cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Assessing psychotic-like symptoms using the BASC-2: adolescent, parent and teacher agreement.

Aim The aim of the current study was to investigate the psychometric properties of the BASC-2 (Behavior Assessment System for Children, Second Edition) Atypicality subscale in a sample of adolescents receiving mental health services. Methods A large sample (n = 1916) of adolescents aged 12–20 years (median = 14.7 years) completed the BASC-2. A parent and teacher also completed the measure for each child. We analyzed internal consistency and interrater reliabilities for the Atypicality subscale, as well as the Depression and Hyperactivity subscales for comparison. Further analyses explored the influence of a participant's subscale scores, gender, and quality of relationships with adults on interrater agreement. Results All subscales demonstrated good internal consistency; however, interrater agreement was low for all subscales. Gender, Atypicality subscale score, and self-reported quality of relationships with adults could not account for poor interrater agreement. Conclusions The Atypicality subscale has strong internal consistency across informants. Low interrater agreement for the Atypicality subscale, as well as other scales, however, presents a challenge when interpreting multi-informant scales.
Heterologous expression of bovine rhodopsin in Drosophila photoreceptor cells.

PURPOSE. Vertebrate and invertebrate visual pigments are similar in amino acid sequence, structural organization, spectral properties, and mechanism of action, but possess different chromophores and trigger phototransduction through distinct biochemical pathways. The bovine opsin gene (Rho) was expressed in Drosophila, to examine the properties of a vertebrate opsin within invertebrate photoreceptor cells. METHODS. Transgenic Drosophila expressing the bovine opsin gene (Rho) in photoreceptors were created. Protein expression and cellular location of bovine rhodopsin was assessed by protein blots and immunofluorescence. The glycosylation state was determined by mobility profiles in SDS-PAGE before and after treatment with endoglycosidase. The rhodopsin chromophore was determined by HPLC-mass spectroscopy (MS) and the spectral properties by spectroscopy. The ability of the bovine rhodopsin to couple to Drosophila phototransduction components was assessed by electroretinography and to couple to vertebrate transducin by light-mediated GTPS-binding assays. RESULTS. Rho showed stable expression even in the absence of endogenous Rh1 opsin and chromophore. It was correctly targeted to the rhabdomeric membranes. Rho remained glycosylated during the maturation process and possessed a distinct glycosylation pattern from that of native Rho. The Drosophilaexpressed Rho associated with the 3-hydroxyretinal chromophore but failed to evoke an electroretinogram response from fly photoreceptors. However, the Drosophila-expressed Rho activated transducin in a light-dependent manner. CONCLUSIONS. Drosophila photoreceptors express a vertebrate rhodopsin as a functional visual pigment, but the expression does not activate the Drosophila phototransduction pathway. The system allows the characterization and comparison of vertebrate and invertebrate visual pigment properties in a common cell type. (Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2006;47:3722‐3728) DOI:10.1167/iovs.06-0281
Erosion on an anaerobic seafloor: Significance of reworked pyrite deposits from the Devonian of New York state

Abstract Several Devonian black shale units in New York State display conspicuous basal discontinuities marked by accumulations of exhumed and reworked pyrite nodules, tubes, and fossil steinkerns. This coarse debris is overlain by, and/or interlayered with, black, laminated shale. The most important level is the Leicester Pyrite Member, which occurs along a regional unconformity flooring black shale deposits of the basal Genesee Formation; the detrital pyrite occurs in discontinuous lenses both on, and slightly above this surface. Basal Genesee beds (Geneseo Shale Member) record westward overlap of basinal, anoxic muds during a major marine transgression (Taghanic onlap). The reworked pyrite deposit is regionally diachronous, as indicated by conodont data and shingling of lenses with basal Genesee beds which are successively younger from east to west. Pyrite, chemically unstable in aerobic bottom settings, was exhumed and concentrated on the sea floor during brief erosion episodes in a normally anaerobic environment. Lenses contain istinctive diagenetic pyrite structures (e.g., fossil steinkerns, burrow tubes) derived from muds underlying the discontinuities. Erosional reworking of pyrite on the sea floor is shown by mechanical breakage of pyrite grains, reorientation of geopetal stalactitic pyrite and compactional features, plus alignment of pyritic tubes by bottom currents. General absence of carbonate allochems in lenses is believed to reflect dissolution of carbonate, following its exhumation. Episodic, deep storm-generated turbulence was probably important in exhuming and transporting pyrite. However, shoaling internal waves, impinging the sediment-starved basin margin slope, may also have been important in scouring the bottom. A model of internal wave erosion during the Taghanic transgression is presented herein; we feel that such erosion, concentrated at or near the base of the pycnocline during a period of relative sea level rise, offers a particularly good explanation for the observed juxtaposition of Geneseo and other similar black shale deposits on erosional discontinuities. The diachronous character of Leicester lenses and associated black Genesee muds above the unconformity suggests a transient rather than fixed basin axis allowing for progressive westward burial of the unconformity and assiciated remanie deposits by onlapping black muds. Older and younger occurrences of resedimented pyrite are briefly described from other Devonian basinal units and are shown to have formed in about the same manner as the Leicester. Reworked pyrite is believed to be common, although seldom recognized, in Phanerozoic sediment-starved basinal settings. Moreover, detrital pyrite, analogous to that described herein, probably awaits discovery in certain modern marine basins.
A two-step process for graphically summarizing spatial temporal multivariate data in two dimensions

