cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Viral and cellular factors that influence cell fusion induced by herpes simplex virus.

Abstract Different strains of herpes simplex virus differ in their capacity to induce cell fusion and a single strain may express the fusion-inducing or syncytial (Syn) phenotype in one cell line and the nonsyncytial (Syn + ) phenotype in another, indicating that the interactions of infected cells are governed by multiple factors, both cellular and viral. In order for fusion to occur, at least some of the infected cells must be capable of recruiting adjacent cells into polykaryocytes whereas other cells could be passively recruited without themselves expressing any fusion-inducing activity. The objectives of this study were to identify some of the requirements for a cell to be either a recruiter of adjacent cells or to be recruited into polykaryocytes and to determine whether the absence of cell fusion after Syn + infection results from absence of cells capable of inducing fusion or from inability of the infected cells to be recruited into polykaryocytes. In order to differentiate between the recruiter and recruited cells, we devised an assay to quantitate the extent of fusion between cells of two distinct populations that differed with respect to infection, strain of virus used for infection, or cell type (Vero or HEp-2 cells). We found that single cells infected with Syn virus (strain MP) could fuse with infected or uninfected cells, indicating that the cells recruited into polykaryocytes can be, but need not be, infected. It was also shown that the absence of cell fusion after infection with a Syn + virus (strain mP) was due more to the absence of recruiter cells than to inability of the Syn + -infected cells to be recruited into polykaryocytes. On the other hand, the capacity of a particular virus strain (HFEM-tsB5) to fuse Vero cells but not HEp-2 cells could be explained by the greater capacity of uninfected Vero cells to be recruited into polykaryocytes as well as by the greater recruiting activity of infected Vero cells.
α-GLOBIN GENE ORGANISATION AND PRENATAL DIAGNOSIS OF α-THALASSAEMIA IN CHINESE

DNA samples from 60 Chinese patients with haemoglobin H disease were analysed by restricted endonuclease mapping to determine the patterns of alpha-globin gene organisation and the distribution of these patterns in China. Restriction endonuclease analysis and rapid micro-DNA hybridisation on nitrocellulose membranes were also used to analyse DNA from amniotic fluid cells or from chorionic villi in 7 pregnancies at risk of haemoglobin Barts hydrops fetalis, in 1 at risk of haemoglobin H disease, and 1 at risk of both disorders.
Solution 17O NMR study of thermal hydrolysis in nylon 6,6

The thermal hydrolysis of nylon 6,6 between 338 and 398 K was investigated using solution 17O NMR spectroscopy. By performing the hydrolysis with isotopically 17O-enriched H2O, it is possible to easily identify the non-volatile oxygen-containing degradation products formed during the hydrolysis of nylon. For the aging temperature range investigated, the dominant oxygen-containing degradation species are carboxylic acids, consistent with the hydrolytic cleavage of the amide bond. These 17O NMR studies allowed the temperature variation for the hydrolysis of the amide bond in nylon 6,6 to be determined with of the initial rate of carboxylic acid concentration production giving an energy of activation of ∼87±1 kJ/mol.
Understanding Street‐Level Bureaucrats' Decision Making: Determining Eligibility in the Social Security Disability Program

Personal interactions between clients and street-level bureaucrats are significant in explaining why street-level bureaucrats behave as they do. Not all bureaucracies that apply program rules to individuals, however, engage face-to-face with their clientele. As more intake procedures are automated, such “one-on-one” encounters decrease. The author generates and tests hypotheses about frontline bureaucratic decision making in the Social Security Disability program, by applying bounded rationality theory. The findings show that eligibility decisions by street-level bureaucrats are affected by their adherence to subsets of agency goals and perceptions of others in the governance system. How quickly they make decisions also has an impact. There is no evidence that the way in which bureaucrats evaluate clients explains their decisions when they lack face-to-face contact.
O espetáculo da modernidade: a crítica da cultura de Walter Benjamin

The essay is primarily concerned with examining the methodological aspects of Benjamin's distinct idea of materialist historiography, which I would call a critique of culture (Kulturkritik). By means of the notion of Kulturkritik, I want to differentiate Benjamin's account from a 'theory' of culture and to underline Benjamin's critical concern with the concept of 'culture'. In doing so, I aim to draw out its methodological imperatives for examining modernity as the spectacle. Furthermore, I also argue that Benjamin's critique of culture differs in significant ways from the Ideologiekritik developed by the early members of the Institut fur Sozialforschung.
Platelet-derived growth factor receptor alpha subunit deleted Patch mouse exhibits severe cardiovascular dysmorphogenesis

