cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Human mesenchymal stem cell and epithelial hepatic carcinoma cell lines in admixture: concurrent stimulation of cancer-associated fibroblasts and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition markers.

Background The microenvironments of neoplasms influence both mesenchymal stem cell differentiation into cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF) and tumor cell line differentiation to mesenchymal phenotypes via epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Using direct cell–cell contact approximating the microenvironment of a neoplasm, we investigated the role of this interaction in human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) and epithelial hepatic carcinoma SK-Hep1 cells by evaluating CAF differentiation and EMT. Methods hMSCs and SK-Hep1 cells were homogenously cultured for 12 hours with media only, OPN-R3 aptamer blockade of OPN, or RGD peptide blockade of integrin receptor, negative control mutant OPN-R3 aptamer, and RGE peptide blockade. mRNA was isolated from each subpopulation, and real-time-polymerase chain reaction was performed for CAF markers and EMT transcription factors and structural proteins. Results SK-Hep1 cells in admixture with hMSCs showed increased EMT marker vimentin expression that was ablated with OPN-R3 aptamer or RGD blockade. SK-Hep1 cells when cultured with hMSC admixture increased Snail and Slug expression that was hindered with OPN-R3 aptamer. hMSCs acquired CAF markers tenascin-c and SDF-1 in admixture that was ablated with either OPN-R3 aptamer or RGD blockade. All SK-Hep1 and hMSC negative control subpopulations were statistically equivalent to media-only groups. Fluorescence photography exhibited the critical cell–cell interfaces and acquired EMT traits of SK-Hep1. Conclusion We conclude that direct interaction of cell lines closely replicates the native neoplasm microenvironment. Our experiments reveal soluble OPN or integrin receptor blockade independently prevents progression to metastatic phenotype by acquisition of CAF and EMT markers.
Ferrite Scanning Microscope Based on Magnetic Tunnel Junction Sensor

We have developed a scanning magnetic microscope (SMM) based on a magnetic tunneling junction (MTJ) magnetoresistive (MR) sensor. The microscope is based on commercially available components employing two sets of scanning stages and a MTJ sensor. Spatial resolution and noise sensitivity were investigated using two MTJ sensors, one having high spatial resolution and the other low noise but coarser spatial resolution. We present measurements of magnetic field images from ferrite concentration calibration standards and a stainless steel welded specimen both imaged using a magnetoresistive scanning microscope. A sensitivity of ~ 10 μT/FN was obtained from standards with defined ferrite numbers (FN). This microscope represents a new powerful tool for the characterization and investigations of delta ferrite concentrations in stainless steel welded samples.
The Role of the Loading Environment on the Developing Tendon-to-Bone Insertion

A transition zone forms at the attachment of tendon to bone during post-natal development [1]. We previously showed that this transitional tissue reduces stress concentrations at the insertion and hence reduces the risk for failure [2]. During tendon-to-bone healing, on the other hand, a transition zone does not develop at the interface [3]. Unlike development, inferior scar tissue fills the repair site and the repair is prone to rupture at the attachment. Understanding the development of the insertion will allow us to develop solutions to augment tendon-to-bone healing.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
5-HT3A receptor kinetics: Agonist and anesthetic action

Abstract Rapid solution exchange techniques were used to characterize 5-hydroxytryptamine type 3A (5-HT3A) receptor function. The 5-HT3A receptor agonists 5-HT and dopamine were found to have distinct effects on activation, deactivation, and desensitization. Although isoflurane does not enhance submaximal 5-HT-evoked currents or reduce the receptor's agonist EC50 for current activation, it significantly accelerates the rates of activation, deactivation, and desensitization. This acceleration may produce important changes in 5-HT3A receptor-mediated currents in synapses where agonist exposure is brief.
Observation of organometallic and radical intermediates formed during the reaction of methyl-coenzyme M reductase with bromoethanesulfonate

Methyl-coenzyme M reductase (MCR) from methanogenic archaea catalyzes the final step of methane formation, in which methyl-coenzyme M (2-methylthioethanesulfonate, methyl-SCoM) is reduced with coen...
On the existence of Garden-of-Eden configurations

We examine the existence of Garden-of-Eden configurations in stratified tessellation automata, which are tessellation automata capable of mixed parallel/sequential processing. For a given automaton, the class of finitely arbitrary properties over its set of configurations is defined. For a given finitely arbitrary property, we show that if this automaton has no Garden-of-Eden configurations with this property, then it has none at all. This strengthens previously established, results in the literature. We also feel that the method of proof is interesting in its own right.
Palestinian prison ontologies

During the first intifada uprising (1987–1993), thousands of Palestinians were arrested annually, and mass incarceration affected as many as 100,000 families. Relying on several recent ethnographies, and other published research including some of my own, this article describes the contests over Palestinian prison ontology as organized by (a) the jailers, (b) the prisoners, (c) the families of prisoners, and (d) a service agency in the emerging Palestinian Authority. What becomes evident is that mass incarceration involves ontological struggles over the framing of justice, agency, and gender. The conclusion asks how these ontological struggles may be part of other modern prisons.
Ultrasonic Control of Maternal Behavior: Developmental Implications

