cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Signaling pathways in breast cancer metastasis - novel insights from functional genomics

The advent of genomic profiling technology has brought about revolutionary changes in our understanding of breast cancer metastasis. Gene expression analyses of primary tumors have been used to predict metastatic propensity with high accuracy. Animal models of metastasis additionally offer a platform to experimentally dissect components of the metastasis genetic program. Recent integrated studies have synergized clinical bioinformatic analyses with advanced experimental methodology and begun to uncover the identities and dynamics of signaling programs driving breast cancer metastasis. Such functional genomics studies hold great promise for understanding the genetic basis of metastasis and improving therapeutics for advanced diseases.
Smoking may be considered an established risk factor for sporadic ALS.

Objectives: A 2003 evidence-based review of exogenous risk factors for sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) identified smoking as the only risk factor that attained “probable” (more likely than not) status, based on 2 class II studies. The purpose of the current, evidence-based, update was to see if the conclusion of the previous review needed to be modified, based on studies published since. Methods: A Medline literature search was conducted for the period between 2003 and April 2009 using the search terms smoking and (ALS or “amyotrophic lateral sclerosis” or MND or “motor neuron disease”). The references of primary articles and reviews were checked to assure completeness of the search. Primary articles published since the previous review were classified as before. Results: Twenty-eight titles were identified, but only 7 articles met inclusion criteria. Of these, 1 provided class II evidence, and 1 class III evidence: both showed increased risk of ALS with smoking. The class II study showed a dose-response effect, and risk decreasing with number of years since quitting smoking. Five articles provided class IV or V evidence, which may not be relied upon to draw conclusions. Conclusions: Smoking may be considered an established risk factor for sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) (level A rating; 3 class II studies, 1 class III study). Evidence-based analysis of epidemiologic data shows concordance among results of better-designed studies linking smoking to ALS, and lets those results drive the conclusions.
Single-event-upset and alpha-particle emission rate measurement techniques

The susceptibility of modern integrated-circuit devices to single-event upsets (SEUs) depends on both the alpha-particle emission rate and the energy of the alpha-particles emitted. In addition, the terrestrial neutron energy and flux, which produce secondary charged fragments in the device and circuit at the location of operation, contribute to the SEU rate. In this paper, we discuss methods that are used to measure alpha-particle emissivity from semiconductor and packaging materials, as well as methods that we used and our results for life testing and accelerated SEU testing of modern devices.
Periodic lattice distortion accompanying the ( 3 × 3 ) charge-density-wave phase of Sn/Ge(111)

Surface x-ray diffraction has been used to determine the periodic lattice distortion (PLD) accompanying the charge-density-wave (CDW) formation in the {alpha} phase of Sn on Ge(111). Scanning tunneling microscopy observations of the CDW show a {approximately}0.5-{Angstrom} vertical charge corrugation in the image of the Sn atoms, but the measured vertical ripple in the PLD is almost zero, {approximately}0.04{plus_minus}0.04{Angstrom}. The PLD occurs almost exclusively in the outermost Ge layer, where a 0.22-{Angstrom} lateral motion of the three Ge atoms is associated with the Sn atom with largest amplitude in the CDW. Surprisingly, Sn ion cores move in the opposite direction from valence electrons. These results will be discussed in light of the recent models put forward to explain the CDW formation. {copyright} {ital 1998} {ital The American Physical Society}
Restored impulse response of finite-range image deblurring filter.

In the absence of noise, a linear spatially invariant blur is completely removed by the application of a transfer function proportional to the inverse of the blur transfer function. However, most blur transfer functions of interest either contain zeros or approach zero; and, consequently, the inverse should cover an infinite dynamic range. In these cases, the inverse can be approximated by a holographic spatial filter that employs a finite range of amplitude transmittance. The effect of finite range on the restored impulse response or point spread function of the combined blurring and deblurring operations are studied. A computer simulation is compared with experimental results for the case of severe defocusing through a circular aperture. (auth)
Direct Slope Reconstruction Algorithm for Woofer-Tweeter Adaptive Optics Systems

We present a direct slope reconstruction algorithm to control dual-deformable mirror adaptive optics systems. A global response matrix was derived from the response matrices of each deformable mirror. Simulation results validated this control method.
A target in real motion appears blurred in the absence of other proximal moving targets.

