cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Src family kinases and HER2 interactions in human breast cancer cell growth and survival

Evidence from murine fibroblast models and human breast cancer cells indicates that c-Src and human EGF receptor (HER1) synergize to enhance neoplastic growth of mammary epithelial cells. To investigate whether interactions between c-Src and other HER family members may also play a role in breast tumor progression, we characterized 13 human breast carcinoma cell lines and 13 tumor samples for expression of HER family members and c-Src and examined a subset of the cell lines for Src-dependent, heregulin (HRG)-augmented, anchorage-dependent and independent growth. By immunoblotting, we found that all cell lines overexpressed one or more HER family member, and 60% overexpressed c-Src. Seventy-five per cent of the tumor tissues overexpressed HER2, while 64% overexpressed c-Src. Colony formation in soft agar was enhanced by HRG in three of five cell lines tested, a response that correlated with the presence of a c-Src/HER2 heterocomplex. This result suggests that HRG may act through both HER2 and c-Src to facilitate anchorage-independent growth. In contrast, HRG had little effect on anchorage-dependent growth in any of the cell lines tested. PP1, a Src family kinase inhibitor, reduced or ablated HRG-dependent and independent soft agar growth or anchorage dependent growth, and triggered apoptosis in all cell lines tested. The apoptotic effect of PP1 could be partially or completely reversed by HRG, depending on the cell line. These results suggest that while Src family kinases may cooperate with HRG to promote the survival and growth of human breast tumor cells, they also function independently of HER2/HRG in these processes.
Muscle Stimulation Waveform Timing Patterns to Increase Muscular Endurance in Functional Electrical Stimulation Pedaling Using a Forward Dynamic Model

Functional electrical stimulation (FES) pedaling can provide spinal cord injured (SCI) individuals with cardiorespiratory and muscular strength benefits. A limiting factor in FES pedaling benefit to the SCI population is the low endurance of electrically stimulated muscle. Because a reduction of the force-time integral for a single muscle group leads to an increase in the duration of the force generating capacity of the muscle group [1–2], we sought to test whether reducing the stress-time integral of multiple muscle groups working together could increase the endurance and work performed during FES pedaling. To this end, the objectives of this study were to: 1) compute the electrical stimulation timing patterns that minimize the stress-time integral of the muscles used to pedal a FES ergometer, 2) compare the simulated mechanical energies generated by the muscles with the computed electrical stimulation on and off times, and 3) test the efficacy of the computed electrical stimulation timing patterns in an experimental setting.© 2009 ASME
Biorationals fromNicotiana protect cucumbers againstColletotrichum lagenarium (Pass.) ell. & halst disease development

Trichome exudate compounds isolated from leaves ofNicotiana tabacum, N. glutinosa (accessions 24 and 24a), and 21 otherNicotiana species were evaluated for biorational activity againstC. lagenarium, the anthracnose pathogen of cucumber. Exudate compounds tested were the cembrane diterpenes α- and β-4,8,13-duvatriene-1,3-diols (DVT diols); the labdane diterpenes (13-E)-labda-13-ene-8α,15-diol (labdenediol) and (13-R)-labda-14-ene-8α, 13-diol (sclareol); extracts fromN. gossei; and various sugar ester isolates. In dose-response experiments test compounds were applied to a water agar surface that was then inoculated with a conidial suspension. Low levels of most test compounds reduced or completely inhibited germination ofC. lagenarium conidia. IC50 values, concentrations (micrograms per square centimeter) at which conidium germination was reduced 50%, were 6.3 for DVT diols, 19.3 for sclareol, 1.0 for labdenediol, 2.8 for a mixture of sclareol and labdenediol, 1.2 for anN. gossei sucrose ester and 4.1 for theN. gossei crude extract. Higher levels of DVT diols and the sclareol-labdenediol mixture were required to reduce lesion size and number on inoculated cucumber leaves. At the highest concentration tested, 100 µg/cm(2), the DVT diols and sclareol-labdenediol mixtures protected cucumbers against lesion development by 93 and 98%, respectively. Sugar ester mixtures from 20Nicotiana species and three different sugar ester fractions fromN. bideglovii had in vitro antifungal activity at a concentration of 48 µg/cm(2). Sugar esters from nine of the species includingN. acuminata, N. attenuata, N. clevelandii, N. maritima, N. miersii, N. noctiflora, N. occidentalis, N. rustica, and fractions 10, 12, and 13 fromN. bideglovii completely inhibitedC. lagenarium conidium from germinating. Sugar ester mixtures from only four species,N. plumbaginifolia, N. bonariensis, N. simulans, andN. palmerii, had no significant effect onC. lagenarium conidium germination. These results suggest the potential ofNicotiana exudates as biorationals in reducing disease development.
Separations of derivatized amino acid enantiomers by cyclodextrin‐modified capillary electrophoresis: Mechanistic and molecular modeling studies