Infant rodents of many species emit high frequency vocalizations when aroused. These signals, when detected by adult females of the same species, elicit increased care-giving. The behavior of the dam towards her offspring influences the development of arousal mechanisms of the offspring and appears to alter turnover of brain dopamine. These effects are quite pervasive since altered maternal care induced by ultrasonic vocalizations from an initial litter is observable in the behavior of the dam towards a subsequent litter; similar alterations in the development of arousal mechanisms and brain dopamine turnover are observable in the subsequent litters; and the effects of this altered caregiving during the first three weeks of development are observable in laboratory rats ( Rattus norgevicus ) at one and two years of age.
Five-Coordinate Rearrangements of Metallacyclobutane Intermediates during Ring-Opening Metathesis Polymerization of 2,3-Dicarboalkoxynorbornenes by Molybdenum and Tungsten Monoalkoxide Pyrrolide Initiators

Addition of rac-DCENBE (2,3-dicarboethoxynorbornene) or rac-DCBNBE (2,3-dicarbo-tert-butoxynorbornene) to Mo(NAd)(CHCMe2Ph)(Pyr)(OHMT) (1a) (Ad = 1-adamantyl, OHMT = 2,6-dimesitylphenoxide, Pyr– = NC4H4–) led to the formation of polymers that have a cis,syndiotactic,alt structure analogous to the structure observed for the polymer obtained from rac-DCMNBE (2,3-dicarbomethoxynorbornene). The PDI of cis,syndio,alt-poly(DCBNBE) is low and decreases as the polymer length increases, and there is a linear relationship between the number of equivalents of monomer employed and the molecular weight of the polymers measured in THF versus polystyrene standards. In contrast, polymerization of (+)-DCMNBE by 1a at 25, 0, −25, and −40 °C yields a polymer that contains ∼25% trans,isotactic dyads and 75% cis,syndiotactic dyads. A similar polymerization by Mo(NAd)(CHCMe2Ph)(Pyr)(OHIPT) (1b) (OHIPT = 2,6-(2,4,6-i-Pr3)2C6H3) gives a polymer that contains cis,syndiotactic and trans,isotactic dyads in a ratio of ∼8:92, respect...
Regulation of the Ascaris suum pyruvate dehydrogenase complex by phosphorylation and dephosphorylation

The pyruvate dehydrogenase complex isolated from 'anaerobic' mitochondria of Ascaris suum has a subunit composition similar to complexes isolated from most other eukaryotic organisms and is regulated by phosphorylation and dephosphorylation. Pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase activity is stimulated by NADH and a number of physiologically important acyl-CoA intermediates and is inhibited by CoA, propionate, tiglate and pyruvate. It is suggested that the elevated levels of pyruvate observed in the ascarid organelle may be important in maintaining the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex in an active state, even in the presence of a reduced pyridine nucleotide pool.
Glucose uptake in Haematoloechus medioplexus and Gorgoderina trematodes.

Abstract Autoradiographic studies demonstrated the uptake of tritiated glucose in vitro by the tegument of adults of Haematoloechus medioplexus Stafford, 1902, and a Gorgoderina sp. (Trematoda). Freeze-dried worms were embedded in Epon-812 to detect free glucose and in paraffin to detect incorporated glucose. Absorption was evident in H. medioplexus after 1 minute and in Gorgoderina after 15 minutes. Incorporation of glucose was observed in both trematode species after 15 minutes. No absorption by the alimentary canal was found in starved or unstarved specimens of either species.
Sensitivity of chicken and rat adipocytes and hepatocytes to isologous and heterologous pancreatic hormones

Abstract Isolated chicken and rat adipocytes and hepatocytes were used to compare chicken vs mammalian pancreatic hormones in regulating glucose and lipid metabolism. Porcine glucagon is twice as potent as chicken glucagon in eliciting lipolysis in both rat and chicken adipocytes. A less but marked bignificant difference exists between the two glucagon hormologs when glucose release by isolated hepatocytes is measured. Chicken adipocytes respond to lower concentrations (1 ng/ml) of glucagon than rat adipocytes (5 ng/ml). Hepatocytes from both animal species responded to glucagon at concentrations of 1 ng/ml. Chicken insulin is slightly more potent than porcine insulin both in inducing glucose utilization and in inhibiting glucagon-stimulated lipolysis in rat adipocytes. Glucose utilization, basal lipolysis, and the rate of glucagon-stimulated lipolysis of the chicken adipocyte are unaltered by insulin concentrations which are 1000 times greater than those required to affect rat adipocytes. The antilipolytic action of avian pancreatic polypeptide (APP) was compared with the bovine homolog of APP, namely bovine pancreatic polypeptide (BPP). BPP is not was effective as APP in inhibiting glucagon-stimulated lipolysis in the chicken adipocyte, and neither APP nor BPP inhibit glucagon-stimulated lipolysis in the rat adipocyte.
Photoionization of CdCl2:Cu+ and CdBr2:Cu+☆

Abstract The photoconductivity of CdCl 2 :Cu + and CdBr 2 :Cu + has been measured at several temperatures in wavelength regions including that of the Cu + d-s absorption band. It is shown that the Cu + ground level lies about 3.5 eV below the conduction band, and that part of the photocurrent is due to autoionization of the excited 1 E d 9 s level which is embedded in the conduction band of CdCl 2 .
The prevalence of pulmonary embolism in chronically paralyzed subjects: a review of available evidence.

