cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Catalysis by the Tumor-Suppressor Enzymes PTEN and PTEN-L

Phosphatase and tensin homologue deleted from chromosome ten (PTEN) is a lipid phosphatase tumor suppressor that is lost or inactivated in most human tumors. The enzyme catalyzes the hydrolysis of phosphatidylinositol-(3,4,5)-trisphosphate (PIP3) to form phosphatidylinositol-(4,5)-bisphosphate (PIP2) and inorganic phosphate. Here, we report on the first continuous assay for the catalytic activity of PTEN. Using this assay, we demonstrate that human PTEN is activated by the reaction product PIP2, as well as in solutions of low salt concentration. This activation is abrogated in the K13A variant, which has a disruption in a putative binding site for PIP2. We also demonstrate that PTEN-L, which derives from alternative translation of the PTEN mRNA, is activated constitutively. These findings have implications for catalysis by PTEN in physiological environments and could expedite the development of PTEN-based chemotherapeutic agents.
Long-term ageing and materials degradation of hybrid mica compressive seals for solid oxide fuel cells

Abstract Hybrid phlogopite mica seals with silver interlayers were evaluated in long-term isothermal ageing tests in a dual environment consisting of dilute hydrogen versus air at 800 °C. High-temperature leak tests with helium showed very stable leakage of 0.01–0.02 sccm cm −1 for 28,366 h under a low applied compressive stress of 82 kPa (12 psi). Post-mortem SEM and EDS analyses of the mica showed minimum degradation in terms of changes in microstructure and chemical composition, although there appeared to be some Ag migration and segregation at interstices between mica flakes. Fluorine was also found to be released from mica. Overall, the low, constant leakage through the hybrid mica/Ag seals clearly demonstrated a very promising candidate for SOFC sealing.
A New Approach to Multi-Layer PCB Routing with Short Vias

The routing problem for Printed-Circuit Boards (PCB's) is crucial in the fabrication of today's digital systems. Traditionally, this problem has been divided into two main sub-problems: layer assignment and routing. Considering these two problems apart from each other may cause uneven wire distribution both among the wiring layers and within each layer. Uneven wire distribution among the wiring layers could increase the number of wiring surfaces required for the routing. Uneven wire distribution within a layer could result in an unfeasible routing. We propose a new approach to deal with the routing of PCB's in technologies which allow short vias. The proposed methodology considers the layer assignment and routing problems in a unified fashion. Based on some global information, our algorithm first estimates the initial number of layers required for the routing. It then determines an ordering in which nets should be considered during the layer assignment process. The results of our experiments show that our algorithm is of practical use.
Randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study of the treatment of the painful shoulder

The effect of triamcinolone subacromial bursa injection versus naproxen therapy was compared in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of 100 patients who had painful shoulders. Outcome was compared using degree of active abduction, pain, limitation of function, and a clinical index that combined equally weighted measures of all of these. In a time-adjusted analysis, triamcinolone was superior to placebo in all clinical variables. Naproxen was superior to placebo in all variables except pain. Triamcinolone was superior to naproxen in the relief of pain (P = 0.04) and the clinical index (P = 0.04). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that naproxen and triamcinolone treatment accounted for only 16% of the variation in outcome, compared with 44% accounted for by the clinical index prior to treatment. Thus, patients with a poor pretreatment clinical index (those with the most room for improvement) were least likely to improve. We conclude that both triamcinolone (P = 0.00005) and naproxen (P = 0.02) are superior to placebo in the treatment of the painful shoulder.
Belief Systems and Decision Making in the Mayaguez Crisis

An excellent study of how decisions are made in times of national crisis and how preconceived opinions, personal agendas, and political considerations cloud judgement and obscure reality. The Mayaguez incident is explored as an example. Distributed by U. Presses of Florida. Annotation copyright Book
Minimality for punctured convolutional codes

This paper investigates encoders optimization for the Hamming weight after periodic puncturing, and discusses minimality issues that may affect the performance of the punctured encoders. Periodically puncturing a minimal encoder produces a higher rate encoder that may or may not be minimal. If it is not minimal, it may have a zero-output loop and it may be catastrophic. A code search can use a fast algorithm to determine whether an encoder's state diagram has a zero-output loop under periodic symbol puncturing, and a proposed method to assess the performance of codes with a zero-output loop that are not catastrophic. As an example, the paper optimizes rate-1/4 unpunctured codes for Hamming weight under both bit-wise and symbol-wise periodic puncturing. Code tables and simulation results are included.
Scrambling Equilibria and Analysis of Labile Mixtures

In this brief review, it is attempted to point up the importance of chemical equilibria in structural inorganic chemistry and to show how the kind and yield of various molecules may be treated quantitatively. Because of the importance of kinetic control in organic chemistry and because the chemistry of carbon compounds is by far the most advanced branch of general and descriptive chemistry, preparative inorganic chemists have often overemphasized the value of reaction-mechanism theory to their studies and have thereby neglected the powerful quantitative approach of thermodynamics which may be used in equilibrated systems. The general theorems for treating in terms of small molecular segments the multitude of equilibria present in families of compounds are surveyed superficially with the hope that the interested reader will turn to the original papers for details. Not only physical-inorganic chemists, but also those interested solely in preparative work can advantageously employ the theoretical ideas discussed.
Clean water : a fading resource

