cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Exploring optimal current stimuli that provide membrane voltage tracking in a neuron model

Studying neurons from an energy efficiency perspective has produced results in the research literature. This paper presents a method that enables computation of low energy input current stimuli that are able to drive a reduced Hodgkin–Huxley neuron model to approximate a prescribed time-varying reference membrane voltage. An optimal control technique is used to discover an input current that optimally minimizes a user selected balance between the square of the input stimulus current (input current ‘energy’) and the difference between the reference voltage and the membrane voltage (tracking error) over a stimulation period. Selecting reference signals to be membrane voltages produced by the neuron model in response to common types of input currents i(t) enables a comparison between i(t) and the determined optimal current stimulus i*(t). The intent is not to modify neuron dynamics, but through comparison of i(t) and i*(t) provide insight into neuron dynamics. Simulation results for four different bifurcation types demonstrate that this method consistently finds lower energy stimulus currents i*(t) that are able to approximate membrane voltages as produced by higher energy input currents i(t) in this neuron model.
Empirical Corrections for Basin Effects in Stochastic Ground-Motion Prediction, Based on the Los Angeles Basin Analysis

Amplification corrections are presented for the finite-fault stochastic ground-motion simulation model; these corrections represent the total effect of the Los Angeles basin on the ground-motion spectra. Spectral amplification ratios were calculated by dividing the observed spectra for the 1994 Northridge and 1987 Whittier Narrows earthquakes, including shear- and basin-generated waves, by the simulated spectra created assuming an average rock-site condition. Smoothed amplification data were plotted above 3D images of the basin revealing a general correlation between the estimated basin depth and total basin amplification for both earthquakes over three frequency ranges: low (0.2-2 Hz), intermediate (2-8 Hz), and high (8-12.5 Hz). The depth-dependent corrections are derived from the regression of the combined data from both earthquakes in order to reduce an uncertainty caused by the azimuth of incoming waves. Ground-motion duration is defined as the time for 95% of the acceleration spectral energy to pass after the S -wave arrival. Due to ambiguity in defining a basin parameter controlling duration, it was impossible to develop a generic equation that would relate the duration ratio (observed/synthetic) to some characteristic of the basin. Users are cautioned, though, that the durations within the basin may be as much as four times longer than the simulated ones. The procedure is outlined for potential users who wish to use the results of this study in synthesizing more accurate earthquake ground motions, taking into account complicated basin-geometry and near-surface effects. The results are directly applicable to engineering simulation of strong ground motions in a sedimentary-basin environment. Manuscript received 21 May 2002.
Plant cell membrane as a marker for light-dependent and light-independent herbicide mechanisms of action.

Abstract Plant cells possess a number of membrane bound organelles that play important roles in compartmentalizing a large number of biochemical pathways and physiological functions that have potentially harmful intermediates or by-products. The plasma membrane is particularly important as it holds the entire cellular structure whole and is at the interface between the cell and its environment. Consequently, breaches in the integrity of the lipid bilayer, often via reactive oxygen species (ROS)-induced stress membrane peroxidation, result in uncontrolled electrolyte leakage and in cell death. A simple 3-step bioassay was developed to identify compounds that cause electrolyte leakage and to differentiate light-dependent mechanisms of action from those that work in darkness. Herbicides representative of all known modes of action (as well as several natural phytotoxins) were selected to survey their effects on membrane integrity of cucumber cotyledon discs. The most active compounds were those that are known to generate ROS such as the electron diverters and uncouplers (paraquat and dinoterb) and those that either were photodynamic (cercosporin) or caused the accumulation of photodynamic products (acifluorfen-methyl and sulfentrazone). Other active compounds targeted lipids (diclofop-methyl, triclosan and pelargonic acid) or formed pores in the plasma membrane (syringomycin). Herbicides that inhibit amino acid, protein, nucleotide, cell wall or microtubule synthesis did not have any effect. Therefore, it was concluded that the plant plasma membrane is a good biomarker to help identify certain herbicide modes of action and their dependence on light for bioactivity.
From central planning to market systems: Implications of economic reforms for the construction and building industries

Abstract Housing market reforms in Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union are having enormous impacts on the construction and building materials industries. This article describes the current structure and performance of the construction industry in Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union, identifies key technical and institutional problems posed by housing reforms, and outlines an agenda of research and technical assistance to help construction and building materials industries in transition economies cope with the impacts of housing market reforms.
The least mean fourth (LMF) adaptive algorithm and its family

