cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Phosphatidylcholine synthesis and pulmonary oxygen toxicity

Abstract Oxygen at hyperbaric pressure causes a reduction of lung surfactant and inhibits the synthesis of phosphatidylcholine, the principal component of lung surfactant. Rabbit lung slices and broken cell preparations were used to determine whether phosphatidylcholine synthesis in general is inhibited or whether there is selective inhibition of surfactant dipalmitoyl-glycerophosphocholine synthesis. The incorporations of palmitate, oleate and choline into the phosphatidylcholine of lung slices are reduced to 44, 49 and 45% of the normal, respectively, in animals exposed to 100% oxygen at 3 atm. absolute for 4 h. The similarity of the level of phosphatidylcholine synthesis from these three precursors, as well as of the degree of inhibition, suggests a non-specific mechanism of inhibition of whole cell phosphatidylcholine synthesis. Broken cell preparations of lung incorporate palmitate and oleate into lysophosphatidylcholine at comparable rates when optimal amounts of precursors are used. This system is reduced to 60 and 73% of the normal for palmitate incorporation in homogenates and microsomal fraction, respectively, and to 75 and 82% of the normal for oleate incorporation. Although the greater inhibition of palmitate incorporation over that of oleate is not statistically significant, an inhibition of the deacylation-reacylation mechanisms leading to palmitate incorporation may still be implicated as a factor in the toxicity of oxygen for surfactant phosphatidylcholine synthesis in view of the fact that with whole lung preparations, only one-tenth of the pulmonary cell population constitutes the surfactant producing type II alveolar cells (granular pneumocytes).
Perturbation about the Mean Field Critical Point

We consider two models that are small perturbations of Gaussian or mean field models: the first one is a double well λ/4φ4 — σ/2φ2 perturbation of a massless Gaussian lattice field in the weak coupling limit (λ→0, σ proportional to λ). The other consists of a spin 1/2 Ising model with long-range Kac type interactions; the inverse range of the interaction, γ, is the small parameter. The second model is related to the first one via a sine-Gordon transformation. The lattice ℤd has dimensiond≧3.
Directional control valve with the ability to "dangle"

The majority of double-acting hydraulic cylinders are controlled via a 4/3 spool valve, which allows for the active movement of the cylinder in two directions, as well as holding its current position. These control valves lack the ability to "dangle," or rather, the ability to permit the hydraulic cylinder to freely sway passively in response to external forces. Including the ability to dangle within a control valve is of particular interest for a number of reasons. It allows for much more naturalistic actuation of the hydraulic cylinder, making it further compatible with bio-inspired platforms, such as driving the legs of a prosthetic limb or an exoskeleton for human augmentation. Additionally, dangle offers an opportunity for considerable efficiency gains. This is possible because the momentum of the load, gravity, among other external forces, can be utilized to move the actuator instead of solely relying on an active input. A novel control valve that integrates all of the features of a 4/3 spool valve in addition to dangle is reported herein.
Workload configuration and client strategy discovery using crowdsourcing

Using enterprise crowdsourcing service we have engaged multiple teams that interact with 300 clients to obtain insights into workload configurations on client infrastructure, identifying over 400 new project/revenue opportunities.
Abstract 4316: Suppression of Sp protein expression with Tolfenamic Acid inhibits oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma

OBJECTIVE: Upregulation of members of the Sp protein family is associated with cell proliferation and metastasis in multiple cancer types. Tolfenamic acid (TA) is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug shown to inhibit the expression of Sp proteins. We tested the hypothesis that TA inhibits Sp protein expression in human head and neck squamous cell carcinoma lines to suppress cell growth. METHODS: An oral Squamous cell carcinoma cell line (UMSCC-1) was screened for Sp-1 expression, a known target for Tolfenamic Acid (TA). To assess the effect of TA on UMSCC-1 cells, in vitro cell proliferation assays were performed at 24, 48, 72, 96 and 120Hrs, in order to correlate the cell growth response to different drug concentrations (25, 50, 75 and 100 µM). In parallel, Western blot analyses were use to measure Sp-1 expression after 72hrs of drug treatment. In subsequent experiments, we analyzed the effect of TA and radiation on UMSCC-1 under two conditions. Experiment 1: Tolfenamic acid was added 24 hrs after the cells were seeded, and underwent different doses of radiation (5, 10 or 20 Gy) 24 hrs after drug treatment was started. Experiment 2: 24 hrs after seeding UMSCC-1 cells were exposed to different doses of radiation (5, 10 and 20 Gy) and TA was added 24 hrs post-radiation. Cell growth was measure ATP assays. RESULTS: Preliminary results confirmed the presence of Sp-1 expression in the head and neck squamous cell carcinoma cell line, UMSCC-1. In vitro growth analysis showed a direct correlation between cell death and TA concentration. Additionally a synergistic effect was observed when using TA and radiation. Sp-1 has been identified as a transcription factor for the production of Survivin, a protein which is known to be overexpressed in most cancer cells and has been directly linked to the radiation-resistant phenomenon. By regulating the expression of SP-1 using tolfenamic acid, we have demonstrated a reduction and/or complete inhibition of the cancer cells capability to produce Survivin, sensitizing them to radiation. CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggests that TA bears potential in the treatment of oral squamous cell carcinomas as a concomitant agent for traditional chemotherapeutic regimens. In parallel, preliminary data suggest that TA potentiates radiation sensitivity in human head and neck cancer cells. Animal9s studies are warranted to further investigate TA in squamous cell carcinoma. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 4316. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-4316
Coulomb interaction and persistent currents in ensembles of mesoscopic metal rings.

