cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Loss of heterozygosity on chromosomes 1, 11, 12 and 14 in hybrid mouse lung adenocarcinomas

An allelotype analysis of lung tumors in mouse hybrids was conducted to identify common regions of allelic loss. By using 50 informative genetic markers, the autosomes of 36 (A/J x C3H/HeJ) F1 adenocarcinomas were examined. Additional adenocarcinomas from as many as 72 (C3H/HeJ x A/J) F1 and 15 (BALB/cJ x DBA/2J) F1 hybrids also were analyzed for DNA loss at some of the loci. Loss of heterozygosity (LOH) was observed at multiple loci and occurred with the most regularity at markers on chromosomes 12 (28%), 14 (28%), 11 (21%), and 1 (20%). The frequency of LOH was not greater than 11% on any of the other chromosomes. Chromosomes 11 and 14 often displayed allelic loss at markers located near the p53 and retinoblastoma tumor suppressor loci, respectively. LOH at markers on chromosomes 12 and 14 was associated with tumors having overall frequencies of allelic loss that exceeded the median value. Losses on chromosomes 1, 11, 12, and 14 also showed a significant association with the adenocarcinoma stage of mouse lung tumorigenesis, suggesting that the inactivation of tumor suppressor loci on these chromosomes may participate in the progression of these tumors. © 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Denaturation Time and Temperature Effects on Solubility, Tensile Properties, and Oxygen Permeability of Whey Protein Edible Films

Whey protein film solubility decreased as film-forming solution heating time and temperature increased. No differences were observed in solubility between films soaked in water at 25 °C for 24 h and 100 °C for 4 min. However, the degree of swelling was significantly larger for films soaked at 100 °C. Films became stiffer, stronger and more stretchable as film-forming solution time and temperature were increased. Oxygen permeability (OP) was lower for films made from heat-denatured whey protein than for films made from native whey protein. Results suggest that an increase in covalent cross-linking, as heat denaturation of the whey protein increases, is accountable for film water insolubility, higher tensile properties and lower OP. La solubilite des films comestibles a base de proteines delactoserum diminue quand la temperature et la duree de chauffage augmentent. Les films trempes dans l'eau a 100° pendant 4 minutes gonflent plus que ceux qui sont trempes pendant 24 heures a 25°. Les proprietes mecaniques et elastiques sont meilleures quand la temperature, lors de la formation du film, augmente. La permeabilite a l'oxygene est plus faible quand les proteines de lactoserum sont denaturees thermiquement. Les modification de proprietes lors de la denaturation thermique des proteines sont dues a une augmentation des reticulations par formation de liaisons covalentes.
Hot-wire chemical vapor deposition of epitaxial film crystal silicon for photovoltaics

Abstract We have demonstrated that hot-wire chemical vapor deposition (HWCVD) is an excellent technique to produce high-quality epitaxial silicon at high rates, at substrate temperatures from 620 to 800 °C. Fast, scalable, inexpensive epitaxy of high-quality crystalline Si (c-Si) in this temperature range is a key element in creating cost-competitive film Si PV devices on crystalline seed layers on inexpensive substrates such as display glass and metal foil. We have improved both the quality and rate of our HWCVD Si epitaxy in this display-glass-compatible T range. We understand factors critical to high-quality epitaxial growth and obtain dislocation densities down to 6 × 10 4 cm −2 by techniques that reduce the surface oxygen contamination at the moment growth is initiated. We have also developed and validated a model of the HWCVD silicon growth rate, based on fundamentals of reaction chemistry and ideal gas physics. This model enables us to predict growth rates and calculate the sticking coefficient of the Si radicals contributing to film formation between 300 and 800 °C. We obtain efficiencies up to 6.7% with a 2.5-micron absorber layer grown on heavily-doped ‘dead’ Si wafers although these cells still lack hydrogenation and light trapping. Open-circuit voltages up to 0.57 V are obtained on 2-μm cells. Efficient film crystal silicon photovoltaics will require dislocation spacing more than 6 times the cell thickness, or else effective H passivation of the dislocations.
Process energy efficiency in pervaporative and vacuum membrane distillation separation of 2,3-butanediol†