Fresh waters of the world are collectively experiencing markedly accelerating rates of qualitative and quantitative degradation. The primary types of degradation are reviewed in a historical manner to illustrate the technological and social responses, and the rates at which they can be applied, under different societal structures. Effective utilization of extant freshwater resources is complicated by distributions of humans and their exploitation in regions low in water availability, and by accelerating changes in hydrological patterns associated with on-going and impending climatic changes. Certain societies can cope with pollution and availability constraints, and even reduce freshwater degradation. In most of the world, however, human population growth continues to accelerate without any significant reduction of rates. Until human growth is stabilized, either by intelligence or catastrophes, further losses and degradation of fresh waters can be controlled only partially on a global basis. Control and reversal of degradation requires a proper economic valuation of fresh waters. With proper valuation, methods for effective utilization of existing supplies can be applied to agricultural, industrial, and residential uses.
Visual and auditory feedback for head tilt and torsion in a spasmodic torticollis patient

Abstract In the present study a single-case design is used to investigate the importance of body-position feedback for postural control in a case of spasmodic torticollis. A simple inexpensive device for quantifying and providing auditory or visual (LED) feedback for motor disorders was used to provide feedback directly contingent upon postural deviations of the head. Within each session forward head tilt declined to 0° with the onset of feedback. Between-session improvements in the absence of feedback were cumulative and approached 0° tilt by the fourth session. Following the attainment of postural control for forward head tilt in the absence of feedback, similar procedures were used to correct lateral head tilt. Both measures remained stable at 0° during a three-session reversal period during which no feedback was given.
Phylogenetic relationships among coprinoid taxa and allies based on data from restriction site mapping of nuclear rDNA

Phylogenetic relationships among coprinoid and closely related taxa were studied using restriction site data. Seven taxa in Coprinus (C. comatus, C. atramentarius, C. cinereus, C. micaceus, C. cord...
David Patterson. Along the Edge of Annihilation: The Collapse and Recovery of Life in the Holocaust Diary. Seattle: University of Washington Press, 1999. xi, 311 pp.

David Patterson's Along the Edge of Annihilation: The Collapse and Recovery of Life in the Holocaust Diary adds to the ever-growing collection of analyses of Holocaust literature by focussing specifically on diaries. Two obvious goals of a study such as this would be to give the diarists a voice (or, to put it another way, to give readers an introduction to a variety of diaries) and to develop a theory about the place of diaries in Holocaust literature. In the first matter, Patterson bases his study on more than fifty diaries written during the Holocaust by Jewish victims. The reader need only consult the primary sources in the bibliography for a listing of diaries available to be read in their entirety. (I will say more about this later.)
Kinetic responses of Pseudoroegneria roots to localized soil enrichment

Soil patches on opposite sides of Pseudoroegneria spicata plants in the field were treated with either distilled water or a nutrient solution containing N, P, or K. Roots from these enriched and control patches were tested three days later for their capacities of ammonium, phosphate, and potassium uptake. When phosphate was augmented in the enriched patches, rates of phosphate uptake increased significantly, but not rates of ammonium or potassium uptake. When the enriched patches were augmented with nitrogen, uptake capacities of both ammonium and potassium increased significantly (mean increases of up to 88% and 71% for ammonium and potassium, respectively). Potassium augmentation did not lead to increased soil-available K and, correspondingly, did not induce changes in the capacity for uptake of K, N, or P. The potential importance of nutrient uptake kinetics in the exploitation of nutrient-rich soil patches is discussed.
The effect of vascular risk factors on penile vascular status in men with erectile dysfunction.

Purpose: The cause of erectile dysfunction is mostly organic in nature and is most commonly associated with a vasculogenic etiology. This study evaluates the relationship between penile hemodynamic parameters and vascular risk factors in men with erectile dysfunction.Materials and Methods: A total of 1,216 patients with erectile dysfunction were evaluated regarding the relationship between vascular risk factors and penile vascular parameters. The patients were stratified according to the type and number of risk factors present. Each patient underwent a penile duplex Doppler ultrasound study after injections of intracavernous prostaglandin E1 with accompanying visual sexual stimulation to evaluate penile blood flow parameters. Specific criteria were used to categorize patients according to varying definitions of vascular status. The odds ratio for selected vascular risk factors was calculated. The rates of arterial insufficiency, venoocclusive dysfunction, mixed vascular disease and nonvascular etiologies ...
Have gun will travel: The role of the expert witness before and during litigation

Abstract The role of the expert witness has been maligned and misunderstood by the dental community at large. Expert witnesses play an integral role in the legal process and often make or break a malpractice case. This article explores the topic of the expert witness from why they are needed, who they are, how they are qualified, and what role they play.
Transport mechanisms of biological colloids