The enantiomers of 5-dimethylamino-1-naphthalene sulfonyl (DNS)-deriva-tives of selected amino acids were successfully separated using capillary electrophoresis (CE) employing cyclodextrins (CD) as enantio-selective running buffer additives. A previously described model for retention and chiral recognition in CD-modified CE is shown to adapt well in this application. Resolution of the isomers is strongly influenced by the type and concentration of cyclodextrin employed, as predicted by the model. Although data indicates differences in the electrophoretic mobilities for some of the completely complexed enantiomer pairs, selectivity generally requires exploiting differences in the amino acid-CD complexation constants for enantiomer pairs. In this work, the D-enantiomers exhibit larger formation constants and are complexed to a greater degree (elute first) at moderate CD concentration. When mixtures of amino acids are analyzed, the effects of separation conditions on general elution behavior must be considered or separated enantiomer pairs will co-elute with other enantiomers. Preliminary results aimed at predicting the strength of DNS-amino acid enantiomer-CD interactions based on molecular modeling studies are presented. A statistical mechanical approach to treating computationally derived enantiomer-CD interaction energies is shown to provide reasonable correlation with separation performance.
Reconstructing a function from its set of tangent lines

ALAN HoRWITZ: I received my Ph.D from Temple University in 1984 in i complex variables and approximation theory under the direction of Donald Newman. My research interests have included polynomial interpolation, Banach spaces of analytic functions, and algebraic and analytic differential equations. The "inverse-type problem" considered in this article is related to work I did with Lee Rubel in polynomial interpolation.
Revisiting the Divisive Primary Hypothesis: 2008 and the Clinton—Obama Nomination Battle:

The 2008 Democratic primary was marked by divisiveness as notable as its historic candidates. And while Barack Obama won the general election,political scientists would be remiss in studying divisive primary effects only when they are electorally decisive. Accordingly, we examine this largely forgotten storyline, searching for these effects throughout different segments of the electorate. Our analysis pursues evidence at multiple levels, focusing on the illustrative case of Franklin County in the bellwether state of Ohio. First, we use aggregate data and ecological inference to ascertain levels of abstention and defection among Clinton supporters, noting patterns in precincts. Next, we analyze original survey data drawn from individuals observed displaying yard signs, examining rates of participation within this engaged population. Overall, the evidence suggests that the primary produced lasting effects in terms of turnout, defection, and other participatory acts—effects that might have cost Obama the pre...
A comparison of the effects of clonidine and CNQX infusion into the locus coeruleus and the amygdala on naloxone-precipitated opiate withdrawal in the rat

Both the locus coeruleus (LC) and the amygdala have been implicated in aspects of opiate dependence and withdrawal. The LC is known to be one of the most sensitive sites for precipitating withdrawal behaviors after local opiate antagonist infusions in morphine-dependent subjects. The amygdala is also known to mediate antagonist-induced withdrawal behaviors and aversive motivational states. The goal of the present study was to evaluate directly the ability of noradrenergic agonists and glutamatergic antagonists to attenuate naloxone-precipitated withdrawal behaviors when infused into the LC or the central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA). The alpha-2-noradrenergic agonists clonidine or ST-91 were infused into the CeA to compare the effects of noradrenergic activation in the CeA to the attenuation of withdrawal previously observed in rats infused with clonidine into the LC, since the LC and CeA are known to contain co-localized opiate and noradrenergic receptors. The effects of microinfusions of the non-NMDA excitatory amino acid antagonist 6-cyano-2,3-dihydroxy-7-nitroquinoxaline (CNQX) were also infused into the LC and CeA since opiate withdrawal is associated with increased glutamatergic transmission. Intra-CeA clonidine or ST-91 (2.4 µg/0.5 µl or 1.0 µl) produced significant reductions primarily in the occurrence of irritability. Conversely, intra-CeA or intra-LC infusions of CNQX (2.5 µg/0.5 µl) significantly attenuated naloxone-precipitated withdrawal, an effect similar to the attenuation previously observed after intra-LC clonidine infusions. These data demonstrate the specific behavioral effects of altering glutamatergic and noradrenergic neurotransmission in the LC or CeA during naloxone-precipitated opiate withdrawal. Elucidation of the neuroanatomical circuitry involved in opiate withdrawal should increase our understanding of the neuroadaptations associated with drug dependence and subsequent withdrawal behavior.
Neuro-ophthalmologic and electroretinographic findings in pantothenate kinase-associated neurodegeneration (formerly Hallervorden-Spatz syndrome).

