cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Forced choice and ordinal discrete rating assessment of image quality: A comparison

This study compared a five-category ordinal scale and a two-alternative forced-choice subjective rating of image quality preferences in a multiabnormality environment. 140 pairs of laser-printed posteroanterior (PA) chest images were evaluated twice by three radiologists who were asked to select during a side-by-side review which image in each pair was the “better” one for the determination of the presence or absence of specific abnormalities. Each pair included one image (the digitized film at 100 μm pixel resolution and laser printed onto film) and a highly compressed (∼60∶1) and decompressed version of the digitized film that was laser printed onto film. Ratings were performed once with a five-category ordinal scale and once with a two-alternative forced-choice scale. The selection process was significantly affected by the rating scale used. The “comparable” or “equivalent for diagnosis” category was used in 88.5% of the ratings with the ordinal scale. When using the two-alternative forced-choice approach, noncompressed images were selected 66.8% of the time as being the “better” images. This resulted in a significantly lower ability to detect small differences in perceived image quality between the noncompressed and compressed images when the ordinal rating scale is used. Observer behavior can be affected by the type of question asked and the rating scale used. Observers are highly sensitive to small differences in image presentation during a side-by-side review.
When is thermodynamics relevant to ion-induced atomic rearrangements in metals?

Abstract The problem of ion-induced mixing of metal bilayers is examined in the limit of heavy metals (Z ≳ 20) and heavy energetic ions (E ≳ 100 keV) and in the absence of delayed effects such as radiation enhanced thermal diffusion. Thermochemical effects are shown to play an important role in biasing the random walk process of mixing. A universal mixing equation is derived which predicts the evolution of the concentration profile as a function of ion dose. Finally, a model is presented which allows one to predict what metallurgical phases are formed during the mixing process. Criteria for amorphous phase formation are particularly emphasized.
Accurate ab initio gradient calculation of the structures and conformations of some boric and fluoroboric acids. Basis-set effects on angles around oxygen

Abstract Accurate geometry determinations by SCF computation are reported for BF 2 H, H 2 BOH, two conformers of FHBOH,F 2 BOH, three conformers of HB(OH) 2 , and three conformers of FB(OH) 2 . The effect of adding polarization functions to the double zeta basis set is examined in detail both with respect to alteration of the computed absolute values of the structural parameters and to changes in the consistency of the computed relative values. It is shown that geometry computation should be done at a level which is adequate to produce small and constant offset values for the parameters sought, i.e. constant and predictable residual errors resulting from use of a finite basis set and neglect of electron correlation. In the rare situations when the desired chemical information is found in absolute rather than relative values of the parameters, the offset correction can be added to the computed value. In many cases, such structure evaluations are at least as reliable as those from the best experiments. For the compounds in this study, substitution of either F or OH increases the ionic character of both the BF and Bbonds. The BF bond is slightly more ionic than BO. The OH group is a slightly stronger σ electron-acceptor and π electron-donor than is F.
Dilute solution properties of hydroxyethyl starch

The dilute solution properties of hydroxyethyl starch (HES) were examined by using the techniques of osmometry, light scattering, and viscometry. The molecular weight range was approximately 2 × 106–0.06 × 106. Since HES is a branched molecule, its properties were compared with those of two linear counterparts, ethyl hydroxyethyl cellulose and hydroxyethyl cellulose. The branching index g was estimated to be about 0.3 when calculated from the intrinsic viscosity, radii of gyration, and second virial coefficients.
Direct Costs of Care in a Randomized Controlled Trial of Endoscopic Sclerotherapy versus Emergency Portacaval Shunt for Bleeding Esophageal Varices in Cirrhosis—Part 4

Background Emergency treatment of bleeding esophageal varices (BEV) in cirrhotic patients is of prime importance because of the high mortality rate surrounding the episode of acute bleeding. Nevertheless, there is a paucity of randomized controlled trials of emergency surgical therapy and no reports of the costs of any of the widely used forms of emergency treatment. The important issue of direct costs of care was examined in a randomized controlled trial that compared endoscopic sclerotherapy (EST) to emergency portacaval shunt (EPCS).
Cloud point extraction, preconcentration and spectrophotometric determination of erbium(III)-2-(3,5-dichloro-2-pyridylazo)-5-dimethylaminophenol

The extraction and preconcentration of metal chelates via surfactant-mediated phase separation was studied. The effects on extraction parameters of several experimental variables were evaluated. A successive approximation method, using a least-squares computer program, was employed for the calculation of partition and acid dissociation constants of the chelating reagent. A new, high-sensitive and low-cost methodology for the determination of Er(III)-2-(3,5-dichloro-2-pyridylazo)-5-dimethylaminophenol — with the nonionic surfactant, polyethyleneglycolmono-p-nonylphenylether (PONPE 7.5), with a cloud point extraction step prior to absorptiometric determination — was developed and optimized. Under the optimal experimental conditions, the molar absorptivity was 1.27 × 105 1 mol−1cm−1. Calibration plot of absorbance (584 nm) vs. concentration was linear within the range 0.02–2 mg l−1 Er(III). The lower limit of detection (LOD) was 1.48 × 10−7 mol l−1. The proposed procedure was successfully applied to the determination of Er(III) in synthetic samples, reproducing superconducting materials and permanent magnets.
Identifying and classifying water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) using the HyMap sensor

