cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Corporate Governance Reform in Post-Crisis Financial Firms: Two Fundamental Tensions

The manner in which financial firms are governed directly impacts the stability and sustainability of both the financial sector and the "real" economy, as the financial crisis and associated regulatory reform efforts have tragically demonstrated. However, two fundamental tensions continue to complicate efforts to reform corporate governance in post-crisis financial firms. The first relates to reliance on increased equity capital as a buffer against shocks and a means of limiting leverage. The tension here arises from the fact that no corporate constituency desires risk more than equity does, and that risk preference only tends to be stronger in banks, and in financial distress - which places a premium on evaluating who these capital providers are, and what their risk incentives look like. The second tension relates to reliance on increased board independence as a buffer between the risk management function and senior corporate management. The tension here arises from the fact that a growing empirical literature increasingly associates board independence with increased risk-taking and worse performance in the wake of the crisis, in addition to the more general concern that independent directors may lack industry-relevant expertise. This once again places a premium on evaluating who these outside voices in the boardroom are, and what capacities they bring to the table in the financial context. This essay explores these tensions in the context of financial firm governance and assesses the intellectual groundwork that remains to be done as a preliminary to identifying a coherent way forward.
Digging Deeply in Catholic Studies: The CRRA's Collaborative Approach in Providing Access to Rare and Unique Catholic Collections

This paper introduces the work of the Catholic Research Resources Alliance (CRRA), a non-profit organization comprising fifty Catholic colleges, universities, seminaries, and religious congregations. In service to its mission "to provide enduring access to Catholic research resources in the Americas," the CRRA has launched two significant initiatives of freely available and collaboratively curated content: the Catholic Portal and the Catholic News Archive. The paper includes a brief history of the organization and introduces the Portal and the Catholic Newspapers Program. Highlights include innovations in deep indexing and discovery through finding aids across aggregated content, digital content, text mining applications, and links to additional Catholic digital resources.
Logo Detection and Recognition Based on Classification

Online product frauds in the booming e-commerce market have become a major concern for market surveillants and commercial companies. The logo detection plays a crucial role in preventing the increasing online counterfeit trading attempts. In this paper, a novel method based on Random Forest classification with multi-type features is presented to detect the logo regions on arbitrary images and the detected logo regions are further recognized using the visual words with spatial correlated information. Extensive experiments have been conducted on realistic and noise images with different logos. The results show that the proposed method is able to detect the logo regions, and the recognition performance outperforms the well-known Viola-Jones approach for recognizing the arbitrary logos on realistic images.
MON-493 A Unique Case of Severe Osteogenesis Imperfecta Due to a Novel Heterozygous Mutation in COL1A1 Gene with Overlapping Hypophosphatasia Phenotype

Background: Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is a rare heterogeneous bone fragility disease due to collagen defect most often caused by autosomal dominant (AD) COL1A1 or COL1A2 gene mutations. Severe forms of Hypophosphatasia (HPP) may phenotypically resemble OI, is a distinct disorder of hypomineralization caused by the mutations in the tissue-nonspecific alkaline phosphatase (ALPL) gene. Here in, we present the first case of a neonate with severe perinatal OI caused by a novel AD mutation in COL1A1 gene with HPP phenotype treated with asfotase alfa. Case: A 3-day-old full-term boy born by cesarean section presented with multiple fractures & dislocated hips at birth. On physical exam, he was found to have respiratory distress ultimately requiring intubation, hypoplastic rib-cage, blue sclerae, mesomelia, rhizomelia, left & right dislocated hips. Skeletal survey showed multiple fractures of long bones and ribs of varying ages, characteristic of OI. In addition, he was noted to have generalized hypomineralization, hypoplastic ribs, and some metaphyseal flaring. Interestingly, biochemical evaluation revealed hypercalcemia (corrected calcium of 11.7 mg/dL), low alkaline phosphatase (ALP) 58(80-270 U/L), slightly elevated pyridoxal 5” phosphate 52 (5-50 mg/dL) & high urine phosphoethanolamine 285(83-222 mcmol/g Cr). Due to clinical, radiographic, and biochemical findings concerning for HPP, the patient was started on asfotase alfa. The genetic testing showed a novel likely pathogenic heterozygous variant Chr17: c.1201G>C (p.Gly401Arg) in the COL1A1 gene consistent with AD OI. The ALPL gene sequencing revealed no variants in the coding region with 100% coverage of the region. After 7 wks of treatment, x-rays showed two new long bone fractures, but interval osseous remodeling & healing of the previous fractures with an overall improvement in the tubulation of the long bones. Conclusion: To our knowledge, this is the first report describing low ALP activity with phenotypic features of HPP in a neonate with severe perinatal OI due to a novel AD COL1A1 mutation. The low ALP could be due to osteoblasts dysfunction rather than ALPL gene causing enzyme deficiency & it highlights a potentially important role of osteoblasts in the pathogenesis of OI leading to reduced ALP activity and HPP phenotype. Interestingly, patients with lethal type II OI exhibit hypoplastic ribs and generalized hypomineralization; and, osteoblastic dysfunction has been suggested. It is tempting to speculate that low ALP activity may potentially have an additive effect on the severity and possibly lethality of certain most severe forms of OI contributing to potentially a new phenotype of this heterogeneous disorder. Long-term follow-up is needed to see if the patient will benefit from asfotase alfa treatment. In addition, further studies should be performed to truly understand the pathogenesis of the disease in this patient.
Diagnostic Clinical Trials in Breast Cancer Brain Metastases: Barriers and Innovations

