cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Placentophagia in nonpregnant nulliparous mice: a genetic investigation.

The genetic influence on the response of nonpregnant nulliparous mice to foster placenta was investigated. Two highly inbred strains (BALB/cBy and C57BL/6By), their F1 hybrids, a backcross generation, and seven recombinant-inbred strains derived from the F2 generation were tested. It was concluded that there is a genetic component to the response of female, mice to placenta in the absence of previous experience, and that more than one, but possibly as few as two loci are involved. Alternative explanations of average dominance for placentophagia and for no placentophagia (by the promotion of competing responses) were considered.
Thyroid hormone and COUP-TF1 regulate kallikrein-binding protein (KBP) gene expression.

Kallikrein-binding protein (KBP) is a component of the kallikrein-kinin system that mediates vasodilation and inhibits tumor growth by antagonizing vascular endothelial growth factor-mediated angiogenesis. We demonstrate that KBP gene expression is repressed by T3 and modulated by the orphan nuclear receptor, chicken ovalbumin upstream promoter transcription factor 1 (COUP-TF1). In hypothyroid mice, KBP mRNA expression in the testis was increased 2.1-fold compared with euthyroid mice. We have identified two negative thyroid hormone response elements (nTREs) in the mouse KBP gene, nTRE1 located in the 5′ flanking region (−53 to −29) and nTRE2, located in the first intron (104–132). We used functional assays, cofactor knockdown, and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays to characterize nTRE1 and nTRE2 in hepatic (HepG2) and testes (GC-1spg) cell lines. Reporter expression directed by both elements was enhanced with addition of thyroid hormone receptor and repressed with the addition of T3. COUP-TF1 enhanced basal expression of both elements but blunted unliganded thyroid hormone receptor enhancement and T3 repression of nTRE1 but not nTRE2. Both nTREs bound nuclear corepressor and binding increased in response to T3. Nuclear corepressor knockdown resulted in loss of T3 repression of both nTRE1 and nTRE2. COUP-TF1, which usually represses T3 induction of positive thyroid hormone response elements, reverses T3 repression mediated by nTRE1 in the mouse KBP gene. Endogenous KBP expression is repressed by T3 and two functional nTREs, both of which are required, have been characterized in the KBP gene. COUP-TF1 may be an important factor to modulate expression of genes that are repressed by T3.
Graphic Novels, Web Comics, and Creator Blogs: Examining Product and Process

Young adult literature (YAL) of the late 20th and early 21st century is exploring hybrid forms with growing regularity by embracing textual conventions from sequential art, video games, film, and more. As well, Web-based technologies have given those who consume YAL more immediate access to authors, their metacognitive creative processes, and their works or works-in-progress than ever before. This article examines the intersections among young adult texts, particularly graphic novels and Web comics, the Internet, and multiple literacies/types of reading to illustrate how embracing these trends can help educators teach about process and product when considering young adult texts.
Extreme value distributions for peak pressure and load coefficients

Abstract The distributions of peak suction forces in separation regions on a surface-mounted prism are well represented by the Extreme Value Type I (Gumbel) distribution. The distributions of the peak coefficients representing these forces from either laboratory or field experiments are obtained either with the method of moment estimators or with the analytical Sadek–Simiu analysis. The laboratory-based results are mostly independent of the method selected to obtain the distributions. On the other hand, those of the field data obtained with the method of moment estimators are dependent on the scatter of the individual peak coefficients and their distributions are based on peaks obtained over the duration of the number of successive records, while the Sadek–Simiu method is based on the duration of just a single record.
Citizen participation in prevention activities: Path model II

Effective, community-wide AOD prevention activities require a broad base of citizen involvement in program planning and implementation. Yet what influences an individual's decision to participate in these activities, particularly in a socially distressed community, is not well known. In a previous study, the authors developed a three-factor path model of participation. These factors were participation accessibility, the desire to participate, and knowledge about participation. The present investigation is a replication of that study with two purposes: (1) expansion of the initial findings by adding additional indicators of the model constructs, and (2) examination of the adequacy of the model for predicting participation in an economically and socially distressed community. The findings of this study were based upon random digit dialing telephone interviews of 250 residents of Chester, PA. The respondents were interviewed about their knowledge of and participation in prevention activities, their perception of the seriousness of AOD and other problems, and their demographic characteristics. Data were analyzed by multiple regression. Findings indicate that knowledge had the strongest direct effect on participation, with desire and accessibility adding important indirect effects. Overall, 34% of the variance was explained. The primary implications drawn from this study are: (1) the model, at variance with previous research by the authors, requires additional testing under a variety of social conditions and with an expansion of construct indicators; and (2) citizen participation programs in low-income neighborhoods should focus on building awareness of these programs.
A synthetic octasaccharide mimics the native, O-specific determinant of the Shigella dysenteriae type 1 lipopolysaccharide

The chemical synthesis of a linear octasaccharide, composed of two contiguous repeating units of the O-specific determinant of Shigella dysenteriae type 1 is described. 1H-NMR data indicate that this octasaccharide possesses conformational features of the native polysaccharide.
Urban Gridlock: Macroscopic Modeling and Mitigation Approaches

