cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Firm-specific competitive advantage in high technology firms

The resource theory of the firm suggests that firm-specific, intrastrategic group factors have large, significant impacts on firm profitability, greater in some contexts than the combined impacts of industry and strategic group structures. Integrating research from economics, resource theory, and organization theory and behavior, this article develops propositions concerning firm-specific competitive advantage in high technology firms, focusing on the roles of organization structure and culture. The article argues that firm-specific factors have greater impacts among high technology firms than among low technology firms, and that increasing technological sophistication gives rise to new firm-specific managerial imperatives—whereas low technology firms must create and manage organizational alignments, high technology firms must develop distinctive, inimitable cultures. Implications for practitioners and researchers are discussed.
Mechanism of membrane depolarization caused by the Alzheimer Aβ1–42 peptide ☆

We report a novel observation that the neurotoxic Alzheimer peptide Aβ1–42, when pre-incubated, causes a dramatic and lasting membrane depolarization in differentiated human hNT neuronal cells and in rodent PC12 cells in a concentration-dependent manner. This phenomenon involves activation of the metabotropic glutamate receptor, mGluR1. Aβ-induced membrane depolarization in PC12 cells is sensitive to mGluR1 antagonists and to pertussis and cholera toxins, indicating the involvement of particular G-proteins. The effect is different from the known ability of aggregated Aβ1–42 to cause a calcium influx. Since mGluR1 agonists mimic the Aβ effect, we deduce that in this cell system glutamate can control the membrane potential and thereby the excitability of its target neurons. We propose that Aβ-induced membrane depolarization described here leads in Alzheimer's disease to hyperexcitability of affected neurons and is a crucially important molecular mechanism for β-amyloid toxicity and cognitive dysfunction in the disease.
Hairless expression attenuates apoptosis in a mouse model and the COS cell line; involvement of p53.

Background Neurons are more likely to die through apoptosis in the immature brain after injury whereas adult neurons in the mature brain die by necrosis. Several studies have suggested that this maturational change in the mechanism of cell death is regulated, in part, by thyroid hormone. We examined the involvement of the hairless (Hr) gene which has been suspected of having a role in cell cycle regulation and apoptosis in the hair follicle and is strongly regulated by the thyroid hormone in the brain. Methodology Forced expression of Hr by transfection decreased the number of apoptotic nuclei, levels of caspase-3 activity, and cytosolic cytochrome C in COS cells exposed to staurosporine and tunicamycin. Similarly, capsase-3 activity was lower and the decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential was smaller in cultures of adult cerebellar granule neurons from wild type mice compared to Hr knockout mice induced to undergo apoptosis. In vivo, apoptosis as detected by positive TUNEL labeling and caspase 3 activity was lower in wild-type mice compared to Hr knockouts after exposure to trimethyltin. Hr expression lowered levels of p53, p53 mediated reporter gene activity, and lower levels of the pro-apoptotic Bcl2 family member Bax in COS cells. Finally, Hr expression did not attenuate apoptosis in mouse embryonic fibroblasts from p53 knockout mice but was effective in mouse embryonic fibroblasts from wild type mice. Conclusions/Significance Overall, our studies demonstrate that Hr evokes an anti-apoptotic response by repressing expression of p53 and pro-apoptotic events regulated by p53.
The relationship between social networks and pathways to kidney transplant parity: Evidence from black Americans in Chicago

Research has shown that black dialysis patients in the United States are significantly less likely than their white peers to be evaluated and listed for a kidney transplant. Extrapolating from social-network theory, I hypothesize that a lack of access to social contacts with information about kidney transplantation may hinder information transaction regarding the benefits of, and pathway to, transplantation. In 2007-2008, the following research questions were addressed in an investigation in Chicago, USA: (1) What is the role of social networks in providing information about kidney transplantation to black hemodialysis patients? (2) What is the relationship between social networks and a patient's likelihood of being seen at a kidney transplant center? From a stratified sample of dialysis units in the area, a purposive sample of 228 black patients was surveyed while they received treatment about their social networks and kidney transplant status. It was found that the odds of black hemodialysis patients being seen at a kidney transplant center increase with income, and patients who have people in their social network with information about kidney transplant were significantly more likely to be seen at a kidney transplant center. Specifically, black dialysis patients who get informational social support from their dialysis team and social networks were significantly more likely to be seen at kidney transplant centers. I conclude that considering black dialysis patients' social milieu can be complementary to the existing research regarding this public health crisis.
Acute damage threshold for infrared neural stimulation of the cochlea: functional and histological evaluation.