Graphical illustration and exploration of atmospheric data, like those from the 2006 ASA Data Exposition, is challenging. We chose to employ a two-step process, which consisted of exploring the presented data (1) from a ‘global’ view by simultaneously displaying the spatial and temporal components of individual variables in the data set using a geographic grid of polar coordinate plots or circular histograms that incorporated elevation as a background color, and (2) from a ‘local’ view by displaying the relationships between multiple variables at specific geographic locations and/or time points/periods (selected via step 1) using scatterplot matrices.
A Comparison of Four Eastern Smallmouth Bass Streams

Abstract Four smallmouth bass streams in the Potomac River watershed are compared. In the largest stream, the Shenandoah River near Berryville, Virginia, the fingerling bass (Micropterus dolomieu) grew to an average length of 4.25 inches during 1936, whereas in the South Branch of the Potomac near Romney, West Virginia, fingerlings attained a length of 2.75 inches by the end of the summer. In the Shenandoah River and probably also in its North Fork, bass grow rapidly and attain the legal size of 10 inches in three years, but in the South Branch of the Potomac and in the Cacapon River from four to six years or more are required for the fish to grow to legal size. The muddy condition of the Shenandoah and North Fork for long periods during the summer affects the success of natural propagation. These streams also have extensive riffle areas over limestone ledges where bass find shelter while feeding. In the South Branch of the Potomac and in the Cacapon River the riffles are short and little shelter is avail...
A dynamic analysis for revealing object ownership and sharing

We present a dynamic analysis for inferring object ownership and sharing, defined in terms of the write control graph. We render the results in an interactive hierarchical matrix visualizer.The purpose of the analysis and visualization is to reveal object ownership and sharing relations in the program, to facilitate program understanding and modification tasks.
Probing the EOS of dense neutron-rich matter with high-energy radioactive beams

Abstract Nuclear reactions induced by high energy radioactive beams create a transient state of nuclear matter with high density and appreciable neutron to proton asymmetry. This will provide a unique opportunity to explore novel properties of dense neutron-rich matter and the isosppin-dependence of the nuclear equation of state (EOS). Here we study theπ − /π + ratio as a probe of the EOS of dense neutron-rich matter.
The Effect of Daily Mouthrinsing with Stannous Fluoride on Dental Plaque and Gingivitis — Four-month Results

This clinical trial of a daily 0.1% SnF2 mouthrinse involved over 400 children, from 12 to 15 years of age. With 0.05% NaF as the active control, rinsing was conducted daily for four mo after baseline examinations. Four-month examinations showed significantly lower Plaque Index scores for the SnF2 group. Gingival Index scores for the SnF2 group were lower, but the difference did not reach statistical significance.
Romanticism, Psychoanalysis and the Interpretation of Silence

Representations of intimacy in romantic and psychoanalytic literature typically oscillate between forceful affirmations of sympathetic attunement and emphatic assertions of a vital existential priv...
DNA Diagnostics--Molecular Techniques and Automation

Molecular biology has revolutionized the understanding of many aspects of human disease. Ongoing developments in DNA diagnostics--the analysis of disease at the nucleic acid level--will soon provide automated, rapid, and inexpensive analyses for DNA or RNA sequences associated with genetic, malignant, and infectious diseases. DNA diagnostics will also facilitate the identification of disease-associated genes at birth, thus creating new opportunities for preventive medicine.
Assessment of therapeutic efficacy and fate of engineered human mesenchymal stem cells for cancer therapy

The poor prognosis of patients with aggressive and invasive cancers combined with toxic effects and short half-life of currently available treatments necessitate development of more effective tumor selective therapies. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are emerging as novel cell-based delivery agents; however, a thorough investigation addressing their therapeutic potential and fate in different cancer models is lacking. In this study, we explored the engineering potential, fate, and therapeutic efficacy of human MSCs in a highly malignant and invasive model of glioblastoma. We show that engineered MSC retain their "stem-like" properties, survive longer in mice with gliomas than in the normal brain, and migrate extensively toward gliomas. We also show that MSCs are resistant to the cytokine tumor necrosis factor apoptosis ligand (TRAIL) and, when engineered to express secreted recombinant TRAIL, induce caspase-mediated apoptosis in established glioma cell lines as well as CD133-positive primary glioma cells in vitro. Using highly malignant and invasive human glioma models and employing real-time imaging with correlative neuropathology, we demonstrate that MSC-delivered recombinant TRAIL has profound anti-tumor effects in vivo. This study demonstrates the efficacy of diagnostic and therapeutic MSC in preclinical glioma models and forms the basis for developing stem cell-based therapies for different cancers.
Information flow and its relation to stability of the motion of vehicles in a rigid formation