Abstract This paper describes an adaptive control approach to improve urban mobility and relieve congestion. The basic idea consists in monitoring and controlling aggregate vehicular accumulations at the neighborhood level. To do this, physical models of the gridlock phenomenon are presented both for single neighborhoods and for systems of inter-connected neighborhoods. The models are dynamic, aggregate and only require observable inputs. The latter can be obtained in real-time if the neighborhoods are properly instrumented. Therefore, the models can be used for adaptive control. Experiments should determine accuracy. Pareto-efficient strategies are shown to exist for the single-neighborhood case, and optimality principles are introduced for multi-neighborhood systems. The principles can be used without knowing the origin–destination table or the precise system dynamics.
Recent drinking consequences, motivation to change, and changes in alcohol consumption over a three month period

Abstract Little is known about what type of drinking related consequences may enhance motivation to change or may hinder behavior change over time. In order to examine this research question, 120 adult participants abusing alcohol were administered the Drinker Inventory of Consequences-Recent (DrInC-R), the Brief Readiness to Change Questionnaire (BRTC), and the Steady Pattern Chart (SP). Subscale scores from the DrInC-R and the BRTC; and alcohol consumption as assessed by the SP at baseline and three month follow-up were retained for data analyses. Greater intrapersonal DrInC-R consequences scores significantly predicted greater contemplation stage scores (R2 = .37, p
Null effect of dietary restriction on prostate carcinogenesis in the Wistar-Unilever rat.

Abstract: Chronic dietary restriction inhibits carcinogenesis in several sites in laboratory animals. To determine the effects of dietary restriction on prostate carcinogenesis, prostate cancers were induced in male Wistar-Unilever rats by a sequential regimen of cyproterone acetate (50 mg/day; 21 days); testosterone propionate (100 mg/kg/day; 3 days); N-methyl-N-nitrosourea [MNU; 30 mg/kg; single dose]; and testosterone (subcutaneous implants of 2 pellets containing 40 mg each). Dietary restriction (0% [ad libitum control], 15%, or 30%) was initiated 2 wk post-MNU, and continued until study termination at 12 mo. Dietary restriction induced a rapid suppression of body weight gain but conferred no protection against prostate carcinogenesis. 74% of carcinogen-treated ad libitum controls developed accessory sex gland cancers, versus cancer incidences of 64% and 72% in groups restricted by 15% and 30%, respectively. Similarly, 44% of dietary controls developed cancers limited to the dorsolateral/prostate, ver...
Personal radio from a social perspective

Citizens band (CB) radio has risen from an obscure hobby to a public mania in the United States in just a few brief years. This represents perhaps the biggest explosion of communication technology in the U.S. since the advent of television. CB's cultural impact may not be as pervasive as TV's, but, in an odd way, it is a creative one in which every individual can write his own script. Much anecdotal evidence exists in the U.S. mass media of the societal impacts of this new technology, but little empirical data are available on the topic. One important consequence of this lack of hard data is that public policy on CB communication has been largely reactive, rather than planned. The investigation by Denver Research Institute will develop baseline data to help answer important policy-related issues concerning the behavioral and social consequences of the adoption and use of CB radio in the U.S. The answers to this and other questions concerning the diffusion, adoption, and use of CB radio will be highlighted in the DRI study which began in July 1977, with a grant from the National Science Foundation, and which will conclude in October 1978. Such answers will assist telecommunication policymakers, including the FCC and OTP, in a long-range evaluation of citizens band radio and will contribute to research knowledge of the diffusion of innovations and the impact of personal communication technology in the United States.
Acetylcholine modulation of phosphorylase and contractility in rat hearts exposed to anoxia or isoproterenol.

Abstract The effects of acetylcholine (ACh) on glycogen phosphorylase activated by either a cyclic AMP-dependent (isoproterenol) or a cyclic AMP-independent (anoxia) mechanism were examined. Cyclic adenosine 3' : 5'-monophosphate and cyclic guanosine 3' : 5'-monophosphate content, protein kinase and glycogen phosphorylase activities, and the contractile force of isolated perfused rat hearts exposed to either isoproterenol or anoxia were determined. Isoproterenol (1.6 × l0 −7 M) produced an increase in cyclic AMP, activated protein kinase and glycogen phosphorylase, and increased intraventricular pressure developed by the myocardium. Acetyleholine did not alter basal phosphorylase activity or contractility. Acetylcholine, infused concurrently with isoproterenol, produced an increase in cyclic GMP and a decrease in cyclic AMP as well as in protein kinase and phosphorylase activity. The effects of ACh on cyclic GMP and phosphorylase were observed at 10 −5 M. Exposure of isolated perfused hearts to anoxia decreased the intraventricular pressure developed. This negative inotropic effect was accompanied by an activation of glycogen phosphorylase that was independent of alterations in cyclic AMP or cyclic GMP. A high concentration of acetylcholine (10 −4 M) further diminished the contractile activity of the heart and abolished the activation of phosphorylase. These effects also occurred in the absence of alterations in cyclic AMP but were coincident with an elevation of cyclic GMP. A lower concentration of ACh (10 −5 M) infused during anoxia, however, elevated cyclic GMP without concurrent effects on cyclic AMP, protein kinase, phosphorylase or contractility. Thus, phosphorylase activated by a cyclic AMP-independent mechanism was not affected by doses of acetvlcholine that were capable of suppressing phosphorylase activated by a cyclic AMP-dependent mechanism. These data support the concept that a reduction in cyclic AMP may be involved in mediating the effects of ACh on catecholamine-stimulated phosphorylase in myocardial tissue. The data do not support a role for cyclic AMP in the inhibition of anoxia-stimulated phosphorylase activation and, thus, some other modulating factor may be operative under these conditions. The role of cyclic GMP in this response remains in question.
''Newly Invited ... into Government'': Origins of Federal Government Information on Maternal and Child Health.

