cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A methodology for active, student-controlled learning: motivating our weakest students

This paper outlines a methodology to improve the performance of the weakest students through networked hypermedia and in-class exercises. These efforts are an outgrowth of experiments using networked hypermedia in the form of the World Wide Web (WWW) as the basis for networked courseware [1-4]. While initial approaches significantly enhanced the performance of the average and best students, there was no noticeable gain in the performance of the weakest students [4]. They continued to come into class without preparing and expected to somehow condense the learning process into five 55-minute sections every two weeks. In order to enhance the performance of these students, a series of procedures were developed that should increase their performance while minimizing any negative impact on the rest of class. The first procedure uses a networked, Common Gateway Interface (CGI), form-based Student Response System to enhanced communications and expectations between the student and professor. The Student Response System automates the grading of homework assignments, and as a result, facilitates nightly homework assignments without increasing the grading load on the professor. The second component of this methodology involves developing a series of graded, in-class, group exercises that can be easily graded in-class, represents a substantial portion of the final grade, and requires a public presentation of the group's results. Together, these tools and practices form a methodology for reaching the weakest students and enhancing their performance.
Dissipation of Clopyralid and Picloram in Soil and Seep Flow in the Blacklands of Texas

The dissipation, leaching and movement of clopyralid (3,6-dichloro-2-pyridinecarboxylic acid) and picloram (4-amino-3,5,6-trichloro-2-pyridinecarboxylic acid) were determined in soil and subsurface water after spray application of the herbicides to the surface of an area overlying a shallow perched water table in the Blacklands of Texas. A 1:1 mixture of the monoethanolamine salt of clopyralid and the tri-isopropanolamine salt of picloram was applied at 0.56 kg a.i./ha each in May 1988 and June 1989 on the same area. Approximately 90 d after treatment, >99% of the clopyralid and >92% of the picloram had dissipated. Most herbicide was detected in the upper 30 cm of soil. No herbicide was detected in subsurface water from the area treated in 1988, but concentrations of <6 mg/m³ of clopyralid and <5 mg/m³ of picloram were detected in subsurface water collected 11 and 41 to 48 d after treatment in 1989. Mention of trademark name of proprietary product does not constitute a guarantee or warranty of the product by the USDA or Texas A&M Univ. and does not imply its approval to the exclusion of other products that may also be suitable.
Statistical theory of Coulomb blockade oscillations: Quantum chaos in quantum dots.

We develop a statistical theory of the amplitude of Coulomb blockade oscillations in semiconductor quantum dots based on the hypothesis that chaotic dynamics in the dot potential leads to behavior described by random-matrix theory. Breaking time-reversal symmetry is predicted to cause an experimentally observable change in the distribution of amplitudes. The theory is tested numerically and good agreement is found.
Multiple magnetic ordering phenomena evaluated by heat capacity measurements in Er 1 − x Tb x Al 2 Laves-phase alloys

Heat capacity measurements in zero and applied magnetic fields have been performed on a series of ${\text{Er}}_{1\ensuremath{-}x}{\text{Tb}}_{x}{\text{Al}}_{2}$ pseudobinary Laves-phase alloys. Different anomalies that change with Tb concentrations have been observed. These anomalies represent multiple magnetic ordering phenomena, similar to those reported in ${\text{Er}}_{1\ensuremath{-}x}{\text{Pr}}_{x}$ and ${\text{Er}}_{1\ensuremath{-}x}{\text{Dy}}_{x}{\text{Al}}_{2}$ alloys. In common, all alloys contain mixtures of lanthanide metals with opposite signs of the second-order Steven's operators, which were believed to cause competition between the magnetoelastic, crystalline electric field, and quadrupolar effects. This competition gives rise to the observed multiple magnetic ordering transitions in ${\text{Er}}_{1\ensuremath{-}x}{\text{Pr}}_{x}$ and ${\text{Er}}_{1\ensuremath{-}x}{\text{Dy}}_{x}{\text{Al}}_{2}$ alloys. Tb and Er also have opposite signs of second-order Steven's factors, and therefore the observed anomalies in the ${\text{Er}}_{1\ensuremath{-}x}{\text{Tb}}_{x}{\text{Al}}_{2}$ alloys may also be interpreted in terms of competing quadrupolar, magnetoelastic, and crystalline electric field effects. The magnetocaloric properties of the ${\text{Er}}_{1\ensuremath{-}x}{\text{Tb}}_{x}{\text{Al}}_{2}$ alloy system have also been evaluated.
Chaotic solitons in conservative systems: Can they exist?

