cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Lipin 2 Binds Phosphatidic Acid by the Electrostatic Hydrogen Bond Switch Mechanism Independent of Phosphorylation

Lipin 2 is a phosphatidic acid phosphatase (PAP) responsible for the penultimate step of triglyceride synthesis and dephosphorylation of phosphatidic acid (PA) to generate diacylglycerol. The lipin family of PA phosphatases is composed of lipins 1–3, which are members of the conserved haloacid dehalogenase superfamily. Although genetic alteration of LPIN2 in humans is known to cause Majeed syndrome, little is known about the biochemical regulation of its PAP activity. Here, in an attempt to gain a better general understanding of the biochemical nature of lipin 2, we have performed kinetic and phosphorylation analyses. We provide evidence that lipin 2, like lipin 1, binds PA via the electrostatic hydrogen bond switch mechanism but has a lower rate of catalysis. Like lipin 1, lipin 2 is highly phosphorylated, and we identified 15 phosphosites. However, unlike lipin 1, the phosphorylation of lipin 2 is not induced by insulin signaling nor is it sensitive to inhibition of the mammalian target of rapamycin. Importantly, phosphorylation of lipin 2 does not negatively regulate either membrane binding or PAP activity. This suggests that lipin 2 functions as a constitutively active PA phosphatase in stark contrast to the high degree of phosphorylation-mediated regulation of lipin 1. This knowledge of lipin 2 regulation is important for a deeper understanding of how the lipin family functions with respect to lipid synthesis and, more generally, as an example of how the membrane environment around PA can influence its effector proteins.
Self-optical breakdown and multipulse optical breakdown of transparent insulators in the femto-nanosecond region of laser pulse widths

This review is devoted to an investigation of the nature of the optical breakdown of silicate glasses. Experiments have been carried out in a wide range of wavelengths, laser-radiation pulse widths, and focusing spot sizes. It is shown that the threshold power density for optical self-breakdown of borosilicate glass at a wavelength of about 1 µm is independent of the radiation pulse width in the range from 2×10^−13 to 3×10^−8 sec. This result cannot be explained in terms of existing theories. It indicates that the breakdown mechanism is associated with collective ionization of the insulator as a whole and not with the accumulation of electrons as a result of their individual ionization because of multiphoton, tunneling, or avalanche excitation. Special attention is paid to investigating electronic excitation processes in alkali- and lead-silicate glasses. © 2004 Optical Society of America
Climate Trends and Global Crop Production Since 1980

Efforts to anticipate how climate change will affect future food availability can benefit from understanding the impacts of changes to date. We found that in the cropping regions and growing seasons of most countries, with the important exception of the United States, temperature trends from 1980 to 2008 exceeded one standard deviation of historic year-to-year variability. Models that link yields of the four largest commodity crops to weather indicate that global maize and wheat production declined by 3.8 and 5.5%, respectively, relative to a counterfactual without climate trends. For soybeans and rice, winners and losers largely balanced out. Climate trends were large enough in some countries to offset a significant portion of the increases in average yields that arose from technology, carbon dioxide fertilization, and other factors.
Transcription of the argF and argI genes of the arginine biosynthetic regulon of Escherichia coli K12, performed in vitro.

The cell-free transcription of the argF and argI genes of the arginine biosynthetic regions is described using an S-30 system capable of coupled in vitro transcription-translation. Template DNA isolated from two independently isolated arginine transducing phages was used in this work. Steady state mRNA synthesis was observed which was attributed to RNAase degradation. Regulation of argF mRNA synthesis, directed by the argF gene carried on the specialized transducing phage Φ80dargF is effected to the extent of at least 95% by the arginine holorepressor at the transcriptional stage and at least 80% of the regulation of the expression of the argI gene is mediated at the transcriptional stage. Evidence is presented which indicates that the arginine holorepressor prevents RNA polymerase from binding to the arginine promoter and suggests that the operator and promoter sites may overlap.
Developmental defects of enamel in American Saddlebred foals with epitheliogenesis imperfecta

Epitheliogenesis imperfecta (EI) in foals was first described in Germany in 1913.1 In this paper, the breed was not disclosed. It was later found in Ardennes foals in Sweden.2 In the 1950s, Butz and Meyer3 described EI in cold-blooded horses in Germany and provided evidence that the dermal defect was due to an autosomal recessive pattern of inheritance. The pathologic defects in dermal epithelium in the earlier reports of EI reported in horses from Europe are very similar to the disease currently affecting Belgian Draft horses and American Saddlebred horses in the United States. The first appearance of EI in American Saddlebred horses was reported to the American Saddlebred Horse Association in 1975, and since that time at least 34 verifiable cases have been reported to the association. Construction of a partial pedigree for American Saddlebreds shows a pattern of inheritance and a frequency of occurrence of EI that was consistent with an autosomal recessive inheritance pattern. It was estimated that approximately 4% of the American Saddlebred breeding population carried an allele for EI.4 A condition analogous to equine EI was first reported in Holstein-Friesian newborn calves in the United States in the 1920s.5 Several cattle breeds, including Ayrshires, Jerseys, and Shorthorns, various European breeds, and Sahiwal breeds and crosses were affected
Development of a Flame Transfer Function Framework for Transversely Forced Flames

