empty tube is susceptible to structural imperfection, as a v-shaped dent with 1.5 mm depth reduces the energy absorption capacity by about 20%. In contrast, the mechanical performance of LNFT is insensitive to the existence and depth of the dent. The enhanced imperfection insensitivity of LNFT is due to the intimate liquid-solid interaction at the LN filler and the tube wall interface, which effectively suppresses the curvature growth of the dent and the localized folding. The findings provide an efficient approach for designing and engineering thin-walled energy absorption devices that are resilient and of high energy absorption capacity.
Abstract 4191: Characterization of a novel anti-glucose transporter inhibitor as a pan-anticancer therapeutic in vitro and in vivo

Cancer has surpassed cardiovascular diseases as the top killer in many US counties. Opportunistic uptake of extracellular nutrients has recently been named as an emerging hallmark of cancer metabolism. Glucose is a key nutrient taken in by cancer cells for satisfying their high energy and biosynthesis needs. Drastic upregulation of glucose uptake and metabolism, a phenomenon called the Warburg effect, is prevalent among cancers. Cancer cells overexpress specific glucose transporters (GLUTS), particularly GLUT1, on their cell surface for uptaking glucose via facilitated diffusion. Considering the addiction of cancer cells to glucose and their sensitivity and vulnerability to changes in glucose supply, Gluts, have been recognized as an attractive anticancer target. Previously, our first-generation GLUT-inhibitor, WZB117, had been characterized in vitro and in vivo as an anticancer therapeutic. In this study, DRB18, a novel and proprietary lead inhibitor of glucose transporters, is characterized in vitro and in vivo by bioassays. DRB18 inhibits growth and proliferation in about 90% of the 60 different cancer cell lines in 9 major cancer types. It shows IC50 values in high nM range in some cell lines in several different cancer types. DRB18 treatment leads to significant changes in glucose-based metabolism in A549 lung cancer cells, including cell death via ER/oxidative stress and necrosis. The docking and Seahorse studies reveal the surprising contributions of macropinocytosis in DRB18 internalization, ultimately leading to better GLUT1 binding and increase in potency in killing cancer cells. DRB18 (10mg/kg) treatment thrice a week significantly reduces growth in Xenograft A549 tumors. Comprehensive in vitro and in vivo metabolomics analysis would be presented to better describe anti-glucose metabolism of activity of DRB18. Further, GLUT1-KO A549 (A549glut1ko) cell lines, in which Glut1 gene has been knocked out, were generated using CRISPR-Cas9 system for further studying GLUT19s roles in A549 cells. Immunoblotting analysis revealed the upregulation of other GLUTs after GLUT1 is knocked out, strongly suggesting the need for a pan-GLUT inhibitor for better inhibition of tumor growth. Citation Format: Pratik Shriwas, Stephen Bergmeier, Xiaozhuo Chen. Characterization of a novel anti-glucose transporter inhibitor as a pan-anticancer therapeutic in vitro and in vivo [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research 2020; 2020 Apr 27-28 and Jun 22-24. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2020;80(16 Suppl):Abstract nr 4191.
New Species of Plotopteridae (Aves) from the Oligocene Ashiya Group of Northern Kyushu, Japan

Four coracoids belonging to the family Plotopteridae have been found from the Oligocene Ashiya Group, northern Kyushu, Japan. One coracoid is assigned to Copepteryx hexeris, and the other coracoids are assigned to new genera and species: Stenornis kanmonensis gen. et sp. nov., and Empeirodytes okazakii gen. et sp. nov., of the Plotopteridae. Stenornis and Empeirodytes share a synapomorphy: an elongate sulcus on the ventral surface of the facies articularis humeralis portion of the shaft, which is not observed in coracoids of other plotopterids. These new plotopterids reveal that the diversity of this group in the Oligocene Ashiya Group is higher than previously realized.
A novel outpatient regimen in management of fluoropyrimidine-induced cardiotoxicity.

e15613Background: Fluoropyrimidines, such as 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and capecitabine, are commonly used chemotherapies for solid tumors, and essential for curative intent treatment of colorectal can...
Inside Source:The Causes and Consequences of Intelligence Infiltration in Civil Wars

What explains intelligence success in civil wars? Specifically, when and why do states succeed in cultivating intelligence sources within the adversary side? Such sources provide precious insight into the enemy’s thinking. I find that the dominant framework for information provision in civil war, in which controlling territory yields information, is inapplicable to intelligence infiltration of armed groups. I develop a theory that instead points to the necessity of expertise in identifying disgruntled insurgents, as well as trust on the part of prospective agents that counterinsurgents can maintain secrecy. I draw on ample documentation of U.S. and South Vietnamese intelligence efforts during three periods in the Vietnam War to probe the plausibility of these explanations. I find substantial support for my explanation. I also offer an account of the causes and consequences of the most spectacular intelligence penetration of the war for the United States. A single mid-level Viet Cong cadre spying for the CIA influenced U.S. knowledge of Communist intentions and capabilities from his formal recruitment in 1969 until the end of the war and the agent’s death in captivity in April 1975. I discuss the applicability of these findings to other civil war contexts, including contemporary U.S. interventions.
Hypoglossal Nerve Stimulator-Induced Neurapraxia Following Electrical Cardioversion for Atrial Fibrillation

