cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A role for the SH2-containing inositol phosphatase in the biology of natural killer cells and stem cells

SHIP is an inositol 5′ phosphatase that can hydrolyze PI(3,4,5)P3, a product of PI3 Kinase. SHIP was initially identified as a 145kD tyrosine phosphorylated protein known to associate with the adapter protein She following cytokine stimulation. In addition, tyrosine phosphorylated SHIP can bind to ITIM motifs of receptors expressed by immune cells and thus modulate their effector functions. Ly49 receptors are immune receptors found on murine Natural Killer (NK) cells that control their effector function. NK cells play an important role in the innate immune system and acute bone marrow graft rejection. We have found that in the absence of SHIP expression, murine NK cells exhibit a dysregulated Ly49 repertoire with NK cells expressing multiple Ly49 receptors specific for self MHC ligands. This defect prevents adult NK cells from lysing tumor cells in vitro. We have also identified a novel stem cell-specific isoform of SHIP, s-SHIP, whose expression is restricted to embryonic and hematopoietic stem cells (HSC). Therefore, in addition to regulating myelopoeisis in vivo and effector functions of B cells and mast cells, SHIP also plays a significant role in the biology of NK cells and stem cells.
Abstract 418: Highly efficient duplex DNA tagging strategy improves accuracy of detecting ultra-low-frequency mutations through consensus read reconstruction

Introduction: Molecular diagnostics and precise personalized care continue to increase the sensitivity and specificity requirements for detecting low (~5%) to ultra-low ( 4,000 false positives, resulting in a positive predictive value (PPV) of 90% detection sensitivity was achieved for genomic and cell-free DNA samples with 0 false positives, resulting in 100% PPV, a >40-fold error suppression. For FFPE DNA samples, the duplex adapters provided >30-fold PPV improvement compared to standard adapters. Conclusions: The duplex UMI adapters eliminate background NGS errors by collapsing duplicated reads using their unique tags. This leads to unprecedented accuracy in detecting true low-frequency variants, regardless of the input DNA source. Such advances are key to refining diagnostics and improving precision cancer care. Citation Format: Jiashi Wang, Kevin Lai, Madelyn Light, Layla Katiraee, Kristina Giorda, Mirna Jarosz, Yun Bao, Criss Walworth, David Kupec, Caifu Chen. Highly efficient duplex DNA tagging strategy improves accuracy of detecting ultra-low-frequency mutations through consensus read reconstruction [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2018; 2018 Apr 14-18; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 418.
Dark quark nuggets

``Dark quark nuggets,'' a lump of dark quark matter, can be produced in the early universe for a wide range of confining gauge theories and serve as a macroscopic dark matter candidate. The two necessary conditions, a nonzero dark baryon number asymmetry and a first-order phase transition, can easily be satisfied for many asymmetric dark matter models and QCD-like gauge theories with a few massless flavors. For confinement scales from 10 keV to 100 TeV, these dark quark nuggets with a huge dark baryon number have their masses vary from ${10}^{23}\text{ }\text{ }\mathrm{g}$ to ${10}^{\ensuremath{-}7}\text{ }\text{ }\mathrm{g}$ and their radii from ${10}^{8}\text{ }\text{ }\mathrm{cm}$ to ${10}^{\ensuremath{-}15}\text{ }\text{ }\mathrm{cm}$. Such macroscopic dark matter candidates can be searched for by a broad scope of experiments and even new detection strategies. Specifically, we have found that the gravitational microlensing experiments can probe heavier dark quark nuggets or smaller confinement scales around 10 keV; collision of dark quark nuggets can generate detectable and transient electromagnetic radiation signals; the stochastic gravitational wave signals from the first-order phase transition can be probed by the pulsar timing array observations and other space-based interferometry experiments; the approximately massless dark mesons can behave as dark radiation to be tested by the next-generation cosmic microwave background experiments; the free dark baryons, as a subcomponent of dark matter, can have direct detection signals for a sufficiently strong interaction strength with the visible sector.
From the Streets: Public and Private Space in an Early Maya City

Modern life in cities involves perpetual tensions between private and public spaces evoking the question whether such tensions existed when cities first emerged. This paper investigates such tensions at the lowland Maya site of Nixtun-Ch’ich’ in Peten, Guatemala. The city developed along with other such settlements in the Maya region, sometime between 2800 and 2500 years ago. This anomalous site has the earliest known rectangular urban grid in the Americas. Such grids have not been found in other preColumbian Maya settlements. Gridded urban space requires the invention of public space, streets, and the grid. Even with these three characteristics present, they require social mechanisms (city planning and the means to implement the plan) capable of “rationalizing” city space. They also necessitate the power to regulate public spaces if the grid is to exist over long periods of time. The gridded streets of Nixtun-Ch’ich’ seem to be the most public of all spaces at the site. Nevertheless, a longue duree examination of the site reveals that private space gradually extended into and decreased the size of public space. These transformations tend to suggest a shift from a more cooperative to a more competitive social environment, which may correlate with elaborated social differentiation and segmentation.
Seasonal Trend Analysis on Multi-Variate Time Series Data