The average persistent current in an ensemble of mesoscopic metal rings at fixed chemical potential threaded by a magnetic flux in the diffusive regime is related to the presence of a component of the one-electron effective self-energy, which is odd with respect to the electron velocity. In a noninteracting model, the ``velocity-odd'' component of the self-energy, calculated within the self-consistent Born approximation, is found to be exponentially small. Hence, the average persistent current is also exponentially small. When the Coulomb interaction between electrons is included, a finite velocity-odd component of the self-energy is obtained. The microscopic reason for this is the enhancement of the average classical electrostatic energy of interaction between two electrons with almost opposite velocities. We show that the recent theory of Ambegaokar and Eckern can be reformulated in terms of a velocity-odd self-energy, and their results are reproduced. A simple model is then presented, which exhibits the main qualitative features of their result in an elementary way. Finally, the assumption that all rings have the same chemical potential is examined. It is shown that the error involved in this approximation is parametrically small for three-dimensional rings, scaling as the inverse of the volume of the ring.
Effects of photoperiod on reproduction in turkey breeder hens

Abstract Fifty 30-wk-old, medium white orlopp turkey breeder hens were equally divided into five light treatment groups (10L:14D, 11L:13D, 12L:12D, 13L:11D and 14L:10D) for 27 wk. The light intensity used was 50 lux at bird level. At weeks 28 through 39 the light day was increased to 17 h at 200 lux intensity for all treatments. The number of days needed to begin laying following photostimulation was significantly (P
Larval Competency of Red Abalone (Haliotis rufescens): A New Timeframe for Larval Distribution.

ABSTRACT Settling cues in the form of coralline algae were presented to groups of hatchery-reared red abalone (Haliotis rufescens, Swainson 1822) larvae daily from day 4 to day 32 posthatch (temperature, 14°C). Survival of postlarval abalone after settlement was monitored for 30 days to quantify the effect of delayed metamorphosis on the subsequent survival of benthic juvenile abalone. After exposure to live coralline algae, an average of 85% of the larvae metamorphosed and settled the following day. The number of settled postlarvae increased gradually the longer the settling cue was withheld. Postsettlement juveniles were raised in individual containers on mixed diatoms for up to 34 days. Red abalone larvae remained competent to settle 32 days after fertilization. Larvae that metamorphosed from day 4 through day 19 had longer survival during the next 30 days (average, 19%) than those presented with a settling cue from day 20 to day 32 (average, 8%). Statistical analysis using a threshold cut point indica...
On the stability of a performance-adaptive self-organizing algorithm applied to linear stochastic systems

In this paper conditions are given which ensure the stability of a random search algorithm being used as a minimization tool for unknown systems subject to random disturbances in the system parameters.
Phrenic Nerve Hemangioblastoma in a von Hippel-Lindau Patient

Johnson J, Junewick J, Cottingham S(AQ1) emangioblastomas are benign, highly vascular tumors that predominantly occur in the central nervous system. Thirty percent of hemangioblastomas are associated with von Hippel-Lindau disease, an autosomal dominant disorder also characterized by retinal angiomas, renal cysts and carcinomas, pheochromocytomas, and pancreatic cysts and carcinomas [1]. Hemangioblastomas occur predominantly in the posterior fossa, spinal cord (< 5%) [2], less commonly in the brainstem, rarely supratentorially [1], and rarer still extradurally [2, 3]. Extradural hemangioblastomas generally occur near the nerve roots, often widening the exiting foramina [4]. Only two other hemangioblastomas have been reported along a peripheral nerve in purely extravertebral locations [2, 3]. Case Report A 48-year-old woman with von HippelLindau disease and a history of previous multiple spinal and cerebellar hemangioblstomas complained of soreness and swelling in the right side of her neck. CT (Fig. 1A) and MRI (Figs. 1B and 1C) examinations were performed. The mass was surgically resected from around the normally functioning right phrenic nerve. Immunohistochemistry stained positively for vimentin, neuron-specific enolase, and S-100, and negatively for cytokeratins AE1/AE3 and epithelial membrane antigen, confirming hemangioblastoma.
Glycogen synthase kinase-3 and Leukemia: Restoring the balance

The role of GSK-3 in oncogenesis is paradoxical, acting as a tumor suppressor in some cancers and potentiating growth in others. In this issue of Cancer Cell , Wang et al. provide some mechanistic insight into GSK-3 activity's role in potentiating leukemias which are dependent on homeobox ( HOX ) gene misregulation.
A new multi-channel spatial diversity technique for long range acoustic communications in shallow water