New steepest descent algorithms for adaptive filtering and have been devised which allow error minimization in the mean fourth and mean sixth, etc., sense. During adaptation, the weights undergo exponential relaxation toward their optimal solutions. Time constants have been derived, and surprisingly they turn out to be proportional to the time constants that would have been obtained if the steepest descent least mean square (LMS) algorithm of Widrow and Hoff had been used. The new gradient algorithms are insignificantly more complicated to program and to compute than the LMS algorithm. Their general form is W_{j+1} = W_{j} + 2 \mu K \epsilon_{j}^{2K-1}X_{j}, where W_{j} is the present weight vector, W_{j+1} is the next weight vector, \epsilon_{j} is the present error, X_{j} is the present input vector, \mu is a constant controlling stability and rate of convergence, and 2K is the exponent of the error being minimized. Conditions have been derived for weight-vector convergence of the mean and of the variance for the new gradient algorithms. The behavior of the least mean fourth (LMF) algorithm is of special interest. In comparing this algorithm to the LMS algorithm, when both are set to have exactly the same time constants for the weight relaxation process, the LMF algorithm, under some circumstances, will have a substantially lower weight noise than the LMS algorithm. It is possible, therefore, that a minimum mean fourth error algorithm can do a better job of least squares estimation than a mean square error algorithm. This intriguing concept has implications for all forms of adaptive algorithms, whether they are based on steepest descent or otherwise.
Antibiotic Susceptibility of Anaerobic Bacteria from the Human Oral Cavity

Anaerobic, agar-dilution, minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of 18 antibiotics are given for the numerically important bacterial groups from the human oral cavity. Strains are divided into susceptibility categories using the guidelines for interpretation of MICs suggested by the National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards. These guidelines are based on data on antibiotic concentrations attainable in serum following various dosage regimens. MICs are also compared with attainable gingival fluid levels where these are known. The highest percentages of strains were susceptible to tetracycline, with 89% of the 139 strains tested susceptible to serum levels and 97% conditionally susceptible to attainable gingival fluid levels. Ninety-eight percent of strains were conditionally susceptible to attainable gingival fluid levels of minocycline, but many strains, including Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans, were only moderately susceptible to attainable serum levels of this tetracycline analogue. Carbenicillin was effective against most groups of organisms, with the important exception of A. actinomycetemcomitans, at serum levels attainable with oral formulations of carbenicillin. Only 2% of the total strains tested were resistant to penicillin, while 33% of strains were categorized as moderately susceptible. Clindamycin was active against many strains of Gram-negative bacteria but was not active against A. actinomycetemcomitans, some Bacteroides, Eikenella corrodens, or the anaerobic vibrios. Metronidazole was active against A. actinomycetemcomitans, all five groups of oral Bacteroides tested, and against Capnocytophaga species. Chloramphenicol was active against A. actinomycetemcomitans, but not against most of the other groups of oral organisms. Nearly all groups contained strains non-susceptible to serum levels attainable with the usual doses of erythromycin, spiramycin, vancomycin, kanamycin, neomycin, streptomycin, doxycycline, oxytetracycline, or chlortetracycline; several strains were resistant to maximum attainable serum levels of each of these antibiotics except doxycycline.
Long non-coding RNA chromogenic in situ hybridisation signal pattern correlation with breast tumour pathology

Aim Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are potential biomarkers for breast cancer risk stratification. LncRNA expression has been investigated primarily by RNA sequencing, quantitative reverse transcription PCR or microarray techniques. In this study, six breast cancer-implicated lncRNAs were investigated by chromogenic in situ hybridisation (CISH). Methods Invasive breast carcinoma (IBC), ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) and normal adjacent (NA) breast tissues from 52 patients were screened by CISH. Staining was graded by modified Allred scoring. Results HOTAIR , H19 and KCNQ1OT1 had significantly higher expression levels in IBC and DCIS than NA (p HOTAIR and H19 were expressed more strongly in IBC than in DCIS tissues (p HOTAIR and KCNQ101T were expressed in tumour cells; H19 and MEG3 were expressed in stromal microenvironment cells; MALAT1 was expressed in all cells strongly and ZFAS1 was negative or weakly expressed in all specimens. Conclusion These data corroborate the involvement of three lncRNAs ( HOTAIR , H19 and KCNQ1OT1 ) in breast tumourigenesis and support lncRNA CISH as a potential clinical assay. Importantly, CISH allows identification of the tissue compartment expressing lncRNA.
Evaluation of incidence and risk factors for high-dose methotrexate-induced nephrotoxicity.

IntroductionHigh-dose methotrexate (doses ≥1 g/m2) is a key component of several chemotherapy regimens used to treat patients with leukemia or lymphoma. Despite appropriate precautions with hydration, urine alkalinization, and leucovorin, nephrotoxicity remains a risk which can lead to significant morbidity and mortality. Current reports of risk factors for nephrotoxicity focus on patients with nephrotoxicity with a lack of comparison to those without toxicity. This study aimed to describe the incidence of high-dose methotrexate-induced nephrotoxicity at our institution and determined risk factors for high-dose methotrexate-induced nephrotoxicity by examining characteristics of patients with and without nephrotoxicity.MethodsThis was a retrospective, single-center, chart review. Adult patients with a diagnosis of leukemia or lymphoma who received high-dose methotrexate were included. Serum creatinine values were used to evaluate nephrotoxicity according to Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events cr...
A REDESCRIPTION OF PORRHOMMA CAVERNICOLA KEYSERLING (ARANEAE, LINYPHIIDAE) WITH NOTES ON APPALACHIAN TROGLOBITES