Abstract For exposure durations longer than about 40 msec, a field of dots in sampled motion has been reported to appear less smeared than predicted from the visual persistence of static displays. This reduction of perceived smear has been attributed to a motion “deblurring” mechanism. However, it has been long recognized that an isolated target moving continuously in a dark field appears to be extensively smeared. To reconcile these apparently contradictory observations, we investigated the effect of dot density on the extent of perceived smear for a single moving dot and for fields of dots with densities ranging from 0.75 to 7.5 dots/deg2. Bright targets were presented in continuous motion against a photopically illuminated background field. The results reconcile previous conflicting observations by showing that the length of perceived smear decreases systematically with dot density for exposure durations longer than about 50 msec. In three additional experiments, we arranged the spatial configuration of the targets to evaluate whether motion deblurring results primarily from a motion compensation mechanism (such as integration within the spatiotemporally oriented receptive fields of putative motion mechanisms) or from inhibition exerted by spatiotemporally adjacent targets. The results show that the activation of motion mechanisms is not a sufficient condition for motion deblurring and that the reduction of perceived smear requires the presence of spatiotemporally adjacent targets. Taken together, these findings suggest that motion deblurring results primarily from masking exerted by spatiotemporally proximal targets.
Exciton-Magnon Bound State in Mn F 2 and the Exciton Dispersion in Mn F 2 and RbMn F 3

The absorption of Mn${\mathrm{F}}_{2}$ in the 4000-\AA{} region has been examined. Evidence is presented for the assignment of a sharp line at the edge of a magnon sideband to a magnon-exciton bound state.
Mechanisms of cracking and delamination within thick thermal barrier systems in aero-engines subject to calcium-magnesium-alumino-silicate (CMAS) penetration

An analysis has been conducted that characterizes the susceptibility to delamination of thermal barrier coated (TBC) hot-section aero-turbine components when penetrated by calcium-magnesium-alumino-silicate (CMAS). The assessment has been conducted on stationary components (especially shrouds) with relatively thick TBCs after removal from aero-engines. In those segments that experience the highest temperatures, the CMAS melts, penetrates to a depth about half the coating thickness, and infiltrates all open areas. Therein the TBC develops channel cracks and sub-surface delaminations, as well as spalls. Estimates of the residual stress gradients made on cross-sections (by using the Raman peak shift) indicate tension at the surface, becoming compressive below. By invoking mechanics relevant to the thermo-elastic stresses upon cooling, as well as the propagation of channel cracks and delaminations, a scenario has been presented that rationalizes these experimental findings. Self-consistent estimates of the stress and temperature gradients are presented as well as predictions of channel cracking and delamination upon cooling.
Koror misticius, new genus, new species (Decapoda : Hippolytidae), a cave shrimp from Palau

ABSTRACT A new genus and species, Koror misticius, a shrimp belonging to a group of 6 monotypic genera within the Hippolytidae is described from a marine cave in Palau. It differs from Barbouria and Janicea in having arthrobranchs on the 4 anterior pairs of pereiopods and epipods on maxilliped 1, from Ligur in different placement of the "antennal spine" and in having the propodus of the 3 posterior pereiopods subdivided, and from Parhippolyte and Somersiella in having a slender rostrum and the appendix masculina distinctly longer than the appendix interna on the second male pleopod.
A field study of customers’ switching behavior for bank services

Abstract This research paper makes three important contributions with managerial implications concerning the issue of bank service switching behavior. First, it identifies four overall dimensions of customer satisfaction with bank services. These are personnel related considerations, financial considerations (interest earnings and interest payments), environment related considerations (atmospherics), and convenience related considerations (ATM and hours). Next, we develop and test some hypotheses pertaining to the relationship between customer satisfaction and bank service switching behavior as it is mediated by the importance of a particular bank service to a particular customer and by the nature of competitive offerings for different types of banking services available from other banks. Based on the empirical results of a large scale field study, we provide several theoretical and managerial implications.
ASSESSING CLINICAL SKILLS IN LEGAL EDUCATION: SIMULATION EXERCISES IN CLIENT INTERVIEWING

Four different groups of respondents completed a set of simulation exercises intended to reflect lawyering skills involved in client interviews. The written simulation exercises began with a brief description of a practical situation and required a series of interdependent steps be taken toward resolution of a specific problem in client interviewing. The four response groups were: undergraduate prelaw students; law students without any direct client experience; law students completing programs of clinical legal education; and law professors and attorneys. Scores on the simulation exercises showed successive, significant increases across response groups which were independent of academic preparation and ability. These results suggest both the appropriateness of simulation exercises as measures of clinical skills in legal education and the effectiveness of clinical programs in promoting the development of such skills within law schools.
Minimally united ischiopagus twins: Infraumbilical union with cloacal anomalies

In researching the embryology and pathological anatomy of conjoined twins, more than 1,200 cases were reviewed from the literature of the past 100 years; a few additional cases were obtained by personal communications. One hundred twenty-eight were classified as ischiopagus, the typical cases having union in the perineum, the pelvis, and the lower abdominal wall. Eighteen atypical ischiopagus cases, however, were conjoined only in the infraumbilical abdominal wall, none with union in the perineum or the bony pelvis but all with anomalies of the cloaca. Twelve infants survived surgery in nine of the ten cases separated since 1964. The malformations of the cloaca were not immediately life-threatening, but the death of one twin or an associated gastroschisis or ruptured omphalocele in some cases required prompt attention. The invariable involvement of the urachus and/or bladder and the shared distal ileum and colon led to the conclusion that the anomalies in these twins arose from union of the allantois and the caudal portion of the yolk sac.
The dipole moment derivatives and charge flux parameters from vibrational absorption intensities of ethylene oxide

