cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
High-power laser material for 944-nm emission

A tunable laser operating near 944nm is important for micro LIDAR systems. In this work, we have carried out a systematic study of Nd and Yb doped fiber glass materials which can be used for this purpose. The emission cross- sections of these materials at 944nm have been calculated. The wavelength dependence of emission of these materials has been studied. Among the silica based material Nd doped silica fiber glass has the largest cross section for 944 nm laser emission. The co-dopants reduce this cross section. Some Nd doped non-silica materials have higher stimulated emission cross section than silica based materials.
Vectors with the gus reporter gene for identifying and quantitating promoter regions in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

The Escherichia coli beta-glucuronidase-encoding gene gusA is useful as a reporter gene in a variety of organisms. In this report, we describe the development of two related vectors, pGUS1 and pGUS2, which can be used to identify and quantitate activities of the promoter regions from yeast genes. Both vectors contain several unique restriction sites upstream from gus and the yeast CYC1 transcription terminator downstream from gus. In addition, pGUS2 carries the yeast ADH1 transcriptional terminator sequence upstream from gus, in order to block read-through transcription originating in vector sequences. Both vectors were tested after cloning the well-characterized GAL1,10 promoter region from yeast. These GAL1,10-containing plasmids demonstrated appropriate regulation of the reporter in response to carbon sources. The pGUS1 and pGUS2 vectors provide a simple, reliable and extremely sensitive reporter-gene system that allows quantitative measurement of promoter activity of yeast DNA sequences. Furthermore, the presence of a terminator sequence upstream from gus in pGUS2 should facilitate analysis and quantitation of expression from weak promoters.
Clinical and Pathologic Impact of Select Chromatin-modulating Tumor Suppressors in Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma

Abstract Background Historically, VHL was the only frequently mutated gene in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC), with conflicting clinical relevance. Recent sequencing efforts have identified several novel frequent mutations of histone modifying and chromatin remodeling genes in ccRCC including PBRM1 , SETD2 , BAP1 , and KDM5C . PBRM1 , SETD2 , and BAP1 are located in close proximity to VHL within a commonly lost (approximately 90%) 3p locus. To date, the clinical and pathologic significance of mutations in these novel candidate tumor suppressors is unknown. Objective To determine the frequency of and render the first clinical and pathologic outcome associated with mutations of these novel candidate tumor suppressors in ccRCC. Design, setting, and participants Targeted sequencing was performed in 185 ccRCCs and matched normal tissues from a single institution. Pathologic features, baseline patient characteristics, and follow-up data were recorded. Outcome measurements and statistical analysis The linkage between mutations and clinical and pathologic outcomes was interrogated with the Fisher exact test (for stage and Fuhrman nuclear grade) and the permutation log-rank test (for cancer-specific survival [CSS]). Results and limitations PBRM1 , BAP1 , SETD2 , and KDM5C are mutated at 29%, 6%, 8%, and 8%, respectively. Tumors with mutations in PBRM1 or any of BAP1 , SETD2 , or KDM5C (19%) are more likely to present with stage III disease or higher ( p =0.01 and p =0.001, respectively). Small tumors ( PBRM1 mutations are more likely to exhibit stage III pathologic features (odds ratio: 6.4; p =0.001). BAP1 mutations tend to occur in Fuhrman grade III–IV tumors ( p =0.052) and are associated with worse CSS ( p =0.01). Clinical outcome data are limited by the number of events. Conclusions Most mutations of chromatin modulators discovered in ccRCC are loss of function, associated with advanced stage, grade, and possibly worse CSS. Further studies validating the clinical impact of these novel mutations and future development of therapeutics remedying these tumor suppressors are warranted.
Progressive irritability of hibernating Citellus lateralis.

Abstract 1. 1. Intraperitoneal injection of 0·5 ml isotonic saline to hibernating Citellus lateralis does not evoke premature arousal if administered during the first 50 per cent of the expected hibernating period. After that time, the number arousing in response to injection increases as the hibernating period progresses. 2. 2. The greater the volume injected the earlier premature arousal is evoked. Hypo- or hypertonic saline (0·5 ml) evokes arousal earlier than 0·5 ml isotonic saline. 3. 3. Electrocardiographic patterns after sound and injection stimuli and at the initiation of spontaneous arousal indicate that evoked and spontaneous arousal are similar, centrally mediated phenomena.
Arginine methylation of RNA-binding proteins regulates cell function and differentiation.