The Appalachian troglobite Porrhomma cavernicola (Keyserling 1886) is redescribed. Porrhomma emertoniRoewer 1942 is a junior synonym (new synonymy). An unusual stridulatory organ with the plectrum on trochanter II and the striae on coxa I is found in both sexes of this species. Por- rhomma cavernicolais widespread in Appalachian caves. By contrast, Appalachian Nesticus (Nesticidae) troglobites tend to be highly endemic. This despite the fact that both groups of spiders are web-builders that may be found in the same caves. Porrhomma cavernicolais added to a previous phylogenetic analysis of linyphiid spiders. Implications of this analysis for the phylogenetic structure of linyphiid spiders is discussed.
The Appearance of Congenitally Corrected Transposition of the Great Arteries on Myocardial Perfusion Imaging

We present a case of incidentally discovered congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries (ccTGA), initially seen on stress-rest myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI). ccTGA has a characteristic appearance on MPI, which reflects the functional alterations associated with this condition.
Alu-mediated PCR artifacts and the constitutional t(11;22) breakpoint

The breakpoints of the recurrent t(11;22)(q23;q11) have recently been cloned. We identified palindromic AT-rich repeats (PATRRs) on 11q23 and 22q11 as the mechanism responsible for the rearrangement. Contradictory to our results, A.S. Hill et al. (Hum. Mol. Genet., 9, 1525-1532) suggested that Alu-mediated recombination is responsible. To clarify this discrepancy, the cloned 4.5 kb der(11) junction fragment has been completely sequenced. This sequence has been compared with that of an inverse PCR-generated der(11) junction fragment obtained by Hill et al. This reveals that the inverse PCR product has sustained a deletion between two Alu elements, such that the true breakpoint region is deleted from the PCR product. Utilizing PCR primers designed by Hill et al. to amplify across the der(11) breakpoint, we obtained a deleted PCR product even when our cloned der(11) junction fragment was used as template. Further, we find that the PCR primers that they utilized for amplification of the der(22) junction fragment are not located on the der(22). They are oriented in opposite directions within the region deleted from the der(11) PCR product, generating an artifact derived from the der(11) chromosome. Analysis of the truncated PCR products indicates a mixture of sequences from two distinct Alu elements, suggesting that the putative junction fragment described by Hill et al. is an Alu-mediated PCR artifact. These data suggest that caution should be exercised when analyzing PCR-based data, particularly when amplification is carried out in a region containing repeat structures with specific, difficult-to-amplify sequences.
The Use of Restriction Errors in the Design of Experiments

AbstractBy Incorporating restriction errors into experimental design models, the developmental scientist is forced to consider what restrictions on randomization have been placed on his experiment whether they are inadvertent or planned. With the experimental design in mind along with the restriction errors the scientist should be able to eventually establish a very reasonable design model and analysis for that experiment.One of the more fundamental tools of pharmaceutical research and development, particularly in the design of dosage forms, is that of the accelerated stability test (1). In general, accelerated testing done early in the development scheme is designed to screen the formulation for the effects caused by changing variables. Variables are anything associated with the formula or the manufacturing of the formula. Many developmental scientists would change only one variable at a time. While this may be sound advice occasionally, it is time consuming and could actually miss the most important eff...
The Growth of Semiconductor and dielectric Nanowires and Nanowire Arrays and their Plasmonic Applications

We have investigated the growth of a number of nanowire systems, including Ga2O3, ZnO, InAs, as well as Ga2O3/ZnO hierarchical structures and dielectric core/metal sheath composites. We show that the growth of nanowires can occur by a number of growth mechanisms, even in the same system, and how this process can be tailored for specific applications, including plasmonics. We will show that dielectric/metal composite nanowires can exhibit very strong surface enhanced Raman (SERS) signals, when arranged in a random 3D geometry, which is due to nanowire crossings, and we will show the effects of crossing geometries on the strength of the SERS signal, which is compared with electric field calculations
Identification of Novel Nuclear Targets of Human Thioredoxin 1

The dysregulation of protein oxidative post-translational modifications has been implicated in stress-related diseases. Trx1 is a key reductase that reduces specific disulfide bonds and other cysteine post-translational modifications. Although commonly in the cytoplasm, Trx1 can also modulate transcription in the nucleus. However, few Trx1 nuclear targets have been identified because of the low Trx1 abundance in the nucleus. Here, we report the large-scale proteomics identification of nuclear Trx1 targets in human neuroblastoma cells using an affinity capture strategy wherein a Trx1C35S mutant is expressed. The wild-type Trx1 contains a conserved C32XXC35 motif, and the C32 thiol initiates the reduction of a target disulfide bond by forming an intermolecular disulfide with one of the oxidized target cysteines, resulting in a transient Trx1–target protein complex. The reduction is rapidly consummated by the donation of a C35 proton to the target molecule, forming a Trx1 C32-C35 disulfide, and results in the concurrent release of the target protein containing reduced thiols. By introducing a point mutation (C35 to S35) in Trx1, we ablated the rapid dissociation of Trx1 from its reduction targets, thereby allowing the identification of 45 putative nuclear Trx1 targets. Unexpectedly, we found that PSIP1, also known as LEDGF, was sensitive to both oxidation and Trx1 reduction at Cys 204. LEDGF is a transcription activator that is vital for regulating cell survival during HIV-1 infection. Overall, this study suggests that Trx1 may play a broader role than previously believed that might include regulating transcription, RNA processing, and nuclear pore function in human cells.
Protein Structure: Evolutionary Bridges to New Folds