In recent years, the impact of aquatic invasive species on biodiversity has become a major global concern. In the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta region in the Central Valley of California, USA, dense infestations of the invasive aquatic emergent weed, water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) interfere with ecosystem functioning. This silent invader constantly encroaches into waterways, eventually making them unusable by people and uninhabitable to aquatic fauna. Quantifying and mapping invasive plant species in aquatic ecosystems is important for efficient management and implementation of mitigation measures. This paper evaluates the ability of hyperspectral imagery, acquired using the HyMap sensor, for mapping water hyacinth in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta region. Classification was performed on sixty-four flightlines acquired over the study site using a decision tree which incorporated Spectral Angle Mapper (SAM) algorithm, absorption feature parameters in the spectral region between 0.4 and 2.5µm, and spectral endmembers. The total image dataset was 130GB. Spectral signatures of other emergent aquatic species like pennywort (Hydrocotyle ranunculoides) and water primrose (Ludwigia peploides) showed close similarity with the water hyacinth spectrum, however, the decision tree successfully discriminated water hyacinth from other emergent aquatic vegetation species. The classification algorithm showed high accuracy (κ value = 0.8) in discriminating water hyacinth.
Mass spectra of some 1,2,4-thiadiazoles†

Substituted 1,2,4-thiadiazoles were found to undergo fragmentation by loss of RCN from the molecular ion with both 3- and 5-substituents being involved to some extent. This was followed by loss of sulfur to yield a nitrilium ion. With 5-hydrazino substituents, hydrogen transfer was observed from the substituent to a ring nitrogen atom.
Stimulation of Striga hermonthica Seed Germination by 11β,13-Dihydroparthenolide

Germination tests of Striga hermonthica seeds were performed using 11β,13-dihydroparthenolide (DHP), a sesquiterpene lactone from Ambrosia artemisifolia (common ragweed). In each test series aqueous solutions with acetone or methanol were used as negative controls. Test solutions of the strigol analogue 2-methyl-4-((2-oxo-2,3,3a,8b-tetrahydro-4H-indeno[1,2-b]furan-3-ylidene)methoxy)-but-2-en-4-olide (GR 24) in methanol as carrier system were used as positive controls. A decrease in concentration of DHP from 10 -3 to 10 -20 M resulted in several unusual minima and maxima of stimulatory activities, suggesting that the mode of action of DHP could be hormonal. The crystal structure of DHP was determined by X-ray crystallography, and the use of molecular modeling in predicting the biologically active conformations is proposed.
Laminates for miniaturized integrated bioelectronic protein analysis systems

We report the use of microelectronic laminate-based manufacturing to produce integrated devices capable of performing both electronic and biological analysis, particularly for protein assays. There is currently a significant push to develop miniaturized biofluidic devices for portable, point-of-care medical applications. Such “lab-on-a-chip” devices are typically built using lithographic and stamping processes borrowed from semiconductor and other industries. However, these devices suffer from severe lack of integration, especially with electronic components. Electronic wiring and electrical components are typically added post-facto, usually off the device, in a clumsy non-integrated way. In this research, we have developed an innovative packaging approach to system miniaturization which incorporates fluidic, electronics, and mechanical components into a laminate-based device. The use of lamination allows one to readily integrate many different types of technologies and materials into a single device, making the production of a truly integrated unit. Furthermore, this approach, which borrows heavily from the printed circuit board and microelectronics packaging industry, has great potential for large scale, low cost manufacturing. Our demonstration system reproduces protein separation in a hybrid fluidic-gel-electronic circuit board. The assay (SDS-PAGE), which is built into a single laminate structure, allows one to do an important and sensitive protein analysis using only a small quantity of protein. The device consists of printed circuit board layers laminated against fluidic and acrylamide gel layers to produce a single hybrid device. Since the electrical traces and components are on-board, the device can be plugged into a power or data connector without the need for extra wiring and interconnects to drive the device. We describe the manufacturing of this device and demonstrate the ability to perform protein separation using this device. We also discuss some of the issues associated with integrating highly dissimilar laminates together for the purpose of building a true “lab-on-a-board”.
Rheological technique for determining the order–disorder transition of block copolymers

Les mesures rheologiques donnent des informations sur la transition ordre-desordre des copolymeres a blocs comparables a celles obtenues par diffusion RX centrale (SAXS)
Frequency response characteristics of isolated retinas from hatchling leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea L.) and loggerhead (Caretta caretta L.) sea turtles

