cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Diagnostic yield of ThinPrep preparation in the assessment of fine-needle aspiration biopsy of salivary gland neoplasms

Background Fine-needle aspiration (FNA) has been widely recognized as an important modality in assessment of salivary gland neoplasms, and specimens are often processed as conventional smears. We conducted the current study to evaluate the diagnostic utility of ThinPrep preparation as an alternative method for assessment of salivary gland neoplasms. Methods A computer SNOMED search from the pathology database at our institution between July 1999 and June 2012 was conducted to identify FNA cytology specimens of salivary gland lesions for which follow-up surgical specimens revealed neoplasms. The FNA specimens were divided into two cohorts: one cohort consisted solely of the specimens in which all needle passes were collected into CytoLyt solution and only ThinPrep slides were prepared; and the other cohort included the specimens prepared with conventional smears. Diagnostic performance of the two cohorts was compared. Results Nondiagnostic rate of ThinPrep preparation was significantly higher than that of conventional smears (40% vs.18%; P <0.001). Among the diagnostic specimens, although more indeterminate diagnoses were generated in ThinPrep preparation compared to conventional smears (40% vs. 26%; P = 0.024), absolute cytohistologic concordant rate for the positive cases (type of neoplasms specified) is similar between the two preparations (80% vs. 86%; P = 0.354). Furthermore, there is no significant difference in rate of accurate diagnosis (correct typing of benign versus malignant neoplasm) between the two preparations (70% vs. 81%; P = 0.057). Conclusions ThinPrep may be considered as another practical method of specimen preparation in the assessment of salivary gland neoplasms, particularly when FNA is performed without immediate assistance from cytology. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2015;43:98–104. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Mechanisms of vesicular stomatitis virus-induced cytopathic effects. I. Early morphologic changes induced by infectious and defective-interfering particles.

Abstract Vesiculuar stomatitis virus (VSV)-induced morphological alterations were studied in LLC-MK2 and BHK-21 cells. At a multiplicity of 200 plaque-forming units (PFU)/cell, VSV causes cell rounding in LLC-MK2 cells involving about 50% of the monolayer at 1 hr after infection (early cell rounding). Cycloheximide (300 μg/ml) does not prevent this but does inhibit further morphological changes (late cell rounding). The number of early rounded cells does not significantly increase when a multiplicity of 2900 PFU/cell is used in the presence of this drug. Early cell rounding is also not prevented in LLC-MK2 cells by either inhibitors of RNA synthesis (Proflavine, 6-azauridine) or uv- irradiation of the virus. BHK-21 cells infected at a multiplicity of 200 PFU/cell, in the presence of cycloheximide, show little cell rounding; however, there is a significant increase in the number of early rounded cells when infected at 2900 PFU/cell. LLC-MK2 cells infected with defective-interfering (DI) particles (2000 particles/cell) show the same degree of early rounding seen in cells infected with infectious virus at a comparable multiplicity. However, infection with DI particles does not cause late cell rounding. Defective-interfering particles used in these experiments exhibit no transcriptase activity either in vitro or in vivo and are unable to direct the synthesis of viral proteins in infected cells. These results indicate that an input viral structural component(s) is responsible for the early rounding of VSV-infected cells.
Interventions Intended to Reduce Pregnancy-Related Outcomes Among Adolescents

This review synthesizes the evidence on the effectiveness of programs aimed at reducing sexual risk-taking among teens. By including only rigorous randomized controlled trials that meet additional methodological criteria, it uses meta-analytic techniques to estimates the average effects that interventions have on reducing sexual experience, unprotected sexual activity, and pregnancy rates. It focuses on four main types of interventions: (1) one-time consultations; (2) sex education programs with an abstinence focus (and no contraceptive focus); (3) sex education programs with a contraception component; and (4) multi-component youth development programs. In total, this review presents findings based on over 37,000 youth who were the subjects of 31 studies that reported on a total of 38 randomized trials of interventions aimed at reducing teen sexual activity and pregnancy.
Gastrointestinal candidiasis in a murine model of severe combined immunodeficiency syndrome.

A murine model of severe combined immunodeficiency syndrome (scid mice) affords an opportunity to study the interaction of Candida albicans with a host lacking functional B- and T-cell mechanisms. We have previously reported no significant difference in yeast recovery after intravenous challenge of BALB/c mice and scid mice with C. albicans (S. Mahanty, R.A. Greenfield, W.A. Joyce, and P.W. Kincade, Infect. Immun. 56:3162-3166, 1988). In this study, we evaluate the course of gastrointestinal candidiasis after a single oral challenge with C. albicans. BALB/c and scid mice received H2O containing 10(6) C. albicans per ml for 16 h. Half the mice of each strain continuously received H2O containing 1 mg of tetracycline per ml. Stool samples were cultured for yeast twice weekly until they were negative three consecutive times or positive for 8 weeks. Mice were then sacrificed for quantitative cultures of liver, spleen, and kidneys. At eight weeks postinoculation, 2 of 13 BALB/c mice, 0 of 14 BALB/c mice receiving tetracycline, 6 of 12 scid mice, and 8 of 13 scid mice receiving tetracycline had positive stool cultures (P less than 0.05, likelihood ratio chi-square). Quantitative recovery of yeasts from stools was also higher in the scid mice. Cultures of liver, spleen, and kidneys wer negative in all BALB/c mice and essentially all negative in scid mice; a single colony was isolated from the kidney of one scid mouse and the liver of another scid mouse. We conclude that B cells and/or T cells and their products are important in gastrointestinal colonization with C. albicans but that even in their absence, dissemination of infection from the gastrointestinal tract does not consistently occur. Thus, other aspects of host defense must be critical in containing gastrointestinal Candida colonization.
Prevalence and Severity of College Student Bereavement Examined in a Randomly Selected Sample