Arginine methylation is a post-translational modification that regulates protein function. RNA-binding proteins are an important class of cell-function mediators, some of which are methylated on arginine. Early studies of RNA-binding proteins and arginine methylation are briefly introduced, and the enzymes that mediate this post-translational modification are described. We review the most common RNA-binding domains and briefly discuss how they associate with RNAs. We address the following groups of RNA-binding proteins: hnRNP, Sm, Piwi, Vasa, FMRP, and HuD. hnRNPs were the first RNA-binding proteins found to be methylated on arginine. The Sm proteins function in RNA processing and germ cell specification. The Piwi proteins are largely germ cell specific and are also required for germ cell production, as is Vasa. FMRP participates in germ cell formation in Drosophila, but is more widely known for its neuronal function. Similarly, HuD plays a role in nervous system development and function. We review the effects of arginine methylation on the function of each protein, then conclude by addressing remaining questions and future directions of arginine methylation as an important and emerging area of regulation. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 79: 163–175, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Bacteria, it’s What’s for Dinner

While intestinal epithelial cells are known for secreting antimicrobial molecules, cell intrinsic defense mechanisms are less characterized. In this issue, Benjamin et al. (2013) demonstrate that MyD88 and autophagy within the intestinal epithelium detect invasive bacteria and prevent dissemination.
Modulation of an RGDS binding site on the platelet membrane glycoprotein IIb-IIIa complex.

Abstract Fibronectin, von Willebrand factor, and fibrinogen each bind to the glycoprotein IIb–IIIa complex on activated platelets via an arg-gly-asp-ser (RGDS) sequence present within the adhesive proteins. Both the IIb and IIIa polypeptides of the IIb–IIIa complex on thrombin activated platelets are specifically and extensively labeled by a radiolabeled, photoactivatable arylazide derivative of the RGDS sequence when the labeling is performed in the presence of concentrations of Ca++ or Mg++ approaching 0.5 mM. In contrast, labeling of unactivated platelets, ADP activated platelets, or thrombin activated platelets in the presence of low concentrations of divalent cations resulted in restriction of labeling to the IIb polypeptide of the complex.
Formation of trihalomethanes in foods and beverages

Trihalomethanes (THMs) are suspected carcinogens and reproductive toxicants commonly found in chlorinated drinking water. This study investigates THM formation during the preparation of beverages and foods using chlorinated drinking water. A total of 11 foods and 17 beverages were tested. Under the experimental conditions, each food and beverage formed THMs, primarily chloroform, although low or trace levels of brominated THMs were also detected. Tea formed the highest THM levels (e.g., chloroform levels from 3 to 67 microg l(-1)), followed by coffee (from 3 to 13 microg l(-1)), rice (9 microg l(-1)), soups (from 0.4 to 3.0 microg l(-1)), vegetables (<1 microg l(-1)), and baby food (<0.7 microg l(-1)). Chloroform formation with instant tea, used as a highly reproducible model system, increased with free chlorine concentration, decreased with higher food (tea) concentration, and was unaffected by reaction (steeping) time and bromide ion concentration. These findings indicate that chlorine-food reactions are fast, but that formation decreases as the chlorine demand of the food system increases. THMs are formed in the preparation and cooking of a wide variety of foods if free chlorine is present, and our results suggest that tea can be a significant source of exposure to THMs.
Molecular dynamic computer experiments on the structure of amorphous selenium

Abstract This work demonstrates the feasibility of deriving intramolecular atomic interaction potentials by fitting the results of molecular dynamic model calculations to experimental data - specifically, to atomic radial pair distribution functions (diffraction data) and vibrational frequencies (optical data). An intermolecular atomic distribution function is also derived for amorphous selenium, on the basis of the model calculations and the presumption of predominantly ring-type molecular units.
Is routine duplex examination after carotid endarterectomy justified

Abstract Routine follow-up of patients after carotid endarterectomy with duplex scanning is commonly practiced, yet the clinical significance of identifying those with asymptomatic restenosis is unclear. To address this issue we reviewed 120 consecutive patients who underwent 143 carotid endarterectomies from August 1983 to December 1988. One hundred one patients (118 operations) were available for clinical follow-up, and the overall incidence of recurrent symptoms was 6% (6/101). Sixty-three of these patients (78 carotid endarterectomies) had postoperative duplex examination. Two had evidence of residual disease from the time of surgery and were not included in further analysis. Significant recurrent stenosis (greater than 50% diameter reduction) developed in 14 of the remaining 76 arteries (18.2%). Twelve of 14 stenoses remained asymptomatic during follow-up from 18 to 72 months (mean 47.0 months) and did not undergo reoperation. Recurrent ipsilateral hemispheric symptoms developed in two patients with restenosis (14.3%). Four of the 62 arteries without significant recurrent stenosis developed ipsilateral symptoms (6.5%), but none required reoperation during follow-up from 1 to 71 months (mean 31.6 months). Life-table analysis showed no increased risk of transient ischemic attack, stroke, or death in patients with restenosis. This study supports regular clinical follow-up after carotid endarterectomy with emphasis on patient education in the recognition of symptoms. Although duplex scanning may be useful to follow known contralateral asymptomatic disease or evaluate those with recurrent symptoms, its routine use to identify patients with asymptomatic restenosis after carotid endarterectomy may be unnecessary. (J VASC SURG 1990;12:334-40.)
A Bayesian Hierarchical Model for the Analysis of Affymetrix Arrays