The question of whether novel, structurally different protein folds might have arisen from existing ones is crucial to understanding protein evolution. Recent work on cysteine-rich domains in Hydra proteins illuminates how evolutionary transitions between dramatically different structures might occur.
Cell Cycle-Dependent Regulation of FLIP Levels and Susceptibility to Fas-Mediated Apoptosis

Activation-induced cell death of peripheral T cells results from the interaction between Fas and Fas ligand. Resting peripheral T cells are resistant to Fas-induced apoptosis and become susceptible only after their activation. We have investigated the molecular mechanism mediating the sensitization of resting peripheral T cells to Fas-mediated apoptosis following TCR stimulation. TCR activation decreases the steady state protein levels of FLIP (FLICE-like inhibitory protein), an inhibitor of the Fas signaling pathway. Reconstitution of intracellular FLIP levels by the addition of a soluble HIV transactivator protein-FLIP chimera completely restores resistance to Fas-mediated apoptosis in TCR primary T cells. Inhibition of IL-2 production by cyclosporin A, or inhibition of IL-2 signaling by rapamycin or anti-IL-2 neutralizing Abs prevents the decrease in FLIP levels and confers resistance to Fas-mediated apoptosis following T cell activation. Using cell cycle-blocking agents, we demonstrate that activated T cells arrested in G1 phase contain high levels of FLIP protein, whereas activated T cells arrested in S phase have decreased FLIP protein levels. These findings link regulation of FLIP protein levels with cell cycle progression and provide an explanation for the increase in TCR-induced apoptosis observed during the S phase of the cell cycle.
Local-Aggregate Modeling for Multi-subject Neuroimage Data via Distributed Optimization

Developing multi-subject predictive models based on whole-brain neuroimage data for each subject is a major challenge due to the spatio-temporal nature of the variables and the massive amount of data relative to the number of subjects. We propose a novel multivariate machine learning model and algorithmic strategy for multi-subject regression or classification that uses regularization to directly account for the spatio-temporal nature of the data. Our method begins by fitting multi-subject models to each location separately (similar to univariate frameworks), and then aggregates information across nearby locations through regularization. We develop an optimization strategy so that our so called, Local-Aggregate Models, can be fit in a completely distributed manner over the locations which greatly reduces computational costs. Our models achieve better predictions with more interpretable results as demonstrated through a multi-subject EEG example.
Optical studies of pyrolyzed polyacrylonitrile

The results of measurements of the optical absorption spectra, IR absorption spectra, thermogravimetric analysis, and elementary analysis of pyrolyzed polyacrilonitrile are presented as a function of the pyrolysis temperature Tp and of the duration of pyrolysis. At Tp ∼ 200°C, an intermediate phase was discovered, containing conjugated CN sequences and a completely unreacted carbon backbone. The optical absorption data imply that the resulting polymer is a semiconductor with a delocalized π-electron system and an energy gap Eg ⋍ 2.5 eV. For Tp > 260°C, the weight loss rapidly increases, and the absorption edge gradually broadens and shifts to lower energies. The resulting polymer (after higher-temperature pyrolysis) contains CN and CCC conjugation sequences, but appears to be a complex structure consisting of a mixture of different chemical species.
EXPLORING THE LIMITS OF PHOSPHOR-BASED SPECTRAL MANAGEMENT FOR PHOTOVOLTAIC APPLICATIONS

A detailed analysis of photovoltaic front surface phosphor-based spectral modification and light scattering by hetero-structure was conducted. Phosphor based spectral downconversion is a well known laser technology. The analysis assumes that both sunlight energy and photovoltaic performance are at peak sunlight photon flux within the spectral range. Further, the analysis presented here indicates that parasitic losses and light scattering within the spectral range are large enough to offset any expected gains. For example, analysis of up-conversion phosphor-based approaches indicates that these are likely to suffer unexpectedly large losses in the peak spectral region due to parasitic absorption when attempting to down convert UV light.
Rapamycin treatment augments both protein ubiquitination and Akt activation in pressure-overloaded rat myocardium

