cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Survival benefit for early hormone ablation in biochemically recurrent prostate cancer.

Abstract Purpose To determine whether early initiation of androgen ablation in patients with biochemically recurrent prostate cancer, but without clinically evident metastases, is associated with improved overall or disease-specific survival. To describe subgroups, based on PSA kinetics, which are most likely to benefit from early androgen ablation. Materials and Methods A retrospective cohort of 124 patients, who were definitively treated by external beam radiotherapy between 1988 and 1999, and subsequently received androgen ablation for biochemical (92 patients) or clinically metastatic (32 patients) failure, was reviewed. Median follow-up time was 6.2 years. Overall survival, disease-specific survival, and hormonal control were examined and compared for patients whose hormone ablation was started early (prostate-specific antigen [PSA] ≤15 ng/ml or PSA doubling time >7 months) or late in the course of their biochemical failure. Results All patients had biochemical response to hormone initiation, with a median PSA nadir of 0.05 ng/ml. Early initiation of hormone ablation resulted in statistically significant improvement in all outcome measures. Multivariate analysis indicated that PSA doubling time at hormone initiation was the most consistent predictor of outcome. The 5-year overall survival was 78% for patients whose androgen ablation was initiated at doubling time ≤7 months and 93% for patients when initiated at doubling time >7 months. Mean survival improved from 84.9 ± 4.6 (doubling time ≤7) to 115.3 ± 8.4 months (doubling time >7). Survival for patients started on hormones with doubling time Conclusions This survival benefit justifies the use of androgen ablation in patients whose doubling time approaches 7 months. A randomized trial is needed to confirm these findings, investigate potential benefit for patients with longer doubling times, and gather data on the morbidity of early hormone ablation, including quality of life issues.
Role of band 3 in homeostasis and cell shape.

What have these studies told us about the roles of band 3 in cellular physiology? The absence of band 3 leads to predictable physiological and cellular changes based on the functions postulated from biochemical analysis. That these effects are not more severe is a testament to the complex regulation of homeostasis, often by multiple pathways. We are used to thinking about cellular processes as the action of key proteins in single linear pathways. Perhaps a better model is the spider web in which single strands can be broken with minimal effects on fly-catching efficiency. While this complexity is problematic for those of us who study cells by selective loss of function, we should be grateful for the robustness that it provides.
Charge-Transfer and the Ligand-Field Transitions in Tetrahedral Tetrabromo-Cobalt (II) Complex Ion in Molten Tetra-n-Butylphosphonium Bromide:

In connection with studies on low melting organic salts, we had occasion to examine the optical absorption spectrum of CoBr4=. In addition to the usual d-d spectra, we were also able to see some of the charge-transfer bands of this ion by utilizing the properties of the fused salt solvent.
THREE CLOSELY ALLIED DINOFLAGELLATES1

SUMMARY It is recommended that Exuviella minima, E. mariae-lebouriae, and Procentrum triangulatum be considered as varieties of Prorocentrum minimum.
Interpersonal Skills Training for Dental Students

Recently authors have suggested the importance of the dentist-patient relationship in dealing with patients' fear and anxiety and in motivating patients to seek and accept treatment, involve themselves in their own health care, and comply with recomrnendations made by dentists. It has been suggested that effective communication and relationship skills are essential for effective delivery of dental health care (1). To meet this need, a course in communication sLlls is provided for all freshman dental students at the University of Mississippi School of Dentistry. The course is based primarily on the human relations training method3 of Blakeman and is systematic and developmental, progressing through six modules on skills of structuring, attending, basic responding, additive responding, asserting, and terminating. The present study was a preliminary evaluation of the effectiveness of this course in increasing students' skills of discrimination and communication, i.e., the ability to discriminate the cognitive and emotional aspects of the patient's message accurately and to offer a response which communicates understanding. Subjects, 45 freshman dental students, completed a standardized five-point rating scale (2). used to assess the skills of discrimination and communication. Response measures included use of written responses to written, audio- and videotape stimulus material as well as use of taped verbal responses to role-playing patients. The communication index included statements by patients to which the student was requested to write the most helpful response by a dentist. The responses were rated on the Carkhuff scale. The discrimination index was based on a series of sratements by patients, each one followed by four dentists' responses that vary in helpfulness as defined by the training model. Students were asked to rate each response on the basis of the Carkhuff scale and the resulting ratings were compared to "expert" ratings to derive an average deviation score. Pretest means on the discrimination index (1.25) and communication index (1.40) were compared with posnest means on both indexes (.65, 3.00, respectively) using nonparametric matched-pairs signed-ranks analyses (3). Results showed that posrtest scores were significantly different from pretest scores on both the discrimination index (2 = 5.67, p < .001) and communication index (Z = 6.57, p < .001). Significant gains were noted in abiliry of students to discriminate responses that may be helpful to patients from those chat may be less so or harmful and in ability to perceive the feelings and content of messages and to respond verbally so that the patient feels understood. These basic empathy and personalizing skills have been shown to be an essential element in effective interpersonal relationships in the literature on counseling (1, 2).
Temperature Integration at the AC Thermosensory Neurons in Drosophila