Path (Ph) mice, whose platelet-derived growth factor receptor alpha subunit (αPDGFR) gene has been deleted, have been used to elucidate requirements for αPDGFR for normal murine development. In this report we evaluate the role of αPDGFR in cardiovascular development by using in situ hybridization to follow the changing pattern of αPDGFR expression in cardiovascular tissues after embryonic day 13, and comparing this pattern with the pattern of cardiovascular defects observed in homozygous Ph mutants. Both mesodermally derived and neural crest-derived components of the cardiovascular system are severely dysmorphic in Ph/Ph embryos and those structures most severely affected are those that normally express αPDGFR mRNA at the highest levels and for the longest duration. Ph/Ph vessels appear to be lined with a normal endothelium, but contain a reduced number of smooth muscle cells and are fragile during processing for histology. The myocardium is thin, the heart is small and dysmorphic, the valves are malformed, and the interventricular and interatrial septa of the heart are defective. In the outflow tract, the spectrum of defects includes both persistent truncus arteriosus and double outlet right ventricle. This pattern of abnormalities is consistent with the hypothesis that deletion of αPDGFR results in a functional ablation of cranial neural crest cells, and that mesodermally derived components of the vascular system also require αPDGFR. © 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Analysis of Factors Affecting Corn Masa Byproduct Generation

The production of corn masa-based products in the U.S. has been increasing over the last several years, and consequently, so has the volume of waste materials generated from this processing sector. These byproducts, which consist of corn dry matter losses that occur during the nixtamalization process, are currently underutilized, but have much potential for value-added processing and utilization, and thus hold the simultaneous promises of economic benefit for corn processors as well as decreased potential impact on surrounding ecosystems. Because information concerning masa byproducts, and the rate at which they are generated, is currently very limited and not readily available, the objective of this study was to fully investigate the existing literature regarding the production of these residual streams. Through this investigation it was found that masa byproducts are affected by several processing parameters, including corn hybrid, endosperm hardness, kernel quality, lime type and concentration, cooking and steeping times and temperatures, friction experienced during washing and transport, and processing equipment and practices used. These processing losses can potentially be economically significant due to lost masa yield, waste processing and disposal costs, and environmental pollution and subsequent legal penalties.
Sharing out the costs of a public–private partnership

This article looks at factors which have affected the shares of public and private money that have been going into public–private transportation partnership investments in the US. It looks at a number of recent partnerships and relates the importance of the private sector to sets of institutional and technical variables.
Synthesis, SAR studies, and pharmacological evaluation of 3-anilino-4-(3-indolyl) maleimides with conformationally restricted structure as orally bioavailable PKCβ-selective inhibitors

Conformationally restricted 3-anilino-4-(3-indolyl)maleimide derivatives were designed and synthesized aiming at discovery of novel protein kinase Cβ (PKCβ)-selective inhibitors possessing oral bioavailability. Among them, compounds having a fused five-membered ring at the indole 1,2-position inhibited PKCβ2 with IC 50 of nM-order and showed good oral bioavailability. One of the most potent compounds was found to be PKCβ-selective over other 6 isozymes and exhibited ameliorative effects in a rat diabetic retinopathy model via oral route.
RDX biodegradation column study: influence of ubiquitous electron acceptors on anaerobic biotransformation of RDX

A series of column studies, with aquifer material from the former Nebraska Ordinance Plant (NOP), were performed to explore the phenomenon of electron competition from ubiquitous inorganic electron acceptors (nitrate and sulfate) present in contaminated groundwater. Acetate was used as a source of readily biodegradable carbon in all of the treatment-column systems. Influent hexahydro-1, 3, 5-trinitro-1, 3, 5-triazine (RDX) concentrations (1–1.8 mg dm−3) were completely removed to below detection levels of 20 µg dm−3 in all treatment-column systems without any nitroso-metabolites. In the control-column system (with no carbon amendment) significant levels (∼30% of the inlet molar RDX) of nitroso-substituted RDX derivates were observed in the effluent stream. The estimated first-order biodegradation rate coefficient for RDX was highest (0.79 h−1) in the treatment-column system where acetate was the only amendment, about 52 times higher than the rate coefficient (0.015 h−1) obtained in the control-column system. The presence of sulfate (100 mg dm−3) in influent groundwater temporarily delayed the onset of RDX biotransformation without any adverse effects on overall RDX biotransformation. Coexistence of low (100 mg dm−3) nitrate levels in the influent feed water reduced the first-order biodegradation rate coefficient obtained in the absence of nitrate by about 80% to 0.16 h−1. These nitrate levels, however, were low to halt the RDX biodegradation probably because the available carbon levels were high enough to exceed the demands for nitrate reduction. High levels of nitrate (500 mg dm−3) initially halted RDX removal, and significantly reduced the rate of RDX biotransformation by about 98% to 0.02 h−1, thereby increasing the half-life from 0.9 h in the absence of nitrate to about 32 h, with noticeable levels of untreated RDX in the effluent stream. Contrary to the expectations, the presence of ammonium in conjunction with acetate resulted in a lower (0.09 h−1) biodegradation rate coefficient as compared with the one obtained in the absence of ammonium. Copyright © 2003 Society of Chemical Industry
Removal of hydrogen from 1 × 1 dihydride passivated Si(100) by low-energy rare gas ions: implications for RPCVD