Purpose The onset of pantothenate kinase-associated neurodegeneration (PKAN) occurs in the first and second decade of life and a pigmentary retinal degeneration is a feature of the disorder. Since the neuro-ophthalmologic and electroretinographic (ERG) features have never been well delineated, we describe them in 16 patients with PKAN. Design Observational case series. Methods Sixteen patients with genetic and neuroimaging-confirmed PKAN were examined. Ten underwent neuro-ophthalmologic examination and all had ERGs. Results Of the 10 who underwent neuro-ophthalmologic examination, all showed saccadic pursuits and eight showed hypometric or slowed vertical saccades. Seven of eight had inability to suppress the vestibulo-ocular reflex; two patients could not cooperate. Two had square wave jerks and four had poor convergence. Vertical optokinetic responses were abnormal in five, and two patients had blepharospasm. Eight patients had sectoral iris paralysis and partial loss of the pupillary ruff consistent with Adie's pupils in both eyes. Only four of 10 examined patients showed a pigmentary retinopathy, but 11 of 16 had abnormal ERGs ranging from mild cone abnormalities to severe rod-cone dysfunction. No patient had optic atrophy. The PANK2 mutations of all of the patients were heterogeneous. Conclusions Adie's-like pupils, abnormal vertical saccades, and saccadic pursuits were very common. These findings suggest that mid-brain degeneration occurs in PKAN more frequently than previously thought. ERG abnormalities were present in approximately 70% and no patient had optic atrophy. Although genotype-ocular phenotype correlations could not be established, allelic differences probably contributed to the variable clinical expression of retinopathy and other clinical characteristics in these patients.
Proteoglycan Signaling Co–receptors: Roles in Cell Adhesion, Migration and Invasion

Signaling co-receptors are diverse, multifunctional components of most major signaling pathways, with roles in mediating and regulating signaling in both physiological and pathophysiological circumstances. Many of these signaling co-receptors, including CD44, glypicans, neuropilins, syndecans and TssRIII/betaglycan are also proteoglycans. Like other co-receptors, these proteoglycan signaling co-receptors can bind multiple ligands, promoting the formation of receptor signaling complexes and regulating signaling at the cell surface. The proteoglycan signaling co-receptors can also function as structural molecules to regulate adhesion, cell migration, morphogenesis and differentiation. Through a balance of these signaling and structural roles, proteoglycan signaling co-receptors can have either tumor promoting or tumor suppressing functions. Defining the role and mechanism of action of these proteoglycan signaling co-receptors should enable more effective targeting of these co-receptors and their respective pathways for the treatment of human disease.
Control of Ketogenesis and Fatty-Acid Synthesis at the Mitochondrial Branch-Point for Acetyl-CoA in the Chick Liver Cell: Effect of Adenosine 3′,5′-Monophosphate

Previous work has shown that dibutyryl adenosine 3′,5′-monophosphate (Bt2cAMP) markedly activates ketogenesis from fatty acids released during the mobilization of cytoplasmic triacylglycerol-rich vesicles in the chick liver cell. In the present investigation, activation of the formation of [14C]acetoacetate and 3-[14C]hydroxybutyrate from [1-14C]oleate by the cyclic nucleotide was shown to occur at two mitochondrial sites: (a) the l-(–)-carnitine-dependent translocation of the fatty acid across the inner mitochondrial membrane and (b) the intramitochondrial metabolism of acetyl-CoA. The hypothesis was tested that cAMP regulates ketogenesis and fatty acid synthesis by controlling acetyl-CoA flux at the mitochondrial branch-point leading into the 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA cycle or to citrate formation. Bt2cAMP caused an immediate activation of acetoacetate formation and a concomitant inhibition of fatty acid synthesis from acetate. Evidence is presented that these effects are due to a cyclic-nucleotide-induced fall in the mitochondrial concentration of oxaloacetate. An assay for oxaloacetate, sufficiently sensitive to analyze extracts of cells in monolayer culture, was employed. With this assay, Bt, cAMP was shown to cause a > 90% decrease in cellular oxaloacetate concentration. The calculated level to which intramitochondrial oxaloacetate fell was below the Km for oxaloacetate in the citrate-synthase-catalyzed reaction and, therefore, was sufficient to curtail citrate formation. Lactate, a precursor of oxaloacetate and an antiketogenic agent, reversed the effects of Bt2cAMP. Under conditions where glucose was sole precursor of oxaloacetate and citrate, the activation of ketogenesis and the inhibition of fatty acid synthesis by Bt2cAMP were reversed by lactate. Lactate also reversed the Bt2cAMP-induced decrease in oxaloacetate and citrate concentration. The fact that lactate enters the pathway between glucose and oxaloacetate indicated that the site of inhibition by Bt, cAMP lies above pyruvate in the glycolytic pathway. Based on these and previous results it appears that, by inhibiting glycolysis, cAMP exerts long-range effects on two major pathways in the chick hepatocyte, ketogenesis and fatty acid synthesis.
The dissociation constant of amino acids by the conductimetric method: I. pK1 of MOPSO-HCl at 25°C

The dissociation constants of amino acids are generally determined by acid-base titration and by the emf method. The use of the conductimetric method to obtain pK for amino acids appears to be the first of its kind. In this study, we describe the method of measurement, the treatment of the data and discuss the results. The choice of MOPSO for the investigation is in conjunction with the development of new buffer systems as pH Standard Reference Materials. The value for pK at 25°C is 0.060±0.005.
Plant Growth Regulators Alter Kentucky Bluegrass Canopy Leaf Area and Carbon Exchange