An effort was made to distinguish among various mechanisms by which colloidal particles can be transported through liquid solutions. Figures 1-3 provide a visual (Figure: see text) summary of these differences. The various "phoretic" motions (electrophoresis, diffusiophoresis, osmophoresis) differ from sedimentation in that the driving forces operate within a thin interfacial layer at the surface of a particle rather than on the bulk of the article. Because of these surface forces, the velocity field of solvent dragged by a particle undergoing phoretic motion is much weaker (O(r-3)) than in the case of sedimentation (O(r-1)). As a consequence, particle-particle and particle-pore interactions are weak for the phoretic motions; Figures 4 and 5 demonstrate this point. It should be emphasized that the results presented in this paper are strictly valid only for very thin interfacial layers (kappa-1 much less than a, L and K much less than a). The Einstein relation (Eq. 1), which applies to sedimentation and diffusion with Equation 2 used for f, has been incorrect for the phoretic transport. As shown in Table 2, there is no unique value of f that fits all the phenomena, and in fact the magnitude of f for phoretic motion greatly exceeds the Stokes' law coefficient. Unfortunately, Equation 1 is well ingrained in the literature; one objective here was to bring its inadequacies to light. The phoretic transport processes offer important advantages in separations because of the selectivity that may be achieved through surface chemistry. For example, experiments are underway that demonstrate transport of particles across porous membranes by diffusiophoresis. It may prove economically attractive to develop both analytical and preparative separation methods that rely more on the surface properties of biological colloids rather than just their size.
Damage Potentials of Three Plant Bug (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Miridae) Species to Birdsfoot Trefoil Grown for Seed in Wisconsin

Field cage feeding studies were conducted on birds foot trefoil, Lotus corniculatus L., in northern Wisconsin during 1986 to identify and quantify plant damage inflicted by three plant bug species: Adelphocoris lineolatus (Goeze), the alfalfa plant bug; Lygus lineolaris (Palisot de Beauvois), the tarnished plant bug; and Plagiognathus chrysanthemi (Wolff). Three experiments were conducted with each species caged separately (with trefoil stems) at one, two, or three individuals per cage during bud/flower and pod stages of plant development. Nymphs and adults of all three species commonly fed on or near the buds and flowers, resulting in a chlorotic appearance and shedding of these reproductive parts. Other types of damage included stem growth suppression, puckering and cupping of leaves, leaf margin necrosis, and shriveling of seeds. Nymphs of A. lineolatus, L. lineolaris , and P. chrysanthemi caused 82-99%, 63-91%, and 43-45% bud death compared with the check after being caged on the trefoil stems for 5 d. When caged for 6 d adults of A. lineolatus, L. lineolaris , and P. chrysanthemi caused 63-95%, 62-82%, and 43-53% bud death compared with the check. A. lineolatus adults caused shriveling of 49-68% of the developing trefoil seeds when caged for 13 d. Survival of nymphs was 37-60%, 45-70%, and 27-60% for A. lineolatus, L. lineolaris , and P. chrysanthemi on bud/flower-stage trefoil. Survival of adults was 60-70%, 80-90%, and 53-80% for A. lineolatus, L. lineolaris , and P. chrysanthemi on bud/flower-stage trefoil, and 68-82%, 47-49%, and 13-31 % on pod-stage trefoil. On a perinsect basis, A. lineolatus was most destructive to birds foot trefoil, followed by L. lineolaris , then P. chrysanthemi .
Ovarian effect of periodic episodes of elevated serum follicle stimulating hormone (FSH)

Abstract Periodic increases (episodes) of serum follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) were induced for various lengths of time (epochs) by the intraperitoneal injection of synthetic porcine luteinizing hormone releasing hormone (LH-RH) into immature female rats. The effect of the FSH on ovarian weight was evaluated with augmentation by human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG). Eight injections of LH-RH, at hourly intervals, produced increased ovarian weight in all animals; with 6 episodes 67% and with 4 only 33% responded. Increasing the length of the epoch of elevated serum FSH to 10 hours was without added effect. The minimally effective serum FSH level was estimated to be about 1000 ng/ml (RP-1). This concentration was produced by injecting LH-RH at 30 minute intervals over a period of 2 hours and it proved to be effective in increasing ovarian weight 48 hours later. Multiple 3 hour epochs, separated by at least 3 hours, were no more effective than a single epoch. Non augmented ovarian and uterine weights were significantly raised by injection of LH-RH on three consecutive days. The results suggest that a circadian rhythm in gonadotropin output could effectively cause normal ovarian development. Periods of increased pulsatile activity by the pituitary would need to be relatively brief to produce the threshold concentration of gonadotropin for a threshold period of time.
Regulated interactions of mtHsp70 with Tim44 at the translocon in the mitochondrial inner membrane

Preproteins synthesized on cytosolic ribosomes, but destined for the mitochondrial matrix, pass through the presequence translocase of the inner membrane. Translocation is driven by the import motor, having at its core the essential chaperone mtHsp70 (Ssc1 in yeast). MtHsp70 is tethered to the translocon channel at the matrix side of the inner membrane by the peripheral membrane protein Tim44. A key question in mitochondrial import is how the mtHsp70-Tim44 interaction is regulated. Here we report that Tim44 interacts with both the ATPase and peptide-binding domains of mtHsp70. Disruption of these interactions upon binding of polypeptide substrates requires concerted conformational changes involving both domains of mtHsp70. Our results fit a model in which regulated interactions between Tim44 and mtHsp70, controlled by polypeptide binding, are required for efficient translocation across the mitochondrial inner membrane in vivo.
Highly diastereoselective radical cyclizations on soluble ring opening metathesis supports.