Temperature sensation has a strong impact on animal behavior and is necessary for animals to avoid exposure to harmful temperatures. It is now well known that thermoTRP (transient receptor potential) channels in thermosensory neurons detect a variable range of temperature stimuli. However, little is known about how a range of temperature information is relayed and integrated in the neural circuits. Here, we show novel temperature integration between two warm inputs via Drosophila TRPA channels, TRPA1 and Pyrexia (Pyx). The internal AC (anterior cell) thermosensory neurons, which express TRPA1, detect warm temperatures and mediate temperature preference behavior. We found that the AC neurons were activated twice when subjected to increasing temperatures. The first response was at ∼25°C via TRPA1 channel, which is expressed in the AC neurons. The second response was at ∼27°C via the second antennal segments, indicating that the second antennal segments are involved in the detection of warm temperatures. Further analysis reveals that pyx-Gal4-expressing neurons have synapses on the AC neurons and that mutation of pyx eliminates the second response of the AC neurons. These data suggest that AC neurons integrate both their own TRPA1-dependent temperature responses and a Pyx-dependent temperature response from the second antennal segments. Our data reveal the first identification of temperature integration, which combines warm temperature information from peripheral to central neurons and provides the possibility that temperature integration is involved in the plasticity of behavioral outputs.
Crack nucleation in hydrogen embrittlement

This paper reports on hydrogen embrittlement which is now considered a major factor in the environmental brittleness of intermetallic compounds such as FeAl. For example, when tested in dry oxygen at room temperature, FeAl alloys containing 34-38 atom% Al are ductile (showing grain boundary fracture) with about 18% tensile elongation. In contrast when tested in moist air, the same alloys showed brittle cleavage fracture with less than 4% elongation. But the cause of hydrogen embrittlement is still unknown. The usual concept is that there is some kind of interaction between hydrogen and the crack tip. Several kinds of interactions have been proposed such as decohesion between lattice planes by hydrogen segregation, hydride formation in front of the crack tip, and hydrogen induced dislocation emission which promotes Mode II crack propagation. However, the question of whether hydrogen can help crack nucleation has seldom been addressed.
Ocean Model Studies of Upper-Ocean Variability at 0°, 160°W during the 1982–1983 ENSO: Local and Remotely Forced Response

Abstract A hindcast of the 1982–1983 ENSO event using a primitive equation ocean circulation model forced by monthly mean wind stresses based on the SADLER pseudostress fields shows very good agreement with observations at 0°, 159°W between June 1982 and March 1983. The hindcast experiment is analyzed to explore the processes that caused the large accelerations, decelerations, and thermal changes observed during this time. Several hindcast experiments incorporating variations of the SADLER wind field and several idealized experiments incorporating a western Pacific westerly wind event are analyzed and compared with the 1982–1983 SADLER hindcast to explore the importance of local and remote forcing, the relative importance of zonal and meridional wind stress changes, and the dynamical signatures of the processes at work. Meridional wind stress changes have little effect on either the zonal velocity or temperature fields. Local zonal wind stress variations can account for the qualitative changes in the uppe...
THE DEFINITION OF A HOWARDITE

Delaney et al. (1983) propose to redefine howardites as basaltic achondrites containing more than 10% of magnesian orthopyroxenite (diogenite) component. Since the 10% requirement is arbitrary and of no genetic significance this redefinition should be rejected and the earlier definition of Score et al. (1982) “Howardites are polymict pyroxene-plagioclase achondrites containing magnesian orthopyroxene” — in any amount — should be retained.
Resistivity and Hall Effect in Superconducting Nb

The resistive electric field and the Hall field were measured in pure Nb in the mixed state as a function of magnetic field at high current densities and at several temperatures. An analysis of vortex motion in the presence of a pinning force gives that in the limit of high current density the differential resistivities become independent of pinning force. We find that the flux-flow resistivity is proportional to $\frac{B}{{H}_{c2}}$ and the Hall resistivity equals $\mathrm{RB}$. It follows that the Hall tangent in the mixed state is constant and equal to its value at ${H}_{c2}$.
m(en)TOR(ing) Differentiating T Helper Cells

The decision of naive Th cells to assume the fate of effector or regulator Th cells heavily influences the outcome of adaptive immune responses. In this issue of Immunity, Delgoffe et al. (2009) use genetic approaches and demonstrate that mTOR kinase plays a critical role in this decision-making process.
Retroperitoneal soft tissue sarcoma