This work focused on the energy aspects of the pervaporative separation of 1-butanol/2,3-butanediol. A numeric model was developed to simulate the mass and energy balance of the pervaporation process. It was found that the distribution of evaporation heat requirement over the membrane area is asymmetric, and more than 85% of the heat was consumed in the 60% of the membrane area. It was also revealed that recycling the permeate having higher than 5% w/w 2,3-butanediol can improve the recovery of 2,3-butanediol, and thus enhance the process energy efficiency. Two recycling strategies (the single or multiple point admission of permeate to the retentate flow) were explored. The specific energy requirement (the heat required by generating 1 kg 99.5% w/w 2,3-butanediol as product) was proposed to evaluate the process energy efficiency of both the pervaporation and vacuum membrane distillation, and it was shown that pervaporation can bring about nearly four times energy savings over the vacuum membrane distillation. Ce travail etait axe sur les aspects energetiques de la separation pervaporative de 1-butanol/2,3-butanediol. Un modele numerique a ete cree pour simuler le bilan massique et energetique du processus de pervaporation. On a decouvert que la distribution de la consommation calorifique de l'evaporation sur la surface de la membrane est asymetrique et plus de 85% de la chaleur etait consommee dans les 60% de la surface de la membrane. On a egalement revele que le recyclage du permeat superieur a 5% p/p 2,3-butanediol peut ameliorer la recuperation de 2,3-butanediol et ainsi accroitre l'efficacite energetique du processus. Deux strategies de recyclage (l'admission unique ou multiple du permeat au flux de retentat) ont ete explorees. Le besoin energetique particulier (la chaleur requise par la production de 1 kg 99,5% p/p 2,3-butanediol comme produit) a ete propose pour evaluer l'efficacite energetique du processus a la fois de la pervaporation et de la distillation de membrane sous vide et il a ete demontre que la pervaporation peut occasionner presque quatre fois les economies d'energie par rapport a la distillation de membrane sous vide.
Dynamic-Compiler-Driven Control for Microprocessor Energy and Performance

A general dynamic-compilation environment offers power and performance control opportunities for microprocessors. The authors propose a dynamic-compiler-driven runtime voltage and frequency optimizer. A prototype of their design, implemented and deployed in a real system, achieves energy savings of up to 70 percent
Progressive vertebral fusion of unknown etiology: A case report

We report a 16-year-old male with progressive vertebral fusion of the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar vertebrae; irregular vertebral body surfaces; coronal clefting of the vertebral bodies of the thoracic and lumbar spine; absence of one cervical vertebra; and a few other minor, nonspinous abnormalities. All laboratory findings have been within normal limits. To our knowledge, the particular findings in this patient have not been reported previously.
A HIGHLY CONCURRENT GROUP MUTUAL l-EXCLUSION ALGORITHM

The asynchronous group mutual exclusion (GME) problem [5] is a generalization of the (ordinary) mutual exclusion problem. Each process requests a forum. When a process is in the critical section (CS), we say its forum is held. The GME problem (i) allows at most one forum to be held at any time and, (ii) when a forum is held, encourages any number of processes requesting that forum to participate in that forum, that is, to be in the CS simultaneously. An extension of this problem, called the group mutual l-exclusion with multiple forum requests (GMLE-M) problem [8], allows each process to request multiple forums and up to l forums to be held simultaneously. In this paper, we give a simple GMLE-M algorithm that facilitates a highly concurrent participation of processes in forums. The algorithm uses a new technique, called automatic joining, that enables processes to enter the CS directly when their forums are being held. This technique can be used in other extensions of the GME problem also, to increase concurrency.
State-of-the-Art Of Artificial Neural Networks And Applications To Mars Robots

This is a broad examination of the state-of-the-art of artificial neural networks (ANN) and with applications of neurocontrol to Mars Robots. The emphasis is on the minimization of the number of iterations required to achieve convergence and the more biologically motivated paradigms. The three major perspectives covered are the development of neural network implementations of any variety or technology, the development of new neural network theory and paradigms and the development of practical, marketable applications of neural networks and their influence in the marketplace, Even the impact of technical advances in neuroscience, implementation with high Tc superconductivity, a hybrid approach with artificial intelligence, is covered. Besides benefits in its applications to space robots, artificial neural networks hold considerable promise of solving some of the challenging problems for the National Aerospace Plane.
Thyroid Disease in Patients with Immune Thrombocytopenia