This research addresses the problem of fluctuation in the hidden patterns within the patterns of financial time series data from the stock market. It becomes even more difficult when the data repository is huge and the data source is from multiple sources. This causes difficulty for the investors to make informed decisions on buying and selling stocks. A novel method is presented to solve this problem using Linear Regression and Random Forest algorithms for multivariate time series data analysis. Initially, data preprocessing is done that includes the data cleaning, integration, transformation, discretization, and data reduction. Then regression analysis is used to predict the dependent variables from independent variables that are known from the past data. The output from the regression analysis is classified using the Random Forest algorithm for learning the patterns. The trend and seasonal information from the patterns will help people to choose better stock market investment.
Impact of a dedicated nursing team on central line-related complications in neonatal intensive care unit.

Aim: To evaluate the impact of a dedicated nursing team on central line insertion success and catheter-related complications.Methods: Five nurses were trained in central line insertion and maintena...
Utility of an Automated Radiology-Pathology Feedback Tool.

Abstract Purpose To determine the utility of an automated radiology-pathology feedback tool. Methods We previously developed a tool that automatically provides radiologists with pathology results related to imaging examinations they interpreted. The tool also allows radiologists to mark the results as concordant or discordant. Five abdominal radiologists prospectively scored their own discordant results related to their previously interpreted abdominal ultrasound, CT, and MR interpretations between August 2017 and June 2018. Radiologists recorded whether they would have followed up on the case if there was no automated alert, reason for the discordance, whether the result required further action, prompted imaging rereview, influenced future interpretations, enhanced teaching files, or inspired a research idea. Results There were 234 total discordances (range 30-66 per radiologist), and 70.5% (165 of 234) of discordances would not have been manually followed up in the absence of the automated tool. Reasons for discordances included missed findings (10.7%; 25 of 234), misinterpreted findings (29.1%; 68 of 234), possible biopsy sampling error (13.3%; 31 of 234), and limitations of imaging techniques (32.1%; 75/234). In addition, 4.7% (11 of 234) required further radiologist action, including report addenda or discussion with referrer or pathologist, and 93.2% (218 of 234) prompted radiologists to rereview the images. Radiologists reported that they learned from 88% (206 of 234) of discordances, 38.6% (90 of 233) of discordances probably or definitely influenced future interpretations, 55.6% (130 of 234) of discordances prompted the radiologist to add the case to his or her teaching files, and 13.7% (32 of 233) inspired a research idea. Conclusion Automated pathology feedback provides a valuable opportunity for radiologists across experience levels to learn, increase their skill, and improve patient care.
Attachments: Focus, Method, Calling, and Creation: On Charting a Professional Course.

Early in my career, I was asked what "T-shirt" I wanted to wear. It was not meant literally, of course, but as a way of asking what I really wanted to focus on in my work. It was a fair question. Twenty years on, I continue to find it difficult to answer. The problem for me lay in liking too many T-shirts, but not any one so much as to want to make it my own. Having by now worn many an ill-fitting shirt throughout my professional career, and having arrived at certain midlife realizations regarding who I am (and more importantly, regarding who I am not), I would like to share what I have learned along the way.
Does Arthroscopic Repair of Femoroacetabular Impingement Pathology Affect Clinical Outcomes after Ipsilateral Total Hip Arthroplasty

Purpose: Arthroscopy for repair of femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) and related conditions is technically challenging, but remains the preferred approach for management of these hip pathologies. The incidence of this procedure has increased steadily for the past few years, but little is known about its potential long-term effects on future interventions. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether prior arthroscopic correction of FAI pathology impacts postoperative complication rates in patients receiving subsequent ipsilateral total hip arthroplasty (THA) on a national scale. Materials and Methods: A commercially available national database - PearlDiver Patients Records Database - identified primary THA patients from 2005 to 2014. Patients who had prior arthroscopic FAI repair (post arthroscopy group) were separated from those who did not (native hip group). Prior FAI repair was examined as a risk factor for complications following THA and a multivariable logistic regression analysis was applied to identify risk factors for complications following THA. Results: A total of 11,061 patients met all inclusion and exclusion criteria; 10,951 in the native hip group and 110 in the post arthroscopy group. Prior FAI repair was not significantly associated with higher rates of 90-day readmission (P=0.585), aseptic dislocation/revision within 3 years (P=0.409), surgical site infection within 3 years (P=0.796), or hip stiffness within 3 years (P=0.977) after THA. Conclusion: Arthroscopic FAI repair is not an independent risk factor for complications following subsequent ipsilateral THA (level of evidence: III).
Making measures count: Structured indicator selection to improve program success