Turf managers apply plant growth regulators (PGRs) throughout the growing season to reduce clipping production, provide a uniform canopy, and increase color. Reduced efficacy of trinexapac-ethyl (TE) [4-(cyclopropyl-α-hydroxy-methylene)-3,5-dioxocyclohexanecarboxylic acid ethyl ester] and paclobutrazol (PAC) [(2RS, 3RS)-1-(4-chlorophenyl)-4,4-dimethyl-2-(1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl) pentan-3-ol] has been reported during warmer summer months. Plant growth regulator dissipation and Kentucky bluegrass (KBG; Poa pratensis L.) clipping production, canopy leaf area, and carbon exchange rates (CERs) were measured following single TE or PAC applications applied at three rates and three application timings. Warmer summer conditions reduced the intensity and duration of TE and PAC growth suppression compared to spring applications. Plant growth regulator applications above the manufacturers label rate provided no additional suppression. Residues of PGRs were analyzed by HPLC-UV. Warmer temperatures increased TE and PAC uptake, but accelerated the rate of PGR dissipation. Carbon exchange rates were measured weekly on ground (CERG) and leaf (CERL) area bases. Treatment with PGRs resulted in decreased leaf area early during inhibition followed by increased rate of leaf area production. Changes in canopy leaf area were greatest in spring and PAC caused the greatest change in leaf area. Changes in CERG reflected changes in leaf area. Paclobutrazol generally increased CERL during periods of clipping suppression, while TE had no effect on CERL.
Optimization of Cheddar Cheese Taste in Model Cheese Systems

ABSTRACT: To construct a Cheddar taste in media similar to Cheddar cheese, we developed dairy, nondairy, and mozzarella model systems. We trained a descriptive analysis panel to evaluate real and model cheeses for a variety of taste attributes and for Cheddar-like taste. We added sodium chloride, lactic acid, citric acid, and monosodium glutamate to the model systems using mixture designs and used response surface methodology to determine optimum levels of these 3 components. Less sodium chloride and acids were needed to simulate the taste of mild Cheddar compared with aged Cheddar. None of the model cheeses closely mimicked the texture of real Cheddar. We approximated, but did not match, the taste of aged cheddar using our mozzarella base. Panelists generally rated the optimized tastes in the dairy model system as more Cheddar-like than the optimized tastes in the nondairy model.
The epley or canalith repositioning maneuvers for classic benign positional vertigo

The canalith repositioning maneuvers are highly effective in the treatment of benign positional vertigo. They form the front line in the treatment of this disease, and no discussion of the treatment of this disease is complete without mention of these maneuvers. Surgery should not be considered without an adequate trial of canalith repositioning. The initial success rate is more than 90%, with up to 40% having recurrences or atypical responses to treatment. Recurrences can initially be treated with repeated Epley maneuvers; surgery is reserved for intractable cases.
Synthesis of 3'-fluoro-3'-deoxythymidine and studies of its 18F-radiolabeling, as a tracer for the noninvasive monitoring of the biodistribution of drugs against AIDS

Abstract 3′-Fluoro-3′-deoxy-thymidine (FDT), a fluorinated analog of 3′-azido-thymidine (AZT), is both more active against the HIV virus but also more toxic than AZT. Because of its fluorine atom, it can be labeled with 18 F to be used to monitor this drug's biodistribution and targeting. A new synthesis for FDT, suited for 18 F labeling, has been developed. After protecting the 5′-hydroxy group with a trityl group, the 3′-hydroxy group was subtituted with a mesyl group in the lyxo configuration. Treatment with 18 F potassium fluoride and crown-18 ether yielded the 18 F-labeled fluoro derivative which on detritylation afforded 18 F FDT with 7% labeling efficiency. This is the first reported synthesis of 3′- fluoro-5′-O-trityl deoxythymidine using potassium fluoride and preparing its 18 F labeled analog. The time required to incorporate 18 F in the intermediate compound and isolate the end-product is reasonably short (approximately 2 h) which will allow sufficient time to conduct biological studies with this short-lived radionuclide.
The Ruthwell Monument Runic Poem in a Tenth-Century Context

The goal of this essay is to test the generally accepted notion that the runic crucifixion text on the Ruthwell monument is a product of the eighth century by substituting a tenth-century context which better fits both cultural and textual considerations. The fact that this text, a long one in epigraphical terms, was written in runes, that it was written in English, and that its content can be productively read against liturgical parallels probably unavailable in England before the Regularis Concordia in the late tenth century support the inscription as a probable tenth- or eleventh-century addition to the monument. On the argument that the monument was already standing when the decision to add the runic poem was made, it is difficult to say exactly when the runic text may have been added. Surviving runic manuscripts document a very strong interest in runic writing in the late tenth and early eleventh centuries, and close attention to one of these, chosen more or less at random, confirms the details preserved in the Ruthwell runes, such as the velar and palatal allophone of /c/ and /g/. Secondly, that such material should be added in English to the cross is more likely at a late date than at an early one. Finally, prayers for the adoration of the cross are specified by incipits in the Regularis Concordia and are datable in full form and Passion liturgy arrangement only in the tenth and eleventh centuries and later. Nevertheless, they were then pervasive and offer excellent intertexts for reading with the runic composition on the Ruthwell monument.
Sequence Length Distributions (Microstructure) of Regioregular Poly(3-alkylthiophene)s and Related Conjugated Polymers and Their Use in Simulating π−π* Absorption Peak Profiles