Abstract Chaotic solitons (“chaoitons”) are essentially just the localized attractors generated by PDE. If truly chaotic chaoitons can exist in simple conservative systems, then the potential implications for physics and biology may be very important. Using a simple test for attractors, I find that they can exist there only in systems which appear capable of multifurcation (lack of definedness in dynamics). A simple Lagrangian is proposed for further study. There is a substantial need for new computer-based research in this area.
Study of magnetic ordering states of CeGex with 1.66<x⩽2.0

The existence of an antiferromagnetic transition at TN=7 K is reported for CeGex with a small range of Ge concentration of 1.66<x<1.71. Measurements of x-ray diffraction and the temperature and magnetic field dependence of magnetization and specific heat have been carried out for CeGex with 1.66⩽x⩽2.0. The magnetic ground state and the crystal structure change abruptly near a Ge concentration of x=1.710. Within the range of Ge concentrations between x=1.71 and 2.0, CeGex crystallizes in the orthorhombic structure and exhibits two magnetic transitions: an antiferromagnetic transition at TN=7 K and a ferromagnetic transition at TC=4.3 K. Interestingly, when x is lowered to 1.66<x<1.71, CeGex crystallizes in a tetragonal phase, exhibits an antiferromagnetic transition at TN=7 K, and remains in the antiferromagnetic state down to a temperature of 0.5 K.
Diet of the Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba Dana): I. Comparisons of grazing on Phaeocystis antarctica (Karsten) and Thalassiosira antarctica (Comber)

Abstract Diatoms and prymnesiophytes are major constituents of spring phytoplankton blooms in the Antarctic. While diatoms are known to be well grazed by krill, the role of prymnesiophytes in the krill's diet is unknown. Clearance and ingestion rates of Euphausia superba grazing on three size classes of Phaeocystis antarctica were compared to rates on the diatom Thalassiosira antarctica in parallel, unialgal experiments. Clearance rates were calculated from disappearance of chlorophyll a during grazing, and converted to carbon and nitrogen ingestion rates based on elemental (CHN) analysis of phytoplankton cultures. Clearance and ingestion rates of krill on small P. antarctica colonies (50–100 μm) were similar to rates on T. antarctica , whereas rates on medium P. antarctica colonies (100–500 μm) and single cell P. antarctica were significantly lower than for T. antarctica . Overall, clearance rates on P. antarctica decreased with increasing colony size. Clearance rates on T. antarctica were variable, and correlated with degree of chain formation. These results suggest that E. superba effectively grazes small colonies of P. antarctica , but not larger colonies or single cells.
A new transient pulsar in the Small Magellanic Cloud with an unusual x-ray spectrum

This article reports the discovery of a luminous (3.5 x 10(exp 37) ergs/sec over the 0.2 to 2 keV band) transient X-ray pulsar in the Small Magellanic Cloud (SMC) with an extremely soft component to its X-ray spectrum. This is the first time that a spectrum of this type has been seen in this class of X-ray source. The pulse period is 2.7632 s, and the pulse modulation appears to vary with energy from nearly unpulsed in the low-energy band of the ROSAT Position Sensitive Proportional Counter (PSPC) (0.07 to 0.4 keV) to about 50% in the high-energy band (1.0 to 2.4 keV). The object, RX J0059.2-7138, also shows flickering variability in its X-ray emission on timescales of 50 to 100s. The pulse-phase-averaged PSPC X-ray spectrum can be well described by a two-component source model seen through an absorbing column density of approximately 10(exp 21) atoms cm(exp -2). One spectral component is a power law with photon index 2.4. The other component is significantly softer and can be described by either a steeply falling power law or a blackbody with a temperature KT(sub BB) approximately 35 eV. Ths component is transient, but evidently upulsed, and, for the blackbody model fits, requires a large bolometric luminosity: near, or even several times greater than, the Eddington luminosity for a 1.4 solar mass object. When these characteristics of its soft emission are considered, RX J0059.2-7138 appears quite similar to other X-ray sources in the magellanic Clouds, such as CAL 83, CAL 87, and RX J0527.8-6954, which show only extreme ultrasoft (EUS) X-ray spectra. The discovery of RX J0059.2-7138, a probably high-mass X-ray binary, clearly indicates that EUS spectra may arise from accretion-powered neutron-star X-ray sources. This result lends support to the idea that some of the 'pure' EUS sources may be shrouded low-mass X-ray binaries rather than accreting white dwarfs.
VersaStep trocar hernia rate in unclosed fascial defects in bariatric patients.

Objective Use of the VersaStepTM trocar system (US Surgical, Norwalk, CT) has the perceived advantage of minimal trocar-related hernias in patients undergoing Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery (RYGB). We performed a retrospective review of our last 747 consecutive operative procedures using these trocars.
RNA recognition by Tat-derived peptides: Interaction in the major groove?

Replication of human immunodeficiency virus requires binding of the viral Tat protein to its RNA target sequence TAR; peptides derived from Tat bind to a TAR "contact site" spanning 5 bp and a trinucleotide pyrimidine bulge. We find that high affinity binding requires a U residue in the bulge loop and 2 specific adjacent base pairs. Other bulged RNAs bind in a lower affinity nonspecific manner; sequence-specific binding requires a bulge loop of more than 1 nucleotide. Reaction with diethyl pyrocarbonate indicates that one effect of the bulge is to make the otherwise deep and narrow RNA major groove accessible. A model consistent with these data involves local distortion of A-form geometry at the bulge, which bends the helix and permits protein binding and interactive access in the RNA major groove.
Auditory brain stem response abnormalities in severely and profoundly retarded adults.