In this note, we consider the effect of information flow on the propagation of errors in spacing in a collection of vehicles trying to maintain a rigid formation during translational maneuvers. The motion of each vehicle is described using a linear time-invariant (LTI) system. We consider undirected and connected information flow graphs, and assume that each vehicle can communicate with a maximum of q vehicles, where q may vary with the size n of the collection. We consider translational maneuver of a reference vehicle, where its steady state velocity is different from its initial velocity. In the absence of any disturbing forces acting on the vehicles during the maneuver, it is desired that the collection be controlled in such a way that its motion asymptotically resembles that of a rigid body. In the presence of bounded disturbing forces acting on the vehicles, it is desired that the maximum deviation of the motion of the collection from that of a rigid body be bounded and be independent of the size of the collection. We consider a decentralized feedback control scheme, where the controller of each vehicle takes into account the aggregate errors in position and velocity from the vehicles with which it is in direct communication. We assume that all vehicles start at their respective desired positions and velocities. Since the displacement of every vehicle at the end of the maneuver of the reference vehicle must be the same, we show that the loop transfer function must have at least two poles at the origin. We then show that if the loop transfer function has three or more poles at the origin, then the motion of the collection is unstable, that is, its deviation from the rigid body motion is arbitrarily large, if the size of the formation is sufficiently large. If l is the number of poles of the transfer function relating the position of a vehicle with its control input, we show that if (q(n)/n)rarr0 as nrarrinfin, then there is a low frequency sinusoidal disturbance of at most unit amplitude acting on each vehicle such that the maximum errors in spacing response increase at least as Omega(((radicn/q(n))l+1)).A function p(n) is Omega(q(n)) if there exists a nonzero constant c>0 and a N* such that |p(n)|gesc|q(n)| for all n>N* . A consequence of the results presented in this note is that the maximum errors in spacing and velocity of any vehicle can be made insensitive to the size of the collection only if there is at least one vehicle in the collection that communicates with at least Omega(n) other vehicles in the collection
Measuring Organizational Safety and Effectiveness at NASA

Abstract:Many project managers may be fully aware of the safety risks within their organizations. What they may not know, however, is that many of these risks are caused by the underlying safety culture of the organization rather than human individual differences in the organization. This article argues that managers can mitigate safety risks by obtaining a better understanding of their organizations' culture. The researchers created a management metric that enables engineering/project managers to identify positive and negative aspects of safety that are tied to their organizations' cultures. The article presents a process that managers can use to increase safety and effectiveness in their organizations based on a case study in which the researchers made preparations to employ the metric at NASA.
New evidence for a pressure-induced phase transformation during the indentation of silicon

Scanning electron micrographs of indents in (111) silicon reveal that a thin layer of material immediately adjacent to the indenter is plastically extruded. The fact that the material can be deformed in this way indicates that it has metallic-like mechanical properties. This is presented as new evidence that a pressure-induced phase transformation to the metallic state occurs during the indentation of silicon.
Why is the fetal allograft not rejected

In viviparous species, the conceptus must be protected from a potentially hostile maternal immune system. The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) is a genetic region that encodes MHC class I and class II proteins, which present peptide antigens to T lymphocytes and induce graft rejection. The MHC, class II proteins are only expressed on professional, antigen-presenting cells. However, classical, MHC class I proteins are expressed on all nucleated somatic cells. Protection of the conceptus from immune-mediated rejection involves downregulation of classical MHC class I antigen expression on trophoblast cells, which form the external epithelial layer of the placenta, and maintenance of an immunologically favorable immunosuppressive environment in the uterus. Normally, bovine trophoblast cells do not express MHC class I antigens before d 120 of pregnancy. However, during the last third of gestation, trophoblast cells in the inter-placentomal and arcade regions of the placenta express classical, MHC class I proteins, which could potentially induce fetal rejection, as well as nonclassical, MHC class I proteins. A human, nonclassical, MHC class I antigen, human leukocyte antigen G, is an important immunoregulatory factor required for the maintenance of pregnancy. In cattle, MHC class I expression during the last third of pregnancy has no adverse effects and probably contributes to placental separation at parturition. However, somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) conceptuses, the majority of which are aborted between d 30 and 90 of pregnancy, had trophoblast cell expression of MHC class I antigens before d 34 of pregnancy. In conjunction with increased trophoblast MHC class I expression, SCNT pregnancies exhibited a marked increase in the number of stromal lymphocytes in the uteri of surrogate dams. A retrospective study found that SCNT pregnancies established using MHC class I-homozygous cell lines, in which the immunological barrier is greatly reduced, had significantly improved fetal survival from d 28 to term (51% survival for MHC-homozygous and 5% for MHC-heterozygous SCNT fetuses). Consequently, it appears that the high rate of fetal mortality in SCNT pregnancies is due, at least in part, to inappropriate expression of trophoblast, MHC class I antigens resulting in immune-mediated placental rejection. This suggests that appropriate regulation of MHC class I genes is critical for immunological acceptance of an allogeneic conceptus.
Toxicity characterization of environmental chemicals by the US National Toxicology Program: an overview.

