cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Application of Sprayed Inorganic Fiber Containing Asbestos: Occupational Health Hazards

Over 40,000 tons of inorganic fibrous insulation containing asbestos were used in 1970 by the construction industry as a fireproofing material in the erection of multistoried buildings. The application of this material by a spraying technique produces serious contamination of the working environment. Asbestos fiber concentrations may range from 30 f/cc to more than 100 f/cc. Some early observations of the exposures and health of the workmen in this comparatively new occupation are given with photographs of the working areas. Nearby workers may be indirectly exposed. Such concentrations were found to be 70 f/cc ten feet from the spraying and 46 f/cc seventy-five feet away. Control measures are discussed.
Case profile: Unique uroradiographic manifestation of diverticulitis of colon

Abstract Urograms of interest to our readers are welcome from urologist and radiologists. Contributions, including an abbreviated history and legend for the films, are to be sent to Arthur N. Tessler, M.D., feature editor.
5-benzylacyclouridine and 5-benzyloxybenzylacyclouridine, potent inhibitors of uridine phosphorylase.

Abstract Various pyrimidine acyclonucleosides (l-(2'-hydroxyethoxymethyl)uracils) are specific inhibitors of uridine phosphorylase [Niedzwicki et al., Biochem. Pharmac. 30 , 2097 (1981)]. 5-Benzyluracils have also been shown to inhibit this enzyme [Baker and Kelley. J. med. Chem. 13 , 461 (1970); Woodman et al., Biochem. Pharmac . 29 ,1059 (1980)]. We have synthesized the acyclonucleoside analogs of 5-benzyluracil (BU) and 5-benzyloxybenzyluracil (BBU). These compounds, 5-benzyl-1-(2'-hydroxy-ethoxymethyl) uracil (BAU) and 5-( m -benzyloxybenzyl)-1-(2'-hydroxyethoxymethyl)uracil (BBAU), are potent inhibitors of uridine phosphorylase. K i values of 98 and 32 nM were estimated for BAU and BBAU respectively. These compounds are better inhibitors of uridine phosphorylase than BU ( K i = 1575 nM), BBU ( K i = 270 nM), and all other compounds previously tested, and they have no effect on thymidine phosphorylase, uridine-cytidine kinase, or thymidine kinase. Potential chemotherapeutic applications of BAU and BBAU are discussed.
Sulfide oxidation, nitrate respiration, carbon acquisition, and electron transport pathways suggested by the draft genome of a single orange Guaymas Basin Beggiatoa (Cand. Maribeggiatoa) sp. filament

Abstract A near-complete draft genome has been obtained for a single vacuolated orange Beggiatoa (Cand. Maribeggiatoa) filament from a Guaymas Basin seafloor microbial mat, the third relatively complete sequence for the Beggiatoaceae. Possible pathways for sulfide oxidation; nitrate respiration; inorganic carbon fixation by both Type II RuBisCO and the reductive tricarboxylic acid cycle; acetate and possibly formate uptake; and energy-generating electron transport via both oxidative phosphorylation and the Rnf complex are discussed here. A role in nitrite reduction is suggested for an abundant orange cytochrome produced by the Guaymas strain; this has a possible homolog in Beggiatoa (Cand. Isobeggiatoa) sp. PS, isolated from marine harbor sediment, but not Beggiatoa alba B18LD, isolated from a freshwater rice field ditch. Inferred phylogenies for the Calvin–Benson–Bassham (CBB) cycle and the reductive (rTCA) and oxidative (TCA) tricarboxylic acid cycles suggest that genes encoding succinate dehydrogenase and enzymes for carboxylation and/or decarboxylation steps (including RuBisCO) may have been introduced to (or exported from) one or more of the three genomes by horizontal transfer, sometimes by different routes. Sequences from the two marine strains are generally more similar to each other than to sequences from the freshwater strain, except in the case of RuBisCO: only the Guaymas strain encodes a Type II enzyme, which (where studied) discriminates less against oxygen than do Type I RuBisCOs. Genes subject to horizontal transfer may represent key steps for adaptation to factors such as oxygen and carbon dioxide concentration, organic carbon availability, and environmental variability.
Male reproductive effort and breeding system in an hermaphroditic plant

Male reproductive effort was estimated from flower, seed and fruit biomass data in populations of the self-compatible plant Gilia achilleifolia that differ in genetically estimated selfing rate. Male reproductive effort decreases with increased rate of selfing, a finding that is consistent with theoretical arguments pertaining to the allocation of resources to male and female reproductive functions in hermaphroditic organisms.
Comparison of Orange G Dye, Formol Titration, and Kjeldahl Methods for Milk Protein Determinations

Summary A highly significant correlation of +0.975 between Orange G dye and Kjeldahl methods of protein determinations demonstrated that for most practical purposes the protein content of milk can be determined as effectively by the use of the rapid Orange G dye binding method as by the time-consuming Kjeldahl method. The correlation of +0.839 between the percentage of total protein determined by formol titration and the Kjeldahl method indicated that the Orange G dye method has an advantage in accuracy compared to formol titration as a rapid method for determination of protein in milk. This is, in part, due to effects from stage of lactation and month of the year on the formol factors for total protein.
On the edge achromatic numbers of complete graphs