Underwater acoustic communication is limited to very low rates without the use of techniques that mitigate the influence of the acoustic channel. A new multichannel spatial diversity communication scheme has been developed at Florida Atlantic University (FAU). This technique combines a novel synchronization method with a maximum-likelihood symbol estimation. The technique is tested with the FAU Dual Purpose Acoustic Modem (DPAM) which uses one transducer for data transmission and 4 hydrophones for data reception. The DPAM transmits messages using 4 types of Frequency-Hoped Multiple-Frequency-Shift-Keying (FH-MFSK) modulation: 4 hops at 221 coded bits per second (cps), 2 hops at 442 cps, or no hoping at 886 cps, or 1182 cps. The bit sequence modulated can be encoded using 3 different Error Coding Codes (ECC): a convolutional code Viterbi 7/sup 1/2/, a Reed Solomon block code, or a combination of both codes. These types of modulation and encoding techniques allow for robust data transmission in adverse environment. The DPAM operates at ranges from 1 to 3 km in 50 feet of water using all 4 transducers. Such a performance can be confirmed using the model of Crepeau.
Damage assessment of cylinders due to impact and explosive loading

Abstract The large amplitude transient response of plastic cylindrical shells was studied using a string-on-foundation model. The model incorporated two main load-resisting mechanisms in the shell: stretching in the longitudinal direction and bending in the circumferential direction. A broad class of dynamic problems was considered including mass impact on an infinite cylinder, pressure pulse loading of an unstiffened shell, and impulsive loading of a ring-stiffened shell. The methods of characteristics and eigenfunction expansion were used to solve the resulting initial-boundary value problems. Based on the exact solutions, engineering approximations were also derived. Comparison of predicted deflection amplitudes and deformed profiles of the shell in the longitudinal direction with limited experimental results was performed showing generally good results. The closed-form solutions were then used to predict the onset of fracture in either a shear plugging or tensile necking failure mode. Simple formulas were derived for the ballistic limit of an unstiffened shell subjected to a missile impact and the critical impulse to rupture of a stiffened shell.
Stealing Lincoln's Body – By Thomas J. Craughwell

Biographies of Abraham Lincoln, such as David Donald's excellent account or Carl Sandburg's classic, end with Lincoln's last labored breath or his body's final trip to Springfield, Illinois. The ar...
Advances in airborne geophysical systems for ordnance mapping and detection

Over the past 10 years, several advances have been made in helicopter geophysical systems for mapping and detection of unexploded ordnance (UXO). Earlier total-field magnetometer systems for this application invoked a novel boom-mounted sensor design, which en-abled safe operation at altitudes of a few meters above ground level and permitted detection of individual small ferrous objects. The first such system, the Aerodat HM-3, had three cesium vapor magnetometers at 6-m spacing, mounted at the tips of one forward and two lateral booms (Gamey and Mahler, 1999). Subsequent improvements incorporated as many as eight magnetometers at 1.7-m spacing (Doll et al., 2003), as in the ORAGS-Hammerhead and ORAGS-Arrowhead systems. Since that time, improved magnetometer systems have been developed, and a production time-domain electromagnetic system has been introduced.
Cyclic stress-strain response of F.C.C. metals and alloys—I Phenomenological experiments

Abstract Hardening and softening produced by cyclic strains in annealed and cold-worked polycrystalline f.c.c. metals and alloys has been studied in the range of cyclic strains giving lives of less than 104 cycles to failure. In particular the effects of (a) slip mode of the material (b) its initial condition as governed by cold working and annealing treatments (c) testing temperatures and (d) cyclic strain amplitude were investigated. All f.c.c. metals harden or soften under cyclic straining to a characteristic saturation or steady state flow stress which is attained at the most after 50% of the fatigue life. The steady state stress is determined only by the plastic strain amplitude and temperature of testing in materials of wavy slip mode. On the other hand when the mode of slip is planar the steady state stress is sensitively dependent on the deformation and thermal history. However the transient stage of cyclic hardening or softening prior to the attainment of the saturation condition in polycrystalline material does not appear to be strongly affected by its slip mode or the test temperature. The total amount of softening in metals and alloys initially cold worked to small or moderate amounts is concluded to reach a maximum at strains giving lives to failure in the range of 104−3 × 104 cycles.
Lipid composition of maturing and elongate liverwort sporophytes

Abstract The setae of Lophocolea heterophylla sporophytes undergo rapid cell elongation with no net loss of lipid. Glycerolipids and sterol esters are the predominant lipids present in unelorigate setae. Phospho- and glycolipids increase dramatically with respect to total lipid during elongation and thus reflect membrane increases. Unusual polyunsaturated fatty acids (arachidonic and eicosapentaenoic) are conspicuous constituents of these lipids.
Giving microbial diversity a home.