Abstract In order to explore the role of plasma ions in the epitaxial growth of silicon thin films by remote plasma chemical vapor deposition (RPCVD), absolute cross sections for the removal of hydrogen from a 1 × 1 dihydride-passivated Si(100) surface by 200 eV Ar + and He + ions have been obtained. The measured integrated cross sections are (3.4 ± 0.9) × 10 −17 cm 2 for argon and (2.7 ± 0.8) × 10 −17 cm 2 for helium corresponding to sputtering yields of 0.05 ± 0.01 and 0.04 ± 0.01, respectively. These data suggest that the generation of active sites through the removal of hydrogen from the passivated surface may be the rate limiting step in film growth by RPCVD.
Allocative efficiency measurement with endogenous prices

Abstract In the nonparametric measurement of allocative efficiency, output prices are fixed. If prices are endogenous, the overall output in the market determines the allocative efficient point. We develop an alternative semi-nonparametric model that allows prices to be endogenously determined.
A comparison of three inverse treatment planning algorithms

Three published inverse treatment planning algorithms for physical optimization of external beam radiotherapy are compared. All three algorithms attempt to minimize a quadratic objective function of the dose distribution. It is shown that the algorithms are based on the common framework of Newton's method of multidimensional function minimization. The approximations used within this framework to obtain the different algorithms are described. The use of these algorithms requires that the number of weights of elemental dose distributions be equal to the number of sample points taken in the dose volume. The primary factor in determining how the algorithms are implemented is the dose computation model. Two of the algorithms use pencil beam dose models and therefore directly optimize individual pencil beam weights, whereas the third algorithm is implemented to optimize groups of pencil beams, each group converging upon a common point. All dose computation models assume that the irradiated medium is homogeneous. It is shown that the two different implementations produce similar results for the simple optimization problem of conforming dose to a convex target shape. Complex optimization problems consisting of nonconvex target shapes and dose limiting structures are shown to require a pencil beam optimization method.
Moments of variables summing to normal order statistics

Abstract We derive means, variances and covariances of components of normal order statistics obtained from a linear combination of several independent normal random variables. This work stems from a problem in hydrology concerning the frequency of extreme lake levels.
Utility of monitoring capnography, pulse oximetry, and vital signs in the detection of airway mishaps : a hyperoxemic animal model

This study was undertaken to determine the time interval for changes in end-tidal CO2, oxygen saturation (SaO2), heart rate (HR), and blood pressure (BP) in response to an acute airway obstruction or hypopharyngeal extubation in a hyperoxemic model. Complete and partial airway obstructions were simulated with complete and partial cross-clamping of an endotracheal (ET) tube in five anesthetized, nonparalyzed, mechanically ventilated Yorkshire minipigs with initial PAo2 of > 400 mm Hg. Placement of the ET tube into the hypopharynx was performed to simulate accidental extubation. Both sidestream (SS) and mainstream (MS) capnography were used. Continuous pulse oximetry monitored SaO2, femoral arterial catheter monitored systolic BP, and electrocardiograph monitored HR. The time intervals for the capnograph wave to flatten and for the monitor to display zero were recorded after each airway alteration. The time interval to a change in the initial HR of 10 beats/min, a change of initial systolic BP of 10 mm Hg, and a change of initial SaO2 of 5% were recorded. Experiments were carried out for 180 seconds, and 25 trials were performed. HR, systolic BP, and SaO2 did not change for the 180-second duration of the trials. Complete obstruction produced a flattening of the SS and MS waveform in 8 +/- 2 seconds and 6 +/- 2 seconds, respectively. The SS and MS monitors displayed zero in 19 +/- 1 seconds and 68 +/- 7 seconds, respectively. Partial obstruction did not produce flattening of the wave or a monitor displaying zero. Hypopharyngeal extubation produced a flattening of the SS and MS waveform in 7 +/- 1 seconds and 7 +/- 2 seconds, respectively. The SS and MS monitors displayed zero in 18 +/- 3 seconds and 76 +/- 16 seconds, respectively. Continuous end-tidal CO2 capnography detects acute airway obstruction and hypopharyngeal extubation more rapidly than does pulse oximetry or vital sign monitoring in a hyperoxemic porcine model.
A vertical hydrophone array coupled via inductive modem for detecting deep-ocean seismic and volcanic sources

A vertical autonomous hydrophone (VAUH) array useful for a long-term low-frequency underwater acoustic propagation study was developed at Oregon State University (OSU), North Carolina State University and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) Pacific Environmental Lab (PMEL). To analyze the arrival structure of the hydroacoustic signals in deep water, we needed a multichannel vertical hydrophone array with relative timing accuracy of as good as 10 ms/year where no GPS or Network Time Protocol (NTP) is available. A new scheme takes advantage of Inductive Modem Modules (IMM® from Sea-Bird Electronics) and a low-power accurate clock (QT2001® from Q-Tech Corporation). With the master unit sending an accurate 1-PPS pulse train once a day to slave instruments over a single wire inductive modem/mooring cable, it synchronizes the other slaves' clocks and keeps the timing errors among the instruments less than 10msec. As compared to the timing synchronization methods based on three-wire serial or NTP network interface, it only requires an insulated single wire mooring cable using seawater as a return. It is robust, low power and useful for longterm time synchronization of multiple instruments serially connected. As a trial, an array consisting of three vertical autonomous hydrophones (VAUH) was deployed in the Lau Basin from December 2009 to April 2010 at 21° 25′12.60″S, 176° 12′45.50″W. Each unit was fastened on a 1000-m long 5/16″ jacketed cable with a 500 m of separation. All three VAUHs recorded continuously the low frequency acoustic signal at 250-Hz sampling rate and maintained a relative timing accuracy of less than 10 ms. The acoustic record shows that the entire region is active with seismicity and submarine eruptions. The results of the four-month long monitoring and comparison with other single hydrophone moorings in the area are discussed1.
Coping skills training for youth with diabetes mellitus has long-lasting effects on metabolic control and quality of life.