Abstract The auditory brain stem evoked responses (ABRs) of two groups of retarded adults (Down's syndrome and retarded of unknown etiology) were compared with those of a group of non-retarded control subjects as a function of changes in stimulus repetition rate and stimulus intensity. The absence of ABRs at the highest stimulus intensity suggested profound hearing deficits in one or both ears of 4 Down's syndrome and 2 unknown-etiology subjects. Other abnormalities were noted in particular individuals of each group of retarded. In addition, the ABRs of the Down's group as a whole showed a significant pattern of abnormalities. The intervals between peaks I and II and III and IV were shorter than normal while the IV–V interval was prolonged. Wave V also showed abnormally small latency increases at fast click rates. The ABRs of the unknown-etiology group showed a shortened III–IV interval and a prolongation of the IV–V interval, but were otherwise not significantly different from the normal controls. These data suggest a high incidence of hearing loss in both diagnostic categories studied, and abnormal functioning of the auditory brain stem pathway in the Down's syndrome group as a whole.
A Comparison of Low-Carbohydrate vs. High-Carbohydrate Diets: Energy Restriction, Nutrient Quality and Correlation to Body Mass Index

Objectives: To evaluate free-living adults’ diets that ranged from very low to high amounts of carbohydrate for their energy content, nutritional quality and correlation to Body Mass Index.Methods: Adults ages 19 years and older, who had complete dietary intake data on day-1 of the USDA’s 1994 to 1996 Continuing Survey of Food Intakes by Individuals (CSFII 1994–1996), were divided into four groups—very low, low, moderate and high carbohydrate—based on the percent total energy from carbohydrate. Mean energy, nutrient, food intakes and Body Mass Index values were compared among the groups. SUDAAN software package was used for the data analysis and pair-wise mean comparisons (p < 0.05).Results: The high-carbohydrate diet was lower in energy and energy density (number of kilocalories per gram of total amount of food consumed) than the other three diets. Macronutrient composition varied significantly among all the four groups. Nutrient density (amount of nutrient per 1,000 kilocalories of energy consumed) of v...
Why Faculty–Student Interaction Matters in the First Year Experience

This paper presents a model for assessing the impact of interaction with faculty on student outcomes. Based on analyses of 1,500 freshman responses to Your First College Year survey, the study identified significant relationships between interaction with faculty and perceived growth in knowledge (r = .29, p ≤ .001); academic adjustment (r = .23, p ≤ .001); and satisfaction with courses (r = .37, p ≤ .001). Regression analysis revealed that, after controlling for relevant factors, interaction with faculty (b = .11) significantly predicted academic performance and satisfaction with faculty contact (b = .09) significantly predicted overall satisfaction.
Growth Hormone-Releasing Activity in Plasma of Normal and Hypophysectomized Rats

Growth hormone (GH)-releasing activity in plasma of normal or hypophysectomized male rats was investigated by the method of in vivo depletion of growth hormone in rat pituitaries. Plasma from rats hypophysectomized about 3 months previously depleted pituitary growth hormone when injected into the carotid artery of 40-day-old recipient rats. This activity was absent in plasma of rats hypophysectomized for only a week and from plasma of normal rats of the same age as the hypophysectomized rats. The GH-releasing activity of plasma from long-term hypophysectomized rats appeared to be of neural origin, since it was not present in aortic plasma 10 min after elimination of the cranial circulation. (Endocrinology 80: 77, 1967)
Internal Jugular Vein Thrombosis and Deep Neck Infection from Intravenous Drug Use: Management Strategy

Objective Internal jugular vein thrombosis (IJVT) manifests in multiple clinical scenarios including traumatic, neoplastic, and infectious processes. No clear management algorithm exists for IJVT in the setting of deep neck infections. This study examines the cause, diagnosis, and treatment strategy for IJVT in the setting of deep neck infections caused by intravenous drug use (IVDU). Study Design Retrospective chart review Methods The clinical, radiographic, and laboratory data of 11 IVDU patients with deep neck infections and IJVT are reviewed in a retrospective fashion. The patients were seen in a university tertiary care facility. Results Eleven patients with deep neck infections, recent history of IVDU, and concurrent IJVT were identified. All patients underwent computed tomography (CT) scanning. Antibiotic therapy was instituted in all cases, abscesses were treated invasively with aspiration or incision and drainage, and no veins were ligated or resected. Three patients received anticoagulation. One patient had bilateral IJVT with thrombus extension through the sigmoid sinus to the lateral sinus. This patient received anticoagulation and developed bacteremia. No further IJVT complications have been diagnosed at an average of 14 months postintervention. Conclusion IJVT and deep neck infection caused by IVDU constitute a clinical entity present even in the modern day era of antibiotic therapy. Aggressive antibiotic therapy and surgical intervention for the deep neck infection is recommended. The indications for anticoagulation remain variable. Although anticoagulation is often recommended in the presence of thrombus progression or septic emboli, the very presence of IJVT does not mandate the need for anticoagulation. Ligation or resection of the thrombosed vein may be reserved for selected cases, but was not necessary in our series.
Long Range Electron Transfer Reactions between Hemes of MauG and Different Forms of Tryptophan Tryptophylquinone of Methylamine Dehydrogenase