An area of active research in DNA microarray analysis focuses on identifying differentially expressed genes between normal and malignant tissues. The analysis is complicated by the presence of several unreliable expression readings. Here, we illustrate a methodology where the expression estimates are modeled as censored data and discriminating genes are selected using ANOVA-based criteria.
Dialogic communication in 140 characters or less: How Fortune 500 companies engage stakeholders using Twitter

Abstract The current study extends the investigation of online relationship building by examining how Fortune 500 companies use the popular social network site Twitter to facilitate dialogic communication with stakeholders. A content analysis of a random sample of the Twitter profiles maintained by Fortune 500 companies ( n = 93) and individual tweets posted on those profiles ( n = 930) examined the use of dialogic features within the Twitter profiles as well as the individual tweets. Results indicated that organizations that have a dialogic orientation to Twitter use (61%) employed the principle of conservation of visitors to a greater degree and generation of return visits to a lesser degree than organizations with a non-dialogic orientation to Twitter (39%).
Inhaled cyclosporine and pulmonary function in lung transplant recipients.

Abstract Background: Chronic rejection, manifesting as bronchiolitis obliterans, is the leading cause of death in lung transplant recipients. In our previously reported double-blinded, placebo-cont...
Nonlinear Optical Materials Synthesized by Ion Implantation: Metal Quantum Dots in Transparent Dielectrics

Composites consisting of nanometer-size metal clusters embedded in a host dielectric can be synthesized by implanting metal ions in either glassy or crystalline substrates. The size and size distributions of the nanoclusters can be controlled by varying the parameters either of the ion-implantation process or subsequent annealing. The nonlinear optical response of these quantum-dot composites can be modeled as that of independent electrons confined to a spherical potential well; experimental data on relaxation times compares favorably with this simple picture. Optical figures-of-merit of these materials suggest potential for applications in nonlinear waveguide devices, particularly since ion implantation is compatible with device-fabrication processes. The basic features of these materials are illustrated from experiments on Cu and Pb clusters in silica.
Lithium difluoro-(oxalato)borate tetra-methyl-ene sulfone disolvate.

The title compound, Li+·C2BF2O4−·2C4H8O2S, is a dimeric species, which resides across a crystallographic inversion center. The dimers form eight-membered rings containing two Li+ cations, which are joined by O2S sulfone linkages. The Li+ cations are ligated by four O atoms from the anions and solvent mol­ecules, forming a pseudo-tetra­hedral geometry. The exocyclic coordination sites are occupied by O atoms from the oxalate group of the difluoro­(oxalato)borate anion and an additional tetra­methyl­ene sulfone ligand.
The influence of albumin on adsorption of bacteria on hydroxyapatite beads in vitro and human tooth surfaces in vivo.

Summary Fewer streptococci adsorbed in vitro to hydroxyapatite (HA) beads treated with bovinealbumin when compared to HA treated with buffer or with saliva. Approximately 60 per cent of adsorbed [ 3 H-albumin persisted on HA when incubated for 24 h in clarified whole or parotid saliva. Also, fewer bacteria were recovered from vigorously-pumiced, molar-tooth surfaces 24 h after application of albumin compared to buffer-treated controls.
Plasma levels of platelet aggregating factor/von Willebrand factor in various species

Abstract The relative plasma levels of platelet aggregating factor/von Willebrand factor were determined in human, chimpanzee, rhesus monkey, horse, cow, goat, sheep and pig. The macroscopic aggregation assay procedure was used, employing formaldehyde-fixed human platelets with and without ristocetin. One unit of PAF/vWF is defined as that amount in one ml of reference normal human plasma. The highest PAF/vWF levels were found in the ruminants of the group, goat, 12 units per ml; sheep, 10 units and cow, 6.6 units. The remaining species showed plasma levels as follows: man, rhesus and pig, 1.0 unit; chimpanzee, 0.9 units and horse, 0.6 units. Considerable species specificity was observed in the requirements for assay. Platelets from horse, pig, cow and dog were unreactive or poorly reactive in the tests. Guinea pig, rat, dog, rabbit and opossum plasmas were also unreactive or poorly reactive regardless of the source of platelets, and could not be assayed with the procedures employed. Ristocetin had no effect on aggregation of human platelets with pig, cow, sheep or goat plasmas, all of which aggregate platelets directly, unless the plasmas were greatly diluted, in which case ristocetin accelerated aggregation. A comparison of PAF/vWF levels with relative levels of antihemophilic factor showed that the ruminant group had the highest ratio of PAF/vWF:AHF, pig the lowest. The ratio for rhesus, chimpanzee and horse plasmas was similar to that for human plasmas.
Administrative Rulemaking: An Old and Emerging Literature

