cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Yeasts and yeast-like fungi in stored timber

Abstract A microbiological study of four series of wood samples taken from three areas (heartwood, sapwood and bark) of six species of timber logs (American basswood, black cherry, black locust, red oak, soft maple, and white poplar) during the summer, fall, winter and spring of 1987–1988 has previously been reported. The samples were analyzed for aerobic bacteria. Gram-negative bacteria, fungi and bacterial endotoxin. The present paper focuses on the yeasts and yeast-like fungi (e.g. Aureobasidium pullulans) isolated from these samples. The predominant species varied with the season, tree, and location. Pichia (Hansenula) sp. predominated, particularly in the August samples and especially from the sapwood of basswood, locust and cherry. Candida sake and other members of group 7 of the genus Candida were especially common in the samples taken in May from the sapwood and heartwood of maple and oak logs. Cryptococcus laurentii and Rh. glutinis were the predominant members of Cryptococcus and Rhodotorula, respectively, isolated from these samples.
Genetic information in oocyte RNA.

RNA of the mature Xenopus oocyte was hybridized with the isolated non-repetitive DNA fraction of the Xenopus genome. The hybrids had the thermal stability and other characteristics expected of non-repetitive DNA-RNA hybrids, and DNA recovered from them reassociated at the rate of non-repetitive DNA. By saturating the non-repetitive DNA with Oocyte RNA a direct minimum estimate was obtained of the amount of non-repetitive sequence in the oocyte RNA, i.e. its genomic information content. The oocyte RNA contains about 20 × 10^6 nucleotide pairs of diverse sequence, which is 4.5 times the total genomic information present in the Escherichia coli chromosome.
An electron diffraction study of the crystal structure of native cellulose

The crystal lattice of native cellulose from four sources has been investigated by electron diffraction techniques. The four sources were: cotton, ramie, a bacterial cellulose (Acetobacter xylinum), and an algal cellulose (Valonia ventricosa). Evidence for the existence of at least two different unit cells is provided. There were no systematic absences of odd-order OkO reflections in any of the cellulose patterns, therefore, it was concluded that neither cellulose cell falls into the P21 space group.
Formation of Benzo[a]pyrene Diol Epoxide−DNA Adducts at Specific Guanines within K-ras and p53 Gene Sequences: Stable Isotope-Labeling Mass Spectrometry Approach†

The mutagenicity of a prominent tobacco carcinogen, benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P), is believed to result from chemical reactions between its diol epoxide metabolite, (+)-anti-7r,8t-dihydroxy-c9,10-epoxy-7,8,9,10-tetrahydrobenzo[a]pyrene (BPDE), and DNA, producing promutagenic lesions, e.g., (+)-trans-anti-7R,8S,9S-trihydroxy-10S-(N2-deoxyguanosyl)-7,8,9,10-tetrahydrobenzo[a]pyrene (N2-BPDE-dG). Previous studies used the DNA repair enzyme UvrABC endonuclease in combination with ligation-mediated PCR (LMPCR) to demonstrate an increased reactivity of BPDE toward guanine nucleobases within codons 157, 248, and 273 of the p53 tumor suppressor gene (Denissenko, M. F., Pao, A., Tang, M., and Pfeifer, G. P. Science 274, 430−432). These sites are also “hot spots” for mutations observed in lung tumors of smokers, suggesting an involvement of B[a]P in the initiation of lung cancer. However, the LMPCR approach relies on the ability of the repair enzyme to excise BPDE-induced lesions, and thus the slowly repaired lesions may...
Circulatory Support with Venoarterial ECMO Unsuccessful in Aiding Endogenous Diltiazem Clearance after Overdose

Introduction. In cardiovascular collapse from diltiazem poisoning, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) may offer circulatory support sufficient to preserve endogenous hepatic drug clearance. Little is known about patient outcomes and diltiazem toxicokinetics in this setting. Case Report. A 36-year-old woman with a history of myocardial bridging syndrome presented with chest pain for which she self-medicated with 2.4 g of sustained release diltiazem over the course of 8 hours. Hemodynamics and mentation were satisfactory on presentation, but precipitously deteriorated after ICU transfer. She was given fluids, calcium, vasopressors, glucagon, high-dose insulin, and lipid emulsion. Due to circulatory collapse and multiorgan failure including ischemic hepatopathy, she underwent transvenous pacing and emergent initiation of venoarterial ECMO. The peak diltiazem level was 13150 ng/mL (normal 100–200 ng/mL) and it remained elevated at 6340 ng/mL at hour 90. Unfortunately, the patient developed multiple complications which resulted in her death on ICU day 9. Conclusion. This case describes the unsuccessful use of ECMO for diltiazem intoxication. Although past reports suggest that support with ECMO may facilitate endogenous diltiazem clearance, it may be dependent on preserved hepatic function at the time of cannulation, a factor not present in this case.
Optical studies of oxidative stress in pulmonary artery endothelial cells

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) play an essential role in facilitating signal transduction processes within the cell and modulating the injuries. However, the generation of ROS is tightly controlled both spatially and temporally within the cell, making the study of ROS dynamics particularly difficult. This study present a novel protocol to quantify the dynamic of the mitochondrial superoxide as a precursor of reactive oxygen species. To regulate the mitochondrial superoxide level, metabolic perturbation was induced by administration of potassium cyanide (KCN). The presented method was able to monitor and measure the superoxide production rate over time. Our results demonstrated that the metabolic inhibitor, potassium cyanide (KCN) induced a significant increase in the rate of superoxide production in mitochondria of fetal pulmonary artery endothelial cells (FPAEC). Presented method sets the stage to study different ROS mediated injuries in vitro.
Monitoring transgenic plants using in vivo markers.