An increasing proportion of patients with atrial fibrillation are undergoing implantation with hypoglossal nerve stimulators for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea. We present a case of hypoglossal nerve stimulator-associated neurapraxia following electrical cardioversion of atrial fibrillation. (Level of Difficulty: Advanced.).
Dynamic permissivism

There has been considerable philosophical debate in recent years over a thesis called epistemic permissivism. According to the permissivist, it is possible for two agents to have the exact same total body of evidence and yet differ in their belief attitudes towards some proposition, without either being irrational. However, I argue, not enough attention has been paid to the distinction between different ways in which permissivism might be true. In this paper, I present a taxonomy of forms of epistemic permissivism framed as the upshot of different ways one might respond to a basic argument against the view from Roger White. I then introduce a new type of permissive view which the contemporary debate has completely ignored and which is made available when we reject a widespread and largely unexamined background commitment to static rational norms connecting beliefs and evidence in favor of dynamic norms governing processes of consideration. I show how the dynamic strategy of rejecting static norms on belief opens the door to a new kind of permissivism which is both independently attractive and especially well-placed to answer worries that have been raised against traditional permissivist views.
The clinical impact of frailty on the postoperative outcomes of patients undergoing gastrectomy for gastric cancer: a propensity-score matched database study

Frailty aggregates a composite of geriatric and elderly features that is classified into a singular syndrome; literature thus far has proven its influence over postoperative outcomes. In this study, we evaluate the effects of frailty following gastrectomy for gastric cancer. 2011–2017 National Inpatient Sample was used to isolate patients with gastric cancer undergoing gastrectomy; from this, the Johns Hopkins ACG frailty criteria were applied to segregate frailty-present and absent populations. The case–controls were matched using propensity-score matching and compared to various endpoints. Post match, there were 1171 with and without frailty who were undergoing gastrectomy for gastric cancer. Those with frailty had higher mortality (6.83 vs 3.50% p < 0.001, OR 2.02 95% CI 1.37–2.97), length of stay (16.7 vs 12.0d; p < 0.001), and costs ($191,418 vs $131,367; p < 0.001); frail patients also had higher rates of complications including wound complications (3.42 vs 0.94% p < 0.001, OR 3.73 95% CI 1.90–7.31), infection (5.98 vs 3.67% p = 0.012, OR 1.67 95% CI 1.13–2.46), and respiratory failure (6.32 vs 3.84% p = 0.0084, OR 1.69 95% CI 1.15–2.47). In multivariate, those with frailty had higher mortality (p < 0.001, aOR 2.04 95% CI 1.38–3.01), length of stay (p < 0.001, aOR 1.40 95% CI 1.37–1.43), and costs (p < 0.001, aOR 1.46 95% CI 1.46–1.46). This study finding demonstrates the presence of frailty is an independent risk factor of adverse outcomes following gastrectomy; as such, it is important that these high-risk patients are stratified preoperatively and provided risk-averting procedures to alleviate their frailty-defining features.
Age-related plasticity in male mate choice decisions by Schizocosa retrorsa wolf spiders

Investigations of the mechanisms underlying the process of sexual selection historically have focused on female mate choice and male competition. More recently, however, male mate choice has been demonstrated to be an important mechanism in a variety of taxonomic groups, yet our understanding of the role of male age in male mate choice decisions has lagged behind. Here we examined the age-related mate choice decisions of young and old male wolf spiders (Schizocosa retrorsa). We observed male courtship behaviour during encounters with female dragline silk deposited by either virgin female spiders or less receptive and potentially more sexually cannibalistic mated females. Young male spiders were choosy in their deployment of courtship efforts, courting and engaging in grooming chemoexploration more in response to silk deposited by virgin females than to silk deposited by mated females and spending less time on silk of mated females. However, these preferences for virgin female silk were absent in trials with males in the old age class. Our results suggest that male age and variation in the costs of courtship and reproductive behaviour interact to generate age-related changes in male mate choice behaviour.
Bovine Pancreatic Deoxyribonuclease A ISOLATION OF CYANOGEN BROMIDE PEPTIDES; COMPLETE COVALENT STRUCTURE OF THE POLYPEPTIDE CHAIN

Abstract The following sequence and the pairing of the half-cystine residues has been derived for bovine pancreatic deoxyribonuclease A. [see PDF for sequence] The sequence permits the following assignments of residues known to have special properties. The carbohydrate moiety is attached to Asn18. The crucial histidine residue subject to alkylation by iodoacetate is His131. The site of nitration when the enzyme is inactivated by tetranitromethane is Tyr62; the secondary site of nitration is Tyr73. The essential disulfide bond links residues 170 and 206.
Interview of Stanley Fischer