The objective of the current study was to define the optimal treatment for patients with retroperitoneal soft tissue sarcomas (RPS). The authors conducted a review of the pertinent literature and found that the majority of patients had locally advanced RPS at the time of diagnosis. Surgery was the mainstay of treatment, and macroscopic total excision was feasible in approximately 50-67% of patients. The 5-year probability of local control was approximately 50%, and the likelihood of developing distant metastasis was approximately 20-30%. The 5-year survival rate was approximately 50%, and deaths due to recurrent RPS continued to occur after 5 years. Postoperative radiotherapy (RT) decreased the likelihood of local recurrence, although it demonstrated no impact on survival. Adjuvant chemotherapy had no proven efficacy. The factor that was found to have the greatest impact on the prognosis for patients with RPS was the ability to achieve a macroscopic total resection. The authors concluded that RPS usually is advanced at the time of diagnosis. The optimal treatment was complete resection. Most patients experienced recurrent disease after surgery, and the most common site of failure was local. Adjuvant RT reduced the risk of local recurrence, but its impact on survival was questionable.
Comparing Mass and Volumetric Titrations in the General Chemistry Laboratory

Students in the general chemistry laboratory are commonly exposed to volumetric titrations as part of their laboratory curriculum. However, the use of mass burets instead of volumetric burets can save time, expense, and reduce errors. In this laboratory exercise, students are asked to standardize a solution of NaOH(aq) using potassium hydrogen phthalate and determine the acetic acid concentration in vinegar using both techniques. Students are then asked to compare the two approaches. When given a choice in a subsequent laboratory exercise, approximately 75% of the students choose to use the mass approach.
Electrostatic environment surrounding the activation loop phosphotyrosine in the oncoprotein v-Fps.

Autophosphorylation of Tyr-1073 in the activation loop of the oncoprotein v-Fps enhances the phosphoryl transfer reaction without influencing substrate, ATP, or metal ion binding affinities [Saylor, P., et al. (1998) Biochemistry 37, 17875−17881]. A structural model of v-Fps, generated from the insulin receptor, indicates that pTyr-1073 chelates two arginines. Mutation of these residues to alanine (R1042A and R1066A) results in weakly phosphorylated enzymes, indicating that one electropositive center is insufficient for attaining maximum loop phosphorylation and concomitant high catalytic activity. While the turnover rate for R1066A is similar to that for a mutant lacking a phosphorylatable residue in the activation loop, the rate for R1042A is 50-fold slower. While solvent perturbation studies suggest that the former is due to a slow phosphoryl transfer step, the latter effect results from a slow conformational change in the mutant, potentially linked to motions in the catalytic loop. Binding of a stoich...
Some difficulties of self-enforcing arms agreements

The search for reality and practicality in arms controls proposals has become both an exercise in extended speculation and an extended effort to eliminate the unessential. The ending place for the latter is now clearly in sight: proposals for unilateral measures to be taken to reduce the risk of uintentional warfare (Brennan, 1961, pp. 61-7, 134-7, 142-52, 162-86).1 While the prospects of these proposals are bright, their possibilities are limited. Lying just short of them, with dimmer prospects and seemingly greater possibilities, is self-enforcement-that is, arms control agreements which do not require an international agency, or some other third party, to enforce them (although they might require a third party inspectorate). Since 1953, when the United States abandoned the Baruch Plan, virtually all prominent arms control proposals have been self-enforcing in this sense.
Economic and cradle-to-gate life cycle assessment of poly-3-hydroxybutyrate production from plastic producing, genetically modified hybrid poplar leaves

Poly-3-hydroxybutyrate (PHB) is a renewable, biodegradable biopolymer that has shown great promise to offset the use of hydrocarbon-derived plastics. The genes encoding the bacterial PHB production pathway have been engineered into several higher order plant species providing an opportunity to produce PHB as a co-product on an industrial, agricultural scale. This study investigates the economic feasibility and estimates the life-cycle greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions produced during the PHB production from hybrid poplar leaves. An established, bench scale extraction procedure was extrapolated upon using SuperPro designer to estimate the product cost, raw materials and energy used during extraction of PHB from poplar leaves on an industrial scale. Assuming an economically feasible concentration of PHB could be produced in the leaf material, a cradle-to-gate life cycle assessment was performed under two of the most likely poplar production scenarios for the Northwest United States where poplar is commonly grown for biomass applications. The cost of PHB production was found to vary greatly with the PHB content in the leaves; from $33.28 per kg at 0.5% PHB to $1.72 per kg at 20% PHB content. Poplar production scenarios varied greatly in their emission of GHGs. An irrigated poplar production scenario is estimated to produce 248.8% more GHGs than production of the displaced polypropylene. An un-irrigated poplar production scenario produced 76.1% less GHGs. Both production scenarios produced significant amounts of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) associated with normal poplar growth that could prove detrimental to local air quality. PHB content of 15% in the poplar was required to bring the PHB production price to $2.26 per kg and make production competitive with petroleum-derived plastics.
Factors Influencing Parent Anxiety Levels in a Pediatric Emergency Department Waiting Area.