Abstract Indicators are essential, yet often overlooked and undervalued, elements of conservation planning. This is concerning given that selection and implementation of indicators is vital to monitoring, evaluation and learning and can require substantial investment of resources. While indicators are critical for successful program management, indicator selection is rarely approached as a discrete process, subsequently reducing transparency and increasing the likelihood of selection biases. There are many characteristics of a good indicator, such as how easily it is understood by key audiences or how easily it can be measured. As a result, choosing indicators, like choosing management actions, is inherently a value-based judgement because decision-makers must decide which indicator characteristics are most important among many options. We recommend using a structured selection process to deconstruct decision complexities, thereby increasing transparency, reducing selection biases and improving communication among participants involved in the selection process. We demonstrate the value of structured processes by using a PrOACT approach, which is an acronym for the key elements of decision making – Problem, Objectives, Alternatives, Consequences, and Tradeoffs. Operationalizing PrOACT elements within a structured framework involves (1) clarifying the decision problem, (2) specifying objectives for the decision, (3) developing imaginative alternatives, (4) understanding the consequences of your alternatives given the stated objectives, and (5) grappling with tradeoffs. We illustrate how this framework can be incorporated into indicator selection with examples from environmental programs and a case study that demonstrates how to operationalize a structured indicator selection process. Programs often achieve the first three elements – Problem, Objectives, and Alternatives – during indicator selection, but fail to fully address and document the Consequences and Tradeoffs of their decisions. By using a comprehensive PrOACT approach, programs, especially those with complex socio-ecological systems or risk-averse decision contexts, can systematically deconstruct the indicator selection process to more objectively and transparently assess these consequences and tradeoffs so the best possible selections can be made.
Husserl’s Early Treatments of Intersubjectivity

The agenda of the Phenomenological Movement, as we saw in the last chapter, came together in Munich around the investigation of three nested phenomena: motivation, empathy, and the i. Research inspired by Theodor Lipps gave Husserl the questions and the terminology upon which he would build his early investigations of intersubjectivity. Although he did not reside in Munich, Husserl was in close contact with colleagues there before the First World War. Reinach came from Munich to work as Privatdozent at Gottingen under the sponsorship of Husserl, whom the younger phenomenologists called der Meister. 1 Husserl was productive in his publications, prolific in his private Forschungs-mansckripte, and prodigally generous with his junior colleagues. First at Gottingen and later at Freiburg, Husserl freely shared the fruits of his research with his advanced students and he delighted in their original implementations of the phenomenological methods that he had pioneered.
Examining the Measurement Invariance of the LOT-R Measure of Optimism in the United States and Japan

Western samples have demonstrated greater optimism than East Asian samples, however, the factor structure of the Life Orientation Test (LOT) is not always consistent. Measurement properties of scales may differ across cultures, potentially biasing estimation of group differences. This study examined the factor structure and measurement invariance of the LOT-Revised among Japanese and American adults. A representative sample of 1805 American and 1027 Japanese adults was utilized. CFA was used to compare 1-factor and 2-factor models of optimism within samples and examine the measurement invariance of the LOT-R across samples. The 2-factor model was superior and demonstrated partial weak invariance. Levels of optimism and pessimism were also compared across samples. Japanese adults demonstrated lower levels of optimism and greater levels of pessimism than American adults. Findings highlight the importance of assessing measurement invariance in cross-cultural research, suggest exercising caution when using the LOT-R, and provide evidence that optimism and pessimism function as separate constructs.
The Morphology and Syntax of Topic and Focus: Minimalist inquiries in the Quechua periphery

This book presents an innovative analysis that relates informational structure, syntax and morphology in Quechua. It provides a minimalist account of the relationship between focus, topic, evidentiality and other left-peripheral features and sentence-internal constituents marked with suffixes that have been previously considered of a pragmatic nature. Intervention effects show that these relationships are also of a syntactic nature. The analysis is extended to morphological markers that appear on polarity sensitive items and wh-words. The book also provides a brief overview of the main characteristics of Quechua syntax as well as additional bibliographical information.
RESEARCH TOPICS FOR SMALL IRRIGATION STRUCTURES

THE IRRIGATION AND DRAINAGE RESEARCH CONFERENCE CONDUCTED AT UTAH STATE UNIVERSITY IN 1964 DELINEATED MANY OF THE RESEARCH NEEDS REGARDING "SMALL LOW-COST HYDRAULIC STRUCTRES FOR CONVEYANCE AND DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS," WHICH WAS ONE OF THE SIX TOPICS CONSIDERED AT THE CONFERENCE. IN CONSIDERING POSSIBILITIES FOR ACCOMPLISHING THE RECOMMENDED RESEARCH, IT WAS SUGGESTED BY SOME PANEL MEMBERS THAT A CONSIDERABLE PORTION OF THE WORK COULD BE UNDERTAKEN BY GRADUATE STUDENTS, PARTICULARLY AT THE MASTER OF SCIENCE LEVEL. THE INTENT HEREIN HAS BEEN TO SORT THROUGH THE LARGE VOLUME OF LITERATURE IN AN ATTEMPT TO DEFINE THE SPECIFIC RESEARCH NEEDS REGARDING SMALL WATER MANAGEMENT STRUCTURES USED IN IRRIGATION DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS, AND THE EMPHASIS HAS BEEN ON DEVELOPING SPECIFIC RESEARCH TOPICS WHICH COULD BE ACCOMPLISHED AS A MASTER OF SCIENCE THESIS. /ASCE/
The mechanical basis of morphogenesis. I. Epithelial folding and invagination.