This study represents the first examples of stereoselective radical cyclizations on soluble supports. A stereocontrol element consisting of a polymer-imbedded (+)-isosorbide chiral auxiliary was us...
Chemical Epigenetics Alters the Secondary Metabolite Composition of Guttate Excreted by an Atlantic-Forest-Soil-Derived Penicillium citreonigrum

Chemical epigenetic manipulation of Penicillium citreonigrum led to profound changes in the secondary metabolite profile of its guttate. While guttate from control cultures exhibited a relatively simple assemblage of secondary metabolites, the guttate collected from cultures treated with 50 muM 5-azacytidine (a DNA methyltransferase inhibitor) was highly enriched in compounds representing at least three distinct biosynthetic families. The metabolites obtained from the fungus included six azaphilones (sclerotiorin (1), sclerotioramine (6), ochrephilone (2), dechloroisochromophilone III (3), dechloroisochromophilone IV (4), and 6-((3E,5E)-5,7-dimethyl-2-methylenenona-3,5-dienyl)-2,4-dihydroxy-3-methylbenzaldehyde (5)), pencolide (7), and two new meroterpenes (atlantinones A and B (9 and 10, respectively)). While pencolide was detected in the exudates of both control and 5-azacytidine-treated cultures, all of the other natural products were found exclusively in the guttates of the epigenetically modified fungus. All of the metabolites from the P. citreonigrum guttate were tested for antimicrobial activity in a disk diffusion assay. Both sclerotiorin and sclerotioramine caused modest inhibition of Staphylococcus epidermidis growth; however, only sclerotioramine was active against a panel of Candida strains.
Some climatological aspects of heat waves in the contiguous United States.

Abstract The spatial distribution of episodes of extreme temperature occurring over 2, 5, 8, and 11 consecutive days are presented, based on data from 31 stations. Comparative data on normal temperatures are also presented. This paper offers some information on the climatology of heat waves in the United States.
Glyphs for visualizing uncertainty in vector fields

Environmental data have inherent uncertainty which is often ignored in visualization. Meteorological stations and doppler radars, including their time series averages, have a wealth of uncertainty information that traditional vector visualization methods such as meteorological wind barbs and arrow glyphs simply ignore. We have developed a new vector glyph to visualize uncertainty in winds and ocean currents. Our approach is to include uncertainty in direction and magnitude, as well as the mean direction and length, in vector glyph plots. Our glyph shows the variation in uncertainty, and provides fair comparisons of data from instruments, models, and time averages of varying certainty. We also define visualizations that incorporate uncertainty in an unambiguous manner as verity visualization. We use both quantitative and qualitative methods to compare our glyphs to traditional ones. Subjective comparison tests with experts are provided, as well as objective tests, where the information density of our new glyphs and traditional glyphs are compared. The design of the glyph and numerous examples using environmental data are given. We show enhanced visualizations, data together with their uncertainty information, that may improve understanding of environmental vector field data quality.
Value of saphenous vein graft markers during subsequent diagnostic cardiac catheterization.

Abstract Background . Although saphenous vein graft (SVG) markers have been available for many years, they have not been widely used in coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. This is likely due to the paucity of data regarding the utility of these markers in postsurgery cardiac catheterization. Methods . We performed a prospective study of all post-CABG patients undergoing cardiac catheterization at Barnes-Jewish Hospital over a 6-month period to test our hypothesis that SVG markers would have a beneficial effect on these procedures. Differences in total procedure (arterial) time, time to image only the SVGs, fluoroscopy time, amount of contrast used, number of aortotomies, and number of views required were compared in patients with and without markers. Results . Post-CABG patients undergoing catheterization who had markers (n = 76) required significantly less total procedure time ( p = 0.007), fluoroscopy time ( p = 0.02), and contrast use ( p = 0.008). Even after adjusting for the numbers of SVG ostia and numbers of cine views, patients with markers still required less catheterization and fluoroscopy time ( p p p Conclusions . SVG markers improve the efficiency of post-CABG catheterizations; they decrease the exposure of patients and cardiologists to ionizing radiation, and they decrease the exposure of patients to potentially toxic contrast agents. SVG markers are beneficial to the vast majority of post-CABG patients.
Systemic Delivery of Insulin via an Enhancer-Free Ocular Device