The literature regarding an association between thyroid disease and immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) suggests that autoimmune thyroid disease is a frequent finding in patients with ITP. A strong association between other systemic autoimmune diseases and autoimmune thyroid diseases is also well documented. Therefore, the combination of autoimmune thyroid disease and ITP could reflect a more significant defect in the immune self-tolerance of these patients compared with those who have primary ITP alone. Such defects may characterize an ITP patient population as more refractory to standard ITP therapy. Screening patients for antithyroid antibodies would identify a patient population at greater risk of developing overt thyroid disease. These patients may be further screened with a thyroid-stimulating hormone assay to detect subclinical thyroid disease.
Adenomatous Polyposis Coli Protein Associates with C/EBP β and Increases Bacillus anthracis Edema Toxin-stimulated Gene Expression in Macrophages

The production of cAMP from Bacillus anthracis edema toxin (ET) activates gene expression in macrophages through a complex array of signaling pathways, most of which remain poorly defined. In this study, the tumor suppressor protein adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) was found to be important for the up-regulation of previously defined ET-stimulated genes (Vegfa, Ptgs2, Arg2, Cxcl2, Sdc1, and Cebpb). A reduction in the expression of these genes after ET exposure was observed when APC was disrupted in macrophages using siRNA or in bone marrow-derived macrophages obtained from C57BL/6J-ApcMin mice, which are heterozygous for a truncated form of APC. In line with this observation, ET increased the expression of APC at the transcriptional level, leading to increased amounts of APC in the nucleus. The mechanism utilized by APC to increase ET-induced gene expression was determined to depend on the ability of APC to interact with C/EBP β, which is a transcription factor activated by cAMP. Coimmunoprecipitation experiments found that APC associated with C/EBP β and that levels of this complex increase after ET exposure. A further connection was uncovered when silencing APC was determined to reduce the ET-induced phosphorylation of C/EBP β at Thr-188. This ET-mediated phosphorylation of C/EBP β was blocked by glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK-3) inhibitors, suggesting that GSK-3 is involved in the activation of C/EBP β and supporting the idea of APC helping direct interactions between GSK-3 and C/EBP β. These results indicate that ET stimulates gene expression by promoting the formation of an inducible protein complex consisting of APC and C/EBP β.
Status of the exotic ant Nylanderia flavipes (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in northeastern Ohio

In 2005, the non-native Nylanderia flavipes was first recorded from Ohio. Here, we present the results of a baseline study designed to assess the status of this exotic species in northeastern Ohio and to explore its potential impacts on local ant communities and the extent to which it has been incorporated into the diet of a native predator, the red-backed salamander. At the sites where N. flavipes occurred, we found a sixfold increase in total ant abundance, with 87% of all ants collected being N. flavipes. The high numerical dominance of N. flavipes did not lead to observable changes in the species richness and abundance of the native ant community. At baits, N. flavipes did not engage in interspecific combat and did not exhibit aggression towards native ants. Thus, aggression and interference competition are not likely factors explaining the high local abundance of N. flavipes. Red-backed salamanders have incorporated N. flavipes into their diet, but further research is needed to understand the interactions of N. flavipes within the forest-floor food web. Although we did not detect changes in the local ant communities in the presence of N. flavipes, we argue that this species’ high local abundance and ability to forage at cooler temperatures may give it a competitive advantage and thereby affect native ants through exploitative competition.
Random vibration techniques for non-destructive evaluation of peach firmness

A wide-band random vibration technique was employed to measure the vibration attenuation characteristics of whole intact peaches during maturation and ripening. Peaches were vibrated using a random noise generator having a wide and continuous range of frequencies from 5 Hz to 20 kHz. Vibrations within the fruit were measured by filtering the signal from an accelero-meter through a band-pass filter. The ability of peaches to transmit frequencies greater than 2 kHz decreased as the fruit softened. Vibration measurements at 2 kHz correlated significantly with pressure tests ( r = 0·88, N = 80) and with the sonic resonance index of firmness, f 2 m ( = 0·84). Even though the 2-kHz band-pass frequency was selected for these attenuation measurements, results suggest that any frequency from 2–5 kHz probably would have been equally satisfactory. This random vibration method offers a relatively simple non-destructive technique for evaluating firmness of peach fruit.
Differences in optical trapping prompt investigations of agrobacterium surface characteristics