The authors used stratified random sampling to assess the prevalence and severity of bereavement in college undergraduates, providing an advance over findings that emerge from convenience sampling methods or from anecdotal observations. Prior research using convenience sampling indicated that 22% to 30% of college students are within 12 months of having experienced the death of a family member or friend. Using an ethnically diverse sample from a private, Midwestern university, 118 randomly selected students answered demographic and life experience questions and indicated whether a family member or friend had died within the last 24 months. Those who reported experiencing such a loss also completed the PG-13, a questionnaire used to assess prolonged grief disorder. Results indicated that 30% of the sample was within 12 months of experiencing a loss and 39% was within 24 months of experiencing a loss. Two of the students bereaved at 12 months (1.7% of the sample) were classified as having prolonged grief disorder. A limiting factor in this study is the homogeneity of the sample in terms of geographic location and religious preference. The authors concluded that a significant portion of college students are bereaved at any given time, confirmed previous estimates of the prevalence rate, and noted university assistance may be needed to prevent academic decline.
Resonance Raman spectroscopic and kinetic consequences of a nitrogen ... sulphur enzyme-substrate contact in a series of dithioacylpapains

The resonance Raman (RR) spectroscopic, conformational, and kinetic properties of six dithioacylpapain intermediates have been examined. Five of the intermediates are of the form N-(methyloxycarbonyl)-X-glycine-C(= S)S-papain, where X is L-phenyl-alanine, D-phenylalanine, glycine, L-phenylglycine, or D-phenylglycine. The sixth intermediate is N-phenylacetyl-glycine-C(= S)S-papain. Throughout the series there is an approximately 50-fold variation in kcat, the rate constant for deacylation, and a 1750-fold variation in kcat/KM. Existing RR spectra structure correlations allow us to define the torsional angles in the NH-CH2-C(= S)-S-CH2-CH fragment of the functioning intermediates. The values of these angles for each bound substrate appear to be very similar, with the substrates assuming a B-type conformer such that the nitrogen atom of the P1 glycine residue is cis to the thiol sulphur atom of cysteine-25. For each intermediate, the C(= S)S-CH2CH torsional angle is approximately -90 degrees, whereas for the SCH2-CH torisonal angle the cysteine-25 thiol sulphur (S) and cysteine-25 C alpha hydrogen (H) atoms are approximately trans. The three acyl-enzymes with the lowest catalytic rate constants, viz. N-(methyloxycarbonyl)-glycine-glycine-, N-(methyloxycarbonyl)-L-phenylglycine-glycine-, or N-(phenylacetyl)-glycine-dithioacylpapains, have atypical RR spectra in that they show a feature of medium intensity in the 1,085-cm-1 region. This band is sensitive to NH to ND exchange of the P1 glycine residues' (-NH-) function and, thus, the corresponding mode involves an excursion of the NH hydrogen.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Three-Parameter Kappa Distribution Maximum Likelihood Estimates and Likelihood Ratio Tests

Abstract Methods are presented for obtaining maximum likelihood estimates and tests of hypotheses involving the three-parameter kappa distribution. The obtained methods are then applied by fitting this distribution to realized sets of precipitation and streamflow data and testing for seeding effect differences between realized seeded and nonseeded sets of precipitation data. The kappa distribution appears to fit precipitation data as well as either the gamma or log-normal distribution. As a consequence, the sensitivity of test procedures based on the kappa distribution compares favorably with that of previously used test procedures. Since both the density and cumulative distribution functions of the kappa distribution are in closed form, the density and cumulative distribution functions associated with each order statistic are also in closed form. In contrast, the gamma and log-normal cumulative distribution functions are not in closed form. As a consequence, computations involving order statistics are fa...
Drug development in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer and poor performance status

Drug development represents a significant challenge in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer and poor performance status (PS) because of the short survival time of these patients and heterogeneity in the cause of poor PS. Historically, these patients have been excluded from clinical trials. However, there is now evidence that certain treatments can produce responses and increase survival in patients with poor PS. Several clinical trials have been conducted recently to investigate treatment options in these patients. This article reviews the need for such trials, the potentially greater risks with evaluating new drugs in such patients, recommendations for designing trials in the population, and the results in recently completed and ongoing clinical trials designed specifically for the PS2 population.
Statistical description of the uniaxial creep behavior of polypropylene foam

The basis of a statistical method for the analysis of creep data is described. The method consists of response surface fitting to a Taylor series expansion of a function about a point. The method is capable of treating multiaxial stress data and includes other variables, such as temperature, without undue mathematical complications. In addition, the statistical approach can account for such things as experimental error and sample variation. The uniaxial compressive creep-recovery behavior of a newly developed polypropylene foam was measured under loads of 140–705 g./cm.2 and temperatures of 23–74°C. The foam has a nominal density of 0.07 g./cc. and a mean molecular weight between crosslinks of 10,000. The creep behavior is described by a Taylor series expansion through the second order of a function of applied load, test temperature, foam density, and log time.
An evaluation of the impact of memory and mood on antiepileptic drug adherence.