Rulemaking is the most important way in which bureaucracy creates policy. In some respects, it rivals the even legislative process in its significance as a form of governmental output. Although rulemaking was long overlooked in the policy sciences, students of government and public administration have begun to redress this neglect as part of a more general interest in formal institutions. In so doing, they have built on a long-standing interest in the subject among students of administrative law. This report offers a brief overview and evaluation of research on the administrative and political issues surrounding rulemaking. Like institutional analysis generally, some of this literature is empirical and descriptive, some of it is normative and prescriptive, and much of it combines these two types of concerns. Far from being comprehensive, the following discussion seeks to identify the central issues that define the analysis rulemaking, as well as issues that deserve more attention than they have received. The most fundamental questions about rulemaking have to do with its implications as an alternative form of policy implementation. Once a popular topic, this has received relatively little attention since the use of rulemaking expanded dramatically in the 1970s. Most recent scholarship has focused instead on how rules are developed. Of particular interest have been the determinants and effects of the formal institutions that constrain the rulemaking process. These constraints have become more numerous and demanding in direct relation to the growth in the popularity of rule-making itself. Some studies have focused on the political forces or doctrines that explain controls over the exercise of delegated legislative authority. Others have evaluated the effects of structural choices in terms of values such as effectiveness, efficiency, and responsiveness. Much of the literature on rulemaking is excellent, and an extension of its trajectory promises to refine our understanding of key theoretical and applied issues in public administration. At the same time, scholars have slighted fundamental dimensions of rulemaking that are critical to an evaluation of its character. By focusing primarily on formal, institutional arrangements, existing work on rulemaking has overlooked the informal process through which the most important decisions are often made. Another limitation of the literature that cuts across many of the issues discussed in this report is its inattention to context. The fact that rules are issued for very different purposes and within different technical and political environments has profound implications for both descriptive and prescriptive analysis.
The Effect of Stress and Nembutal on Plasma Levels of Gonadotropins and Prolactin in Ovariectomized Rats

The stress of etherization and bleeding produced an elevation within 2 min in the plasma levels of prolactin, LH, and FSH in ovariectomized rats. Quantitatively the elevation was greatest in the case of prolactin, less for LH, and least for FSH. A second exposure to ether and bleeding one hour later produced a further elevation in prolactin and no further change in LH and FSH. The levels of prolactin and LH but not FSH had declined to control, nonstress (decapitated) levels within one hr. Nembutal blocked the stressinduced elevations of plasma prolactin and LH but did not affect the levels of FSH. The effect of Nembutal is thought to be on the CNS since the Nembutalized rats responded to hypothalamic extract or ovine LRF with dramatic elevations in plasma LH, indicating that the pituitary was still responsive to releasing factors. It is concluded that stress can induce a rapid release of pituitary FSH and LH as well as prolactin in the rat. (Endocrinology 90: 707, 1972)
Trans-aconitate in plant tissues

Abstract Measurements of 14 C (from acetate- 14 C) in cis - and trans -aconitates show that 95 per cent of the total aconitate is present in the trans form in corn tissues. Trans -aconitate-1,5,6- 14 C was metabolized by corn and pea root sections but not by carrot discs. It is suggested that aconitate in corn tissues is out of equilibrium with other TCA cycle acids because it accumulates preponderantly in the trans form in the tissue.
Benchmarking the presidential election of Barack Obama

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the range of benchmark applications associated with the historical event of Barack Obama being elected as the 44th US president.Design/methodology/approach – Collection and critical analysis of secondary data from relevant publications analyzing the results of the 2008 presidential elections. Analysis of organizational behavior theories have been utilized in order to benchmark leadership attributes.Findings – The paper concludes that Obama's presidential victory is influenced by several factors which included leadership traits, leader‐follower identification, and postmodernism.Research limitations/implications – The paper examines benchmarking applications that are exclusively relevant in a public sector environment.Practical implications – There are several implications for researchers and practitioners related to how future political strategies for US presidential elections might be planned.Originality/value – This paper is significant because it present...
A complete formulation of inertial effects in the guideway-vehicle interaction problem

This paper contains a new algorithm for the solution of the dynamic displacement of an elastic guideway (single and multiple-span) as it interacts with a vehicle with an air cushion suspension. Illustrative examples are given comparing the solutions for dynamic displacements of the system when the vehicle is modeled as a moving force, as a moving mass or as a true air cushion system, all inertial effects being considered.
Generation of mechanical squeezing via magnetic dipoles on cantilevers

A scheme to squeeze the center-of-mass motional quadratures of a quantum mechanical oscillator below its standard quantum limit is proposed and analyzed theoretically. It relies on the dipole-dipole coupling between a magnetic dipole mounted on the tip of a cantilever to equally oriented dipoles located on a mesoscopic tuning fork. We also investigate the influence of several sources of noise on the achievable squeezing, including classical noise in the driving fork and the clamping noise in the oscillator. A detection of the state of the cantilever based on state transfer to a light field is considered. We investigate possible limitations of that scheme.
Welfare, Workfare, and Pareto Optimality

A number of recent papers have argued that social transfers may be necessary to secure Pareto optimality, if there is utility interdependence between potential donors and potential recipients. This paper establishes the types of welfare support plans that would be Pareto-optimal on different assumptions about the nature of utility interdependence. In particular, it identifies the assumptions about utility interdependence that are required to make Pareto-optimal plans out of a negative income or wage subsidy. The paper derives an expression for society's group rate of substitution between a recipient's income and leisure, which is shown to be instrumental in analyzing the Pareto optimality of proposed welfare plans.
Reliability of the Competition Knowledge Test