Comparison of the optical trapping efficiency of Agrobacterium rhizogenes and A. tumefaciens strains indicates the A. rhizogenes strain, ATCC 11325, is significantly less efficiently trapped than A. rhizogenes A4, ATCC 15834, and the A. tumefaciens strain LBA4404. Differences were also found in capsule generation, growth media viscosity, and transmission electron microscopy negative staining. These observations imply a difference in surface structure exists. Calcofluor fluorescence suggests the difference involves an exopolysaccharide.
A Leader-Following Formation Control of a Group of Car-Like Mobile Robots

This paper proposes a leader-following formation control for a group of forklift-like mobile robots. The leader follows its desired trajectory while the rest of robots are following the leader in a specified formation. The proposed formation control computes desired driving force and steering torque for each robot. The proposed control consists of a formation control scheme and a kinematic trajectory generation scheme for the leader of a group. The nonholonomic constraints of the forklift-like mobile robots are taken into account in the design of the formation control and trajectory generation schemes, in which the Lyapunov stability theorem and the loop shaping method are used as design tools. Under certain conditions, the proposed formation control guarantees asymptotic stability while keeping all internal signals bounded. The effectiveness of the proposed control has been shown with realistic computer simulations.Copyright © 2015 by ASME
Chemical Evaluation of Commercial Bottled Drinking Water from Egypt

Abstract Inorganic constituents and trihalomethanes were analyzed in five major brands of commercial bottled water currently used by many Egyptians and tourists visiting Egypt. The inorganic analysis included determination of both anion and cation species. Trihalomethanes analysis included the determination of chloroform, bromodichloromethane and dibromochloromethane. For the purpose of comparison, selected samples of tap water and rain water from Cairo and Giza were also analyzed. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP/MS) was used for the analysis of elements including heavy metals. Ion chromatography (IC) was used for the analysis of anions. Ion selective electrodes (ISE) were used for measuring physical constants and for the analysis of nitrite, cyanide and sulphide ions, and ammonia. Gas chromatography and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) were used for the analysis of trihalomethanes. All water samples were within the acceptable levels of the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines and were lower than maximum contaminant levels (MCL) established by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). Tap water from both Cairo and Giza was of a higher quality than any of the bottled water with regard to the analyzed chemical constituents. Out of the five brands of bottled water only Mineral ® brand had a concentration level approaching the maximum allowed concentration for most of the chemical constituents, and it also contained the highest total dissolved solids. Trihalomethanes were found in all of the tap water but at much lower levels in Baraka ® and Siwa ® bottled water. Charcoal filters were effective in reducing the trihalomethanes concentration but showed no significant changes in other constituents.
Dose dependent inhibition of B-16 melanoma growth in vivo by a synthetic analogue of PGE2.

Abstract Daily intratumor administration of 16, 16-dimethyl-PGE 2 -methyl ester in two different dosages inhibited tumor growth in C57B1/6J mice bearing subcutaneous B-16 melanomas. The larger dose (20γg/day/mouse) produced a 68% decrease in tumor volume, a 69% decrease in tumor weight and a 60% decrease in the number of cells in mitotic phase. The smaller dose (10μg/day/mouse) was one fifth less effective than the 20μg dose but produced similar changes. Histological examination of tumors revealed no significant differences either in the inflammatory cell population or the amount of necrosis in the control and di-M-PGE 2 -treated tumors.
Determination of biofilm mechanical properties from tensile tests performed using a micro-cantilever method

Recently, a micro-cantilever method was introduced for measuring the ultimate tensile strength of intact bacterial biofilms. Herein, is reported the analysis of the video files from the testing of a 4-day-old Staphylococcus epidermidis biofilm to determine the elastic modulus, toughness, and failure strain. Elastic modulus (1270±280 Pa) was within the range of previously reported values (17–6000 Pa). The high failure strains (240±16%) indicate the substantial ductility of bacterial biofilms. In addition, the toughness of the biofilm sample was determined from the area under the stress–strain plot (2.8±0.44 kJ m−3). Thus, it was demonstrated that the micro-cantilever test video files can be used for the determination of other mechanical property parameters besides ultimate tensile strength.
Metals in Okefenokee peat-forming environments: relation to constituents found in coal