We present a mechanical model for the morphogenetic folding of embryonic epithelia based on hypothesized mechanical properties of the cellular cytoskeleton. In our model we consider a simple cuboidal epithelium whose cells are joined at their apices by circumferential junctions; to these junctions are attached circumferential arrays of microfilament bundles assembled into a “purse string” around the cell apex. We assume that this purse string has the following property: if its circumference is increased beyond a certain threshold, an active contraction is initiated which “draws the purse-string” and reduces the apical circumference of the cell to a new, shorter, resting length. The remainder of the cell is modeled as a visoelastic body of constant volume. Clearly contraction in one cell could stretch the apical circumferences of neighboring cells and, if the threshold is exceeded, cause them “to fire” and contract. The objective of this paper is to demonstrate that our model, based on the local behavior of individual cells, generates a propagating contraction wave which is sufficient to explain the globally coherent morphogenetic infolding of a wide variety of embryonic epithelia. Representative computer simulations, based on the model, are presented for the initial gastrulation movements of echinoderms, neural tube formation in urodele amphibians, and ventral furrow formation in Drosophila.
Does Colonic Transit Time Affect Colonic pH

AIM: To assess the effect of colonic transit time (CTT) on pH in the proximal and distal colon. METHODS: CTT and pH in different regions of the colon were assessed using a wireless capsule manometry system. Healthy controls and patients with chronic constipation based on Rome II criteria were studied. Mean pH was determined in time quartiles of colonic transit, in the first 15 minutes after entry of the capsule into the cecum, and in the last 15 minutes prior to capsule exit from the body and correlated with CTT. RESULTS: There was a weak, but significant correlation between CTT and pH in the distal colon (R=0.20, p=0.01 in the 15 minutes prior to body exit, and R=0.22, p=0.01 in the fourth quartile of CTT). No correlations between CTT and pH were found in the proximal colon. Patients with slow transit constipation tended to have a greater rise in pH from the proximal to the distal colon than those with normal transit constipation or healthy controls. CONCLUSION: Longer CTT is associated with an increase in pH in the distal, but not proximal colon. The higher pH in the distal colon in slow transit constipation may affect important physiological and pathological processes.
Accurate pole estimation by modified linear prediction

Recently, modified linear prediction (MLPC) was proposed as an alternative to conventional linear prediction. In MLPC the nth sample is predicted in terms of certain filtered signals. It is shown that this technique can be quite effective for accurate estimation of signal poles, provided that the signal energy is concentrated in a small portion of the frequency band. Performance comparable to other high accuracy techniques, such as the SVD, can be achieved with reduced computations.
Identity affirmation through leisure activities: Leisure symbols of the self.

Individuals affirm the nature of their identities through a variety of mechanisms, including selection of and participation in leisure activities. Through leisure activities we are able to construc...
Characterization of PCR-ribotyping for Burkholderia (Pseudomonas) cepacia.

Ribotyping, a method of genotyping bacterial isolates for epidemiologic study, uses rRNA as a probe to detect chromosomal restriction fragment length polymorphisms. Although ribotyping is accurate, its utility is limited by the labor and time necessary for Southern blot analysis. PCR-ribotyping uses PCR to amplify the 16S-23S intergenic spacer region of the bacterial rRNA operon. Length heterogeneity in the spacer region has previously been found to be useful as an alternative to standard ribotyping in a study of Burkholderia (Pseudomonas) cepacia. To further analyze the accuracy of PCR-ribotyping, three groups of previously characterized isolates of B. cepacia were investigated. PCR-ribotyping grouped 90 isolates recovered from seven well-defined epidemics into the correct outbreak group with a mean concordance of 93%. Both standard ribotyping and PCR-ribotyping separated 15 unrelated isolates into 14 types. In an analysis of 83 B. cepacia isolates from chronically colonized cystic fibrosis patients, the concordance of PCR-ribotyping with standard ribotyping ranged from 83 to 100%, with a mean of 98%. One isolate from a chronically colonized patient had a different type by standard ribotyping but was identical to the other isolates from this patient by PCR-ribotyping. Thus, PCR-ribotyping is a rapid and accurate method for typing B. cepacia and is less labor intensive than standard ribotyping. Images
Double-Pulsed 2-Micrometer Lidar Validation for Atmospheric CO2 Measurements