The Competition Knowledge Test is a reliable measure of the ability to distinguish differences between competition and constructs often associated with competition, Statistical data support that conclusion. Need for this test arose from analysis of data of a pilot study conducted with 382 subjects similar to those of the present study. Oo a 5-point, self-rating scale of competltlveness, 93% of the subjects rated themselves as highly competitive while only 20% of those subjects scored above 69% on understanding of the construct (measured by the Pilot Competition Knowledge Test). The pronounced disparity on the psychological dimension of competitiveness and the concep~alization of competition prompted the attempt to estimate test reliability. The Competition Knowledge Test is a 60-item multiple-choice instrument designed to assess distinctions between varying theories and definitions of competition in the literature. More specifically, the test items discriminate between behaviors of five categories: Competitive Attitude, Competition in Tact, Competition Negated, the Pursuit of Excellence and a Non-competition Situation. Each of the six groups (N = 178) was pretested with the Pilot Competition Knowledge Test. Instruction time for the groups varied from 3.41 to 4 hr. On completion of instruction the Competition Knowledge Test was administered. Retest was conducted for each group (n = 130) after an interval ranging from 3 to 7 days. All instruction and data collection were conducted by the same person. The Pearson productmoment procedure was used to estimate reliability and the Spearman-Brown formula was applied to the internal consistency coefficients. To overcome the deficiencies of splithalf reliability the Kuder-Richardson Equation 20 was applied (Roscoe, 1969). Data in Table 1 indicate that the consistency within the test is acceptable for pedagogical and research purposes. Internal consistency for six different groups instructed under similar conditions over a 1M-yr. period ranged from .78 to .92. The lowest r (.78) may reflect relative homogeneity of the group (SD = 4.37). All other coefficients consistently indicate suitable internal consistency. The Kuder-Richardson Equation 20 gave a coefficient of .91. Stability (test-retest) was acceptable as subjects performed consistently over an interval of 3 to 7 days. Based upon the pilot study which indicated a pronounced difference in conceptualization of competition prior to instruction, the range of correlations
We All Know What a Problem Is, Don't We?.

The increasingly bitter controversy over Man-A Course of Study (MACOS), now spreading from the professional journals to the popular media, is instructive-although not for the reasons supposed. On the face of it, the conflict focuses on two unrelated questions: Does MACOS endanger transmission of basic and important cultural values? Is it proper for government to subsidize development and dissemination of public school curriculum materials? If one probes more deeply, however, the first issue becomes increasingly complex. For at stake are not only the questions concerning cultural transmission but also the more abstract-and more painful-question: What is the purpose of social studies curriculum? At this point, the issue between opponents becomes murky, indeed. From the standpoint of Congressman John Conlan, social studies ought to devote itself to perpetuating "the community's way of life, its basic beliefs, its moral standards, its religious convictions, and our nation's political and economic freedom."' From the standpoint of one of the chief developers of MACOS, Peter Dow, the purposes of the multi-media curriculum package developed under the guidance of Jerome Bruner are to "give students a set of models for thinking about the social world, to provide them with some intellectual tools for investigating human behavior" and to "promote an appreciation of man's common humanity."2 The issue, however, is not as simple as appears in the two opposing quotations above. For, apparently, both Dow and Conlan indeed share the same vision. At
Volumetric flame synthesis of one-dimensional molybdenum oxide nanostructures

Abstract A laminar counter-flow diffusion flame formed with methane/acetylene and oxygen enriched-air was used for the controlled synthesis of 1-D molybdenum oxide nanostructures directly in the gas phase. Raw material was introduced into the oxidizer side of the flame in the form of solid molybdenum wires with ∼99% purity. Molybdenum oxide vapors formed in the gas phase were transported by the gas flow in the flame environment possessing strong thermal and chemical gradients. The generated nanostructures were collected thermophoretically from the flame volume. Essential morphological variations of generated nanomaterials were observed depending on sampling position within the flame volume and probe parameters. The mechanism behind the synthesis of the spherical and 1-D nanoforms is analyzed and modeled numerically. The nanorod growth model involves monomer transport, nucleation and growth. The monomer formation is through the oxidation and vaporization of the probe material. The nucleation model is based on the classical nucleation theory. The model predicts the trajectory and growth of the formed nuclei as they are transported in the flame volume. It is considered that the ends of the cylindrical 1-D nanorods grow by the phenomenon of rough growth while the lateral faces exhibit layered growth. The growth model also considers the contribution of the monomers diffusing on the nanoparticle surface as well as the effect of the atoms impinging directly onto the growth sites and compares their relative contributions. The model qualitatively predicts the variation of aspect ratio of the formed nanomaterials with increase of monomer concentration as observed in the experiments.
Brief psychotherapy with college women: technique and criteria for selection.