Abstract Objective: To determine whether initial effects on metabolic control and quality of life associated with a behavioral intervention combined with intensive diabetes management (IDM) can be sustained over 1 year in youth implementing intensive therapy regimens. Study design: Seventy-seven patients (43 females, 95% white) 12 to 20 years (mean = 14.2 ± 1.9; duration, 8.7 ± 3.9) electing to initiate IDM were randomly assigned to one of two groups: with or without coping skills training (CST), which consists of 6 small group sessions and monthly follow-up to help youth cope with their lives in the context of diabetes management; skills included social problem solving, cognitive behavior modification, and conflict resolution. Data were collected before the intervention and at 3, 6, and 12 months after the intervention by using the Self-Efficacy for Diabetes Scale, Children's Depression Inventory, Issues in Coping with IDDM, and the Diabetes Quality of Life: Youth scales. Clinical data (glycosylated hemoglobin level, height, weight, adverse effects) were collected monthly. Results: The CST and IDM groups were comparable at baseline. CST subjects had lower glycosylated hemoglobin ( P =.001) and better diabetes ( P =.002) and medical ( P =.04) self-efficacy, and less impact of diabetes on their quality of life ( P =.005) than youth receiving IDM alone after 1 year. In males, CST did not affect adverse outcomes of IDM hypoglycemia, diabetic ketoacidosis, and weight gain, but CST decreased the incidence of weight gain ( P =.05) and hypoglycemia in females ( P =.03). Conclusions: The addition of behavioral intervention to IDM in adolescence results in improved metabolic control and quality of life over 1 year. (J Pediatr 2000;137:107-13)
Optical flow for compressive sensing video reconstruction

Although considerable effort has been devoted to the problem of reconstructing compressively sensed video, no existing algorithm achieves results comparable to commonly available video compression methods such as H.264. One possible avenue for improving compressively sensed video reconstruction is the use of optical flow information. Current efforts reported in the literature have not fully utilized optical flow information, instead focusing on limited cases such as stationary backgrounds with sparse foreground motion. In this paper, a reconstruction method is presented which fully utilizes optical flow information to increase the quality of reconstruction. The special cases of known image motion and constant global image motion are presented, and the performance of the algorithm on existing datasets is evaluated.
Beyond national culture: implications of cultural dynamics for consumer research

Purpose – To develop a more thorough understanding of culture in a rapidly changing global environment.Design/methodology/approach – The recent literature dealing with ways in which cultural dynamics are influencing the nature and meaning of culture are examined. Different perspectives of culture related to three key components of culture, intangibles, material culture and communication, are explored. Based on this, directions for research on the content of culture are discussed as well as how it should be approached.Findings – Culture is becoming increasingly deterritorialized and penetrated by elements from other cultures. This is resulting in cultural contamination, cultural pluralism and hybridization. It has become more difficult to study culture as it is becoming diffuse. At the same time, it is becoming more important to study it because of its pervasive influence on consumer behavior.Research limitations/implications – Given that culture is no longer a phenomenon defined by and isolated to a parti...
Pilot pollution interference cancellation in CDMA systems

In CDMA systems, existence of large number of equally strong pilot signals is not desirable. As a consequence, this would create pilot pollution interference (PPI). Additionally, the limited number of fingers in the RAKE receiver adds a different dimension to the problem. The PPI has the influence of overloading the mobile station's RAKE receiver with excessive amount of signaling on the dedicated control channels. Therefore, the pilot signal's orthogonality erodes dramatically, and the system suffers from dropping of ongoing calls, blocking of originating fresh calls and decrease in the system capacity. In this paper, we demonstrate the power of using a novel multi-carrier chip shaping to alleviate the impact of the PPI. Consequently, the mobile's RAKE receiver will have the capability to perform frequency diversity rather than multipath diversity. This will make efficient use of the received signal energy in the frequency domain and boost the performance of the system. Simulation studies have been carried out to verify the appropriateness of the proposed approach and we have obtained very promising results. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Viability of microvascular endothelial cells to direct exposure of formalin, λ-carrageenan, and complete Freund's adjuvant