The US National Toxicology Program (NTP) is an interagency program whose mission is to evaluate agents of public health concern by developing and applying the tools of modern toxicology and molecular biology. Chemicals substances or physical agents selected for toxicology and carcinogenesis evaluations by the NTP are usually studied in a series of subacute (14-day exposure), subchronic (90-day exposure) and chronic (2-year exposure) studies in rodents. The NTP has published more than 500 reports of the findings and conclusions from its toxicology and carcinogenesis studies. In more specialized studies, the NTP also evaluates adverse effects on the structure and function of the immune, reproductive, nervous, and respiratory systems. The program attempts to evaluate and appropriately incorporate new technologies to improve the way we study the toxicity of chemicals. For example, the program has extensively evaluated several transgenic mouse models for their potential use as short-term cancer screens and has been a full participant in an international effort to examine their usefulness in pharmaceutical registration. Toxicogenomics, an emerging scientific field that examines the expression of thousands of genes simultaneously in response to chemical exposure, holds promise for future application to better understand the underlying mechanisms of chemical toxicity. A number of public health issues being addressed by the NTP are not only of national importance but also have global impact, such as the potential for endocrine disruptors to influence development and carcinogenesis and the safety of herbal medicines and dietary supplements. The program participates in the preparation of national and international toxicity testing guidelines and the findings from NTP studies are widely used for risk assessments by international organizations and federal agencies. The NTP maintains databases that contain toxicity, and health and safety information on a large number of chemicals. These databases are available from the NTP web site (http://ntp-server.niehs.nih.gov) and are accessed over 100000 times a month from around the world.
Antagonism between Bovine Growth Hormone (STH) and Pregnenolone-16β-Carbonitrile (PCN) with Regard to Resistance against Digitoxin and Indomethacin

In rats, the protection offered by pregnenolone-16β-carbonitrile (PCN) against severe digitoxin or indomethacin intoxication can be blocked by the concurrent administration of a purified bovine growth hormone (STH) preparation. Apparently, a naturally-occurring endocrine principle can counteract the protective action of a catatoxic steroid. (Endocrinology 90: 1407, 1972)
Combustion simulations with accurate transport properties for reactive intermediates

Abstract The effect of employing accurate transport properties in simulations of freely propagating H 2 /O 2 /He and CH 4 /O 2 flames is investigated. Transport properties for the collision pairs H 2 –H 2 , H–H 2 , and H–H are computed from published tables of collision integrals. Previous calculations in our group of transport properties for OH–He, H–H 2 O and H–O 2 have been extended to higher temperatures. In addition, new calculations on H–He, O–He, H 2 –He, and H 2 O–He are reported. Flame simulations with two sets of transport data were compared. The first set contained transport properties obtained with the conventional method of employing parameterized Lennard-Jones (12-6) potentials, while in the second set transport properties for the above collision pairs were substituted. A modest increase in laminar flame speeds, comparable to differences found when employing different chemistry models, was found for both flames.
Steroid-Resistant Lymphatic Remodeling in Chronically Inflamed Mouse Airways

Angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis participate in many inflammatory diseases, and their reversal is thought to be beneficial. However, the extent of reversibility of vessel remodeling is poorly understood. We exploited the potent anti-inflammatory effects of the corticosteroid dexamethasone to test the preventability and reversibility of vessel remodeling in Mycoplasma pulmonis-infected mice using immunohistochemistry and quantitative RT-PCR. In this model robust immune responses drive rapid and sustained changes in blood vessels and lymphatics. In infected mice not treated with dexamethasone, capillaries enlarged into venules expressing leukocyte adhesion molecules, sprouting angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis occurred, and the inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor and interleukin-1 increased. Concurrent dexamethasone treatment largely prevented the remodeling of blood vessels and lymphatics. Dexamethasone also significantly reduced cytokine expression, bacterial burden, and leukocyte influx into airways and lungs over 4 weeks of infection. In contrast, when infection was allowed to proceed untreated for 2 weeks and then was treated with dexamethasone for 4 weeks, most blood vessel changes reversed but lymphangiogenesis did not, suggesting that different survival mechanisms apply. Furthermore, dexamethasone significantly reduced the bacterial burden and influx of lymphocytes but not of neutrophils or macrophages or cytokine expression. These findings show that lymphatic remodeling is more resistant than blood vessel remodeling to corticosteroid-induced reversal. We suggest that lymphatic remodeling that persists after the initial inflammatory response has resolved may influence subsequent inflammatory episodes in clinical situations.
Preparation and reactions of Mn2(CO)9(.eta.1-aldehyde) complexes

The reaction of HMn(CO) 5 with RMn(CO) 5 (R=CH 3 , p-CH 3 C 6 H 4 , or CH 2 CH 2 CH)=C(Ph)CH 3 ) gives Mn 2 -(CO) 9 (η l -RCHO) complexes. It is suggested that these Mn 2 (CO) 9 (η 1 -aldehyde) complexes may provide a model for a previously unobserved intermediate in the formation of aldehydes from the hydroformylation of olefins. The η 1 -aldehyde ligand is weakly bound to the manganese, as evidence by its facile displacement by ligands such as CO, PPh 3 , and CH 3 CN. The kinetics of the reaction of HMn(CO) 5 with (CO) 5 Mn(CH 2 CH 2 CH=C(Ph)CH 3 ) were studied by 1 H NMR at 25°C in C 6 D 6
Structural Sensitivity of Interband Tunnel Diodes for SRAM

Here, we present a study to outline the design space and trade-offs for high PVCR, low-voltage, low-current tunnel diodes with best results for peak currents and voltages being 4.3 nA/mum2, 50 mV with PVCR of 15, and demonstrate a fabrication process yielding submicron interband tunnel diodes for the first time. The PVCR of submicron diodes is observed to degrade for submicron device mesas indicating the need for passivation to maintain the PVCR.
Changing expectations: Do journals drive methodological changes? Should they?