The diheme enzyme MauG catalyzes the post-translational modification of a precursor protein of methylamine dehydrogenase (preMADH) to complete the biosynthesis of its protein-derived tryptophan tryptophylquinone (TTQ) cofactor. This six-electron oxidation of preMADH requires long-range electron transfer (ET) as the structure of the MauG−preMADH complex reveals that the shortest distance between the modified residues of preMADH and the nearest heme of MauG is 14.0 A [Jensen, L. M. R., Sanishvili, R., Davidson, V. L., and Wilmot, C. M. (2010) Science 327, 1392−1394]. The kinetics of two ET reactions between MADH and MauG have been analyzed. Interprotein ET from quinol MADH to the high-valent bis-Fe(IV) form of MauG exhibits a Kd of 11.2 μM and a rate constant of 20 s−1. ET from diferrous MauG to oxidized TTQ of MADH exhibits a Kd of 10.1 μM and a rate constant of 0.07 s−1. These similar Kd values are much greater than that for the MauG−preMADH complex, indicating that the extent of TTQ maturity rather than ...
Clinico-Etiolological Study of Vocal Cord Paralysis

The purpose of this study was to identify patients of vocal cord paralysis and to establish an etiological diagnosis. Patients with vocal cord paralysis have been followed prospectively at a tertiary referral center. 120 patients identified with vocal cord paralysis by laryngeal endoscopy were evaluated clinically, radiologically and pathologically to make an etiological diagnosis. Those patients in whom no cause was found, a CT scan from base of skull to thorax was done before labeling them as idiopathic. Most of the patients presented in 5th (26.67 %) and 6th (21.67 %) decade. Males out numbered females in the ratio 2.3:1.0. The most common symptom of vocal cord paralysis was change in voice (98.21 %). Bilateral vocal cord palsy was found in 6.67 % patients and unilateral vocal cord palsy was found in 93.33 % patients. Among patients of unilateral vocal cord paralysis left vocal cord was paralyzed in 69.64 % and right cord in 30.36 %. Malignant (34.16 %) causes accounted for largest number of patients followed by central (15.00 %) and idiopathic causes (14.16 %). VCP has got a variable etiology which varies with the laterality of the vocal cord involvement. Malignant causes predominated in our series, occurring in 34.16 %, followed by central and idiopathic causes.
Deployable teleradiology and telemedicine for the US military

The US military has been an effective proponent of digital imaging and teleradiology for the past 15 years. A digital imaging network that can eliminate the use of X-ray film can make the requirements simpler for military medicine. X-ray film requires the storage of new, unexposed films that have a fixed shelf life, and the storage and use of chemicals and water for processing. In some deployed situations, the chemical discharge has to be collected and shipped out of the deployed area. The technology of electronic imaging is therefore intrinsically important to military medicine. In December of 1995, the US government started to deploy 20000 US troops to Bosnia-Herzegovina as part of NATO's peace keeping operation (IFOR). A full complement of medical support facilities was to be established in the Bosnia region and Hungary where the deployment was staged. Primetime III was a project to deploy telemedicine and teleradiology capabilities linking these medical treatment facilities (MTF). The deployment of telemedicine was not the responsibility of our engineering team. This paper deals with the deployable teleradiology (DEPRAD) system that was installed by the ISIS Center at a number of facilities for filmless radiology and teleradiology services.
The release of iron during the combustion of Illinois No. 6 coal

Abstract A series of investigations of iron release during the combustion of an Illinois No. 6 coal are reported. Experimental measurements are described in which 40%–70% of the iron in the coal is released within a 25-ms period immediately following coal devolatilization. This iron release dominates the evolution of all other inorganic elements in this coal (exculding sulfur) on a mass basis. The release is consistently observed in controlled combustion environments over a particle size range from 75 to 125 μm and a gas oxygen concentration range of 6%–12%. Statistical uncertainty of the results is also reported and is small compared with the measured effect. Further experiments and analysis were conducted to determine the mechanism of iron release. Forms of iron with sufficient volatility to explain the results as a vaporization process were investigated. None was found that could reasonably be expected to form under the experimental conditions. Further experimentation suggests that the mechanism is related to the chemical reactivity of the iron species with oxygen and that the release proceeds through the chemical formation of an iron fume.
Near Earth Asteroid Rendezvous (NEAR) Spacecraft Solar Conjunction Experiment

The Near Earth Asteroid Rendezvous spacecraft was occulted by the solar disk on Feb. 19, 1997. During the period between Feb. 7 and March 3, 1997, thespacecraft X-band telecommunications system was used to carry out a combination of engineering and radio science measurements through the solar corona. The engineering results of that experiment are reported. Statistics on the uplink command acceptance rate and downlink frame error rate show that the performance of both links was reasonably good at a sun ‐Earth‐probe (SEP) angle of about 2 deg, but degraded rapidly as the angle fell to 1 deg. Representative open-loop receiver data show moderate dips in downlink carrieramplitude (upto 4dB)at an SEP angleof 3 deg and large dips in downlink carrier amplitude (up to 15 dB) at an SEP angle of 1 deg. Recommendations are given for future solar conjunction events, particularly in the area of ground receiver optimization. The experimental results provide a unique data set useful for the design of future planetary missions.
An Investigation of Chinese-Character Learning Strategies among Non-Native Speakers of Chinese.

Abstract This study first identifies commonly used Chinese character learning strategies employed by non-native (English-speaking) learners of Chinese and generalizes about the factors underlying these commonly used strategies. Then, it defines linear trends between learning levels and students’ perceptions of the usefulness of the commonly used strategies grouped by the factors in the learning of characters. Ninety-five non-native speakers in Chinese classes from the beginning through the advanced Chinese classes participated in the study. Based on a descriptive analysis of a survey of character-learning strategies, thirty strategies are identified as commonly used by the learners. A factor analysis revealed that among these commonly used strategies, the orthographic knowledge-based cognitive strategies are the most commonly used, while metacognitive strategies related to structured preview and review are the second most commonly used. A regression analysis showed that linear trends exist between learning levels and learners’ perceptions of the usefulness of strategies in the two groups.
A review of the seventh ASM conference on Candida and Candidiasis, Austin, Texas, March 18-22, 2004.