Ubiquitin-mediated protein degradation is necessary for both increased ventricular mass and survival signaling for compensated hypertrophy in pressure-overloaded (PO) myocardium. Another molecular keystone involved in the hypertrophic growth process is the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), which forms two distinct functional complexes: mTORC1 that activates p70S6 kinase-1 to enhance protein synthesis and mTORC2 that activates Akt to promote cell survival. Independent studies in animal models show that rapamycin treatment that alters mTOR complexes also reduces hypertrophic growth and increases lifespan by an unknown mechanism. We tested whether the ubiquitin-mediated regulation of growth and survival in hypertrophic myocardium is linked to the mTOR pathway. For in vivo studies, right ventricle PO in rats was conducted by pulmonary artery banding; the normally loaded left ventricle served as an internal control. Rapamycin (0.75 mg/kg per day) or vehicle alone was administered intraperitoneally for 3 days or 2 wk. Immunoblot and immunofluorescence imaging showed that the level of ubiquitylated proteins in cardiomyocytes that increased following 48 h of PO was enhanced by rapamycin. Rapamycin pretreatment also significantly increased PO-induced Akt phosphorylation at S473, a finding confirmed in cardiomyocytes in vitro to be downstream of mTORC2. Analysis of prosurvival signaling in vivo showed that rapamycin increased PO-induced degradation of phosphorylated inhibitor of κB, enhanced expression of cellular inhibitor of apoptosis protein 1, and decreased active caspase-3. Long-term rapamycin treatment in 2-wk PO myocardium blunted hypertrophy, improved contractile function, and reduced caspase-3 and calpain activation. These data indicate potential cardioprotective benefits of rapamycin in PO hypertrophy.
Effect of Probiotics on the Incidence of Healthcare‐Associated Infections in Mechanically Ventilated Neurocritical Care Patients

Background: Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) are seen in 17% of critically ill patients. Probiotics, live nonpathogenic microorganisms, may aid in reducing the incidence of infection in critically ill patients. We hypothesized that administration of probiotics would be safe and reduce the incidence of HAIs among mechanically ventilated neurocritical care patients. Methods: We assembled 2 retrospective cohorts of mechanically ventilated neurocritical care patients. In the preintervention cohort from July 1, 2011, to December 31, 2011, probiotics were not used. In the postintervention group from July 1, 2012, to December 31, 2012, 1 g of a combination of Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus helveticus was administered twice daily to all patients who were mechanically ventilated for more than 24 hours. Results: There were a total of 167 patients included, 80 patients in the preintervention group and 87 patients in the postintervention group. No patients in the preintervention group received pro...
Pronunciation learner autonomy: The potential of Automatic Speech Recognition

Abstract In pronunciation learning, students are often hampered in their attempts to study or practice autonomously by their limited abilities to monitor their speech for errors. Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR) has great potential for providing feedback, allowing students to become more autonomous pronunciation learners. This study examined the effect of ASR use as part of a three-week pronunciation workshop on students' autonomous learning beliefs and behaviors. The study utilized three groups: 1) CONV: conventional face-to-face pronunciation training workshop (n = 15), 2) STRAT: mostly conventional with minimal ASR strategy training (n = 17), and 3) HYBRID: hybrid with half of workshop time using ASR (n = 16). Changes in beliefs and behaviors were tracked using pre-, post-, and delayed post-workshop surveys, along with interviews and weekly learning logs. Results showed that while CONV reported no significant change, groups introduced to ASR, STRAT and HYBRID, significantly increased their beliefs of autonomy from the pre- to post-workshop survey and pointed to the feedback from ASR as enabling them to practice autonomously. However, after the workshop ended, HYBRID reported significantly more time spent on autonomous pronunciation learning and more use of ASR than STRAT and CONV, highlighting the need for a gradualist approach to autonomy through repeated practice with ASR.
Adapting a natural system simulation model to a general-purpose metaheuristic: toward engineering emergent distributed decision-making

In this paper we propose the design of a metaheuristic for achieving consensus among distributed autonomous agents based on the honey-bee colony nest site selection process. We derive the model for our metaheuristic from two agent-based models of honey bee behavior and explain how this natural process can be adapted to develop a general-purpose solution. The solution strategy is presented in terms of the composition of multiple agent-based design patterns to facilitate systematic engineering of the desired emergent behavior observed in natural systems.
Abstract 5707: Effects of non-toxic agents and their combinations on genotoxicity-related endpoints, and mutagenesis induced by dimethylbenzanthracene-dihydrodiol in cultured rat mammary cells

As the annual breast cancer incidence in the US is about 200,000, prevention would be of enormous value. There are many leads from studies in isolated cell systems and experimental animals, but when individual putative protective agents have been tested in humans, results have been equivocal or negative. Levels generally present in foods, beverages or supplements may exert only weak protective effects, and combinations of potential chemopreventives may be necessary for effective cancer prevention. Here we investigated combinations of non-toxic nutraceutical agents dosed at or near physiological levels, for their abilities to modulate xenobiotic metabolism, and mutagenesis induced by the proximate rat mammary carcinogen, 7,12-dimethylbenzanthracene-dihydrodiol (DMBAD), in rat mammary epithelial cells. The agents and their 1x concentrations, were: resveratrol (Res), 2.4 μM; sulforaphane (Sul), 0.015 μM; antioxidant mix (α-, γ-tocopherol, 30 μM, Vitamin C, 68 μM (VCE); α-lipoic acid (LA), 2 μM; epigallocatechin gallate, (EGCG) 0.7 μM; and N-acetylcysteine (NAC), 12 μM). All of the single agents were non-toxic at the 1x doses and had no statistically significant effect on cell proliferation. All combinations of the binary agents were non-toxic and several modestly inhibited cell proliferation: EGCG-NAC, 27% inhibition, EGCG-Res, 21% inhibition, EGCG-VCE, 26% inhibition. For protection against oxidative stress, inhibition of the oxidation of dihydrodichlorofluorescinediacetate (DHDCF) was monitored, and NAC and NAC+Res or EGCG produced small (10-20%) inhibition. The effects of the inhibitors on selected phase I and II gene expression were also examined. EGCG, Sul, VCE and Res alone induced NQO1, (often used as a marker of phase II, detoxification activity) expression and did not induce CYP1A1 or 1B1. In mutagenesis experiments most of the individual agents did not result in statistically significant inhibition of mutagenesis, but some led to minor inhibition (ca. 20%). We also tested several binary combinations of agents, and some of these led to significant inhibition of mutagenesis. The combinations, NAC + Sul, NAC + Res, and NAC + LA inhibited mutagenesis by 25 - 50% at or near physiologic levels. In conclusion, several non-toxic agents favorably affected expression of genes involved in polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon-induced carcinogenesis, and several combinations of these agents inhibited cell proliferation, and mutagenesis in cultured rat mammary cells by DMBAD. Supported by the Susan Komen Foundation grant # KG080836. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 5707.
Intranuclear binding of hydrocortisone in liver and thymus tissues.