Abstract “Yes” to both questions. I believe that journals can, should, and do drive methodological changes. However, it is not a unilateral responsibility; authors and teachers also must be drivers of improvements. There are multiple ways that journals drive change: Journals promote new concepts and methods in study design and data analysis by publishing them—giving the new methodologies voice and credibility after peer review. Journals further promote new methodologies by asking authors to adhere to the newest appropriate best methods (relying heavily on advice from reviewers). Journals enforce methodological quality standards through their review processes and by asking authors to adhere to recognized, published guidelines for the information that should be included in manuscripts. I summarized what I consider to be the key features of 15 of the statements of guidelines. Now that good guidelines (e.g., CONSORT, STROBE, STARD, PRISMA, REFLECT-LFS) are available on so many topics, I recommend that we require these as minimum reporting standards so that the information content of papers is forced to be high. The guidelines should make is easier for reviewers and editors to make sure nothing was overlooked in the review process, and make it easier for authors to see the minimum standards and their justifications. It should be a positively reinforcing system. Authors develop these new concepts and methods, use the guidelines, and cooperate in good faith with the journals to which their manuscripts are submitted. Some authors also become reviewers and further contribute to the process. Good teachers offer the next academic generations both the best current concepts and practices and the understanding that improvements will come along and must be considered for adoption. I made six recommendations regarding reporting guidelines.
Evaluation of oral performance in outsourced call centres: An exploratory case study

Abstract This case study discusses the development and use of an oral performance assessment instrument intended to evaluate Filipino agents’ customer service transactions with callers from the United States (US). The design and applications of the instrument were based on a longitudinal, qualitative observation of language training and customer service support practices of Philippine-based agents employed by a US-owned call centre company. Although language training in Philippine call centers continues to improve ( Lockwood, 2012 ), there are still clear limitations to how the oral performance of Filipino agents is evaluated internally by call centre companies. Specialized assessment instruments, following ESP/EOP norms, broadly used by the industry are still relatively untested and many call centers maintain their own metrics that often measure agents’ language use and service quality separately ( Friginal, 2007 , Friginal, 2009 ). In this study, the assessment instrument was adapted from the Melbourne Medical Students’ Diagnostic Speaking Scale ( Grove & Brown, 2001 ) and further developed to include ESP/EOP approaches in this context of inter-cultural communication. A conveniently sampled set of recorded calls (N = 100) across different task categories (e.g., troubleshooting interactions, product inquiry) was used to test the instrument for initial reliability measures. Results and analysis of the instrument’s context suitability and limitations are discussed below.
Mechanisms of Cytotoxicity in Human Ovarian Carcinoma Cells Exposed to Free Mce6 or HPMA Copolymer–Mce6 Conjugates¶

It is essential to understand cellular responses on photodynamic therapy (PDT) to design delivery systems that maximize cytotoxic effects coupled with minimal induction of side effects or protective mechanisms (or both). Here, we investigated mechanisms of toxicity in human ovarian carcinoma A2780 cells treated with structurally diverse N-(2-hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide (HPMA) copolymer (P)-mesochlorin e6 monoethylenediamine (Mce6) conjugates that possessed differential subcellular accumulation or covalent attachments of photosensitizers (or both). Apoptosis and necrosis were observed after photoactivation, with increased apoptotic responses observed in cells exposed to conjugates possessing Mce6 linkage via a lysosomally degradable tetrapeptide spacer (HPMA copolymer-Mce6 conjugates containing Mce6 bound via glycylphenylalanylleucylglycine [GFLG] linker [P-GFLG-Mce6], HPMA copolymer-Mce6 conjugates containing Mce6 bound via a GFLG spacer and containing nuclear localization sequence, PKKKRKV132K(FITC)C [NLS(fluorescein-5-isothiocyanate [FITC])] bound via a thioether linkage [P-NLS(FITC)-GFLG-Mce6]). Furthermore, the induction of necrosis was more pronounced in cells exposed to conjugates containing both a nuclear localization sequence (NLS) and Mce6 bound by a degradable linker (P-NLS(FITC)-GFLG-Mce6). Caspase-independent mechanisms of cell death were identified in cells treated with nuclear-targeted conjugates possessing Mce6 attached using a nondegradable tether (HPMA copolymer-Mce6 conjugates containing Mce6 bound via a GG spacer and containing NLS(FITC) bound via a thioether linkage [P-NLS(FITC)-GG-Mce6]), whereas low levels of apoptosis and necrosis were detected in cells exposed to photoactivated nontargeted HPMA copolymer-Mce6 conjugates containing Mce6 coupled through a nondegradable spacer (HPMA copolymer-Mce6 conjugates containing Mce6 bound via GG linker [P-GG-Mce6]). Variations in gene expression were observed in cells on PDT. Specifically, HSP70 expression was solely detected in cells treated with P-GFLG-Mce6, whereas the loss of detection of several genes were observed in cells treated with P-NLS(FITC)-GFLG-Mce6. Variations in cellular responses on PDT using different HPMA copolymer-Mce6 conjugates will prove useful in the design of optimal HPMA copolymer PDT delivery systems.
Factorization in Krein Spaces