Suppose we wish to color the edges of the complete graph Kn with as many colors as possible so that (1) no two edges with a common node get the same color, and (2) for any two colors c1 and c2, there are two edges with a common node, one colored c1 and the other colored c2. What is the maximum number A(n) of colors possible in such a coloring? Coloring problems are notoriously hard and this problem is no exception. In fact, a remarkable theorem of Andre Bouchet implies that an exact determination of A(n) for all odd n would yield as a corollary all odd orders for which projective planes exist. Thus such a determination is clearly beyond the hopes of this study. The goals here are more modest: (1) to give a careful study of the best available upper bound on A(n), (2) to add to the constructions which give reasonable lower bounds for A(n), and (3) to contribute a few more values of n for which A(n) is known exactly.
Ship-based nitric acid measurements in the Gulf of Maine during New England Air Quality Study 2002

[1] Gas phase nitric acid (HNO3) was measured at 5-min resolution on board the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) research vessel Ronald H. Brown during the second leg (29 July to 10 August) of the New England Air Quality Study (NEAQS) 2002 cruise. A primary objective of the cruise was to improve understanding of the oxidation of NOx in, and removal of the oxidation products from, the polluted marine boundary layer east of northeastern North America. For the first 9 days of this leg the ship remained north of Cape Cod, and the cruise track did not extend much farther north than the New Hampshire-Maine border. During this period, HNO3 averaged 1.1 ppb and accounted for 19% of total reactive nitrogen oxides (measured NOy). On all days, peak HNO3 mixing ratios were observed in the early afternoon (average 2.3 ppb), at levels twofold to fourfold higher than the minima around sunrise and sunset. In these daytime peaks, HNO3/NOy averaged 28%. There were secondary nighttime peaks of HNO3 (0.9 ppb average), when HNO3 accounted for 16% of total reactive nitrogen oxides. This pronounced diurnal pattern confirms that production, and subsequent deposition, of HNO3 in the polluted marine boundary layer downwind of New England removes a significant fraction of the NOx exported to the atmosphere over the Gulf of Maine. Nitric acid was correlated with O3, particularly during the early afternoon interval when both molecules reached maximum mixing ratios (R2 = 0.66). The ozone production efficiency (OPE) inferred from the slope (10 ppb O3/ppb HNO3) was similar to the OPE of 9 estimated at the Atmospheric Investigation, Regional Modeling, Analysis and Prediction (AIRMAP) Thompson Farm station in coastal New Hampshire during the study period.
Ivan the Terrible returns to the silver screen: Pavel Lungin's film Tsar

ABSTRACTIn composing the plot of his film Tsar director Pavel Lungin had free rein to use primary sources and secondary works about the reign of Ivan the Terrible (1533–84) and Metropolitan (head of the Russian Orthodox Church) Filipp who was murdered at his command and later canonized, as he preferred. Lungin's selective use of sources and eclectic invocation of previous and current historical scholarship in Russia adheres consistently to one abiding principle. Lungin always chose whatever ‘facts’ and interpretations present Ivan in the worst light possible as an insane (if in his own mind, religious) despot whose reign was catastrophic for Russia. Lungin's film sheds light on Ivan's image in contemporary Russia.
Determination of Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate (SDS) and Biosurfactants Sorption and Transport Parameters in Clayey Soil

In this study, sorption and the transport mechanism of surfactants in clayey soil was examined. The adsorption and desorption isotherms for sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and biosurfactant (UH-biosurfactant) with sand and kaolinite were quantified. Kaolinite clay had the highest sorption capacity compared to blasting sand. Miscible displacement breakthrough experiments were done in order to determine the transport parameters. Transport parameters such as the dispersion coefficient (D) and the retardation factor (R) of the above-mentioned surfactant solutions were determined in clayey soils [sand (82.5 %) and kaolinite (17.5 %) mixture] with and without ionic strength. In this study 0.1 g/L NaCl was used as the electrolyte solution. A two-region transport convective–diffusive model was used to model the breakthrough curves of the surfactants. This model resulted in excellent descriptions of the data. Bromide ions were chosen as the tracer material in order to characterize the column. Perchloroethylene (PCE) is used in various kinds of industrial and commercial applications. SDS and UH-biosurfactant were used to flush the PCE contaminated soil. UH-biosurfactant solubilized more PCE compared to that of SDS in contaminated soils.
Origin of carbon in aromatic and olefin products derived from HZSM-5 catalyzed co-pyrolysis of cellulose and plastics via isotopic labeling