The prevalence of pulmonary embolism in chronically paralyzed subjects: a review of available evidence
Intraoperative Calibration of the Patil Stereotactic System during Computed Tomography (CT) Guided Stereotactic Procedures – A Technical Note

A method for intraoperative calibration of the Patil stereotactic system is described. After adjusting the z and y coordinates, a marker is placed in the pivot block and a CT scan is obtained. The pre
Nonlinear free-surface flow due to an impulsively started submerged point sink

The unsteady fully nonlinear free-surface flow due to an impulsively started submerged point sink is studied in the context of incompressible potential flow. For a fixed (initial) submergence h of the point sink in otherwise unbounded fluid, the problem is governed by a single non-dimensional physical parameter, the Froude number, [Fscr ]≡ Q /4π( gh 5 ) 1/2 , where Q is the (constant) volume flux rate and g the gravitational acceleration. We assume axisymmetry and perform a numerical study using a mixed-Eulerian–Lagrangian boundary-integral-equation scheme. We conduct systematic simulations varying the parameter [Fscr ] to obtain a complete quantification of the solution of the problem. Depending on [Fscr ], there are three distinct flow regimes: (i) [Fscr ] 1 ≈0.1924 – a ‘sub-critical’ regime marked by a damped wave-like behaviour of the free surface which reaches an asymptotic steady state; (ii) [Fscr ] 1 2 ≈0.1930 – the ‘trans-critical’ regime characterized by a reversal of the downward motion of the free surface above the sink, eventually developing into a sharp upward jet; (iii) [Fscr ]>[Fscr ] 2 – a ‘super-critical’ regime marked by the cusp-like collapse of the free surface towards the sink. Mechanisms behind such flow behaviour are discussed and hydrodynamic quantities such as pressure, power and force are obtained in each case. This investigation resolves the question of validity of a steady-state assumption for this problem and also shows that a small-time expansion may be inadequate for predicting the eventual behaviour of the flow.
Factors affecting infection cushion development by Rhizoctonia solani AG‐1 IA and IB on soybean leaves

Infection cushions were formed by isolates of Rhizoctonia solani, anastomosis group 1 IA (AG-1 IA, aerial blight) and AG-1 IB (web blight) on leaves of all 10 soybean cultivars tested. Isolates of AG-1 IA and IB did not form infection cushions on soybean leaf surface replicas of either resistant or susceptible cultivars. More infection cushions were formed by isolates of AG-1 IA and IB on collodion membranes placed over leaves of susceptible cultivars compared with resistant cultivars. Isolates of AG-1 IC. AG-4 and AG-5, also formed infection cushions on soybean leaves. However, the isolates of other anastomosis groups did not form infection cushions on soybean leaves. Differential induction of infection cushion formation by the leaves of various plant species was observed, AG-1 IA formed infection cushions on more graminaceous hosts than AG-1 IB, Our results suggest that a chemical stimulus is needed for infection cushion formation. Glucose and 3-O-methylglucose repressed disease severity caused by AG-1 IA and IB isolates to the same extent. Disease severity and the number of infection cushions formed on leaves of ten soybean cultivars were correlated. Fewer infection cushions were formed on resistant cultivars than on susceptible cultivars.
Influence of Current on Field-Driven Domain Wall Motion in Permalloy Nanowires from Time Resolved Measurements of Anisotropic Magnetoresistance

The motion of magnetic domain walls in permalloy nanowires is investigated by real-time resistance measurements. The domain wall velocity is measured as a function of the magnetic field in the presence of a current flowing through the nanowire. We show that the current can significantly increase or decrease the domain wall velocity, depending on its direction. These results are understood within a one-dimensional model of the domain wall dynamics which includes the spin transfer torque.
Protein kinase C isozymes as therapeutic targets for treatment of human cancers

Summary PKC isozymes play specific, non-redundant functional roles in numerous cellular processes,including proliferation, differentiation, cellular invasion and apoptosis. We have determinedthat PKCβII and PKCι are both critical pro-carcinogenic genes involved in multiple humancancers. PKCι is a bonafide human oncogene, the first PKC isozyme that can be so classified.Both PKCβII and PKCι are legitimate therapeutic targets to which novel targeted therapy hasbeen successfully developed and is being evaluated clinically. Acknowledgements We would like to thank all the members of the Fields laboratory for their contributions to the work described in thisreview. We would also like to acknowledge the work of the many investigators whose combined work has madecritical contributions to our understanding of PKC functions in cancer. Space limitations necessitated a relativelynarrow focus in this review. We apologize to colleagues whose contributions were not cited due to these constraints.The work described here was supported by grants from the National Cancer Institute to APF (R01 CA081436 andR01CA056869), and to NRM (R01CA094122). Additional funding was provided by the American Lung Association/LUNGevity Lung Cancer Discovery Award (LCD-22766-N), the James and Esther King Biomedical ResearchProgram, and the V Foundation for Cancer Research to APF.
Effects of enzymatic deglycosylation on the biological activities of human thrombin and antithrombin.