Optimal treatment of breast cancer brain metastases (BCBM) is often hampered by limitations in diagnostic abilities. Developing innovative tools for BCBM diagnosis is vital for early detection and effective treatment. In this study we explored the advances in trial for the diagnosis of BCBM, with review of the literature. On May 8, 2019, we searched ClinicalTrials.gov for interventional and diagnostic clinical trials involving BCBM, without limiting for date or location. Information on trial characteristics, experimental interventions, results, and publications were collected and analyzed. In addition, a systematic review of the literature was conducted to explore published studies related to BCBM diagnosis. Only 9 diagnostic trials explored BCBM. Of these, 1 trial was withdrawn because of low accrual numbers. Three trials were completed; however, none had published results. Modalities in trial for BCBM diagnosis entailed magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), positron emission tomography (PET), PET-CT, nanobodies, and circulating tumor cells (CTCs), along with a collection of novel tracers and imaging biomarkers. MRI continues to be the diagnostic modality of choice, whereas CT is best suited for acute settings. Advances in PET and PET-CT allow the collection of metabolic and functional information related to BCBM. CTC characterization can help reflect on the molecular foundations of BCBM, whereas cell-free DNA offers new genetic material for further exploration in trials. The integration of machine learning in BCBM diagnosis seems inevitable as we continue to aim for rapid and accurate detection and better patient outcomes.
Applying quality improvement methodologies to decrease the time-to-activation of new clinical trials at an NCI-designated comprehensive cancer center.

296Background: Initiating a new clinical trial is burdensome and complex. The time to activate a clinical trial can directly affect the ability to provide innovative, state-of-the-art care to patie...
Computational study of fluid flow in tapered orifices for needle-free injectors.

Abstract Transdermal drug delivery using spring-powered jet injection has been studied for several decades and continues to be highly sought after due to the advent of targeted needle-free techniques, especially for viscous and complex fluids. As such, this paper reports results from numerical simulations to study the role of fluid rheology and cartridge geometry on characteristics such as jet exit velocity, total pressure drop and boundary layer thickness, since these all factor in to jet stability and collimation. The numerical approach involves incompressible steady flow with turbulence modelling based on the system Reynolds number at the orifice (Re = ρdovj/μ). The results are experimentally validated for a given geometry over a wide range of Reynolds numbers (101
Venous Access Problems in Sickle Cell Disease Patients: Results of Upper Extremity Thrombolysis in the setting of Catheter Related Thrombosis

Abstract Purpose Sickle cell disease is the most common monogenic disorder. All the elements of Virchow’s triad – hypercoagulability, endothelial dysfunction and impaired blood flow – are present in sickle cell disease patients, and can lead to thrombosis and vaso-occlusive crises. Central venous catheters are commonly used in sickle cell disease patients for rapid transfusion to avoid a vaso-occlusive crisis or for treatment after crises onset. However, central venous catheters themselves are an additional source for thrombus formation. We investigate a single day thrombolysis protocol for the treatment of catheter related thrombosis. Materials and Methods We present an Institutional Review Board approved retrospective analysis spanning from June 2016 to April 2018 evaluating upper extremity thrombolysis in the setting of catheter related thrombosis. All patients underwent a similar protocol involving peripheral upper extremity access, pharmomechanical thrombolysis, and angioplasty, which is described in detail. In 33% of the procedures, a recalcitrant stenosis was then stented. Maximal balloon size and stent sizes are included for reference. Results In follow up, one patient had a severe complication possibly related to the large thrombus burden, and expired. One patient who did not initially have recalcitrant stenosis and therefor did not have a stent placed during the initial procedure, had recurrent stenosis and thrombosis 6 months after the initial procedure, and had repeat pharmomechanical thrombolysis performed, with stent placement at that time. The other procedures were without complication, and the upper extremity and central venous systems remained patent at most recent follow-up, up to 30 months post procedure. Conclusions In the circumstance of severe catheter related thrombosis, we present a protocol which can be considered for therapeutic use without further intervention required in 78% of cases at 2 years.
A Descriptive Analysis of College Students’ Experiences of Female-Perpetrated Sexual Assault:

The current study sought to explore the experiences of college students who have experienced female-perpetrated sexual assault, and to compare their experiences to those of students assaulted by ma...
Overview of three-dimensional integral imaging-based object recognition in low illumination conditions with visible range image sensors

We overview three-dimensional (3D) integral imaging-based object recognition in low illumination conditions. Imaging in very low illumination conditions, especially using passive, visible-range image sensors, remains a challenging endeavor that is particularly complicated by read-noise dominant images and provides unsatisfactory results when using conventional two-dimensional imaging strategies in photon-starved conditions. However, using passive three-dimensional integral imaging, which is optimal in a maximum likelihood sense, we are able to significantly improve imaging capabilities under low illumination conditions and allow for object detection and recognition. We overview reported work on 3D integral imaging object visualization, and recognition in low light including recent work utilizing convolutional neural networks for object recognition in very low illumination conditions.
Genetic structure of Metarhizium species in western USA: Finite populations composed of divergent clonal lineages with limited evidence for recent recombination.