This paper describes a framework for the development of a flame transfer function for transversely forced flames. While extensive flame transfer function measurements have been made for longitudinally forced flames, the disturbance field characteristics governing the flame response of a transversely forced flame are different enough to warrant separate investigation. In this work, we draw upon previous investigations of the flame disturbance pathways in a transversely forced flame to describe the underlying mechanisms that govern the behavior of the flame transfer function. Previous transverse forcing studies have shown that acoustic coupling in the nozzle region can result in both transverse and longitudinal acoustic fluctuations at the flame, and that the acoustic coupling is a function of combustor geometry, and hence, frequency. The results presented here quantify this coupling across a large range of frequencies using a velocity transfer function, FTL. The shape of the velocity transfer function gain indicates that there is strong acoustic coupling between the main combustor section and the nozzle at certain frequencies. Next, measured flame transfer functions are compared with results from theory. These theoretical results are derived from two level-set models of flame response to velocity disturbance fields, where velocity inputs are derived from experimental results. Data at several test conditions are presented and larger implications of this research are described with respect to gas turbine combustor design.
Earthquake swarms and local crustal spreading along major strike-slip faults in California

Earthquake swarms in California are often localized to areas within dextral offsets in the linear trend in active fault strands, suggesting a relation between earthquake swarms and local crustal spreading. Local crustal spreading is required by the geometry of dextral offsets when, as in the San Andreas system, faults have dominantly strike-slip motion with right-lateral displacement. Three clear examples of this relation occur in the Imperial Valley, Coso Hot Springs, and the Danville region, all in California. The first two of these areas are known for their Holocene volcanism and geothermal potential, which is consistent with crustal spreading and magmatic intrusion. The third example, however, shows no evidence for volcanism or geothermal activity at the surface.
Low-cost parametric test and diagnosis of RF systems using multi-tone response envelope detection

Because of aggressive technology scaling and multi-GHz operating frequencies of radio frequency (RF) devices, parametric failure test and diagnosis of RF circuitry is becoming increasingly important for the reduction of production test cost and faster yield ramp-up. A low-cost test and diagnosis method is proposed for multi-parametric faults in wireless systems that allows for the accurate prediction of the end-to-end specifications as well as the specifications of all the embedded RF modules. The procedure is based on application of an optimised test stimulus and extraction of its transient test response envelopes at RF signal nodes using a simple diode-based envelope detector. The test response is down-converted to lower frequencies compared to the operating frequency, thus eliminating the need to make RF measurements using expensive instrumentation. The specifications as well as the diagnostic information are computed from the test response of the envelope detector using statistical models. It is shown that the resulting information (features) in the transient envelope can accurately predict a host of test specifications using a single test configuration and test response capture event. Hardware measurement data from a 1.575 GHz transceiver shows that the test specifications of the system as well as the modules can be predicted with a high degree of accuracy using this method.
Sequential ene reactions-II : Synthesis of bicyclic adducts with angular methyl groups. in situ oppenauer oxidation'

Abstract The sequential ene reaction annelation sequence has been shown to be applicable to 2- and 3- substituted methylenecycloalkanes. Methyl groups in the 2-position are transformed into angular methyl groups in decalin or indane derivatives. The chloromethylaluminum alkoxides produced in these reactions, i.e. 3 and 7, undergo an Oppenauer oxidation in situ in the presence of excess acrolein to give the corresponding ketone in good yield. Using these procedures, indenone 8a has been prepared from 4a in one pot in 60% yield.
The Atmospheric Response to Projected Terrestrial Snow Changes in the Late Twenty-First Century

Two atmospheric general circulation model experiments are conducted with specified terrestrial snow conditions representative of 1980‐99 and 2080‐99. The snow states are obtained from twentieth-century and twenty-first-century coupled climate model integrations under increasing greenhouse gas concentrations. Sea surface temperatures, sea ice, and greenhouse gas concentrations are set to 1980‐99 values in both atmospheric model experiments to isolate the effect of the snow changes. The reduction in snow cover in the twenty-firstcenturyrelativetothetwentiethcenturyincreasesthesolarradiationabsorbedbythesurface,and itenhancestheupwardlongwaveradiationandlatentandsensiblefluxesthatwarmtheoverlyingatmosphere. The maximum twenty-first-century minus twentieth-century surface air temperature (SAT) differences are relatively small (,38C) compared with those due to Arctic sea ice changes (;108C). However, they are continental in scale and are largest in fall and spring, when they make a significant contribution to the overall warming over Eurasia and North America in the twenty-first century. The circulation response to the snow changes,whileofmodestamplitude,involvesmultiplecomponents, including alocallow-leveltrough,remote Rossby wave trains, an annular pattern that is strongest in the stratosphere, and a hemispheric increase in geopotential height.
Localization of the subjective vertical during roll, pitch, and recumbent yaw body tilt.