This article provides a mini review of the current state of infrared neural stimulation (INS), and new experimental results concerning INS damage thresholds. INS promises to be an attractive alternative for neural interfaces. With this method, one can attain spatially selective neural stimulation that is not possible with electrical stimulation. INS is based on the delivery of short laser pulses that result in a transient temperature increase in the tissue and depolarize the neurons. At a high stimulation rate and/or high pulse energy, the method bears the risk of thermal damage to the tissue from the instantaneous temperature increase or from potential accumulation of thermal energy. With the present study, we determined the injury thresholds in guinea pig cochleae for acute INS using functional measurements (compound action potentials) and histological evaluation. The selected laser parameters for INS were the wavelength (λ = 1,869 nm), the pulse duration (100 μs), the pulse repetition rate (250 Hz), and the radiant energy (0–127 μJ/pulse). For up to 5 hr of continuous irradiation at 250 Hz and at radiant energies up to 25 μJ/pulse, we did not observe any functional or histological damage in the cochlea. Functional loss was observed for energies above 25 μJ/pulse and the probability of injury to the target tissue resulting in functional loss increased with increasing radiant energy. Corresponding cochlear histology from control animals and animals exposed to 98 or 127 μJ/pulse at 250 Hz pulse repetition rate did not show a loss of spiral ganglion cells, hair cells, or other soft tissue structures of the organ of Corti. Light microscopy did not reveal any structural changes in the soft tissue either. Additionally, microcomputed tomography was used to visualize the placement of the optical fiber within the cochlea. Anat Rec, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicasl, Inc.
Characterization of the Histone H1-binding Protein, NASP, as a Cell Cycle-regulated Somatic Protein

Nuclear autoantigenic sperm protein (NASP), initially described as a highly autoimmunogenic testis and sperm-specific protein, is a histone-binding protein that is a homologue of the N1/N2 gene expressed in oocytes of Xenopus laevis. Here, we report a somatic form of NASP (sNASP) present in all mitotic cells examined, including mouse embryonic cells and several mouse and human tissue culture cell lines. Affinity chromatography and histone isolation demonstrate that NASP from myeloma cells is complexed only with H1, linker histones. Somatic NASP is a shorter version of testicular NASP (tNASP) with two deletions in the coding region arising from alternative splicing and differs from tNASP in its 5′ untranslated regions. We examined the relationship between NASP mRNA expression and the cell cycle and report that in cultures of synchronized mouse 3T3 cells and HeLa cells sNASP mRNA levels increase during S-phase and decline in G2, concomitant with histone mRNA levels. NASP protein levels remain stable in these cells but become undetectable in confluent cultures of nondividing CV-1 cells and in nonmitotic cells in various body tissues. Expression of sNASP mRNA is regulated during the cell cycle and, consistent with a role as a histone transport protein, NASP mRNA expression parallels histone mRNA expression.
Current Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Breast Cancer

The management of breast cancer is a significant public health issue. Early detection of breast cancer through screening mammography, physician clinical examination and breast self-examination can reduce breast cancer mortality by approximately 30%. Most major health organisations agree that yearly mammographic screening should begin at the age of 40 years, although there is some controversy about the need for mammography between the ages of 40 and 49 years. The use of mammographic screening is influenced by physician recommendation, cancer-related fears, time constraints and patient age. Genetic screening is appropriate for patients with familial cancer syndromes and certain high-risk population groups such as Ashkenazi Jews.
Efficacy of intrauterine resuscitation techniques in improving fetal oxygen status during labor.

OBJECTIVE:To evaluate the efficacy of 3 common intrauterine resuscitation techniques used during labor.METHODS:Intrauterine resuscitation techniques were prospectively evaluated in healthy women during labor. Forty-two women were randomized to either a 500-mL or 1,000-mL intravenous (IV) fluid bolus
SU(5) completion of the dark scalar doublet model of radiative neutrino mass

Abstract Adding a second scalar doublet ( η + , η 0 ) and three neutral singlet fermions N 1 , 2 , 3 to the Standard Model of particle interactions with a new Z 2 symmetry, it has been shown that η R 0 or η I 0 is a good dark-matter candidate and seesaw neutrino masses are generated radiatively. A minimal extension of this new idea is proposed to allow for its SU(5) completion. Supersymmetric unification is then possible, and leptoquarks of a special kind are predicted at the TeV scale.
Evaluation of Hydrolyzed Poultry Feathers as a Dietary Ingredient for Pond-Raised Channel Catfish

Abstract The present study examined the use of hydrolyzed poultry feathers (HPF) as a replacement for soybean meal in diets for pond raised Channel Catfish Ictalurus punctatus. Four isonitrogenous (28% crude protein) diets were evaluated that contained 0, 5, 10, or 15% HPF. Fingerling Channel Catfish (mean ± SD initial weight was 47.5 ± 2.2 g) were stocked into twenty 0.04-ha earthen ponds at a rate of 14,830 fish/ha. Fish were fed once daily to apparent satiation for 140 d. No significant differences were observed for weight gain, feed conversion ratio (FCR), and survival among fish fed various levels of HPF. There were also no significant differences in net yield of fish fed diets containing 0, 5, and 10% HPF, but net yield of fish fed a diet containing 15% HPF was significantly lower than that of fish fed the control diet. Fish on diets containing 5% HPF and above were fed significantly less feed than fish fed the control diet. Regression analysis showed that total amount of diet fed, net yield, and we...
Resilience and Developmental Psychopathology