Abstract Globally distributed, soil associated Metarhizium species used in insect biological control are evidently facultatively sexual and obligately outcrossing, yet sexual morphs have not been observed for most species and corroboration that they recombine in nature remains limited. Community-wide genetic diversity of Metarhizium species among 480 soil isolates from 14 states of western USA was investigated to assess the contributions of clonality and recombination in determining each species’ population structure. Seven species, varying greater than 100-fold in relative abundance, were identified by phylogenetic analysis of 5′ EF1-α (5TEF), including M. robertsii (n = 372), M. guizhouense (n = 37), M. brunneum (n = 37), M. lepidiotae (n = 14), M. pemphigi (n = 11), M. anisopliae (n = 7) and M. pingshaense (n = 2). Analyses of composite multilocus genotypes integrating 5TEF sequences, multilocus microsatellites and mating type idiomorphs conducted on a subset of 239 isolates revealed that all species populations display pronounced clonal structure. Following clone-correction procedures to remove redundant clonal genotypes and collapse clonal lineages, each species’ population sample was determined to be composed of a dozen or fewer genetically unique individuals. Thus, the Metarhizium community inhabiting western USA is conservatively estimated to comprise as few as 34 distinct genetic individuals, with a single, geographically ubiquitous clonal lineage of M. robertsii constituting 45% of total isolates. M. robertsii was the only population determined to be in linkage equilibrium. However, the high proportion of private alleles differentiating most M. robertsii clonal lineages argues against contemporary panmixia, thus the recombination signal detected may be historical. Nevertheless, within M. robertsii, M. brunneum and M. guizhouense there are closely related genotypes of opposite mating type, which suggests that if recombination is contemporary, it likely occurs between closely related individuals. The restricted number of genetic individuals observed throughout western North American Metarhizium species may signify that these represent peripheral populations descended from limited numbers of founders among which there has been little recombination relative to the extent of clone expansion and within-clone genetic divergence.
Management of Flap Failure After Head and Neck Reconstruction: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

ObjectiveTo systematically review management of flap loss in head and neck construction with free tissue transfer as compared with locoregional flap or conservative management.Data SourcesMedline, ...
Split down the middle: Studying arbuscular mycorrhizal and ectomycorrhizal symbioses using split-root assays.

Most land plants symbiotically interact with soil-borne fungi to ensure nutrient acquisition and tolerance to various environmental stressors. Among these symbioses, arbuscular mycorrhizal and ectomycorrhizal associations can be found in a large proportion of plants, including many crops. Split-root assays are widely used in plant research to study local and systemic signaling responses triggered by local treatments, including nutrient availability, interaction with soil microbes, or abiotic stresses. However, split-root approaches have only been occasionally used to tackle these questions with regard to mycorrhizal symbioses. This review compiles and discusses split-root assays developed to study arbuscular mycorrhizal and ectomycorrhizal symbioses, with a particular emphasis on colonization by multiple beneficial symbionts, systemic resistance induced by mycorrhizal fungi, water and nutrient transport from fungi to colonized plants, and host photosynthate allocation from the host to fungal symbionts. In addition, we highlight how the use of split-root assays could result in a better understanding of mycorrhizal symbioses, particularly for a broader range of essential nutrients, and for multi-partite interactions.
Functional Outcomes After Gunshot Wounds to the Foot and Ankle

The peer-reviewed, clinical data focusing on foot and ankle gunshot wounds are limited. The present study aimed to evaluate functional outcomes in a case series according to the area of injury, articular involvement, and the presence of infection. From January 2003 through February 2011 (8 years), 37 patients treated at Sinai-Grace Hospital (Detroit, MI) for civilian gunshot wounds localized to the foot and/or ankle were reviewed. Of these, 27 (72.97%) met the inclusion criteria. All acute wounds were thoroughly irrigated in the emergency room (8 of 27, 29.63%) or operating room (19 of 27, 70.37%) within 1 hour of presentation. The injuries were categorized as either zone 1 or 2, if localized distally or proximally to the midtarsal joint, respectively. The Maryland Foot Score was recorded and compared based on the location, articular involvement, and infection status, using analysis of variance. The mean Maryland Foot Score in patients with zone 1 injuries was 89.3 (range 72 to 100) and in patients with zone 2 injures was 61.8 (range 13 to 97; p = .001). The mean Maryland Foot Score in patients with type A injuries was 93.1 (range 72 to 100) and in patients with type B injures was 69.2 (range 13 to 99; p = .001), regardless of location. Intraoperative cultures yielded Staphylococcus epidermidis (7 of 27, 25.93%) and Enterococcus cloacae (1 of 27, 3.7%). No cases of Pseudomonas aeruginosa were found, although 9 cases (33.33%) involved shoe penetration. One third of the cases (9 of 27) yielded intra-articular pain, of which 4 (14.82%) required joint arthrodesis.
Escherichia coli-Salmonella typhimurium hybrid nusA genes: identification of a short motif required for action of the lambda N transcription antitermination protein.