A double-pulsed, 2-micron Integrated Path Differential Absorption (IPDA) lidar instrument for atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) measurements is successfully developed at NASA Langley Research Center (LaRC). Based on direct detection technique, the instrument can be operated on ground or onboard a small aircraft. Key features of this compact, rugged and reliable IPDA lidar includes high transmitted laser energy, wavelength tuning, switching and locking, and sensitive detection. As a proof of concept, the IPDA ground and airborne CO2 measurement and validation will be presented. IPDA lidar CO2 measurements ground validation were conducted at NASA LaRC using hard targets and a calibrated in-situ sensor. Airborne validation, conducted onboard the NASA B-200 aircraft, included CO2 plum detection from power stations incinerators, comparison to in-flight CO2 in-situ sensor and comparison to air sampling at different altitude conducted by NOAA at the same site. Airborne measurements, spanning for 20 hours, were obtained from different target conditions. Ground targets included soil, vegetation, sand, snow and ocean. In addition, cloud slicing was examined over the ocean. These flight validations were conducted at different altitudes, up to 7 km, with different wavelength controlled weighing functions. CO2 measurement results agree with modeling conducted through the different sensors, as will be discussed.
Reasoning with MAD distributed systems

While the setting of this question may appear implausible, this is precisely the environment in which services that span multiple administrative domains (MAD) must function. In such services--which include applications such as content dissemination (e.g.., [2]), file backup (e.g., [6]), volunteer computing (e.g., [5]),multihop wireless networking (e.g., [4]), and Internet routing--resources are not under the control of a single administrative domain, so the necessary cooperation cannot simply be achieved by fiat. Instead, it is imperative that the service be structured so that nodes--which are administered by different, potentially selfish entities--have an incentive to help sustain it. Indeed, such issues are not imaginary: ample evidence suggests that a large number of peers will free-ride or deviate from the assigned protocol if it is in their interest to do so (e.g., [3,9,16,21]).
Biological clock mutants and parameter changes in mathematical models.

A number of recent experiments have revealed the existence of mutants with different free run periods in their circadian rhythms. Parameter variations in mathematical models can be used to simulate such changes. In addition, phase response curves (PRC) are derived and the effect of parameter variation in their shape is studied. It is shown that changes in global parameters can also distort their shape. Therefore one cannot conclude that genetic experiments provide evidence in favor of “chronon” models since “kinetic” models can also simulate their outcome.
Mass transfer in ozone absorption. An approximate analytical equation is derived for predicting the enhancement of mass transfer by decomposition and ozanation reactions

A mathematical model has been formulated for the absorption of ozone accompanied by a first-order decomposition of ozone and the second-order, ozonation reaction between ozone and a liquid reactant in gas-liquid contactors. On the basis of the film model, an analytical approximate equation has been derived to predict the enhancement of mass transfer by the decomposition and ozonation reactions. Methods for estimation of chemical mass-transfer coefficients for ozone-absorption processes have been suggested. By combining a knowledge of physical mass-transfer coefficients from empirical correlations and enhancement factors from theoretical predictions, the chemical mass-transfer coefficient for an ozone-absorption process can be estimated as illustrated in the paper. 38 references, 6 figures.
Role of cannabinoid receptors in memory storage.

Studies have shown that Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol, the principal psychoactive ingredient in marijuana, produces memory deficits similar to those produced by neurochemical lesions of the hippocampus. Such lesions impair performance in short-term spatial memory tasks learned prior to the lesion. Animals trained in the behavioral task following the lesion can still perform the task, but learn a different behavioral strategy. Cannabinoid agonists impair behavioral performance in a delay-dependent manner similar to that produced by lesions, but also shift the behavioral response strategy. A possible role for cannabinoid receptors and endogenous cannabinoids may thus be to regulate the storage (i.e., encoding) of information, as well as the means by which that information is retrieved.
Planning for growth

Abstract An effective method employed by some consultants in assisting managers is referred to as process consultation, an intervention technique in the field of organization development. The present manuscript describes a consulting project in which the consultants applied a process consultation intervention in designing and implementing an aggressive growth strategy for a well-established family owned chemical company. The project encompassed four phases. In the first phase, the diagnosis, the consultants analyzed the data collected from the managers via the management practices diagnostic model. The feedback of the data, the second phase, energized the managers to develop solutions for overcoming the deficient management practices. The third phase was a series of work sessions, often referred to as team building, in which the managers developed a management action plan. The last phase was adoption and implementation of this plan. The consultants present anecdotal evidence that the process followed not only enhanced the managers' effectiveness in executing their responsibilities but also facilitated (1) consensus and commitment to the plan, (2) client learning and (3) organizationwide solutions.
The Induction of Intracranial Neoplasms by the Inoculation of Avian Sarcoma Virus in Perinatal and Adult Rats

The induction of intracranial neoplasms following the intracerebral inoculation of avian sarcoma virus (ASV) in neonatal mammals is well established. The present study demonstrates the susceptibility of adult rats and compares the incidence and morphology of tumors induced by a uniform inoculum of the Bratislava-77 strain of ASV in adult, neonatal, and fetal Fischer 344 rats. Post-inoculation mortality varied significantly between groups inoculated at 1, 10 and 100 days and was most precipitous in perinatally inoculated rats. Percentage of tumor induction declined from 100% among rats inoculated at 1 day of age to 50% among rats inoculated at 100 days of age. The mean number of tumors/animal was inversely proportional to the logarithm of the age at inoculation. A large majority of tumors in each group were glial; the remainder were mesenchymal and mixed glial and mesenchymal. Neuroglial tumors included: mixed gliomas with oligodendroglial and astrocytic elements; and gemistocytic, pilocytic, fibrillary, anaplastic and protoplasmic astrocytomas. Tumors induced in perinates were more heterogeneous in histological pattern while tumors induced in perinates were more heterogeneous in histological pattern while tumors induced in older animals tended to be purely astrocytic and of uniform cell type. Mesenchymal tumors occurred primarily in the meninges and were common among animals inoculated perinatally but were rare among animals inoculated as adults. No neuronal tumors were encountered even among rats inoculated as early as 16 days of gestation.
Perspectives in molecular mutagenesis.