Abstract The Sheppard–Towner Act, popularly known as the Maternity and Infancy Act of 1921, was one of the first pieces of federal legislation designed to address the concerns of nationally enfranchised women voters. The Act also represented one of the earliest instances of U.S. women acting as producers and consumers of government information. In response to the unique, and then unmet, needs of child-bearing women, new sources of government information were developed. Prior to the law's inception, reports published by the Children's Bureau documented dramatic, widespread conditions that threatened the ability of women and infants to survive pregnancy, labor, and the first years of life. These information and advocacy pieces represented new government direction regarding access to health information.
Identification of different heart tissues from MRI C-SENC images using an unsupervised multi-stage fuzzy clustering technique.

Purpose—To objectively characterize different heart tissues from functional and viability images provided by composite-strain-encoding (C-SENC) MRI. Materials and Methods—C-SENC is a new MRI technique for simultaneously acquiring cardiac functional and viability images. In this work, an unsupervised multi-stage fuzzy clustering method is proposed to identify different heart tissues in the C-SENC images. The method is based on sequential application of the fuzzy c-means (FCM) and iterative self-organizing data (ISODATA) clustering algorithms. The proposed method is tested on simulated heart images and on images from nine patients with and without myocardial infarction (MI). The resulting clustered images are compared to MRI delayed-enhancement (DE) viability images for determining MI. Also, Bland-Altman analysis is conducted between the two methods. Results—Normal myocardium, infarcted myocardium, and blood are correctly identified using the proposed method. The clustered images correctly identified 90 ± 4% of the pixels defined as infarct in the DE images. In addition, 89 ± 5% of the pixels defined as infarct in the clustered images were also defined as infarct in DE images. The Bland-Altman results show no bias between the two methods in identifying MI. Conclusion—The proposed technique allows for objectively identifying divergent heart tissues, which would be potentially important for clinical decision-making in patients with MI.
Creep deformation of ultrafine grained Ni75B17Si8

Abstract Ultrafine grained, polycrystalline materials can be prepared by annealing of melt spun amorphous ribbons under carefully controlled conditions. A grain size of 6.5–12.10 −5 mm was attained in ribbons of Ni 75 B 17 Si 8 , annealed at 600°C for 15 min, with a heating rate of 0.01–1 K/s. The samples were then creep tested at low stresses ( 2 ) and temperatures between 500 and 615°C. Coble creep, with an activation energy of 4 eV, was the dominant mechanism of deformation at low stress, and below 575°C. At higher stress the rate controlling mechanism became a dislocation climb mechanism. The transition was temperature and grain size dependent. Above 575°C, the dominant mechanism was found to be a nondiffusion controlled process, with an activation energy of 0.6 eV, close to dislocation glide activation energy in Ni.
A Reassessment of the Chronology and Function of Gordon's Cave #3, Copan, Honduras

Recent excavations in the first chamber of Gordon's Cave #3 encountered a use floor with a substantial quantity of sherds and artifacts. Middle Preclassic, Gordon subphase sherds were recovered, but overall the ceramics suggest that Preclassic use of the cave was minor with the most intensive use occurring during the Classic period. The artifact assemblage provides a fuller picture of cave rituals which appear to be similar in many respects to those practiced by modern groups in the Guatemalan highlands.
Inside the Sausage Factory: Improving Estimates of the Effects of Health Insurance Expansion Proposals

The fate of a proposal to expand health insurance is influenced by predictions of the proposal's effects on the number of newly insured and the cost of new coverage. Estimates vary widely, for reasons that are often hard to discern and evaluate. This article describes and compares the frameworks and parameters used for insurance modeling. It examines conventions and controversies surrounding a series of modeling parameters: how individuals respond to a change in the price of coverage, the extent of participation in a new plan by those already privately insured, firms' behavior, and the value of public versus private coverage. The article also suggests ways of making models more transparent and proposes "reference case" guidelines for modelers so that consumers can compare modeling results.
Concentrations of bioaerosols, odors, and hydrogen sulfide inside and downwind from two types of swine livestock operations