Candida albicans is no longer the asexual, molecularly impenetrable, pathogenic Saccharomyces cerevisiae -wannabe that we old timers became accustomed to through the mid 1990s. This poignant change in status was amply demonstrated by the breadth and depth of the presentations at the seventh American Society of Microbiology Candida and Candidiasis meeting, held in March in Austin, Texas, in parallel with the South by Southwest festival of bands, which, incidentally, featured more bands than there were talks at the Candida conference. Surprisingly, the music festival did not detract from attendance at the meeting. Every formal scientific session was packed with attendees, right up to the last morning session. Perhaps the format of the meeting nurtured this energy. The organizing committee selected a majority of junior scientists as speakers, and focused on new discoveries. Topics included the mating process, dimorphism, biofilms, epidemiology, population structure, genomics, pathogenesis, drug resistance, signaling, cell wall and related Candida species. Gone, for the most part, were the canned talks prevalent in the first few meetings, that were pedagogical, devoid of discovery and identifiably stale. Indeed, what was perhaps most notable throughout the talks was the use of the most advanced technologies for answering questions, the uniqueness of answers being obtained as they related to C. albicans biology, the extraordinary increase in the quality of research and the enthusiasm of presentation. Even so, it was also clear just how much we still do not know about this persistent and pervasive pathogen. Indeed, articulating the unanswered questions generated as much excitement as discoveries, given the molecular, epidemiological, biological and cytological tools now available to answer the next round of questions. Although this seventh Candida and Candidiasis meeting was truly excellent in most respects, it did not include a major, earth-shattering discovery such as at the previous, sixth conference held …
Clinical ophthalmology instruction for medical students

Abstract A ten-day ophthalmology clerkship for third-year medical students is described. The curriculum, detailed in a day-by-day syllabus, sets specific student goals, evaluates attainment of the goals by a pre-post test, utilizes a student-oriented study guide keyed to major textbooks as core material with slide-tape and videotape supplements, and emphasizes daily supervised patient examinations. Constant modification of the clerkship on the basis of student assessment has sustained it as a popular workable clinical experience.
Structure and Mechanism of Styrene Monooxygenase Reductase: New Insight into the FAD-Transfer Reaction

The two-component flavoprotein styrene monooxygenase (SMO) from Pseudomonas putida S12 catalyzes the NADH- and FAD-dependent epoxidation of styrene to styrene oxide. In this study, we investigate t...
Green Blood Pigment in Lizards

Three species of arboreal scincid lizards from the southwest Pacific have a green blood pigment which is evident in the whole blood plasma, muscles, and bones.
Exploring the links between personality and television remote control device use

Abstract Three gratifications derived from the television remote control device (RCD; Content Avoidance, Viewing Satisfaction, Control of Others) were examined as a function of three personality types (extraversion, neuroticism, psychoticism) and respondent sex using a large sample of young adults (males, n = 354; females, n = 281). The findings revealed significant differences in RCD perceptions between the three personality types. Consistent with previous research, the findings also revealed that male respondents reported significantly more positive perceptions of the RCD than females.
Silencing of BRCA2 decreases anoikis and its heterologous expression sensitizes yeast cells to acetic acid-induced programmed cell death

Adhesion of normal epithelial cells to the extracellular matrix (ECM) is essential for survival. Cell detachment from ECM induces a specific form of programmed cell death (PCD) termed anoikis. BRCA2, a tumor suppressor gene whose mutations confer predisposition to cancer, has been implicated in the regulation of DNA repair, transcription, cell proliferation, and apoptosis. However, the potential role of BRCA2 in the regulation of anoikis has not been investigated. Here, we found that suppression of BRCA2 expression by short hairpin RNA promoted resistance to anoikis in prostate, breast and thyroid normal epithelial cells, which was accompanied by reduced caspases 3/7 levels and activity. Using yeast as a model, we assessed that expression of human BRCA2 does not induce cell death by itself but it can promote acetic acid-induced PCD (AA-PCD). Induction of BRCA2 expression decreased cell survival and increased the number of cells positive to different apoptotic markers, including DNA fragmentation and phosphatidylserine externalization en route to AA-PCD. A higher increase in ROS levels occurred in the early phase of AA-PCD in BRCA2-expressing yeast cells compared with non-expressing cells. Accordingly, a delay in the initial burst of ROS levels was observed in BRCA2-knockdown anoikis-resistant human cells. Treatment with the antioxidants N-acetylcysteine or ascorbic acid reduced sensitivity to anoikis in human cells and inhibited AA-PCD in yeast cells expressing BRCA2. Taken together, these results show a new function of BRCA2 protein as modulator of anoikis sensitivity through an evolutionarily-conserved molecular mechanism involving regulation of ROS production and/or detoxification by BRCA2 during PCD processes.
The Use of Electroconvulsive Therapy in Pain Patients

Twenty-one patients with primary chronic pain received electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) for concurrent affective symptoms. Twenty of the 21 patients experienced improvement in the level of their pain. ECT can be an effective treatment modality for patients who have chronic pain complicated by affective symptoms
In vivo human lower extremity saphenous vein bypass grafts manifest flow mediated vasodilation.