The Escherichia coli nusA gene, nusAEc, encodes an essential protein that influences transcription elongation. Derivatives of E. coli in which the Salmonella typhimurium nusA gene, nusASt, has replaced nusAEc are viable. Thus, NusASt can substitute for NusAEc in supporting essential bacterial activities. However, hybrid E. coli strains with the nusASt substitution do not effectively support transcription antitermination mediated by the N gene product of phage lambda. We report the DNA sequence of nusASt, showing that the derived amino acid sequence is 95% identical to the derived amino acid sequence of nusAEc. The alignment of the amino acid sequences reveals scattered single amino acid differences and one region of significant heterogeneity. In this region, called 449, NusAEc has four amino acids and NusASt has nine amino acids. Functional studies of hybrid nusA genes, constructed from nusAEc and nusASt, show that the 449 region of the NusAEc protein is important for lambda N-mediated transcription antitermination. A hybrid that has a substitution of the four E. coli codons for the nine S. typhimurium codons, but is otherwise nusASt, supports the action of the N antitermination protein. The 449 region and, presumably, adjacent sequences appear to compose a functional domain of NusAEc important for the action of the N transcription antitermination protein of phage lambda. Images
World wide Holstein breeding

The North American Holstein Breed has literally taken the world by storm over the last 25 years. However, questions exist regarding the breed’s suitability for alternative environments. The US is in the process of migrating to a net profit selection goal and will likely place more emphasis on functional traits (other than conformation) than has been practised in the past. Traits most likely to receive attention are somatic cell information, calving ease, and fertility. Milking speed, disposition, early calf mortality, and individual diseases are unlikely to receive major emphasis. Additional research is needed on factors affecting net profit, genetic markers for increased immunological function, and the suitability of crossbreeding as a method to both improve functional traits and avoid inbreeding.
A note on some solutions for n consecutive and simultaneous first-order irreversible kinetic reactions with constant rate coefficients

Pour etudier la cinetique de broyage de 1er ordre dans les broyeurs de laboratoire et industriels, certains auteurs ont developpe une serie de solutions pour des conditions de broyage specifiques. Ces solutions sont directement applicables a tout systeme cinetique de n composants qui reagissent pour former des molecules plus petites, a condition que les reactions soient de 1er ordre, irreversibles et se produisent avec des coefficients de vitesse constants (exemple du declin de la radioactivite). Rassemblement de ces solutions d'interet general
Chromosomal localization of seven neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptor subunit genes in humans

Abstract We have determined the chromosomal location of seven human neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptor subunit genes by genomic Southern analysis of hamster/human somatic cell hybrid DNAs. The β2 subunit gene was localized to human chromosome 1, the α2 and β3 subunit genes were localized to human chromosome 8, the α3, α5, and β4 subunit genes were localized to human chromosome 15, and the α4 subunit gene was localized to human chromosome 20. Mapping of the β2 subunit gene to chromosome 1 establishes a syntenic group with the amylase gene locus on human chromosome 1 and mouse chromosome 3, while mapping of the α3 subunit gene to chromosome 15 confirms the existence of a syntenic group with the mannose phosphate isomerase gene locus on human chromosome 15 and mouse chromosome 9.
Phosphate Transport Inhibition by KW-3902, an Adenosine A1 Receptor Antagonist, Is Mediated by Cyclic Adenosine Monophosphate

Abstract We have previously demonstrated that 1,3-dipropyl-8-(3-noradamantyl) xanthine (KW-3902) has an inhibitory effect on phosphate (Pi) transport with no effect on glucose transport in the rat renal proximal tubular cell, similar to that of parathyroid hormone (PTH). In the current studies we investigated the effect of KW-3902, rat PTH (1–34), and 1,3-dipropyl-8-cyclopentylxanthine (DPCPX), another selective adenosine A 1 receptor antagonist, on Pi transport and the production of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP). We then compared these effects of KW-3902 with those of rat PTH in rat renal proximal tubule cells. The results showed that both KW-3902 (30 μmol/L) and rat PTH (1–34, 5 μmol/L) significantly inhibited Pi uptake in proximal cells from a control level of 61 ± 3 to 19 ± 3 (a reduction of 69%) and 46 ± 4 picomoles phosphate/mg protein/min (a reduction of 25%), respectively ( P P r = 0.997, P P P
Pharmacologic Properties of the Swelling-Induced Chloride Current of Dog Atrial Myocytes