Electroretinographic recordings were made from hatchling loggerhead and leatherback sea turtle eyecup preparations during presentation of sinusoidally modulated lights of different frequencies, mean intensities and colors. Cross-correlation analysis was performed to determine the extent to which the responses followed the intensity modulated light sources. For both species mean light intensity had no significant effect on the frequency modulated responses over a 1.5 log unit range of intensities. Both species showed the best following to blue light and the poorest tracking to red light. Leatherback retinas did not follow frequencies above 10 Hz, while loggerhead responses extended out to 15 Hz. These visual low pass filter characteristics are consistent with attributes of the visual ecology of each species, as well as with the latencies and slow rise times exhibited by these retinas to brief flashes of light.
Using spatial metrics to predict scenic perception in a changing landscape: Dennis, Massachusetts

This paper investigates residents' perceptions of scenic quality in the Cape Cod community of Dennis, Massachusetts during a period of significant landscape change. In the mid-1970s, Chandler [Natural and Visual Resources, Dennis, Massachusetts. Dennis Conservation Commission and Planning Board, Dennis, MA, 1976] worked with a community group to evaluate the natural resources of their town, an important component of which was scenic value. In the mid-1990s, the original views were re-photographed and another sample of Dennis residents surveyed. Landscape metrics grounded in the landscape ecology literature were used to predict residents' perception of scenic value for each time period. The results indicate that approximately half of the variation in scenic perceptions can be explained by spatial landscape metrics and that this model retains its predictive efficacy after 20 years. These results provide some guidance for landscape planners and designers about the preferred composition and configuration of human landscapes. In particular, they provide additional support for the contribution of natural-appearing landscapes with a complex pattern of edges to a community's scenic quality.
The insertion and extrusion of heterosulfur bridges. III. A useful chemical-chromatographic separation procedure†

A method is described for the isolation of pure phenanthro[4,5-bcd] thiophene (4) from a sulfur-bridging reaction mixture, also containing phenanthrene (3) and elemental sulfur, by selective oxidation of 4 to the sulfoxide (5) by means of iodobenzene dichloride, chromato-graphic separation of 5 on silica gel, and finally reduction of 5 back to 4 by means of sodium bis(methoxyethoxy)aluminum hydride in 25% overall yield from 3.
Tsunami hazard and early warning system in South China Sea

Abstract In this paper, we discuss the potential tsunami hazard in the South China Sea region. We focus our discussions on the characteristics of tsunamis generated from earthquakes along the Manila subduction zone. A procedure is presented for establishing a tsunami early warning system in the region. A scenario case is used to demonstrate the feasibility of the early warning system.
The supplementary value of the banana in institution diets

Summary The diet of 123 boys in an institution was supplemented with two to three bananas daily over a nine-month period and the effect on growth and other aspects of physical status observed in comparison with that of a control group in the same institution. A total of over 48,000 bananas was consumed during the period, or an average of 459 per boy. The bananas were well liked by the boys and were eaten with the same relish and dispatch at the end as at the beginning of the study. On every basis of comparison the experimental boys had some advantageover the controls. This is shown by the following: 1. The experimental boys made a slightly greater mean gain inweight (0.90 pound) and height (0.15 inch) than the controls; a larger percentage of them equalled or exceeded the gains “expected” during the period (70 per cent vs. 44 per cent for weight, 71 per cent vs. 58 per cent for height); and their mean percentage gain during the year was significantly greater (127 for weight, 128 for height, vs. 105 for both weight and height). 2. In ossification of the bones of the wrist the experimental boys also showed slightly greater progress. This was true for mean gain in Carter index (3.2 vs. 2.9); percentage of boys making expected gains (49 vs. 36); percentage gain made by the group (79 vs. 74); and percentage of times gains of individuals exceeded those of the matched partner (51 vs. 41). 3. The Franzen measurements showed a similar trend. The boys who had received the supplement made greater mean gains in measurements of arm girth, subcutaneous tissue, and weight, and also in the scores for these items. The percentage of experimental boys “selected” as undernourished by these scores, moreover, decreased to a greater extent during the period than did that of the control group. These differences do not in most cases attain statistical significance,but the fact that they were made on matched groups and that they are consistent in direction lend support to the belief that the differences are real ones attributable to the supplement. The significance of the findings in relation to dietary requirements will be discussed in the next article.
Interleukin-5 receptor subunit oligomerization and rearrangement revealed by fluorescence resonance energy transfer imaging.