Abstract Catalytic pyrolysis over HZSM-5 is an effective method for the conversion of biomass to aromatic hydrocarbons, albeit with low yield and short catalyst lifetimes. Addition of co-reactants rich in carbon and hydrogen can enhance yield and possibly increase catalyst lifetimes by reducing coke formation. Particularly, the catalytic co-pyrolysis of plastic and biomass has been shown to enhance conversion to aromatic hydrocarbons, and also offers a method for productive disposal of waste agricultural plastics. In an effort to determine the origin of the carbon (plastic or biomass) in the products from this catalytic co-pyrolysis, mixtures of uniformly labeled 13 C cellulose and non-labeled plastic including polyethylene terephthalate, polypropylene, high density polyethylene, low density polyethylene and polystyrene were subjected to catalytic fast pyrolysis (CFP) at 650 °C in the presence of HZSM-5. A micro pyrolyzer coupled with GC/MS (py-GC/MS) advised product distributions and mass spectral data was used to determine the distribution of biogenic carbon and plastic derived carbon in the products. The results demonstrate that aromatic hydrocarbon products formed from the CFP of mixtures of cellulose and plastic are composed mostly of molecules containing carbon of mixed origin. Data on the distribution of 13 C x 12 C y from the products followed in this study show that polyolefin mixtures with cellulose favor the formation of alkyl benzenes that incorporate carbon from both sources. Utilization of aromatic polymers (polystyrene or polyethylene terephthalate) is more selective for formation of naphthalenes with carbon derived from both products. The distribution of various 13 C x 12 C y products is used to suggest active mechanisms that result in the formation of the observed products.
Pattern—color separable pathways predict sensitivity to simple colored patterns

We have studied how contrast threshold sensitivity depends jointly on pattern and color. We measured sensitivity to colored Gabor patches from 0.5 to 8 c/deg. At each spatial frequency, we measured in many different color directions. We analyze the sensitivity measurements using a series of nested models. We conclude that a model consisting of three pattern-color separable mechanisms predicts detection performance nearly as well as fitting psychometric functions independently. We derive the pattern and color sensitivities of the separable mechanisms from the experimental data. Two derived mechanisms are spatially lowpass and spectrally color-opponent. The third mechanism is spatially bandpass and spectrally broadband.
Eu3(AsS4)2 and AxEu3-yAs5-zS10 (A = Li, Na): Compounds with Simple and Complex Thioarsenate Building Blocks

Eu3(AsS4)2 and AxEu3-yAs5-zS10 (A = Li, Na) are the members of a new thioarsenate family. They feature As5+ and As3+ centers, respectively. The rhombohedral Eu3(AsS4)2 features a new structure type consisting of eight-coordinate Eu2+ centers and AsS43- anions, whereas the monoclinic AxEu3-yAs5-zS10 (Li0.73Eu3As4.43S10 and Na0.66Eu2.86As4.54S10) belong to the rathite sulfosalt family and are comprised of apparent [As10S20]10- segments linked with Eu2+ ions to give a three-dimensional network. They appear to be alkali-metal-stabilized derivatives of the putative parent phase “Eu3As5S10”.
Determination of niacinamide in pharmaceutical preparations

A method for the isolation of niacinamide from multi-component pharmaceutical preparations by partition chromatography between a diatomaceous earth-water column and chloroform followed by measurement of UV absorbance at 262 mμ is proposed. A second method using the color produced by the niacinamide in the column eluate with bromothymol blue in chloroform is also proposed to allow measurements in the visible range. The chromatographic separation is specific for niacinamide and the procedures are simple and rapid. However, alcohol modifies the partition between water and chloroform, causing the niacinamide to be eluted early. The SD of the UV absorbance method is 0.5% and of the bromothymol blue method is 1.7%. The precision of the proposed UV absorbance method compares favorably with that of the Pelletier and Campbell method and gives values approximately 2% higher.
Torsional Behavior of NiTi Wires and Tubes: Modeling and Experimentation

Torsional shape memory and superelastic NiTi elements provide low-profile, effective solutions for many biomedical applications such as orthopedic and orthotic devices. In this article, two different modeling approaches are used to model the torsional behavior of these alloys. For thin-walled tubes, a 1D model is adapted, while for thicker elements, a 3D model is chosen. Both of these models are implemented in the form of FE solutions. Experiments are conducted to find the modeling parameters, verify models, and compare the performance of these two modeling methods. These models are further used to for geo- metric and parametric studies of NiTi elements in torsion.
Is past academic productivity predictive of radiology resident academic productivity

Abstract Rationale and Objectives The authors performed this study to determine whether academic productivity in college and medical school is predictive of the number of publications produced during radiology residency. Materials and Methods The authors reviewed the records of 73 radiology residents who completed their residency from 1990 to 2000. Academic productivity during college, medical school, and radiology residency, other postgraduate degrees, and past careers other than radiology were tabulated. The personal essay attached to the residency application was reviewed for any stated academic interest. Residents were classified as being either previously productive or previously unproductive. Publication rates during residency and immediately after residency were compared for the two groups. For the productive residents, a correlation analysis was used to examine the relationship between past frequency of publication and type of previous activity. Least-squares regression analysis was used to investigate the relationship between preresidency academic productivity, advanced degrees, stated interest in academics, and other careers and radiology residency publications. Results There was no statistically significant difference in the number of articles published by those residents who were active and those who were not active before residency (P = .21). Only authorship of papers as an undergraduate was weakly predictive of residency publication. Conclusion These selected measures of academic productivity as an undergraduate and during medical school are not helpful for predicting publication during residency. There was no difference in publication potential between those residents who were academically productive in the past and those who were not.
Emission-line objects near R Coronae Australis