Localization of the subjective vertical during body tilt in pitch and in roll has been extensively studied because of the relevance of these axes for aviation and control of posture. Studies of yaw orientation relative to gravity are lacking. Our goal was to perform the first thorough evaluation of static orientation in recumbent yaw and to collect as efficiently as possible roll and pitch orientation data which would be consistent with the literature, using the same technique as our yaw tests. This would create the first comprehensive, coherent data set for all three axes suitable for quantitative tri- dimensional modeling of spatial orientation. We tested localization of the vertical for subjects tilted in pitch (� 100� to +130� ), in roll (� 90� to +90� ), and in yaw while recumbent (� 80� to +80� ). We had subjects point a gravity-neutral probe to the gravitational vertical (haptically indicated vertical) and report verbally their perceived tilt. Subjects underestimated their body tilts in recumbent yaw and pitch and overestimated their tilts in roll. The haptic settings for pitch and roll were consis- tent with data in the literature obtained with haptic and visual indications. Our data constitute the first tri- dimensional assessment of the subjective vertical using a common measurement procedure and provide the basis for the tri-axial modeling of vestibular function pre- sented in the companion paper.
Kenya's Community Health Awareness Puppeteers

Shoeless children in tattered clothes scattered, helter-skelter, running down compact, unpaved and garbage-strewn streets. Their screaming was a blend of fear and excitement, their faces going from shock to beaming smiles as they turned, their runs alternating between flight and leaps of playfulness. Infants wailed with spasms of tears, adults stood curious, amazed, and bemused. All of the action on the street came to a halt as an eight-foot tall puppet topped by an enormous cartoon-like head shocked the grim reality of the slum into the surreal with a perfect equatorial blue sky as backdrop.
Plasma membrane expression of heat shock protein 60 in vivo in response to infection

Heat shock protein 60 (hsp60) is constitutively expressed in the mitochondria of eukaryotic cells. However, it has been identified in other subcellular compartments in several disease states and in transformed cells, and it is an immunogenic molecule in various infectious and autoimmune diseases. To better understand the factors that influence expression of hsp60 in normal cells in vivo, we analyzed its cellular and subcellular distribution in mice infected with the intracellular bacterium Listeria monocytogenes. Western blotting of subcellular fractionated spleen cells showed that although endogenous hsp60 was restricted to the mitochondria in noninfected animals, it was associated with the plasma membrane as a result of infection. The low levels of plasma membrane-associated hsp60 seen in the livers in noninfected animals subsequently increased during infection. Plasma membrane hsp60 expression did not correlate with bacterial growth, being most evident during or after bacterial clearance and persisting at 3 weeks postinfection. Using flow cytometry, we determined that Mac-1+, T-cell receptor γδ+, and B220+ cells represented the major Hsp60+ populations in spleens of infected mice. By contrast, B220+ cells were the predominant hsp60+ population in livers of infected mice. Of the immune cells analyzed, the kinetic profile of the γδ T-cell response most closely matched that of hsp60 expression in both the spleen and liver. Collectively, these findings show that during infection hsp60 can be localized to the plasma membrane of viable cells, particularly antigen-presenting cells, providing a means by which hsp60-reactive lymphocytes seen in various infectious disease and autoimmune disorders may be generated and maintained.
Is Expressive Language Disorder an Accurate Diagnostic Category

Purpose To propose that the diagnostic category of “expressive language disorder” as distinct from a disorder of both expressive and receptive language might not be accurate. Method Evidence that c...
Stereotype Threat Affects Financial Decision Making

The research presented in this article provides the first evidence that one’s decision making can be influenced by concerns about stereotypes and the devaluation of one’s identity. Many studies document gender differences in decision making, and often attribute these differences to innate and stable factors, such as biological and hormonal differences. In three studies, we found that stereotype threat affected decision making and led to gender differences in loss-aversion and risk-aversion behaviors. In Study 1, women subjected to stereotype threat in academic and business settings were more loss averse than both men and women who were not facing the threat of being viewed in light of negative stereotypes. We found no gender differences in loss-aversion behavior in the absence of stereotype threat. In Studies 2a and 2b, we found the same pattern of effects for risk-aversion behavior that we had observed for loss-aversion behavior. In addition, in Study 2b, ego depletion mediated the effects of stereotype ...
RADIATION THERAPY FOR INTRACRANIAL GERM CELL TUMORS