Few data on in-barn and downwind concentrations of endotoxin, bioaerosols, and odors from livestock facilities are available, and no studies have compared conventional confinement operations with the more animal-friendly hoop operations. Hoops are open to the environment and use a composted bedding system rather than housing pigs on slatted floors over pits holding manure slurry as in conventional confinements. We assessed airborne toxicants upwind, in barns, and downwind and evaluated determinants of exposure. Inhalable particulate matter, endotoxin, odor threshold, hydrogen sulfide, culturable mesophilic bacteria, culturable fungi, and total airborne microbes, along with wind speed, temperature, and humidity were measured at separate midsized livestock facilities (one hoop, one confinement) in Central Iowa on 10 occasions over 2 years. Significant differences in contaminants were observed between hoops and confinement buildings and across seasons for endotoxin, odors, airborne microorganisms, and hydrog...
Childhood and Adolescent Depression: A Review

This paper reviews the recent literature on various aspects of depressive disorders in children and adolescents, including phenomenology, comorbidity, epidemiology, etiology, natural history, and treatment. Depression is an important psychiatric disorder in children and adolescents that increases in frequency with age, often coexists with anxiety disorders and behavior disorders, and is associated with long-term morbidity and risk of suicide. Both pharmacological and psychosocial interventions are currently under investigation to determine their efficacy in the treatment of depression in youth. Given the significant duration, relapse rate, morbidity, and impaired psychosocial functioning associated with depressive disorders in childhood, further exploration of the natural history and treatment of this condition is warranted.
Human colostrum has anti-inflammatory activity in a rat subcutaneous air pouch model of inflammation.

ABSTRACT: An animal model was used to examine the effect of human colostrum on an acute inflammatory process in vivo. Subcutaneous air pouches on the backs of outbred rats were injected with carrageenan as an inflammatory challenge, normal saline, pooled aqueous human colostrum, or carrageenan plus colostrum concurrently. Oral dexamethasone or indomethacin was administered to some animals before and during challenge as anti-inflammatory agents. Polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN) counts in pouch fluid were determined 6 h postchallenge. Carrageenan challenge resulted in a significant acute inflammatory response [48.8 ± 4.9 × 106 PMN/pouch (mean ± SEM, n = 46)] compared with normal saline controls [0.9 ± 0.2 × 106 (n = 31, p < 0.001 versus carrageenan)] or with colostrum [4.3 ± 0.8 × 106 PMN/pouch (n = 11, p < 0.001 versus carrageenan)]. The concurrent injection of colostrum plus carrageenan challenge significantly reduced the PMN response compared with carrageenan alone [18.8 ± 2.9 versus 48.8 ± 4.9 × 106 PMN/pouch (carrageenan plus colostrum versus carrageenan, n = 41 versus 46, p < 0.001)]. This degree of suppression of PMN influx was not significantly different from that seen with indomethacin treatment but was significantly more than that seen with dexamethasone treatment. The decreases in PMN counts observed most likely reflect suppression of the acute inflammatory response because a significant amount of PMN lysis in colostrum was not observed in vitro and the accumulation of PMN granule contents was not seen in pouch fluid from colostrum-treated animals in vivo. These data directly demonstrate for the first time that human colostrum has a biologically significant effect on the inflammatory process in vivo.
Active Aeroelastic Wing Aerodynamic Model Development and Validation for a Modified F/A-18a Airplane

A new aerodynamic model has been developed and validated for a modified F/A-18A airplane used for the Active Aeroelastic Wing (AAW) research program. The goal of the program was to demonstrate the advantages of using the inherent flexibility of an aircraft to enhance its performance. The research airplane was an F/A-18A with wings modified to reduce stiffness and a new control system to increase control authority. There have been two flight phases. Data gathered from the first flight phase were used to create the new aerodynamic model. A maximum-likelihood output-error parameter estimation technique was used to obtain stability and control derivatives. The derivatives were incorporated into the National Aeronautics and Space Administration F-18 simulation, validated, and used to develop new AAW control laws. The second phase of flights was used to evaluate the handling qualities of the AAW airplane and the control law design process, and to further test the accuracy of the new model. The flight test envelope covered Mach numbers between 0.85 and 1.30 and dynamic pressures from 600 to 1250 pound-force per square foot. The results presented in this report demonstrate that a thorough parameter identification analysis can be used to improve upon models that were developed using other means. This report describes the parameter estimation technique used, details the validation techniques, discusses differences between previously existing F/A-18 models, and presents results from the second phase of research flights.
Pencil probe system for electrochemical analysis and modification in nanometer dimensions

A pencil-shaped electrochemical transducer system for analysis or surface modification in nanometer dimension has been developed. High aspect ratio tip structures are shaped combining isotropic and anisotropic deep reactive etch processes to form the body of the transducer. In this way, tips with an aspect ratio higher than 20 and a tip radius of smaller than 50 nm can be achieved. Subsequently, a three-layer system (an isolation layer: silicon nitride, a metal layer: platinum or gold and an isolation layer: silicon nitride) was deposited on the tip structure. Planarization of this structure in combination with a back etch process enables a precise exposure of the buried metal layer down to an electrode dimension of 200 nm on the tip. Electrochemical and impedance spectroscopic characterization showed full electrochemical functionality of the transducer system. Due to the high aspect ratio topography, this probe is particularly suited for Scanning Electrochemical Microscope (SECM) - methodologies. Furthermore this technology promises a feasible production possibility for both probe-arrays and probes on cantilevers.
The Use of Bookmarks in Teaching Counseling Ethics