Abstract Rationale Antiepileptic drugs are the mainstay of treatment for patients with epilepsy. Adherence to the prescribed regimen is a major factor in achieving a reduced seizure burden, which can decrease morbidity and mortality. Patients with epilepsy oftentimes complain about difficulty with memory. Because little is known about the relationship between memory and mood and adherence, the purpose of this project was to determine the impact of the confounding factors of memory and mood on antiepileptic drug adherence in patients with epilepsy. Methods One hundred adult patients with epilepsy were recruited from the outpatient neurology clinic for this cross-sectional study. Patients who met the inclusion criteria completed measures of subjective memory (subset of 6 memory questions from the QOLIE-89) and objective memory (Hopkins Verbal Learning Test — Revised), subjective adherence (Morisky scale) and objective adherence (medication possession ratio), and mood (Neurological Disorders Depression Inventory for Epilepsy). Refill records from each patient's community pharmacy were used to objectively assess adherence. Medication possession ratios were calculated based on the antiepileptic drug refill records over the previous 6 months. Patients were considered adherent if their MPR was > 80%. Results Women made up the majority of the sample (n = 59), and, on average, patients had been living with epilepsy for nearly 20 years. Approximately 40% of the sample were on antiepileptic drug monotherapy; most patients (> 70%) took their antiepileptic drugs twice daily, and the mean number of total medications was 4.25 ± 2.98. Based on the objective measure of adherence, 35% of the patients were nonadherent. Patients self-reported better adherence than what was objectively measured. Only the retention metric of the objective memory measure differentiated adherent patients from nonadherent patients. Patients in the adherent group had significantly lower depression scores (indicating better mood) compared with those in the nonadherent group (p = 0.04). Conclusions Objective memory measures were not robustly correlated with adherence. However, we observed that patients with higher depressed mood scores were more likely to be nonadherent. By targeting patients with epilepsy and comorbid depression, practitioners may identify patients at greatest risk of nonadherence and subsequent harm.
Modified technique for processing multiangle lidar data measured in clear and moderately polluted atmospheres

We present a modified technique for processing multiangle lidar data that is applicable for relatively clear atmospheres, where the utilization of the conventional Kano–Hamilton method meets significant issues. Our retrieval algorithm allows computing the two-way transmission and the corresponding extinction-coefficient profile in any slope direction searched during scanning. These parameters are obtained from the backscatter term of the Kano–Hamilton solution and the corresponding square-range-corrected signal; the second component of the solution, related with the vertical optical depth, is completely excluded from consideration. The inversion technique was used to process experimental data obtained with the Missoula Fire Sciences Laboratory lidar. Simulated and real experimental data are presented that illustrate the essentials of the data-processing technique and possible variants of the extinction-coefficient profile retrieval.
Homogeneity of Personality Characteristics: A Comparison between Old Order Amish and Non‐Amish1

The purpose of this study was to compare the variability of measured personality characteristics of 25 Amish and 25 non-Amish male youth, between the ages of 18 and 21, from the same community. This study assumed that the homogeneous nature of the Amish culture would predetermine greater similarity of personality among the Amish youth. The findings indicate that the aspect of personality similarity was significantly greater for the Amish group on 9 of 16 measures of personality. The findings were discussed in light of the Amish culture.
Adjoint sensitivity analysis of radiative transfer equation: 2. Applications to retrievals of temperature in scattering atmospheres in thermal IR☆

Abstract An approach to formulation of inversion algorithms for thermal sounding in the case of scattering atmosphere based on the adjoint equation of radiative transfer (Ustinov, JQSRT 68 (2001) 195, referred to as Paper 1 in the main text) is applied to temperature retrievals in the scattering atmosphere for the nadir viewing geometry. Analytical expressions for the weighting functions involving the integration of the source function are derived. Temperature weighting functions for a simple model of the atmosphere with scattering are evaluated and convergence to the case of pure atmospheric absorption is demonstrated. The numerical experiments on temperature retrievals are carried out to demonstrate the validity of the expressions obtained.
Postnatal growth and development of the gerbil brain.