Pharmacology of Swelling-Induced Chloride Current. Introduction: Swelling-induced chloride currents may contribute to cardiac electrical activity and cell volume regulation. Identification of selective Mockers would aid in understanding the functional contribution(s) of this current. Methods and Results: Dog atrial cells were used to investigate the pharmacologic properties of the swelling-induced chloride current. Whole cell patch clamp was used. Swelling-induced chloride current was activated by osmotic stress. Initially, the chloride selectivity and calcium independence of the swelling-induced current in dog atrial cells was demonstrated. Subsequently, a number of putative chloride channel blockers were examined. Anthracene-9-earboxylic acid (1mM) and dideoxyforskolin (1000 μ) and extracellular cAMP (5mM) were found to partially inhibit the swelling-induced chloride current (∼50%, 80%, and 10% inhibition, respectively). Niflumic acid (100 μ), nitrophenylpropylamino benzoate (NPPB; 10 to 40 μ), and (+) 2-[(2-cydopentyl-6,7-dichloro-2,3-dihydro-2-melhyl-1-oxy-1H-inden-5-yl)oxy] acetic acid (indanyloxyacetic acid; IAA-94; 100 μ) could fully inhibit the swelling-induced chloride current without decreasing cell size. DIDS (100 μ) and dinitrostilbene disulfonic acid (DNDS;5 mM) fully inhibited outward currents but only partially inhibited inward current. Conclusions: Niflumic acid, IAA-94, and NPPB were identified as full blockers of cardiac swelling-induced chloride current. Nonspecific effects were identified for each of the full blockers. Experiments that use these agents as functional antagonists should be carefully designed and interpreted with caution.
Enhanced Running Using a Jet Pack

A Jet Pack was designed to augment the physical ability of a person running. The Jet Pack is a light weight back pack style device that produces a forward and upward thrust propelling the user forward. The external force is produced by two variable speed, electric ducted fans, which unlike other running assistive devices, allows for completely unrestricted movement as the device does not connect to the user’s joints or leg segments. The Jet Pack has shown successful running augmentation by significantly increasing a runner’s overall speed while decreasing their heart rate in 200 meter time trials as well as 1 mile time trials when comparing running with the device versus running with no device.Copyright © 2014 by ASME
Experimental taphonomy of embryo preservation in a Cenozoic brooding bivalve

To distinguish between alternative explanations for the presence of synchronous broods in the Miocene-Pliocene bivalve, Transenriella species. we performed in situ burial experiments of the Recent species T. corfusa. All Recent Transennella species are asynchronous brooders; a single brood contains all or most developmental stages. Specimens from Miocene—Pliocene deposits of California suggest that some members of this taxon were synchronous brooders, i.e., all the embryos of a brood develop simultaneously with only one developmental stage represented at any time. The presence of synchronous Transennella broods in the Miocene—Pliocene could indicate that an evolutionary change in mode of reproduction has occurred in this genus. Alternatively, asynchronous brooding in this taxon may he conservative and preferential preservation of later stages of development, or seasonal variation in reproduction, could result in a taphonomic overprint. Our burial experiments indicate that the earliest stages of development are almost entirely lost; however. there is enough preservation of the later stages of development to distinguish the two modes of reproduction. Additionally. we discovered a single fossil specimen with an asynchronous brood. Based primarily on this specimen, and observations from the burial experiments, we conclude that the fossil synchronous broods are an artifact of preservation and asynchronous brooding in Transenella is conservative.
Alternative Splicing Regulation Impacts Heart Development

SR proteins serve multiple roles in the posttranscriptional control of gene expression, including as regulators of alternative splicing. In this issue of Cell, Xu et al. (2005) demonstrate that a heart-specific knockout of one SR protein, ASF/SF2, produces cardiomyopathy and misregulation of specific alternative splicing events during early postnatal development.
Targeted Headache History

Armed with information obtained from the targeted headache history, clinicians can almost always make an accurate diagnosis or at least determine sick from well. Through using the information obtained, clinicians can craft a safe and cost-effective treatment plan that has a high likelihood of success.
On the Definition of Cooperation

A scheme is presented for defining the cooperative response along the four dimensions of sequential-nonsequential, topography, latency, and duration. The cooperative responses in four studies are defined using the scheme.
New finite-size correction for local alignment score distributions

Background Local alignment programs often calculate the probability that a match occurred by chance. The calculation of this probability may require a “finite-size” correction to the lengths of the sequences, as an alignment that starts near the end of either sequence may run out of sequence before achieving a significant score.
The effect of total peripheral resistance on the parameters of the lagged normal model of indicator-dilution curves