Interleukin (IL)-5 exerts hematopoietic functions through binding to the IL-5 receptor subunits, α and βc. Specific assembly steps of full-length subunits as they occur in cell membranes, ultimately leading to receptor activation, are not well understood. We tracked the oligomerization of IL-5 receptor subunits using fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) imaging. Full-length IL-5Rα and βc were expressed in Phoenix cells as chimeric proteins fused to enhanced cyan or yellow fluorescent protein (CFP or YFP, respectively). A time- and dose-dependent increase in FRET signal between IL-5Rα-CFP and βc-YFP was observed in response to IL-5, indicative of heteromeric receptor α-βc subunit interaction. This response was inhibited by AF17121, a peptide antagonist of IL-5Rα. Substantial FRET signals with βc-CFP and βc-YFP co-expressed in the absence of IL-5Rα demonstrated that βc subunits exist as preformed homo-oligomers. IL-5 had no effect on this βc-alone FRET signal. Interestingly, the addition of IL-5 to cells co-expressing βc-CFP, βc-YFP, and nontagged IL-5Rα led to further increase in FRET efficiency. Observation of preformed βc oligomers fits with the view that this form can lead to rapid cellular responses upon IL-5 stimulation. The IL-5-induced effects on βc assembly in the presence of nontagged IL-5Rα provide direct evidence that IL-5 can cause higher order rearrangements of βc homo-oligomers. These results suggest that IL-5 and perhaps other βc cytokines (IL-3 and granulocyte/macrophage colony-stimulating factor) trigger cellular responses by the sequential binding of cytokine ligand to the specificity receptor (subunit α), followed by binding of the ligand-subunit α complex to, and consequent rearrangement of, a ground state form of βc oligomers.
Over‐expression of Brassica napus phosphatidylinositol‐phospholipase C2 in canola induces significant changes in gene expression and phytohormone distribution patterns, enhances drought tolerance and promotes early flowering and maturation†

Phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C (PtdIns-PLC2) plays a central role in the phosphatidylinositol-specific signal transduction pathway. It catalyses the hydrolysis of membrane-bound phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate to produce two second messengers, sn-1,2-diacylglycerol and inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate. The former is a membrane activator of protein kinase C in mammalian systems, and the latter is a Ca(2+) modulator which induces distinctive oscillating bursts of cytosolic Ca(2+), resulting in regulation of gene expression and activation of proteins. Sustained over-expression of BnPtdIns-PLC2 in transgenic Brassica napus lines brought about an early shift from vegetative to reproductive phases, and shorter maturation periods, accompanied by notable alterations in hormonal distribution patterns in various tissues. The photosynthetic rate increased, while stomata were partly closed. Numerous gene expression changes that included induction of stress-related genes such as glutathione S-transferase, hormone-regulated and regulatory genes, in addition to a number of kinases, calcium-regulated factors and transcription factors, were observed. Other changes included increased phytic acid levels and phytohormone organization patterns. These results suggest the importance of PtdIns-PLC2 as an elicitor of a battery of events that systematically control hormone regulation, and plant growth and development in what may be a preprogrammed mode.
A break‐even analysis of distillation–membrane hybrids

The use of distillation-membrane hybrids is examined for the separation of two component mixtures exhibiting a tangent pinch, azeotrope, or low relative volatility. The merits of various process alternatives are discussed. A procedure for screening calculations is presented that allows the determination of the break-even cost for a membrane, above which the hybrid would be too costly to be competitive. This approach is applicable to the screening of all the types of membranes and can be used to target the desirable membrane properties. Screening calculations are performed for water-acetic acid, ethanol-water, and propylene-propane systems to demonstrate the inherent trade-offs of the hybrids and the effect of phase behavior on the performance.
Labeled-Nitrate Assimilation and Nitrogen-15 Export from Leaves of Burley Tobacco

At harvest burley tobacco (Nicortiana tabacum L.) leaves frequently contain undesirably high levels of NO 3 , which are usually greater in older leaves lower in the canopy than in the younger leaves of the upper canopy. Substantial NO 3 uptake occurs during the 4-wk period between topping (apical bud removal) and harvest. To evaluate N use characteristics of leaves differing in stalk position during this period, the 4th or 10th leaf from the top of field-grown plants received 15 N-NO 3 solution (99 atom % 15 N)
From the ephemeral to the enduring: how approach-oriented mindsets lead to greater status.

We propose that the psychological states individuals bring into newly formed groups can produce meaningful differences in status attainment. Three experiments explored whether experimentally created approach-oriented mindsets affected status attainment in groups, both immediately and over time. We predicted that approach-oriented states would lead to greater status attainment by increasing proactive behavior. Furthermore, we hypothesized that these status gains would persist longitudinally, days after the original mindsets had dissipated, due to the self-reinforcing behavioral cycles the approach-oriented states initiated. In Experiment 1, individuals primed with a promotion focus achieved higher status in their newly formed groups, and this was mediated by proactive behavior as rated by themselves and their teammates. Experiment 2 was a longitudinal experiment and revealed that individuals primed with power achieved higher status, both immediately following the prime and when the groups were reassembled 2 days later to work on new tasks. These effects were mediated by independent coders' ratings of proactive behavior during the first few minutes of group interaction. Experiment 3 was another longitudinal experiment and revealed that priming happiness led to greater status as well as greater acquisition of material resources. Importantly, these immediate and longitudinal effects were independent of the effects of a number of stable dispositional traits. Our results establish that approach-oriented psychological states affect status attainment, over and above the more stable characteristics emphasized in prior research, and provide the most direct test yet of the self-reinforcing nature of status hierarchies. These findings depict a dynamic view of status organization in which the same group may organize itself differently depending on members' incoming psychological states. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2013 APA, all rights reserved)
In prospective study using Specific Quality of Life & Outcomes Response-Venous (SQOR-V) questionnaire the recall bias had the same magnitude as the minimally important difference