Abstract The Mongolian gerbil brain undergoes most of its postnatal growth and development during the first 2 weeks of life. At birth the gerbil weighs only 4% of its adult body weight, and the cerebrum and cerebellum are only 24 and 9.9%, respectively, of their adult weights. The cerebrum is more mature at birth than is the cerebellum. At 7 days of age, the cerebrum contains 55.7% of its adult DNA content, whereas the cerebellum has amassed only 17.2% of its adult content. By 21 days of age, cerebral growth is essentially complete, as measured by DNA, RNA, and protein accumulation. Cholesterol content approaches adult values in the cerebrum by 60 days of age. The rate of growth of the cerebrum and rate of RNA accumulation peak at 7 to 8 days of age. The cerebral protein velocity curve reaches its maximum at 10 to 11 days, that of DNA at 12 days, and cholesterol at 17 days of age. Conversely, the cerebellum at 21 days of age has only 65.6% of its adult protein content and 77.4% of its adult weight, although DNA multiplication is nearly complete. Myelination, as measured by accumulation of cholesterol, is not complete until sometime between 90 and 180 days of age. The velocity maxima of the other cerebellar constituents occur at about 12 to 13 days of age.
Cardiopulmonary responses of male and female subjects to submaximal work on laddermill and cycle ergometer.

Twelve male and 9 female normal subjects climbod up a motor-driven ladder and of this group 9 males and 6 females also pedalled a cycle ergometer all at submaximal work loads. For climbing the ladder at inclination of 30° from vertical the whole body oxygen uptake was linearly related to both work rate in kg m and body weight in kg with the regression coefficients for work rate higher and for body weight lower for males than for females. No correlation with body weight was apparent for cycling and the regression coefficient for work rate was found to be practically the same for males and females. For climbing the ladder at 10° inclination the regression coefficient for work rate was smaller but the constant in the regression equation was larger as compared to 30° inclination. Work efficiency calculated from the regression coefficient of the work rate was about 25% for both climbing and cycling. Ventilation was found to be independent of body weight on both ergometers. The linearity of ventilation and hear...
Effect of steaming on one-step oxidation of benzene to phenol with nitrous oxide over Fe/MFI catalysts

Abstract One-step oxidation of benzene with N2O to phenol was studied over the iron–zeolite catalysts Fe/MFI and HMFI containing an Fe impurity. Catalysts were probed at 723 K and near atmospheric pressure using a fixed bed micro-flow reactor and a molar feed ratio of benzene/N2O/He=1/3/36. A plot of the activity as a function of the loading with accessible iron, shows that mono-nuclear sites, are much more active for this reaction than dinuclear sites, which are known to catalyze NOx reduction. The benzene to phenol reaction is found to be of the consecutive type, all CO2 is formed by burning of phenol. The reaction order at these conditions is zero both in benzene and N2O. A steam pretreatment at 923 K of the low Fe-containing catalyst is found to be instrumental in the formation of the “Ex-lattice” Fe sites, required for the reaction. The same treatment when applied to high Fe-load catalysts leads also to growth of Fe oxide particles, and likely favors formation of a solid solution of Fe and Al oxide. The catalyst is deactivated by coke deposits. This can be largely suppressed by water vapor in the feed, resulting in a stable performance. It is assumed that H2O displaces C6H5OH from the sites.
Oscillating sphere in a rotating viscous fluid

Oscillations of sphere in incompressible viscous fluid rotating with constant angular velocity
Use of VP-16-213 in the treatment of familial erythrophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis

Five patients with familial erythrophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (FEL), aged 6 weeks to 3 years, were treated with VP-16-213. The drug dosage ranged from 100 to 200 mg/m2 administered biweekly until remission was achieved, and then at 1- to 3-week intervals as maintenance therapy. Intrathecal methotrexate was given to two patients with central nervous system involvement. All patients attained remission. Systemic relapses often ensued in all patients when VP-16-213 was delayed because of myelosuppression, or after attempts to lengthen the treatment interval, but they initially responded again to a more intensive chemotherapy schedule. To date, four of the patients died from disseminated disease and terminal infections 15 to 20 months from the time of diagnosis. One child is alive and well 20 months from diagnosis. Three of the dead children had become refractory to the drug. Our observations show that VP-16-213 induces remissions and prolongs survival in FEL. However, since the patients eventually become refractory to the drug and die of the disease, additional forms of therapy are required to improve the outlook of affected children.
Poly (4-vinylpyridine-co-styrene) membranes do not show facilitated transport

Abstract Membranes of a copolymer of vinylpyridine and styrene are more permeable to hydrogen chloride dissolved in water than to other dissolved salts. The hydrogen chloride flux varies linearly with the hydrogen chloride concentration difference across the membrane, which is inconsistent with facilitated diffusion. The membrane apparently operates by a diffusion-solubility mechanism, with a diffusion coefficient around 2.2 × 10 −10 cm 2 /sec and a partition coefficient of 450. Earlier claims of facilitated diffusion in this solid membrane probably result from artifacts like lag times and like chemical degradation of the membrane, though they may also result from relaxation of copolymer chains.
The Laplace transform in discrete fractional calculus

We develop properties of the Laplace Transform in a discrete, fractional calculus setting, giving a precise treatment to convergence along the way. The end goal is to apply the Laplace Transform Method to solve a fractional initial value problem.
Detection and Identification of Aqueous Saccharides by Using Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy

The sensitive detection and characterization of carbohydrates by means of a strategy based on surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy is demonstrated. Spectra are obtained after injecting a small amount of saccharide solution onto a roughened silver substrate, with subsequent deposition of silver colloid. The sensitivity achieved by this two-step approach enables high-quality Raman spectra to be obtained for small amounts of aqueous saccharides (5 μL of a 10-2 M solution) utilizing minimal laser power and small signal acquisition times (a few seconds). Spectral “fingerprints” obtained for seven structurally similar monosaccharides demonstrate clearly an effective means by which each sugar can be identified. The application to more complex analyses is demonstrated for monosaccharide mixtures and a disaccharide, whereby the SERS fingerprints aid in the determination of components.
Impact of Cognitive Training on Balance and Gait in Older Adults

Objectives. Cognitive processing plays an important role in balance and gait and is a contributing factor to falls in older adults. This relationship may be explained by the fact that higher order cognitive functions such as executive functions are called upon while walking. The purpose of this study was to examine whether a cognitive training intervention leads to significant improvements on measures of balance and gait. Method. This randomized trial tested whether cognitive training over 10 weeks improves balance and gait in older adults. Participants were randomly assigned to a computer-based cognitive training intervention or measurement-only control. Outcomes included Timed Up and Go (TUG), gait speed, and gait speed with a cognitive distraction. Data were analyzed using analysis of covariance models with change scores. Results. Participants’ (N = 51) average age was 82.7 for those randomized to intervention and 81.1 for those randomized to control. After 10 weeks, intervention group participants performed significantly better than controls on the TUG. When the cohort was limited to those categorized as slow walkers (baseline 10-m walk ≥ 9 s), intervention participants performed significantly better than controls on TUG and distracted walking. Discussion. Cognitive training slows degradation of balance and improves gait while distracted, rendering it a promis
Effectiveness of a low saturated fat, low cholesterol, weight-reducing diet for the control of hypertriglycer-idemia

Abstract In 114 men, 98 of them obese and 50 hypertriglyceridemic (control value ≥ 1.80 mmole/1), an assessment was made of the long-term effect on serum lipids of the Coronary Prevention Evaluation Program diet - a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol, moderate (not high) in polyunsaturated fat, moderate (not low) in total fat and carbohydrate, and calorie-controlled to lower weight. After one year on diet, serum triglycerides were reduced 17.3 %, serum cholesterol 12.1 %, weight 5.3 %. Serum triglycerides fell significantly only in the 50 men with hypertriglyceridemia (with or without hypercholesterolemia). Fall from hyper triglyceridemic levels was significantly greater in men who reduced and stayed reduced than in those who at one year had regained weight. However, both subgroups with elevated triglyceride levels exhibited significant falls, suggesting that diet quality as well as calorie deficit played a part in the decline. These decreases were effectively maintained during the second year on the Program diet. Mean daily nutrient intake on the CPEP diet reported as per cent of calories was: total fat: 30.7, saturated fat: 9.5, polyunsaturated fat: 6.7, carbohydrate: 47.3. Cholesterol intake was 289 mg/day and alcohol intake was 9 g/day (2.6 % of calories). Carbohydrate intake averaged 217 g/day, chiefly from grains, fruits and starchy vegetables; consumption of refined sugars was a small part of total carbohydrate. These data — together with other reported findings — indicate that a low carbohydrate diet (defined as less than 150 g per day, or less than 30–35 per cent of calories) is seldom required to achieve significant lowering of serum triglycerides in middle-aged, obese, hypertriglyceridemic men, with or without hypercholesterolemia, providing that weight loss is accomplished and sustained, and intake of saturated fat and cholesterol is low. Scientific and practical reasons recommend this unitary diet plan for control of the common hyperlipidemias, with individualized modifications of approach based on serum lipid response. It is concluded that a significant proportion of adults with hyperlipidemia, including hypertriglyceridemia, can be successfully managed with a single nutritional regimen, as recommended by the American Heart Association and the Inter-Society Commission for Heart Disease Resources.
Contact Analysis of a Nanocomposite Surface with Two Particle Size Distributions for Magnetic Particulate Tapes

The coating layer of magnetic particulate tapes consists of magnetic and nonmagnetic particles of different sizes on a polymeric matrix, which makes the tape surface have a bimodal or trimodal roughness distribution. In this study, an algorithm is developed to generate composite surfaces with two size distributions of particles. The composite surface is generated by superimposing large and small particles with radii following a Gaussian distribution on a random Gaussian surface, with the centers of the large particles sitting on the mean plane of a rough surface and the centers of the small particles sitting on the superimposed surface of large particles and a rough surface. Statistical analysis is carried out for the generated composite surfaces to study the effects of the particle distribution on the surface's probability density functions (PDFs) and roughness parameters. Also, contact analysis is conducted to identify particle distribution for low friction and wear. Variation of the fractional contact ...
Synthesis, anticancer activity and molecular docking studies on a series of heterocyclic trans-cyanocombretastatin analogues as antitubulin agents.