Abstract The influence of the peripheral resistance on the dispersion of indocyanine green indicator particles passing through the central circulation was studied in five dogs. The peripheral vascular resistance of the dog was altered during the experiment by the intravenous administration of sodium nitroprusside and methoxamine. Nonlinear regression techniques were used to fit the lagged normal function to indocyanine green indicator-dilution curves. The lagged normal model assumes that the system can be approximated by a normal and an exponential compartment in series. For each dog there was a definite linear relationship between the peripheral resistance and the standard deviation of the primary dye curve. The standard deviations of the normal and exponential compartments were also linearly related to the peripheral resistance, but the slope of the regression line was always greater in the case of the exponential, indicating that the exponential compartment was more sensitive to changes in the peripheral resistance.
Growth regulation of ovarian cancer cells by epidermal growth factor and tranforming growth factors α and β1

Regulation of ovarian cancer growth is poorly understood. In this study, the effects of EGF, TGF alpha and TGF beta 1 on two ovarian cancer cell lines (OVCAR-3 and CAOV-3) were investigated. The results showed that EGF/TGF alpha stimulated cell growth and DNA synthesis in OVCAR-3 cells, but inhibited cell proliferation and DNA synthesis in CAOV-3 cells. TGF beta 1 invariably inhibited cell proliferation and DNA synthesis in both cell lines. These effects on growth factors are dose dependent. The interaction of TGF beta 1 and EGF/TGF alpha was antagonistic in OVCAR-3 cells. In contrast, EGF/TGF alpha and TGF beta 1 had an additive inhibitory effect on CAOV-3 cells. Our results demonstrated that mature and functional EGF receptors are present in both cell lines and that they are capable of ligand binding, internalization, processing and ligand-enhanced autophosphorylation. Both high- and low-affinity binding are present in these cell lines, with CAOV-3 cells having about 2-3-fold higher total receptors than OVCAR-3 cells. These results together with those from our previous studies show that these cells express TGF alpha, TGF beta 1 and EGF receptors and that cell growth may be modulated by these growth factors in an autocrine and paracrine manner. This report presents evidence supporting the important roles of growth factors in ovarian cancer growth and provides a foundation for further study into the mechanism of growth regulation by growth factors in these cell lines.
New solutions of QCD as models for hadrons and rings of confined gluons.

Newly found exact, toroidal solutions of QCD are used as confining background chromomagnetic fields to construct confined-gluon rings and hadrons. A semiclassical treatment indicates stable confined-gluon-ring and hadron states with large internal quark motions. Similarities and differences with currently popular bag models are noted.
Spatial Analysis of Soil Fertility Parameters

Databases identifying spatial distributions of soil properties are needed to implement site-specific management practices. This study examined spatial patterns for nine soil chemical properties in two adjacent fields, one in a corn (Zea mays L.)-soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] rotation with inorganic fertilizer and the other in a 5-yr corn-soybean-corn-oat (Avena sativa L.)-meadow rotation with organic nutrient sources. We established sampling grids in both fields and collected soil cores to a depth of 30 cm. Soil properties with strong spatial correlations (low nugget variance/total variance ratio) and the maximum distance to which those properties were correlated (range) differed for the two fields. Soil pH, exchangeable Ca, total organic C, and total N were strongly correlated and had range values greater than 182 m in the conventional field. Bray P and exchangeable Mg were strongly correlated with range values of less than 100 m within the other. Low nugget/total variance ratios and small range values for P and Mg suggest patchy distributions, probably from long-term animal manure and municipal sludge application. Since most variance was structural in the organic field, placing sampling points closer together would improve data precision. In contrast, a relatively coarse sampling grid with fewer sampling points spaced further apart appears adequate for the conventional field. To develop accurate sampling strategies for precision agriculture, long-term field management histories should be documented since the practices appear to affect both the properties that are strongly correlated and the range to which the correlation exists.
Identification of a residue critical for maintaining the functional conformation of BPTI.

Abstract The effects of amino acid replacements on the backbone dynamics of bovine pancreatic trypsin inhibitor (BPTI) were examined using 15 N NMR relaxation experiments. Previous studies have shown that backbone amide groups within the trypsin-binding region of the wild-type protein undergo conformational exchange processes on the μs time scale, and that replacement of Tyr35 with Gly greatly increases the number of backbone atoms involved in such motions. In order to determine whether these mutational effects are specific to the replacement of this residue with Gly, six additional replacements were examined in the present study. In two of these, Tyr35 was replaced with either Ala or Leu, and the other four were single replacements of Tyr23, Phe33, Asn43 or Asn44, all of which are highly buried in the native structure and conserved in homologous proteins. The Y35A and Y35L mutants displayed dynamic properties very similar to those of the Y35G mutant, with the backbone segments including residues 10–19 and 32–44 undergoing motions revealed by enhanced 15 N transverse relaxation rates. On the other hand, the Y23L, N43G and N44A substitutions caused almost no detectable changes in backbone dynamics, on either the ns–ps or ms–μs time scales, even though each of these replacements significantly destabilizes the native conformation. Replacement of Phe33 with Leu caused intermediate effects, with several residues that have previously been implicated in motions in the wild-type protein displaying enhanced transverse relaxation rates. These results demonstrate that destabilizing amino acid replacements can be accommodated in a native protein with dramatically different effects on conformational dynamics and that Tyr35 plays a particularly important role in defining the conformation of the trypsin-binding site of BPTI.
Retail Credit Users' Awareness of Their Credit Insurance Coverage