Brief psychotherapy of college women with acute situational adjustment reactions is effective when the latter are viewed as impulse-defense conflicts. Identification of the impulse-defense system; interpretation of the defense; and subsequent affective verbalization of the impulse, followed by a discussion of more acceptable ways of dealing with the impulse, result in rapid resolution of the anxiety. Anxiety-laden conflicts due to personality disturbances can be determined in the initial interview and require prolonged therapy.
MicroRNA Regulating Glutathione S-Transferase P1 in Prostate Cancer

Glutathione S-transferase P1 (GSTP1), an enzyme involved in detoxification process, is frequently inactivated in prostate cancer due to epigenetic modifications. Through in silico analysis, we identified a subset of microRNAs (miRNAs) that are putative targets in regulating GSTP1. miRNAs are small endogenous non-coding RNA that are critical regulators of various physiologic and pathologic processes, and their level of expression may play a precise role in the early diagnosis and prognosis of cancer. These small molecules have been detected in a wide variety of human biological specimens including blood, serum, urine, ejaculate, and tissues, which could be utilized as clinically useful biomarker in early detection and prognosis of prostate cancer. The chapter summarizes the current knowledge about miRNA involved in GSTP1 regulation in prostate cancer and their potential as useful biomarkers of the disease for early detection and prognosis, along with challenges and limitations in this development.
Cardiorespiratory and metabolic effects of buflomedil: case reports.

An extensive study has been performed of the cardiovascular, respiratory and metabolic effects of buflomedil. The results indicate that the drug, at the administered dose, does not alter the patient physiological stability.An improved perfusion regimen in peripheral tissues and an optimization of cardiac energetics are also directly or indirectly implied in the results.
Is there a role of food allergy in irritable bowel syndrome and functional dyspepsia? A systematic review

A significant proportion of adults believe they suffer from food allergy, and 20-65% of patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) attribute their symptoms to something in food that activates an abnormal response. This systematic review evaluates the role of food allergy in aetiology and management of these disorders. Activation of gastrointestinal mucosal immune system may be one of the causative factors in the pathogenesis of functional dyspepsia and IBS. This activation may result from effects of bacterial infection or other luminal factors including commensal microbial flora and food antigens. Some studies have reported on the role of food allergy in IBS; only one epidemiological study on functional dyspepsia and food allergy has been published. The mechanism by which food activates mucosal immune system is uncertain, but food specific IgE and IgG4 appeared to mediate the hypersensitivity reaction in a subgroup of IBS patients. Exclusion diets based on skin prick test, RAST for IgE or IgG4, hypoallergic diet and clinical trials with oral disodium cromoglycate have been conducted, and some success has been reported in a subset of IBS patients. Further well-controlled studies are needed to establish whether food allergy plays a role in the pathophysiology of functional dyspepsia and IBS.
Expression and localization of cysteine sulfinate decarboxylase in major salivary glands of male mice

Taurine (2-aminoethanesulfonic acid) is the most abundant free amino acid in mammalian cells. It plays a significant role in cell development, nutrition, and survival, such as in the regulation of ion transport and osmoregulation. Cysteine sulfinate decarboxylase (CSD) is the rate-limiting biosynthetic enzyme of taurine. Recently, the synthesis of taurine has been observed in the central nervous system, kidney, liver, and muscle. However, the synthesis of taurine in the salivary glands has still not been described in detail. We have detected CSD expression in the major salivary glands of adult male mice by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), Western blot, and immunofluorescence. In addition, we determined the content of taurine by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The results show that taurine is present in high concentrations in the major salivary glands of male mice. CSD messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein are expressed in the major salivary glands of male mice. The relative levels of CSD mRNA increase from the submandibular gland (SMG) to the sublingual gland (SLG) and parotid gland (PG), but the levels of the CSD protein are the opposite. The immunofluorescence results indicate that CSD is mainly located in the excretory ducts (EDs) and interlobular duct (IL) of SMG and ED in SLG, respectively. These results suggest that the major salivary glands of male mice produce taurine through the CSD pathway, and the synthesis of taurine might be related to sodium reabsorption in the salivary glands.
The surface chemistry of diethyl disulfide on copper

Abstract The surface chemistry of diethyl disulfide (DEDS) is studied on polished copper foils and a Cu(111) single crystal, using temperature-programmed desorption, reflection absorption infrared spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. A portion of the DEDS reacts to form ethyl thiolate species even at ~ 80 K, where reaction is complete on heating to ~ 200 K. The resulting thiolate species decompose to form either ethylene or ethane at ~ 380 to ~ 400 K. The selectivity to ethane increases relative to ethylene formation at higher coverages, due to surface crowding that inhibits β-hydride elimination reactions thereby lowering the ethylene yield. Such a change in orientation is confirmed by changes in relative intensities of the ethyl group vibrational modes with coverage.
A Case Study on a Security Maturity Assessment of a Business-to-Business Electronic Commerce Organization