Abstract The signs of dipole moment derivatives for ethylene oxide obtained from ab initio calculations using the 6-31G ∗ basis set are presented. From these signs and the experimental vibrational absorption intensity data, the atomic polar tensor elements and bond charge flux parameters were evaluated. These quantities were compared with those in the literature calculations employing approximate signs and force constants.
Breast density and parenchymal texture measures as potential risk factors for estrogen-receptor positive breast cancer

Accurate assessment of a woman’s risk to develop specific subtypes of breast cancer is critical for appropriate utilization of chemopreventative measures, such as with tamoxifen in preventing estrogen-receptor positive breast cancer. In this context, we investigate quantitative measures of breast density and parenchymal texture, measures of glandular tissue content and tissue structure, as risk factors for estrogen-receptor positive (ER+) breast cancer. Mediolateral oblique (MLO) view digital mammograms of the contralateral breast from 106 women with unilateral invasive breast cancer were retrospectively analyzed. Breast density and parenchymal texture were analyzed via fully-automated software. Logistic regression with feature selection and was performed to predict ER+ versus ER- cancer status. A combined model considering all imaging measures extracted was compared to baseline models consisting of density-alone and texture-alone features. Area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) and Delong’s test were used to compare the models’ discriminatory capacity for receptor status. The density-alone model had a discriminatory capacity of 0.62 AUC (p=0.05). The texture-alone model had a higher discriminatory capacity of 0.70 AUC (p=0.001), which was not significantly different compared to the density-alone model (p=0.37). In contrast the combined density-texture logistic regression model had a discriminatory capacity of 0.82 AUC (p<0.001), which was statistically significantly higher than both the density-alone (p<0.001) and texture-alone regression models (p=0.04). The combination of breast density and texture measures may have the potential to identify women specifically at risk for estrogen-receptor positive breast cancer and could be useful in triaging women into appropriate risk-reduction strategies.
Some observations of sea turtle nesting activity in Costa Rica

Low level aerial observations were used to obtain synoptic records of the distribution of sea turtle nesting activity along both coasts of Costa Rica. Pertinent environmental information was simultaneously recorded including beach characteristics, river effluents, and evidence of coastal currents. Other correlative information was obtained from detailed maps, current charts, and climatological data. On the Caribbean coast, as expected, green turtle (Chelonia mydas) nesting was concentrated on the beaches between the Tortuguero and Parismina Rivers. On the Pacific coast, two major nesting beaches for the Pacific ridley Lepidochelys olivacea were found, each having over 100 thousand turtles aggregated offshore during the peak period between September and November. Aggregations were present at least from July through December. Massed nesting occurs each year on these same beaches and the event is known as the “salida de flota” by the natives of Guanacaste Province. Numerous less important nesting beaches were also found. Nesting density did not correlate well with beach quality but, instead, appeared to be related to the proximity of the beach to offshore currents. Oceanic current systems apparently facilitate the transport of sea turtles to the general vicinity of the important nesting beaches on both coasts of Coata Rica.
Comparison of carcinoembryonic antigen and molecular analysis in pancreatic cyst fluid

Background Pancreatic-cyst fluid carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) levels and molecular analysis are useful diagnostic tests in differentiating mucinous from nonmucinous cysts. Objective To assess agreement between CEA and molecular analysis for differentiating mucinous from nonmucinous cysts. Design Retrospective analysis. Setting Academic medical center. Methods Patients who underwent EUS-guided FNA for evaluation of pancreatic cysts were identified. The following information was used to designate a cyst mucinous: the CEA criterion was CEA level ≥192 ng/mL and the molecular analysis criteria were DNA quantity ≥40 ng/μL and/or k-ras 2-point mutation and/or ≥2 allelic imbalance mutations. Pathologic analysis of cysts served as the criterion standard. Results From 2006 to 2007, 100 patients met the study criteria. The average age of the patients was 63 years, 65% were women, and 30% were symptomatic. The mean diameter of pancreatic cysts was 2.5 cm. The median CEA value was 83 ng/mL (range 1-50,000 ng/mL), the mean DNA content was 16 ng/μL (range 1-212 ng/μL), 11% had K- ras mutations, and 43% had ≥2 allelic imbalance mutations. When using prespecified criteria, there was poor agreement between CEA and molecular analysis for the classification of mucinous cysts (kappa = 0.2). Poor agreement existed between CEA and DNA quantity (Spearman correlation=0.2; P = .1), K- ras mutation (kappa = 0.3), and ≥2 allelic imbalance mutations (kappa = 0.1). Of the 19 patients for whom a final pathologic diagnosis was available, CEA had a sensitivity of 82% compared with 77% for molecular analysis. When CEA and molecular analysis were combined, 100% sensitivity was achieved. Limitations Retrospective analysis and small sample size. Conclusion There was poor agreement between CEA levels and molecular analysis for diagnosis of mucinous cysts. Diagnostic sensitivity was improved when results of CEA levels and molecular analysis were combined.
Proteolytic cleavage of insulin-like growth factor binding protein 4 (IGFBP-4). Localization of cleavage site to non-homologous region of native IGFBP-4