Retail credit user's awareness of their credit insurance coverage was investigated in telephone interviews. Respondents were divided into two groups: Aware, those who said they had credit insurance and ac tually did (63 percent of the respondents); and Unaware, those who said they had no credit insurance but actually did (37 percent). The distribution of awareness differed with age and outstanding credit balance. Awareness did not, however, differ with annual income, sex and education. Misperceptions that credit insurance was required also were investigated.
Isolating astrocytes and neurons sequentially from postnatal murine brains with a magnetic cell separation technique

Understanding the mechanism of developmental brain injury is crucial for the progress of discovering neuroprotective strategies and interventions. However, the pathophysiology is complex which involves interactions and crosstalk of diverse neural cell types. Isolating viable and pure populations of these brain cells is a valuable tool to study the particular cell properties and understand the physiologic and pathophysiologic mechanisms. Here we present a magnetic cell sorting approach to separate astrocytes and neurons sequentially from the same neonatal (postnatal day 9 or 10) CD-1 mouse brain samples. The procedure which involves positive selection of astrocytes by the ACSA-2 antibody followed by a negative depletion of non-neuronal cells from the flow through yields relatively enriched neuronal cells. The sorted fractions are highly pure and viable and can be used for further applications and analyses.
Thermal Decomposition of VO(acac)2 Deposited on the Surfaces of Silica and Alumina

A promising way to create supported metal oxide catalysts consists of the irreversible adsorption of metal acetylacetonate complexes on an oxide support and the subsequent thermolysis of the metal complexes. This study focuses on the adsorption and thermolysis of vanadyl acetylacetonate (VO(acac)2) on both silica and alumina supports and investigates how the thermal decomposition of the supported complex influences the final catalytic activity of the VOx monolayer. The supported complex was subjected to thermal treatment both in vacuum and in ambient air and was analyzed in situ by infrared spectroscopy and thermogravimetry. The adsorbed complex is very stable in vacuum conditions. A very distinct VOH vibration was observed during the thermolysis in air of the silica-supported complex, and intermediate acetate species were observed for the alumina-supported complex.
Impact of outsiders and disclosed insider trades

Abstract We analyze a dynamic market where outsiders share part of the information about a security with a corporate insider and update their incomplete information by learning from disclosed insider trades. Particular focus is on the insider's response to increasing number of learning outsiders.
Characterization of Cdk955 and differential regulation of two Cdk9 isoforms

Positive transcription elongation factor b (P-TEFb) controls the fraction of initiated RNA polymerase II molecules that make full length transcripts. This important factor is a heterodimer of cyclin-dependent kinase 9 (Cdk9) and one of four cyclin partners, cyclin T1, T2a, T2b or K. There are two isoforms of Cdk9 in mammalian cells, Cdk9(42) and Cdk9(55). Cdk9(55) has a 117 residue amino terminal extension not present in Cdk9(42). An expression vector with a tetracycline-responsive promoter driving FLAG-tagged Cdk9(55) and a HeLa 37 Tet-Off cell line were constructed. FLAG-tagged Cdk9(55) was inducibly expressed and was found to be localized to the nucleus by immunofluorescence. Western analysis of murine tissues showed that the relative abundance of the two forms of Cdk9 varied across different tissues with liver having more Cdk9(55) than Cdk9(42). During adaptation of primary rat hepatocytes to culture the ratio of the two forms of Cdk9 changed. Initially, Cdk9(55) was the predominate form, but as the cells began to enter the cell cycle Cdk9(42) became the major form. During this change, expression of Cdk9(42) was induced, while Cdk9(55) remained relatively constant.
Fixed-ammonium in clays associated with crude oils

Abstract The association of ammonium (NH 4 + ) silicates with organic-rich sedimentary environments has stimulated interest in the chemical cycle of N, and its possible application as an indicator of in situ organic maturation reactions or crude oil migration. Fixed-NH 4 in clay minerals was determined from three hydrocarbon occurrences of similar depositional environment but different ages, depth and thermal maturity, to determine whether anomalously high NH 4 -substitution occurs near mature hydrocarbons. Results show higher fixed-NH 4 concentrations in marginally mature mudstones than in immature sediments. The highest fixed-NH 4 concentrations were found in clays from sandstone reservoirs containing migrated crude oil. Fixed-NH 4 in clays from Holocene oil seep sediments in the Gulf of Mexico continental slope, offshore Louisiana, averages 0.08 wt % and increases with depth in shallow cores (420 cm), reflecting an early diagenetic trend that is apparently not influenced by migrating crude oil. Programmed pyrolysis shows that the sediments are thermally immature (av.T max = 419°C). High Hydrogen Index values (av.= 359mg/g) are the result of biodegraded crude oil, and a high Oxygen Index (av.= 182mg/g) reflects the presence of authigenic carbonate. Fixed-NH 4 averages 0.16 wt % in Wilcox Group (Eocene) mudstones enclosing two sandstone reservoirs at Fordoche Field, onshore Louisiana. In comparison to these mudstones, anomalously high NH 4 -fixation appears to occur in reservoir clay minerals. Pyrolysis shows that the sediments are marginally mature for crude oil generation (av.T max = 432°C). Average Hydrogen Index (187 mg/g) and Oxygen Index values (75 mg/g) are consistent with oil-prone Type II and Type III kerogen. Increased pyrolysis Production Index values and solvent extraction shows the presence of migrated crude oil. This suggests that a reaction which releases NH 3 during crude oil generation or migration is recorded byNH 4 + substitution in clays. Fixed-NH 4 and total organic carbon (TOC) at Fordoche Field show no statistically significant correlation, suggesting that NH 4 + substitution in clay minerals is not simply related to the amount of organic matter in the section, but is also influenced by the presence of crude oil. Once NH 4 + has been fixed in clays, it is a more stable hydrocarbon proximity indicator than pore fluid tracers, because it is less influenced by later chemical or geological changes.
Effects of peripherally injected vasopressin and des-glycinamide vasopressin on the extinction of a spatial learning task in rats.