A series of heterocyclic combretastatin analogues have been synthesized and evaluated for their anticancer activity against a panel of 60 human cancer cell lines. The most potent compounds were two 3,4,5-trimethoxy phenyl analogues containing either an (Z)-indol-2-yl (8) or (Z)-benzo[b]furan-2-yl (12) moiety; these compounds exhibited GI50 values of 50%. The binding modes of the three most active compounds (8, 12 and 29) to tubulin were also investigated utilizing molecular docking studies. All three molecules were observed to bind in the same hydrophobic pocket at the interface of α- and β-tubulin that is occupied by colchicine, and were stabilized by van der Waals' interactions with surrounding tubulin residues. The results from the tubulin polymerization and molecular docking studies indicate that compounds 8 and 29 are the most potent anti-leukemic compounds in this structural class, and are considered lead compounds for further development as anti-leukemic drugs.
Comparison of the partial amino-acid sequence of dogfish trypsinogen with bovine trypsinogen.

Trypsinogen molecules from two species of different evolutionary periods are compared. Homology has been established by the sequencing of over half the amino-acids of the dogfish enzyme.
Elective whole lung irradiation in the treatment of osteogenic sarcoma

Fifty-three patients with histologically confirmed osteogenic sarcoma of bone and no clinical evidence of pulmonary metastases were divided into two equivalent groups: one received elective pulmonary irradiation of 1500 rads administered to both lung fields, and the other acted as a control group. There were no significant differences in either survival probabilities or the interval between treatment and the development of pulmonary metastases. Therefore, elective whole lung irradiation so administered was not found to be of value as a prophylactic measure in the treatment of osteogenic sarcoma. There were no recognized untoward reactions to the pulmonary irradiation.
Solid-State Conversion Concepts

This paper presents a brief outline of the various solid-state energy conversion concepts currently under development by the Air Force. Much of the paper will be on the developments in solar cells and thermoelectrics with only a brief look at piezoelectrics, pyroelectrics, ferroelectrics, the Nernst effect and nuclear photon conversion. These conversion concepts are discussed from the stand-point of present capabilities to satisfy aerospace vehicle electrical power needs together with the author's estimates of possible performance if the concepts are completely developed. The energy sources considered are solar, nuclear, chemical and acoustic with emphasis on solar and nuclear. Research and development is being accomplished in the areas of solid-state energy conversion today because these materials and conversion mechanisms are most nearly ideal for unattended operation in space. That is: they are relatively static (no moving parts); are non-volatile exceptat high temperatures; are reasonably resistant to the space environment; and generally have long lifetime possibilities. The long range objective of the applied research programs in these areas is to acquire the technology for obtaining reliable, highly efficient, long lifetime, light weight, and low cost energy conversion systems for aerospace vehicles. The lifetime requirements are for essentially unattended operation for two years by 1965 and for five to ten years by 1970. Generally high watts/lb, reliability, and long lifetime are the primary objectives, and efficiency and cost are of lesser importance.
The study of aggression in boys with an operant device

Abstract For the laboratory measurement of aggression an apparatus was devised in which S controlled the position of a doll and could cause his doll to hit another doll. Hits by the opponent doll and knockdown of either doll could be introduced as treatment conditions. Experiment I (N = 15) indicated moderate intrasession and intersession reliability for the response measures. In Experiment II, 48 third-grade boys were divided into three groups which received treatment conditions that varied in terms of presumed discriminative stimuli for increasing and decreasing aggressive responding. A significant over-all treatment effect was obtained with the trigger-squeeze measure (p
Analysis of RPS15aE, an Isoform of a Plant-Specific Evolutionarily Distinct Ribosomal Protein in Arabidopsis thaliana , Reveals its Potential Role as a Growth Regulator

There is increasing evidence for ribosome heterogeneity in biological systems. In Arabidopsis thaliana, the ribosomal protein S15a is encoded by six separate genes, which fall into two evolutionarily distinct categories (Type I and Type II). Type I S15a is a universally conserved component of cytosolic ribosomes, whereas there is ambiguity as to the specific subcellular location of Type II S15a (cytosolic and/or mitochondrial ribosomes). In this study, we investigated the functional significance of the distinct form of ribosomal protein S15a (Type II) in Arabidopsis by examining: the evolutionary relationship of eukaryotic S15a proteins with respect to organellar homologs, the expression of individual Type II S15a genes during various developmental stages by RT-PCR, and the phenotypes of an insertional mutation into the RPS15aE gene. The Type II S15a proteins are plant specific, and the duplication event that gave rise to the Type II S15a genes appears to have occurred during the evolution of land plants. The genes encoding Type II S15a in Arabidopsis are differentially expressed, and mutant plants in which the gene encoding S15aE is knocked down produce larger leaves, longer roots, and possess larger cells than wild-type plants suggesting that the RPS15aE isoform of Type II S15a may act as a regulator of translational activity. Our results add significantly to the understanding of the protein constitution of plant ribosomes and the functional significance of ribosome heterogeneity.
Affinities of freshwater putative chantransia stages (Rhodophyta) from molecular and morphological data