Objective As in arteries, venous endothelium modulates vessel homeostasis and tone. The effect of an arterialized environment on venous endothelial function remains poorly understood. In particular, regulation of saphenous vein graft (SVG) blood flow and lumen caliber remains undefined. We hypothesized that mature SVGs would exhibit endothelium-dependent, flow-mediated vasodilation (FMD). We further hypothesized that endothelium-derived nitric oxide (NO) was an important mediator. Methods Patients with femoral to popliteal artery SVGs that had maintained primary patency and were at least 1 year from surgery were enrolled. High-resolution, B-mode ultrasound scans were used to measure vein graft diameter before and 1 minute after reactive hyperemia (RH) to determine FMD. RH was created through application of 220 mm Hg to the calf for 5 minutes with a sphygmomanometric cuff. After a 10-minute recovery period, nitroglycerin-mediated, endothelium-independent vasodilation was measured 3 minutes after administration of nitroglycerin 0.4 mg sublingually. Brachial artery FMD was determined by validated techniques. L-N G monomethyl arginine (L-NMMA; 1 mg/kg infusion over 10 minutes) was used in a subset of patients (n = 6) to competitively inhibit endothelial NO synthase. Results Nineteen subjects were enrolled. The median age of the SVGs was 34.6 (21.0-49.7) months. SVG flow-mediated, endothelium-dependent vasodilation was measured at 5.28% ± 3.1% mean change in lumen diameter (range, 1.99%-9.36%; P P P = .0088) and attenuated brachial artery FMD (7.54% ± 1.0% vs 5.7 ± 1.4; P = .05). Conclusion SVGs manifest flow-mediated, endothelium-dependent, and nitroglycerin-mediated endothelium-independent vasodilation. Vein graft endothelium-dependent FMD is likely mediated by NO. Further investigation will be required to determine the role of endothelial function in vein graft patency.
Recent Trends in Brand-Name and Generic Drug Competition

AbstractObjective:To provide evidence on recent trends in: (1) market exclusivity periods (MEPs, the time between launch of a brand-name drug and its first generic competitor) for new molecular entities (NMEs); (2) the likelihood and timing of patent challenges under Paragraph IV of the Hatch-Waxman Act; and (3) generic drug penetration.Methods:IMS Health National Sales Perspectives data were used to calculate MEPs for the 257 NMEs experiencing initial generic entry between January 1995 and September 2012 and the number of generic competitors for 12 months afterwards, by level of annual sales prior to generic entry and time period. The likelihood and timing of Paragraph IV challenge were calculated using data from Abbreviated New Drug Approval (ANDA) approval letters, the FDA website, and public information searches to identify drugs experiencing Paragraph IV filings, and the first filing date.Results:For drugs experiencing initial generic entry in 2011–2012, the MEP was 12.6 years for drugs with sales gr...
The role of strong phase shift masks in Intel's DFM infrastructure development

Intel has reported on three separate styles and applications of strong phase shift masks (PSMs) over the last decade including alt-PSM for gate patterning, alt-PSM with assist features for contact patterning and Pixelated Phase Masks (PPMs) for metal layer patterning. Each had a prominent role in Intel's Design For Manufacturing (DFM) infrastructure development in terms of design rules and DFM tooling. By gradually inserting design rule changes for alt-PSM for gate patterning starting from the 130nm technology node, density and design impact were minimally effected. Alt-PSM for contact layer required development of complex methods of SRAF placement and coloring while also forcing advances in phase shift mask manufacturing infrastructure. Pixelated phase masks for metal patterning when combined with Inverse Lithography Techniques (ILTs) were successful in supporting a high level of flexibility for metal design rules including multiple feature sizes, pitches and two-dimension content.
Static and Dynamical Phyllotaxis in a Magnetic Cactus

While the statics of many simple physical systems reproduce the striking number-theoretical patterns found in the phyllotaxis of living beings, their dynamics reveal unusual excitations: multiple classical rotons and a large family of interconverting topological solitons. As we introduce those, we also demonstrate experimentally for the first time Levitov's celebrated model for phyllotaxis. Applications at different scales and in different areas of physics are proposed and discussed.
Nonlinear dynamics of vibration–rotation interactions: Rigid bender H2O

A classical nonlinear dynamics analysis of intramolecular vibration–rotation interaction is presented. The system studied is a water molecule which is allowed to rotate in three dimensions and bend, but angular momentum conservation is used to reduce the problem to two degrees of freedom. A classical perturbation theory treatment is developed which accurately treats first order corrections to the dynamical frequencies and which provides a qualitative picture of the role of nonlinear resonances in the onset of vibration–rotation chaos. Additionally, a classical trajectory study of the high j, high E regime provides information about the onset of chaos. The relationship of this work to an earlier trajectory study and a comparison of the results to those found for coupled oscillator systems are discussed.
Development and ultrastructural changes of sarcosomes during honey bee flight muscle development