The gene coding for green fluorecent protein (GFP), isolated and cloned from the jellyfish Aequorea victoria, is an ideal transgene for the monitoring of any plant species. It has the ability to fluoresce without added substrate, enzyme, or cofactor; it does not introduce morphological or sexual aberrations when expressed. 7 refs., 1 fig.
The synthesis of imidazo[4,5-c]-, s-triazolo[4,3-b]-, and tetrazolo[1,5-b]pyridazines

The adenine analog, 7-aminoimidazo[4,5-c]pyridazine (XII) and three other members of this previously unknown ring system have been prepared. The adenine analog, 8-amino-tetrazolo[1,5-b]pyridazine (I) has also been prepared together with three other compounds in this ring system. The novel displacement of halogen in nitrogen heterocycles with phosphorus pentasulfide has been extended.
High Spectral Resolution Remote Sensing Of The Land

Spectral remote sensing has been practiced on a large scale since the launch of Landsat 1 in 1972. The limited information contained in this spectrally undersampled data set has led to the development of sophisticated statistical-inferential methods for data analysis. The results are usually limited by the availability of ground truth information. Recent technological developments have made it feasible to create narrow-band, contiguous, spectral image data sets that make possible the identification of surface cover materials based on the complete reflectance spectrum for each picture element. This capability will revolutionize the use of remote sensing data and require new deterministic image processing techniques to extract the full information content from the data. Sensors, based on the concept of imaging spectrometry and the new technology of area array infrared detectors, have been constructed and are candidates for Shuttle and space platform flights.
Closure of the Africa‐Eurasia‐North America Plate motion circuit and tectonics of the Gloria Fault

The current motions of the African, Eurasian, and North American plates are examined. The problems addressed include whether there is resolvable motion of a Spitsbergen microplate, the direction of motion between the African and North American plates, whether the Gloria fault is an active transform fault, and the implications of plate circuit closures for rates of intraplate deformation. Marine geophysical data and magnetic profiles are used to construct a model which predicts about 4 mm/yr slip across the Azores-Gibraltar Ridge, and west-northwest convergence near Gibraltar. The analyzed data are consistent with a rigid plate model with the Gloria fault being a transform fault.
Comparison of plasma etch techniques for III–V nitrides

Abstract Fabrication of group-III nitride devices relies on the ability to pattern features to depths ranging from ∼1000 A to >5 μ m with anisotropic profiles, smooth morphologies, selective etching of one material over another and a low degree of plasma-induced damage. In this study, GaN etch rates and etch profiles are compared using reactive ion etch (RIE), reactive ion beam etching (RIBE), electron cyclotron resonance (ECR) and inductively coupled plasma (ICP) etch systems. RIE yielded the slowest etch rates and sloped etch profiles despite dc-biases >−900 V. ECR and ICP etching yielded the highest rates with anisotropic profiles due to their high plasma flux and the ability to control ion energies independently of plasma density. RIBE etch results also showed anisotropic profiles but with slower etch rates than either ECR or ICP possibly due to lower ion flux. InN and AlN etch characteristics are also compared using ICP and RIBE.
Performance of a dangerous answer subtest within a subspecialty certifying examination.

Summary. Previous studies have been reported suggesting that a population of candidates for specialty board certification can be identified who pass the certification examination but who give an unduly high number of ‘dangerous’ responses, indicating their acceptance of actively harmful actions. To confirm these results, a retrospective analysis was undertaken of a Subspecialty Board of Nephrology certification examination. Experts identified a subtest of 75 dangerous answers. The performance of candidates on this subtest was compared with their performance on the total examination. The subtest was moderately reliable, ranked criterion groups appropriately, had a correlation with the total test of 0.71, and using the standard used for the total examination, identified the certification status of 84% of candidates. However, when the correlation was corrected for unreliability, the correlation became 1.0, indicating that a dangerous answer subtest, at least in this examination and population, does not identify a unique population of certified but ‘dangerous’ doctors.
Pre-morbid personality traits and responsiveness to flooding in obsessive-compulsive patients

Abstract Clinical and psychophysiological assessments were carried out before and after completion of flooding treatment in two groups of obsessive-compulsive patients, matched for age and duration of the illness but differing in pre-morbid obsessional personality traits. Patients with such traits appear to demonstrate a specific autonomic sensitivity to flooding, probably related to either the reduction of anxiety after treatment or to certain qualities of the treatment itself. Significant changes after treatment regarding neutral stimuli and attitude ratings of untreated obsessional manifestations suggest a more global response to flooding in such patients. Some suggestions for further research are presented.
Naive Structure, Contraction and Paradox