New CCD images show additional emission-line objects close to R Coronae Australis in the Corona Australis cloud. Two faint knots, strong in forbidden S II, are seen against the receding CO flow associated with R CrA. They are closely aligned with HH 104 A,B and R CrA and have thus been labeled HH 104 C,D. The position angle corresponds to that of the transient spike described by Hartigan and Graham (1987). HH 104 C,D lie on the edge of a diffuse patch of nebulosity, strongest in H-alpha. It is suggested that this is illuminated by light scattered from R CrA in the direction of the receding CO flow. The emission-line star 1-100 observed by Hartigan and Graham has a variable spectrum. There is a forbidden S II knot 17 arc sec W, 9 arcsec S of this star. A faint 19th magnitude emission-line star is identified. A change in the morphology of the HH 100 reflection nebula between 1973 and 1983 is noted.
Tillage and Poultry Litter Application Effects on Cotton Growth and Yield

Although use of no-tillage in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) pro duction in the southeast USA has dramatically increased recently, reports of reduced seedling emergence, poor plant establishment, reduced growth, delayed maturity, and low yields still constrain adoption. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of tillage systems on growth and yield of cotton grown in rotation with a winter rye (Secale cereale L.) cover crop with poultry litter and ammonium nitrate fertilizer application in north Alabama. Results from 1996 to 2001 are reported in this paper. Treatment factors were three tillage systems, two cropping systems, two N sources, and four N levels. Winter rye cover cropping increased surface residue cover by up to 35, 70, and 100% in conventional tillage, mulch tillage, and no-tillage systems, respectively. Despite initial differences in rate of seedling emergence, final seedling establishment averaged 10 seedlings m -1 in all treatments. At the rate of 100 kg N ha -1 , the effect of poultry litter on cotton growth and yield parameters was generally lower or similar to that of ammonium nitrate at the rate of 100 kg N ha -1 . However, at 200 kg N ha -1 , poultry litter improved cotton growth and lint yield compared with ammonium nitrate at 100 kg N ha -1 or poultry litter at 100 kg N ha -1 . Cotton lint yields averaged over all treatments ranged from 1128 to 1405 kg ha -1 over the study period. With adequate N fertility from poultry litter, no-tillage and mulchtillage systems with winter rye cover cropping are ideal for cotton production in the southeast USA.
Predicting the Onset of Sexual and Drug Risk Behaviors in HIV-Negative Youths with HIV-Positive Mothers: The Role of Contextual, Self-Regulation, and Social-Interaction Factors.

HIV-negative, inner-city adolescents with HIV-infected parents are considered to be at high risk for acquiring HIV themselves. Using a modified theory of health behavior, this study examined the effects of maternal HIV infection and psychosocial variables on the onset of sexual and drug risk behavior in 144 HIV-negative adolescents with and without HIV-positive mothers. Adolescents and their mothers were interviewed when the youths were 10–14 years old and again when they were 13–19 years old. By follow-up, 42% of youths reported the onset of vaginal sex (vs 5% at baseline). Marijuana and alcohol use increased from 6 and 38%, respectively, at baseline to 25 and 60% at follow-up. Among those reporting risk behaviors, 40--50% reported onset prior to 14 years. Youth and family psychosocial variables, but not maternal HIV status, were associated with risk behaviour outcomes.
Mannosylated Lipoarabinomannans from Mycobacterium Avium Subsp. Paratuberculosis Alters the Inflammatory Response by Bovine Macrophages and Suppresses Killing of Mycobacterium Avium Subsp. Avium Organisms

Analysis of the mechanisms through which pathogenic mycobacteria interfere with macrophage activation and phagosome maturation have shown that engagement of specific membrane receptors with bacterial ligands is the initiating event. Mannosylated lipoarabinomannan (Man-LAM) has been identified as one of the ligands that modulates macrophage function. We evaluated the effects of Man-LAM derived from Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) on bovine macrophages. Man-LAM induced a rapid and prolonged expression of IL-10 message as well as transient expression of TNF-α. Preincubation with Man-LAM for up to 16 h did not suppress expression of IL-12 in response to interferon-γ. Evaluation of the effect of Man-LAM on phagosome acidification, phagosome maturation, and killing of Mycobacterium avium subsp. avium (MAA) showed that preincubation of macrophages with Man-LAM before addition of MAA inhibited phagosome acidification, phagolysosome fusion, and reduced killing. Analysis of signaling pathways provided indirect evidence that inhibition of killing was associated with activation of the MAPK-p38 signaling pathway but not the pathway involved in regulation of expression of IL-10. These results support the hypothesis that MAP Man-LAM is one of the virulence factors facilitating survival of MAP in macrophages.
Distinct functional effects for dynamin 3 during megakaryocytopoiesis