Abstract We investigated three inflammatory agents to establish if these substances elicit a direct effect on the functional and structural integrity of the blood–brain barrier. Cellular cytotoxicity and paracellular permeability were assessed in vitro using primary bovine brain microvascular endothelial cells exposed to formalin, λ-carrageenan, or complete Freund's adjuvant for 1, 3, or 72 h, respectively. Results showed that only the highest concentration (0.025%) of formalin produced a decrease in cell viability (∼34%) and a significant increase in cell permeability to [ 14 C]sucrose at 120 min (∼137%). Brain perfusion using female Sprague–Dawley rats showed no difference in paracellular permeability to [ 14 C]sucrose for any inflammatory agent. Western blot analyses were performed on isolated rat brain microvessels to assess the structural integrity of blood–brain barrier tight junctions. Results indicate that expression of zonula occludens-1, occludin, claudin-1, and actin remain unchanged following intravenous exposure to inflammatory agents. This study confirms that changes seen at the blood–brain barrier following a peripheral inflammation are due to physiological responses to the given inflammatory agent and not to any direct interaction between the inflammatory agent and the brain microvasculature.
Positive and negative: Partner derogation and enhancement differentially related to relationship satisfaction

Previous research on positive illusions has treated negatively biased views of one's romantic partner as existing along the same continuum as positively biased views. However, research on the greater psychological impact of negative events suggests that overly negative views of one's partner (derogation) may have a stronger association with relationship outcomes than overly positive views (enhancement). In this study, 353 couples completed 2 measures of relationship satisfaction and rated themselves and their partners on 3 trait domains. For most domains, with the exception of interpersonal virtues, derogating one's partner was a stronger predictor of satisfaction than enhancing one's partner. Being the object of derogation or enhancement had little association with relationship satisfaction, with some exceptions.
ISOLATION OF ALKALOIDS USING ULTRASONIC ENERGY.

IN recent years ultrasonic energy has been used in the extraction of various materials from plants, animals, and micro-organisms for biochemical analysis1. The application of ultrasound has proved advantageous for the isolation of enzymes, nucleic acids, and other heat-labile substances from cells and tissues. Moreover, ultrasonic energy has been used widely for various industrial applications to facilitate the extraction of commercially important substances2. The increasing use of ultrasonic instruments in extraction processes is based on the observations that: (1) disruption of cells is rapid; (2) the extraction process is accelerated; (3) the yield of extract usually is increased; (4) the use of ultrasonic energy permits the extraction of certain materials otherwise not readily obtainable.
On the hydration of DNA. I. Preferential hydration and stability of DNA in concentrated trifluoroacetate solution

The hydration of DNA is an important factor in the stability of its secondary structure. Methods for measuring the hydration of DNA in solution and the results of various techniques are compared and discussed critically. The buoyant density of native and denatured T-7 bacteriophage DNA in potassium trifluoroacetate (KTFA) solution has been measured as a function of temperature between 5 and 50°C. The buoyant density of native DNA increased linearly with temperature, with a dependence of (2.3 ± 0.5) × 10−4 g/cc-°C. DNA which has been heat denatured and quenched at 0°C in the salt solution shows a similar dependence of buoyant density on temperature at temperatures far below the Tm, and above the Tm. However, there is an inflection region in the buoyant density versus T curve over a wide range of temperatures below the Tm. Optical density versus temperature studies showed that this is due to the. inhibition by KTFA of recovery of secondary structure on quenching. If the partial specific volume is assumed to be the same for native and denatured DNA, the loss of water of hydration on denaturation is calculated to be about 20% in KTFA at a water activity of 0.7 at 25°C. By treating the denaturation of DNA as a phase transition, an equation has immmi derived relating the destabilizing effect of trifluoroacetate to the loss of hydration on denaturation. The hydration of native DNA is abnormally high in the presence of this anion, and the loss of hydration on denaturation is greater than in CsCl. In addition, trifluoroacetate appears to decrease the ΔHof denaturation.
Elitist and Ensemble Strategies for Cascade Generalization

Several methods have been proposed for cascading other classification algorithms with decision tree learners to alleviate the representational bias of decision trees and, potentially, to improve classification accuracy. Such cascade generalization of decision trees increases the flexibility of the decision boundaries between classes and promotes better fitting of the training data. However, more flexible models may not necessarily lead to more predictive power. Because of potential overfitting problems, the true classification accuracy on test data may not increase. Recently, a generic method for cascade generalization has been proposed. The method uses a parameter â€” the maximum cascading depth â€” to constrain the degree that other classification algorithms are cascaded with decision tree learners. A method for efficiently learning a collection (i.e., a forest) of generalized decision trees, each with other classification algorithms cascaded to a particular depth, also has been developed. In this article, we propose several new strategies, including elitist and ensemble (weighted or unweighted), for using the various decision trees in such a collection in the prediction phase. Our empirical evaluation using 32 data sets in the UCI machine learning repository shows that, on average, the elitist strategy outperforms the weighted full ensemble strategy, which, in turn, outperforms the unweighted full ensemble strategy. However, no strategy is universally superior across all applications. Since the same training process can be used to evaluate the various strategies, we recommend that several promising strategies be evaluated and compared before selecting the one to use for a given application.
Two Novel Acetogenins, Annoglaxin and 27-Hydroxybullatacin, from Annona glabra