Humans vary to a great extent in their ability to adapt to adverse experiences. Resilience reflects the positive end of this spectrum of adaptation and maladaptation in response to risk exposure. Some individuals, despite being faced with the most pernicious of adversities, manage to avoid psychologic collapse and to maintain healthy adjustment. For decades, researchers and clinicians have searched for the correlates and causes of resilience, and several comprehensive reviews of these efforts are available. This article provides an overview of resilience research and selectively summarizes recent advances in the field, with a particular focus on a developmental psychopathology perspective. This article highlights some of the challenges to resilience research and uses the example of maltreatment to illustrate some of these issues.
Maximum entropy: A complement to Tikhonov regularization for determination of pair distance distributions by pulsed ESR

Tikhonov regularization (TIKR) has been demonstrated as a powerful and valuable method for the determination of distance distributions of spin-pairs in bi-labeled biomolecules directly from pulsed ESR signals. TIKR is a direct method, which requires no iteration, and, therefore, provides a rapid and unique solution. However, the distribution obtained tends to exhibit oscillatory excursions with negative portions in the presence of finite noise, especially in the peripheral regions of the distribution. The Shannon-Jaynes entropy of a probability distribution provides an intrinsic non-negativity constraint on the probability distribution and an unbiased way of obtaining information from incomplete data. We describe how the maximum entropy regularization method (MEM) may be applied to solve the ill-posed nature of the dipolar signal in pulsed ESR. We make use of it to suppress the negative excursions of the distance distribution and to increase the tolerance to noise in the dipolar signal. Model studies and experimental data are investigated, and they show that, with the initial or "seed" probability distribution that is required for MEM taken as the TIKR result, then MEM is able to provide a regularized solution, subject to the non-negativity constraint, and it is effective in dealing with noise that is problematic for TIKR. In addition we have incorporated into our MEM method the ability to extract the intermolecular dipolar component, which is embedded in the raw experimental data. We find that MEM minimization, which is implemented iteratively, is greatly accelerated using the TIKR result as the seed, and it converges more successfully. Thus we regard the MEM method as a complement to TIKR by securing a positive pair distance distribution and enhancing the accuracy of TIKR.
The Goddard Range and Range Rate System for Satellite Tracking

The Goddard Range & Range Rate System was developed by Motorola for the Goddard Space Flight Center and utilizes proven techniques to produce highly accurate data for use in orbital computations. It is simple in concept, uncomplicated in operation, and features dependable performance. It should prove to be a highly useful member of our growing family of scientific aerospace systems.
Unified sun and sky illumination for shadows under trees

Abstract Assume that the sun, sky, and clouds are represented as a raster image on a plane at infinity, and the shadows of a tree canopy are represented as a raster transparency mask on a canopy plane. Then the illumination on the ground is the correlation of these two rasters, which can be rapidly computed by fast Fourier transform techniques.
Grape seed extract improves epithelial structure and suppresses inflammation in ileum of IL-10-deficient mice

Defect in intestinal epithelial structure is a critical etiological factor of several intestinal diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of grape seed extract (GSE), which contains a mixture of polyphenols, on ileal mucosal structure and inflammation in interleukin (IL)-10-deficient mice, a common model for studying inflammatory bowel disease. Wild-type and IL-10-deficient mice were fed GSE at 0 or 1% (based on dry feed weight) for 16 weeks. GSE supplementation decreased crypt depth and increased (P < 0.05) the ratio of villus/crypt length in the terminal ileum. Consistently, the dietary GSE decreased (P < 0.05) proliferation and enhanced (P < 0.05) differentiation of epithelial cells. These changes in gut epithelium were associated with the suppression of nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B-cell (NF-κB) signaling. Furthermore, compared with WT mice, IL-10 deletion promoted beclin-1 and AMPK expression, both of which were decreased to normal by GSE supplementation. These changes were associated with alterations in epithelial barrier function as indicated by reduced pore forming claudin-2 protein expression and increased barrier forming claudin-1 protein expression in the ileum of GSE supplemented mice. In summary, our data indicates that GSE exerts protective effects to the ileal epithelial structure in IL-10-deficient mice possibly through the suppression of inflammatory response.
Leap Second support in computers

The seconds-in-epoch method of representing current time in computers presents problems when required to (a) represent UTC, (b) be monotonic and (c) have sub-second accuracy, as these are contradictory requirements in the presence of Leap Seconds. We analyze various proposed solutions to this conundrum, for both operating systems and NTP. (What good is microsecond-level clock synchronization if the clock can be off by a full second?) We then propose a general solution: TAI-based system time, with conversion to UTC by comparing to a TAI-based threshold and then subtracting the appropriate Leap Second Offset.
Facial Pain as a Symptom of Nonmetastatic Lung Cancer

Patients with nonmetastatic lung cancer may rarely experience facial pain as a presenting symptom, during the course of the disease or upon recurrence of the disease. This study reviews a 10-year experience at Mayo Clinic. The aim of this study was to (1) further characterize the clinical features of facial pain as a symptom of nonmetastatic lung cancer, and (2) assist clinicians in recognizing this association. Ten cases were identified. All patients complained of severe, aching, facial pain typically aural-temporal in location, ipsilateral to the lung cancer. Six of the 10 cases involved the left side. Recent weight loss was present in 7 of 10 patients, with an elevated sedimentation rate in 6. Digital clubbing was documented in three. Neurologic examinations and neuroimaging were normal in all patients. Lumbar puncture, when performed, was normal. Facial pain preceded the diagnosis of lung cancer by 1 to 24 months. In three patients, facial pain was the initial symptom of tumor recurrence. Four of the 10 tumors were adenocarcinoma; radiation with or without chemotherapy appears to be the treatment of choice for the facial pain. The presumed mechanism is local invasion of the vagus nerve. In suspected cases, a chest x-ray and chest CT are indicated.
Tandem sequence duplications functionally complement deletions in the D1 protein of photosystem II.