GlobalUBid.com is a B2B (business-to-business) e-commerce company offering excess and obsolete inventory to online customers. GlobalUBid is rapidly expanding into the global online marketplace; but recently, its Web site crashed due to a denial-of-service (DOS) attack. A lack of security awareness at an organizational level has left GlobalUBidâ€™s online system vulnerable to internal and external attacks. Though informal security policies are in place, many employees are not aware of them nor are they enforced on a regular basis. Unsecured aspects of the physical workplace make the organization vulnerable to disgruntled employees, hackers, and unscrupulous competition. GlobalUBid has hired URSecure consultants to conduct a security assessment in uncovering internal and external vulnerabilities. URSecure has made recommendations for improved security, though the organization must develop most of the implementation details. GlobalUBid management recognizes the need for improved security, though there is a concern about the financial implications of implementing a security plan.
On the nature of the blue and ultraviolet absorption in the Jovian atmosphere

Spatially resolved reflectivities from 3000 to 6600 A of three positions from the center to the limb of the Jovian Equator, North Equatorial Belt, and North Tropical Zone are analyzed to determine the vertical distribution and wavelength dependence of various sources of blue and uv absorption. Six different models of the distribution of absorbing dust particles are examined. In each model, the variation of dust optical depth and cloud single-scattering albedo are determined. Only those models having dust above the upper NH3 cloud layer will fit the data. The high altitude dust distribution is approximately uniform over the three regions examined. The contrast in reflectivity of the belts and zones may be modeled by a different cloud single-scattering albedo in the different regions.
Pregnancy complicated by obsessive‐compulsive disorder

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a well-recognized psychiatric disorder often beginning in reproductive age. A case of OCD in pregnancy is presented and its management discussed. A 28-year-old G3P2 woman presented at 8 weeks' gestation for prenatal care. She had been diagnosed with OCD following her prior pregnancy. Her symptoms primarily involved obsessions about infectious diseases and compulsive cleaning and organization of household items, both of which greatly distressed her and interfered with caring for her children. She had been managed with clomipramine between pregnancies and was beginning a clinical trial of fluvoxamine when pregnancy was diagnosed. She discontinued medication when she realized she was pregnant. Her symptoms were managed during the pregnancy with frequent appointments with her obstetrician and her psychiatrist. She used a behavioral technique, “thought-stopping,” as well. Her symptoms worsened in the last month of pregnancy and immediately after delivery; she delivered a ...
Supercritical fluid deposition of uniform PbS nanoparticle films for energy-transfer studies.

Using supercritical fluid CO2 (Sc-CO2) as a medium, PbS nanoparticles can be uniformly deposited on surfaces of various substrates. Sc-CO2 deposition of PbS nanoparticles on carbon-coated copper grids, into small holes in silicon, and formation of uniform PbS nanoparticle films on glass are described. Fluorescence spectra of PbS nanoparticles obtained from the films prepared by the Sc-CO2 method indicate effective energy transfer between PbS nanoparticles of different sizes.
An assessment of the influence of bioenergy and marketed land amenity values on land uses in the Midwestern US

There is substantial concern that bioenergy policies could swamp other considerations, such as environmental values, and lead to large-scale conversions of land from forest to crops. This study examines how bioenergy and marketed environmental rents for forestland potentially influence land use in the Midwestern US. We hypothesize that current land uses reflect market values for environmental benefits of forestland, so that the marketed component of the environmental value of land can be captured as the difference between Census land values and value of land as a timber asset. We use a multinomial logit model to estimate the land use shares of forests, crops and urban in Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois. The results show that marketed environmental rents increase forestland relative to cropland. To examine the effects of biofuels on land use, we conduct policy analysis by altering future land rents. Our baseline scenario projects that urban development uses mostly cropland, but with higher crop rents resulting from increased demand for bioenergy, there will be significant losses of forestland to urban and cropland. On the other hand, if marketed environmental rents grow while crop rents are maintained at their baseline value, urban growth will occur, primarily at the expense of cropland.
Effect of pramipexole in treatment of resistant restless legs syndrome.

Objective To report the results of an open-label trial with a dopaminergic agent, pramipexole, in patients with treatment-resistant restless legs syndrome (RLS). Material and Methods We studied the response to pramipexole in a consecutive series of 16 patients with symptomatic RLS who had previously experienced failure with other dopaminergic therapies. Patients assessed their posttreatment change in symptoms of RLS on a visual analog scale and indicated drug-related side effects with use of a checklist. Results With a mean dose of pramipexole of 0.3 mg, most patients reported clinically significant improvement. From 2 to 3 months after initiation of pramipexole therapy, nocturnal leg restlessness, involuntary leg movements, and insomnia had decreased in 12, 10, and 11 patients, respectively. The most frequent adverse effects were fatigue and stiffness, which occurred in a third of the patients. Overall, the drug was well tolerated. Conclusion On the basis of these findings, we propose that pramipexole, a D2 subgroup receptor agonist, is an effective agent for treatment of RLS.
Relating body condition to inorganic contaminant concentrations of diving ducks wintering in coastal California.