Stanley Fischer is a macroeconomist par excellence. After three careers, the first in academia at Chicago, and at MIT, the second at the World Bank and at the International Monetary Fund, the third in the private sector at Citigroup, he is starting a fourth, as the head of the Central Bank of Israel. This interview, to be published in Macroeconomic Dynamics, took place in April 2004, before the start of his fourth career.
Family Blockholders and Control of the Board of Directors

It is well-known that among family firms, some families are active in their participation in board management, having a family member serving as either CEO or chairman of the corporate board, or both. In other family firms, members of the family occupy neither of these roles, though maintaining family representation on the corporate board. Among families involved in board management, and particularly so for firms with a founder-CEO, through a combination of family, affiliated and employee directors, the family may control the votes of the board. I derive a theoretical model of family control and then use the model to empirically assess the impact of active family management and control of board votes on family firm value. Theoretically, I find that by controlling the nominating process and rewards to independent insiders, the family can control the vote whether or not they have a voting majority on the board. I find qualified empirical support for the theoretical analysis. I find no empirical support for the assertion that family control detracts from firm value.
Biomechanical analysis of a new concept: an add-on dynamic extension plate for adjacent-level anterior cervical fusion.

Study Design. A biomechanical study on a pneumatically controlled 7-axis spine simulator using Delron and human cadaveric spine models. Objectives. To compare the biomechanical properties of an anterior cervical extension plate with comparable-length anterior cervical plates. Summary of Background Data. Adjacent-level anterior cervical surgery next to a previously plated fusion can be technically challenging because of scarring from the previous surgery and the extensive exposure potentially required. An extension plate that attaches to an existing cervical plate could make adjacent-level cervical surgery less problematic. Methods. Flexibility and load sharing were tested in 18 delron models and 10 cadaveric spines. An extension plate (E-plate, Aesculap, Tuttlingen, Germany) at C5–C6 was attached to a single-level plate (ABC plate, Aesculap) at C4–C5 and compared with a two-level plate (ABC plate) spanning C4–C6. Segmental motion was monitored with optical tracking, and interbody graft load was measured with a load cell. Statistical analysis was performed with a Student’s t test’. Results. In the delron models, both constructs displayed virtually 100% load sharing for the full interbody graft and subsidence models, and range of motion in flexion-extension or axial rotation was not statistically significantly different. The failure mode for the extension plate was lateral bending. In the cadaveric spines, load sharing, range of motion, and stiffness were not statistically significantly different between constructs. Conclusions. This extension plate appears to be biomechanically equivalent to the ABC cervical plates with which it was compared in this study.
Comment on “Changing China, Changing Africa: Future Contours of an Emerging Relationship”

Davies et al. (2014) is an excellent paper that argues that outsourcing, changes in the composition of Chinese demand, and the decline of state-owned enterprises (SOEs) may be changing the economic relationship between China and Africa in a largely positive way. The validity and magnitude of each of these trends can be questioned: hundreds of millions of workers in the Chinese agricultural sector remain to be absorbed in the modern sector; the reorientation of demand toward domestic consumption may occur slowly; and while the relative importance of SOEs is declining, the management of most large Chinese firms, regardless of legal status, remain subject to party guidance. Nevertheless, it may be worthwhile to accept these assumptions and examine the implications for Africa. The paper focuses on the behavior of the state and SOEs; it mentions that there is another component of China’s engagement with Africa, traders, and microenterprises, and speculates that a middle tier of medium-sized enterprises may become more important in the future. This process is already underway, but the picture is not always pretty: in 2013, for example, Ghana deported more than 1000 Chinese engaged in illegal mining operations, many who had entered the country unlawfully. The action was widely supported by the Ghanaian public that resented the brazen behavior of the Chinese as well as the deleterious environmental impact the illegal mining had on local communities. More broadly, China’s rise occurs against the backdrop of the West – broadly encompassing Western nongovernmental organizations, Western governments, and the multilateral institutions that they dominate, such as the World Bank – attempting to formulate new ways of addressing the resource curse. These initiatives – for example, the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative – can be regarded as a way to assuage troubled consciences, act as a precommitment mechanism to forestall more damaging forms of intervention, and promote more humane and rational uses of these resources. Whether they can be effective, and, crucially, what role China will play with respect to these efforts, remain open questions. At present, China’s outward foreign direct investment (OFDI) is overwhelmingly targeted toward extractives, particularly in countries that combine large natural resource endowments and weak rule of law. China lacks the same domestic constraints on engaging
Peak aortic flow and acceleration as indices of ventricular performance in the dog.