Sodium insulin and zinc insulin ocular devices are developed for the systemic delivery of insulin. The devices consist of Gelfoam (absorbable gelatin sponge, USP) as an insulin carrier and do not contain any surfactant or absorption enhancer. Sodium insulin was dissolved in either distilled water, 30% ethanol, or 10% acetic acid for either eyedrop or device preparations. Because of its low solubility in water and aqueous ethanol solution, zinc insulin was dissolved in 10% acetic acid-water solution for eye devices preparation. Commercially available Humulin R was selected as another source of zinc insulin and was used as an eyedrop as well as one device preparation. Only 10% acetic acid solution-treated insulin devices produce significant blood glucose reduction. The dose of insulin used in this study is < 50% of that used in the reported insulin devices.
Assessing the protective efficacy of antibodies to the HIV gp41 region by active vaccination

Background The gp41 cluster I is a conserved immunodominant loop connecting the heptad repeat 1 (HR 1) and heptad repeat 2 (HR2) of the HIV-1 the envelope glycoproteins (Env). Following HIV-1 infection or vaccination with gp41-containing Env immunogens, this region elicits relatively high titers of antibodies generally considered to be non-neutralizing in nature. However, in a recent passive immunization study using a cluster 1 antibody, partial protection against SHIV SF162 P4 challenge was observed. In the present study, we sought to determine if vaccine-elicited cluster 1 antibodies might afford some protective capacity by active vaccination, presumably by binding to non-functional spikes on the virus and slowing the viral entry process in vivo.
First-Generation Social and Ethnic Minority Students in Christian Universities: Student Recommendations for Successful Support of Diverse Students

This article, the second in a two-part series, provides an overview of the literature regarding first-generation college students (FGCS), which has been largely based on studies of students in public universities. The author shares outcomes from structured dialogues with FGCS attending Christian universities. The students described how their Christian universities could better meet the needs of FGCS. The author asserts that Christian universities can provide a unique, quality experience for FGCS and provides recommendations for Christian universities to consider in developing services that meet the needs of FGCS.
Characterizing the Structure of Giant Planets

Advances in understanding the structure of giant planets are happening quickly on multiple fronts. New first-principles equations of state calculations and cutting edge experiments for hydrogen, helium, water, and other planetary materials, are dramatically changing our view of the interior structure and thermal evolution of Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune. The field of transiting exoplanets has led to the addition of over 200 giant planets that can be studied is some detail, as their masses, radii, and bulk densities can be measured. This opens up the possibility of comparing and contrasting our own giant planets to these exoplanets, to better understand giant plants as a class of astrophysical object. (© 2013 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
A comparative study of ovarian and pelvic wall-infiltrating endometriosis

Abstract Study Objective. To compare the histology of ovarian endometriomas (OE) with that of pelvic wall-infiltrating endometriosis (PWIE) in an attempt to elucidate their histopathologic and clinical differences. Design. Retrospective histologic study. Setting. University-affiliated hospital. Subjects. Randomly selected tissue samples of 10 cases each of OE and PWIE. Interventions. Immunoperoxidase and Masson's trichrome stains were applied to the samples to determine the presence of myofibroblasts and collagen, respectively. Measurements and Main Results. All cases of OE showed changes suggestive of type 3 collagen deposition and myofibroblast proliferation. All cases of PWIE showed changes suggestive of type 1 collagen deposition and extensive smooth muscle metaplasia. The endometrial glands and stroma of OE tended to be on the inside lining of the chocolate cyst and did not freely intermix with native ovarian collagen. The lesions of PWIE, however, showed endometrial glands and stroma mixing freely with the native pelvic wall collagen. Conclusions. These findings suggest two different mechanisms for the pathogenesis of OE and PWIE and offer a rationale for using different surgical approaches to the different sites. Ovarian endometriosis is a lesion within the ovary with a response compatible with recent metastasis, whereas PWIE appears to be a metaplastic reaction.
Anger provoking experiences: A multidimensional scaling analysis

Abstract The nature of anger provoking experiences was investigated through the use of a multidimensional scaling (MDS) procedure. Content analysis of college students' responses to the question, “What makes you feel angry?” revealed 48 categories of anger eliciting experiences. MDS analysis indicated that these categories were characterized by three dimensions involving: (1) individual disappointments, inadequacies and failures related to unattained values, aims and goals; (2) frustrating events associated with the public, social aspects of the self; and (3) incidents associated with interpersonal exploitation. Additionally, the present investigation revealed that the relationship between a recent history of stress and angry life experiences was moderated by three types of variables: socially desirable and undesirable instrumental and expressive personality attributes; gender-role behaviors and preferences; and extraversion- introversion and neuroticism.
Hardware and software architecture of the bimanual mobile manipulation robot HoLLiE and its actuated upper body

We present our recent work on the soft- and hardware design of the bimanual mobile manipulation platform HoLLiE that is equipped with an actuated upper body. The goal was to develop a robust but extensible robot with a non-intimidating abstract anthropomatic appearance based on a combination of industrial robotic components and intelligent mechatronics. With a range of different sensors and a highly articulated body HoLLiE can handle everyday objects, interact with humans in multiple ways and therefore be employed in various service robotic scenarios. We demonstrate the usability of our concept by quantifying the workspace and its stability and also briefly describe the software components.
A stereocontrolled total synthesis of (±)-renieramycin A

Abstract The first total synthesis of (±)-renieramycin A ( 1a ) is described. The stereochemistry of the angelate side chain was unequivocally determined by X-ray crystallographic analysis of the penultimate intermediate.
HZE radiation and dopaminergic modification of startle and prepulse inhibition in mice.