Abstract Purpose To review the combined experiences of University of California, San Francisco, and Stanford University Medical Center in the treatment of intracranial germ cell tumors (GCT) and to assess the impact of craniospinal radiation (CSI) on patterns of relapse, progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS). Patients and methods Ninety-three patients received radiation for newly diagnosed intracranial GCTs, including 49 germinomas, 16 nongerminomatous GCTs (NGGCT), and 28 with no biopsy. Median follow-up for surviving patients was 4.5 years (range 0.25–34). Tests for variables correlating with OS and PFS were conducted using Cox proportional hazards model. Results Five-year PFS and OS rates were 60% ± 15% and 68% ± 14% for patients with NGGCT and 88% ± 5% and 93% ± 4% for those with germinoma. Of 6 patients with localized NGGCT who did not receive CSI, 1 experienced an isolated spinal recurrence but was salvaged. Of 41 patients with localized germinoma, 6 who received CSI and 35 who did not, no isolated spinal cord relapses occurred. Twenty-one patients with localized germinoma received neither CSI nor whole brain radiation. Of these, none of 18 with ventricular radiation relapsed. One of 3 patients with primary tumor radiation relapsed intracranially but had only received 11 Gy at initial treatment. On multivariate analysis, germinoma histology but not CSI correlated with improved PFS and OS. Conclusion CSI is not indicated in the treatment of localized germinomas. For patients with localized germinomas treated with radiation alone, we recommend ventricular irradiation followed by primary tumor boost to a total of 45–50 Gy.
Effect of Thermal Oxidative Polymerization on the Growth-Promoting Value of Some Fractions of Butterfat

Summary Butterfat was fractionated into acetone or alcohol-soluble and -insoluble fractions at 0 and 20° C, respectively. The butterfat and the four fractions were thermally oxidized at 200° C. for 24 hr., to study the effect of heat on the growth-promoting value of the fractions when fed to rats at a 20% level, in a diet composed of 31% casein, 44% cerelose, 4% Wesson salts, and supplemented with fat- and water-soluble vitamins. The results indicated that thermally oxidized butterfat or the thermally oxidized acetone-insoluble fraction of butter did not exhibit any differences in the growth of rats when compared with those fed fresh fats. When rats were fed corn oil or hydrogenated soybean oil thermally oxidized at 200° C. for 24 hr., they gained significantly less weight than did those fed the fresh fats. When these oils were mixed with 30% of the acetone-insoluble butterfat and thermally oxidized at 200° C. for 24 hr. and fed to rats, no differences in growth were noted. These data indicate that butterfat contains triglycerides which are acetone-insoluble and which are able to counteract the effect of toxic products or prevent the formation of toxic products during the thermal polymerization of a fat.
Expression of Cytokeratins 7 and 20 in Carcinomas of the Extrahepatic Biliary Tract, Pancreas, and Gallbladder

Abstract Background.—Expression of cytokeratins 7 (CK7) and 20 (CK20) may help distinguish the site of origin for metastatic carcinomas. Little is known regarding their expression in biliary tract and pancreatic carcinomas. Our aim was to study the expression of CK7 and CK20 in these tumors. Design.—Fifty-three carcinomas of the extrahepatic bile ducts (n = 8), ampulla of Vater (n = 7), gallbladder (n = 11), and pancreas (n = 27), were retrieved from the surgical pathology files of the University of Massachusetts Medical Center. Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded sections were immunostained with mouse monoclonal antibodies to CK7 and CK20 using an avidin-biotin immunoperoxidase technique with microwave antigen retrieval. The percentage of cells positive for each antibody was assessed on a scale of 0 to 3 (0, 90%). Results.—The majority of carcinomas in all groups were positive for CK7 (CK7+) and negative for CK20 (CK20−). Of the CK7+ tumors, the majority of tumors...
A minimally invasive method for the determination of force in the interosseous ligament.

Abstract Objective . The objective was to develop and utilize a minimally invasive testing system to determine the force in the interosseous ligament under axial compressive loads across the range of motion of the human forearm. Design . Eleven fresh frozen human cadaveric forearms were used (51–72 years). Background . Current studies investigating interosseous ligament forces altered the structure of the forearm by implanting load cells into the radius and ulna. This may affect load transfer through the forearm. Little information was available on interosseous ligament function over the entire flexion range of the elbow. Methods . A robotic joint testing system was used to apply a 100 N compressive load to the forearm and measure the resulting displacement. Each forearm was tested with no disruption of the bones and soft tissues of the forearm. The principle of superposition was used to calculate the forces in the interosseous ligament and was indirectly validated using fluoroscopy. Results . The force in the interosseous ligament ranged from a minimum of 8 N in neutral forearm rotation at full extension to a maximum of 43 N in supination at 30° of flexion. The largest force was found in supination at all flexion angles. Conclusions . The interosseous ligament is an important structure in the stability of the forearm. The force in the interosseous ligament depends on the elbow flexion angle and forearm rotation. Relevance This study suggests that radial head fractures are best treated with the forearm in supination, since the interosseous ligament takes the largest load in this position. Complex injuries which have a poor prognosis, may require interosseous ligament reconstruction to improve clinical outcomes.
Foreign Policy and the United States in Russian Public Opinion

Surveys conducted during the Russia’s tumultuous election season of 2011–2012 yield insight into Russians’ complex views of their government’s foreign policies and the United States. Foreign policy is an area where the Russian government receives unusually high marks from the population, but voters tend not to choose candidates on the basis of their foreign policy views. Suspicions toward the United States are widespread but neither universal nor uniform: There is support for cooperation with the US on some issues. Antipathy toward America is not a key source of support for Putin, but it does correlate with support for Russia’s Syria policy. These results may reflect deeper tendencies in Russian public opinion than do polls conducted during the massive anti-American propaganda campaign underway since the start of the Ukraine crisis. If so, it is doubtful that public anti-American sentiment either drives or constrains Russia’s foreign policies.
Comparison of the sensitivity and specificity of exercise electrocardiography in biased and unbiased populations of men and women