Dynamin 3 (DNM3) is a member of a family of motor proteins that participate in a number of membrane rearrangements such as cytokinesis, budding of transport vesicles, phagocytosis, and cell motility. Recently, DNM3 was implicated as having a role in megakaryocyte (MK) development. To further investigate the functional role of DNM3 during megakaryocytopoiesis, we introduced sequence-specific short hairpin RNAs (shRNAs) into developing MKs. The results showed that knockdown of DNM3 inhibited a stage of MK development that involved progenitor amplification. This was evident by significant decreases in the number of colony forming unit-megakaryocytes, the total number of nucleated cells, and the number of CD41(+) and CD61(+) MKs produced in culture. Using a styrl membrane dye to quantify the demarcation membrane system (DMS) of terminally differentiated MKs, we found that DNM3 co-localized with the DMS and that DNM3 lentiviral shRNAs precluded the formation of the DMS. Knockdown of dynamin 3 in murine MKs also caused a decrease in the number of morphologically large MKs and the overall size of large MKs was decreased relative to controls. MK protein lysates were used in overlay blots to show that both DNM3 and actin bind to nonmuscle myosin IIA (MYH9). Consistent with these observations, immunofluorescence studies of MKs and proplatelet processes showed co-localization of DNM3 with MYH9. Overall, these studies demonstrate that DNM3 not only participates in MK progenitor amplification, but is also involved in cytoplasmic enlargement and the formation of the DMS.
Applications of spherical functions in multilinear algebra

Abstract Spherical functions are shown to organize and unify previous work on generalized matrix functions and symmetry classes of tensors. At the same time, new areas of investigation are suggested.
A Survey on Hypersensitivity Reactions in Hemodialysis

: This survey was conducted from 1982 through 1984 by a cooperative effort among the Health Industries Manufacturers Association, seven dialyzer manufacturers, and the Food and Drug Administration. This article presents an analysis of the 1982-83 survey data and a summary of the 1984 data. Most of the reactions reported (99%) were associated with hollow-fiber dialyzers. About 50% of these reactions were experienced by patients using a dialyzer model for the first time, and >98% of the reactions were related to new (unused) dialyzers. On average, there were 180 reactions reported per year, with >90% being considered severe, including death, by the reporting center. A plot of the number of reactions versus time from 1982 through 1984 shows periods of 12–15 months in which the reaction rate remained practically constant. During these periods, the rate of reported reactions alternated from 60 to 150% of the average. Analysis of the survey data showed a strong correlation of the number of reactions with the race and age of the patients. Blacks and other minorities experience nearly three times as many reactions as white patients. Also, patients under 29 years of age seem to have nearly twice as many reactions as patients in the 30- to 49-year-old range, whereas patients over 50 years old have nearly half the number of reactions of the 30- to 49-year-old range. The average reactivity of the U.S. hemodialysis patient population was calculated to be 3.3 reactions per year per 1,000 patients exposed to hollow-fiber dialyzers and 0.3 reaction per year per 1,000 patients exposed to flat-plate dialyzers. No reactions were reported with coil dialyzers. Using the manufacturers' sales figures, the reactivity of hollow-fiber and flat-plate dialyzers was calculated to be 4.3 and 0.2 reactions per 100,000 dialyzers sold, respectively.
A two-factor model of achievement motivation

Cassidy and Lynn (1989) synthesized an achievement motivation measure based on earlier scales. Their final measure assessed seven facets of motivation: Acquisitiveness for material wealth, Dominance, Competitiveness, Status Aspiration, Pursuit of Excellence, Work Ethic, and Mastery. Others (e.g., Sansone & Harackiewicz, 2000) have found that people are driven by two general motivational forces: intrinsic motivation is performing an activity for the pleasure inherent in the activity, whereas extrinsic motivation is driven by external factors. We hypothesized that Cassidy and Lynn’s seven measures would cluster around intrinsic and extrinsic motivation.
A novel cytotoxicity screening assay using a multiwell fluorescence scanner

A new assay using a multiwell fluorescence scanner was developed for screening cytotoxicity to cells cultured in 96-well microtiter plates. The assay is based on binding of propidium iodide to nuclei of cells whose plasma membranes have become permeable due to cell death. Fluorescence of propidium iodide measured with a multiwell fluorescence scanner increased in proportion to the number of permeabilized cells. After ATP depletion of hepatocytes and neonatal cardiac myocytes with metabolic inhibitors ("chemical hypoxia"), and exposure of Madine Darby canine kidney cells to the toxic chemical, HgCl2, propidium iodide fluorescence progressively increased. Increases of fluorescence were linearly proportional with release of lactate dehydrogenase into the culture medium. Employing this cytotoxicity screening assay, protection by various agents against lethal injury was evaluated in cultured hepatocytes during chemical hypoxia. Inhibitors of cysteine proteases (i.e., antipain, leupeptin, E-64), serine proteases (i.e., PMSF), and aspartic acid proteases (i.e., pepstatin A) did not protect against chemical hypoxia. In contrast, 1,10-phenanthroline, an inhibitor of metalloprotease, markedly protected against the onset of cell death during chemical hypoxia. Half-maximal protection after 60 min occurred at 0.5 microM. Phospholipase inhibitors, chlorpromazine (50 microM) and mepacrine (50 microM), also substantially retarded cell killing. U74006F, an inhibitor of lipid peroxidation, slowed cell killing to a lesser extent during chemical hypoxia and after oxidative stress with t-butyl hydroperoxide. Calciphor, a dimer of prostaglandin B1, did not protect against cell killing during chemical hypoxia or t-butyl hydroperoxide toxicity. In conclusion, this high capacity cytotoxicity assay for cells cultured in 96-well microtiter plates is suitable for rapid screening of potential cytoprotective agents in a variety of cell types.
How will increasing our knowledge of the head and neck cancer cells’ secretome benefit head and neck squamous cell carcinoma patients?