Abstract C57BL/6 mice were exposed to 5 Gy 28 Si or 56 Fe particle radiation in order to explore the immediate or short-latency effect of exposure to high energy (HZE) particle radiation on dopaminergic modification of acoustic startle and prepulse inhibition. The radiation is representative of the type which would be encountered as galactic cosmic rays during long-duration space flight. The acoustic startle response was elicited with 120 dB white noise and prepulse inhibition of the startle response was produced with 79 dB and 86 dB stimuli presented with a 125 ms onset asynchrony. Startle reactivity was inhibited by 56 Fe radiation but not by 28 Si particles. Apomorphine (3 mg/kg) produced a general inhibition of startle reactivity while haloperidol (1 mg/kg) facilitated it. Apomorphine disrupted prepulse inhibition, but only in animals which were not exposed to radiation. Both 56 Fe and 28 Si radiation exposure attenuated the disruption of prepulse inhibition induced by apomorphine. In contrast, the facilitation of prepulse inhibition induced by haloperidol was not modified by radiation. These data are consistent with a short-latency disruption of dopaminergic systems by HZE particle radiation. We speculate that this disruption may occur as a restriction in the capacity of the dopaminergic system.
Basic microvascular techniques and principles

This article will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the various types of optical magnification currently available. The instruments necessary for performing most operations will also be presented. Attention will be focused on the physical properties and technical considerations of microvascular anastomosis. The principles and techniques employed for joining small blood vessels are almost always valid and transferable to reconstructive surgery of other small tubes such as the ureter, bowel, etc.
The force exerted by a muscle cross-bridge depends directly on the strength of the actomyosin bond.

Myosin produces force in a cyclic interaction, which involves alternate tight binding to actin and to ATP. We have investigated the energetics associated with force production by measuring the force generated by skinned muscle fibers as the strength of the actomyosin bond is changed. We varied the strength of the actomyosin bond by addition of a polymer that promotes protein-protein association or by changing temperature or ionic strength. We estimated the free energy available to generate force by measuring isometric tension, as the free energy of the states that precede the working stroke are lowered with increasing phosphate. We found that the free energy available to generate force and the force per attached cross-bridge at low [Pi] were both proportional to the free energy available from the formation of the actomyosin bond. We conclude that the formation of the actomyosin bond is involved in providing the free energy driving the production of isometric tension and mechanical work. Because the binding of myosin to actin is an endothermic, entropically driven reaction, work must be performed by a “thermal ratchet” in which a thermal fluctuation in Brownian motion is captured by formation of the actomyosin bond.
Electrophysiological studies of fetal mouse olfactory bulb explants during development of synaptic functions in culture

Explants of 18- or 19-day fetal mouse olfactory bulb have been maintained in culture for periods up to 5 weeks. Compound action potentials can be evoked in the bulb explants by 1 day in vitro, and by 3-4 days, synaptically mediated slow wave discharges can be domonstrated in bicuculline (10(-5) m). The capability of the bulb explants to generate these slow-wave discharges has also been revealed by the introduction of picrotoxin (10(-5)m, d-tubocurarine (10(-4)m) and chloride-free medium, but not of strychnine (up to 3 X 10(-5)M. The data indicate early functional development of inhibitory, as well as excitatory, synaptic systems. In addition, the selective and reversible depression of these slow wave potentials by GABA (1-5 X 10(-4)M), but not by glycine (up to 3 X 10(-3)M), indicates a GABA-ergic component in the inhibitory network. Single unit extracellular recordings have been obtained from the presumptive mitral cells which, in culture, are spontaneously active even as early as 1-2 days after explantation. Correlative Bodian silver-impregnations demonstrate the presence of neurons in these explants which resemble typical mitral cells. Studies of mitral cells using paired stimuli suggest the development in vitro of an inhibitory system analogous to that known to suppress the excitability of their in situ counterparts following orthodromic or antidromic activation. These data, as well as the pharmacological sensitivities of the mitral cells in culture to GABA (5 X 10(-4)M) and bicuculline (10(-5)M), indicate that granule-to-mitral synapses may develop characteristic functions in olfactory bulb explants.
Recruiting, training, and retaining high‐performance development teams

This chapter offers thoughts on some key elements of a high-performing development environment.
Effect of beta radiation on the crystallization of sodium chlorate from water: a new type of asymmetric synthesis.