Abstract The factorization theory of analytic functions is an aspect of complex analysis which owes its modern formulation to the work of Beurling on invariant subspaces of the shift. Certain Hilbert spaces of analytic functions which result from his ideas were constructed by de Branges and Rovnyak. The resulting interplay between complex analysis and operator theory remains a dominant theme of contemporary analysis. The proof of the Bieberbach conjecture and an attack on the Riemann hypothesis are some of the more striking examples of these concepts. These results are obtained in the background of a remarkable interpolation theory for analytic functions, not only with complex values, but also with values in a Krein space. The concept of a unitary linear system allows a characterization of the basic Hilbert spaces of analytic functions of the interpolation theory.
Niobium resonance parameters

Abstract Neutron resonances for niobium were investigated in the energy range 30 to 1400 eV using the General Atomic linear accelerator, a 4000 1 liquid scintillator capture γ-ray detector and the time-of-flight method. Resonance parameters were deduced from capture and self-indication data. The average total radiation widths were found to be Γ γ = 135 meV for s-wave levels and Γ γ = 170 meV for p-wave levels. Radioactivity was observed in 94 Nb with a half-life of ≈ 65 μsec and is thought to be due to an unidentified isometric state.
Complex refractive index and phosphorus concentration profiles in P+31 ion implanted silicon by ellipsometry and auger electron spectroscopy

Abstract Ellipsometrically measured complex retractive index profiles in high energy P+31 ion implanted silicon have been compared with the phosphorus concentration profiles determined by in-depth profiling of the implanted surface using Auger electron spectroscopy in conjunction with in-situ ion sputtering. Structure was observed in the phosphorus profile which corresponds to structure in the complex refractive index profiles of unannealed specimens. This implies that the complex refractive index profile of the unannealed surface is sensitive to the concentration of the implanted species as well as the amount of structural disorder in the implanted layer. These results also indicate that the implanted phosphorus tends to build up in the more highly damaged regions, possibly through a radiation enhanced self-diffusion mechanism.
In the mirror of the justices: Sources of greatness on the Supreme Court

Few political scientists have undertaken systematic study of the determinants of greatness on the Supreme Court. In this article, I formulate and test a series of competing explanations for judicial eminence in a multivariate model. For the measure of performance on the Court, I use Blaustein and Mersky's ratings of the justices. The alternative explanations include social backgrounds, occupational experiences, political connections, experiences on the Court, and region of residence. Neither occupational experiences nor political connections have an appreciable impact on the level of achievement a justice reaches. Thus, contrary to one of the most popular hypotheses, previous judicial experience does not give an individual any advantage. Instead, in much greater measure, experiences on the Supreme Court and certain social backgrounds differentiate among the various levels of performance. In particular, the statistical analysis indicates the centrality and potency of parental status, religious affiliation, reputation as a dissenter, the number of opinions written in “landmark” cases, holding the office of chief justice, years of service, and the age of the justice at appointment.
c-Jun NH2-Terminal Kinase 2α2 Promotes the Tumorigenicity of Human Glioblastoma Cells

c-Jun NH(2)-terminal kinases (JNK) are members of the mitogen-activated protein kinase family and have been implicated in the formation of several human tumors, especially gliomas. We have previously shown that a 55 kDa JNK isoform is constitutively active in 86% of human brain tumors and then showed that it is specifically a JNK2 isoform and likely to be either JNK2alpha2 or JNK2beta2. Notably, we found that only JNK2 isoforms possess intrinsic autophosphorylation activity and that JNK2alpha2 has the strongest activity. In the present study, we have further explored the contribution of JNK2 isoforms to brain tumor formation. Analysis of mRNA expression by reverse transcription-PCR revealed that JNK2alpha2 is expressed in 91% (10 of 11) of glioblastoma tumors, whereas JNK2beta2 is found in only 27% (3 of 11) of tumors. Both JNK2alpha2 and JNK2beta2 mRNAs are expressed in normal brain (3 of 3). Using an antibody specific for JNK2alpha isoforms, we verified that JNK2alpha2 protein is expressed in 88.2% (15 of 17) of glioblastomas, but, interestingly, no JNK2alpha2 protein was found in six normal brain samples. To evaluate biological function, we transfected U87MG cells with green fluorescent protein-tagged versions of JNK1alpha1, JNK2alpha2, and JNK2alpha2APF (a dominant-negative mutant), and derived cell lines with stable expression. Each cell line was evaluated for various tumorigenic variables including cellular growth, soft agar colony formation, and tumor formation in athymic nude mice. In each assay, JNK2alpha2 was found to be the most effective in promoting that phenotype. To identify effectors specifically affected by JNK2alpha2, we analyzed gene expression. Gene profiling showed several genes whose expression was specifically up-regulated by JNK2alpha2 but down-regulated by JNK2alpha2APF, among which eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E (eIF4E) shows the greatest change. Because AKT acts on eIF4E, we also examined AKT activation. Unexpectedly, we found that JNK2alpha2 could specifically activate AKT. Our data provides evidence that JNK2alpha2 is the major active JNK isoform and is involved in the promotion of proliferation and growth of human glioblastoma tumors through specific activation of AKT and overexpression of eIF4E.
Is there a SERT-ain association with IBS?