W.B. Chiasson, N.J. Sabo and M.L. Vis. 2005. Affinities of freshwater putative chantransia stages (Rhodophyta) from molecular and morphological data. Phycologia 44: 163–168.Fourteen putative bluish...
Health-risk behaviors among high school athletes and preventive services provided during sports physicals

Abstract Introduction Preparticipation examinations (PPEs), or sports physicals, present opportunities for health care providers to identify and discuss common adolescent health-risk behaviors. We sought to examine the prevalence of health-risk behaviors among high school athletes and the proportion of providers who address these behaviors during PPEs. Method For this descriptive study we used data from two statewide surveys: a survey of adolescents ( n = 46,492) and a survey of nurse practitioners and physicians ( n = 561). Results The most prevalent risk behaviors reported by student athletes were low levels of physical activity (70%), bullying perpetration (41%), and alcohol use (41%). Most providers (≥75%) addressed many common risk behaviors during PPEs but fewer addressed bullying, violence, and prescription drug use. Topics discussed differed by provider type and patient population. Discussion Many providers addressed critical threats to adolescent health during PPEs, but findings suggest potential disconnects between topics addressed during PPEs and behaviors of athletes.
Structural characterization and frictional properties of C60-terminated self-assembled monolayers on Au(111)

Abstract C60-terminated self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) were generated on the surface of Au(111) by the adsorption of unsymmetrical disulfides having saturated hydrocarbon backbone structures comprised of six (C-6) and eleven (C-11) carbon atoms. The formation of oriented monolayer films from these adsorbates was confirmed by ellipsometric thickness and contact angle measurements. The morphologies and frictional properties of the C60-terminated SAMs were examined using atomic force microscopy (AFM). The SAMs derived from the C-11 disulfides exhibited smooth morphologies and homogeneous frictional force distributions, which proved ideal for the study of intrinsic frictional properties. The SAMs derived from the C-6 disulfides, however, exhibited rough and inhomogeneous topographic and frictional force distributions. In addition, the shorter SAMs exhibited erratic frictional behavior and partial film delamination. The relative frictional forces observed on these immobilized C60 films were higher than those observed on normal methyl-terminated SAMs and on the surface of graphite.
The impact of external and internal entrainment on firm innovativeness: A test of moderation

Abstract The theory of entrainment suggests that positive benefits, such as enhanced competiveness and above-normal levels of performance, can be achieved by creating temporal alignment and coordination between and among an organization's internal processes and external environment. We investigate the effect of external and internal entrainments on firm innovativeness, and hypothesize that the interaction between external and internal entrainment serves to enhance the effect of external entrainment on firm innovativeness. Using survey responses from the owners, CEOs, and top managers of 217 organizations in a range of industries, we establish evidence of (1) a positive link between external entrainment and firm innovativeness, and (2) the moderating effect of internal entrainment on the external entrainment-firm innovativeness relationship. The results provide insight into the performance benefits of managing the temporal elements of an organization's environment.
Nutrient Recycling Affects Autotroph and Ecosystem Stoichiometry

Stoichiometric nutrient ratios are the consequence of myriad interacting processes, both biotic and abiotic. Theoretical explanations for autotroph stoichiometry have focused on species' nutrient requirements but have not addressed the role of nutrient availability in determining autotroph stoichiometry. Remineralization of organic N and P supplies a significant fraction of inorganic N and P to autotrophs, making nutrient recycling a potentially important process influencing autotroph stoichiometry. To quantitatively investigate the relationship between available N and P, autotroph N:P, and nutrient recycling, we analyze a stoichiometrically explicit model of autotroph growth, incorporating Michaelis-Menten-Monod nutrient uptake kinetics, Droop growth, and Liebig's law of the minimum. If autotroph growth is limited by a single nutrient, increased recycling of the limiting nutrient pushes autotrophs toward colimitation and alters both autotroph and environmental stoichiometry. We derive a steady state relationship between input stoichiometry, autotroph N:P, and the stoichiometry of organic losses that allows us to estimate the relative recycling of N to P within an ecosystem. We then estimate relative N and P recycling for a marine, an aquatic, and two terrestrial ecosystems. Preferential P recycling, in conjunction with greater relative P retention at the organismal and ecosystem levels, presents a strong case for the importance of P to biomass production across ecosystems.
The development and evolution of a university‐based online library instruction course

This article describes the development and evolution of Library 110: Introduction to Library Research, which integrated information literacy into the curriculum through the general education program at the Univesity of Nebraska, Lincoln. By redesigning and migrating the course to an electronic environment, several benefits resulted.
Reactive Solute Transport in an Acidic Stream: Experimental pH Increase and Simulation of Controls on pH, Aluminum, and Iron

Solute transport simulations quantitatively constrained hydrologic and geochemical hypotheses about field observations of a pH modification in an acid mine drainage stream. Carbonate chemistry, the formation of solid phases, and buffering interactions with the stream bed were important factors in explaining the behavior of pH, aluminum, and iron. The precipitation of microcrystalline gibbsite accounted for the behavior of aluminum; precipitation of Fe(OH)3 explained the general pattern of iron solubility. The dynamic experi ment revealed limitations on assumptions that reac tions were controlled only by equilibrium chemistry. Temporal variation in relative rates of photoreduction and oxidation influenced iron behavior. Kinetic limita tions on ferrous iron oxidation and hydrous oxide precipitation and the effects of these limitations on field filtration were evident. Kinetic restraints also characterized interaction between the water column and the stream bed, including sorption and desorption of protons f...
On the utility of nitrogen in leaves