Abstract Sequential digestion of human thrombin and antithrombin with neuraminidase, βgalactosidase, β-N-acetylglucosaminidase, and endo-β-N-acetylglucosaminidase D resulted in the successive removal of sialic acid, galactose, N-acetylglucosamine, and mannose and more N-acetylglucosamine residues. The products obtained after each stage of deglycosylation had electrophoretic mobilites that were consistent with the calculated change in mass expected from the cleavage of the sugar moieties. The modified thrombins did not lose fibrinogen-clotting activity, amidolytic activity, nor the ability to form complexes with antithrombin. In addition, asialothrombin and asialoagalactothrombin caused the same extent of platelet release as did control thrombin. The products obtained after removal of sugars from antithrombin retained thrombin-neutralizing activity. In the presence of heparin the inhibition of thrombin as well as factor Xa was enhanced. Thus, the sugar residues of thrombin and antithrombin are not required for the formation of enzyme-inhibitor complexes or for the other activities that were measured.
Status of an ongoing biological control program for the invasive vine, Persicaria perfoliata in eastern North America

Mile-a-minute weed, Persicaria perfoliata (L.) H. Gross (Polygonaceae), an aggressive annual vine native to Asia, has invaded forest edges, light gaps, open fields, and riparian borders in eastern North America. It was accidentally introduced into Pennsylvania in the 1930s and has since expanded its range north to Massachusetts, south to North Carolina, and west to Ohio. A biological control program was initiated in 1996, and in 2004, a permit was issued for release of Rhinoncomimus latipes Korotyaev (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), a host-specific weevil initially collected in China. Since 2004, the biology of the weevil in its introduced range has been studied, along with its impact on P. perfoliata, which can be substantial. Weevils have been released in ten states through 2010, and populations have increased considerably at many sites. Although P. perfoliata continues to expand its North American range, natural and human-assisted dispersal of R. latipes is reducing its negative effects. Here we review and assess the current status of the biological control program.
Popular Participation and the Administration of Rural Development: The Case of Botswana

Although there has been much discussion of the role of village development committees and self-help in the general sense, there has been little effort to systematically analyze the actual performance of such organizations and programs. This paper represents an effort to isolate those variables associated with successful, locally initiated, and locally undertaken development efforts. Three key criteria will be analyzed: (1) leadership -variations in success associated with different types of leadership, (2) participation—the magnitude, effectiveness and quality of participation, and (3) coordination— the degree to which local efforts are supportive of national developmental goals.
Patient-controlled TENS reduces the discomfort of ID nerve block

Objective To compare the use of topical anaesthesia and transcutaneous electronic nerve stimulation (TENS) as a means of reducing the discomfort of inferior dental nerve block injection. Design A randomised controlled trial in a UK dental school. Intervention 100 adult patients requiring lower tooth extraction that necessitated long buccal and inferior alveolar block anaesthesia were randomly assigned to 3 groups. The same operator using the same type of anaesthetic for each case administered all injections. Each patient received a long buccal (LB) injection. They then received an inferior alveolar injection (IDE) and lingual block after either — no mucosal preparation, 20% topical benzocaine or TENS treatment. Outcome measures Patients and scored their discomfort on a visual analogue scale (VAS) following the administration of both the LB and IDB injections. The statements ‘no pain’ and ‘unbearable pain’ anchored the VAS. Results There was no statistical difference in the discomfort produced by the LB injection. There were however differences between pain experience during IDB, TENS producing significantly less discomfort than either no treatment or topical anaesthetic. Patients who received no pre-treatment were more likely to score the IDB more uncomfortable than the LB. Conclusion Patient-controlled TENS reduced but did not eliminate discomfort experienced during inferior dental block and lingual block compared with 20% benzocaine topical anaesthetic. Meechan J G, Gowans A J, Welbury, R R. The use of patient-controlled TENS to decrease the discomfort of regional anaesthesia in dentistry: a randomised controlled clinical trial. J of Dent. 1998; 26: 417–420
Conventional monitoring and intravascular volume measurement can lead to different therapy after upper gastrointestinal tract surgery

Objective. The purpose of this study was to compare the judgment of intravascular volume based either on conventional monitoring or on the data of COLD measurement. Design: Single-blinded, observational study. Setting: Intensive care unit (ICU). Patients: Ten consecutive patients after upper gastrointestinal tract surgery for carcinoma. Measurements and results: Judgments (n=59) about intravascular volume (hypo-, iso- or hypervolemic) were given twice a day until the 2nd postoperative day by two physicians. Physician A's judgment was based on conventional monitoring and physician B's judgment on COLD monitoring. Both were blinded for each other's judgment. The inter-rater agreement between A and B was analyzed using the weighted kappa statistic. Both physicians gave a recommendation about the volume therapy during the following 12 h. The therapeutic regimen, including volume therapy, was defined by physician A. The inter-rater-agreement regarding intravascular volume was poor (overall weighted kappa =0.095). The sum of absolute differences between A and B in their recommendation about infusion administration reached a median of 4,875 ml per patient. Conclusions: The poor inter-rater agreement between the two physicians and the consecutive difference in the infusion therapy may have clinical consequences and should be evaluated in further studies. These data cannot confirm which decision strategy should be preferred.
Stability of Y–Ti–O precipitates in friction stir welded nanostructured ferritic alloys