Insulin-like growth factor binding protein 4 (IGFBP-4) is a 24-kDa protein that binds insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) and IGF-2 with high affinity and inhibits IGF action in vitro. We recently described a protease produced by the B104 neuronal cell line that cleaves IG-FBP-4, yielding an approximate 16-kDa immunoreactive protein that binds IGFs with reduced affinity. We analyzed fragments produced by exposing pure IGFBP-4 to the protease to determine potential cleavage sites. Electrospray mass spectrometry and amino acid sequencing indicated the 16-kDa fragment spanned the NH2 terminus of native IGFBP-4 through Lys-120. There was evidence for an additional proteolytic fragment beginning at amino acid 132 and continuing to the COOH terminus. Proteolysis could be blocked by a synthetic peptide that spanned amino acids 117–126 but not by peptides that contained flanking sequences 111–120 or 125–135. Mutagenesis was used to alter the basic residue at position 120. The expressed mutant IGFBP-4 (K120A) was relatively resistant to cleavage, strongly suggesting that residues 120–121 represent the cleavage site. This region of IGFBP-4 is not homologous with other IGFBPs, explaining the apparent specificity of the protease for IGFBP-4. The 16-kDa IGFBP-4 fragment no longer inhibited IGF-1-stimulated thymidine uptake in vitro, suggesting that proteolytic processing of IGFBP-4 may have important functional consequences in vivo.
Experience-mediated courtship reduction and competition for mates by maleDrosophila melanogaster

Previous research has described conditions which will alter the mating behavior of femaleDrosophila. MaleD. melanogaster exposed to mated females or immature males will show reduced levels of courtship toward normally attractive virgin females or immature males, respectively. Experiments allowing experienced and naive subject males to compete for virgin females are described. The results indicate that experience with mated females does not significantly alter the effectiveness of a male competing for a mate. However, experience with immature males can significantly increase the chances of securing a mate in some circumstances. These results are consistent with previous suggestions that “learning” phenotypes inD. melanogaster may be associated with evolutionary fitness.
Modulation of 2,6‐dinitrotoluene genotoxicity by alachlor treatment of Fischer 344 rats

Due to its widespread use as a preemergent herbicide, alachlor has been detected as a groundwater contaminant. The procarcinogen, 2,6-dinitrotoluene (DNT), a by-product of the munitions industry and a precursor to polyurethane production, is found in the manufacturing waste stream. This study explores the effect of alachlor treatment on the bioactivation of DNT by examining urine mutagenicity, intestinal enzymes, and hepatic DNA adducts to detect changes in metabolism. Five-week-old male rats were treated daily by gavage with 50 mg/kg of alachlor for up to 5 weeks while control animals received an equal volume of peanut oil. At 1, 3, and 5 weeks following the initial alachlor dose, animals were administered p.o. 75 mg/kg DNT or DMSO. Urine was collected for 24 hr in metabolism cages. Following incubation with sulfatase and beta-glucuronidase, urines were individually concentrated by C-18 solid phase extraction, dried under N2, and prepared for bioassay in Salmonella typhimurium strain TA98 with and without metabolic activation. Urine from peanut oil- and alachlor-treated rots was not mutagenic. Even though calf thymus DNA-alachlor adducts formed in vitro, no hepatic DNA adducts were detected in vivo in these two treatment groups. Interestingly, a significant increase in excretion of mutagenic urine from DNT-treated rats was observed following 3 weeks of alachlor treatment in the absence of S9 (690 +/- 130 vs. 339 +/- 28 revertants/ml) which corresponded to increased DNT-related hepatic DNA adduct formation (5.90 +/- 0.88 adducts/10(8) nucleotides vs. 10.56 x +/- 0.59 adducts/10(8) nucleotides [relative adduct level (RAL)]). Elevation in the production of mutagenic urine from control and treated animals was linked to increases in intestinal nitroreductase and beta-glucuronidase activities; however, the only significant alachlor-related effects were an increase in small intestinal 1-week beta-glucuronidase and 5-week dehydrochlorinase activities. The increased urine mutagenicity and hepatic DNA adduct formation indicates that alachlor has a transient effect on DNT bioactivation that apparently is unrelated to intestinal bioactivation.
The effect of light regimen, floor space, and energy and protein levels during the growing period on body weight and early egg size