Two new bioactive Annonaceous acetogenins, annoglaxin (1) and 27-hydroxybullatacin (2), have been isolated from the fractionated ethanolic extracts of the leaves of Annona glabra, directing the fractionation with the brine shrimp lethality test (BST). The structures of 1 and 2 were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic and chemical methods, and the absolute stereochemistries were determined by the advanced Mosher ester method. 1 presents unusual features of an OH at C-8 and a carbonyl at C-12 and, while less potent than 2, shows interesting selectivity for the human breast carcinoma (MCF-7) cell line. Compound 2 was at least 100 000 times more potent than adriamycin against the human kidney carcinoma (A-498), prostate carcinoma (PC-3), and pancreatic carcinoma (PACA-2) cell lines in our panel of six human solid tumor cell lines.
72-bp element contains a critical control region for SV40 late expression in Xenopus laevis oocytes

Abstract The SV40 late promoter is transcribed at least 10-fold more efficiently than the SV40 early promoter when SV40 DNA is injected into the germinal vesicle of Xenopus laevis oocytes. Late expression in the oocyte is independent of T antigen and does not require DNA replication. To identify DNA sequences required for SV40 late gene expression, 12 mutants spanning nucleotide position (np) 5187 to np 304 were injected into the germinal vesicles of X. laevis oocytes, and RNA was extracted 18 to 24 hr later. S1 nuclease analysis of the 5′ ends of SV40 late mRNA revealed that mutations in the origin of replication had no quantitative or qualitative effect on the 5′ late start sites. Mutants which deleted the 21-bp repeats did not reduce or alter use of the major RNA initiation site (np 295), but did reduce use of a minor initiation site within the 72-bp repeats. In contrast, deletion of or certain point mutatins in the 72-bp repeat decreased initiation from the major late start site. An 85-bp insertion containing a complete set of the 21-bp repeats positioned to the late side of the enhancer elements also decreased initiation from the major late start site. Thus, an element in the 72-bp repeat appears to be the major promoter element for late SV40 transcription in the oocyte.
Nonparametric Data Reduction

A nonparametric data reduction technique is proposed. Its goal is to select samples that are ``representative'' of the entire data set. The technique is iterative and is based on the use of a criterion function and nearest neighbor density estimates. Experiments are presented to demonstrate the algorithm.
LEED and STM studies of the stability of the MoO2(100) surface

Abstract Atomic scale images and low energy electron diffraction pattern of a MoO 2 (100) single crystal surface are presented, which show different structural modifications depending on surface preparation. A short in-situ heat treatment of the as-grown single crystal results in an atomically ordered surface whose diffraction pattern and STM images are consistent with those expected from the bulk structure. The symmetry of the STM images suggests an oxygen termination of the surface. A significantly longer heat treatment causes a thermodynamically stable (4 × 1) reconstruction which is interpreted to be due to a loss of oxygen chains. The (4 × 1) reconstruction vanishes after Ar-ion-sputtering and subsequent annealing. Additional long sputtering cycles result in a (2 × 1) reconstruction. The observed surface reconstructions can be transformed into each other by heating or sputtering cycles.
Predicting primary PM2.5 and PM0.1 trace composition for epidemiological studies in California.

The University of California—Davis_Primary (UCD_P) chemical transport model was developed and applied to compute the primary airborne particulate matter (PM) trace chemical concentrations from ∼900 sources in California through a simulation of atmospheric emissions, transport, dry deposition and wet deposition for a 7-year period (2000–2006) with results saved at daily time resolution. A comprehensive comparison between monthly average model results and available measurements yielded Pearson correlation coefficients (R) ≥0.8 at ≥5 sites (out of a total of eight) for elemental carbon (EC) and nine trace elements: potassium, chromium, zinc, iron, titanium, arsenic, calcium, manganese, and strontium in the PM2.5 size fraction. Longer averaging time increased the overall R for PM2.5 EC from 0.89 (1 day) to 0.94 (1 month), and increased the number of species with strong correlations at individual sites. Predicted PM0.1 mass and PM0.1 EC exhibited excellent agreement with measurements (R = 0.92 and 0.94, respec...
Low loss and low nonlinearity fibers for long haul transmission

We review advance of pure-silica-core fiber with ultra-low loss of 0.15dB/km and large Aeff of 130µm2. This fiber is applicable for C+L-band broadband transmission in submarine ultra-long links, exhibiting sufficiently low macro- and micro-bending losses.
Ametantrone inhibits prostaglandin-mediated resorption in bone organ culture