Abstract Six anesthetized intact dogs were studied during several interventions to alter ventricular performance while peak aortic blood flow (PF) and maximal acceleration of aortic blood flow (max dFdt) were computed from electromagnetic flow probe signals. Both peak flow and max dFdt were demonstrated to be sensitive indices of ventricular performance during induced alterations in the inotropic state (isoproterenol, fluothane, and propranolol) and in preload (volume expansion and hemorrhage), but showed only modest and variable changes in response to increased heart rate (atrial pacing) or to increased afterload (phenylephrine). Aortic max dFdt also showed a significant direct correlation with left ventricular max dpdt and both of these variables were demonstrated to be responsive to alterations in load and inotropic state. Peak flow and max dFdt correlated well under all experimental conditions with the performance indices: stroke volume, mean ejection rate, stroke work, and peak power. The ratio of max dFdt to peak flow and the time from onset of ejection to peak flow demonstrated little response to preload or afterload and may be useful as indices of ventricular contractile state.
Experimental evidence for free will revisionism

Philosophers who theorize about whether free will is compatible with causal determinism often rely on ordinary intuitions to bolster their theory. A revisionist theory of free will takes a different approach, saying that the best philosophical theory of what we ought to think about free will conflicts with what we ordinarily do think about free will. I contend that revisionism has not been taken as seriously as should be because philosophers have not realized the extent to which ordinary intuitions are inconsistent. I present an experiment that gives empirical evidence for revisionism. The experiment shows that, in spite of the fact that the ‘is compatible with’ relation is symmetric, folk intuitions change as a function of whether we ask ‘Is determinism compatible with free will?’ versus ‘Is free will compatible with determinism?’ The paper explores possible explanations for why folk intuitions do not mirror the symmetry of the ‘is compatible with’ relation, but regardless of which of these explanations ...
The Toyota crisis: an economic, operational and strategic analysis of the massive recall

Purpose – This paper aims to provide an in‐depth analysis of the economic, operational and strategic aspects of the Toyota recall crisis, as well as its implications for the global auto industry and its competitive dynamics in the future.Design/methodology/approach – The paper provided a literature review (of both academic literature, company reports, and popular press).Findings – Toyota's recent efforts to become the top selling automaker in the global market place might have led to some unfavorable changes in its supply chain management practices, as well as tarnishing some of the core values of the “Toyota Way”, which were partially responsible for the massive recall. Toyota's handling of the recall also reflected the unique “Japanese way” of managing crisis.Originality/value – The paper provides a timely analysis of a corporate crisis that is still unfolding. The multi‐disciplinary perspectives used in this analysis provide unique insights to understand a complex corporate phenomenon.
Digit span and EEG frequency in normal children.

Abstract EEGs were recorded from P 3 O 1 , P 4 O 2 , P 3 P 4 and O 1 O 2 in seventy-nine normal boys aged 54 to 207 months while digits from the WISC digit span test were presented. Correlation between digit span and EEG frequency were in the expected direction and 3 of the 4 computed proved to be statistically significant. When age was held constant by means of partial correlation, however, the significant correlations vanished. The investigation failed, therefore, to find any evidence that digit span and frequency of the EEG during acquisition of digits were related in normal children.
Genetic Crossovers Are Predicted Accurately by the Computed Human Recombination Map

Hotspots of meiotic recombination can change rapidly over time. This instability and the reported high level of inter-individual variation in meiotic recombination puts in question the accuracy of the calculated hotspot map, which is based on the summation of past genetic crossovers. To estimate the accuracy of the computed recombination rate map, we have mapped genetic crossovers to a median resolution of 70 Kb in 10 CEPH pedigrees. We then compared the positions of crossovers with the hotspots computed from HapMap data and performed extensive computer simulations to compare the observed distributions of crossovers with the distributions expected from the calculated recombination rate maps. Here we show that a population-averaged hotspot map computed from linkage disequilibrium data predicts well present-day genetic crossovers. We find that computed hotspot maps accurately estimate both the strength and the position of meiotic hotspots. An in-depth examination of not-predicted crossovers shows that they are preferentially located in regions where hotspots are found in other populations. In summary, we find that by combining several computed population-specific maps we can capture the variation in individual hotspots to generate a hotspot map that can predict almost all present-day genetic crossovers.
Parallel nested dissection for path algebra computations

This paper extends the authors' parallel nested dissection algorithm of [13] originally devised for solving sparse linear systems. We present a class of new applications of the nested dissection method, this time to path algebra computations (in both cases of single source and all pair paths), where the path algebra problem is defined by a symmetric matrix A whose associated graph G with n vertices is planar. We substantially improve the known algorithms for path algebra problems of that general class; this has further applications to maximum flow and minimum cut problems in an undirected planar network and to the feasibility testing of a multicommodity flow in a planar network.
Abstract A39: An oncogenomics-basedin vivocDNA screen pinpoints coamplifiedCcnd1andFgf19as therapeutic targets for liver cancer