Rejecting structural contraction has been proposed as a strategy for escaping semantic paradoxes. The challenge for its advocates has been to make intuitive sense of how contraction might fail. I offer a way of doing so, based on a “naive” interpretation of the relation between structure and logical vocabulary in a sequent proof system. The naive interpretation of structure motivates the most common way of blaming Curry-style paradoxes on illicit contraction. By contrast, the naive interpretation will not as easily motivate one recent noncontractive approach to the Liar paradox.
Catalytic vapor phase esterification

The kinetics of vapor phase esterification of n-propyl alcohol with acetic acid over a silica gel catalyst were studied in a differential reactor to determine the apparent rate controlling gap for the reaction and the role of water as a catalyst promotor. The surface reaction, which probably occurs between alcohol adsorbed on the hydrated surface and acid in the gas phase, is the rate controlling step, and water promotes the reaction by hydrating the surface. Acid is apparently excluded from the surface because of the preferential adsorption of the longer chain alcohols.
Experimental Evidence That Selection Favors Character Displacement in the Ivyleaf Morning Glory

Abstract: While there is abundant evidence to suggest that pollinators influence the evolution of plant floral traits, there is little direct evidence that interactions between plant species shape the evolution of such characteristics. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the presence of the morning glory Ipomoea purpurea alters patterns of selection on floral traits of its congener, Ipomoea hederacea. We show that while selection on I. hederacea floral traits is effectively neutral when I. purpurea flowers are absent, selection acts to increase clustering of anthers about the stigma when I. purpurea flowers are present. Our results provide direct experimental evidence that the presence of flowers of a co‐occurring congener can influence patterns of natural selection on floral traits that influence the mating system and contribute to prezygotic isolation. To the extent that this result is general, it also lends support to the claim that distributional patterns interpreted as ecological and r...
Steric disposition of O2 in oxyhemoglobin as revealed by its resonance Raman spectrum

Summary Resonance Raman investigations of the Fe O2 stretching frequency in oxyhemoglobin containing isotopically unsymmetric 16O–18O point to an end-on geometry, , rather than a side-on one, .
Characterizing the eddy field in the Arctic Ocean halocline

Ice-Tethered Profilers (ITP), deployed in the Arctic Ocean between 2004 and 2013, have provided detailed temperature and salinity measurements of an assortment of halocline eddies. A total of 127 mesoscale eddies have been detected, 95% of which were anticyclones, the majority of which had anomalously cold cores. These cold-core anticyclonic eddies were observed in the Beaufort Gyre region (Canadian water eddies) and the vicinity of the Transpolar Drift Stream (Eurasian water eddies). An Arctic-wide calculation of the first baroclinic Rossby deformation radius Rd has been made using ITP data coupled with climatology; Rd ∼ 13 km in the Canadian water and ∼8 km in the Eurasian water. The observed eddies are found to have scales comparable to Rd. Halocline eddies are in cyclogeostrophic balance and can be described by a Rankine vortex with maximum azimuthal speeds between 0.05 and 0.4 m/s. The relationship between radius and thickness for the eddies is consistent with adjustment to the ambient stratification. Eddies may be divided into four groups, each characterized by distinct core depths and core temperature and salinity properties, suggesting multiple source regions and enabling speculation of varying formation mechanisms.
A sociologia pública em tempos de Barack Obama

O presente artigo, baseado em discurso dirigido a Sociedade Japonesa de Sociologia, na Universidade de Tohoku, recoloca as formulacoes centrais da sociologia publica, identificando os quatro estilos do fazer sociologico. Isso e feito a luz do cenario aberto com a profunda crise por que passa o sistema capitalista mundial. Mesmo ciente das diferentes tradicoes nacionais e da desigualdade internacional, e apesar delas, acreditamos que, como sociologos, compartilhamos uma ambicao e uma missao comum, que seria o combate ao paradigma baseado no fundamentalismo do mercado, que atualmente demonstra gravissimos sinais de crise e de exaustao. Nesse sentido, resulta como tarefa primordial que os sociologos canalizem as reacoes a crise em direcao a criacao de uma sociedade civil mais fortalecida e democratica, e de uma esfera publica mais robusta e inclusiva.
Versatile Mirror Mount for Stable Optical Instrumentation

A mirror mount adjustable along three Cartesian axes and about two angular axes is described. The mount can support mirrors up to 8 in. (20.3 cm) in diameter, can be positionally set to high tolerances, and is stable over a period of years. Examples of mounting a variety of mirrors are given.
Radiographic Left Ventricular–Right Ventricular Interlead Distance Predicts the Acute Hemodynamic Response to Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy