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is the sixth most common cancer globally, accounting for more than 560,000 new cases and 300,000 deaths annually, and is causally linked to chronic exp...
Partial DNA sequences from the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) gene can differentiate the intermediate snail hosts Bulinus globosus and B. nasutus (Gastropoda: Planorbidae)

In order to test the current taxonomic status of two East African snail species within the Bulinus africanus group and develop molecular methods for subsequent identification, snails from Zanzibar were investigated and assayed for DNA sequence variation. A 450 bp region within the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) gene was amplified by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), using evolutionarily conserved primers, from 143 snails representing two species within the Bulinus africanus group: B. globosus and B. nasutus. PCR products were subjected to restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis using double digestion with the enzymes AluI and RsaI. RFLP was observable between species. To identify further variation within this molecule, PCR products from several snails were also sequenced. A 340 bp data set was obtained from twelve snails representative of the two species. These data were subjected to cladistic analysis with designated outgroups Cepaea nemoralis and Albinaria turrita. From...
POSSUM accurately predicts morbidity for pancreatic resection

Background The Physiologic and Operative Severity Score for the enUmeration of Mortality and Morbidity (POSSUM) is a predictive scoring system for postoperative morbidity. While numerous studies validate its application to major abdominal surgery, few exclusively consider pancreatic resections, whose unique complications are costly and problematic. We examined whether POSSUM could accurately reflect clinical and economic outcomes in pancreatic resection. Methods 326 consecutive pancreatic resections (227 pancreaticoduodenectomies, 87 distal, 7 central, and 5 total pancreatectomies) were performed between October 2001 and January 2007. POSSUM score was prospectively calculated for each case, and patients were stratified to quintiles of morbidity risk: ≤ 20%, 20-40%, 40-60%, 60-80%, ≥ 80%. Actual clinical and economic outcomes were compared across the groups. Predictive risk assessment was further evaluated independently within each resection type. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify specific POSSUM parameters predictive of postoperative morbidity. Results Observed and Expected morbidity rates were equivalent (53.1% vs 55.5%) with an overall O/E ratio of 0.96. Although no patients presented with POSSUM scores below 20%, a relatively equal distribution was assigned to the remaining risk cohorts. Clinical and economic outcomes progressively worsened with escalations in POSSUM scores. Increasing morbidity risk was associated with significantly longer hospital stays, higher rates of complications, and more blood transfusions, ICU management, and discharge to rehabilitation facilities. This had considerable economic impact, as mean hospital costs rose from $19,951 in the 20-40% risk cohort, to $31,281 in the ≥ 80% group. Breakdown by operation type demonstrates that POSSUM definitively predicts morbidity following both proximal and distal resection, but more accurately forecasts the need for ICU management and rehabilitation placement when pancreatoduodenectomy is performed. Multivariate analysis revealed that one-half of POSSUM parameters were significant contributors for postoperative morbidity, with age, preoperative hemoglobin concentration, and intraoperative blood loss demonstrating the strongest correlations. Conclusion POSSUM is a valuable perioperative scoring system for evaluating variance in pancreatic surgical methods and outcomes, and can be employed to guide management decisions that impact postoperative recovery.
Nd:YAG 1.44 laser ablation of human cartilage

This study determined the effectiveness of a Neodymium:YAG 1.44 micrometers wavelength laser on human cartilage. This wavelength is strongly absorbed by water. Cadaveric meniscal fibrocartilage and articular hyaline cartilage were harvested and placed in normal saline during the study. A 600 micrometers quartz fiber was applied perpendicularly to the tissues with a force of 0.098 N. Quantitative measurements were then made of the ablation rate as a function of fluence. The laser energy was delivered at a constant repetition rate of 5 Hz., 650 microsecond(s) pulsewidth, and energy levels ranging from 0.5 joules to 2.0 joules. Following the ablation of the tissue, the specimens were fixed in formalin for histologic evaluation. The results of the study indicate that the ablation rate is 0.03 mm/mj/mm 2 for hyaline cartilage and fibrocartilage. Fibrocartilage was cut at approximately the same rate as hyaline cartilage. There was a threshold fluence projected to be 987 mj/mm 2 for hyaline cartilage and fibrocartilage. Our results indicate that the pulsed Nd:YAG laser operating at 1.44 micrometers has a threshold fluence above which it will ablate human cartilage, and that its ablation rate is directly proportional to fluence over the range of parameters tested. Fibrocartilage and hyaline cartilage demonstrated similar threshold fluence and ablation rates which is related to the high water content of these tissues.
Poly(glycidyl methacrylate)s with controlled molecular weights as low-shrinkage resins for 3D multibeam interference lithography