The head−tail (HT) sequence length distributions (SLDs) of poly(3-alkylthiophenes) (P3ATs) and related polymers may be obtained from the H NMR spectra. The results show that the regioregular polymers, i.e., those with the highest HT content, have broader SLDs than the less regular polymers. The SLD may be used to simulate the characteristic profiles of the π−π* absorption peaks of P3ATs and related polymers.
Design and performance of modularized NaI(Tl) detectors with rectangular crystal elements: An array of 49 and the crystal box

Abstract An array of 49 NaI(Tl) modules each 20 inch in depth and 2.5 inch × 2.5 inch in cross section has been constructed and its properties, especially energy resolution, explored for positrons in the range 20 MeV – 18 GeV. A subsequent much larger detector, the Crystal Box, has also been constructed from 396 modules of the same cross section, but mostly 12 inch in depth, and operated as a γ-ray and positron detector in a search for rare muon decays. The calibration procedure used for the Crystal Box and its characteristic resolutions in energy, impact point and time are described.
Homocysteine Lowering and Cognition in CKD: The Veterans Affairs Homocysteine Study

Background Individuals with advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end-stage renal disease (ESRD) have high plasma total homocysteine (tHcy) levels, which may be a risk factor for cognitive impairment. Whether treatment with high-dose B vitamins to decrease high tHcy levels improves cognition in persons with kidney disease is unknown. Study Design Randomized controlled trial. Setting & Participants A substudy of 659 patients (mean age, 67.3 ± 11.7 years) who participated in a randomized double-blind clinical trial 5 years in duration conducted in 36 US Department of Veterans Affairs medical centers of the effect on all-cause mortality of vitamin-induced lowering of plasma tHcy level. 236 (35.8%) were treated by using dialysis (ESRD) and 423 (64.2%) had a Cockcroft-Gault estimated creatinine clearance of 30 mL/min or less (advanced CKD). All had high tHcy levels (≥15 μmol/L) at baseline. Cognitive assessments began during the follow-up period of the main trial 3 years after treatment began; participants subsequently were retested 1 year later to assess cognitive change. Intervention Daily high-dose B vitamin capsule (40 mg of folic acid, 100 mg of vitamin B 6 , and 2 mg of vitamin B 12 ) or placebo. Outcomes Cognitive function at initial assessment and 1 year later. Measurements Telephone Interview of Cognitive Status–modified, supplemented with attention, working memory, and executive function tests. Results Initial cognitive function was impaired in approximately 19% of patients regardless of treatment assignment (vitamin or placebo) or kidney disease status (advanced CKD or ESRD). Treatment decreased tHcy levels by 26.7%. Unadjusted and adjusted analyses showed that treatment did not improve initial cognitive outcomes or affect subsequent cognitive status 1 year later. Limitations Cognitive assessments began after treatment was initiated; cognitive assessment was limited. Conclusion Treatment with high daily doses of B vitamins, which decreased tHcy levels, did not affect cognitive outcomes in patients with advanced CKD and ESRD.
The Structural and Possible Functional Alterations on DNA and Chromatin Resulting from cis-Pt(NH3)2Cl2 Modification

Abstract cis-Diamminedichloroplatinum(II) binds covalently to the bases of DNA and exhibits a number of distinct modes of binding that can influence the structure of DNA. Of these, the intrastrand crosslink to adjacent guanines appears responsible for unwinding of supercoiled DNA and stimulating S1 nuclease activity. Investigation of the binding that occurs in chromatin reveals that the antitumor drug also forms crosslinks between DNA and the HMG proteins 1, 2, and E in micrococcal nuclease-accessible regions, in addition to protein-protein crosslinks between the LMG proteins. From the studies on both DNA and chromatin, we propose 1) a model for the interaction of, and the general location of, these HMG proteins in chromatin and 2) novel mechanisms for the possible action of cis-diamminedichloroplatinum(II) in cancer chemotherapy.
The entrance of pyroclastic flows into the sea I. oceanographic and geologic evidence from dominica, lesser antilles

Abstract The submarine counterparts of late Quaternary subaerial pyroclastic flow deposits off the western flanks of Dominica, Lesser Antilles, have been investigated by 3.5 kHz seismic profiling and dredging (cruise EN20 of R/V “Endeavor”). Block-and-ash flow deposits formed by dome collapse and a welded ignimbrite from a prominent fan at Grande Savanne, Dominica. This fan can be traced underwater as a major constructional ridge (2–4 km wide and 200–400 m thick) to over 13 km offshore at a water depth of 1800 m. The submarine ridge has a volume of 14 km 3 and has the characteristic morphology of a debris flow apron composed of several individual units. The evidence suggests that pyroclastic flows can move underwater without losing their essential character.
The causes of perinatal death induced by prenatal exposure of rats to the pesticide, mirex. part II: Postnatal observations