To assess whether the measurement error, and recall bias can reach magnitudes comparable to minimally important difference (MID) in symptoms scores used in chronic venous disease-specific quality of life QOL instruments, such as Specific Quality of Life & Outcomes Response-Venous (SQOR-V) questionnaire. Prospective non-randomized study of 150 patients with primary chronic venous disease. SQOR-V questionnaire was administered prior to clinical visit (in 32 patients twice), and 1 month post-treatment. Patients were asked to recall their symptoms 12 months later. Measurement error (SEM) was calculated from repeated baseline measurements. MID was derived from change in the symptom score (SS) part of the SQOR-V questionnaire at 1 month. Recall bias was calculated from 12-month recall data. SEM was 1.91, the recall bias was −3.16 (95% CI from −4.08 to −2.24), and the MID was 3.7. In the treatment group the recall bias was negative (recall more severe symptoms than they actually were at the baseline), patients in the observation group had positive recall bias. SS change moderately correlated with transition rating index (Spearman rank-order correlation 0.526, P < 0.0001), and strongly correlated with the baseline value (Pearson r = 0.84). The measurement error of patient-reported symptoms scores included in disease-specific QOL instruments is small, but recall bias is close in magnitude to MID.
On the belief that one body may be host to two or more personalities.

Abstract The belief in the validity of the multiple personality concept is discussed in this article. Two scaffolding constructions are analyzed: dissociation and repression. As generally employed, these constructions grant no agency to the multiple personality patient. The claim is made that the conduct of interest arises in discourse, usually with the therapist as the discourse partner. In reviewing the history of multiple personality and the writings of current advocates, it becomes clear that contemporary users of the multiple personality disorder diagnosis participate in a subculture with its own set of myths, one of which is the autonomous actions of mental faculties. Of special significance is the readiness to transfigure imaginings into rememberings of child abuse, leading ultimately to the manufacture of persons. The implications for both therapy and theory of regarding the patient as agent in place of the belief that the contranormative conduct is under the control of mentalistic faculties are d...
A new determination of the enthalpy of solution of berkelium metal and the standard enthalpy of formation of Bk3+ (aq)

The enthalpy of solution of berkelium metal (dhcp) in 1 M HCl has been measured at 298.15 ± 0.05 K, giving a value of −600.2 ± 5.1 kJ mol−1. From this value, the standard enthalpy of formation of Bk3+ (aq) is derived as −601 ± 5 kJ mol−1 and, using reasonable entropy estimates, the standard potential of the Bk3+/Bk° couple is calculated to be −2.01 ± 0.03 V.
Molecular cloning of a gene sequence regulated by nerve growth factor

Nerve growth factor (NGF) is essential for the development and differentiation of sympathetic or sensory neurons. A complementary DNA was cloned that corresponds to a gene sequence induced more than 50-fold in a cultured target cell line of pheochromocytoma cells (PC12 cells) 5 hours after the addition of NGF. The induced messenger RNA encodes a 90,000-dalton polypeptide that may represent one of the primary events in NGF-induced differentiation of neurons.
Charge Trapping in Organic Photovoltaic Materials Examined with Time-Resolved Vibrational Spectroscopy†

Bimolecular charge recombination is examined in a polymer blend photovoltaic material using time-resolved vibrational spectroscopy on the 100 fs to millisecond time scales. The carbonyl (C═O) stretch of the functionalized fullerene, PCBM, is probed as a local vibrational reporter of electron transfer and subsequent bimolecular charge recombination in a blend of the conjugated polymer, CN-MEH-PPV, with PCBM. Electron transfer from CN-MEH-PPV to PCBM occurs on the sub-100 fs to 1 ps time scale following ultrafast excitation of the conjugated polymer. Bimolecular charge recombination occurs much more slowly on the 100 μs time scale, in accord with recent optical measurements of charge recombination in similar MDMO-PPV-based polymer blends. However, a new vibrational feature that is assigned to the negative polaron of PCBM appears in the transient spectra on the few microsecond time scale. The appearance of this feature on time scales that are slow in comparison to electron transfer but fast with respect to b...
Comments on foam stability, Ostwald ripening, and grain growth

Abstract A discussion is presented of the applicability of well-established theories of interface-reaction-controlled Ostwald ripening of second-phase precipitate distributions, and of the evolution of grain distributions in polycrystalline materials, to the problem of foam evolution by interbubble gas diffusion. Two limiting cases are developed in detail: evolution of a narrow size distribution of foam bubbles, and characteristics of a bubble distribution at asymptotically large times.
Research on a Novel Two-Phase Hybrid Stepping Motor

In this paper, the mechanical structure of a novel two-phase hybrid stepping motor, which offers big transmission ratio and fast response characteristics, is proposed. Comparing with typical two-phase hybrid stepping motor, permanent magnet of the new model is placed on the stator, thus it has better utilization of space than conventional two-phase hybrid stepping motor. Furthermore, new two-phase hybrid stepping motor torque mathematical model is established. And the two-phase hybrid stepping motor torque vector analysis method we provide here provide you with an intuitive way of research on the new type two-phase hybrid stepping motor operation principle and control mode.
Oxygen Replacement with Selenium at the Thymidine 4-Position for the Se Base Pairing and Crystal Structure Studies