Human cancer genome profiling is becoming increasingly effective at revealing novel recurrent genomic aberrations, but it remains challenging to identify the underlying driver genes. Here we describe an oncogenomic cDNA screen used to identify genes involved in liver tumorigenesis. Using array CGH analysis, we first identified recurrent focal amplicons present in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Next, we assayed their tumorigenic potential by introducing pools of cDNAs corresponding to genes found in focal amplicons into sensitized liver progenitor cells. We identified 18 genes that promote tumor formation, including known oncogene Ccnd1 and co‐amplified Fgf19, which we show cooperate during tumorigenesis. These two closely linked genes are co‐amplified and co‐overexpressed in 15% of human HCC. Knockdown of either Ccnd1 or Fgf19 inhibited colony formation of amplified human HCC cell lines and inhibited tumorigenicity. Knockdown in non‐amplified human cell lines was without phenotypic effect. Downstream analysis revealed that FGF‐19 leads to the activation of β‐catenin and increased levels of CyclinD1. These results show that gene amplification predicts response to both Ccnd1 and Fgf19 inhibition, and that oncogenomic cDNA screens are an effective new tool to identify therapeutic strategies that are directly linked to cancer genotypes. Citation Information: Cancer Res 2009;69(23 Suppl):A39.
Atomic topical segments detection for instructional videos

This paper presents our latest work on structuring instructional videos into units of atomic topical segment so as to facilitate topic-based video browsing and offer efficient video authoring. Specifically, we developed a comprehensive text analysis component to first extract informative text cues such as keyword synonym set and sentence boundary information, from a video's transcript. These text cues are then applied with various audiovisual cues such as silence/music break and speech similarity, to identify topical segments. Early experiments carried out on collections of real data from targeted user communities have yielded good results, and the user feedback on using the generated topical segment information is very encouraging.
Attitudes toward Police: An Evaluation of Community Perceptions of Safety

Creative Research Associates in collaboration with the Tucson Police Department conducted a survey of residents to gain a better understanding of the diverse community the department serves. A total of 496 residents reported that police should focus on robberies, juvenile crime, burglaries, narcotics activity, auto theft, and property destruction. The information was used in community policing efforts.
C-H bond functionalization: An aminated reaction.

Selective conversion of C–H bonds into C–N bonds to form N-heterocycles would streamline the synthesis of these important structural motifs. Now, an iron(II) catalyst has been developed that can transform alkyl azides into cyclic secondary amines by controlling the iron imido intermediate to react only with the nearby aliphatic C–H bond.
FEMALE MATING BEHAVIOR SHOWN BY MALE RATS AFTER ADMINISTRATION OF TESTOSTERONE PROPIONATE1

STONE (1) and Beach (2) reported the execution of elements in the feminine copulatory pattern by male rats which were vigorous copulators in the normal masculine fashion. Various lines of evidence suggest the possibility that male rats possess neural mechanisms capable of mediating the mating behavior of the opposite sex, and that this overt behavior pattern may be manifested when the male, in a high state of sexual excitement, is repeatedly mounted and palpated by a vigorous copulator of his own sex. Arousal of sexual behavior in prepubertally castrated male rats after administration of testosterone propionate (3), and restoration of mating in postpubertal castrates by the same method (4) indicates that sexual excitability adequate to the occurrence of normal mating is dependent upon androgenic substances. Beach (5) found that sexually inexperienced male rats injected with testosterone propionate prior to opportunity for intercourse with the receptive female displayed a tendency to mate with non-receptiv...
Processing and properties of zirconia-toughened alumina ceramics

Al2O3:ZrO2 ceramics have been prepared from physically mixed pure oxide powders. The results indicate that careful processing of the starting powders and a two-stage sintering process can avoid expensive processing methods like hot pressing/hot isostatic pressing used for achieving high densification. The mechanical properties were measured and the resultant microstructure studied to explain the toughening behaviour of this material.
Intractable chronic pelvic pain relieved after bone anchor removal.

Operative cure of genuine stress incontinence remains a challenge. While no ideal technique has emerged, investigators have continued to modify available methods to be minimally invasive without significantly affecting long-term outcome. Transvaginal needle suspension is an established treatment for genuine stress incontinence in women. Suspension suture pull-through has been proposed as one of the possible causes of failure. While bone anchors provide a solid structure for fixation of suspension sutures, they have been associated with complications such as chronic pelvic pain, osteomyelitis and osteitis pubis.1 The associated pain can occasionally be intractable and difficult to manage. Although Graham and Dmochowski have reported severe pain following bladder neck suspension using bone anchors, to our knowledge chronic intractable pain in the absence of infection has not been reported thus far.2 We report complete resolution of intractable pelvic pain following extraction of bone anchors in a 40-year-old woman who had undergone human dermal allograft pubovaginal slingplasty.
Synthesis of monofunctional curcumin derivatives, clicked curcumin dimer, and a PAMAM dendrimer curcumin conjugate for therapeutic applications