Abstract Obligate photoheterotrophic mutants of the cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 that carry deletions of conserved residues in the plastoquinone-binding niche of the D1 protein were used to select for spontaneous mutations that restore photoautotrophic growth. Spontaneous pseudorevertants emerged from two deletion mutants, ΔYNIV and ΔNN, when the cultures were maintained long after the carbon source (glucose) had been depleted from the medium and cells had reached stationary phase. Most pseudorevertants were found to contain tandem duplications of 6-45-base pair DNA sequences located close to the domain carrying the deletion; none of them restored the wild-type sequence. Three pseudorevertants isolated from the ΔYNIV mutant contained a duplication (7-15 codons) of the DNA sequence immediately downstream of the deletion; the protein region encoded by this DNA may include part of the putative de helix, an important constituent of the plastoquinone-binding niche. Three pseudorevertants isolated from the ΔNN mutant contained duplications corresponding to 2-8 amino acid residues adjacent to the site of the deletion. In all six pseudorevertants carrying duplications, the length of the D1 protein in the modified regions was restored to at least the length present in wild type, suggesting that a minimal length of these protein domains may be required for functional integrity. In another photoautotrophic strain isolated from ΔNN, no secondary mutations could be identified in the gene coding for the D1 protein; such mutations apparently reside on another protein subunit of the photosystem II complex. Photosystem II function in the pseudorevertants was altered as compared with wild type in terms of growth and oxygen evolution rates, photosystem II concentration, the semiquinone equilibrium at the acceptor side, and thermostability. A mechanism leading to tandem sequence duplication may involve DNA damage followed by DNA synthesis, strand displacement, and ligation.
Glutathione induces helical formation in the carboxy terminus of human glutathione transferase A1-1.

The structure and dynamic properties of the C-terminal region of the human class alpha glutathione transferase A1-1 have been investigated with high-resolution NMR methods. On the basis of crystallographic and fluorescence measurements, this 13-residue segment of the enzyme is presumed to be disordered in the unliganded enzyme. When the product or product analogue is bound, a C-terminal α-helix is observed in crystal structures. Conflicting data exists regarding the structure of this region when one of the substrates, glutathione (GSH), is bound. The NMR studies presented here show that in the unliganded protein, this region of the protein samples different conformations, most likely an ensemble of helix-like structures. Addition of either GSH or the conjugate between GSH and ethacrynic acid (EASG) causes this segment to become a stable α-helix. In the GSH complex, the ends of this helix exhibit dynamic behavior on both the millisecond and nanosecond time scales. In contrast, there is no evidence of milli...
Re-setting the concentration levels of students in higher education: an exploratory study

Evidence suggests that college students’ concentration levels are limited and hard to maintain. Even though relevant in higher education, scant empirical research exists on interventions to ‘re-set’ their concentration during a college lecture. Using a within-subjects design, four active learning interventions are administered across two senior-level undergraduate classes at a university in the mid-south USA. The influence of these interventions on students’ ratings of their concentration level on course material is examined. Implications for practice and future research are offered.
2-Desoxy-Zucker, IV. Teilsynthese der anomeren 2-Desoxy-glucopyranoside des Digitoxigenins†

2-Desoxy-glucose wird in ihre beiden anomeren Tetra-p-nitro-benzoate uber gefuhrt, die mit Bromwasserstoff in glatter Reaktion 2-Desoxy-3.4.6-tri-O-[p-nitro-benzoyl]-α-D-arabino-hexosylbromid (Vb) und mit Chlorwasserstoff das entsprechende α-Chlorid ergeben. Dieses reagiert in Gegenwart von Silbercarbonat mit Digitoxigenin; nachfolgende Verseifung liefert das krist. 2-Desoxy-β-D-glucopyranosid X des Digitoxigenins und sein krist. α-Anomeres im Molverhaltnis 1:1. Das β-Glucosid X ist stark herzwirksam.
Dynamic and static impedances of cross-anisotropic halfspaces

An efficient method for the numerical analysis of layered media subjected to dynamic loads is the Stiffness Matrix Method proposed by Kausel and Roesset, a procedure which is closely related to earlier contributions by Biot. In order to apply this method to the analysis of layered media overlying an infinite viscoelastic cross-anisotropic halfspace, it is necessary to have detailed expressions for the dynamic stiffnesses of such a halfspace (as seen from its surface). Since these functions are not readily available, they are developed in this paper by superposition of plane waves in all directions.
Pleural macrophages differentially alter mesothelial cell growth and collagen production.