SummaryIntranuclear uptake and binding of hydrocortisone was determined in several tissues of the rat. The first experiment was a time-uptake study designed to determine the relative distribution of 3H-hydrocortisone between the cytosol and nuclear fractions of liver and hypothalamus tissue. Maximum uptake was observed in each tissue as early as 1 min after the addition of the isotope. This was followed by a rapid migration of the radioactivity into the nucleus. Maximum nuclear uptake had occurred by 20 min. The increased nuclear uptake was accompanied by a decreased cytoplasmic radioactivity.The second experiment was designed to determine if pretreatment of rats. with hydrocortisone increased specific nuclear binding in the cerebral cortex, heart, liver, and thymus. These tissues were selected because the liver and thymus are known to respond greatly to glucocorticoids, whereas, the cerebral cortex and heart have now shown such a response. It was observed that pretreatment with hydrocortisone increased n...
Indigene Versus Alien in the Development of Arid Hawaiian Vegetation

The conflicts of the old and the new, the conservative and the radical, the classicist and the romanticist, represent fundamental types of activity in the organic world. We find that their observation and study have been prominent for centuries. More recently, with the extensive introduction into new lands of human beings, of cultures and civilizations, of plants and animals, and of diseases and pests of man, long established equilibria have been disturbed and new ecosystems of very different nature are in process of formation. One unusually interesting aspect of this readjustment is that which is taking place today between the indigenous and the alien plants of tropical regions of both hemispheres. The author's purpose is to reveal the problem as one involving the ecology of individual species, and not involving an anthropocentric sentimentalism that breeds a spirit of defeat and that prevents experimentation and further observation. The island of Oahu, Territory of Hawaii, is the scene of one of these conflicts, where the plant life has been vastly altered since the impact of Europeans and their civilizations. More than two thousand cultivated and naturalized plants have been
Improving patient safety through transparency.

U.S. health care organizations still have a ways to go to achieve a culture in which all errors are openly identified and investigated. The goal should be to reveal facts and facilitate discussion in order to prevent the repetition of similar mistakes.
Participation in Contemporary Latin America

In this paper I study the micro-level impact of state-led repression for the case of the Chilean military dictatorship (1973-1990) on individual political and social participation, preferences and behavior. I collected a unique micro dataset in Chile in 2012 where I surveyed subjects who experienced repression and built a matching group of subjects with very similar socio-economic characteristics that did not experience repression. Since there is a clear selection into the repressed group, I use a difference in differences strategy where I compare the outcome of the repressed relative to the non-repressed before and after repression took place. I also estimate this model using individual fixed effects. I find several robust results: first, there is a general de-politicization of the sample since I find that in 2012 both sets of people, repressed and non-repressed are less interested in politics compared to 1973; second, there is no significant change in the political orientation on a left-right scale of either group; third, that as a consequence of repression the participation of these subjects fell relatively to the non-repressed. They also reduced their reliance of newspapers as a source of information. Lastly, repressed subjects increase their participation in human rights organizations.
Renal Dysplasia with Sacral-Perineal Location

We report a case of renal dysplasia associated with a large non-renal lumbosacral and perineal mass. A huge sacral-perineal mass and malformation of the scrotum and penis were noted at birth. The mass was thought to be a lumbosacral teratoma. The patient also suffered from respiratory distress and he died 5 days after birth. At autopsy 2 small dysplastic kidneys were found. The kidneys and the sacral mass showed the same histological features of typical renal dysplasia.
Evaluation of valvular regurgitation by Doppler echocardiography.