Nanostructured ferritic alloys, which have complex microstructures consisting of ultrafine ferritic grains with a dispersion of stable oxide particles and nanoclusters, are promising materials for fuel cladding and structural applications in the next generation nuclear reactor. This study evaluates microstructure of friction stir welded nanostructured ferritic alloys using electron microscopy and atom probe tomography techniques. Atom probe tomography results revealed that nanoclusters are coarsened and inhomogeneously distributed in the stir zone and thermomechanically affected zone. Three hypotheses on coarsening of nanoclusters are presented. The hardness difference in different regions of friction stir weld has been explained.
Rapid actions of plasma membrane estrogen receptors

Functional evidence for the existence of plasma membrane estrogen receptors in a variety of cell types continues to accumulate. Many of these functions originate from rapid signaling events, transduced in response to 17beta-estradiol (E(2)). It has been convincingly shown that E(2) activates phosphoinositol 3-kinase and protein kinase B/AKT, and stimulates ERK and p38 MAP kinases. In part, this stems from G-protein activation and the resulting calcium flux. As a result, the link between E(2) action at the cell membrane and discrete biological actions in the cell has been strengthened. There is now convincing in vitro evidence that E(2) can modulate the functions of neural and vascular cells via non-genomic actions. Thus, the actions of discrete pools of E(2) receptors are likely to contribute to the overall effects of the sex steroids.
SU‐E‐T‐600: Exploration of Reduced Order Prioritized Optimization for IMRT Treatment Planning

Purpose: Investigate the feasibility of reduced order prioritized optimization for IMRT treatments. Methods: The proposed method consists of three stages. Firstly, we sample the intensities space by solving a series of unconstrained optimizations of a scalar weighted sum of partial objectives for the target and the organs at risk (OARs). Secondly, the dimensionality of the search space is reduced using principal component analysis on the solution samples. Finally, treatment planning goals/objectives are prioritized and the problem is solved sequentially in the reduced order space: low priority objectives are optimized provided they do not interfere with the higher priority objectives. In the current study a quadratic deviation of the prescribed dose and the mean dose was used for the objectives of the PTV and the OARs respectively. Finally, a slip factor s, a dimensionless parameter, was used in order to relax the hard constraints regarding the PTV coverage within the established max and min dose limits and offer more flexibility to the algorithm for the lower order priorities. Results: The method was applied to a prostate IMRT plan with five coplanar beams. Two OARs were considered: rectum and bladder. On completion of the sequential prioritized optimization the mean dose at the rectum and the bladder was reduced by 20.5% and 21.5% respectively compared to the mean dose at the first step of the optimization for a slip factor s = 3. Finally, a max speedup of ∼22 was achieved for the prioritized optimization steps. Conclusion: A proof of concept was demonstrated for reduced order prioritized optimization for IMRT planning. Dimensionality reduction techniques may be applied to reduce the complexity time of the constraint prioritization optimization steps for IMRT planning.
Prevalence-Based Economic Evaluation

Abstract Objective Researchers have often stated that economic evaluations of new drugs have rarely been used to inform healthcare decisions, despite the large volume of published studies. In this paper, a new categorization for economic evaluations of new drugs is proposed: incidence-based and prevalence-based. This categorization is designed to increase the likelihood that decisionmakers are given more complete and useable economic information about new treatments. Results Incidence-based evaluations (such as cost-effectiveness analysis) focus on the impact of a new treatment on a health condition from onset until cure or death. Prevalence-based evaluations focus on the impact of a new treatment on a health condition during a 1-year period. An incidence-based evaluation may focus either on a representative individual or on a specific disease cohort. A prevalence-based evaluation generally focuses on a specific population. Incidence-based evaluations measure the value of the new treatment compared to alternative treatments for the same health conditions and compared to commonly used treatments for other health conditions. Prevalence-based evaluations measure the impact of introducing the new treatment on annual healthcare budgets and population health. Conclusion Both types of evaluation provide important information when a new treatment is introduced to a population.
Application of Hybrid Functional Groups to Predict ATP Binding Proteins

The ATP binding proteins exist as a hybrid of proteins with Walker A motif and universal stress proteins (USPs) having an alternative motif for binding ATP. There is an urgent need to find a reliable and comprehensive hybrid predictor for ATP binding proteins using whole sequence information. In this paper the open source LIBSVM toolbox was used to build a classifier at 10-fold cross-validation. The best hybrid model was the combination of amino acid and dipeptide composition with an accuracy of 84.57% and Mathews Correlation Coefficient (MCC) value of 0.693. This classifier proves to be better than many classical ATP binding protein predictors. The general trend observed is that combinations of descriptors performed better and improved the overall performances of individual descriptors, particularly when combined with amino acid composition. The work developed a comprehensive model for predicting ATP binding proteins irrespective of their functional motifs. This model provides a high probability of success for molecular biologists in predicting and selecting diverse groups of ATP binding proteins irrespective of their functional motifs.
Integral representations afforded by ambiguous ideals in some abelian extensions