Sodium chlorate is an achiral molecule that crystallizes from water in the chiral space group P2(1)3. In the absence of chiral perturbations, a random distribution of (+) and (-) crystals is obtained. Kondepudi(2) has shown that constantly stirring an evaporating NaClO(3) solution gives mostly either (+) or (-) crystals. Repeating this experiment many times gives equal numbers of (+) and (-) sets of crystals. Herein we report that when evaporating aqueous NaClO(3) is subjected to beta particles from an Sr-90 source, an asymmetric distribution of (+) and (-) crystals favoring the (+) crystals is obtained. The beta particles are energetic polarized electrons that are approximately 80% of left-handed helicity. By a poorly understood mechanism, the spin polarized electrons produce chiral nucleating sites that favor formation of the (+)-NaClO(3) crystals. Exposure of the evaporating solution instead to energetic positrons from an Na-22 source yields mainly (-)-NaClO(3) crystals. Polarized positrons are of predominantly right-handed helicity. One may conclude that the chirality of the radiation is correlated with the chirality of the crystals being generated.
Epidemiology and Outcomes of Older Adults With Burn Injury: An Analysis of the National Burn Repository

Improvements in outcomes for older adults sustaining burn injuries have lagged far behind those of younger patients. As this segment of the population grows, there has been an increasing interest in better understanding the epidemiology and outcomes of injury in older adults. The National Burn Repository (NBR) provides a unique opportunity to examine burn injuries on a national level. We aimed to characterize specific injury and outcome trends in older adult with burns through analysis of the NBR. We examined the records of all patients in the NBR aged 55 and older. To characterize age effects on injury and outcomes, patients were stratified into three age categories: 55 to 64 years, 65 to 74 years, and 75 years and older. Baseline characteristics, details of hospital treatment, mortality, and disposition were compared among these three age groups using chi or analysis of variance. Logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the impact of age on burn mortality. A total of 180,401 patient records were available from 1991 to 2005, of which 23,180 (14%) met age inclusion criteria. Mean burn size (9.6% TBSA) and percent with inhalation injury (11.3%) did not markedly differ by age. Men predominated overall (ratio 1.4:1), although women (4290) outnumbered men (3439) in the oldest age category. Length of stay per TBSA and median hospital charges increased with increasing age category, suggesting higher resource consumption with aging. Mean number of operations per patient, however, decreased with age. Mortality rates and discharge to nonindependent status increased with age. By logistic regression, the adjusted odds ratio for mortality was 2.3 (95% CI 2.1-2.7) in the 65 to 74 age group, and 5.4 (95% CI 4.8-6.1) in the oldest group when compared with the 55 to 64 age group. Mortality rates decreased significantly after 2001 across all age groups. This analysis demonstrates age-dependent differences in resource utilization and mortality risk within the older burn population and highlights the need for a national research agenda focused on management practices and outcomes in older adult with burns.
Characteristics of a partially purified aldehyde oxidase from the crayfish Cambarus bartoni

Abstract 1. 1. Aldehyde oxidase was found in the body wall and hepatopancreas of terrestrial isopods and fresh-water crayfishes; xanthine oxidase apparently is absent. 2. 2. Unlike mammalian liver aldehyde oxidase, the crustacean counterpart failed to react with N 1 -methylnicotinamide when oxygen or ferricyanide was used as an electron acceptor.
TRPC1: a core component of store-operated calcium channels.

The TRPC (transient receptor potential canonical) proteins are activated in response to agonist-stimulated PIP 2 (phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate) hydrolysis and have been suggested as candidate components of the elusive SOC (store-operated calcium channel). TRPC1 is currently the strongest candidate component of SOC. Endogenous TRPC1 has been shown to contribute to SOCE (store-operated calcium entry) in several different cell types. However, the mechanisms involved in the regulation of TRPC1 and its exact physiological function have yet to be established. Studies from our laboratory and several others have demonstrated that TRPC1 is assembled in a signalling complex with key calcium signalling proteins in functionally specific plasma membrane microdomains. Furthermore, critical interactions between TRPC1 monomers as well as interactions between TRPC1 and other proteins determine the surface expression and function of TRPC1-containing channels. Recent studies have revealed novel regulators of TRPC1-containing SOCs and have demonstrated a common molecular basis for the regulation of CRAC (calcium-release-activated calcium) and SOC channels. In the present paper, we will revisit the role of TRPC1 in SOCE and discuss how studies with TRPC1 provide an experimental basis for validating the mechanism of SOCE.
Thermal expansion of AuIn2

The thermal expansion of AuIn{sub 2} gold is of great interest in soldering technology. Indium containing solders have been used to make gold wire interconnects at low soldering temperature and over time, AuIn{sub 2} is formed between the gold wire and the solder due to the high heat of formation and the high inter-metallic diffusion of indium. Hence, the thermal expansion of AuIn{sub 2} alloy in comparison with that of the gold wire and the indium-containing solder is critical in determining the integrity of the connection. We present the results of x-ray diffraction measurement of the coefficient of linear expansion of AuIn{sub 2} as well as the bulk expansion and density changes over the temperature range of 30 to 500 C.
Abstract C139: Oncogenic ARAF mutation in a metastatic lung adenocarcinoma from a patient exhibiting sustained sorafenib response.