Poly(glycidyl methacrylate) has been shown to be a useful material for fabrication of photonic crystal templates using multibeam interference lithography, since it exhibits lower shrinkage than conventional SU8.
Wolbachia versus dengue Evolutionary forecasts

A novel form of biological control is being applied to the dengue virus. The agent is the maternally transmitted bacterium Wolbachia, naturally absent from the main dengue vector, the mosquito Aedes aegypti. Three Wolbachia-based control strategies have been proposed. One is suppression of mosquito populations by large-scale releases of males incompatible with native females; this intervention requires ongoing releases. The other interventions transform wild mosquito populations with Wolbachia that spread via the frequency-dependent fitness advantage of Wolbachia-infected females; those interventions potentially require just a single, local release for area-wide disease control. One of these latter strategies uses Wolbachia that shortens mosquito life, indirectly preventing viral maturation/transmission. The other strategy uses Wolbachia that block viral transmission. All interventions can be undermined by viral, bacterial or mosquito evolution; viral virulence in humans may also evolve. We examine existing theory, experiments and comparative evidence to motivate predictions about evolutionary outcomes. (i) The life-shortening strategy seems the most likely to be thwarted by evolution. (ii) Mosquito suppression has a reasonable chance of working locally, at least in the short term, but long-term success over large areas is challenging. (iii) Dengue blocking faces strong selection for viral resistance but may well persist indefinitely at some level. Virulence evolution is not mathematically predictable, but comparative data provide no precedent for Wolbachia increasing dengue virulence. On balance, our analysis suggests that the considerable possible benefits of these technologies outweigh the known negatives, but the actual risk is largely unknown.
Connecting Student Employment, Involvement, and Alumni Affinity

Previous research indicates that student employment serves as a means of campus involvement. Additional literature indicates that campus involvement promotes alumni affinity. This study proposes that the missing link between student employment as involvement and alumni affinity lies in the students’ perceptions of involvement. Therefore, this study explored whether student employees view their employment as an involvement opportunity and the factors that influence those perceptions. Understanding the factors that contribute to perceptions of involvement allows campus recreation professionals to structure employment experiences that are recognized by students as involvement, thereby promoting long-term affinity for the institution. The findings indicate that students perceive their employment as involvement, though to varying degrees. The factors contributing to those perceptions include a) time spent in the work environment, b) alignment with personal interests, c) relationships with coworkers, d) relatio...
Lateral organic carbon supply to the deep Canada Basin

[1] Understanding the processes driving the carbon cycle in the Arctic Ocean is important for assessing the impacts of the predicted rapid and amplified climate change in this region. We analyzed settling particle samples intercepted by a time-series sediment trap deployed in the abyssal Canada Basin (at 3067 m) in order to examine carbon export to the deep Arctic Ocean. Strikingly old radiocarbon ages (apparent mean 14C age = ∼1900 years) of the organic carbon, abundant lithogenic material (∼80%), and mass flux variations temporally decoupled from the cycle of primary productivity in overlying surface waters together suggest that, unlike other ocean basins, the majority of the particulate organic carbon entering the deep Canada Basin is supplied from the surrounding margins.
Implications of increased medio-lateral trunk sway for ambulatory mechanics

The purposes of this study was to test a mechanism to reduce the knee adduction moment by testing the hypothesis that increased medio-lateral trunk sway can reduce the knee adduction moment during ambulation in healthy subjects, and to examine the possibility that increasing medio-lateral trunk sway can produce similar potentially adverse secondary gait changes previously associated with reduced knee adduction moments in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Nineteen healthy adults performed walking trials with normal and increased medio-lateral trunk sway at a self-selected normal walking speed. Standard gait analysis was used to calculate three-dimensional lower extremity joint kinematics and kinetics. Knee and hip adduction moments were lower (-65.0% and -57.1%, respectively) for the increased medio-lateral trunk sway trials than for the normal trunk sway trials. Knee flexion angle at heel-strike was 3 degrees higher for the increased than for the normal trunk sway trials. Knee and hip abduction moments were higher for the increased medio-lateral trunk sway trials, and none of the other variables differed between the two conditions. Walking with increased medio-lateral trunk sway substantially reduces the knee adduction moment during walking in healthy subjects without some of the adverse secondary effects such as increased axial loading rates at the major joints of the lower extremity. This result supports the potential of using gait retraining for walking with increased medio-lateral trunk sway as treatment for patients with degenerative joint disease such as medial compartment knee osteoarthritis.
Cocaine-induced potentiation of synaptic strength in dopamine neurons: Behavioral correlates in GluRA(–/–) mice