To assess for sex-related differences in posttest referral bias, we compared the accuracy of exercise electrocardiography in biased (coronary angiography only) and unbiased (all unselected) populations with possible coronary disease. A retrospective analysis of clinical and exercise test data from 4467 patients (788 who underwent angiography) was performed (2824 men and 1643 women). The accuracy of a positive exercise test result was assessed in the entire unbiased group with a method that used disease probability (derived with a logistic algorithm) rather than angiography results. We found that the sensitivity and specificity were significantly greater in men than in women with use of the biased or unbiased groups. When the results for the unbiased and biased groups were compared, the sensitivities for the unbiased group were significantly lower and the specificities were significantly higher than those of the biased group. These differences reflect the effects of posttest referral bias. The amounts that sensitivity decreased and specificity increased, however, was not different for men and women. Therefore, we conclude that the accuracy of exercise electrocardiography is lower in women than men irrespective of whether a biased or an unbiased group is used. However, these differences cannot be explained on the basis of sex-related differences in posttest referral bias.
Roles of sulfate adsorption and base cation supply in controlling the chemical response of streams of western Virginia to reduced acid deposition

Decreased acid deposition over recent decades has led to reductions in streamwater acidity on a widespread basis throughout the U.S. and Europe. A notable exception has been the southern Appala- chian Mountains of the southeastern U.S., where declines in acid deposition have not translated into similar trends in stream chemistry in these watersheds with highly-weathered soils. To better characterize this observed behavior, streamwater samples collected at 64 sites in western Virginia on a quarterly basis from 1987 to 2011 were analyzed for chemical properties. Individual watershed response was strongly influ- enced by the dominant underlying bedrock, which affected sulfate (SO 2 ) adsorption and base cation supply. Overall, pH increased at a majority of sites across all bedrock types. However, acid neutralizing capacity (ANC) decreased at most sites underlain by base-poor bedrock, suggesting the susceptibility to episodic acidification remains a serious threat to these streams. The declines in ANC were more closely related the depletion of base cations (Ca 2? ,M g 2? ,K ? , and Na ? ) rather than increased SO 2 concentration. Sites with higher relative SO 2 adsorption exhibited little change in ANC. A mass balance analysis of sulfur at a base-poor watershed revealed that exports have recently surpassed inputs for the first time within the several-decade period of record. This pattern appears likely to continue, and if sustained, the depletion of the stored pool of sulfur signifies an important precursor for further improvements in streamwater acidity in the region.
Delay time distribution of high power microwave surface flashover

Breakdown phenomena in a high power microwave (HPM) system present unique obstacles for the further development of HPM technology. The non-uniformity of a high frequency electric field and the statistics associated with breakdown in general along with the stochastic nature of naturally occurring electron generating mechanisms introduce significant challenges for predicting and preventing breakdown occurrences within a HPM system. An experiment consisting of an S-band multi-megawatt HPM pulse is used for observing an alternating field induced plasma sheath across a dielectric surface. In order to minimize experimental deviations, a continuous UV lamp is used to provide a constant source of initiatory electrons through the process of photoemission. This reduces the waiting time for flashover initiating electrons to appear, however, primarily due to avalanche statistics, variations are still observed. A statistical model that uses an exponential distribution sampling procedure was developed to predict the surface flashover delay times for a variety of conditions. A supporting experiment that uses a continuous UV lamp and a DC electric field is used for measuring low current due to photoemission from the dielectric window. An explanation of the model describing these phenomena is presented along with a comparison of current measurements from the supporting experiment.
Overexpression of glutathione reductase extends survival in transgenic Drosophila melanogaster under hyperoxia but not normoxia

The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that overexpression of glutathione reductase in transgenic Drosophila melanogaster increases resistance to oxidative stress and retards the aging process. Transgenic flies were generated by microinjection and subsequent mobilization of a P element construct containing the genomic glutathione reductase gene of Drosophila, with 4 kb upstream and 1.5 kb downstream of the coding region. Transgenic animals stably overexpressed glutathione reductase by up to 100% throughout adult life and under continuous exposure to 100% oxygen or air. Under hyperoxic conditions, overexpressors had increased longevity, decreased accrual of protein carbonyls, and dramatically increased survival rates after recovery from a semi-lethal dose of 100% oxygen. Under normoxic conditions, overexpression of glutathione reductase had no effect on longevity, protein carbonyl content, reduced glutathione, or glutathione disulfide content, although the total consumption of oxygen was slig...
International investment decisions under uncertainty: Contributions of real options theory and future directions