Factors Influencing Parent Anxiety Levels in a Pediatric Emergency Department Waiting Area.
Carlson's theorem on varieties and transfer☆

Abstract J. Carlson has proved for finite groups that the variety in spec H ev ( BG , F p ) defined by the ideal generated by the images of transfers from all subgroups of index divisible by p is the same as the variety defined by the kernel of the restriction to the center of a p -Sylow subgroup. We prove a generalization of this theorem for compact Lie groups. For finite groups the proof specializes to a purely algebraic proof which is a bit shorter and somewhat more direct than Carlson's original proof.
Operating temperature and the responsivity of split-off band detectors

A GaAs/AlGaAs heterojunction is used as a spin-split-off band IR detector operating at or around room temperature. This detector structure followed a similar layer architecture to the quantum well IR photo detectors (QWIP) and Heterojunction Interfacial Work function Internal Photoemission (HEIWIP) detectors. Compared to QWIPs, the emitter layer thickness is increased to avoid confinement. Unlike either the QWIPs or HEIWIPs, these detectors will have two energy gaps (barriers) to obtain the wavelength threshold which could be used to design detectors either for optimum operating temperature or optimum responsivity. The free carrier energy gap is determined by the Al fraction and the spin-split-off transition energy provides another handle on controlling the effective threshold of the detector. Unlike QWIPs, these will also detect normal incidence radiation. A preliminary detector showed a peak responsivity of 0.29 mA/W at 2.5 μm at room temperature.
The pore-forming bacterial effector, VopQ, halts autophagic turnover

Vibrio parahemolyticus Type III effector VopQ is both necessary and sufficient to induce autophagy within one hour of infection. We demonstrated that VopQ interacts with the Vo domain of the conserved vacuolar H+-ATPase. Membrane-associated VopQ subsequently forms pores in the membranes of acidic compartments, resulting in immediate release of protons without concomitant release of lumenal protein contents. These studies show how a bacterial pathogen can compromise host ion potentials using a gated pore-forming effector to equilibrate levels of small molecules found in endolysosomal compartments and disrupt cellular processes such as autophagy.
Embryo density and medium volume effects on early murine embryo development.

One-cell mouse embryos were used to determine the effects of drop size and number of embryos per drop for optimum development in vitro. Embryos were collected from immature C57BL6 female mice superovulated with pregnant mare serum gonadotropin and human chorionic gonadotropin and mated by CD1 males. Groups of 1, 5, 10, or 20 embryos were cultured in 5-, 10-, 20-, or 40-µl drops of CZB under silicon oil at 37.5°C in a humidified atmosphere of 5% CO 2 and 95% air. Development score for embryos cultured in 10 µl was higher than that of embryos cultured in 20 or 40 µl. Embryos cultured in groups of 5, 10, or 20 had higher development scores than embryos cultured singly. The highest development score was obtained by the combination of 5 embryos per 10-µl drop. The percentage of live embryos in 20 or 40 µl was lower than that of embryos cultured in 10 µl. Additionally, the percentage of live embryos cultured singly was lower than that of embryos cultured in groups. Our results suggest that a stimulatory interaction occurs among embryos possibly exerted through the secretion of growth factors. This effect can be diluted if the embryos are cultured in large drops or singly.
Internalization of plasma membrane Ca2+-ATPase during Xenopus oocyte maturation

A transient increase in intracellular Ca2+ is the universal signal for egg activation at fertilization. Eggs acquire the ability to mount the specialized fertilization-specific Ca2+ signal during oocyte maturation. The first Ca2+ transient following sperm entry in vertebrate eggs has a slow rising phase followed by a sustained plateau. The molecular determinants of the sustained plateau are poorly understood. We have recently shown that a critical determinant of Ca2+ signaling differentiation during oocyte maturation is internalization of the plasma membrane calcium ATPase (PMCA). PMCA internalization is representative of endocytosis of several integral membrane proteins during oocyte maturation, a requisite process for early embryogenesis. Here we investigate the mechanisms regulating PMCA internalization. To track PMCA trafficking in live cells we cloned a full-length cDNA of Xenopus PMCA1, and show that GFP-tagged PMCA traffics in a similar fashion to endogenous PMCA. Functional data show that MPF activation during oocyte maturation is required for full PMCA internalization. Pharmacological and co-localization studies argue that PMCA is internalized through a lipid raft endocytic pathway. Deletion analysis reveal a requirement for the N-terminal cytoplasmic domain for efficient internalization. Together these studies define the mechanistic requirements for PMCA internalization during oocyte maturation.
Genre as social action

This essay proposes a conception of genre based on conventionalized social motives which are found in recurrent situation‐types. The thesis is that genre must be conceived in terms of rhetorical action rather than substance or form.
Stressor-Induced Alterations in Immune Response and Viral Clearance Following Infection with Herpes Simplex Virus-Type 1 in BALB/c and C57Bl/6 Mice