This column is designed to underscore relationally based creative teaching practices used by counselor-educators in the classroom. Our intention is to provide examples of novel, innovative ways for counselor-educators and students to deepen their learning while collaborating toward a spirit of connection and cooperation. If you have implemented a creative teaching method or if you have adapted an existing method that you would like to share with readers, please follow submission guidelines in the author information packet available at http://www.creativecounselor.org/Journal.html This article includes a description of the bookmark as a creative arts experiential strategy useful in teaching counseling ethics education. Three bookmark examples illustrate how counselors-in-training utilized bookmarks to conceptualize their counseling ethics understanding. Illustrations and written feedback from the counselors-in-training suggest that the bookmarks reflect developmental aspects of understanding of counseling ...
Firm size and the voluntary disclosure of nonfinancial information by private versus public firm managers

Purpose – The specific purpose of this study is to understand how firm size and public/private affiliation (employment status) affect voluntary disclosure decisions concerning quantitatively immaterial nonfinancial information. Although the prior disclosure literature is large and has considered a variety of factors including size and to a lesser degree employment status, this study offers a new perspective by considering both factors in the context of qualitative materiality. Design/methodology/approach – This paper presents 136 manager participants with 24 cues representing nonfinancial, realistic business events and solicits their disclosure judgments. The cues are adapted from Pinsker et al. and contain information that does not meet widely-accepted quantitative thresholds for disclosure (e.g. 5 percent of net income), yet were identified by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) as more likely to be material. This paper uses a median split of total assets and total revenues to determine “large”...
Cyanide stimulated dissociation of chloride from the catalytic center of oxidized cytochrome c oxidase.

A comparison of bovine cytochrome c oxidase isolated in the presence and the absence of chloride salts reveals that only enzyme isolated in the presence of chloride salts is a mixture of a complex of oxidized enzyme with chloride (CcO.Cl) and chloride-free enzyme (CcO). Using a spectrophotometric method for chloride determination, it was shown that CcO.Cl contains one chloride ion that is released into the medium by a single turnover or by cyanide binding. Chloride is bound slowly within the heme a(3)-Cu(B) binuclear center of oxidized enzyme in a manner similar to the binding of azide. The pH dependence of the dissociation constant for the formation of the CcO.Cl complex reveals that chloride binding proceeds with the uptake of one proton. With both forms of the enzyme the dependence of the rate of reaction for cyanide binding upon cyanide concentration asymptotes a limiting value indicating the existence of an intermediate. With CcO.Cl this limiting rate is 10(3) higher than the rate of the spontaneous dissociation of chloride from the binuclear center and we propose that the initial step is the coordination of cyanide to Cu(B) and in this intermediate state the rate of dissociation of chloride is substantially enhanced.
The isolation of barley-aleurone protoplasts.

A procedure is described for the isolation of large numbers of viable aleurone protoplasts. After treatment with “Onozuka” cellulase protoplasts were obtained which were surrounded by a thin, “Onozuka”-resistant wall. These cells were termed “spheroplasts”. Treatment of spheroplasts with “Glusulase” digested away the residual wall, yielding naked protoplasts. Measurements of respiration using a Clarke-type oxygen electrode indicated that aleurone cells isolated by this procedure were viable.
The molecular and electronic structure of carbon–hydrogen bond activation and transition metal assisted hydrogen transfer

Abstract Following the optimization of the geometry by density functional theory (DFT), we analyze midpoint species along the reaction coordinate for hydrogen transfer in the reaction R′–H + M–R → R–H + M–R′ with Bader’s “Atoms in Molecules” (AIM) analysis. The two “classic” mechanisms for hydrogen transfer, σ-bond metathesis (σBM) and oxidative addition/reductive elimination (OA/RE), are well represented by the reaction of CH4 with [Cp2ScCH3] and [CpIr(PH3)(CH3)]+, respectively (Cp = η5-C5H5). The midpoint species for these two pathways are the transition state [Cp2Sc(CH3)2H]‡ and the OA intermediate, [CpIr(PH3)(CH3)2H]+. Bond (B) critical points (CP) were located along the Sc–C and C–H coordinates of the four-center geometry of [Cp2Sc(CH3)2H]‡; a ring (R) CP was located in the center. For the intermediate [CpIr(PH3)(CH3)2H]+, bond critical points (BCPs) were located only along the Ir–C and Ir–H coordinates of the four-center geometry. Most of the new mechanisms that have been proposed are characterized by single transition states with short M–H distances connecting reactants with products. Representative models of a variety of alternative mechanisms were analyzed; in all, seven different bonding patterns were identified that describe seven unique mechanisms for hydrogen transfer. In general, those metal centers that have d electrons available to participate in hydrogen transfer interact with the transferring hydrogen during this reaction as the hydrogen atom is nearly unique in being able to support omni-directional bridging bonds. Basis sets and density functional effects were investigated with [Cp2Sc(CH3)2H]‡ as the model. Seventeen basis sets were assigned to scandium and the densities at the Sc–C BCP increased slightly up to the quadruple-ζ level in the basis. The densities at the C–H BCPs are constant, but the densities at the ring critical point (RCP) also increased slightly. Ten density functionals were tested and the densities at the BCPs and RCP are constant, but the Sc–C BCP moved slightly farther from the scandium as the amount of exact exchanged admixed into the functional increased.
Conformational landscape surfing induced by off–on π–π stacking in a porphyrin–quinone dyad