Abstract The indirect flight muscle of the honey bee forms by the accumulation of myoblasts into a syncytium. Incorporation of myoblasts into the muscle fiber continues during much of the pupal period. The mitochondria of the honey bee flight muscles have the following structure during developmental stages: Myoblast mitochondria are ovoid and are incorporated in the muscle fiber along with the cytoplasm. The early pupal stage muscle fiber contains ovoid and filamentous mitochondria. The middle pupal muscle fiber contains filamentous, ovoid and vesicular mitochondria with few internal tubules. The late pupal stage muscle contains only ovoid mitochondria containing granules and some internal tubules. The newly emerged honey bee muscle contains ovoid mitochondria containing many internal tubules and a few granules. The mature honey bee muscle contains large ovoid mitochondria (sarcosomes) packed with internal tubules. Flight muscles sarcosomes increase in size and show a twelvefold increase in volume from late pupal period to adult maturation. Correlation of sarcosome ultrastructure and cytochrome changes is carried out.
Letter to the editor: Characterization of mutations in the tryptophan operon of Escherichia coli by RNA nucleotide sequencing.

Abstract The nucleotide sequences of operator-proximal tryptophan messenger RNA of Escherichia coli from strains with mutations very early in trpE have been determined. A frameshift mutant, trpE9777fs , has an additional A residue in the region coding for amino acids 4 and 5 of the trpE polypeptide. The other mutant, trpE9914am , exhibits an amber codon corresponding to the codon normally specifying amino acid residue 9 (glutamic acid) of the trpE polypeptide. These results demonstrate that the site of the trpE9777fs mutation precedes that of the trpE9914am mutation by 9 to 15 nucleotides.
Family intervention in a treatment program for the hospitalized adolescent

Abstract There is increasing emphasis upon the role and importance of the family system in the treatment of the hospitalized adolescent. Gralnick (1965) and Rinsley (1965) approached the psychiatric treatment of adolescents from the perspective of intrapsychic conflict and disturbed interpersonal relations. With the development of various family techniques in psychotherapy and the study of family dynamics and psychopathology by a number of different individuals and groups in recent years, a shift toward family orientation in treatment of the adolescent seems to be occurring. Muir and Lewis (1974) described their treatment program for hospitalized adolescents in which family process and structure are used in the assessment and treatment of individual adolescents. Orvin (1974) described an adolescent treatment program at the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences of the Medical University of South Carolina. In this program the families were active participants in the therapy of their hospitalized ...
Tissue-specific expression of the rat androgen-binding protein/sex hormone-binding globulin gene in transgenic mice.

Abstract The testicular Sertoli cell produces an extracellular androgen-binding protein (ABP) that binds testosterone and dihydrotestosterone with high affinity. The ABP gene also encodes plasma sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), which is produced by the liver of most species. Unlike the human, adult rats and mice do not express SHBG. A 5.5-kb rat genomic DNA fragment was found to contain the entire coding region of ABP and 1.5 kb upstream of the transcription start site. To aid in identification of the promoter and enhancer regions of the ABP/SHBG gene, we developed transgenic mice that express the rat gene. The 5.5-kb DNA was microinjected into the pronuclei of fertilized mice ova, which were transferred to the reproductive tract of pseudopregnant females. Three of the offspring were identified as carriers of the rat gene by Southern hybridization and these founders were bred with normal mice to establish heterozygous transgenic lines. Northern blot analysis, RNA-PCR and sequencing of the PCR products from the adult transgenic mice revealed extremely high levels of the rat ABP mRNA in the testis, but no detectable rat ABP mRNA in liver, kidney or brain. Primer extension experiments showed that the correct transcript ion start site is utilized in the transgenes. These data demonstrate that the 5.5-kb genomic DNA fragment contains an element(s) capable of directing ABP gene expression in the testis. This enhancer should prove useful for the targeting of specific gene products to the mature Sertoli cell in transgenic animals.
Positive emotion dispositions differentially associated with Big Five personality and attachment style

Although theorists have proposed the existence of multiple distinct varieties of positive emotion, dispositional positive affect is typically treated as a unidimensional variable in personality research. We present data elaborating conceptual and empirical differences among seven positive emotion dispositions in their relationships with two core personality constructs, the “Big Five” and adult attachment style. We found that the positive emotion dispositions were differentially associated with self- and peer-rated Extraversion, Conscientiousness, Agreeableness, Openness to Experience, and Neuroticism. We also found that different adult attachment styles were associated with different kinds of emotional rewards. Findings support the theoretical utility of differentiating among several dispositional positive emotion constructs in personality research.
Deuteron elastic scattering and the (d, p) reaction with a polarized 3 He target

Abstract Measurements of deuteron elastic scattering from polarized 3He are reported for the energy range 4.78 to 11.88 MeV. The left-right asymmetries observed bear a striking similarity to the values of the deuteron vector analysing power 〈{ce:inline-formula}iT 11{/ce:inline-formula}〉 measured by Plattner and Keller. Also reported are measurements of asymmetries in the (d, p) reaction, which augment earlier measurements.
Diversification Reconsidered: The Risks and Rewards of Revenue Concentration