The homozygous short genotype of SERT-P may be a candidate gene for diarrhoea predominant irritable bowel syndrome in women In this issue of Gut , Yeo and colleagues1 report on the association between a functional polymorphism in the serotonin transporter gene and diarrhoea predominant irritable bowel syndrome (D-IBS) in women (see page 1452) . In a study of 194 North American female participants with D-IBS in a clinical trial programme and 448 female controls, there was an association between the homozygous short genotype of SERT-P (serotonin reuptake transporter gene) and the D-IBS phenotype, with an odds ratio of 2.25 (95% confidence interval 1.51–3.31). The fact that the confidence interval does not cross the value of 1 suggests that the association is statistically significant, and the authors suggest that the SERT-P may be a candidate gene for D-IBS in women. To place these interesting observations in perspective, the reader may wish to address the following. What is SERT? What is the theoretical consequence of a polymorphism of the SERT-P gene? What happens to animals when the SERT gene is knocked out? Have other studies addressed the association of this polymorphism and IBS? Are there any pitfalls in the interpretation of such association studies? Serotonin (5-hydroxtryptamine, 5-HT) is secreted in copious amounts from gut enteroendocrine cells and serves as a critical messenger for gastrointestinal fluid secretion and gut motility.2,3 There are seven subclasses of serotonergic receptors, differentiated on the basis of structure, molecular mechanism, and function.4 In contrast with the remarkable diversity of 5-HT receptors, only a single protein, the 5-HT transporter (or SERT), mediates reuptake of 5-HT from the synaptic cleft and thus termination of its action. The approved gene symbol for SERT is SLC6A4 (solute carrier family 6 member 4); this abbreviation is used in …
Hydrogen incorporation in stishovite at high pressure and symmetric hydrogen bonding in δ-AlOOH

Abstract First-principles calculations of stishovite (SiO2), δ-AlOOH, and stishovite–δ-AlOOH solid solutions reveal that coupled substitutions of Al3+ and H+ for Si4+ provide a means for dissolving significant amounts of hydrogen in stishovite under lower-mantle conditions. The enthalpy of solution is positive, decreasing in magnitude with increasing pressure. Combining our results with a model of the configurational entropy we find that the solubility of water in stishovite exceeds 0.3 wt% H2O at 25 GPa and 1500 K, realistic temperatures for subducting slabs, and that the solubility increases with increasing pressure and temperature. We predict asymmetric hydrogen bonding in the stishovite–δ-AlOOH solid solution that becomes increasingly symmetric with increasing pressure. Our results support the recently predicted symmetric hydrogen bonding in δ-AlOOH, and indicate that symmetric hydrogen bonding may be stable at ambient conditions in this material.
Electrogenerative oxidation of ethanol to acetaldehyde

Ethanol enriched vapor streams from twenty-five volume percent ethanol-water mixtures can be selectively oxidized with porous platinum electrodes and sulfuric acid electrolyte in the elec-trogeneratice mode to give acetaldehyde. Acetaldehyde yield from ethanol depends on potential and feed rate of ethanol vapor in the carrier gas stream. Control of conversions of ethanol to acetaldehyde in the range of 3 to more than 60 percent in a single stage is demonstrated. It is shown that at moderate flow rates for selective conversion there is a preferred potential range at which to operate the electrogenerative reactor.
Effect of various tooth whitening modalities on microhardness, surface roughness and surface morphology of the enamel.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of four whitening modalities on surface enamel as assessed with microhardness tester, profilometer, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Whitening was performed according to manufacturer’s directions for over-the-counter (OTC), dentist dispensed for home use (HW) and in-office (OW) whitening. Do-it-yourself (DIY) whitening consisted of a strawberry and baking soda mix. Additionally, negative and positive controls were used. A total of 120 enamel specimens were used for microhardness testing at baseline and post-whitening. Following microhardness testing specimens were prepared for SEM observations. A total of 120 enamel specimens were used for surface roughness testing at baseline and post-whitening (n = 20 per group). Rank-based Analysis of Covariance was performed to compare microhardness and surface roughness changes. Tests of hypotheses were two-sided with α = 0.05. There was a significant difference in Knoop hardness changes (ΔKHN) among the groups (Kruskal–Wallis test, p < 0.0001). Significant hardness reduction was observed in the positive control and DIY group (p < 0.0001). Mean surface roughness changes (ΔRa) were significantly different among the groups (Kruskal–Wallis test, p < 0.0001). Surface roughness increased in the OTC group (p = 0.03) and in the positive control (p < 0.0001). The four whitening modalities—DIY, OTC, HW and OW induced minimal surface morphology changes when observed with SEM. It can be concluded that none of the four whitening modalities adversely affected enamel surface morphology. However, caution should be advised when using a DIY regimen as it may affect enamel microhardness and an OTC product as it has the potential to increase surface roughness.
Business ethics in Japan