Synaptic plasticity in the mesolimbic dopamine (DA) system is thought to contribute to the neural adaptations that mediate behavioral sensitization, a model for core aspects of addiction. Recently, it has been demonstrated that multiple classes of drugs of abuse, as well as acute stress, enhance strength at excitatory synapses on midbrain DA neurons. Here, we show that both the cocaine- and stress-induced synaptic enhancement involves an up-regulation of α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptors. This enhancement requires the α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptor subunit GluRA as evidenced by its absence in mice lacking this subunit. The cocaine-elicited, but not the stress-elicited, synaptic potentiation in DA neurons was blocked by a D1-like receptor antagonist, indicating that the in vivo triggering mechanisms differ for these forms of experience-dependent synaptic modification. Surprisingly, behavioral sensitization to cocaine was elicited in GluRA(–/–) mice, indicating that potentiation of excitatory synaptic transmission in DA neurons is not necessary for this form of behavioral plasticity. However, GluRA(–/–) mice did not exhibit a conditioned locomotor response when placed in a context previously paired with cocaine, nor did they exhibit conditioned place preference in response to cocaine. We suggest that the drug-induced enhancement of excitatory synaptic transmission in midbrain DA neurons, although not required for behavioral sensitization per se, may contribute to the attribution of incentive value to drug-associated cues.
Development of neural network tools for rapid computer system design

Methodologies are developed for improving design quality and the speed of the design process. The authors present the portion of the work which involves the application and extension of neural networks to solve optimization problems that arise in this design process. Specifically, they discuss the use of neural networks to solve the scheduling and allocation problems that arise when assigning operations to control steps and functional units. The goal is to minimize the number of control steps, number of each type of functional unit, allow multi-step operations, and handle bussing constraints. The application of neural networks to high-level computer design has the potential to provide more flexible, advanced computer system design tools. >
Dynamically reparameterized light fields

This research further develops the light field and lumigraph image-based rendering methods and extends their utility. We present alternate parameterizations that permit 1) interactive rendering of moderately sampled light fields of scenes with significant, unknown depth variation and 2) low-cost, passive autostereoscopic viewing. Using a dynamic reparameterization, these techniques can be used to interactively render photographic effects such as variable focus and depth-of-field within a light field. The dynamic parameterization is independent of scene geometry and does not require actual or approximate geometry of the scene. We explore the frequency domain and ray-space aspects of dynamic reparameterization, and present an interactive rendering technique that takes advantage of today's commodity rendering hardware.
Trend Detection in Control Data: Optimization and Interpretation of Trigg's Technique for Trend Analysis

A method for trend detection, Trigg's technique [ Oper. Res. Q. 15, 271 (1964)], has been investigated for use in monitoring trends in control data produced by multitest continuous-flow analyzers. Simulated trend data were used to optimize the method. Actual control data were analyzed retrospectively to determine the frequency of trends and the accuracy of several parameters obtained from Trigg's method. The prospective use of the technique has successfully uncovered important trends. Criteria for the interpretation of the Trigg's trend data are suggested and an algorithm for the computer implementation of Trigg’s calculations is included.
Tensions in a Multi-Tiered Research-Practice Partnership

Bridging the research-practice gap remains an important focus of much learning research. An important challenge is for researchers to organize design to leverage both the expertise of practitioners and that of researchers in an equitable arrangement. This study examines such an arrangement by analyzing the joint work of a design-based research-practice partnership. It focuses on the design tensions (Tatar, 2007) associated with coordinating the needs of participants from three different tiers of design—involving teachers, researchers, and district administrators—related to the content of designs and to the mechanisms for bringing content to scale within the district. This study argues for the value of a common vision and design methodology to enable design tensions at multiple levels to become generative influences on design.
Drosophila roadblock and Chlamydomonas LC7: a conserved family of dynein-associated proteins involved in axonal transport, flagellar motility, and mitosis.

Eukaryotic organisms utilize microtubule-dependent motors of the kinesin and dynein superfamilies to generate intracellular movement. To identify new genes involved in the regulation of axonal transport in Drosophila melanogaster, we undertook a screen based upon the sluggish larval phenotype of known motor mutants. One of the mutants identified in this screen, roadblock (robl), exhibits diverse defects in intracellular transport including axonal transport and mitosis. These defects include intra-axonal accumulations of cargoes, severe axonal degeneration, and aberrant chromosome segregation. The gene identified by robl encodes a 97–amino acid polypeptide that is 57% identical (70% similar) to the 105–amino acid Chlamydomonas outer arm dynein–associated protein LC7, also reported here. Both robl and LC7 have homology to several other genes from fruit fly, nematode, and mammals, but not Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Furthermore, we demonstrate that members of this family of proteins are associated with both flagellar outer arm dynein and Drosophila and rat brain cytoplasmic dynein. We propose that roadblock/LC7 family members may modulate specific dynein functions.