We undertake a critical literature review to facilitate academic dialogs regarding decisions under uncertainty in international business settings and highlight the growing focus on international investments as conveyers of real options. Our literature review (1) provides a systematic overview of uncertainty types considered in this literature, real options identified as particular to international investments, and valuation approaches used and (2) highlights key methodological approaches used for testing real options models applied to international investments, and the controversies in this regard. This study draws on the above to shed light on important avenues for future research including (a) the need for more fine-grained and diverse measures of uncertainty in the international context, (b) an emphasis on clarifying the value effects of combinations of real options, and (c) the necessity of further consideration of the costs of options along with the value.
Algae: ecology, economic uses and environmental impact

Dagmar Krueger and Helga Meyer [Eds]. 2012. 155 pp. Nova Science Publishers, Inc., New York. US$150.00 [hardback: ISBN 978-1-62081-280-8].This relatively small book has seven chapters that cover a ...
Increased body mass index may be associated with greater risk of end-stage renal disease in whites compared to blacks: A nested case-control study.

The relationship between body mass index (BMI) and end-stage renal disease (ESRD) may differ between blacks and whites due to underlying metabolic differences. We conducted a nested case–control study of 631 incident ESRD cases and 1,897 matched controls within the Southern Community Cohort Study. Current weight, height, and weight at age 21 were reported at enrollment. Occurrence of ESRD was ascertained by linkage with the United States Renal Data System. With normal BMI (18.5–24.9 kg/m2) as reference, conditional logistic regression was used to calculate adjusted odds ratios (OR) and corresponding 95 % confidence intervals (CI) for ESRD across other BMI categories by race. In subsequent analysis, BMI at age 21 was modeled using restricted cubic splines with 5 knots. Predicted probabilities of incident ESRD were computed from the multivariable logistic models and plotted against BMI at age 21. Among blacks, odds of ESRD were significantly increased among those who were overweight (OR: 1.41; 95 % CI: 1.09, 1.83) or obese (OR: 2.56; 95 % CI: 1.88, 3.47) at age 21. Among whites, the association between ESRD and BMI at age 21 was more pronounced, with corresponding ORs of 2.13 (95 % CI: 0.92, 4.93) and 7.46 (95 % CI: 2.90, 19.21; p-interaction 0.05). Only among whites was high BMI at enrollment associated with ESRD risk; OR for BMI ≥ 40 kg/m2, was 3.31 (95 % CI: 1.08, 10.12). The plot of the predicted probabilities of incident ESRD vs BMI at age 21 showed a monotonic increase in the probability of ESRD after a BMI cutoff ≈ 25Kg/m2 in both whites and blacks but the slope of the curve for whites appeared greater. Our results suggest racial differences in the relationship between BMI, both in early adulthood and middle age, and ESRD. These findings warrant further research into understanding the underlying metabolic differences that may explain these differences.
Nontraditional Pre-service Teachers: What They Learn from Inclusion Literature

Characterized by work, financial, and family demands, nontraditional students are an increasing population in university teacher education programs. Typical teacher education programs include at least one course on the education of students with special needs, and faculty may address perceived weaknesses of the course textbook by supplementing it with "inclusion literature," narratives written by or about individuals with disabilities. Although inclusion literature has been documented to be of value, to date there has been no research that specifically examined the use of inclusion literature with nontraditional pre-service teachers. This qualitative study examined the impact of inclusion literature on a population of nontraditional pre-service teachers enrolled in a required special education survey course as part of their teacher education program. Findings suggest that although nontraditional pre-service teachers interpret inclusion literature differently than do previously examined populations, its use has value and faculty should consider including it as required reading.
Effect of antibiotics on bacterial flora of rats with intestinal blind loops.

SummaryRats with weight loss resulting from surgically created self-filling upper small intestinal blind loops had increased numbers of Escherichia coli and bacteroides in the blind loop, mid-small intestine, and cecum. Counts of other organisms were not significantly elevated. Treatment with neomycin-polymyxin-bacitracin or lincomycin resulted in weight gain, reduced fecal fat excretion, and reduction of bacteroides but not E. coli counts in the blind loop and small intestine. Mixed cultures from blind loops of untreated rats and isolates of bacteroides decon-jugated glycocholic acid in vitro, while mixed cultures from blind loops of treated rats or small intestine of normal rats and isolates of E. coli did not. The findings suggest that bacteroides are the important organisms producing steatorrhea in the rat blind-loop syndrome.
Abstract 1526: Evaluation of the novel tumor suppressor gene, β-Defensin-1, in colorectal cancer cell line models.