Placement of left ventricular (LV) and right ventricular (RV) leads with maximal interlead separation is frequently sought during cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT), but few published data are available to support this. This study examined the relation between LV and RV lead separation and the acute effects of CRT on cardiac contractility. A total of 51 consecutive patients who underwent CRT for standard indications with sufficient mitral regurgitation for echocardiographic assessment of contractility (using Doppler profiles of mitral regurgitation as a percentage of change in dP/dt [DeltadP/dt] with CRT on and off), successful transvenous LV lead placement, and postprocedural chest radiography were evaluated. The separation of the LV and RV lead tips (direct interlead distance and horizontal and vertical components) was determined on postprocedural posteroanterior and lateral radiographs. The corrected direct LV-RV interlead distance on the lateral radiograph was correlated with the DeltadP/dt (n = 51, r = 0.43, p = 0.002). The lateral interlead distance in the horizontal plane (r = 0.58, p 25%) compared with nonresponders (14.4 +/- 5.4 vs 9.2 +/- 5.8 cm, p = 0.002). Other LV-RV measures on the posteroanterior and lateral radiographs did not correlate with the DeltadP/dt. Use of these findings may help to guide the sites of LV and RV lead placement to maximize the benefit derived from CRT.
Packaging design affects antioxidant vitamin retention and quality of broccoli florets during postharvest storage

Abstract Consumer selection and consumption of lightly processed vegetables have dramatically increased over the last decade. However, more research is required to identify those storage conditions that will minimize nutrient and quality losses in these highly perishable products. The objective of our study was to assess a variety of postharvest storage treatments including: modified atmosphere packaging (MAP), ventpackaging (VP), and automatic misting (AM) on antioxidant vitamin quality, moisture, color retention, and peroxidase activity in broccoli florets over 6-day storage at 5 °C. Relative to the initial level, total carotenoids were retained fully in MAP samples, but a dramatic loss (42–57%) in total carotenoid was observed in all other treatments by 6 days. Vitamin C retention was best in MAP samples (~100%); however, control and VP samples retained only 14–46% of this vitamin. A slight increase was observed in vitamin E content in all treatments except MAP by 4 days, then decreased by day 6. Peroxidase activity increased significantly in non-packaged (NP) and VP samples over 6 days, but no change was measured in the MAP samples. MAP resulted in the best retention of antioxidant vitamins, moisture and color in lightly processed broccoli florets during postharvest storage.
Heavy water slows biological timing processes

Deuterium oxide lengthens the period of the endogenous tidal activity rhythm of the sand-beach isopod, Excirolana chiltoni. Heavy water has also been shown to retard the circadian rhythm of deer mice, when added to the animals' drinking water. The average dosage dependence of the effect can be estimated with high precision for both isopod and mouse, and the two values are indistinguishable. A similar slowing of circadian rhythms, due to D2O, has also been reported for an alga, a higher plant, two species of birds and three other rodents. Although data permitting reliable estimates of dosage dependence have not been published for these latter cases, the effect is apparently also of about the same magnitude. This evidence suggests fundamental similarities in the rhythmic mechanisms. Heavy water also produces a reversible slowing of several biological rhythms with periods in the millisecond range: the electric-organ discharge of a gymnotid fish (Stenarchus albifrons); the respiratory cycle of goldfish, as well as of an amphipod (Paraphoxus) and an isopod (Excirolana); and the cardiac cycle of a clam (Donax) and a crab (Emerita). Since these high-frequency rhythms originate in pacemakers dependent on diffusion processes, the experimental results suggest the possibility that long-period biological clocks are also based on diffusion-dependent pacemakers.
Utilization of intravenously administered glucose-oligosaccharides in growing miniature pigs.

Summary: The ability of intravenously administered glucose or glucose oligosaccharides to supply 12% of the energy requirement of the growing miniature pig was determined. All pigs were fed a stock diet from days 5–28 of life, and a central venous catheter was inserted at 28 days. For the next 30 days, all pigs were fed both enterally and parenterally. Positive control pigs were fed the stock diet with infusions of an isotonic balanced electrolyte solution. Negative control and test animals were fed a diet containing cellulose to replace 12% of energy. Negative control animals received the balanced electrolyte solution intravenously, while test animals received either intravenous glucose or glucose oligosaccharides at levels providing 12% of energy. Carbohydrate utilization was measured by urinary loss of carbohydrate, as well as by growth and body composition. Chemical analyses of the urine indicated utilization of both glucose and glucose oligosaccharides. Glucose oligosaccharides were utilized less well (85%) than glucose (≥99%). No statistically significant differences in weight gain were noted between groups, although weight gain in negative control animals and those animals infused with glucose oligosaccharide solutions were lower than those in the other groups. Body fat analyses also indicate that glucose oligosaccharide solutions were less effective than glucose as an energy source. Speculation: Infusion of solutions containing oligosaccharides composed of repeating glucose units linked by a-1,4glucosidic bonds can supply considerably more energy per osmole infused than glucose. If the human infant utilizes intravenously administered oligosaccharides as well as the growing pig, oligosaccharides may be able to partially replace glucose in parenteral feeding regimens.
The Impact of China on Cybersecurity: Fiction and Friction