Prenatal exposure to mirex induces a high rate of perinatal death without obvious cause. Part I of this study (Grabowski and Payne, 1982), in which fetuses were exposed to a moderate dose of mirex and observed just prior to parturition, it was found that 14% had died recently and an additional 9% were apparently dying with serious cardiovascular symptoms. In the present study, electrocardiograms of normal (oil‐fed controls) and mirex‐exposed rats (6 mg/kg·d of insecticide on d 8 to 15 of gestation) were obtained at birth and for several days afterwards. An ECG was obtained from most individuals within 5 min of birth. Pups were then weighed and tattooed so that individuals could be followed to postnatal d 5. Data on 70 control newborns were compared with that on 131 mirex‐treated pups. In the treated group, 23% were stillborn. Of those born alive, 8% died within 6 h of birth, and another 13% within 48 h. At birth, 14% had first‐degree heart blocks, and 2% had second‐degree blocks. All of those with second‐...
Child-health supervision for children under 2years of age: A review of its content and effectiveness

education, counseling, anticipatory guidance, and continuity of care. Herein we evaluate the existing literature for the effectiveness of these strategies in meeting these goals. The emphasis in this discussion is on the clinicianpatient interaction. The underlying assumption is that the clinician's time is a valuable commodity that should be utilized in the most efficient manner. The clinical content areas included are physical evaluation, advice on physical concerns, parenting advice, parent-child interaction, and developmental advice. The effectiveness of current standards and issues for research are discussed in each of these areas. Certain topics relevant to child-health supervisior~, such as screening for disease or the use of physician extenders, are not discussed.
Endothelial cell leptin receptor mutant mice have hyperleptinemia and reduced tissue uptake.

Hyperleptinemia is usually associated with obesity and leptin resistance. Endothelial cell leptin receptor knockout (ELKO) mice without a signaling membrane-bound leptin receptor in endothelia, however, have profound hyperleptinemia without signs of leptin resistance. Leptin mRNA in adipose tissue was unchanged. To test the hypothesis that the ELKO mutation results in delayed degradation and slowed excretion, we determined the kinetics of leptin transfer in groups of ELKO and wildtype mice after intravenous bolus injection of 125I-leptin and the reference substance 131I-albumin. The degradation pattern of 125I-leptin in serum and brain homogenates at different time points between 10 and 60 min was measured by HPLC and acid precipitation. Although ELKO mice had reduced uptake of 125I-leptin uptake by the brain and several peripheral organs, leptin was more stable in blood and tissue. There was no change in the rate of renal excretion. ELISA showed that serum soluble leptin receptor, known to antagonize leptin transport, had a 400-fold increase, probably contributing to the hyperleptinemia and reduced tissue uptake. Thus, the ELKO mutation unexpectedly increased the stability of leptin but suppressed its tissue uptake. These changes probably contribute to the known partial resistance of the ELKO mice to diet-induced obesity. J. Cell. Physiol. 228: 1610–1616, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The effect of dietary nitrogen content on trophic level 15N enrichment

Given the great potential value of stable isotopes in a variety of scientific investigations, surprisingly little attention has been paid to the underlying physiological and biochemical mechanisms that account for trophic increases in d 15 N values. This has lead to a general call for controlled studies investigating the relationship between organismal diet and corresponding isotopic composition. We conducted a series of laboratory studies varying dietary nitrogen content and measuring corresponding variations in organismal d 15 N values. Specifically, we investigated the relationship between the d 15 N values of the anomopod crustacean, Daphnia magna, and the C : N ratio of its food, the green algae, Scenedesmus acutus.Daphnids were raised to a standard life stage on three types of S. acutus as food, which ranged in C : N (atomic) from 7.3 to 24.8. The average C : N of the daphnids was 6.0. 15 N enrichment was found to be strongly linearly related to the C : N of the algae, ranging from nearly zero to approximately 6‰, which would normally be considered a span of almost two trophic levels. The d 15
Age- and Species-Dependent Infiltration of Macrophages into the Testis of Rats and Mice Exposed to Mono-(2-Ethylhexyl) Phthalate (MEHP)

The mechanism by which noninfectious testicular inflammation results in infertility is poorly understood. Here the infiltration of CD11b+ immunoreactive testicular interstitial cells (neutrophil, macrophages, dendritic cells) in immature (Postnatal Day [PND] 21, 28, and 35) and adult (PND 56) Fischer rats is described at 12, 24, and 48 h after an oral dose of 1 g/kg mono-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (MEHP), a well-described Sertoli cell toxicant. Increases of CD11b+ cells are evident 12 h after MEHP exposure in PND 21 and 28 rats. In PND 28 rats, CD11b+ cells remained significantly elevated at 48 h, while in PND 21 rats, it returned to control levels by 24 h. The peak number of CD11b+ cells in PND 35 rat testis is delayed until 24 h, but remains significantly elevated at 48 h. In PND 56 rats, no increase in CD11b+ cells occurs after MEHP exposure. In PND 21, 28, and 35 rats, a significant increase in monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) by peritubular myoid cells occurs 12 h after MEHP. Interestingly, MEHP treatment of C57BL/6J mice did not incite an infiltration of CD11b+ cells at either PND 21 or 28. The peak level of germ cell apoptosis observed 24 h after MEHP exposure in young rats is not seen in mice at any age or in PND 56 rats. Taken together, these findings implicate MCP-1 released by peritubular myoid cells in provoking the migration of CD11b+ cells into the immature rat testis early after MEHP exposure and point to a role for CD11b+ cells in triggering germ cell apoptosis in an age- and species-dependent manner.
Slip analysis of the Kokoxili earthquake using terrain-change detection and regional earthquake data