Two experiments (Exp.) were conducted to determine whether dietary manipulation of energy and protein, additional floor space, and the use of a step-down light regimen during the growing period can influence BW of the White Leghorn pullets at the age of housing (18 wk) and egg size during the early stages of egg production. The results of Exp. 1 indicated that BW at 18 wk of age was increased (P < 0.05) due to the use of high energy (3,036 vs 2,816 kcal ME/kg) or high protein (17.5 vs 14.5%) diets or providing the pullets with more floor space (346 vs 283 cm2 per pullet) from 8 to 18 wk of age. However, the extent of increases of BW due to these variables were not large enough to increase egg size during the early stages of the egg production cycle. The results of Exp. 2 indicated that 18-wk BW was increased (P < 0.05) only due to the use of a high protein sequence (22, 18, and 16% vs 18, 16, and 14% that were used during 0 to 6, 6 to 12, and 12 to 18 wk of age, respectively). Body weight at 18 wk of age was not influenced by the use of a higher energy diet (3,036 vs 2,816 kcal ME/kg) from day-old to 18 wk. Energy or protein levels did not have an effect on early egg size or overall performance up to 66 wk of age. Body weight of the pullets on the step-down light regimen (which were exposed to 23 h/d light at day-old and was gradually reduced to 8 h/d at 15 wk of age) were heavier than the pullets of the short-day light regimen (which were exposed to 8 h/d light during the growing period) during most parts of the growing and laying periods (P < 0.05). The step-down light regimen resulted in increased egg size and higher percentage of extra-large plus large-sized eggs for the entire experiment (P < 0.05), but reduced hen-day egg production and egg mass and impaired feed conversion (P < 0.05) for the entire experiment (18 to 66 wk of age).
Synchrotron radiation representation in phase space

The notion of brightness is efficiently conveyed in geometric optics as density of rays in phase space. Wigner has introduced his famous distribution in quantum mechanics as a quasiprobability density of a quantum system in phase space. Naturally, the same formalism can be used to represent light including all the wave phenomena as originally done by Walther and for synchrotron radiation by Kim. It provides a natural framework for radiation propagation and optics matching by transferring the familiar ``baggage'' of accelerator physics ($\ensuremath{\beta}$ function, emittance, phase-space transforms, etc.) to synchrotron radiation. More specifically, the use of Wigner distribution formalism allows a rigorous description of partially coherent non-Gaussian sources, which is generally the case for synchrotron radiation from an undulator with a high degree of transverse coherence. This paper reviews many of the properties of the Wigner distribution starting from quantum mechanics and provides examples of how its use enables physically insightful description of partially coherent synchrotron radiation in phase space. The concepts of diffraction limit and coherence are given an exact correspondence to their quantum mechanical counterparts. In particular, it is shown that the undulator radiation on resonance by a single electron is not diffraction limited though fully coherent. An extension of how to account for practically important cases of electron beams with nearly diffraction limited emittances is presented along with a discussion of appropriate figures of merit suitable for comparing future light sources.
Generalized kraft inequality and arithmetic coding

Algorithms for encoding and decoding finite strings over a finite alphabet are described. The coding operations are arithmetic involving rational numbers li as parameters such that Σi2-l i≤2-∈. This coding technique requires no blocking, and the per-symbol length of the encoded string approaches the associated entropy within ∈. The coding speed is comparable to that of conventional coding methods.
PREVALENCE AND RISK FACTORS OF LEFT VENTRICULAR THROMBUS IN NONISCHEMIC CARDIOMYOPATHY PATIENTS WITH SEVERE LEFT VENTRICULAR SYSTOLIC DYSFUNCTION

Previous studies have not evaluated the prevalence and the presence of specific risk factors for the development of left ventricular thrombus (LVT) among chemotherapy related cardiomyopathy (CRC) patients who develop severe left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction. We used echocardiographic and
The structure of bursae ovaricae surrounding the ovaries of the golden hamster

The ovaries of many mammals lie within membranous sacs called bursae ovaricae. In this study, we have examined the morphology of the bursa surrounding the hamster ovary using light and electron microscopy. The bursa is composed of three layers: (1) an inner, discontinuous bursal epithelium that faces the ovary; (2) a middle layer of connective tissue that contains fibroblasts, bundles of smooth muscle cells, and blood vessels; and (3) an outer, continuous epithelium that faces the peritoneal cavity. One side of the bursa has a thin layer of connective tissue, and because the ovary may be seen through it, we refer to this region of the bursa as the "window.' Elsewhere a thick layer of fat joins the connective tissue and blocks visualization of the ovary. Tracers (Evans blue and lanthanum) applied to the peritoneal surface do not penetrate beyond the peritoneal epithelium. Tracers injected into the bursal cavity penetrate all layers of the bursa, but do not pass through the peritoneal epithelium. Therefore, the bursa prevents tracer exchange between the bursal and peritoneal cavities, but exchange does take place between the bursal cavity and blood vessels within the bursa. We suggest that bundles of smooth muscle cells within the bursa may serve to regulate fluid volume and pressure within the bursal cavity. Possible functions of the complete bursa in the hamster are discussed.
Purification of xanthine dehydrogenase from rat liver: A rapid procedure with high enzyme yields