Abstract Extending earlier studies of stress-induced modulation of herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection and immunity, we investigated the effects of electric foot shock (0.3 mA) on cytokine production and immune effector function in response to a nonlethal inoculum of HSV-1 in two strains of inbred mice, C57Bl/6 and BALB/c. Increased levels of infectious virus at the site of infection were observed in foot-shocked mice of both strains compared to control mice. The specific pattern of changes in interleukin (IL)-2 and interferon-γ, as well as IL-4 and IL-10, induced by foot-shock stress differed between the two strains. IgM anti-HSV antibody responses were, however, increased in both strains.
The medial prefrontal cortex mediates social event knowledge

Accumulating evidence from social neuroscience demonstrates that the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) is a crucial component of the neural systems mediating social event knowledge. Here, we present an integrative theory of the cognitive and neural bases of social event knowledge. The structural and temporal representation binding (STRing) theory assumes that the mPFC represents abstract dynamic summary representations in the form of event simulators (elators). Elators give rise to social event knowledge via binding with regions in the posterior cerebral cortex and limbic structures. We propose a segregation of elator functions along the dorso-ventral mPFC axis and review neuroscience evidence to support the specificity of elators as the underlying structures for the development of event, person and self schemata.
Gender Differences in Theories of Adolescent Sexual Activity.

This was a study of 1478 adolescents who attended ten private schools located in different areas of this country. The purpose was to determine which concepts from four theories of deviance were useful in explaining male and female sexual intercourse. The sample was 73% White, 6% Chicano, 5% Black, 3% Asian, and 12% other minorities, and was comprised of 1114 females and 364 males. Bivariate analyses showed that the majority (15 of the 21 factors for both males and females) of factors examined were significantly correlated with frequency of sexual intercourse. Few gender differences were observed, and hierarchical regression procedures revealed that the strongest predictor of both male and female sexual intercourse was differential peer association, accounting for 33% of the variance (48% explained) among males and 27% of the variance among females (44% explained).
A digital resource model of the Upper Pennsylvanian Pittsburgh coal bed, Monongahela Group, northern Appalachian basin coal region, USA

Abstract The U.S. Geological Survey is currently conducting a coal resource assessment of the coal beds and zones that are expected to provide the bulk of the Nation's coal resources for the next few decades. The Pittsburgh coal bed is the first bed in the northern and central Appalachian basin coal region to undergo a fully-digital assessment. The bed-specific assessment is being carried out in partnership with the state geologic surveys of West Virginia (WV), Pennsylvania (PA), Ohio (OH), and Maryland (MD). Comprehensive stratigraphic and geochemical databases have been developed for the Pittsburgh coal bed, and areal extent, mined areas, structure contour, isopach, overburden thickness maps of the bed have been released as United States Geological Survey (USGS) Open-File Reports. The resulting resource model indicates that of the original 34 billion short tons (31 billion tonnes) of Pittsburgh coal, 16 billion short tons (14 billion tonnes) remain. Although most of the remaining coal is thinner, deeper, and higher in ash and sulfur (S) than the original resource, there are blocks of extensive thick (6–8 ft or 1.8–2.4 m) coal in southwestern PA and the northern panhandle of WV.
Diminishing the Value of War Crimes Prosecution: A View of the Guantanamo Military Commissions from the Perspective of International Criminal Law

One of the most important questions in the current Guantanamo detainee litigation is whether the United States may prosecute individuals in military commissions for offenses that are not recognized as war crimes under international law. The United States maintains that such offenses — particularly, material support for terrorism and conspiracy — are violations of the “U.S. common law of war,” a form of customary domestic liability in armed conflict distinct from international law. This paper offers a critique of the U.S. theory from the perspective of international criminal law practice and theory. In particular, it explains how the U.S. position unduly expands the conception of war crimes liability, thereby distorting the meaning of a war crime and undermining the value of prosecuting conduct on that basis.
Local Labor Market Restructuring and the Employment of Welfare Recipients in Los Angeles County

Although welfare rolls have dropped considerably in recent years, most welfare recipients who find work are employed in low-wage, insecure jobs. The problem of "working poverty" is especially acute in large city-regions such as Los Angeles, where local labor market restructuring has created an expanding, low-wage economy, increasingly dependent on immigrant labor. This paper analyzes the employment outcomes of 6,931 women who completed the county's welfare-to-work program in 1996. I evaluate their earnings, labor market segmentation, and job stability. The results show that women were highly concentrated in low-wage service jobs and experienced high levels of turnover and unemployment. Many were unable to obtain employment in the formal labor market. I argue that the struggles of the working poor in a growing regional economy are explained not solely by human capital limitations, but by processes of local labor market restructuring that have contributed to widespread economic insecurity in Los Angeles County.
A neurorobotic platform to test the influence of neuromodulatory signaling on anxious and curious behavior