The Kokoxili earthquake occurred on 14 November 2001 along the Kunlun fault. To analyze the type of deformation along several segments of the fault, this study employs Fourier transform terrain-change detection to detect horizontal pixel offsets between time-separated Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Refl ection Radiometer (ASTER) satellite images. The results allow us to model the slip direction and amount of slip due to the earthquake. Three segments of the fault were analyzed, each with different strain kinematics. Our analysis detected left-lateral slip, a displacement of 311 m, and areas of transpression and transtension in the proximal area of the Kunlun fault. The image geodetic results are consistent with published fi eld measurements and stress analysis using regional earthquake data. The combination of the fi eld measurements, stress and strain analysis, and geodetic results displays patterns of deformation along the fault that are infl uenced by the fault’s geometry. This study demonstrates for the fi rst time the utility of ASTER optical satellite imagery for acquiring quantitative measurements of surface deformation.
Configuration-aware regression testing: an empirical study of sampling and prioritization

Configurable software lets users customize applications in many ways, and is becoming increasingly prevalent. Researchers have created techniques for testing configurable software, but to date, only a little research has addressed the problems of regression testing configurable systems as they evolve. Whereas problems such as selective retesting and test prioritization at the test case level have been extensively researched, these problems have rarely been considered at the configuration level. In this paper we address the problem of providing configuration-aware regression testing for evolving software systems. We use combinatorial interaction testing techniques to model and generate configuration samples for use in regression testing. We conduct an empirical study on a non-trivial evolving software system to measure the impact of configurations on testing effectiveness, and to compare the effectiveness of different configuration prioritization techniques on early fault detection during regression testing. Our results show that configurations can have a large impact on fault detection and that prioritization of configurations can be effective.
Delay asymptotics with retransmissions and fixed rate codes over erasure channels

Recent work has shown that retransmissions can cause heavy-tailed transmission delays even when packet sizes are light-tailed. Moreover, the impact of heavy tailed delays persist even when packets are of finite size. The key question we study in this paper is how the use of coding techniques to transmit information could mitigate delays. To investigate this problem, we consider an important communication channel called the Binary Erasure Channel, where transmitted bits are either received successfully or lost (called an erasure). This model is a good abstraction of not only the wireless channel but also the higher layer link, where erasure errors can happen. Many coding schemes, known as erasure codes, have been designed for this channel. Specifically, we focus on the fixed rate coding scheme, where decoding is said to be successful if a certain fraction β of the codeword is received correctly. We study two different scenarios: (I) A codeword of length L c is retransmitted as a unit until the receiver successfully receives more than βL c bits in the last transmission. (II) All successfully received bits from every (re)transmissions are buffered at the receiver according to their positions in the codeword, and the transmission completes once the received bits become decodable for the first time. Our studies reveal that complicated and surprising relationships exist between the coding complexity and the transmission delay/throughput. From a theoretical perspective, our results provide a benchmark to quantify the tradeoffs between coding complexity and transmission throughput for receivers that use memory to buffer (re)transmissions until success and those that do not buffer intermediate transmissions.
Code Recognition, Digital Communications, and General Recognition

The memory model of Chapter Three can be used to solve the problem of code recognition. Suppose M binomial n-strings are chosen with components selected from {0,1} (or equivalently from {−1,1}). This amounts to choosing M vertices {mι}, ι = 1,2,…, M, of the 2n vertices of the (0,l)-binomial cube in n-dimensional space. Each chosen vertex is called a code word.
Probing the Interface of Microscopic Clay Particles in Aqueous Solution by Second Harmonic Generation

The abundance in nature and the unique adsorptive and catalytic properties of clay particles make them a subject of fundamental and technological interest. Clay particles have long been recognized as important catalysts in petroleum-forming reactions and in the chemical evolution of certain organic compounds related to the origin of life. The large surface area make them excellent adsorbents and is the basis for their increasing use to remove organic and inorganic environmental pollutants. Industries also use them in a number of applications, e.g., decolorizing agents, carriers for insecticides, and detergent formulation. Second harmonic generation (SHG) is applied for the first time to study the surfaces of clay particles. An SHG signal was detected from an aqueous suspension of disk-shaped montmorillonite clay particles of 0.5 {micro}m diameter and 0.01 {micro}m thickness. The origin of the SHG signal is the polarization of water molecules by surface charges located in the edge region of the clay particles. On addition of the organic molecule 4-(2-pyridylazo)resorcinol (PR) to the clay aqueous suspension, a strong SHG signal originating from the PR molecules adsorbed onto the edge surfaces of the clay particles was obtained. The PR adsorbed on the basal planes do not contribute to the SHGmore » signal because of cancellation effects. These experimental results demonstrate the applicability of the SHG method for studying molecular adsorption and the electrostatic properties of clay particles.« less
Novel Transmit Beamforming Schemes for Time-Varying Fading Channels