Abstract Ba, Ca, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, K, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, Pb and Zn were studied in cores of peat from two major vegetational areas of the Okefenokee Swamp, Georgia; both total peat and organic fractions were investigated. Except for Hg and Pb, metal concentrations were either higher or equal to Clarke values. The sandy bedrock is not an important contributor to metal concentrations found in peat. Levels of metals in a given peat sample were related to plant materials which gave rise to the peat; it does not appear that vegetational environment plays a critical role in determining trace metal distribution, but does play a role in determining the amount of humic or pre-vitrinitic constituents that eventually are found in coal.
Antibody Induced PLAP Endocytosis is Dependent on the Structure and Amount of Sterols in Cellular Plasma Membrane

Cell membranes are believed to contain lipid rafts which are ordered membrane domains rich in sphingolipids and sterols. Many studies investigating the functional role of lipid rafts are performed by removal of cholesterol from plasma membranes. However, it is uncertain whether the functional changes observed are due to altered raft levels or a more specific cholesterol-dependent effect. To distinguish these cases, we carried out sterol substitution experiments using methyl-β-cyclodextrin with a variety of raft formation-stabilizing and raft formation-destabilizing sterols. This approach was then applied to antibody-induced placental alkaline phosphatase (PLAP)-endocytosis. This process is cholesterol-dependent, but the mechanism of the cholesterol dependence is not known. Sterol depletion and substitution was carried out in MDA-MB-231 cells stably transfected with PLAP. After substitution, cholesterol-depletion and sterol-substitution were confirmed by HP-TLC. To define the effect of sterols on membrane structure TMADPH was added to the cells and fluorescence anisotropy measured. TMADPH anisotropy reflects plasma membrane lipid packing, and high values should be correlated with higher raft levels. Compared to untreated cells, cholesterol-depletion decreased anisotropy as expected. Subsequent replacement of cholesterol or dihydrocholesterol increased anisotropy to a similar or slightly higher level than that prior to depletion, consistent with restoration of raft levels, while anisotropy was somewhat lower with epicholesterol and much lower with lanosterol. Next, antibody-induced PLAP endocytosis was visualized by immunofluorescence. Only substitution with cholesterol restored PLAP internalization levels to an extent similar to untreated control. Decreasing cholesterol or substitution of cholesterol with other sterols inhibited internalization. This suggests that specific details of sterol structure are likely to be more important than tightness of lipid packing or raft levels in plasma membrane for antibody-induced PLAP endocytosis.
Molecular Mechanics and Statistical Thermodynamics Studies of Complexes of a Flexible Hemicarcerand with Neutral Guests

Computational studies of the structures and conformational properties of hemicarcerand 2, a model for 1, studied experimentally by Cram et al., and the complexation and decomplexation of guest molecules by this host have been carried out with MACROMODEL/MM3*. Energy minimizations, molecular dynamics, and statistical perturbation theory calculations were performed. Conformational processes in the intrahemispheric bridges (OCH2O) of the host molecule have been shown to be important for the passage of guest molecules in and out of the cavity. This transient gate-opening phenomenon has a significant influence on the complexation of bicyclic guests, while smaller aromatic guests can pass in and out without gate-opening. Constrictive binding is crucial for the isolation of hemicarceplexes, since it provides a kinetic barrier which permits isolation of complexes. The 1:1 complexes of hemicarcerand 2 with bicyclic guests and benzene derivatives were found to be energetically favorable by 12−23 kcal/mol in the gas...
Endocrine changes and metabolic responses in a validated canine brain death model.

Purpose: Endocrinologic and metabolic changes after brain death (BD) have not yet been investigated in a validated animal model. Therefore, the effects of BD on hormonal and metabolic function were studied in 10 dogs (23 to 31 kg). Methods: BD was induced by intracranial pressure increase and validated neuropathologically. Plasma concentrations of pituitary, thyroid, adrenal, and pancreatic hormones were measured pre/post BD. The results are expressed as mean (±SEM). Results: A Cushing reflex and diabetes insipidus occurred after BD. Elevated catecholamine levels were documented after 15 minutes whereas the pituitary gland hormones vasopressin and adrenocorticotrophic horomone (ACTH) decreased significantly after 15 and 45 minutes of BD respectively. Thyroxine, triiodothyronine, and glucagon decreased significantly (P < .01) from 0.58 ng/mL (±0.05),2.20 μg/dL (±0.15), and 49.7 pg/mL (±9.1) respectively to 0.34 ng/mL (±0.03), 1.14 μg/dL (±1.14), and 6.9 pg/mL (±1.4) respectively 420 minutes after BD. The hematocrit increased significantly after BD and declined toward the end of all experiments. Metabolic acidosis occurred immediately after BD and at the end of the experiments. Conclusions: In a simple, reproducible, and reliable animal model of BD, a catecholamine storm, vasopressin and ACTH cessation, and diabetes insipidus were consistent findings. The decrease in cortisol and vasopressin levels warrant consideration of hormonal therapy.
Integral charge quasiparticles in a fractional quantum Hall liquid