Efforts to house environmental microbial culture collections, resources and data are lagging behind the speed of discovery in the scientific community. Emerson and Wilson explain the need to increase the investment in biological resource centres to meet this growing challenge.
Measurement of Respiration Rate from Central Venous Pressure in the Critically Ill Patient

Central venous pressure is measured in critically ill patients. The venous pressure is transmitted to a strain gauge transducer through a catheter inserted into the right atrium or superior vena cava. Through a signal conditioning technique using a low-pass filter with a cutoff at 0.8 c/s, the pulsatile variations related to heart action that are superimposed on the low-frequency respiratory changes are removed. The output of the respirometer is sampled every five minutes by art IBM 1710 control system computer and printed on an output typewriter, together with a number of variables, in a comprehensive patient monitoring system.
Comment on "Generalized Parallel Redundancy in Digital Computers"

In his recent short note on redundancy,1Deo overlooks an important failure-free condition that takes into account the cancellation of votes by two modules failing in opposing states.
Identification of two αRYR alleles and characterization of αRYR transcript variants in turkey skeletal muscle

We hypothesized that a mutation in the turkey skeletal muscle ryanodine receptor α isoform (αRYR) underlies turkey meat quality problems which are strikingly similar to pale, soft, exudative (PSE) pork. RT-PCR analysis of turkey αRYR mRNA covering amino acids 376 to 615 (numbered according to the human sequence) revealed at least three transcript variants. One transcript was homologous to the mammalian skeletal muscle RYR1 sequence in this region. The second transcript variant (AS-81) was characterized by the absence of 81 bases located at the beginning of exon 13, while the third transcript variant (AS-193) carried a deletion of 193 bases, corresponding to the entire exon 13. Two αRYR genomic DNA alleles (αRYR-I and αRYR-II) carrying the region of deletions in the turkey cDNA sequences were identified. Nucleotide sequence analysis demonstrated that the two alleles are identical in exon sequences but different in intron sequences. Comparison of genomic and cDNA sequences indicated that both AS-81 and AS-193 transcript variants probably arose via alternative splicing. Consistent with this mechanism, the last eight nucleotides of the 81 bases form a consensus sequence for a splice acceptor site. Both alleles could give rise to the AS-81 and AS-193 transcript variants via alternative splicing. Birds homozygous for αRYR-II tended to have superior meat quality indicators including significantly higher muscle pH at 15-min post mortem and lower muscle exudate at 24-h post mortem, compared to birds homozygous for αRYR-I.
Evidence of a functional effect of transient transurethral catheterization on micturition in women.

Introduction and hypothesis The objective of this study is to evaluate the effect of transient catheterization on uroflow parameters.
Substrate-enhanced O 2 adsorption and complexity in the Raman G -band spectra of individual metallic carbon nanotubes

The role of oxide substrate with respect to ${\text{O}}_{2}$ adsorption induced changes in the Raman spectra of individual metallic carbon nanotubes is examined. A chiral metallic nanotube suspended over a trench exhibits a relatively simple two-peak $G$-band feature with no observable $D$-band intensity. On the other hand, a much more complex Raman $G$-band feature along with significant $D$-band intensities are observed on the part of the nanotube resting on the oxide substrate. ${\text{O}}_{2}$ adsorption induced charge transfer and enhancement of physical disorder are considered to explain the differences observed. Spectral changes upon Ar annealing/${\text{O}}_{2}$ exposure cycles on the on-substrate segment of a single nanotube are compared with those on the suspended part of the same nanotube. Complexity of the line shape and narrower linewidths are much more pronounced in the on-substrate part of the nanotube but continued annealing/${\text{O}}_{2}$ adsorption cycle eventually leads to similar (but smaller) changes in the suspended part as well. Direct correlation between $D$-band intensity enhancements and the changes in the $G$--band (increasing complexity and the removal of phonon softening via the Kohn anomaly) suggest that ${\text{O}}_{2}$ adsorption not only causes charge transfer and physical disorder but also leads to otherwise not observable double-resonance $G$-band phonon modes to have significant intensities.
Endocrine ophthalmopathy: a re-evaluation of the association with thyroid autoantibodies

Autoantibodies to the three major thyroid autoantigens, the TSH-receptor (TSH-R), thyroid peroxidase (TPO) and thyroglobulin (TG), have been investigated in 63 Graves' patients with severe endocrine ophthalmopathy. In agreement with other studies, TSH-R antibodies were detectable in 88% of patients and dominated the autoantibody spectrum. TPO antibodies were detectable in 60% of patients and TG antibodies in only 25% of patients. The prevalences, as well as the amounts, of all three thyroid autoantibodies were not significantly different from the values in 51 Graves' patients without clinically significant ophthalmopathy. However, in the subgroup of patients with TG antibodies, the ophthalmopathy patients displayed a shift towards IgG4 TG antibodies. Furthermore, in the same TG antibody positive subgroup, the amount of TSH-R antibody was significantly higher in the ophthalmopathy patients than in Graves' patients without ophthalmopathy. These qualitative differences in thyroid autoantibodies in patients with and without ophthalmopathy raise the possibility that further qualitative differences, such as thyroid autoantibody epitopes, may exist in patients with ophthalmopathy. Our observations, combined with recent evidence for the presence of TSH-R specific mRNA in retro-orbital tissue, suggest that it may be premature to dismiss the potential pathogenetic or diagnostic value of thyroid autoantibodies, particularly TSH-R antibodies, in Graves' ophthalmopathy.
Explaining the inability of economists to practice what they preach: the funding of the American Economic Review with author charges

The reader subscription pricing mechanism is the dominant method by which the publication of scholarly journals in economics is funded. This occurs despite the fact that the use of an author charge pricing mechanism, when used in conjunction with a reader charge pricing mechanism, is described in the neoclassical economics literature as a more efficient method for financing journals. The division between the actual financing of economics journals and the theoretical understanding of how journals should be financed highlights deficiencies within the neoclassical economists' understanding of the financing of scholarly journals. In this paper I discuss this divergence in theory and practice in how economists finance their scholarly communication process and the brief attempt by some neoclassical economists to bridge this divide.
Autoionizing Rydberg states in triplet molecular hydrogen.