Abstract Xanthine dehydrogenase (EC 1.2.1.37) was purified approximately 1000-fold from liver homogenates of adult male Sprague-Dawley rats. Enzyme recovery was good (>20% of the starting activity was obtained), and the homogeneously pure enzyme had a molecular mass of approximately 300,000 Da. The purified protein exhibited a specific activity of 2470 units/mg protein and spectral properties identical to those of the best preparations of this enzyme reported by other investigators. Routine preparations of this enzyme also possess higher dehydrogenase:oxidase ratios (typically between 5 and 6) than do other xanthine dehydrogenase preparations so far reported in the literature. Maximum dehydrogenase:oxidase ratios, greater than 10, could be obtained from this procedure if only peak dehydrogenase fractions from the chromatography columns were saved. The present small-scale purification method, which can be completed in 48–60 h, utilizes ammonium sulfate fractionation, Sephadex G-200 column chromatography, Blue Dextran-Sepharose column chromatography, and preparative gel electrophoresis.
The spread of apoptosis through gap-junctional channels in BHK cells transfected with Cx32

Programmed cell death (apoptosis) occurs both during normal development and as a result of various pathological conditions. An in vitro system was used to explore the transmission of death signals from apoptotic cells to cells with which they were coupled via gap junctions. Confluent cultures of baby hamster kidney (BHK) cells, stably transfected with the gap-junctional protein connexin32, were scrape loaded with cytochrome C (cyC), a mitochondria-derived apoptotic agent, to introduce the protein into cells injured by the cut. The cultures were subsequently analyzed for the presence of activated caspases, the distribution of TUNEL staining, and the binding of annexin V. Although cyC is too large to traverse the gap junctional channel, each of the assays revealed that apoptosis had spread from dying cells at the margin of the scrape to otherwise healthy neighboring cells to which they were coupled. This "bystander effect" was significantly reduced in the presence of agents that block gap junctional intercellular communication.
Japanese Manufacturing Techniques: Nine Hidden Lessons in Simplicity

This article presents a review of the book “Japanese Manufacturing Techniques: Nine Hidden Lessons in Simplicity,” by Richard J. Schonberger.
PARENT FIGURE TRANSITIONS AND DELINQUENCY AND DRUG USE AMONG EARLY ADOLESCENT CHILDREN OF SUBSTANCE ABUSERS

Children of substance abusing parents have an elevated risk for experiencing disruptions in household composition and for engaging in problem behaviors. This study investigated whether multiple parent figure transitions predicted the likelihood of delinquency and drug use among a sample of early adolescents with parents receiving methadone treatment for opiate addiction. Controlling for baseline delinquency, child characteristics, family conflict, parental depression, and parent criminal history, a greater number of parenting disruptions during the longitudinal study period was associated with a higher probability of delinquent behavior. Gender moderated the effect of parent figure transitions in a parallel analysis for drug use. After accounting for baseline drug use and potentially confounding factors, only adolescent females had a higher likelihood of drug use as the number of family disruptions increased. In contrast, age was strongly associated with drug use for males. A subgroup of youths who experienced tremendous family instability and had no single consistent parent figure during the study period were at extreme risk for delinquent behavior. The findings are interpreted in terms of cumulative stress resulting from multiple parenting disruptions over time and differential influences on the expression of problem behaviors depending on gender.
Aerosol sampling efficiency of 37 mm filter cassettes

This research compared the sampling efficiencies of open- and closed-face 37 mm filter cassettes and an experimental cassette with a tapered inlet. The experiment involved challenging the cassettes with various aerosol sizes up to 24 µm Mass Median Aerodynamic Diameter (MMAD) in a wind tunnel operated at 100 cm/sec. Sampling efficiencies were determined by comparing cassette mass concentration measurements to paired isokinetic samples. It was found that sampling efficiencies dropped with increasing particle size and that the cassette with the tapered entry offered no improvement to sampling efficiency. Sampling efficiency appeared to be improved by placing cassettes on a manikin to simulate personal sampling.
Voluntary Acts: The Child/Davidson Trilemma

James Child, in "Donald Davidson and Section 2.01 of the Model Penal Code,"(1) applied the Davidsonian analysis of action ("intentional under some description") to explain the requirement of a voluntary act in criminal law and to show how it is consistent with negligence and strict liability. Unfortunately, however, the Davidsonian analysis is either too strong or too weak for that purpose. On one possible interpretation, the Davidsonian analysis is too strong because it rules out liability in the negligence and strict liability, the very cases in which it is supposed to justify liability. On the other possible interpretation, the analysis is too weak because it fails to rule out liability in any cases. Consider one of Child's examples, taken from Davidson: If the officer presses a button thinking it will ring a bell that summons a steward to bring him a cup of tea, but in fact it fires a torpedo that sinks the Bismarck, then the officer sank the Bismarck; but if he fell against the button because a wave upset his balance, then, though the consequences are the same, we will not count him as the agent.(2) Child concludes that the officer might be held liable for criminal negligence in the first but not the second hypothetical. After all, in the first hypothetical he voluntarily acted, since his ringing the bell was intentional under some description (for example, "ringing the bell" or "summoning a steward"). In the second hypothetical, the officer did not act at all. But things aren't so simple. Suppose the officer in the second hypothetical knew the button would fire the torpedo, and he wanted to sink the Bismarck. Suppose that sinking the Bismarck is prohibited. Finally, suppose that to minimize the chances that he will be charged, the officer plots to sink the Bismarck in the following way: he will drink beer until he is wobbly; then he will position himself near the button. Inevitably the waves hitting his ship will cause him to lose his balance and strike the button. Now if his plan succeeds, he is surely guilty of intentionally sinking the Bismarck. Yet his "act" of hitting the button is no different from what it was in Child's/ Davidson's second hypothetical. There are three routes to take here, but none will help Child. First, one could bite the bullet and deny liability in the case of my plotting officer. That would be absurd. Second, one could quite reasonably point to the officer's many voluntary acts that led up to being thrown against the button. …
Expression of the proto-oncogene int-1 is restricted to postmeiotic male germ cells and the neural tube of mid-gestational embryos