The vertebrate neuromodulatory systems are critical for appropriate value-laden responses to environmental challenges. Whereas changes in the overall level of dopamine (DA) have an effect on the organism's reward or curiosity-seeking behavior, changes in the level of serotonin (5-HT) can affect its level of anxiety or harm aversion. Moreover, top-down signals from frontal cortex can exert cognitive control on these neuromodulatory systems. The cholinergic (ACh) and noradrenergic (NE) systems affect the ability to filter out noise and irrelevant events. We introduce a neural network for action selection that is based on these principles of neuromodulatory systems. The algorithm tested the hypothesis that high levels of serotonin lead to withdrawn behavior by suppressing DA action and that high levels of DA or low levels of 5-HT lead to curious, exploratory behavior. Furthermore, the algorithm tested the idea that top-down signals from the frontal cortex to neuromodulatory areas are critical for an organism to cope with both stressful and novel events. The neural network was implemented on an autonomous robot and tested in an open-field paradigm. The open-field test is often used to test for models anxiety or exploratory behavior in the rodent and allows for qualitative comparisons with the neurorobot's behavior. The present neurorobotic experiments can lead to a better understanding of how neuromodulatory signaling affects the balance between anxious and curious behavior. Therefore, this experimental paradigm may also be informative in exploring a wide range of neurological diseases such as anxiety, autism, attention deficit disorders, and obsessive-compulsive disorders.
Inordinate failures of rotating biological contactor (RBC) drive shafts in wastewater treatment plant service worldwide

Abstract The rotating biological contactor (RBC) concept for wastewater treatment plants was first patented at the turn of the century but not implemented in commerical practice until the 1960s. The actual equipment designed, built and operated during an almost two-decade period experienced exceptionally high failure rates. Fracture of drive shafts often occurred within months of initial installation; and over a 5-year period, about 5% of all machines for the most prominent manufacturer had failed even though a 20-year life was contemplated. The present paper provides an historical review of RBC development. A comprehensive design and failure analysis study of an actual drive shaft configuration is performed based on classic fatigue principles (endurance curves) and fatigue/fracture (crack growth) techniques using a finite element approach.
A long noncoding RNA maintains active chromatin to coordinate homeotic gene expression

A major question in developmental biology is how functionally related groups of genes are switched on at the right time and in the right place. Long intergenic non-coding RNAs (lincRNAs) have been implicated in both gene silencing and activation, and could be a means of long-range control of gene expression. A lincRNA termed HOTTIP that coordinates the activation of multiple 5' HOXA regulatory genes has now been identified at the 5' tip of the HOXA locus. Chromosomal looping brings HOTTIP close its target genes, where it facilitates histone H3 lysine 4 trimethylation and gene transcription. Long intergenic non-coding RNAs (lincRNAs) have been implicated in both gene silencing and activation, and could be a means for long-range control of gene expression. Here a lincRNA termed HOTTIP is identified at the 5′ tip of the HOXA locus that coordinates the activation of multiple 5′ HOXA genes. Chromosomal looping brings HOTTIP into the proximity of its target genes, where it seems to be required to facilitate histone H3 lysine 4 trimethylation and gene transcription. The genome is extensively transcribed into long intergenic noncoding RNAs (lincRNAs), many of which are implicated in gene silencing1,2. Potential roles of lincRNAs in gene activation are much less understood3,4,5. Development and homeostasis require coordinate regulation of neighbouring genes through a process termed locus control6. Some locus control elements and enhancers transcribe lincRNAs7,8,9,10, hinting at possible roles in long-range control. In vertebrates, 39 Hox genes, encoding homeodomain transcription factors critical for positional identity, are clustered in four chromosomal loci; the Hox genes are expressed in nested anterior-posterior and proximal-distal patterns colinear with their genomic position from 3′ to 5′of the cluster11. Here we identify HOTTIP, a lincRNA transcribed from the 5′ tip of the HOXA locus that coordinates the activation of several 5′ HOXA genes in vivo. Chromosomal looping brings HOTTIP into close proximity to its target genes. HOTTIP RNA binds the adaptor protein WDR5 directly and targets WDR5/MLL complexes across HOXA, driving histone H3 lysine 4 trimethylation and gene transcription. Induced proximity is necessary and sufficient for HOTTIP RNA activation of its target genes. Thus, by serving as key intermediates that transmit information from higher order chromosomal looping into chromatin modifications, lincRNAs may organize chromatin domains to coordinate long-range gene activation.
Functional tricuspid regurgitation at the time of mitral valve repair for degenerative leaflet prolapse: the case for a selective approach.

Objectives It is not clear whether clinically silent tricuspid valve regurgitation should be addressed at the time of mitral valve repair for severe mitral regurgitation due to leaflet prolapse. We examined the clinical and echocardiographic outcomes of patients with tricuspid regurgitation who underwent only mitral valve repair. Methods We retrospectively analyzed records of patients undergoing mitral valve repair for isolated mitral valve prolapse who had coexistent tricuspid valve regurgitation during an 11-year period at our institution. Echocardiographic data were compared preoperatively, intraoperatively, and postoperatively at less than 1, 1 to 3, 3 to 5, and more than 5 years. Results In 699 patients who underwent mitral valve repair for severe mitral regurgitation, mean age was 60.4 years and 459 (66%) were male. At the time of mitral valve repair, tricuspid valve regurgitation was grade 3 or more in 115 (16%) patients and less than grade 3 in 584 (84%) patients. After mitral valve repair, overall grade of tricuspid valve regurgitation decreased significantly within the first year (P = .01). In patients with grade 3 regurgitation or more, the grade decreased at dismissal and until the third year (P Conclusions Clinically silent nonsevere tricuspid valve regurgitation in patients with degenerative mitral valve disease is unlikely to progress after mitral valve repair. Tricuspid valve surgery is rarely necessary for most patients undergoing repair of isolated mitral valve prolapse.
Modeling food supply chains using multi-agent simulation