We report the first observation of the autoinizing triplet $\mathrm{nd}$ series of ${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$ covering the region from $n=10$ to the series limit. The autoionizing states are produced by excitation of ${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$ $c^{3}\ensuremath{\Pi}_{\mathrm{u}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ molecules in a fast (1 keV) beam with a frequency-doubled pulsed dye laser, and the resulting ${\mathrm{H}}_{2}^{+}$ ions are detected. We have also resolved members of the high-lying $\mathrm{nd}$ series ($25lnl35$) converging to the lowest vibrational state of the ${\mathrm{H}}_{2}^{+}$ ion by field ionization. A qualitative interpretation of the spectra in terms of a noninteracting single-channel Rydberg electron model is given.
Adolescent distress in traumatic stress research: Data from the National Survey of Adolescents-Replication†

Over the past two decades, researchers have sought to determine whether study participants experience distress when asked about difficult topics, particularly exposure to traumatic events. Studies have consistently found that only a small minority (generally <10%) report distress in response to such questions (see Jorm, Kelly, & Morgan, 2007). It is important to note that participants who actually endorse exposure to traumatic events are more likely to report distress than those who do not; however, few report distress beyond the confines of the interview (Jorm et al., 2007). This is an important area of research because researchers and institutional review boards (IRBs) frequently express concerns about asking research participants questions about traumatic experiences (Becker-Blease & Freyd, 2006). In addition, some researchers worry that asking about trauma may increase attrition from studies. These concerns are particularly relevant for research with adolescents, as they are considered a vulnerable population. Limited data are available from national samples about participant distress in the context of traumatic stress research among this age group. Several studies with children and adolescents have found results similar to adult studies when participants were asked about traffic-related injuries (Kassam-Adams & Newman, 2005), psychiatric symptoms (Reich & Kaplan, 1994), and refugee experiences (Dyregrov, Dyregrov, & Raundalen, 2000). In addition, a recent study found that 1 in 4 youth from 10 to 15 years of age reported being upset by survey questions about bullying, witnessed violence, and violence perpetration (Ybarra, Langhinrichsen-Rohling, Friend, & Diener-West, 2009). However, few have looked at other types of traumatic events, including physical and sexual assault, an important area of research given the high prevalence and deleterious effects of these experiences among adolescents (e.g., Kilpatrick et al., 2003). The purpose of this study was to examine adolescent distress in relation to an extensive interview assessing traumatic experiences, including sexual assault, physical assault, and witnessing violence. Data from the National Survey of Adolescents-Replication were used to examine both the presence of participant distress in response to this interview as well as relationships between participant distress and (a) demographics, (b) attrition from the study between baseline and one-year follow-up, (c) endorsement of traumatic events, and (d) trauma-related mental health problems (i.e., posttraumatic stress disorder [PTSD], depression, and alcohol abuse). We predicted that, consistent with findings from adult studies, analyses would reveal low levels of participant distress (<10%) and that adolescents endorsing traumatic events or mental health problems would be more likely to report distress than participants without such problems.
Monetary Blocs on the Periphery: Small State Choice or Great Power Hegemony?

Abstract Over the past 40 years, enduring regional monetary institutions have been created in West and Central Africa, Southern Africa, the East Caribbean, and Western Europe. Short-lived or failed regional currencies can be found in East Africa, the post-Soviet successor states, Central America, and the Persian Gulf. Using the role of France in the franc zone as evidence, one common argument is that most regional efforts are merely by-products of hegemonic powers' ambitions and interests – imposed from above by great powers rather than chosen from below by newly independent states. By examining the overall pattern of regional currency institution-building during the Cold War and after, I show that the hegemonic argument is misleading. I also use archival evidence for an in-depth examination of Britain's influence on Southeast Asian cooperation during and after decolonisation. I find that extra-regional hegemons have played only a slight role outside the franc zone, and, even in the franc zone, French inf...
Self-catalyzed site-specific depurination of G-residues mediated by cruciform extrusion in closed circular DNA plasmids