Intrapleural tetracycline (TCN) results in pleural macrophage influx and pleural fibrosis; intrapleural carrageenan (CAR) induces macrophage influx without fibrosis. Because macrophage products can modulate mesothelial cell activity, we investigated the role of TCN- and CAR-induced pleural macrophages on mesothelial cell growth can collagen production. Rabbit pleural macrophages, isolated by plastic adherence 72 h after 20 mg/kg TCN or 10 mg CAR instilled intrapleurally, were cultured for 20 h. Macrophage-conditioned media (MCM) from TCN- or CAR-induce pleural macrophages (TCN MCM, CAR MCM, respectively), were added to nonconfluent or confluent rat visceral pleural mesothelial cells and compared to the effects of TCN and CAR. Ncnconfluent mesothelial cells were harvested 72 h later for hemacytometry cell counts. A 20-h pulse of [3H] proline (1μCi, 30 Ci/mM) preceded 72-h-cell harvesting of confluent cells. Collagen content was determined in the cell fraction and cell media separately after bacterial collagenase exposure. Mesothelial cells exposed to TCN MCM were found to have decreased numbers when compared to all groups (P < 0.05) except CAR. Cell media collagen content was increased in all macrophage-conditicned-media and chemical-exposed groups compared with control, with TCN MCM having a larger increase than TCN alone (P < 0.05). We conclude that stimulated pleural macrophages release a factor(s) that alters mesothelial cell growth and collagen production and that TCN- and CAR-stimulated pleural macrophages are functionally different. These in vitro mesothelial cell alterations may be important in the genesis of TCN pleurodesis.
Measurement and prediction of the glass transition temperature during processing of copper‐clad epoxy resin systems

The determination of the glass transition temperature of a cured resin system is necessary for the classification of the temperature region of usable service. For the printed circuit board industry, accurate and consistent properties of the copper-clad laminates that are used as the substrate are essential. Variations in material properties of the finished laminates may become a hindrance in subsequent steps in the manufacturing of printed circuit boards and more importantly in the failure rate of the boards during service. In this research, a one-dimensional finite difference method has been implemented with constitutive models to simulate the progression of the degree of cure and glass transition temperature during the processing of copper-clad, multi-layered, fiber mat reinforced, epoxy laminates. The numerical results have been compared to experimental measurements and it has been found that the simulation predicts the experimental observations quite well.
Diversity of T cell receptors specific for the VSV antigenic peptide (N52-59) Bound by the H-2Kb class I molecule

Abstract As an approach to determine the structural basis of interactions between T cell receptors (TCRs) and MHC class I/peptide complexes, the fine specificities of a panel of vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV)-specific CTL clones recognizing the antigenic peptide (nucleoprotein 52–59) and the class I (K b ) molecule were correlated with the TCR primary structure. Each TCR showed a distinct interaction pattern with N52–59 and the K b molecule. The large majority of the TCRs expressed by the panel of CTL clones used Vβ13 gene segments that had randomly recombined with Dβ and Jβ gene segments. The α chains were from randomly assorted Vα and Jα gene segments. Thus, the panel was found to be a highly heterogeneous set of TCRs, each member of which appeared to have an unique surface interface area, the recognition site, that interacted with a complementary surface formed by the single peptide bound in the class I antigenic groove.
Mechanism and Physiological Significance of Programmed Replication Termination

Replication forks in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic systems pause at random sites due to depletion of dNTP pools, DNA damage, tight binding nonhistone proteins or unusual DNA sequences and/or structures, in a mostly non-polar fashion. However, there is also physiologically programmed replication termination at sequence-specific authentic replication termini. Here, the structure and functions of programmed replication termini, their mechanism of action and their diverse physiological functions in prokaryotes and eukaryotes have been reviewed.
The potato R locus codes for dihydroflavonol 4-reductase

The potato R locus is required for the production of red pelargonidin-based anthocyanin pigments in potato (Solanum tuberosum L.). Red color also requires tissue-specific regulatory genes, such as D (for expression in tuber skin) and F (expression in flowers). A related locus, P, is required for production of blue/purple anthocyanins; P is epistatic to R. We have previously reported that the dihydroflavonol 4-reductase gene (dfr) co-segregates with R. To test directly whether R corresponds to dfr, we placed the allele of dfr associated with red color under the control of the CaMV 35S promoter and introduced it into the potato cultivar Prince Hairy (genotype dddd rrrr P-), which has white tubers and pale blue flowers. Transgenic Prince Hairy tubers remained white, but flower color changed to purple. Three independent transgenic lines, as well as a vector-transformed line, were then crossed with the red-skinned variety Chieftain (genotype D-R-pppp), to establish populations that segregated for D, R, P, and the dfr transgene or empty vector. Markers were used to genotype progeny at D and R. Progeny carrying the empty vector in the genetic background D-rrrr produced white or purple tubers, while progeny with the same genotype and the dfr transgene produced red or purple tubers. HPLC and LC–MS/MS analyses of anthocyanins present in Chieftain and in a red-skinned progeny clone with the dfr transgene in a D-rrrr background revealed no qualitative differences. Thus, dfr can fully complement R, both in terms of tuber color and anthocyanin composition.
Q -Counting rook configurations and a formula of Frobenius