The models and paradigms that underlie a vigorously developing science may tend to stifle progress or may serve to sharpen the knife edge of paradox. Working out mutagenic mechanisms is a conceptually and technologically demanding task, and we are accumulating an increasingly uncomfortable number of experimental and theoretical inconsistencies. First, there continue to be widespread difficulties in specifying the chemical nature of mutagenic DNA alterations, both because of the multitude of DNA reaction products induced by many mutagens and because of the intrinsic rarity of most mutational responses. For instance, alkylation of the O6 position of guanine to generate adducts of modest dimensions is widely believed to form the basis for the mutagenic and carcinogenic actions of numerous chemicals. However, while this scheme is supported by in vitro evidence, it has failed to explain why bacteriophages can be thus alkylated in vitro by N-methyl-N’-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine without the production of mutations, or why microbial eukaryotes alkylated by ethyl methanesulfonate or N-methyl-N1-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine display no mutagenic response when their “error-prone repair systems” are mutationally inactivated. Second, a base pair is typically mutated at vastly different rates, and with different directional specificities, when it resides at different positions within a gene; whereas very little of this variability is explained by current theories that aim to describe the determinants of fidelity in DNA replication. (Some sizable portion of this variation now appears to depend not only upon neighboring base-pair influences but also upon much more subtle and distant effects.) Third, experimental modifications of enzymatic fidelity by means of amino acid substitutions, and perhaps also cation replacements, lead to such a diversity of modified mutation rates as to seriously challenge the ability of any simple theory to organize the experimental observations into a coherent and predictive network.
Population genetics of genomics-based crop improvement methods

Many genome-wide association studies (GWAS) in humans are concluding that, even with very large sample sizes and high marker densities, most of the genetic basis of complex traits may remain unexplained. At the same time, recent research in plant GWAS is showing much greater success with fewer resources. Both GWAS and genomic selection (GS), a method for predicting phenotypes by the use of genome-wide marker data, are receiving considerable attention among plant breeders. In this review we explore how differences in population genetic histories, as well as past selection for traits of interest, have produced trait architectures and patterns of linkage disequilibrium (LD) that frequently differ dramatically between domesticated plants and humans, making detection of quantitative trait loci (QTL) effects in crops more rewarding and less costly than in humans.
Effect of plasma-sprayed alumina on the strength, elastic modulus, and damping of Ti-25Al-10Nb-3V-1Mo intermetallic

The effect of a plasma-sprayed Al2O3 coating on the bend strength, elastic modulus, and damping of Ti-25Al-10Nb-3V-1Mo intermetallic substrate was measured. Two coating thicknesses of 0.1 and 1.0 mm were used in the study. The average strength and Weibull coefficients of the intermetallic samples coated with the 0.1 mm Al2O3 coating were very similar to those of the uncoated intermetallic samples. On the other hand, the average strength of the samples coated with 1.0 mm Al2O3 was significantly lower than the strength of the uncoated intermetallic substrate. The lower strength of the 1.0 mm coated samples was attributed to the higher volume fraction of the Al2O3 coating (which has a lower strength than the Ti-25Al-10Nb-3V-1Mo substrate) and higher porosity in the 1.0 mm coating. The Young’s modulus and damping values of the 0.1 mm Al2O3-coated intermetallics did not vary significantly from those of the uncoated substrate. However, the damping values of the 1.0 mm Al2O3-coated intermetallics were significantly larger than those of the uncoated substrate. The higher damping values measured for the 1.0 mm Al2O3-coated samples were attributed to the higher porosity in the thicker coating and to defects in the coating as a result of the spraying process.
Mas Oncogene Receptor Coupling and Peptide Specificity in Balb 3T3 and Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells

The mas oncogene receptor has been reported to confer angiotensin (Ang) responsiveness in NG115-401L neuronal cell line. To test if mas oncogene encodes an Ang receptor in peripheral tissue, Balb 3T3 and rat aortic vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) were cotransfected with a plasmid containing the mas oncogene (pSM422) and a plasmid expressing a selectable marker (pRSV-Neo). Transfected cells (Balb/mas and VSMC/mas) expressed the appropriate 2.4 Kb mas transcript, which was not present in parental cells. Both Balb/mas and VSMC/mas cells acquired Ang II and Ang III responsiveness as documented by Ang-stimulated increased [Ca2 +]i The ED50 for these peptides were relatively high (4—6 × 10− 5 M). Ang III was approximately two times more potent than Ang II in stimulating 45Ca efflux from Balb/mas cells, and its effect was not blocked by Sar1, Iie8-Ang II. In contrast, substance P and a substance P analogue ([D-Arg1, D-Pro2, D-Trp7,9, Leu11] substance P) behaved as agonists, resulting in the stimulation of 45Ca efflux and [Ca2 +]i in Balb/mas cells without affecting control cells. The rank order potency for stimulating 45Ca efflux in Balb/mas cells was substance P analogue» Ang III, substance P > Ang II. In summary, the authors show that although Ang III can stimulate biochemical events in mas transfected cells, which are known to be essential for Ang receptor signal transduction in other cell types, ie, [Ca2 +]i and pHi transients, as well as inositol triphosphate formation, it did that at supraphysiological concentrations of the peptide.
On the process of comparing sentences against pictures

Abstract The present study outlines a theory of how people compare sentences against pictures. This theory was tested in four experiments in which S s were timed as they judged whether a sentence (e.g., Star isn't above plus ) was true or false of a picture (e.g., + ∗ ). The latencies in these tasks were consistent with the thesis that: (1) sentences are represented in terms of elementary propositions; (2) pictures are encoded in the same interpretive format; (3) these two codes are compared in an algorithmic series of mental operations, each of which contributes additively to the response latency; and (4) sentence encoding, picture encoding, comparing, and responding are four serially ordered stages, and their component latencies are additive. From these results, it was also possible to rule out certain explanations based on visual imagery, conversion (e.g., converting isn't above into is below ), reading time, normative word frequencies, and other factors. Finally, it was shown that this theory is consistent with previous studies on sentence comprehension, sentence verification, concept verification, and other related phenomena.
The role of steroids in reproduction in female elasmobranchs and reptiles.

Abstract Adequate evidence exists to suggest the importance of temporal changes in steroid hormone ratios in the normal reproductive/vitellogenin cycle in oviparous and viviparous elasmobranchs and reptiles. In oviparous species, where the cycle is relatively short, secretion of gonadal hormones is synchronous; thus inhibitory actions of progesterone (P) on hepatic or reproductive tract functions would be offset by stimulatory actions of estradiol (E), resulting in appropriate vitellogenin secretion and reproductive tract development. In viviparous species, temporal asynchrony of E and P secretion occurs, and the actions of the individual hormones can be more easily dissected out. Thus, during gestation, where P is the dominant hormone, antagonistic or stimulatory actions of E may be prevented, and the inhibitory action of P on vitellogensis dominant. Hence vitellogenesis is limited to the follicular phase and eggs are retained. Although the elasmobranch and reptilian species discussed here do not form a continuum through phylogenesis, but rather are extant forms of a particular line of evolution, it is possible to extrapolate from these observations to the probable endocrine interactions in a species as viviparity evolves from oviparity. The theoretical intermediate stage would involve; (a) egg retention, (b) extension of the luteal phase and increased P secretion and (c) resulting in E/P asynchrony and potential expression of “independent” P action, egg retention and yolk suppression.
The Dynamics of Individuals' Fat Consumption

Consumers are increasingly aware of the link between their lifestyle choices and the risk of noncommunicable diseases. A dynamic approach incorporating this linkage in food demand is developed, where consumers maximize utility over time by choosing fat intake to control their cumulative fat level. The resulting dynamic indirect utility function and household data on meat, fish, and dairy consumption are used to estimate a censored demand system. Results show that consumers consciously adjust, but not instantaneously, their cumulative fat level. Highly educated households have a faster rate of adjustment of cumulative fat. When cumulative fat level increases, consumers shift to dairy or white meat from red meat products.
Sporadic urban leptospirosis.

Severe leptospirosis (Weil Syndrome) was diagnosed in an otherwise healthy environmental worker in Baltimore alleys in late November 2010. He developed multiple organ failure but responded to antibiotic therapy and experienced a full recovery within 4 weeks. His diagnosis was confirmed by a rise in indirect hemagglutinin titer (acute 0, convalescent 400). The subject had close contact with Baltimore alley rats; a similar epidemiologic exposure and location reported in an outbreak 15 years ago. Keywords: Leptospirosis; Weil Syndrome; urban; Baltimore rats (Published: 9 May 2011) Citation: Journal of Community Hospital Internal Medicine Perspectives 2011, 1 : 7042 - DOI: 10.3402/jchimp.v1i1.7042
Descriptive report of a team-taught elective academic-focused advanced pharmacy practice experience

Abstract Objectives To describe the development of a team-taught academic-focused advanced pharmacy practice experience (APPE). Methods This APPE was developed as a way to expose students to academic pharmacy while accommodating increasing faculty APPE student teaching loads. The academic-focused APPE integrated weekly live didactic seminars with an online learning component. Using synchronous distance learning technology, the academic-focused APPE was simultaneously delivered between two separate education campuses. Results A total of 13 students and eight faculty participated during the first offering (Fall 2011) of this six-week academic-focused APPE. Surveys were administered to both the students and faculty at the completion of the APPE. Both, students and faculty rated many of the specific assignments and activities favorably and perceived the rotation favorably overall. Conclusions The combination of a shared pharmacy practice faculty workload and a positive learning experience for the students demonstrates that this team-taught approach is an effective means of offering an academic-focused APPE rotation.
Damage to grass shrimp (Palaemonetes pugio) embryo DNA by summer sunlight followed by DNA repair in the dark