In wild waterfowl, poor winter body condition may negatively affect migration, survival, and reproduction. Envi- ronmental contaminants have been shown to adversely affect the body condition of captive birds, but few field studies have examined body condition and contaminants in wild birds dur- ing the winter. We assessed the body condition of carcasses from a collection of canvasbacks (Aythya valisineria) and lesser (A. affinis) and greater scaup (A. marila) wintering in coastal California. We used Akaike information criterion (AIC) to select the model with the best balance of parsimony and goodness of fit that related indices of body condition with concentrations of Cd, Cu, Hg, Se, and Zn. Total ash-free protein in canvasbacks decreased with increasing Se concen- trations, and pancreas mass decreased with increasing Hg. We combined the closely related lesser and greater scaup in anal- yses and found that total carcass fat, pancreas mass, and carcass mass decreased with increasing Zn concentrations, and pan- creas mass decreased with increasing Hg. Our AIC analysis indicated that some indices of body condition in diving ducks were inversely related to some environmental contaminants in this collection, but additional AIC analyses should be con- ducted across a wider range of contaminant concentrations to corroborate our findings.
Compact Kerr-lens mode-locked resonators.

We present a comparison of compact three-element Ti:Al2O3 laser resonator designs for enhanced Kerr-lens mode locking. We demonstrate a novel compact cavity design that uses an intracavity lens and show that nonastigmatic modes can significantly increase Kerr-lens action and achieve self-starting mode locking. A new mechanism for group-velocity dispersion that arises from the chromatic aberration of the intracavity focusing elements is also demonstrated.
Learning in Simulations: Examining the Effectiveness of Information Literacy Instruction Using Middle School Students' Portfolio Products

Objective –This study compared the effectiveness of simulation-based and didactic instructional approaches in improving students’ understanding of information literacy (IL) concepts and practices. Methods – The instructional approaches were implemented with two groups of middle school students (i.e., seventh and eighth grades) over a 4-week period. During the implementation period, all students were required to maintain a portfolio of their work. The portfolios were designed to capture students’ actions as they engaged in a common set of information-based problems. The contents of the portfolios were analyzed to examine the research questions that guided the study. Contingency tables demonstrated observed patterns of difference from week 1 to week 4. Chi-square analysis helped to determine whether a significant relationship existed between instructional approach and shifts in IL proficiency levels at the .05 level. Results – There was a significant relationship between the simulation-based approach and increases in students’ ability to 1) recognize the need for information, 2) formulate specific questions that would help in finding needed information, 3) identify a range of information sources for meeting needs, 4) explain successful strategies for accessing needed information, 5) judge the accuracy, relevance and completeness of sources and 6) analyze information from a variety of sources to determine its applicability to a specific problem. Four major distinctions are believed to have caused the students within the simulated instructional environment to experience more proficiency level shifts: situated practice, authenticity, community of practice and an expanded landscape of resources. Conclusion – The results of this study suggest that simulation-based instructional approaches have the potential to augment IL learning. The technology-based approaches may provide powerful learning environments (virtual worlds) that allow students to engage in the activities and practice of information specialists, instead of simply learning the facts associated with the discipline.
Preliminaries on Homotopy Theory

In this introductory chapter, we consider those aspects of homotopy theory that will be used in later sections of the book. This is done in outline form. References to the literature are included.
Defective Phosphorylation and Hyaluronate Binding of CD44 with Point Mutations in the Cytoplasmic Domain

CD44 is a cell surface adhesion molecule that plays a role in leukocyte extravasation, leukopoiesis, T lymphocyte activation, and tumor metastasis. The principal known ligand for CD44 is the glycosaminoglycan hyaluronate, (HA), a major constituent of extracellular matrices. CD44 expression is required but is not sufficient to confer cellular adhesion to HA, suggesting that the adhesion function of the receptor is regulated. We recently demonstrated that CD44 in primary leukocytes is phosphorylated in a cell type- and activation state-dependent fashion. In this study we demonstrate that serines 325 and 327 within the cytoplasmic domain of CD44 are required for the constitutive phosphorylation of CD44 in T cells. Furthermore, we demonstrate that cells expressing mutated CD44 containing a serine to glycine substitution at position 325 or a serine to alanine substitution at amino acid 327 are defective in HA binding, CD44-mediated adhesion of T cells to smooth muscle cells, as well as ligand-induced receptor modulation. The effect of these mutations can be partially reversed by a monoclonal anti-CD44 antibody that enhances CD44-mediated HA binding.
A radar image of Venus.

Radar scans of Venus have yielded a brightness map of a large portion of the surface. The bright area in the south (alpha) and the twin such areas in the north (beta and delta) were first discovered by spectral analysis of radar echos. When range-gating is also applied, their shapes are revealed, and they are seen to be roundish and about 1000 km across. Although radar brightness can be the result of either intrinsic reflectivity or surface roughness, polarization studies show these features to be rough (to the scale of the wavelength, 12.5 cm). Dark, circular areas can also be seen, many with bright central spots. The dark areas are probably smooth. The blurring of the equatorial strip is an artifact of the range-Doppler geometry; all resolution disappears at the equator. Another artifact of the method is the 'ghost', in the south, of the images of beta and delta. Such ghosts appear only at the eastern and western extremes of the map.