Abstract The q -analogue of a formula of Frobenius relating the Stirling numbers of the second kind to the Eulerian polynomials is given here a combinatorial interpretation. This leads to a number of results and conjectures concerning certain polynomials which may be viewed as q -analogues of the classical rook numbers. The latter count configurations of non-taking rooks in a given chess board.
Evaluating the specificity of antisense oligonucleotide conjugates: A DNA array analysis

Antisense oligonucleotides are potentially powerful tools for selective control of cellular and viral gene expression. Crucial to successful application of this approach is the specificity of the oligonucleotide for the chosen RNA target. Here we apply DNA array technology to examine the specificity of antisense oligonucleotide treatments. The molecules used in these studies consisted of phosphorothioate oligomers linked to the Antennapedia (Ant) delivery peptide. The antisense oligonucleotide component was complementary to a site flanking the AUG of the MDR1 message, which codes for P-glycoprotein, a membrane ATPase associated with multidrug resistance in tumor cells. Using a DNA array of 2059 genes, we analyzed cellular responses to molecules comprised of Ant peptide-oligonucleotide conjugates, as well as to the Ant peptide alone. Besides the expected reduction in MDR1 message level, 37 other genes (∼2% of those tested) showed changes of comparable magnitude. The validity of the array results was confirmed for selected genes using Northern blots to assess messenger RNA levels. These results suggest that studies using antisense oligonucleotide technology to modulate gene expression need to be interpreted with caution.
Type and severity of child abuse and college students' lifetime suicidality

OBJECTIVE: The present study compared reported histories and severity of child sexual abuse, child physical abuse, and both, in college men and women. METHOD: Four hundred and eighty-six consenting undergraduates completed measures of suicidality, sexual abuse (SA), and physical abuse (PA). Based on their responses, they were categorized into 12 mutually exclusive groups: no PA/no SA (n = 234), moderate PA/no SA (n = 78), severe PA/no SA (n = 34), no PA/mild SA (n = 21), moderate PA/mild SA (n = 12), severe PA/mild SA (n = 5), no PA/moderate SA (n = 20), moderate PA/moderate SA (n = 15), and severe PA/moderate SA (n = 10). RESULTS: Participants who reported both severe sexual and severe physical abuse reported more lifetime suicidality than participants who reported either mild sexual and/or physical abuse. Those who reported sexual abuse involving invasive sexual acts such as rape, and physical abuse involving behaviors that resulted in physical injury to the child, were more suicidal than those who reported less severe abuse. In addition, although combined sexual and physical abuse correlated with increased suicidality, unexpectedly, there was no interaction. Finally, women students endorsed more reasons for living than men and about the same level of suicidal ideas and global suicidality, despite a greater likelihood of having been abused. CONCLUSIONS: The absence of an interaction between sexual and physical abuse suggests that this increased suicidality is additive rather than multiplicative. An implication is that college counseling personnel need to be aware of the suicidal risk of women and men students reporting either sexual or physical abuse. Language: en
Use of Ultrasonography for the Diagnosis of Testicular Injuries in Blunt Scrotal Trauma

Purpose: We determined the use of scrotal ultrasonography in the initial diagnosis and management of testicular injuries due to blunt scrotal trauma.Materials and Methods: We performed a retrospective review of 65 patients presenting to our Emergency Department with blunt scrotal trauma in the last 25 years. In 47 patients an inconclusive clinical examination prompted scrotal ultrasonography. A heterogeneous echo pattern of the testicular parenchyma with loss of contour definition was the basis for diagnosis of testicular rupture. The sensitivity and specificity of scrotal ultrasonography were determined by comparing this radiographic criterion with definitive intraoperative findings and the need for delayed orchiectomy due to undiagnosed testicular rupture.Results: Of the 65 patients sustaining blunt scrotal trauma 44 (68%) underwent scrotal exploration, and 30 (46%) of these injuries involved rupture of the tunica albuginea. Among the 47 scrotal ultrasounds performed to supplement a nondiagnostic clinic...
A novel ultrasound-based method to evaluate hemostatic function of whole blood.

Abstract Background Unregulated hemostasis represents a leading cause of mortality and morbidity in the developed world. Being able to recognize and quantify defects of the hemostatic process is critical to reduce mortality and implement appropriate treatment. Methods We describe a novel ultrasound-based technology, named sonorheometry, which can assess hemostasis function from a small sample of blood. Sonorheometry uses the phenomenon of acoustic radiation force to measure the dynamic changes in blood viscoelasticity during clot formation and clot dissolution. We performed in vitro experiments using whole blood samples of 1 ml to demonstrate that sonorheometry is indicative of hemostatic functions that depend on plasma coagulation factors, platelets, and plasma fibrinolytic factors. Results Sonorheometry measurements show titration effects to compounds known to alter the coagulation factors (GPRP peptide, 0 to 8 mmol/l), platelets (abciximab, 0 to 12 μg/ml), and fibrinolytic factors (urokinase, 0 to 200 U). Repeated measurements of blood samples from the same subjects yielded reproducibility errors on the order of 5%. Conclusions These data indicate that sonorheometry accurately quantifies the functional role of the components of hemostasis in vitro .
Click-coated, heparinized, decellularized vascular grafts.