A covalently linked porphyrin-quinone dyad crystallizes with two orientations of the quinone, extended away from (off) and cofacial with the porphyrin macrocycle (on), which induce different conformations of the macrocycle and model the recently proposed structural effect of a nearby residue on the heme prosthetic group of a nitric oxide synthase.
DNA Homology Between Species of the Rhizobia

Summary DNA-DNA hybridizations were conducted among thirty-seven Bradyrhizobium and Rhizobium strains from diverse geographic origins. The data from thirty-eight hybridizations between fourteen fast- and slowgrowing strains indicated a distant genomic relationship exists. Seventy-five hybridizations were conducted among nineteen fast-growing strains. Three homology groups (F-I, F-II, and F-III) were evident with sixteen of the fast-growing strains being placed in one or another of these groups. Homology group F-I contains three Rhizobium leguminosarum biovar viceae strains and one R. leguminosarum biovar trifolii strain. Group F-II contains only R. meliloti strains. Group F-III contains five R. leguminosarum biovar viceae and two R. leguminosarum biovar trifolii strains. Three fast-growing strains appeared to be diverse from others and were placed in a heterogeneous group, F-IV. Fifty-seven hybridizations were conducted among eighteen slow-growing strains. Only nine strains could be placed into homology groups S-I, S-Ia (a subgroup of S-I), or S-II. Homology group S-I contains three Bradyrhizobium japonicum and two cowpea strains which had high homologies with both B. japonicum ATCC 10324 T and cowpea strain 3G4b5. Two Bradyrhizobium sp. ( Lupinus ) strains compose S-Ia since they had above 70% DNA homology with B. japonicum ATCC 10324 but less than 53% DNA homology with cowpea strain 3G4b5. The remaining slow-growing strains demonstrated significant diversity and were placed in a heterogeneous group, S-III.
Nucleotide sequence of a viral RNA fragment that binds to eukaryotic ribosomes

The nucleotide sequence has been determined for the first 53 bases of brome mosaic virus RNA4, the monocistronic messenger for brome mosaic virus coat protein. The sequence includes the binding site for wheat embryo ribosomes. The 5′-terminal base is a modified guanosine attached to the penultimate base through a 5′ p-p-p 5′ link. The initiating AUG codon is only 10 nucleotides from the 5′-terminus. The 13 triplets following the AUG codon correspond to the known sequence of brome mosaic virus coat protein.
Imitation der Selektivität von Kaliumkanälen mit synthetischen, über Liganden miteinander verbundenen „π-Gleitschienen”

Ein supramolekulares Ionenkanalmodell vermittelt einen Ionentransport durch die Membran (siehe Bild) mit einer Selektivitatsreihe ahnlich der von K+-Kanalen und unterstreicht so die biologische Bedeutung flexibler Aren-Anordnungen als selektive Kationenbindungsstellen.
Localized versus regional hyperthermia: comparison of xenotransplants treated with a small animal ultrasound system and waterbath limb immersion.

The response of xenotransplants were compared with waterbath immersion vs focal ultrasound (US) hyperthermia using tumour growth delay, immunhistochemistry and histopathology assays. Waterbath hyperthermia was performed by limb immersion. Precautions were taken to minimize total body heating by surrounding the mouse with plastic insulators. Thermometry was performed with clinical-grade, 20-gauge needle thermocouples and monitored with a Labthermics unit. Significant differences in cytotoxicity between ultrasound and waterbath treatment of tumors at 43°C were observed as determined by TUNNEL assay. Conversely, contralateral (non-treated) tumours in animals treated with similar temperature demonstrated no significant differences between modalities. Western blot analysis revealed increased hsp70 induction at 43°C in waterbath vs focal ultrasound hyperthermia. Comparison of tumour growth delay between tumours heated with waterbath vs ultrasound at 43°C but not at 41°C revealed significant differences. This is...
Predicting Extreme Phases of the Indian Summer Monsoon

Abstract Extreme active and break phases of the Indian summer monsoon (ISM) often bring about devastating floods and severe draughts. Here it is shown that these extreme phases exhibit distinctive precursory circulation conditions in both the tropics and extratropics over a range of antecedent periods. The extremely active monsoon over northern India is preceded by a strengthening of the upper-tropospheric central Asian high and enhancement of the tropical convection over the equatorial Indian Ocean and the South China Sea. The concurrent buildup of the anomalous high over central Asia and the arrival of tropical convection over northern India increase the likelihood of occurrence of a heavy rainy period there. Similarly, the concurrent anomalous low over central Asia and the arrival of suppressed convection originating from the equatorial Indian Ocean and the South China Sea precede extremely strong monsoon breaks over northern India. Two predictors can be used to predict the extreme active/break phases ...
Illuminating the Molecular Mechanisms of Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor Resistance for the FGFR1 Gatekeeper Mutation: The Achilles’ Heel of Targeted Therapy