In light of the pressures of increasing demands on earth's resources, society faces serious challenges in food production and distribution. Food supply chain (FSC) models are critically important, providing decision-makers with tools that allow for the evaluation and design of FSCs, en route to ensuring sustainable FSC productivity. Multi-agent simulation (MAS) is well-suited to modeling FSCs for this purpose, enabling capture of decision-making, interactions, and adaptations of autonomous FSC actors. However, certain characteristics of FSCs are particularly difficult to model in detail, as data requirements can be intensive. In this paper we highlight some of the challenges modelers face in deciding the most appropriate methods for representing the elements of an FSC in an MAS model. We provide examples from the literature that show how other modelers have chosen to address these challenges. Finally, we discuss benefits and limitations of each example's approach, in terms of realism and data requirements.
Synthesis and Spectrochenical Characterization of the Heavy Alkali Metal Ccmplexes of Ethylenediaminetetraacetatocobaltate(III) Dihydrate and Trans-1,2-Cyclohexanediaminetetraacetatocobaltate(III) Monohydrate

Abstract The potassium, rubidium, and cesium complexes of ethylenediaminetetraacetatocobaltate(III) dihydrate and the racemic and one optically active form of trans-l,2-cyclohexanediaminetetraacetatocobaltate(III) mono-hydrate were prepared stoichiometrically in an essentially nonaqueous system. The complexes were characterized by elemental analyses and W-VIS absorption spectroscopy. The optical rotatory dispersion and circular dichroism spectra were obtained on the optically active complexes. The complexes were stable and displayed similar physical properties.
The influence of phosphorylation state ratio on energy conservation in mitochondria treated with inorganic arsenate

Summary Exposure of rat liver mitochondria to inorganic arsenate followed by reisolation and washing to remove the added arsenate results in uncoupled respiration with succinate when assayed for oxidative phosphorylation in presence of greater than 5 mM phosphate. However, coupled respiration with these mitochondria can be obtained by either inclusion of ATP, decreasing the concentration of phosphate to less than 5 mM, or exclusion of any added phosphate. Coupling under these several conditions is ascertained through use of one or more established criteria, namely, AD/PO, AT/PO and 45Ca/2+O. The results reveal that the efficiency of coupling with arsenate-treated mitochondria is determined by the conditions of the assay system and can be improved through an increase in the imposed phosphorylation state ratio.
Ellipsoid-simplex hybrid for hyperspectral anomaly detection

The problem of anomaly detection in hyperspectral imagery is expressed in terms of a minimal volume set in a high-dimensional space that encloses the bulk of the data samples. The venerable RX algorithm employs an ellipsoid for this volume, but endmember methods can be used to create a simplex volume. This paper considers a hybrid ellipsoid-simplex volume and characterizes its performance on hyperspectral imagery by computing a plot of volume versus false alarm rate. This plot provides a generic measure of quality (smaller volumes are better) without requiring the identification of specific anomalies in the data.
Social Psychological Effects of Literacy by Language Combinations in an African Society

According to the “autonomous” model, literacy in any language produces uniform consequences for individuals such as interest in current affairs, personal efficacy, status aspiration, and logical thinking. This view is countered by the “ideological” model which holds that consequences vary across languages depending upon the processes through which literacy is acquired and the purposes for which it is intended. These competing views are tested with survey data from 576 young men in Kano, Nigeria. Sixteen autonomous model dependent variables are regressed on dummy variables of illiteracy (the comparison category) and major literacy combinations in three languages–Arabic, Hausa, and English. The results show many insignificant effects and wide variations in coefficients for different literacy combinations, even when adjustments are made for Arabic literacy measurement limitations and for social selectivity in literacy acquisition. The evidence provides support for the ideological model of literacy consequences and has theoretical implications for the control and use of literacy for personal and social development.
Students with HIV/AIDS and School Consideration.