Exaggerated fears about the paralysis of digital infrastructure and the loss of competitive advantage contribute to a spiral of mistrust in U.S.-China relations. In every category of putative Chinese cyber threat, there are also considerable Chinese vulnerabilities and Western advantages. China has inadvertently degraded the economic efficiency of its networks and exposed them to foreign infiltration by prioritizing political information control over technical cyber defense. Although China also actively infiltrates foreign targets, its ability to absorb stolen data is questionable, especially at the most competitive end of the value chain, where the United States dominates. Similarly, China’s military cyber capacity cannot live up to its aggressive doctrinal aspirations, even as its efforts to guide national information technology development create vulnerabilities that more experienced U.S. cyber operators can attack. Outmatched by the West, China is resorting to a strategy of international institutional reform, but it benefits too much from multistakeholder governance to pose a credible alternative. A cyber version of the stability-instability paradox constrains the intensity of cyber interaction in the U.S.-China relationship—and in international relations more broadly—even as lesser irritants continue to proliferate.
Interlayer toughening of resin transfer molding composites

In previous research it was shown that through using preformed elastomer particle modified tackifier/binder, materials interlayered RTM composite structures could be manufactured. These interlayers resulted in excellent toughness improvements of traditionally brittle RTM materials. In this work, the effects of tackifier application and composition were investigated by modifying spray and powder epoxy tackifiers with polyamide 6 particles. The spray tackifier provided 30% improvements in Mode II interlaminar fracture toughness, and slight increases in the interlaminar shear strength without reducing the thermal properties. The powder tackifier showed a slightly lower performance increase due to a less homogeneous laminate structure.
The relationship between perceived discrimination and coronary artery obstruction

Background Chronic stressors such as perceived discrimination might underlie race disparities in cardiovascular disease. This study focused on the relationship between perceived discrimination and risk of severe coronary obstruction while also accounting for multiple psychosocial variables and clinical factors. Methods Data from 793 (629 white and 164 black) male veterans with positive nuclear imaging studies were analyzed. Participants were categorized as being at low/moderate or high risk for severe coronary obstruction based on results of their nuclear imaging studies. Hierarchical logistic regression models were tested separately for blacks and whites. The first step of the models included clinical factors. The second step included the psychosocial variables of optimism, religiosity, negative affect, and social support. The final step included perceived discrimination. Results Perceived discrimination was positively related to risk of severe obstruction among blacks but not among whites after controlling for clinical and psychosocial variables. Similar results were found in patients who underwent coronary angiography (n = 311). Conclusions Perceived discrimination was associated with risk of severe coronary obstruction among black male veterans and could be an important target for future interventions.
Allele frequencies for 40 autosomal SNP loci typed for US population samples using electrospray ionization mass spectrometry

Aim To type a set of 194 US African American, Caucasian, and Hispanic samples (self-declared ancestry) for 40 autosomal single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers intended for human identification purposes.
Exploring the Role of Pore Waters and Counterions in the Calcium Release-Activated Calcium Channel Conductance with Computation

Calcium release-activated calcium (CRAC) channels are integral proteins of the plasma membrane, and play a central role in cellular signaling by generating a sustained influx of calcium following its depletion from the intracellular repositories. Previously, we studied the binding of sodium chloride in wild type Orai and its V174A mutant. Our computations showed that even without significant channel-gating motions, a subtle change in the number of pore-waters is sufficient to reshape the local electrostatic field and modulate the energetics of ion conduction. To fully characterize the general permeation pathway of CRAC channels, we further study the flux of monovalent ions through the V174A mutant channel. The presence of a hyperpolarized potential facilitates the passage of ions, so that “real” permeation could be observed in the nanosecond timescale MD simulations. Although one can imagine two possible permeation mechanisms for cations to go from the extracellular to the intracellular region, namely either (1) “direct permeation”, in which cations pass through the hydrophobic region of the pore, in a partially dehydrated state, and then meet anions at the basic region or (2) “anion-assisted permeation”, in which anions cross over the hydrophobic region in advance, and then accompany the cations during their movement along the central channel. The latter was observed in our MD simulations. Free energy calculations show that Na+ can easily pass through the central pore with the help of Cl-, with the major barrier height of ∼5 kcal/mol, in the presence of the external field. The functional role of anions we have identified provides a rationale for the presence of the basic region in the cation channel. Our computations thus illustrate how the intrinsic properties of membrane protein design can contribute to channel gating.
Combined treatment with the checkpoint abrogator UCN-01 and MEK1/2 inhibitors potently induces apoptosis in drug-sensitive and -resistant myeloma cells through an IL-6-independent mechanism