Human fibroblast growth factor receptors (FGFRs) 1-4 are a family of receptor tyrosine kinases that can serve as drivers of tumorigenesis. In particular, FGFR1 gene amplification has been implicated in squamous cell lung and breast cancers. Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) targeting FGFR1, including AZD4547 and E3810 (Lucitanib), are currently in early phase clinical trials. Unfortunately, drug resistance limits the long-term success of TKIs, with mutations at the "gatekeeper" residue leading to tumor progression. Here we show the first structural and kinetic characterization of the FGFR1 gatekeeper mutation, V561M FGFR1. The V561M mutation confers a 38-fold increase in autophosphorylation achieved at least in part by a network of interacting residues forming a hydrophobic spine to stabilize the active conformation. Moreover, kinetic assays established that the V561M mutation confers significant resistance to E3810, while retaining affinity for AZD4547. Structural analyses of these TKIs with wild type (WT) and gatekeeper mutant forms of FGFR1 offer clues to developing inhibitors that maintain potency against gatekeeper mutations. We show that AZD4547 affinity is preserved by V561M FGFR1 due to a flexible linker that allows multiple inhibitor binding modes. This is the first example of a TKI binding in distinct conformations to WT and gatekeeper mutant forms of FGFR, highlighting adaptable regions in both the inhibitor and binding pocket crucial for drug design. Exploiting inhibitor flexibility to overcome drug resistance has been a successful strategy for combatting diseases such as AIDS and may be an important approach for designing inhibitors effective against kinase gatekeeper mutations.
Implementing lung cancer screening in the real world: opportunity, challenges and solutions

The World Health Organization estimates that, in 2012, there were 1,589,925 deaths from lung cancer worldwide. Screening for lung cancer with low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) has the potential to significantly alter this statistic, by identifying lung cancers in earlier stages, enabling curative treatment. Challenges remain, however, in replicating the 20% mortality benefit demonstrated by the National Lung Screening Trial (NLST), in populations outside the confines of a research trial, not only in the US but around the world. We review the history of lung cancer screening, the current evidence for LDCT screening, and the key elements needed for a successful screening program.
A Note on Direct Products

By an algebra is meant an ordered set Γ = 〈 V,R 1 , …, R n , O 1 , …, O m 〉, where V is a class, R i (1 ≤ i ≤, n ) is a relation on n j elements of V (i.e. R i ⊆ V ni ), and O j (1 ≤ i ≤ n ) is an operation on elements of V such that O j ( x 1 , … x mj ) ∈ V ) for all x 1 , …, x mj ∈ V ). A sentence S of the first-order functional calculus is valid in Γ , if it contains just individual variables x 1 , x 2 , …, relation variables ϱ 1 , …,ϱ n , where ϱ i ,- is n j -ary (1 ≤ i ≤ n ), and operation variables σ 1 , …, σ m , where σ j is m j -ary (1 ≤, j ≤ m ), and S holds if the individual variables are interpreted as ranging over V , ϱ i is interpreted as R i , and σ i as O j . If { Γ i } i ≤ α is a (finite or infinite) sequence of algebras Γ i , where Γ i = 〈 V i , R i 〉 and R i , is a binary relation, then by the direct product Γ = Π i α Γ i is meant the algebra Γ = 〈 V, R 〉, where V consists of all (finite or infinite) sequences x = 〈 x 1 , x 2 , …, x i , …〉 with X i ∈ V i and where R is a binary relation such that two elements x and y of V are in the relation R if and only if x i and y i - are in the relation R i for each i α .
Role of antioxidants in treatment of male infertility: an overview of the literature

Seminal oxidative stress in the male reproductive tract is known to result in peroxidative damage of the sperm plasma membrane and loss of its DNA integrity. Normally, a balance exists between concentrations of reactive oxygen species and antioxidant scavenging systems. One of the rational strategies to counteract the oxidative stress is to increase the scavenging capacity of seminal plasma. Numerous studies have evaluated the efficacy of antioxidants in male infertility. In this review, the results of different studies conducted have been analysed, and the evidence available to date is provided. It was found that although many clinical trials have demonstrated the beneficial effects of antioxidants in selected cases of male infertility, some studies failed to demonstrate the same benefit. The majority of the studies suffer from a lack of placebo-controlled, double-blind design, making it difficult to reach a definite conclusion. In addition, investigators have used different antioxidants in different combinations and dosages for varying durations. Pregnancy, the most relevant outcome parameter of fertility, was reported in only a few studies. Most studies failed to examine the effect of antioxidants on a specific group of infertile patients with high oxidative stress. Multicentre, double-blind studies with statistically accepted sample size are still needed to provide conclusive evidence on the benefit of antioxidants as a treatment modality for patients with male infertility.
Genome-wide estimation of gender differences in the gene expression of human livers: Statistical design and analysis