A major variety of “spontaneous” genomic damage is endogenous generation of apurinic sites. Depurination rates vary widely across genomes, occurring with higher frequency at “depurination hot spots.” Recently, we discovered a site-specific self-catalyzed depurinating activity in short (14–18 nucleotides) DNA stem-loop-forming sequences with a 5′-G(T/A)GG-3′ loop and T·A or G·C as the first base pair at the base of the loop; the 5′-G residue of the loop self-depurinates at least 105-fold faster than random “spontaneous” depurination at pH 5. Formation of the catalytic intermediate for self-depurination in double-stranded DNA requires a stem-loop to extrude as part of a cruciform. In this study, evidence is presented for self-catalyzed depurination mediated by cruciform formation in plasmid DNA in vitro. Cruciform extrusion was confirmed, and its extent was quantitated by digestion of the plasmid with single strand-specific mung bean endonuclease, followed by restriction digestion and sequencing of resulting mung bean-generated fragments. Appearance of the apurinic site in the self-depurinating stem-loop was confirmed by digestion of plasmid DNA with apurinic endonuclease IV, followed by primer extension and/or PCR amplification to detect the endonuclease-generated strand break and identify its location. Self-catalyzed depurination was contingent on the plasmid being supercoiled and was not observed in linearized plasmids, consistent with the presence of the extruded cruciform in the supercoiled plasmid and not in the linear one. These results indicate that self-catalyzed depurination is not unique to single-stranded DNA; rather, it can occur in stem-loop structures extruding from double-stranded DNA and therefore could, in principle, occur in vivo.
Married Persons’ Subjective Class Identification: The Role of Individual Gender Ideologies from 1972 to 2002

This study examined married men and women’s subjective class identification between 1972 and 2002, and the role of individual gender ideologies in married persons’ shifting status-evaluation models. We used nationally representative trend data gathered as part of the General Social Survey. Consistent with previous theoretical predictions, results indicated that overall, husbands and wives used status-sharing models of status-evaluation. Interestingly, however, in the late 1990s and early 2000s women shifted toward a status-borrowing model of status-evaluation. Results suggested that gender ideologies did not explain recent trends in the importance of wives’ and husbands’ class attributes for models of status-evaluation. We concluded that shifts in hegemonic gender beliefs, rather than individual gender ideologies, are a more likely explanation of changes in couples’ models of status-evaluation.
Regulatory Role of T Cells in a Murine Model of Lymphoproliferative Disease

As NZB mice age, approximately 90% of the 12-month-old mice possess an expansion of malignant B-1 (CD5+ B cells) cells with many similarities to the human lymphoproliferative disease, chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Malignant B-1 cells derived from NZB mice produce significantly higher levels of IL-10 mRNA and protein than normal B-1 or B cells. IL-10 may act as an autocrine growth factor for the expansion of B-1 cells. In this report, the infrequent animals which survived 18 months of age or longer were studied and compared to NZB mice at 12-14 months of age. Analysis of lymphoid subpopulations in the spleen and peritoneal cavity indicated that long-lived NZB mice had an expansion of CD8+ T cells rather than the typical B-1 expansion observed in the majority of NZB animals at 12 months of age. We established a CD8+ T cell clone from long-lived NZB mice which was cytotoxic for malignant B-1 cells of NZB origin both in vivo and in vitro. Analysis of the regulatory mechanisms preventing the development of genetically programmed age-dependent CLL in the murine system may elucidate possible avenues for therapeutic intervention in CLL.
Ultrasonic Measurements in Single-Crystal Nb 3 Sn

Ultrasonic-velocity and attenuation measurements in ${\mathrm{Nb}}_{3}$Sn indicate anomalous temperature dependences of the elastic moduli and sound absorption. At room temperature, the elastic moduli and the attenuation of 555-Mc/sec compressional waves are typical of those found for metals. The room-temperature elastic moduli have been determined as ${C}_{11}=2.538$, ${C}_{12}=1.124$, and ${C}_{44}=0.3957$ in units of ${10}^{12}$ dyn/${\mathrm{cm}}^{2}$. At 4.2\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K, ${C}_{11}$ and ${C}_{44}$ are reduced by 35.1% and 32.8%, respectively, while ${C}_{12}$ is increased by 46.4%. At 32\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K, and at the superconducting-transition temperature, there are peaks in the attenuation-temperature curve. Below 18\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K, the attenuation is temperature-independent.
Cardiothoracic surgery and lung cancer

Mark S Allen* speaks to roshaine Gunawardana, Managing Commissioning editor: Dr Mark S Allen attended Allegheny College where he majored in chemistry and minored in mathematics. He then went to a 1-year graduate school to study chemistry at the State University of New York in Buffalo. He attended Hahnemann University Medical School in Philadelphia, graduating in 1982. He went to the Massachusetts General Hospital where he completed his general surgery residency, as well as his cardiothoracic residency, taking a year out to work in a cardiac laboratory studying the effects of medications on myocardial function. In 1990, Dr Allen moved to Rochester, Minnesota to become a consultant at the Mayo Clinic in the Division of General Thoracic Surgery, where he has practiced thoracic surgery for the past 21 years. His practice includes all aspects of general thoracic surgery, including esophageal cancer, laparoscopic surgery, minimally invasive lung surgery, diaphragm, chest wall and mediastinal surgery. He is currently Professor of Surgery at the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine. Dr Allen’s research interests are clinical in nature and are collaborative with the other members of the Division of General Thoracic Surgery. Dr Allen currently serves as President of The Society of Thoracic Surgeons and is Chair of the Board of the Joint Council on Thoracic Surgery Education. He is the former Examination Chair of the American Board of Thoracic Surgery.
Characterization of a Lolium multiflorum accessory chromosome