There is a predicted increase in the number of children with HIV/AIDS in schools. Due to this increase, schools and educators need to be prepared for the special needs these children may have. In the present aggregate of literature and research, the following topical strands are examined: (a) overview of HIV/AIDS in school children; (b) HIV/AIDS demographics and incidence; (c) legal issues; (d) medical and psychosocial issues; (e) special education issues; (f) biases and barriers; (g) school policies, knowledge base, and training level; and (h) implications for practice.
A shocking grid for pigeons

Footshock is reliably delivered to pigeons standing on a surface which functions like a conventional rat grid.
Solid-state 13C and 29Si MAS NMR spectroscopy of silicon carbide

The solid-state NMR spectroscopy of bulk and powdered silicon carbide, silicon carbide fibers, and materials fabricated with silicon carbide fibers is discussed. Specifically, the NMR spectroscopy of fiber mats indicates that the fabrication process produces silicon-carbon oxides and certain structural changes that are evident as small shifts of the resonances.
Existence and Stability of Traveling Pulses in a Neural Field Equation with Synaptic Depression

We examine the existence and stability of traveling pulse solutions in a continuum neural network with synaptic depression and smooth firing rate function. The existence proof relies on geometric singular perturbation theory and blow-up techniques, as one needs to track the solution near a point on the slow manifold that is not normally hyperbolic. The stability of the pulse is then investigated by computing the zeros of the corresponding Evans function. This study predicts that synaptic depression leads to the formation of stable traveling pulses with algebraic decay along their back. This characteristic feature differs from the exponential decay of traveling pulses of neural field models with linear adaptation.
Submonolayer Island Nucleation and Growth Kinetics during Self-Assembled Monolayer Formation

The formation process of a self-assembled monolayer, deposited from solution, has been observed in real time using atomic force microscopy. The growth begins with the nucleation of submonolayer islands, which grow and eventually coalesce. By following the time dependence of the island nucleation and the growth kinetics of individual islands, we find that the process can be quantitatively explained by a kinetic theory of 2D cluster growth typically used to describe vapor phase molecular beam epitaxy. The same theory correctly predicts the maximum island density prior to island coalescence.
Impact of recipient age on whole organ pancreas transplantation.

Aim The goal of this study was to assess the impact of recipient age on post-transplant outcome. Methods All pancreas transplants performed at Indiana University between 2003 and 2011 were reviewed. Demographic data were compared using standard chi-square and ANOVA testing. Standard Cox regression survival analysis was performed using a direct entry method for covariates. Results Patients (n = 405) were divided by decade: <30 yr (n = 37), 30–39 (n = 109), 40–49 (n = 156), 50–59 (n = 85), and ≥60 yr of age (n = 18). Group demographics did not differ except for median ischemia time, which was between 7.0 and 8.5 h (p = 0.02). Early graft loss and one yr graft and patient survival were similar between the groups. Long-term patient survival demonstrated a trend toward decreased five-yr survival with increasing recipient age (p = NS). Graft survival at five yr by Cox regression was the lowest for the <30 yr group (74%), while all other groups were similar around 80% (p = NS). Conclusion No statistically significant differences in pancreas transplant outcomes were demonstrated when recipients were stratified by recipient age. These results suggest that older recipients can successfully undergo pancreas transplantation and expect five-yr outcomes similar to those seen in younger recipients.
Conformational dynamics through an intermediate

The self-assembly of biological and synthetic nanostructures commonly proceeds via intermediate states. In living systems in particular, the intermediates have the capacity to tilt the balance between functional and potentially fatal behavior. This work develops a statistical mechanical treatment of conformational dynamics through an intermediate under a variable force. An analytical solution is derived for the key experimentally measurable quantity—the distribution of forces at which a conformational transition occurs. The solution reveals rich kinetics over a broad range of parameters and enables one to locate the intermediate and extract the activation barriers and rate constants.
Interactions of Amide Solutes with Biopolymer Functional Groups and Hofmeister Salts

Urea and other amides exert large destabilizing effects on noncovalent biopolymer self-assembly and binding. Salt anions and cations from the Hofmeister series exert characteristic stabilizing or destabilizing effects on these processes. Effects of these small solutes and salt ions arise from their favorable or unfavorable interactions with functional groups on the protein or nucleic acid surface exposed. To quantify these interactions, we determine the thermodynamics of interactions of amide solutes with model compounds displaying the functional groups of interest (other amides, aromatic hydrocarbons, nucleobases) and with Hofmeister salts using osmometry or solubility assays. Multivariable linear regression of these and literature data reveals that these solute-functional group interactions are additive and generally independent of context, and yields interaction potentials (α-values) quantifying interactions of each solute with amide, hydrocarbon and nucleobase groups. These results allow us to predict and/or interpret effects of these solutes on protein and nucleic acid processes, and to use these solutes as probes of large conformation changes in transition states and intermediates. Analysis of thermodynamic data for interactions of a series of alkylated ureas with different surface types reveals that favorable interactions with sp2 and sp3 C and N and unfavorable interactions with sp2 O increase with increasing hydrocarbon surface area of the alkylated urea. Interactions of these alkylated amides with a series of Na+ and K+ salts of Hofmeister anions reveal that interactions of the salts with hydrocarbon C and amide N, but not amide O, follow the Hofmeister order (KSCN > KCl > KF; NaClO4 > NaCl > Na2SO4). Additional analysis of these data should provide information regarding free energies of interaction of C, N and O groups in folding, binding and other noncovalent self-assembly processes of proteins.Research is supported by NIH GM47022