Let KF be a finite cyclic extension with Galois group π of order m, F the quotient field of a Dedekind domain R, Λ the maximal order of Fπ. We study the Rπ-representations afforded by ambiguous ideals U of K. Suppose K resembles the prime power degree subfields of Q(l √1), l prime; then we have an explicit description of Λ ⊗Rπ U in terms of Λ ⊗Rπ OK and the ramification of KF. The key idea is to form the Kummer extension Kkk, k = F(m √1), again unramified at all primes dividing m. In the local case where k = Qp(m √1), m = pn, we describe elements x of k such that the extension k(x1/m)/k is unramified and cyclic of degree m.
Solid-State NMR Structural Measurements and Models of the HIV and Influenza Fusion Proteins in Membranes

Solid-state NMR (SSNMR) has been applied to probe the structures and membrane locations of domains of the HIV gp41 and the influenza virus HA2 membrane fusion proteins. Advantages of SSNMR include: (1) use of membrane bilayers without detergent and with lipid and cholesterol composition similar to that of host cells; and (2) preparation of samples under conditions very similar to those used for functional vesicle fusion assays. The N-terminal ∼20-residue HA2 fusion peptide (IFP) domain has helix-turn-helix structure and in detergent there are reports of: (1) an open interhelical topology with a hydrophobic interhelical pocket and inverted V membrane insertion; and (2) a closed topology with tightly-packed antiparallel helices and membrane contact with a hydrophobic protein surface. SSNMR measurements in membranes lacking cholesterol show that the closed structure is predominant. Both the IFP and the corresponding N-terminal gp41 fusion peptide (HFP) have predominant oligomeric β sheet structure in membranes with 30 mole% cholesterol which is typical for viral and host cell membranes. SSNMR measurements for HFP show that there is antiparallel arrangement of adjacent stands with a broad distribution of antiparallel registries. The central regions of the antiparallel sheets are deeply inserted in the membrane and contact the methyl termini of the lipid acyl chains. This antiparallel distribution is also observed for a much larger segment of gp41 that includes the fusion peptide. A very different registry distribution is detected for the non-functional V2E mutant and suggests that the amino acid content of the antiparallel sheet is correlated to membrane fusion.
E-State Modeling of Corticosteroids Binding AffinityValidation of Model for Small Data Set

Data for 31 steroids binding to the corticosteroid binding globulin (CBG) were modeled using E-state molecular structure descriptors and a kappa shape index. Both E-state and hydrogen E-state descriptors appear in the model in atom-level and atom-type descriptors. A four-variable model is obtained that is statistically satisfactory: r 2 = 0.81, s = 0.51; r 2press = 0.72; spress = 0.62. Structure interpretation is given for each variable in the model. A leave-group-out (LGO) approach to model-validation is presented in which each observation is removed from the data set three times in random groups of 20% of the whole data set. The average of the resulting predicted values constitutes consensus predictions for these data for which r 2LOO = 0.70. These collective results support the claim that the E-state model may be useful for prediction of pK binding values for new compounds.
BMP‐2 inhibits tumor growth of human renal cell carcinoma and induces bone formation

Bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2), a member of the transforming growth factor superfamily, has been shown to have inhibitory effect on many tumor types. However, the effect of BMP-2 on human renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is still unknown. We previously showed that BMP-2 inhibits tumorigenicity of cancer stem cells in human osteosarcoma OS99-1 cells. Our study investigates the effect of BMP-2 on human RCC using ACHN and Caki-2 cell lines. Three types of BMP receptors were found to be expressed in ACHN and Caki-2 cells. In vitro, BMP-2 was found to inhibit the growth of ACHN and Caki-2 cells. The antiproliferative effect seems to be due to cell cycle arrest in the G1 phase, which was revealed by flow cytometry analysis. Using reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction analysis, we demonstrated BMP-2 upregulated osteogenic markers Runx-2 and Collagen Type I gene expression in ACHN and Caki-2 cells. Treatment of ACHN and Caki-2 cells with BMP-2 induced a rapid phosphorylation of Smad1/5/8. In vivo, all animals receiving low number of ACHN (1 × 10(4)) and Caki-2 (5 × 10(4)) cells treated with 30 μg of BMP-2 per animal showed limited tumor growth with significant bone formation, whereas untreated cells developed large tumor masses without bone formation in immunodeficient non-obese diabetic (NOD)/severe combined immunodeficient (SCID) mice. These results suggest that BMP-2 inhibits growth of RCC as well as causes induction of osseous bone formation. Further research is needed to determine the relationship between inhibition of cell proliferation and bone induction.
A numerical and field study on inner-surf and swash sediment transport