Background: Human defensins are antimicrobial linear peptides with broad anti-microbial activity, organized into two classes, α- and β-defensins. Human β-Defensin 1 (hBD-1) is encoded by the DEFB1 gene located on chromosome 8p23 and functions as an antimicrobial peptide involved in the innate immune response. It is most often expressed in epithelial cells, including those in the large intestines. Previous experiments have shown that hBD-1 exhibits tumor suppressor functions in urothelial and kidney cancer cells. Previous evaluation of germline single nucleotide polymorphisms in the promoter region of DEFB1 demonstrated CRC stage specific effects of rs1800972 and rs179946 in predicting time-to-tumor recurrence in CRC patients. This study examined the cancer specific expression of hBD-1 in CRC compared to normal cells and further evaluated the cellular mechanism associated with the effects of hBD-1 expression in CRC proliferation, cell cycle progression and apoptosis. Methods: Twenty-two patients colon tissue samples were subjected to immunohistochemistry (IHC) specific for hBD-1 to examine its expression in both normal and tumor cells. To gain insight into the effects of hBD-1 expression in CRC, CaCo2, HCT116, HT29 and SW620 CRC cell lines were transfected with pCMV6-XL4-DEFB1, alongside a control empty vector, to compare the effect of hBD-1 overexpression on cell viability and apoptosis at 24 and 48 hr. In addition, recombinant hBD-1 was exogenously added to CRC cells and analyzed for the effect on cell viability. Results: Examination of hBD-1 expression from patients’ colon tissue samples by IHC demonstrated that hBD-1 expression was present in the normal colon cells, but its expression was lost in CRC cells. Induction of hBD-1 expression in CRC cell lines resulted in a significant change in cell viability, membrane permeability and induction of apoptosis. Further, the exogenous addition of recombinant hBD-1 to CRC cells resulted in a significant reduction in cell number at 48 hr. Conclusion: These results demonstrate evidence of loss of hBD-1 expression in CRC cells and further provide evidence for hBD-1’s potential role as a tumor suppressor. Further studies are being conducted to determine the pathway of apoptosis that is induced and to better understand the hBD-1 affects in the CRC cells development and progression and further evaluate the potential utility of targeting hBD-1 as a therapeutic strategy. Citation Format: Austin Layton, Pierre O. Bohanes, Wu Zhang, Heinz-Josef Lenz, Melissa J. Labonte. Evaluation of the novel tumor suppressor gene, β-Defensin-1, in colorectal cancer cell line models. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 1526. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-1526
Use of a spectrophotometer power supply for electrophoresis.

Simple modification of a Beckman DU or DU-2 spectrophotometer power supply provides an excellent power supply for hemoglobin electrophoresis. The modified unit delivers a constant voltage of either 320 or 240 volts (d.c.) with a maximum current capability of 500 ma.
Detection and analysis of radiation situation of microwave heating loose cigarette machine leak

Objective:To study the microwave radiation leakage and evaluate the health conditions of workers exposed to microwave radiation.Methods:Follow the Measurement of Microwave Radiation in the Workplace GBZ/T189.5-2007,microwave radiation leakage was measured at 5 cm near the device.The workers were detected in the head,chest and abdomen in terms of radiation leakage.Results:The average power density near the entry and portal of the microwave equipment,and that on both sides of the cabinets are 243.0 uw/cm2～250.0 uw/cm2,340.0 uw/cm2～350.0 uw/cm2 and 4.6 uw/cm2～4.8 uw/cm2.The average power density of the microwave radiation of workers in the head,chest and abdomen are 4.4 uw/cm2,5.0 uw/cm2 and 4.0 uw/cm2.Conclusion:Microwave radiation leakage meets the requirements of the factory maximum leakage standards.The radiation situation of workers are in line with national health requirements.
Insulin and insulin-like growth factor-I responsiveness in polycystic ovarian syndrome.

Objective To assess insulin and insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) action in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Design Hyperinsulinemia was determined by measuring the insulin responses during a 2-hour oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). Quantification of in vivo insulin action was determined by a frequently sampled intravenous (IV) OGTT with minimal modeling analysis. In vitro sensitivity to insulin at physiological and supraphysiological concentrations and to IGF-I was assessed by examining colony formation of two hematopoietic cell populations, burst-forming units of the erythroid line (BFU-E) and human leukemia virus immortalized T-cell lines. (The proliferative responses of BFU-E, a primary tissue explant, are presumably conditioned by factors in the immediate blood-borne environment, whereas proliferative responses of T-cell lines are presumed to reflect intrinsic target-cell hormone sensitivity.) Setting Tertiary care research institution. Patients Eight patients (4 obese and 4 nonobese) with PCOS and three healthy women for reference controls. Results Nonobese ( P P P P P P Conclusions These findings demonstrate the following in both nonobese and obese patients with PCOS: (1) there is in vivo hyperinsulinemia and resistance to insulin action on glucose disposal; (2) with BFU-E, there is in vitro resistance to the mitogenic action of insulin but normal responsiveness to IGF-I; and (3) there is normal in vitro mitogenic responsiveness of T-cell lines to both insulin and IGF-I. The intrinsically normal mitogenic responsiveness to insulin and, especially to IGF-I, whether or not under the influence of the bloodborne milieu, provides a mechanism whereby hyperinsulinemia could directly contribute to the ovarian abnormalities that characterize PCOS.
Effects of dietary pH and phosphorus source on performance, gastrointestinal tract digesta, and bone measurements of weanling pigs.