The effects of combined exposure to the checkpoint abrogator UCN-01 and pharmacologic MEK1/2 inhibitors were examined in human multiple myeloma (MM) cell lines. Treatment of RPMI8226, NCI-H929, and U266 MM cells with a minimally toxic concentration of UCN-01 (150 nM) for 24 hours resulted in mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase activation, an effect that was blocked by coadministration of the MEK1/2 inhibitor PD184352. These events were accompanied by enhanced activation of p34(cdc2) and a marked increase in mitochondrial damage (loss of DeltaPsim; cytochrome c and Smac/DIABLO (direct IAP binding protein with low pI) release), poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) cleavage, and apoptosis. PD184352/UCN-01 also dramatically reduced clonogenic survival in each of the MM cell lines. In contrast to As(2)0(3), apoptosis induced by PD184352/UCN-01 was not blocked by the free-radical scavenger N-acetyl-L-cysteine. Whereas exogenous interleukin 6 substantially prevented dexamethasone-induced lethality in MM cells, it was unable to protect them from PD184352/UCN-01-induced apoptosis despite enhancing Akt activation. Insulinlike growth factor 1 (IGF-1) also failed to diminish apoptosis induced by this drug regimen. MM cell lines selected for a high degree of resistance to doxorubicin, melphalan, or dexamethasone, or displaying resistance secondary to fibronectin-mediated adherence, remained fully sensitive to PD184352/UCN-01-induced cell death. Finally, primary CD138(+) MM cells were also susceptible to UCN-01/MEK inhibitor-mediated apoptosis. Together, these findings suggest that simultaneous disruption of cell cycle and MEK/MAP kinase signaling pathways provides a potent stimulus for mitochondrial damage and apoptosis in MM cells, and also indicate that this strategy bypasses the block to cell death conferred by several other well-described resistance mechanisms.
The effect of chalcogens (O, S) on coarsening of nanoislands on metal surfaces

In this article, we review some of our recent work concerning sulfur adsorption on Ag(1 1 1), and the effect of sulfur on coarsening of nanoscale Ag islands. We find that sulfur accelerates coarsening, but that a finite threshold coverage exists, below which the sulfur only decorates step edges and does not affect coarsening kinetics. Furthermore, below room temperature, and at coverages above the threshold, an ordered metal-sulfur adlayer structure develops. This structure contains long rows of Ag3S3 clusters as its dominant motif, and its development coincides with inhibition of coarsening. Taken in the context of published literature, these observations suggest that acceleration of coarsening of metal nanofeatures by adsorbed chalcogens is a general effect, and that metal–chalcogen clusters are the agents of metal mass transport. Possible models are discussed.
A critical temperature threshold for coal hydropyrolysis

Abstract Pyrolysis of coals in the presence of hydrogen is known to enhance liquid yields, but this enhancement is often accompanied by increases in methane make. In many instances increased methane yields are detrimental because of the amount of hydrogen consumed to make methane. This paper will discuss the discovery of a critical temperature threshold for coal hydropyrolysis, below which little methane is formed, and above which significant methane is produced. A simple procedure is described to determine the critical temperature, which is different for each coal and pressure regime used.
Impact of implant technique following freestyle stentless aortic valve replacement

Abstract Background . Stentless aortic bioprostheses have excellent hemodynamics and clinical outcomes. The purpose of the present study was to determine whether implant technique of the Freestyle aortic root bioprosthesis impacts clinical outcomes or hemodynamic performance. Methods . The long-term multicenter study of the Freestyle stentless aortic bioprosthesis includes 500 consecutive patients implanted using the subcoronary and 162 using the full root technique. Clinical outcomes and echocardiographic hemodynamics were compared through 5 years. Results . There were no differences between groups in time to death, valve-related death, or reoperation. The incidence of operative death was higher in the full root than in the subcoronary group (odds ratio 3.97, p = 0.001). Patients in the subcoronary group were more likely to have New York Heart Association functional class III or IV symptoms at 1 year (1.7% versus 0%, p = 0.04) and 5 years postoperatively (4.4% versus 0%, p = 0.02). Mean gradient was lower ( p = 0.0004) and effective orifice area larger ( p = 0.04) in the full root group. Left ventricular mass index decreased in both groups. The preponderance of patients in both groups had no or trivial aortic regurgitation through 5 years. Conclusions . Full root implantation of the Freestyle stentless aortic bioprosthesis was associated with higher operative mortality, but somewhat better hemodynamics, functional class, and freedom from aortic regurgitation. Higher operative mortality argues against the empiric replacement of the ascending aorta in the absence of aortic root pathology. In appropriately selected patients, both implant techniques are viable alternatives for valve implantation.
The Tumor Suppressor Function of Human Sulfatase 1 (SULF1) in Carcinogenesis

Human sulfatase 1 (SULF1) was recently identified and shown to desulfate cellular heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs). Since sulfated HSPGs serve as co-receptors for many growth factors and cytokines, SULF1 was predicted to modulate growth factor and cytokine signaling. The role of SULF1 in growth factor signaling and its effects on human tumorigenesis are under active investigation. Initial results show that SULF1 inhibits the co-receptor function of HSPGs in multiple receptor tyrosine kinase signaling pathways, particularly by the heparin binding growth factors FGF2, VEGF, HGF, PDGF, and heparin binding EGF (HB-EGF). SULF1 is downregulated in the majority of cancer cell lines examined and forced expression of SULF1 decreases cell proliferation, migration and invasion. SULF1 also promotes drug-induced apoptosis of cancer cells in vitro, and inhibits tumorigenesis and angiogenesis in vivo. Strategies targeting SULF1 or the interaction between SULF1 and the related sulfatase 2 (SULF2) will potentially be important in developing novel cancer therapies.
Day treatment of young psychotic children and their parents: interdisciplinary issues and problems.