The T−A and C−G base pairing and stacking allow the formation of the stable DNA duplex structure for genetic information storage, transcription, and replication. To replace the oxygen of the nucleotide nucleobases with selenium for the studies of the base-pair recognition, the duplex stability, and the nuclei acid crystal structures, we have synthesized for the first time the 4-Se thymidine phosphoramidite and incorporated it into oligonucleotides via solid-phase synthesis with high coupling yield (99%). The Se modification on the nucleobase is relatively stable under the elevated temperature. Using the dUSe (2‘-Se-dU) to facilitate the crystallization, we have successfully crystallized the DNA containing the 4-Se−T substitution and determined its structure at 1.50 A resolution. The UV-melting and X-ray crystal structure studies have indicated that the Se substitution on the nucleobase does not cause a significant structure perturbation, the large Se atom on the thymine can be successfully accommodated by...
Computer Aided Olive Oil−Gas Partition Coefficient Calculations§

Our project aimed at developing a relation between the structure of diverse organic molecules and their ability to partition between olive oil and gas. Olive oil−gas partitions have been used as su...
A histochemical study of the muscles of Drosophila melanogaster

The thoracic muscles of Drosophila melanogaster can be classified into two classes, the fibrillar and the tubular muscles, on morphological grounds. Histochemical techniques were used to characterize these two classes of muscle according to their content of various enzymes (alpha-glycerophosphate, NAD-dependent isocitrate, malate and succinate dehydrogenases, fumarase, acid phosphatase, adenosine triphosphatase and acetylcholinesterase) and of glycogen. These investigations showed that the two muslces types are histochemically very different and, further, that the morphologically similar tubular muscles are heterogeneous with respect to their enzyme content. In particular, the tergal depressor of the trochanter of the second leg, the largest of the tubular muslces, has considerably less of all the enzymes studied, with the exception of acetylcholinesterase, than all the other tubular muscles examined. The histochemical techniqes were also used to follow the changes in enzyme levels that occur during development of the indirect flight muscle fibres. All the enzymes that are present in adult flight muslces showed an increase in staining intensity throughout muscle development. Some minor differences were observed in the time of appearance and rate of increase of intensity of the different enzymes.
Can the concept of hormesis Be generalized to carcinogenesis

The concept of hormesis (i.e., low-dose stimulation/high-dose inhibition) has been shown to be widely generalizable with respect to chemical class, animal model, gender, and biological end point. The public health implication of this lack of linearity in the low-dose area of the dose-response curve raises the question of whether low doses of carcinogens will reduce cancer risk. Articles relating to the process of carcinogenesis (i.e., initiation, promotion, tumor development, and progression) were obtained from a recently developed chemical hormesis database and evaluated for their evidence of hormesis. Numerous examples in well-designed studies indicate that U- or J-shaped dose-response relationships exist with respect to various biomarkers of carcinogenesis in different animal models of both sexes. Examples of such J-shaped dose-response relationships in each stage of the process of carcinogenesis were selected for detailed toxicological examination. These results have important implications for both the hazard assessment of carcinogens and cancer risk assessment procedures.
Some biological characteristics of a pituitary growth factor (CGF) for cultured lapine articular chondrocytes.

A recently described pituitary chondrocyte growth factor (CGF) is a contaminant of several related glycoprotein hormones (TSH, LH and HCG). Chondrocytes were cultured from rabbits two to three months old. Bovine TSH (NIH) 69.5 μg/ml, used as the source of CGF, reduced the generation time from 16 to 10 hours through a virtual effacement of the G1 period. Incorporation of 3H-thymidine declined rapidly after 48 hours from maximal values (control 300 cpm/μg DNA; CGF, 679). Total DNA accumulated thereafter until 116 hours when the figures were 36 and 98 μg/flask, respectively. Little growth response occurred in spinner cultures. CGF lowered plating efficiency from 4.5 to 2.3%. The stimulatory effect diminished when CGF was removed from the medium. The treated cells were smaller and contained less protein and RNA than controls. They synthesized smaller quantitites of sulfated mucopolysaccharides (chondroitin sulfates 4,6 and doubly sulfated chondroitin as well as some dermatan sulfate) but hyaluronate production was not diminished.
Corals on seamount peaks provide evidence of current acceleration over deep-sea topography

Geological and physical studies of seamounts have suggested the existence of distinct deep-sea habitats, characterized by exposed rocky bottom and a unique current regime1–9. However, few biological data have been collected for deep seamounts10–12. Here we present some of the first quantitative observations of hard-bottom (non-hydrothermal) fauna in the deep sea. These observations show that black corals (antipatharians) and horny corals (gorgonians) present on the slopes of a multi-peaked seamount are more abundant near peaks, compared with mid-slope sites at corresponding depths. On narrow peaks corals are most abundant on the crest, whereas on wide peaks, coral densities are highest at the edge of the crest. The abundance of corals also increases on knobs and pinnacles. Physical models and observations2,4–9,13–15, together with our direct measurements, suggest that the seamount topography affects the local current regime. Corals appear to benefit from flow acceleration, and some of their patterns of distribution can be explained by current conditions. These results suggest that suspension feeders have some potential as indicators of prevailing currents at deep hard-bottom sites.
Intronic microRNA precursors that bypass Drosha processing