DNA strand damage, using the single-cell gel electrophoresis (comet) method, was determined in different-stage embryos of grass shrimp (Palaemonetes pugio) collected from surface waters of a local estuary near Savannah, Georgia, USA. Late-stage embryos collected from the estuarine river at midday in the summer or placed in a solar simulator showed extensive DNA strand damage. The solar simulator, which produced the total irradiance found at midday in the summer at 34°N caused DNA strand damage in embryos similar to that found in sunlight-exposed embryos. A large increase in cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers (18 cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers per 1000 kilobases) were detected in DNA from the late-stage embryos exposed to the solar simulator for 1 h (solar irradiance of 126 μW cm−2). DNA repair took place within a few hours when late-stage embryos collected at midday from the river were transferred to the dark. Early grass-shrimp embryo stages showed no DNA strand damage either after placement in the solar simulator or when collected at midday in the summer. This lack of solar-damaged DNA in early-stage embryos was probably due to the presence of high concentrations of carotenoids, which can act as anti-oxidants to prevent damage from activated oxygen species produced by cells exposed to ultraviolet light. These carotenoids are utilized by the developing embryos, and only low concentrations of carotenoids were present in late embryo stages.
Applying Utility Concepts to a Training Program in Supervisory Skills: A Time-Based Approach

An application of utility analysis concepts, this study employed a quasi-experimental design to demonstrate the effects of a training program in supervisory skills on the performance ratings of 65 ...
Dermatologic Disorders Associated With Chronic Hepatitis C: Effect of Interferon Therapy

Chronic hepatitis C virus infection (HCV) is associated with extrahepatic manifestations, including such dermatologic conditions as mixed cryoglobulinemia, porphyria cutanea tarda, and lichen planus. Patients with chronic HCV and extrahepatic manifestations are often excluded from clinical trials evaluating interferon (IFN) therapy due to concerns about poor response, adverse events, and toxicity. Thus, data regarding the efficacy of IFN not only on the underlying chronic HCV, but also on extrahepatic manifestations, are limited in these patients. Case reports suggest that the response of dermatologic extrahepatic manifestations to IFN in patients with chronic HCV is highly variable. This review summarizes available data on dermatologic conditions associated with chronic HCV and their response to IFN therapy.
The coordination chemistry of bleomycin: a review

Abstract It is evident that bleomycin is a “something for everyone antibiotic.” The mechanism, which involves an important anticancer drug, a metal ion, and DNA, attracts a broad spectrum of scientific intellects and publications on the antibiotic can be found in a variety of different journals. For the inorganic chemist the challenges with bleomycin are just beginning. While the large size of the molecule complicates the study of metal binding phenomena, the drug is small enough to be studied using the structural techniques normally employed by the coordination chemist, e.g., 1 H and 13 C nmr. Although significant progress toward understanding the structure and chemistry of the important metallobleomycins has been made, much remains yet to be done. It is hoped that by placing in perspective the accomplishments of the past, this review will help to more clearly define the course of future experimentation on the antibiotic.
Confirmatory evidence for a sidereal-time dependent neutral component in the cosmic rays

Abstract Evidence is shown which tends to confirm a previously reported sidereal-time dependent signal in the cosmic rays. Results were obtained by observing the production and decay of a muon. Anticoincidence techniques insure the muon was produced by a neutral.
Political consequences of ethical investing: The case of south Africa

This paper discusses the economic impact and political consequences of ethical investing, with particular attention to the case of South Africa. The origins of ethical investing are examined, along with the institutions and strategies by which ethical investing operates today. Of immediate relevance to managers is a recent judicial decision upholding Baltimore's divestment ordinance. The discussion concludes with an assessment of the likely consequences of ethical investing for U.S. multinationals in Southern Africa.
Cultural Systems to Aid Weed Management in Semiarid Corn (Zea mays)

Abstract: Producers in the semiarid Great Plains are including corn (Zea mays) in dryland rotations; however, weed management is difficult because the corn canopy is not competitive with weeds. My objective was to determine if cultural practices can enhance corn's competitiveness with weeds, thus supplementing current weed management strategies. Cultural systems, comprised of different row spacing, plant population, and nitrogen placement, were evaluated for effects on foxtail millet (Setaria italica) growth during three growing seasons. A cultural system comprised of 38-cm row spacing, 47,000 plants/ha, and N banded near the seeds reduced foxtail millet biomass 60% compared with the conventional system of 76-cm row spacing, 37,000 plants/ha, and N broadcast. Narrow rows had the greatest effect on foxtail millet growth. Corn's tolerance to foxtail millet interference also was improved, as yield loss in the system with narrow rows, high population, and banded fertilizer was reduced threefold compared with ...