Abstract Field observations and numerical model simulations are used to investigate mechanisms of sediment transport in the inner-surf and swash zones. Both the detailed two-phase and (dilute) turbulent suspension model results suggest that sediment transport is in phase with the bottom stress and can be parameterized by a Meyer–Peter-type power law for typical sandy-beach grain sizes ( 0.2 ⩽ diameter ⩽ 0.5 mm ) and wave conditions (wave period ⩾ 5 s ). However, comparison of bottom stress (and the resulting sediment transport) predicted from observed flows by the detailed models with that predicted by a quasi-steady model suggests that the phase lag between the bottom stress and the fluid forcing may be important under strongly pitched-forward, saw-tooth-shaped swell and sea waves. Bottom stress predicted by a boundary-layer model that accounts for flow turbulence, but not particle interactions, is similar to that from the two-phase model if a large roughness is used to compensate for neglected intergranular and fluid–sediment interactions. Preliminary analysis of field observations in the swash zone suggests that breaking-wave (surface) generated turbulence affects the near-bed flow during passage of the breaking wave (bore) front and may have significant effects on sediment transport.
Direct inhibition of the yeast cyclin-dependent kinase Cdc28-Cln by Far1

Cell cycle arrest of Saccharomyces cerevisiae in G1 by the antimitogen alpha-factor is mediated by activation of a signal transduction pathway that results in inhibition of the cyclin-dependent kinase Cdc28-Cln. The Far1 protein is required for cell cycle arrest and associates with the Cdc28-Cln complex. The kinase activity of Cdc28-Cln was directly inhibited by Far1 both in vivo and in vitro, thus demonstrating that Far1 acts at the final step in the alpha-factor response pathway by inhibiting a G1 cyclin-dependent kinase.
Improvement of Image Quality in Multizone Scintillation Cameras Using Fiber-Optic Coupling to Reduce Effective PMT Size

Earlier papers by the author showed that the resolution and sensitivity of a multizone scintillation detector depend not only on the thickness of the scintillator but also on the number of detector zones, and hence the photomultiplier tube (PMT) array size. Standard design practice is to couple the PMTs directly to the scintillator surface, which means that the maximum array size is determined by the smallest PMT size available. An increase in array size, however, leads to reduction in the PMT packing fraction due to the glass walls. This paper shows that effective PMT size can be reduced as much as desired by coupling a given scintillator area to a relatively larger PMT surface area via optical fibers of suitable bandwidth for the scintillation light. Fiber-optic coupling not only increases the packing fraction to 100% but also enables the PMTs to be chosen based entirely on performance and/or cost without regard to shape and size. While low spatial resolution and image contrast is characteristic of nuclear imaging systems in general, rapid high-count-rate quantitative studies are particularly subject to severe distortion due to dead-time losses despite efforts to minimize and/or correct for these losses. An increase in the number of detector zones via fiber-optic coupling enables significantly higher resolution and sensitivity to be achieved, more accurate sampling of the light distribution to be obtained, and detector operation to be virtually linear so that dead-time losses are practically insignificant. Statistical noise in nuclear images arises from variability in the number of light photons emitted per scintillation event, differences in the quantum efficiencies of the PMTs, and PMT gain fluctuations due to variations in the secondary emission ratios of dynodes. This paper also shows that an increase in array size using fiber-optic coupling reduces the effect of PMT and preamplifier gain nonlinearity, thereby leading to substantial improvement in image quality.
Ion Implantation Processing of III-V Strained-Layer Semiconductors

Ion implantation has had a strong impact on the development of III-V strained-layer semiconductor (SLS) materials and device technologies. Implantation studies have helped delineate the present understanding of strained-layer stability and metastability limits. Resulting ion beam technologies have led to improvements in a variety of SLS discrete devices, including optoelectronic emitters, photodetectors, and field-effect transistors. Both SLS stability criteria and implanted SLS devices are reviewed with respect to future applications in optoelectronics.
The NAD biosynthesis pathway mediated by nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase regulates Sir2 activity in mammalian cells.

Recent studies have revealed new roles for NAD and its derivatives in transcriptional regulation. The evolutionarily conserved Sir2 protein family requires NAD for its deacetylase activity and regulates a variety of biological processes, such as stress response, differentiation, metabolism, and aging. Despite its absolute requirement for NAD, the regulation of Sir2 function by NAD biosynthesis pathways is poorly understood in mammals. In this study, we determined the kinetics of the NAD biosynthesis mediated by nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (Nampt) and nicotinamide/nicotinic acid mononucleotide adenylyltransferase (Nmnat), and we examined its effects on the transcriptional regulatory function of the mouse Sir2 ortholog, Sir2α, in mouse fibroblasts. We found that Nampt was the ratelimiting component in this mammalian NAD biosynthesis pathway. Increased dosage of Nampt, but not Nmnat, increased the total cellular NAD level and enhanced the transcriptional regulatory activity of the catalytic domain of Sir2α recruited onto a reporter gene in mouse fibroblasts. Gene expression profiling with oligonucleotide microarrays also demonstrated a significant correlation between the expression profiles of Nampt- and Sir2α-overexpressing cells. These findings suggest that NAD biosynthesis mediated by Nampt regulates the function of Sir2α and thereby plays an important role in controlling various biological events in mammals.
Oncocytic, focally anaplastic, thyroid cancer responding to erlotinib.