Gender differences in gene expression were estimated in liver samples from 9 males and 9 females. The study tested 31,110 genes for a gender difference using a design that adjusted for sources of variation associated with cDNA arrays, normalization, hybridizations and processing conditions. The genes were split into 2,800 that were clearly expressed (expressed genes) and 28,310 that had expression levels in the background range (not expressed genes). The distribution of p-values from the 'not expressed' group was consistent with no gender differences. The distribution of p-values from the 'expressed' group suggested that 8 % of these genes differed by gender, but the estimated fold-changes (expression in males / expression in females) were small. The largest observed fold-change was 1.55. The 95 % confidence bounds on the estimated fold-changes were less than 1.4 fold for 79.3 %, and few (1.1%) exceed 2-fold. Observed gender differences in gene expression were small. When selecting genes with gender differences based upon their p-values, false discovery rates exceed 80 % for any set of genes, essentially making it impossible to identify any specific genes with a gender difference.
Coupling Between Combustor Pressure and Fuel/Oxidizer Mixing and the Consequences in Flame Behavior

The impact on flame behavior of unsteady fuel-air mixing due to acoustic oscillations was investigated by examination of the mixing response to imposed chamber acoustic oscillations (in the range of 22–55 Hz). The distribution of local fuel mixture fraction inside the mixing zone, which evolves into the local equivalence ratio in the flame zone, is tightly coupled to flame instability and oscillatory behavior. A custom made aerodynamically stabilized burner was employed in this study along with acetone seeding into the fuel stream to mark the location and concentration of the primary fuel (methane). Phase-resolved acetone PLIF was used to image the upstream flow field of both reacting and non-reacting flows. Unmixedness was calculated from these measurements to quantify the degree of fluctuations in fuel mixture fraction in the region preceding the flame. The fluctuations were then analyzed to extract the dynamics of fuel-air mixing. It was found that the presence of a flame has a strong effect on the deg...
The impact of population growth on environment: the debate heats up.

A proposed framework which was introduced at the 1989 meetings of the American Association for the Advancement of Science included political constraints as well as population growth as a proximate cause with potentially important impacts on the environment in Paul and Ann Ehrlichs well-known PAT equation. PAT limitations are identified as the 1.2 billion people caught in the debt-poverty trap less developed countries balance of payments deficits and "distortionary factors" that undermined economic incentives and contributed to mismanagement of resources. Such factors could be keeping farm prices low and have an impact on deterring use of environmentally sound traditional agricultural practices. Mismanagement of public lands occurs when large commercial enterprises or large scale mechanization displace population onto marginal or less productive lands. Intergroup warfare is a new form impacting on the environment. In Burma loggers are authorized to clear cut large tracts of teak forests in order to ferret out Karen guerrillas. Over 15 million refugees were thus displaced and forced to live in encampments that require trees for shelter firewood for survival and overgrazing of livestock. Social and economic environments are also undermined by "dependency" factors such as trade protectionism brain drain and limited foreign aid. The Group of 77 Non-Aligned Developing Countries proposed that discussions of the links between population and the environment be omitted from the agenda of the 1994 UN Conference on Population and Development. Basic clarifications are needed to distinguish ultimate versus proximate factors and current versus future concerns. The debate ignores distribution patterns migration or changing age structures. The debate blames unjustifiably rapid population growth as the ultimate cause of global environmental degradation and links population growth to a host of other social problems such as famine and refugees while ignoring civil unrest. The evidence suggests that population limitation will probably prevent environmental degradation in poor resource constrained countries from getting worse. Resource conservation will remain unaffected. The World Bank proposes National Environmental Action Plans or the Cleaver Schreiber proposal for a "nexus strategy" for balancing food supply and population in Africa.
Examining Predictors of Mexican American Adolescents’ Coping Typologies: Maternal and Paternal Behaviors and Adolescent Gender

This study used latent profile analysis to develop coping typologies of 340, 14- to16-year-old Mexican American adolescents (M = 14.46, SD = 0.69). Three typologies were identified: (a) opposition coping (adolescents who tended to use anger and venting emotions), (b) support-seeking coping (adolescents who relied on seeking support), and (c) escape and opposition coping (adolescents who relied on anger, venting, substance-use coping, behavioral avoidance, and peer support). Three key parental behaviors (support, knowledge, psychological control) of mothers and fathers and adolescent gender were examined as predictors of the coping typologies. Results indicated that parental support and knowledge, particularly from mothers, predicted membership into the support-seeking coping typology relative to the other two typologies. Girls were more likely than boys to utilize support-seeking coping than opposition coping. Gender socialization norms that may have influenced these results are discussed.
The Revival of Vivisection in the Sixteenth Century

In this article I examine the origins and progression of the practice of vivisection in roughly the first half of the sixteenth century, paying particular attention to the types of vivisection procedures performed, the classical sources for those procedures and the changing nature of the concerns motivating the anatomists who performed them. My goal is to reexamine a procedure typically treated as something revived by Vesalius from classical sources as a precursor to early modern discoveries by placing the practice of vivisection in its sixteenth-century context. There were a variety of reasons for employing vivisection in the sixteenth century, including exploring the differences between living and dead bodies, considering how parts of the body worked, and advocating the entirely new idea of the pulmonary transit. By exploring the discussions of Berengario, Niccolo Massa, Vesalius, Colombo and Juan Valverde I try to elaborate on these various reasons and their origins.