Abstract A novel method enabling the engineering of a dense and appropriately oriented heparin-containing layer on decellularized aortas has been developed. Amino groups of decellularized aortas were first modified to azido groups using 3-azidobenzoic acid. Azide-clickable dendrons were attached onto the azido groups through “alkyne–azide” click chemistry, affording a tenfold amplification of adhesions sites. Dendron end groups were finally decorated with end-on modified heparin chains. Heparin chains were oriented like heparan sulfate groups on native endothelial cells surface. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance imaging, mass spectrometry and Fourier transform infrared FTIR spectroscopy were used to characterize the synthesis steps, building the final heparin layered coatings. The continuity of the heparin coating was verified using fluorescent microscopy and histological analysis. The efficacy of heparin linkage was demonstrated with factor Xa anti-thrombogenic assay and platelet adhesion studies. The results suggest that oriented heparin immobilization to decellularized aortas may improve the in vivo blood compatibility of decellularized aortas and vessels.
Ergocalciferol from Mushrooms or Supplements Consumed with a Standard Meal Increases 25-Hydroxyergocalciferol but Decreases 25-Hydroxycholecalciferol in the Serum of Healthy Adults

Few foods contain ergocalciferol or cholecalciferol. Treatment of mushrooms with UV light increases ergocalciferol content and could provide a dietary source of vitamin D. We evaluated the impact of consuming UV-treated white button mushrooms (Agaricus bisporus) on the vitamin D status of healthy adults. Thirty-eight volunteers were randomized to 4 treatments consumed with a standard meal for 6 wk: the control (C) group received untreated mushrooms providing 0.85 mg/d ergocalciferol (n = 10); groups M1 and M2 received UV-treated mushrooms providing 8.8 (n = 10) and 17.1 mg/d (n =9 ), respectively; and the supplement (S) group received purified ergocalciferol plus untreated mushrooms, providing a total of 28.2 mg/d (n = 9). Serum total 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] and 25-hydroxyergocalciferol [25(OH)D2] were 83 6 38 and 2.4 6 2.0 nmol/L, respectively, at baseline (mean 6 SD). At wk 6, 25(OH)D2 had increased and was higher in all treatment groups than in the C group, whereas 25-hydroxycholecalciferol [25(OH)D3] had decreased and was lower in the M2 and S groups than in the C group. Increases in 25(OH)D2 for groups C, M1, M2, and S were 1.2 6 5.2, 13.8 6 7.3, 12.7 6 3.7, and 32.8 6 3.3 nmol/L and decreases in 25(OH)D3 were 23.9 6 16.3, 210.4 6 6.4, 220.6 6 14.6, and 229.5 6 15.9 nmol/L, respectively. Concentrations did not change in group C. In summary, ergocalciferol was absorbed and metabolized to 25(OH) D2 but did not affect vitamin D status, because 25(OH)D3 decreased proportionally. J. Nutr. 142: 1246‐1252, 2012.
Drosophila Clock Can Generate Ectopic Circadian Clocks

Circadian rhythms of behavior, physiology, and gene expression are present in diverse tissues and organisms. The function of the transcriptional activator, Clock, is necessary in both Drosophila and mammals for the expression of many core clock components. We demonstrate in Drosophila that Clock misexpression in naive brain regions induces circadian gene expression. This includes major components of the pacemaker program, as Clock also activates the rhythmic expression of cryptochrome, a gene that CLOCK normally represses. Moreover, this ectopic clock expression has potent effects on behavior, radically altering locomotor activity patterns. We propose that Clock is uniquely able to induce and organize the core elements of interdependent feedback loops necessary for circadian rhythms.
Transport of Preproteins by the Accessory Sec System Requires a Specific Domain Adjacent to the Signal Peptide

The accessory Sec (SecA2/Y2) systems of streptococci and staphylococci are dedicated to the transport of large serine-rich repeat (SRR) glycoproteins to the bacterial cell surface. The means by which the glycosylated preproteins are selectively recognized by the accessory Sec system have not been fully characterized. In Streptococcus gordonii, the SRR glycoprotein GspB has a 90-residue amino-terminal signal sequence that is essential for transport by SecA2/Y2 but is not sufficient to mediate the transport of heterologous proteins by this specialized transporter. We now report that a preprotein must remain at least partially unfolded prior to transport by the accessory Sec system. In addition, a region of approximately 20 residues from the amino-terminal end of mature GspB (the accessory Sec transport or AST domain) is essential for SecA2/Y2-dependent transport. The replacement of several AST domain residues with glycine strongly interferes with export, which suggests that a helical conformation may be important. Analysis of GspB variants with alterations in the AST domain, in combination with the results with a SecY2 variant, indicates that the AST domain is essential both for targeting to the SecA2/Y2 translocase and for initiating translocation through the SecY2 channel. The combined results suggest a unique mechanism that ensures the transport of a single substrate by the SecA2/Y2 system.
A threshold requirement for Gbx2 levels in hindbrain development.