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are approximately 22-nucleotide endogenous RNAs that often repress the expression of complementary messenger RNAs. In animals, miRNAs derive from characteristic hairpins in primary transcripts through two sequential RNase III-mediated cleavages; Drosha cleaves near the base of the stem to liberate a approximately 60-nucleotide pre-miRNA hairpin, then Dicer cleaves near the loop to generate a miRNA:miRNA* duplex. From that duplex, the mature miRNA is incorporated into the silencing complex. Here we identify an alternative pathway for miRNA biogenesis, in which certain debranched introns mimic the structural features of pre-miRNAs to enter the miRNA-processing pathway without Drosha-mediated cleavage. We call these pre-miRNAs/introns 'mirtrons', and have identified 14 mirtrons in Drosophila melanogaster and another four in Caenorhabditis elegans (including the reclassification of mir-62). Some of these have been selectively maintained during evolution with patterns of sequence conservation suggesting important regulatory functions in the animal. The abundance of introns comparable in size to pre-miRNAs appears to have created a context favourable for the emergence of mirtrons in flies and nematodes. This suggests that other lineages with many similarly sized introns probably also have mirtrons, and that the mirtron pathway could have provided an early avenue for the emergence of miRNAs before the advent of Drosha.
The superoxide dismutase activities of two higher valent manganese complexes, MnIV desferrioxamine and MnIII-cyclam.

Abstract A green manganese desferrioxamine complex is rapidly formed at room temperature upon stirring freshly precipitated manganese dioxide in a solution of the ligand. Spectral studies and low-temperature ESR indicate that this compound, which has been previously described as a manganese (III) complex, is better characterized as containing tetravalent manganese. The complex appears to form oligomers in solution. The extinction coefficient at 635 nm is 137 ± 6 m −1 cm −1 (per manganese) at pH 7.8 and 88 ± 4 m −1 s −1 at pH 6.6 after purification by chromatography. The superoxide dismutase activity was measured and compared to that of mononuclear manganese(III) 1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclodecane (cyclam). The catalytic rate constants for superoxide dismutase activity are 1.7 × 10 6 m −1 s −1 and 2.9 × 10 6 m −1 s −1 for the desferrioxamine and the cyclam complexes, respectively.
Downregulation of interleukin-7 and hepatocyte growth factor in the thymic microenvironment is associated with thymus involution in tumor-bearing mice

During mammary tumorigenesis, there is a profound thymic involution associated with severe depletion of the most abundant subset of thymocytes, CD4+CD8+ immature cells, and an early arrest in at least two steps of T cell differentiation. Thymic atrophy that is normally related with aging has been observed in other model systems, including graft-vs-host disease (GVHD) and tumor development. However, the mechanisms involved in this phenomenon remain to be elucidated. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) has been associated with thymic involution, when expressed at high levels systemically. In thymuses of D1-DMBA-3 tumor-bearing mice, this growth factor is diminished relative to the level of normal thymuses. Interestingly, the expression of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), which has been associated with proliferation, cell survival, angiogenesis and B-cell differentiation, is profoundly down-regulated in thymuses of tumor bearers. In parallel, IL-7 and IL-15 mRNA, crucial cytokines involved in thymocytes development and cellular homeostasis, respectively, are also down-regulated in the thymuses of tumor hosts as compared to those of normal mice. Injection of HGF into mice implanted with mammary tumors resulted in normalization of thymic volume and levels of VEGF, IL-7 and IL-15. While, injections of IL-7 partially restored the thymic involution observed in the thymuses of tumor-bearing mice, injection of IL-15 did not have any significant effects. Our data suggest that the downregulation of HGF and IL-7 may play an important role in the thymic involution observed in tumor-bearing hosts.
Determining the dimension of the central subspace and central mean subspace

The central subspace and central mean subspace are two important targets of sufficient dimension reduction. We propose a weighted chi-squared test to determine their dimensions based on matrices whose column spaces are exactly equal to the central subspace or the central mean subspace. The asymptotic distribution of the test statistic is obtained. Simulation examples are used to demonstrate the performance of this test.
The use of a sum of inverse Gaussian functions to describe the absorption profile of drugs exhibiting complex absorption.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the utility of a parametric deconvolution method using a sum of inverse Gaussian functions (IG) to characterize the absorption and concentrations vs. time profile of drugs exhibiting complex absorption. For a linear time-invariant system the response, Y(t), following an arbitrary input function I(t), is the convolution of I(t) with the disposition function, H(t), of the system: $$Y{\left( t \right)} = {\int\limits_0^t {I{\left( \tau \right)}H{\left( {t - \tau } \right)}d\tau } }$$ . The method proposed uses a sum of n inverse Gaussian functions to characterize I(t). The approach was compared with a standard nonparametric method using linear splines. Data were provided from previously published studies on two drugs (hydromorphone and veralipride) showing complex absorption and analyzed with NONMEM®. A satisfactory fit for hydromorphone and veralipride data following oral administration was achieved by fitting a sum of two or three IG functions. The predictions of the input functions were very similar to those using linear splines. The use of a sum of IG as opposed to nonparametric functions, such as splines, offers a simpler implementation, a more intuitive interpretation of the results, a built-in extrapolation, and an easier implementation in a population context. Disadvantages are an apparent greater sensitivity to initial value estimates (when used with NONMEM®).
The impact of chromosomal microarray on clinical management: a retrospective analysis.