This essay discusses the group orientation of Japanese business and its pragmatic decision making. It is argued that while group orientation fosters loyalty and cooperation, it has also led to exclusivity, discrimination against outsiders, and the pressure to conform. Pragmatic decision making gives flexibility but can lead to lack of principle and abuses. Since the early 1990s, however, traditional business values and practices have been changing because of changing circumstances.
Cooperatively Enhanced Ionic Hydrogen Bonds in Cl-(CH3OH)1-3Ar Clusters

Infrared predissociation (IRPD) spectra of Cl−(CH3OH)1−3Ar and Cl−(CH3OD)1−3Ar were obtained in the OH and CH stretching regions. The use of methanol-d1 was necessary to distinguish between CH stretches and hydrogen-bonded OH features. The spectra of Cl−(CH3OH)2−3Ar show intense features at frequencies lower than the CH stretches, indicating structures with very strong hydrogen bonds. These strong hydrogen bonds arise from structures in which a Cl−···methanol ionic hydrogen bond is cooperatively enhanced by the presence of a second shell and, in the case of Cl−(CH3OH)3Ar, a third shell methanol. The strongest hydrogen bond is observed in the Cl−(CH3OH)3Ar spectrum at 2733 cm−1, shifted a remarkable −948 cm−1 from the neutral, gas-phase methanol value. Harmonic, ab initio frequency calculations are not adequate in describing these strong hydrogen bonds. Therefore, we describe a simple computational approach to better approximate the hydrogen bond frequencies. Overall, the results of this study indicate tha...
Phase I/II study of intraperitoneal floxuridine and platinums (cisplatin and/or carboplatin).

Previous studies have shown that intraperitoneal (i.p.) floxuridine (FUDR) is tolerated at a dose of 3 g x 3 days given in 1.5-2 L of normal saline (NS). In a randomized phase II trial by the Southwest Oncology Group, this treatment was selected for further study because of a favorable 1-year progression-free survival. We have now evaluated ip FUDR in full doses combined with i.p. cisplatin given on the third day at a dose of 60 mg/m2 in 500 mL of NS. Intraperitoneal carboplatin was partially or fully substituted for i.p. cisplatin in patients with symptomatic neuropathies. All patients also received i.p. leucovorin, as previously piloted for fluoropyrimidine modulation. Seven patients with symptomatic ascites or measurable tumors were entered, as were 11 asymptomatic patients with minimal residual (< or = 1 cm) epithelial ovarian cancer. Six cycles of the combination of i.p. FUDR + cisplatin were completed in three patients; however, the combination of FUDR with both platinums was particularly well tolerated. Intraperitoneal FUDR + carboplatin (AUC of 5) was associated with some grade 3 and 4 thrombocytopenia and neutropenia. Eight of these 11 patients are alive, and 3 have been continuously with no evidence of disease exceeding 32 months. The regimen of i.p. FUDR + i.p. cisplatin (or i.p. FUDR with both platinums) is suitable for a phase III trial testing i.p. therapy either from the outset (e.g., i.p. up front) or after achieving clinical complete responses from initial treatment without intervening relapse (i.e., i.p. consolidation) in comparison to i.p. cisplatin.
The effects of adrenal hormones on brain and body size

By surgical means and selective hormone replacement, the adrenal secretions responsible for the suppression of brain growth were investigated. Adrenalectomy, but not demedullation, promoted brain growth, indicating that the active hormone was a cortical steroid. Replacement at various doses of mineralocorticoids (aldosterone,.02 and.5 mg/kg; deoxycorticosterone, 1.0 and 3.0 mg/kg) and corticosterone (1, 3, 15 mg/kg) revealed that mineralocorticoids were without influence on hindbrain weight, forebrain weight, or linear dimensions. These hormones did, however, exact a pronounced effect on body weight, seeming to increase fat deposition in a dose-dependent manner. They did not, however, affect skeletal growth as assessed by body (nose to anus) length. Corticosterone strongly depressed brain weights and dimensions, indicating that this glucocorticoid was the likely steriod whose removal by adrenalectomy augmented brain size. Corticosterone also decreased body weight, seemingly at the expense of fat stores, since it had no effect on body length. A combined dose of corticosterone (8 mg/kg) and deoxycorticosterone (.6 mg/kg) administered to adrenalectomized rats was found to very closely match the brain and body characteristics of intact rats.
Fish Community Support in Wetlands within Protected Embayments of Lake Ontario

Abstract Fish community data were collected to investigate the role of wetlands in supporting fish communities of protected embayments in Lake Ontario. Wetland and deeper, more open, littoral sites were sampled in five protected embayments using gill nets, fyke nets, minnow traps, and electrofishing gear during the summers of 2001 and 2002. Pooled gear data were used to analyze community composition, size frequency, and species richness. We found that even within protected embayments where community composition of both habitats is similar, wetlands support a community of fish different in species dominance and size structure than littoral embayment habitats. The abundance of young-of-year fish suggests that wetlands support fish populations by providing important nursery habitat. The similarity in fish community composition between wetland and littoral habitats indicates that wetlands remain important in supporting a subset of the embayment fish community. These results demonstrate that both wetlands and littoral areas in embayments are valuable and intensively utilized fish habitats that should receive special consideration in ecosystem management plans for the Great Lakes.