Noninvasive imaging currently plays an important role in the diagnosis and evaluation of patients with valvular heart disease. Doppler echocardiography provides the clinician with a method for detecting and quantitating valvular regurgitation. The purpose of this article is to describe the pulsed wave, continuous wave, and color flow Doppler techniques that are available for examining patients with regurgitant lesions. Specifically, the article reviews the Doppler instrumentation and criteria for normal and abnormal intracardiac flows, examines the sensitivity and specificity of Doppler methods for detecting regurgitation, and describes the accuracy of various methods for quantitating valvular insufficiency as compared with invasive techniques. Newer approaches such as transesophageal imaging and specific clinical situations such as Doppler imaging of prosthetic valves and acute mitral regurgitation are also included.
Spike Timing and Visual Cortical Plasticity

Plasticity in the nervous system is essential for information processing and storage. At the synaptic level, various forms of activity-dependent plasticity have been characterized, and their cellular mechanisms have been investigated intensely. At the circuitry level, sensory stimuli are known to play crucial roles in shaping the structures of neuronal circuits both during development and in adult life. At the functional level, perceptual performance of the animal can be strongly influenced by prior sensory experience. In spite of the extensive investigations at each level, however, the relationship between activity-dependent neural modifications at different levels remains to be firmly established. In this chapter, we will review a set of recent studies on spike timing-dependent plasticity in the visual cortex, the results of which support a causal link between experience-induced cortical modifications at different levels.
Ovum transport in the rhesus monkey following postovulatory intravaginal 15(S)-15-methyl prostaglandin F2α-methyl ester administration

The effects of postovulatory intravaginal 15(S)-15-methyl prostaglandin F 2α -methyl ester (Me PGF 2α ) on ovum transport was assessed in the spontaneously ovulatory rhesus monkey. A single suppository containing 3.0mg of Me PGF 2α in lipid base was inserted intravaginally in adult female monkeys 14 to 36 hours following laparoscopically timed ovulation. The reproductive tract was flushed 2, 4, or 24 hours later to recover ova. Four of five ova were recovered at 2 hours, one of five at 4 hours, and none of five at 24 hours after insertion. All ova recovered were in the oviduct. Since ova are normally found in the oviduct until 72 hours after ovulation, these results are interpreted to indicate acceleration and expulsion of ova from the tract following exposure to intravaginal Me PGF 2α in excess of 4 hours.
Abstract 669: Compound heterozygous Sf3b1-K700E mutation and Atm deletion in B cells leads to CLL in mice

Unbiased next-generation sequencing using primary samples has identified SF3B1 as among the most frequently mutated genes in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). These mutations localize to a restricted gene region, with more than 50% at the K700E site. The presence of mutation is associated with poor clinical outcomes. These lines of evidence together emphasize the high priority for gaining an understanding of role of SF3B1 in CLL. However, the mechanistic basis for how mutated SF3B1 impacts CLL remains unknown. Prior transcriptomic studies using primary CLL samples have led to the appreciation of altered RNA splicing induced by this mutated gene, but studies of the functional impact of mutated SF3B1 in primary human samples have been complicated by its variable mutant allele frequency across samples as well as its common co-occurrence with other diverse gene mutations. We therefore generated a mouse line that conditionally expressed heterozygous Sf3b1-K700E mutation in B lineage cells. We sought to characterize the effects of Sf3b1-K700E on RNA splicing and B cell function in this in vivo model. By RNA-sequencing of splenic B cells from wild-type and mutant mice (n = 3, each), we detected, classified, and quantified 54 differentially spliced transcripts (p10%) using the tool JuncBASE. Consistent with prior findings in human CLL samples, the splice variants in our mouse model were highly enriched with altered selection of 3’ splice sites (49 of 54 events, p Citation Format: Lili Wang, Rutendo Gambe, Jean Fan, Angela N. Brooks, Jing Sun, Donna Neuberg, Peter Kharchenko, Matthew Meyerson, Mark D. Fleming, Benjamin L. Ebert, Ruben Carrasco, Catherine J. Wu. Compound heterozygous Sf3b1-K700E mutation and Atm deletion in B cells leads to CLL in mice. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 107th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2016 Apr 16-20; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(14 Suppl):Abstract nr 669.
Crisis Communication in Libraries: Opportunity for New Roles in Public Relations

Abstract Among the many roles librarians embrace, managing outreach, marketing, and communication are increasingly important. This is especially true during a natural disaster or other crisis situation that might occur in a library. Media and public relations are often the last aspects of crisis management that libraries consider when they complete emergency preparations. When a disaster or crisis occurs, communication to the public and to media outlets is imperative to reduce rumors and misinformation. Immediate communication is also known to maintain a “credible” reputation for the organization that is proactive in communicating facts about the crisis (Claeys & Cauberghe, 2012). The literature provides excellent advice for communicating during a crisis. However, theory is frequently different than putting this theory into practice. A description of a case study in one university library demonstrates implementation of the theory of crisis communication to achieve results of community engagement and trust.
Christian Imperialism: Converting the World in the Early American Republic. By Emily Conroy‐Krutz. (Ithaca, NY: Cornell University Press, 2015. Pp. xi, 244. $45.00.)