Crossbred pigs (n = 144, average age and weight = 28 +/- 3 d, 7.5 kg) were used in two 6-wk trials to assess the effects of dietary pH and P source on growth performance, gastrointestinal digesta pH and chloride ion concentration (Cl-), and bone characteristics. Treatments were randomly allotted within blocks (based on weight within gender) to a 3 x 2 factorial arrangement with three dietary pH levels (5.4, 6.0, and 6.7) and two P sources: dicalcium phosphate (DCP) and defluorinated phosphate (DFP). Pigs fed the pH 6.7 diet had reduced ADG (P less than .01) and average daily feed intakes (ADFI; P less than .001) during wk 1 to 3 and overall compared with pigs fed the pH 6.0 diet, but ADG and ADFI were not affected when the pH 5.4 diet was fed. There was a dietary pH x P source interaction (P less than .05) for ADFI. Pigs had decreased ADFI as dietary pH was increased from 6.0 to 6.7 for both DCP and DFP, but ADFI was similar for the pH 6.0 and 5.4 diets with DFP, whereas ADFI was greater for the pH 5.4 diet with DCP. Dietary pH did not influence ADFI:ADG ratio (F:G; P greater than .05), and P source had no effect (P greater than .05) on either ADG, ADFI, or F:G.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Machine Tool Accuracy and Metrology

Accuracy is one of the most critical indicators of a machine tool’s value. The error induced in the manufacturing of a machine tool can account for as much as 75 % of the total part of the error formed under the use of that machine tool. Most of the components rejected due to out of tolerance are not the results of operator’s ignorance or material imperfection, but because of the distortions, wear, or initial inaccuracies of the machines. The precise basing, corrosion resistance, thermal conductivity, antifrictional and frictional properties, strength and rigidity, and many others as discussed in Chap. 5 collectively determine the final accuracy of the machine tool.
A dual therapeutic approach for the reversal of cataracts

Purpose Over 20 million people suffer from cataracts worldwide. Currently, surgery is the only effective treatment for this condition. Although cataract surgery is routine and generally considered safe, it is neither feasible nor accessible for much of the world's population. Thus, there is a high demand for an effective topical treatment that can reverse or prevent cataracts in those for whom surgery is not a viable option. Clouding of the lens is caused by the aggregation of water-soluble crystallin proteins. Crystallins are a major component of the lens and allow it to refract light. Crystallins are rich in sulfur-containing amino acids, which are susceptible to the formation of disulfide bonds upon oxidative damage. This damage results in protein misfolding and aggregation. Thiol antioxidants have the potential to protect these proteins from oxidative damage and to prevent the formation of cataracts. α-Crystallins act as chaperons for other crystallin isoforms, binding damaged β- and γ-crystallins and impeding aggregation. Recently, sterols such as lanosterol and 25-hydroxycholesterol have demonstrated the ability to stabilize the healthy, functional α-crystallin structure, which preserves the anti-aggregation action of these chaperons. The objective of this study was to determine additive and/or synergistic effects of a thiol antioxidant in combination with 25-hydroxycholesterol to combat crystallin aggregation in two ways: protecting crystallin thiol residues and bolstering α-crystallin chaperon activity. Methods To investigate thiol antioxidant candidates for incorporation into a topical cataract treatment, an ex vivo model using Wistar rat pup lenses was employed. Various thiol antioxidants were examined for their ability to reverse cataracts when used in combination with 25-hydroxycholesterol. Results To be discussed. Conclusions To be discussed.
Reducing Door-in Door-out Intervals in Helicopter ST-segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction Interhospital Transfers.

Abstract Background Many health systems rely on helicopter EMS (HEMS) to transfer ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients for percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) to a hospital with a catheterization laboratory. Mortality rates increase with the time to reperfusion, so reducing delays is imperative. For interhospital STEMI transfers, the time spent in the initial hospital from arrival until departure (door-in to door-out interval or DIDO) should be minimized. Objective To evaluate the impact of a series of process improvements to reduce DIDO intervals for STEMI patients transferred via a hospital based HEMS program. Methods Changes made to the STEMI transfer protocol in March 2011 were: (a) allowing transferring facilities to request HEMS before identifying an accepting cardiologist or hospital, with one hospital serving as a default PCI center in the case of delays, (b) limiting continuous infusions to those absolutely necessary for the transfer flights and (c) training flight crews to minimize time at bedside. Trained dual abstractors conducted structured medical record reviews for all STEMI patients 18 years and older, transferred to a PCI facility by HEMS from March 2011 to December 2012. Discrepancies were adjudicated. We compared DIDO intervals to a historical control cohort from 2007. We used the Mann-Whitney U test to compare times, and calculated differences with 95% confidence intervals. Results Of 244 patients identified, six were excluded due to incomplete data. The historical cohort included 179 cases. Mean age was 59 (SD 14) years, 81% were white and 66% male. There were no differences in patient characteristics or door to EKG times between the cohorts. Median door-in to door-out interval decreased from 83 minutes (IQR 43) to 68 minutes (IQR 31) (difference 15 minutes, 95% CI 8 to 21, P Conclusion HEMS-focused process improvements can significantly reduce the DIDO interval times for STEMI patients transferred for PCI.