Curcumin, the primary active ingredient in the spice turmeric, was converted to reactive monofunctional derivatives (carboxylic acid/azide/alkyne). The derivatives were employed to produce a 3 + 2 azide-alkyne "clicked" curcumin dimer and a poly(amidoamine) (PAMAM) dendrimer-curcumin conjugate. The monofunctional curcumin derivatives retain biological activity and are efficient for labeling and dissolving amyloid fibrils. The curcumin dimer selectively destroys human neurotumor cells. The synthetic methodology developed affords a general strategy for attaching curcumin to various macromolecular scaffolds.
Accumulation and cytosolic partitioning of metals in the American oyster Crassostrea virginica

Abstract The ability of the oyster to accumulate trace metals, particularly the transition metals (Cd, Cu, Zn, and Hg), from food and water has been well documented. There is little information, however, on how these metals interact to affect whole animal retention, partitioning, and binding to metallothionein (Mt). In this study oysters were exposed to Cd and Cu, both alone and in combination, and significant effects have been demonstrated on subcellular partitioning. These studies showed that Cu can displace Cd from Mt, but the Cd is not lost from the animal. Two metal-binding protein peaks have been separated by gel chromatography (
Coil Embolization of a Tuboovarian Anastomosis before Uterine Artery Embolization to Prevent Nontarget Particle Embolization of the Ovary

Uterine artery embolization (UAE) is being used more frequently as a primary treatment for uterine leiomyoma. Performing UAE in women who desire future fertility is controversial because of the risks of premature menopause and the undetermined effects on pregnancy. The etiology of ovarian failure after UAE is not yet clearly defined, but one of the leading possibilities is nontarget embolization of the ovaries. In this case report, the authors describe a technique of selective coil embolization of a uterine artery-to-ovarian artery communication before UAE performed specifically to protect the ovary from nontarget embolization.
A case for an ecological-economic research program for desalination☆

Abstract As desalination capacity expands in the United States and elsewhere, it raises questions about environmental and societal impacts. Research in the field of ecological economics could provide insights that help regions and the public evaluate whether to pursue and approve desalination proposals, and how to configure them. This paper explores the possible role of ecological economics in addressing many of these questions. Using California as a focal point, this paper identifies issues that are emerging as the number of desalination proposals increases and installed capacity grows. It then identifies existing literature; and frames the research needs. Research needs include improving desalination's ability to operate using intermittent, renewable power sources; understanding societal economic impacts including desalination's impact on marginally employed people; ecological impacts of desalination from a variety of perspectives, and (in the case of ocean desalination) governance of near-shore environmental impacts. Desalination research already spans multiple disciplines.
Variance and Covariance Components in Part Lactation Milk and Fat Records

Summary The monthly test-day milk and fat records of 1,526 Holstein cows in 232 herds artificially sired by 145 different sires were analyzed to obtain estimates of sire, herd, sire by herd, and error components of variance for the ten test days and for the sum of ten test days and to obtain estimates of sire, herd, sire by herd, and error components of covariance between the monthly records and between the monthly records and the sum of ten test-day records. Although the variances of the estimates of interaction components of variance are not known, the results of the analysis indicate that the sire by herd components of variance are approximately zero. This would suggest that the sire by herd components of covariance are also negligible. It is felt, however, that more data should be analyzed, in order to substantiate or negate these results, since the number of records in the present analysis is small.
Effects of fluid resuscitation on cardiac dysfunction following thermal injury

To test the hypothesis that low cardiac output in burns is secondary to hypovolemia, the effects of resuscitation on isovolumic contracting rat heart following a full-thickness burn were studied. Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned into three groups: (1) Sham burn, (2) 30% body surface area burn nonresuscitated, (3) 30% body surface area burn with 15 cc Ringer's lactate/180 g body wt ip at the time of burn resuscitated. Twenty hours postburn, the hearts were mounted on a Lagendorff perfusion apparatus. A balloon-tipped catheter placed in the left ventricle measured pressure and dpdt. Coronary flow was determined. Myocardial samples for ATP and water were obtained. Left ventricular function was evaluated by recording peak systolic pressure, end diastolic pressure, and maximum ±dpdt while balloon volume was increased to 0.3 cc. Results are with end diastolic volume constant at 0.15 cc. Compared to sham burn, burn nonresuscitated generated lower peak systolic pressure ±dpdt and higher end diastolic pressure while hearts from burn resuscitated generated the same as sham burn. Coronary flow and tissue water content was similar in all. ATP content was lower in burn nonresuscitated. Our data support that impaired systolic and diastolic function in burn nonresuscitated hearts is associated with lower ATP levels not seen in burn resuscitated and reperfusion of burn nonresuscitated hearts does not reverse the myocardial depressant effect.
Biochemical characterization of collagens and of a non-collagenous protein synthesized by guinea pig lung fibroblasts in culture.