Abstract The int -1 proto-oncogene is transcriptionally activated in mammary tumors by mouse mammary tumor virus insertion mutations and is normally expressed only in adult mouse testes and mid-gestational embryos. We have used anatomical dissection of embryos, germcell fractionation, peripuberal expression studies, and spermatogenesis mutants to identify more precisely the tissues and cells that contain int -1 RNA. In the testis, int -1 RNA is detected only in postmeiotic germ cells undergoing differentiation from round spermatids into mature spermatozoa. In embryos 11–15 days after conception, expression of the gene is restricted to the developing central nervous system in regions of the neural tube other than the telencephalon. Our findings suggest that int -1 mediates developmental events at these two sites.
Wigner equation of motion for time-dependent potentials

The equation of motion is obtained for the Wigner distribution for time-dependent potentials. It is shown that one cannot obtain an equation of motion for the standard Wigner distribution but one can do so for the four-dimensional distribution of the variables position, momentum, time, and frequency. Three forms are given and it is shown that for time-independent potentials the new form reduces to the equations originally obtained by Wigner and Moyal.
Fermion production in the background of Minkowski space classical solutions in spontaneously broken gauge theory.

We investigate fermion production in the background of Minkowski space solutions to the equations of motion of SU(2) gauge theory spontaneously broken via the Higgs mechanism. First, we attempt to evaluate the topological charge {ital Q} of the solutions. We find that for solutions {ital Q} is not well defined as an integral over all space-time. Solutions can profitably be characterized by the (integer-valued) change in the Higgs winding number {Delta}{ital N}{sub {ital H}}. We show that solutions which dissipate at early and late times and which have a nonzero {Delta}{ital N}{sub {ital H}} must have at least the sphaleron energy. We show that if we couple a quantized massive chiral fermion to a classical background given by a solution, the number of fermions produced is {Delta}{ital N}{sub {ital H}}, and is not related to {ital Q}.
Nightmare in the Caucasus

Chechen warlords, fielding a formidable and hardened armed force, continue to overtly provoke Russia in the Caucasus. History and Russia's longstanding involvement in Chechnya precludes any pragmatic resolution of the enduring conflict.
Panlobular Emphysema: Anatomy and Pathodynamics

Based upon the structural concept of the secondary lobule of Miller, it is apparent that a common anatomic pattern of emphysema involving principally the terminal air ducts and sacs may be recognized on a localized or generalized basis. This form of emphysema we have labelled the panlobular type, as the entire secondary lobule of Miller shows overdistension and air sac rupture, and in advanced cases uniform bullous fields. An accompaniment of advancing degrees of emphysema is the presence of numerous alveolar fenestrations of major importance in the progression of this form of irreversible lung distension. Panlobular emphysema is a morphologic denominator common to such heterogeneous conditions as primary kyphotic chest deformities, localized hilar scleroses or neoplastic states producing laryngeal or large bronchial airway deformities and congenital "lobar" emphysema. Less well-defined is the airway obstruction in chronic bronchitis and bronchiectasis observed in many cases of established panlobular emphysema. An additional emphysematous group without structural bronchial deformity was also found. These were usually associated with lesser degrees of emphysema. Bronchial disturbances may produce not only an obstructive airway mechanism leading to air trapping, but indirectly influence surface tension phenomena within the lung or impair clearance of entrapped pollutants and in this way initiate erosion of the air sac membranes. Hypertrophy of the right ventricle was a frequent companion of established cases of generalized panlobular emphysema. The air-to-blood exchanging surface—the pulmonary contribution to homeostasis—is progressively destroyed through alveolar sac dissolution with the concurrent loss of the perfusing lung bed being responsible for the common clinical manifestations of cor pulmonale. Other determinants involved in the development of cor pulmonale are pathologic by-passes from artery to vein, bronchopulmonary shunting particularly in emphysema with fibrosis and a decompensating portal azygos-pulmonary vein system. These morphologic findings reflect the primary importance of the pulmonary-cardiac disease in the natural history of this form of emphysema.
Nitric oxide synthases reveal a role for calmodulin in controlling electron transfer