The use of a developmental framework enabled milieu staff and psychotherapists to view the child from a multiaxial developmental framework and so gear each aspect of the therapeutic work in the milieu, individual therapy, and work with parents to each child and family's unique needs. A high level of parent participation in the milieu led to earlier identification of parental resistances and parent-staff conflicts. Such rapid problem indentification and confrontation leads to earlier effective parent-staff collaboration and a more rapid involvement of parents in the treatment process. Milieu day treatment can provide high quality intensive treatment of psychotic children and their families at much less cost than residential or inpatient treatment.
Fiber loop ringdown glucose sensors: initial tests in human diabetic urines

Fiber loop ringdown technique has shown promise in biomedical applications in recent studies. In the present work, fiber loop ringdown sensors using the evanescent field as the sensing mechanism have been fabricated and tested in actual human urines for the first time. In order to evaluate the sensors’ performance, the sensors were comparatively tested in healthy human urines, synthetic urine solutions, and diabetic urines. Due to different features or chemical compositions of each urine sample, the sensors experience different optical losses, equivalently, different ringdown times. The comparative results show that evanescent field-fiber loop ringdown glucose sensors can discriminate the three different urine samples by displaying different ringdown times. The evanescent field-fiber loop ringdown glucose sensors had fast response, good reproducibility, and high sensitivity. The promising results imply that the evanescent field-fiber loop ringdown sensors have potential for near real-time detection of diabetic urines.
Protein Kinase C ϵ Dependence of the Recovery from Down-regulation of S1P1 G Protein-coupled Receptors of T Lymphocytes

Abstract Sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) from mononuclear phagocytes and platelets signals T cells predominantly through S1P1 G protein-coupled receptors (Rs) to enhance survival, stimulate and suppress migration, and inhibit other immunologically relevant responses. Cellular S1P1 Rs and their signaling functions are rapidly down-regulated by S1P, through a protein kinase C (PKC)-independent mechanism, but characteristics of cell-surface re-expression of down-regulated S1P1 Rs have not been elucidated. T cell chemotactic responses (CT) to 10 and 100 nm S1P and inhibition of T cell chemotaxis to chemokines (CI) by 1 and 3 μm S1P were suppressed after 1 h of preincubation with 100 nm S1P, but recovered fully after 12–24 h of exposure to S1P. Late recovery of down-regulated CT and CI, but not early down-regulation, was suppressed by PKC and PKCϵ-selective inhibitors and was absent in T cells from PKCϵ-null mice. The same PKCϵ inhibitors blocked S1P-evoked increases in T cell nuclear levels of c-Fos and phosphorylated c-Jun and JunD after 24 h, but not 1 h. A mixture of c-Fos plus c-Jun antisense oligonucleotides prevented late recovery of down-regulated CT and CI, without affecting S1P induction of down-regulation. Similarly, S1P-elicited threonine phosphorylation of S1P1 Rs was suppressed by a selective inhibitor of PKCϵ after 24 h, but not 1 h. Biochemical requisites for recovery of down-regulated S1P1 Rs thus differ from those for S1P induction of down-regulation.
Formation of the interphase in organic-matrix composites

Abstract This paper addresses attempts made to determine the mechanical and chemical properties of material within a micrometre of the surface of a single carbon fibre in an epoxy/amine matrix. Work reported earlier has shown that deformation data near a fibre can be interpreted as showing that the modulus of this material could be lower than that of the bulk matrix for a distance of about 0.5 μm from the fibre. Spectral evidence suggests that the material in this region is chemically different from material remote from the interface. Analysis of the variation of fibre debond forces in a composite as a function of the fibre content also suggests that the matrix is softer near the fibre. The present paper addresses studies done to determine a mechanism for the variation of mechanical and chemical properties over such a distance. Possibilities considered include modification of resin stoichiometry in the region by preferential absorption of active species, formation of a zone of incomplete polymerization caused by entropic effects related to the two-dimensional nature of the interface, and modification of the resin solidification mechanism in the region of the fibre.
Incidental reduction in the size of liver hemangioma following use of VEGF inhibitor bevacizumab.

Background/Aims Hepatic cavernous hemangioma is the second most common liver tumor after metastases. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is recognized as an essential regulator of blood vessel growth . High VEGF expression leads to increased angiogenic activity in cavernous hemangioma endothelial cells. The use of specific antibodies directed against VEGF abolishes this vascular endothelial growth-promoting activity in vitro . Bevacizumab is a recombinant humanized monoclonal antibody directed against VEGF which is used for the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer in combination with 5-fluorouracil-based regimens. Methods We report a patient with invasive colorectal adenocarcinoma and suspected liver metastasis on radiological examination, who showed a significant decrease in the size of his liver lesions after bevacizumab treatment. Histology of the liver lesions revealed hemangioma with a strong staining for VEGF and anti-VEGFr2 antibody in the hemangioma endothelial cells. To date, surgical resection provides the only consistently effective method for treatment of hepatic hemangioma. Conclusions This is the first documented case of hepatic hemangioma responsive to antiangiogenic therapy, suggesting a possible use for these agents in treating symptomatic patients without surgery. VEGF-signaling blockade including bevacizumab use poses a potential new treatment modality for vascular neoplasms in the liver and other sites.
Shock induced polymorphic transition in quartz, carbon, and boron nitride