Abstract In the search for sustainability and stability, a central tenet of social entrepreneurship holds that revenue diversification is desirable. Business and nonprofit researchers have long argued that by establishing and maintaining multiple streams of funding, including some combination of earned income, government contracts, foundation and corporate grants, and individual contributions, organizations are able to avoid excessive dependence on any single revenue source, stabilize their financial positions, and thereby reduce the risk of financial crises or interruptions in funding. By studying a large sample of nonprofit organizations in the US, this paper investigates whether this basic claim about the desirability of revenue diversification is both correct and complete. Against the dominant trend in the literature that focuses on the risks of revenue concentration, we find that nonprofit organizations that have highly concentrated and specialized forms of revenue actually experience some significan...
Tunable laser excitation profile of surface enhanced raman scattering from pyridine adsorbed on a copper electrode surface

Abstract The wavelength dependence of surface enhanced Raman (SER) scattering from pyridine on a copper electrode surface has been measured and found to correlate closely with the optical properties of copper metal. The results are interpreted in the light of the image field model of the SER mechanism.
Influence of bcl-2 and p53 on Neuronal Survival During Hypoxia-Induced Neuronal Apoptosis • 181

During hypoxic-ischemic episodes in the brain, the resulting neuronal death is due, in part, to apoptosis, a genetically controlled form of cell death.p53, a tumor suppressor gene, is believed to promote apoptosis.bcl-2, a proto-oncogene, is believed to inhibit apoptosis. However, the role of these two genes in neuronal survival or death during hypoxia is not clear. We hypothesized that: a) neuronal expression of p53 and bcl-2 is altered during hypoxia, b) altered expression of p53 is associated with decreased neuronal survival during hypoxia, and c) altered expression of bcl-2 is associated with prolonged survival during hypoxia. Methods. 7-10 day old cultured rat neocortical neurons were exposed to 0.1,1, or 3% oxygen. Culture dishes were removed at 24-hour intervals for quantitative immunofluorescence staining and immunoblot analyses. Apoptosis was assessed by changes in cell morphology and in situ and genomic DNA fragmentation. To assess the impact of p53 and bcl-2 expression upon neuronal survival during hypoxia, expression of these genes was attenuated by treating selected neuronal culture plates with 3 μM antisense, sense, and nonsense oligonucleotides 24 hours prior to exposure to 0.1% oxygen. Neuronal survival was assessed by Trypan blue exclusion at 24-hour intervals during hypoxic exposure. Results. At each level of hypoxia studied, morphologic changes (cellular shrinkage, nuclear condensation) and in situ and genomic DNA fragmentation consistent with apoptosis was detected. Immunoblot and quantitative immunofluorescence analyses revealed an increase in both neuronal p53 and bcl-2 during hypoxic exposure. After 48 hours at 0.1% oxygen, the proportion of viable neurons was significantly greater in plates treated with p53 antisense oligonucleotide (≈60%) than in untreated plates(35-40%)(n=5;p 0.05). Conclusions.p53 and bcl-2 are increased in neurons during hypoxic exposure. Expression of p53 is, in part, necessary for hypoxia-induced neuronal apoptosis.bcl-2 expression, in part, prolongs neuronal survival during hypoxia.
Selenium-assisted nucleic acid crystallography: use of phosphoroselenoates for MAD phasing of a DNA structure.

The combination of synchrotron radiation and a variety of atoms or ions (either covalently attached to the biomolecule prior to crystallization or soaked into crystals) that serve as anomalous scatterers constitutes a powerful tool in the X-ray crystallographer's repertoire of structure determination techniques. Phosphoroselenoates in which one of the nonbridging phosphate oxygens in the backbone is replaced by selenium offer a simplified means for introducing an anomalous scatterer into oligonucleotides by conventional solid-phase synthesis. Unlike other methods that are used to derivatize DNA or RNA by covalent attachment of a heavy atom (i.e., bromine at the C5 position of pyrimidines), tedious synthesis of specialized nucleosides is not required. Introduction of selenium is readily accomplished in solid-phase oligonucleotide synthesis by replacing the standard oxidation agent with a solution of potassium selenocyanide. This results in a diastereomeric mixture of phosphoroselenoates that can be separated by strong anion-exchange HPLC. As a test case, all 10 DNA hexamers of the sequence CGCGCG containing a single phosphoroselenoate linkage (PSe) were prepared. Crystals were grown for a subset of them, and the structure of [d(C(PSe)GCGCG)](2) was determined by the multiwavelength anomalous dispersion technique and refined to 1.1 A resolution.
Evidence for mutations that break communication between the Endo and Topo domains in NaeI endonuclease/topoisomerase.

NaeI is a type IIe endonuclease that interacts with two DNA recognition sequences to cleave DNA. One DNA sequence serves as a substrate and the other serves to activate cleavage. NaeI is divided into two domains whose structures parallel the two functionalities recognized in NaeI, endonuclease and topoisomerase. In this study, we report evidence for mutations that break interdomain functional communication in a NaeI−DNA complex. Deletion of the initial 124 amino acids of the N-terminal domain of NaeI converted NaeI to a monomer, consistent with self-association being mediated by the Endo domain. Deletions within a small region of the C-terminal DNA binding domain of NaeI (amino acids 182−192) altered the recognition by NaeI of sequences flanking the NaeI recognition sequence. Substituting Ala for Arg182 within this region had no apparent effect on DNA binding but greatly reduced the extent of DNA cleavage even though it is not part of the catalytic Endo domain. Substituting Ala for Ile185 reduced the exte...