Employing various radioactive amino acids, protein biosynthesis by guinea pig lung fibroblasts has been studied in monolayer culture. The cells were shown to synthesize and secrete several collagenous and noncollagenous proteins. The biosynthesized macromolecules have been characterized employing molecular sieve and ion exchange chromatography (DEAE-cellulose column), SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, and enzymatic digestion. It was found that the guinea pig lung fibroblasts synthesized mainly type I procollagen molecules which appeared in the media in various stages of cleavage. The intact procollagen molecules and the various processed products were identified by their electrophoretic migration in SDS-polyacrylamide slab gels and further characterized by 1) elution position on SDS-agarose columns under reducing conditions; 2) hydroxyproline content; 3) change in elution postion on SDS-agarose after pepsin digestion; 4) chromatographic separation on DEAE-cellulose columns and electrophoretic mobili...
Sulfur: A Ubiquitous and Useful Tracer in Earth and Planetary Sciences

Sulfur is a widely distributed element on Earth and in the solar system. Its multiple valence states (S 2− to S 6+ ) allow it to participate in numerous geochemical and biochemical processes. It may be one of the light elements in the Earth9s core and may have been crucial in core formation. Sulfur is an essential component in all life on Earth and likely supported earliest life. Sulfur geochemistry is used to understand the early evolution of Earth9s atmosphere and hydrosphere, and serves as a monitor of volcanic SO 2 and H 2 S and as a tracer of anthropogenic sources of sulfur. Recent advances in the use of multiple sulfur isotopes ( 32 S, 33 S, 34 S, and 36 S) and in situ isotopic measurements will help to develop sulfur stable isotopes as a vital tracer in the Earth and planetary sciences and will provide applications for understanding inorganic and biogenic processes.
Flowfield and Noise Characteristics of Twin Supersonic Impinging Jets

A way of controlling the acoustic and aerodynamic characteristics of ideally expanded impinging twin jets has been proposed. As a means of control, microjets were used at the nozzle exit. The effect of the controlling method on the flowfield and acoustic field was investigated. Particle image velocimetry was used as the main tool for flowfield diagnostics
Magnetometer based on the opto-electronic microwave oscillator

Abstract We present a scheme for an all-optical self-oscillating magnetometer based on the opto-electronic oscillator stabilized with an atomic vapor cell. We demonstrate a proof of the principle with DC magnetic field measurements characterized by 2 × 10−7 G sensitivity and 1–1000 mG dynamic range.
A note on the saturation number of the family of k-connected graphs

Given a family of graphs F, a graph G is F-saturated if no member of F is a subgraph of G, but for all [email protected]?E([email protected]?), some member of F is a subgraph of G+e. The saturation number of F, denoted by sat(n,F), is the minimum number of edges in an n-vertex F-saturated graph. In this note we determine the saturation number for the family of k-connected graphs.
Transdermal scopolamine attenuates methacholine-induced bronchospasm

Abstract Anticholinergic agents have been widely used in the management of asthma. The use of scopolamine has been limited by significant side effects. Transdermal delivery of scopolamine (TS) has, however, been used successfully for the prevention of motion sickness. The purpose of this study was to determine if TS would decrease methacholine-induced bronchospasm in a group of subjects with mild asthma. Bronchoprovocational challenges with inhaled methacholine were performed on three separate occasions in 10 male subjects who each had a past history of asthma. After a baseline challenge, each subject received, in a double-blinded fashion, either a placebo patch or TS patch. The challenge was then repeated after at least 36 hours, and the alternate patch was then dispensed. The provocative dose producing a fall in FEV 1 by 20% from baseline was then calculated by linear regression analysis. No significant change in baseline pulmonary function was noted with placebo patch or TS. With the use of TS, there was a small but significant increase in the provocative dose producing a fall in FEV 1 by 20% from baseline for the group ( p
RTS/CTS Data Link Abstractions for Mobile Ad Hoc Networks

The running time for high fidelity simulation of large-scale mobile ad hoc networks can be prohibitively high. The execution time of physical effects calculations for a single transmission alone can grow unmanageable to account for all potential receivers. Discrete event simulators can also suffer from excessive generation and processing of events, both due to network size and model complexity. In this paper, we present three levels of abstracting the IEEE 802.11 RTS/CTS channel access mechanism. In the process of assessing their ability to mitigate runtime-cost while retaining comparable results to that of a commercially available simulator, OPNET, we found that the abstractions were better suited to collecting one metric over another.
Lower bounds for quantized matrix completion

In this paper we consider the problem of 1-bit matrix completion, where instead of observing a subset of the real-valued entries of a matrix M, we obtain a small number of binary (1-bit) measurements generated according to a probability distribution determined by the real-valued entries of M. The central question we ask is whether or not it is possible to obtain an accurate estimate of M from this data. In general this would seem impossible, however, it has recently been shown in [1] that under certain assumptions it is possible to recover M by optimizing a simple convex program. In this paper we provide lower bounds showing that these estimates are near-optimal.
Radial arm maze performance in rats following neonatal dopamine depletion