The meiotic behavior and the male and female transmission rates of a Lolium multiflorum accessory chromosome were investigated. Typically, accessory chromosomes display an accumulative behavior termed non-disjunction that allows them to increase their numbers in a population. Root-tip counts, utilizing individuals with known numbers of accessory chromosomes were evaluated to determine male and female transmission rates and cytogenetic examinations of microspores and developing pollen grains were performed at the metaphase and anaphase stages where such accumulative non-disjunction events occur. Results of the investigation identified that the accessory chromosome of this Lolium cv. did not exhibit a strong accumulation mechanism and were relatively normal during meiosis and pollen mitosis. Accessory chromosome transmission through the egg was normal without accumulation and frequent non-disjunction events did not occur during the microspore or pollen development stages. The pattern of chromosome movement was more similar to that of the A-chromosome set than that observed for the characterized accessory chromosome of Festuca pratensis. Because the Lolium accessory chromosome meiotic and pollen mitotic behavior are relatively normal with a low rate of accumulation, such a chromosome may serve as a mini-chromosome carrier platform for directed biolistic-mediated gene transformation or the generation of accessory chromosome-Lolium and accessory chromosome-Festuca translocations.
SCAM, a flexible, scheme-like language for teaching programming language concepts

Scam is a Scheme-like programming language designed for teaching a wide variety of programming language concepts. Scam, at its heart, is an impure functional language, designed to be modified and extended. There are no keywords in the language and every special form, including function definition, is a true function that can be overridden. Consequently, SCAM is ideal for introducing concepts such as object encapsulation and inheritance, aspects, and language subsetting. Both Implementations and applications of these concepts can be added to Scam via student programming projects. This paper introduces Scam and gives a series of projects and solutions that are appropriate for a Programming Languages course.
Biological imaging and the molecular basis of dopaminergic diseases

The development and validation of preclinical biological probes of nigrostriatal dysfunction are part of the next frontier for battling diseases involving dopamine deficiency. In this work, the quantitative relationship relationship between radiofluorinated l-DOPA, [e.g., l-3,4-dihydroxy-6-[18F]fluorophenylalanine (6-[18F]fluoro-l-DOPA, FDOPA)]kinetics measured with positron emission tomography and central dopamine biochemistry is discussed. A hypothesis of a possible “non-linearity” of FDOPA kinetics with dopaminergic cell losses is presented to explain apparent discrepancies in post-mortem biochemical and histological determinations in Parkinson's disease. Similar observations have been made in 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-exposed monkeys and human subjects where the FDOPA uptake constantly fell within normal values unless severe nigral damage had occurred. The limitations of FDOPA, and other biological probes, for examining the asymptomatic phase of dopaminergic diseases and the future direction of research are discussed.
A brief discussion on the mean oceanic residence time of elements

Abstract The mean oceanic residence times of elements obtained from deposition rates in deep-sea sediments are more representative than those obtained from river-input rates. The average concentration data of dissolved S, Au, Ag, Se, As, Hg, Sb, Zn, Sn, Cu and Pb in rivers contain large pollution and/or contamination components.
DNA electron transfer mechanism and dynamics

The dynamics and efficiency of photoinduced charge separation in synthetic DNA hairpins and dumbbells possessing stilbenedicarboxamide (Sa) and stilbene-diether (Sd) linkers separated by short poly(dA)-poly(dT) base pair sequences have been investigated by means of time resolved fluorescence and transient absorption spectroscopy. Charge separation occurs via a single step superexchange mechanism at short distances and by a multistep hole transport mechanism when the linkers are separated by two or more base pairs. The dynamics and efficiency of hole transport are strongly distance dependent over the first few base pairs, but are relatively insensitive to distance at larger separations. The distance dependence is attributed to a Coulomb cage effect. Hole transport across alternating AT base sequences is less efficient than across poly(dA) sequences. Introduction of guanine into the poly(dA) sequence can either enhance or diminish the efficiency of charge separation, depending upon the location of G. Our experimental results are interpreted using several theoretical models.
Relationship between segregation-induced intergranular fracture and melting in the nickel-sulfur system

The effect of S segregation to grain boundaries on the intergranular embrittlement of Ni has been studied at room temperature using Auger electron spectroscopy and slow strain rate tensile tests. The grain-boundary S concentration was varied by time-controlled annealing of dilute Ni–S alloy specimens at 625 °C. The ductile-to-brittle transition in Ni, as determined from percent integranular fracture and reduction-in-area measurements, occurred over a narrow range of S concentrations centered on 15.5±3.4 at. % S. This critical S concentration for 50% intergranular fracture of polycrystalline Ni is similar to the 14.2±3.3 at. % S required to induce 50% amorphization of single-crystal Ni by S+-ion implantation. This suggests that segregation-induced intergranular fracture, like implantation-induced amorphization, may be a disorder-induced polymorphous melting process. In agreement with experimental observations, the polymorphous melting curve for the Ni–S solid solution on the phase diagram drops rapidly to ...
A Manufacturable Chip-Scale Atomic Clock