Chromosomal microarray has been widely adopted as the first-tier clinical test for individuals with multiple congenital anomalies, developmental delay, intellectual disability, and autism spectrum disorders. Although chromosomal microarray has been extensively shown to provide a higher diagnostic yield than conventional cytogenetic methods, some health insurers refuse to provide coverage for this test, claiming that it is experimental and does not affect patients’ clinical management. We retrospectively reviewed the electronic medical records of all patients who had abnormal chromosomal microarray findings reported by our laboratory over a 3-year period and quantified the management recommendations made in response to these results. Abnormal chromosomal microarray findings were reported for 12.7% of patients (227/1,780). For patients with clinical follow-up notes available, these results had management implications for 54.5% of patients in the entire abnormal cohort (102/187) and for 42.1% of patients referred for isolated neurodevelopmental disorders (16/38). Recommendations included pharmacological treatment, cancer-related screening or exclusion of screening, contraindications, and referrals for further evaluation. These results empirically demonstrate the clinical utility of chromosomal microarray by providing evidence that management was directly affected for the majority of patients in our cohort with abnormal chromosomal microarray findings. Genet Med 16 9, 657–664.
Caring about More: An Integrative Capstone Course Connecting Religious Studies with General Education

This paper describes and analyzes an “Integrating Seminar” capstone course for undergraduate religious studies majors, which has the following goals for student learning: (1) to reflect on the cumulative achievement of their studies of religion; (2) to take stock of their learning in liberal studies coursework; and (3) to explore the connections between these specialized and general learning experiences. Readings provided by the instructor and the students and discussions around them lead toward a final paper on this question: “In the context of becoming an educated person, what is religion, how do you know, and why do you care?” The paper concludes with some reflections on ways to better prepare students for this kind of integrated thinking through advising and ongoing colloquia.
Determination of the basic timescale in kinetic Monte Carlo simulations by comparison with cyclic-voltammetry experiments

Abstract While kinetic Monte Carlo simulations can provide long-time simulations of the dynamics of physical and chemical systems, it is not yet possible in general to identify the inverse Monte Carlo attempt frequency with a physical timescale in any but the simplest systems. Here we demonstrate such an identification by comparing simulations with experimental data. Using a dynamic lattice-gas model for the electrosorption of Br on Ag(1 0 0), we measure the scan-rate dependence of the separation between positive- and negative-going peaks in cyclic voltammetry and compare simulated and experimental peak separations. By adjusting the Monte Carlo attempt frequency, good agreement between simulated and experimental peak separations is achieved. It is also found that the uniqueness of the determination depends on the relative values of the adsorption/desorption and diffusion free-energy barriers.
Comparison of Two High‐Energy, Pulsed Carbon Dioxide Lasers in the Treatment of Periorbital Rhytides

BACKGROUND Carbon dioxide (CO2) laser technology has expanded over the past 20 years from the production of precise excisional and cutting instruments to the recent development of high-energy, pulsed systems that allow for controlled tissue vaporization. These newest lasers permit removal of thin layers of skin with minimal damage to normal adjacent skin structures. The precise and reproducible nature of tissue destruction has led to a resurgence of interest in cutaneous resurfacing. OBJECTIVE To compare the clinical effectiveness, side effect profile, and postoperative course of two different high-energy, pulsed CO2 lasers (ultrapulse and surgipulse) in the treatment of periorbital rhytides. METHODS Ten patients with moderate to severe periorbital rhytides received laser treatment using the surgipulse CO2 laser on one side and the ultrapulse CO2 laser on the opposite periorbital region. Equivalent laser parameters and treatment conditions were used with both systems. Sequential clinical analyses were performed independently by two blinded assessors. In addition, optical profilometry measurements of silicone rubber skin surface casts were obtained before and after laser irradiation to determine skin texture changes. RESULTS There was a 63% average clinical improvement of periorbital rhytides following surgipulse laser treatment and a mean improvement of 82% after ultrapulse laser irradiation. Skin surface texture in all laser-treated rhytides approximated those found in normal skin. An increased number of laser passes were required using the surgipulse system to effect the same clinical endpoints as the ultrapulse system. CONCLUSION While both the surgipulse and ultrapulse high-energy CO2 laser systems can effectively improve periorbital rhytides, the ultrapulse system, provides a slightly enhanced clinical response with fewer passes, presumably due to improved tissue vaporization.