Wisely, the author of this book follows the suggestion of Paul Kramer “to use imperialism as a tool of analysis … something to think with more than think about.” She sees Christian imperialism “as ...
Challenges to Developing a Rotavirus Vaccine

Rotavirus is the most important cause of gastroenteritis worldwide. In developing countries, the virus is a major cause of death in infants and young children. In the United States, before the licensure of vaccines, rotavirus infections accounted for ∼2.7 million cases of gastroenteritis annually. Here are described the history and challenges surrounding the development of a rotavirus vaccine.
Emergency Department Diagnosis of Septic Pulmonary Embolism due to Infectious Endocarditis Using Bedside Ultrasound.

Abstract Background Septic pulmonary embolism (SPE) is a rare disorder caused by metastasis of infectious thrombi to the lungs. Most commonly, this occurs as a result of infectious endocarditis. This clinical entity may easily be confused for more common and less mortal diagnoses such as pneumonia, bronchitis, or pulmonary embolism. Case Report A 47-year-old woman presented in respiratory distress with a complaint of cough productive of rusty sputum, shortness of breath, and pleuritic chest pain. A bedside ultrasound suggested endocarditis and SPE. She was resuscitated and admitted to the hospital for surgical source control and continued i.v. antibiotics. Why Should an Emergency Physician Be Aware of This? SPE is a rare disorder that may be easily missed but carries a high mortality rate. Additionally, the presence of the embolic phenomena makes the diagnosis of infectious endocarditis more attainable in the emergency department (ED). To our knowledge, this case is the first in which ED bedside ultrasound was used to make the diagnosis of SPE due to infectious endocarditis.
LOW-LYING O+ STATES OF 16O IN THE α-PARTICLE MODEL OF LIGHT NUCLEI†

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the low-lying O states of 16O in the α-particle model of light nuclei. The excitation energy of the α particle is large compared to the excitation energy of 16O. Therefore, a four-α-particle model of 16O is reasonable at low energies. It is assumed that the α particles are rigid, structureless entities. The success of the three-body theory of Faddeev, Lovelace, and Amado et al provided the means by which the three-α model of 12C can be investigated. The chapter describes the calculations of O+ ground state and first excited state 16O. The four-body theory turns out to be practical if the pole approximation is used. The excitation energy of the α particle is 20.2 Me.V, while the corresponding value for 16O is 7.161. If the result for the ground state is meaningful, the door is principally open for the calculation of the 16O charge form factor in the α-particle model. A comparison of the results with experiment can answer whether the α particles are concentrated or smeared inside the 16O.
Infrared and Raman Studies of the Polymeric Solid State

Developments in the discipline of vibrational spectroscopy are occurring at a rapid rate due to the impact of lasers, new detectors, interferometers and computers. For molecules as complicated as polymers these advances are welcomed with enthusiasm, since polymer spectroscopists need all the help they can get. In order to fully benefit from these advances in instrumentation, however, it is necessary to also obtain a knowledge of the theory of vibrational spectroscopy as applied to polymers. Consequently, in this review we will first consider the origin of the vibrational spectrum and the conditions necessary for infrared absorption and Raman scattering. We will then extend this discussion to chain molecules and consider how translational symmetry leads to a simplification of the predicted spectrum. The basis of normal coordinate analysis of polymers will be reviewed and a specific example, a vibrational analysis of isotactic polystryene, will be considered.
LASIK using the NIDEK EC-5000 for the correction of hyperopic astigmatism.

PURPOSE: To assess the refractive outcomes of LASIK for the surgical correction of hyperopic astigmatism using the NIDEK EC-5000 excimer laser. METHODS: LASIK was performed on 46 eyes from 26 patients (19 men and 7 women) for the correction of congenital hyperopic astigmatism. The NIDEK EC-5000 excimer laser and the Moria M2 microkeratome were used in all procedures. Cylindrical ablations were performed on the negative axis out to a 6-mm diameter. RESULTS: The mean preoperative cylindrical refraction was +3.15+/-0.70 diopters (D) (range: +1.75 to +4.50 D), and the mean 24-month postoperative refraction was +1.27+/-0.78 D (range: +0.50 to +3.25 D). Vector analysis showed a 2.17+/-1.27 D reduction in the equivalent cylinder. Preoperative mean uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) was 20/100, and 24-month postoperative UCVA was 20/30. One eye lost one line of best spectacle-corrected visual acuity at 24 months postoperatively. Complications related to the LASIK flap occurred in 2 (4.3%) eyes. Partial regression of the astigmatic effect began at 4 to 6 months but stabilized by 1 year. CONCLUSIONS: LASIK is a safe but limited alternative for the correction of astigmatism in eyes with hyperopic astigmatism. Early regression of the astigmatic effect in the first 6 months seems to be the primary disadvantage of this technique.
The Use of Preliminary Data in Economic Time-Series Prediction

It is well known that ex ante economic forecasts rely on preliminary data which will subsequently be revised as more complete information becomes available. However, in the specification and estimation of economic forecasting models, the distinction between preliminary and revised data is typically ignored. This practice leads to the construction of models that are not specifically designed to use the provisional observations that are available at the time the forecasts are prepared. This traditional approach to economic forecasting results in needlessly large prediction errors which can be reduced by using a more appropriate forecast procedure.