Neonatal dopamine (DA) depletion produces learning impairments both during development and throughout adulthood in the rat. The present experiment further investigated the memory capabilities of the dopamine-depleted rat by assessing performance in the radial arm maze. Results showed that, following neonatal injection of 6-hydroxydopamine and desmethylimipramine, lesioned rats per-performed more accurately than controls. In this paradigm, DA-depleted rats tended to enter each arm to obtain a food pellet and not enter unbaited, incorrect arms. The difference in performance of control and treated rats could not be accounted for by differences in locomotor activity, body weights, or motivational factors. A computer analysis of the data revealed that DA-depleted animals adopted a strategy of choosing adjacent arms consecutively, which probably accounted for their superior performance. Results are discussed in terms using algorithms versus extra-maze cues to complete the maze following early brain injury.
Ab initio SCF computation of force constants for CO2

Force constants for CO2 have been evaluated using SCF wave functions. The effect ofd basis functions and geometry are investigated. Comparison with experimental values shows that a large error, due to neglect of electron correlation, occurs for theK 12 interaction stretch force constant.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Disorders in Patients With Primary Immunodeficiency

Gastrointestinal disorders such as chronic or acute diarrhea, malabsorption, abdominal pain, and inflammatory bowel diseases can indicate immune deficiency. The gastrointestinal tract is the largest lymphoid organ in the body, so it is not surprising that intestinal diseases are common among immunodeficient patients. Gastroenterologists therefore must be able to diagnose and treat patients with primary immunodeficiency. Immune-related gastrointestinal diseases can be classified as those that develop primarily via autoimmunity, infection, an inflammatory response, or malignancy. Immunodeficient and immunocompetent patients with gastrointestinal diseases present with similar symptoms. However, intestinal biopsy specimens from immunodeficient patients often have distinct histologic features, and these patients often fail to respond to conventional therapies. Therefore, early recognition of symptoms and referral to an immunologist for a basic immune evaluation is required to select appropriate treatments. Therapies for primary immunodeficiency comprise immunoglobulin replacement, antibiotics, and, in severe cases, bone marrow transplantation. Treatment of immunodeficient patients with concomitant gastrointestinal disease can be challenging, and therapy with immunomodulators often is required for severe disease. This review aims to guide gastroenterologists in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with primary immunodeficiency.
Low vitamin K status is associated with osteoarthritis in the hand and knee

Objective Poor intake of vitamin K is common. Insufficient vitamin K can result in abnormal cartilage and bone mineralization. Furthermore, osteophyte growth, seen in osteoarthritis (OA), may be a vitamin K–dependent process. We undertook this study to determine whether vitamin K deficiency is associated with radiographic features of OA. Methods We conducted an analysis among 672 participants (mean age 65.6 years, 358 women) in the Framingham Offspring Study, a population-based prospective observational cohort. Levels of plasma phylloquinone (the primary form of vitamin K) had previously been measured in these participants, for whom we also had bilateral hand and knee radiographs. The main outcomes were 1) prevalence ratios (PRs) of OA, osteophytes, and joint space narrowing (JSN) per quartile of plasma phylloquinone level for each joint, adjusting for correlated joints using generalized estimating equations, and 2) adjusted mean number of joints with each feature per quartile of plasma phylloquinone level. Analyses were conducted in hands and knees separately and adjusted for age, sex, body mass index, total energy intake, plasma vitamin D, and femoral neck bone mineral density. Results The PRs for OA, osteophytes, and JSN and adjusted mean number of joints with all 3 features in the hand decreased significantly with increasing plasma phylloquinone levels (P ≤ 0.03 for all). For example, as plasma phylloquinone levels rose, the PR for hand OA decreased from 1.0 to 0.7 (P = 0.005). For the knee, only the PR for osteophytes and the adjusted mean number of knee joints with osteophytes decreased significantly with increasing plasma phylloquinone levels (PR decreased from 1.0 to 0.6, P = 0.01). Conclusion These observational data support the hypothesis of an association between low plasma levels of vitamin K and increased prevalence of OA manifestations in the hand and knee.
Differential-Approach Tendencies Produced by Injection of RNA from Trained Rats

Two groups of rats were trained in a Skinner box to approach the food cup when a discriminative stimulus (click or blinking light) was presented. Ribonucleic acid was extracted from the brains of these two groups of rats and injected into two groups of untrained rats. The untrained two groups then manifested a significant tendency (as compared with one another) to react differently to the two stimuli. On the average, the response appeared to be specific to the stimulus employed during training.
Effects of temperature on respiration of Notophthalmus viridescens, the red-spotted newt

Abstract 1. 1. The rates of oxygen consumption of adult newts, Notophthalmus viridescens, were determined in air at 5, 10, 15 and 20°C. 2. 2. Mean rates of oxygen uptake changed in direct proportion to changes in temperature. 3. 3. The rates of oxygen consumption determined were found to be similar to rates of temperate, lunged amphibians reported by Whitford & Hutchison (1967) and Whitford (1973). 4. 4. N. viridescens exhibited thermal compensation (Precht Type 2) between 10 and 15°C.