Targeted cancer therapies often induce "outlier" responses in molecularly defined patient subsets. One patient with advanced-stage lung adenocarcinoma who was treated with sorafenib demonstrated a near-complete clinical and radiographic remission for five years. Whole-genome sequencing and RNA sequencing on primary tumor and normal samples from this patient identified a somatic mutation, encoding ARAF S214C, present in the cancer genome and expressed at high levels. ARAF S214 binds 14-3-3 proteins when phosphorylated, and, by analogy to the paralogous residue of RAF1, presumably interferes with binding of ARAF to activated Ras. Mutation of S214 impaired the ability of ARAF to bind 14-3-3ξ, likely contributing to the oncogenic activity of ARAF S214C. Additional mutations affecting this residue of ARAF and a nearby residue in the related kinase RAF1 were demonstrated across 1% of an independent cohort of lung adenocarcinoma cases. The ARAF and RAF1 mutants transformed immortalized human airway epithelial cells and were associated with in vitro sorafenib sensitivity. These results suggest that mutant ARAF may be a novel oncogenic driver in lung adenocarcinoma and an indicator of sorafenib response. Citation Information: Mol Cancer Ther 2013;12(11 Suppl):C139. Citation Format: Heidi E. Greulich, Marcin Imielinski, Bethany Kaplan, Luiz Araujo, Joseph Amann, Leora Horn, Miguel Villalona, Matthew Meyerson, David Carbone. Oncogenic ARAF mutation in a metastatic lung adenocarcinoma from a patient exhibiting sustained sorafenib response. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR-NCI-EORTC International Conference: Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics; 2013 Oct 19-23; Boston, MA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Ther 2013;12(11 Suppl):Abstract nr C139.
Unveiling the Hijab

, the veil worn by Muslimwomen, can be a touchstone issueto give students an entry into the com-plex nature of Islam. It allows studentsto discover for themselves how symbolis used as a political, social, and culturalexpression of Islam by different groups,both inside and outside the religion. Bystarting with their own experiences ofjudgments made about their appearance,high school students, who are in themidst of defining themselves in theworld, can make the connectionbetween their own struggles and thecurrent disputes over the hijab. In thelesson called “Unveiling the Hijab,” stu-dents critically examine primary andsecondary source documents that repre-sent different stances on the hijab,which is banned by law in publicschools in France and required by law inIran. By the end of the lesson, studentscome to their own opinion about themeaning of the hijab, the complexity ofIslam, and different public and privateuses of this symbol.
Cellular and molecular pathways to myocardial necrosis and replacement fibrosis

Fibrosis is a fundamental component of the adverse structural remodeling of myocardium present in the failing heart. Replacement fibrosis appears at sites of previous cardiomyocyte necrosis to preserve the structural integrity of the myocardium, but not without adverse functional consequences. The extensive nature of this microscopic scarring suggests cardiomyocyte necrosis is widespread and the loss of these contractile elements, combined with fibrous tissue deposition in the form of a stiff in-series and in-parallel elastic elements, contributes to the progressive failure of this normally efficient muscular pump. Cellular and molecular studies into the signal-transducer-effector pathway involved in cardiomyocyte necrosis have identified the crucial pathogenic role of intracellular Ca2+ overloading and subsequent induction of oxidative stress, predominantly confined within its mitochondria, to be followed by the opening of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore that leads to the destruction of these organelles and cells. It is now further recognized that Ca2+ overloading of cardiac myocytes and mitochondria serves as a prooxidant and which is counterbalanced by an intrinsically coupled Zn2+ entry serving as antioxidant. The prospect of raising antioxidant defenses by increasing intracellular Zn2+ with adjuvant nutriceuticals can, therefore, be preferentially exploited to uncouple this intrinsically coupled Ca2+ - Zn2+ dyshomeostasis. Hence, novel yet simple cardioprotective strategies may be at hand that deserve to be further explored.
On multivariate antagonistic marked point processes

This paper investigates two bivariate ''antagonistic'' processes in the framework of noncooperative games that find applications in economics, engineering, and warfare. These processes represent two players with entirely opposite interests. Hostile actions, associating with one of the components (such as deliberate sellout of stocks of the opponent), take place at random times having a random effect to various vital areas. A consequence of these actions is material damage (such as financial losses) which is associated with the second component. So, in general, each player has two (dependent) ways of striking, while his opponent can sustain multiple damages (of two kinds and interdependent) until his threshold of endurance is reached. Then, the player is ruined. One of the goals is to predict the ruin time of each player as well as the collateral damage to the loser and winner at the ruin time. Furthermore, it is also of vital interest to relate these random elements to the continuous time parameter processes referred to as time sensitive analysis. We succeed in these goals by arriving at closed form joint functionals of the named elements and processes.
Phenomenology of δM curves and magnetic interactions

Abstract The δM curve is defined as a normalized difference of the two principal remanent curves: the isothermal remanent curve Mr and the dc demagnetization curve Md. In general non-zero δM arises from complicated interaction phenomena in magnetic material. Recent application has been to systems of interacting particulate assemblies and polycrystalline thin films. In this paper, a simple phenomenological model is introduced to characterize magnetic interactions. The net magnetic field includes the external field, plus a mean field as well as a second-order interaction field representing fluctuations. With this model, the δM curve and relative properties of media can be easily fitted to experimental data. Excellent agreement with experiment for tape as well as single- and double-layer thin film media is found.