Abstract Prostaglandins (PG) have been postulated to be involved in both tumor metastases to bone and in tumor-induced bone resorption. The anthracenedione antineoplastic agents ametantrone (HAQ) and mitoxantrone are potent antioxidants and inhibit hydroperoxide-dependent initiation and propagation reactions. Therefore, these compounds may inhibit PG production and could also inhibit tumor metastases and tumor-induced resorption. The ability of HAQ, a prototypic anthracenedione, to inhibit PG synthesis and PG-mediated bone resorption was investigated using neonatal mouse calvaria in organ culture. Epidermal growth factor (EGF) stimulates bone resorption in this tissue by inducing PG synthesis. Consequently, if HAQ inhibits EGF-stimulated PG synthesis, it should also inhibit EGF-stimulated bone resorption. HAQ, at 10 μM, completely abolished EGF-stimulated PG synthesis and calcium release. Moreover, HAQ (1.0–30 μM) inhibition of EGF-stimulated PGE2 synthesis correlated with the inhibition of EGF-stimulated Ca release in a concentration-dependent manner. In contrast to EGF, parathyroid hormone stimulates resorption by a PG-independent pathway. HAQ at 10 μM had no effect on parathyroid hormone stimulated Ca release. These results suggest that HAQ inhibition of bone resorption appears to be primarily mediated by inhibition of PG biosynthesis.
Early to Adopt and Early to Discontinue: The Impact of Self-Perceived and Actual IT Knowledge on Technology Use Behaviors of End Users

For organizations to achieve the benefits of new information technology IT systems, their users must adopt and then actually use these new systems. Recent models help to articulate the potentially different explanations for why some users will adopt and then continue using new technologies, but these models have not explicitly incorporated IT knowledge. This is particularly important in contexts where the user base may be non-IT professionals-i.e., the users may vary substantially in their basic IT knowledge. We draw on psychology to argue that in situations where there is a wide variance in actual IT knowledge, there will often exist a U-shaped relationship between actual and self-perceived IT knowledge such that the least knowledgeable believe themselves to be highly knowledgeable. We then draw on individual-level adoption theories to argue that users with high self-perceived IT knowledge will be more likely to adopt new technologies and do so faster. We also draw on individual-level continuance theories to argue that users with low actual IT knowledge will be more likely to discontinue using new technologies and do so faster. We test our expectations using a proprietary data set of 225 sales professionals in a large Indian pharmaceutical company that is testing a new customer relationship management system. We find strong support for our hypotheses.
WE-A-108-07: Dynamic Modulated Brachytherapy for Accelerated Partial Breast Irradiation

Purpose: To develop a novel brachytherapy applicator for HDR‐based accelerated partial breast irradiation (APBI) that significantly improves upon those commercially available, thereby reducing acute and late side effects seen with current APBI techniques. Methods: First, the limitations of adjusting the channel placements or placing more channels in a balloon‐like multi‐catheter ABPI device were explored. Then, a novel tungsten‐shielded applicator design was evaluated. The applicator design consists of a 9‐mm diameter tungsten rod, density=19.0gm/cm3, with 8 sunken grooves along the edge to allow passage of the 192 Ir source. Using dose distributions calculated with Monte Carlo (MCNPX), optimized plans were simulated for our devices, as well as the MammoSite and SAVI, for a set of realistic phantom geometries. These geometries, based on patient cases, were ellipsoids of varying sizes with different PTV orientations and a surrounding rind of healthy tissue to be spared. Results: The benefits of adding more channels become insignificant after about 7 channels. Calculations were done for up to 361 channels, but it was found that this was insufficient to create any noticeable improvement. However, the novel shielded design significantly decreased the V150 and V200, while maintaining the target coverage (V90). All planning variables were superior for this design, except for a modest increase in the total dwell time. Conclusions: The introduction of additional channels did little to aid the performance of a balloon‐like design. There was a very slight benefit to the dose distributions, but not nearly enough to warrant further investigations. Based on these findings, any device based on open isotropic radiation source modulation cannot be improved much further. Therefore, it is necessary to consider designs with directional radiation profiles, which we have shown to give superior coverage. Our new tungsten shielded applicators are a large step forward along the path of brachytherapy applicator development.
A case study in using two-level control stores

A two-level control store can reduce storage requirements of microprograms without affecting microprogrammability, which is important for a processor programmed directly in microcode. This paper presents a case study investigating how to use a two-level control store effectively. The study is based on Warp cell, a high-performance, microprogrammable processor used in a systolic array computer called Warp. Warp cell is programmed directly in microcode by an optimizing compiler and uses wide horizontal microinstructions with over 200 bits.Two methods which can increase the effectiveness of using a two-level control store have been considered. First, control store configuration can be adjusted so that the storage of an instruction can be partitioned among microstore and one or more nanostores to maximize storage efficiency. Second, it is possible to increase storage reduction of microprograms by exploiting insignificant and symmetric fields in instructions in mapping microprograms to the control store. It has been found that the average storage reduction for Warp cell programs can be increased from 41% in a straightforward two-level control store implementation to 72% by using these methods.
Hurwitz sequences, the Farey process, and general continued fractions

Etude des fractions continues unitaires [b 0 ; a 1 /b 1 , a 2 /b 2 , …] ou ai et bi sont des entiers, bi>0 pour tout i>0 et |a i |=1 pour tout i. Relation entre toutes les fractions continues unitaires convergeant vers une limite α
Rearing and life table of reduviid predator Rhynocoris marginatus Fab. (Het., Reduviidae) on Spodoptera litura Fab. (Lep., Noctuidae) larvae