Abstract An elevated eight-arm radial maze was employed to study the effects of neuropeptide administration on the spatial learning abilities of food-deprived rats. Following 18 days of reinforced training, each animal was briefly exposed to the maze with no food available in any of the eight food-cups. Immediately after this preliminary trial, animals were injected with a single subcutaneous dose of either saline, arginine vasopressin (AVP: 1.0 or 5.0 μg/kg), or an AVP analog with only weak endocrinological activity, des-gly-arginine vasopressin (DG-AVP: 1.0, 5.0 or 10.0 μg/kg). Additional extinction trials were conducted at 2, 4, 6 and 8 h post-injection. These tests consisted of individually placing an animal on the empty maze and recording the number of arms chosen in a 5-min period. In this situation, animals learn that food is no longer present in the maze and, consequently, extinguish responding. Vasopressin potentiated this radial maze extinction behavior while DG-AVP produced behavioral results directionally opposite to those predicted by a memory facilitation hypothesis. In a subsequent experiment, vasopressin had no effects on unconditioned locomotor activity measured 2 and 4 h post-injection. These results suggest that: (a) vasopressin improved the learning that occurred during extinction of conditioned appetitive behaviors, (b) these vasopressin effects on conditioned behavior were independent of any unconditioned, sedative or non-specific actions of the peptide, and (c) peripheral endocrinological responses may be necessary to demonstrate memory-enhancing effects following peripherally administered AVP.
Improved real-time exercise stress cardiac cine imaging using self consistent parallel imaging with temporal sensitivity estimation (TSPIRIT)

Summary To improve the image quality and increase the signalnoise-ratio of real-time exercise stress cardiac cine imaging, we extended the recently proposed SPIRIT image reconstruction by incorporating temporal coil sensitivity estimation and spatial regularization. The proposed method was tested on 10 volunteers and the average SNR gain was 38.2% without increasing ghosting artifacts.
Lower bound for ML sequence detection in ISI channels with Gauss Markov noise

In past, inter-symbol interference (ISI) channels with data dependent Gauss Markov noise have been prevalently used to model read channels for magnetic recording and other data storage systems. The maximum likelihood sequence detection in such channels is solved using the Viterbi algorithm. However, the problem of finding an analytical lower bound on the bit error rate of the Viterbi detector in this case has not been fully investigated. Current techniques do not give the tight lower bound as the bound computation involves only minimum-length error events. In this work, we consider a subset of the class of ISI channels with data dependent Gauss-Markov noise. We derive a lower bound on the pairwise error probability (PEP) between the correct bit sequence and the estimated bit sequence that can be expressed as a product of functions depending on current and previous states of the correct and the estimated sequence. In this case, the PEP is asymmetric which precludes the usage of error state diagram method for the bound computation. We present a method of finding a lower bound on the BER through constructing a product trellis. Simulations results corroborate the analysis of the lower bound and demonstrate that the analytic lower bound on BER is tight in a high SNR regime.
Surgical obliteration for vein of Galen malformation: a case report.

BACKGROUND Vein of Galen aneurysm is a relatively rare vascular malformation, often resulting in high morbidity or mortality. Outcome is particularly poor in the neonatal population. METHODS We report staged surgical treatment of a vein of Galen aneurysm in a neonate who presented in congestive heart failure. RESULTS Cerebral angiography 6 months following staged surgical treatment revealed complete obliteration of the aneurysm. The patient tolerated surgery well, and at 6 years of age is free of neurologic or cardiovascular impairment. CONCLUSIONS While the endovascular approach is the procedure of first choice, aggressive medical management followed by staged surgical clipping of aneurysm feeders produced excellent results in this case of neonatal vein of Galen aneurysm. Staged surgical obliteration of arterial feeders should be considered as a therapy when endovascular methods are unsuccessful in safely curing these difficult vascular lesions.