Starting from a collective description of the incompressible fractional quantum Hall liquid as an elastic medium that supports gapped neutral excitations, I show that the one-electron spectral function of this system exhibits a sharp peak at the lowest available excitation energy, well separated from the continuum spectrum at higher energy. I interpret this peak as the signature of the integral charge quasiparticle recently predicted by Peterson and Jain [Phys. Rev. Lett. 94, 186808 (2005)] and calculate its spectral weight for different filling factors.
The effect of regional cooling on toxicity associated with intravenous infusion of pegylated liposomal doxorubicin in recurrent ovarian carcinoma

Abstract Objective . The purpose of this study is to determine if regional cooling reduces palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia (PPE) associated with intravenous infusion of pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (PLD). Methods . A retrospective review over 3 years identified 20 women who were treated with single-agent intravenous PLD for recurrent ovarian carcinoma. During PLD infusion, patients kept ice packs around their wrists and ankles, and consumed iced liquids. These steps were continued for 24 h after completion of chemotherapy. All patients were instructed not to ingest hot food or liquids, to avoid contact with hot water, and to minimize friction on the hands and feet for 72 h posttreatment. Results . Seventeen of the twenty patients (85%) followed the regional cooling protocol, and three of twenty (15%) did not. In the group who underwent regional cooling, 16/17 (94%) had none to mild PPE (grades 0–2), and 1/17 (6%) had moderate to severe PPE (grades 3–4). Of the three patients without regional cooling, 1/3 (33%) had grades 0–2 PPE and 2/3 (67%) had grades 3–4 PPE ( P = 0.047). Conclusions . Regional cooling may reduce the frequency and severity of PPE associated with intravenous PLD infusion for recurrent ovarian carcinoma. Prospective, randomized evaluation is needed to confirm this observation.
Genotoxic Evaluation of Chronic Fluoride Exposure: Micronucleus and Sperm Morphology Studies

The purpose of this study was to investigate the genotoxic effects of chronic fluoride exposure on mammalian cells in vivo by use of the mouse bone-marrow micronucleus test and the sperm morphology methodology. Mice of genotype B6C3F1 were obtained at weaning and maintained on a low-fluoride diet (less than 0.2 ppm F) ad libitum throughout the experiment. The animals were randomly assigned to seven groups and given fluoride (as sodium fluoride) in concentrations ranging from 1.0 to 75 ppm in the drinking water. Negative (distilled water) and positive (cyclophosphamide) controls were included. After a 21-week treatment period, the animals were killed by cervical dislocation, and blood was obtained by cardiac puncture. Slides of femur marrow cells were prepared and blindly examined for the frequency of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes (MN-PCE). Slides of sperm from the cauda epididymides of the male mice were also prepared and similarly examined for morphological abnormalities. Weight of the testes was recorded, and the plasma, humeri, testes, and carcasses were saved for fluoride analyses. Analyses of bone and plasma fluoride confirmed the effective absorption of fluoride following ingestion. The frequency of MN-PCE, the count of abnormal sperm, and the weight of the testes for mice chronically exposed to fluoride, in doses ranging from approximately 0.3 to 23 mg/kg/day, were not significantly different from those of the negative control animals. The results of this study support the view that fluoride has no genotoxic effects.
Hard diffractive jet production at DØ

Abstract Recent results on hard diffraction are discussed for center-of-mass energies of 1800 and 630 GeV, including single diffractive jet production and hard double pomeron exchange. These events have one or two rapidity gaps with concurrent jet production.
Human models of innate immunity: local and systemic inflammatory responses.