Terrestrial environments offer photosynthetic systems of plants several important advantages over conditions in aquatic milieu from which they evolved—larger concentrations of substrates (CO2 and nutrients) and greater fluxes of photosynthetically active radiation. Those conditions led to a density of vegetation in which competition for light, nutrients, and water became important constraints on evolution. Elevated display of the photosynthetic system in foliar elements is the almost universal solution. That life form entails certain problems, however. The high evaporative demand of the atmosphere, coupled with a large energy load of absorbed radiation, result in significant loss of water vapor during CO2 uptake. Heavy, protective cuticles limit gas exchange principally to surfaces with stomatal pores. Combined with water uptake through extensive root systems and efficient transport within the plant through vascular tissues, these traits allow tracheophytes to grow taller, capturing more light, and thereby achieving more photosynthesis than other forms. Another problem is how best to employ a limited supply of nitrogen. Most plants depend on mineral N (principally NO3−) from soil. Reduction of nitrate and synthesis of proteins represent major respiratory costs to plants (1, 2) (symbiotic fixation of N is more costly). Despite continuing mineralization, concentrations of nitrate in soil solutions generally are small (ca. 1–10 μM NO3−) because of capture by competitors, immobilization to soil organic matter, and loss through denitrification and leaching. Conversely, the nitrogen requirements of the cumbersome C3 photosynthetic system are large. Nitrogen in chlorophylls, thylakoid proteins, and associated cofactors and enzymes (particularly rubisco, which may account for 20–40% of a leaf’s organic N; ref. 3) comprises about 75% of a leaf’s organic N. It is not surprising …
What's the angle: A study of the angle bisected in intraoral radiography

Intraoral radiographs were made via the bisecting-the-angle technique on patients of different ages, sexes, and races. The tooth-film angles for various areas of the mouth were measured and found to be close to 30 degrees for all areas of the mouth except the mandibular posterior regions. The study was conducted to assist in quick positioning of the x-ray beam in difficult cases.
Organ Growth Functions in Maturing Male Sprague-Dawley Rats Based on a Collective Database

Ten different organ weights (liver, spleen, kidneys, heart, lungs, brain, adrenals, testes, epididymes, and seminal vesicles) of male Sprague-Dawley (S-D) rats of different ages (1-280 d) were extracted based on a thorough literature survey database. A generalized Michaelis-Menten (GMM) model, used to fit organ weights versus age in a previous study (Schoeffner et al., 1999) based on a limited data, was used to find the best fit model for the present expanded data compilation. The GMM model has the functional form: Wt = (Wt(o).K(gamma) + Wt(max).Age(gamma))/(K(gamma) + Age(gamma)) where Wt is organ/tissue weight at a specified age, Wt(o) and Wt(max) are weight at birth and maximal growth, respectively, and K and gamma are constants. Organ weights were significantly correlated with their respective ages for all organs and tissues. GMM-derived organ growth and percent body weight (%BW) fractions of different tissues were plotted against animal age and compared with experimental values as well as previously published models. The GMM-based organ growth and %BW fraction profiles were in general agreement with our empirical data as well as with previous studies. The present model was compared with the GMM model developed previously for six organs--liver, spleen, kidneys, heart, lungs, and brain--based on a limited data, and no significant difference was noticed between the two sets of predictions. It was concluded that the GMM models presented herein for different male S-D rats organs (liver, spleen, kidneys, heart, lungs, brain, adrenals, testes, epididymes, and seminal vesicles) are capable of predicting organ weights and %BW ratios accurately at different ages.
Memory loss for time-dependent piecewise expanding systems in higher dimension

We prove a counterpart of exponential decay of correlations for certain non- stationary systems. Namely, given two probability measures absolutely continuous with respect to a reference measure, their quasi-Holder distance (and in particular their L 1 distance) decreases exponentially under action by compositions of arbitrarily chosen maps close to those that are both piecewise expanding and mixing in a certain sense. This paper studies statistical properties of time-dependent dynamical systems. In such systems, the dynamical model itself is allowed to vary with time. An important example is the flow generated by a non-autonomous vector field. Perhaps the vector field depends on physical parameters that vary with time. We address memory loss for time-dependent dynamical systems, an analog of decay of correlations. The memory loss problem has been studied extensively in the contexts of stochastic differential equations (SDEs), random dynamical systems 1 , and autonomous (time-
Experimental prospects in CP violation in K meson decay

Abstract Several experiments which are performing precision measurements of CP parameters in hopes of shedding new light on the origins of CP violation are discussed. Two are measuring the ratio |η00/η|, one is measuring η+-0, two experiments will measure the phase difference between η00 and η+-, and one will search for the decay KL → π0e+e−.