Gbx2 is a homeobox gene that plays a crucial role in positioning the mid/hindbrain organizer (isthmus), which regulates midbrain and cerebellar development primarily through the secreted factor FGF8. In Gbx2 null homozygotes, rhombomeres (r) 1-3 fail to develop and the isthmic expression of Fgf8 is reduced and disorganized. These mutants fail to form a cerebellum, as it is derived from r1. Here, we analyze mice homozygous for a Gbx2 hypomorphic allele ( Gbx2 neo ). Quantitative RT-PCR and RNA in situ analyses indicate that the presence of a neo-resistance cassette impairs normal Gbx2 splicing thus reducing wild-type Gbx2 mRNA levels to 6-10% of normal levels in all domains and stages examined. In Gbx2 hypomorphic mutants, gene marker and neuronal patterning analyses indicate that reduced Gbx2 expression is sufficient to support the development of r3 but not r2. The posterior region of r1, from which the lateral cerebellum develops, is unaffected in these mutants. However, the anterior region of r1 is converted to an isthmus-like tissue. Hence, instead of expressing r1 markers, this region displays robust expression of Fgf8 and Fgf17 , as well as the downstream FGF targets Spry1 and Spry4 . Additionally, we demonstrate that the cell division regulator cyclin D2 is downregulated, and that cellular proliferation is reduced in both the normal isthmus and in the mutant anterior r1. As a result of this transformation, the cerebellar midline fails to form. Thus, our studies demonstrate different threshold requirements for the level of Gbx2 gene product in different regions of the hindbrain.
A Robust Approach to Identifying Tissue-Specific Gene Expression Regulatory Variants Using Personalized Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells

Normal variation in gene expression due to regulatory polymorphisms is often masked by biological and experimental noise. In addition, some regulatory polymorphisms may become apparent only in specific tissues. We derived human induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells from adult skin primary fibroblasts and attempted to detect tissue-specific cis-regulatory variants using in vitro cell differentiation. We used padlock probes and high-throughput sequencing for digital RNA allelotyping and measured allele-specific gene expression in primary fibroblasts, lymphoblastoid cells, iPS cells, and their differentiated derivatives. We show that allele-specific expression is both cell type and genotype-dependent, but the majority of detectable allele-specific expression loci remains consistent despite large changes in the cell type or the experimental condition following iPS reprogramming, except on the X-chromosome. We show that our approach to mapping cis-regulatory variants reduces in vitro experimental noise and reveals additional tissue-specific variants using skin-derived human iPS cells.
Infrared diagnostics for semiconductor process monitoring

In-situ infrared absorption techniques have been used to examine fundamental chemical and physical phenomena in semiconductor process plasmas. Fourier Transform infrared absorption spectroscopy (FTIR) is used to characterize the chemical environment in halocarbon containing plasmas which produce particles. A correlation is observed between the distribution of chemical species in the plasma and the extent of particle formation as demonstrated by laser light scattering. The addition of oxygen affects both the chemical species distribution and the amount of light scattering in the plasma. Also, high resolution infrared laser absorption spectroscopy is used to characterize rotational and vibrational temperatures in a parallel-plate N20 discharge. The relevance of these studies to semiconductor process plasmas is also discussed.
Aluminum Oxide (Alumina), Calcined, Tabular, and Aluminate Cements

Calcined aluminas are generally obtained from Bayer process gibbsite α-Al(OH)3, thermal decomposition of which follows the transition through the generic gamma alumina phases to α-alumina (corundum), α-Al2O3. Calcination of gibbsite has been done in rotary kilns for many years. Specialty calcined aluminas can also be prepared in stationary or fluid bed calciners. Most ceramic grade aluminas are supplied dry ground to about 95% (44 µm) using 85–90% Al2O3 ceramic ball, attrition, vibro-energy, or fluid-energy milling. More fully ground, or superground, calcined aluminas having particle size distributions that approximate the natural or ultimate crystal size of the Bayer grain as calcined are often desired. Thermally reactive aluminas contain submicrometer crystals. These must be separated from the Bayer agglomerate during grinding to permit dense compaction upon ceramic forming, and thus, enhance densification upon sintering at lower temperatures. Process control techniques permit production of calcined specialty aluminas having controlled median particle sizes differentiated by about 0.5 µm. This broad selection enables closer shrinkage control of high tech ceramic parts. Tabular alumina is a high density, high strength form of α-Al2O3 made by sintering an agglomerated shape of ground, calcined alumina. It is available in the form of smooth balls which are crushed, screened, and ground to obtain a wide variety of graded, granular, and powdered products. Tabular alumina is the ideal base material for high alumina brick, and monolith liners in the metal, ceramic, and petrochemical industries. Other applications include their use in electrical insulators, electronic components, and kiln furniture. High purity calcium aluminate cements (CAC) are primarily used as binders for high strength refractory castables to form linings up to about 1.0 m thick, as in iron blast furnaces. The high purity CAC finds extensive use as an efficient binder for other aggregates such as fire clays, kaolin, andalusite, kyanite, pyrophyllite, sillimanite, mullite, and refractory-grade bauxite. The many applications cited for tabular alumina in refractories are also common for high purity CAC.