A theory describing the polymorphism induced by shock waves in silicates, oxides, sulfides, and many inorganic solids is presented. Shock wave experiments conducted on these and other materials indicate that many transformations to high-pressure phases are triggered via the production of shear bands and, in some cases, formation of high-density amorphous phases. Shock states in the mixed phase regimes, of quartz, carbon, and boron nitride, are quantitatively described in terms of the properties of both their low- and high-pressure phases. Good agreement between the calculated results and measured Hugoniot data in the mixed phase regime is obtained. By fitting the pressures of the onset of the phase transition from graphite to diamond, and associating its triggering with crossing the extension of the metastable melting line of graphite, we obtain a similar shaped curve to the metastable melting line obtained by Bundy [J. Geophys. Res. 85, 6930 (1980)]. Similarly, the transition from quartz to stishovite is associated with the metastable melting line of coesite. The present theory, when fit to the onset of the mixed phase regime of graphitelike boron nitride transforming to cubic boron nitride Hugoniot, predicts the standard entropy for cubic BN to be 0.4–0.5 J/g K.
Prevention programs for reducing adolescent problem behaviors: Implications of the co-occurrence of problem behaviors in adolescence.

Abstract Purpose To examine the correlations between multiple risk behaviors in adolescent populations to document the extent to which problem behaviors are intercorrelated and to identify factors associated with variations in these correlations. Methods Studies from 1977 through the end of 1999 that included two or more problem behaviors in adolescents were identified by literature searches using the PsychLit database, Social Sciences Citation Index, manual journal searches and "ancestry" approaches. The behaviors studied were alcohol use, marijuana use, illicit drug use, cigarette smoking, general deviant behavior, and sexual activity. Included studies reported correlation coefficients between variables. Results Across all studies, the mean correlation between any two pairs of problem behaviors was 0.35, with a standard deviation of 0.28. This suggests that, on average, about two-thirds of the variation in problem behavior is the result of unique rather than common causes. The magnitude of the correlations varied as a function of the age of the adolescent, with lower correlations being evident for older adolescents. In addition, the magnitude of the correlation varied as a function of when the study was conducted, with studies of past generations showing stronger connections between risk behaviors than current generations. Conclusions The data suggest that there is considerably more unique variation in classic adolescent problem behaviors than common variation.
Divergent regulation of angiopoietin-1 and -2, Tie-2, and thrombospondin-1 expression by estrogen in the baboon endometrium.

Estrogen has an important role in the reconstruction of a new vascular network in the endometrium during each menstrual cycle; however, the underlying mechanisms are incompletely understood. Angiopoietin-1 (Ang-1) promotes vessel assembly, whereas Ang-2 and thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1) cause vessel breakdown. To determine the potential effect of estrogen on the expression of these angioregulatory factors in the endometrium, Ang-1, Ang-2, TSP-1, and Tie-2 receptor mRNA levels were assessed by real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction in glandular epithelial and stromal cells isolated from the endometrium of ovariectomized baboons treated acutely with estradiol. Corresponding protein expression was assessed by immunocytochemistry and the proximity ligation assay (PLA) during advancing stages of the baboon menstrual cycle. Serum estradiol levels in ovariectomized baboons were 400 pg/ml within 4–6 hr of estradiol treatment. Ang-1 mRNA levels in glandular epithelial cells increased threefold (P < 0.01) within 4 hr of estradiol administration. In contrast, TSP-1 mRNA levels decreased four- to fivefold (P < 0.01) in endometrial glandular epithelial and stromal cells 4–6 hr after estradiol, whereas Ang-2 and Tie-2 expression was unaltered. Immunostaining for Ang-1 increased, TSP-1 decreased, and Ang-2 and Tie-2 were unaltered in the endometrium during the secretory compared with the proliferative phase of the cycle. Endometrial Ang-1 protein expression, quantified by PLA, increased 10-fold (P < 0.05) between the early proliferative and late proliferative/mid-secretory phases of the menstrual cycle in association with the rise in estrogen. In summary, estrogen induced a rapid, divergent, and cell-specific change in expression of angiostimulatory and angioinhibitory growth factors in the endometrium of the nonhuman primate. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 77: 430–438, 2010. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Synthesis and reactions of monomeric late transition metal alkoxo, aryloxo and hydroxo complexes

Abstract Despite the fact that they are postulated as intermediates in many metal-catalyzed transformations, well-characterized complexes having bonds between late transition metals and alkoxo groups are not as well known as their alkylmetal analogues. Even fewer examples of monomeric late transition metal hydroxo complexes are available. This article summarizes recent published work from the author's group that has resulted in the synthesis of a number of rhodium, iridium, rhenium, osmium and ruthenium alkoxo and hydroxo complexes and has allowed investigation of their chemical properties.