The tobacco armyworm, Spodoptera litura Fab., a serious pest of many cultivated crops was evaluated as prey for the reduviid predator, Rhynocoris marginatus Fab. The development, sex ratio, fecundity, hatchability and adult longevity of R. marginatus were investigated in the laboratory. Moreover, a life table was constructed for this predator. Observations clearly indicated that total developmental period of this predator was 46.71 ± 1.58 days. In sex ratio, no significant difference was observed between male and female predators. The pre-oviposition period lasted for 18.64 ± 0.76 days and it was 6.31 times shorter than the oviposition period. Female predators lived longer (128.04 ± 8.48 days) than males (82.84 ± 11.09 days). The total number of eggs laid per female predator in its life span was 405.28 ± 22.15 eggs and the incubation period lasted for 6.81 ± 0.10 days. Life-table studies showed that the intrinsic rate of increase was 0.063 female/day. The population multiplied 292.28 times in the cohort generation time of 103.933 days.
Hypopharyngeal pepsin and Sep70 as diagnostic markers of laryngopharyngeal reflux: preliminary study

The management of laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) has been challenging. Hypopharyngeal multichannel intraluminal impedance (HMII) has shown to increase the sensitivity in diagnosing LPR. The objective of this study is to investigate the potential use of pepsin and Sep70 as diagnostic tools for detection of LPR in combination with HMII. Tissue samples of hypopharynx, distal esophagus, and gastric cardia were collected from patients with LPR symptoms regardless of gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) diagnosis and underwent HMII to detect LPR and high esophageal reflux (HER: reflux 2 cm distal to upper esophageal sphincter) events. Patients were classified into two groups based on the presence of abnormal proximal exposure (APE), which was defined as LPR ≥1/day and/or HER ≥5/day: (1) positive-APE and (2) negative-APE. Patients with typical GERD symptoms without LPR symptoms who did not undergo HMII were used as a “control” GERD group. Protein was isolated from tissue samples and Western blot analysis of pepsin and Sep70 was performed. Pepsinogen was used as a control to differentiate pepsin from pepsinogen. Relative quantitation was performed using Image Studio Lite Software with normalization against the internal actin of each blot. From October 2012 to September 2013, 55 patients underwent HMII. Of 55, 20 patients underwent biopsies from hypopharynx (17 positive-APE and 3 negative-APE). Ten patients with typical GERD symptoms were identified from tissue bank as a “control” GERD group. Pepsin was detected in distal esophagus and hypopharynx in all groups without significant difference among groups. However, Sep70 in distal esophagus and hypopharynx was significantly depleted in the positive-APE group compared to the other groups (p = 0.032 and 0.002, respectively). Depletion of Sep70 with the presence of pepsin in the hypopharynx may indicate cellular injury in laryngopharynx due to constant proximal reflux. However, the normative data for these markers have to be validated.
Plasticity-induced oxidation reactivity on Ni(100) studied by scanning tunneling spectroscopy

Using in situ indentation, we show that highly localized and well-defined mechanical deformation can be coupled with structural and electronic characterization in the scanning tunneling microscope. Dislocations induced in Ni(100) were topographically imaged and probed by scanning tunneling spectroscopy to assess their effect on local surface electronic structure. Compared with undamaged terraces, dislocation regions exhibited a significant increase in local density of states near the Fermi level, and enhanced reactivity toward oxidation. In the context of the d-band electronic structure model, we suggest that the undercoordination of atoms and residual strain resulting from plastic deformation serve to locally accelerate adsorption-driven chemical reactions with species such as molecular oxygen.
Altered Development of the Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex in Chromosome 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome: An In Vivo Proton Spectroscopy Study

Background Chromosome 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11DS), the most common microdeletion in humans, is associated with multiple medical features, almost universal cognitive deficits, and a high risk of schizophrenia. The metabolic basis of the psychological/psychiatric features is not well understood. Volumetric brain imaging studies have shown that gray matter abnormalities in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), an area that is believed to be integral for higher neurocognition, as well as being involved in schizophrenia, are associated with the psychological manifestations. However, studies have not characterized any possible metabolite alterations within the DLPFC of children with 22q11DS and their correlations with the psychological findings. Methods We conducted a short echo time, single-voxel, in vivo proton spectroscopy study involving children with 22q11DS (n = 26) and matched control subjects (n = 23). Results Absolute N-acetylaspartate (NAA) levels from the DLPFC were significantly elevated in children with 22q11DS compared with control subjects and the elevations were associated with poor global functioning and higher rates of comorbid attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Children with 22q11DS had a lack of an age-associated decrease in NAA levels, a trend seen in the control subjects. However, the results did not remain statistically significant after corrections for multiple comparisons were made. Conclusions These findings represent the first report of proton spectroscopy in children with 22q11DS. The elevated DLPFC NAA levels and the lack of decreasing trends in NAA with age in the 22q11DS group relative to control subjects suggest an alteration in cortical development. Also, such neuronal dysmaturation is associated with psychopathology in children with 22q11DS.