Several factors are converging to enable atomic clocks to be manufactured with very small dimensions and run at low operating power. MOEMS technology, high-speed vcsels, microelectronics, wafer-scale packaging, and the all-optical CPT method of exciting atomic transitions are key ingredients in the quest to make precision time-keeping devices with chip-scale dimensions. In this paper we report on the design and process that enable an atomic clock to be made with a total volume of 1.7 cm3, a total power budget of 57 mWatts, and an Allan Deviation at 1 hour of 5E-12.
Pattern As A Design Aspect: Visual Perception of Its Properties

The purpose of this research was to determine the dimensions of nonnaturalistic all-over pattern and to organize these properties into a framework from which a definition of pattern could evolve. Eighty-four female underclass, upperclass, and graduate students were the subjects. Each completed a response form in which she rated the similarity and dissimilarity of pairs of pattern samples. The samples were nonnaturalistic all-over patterns that appeared on the surface of pliant wall coverings. Of the 36 total stimulus-objects, 12 were straight geometric, 12 were straight and curved geometric, and 12 were geometric and abstract. Each respon dent evaluated 66 paired comparisons of pattern. The Multidimensional Scaling program (OSIRIS III) analyzed matrices of data to establish configurations in two- dimensional space. Orthogonal axes revealed both qualitative and quantitative dimensions. Qualitative components were line direction, type of formation, type of line, balance, repeat, and type of formation outline. Quantitative properties were quantity of directions, quantity of contrasts, quantity of formations, size of formations, and quantity of formation variations. A framework of pattern was structured. Pattern was defined as the repetition of qualitative and quantitative elements in an artistic arrangement. When the pattern components of straight geometric patterns were plotted, a circular relationship was noted. Attributes of pattern were identified as direction, shape, and complexity.
Analyses of factors related to positive test bias in software testing

In earlier work, we have shown that software testers exhibit positive test bias. Positive test bias is the pervasive behavioral phenomenon in which hypothesis testers tend to test a hypothesis with data which confirms the hypothesis. However, in software testing this behavior may be counter-productive, since it may be more effective to test with data which are designed to disconfirm the hypothesis.The first study considered how positive test bias is influenced by the expertise level of the subjects, the completeness of the software specifications and whether or not the programs contained errors. The results demonstrated strong evidence of positive test bias regardless of condition. The effects appear to be partially mitigated by increasingly higher levels of expertise and by increasingly more complete specifications. In some cases, the effect is also increased by the presence of errors. A second study used talk-aloud protocols to explore the kinds of hypotheses testers generate during testing. The results further emphasize that subjects test their programs in a biased way and support the notion that the program specification drives testers' hypotheses. We conclude that positive test bias is a critical concern in software testing and may have a seriously detrimental effect on the quality of testing. The results further emphasize the importance of complete and thorough program specifications in order to enhance effective testing.
The use of oral budesonide in adolescents and adults with protein-losing enteropathy after the Fontan operation

Background Approximately 5% to 15% of patients develop protein-losing enteropathy (PLE) after the Fontan operation. Oral controlled release (CR) budesonide has been used as a treatment strategy, but its use in the older Fontan population has not been described. Methods Seven patients with refractory PLE after the Fontan operation were started on oral CR-budesonide at 9 mg. After 3 to 9 months, the dose was weaned to 3 mg. Response to treatment was assessed by clinical evaluation, serum albumin levels, and fecal α-1 antitrypsin clearance when available. Results Median age at last evaluation was 20 years (range, 16 to 32 years). Six patients had increases in serum albumin levels but only 4 patients had symptomatic improvement. Systemic side effects included: cushingoid features (5), adrenal insufficiency (4), and new-onset type 2 diabetes mellitus (2). One patient had improvement in cushingoid features after weaning CR-budesonide to 3 mg. Older patients (ages 27 to 32 years) had the worst side effect profiles and were the most refractory to treatment. These patients had sonographic evidence of hepatic cirrhosis but normal serum liver function tests. Two deaths occurred: 1 from sepsis 1 month after CR-budesonide initiation and 1 from respiratory arrest 5 months after CR-budesonide discontinuation. Conclusions CR-budesonide can be used to treat PLE in certain patients, but careful assessment of hepatic function should be performed before initiation of therapy as systemic side effects can limit treatment. Normal serum liver function tests do not preclude hepatic dysfunction in the Fontan patient, and it is important to perform radiographic assessments as well.
A game theory approach for solving the transshipment problem: a supply chain management strategy teaching tool

Purpose – To describe how the well‐known Shapley Value concept from cooperative game theory can be used as an approach to solve the transshipment problem.Design/methodology/approach – This paper provides a numerical example for a three‐person game in a non‐cooperative environment, a selected cooperative environment, and a fully cooperative environment. The well‐known Shapely Value concept from cooperative game theory is used as an approach to solve the transshipment problem and show “how” the pooling coalitions should be formed. The appurtenance of the Shapley Value is verified to ensure that a stable solution exists.Findings – The primary focus of this paper is to describe how the well‐known Shapley Value concept from cooperative game theory can be used as an approach to solve the transshipment problem and show “how” the pooling coalitions should be formed.Research limitations/implications – While pooling coalitions are presented, this paper does not discuss revenue sharing.Practical implications – This ...