Transmit beamforming has been widely adopted for wireless systems with multiple transmit antennas. For an independent block fading channel, the Grassmannian beamformer has been shown to provide very good performance using limited amount of feedback. However, the original Grassmannian beamformer does not take the time domain correlation of the channel fading into consideration. In this work, based on a first order auto-regressive (AR1) dynamic fading model, we develop two new classes of beamforming algorithms that exploit the interframe correlations in the channel fading. The first algorithm is based on a predictive vector quantization (PVQ) approach, and the resulting PVQ beamformer accomplishes very good SNR performance. In addition, to simplify the implementation complexity, we also develop a successive beamforming (SBF) algorithm. The new SBF scheme uses the knowledge of the previous fading blocks to aid the beamforming codebook design of the current fading block. Through numerical simulations, we demonstrate that the proposed PVQ beamformer and successive beamformer outperform several other previously proposed beamformers at various fading scenarios.
Improvement of Confidence and Motivation Using Online Metacognition Tool.

The use of technology such as laptop computers in the classroom has long been recognized as destructive behavior since it diverts a student’s attention from course topics. However, it is conceivable that every student will be using some form of technology in the near future. Determining the effects of interactive software on students’ learning outcomes can have a profound effect on engineering education. The ultimate aim of this research is to transform students into active learners who are able to better comprehend, are less distracted, and can achieve higher academic performance. In this study, first year engineering students used online metacognition software while interactively participating in the classroom. Both qualitative and quantitative methods using the pre- and post-test experimental designs as well as a debriefing questionnaire were utilized. The academic achievement of students’ through the integration of interactive technology was the output variable, while the input variables were divided into four categories: students’ understanding of the concepts, confidence level, apprehension level, and motivation. In addition, this study also examined the amount of class participation to measure students’ communication apprehension and its correlation to academic performance. In order to improve students' learning outcomes using metacognitive strategies, it was discovered that the use of interactive technology followed by group discussions and class assignments greatly enhanced students' comprehension of scientific facts and their ability to explain them. In addition, the current study showed that engineering students' communication apprehension was also reduced resulting in improvement in confidence and motivation towards academic success.
The Influence of Innate and Adaptive Immune Responses on Atherosclerosis

Both the chronic development of atherosclerotic lesions and the acute changes in lesion phenotype that lead to clinical cardiovascular events are significantly influenced by the innate and adaptive immune responses to lipoprotein deposition and oxidation in the arterial wall. The rapid pace of discovery of mechanisms of immunologic recognition, effector functions, and regulation has significantly influenced the study of atherosclerosis, and our new knowledge is beginning to affect how we treat this ubiquitous disease. In this review, we discuss recent advances in our understanding of how innate and adaptive immunity contribute to atherosclerosis, as well as therapeutic opportunities that arise from this knowledge.
Volterra Modeling in Analog, RF and Microwave Engineering

Volterra techniques are used in radiofrequency (RF) and Microwave engineering primarily in modeling the inputoutput characteristics of nonlinear circuits and systems that operate with limited bandwidth signals. Volterra models capture frequency-dependent effects within the band. Two forms of the Volterra model exist; one being in the time-domain invoking Volterra kernels in what is in effect a multidimensional convolution; and the other being a frequency-domain form with what are called Volterra nonlinear transfer function akin to the transfer functions of linear circuits but, of course, extended to handle nonlinearities. Keywords: Volterra modeling; ime-domain; requency-domain; power series; Black Box approach
Effective Communication Strategies for Hotel Guests’ Green Behavior

Green marketing in hotel rooms relies particularly on the hotel’s communication to the guest, with a goal of gaining the guest’s voluntary participation in sustainable programs. Developing a persuasive message, therefore, is critical to the effectiveness of the hotel’s green efforts. To explore effective in-room green communication strategies of the hotel industry, we propose application of several widely adopted information processing theories. We review relevant theories, develop key propositions for the hotel industry, and offer a theoretical framework and propositions for future research. Our content analysis of the contents of thirty-six guestroom message cards finds that many hotels are using some of these information theories, but a more scientific approach is indicated.
The proteasome under the microscope: The regulatory particle in focus

Since first imaged by electron microscopy, much effort has been placed into determining the structure and mechanism of the 26S proteasome. While the proteolytic core is understood in atomic detail, how substrates are engaged and transported to this core remains elusive. Substrate delivery is accomplished by a 19-subunit regulatory particle that binds to ubiquitinated substrates, detaches ubiquitin tags, unfolds the substrate, and translocates it into the peptidase in an ATP-dependent fashion. Recently, several labs have determined subnanometer cryoEM structures of the 26S proteasome, shedding light on the architecture of the regulatory complex. We discuss the biological insights into substrate processing provided by these structures, and the technical hurdles ahead to achieve an atomic resolution structure of the 26 proteasome.