Nitric oxide (NO) is synthesized within the immune, vascular, and nervous systems, where it acts as a wide-ranging mediator of mammalian physiology. The NO synthases (EC 1.14.13.39) isolated from neurons or endothelium are calmodulin dependent. Calmodulin binds reversibly to neuronal NO synthase in response to elevated Ca2+, triggering its NO production by an unknown mechanism. Here we show that calmodulin binding allows NADPH-derived electrons to pass onto the heme group of neuronal NO synthase. Calmodulin-triggered electron transfer to heme was independent of substrate binding, caused rapid enzymatic oxidation of NADPH in the presence of O2, and was required for NO synthesis. An NO synthase isolated from cytokine-induced macrophages that contains tightly bound calmodulin catalyzed spontaneous electron transfer to its heme, consistent with bound calmodulin also enabling electron transfer within this isoform. Together, these results provide a basis for how calmodulin may regulate NO synthesis. The ability of calmodulin to trigger electron transfer within an enzyme is unexpected and represents an additional function for calcium-binding proteins in biology.
The Fat Percentage of Milk as Affected by Feeding Fats to Dairy Cows

Summary 1.The fat content of the milk of dairy cows was markedly increased when the fat content of the ration was increased during six day periods by feeding butterfat, lard, tallow, linseed oil, cottonseed oil, corn oil, peanut oil, soy-bean oil, or cocoanut oil. 2.The degree to which the fat percentage of the milk was influenced was, to a large extent, proportional to the amount of fat which was fed. 3.The increase in the fat content of the milk was secured regardless of the breed of the cows, stage of lactation, level of production, or season of the year. 4.The increase in fat percentage was due primarily to increased butterfat production, since the milk yield was influenced only to a slight extent, except in the case of cocoanut oil which appeared to cause a depression of milk yield when fed in large amounts. 5.The increased amount of butterfat in the milk was equivalent to but 10 to 20 per cent of the increase in fat intake, the remainder presumably being utilized by the body for other purposes. 6.A period of 12 to 24 hours after the fat was fed elapsed before its influence became observable in the milk. This influence was maintained for 30 to 42 hours after the last fat was fed. This lag apparently corresponds to the time required for the necessary digestive, circulatory, and secretory processes to take place. 7.The influence of the fat was exerted whether it was added to an already adequate ration or whether it replaced an equivalent amount of energy in the form of carbohydrates. 8.It was not found necessary to feed the fat in an emulsified form as it was very effective when fed after melting and mixing with the grain. 9.These investigations give no satisfactory evidence upon the effect of continued fat feeding because of the short experimental periods used.
Assessing sensitivity to climate change and drought variability of a sand dune endemic lizard

Abstract Bioclimatic models aimed assessing a species’ sensitivity to climate change incorporate mean shifts in climate variables; however the more acute threat to the persistence of species may result from increased frequency of extreme climatic events, including increased duration and severity of droughts. Here we assess climate-change sensitivity using niche modeling that unlike bioclimatic modeling incorporates both climate variables as well as other habitat features that constrain a species’ distribution. We analyzed the effects of potential increases in drought frequency for an endangered, sand dune-restricted lizard, a species restricted to a narrowly occurring substrate and so unable to move up-slope or pole-ward to track climate shifts. Our niche modeling results indicated only minor losses to the area of suitable niche space at lower levels of modeled climate change; at the most severe climate shifts we tested the area of suitable niche space reduced by slightly more than 50%. However, extrapolating the potential impacts of reduced rainfall on drought periodicity and intensity showed a more immediate and acute impact on the lizard’s populations. Drought duration projections coupled with landscape fragmentation resulted in rapid losses of suitable niche space, beginning in the more arid portion of the lizard’s range and extending into more moderate climate areas. Although there is greater uncertainty associated with the impacts of climate change on drought periodicity than with shifts in mean conditions, our results show a greater potential for droughts to negatively impact species’ resilience to such changes.
a RoUGH, ramBling, strAnGe, muDDy, CONfusing, elLIPtical Kut: from An Archaeology of Plain Talk

The idea that anyone can speak or write plain talk is poked, pondered, pushed, prodded, satirized, and problematized. Furthermore, the article argues that calls for plain talk are elitist, but not in an individual, conscious-choice sense. Instead, the article contends that such calls are social circulations that spiral through elite discourse networks that then get (unconsciously) spoken through the voices of those who inhabit these elite networks. Compelling these calls is the enactment of the same-other binary within which the same plays out the only story it knows, its superiority to and dominance of the other, and its anxious attempted erasure of the other, for the purpose of maintaining its positional perch.
Ultrafiltration of lake water for potable water production

Abstract Ultrafiltration with coagulation or powdered activated carbon pretreatment is used to treat water from a public water supply. While UF without pretreatment is effective in removing turbidity, pretreatment prior to UF greatly enhances the removal of natural organic matter and trihalomethane precursors. Short-term flux loss can be minimized with backflushing, while long-term irreversible fouling seems to be affected most by the type of membrane polymer.