Objective. To highlight the molecular findings and clinical response of a patient with rapidly progressing, focally anaplastic, oncocytic thyroid carcinoma (OTC) treated with erlotinib.Case Summary. A 69-year-old woman with recurrent, focally anaplastic OTC was given a therapeutic trial of erlotinib, a small molecule inhibitor of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded portions of the tumor were analyzed for EGFR expression, and tumor genomic DNA was amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and subjected to EGFR mutation analysis.Discussion. An early and dramatic response was achieved with erlotinib. The tumor was focally positive for EGFR by immunostaining and two point mutations were identified, one on exon 18 and one on exon 20 in the tyrosine kinase (TK) domain.Conclusion. Erlotinib or other novel protein kinase pathway inhibitors should be evaluated further in patients with aggressive thyroid cancer variants, who may exhibit these and perhaps other tyrosine kina...
Child Neurologists as Evaluators of Developmental Disorders

Child neurologists are required to evaluate and care for an increasing number of children with developmental disorders; therefore they need to be familiar with the more prevalent ones, in particular the autism spectrum disorders which may masquerade as others. Their assessment needs to include a screening mental status evaluation and reviewing a recent definitive test of hearing in all children with defective speech. Neurologists' responsibility is to make sure that there is no likely underlying problem like epilepsy, neurologic, or genetic condition that requires specific medical intervention or genetic counseling. They need to discuss with the parents how deeply to test for neurologic, neuropsychologic, or genetic underlying causes in children with "idiopathic" developmental problem. There is no routine work-up, thus neurologists need to be aware of and to protect children from many almost certainly uninformative, expensive tests like EEGs, brain imaging, metabolic tests, and genetic micro-array unless there is a specific indication, or testing is being performed with parents' consent for research and paid for by research, not clinical, funds. Child neurologists-in-training need to have observed psychologic/neuropsychologic testing so that they have at least a superficial understanding of the content, indications, and limitations of major tests. I do not recommend that child neurologists administer standardized tests or questionnaires, but they need to know enough about them to be able to judge their appropriateness and review recommendations with parents. Neurologists need to protect children from unnecessary testing, ineffective and in some cases potentially dangerous exploitative treatments. They must be aware of what legitimate therapies are likely to be offered, that early appropriate education is most effective long-term because it influences brain development and is superior to symptomatic pharmacotherapy. If pills are needed, child psychiatrists are likely to be better informed than neurologists and need to be consulted whenever medications familiar to neurologists are not adequately effective.
Wildlife conservation planning under the United States Forest Service's 2012 planning rule†

In 2012, the United States Forest Service (USFS) promulgated new planning regulations in accordance with the National Forest Management Act (NFMA). These regulations represent the most significant change in federal forest policy in decades and have sweeping implications for wildlife populations. We provide a brief overview of the history of the NFMA planning regulations and their wildlife provisions and review the current science on planning for effective wildlife conservation at the landscape scale. We then discuss the approach to wildlife conservation planning in the 2012 rule and compare it to alternatives that were not selected and previous iterations of the planning rule. The new planning rule is of concern because of its highly discretionary nature and the inconsistency between its intent on the one hand and operational requirements on the other. Therefore, we recommend that the USFS include in the Directives for implementing the rule commitments to directly monitor populations of selected species of conservation concern and focal species and to maintain the viability of both categories of species. Additional guidance must be included to ensure the effective selection of species of conservation concern and focal species, and these categories should overlap when possible. If the USFS determines that the planning unit is not inherently capable of maintaining viable populations of a species, this finding should be made available for scientific review and public comment, and in such cases the USFS should commit to doing nothing that would further impair the viability of such species. In cases where extrinsic factors decrease the viability of species, the USFS has an increased, not lessened, responsibility to protect those species. Monitoring plans must include trigger points that will initiate a review of management actions, and plans must include provisions to ensure monitoring takes place as planned. If wildlife provisions in forest plans are implemented so that they are enforceable and ensure consistency between intent and operational requirements, this will help to prevent the need for additional listings under the Endangered Species Act and facilitate delisting. Although the discretionary nature of the wildlife provisions in the planning rule gives cause for concern, forward-thinking USFS officials have the opportunity under the 2012 rule to create a robust and effective framework for wildlife conservation planning. © 2013 The Wildlife Society.
Derivation and assessment of interest in cash flow calculations for time-cost optimizations in construction project management

This paper fills a gap in the financial and project management literature of examining how financing fees, particularly interest, are determined accurately for planning and management of cash flows in construction projects. For planning purposes, most models assign costs at the activity level, as individual transactions at their actual date of occurrence as yet unknown. The interplay of cash outflows from numerous purchases, salaries, and payments for materials, labor, and equipment and regular cash inflows from progress payments by the owner to the contractor create a characteristic ‘sawtooth’ pattern. However, interest calculations for such continuously changing balances traditionally used averaging approximations that deviate from the exact solution. The derivation for such financing fee is presented and its logarithmic expression is compared with the approximations. It is concluded that more detailed research is merited as to how assuming a linearization used in manifold examples of cash flow analysis matches with practice.