We review human studies where different body sites (e.g. systemic – intravenous and local – skin or lung) are exposed to small amounts of bacterial components as a means to study innate immunity in vivo. Intravenous endotoxin administration is widely used to assess systemic inflammatory responses, and these have many similarities to those seen in early sepsis. While blood levels of cytokines, activated inflammatory cells, and stress hormones rise acutely, the alveolar space remains relatively protected from these inflammatory responses. Skin blister windows provide a means to study local neutrophil exudation without systemic inflammatory responses, and has been used to characterize defects in neutrophil transmigration. Recently, skin blister windows have been adapted to study phagocytic cell function in response to bacterial antigens in patients with cirrhosis. Inhalation of endotoxin leads to pulmonary inflammation with increases in broncho-alveolar lavage neutrophils and cytokines and mild systemic responses. Whole lung exposure to endotoxin provides a means to study the pathogenesis of occupational lung disease. These three models are important methods to study innate immune responses and their regulatory mechanisms in normal and diseased states.
Participation in Transvaginal Ovarian Cancer Screening: Compliance, Correlation Factors, and Costs

Abstract The objective was to identify factors influencing participation in screening for ovarian cancer using transvaginal sonography in the free experimental program at the University of Kentucky over its 6+ year history. Database records for screenings, performed from 1987 to June 1994, were utilized. Computer sorts, 1990 census information as predictors, and stepwise multiple regression analysis were employed. Participation in the model ovarian screening program took 3-4 years to approach >300 screens/month, with repeat screenings exceeding new subject participation in this time period. A number of participants traveled >200 miles for screening on both initial and repeat encounters. Analysis of distance to the screening site, median family income, county physician population, and education levels indicated that distance and then education correlated best with participation. Unit screening cost shrank from $45 to under $25 when maximal participation was achieved. Distance and education correlated with participation. Expenses compare favorably with diagnostic procedures for other diseases.
Nuclear matter binding energy and the two-nucleon potential

Abstract The Moszkowski-Scott approximation to the Brueckner theory is used to compare the nuclear matter binding energy predictions of two different two-nucleon potential models. Although the Hamada-Johnston potential has been found to be a much better fit to the two-nucleon data than is the Brueckner-Gammel-Thaler potential, the latter is found to be in much better agreement with the semi-empirical value of the nuclear matter binding energy. The discrepancy is found to be attributable mostly to the singlet odd potential, which has been only poorly defined by the available two nucleon data.
Distension enterogenesis: increasing the size and function of small intestine.

Abstract Introduction The purpose of this study is to evaluate the feasibility of using saline infusion to lengthen small bowel while preserving intestinal enzymatic function. Methods Male Sprague-Dawley rats had a 3-cm jejunal segment taken out of continuity. A catheter was inserted in the proximal end, and the distal end was oversewn. Continuous infusion of saline into the isolated jejunal segment was started 2 weeks postoperatively. Segments were harvested 1 week later. Segment weights and lengths were measured preoperatively and at the time of harvest. Histology of harvested segments was performed. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and lactase assays were performed. Comparisons were made with normal jejunum from control animals. Results A 32% increase in length was achieved with saline distension of small intestine. The segment weight to length ratio was significantly increased by saline distension; however, the total protein-to-weight ratio was unchanged. Specific activities of ALP and lactase were not affected by saline distension. Because of the increased length and weight of the distended jejunal segments, total segment activities for both enzymes were significantly increased. Conclusions Saline infusion appears to be a viable method for increasing small intestinal length without compromising enzymatic function. This phenomenon may provide a new method for the treatment of patients with short bowel syndrome in the future, and further study is warranted.
Changes in cholinesterase activity following partial denervation, collateral reinnervation, and hyperneurotization of muscle

Abstract Denervated rat skeletal muscle loses about 50% of its cholinesterase (ChE) activity within 1 week and undergoes relatively little additional loss subsequently. Following reinnervation, several weeks are required for the normal level of ChE to be restored. The present study was performed to determine the effects of partial denervation, collateral reinnervation, and hyperneurotization on the ChE activity of muscle. The soleus and plantaris were partially denervated by transecting spinal nerves L4 or L5. The ChE activity of muscle homogenates was determined at 1 week (before collateral reinnervation) and at 8 weeks (after collateral reinnervation). In another group L4 was crushed and ChE determined 4 months post-operatively (at which time the muscles had become hyperinnervated by the collateral sprouts from L5 plus the regenerated axons from L4). Partial denervation produced a decrease in ChE that was proportional to the number of muscle fibers that had been denervated. Following collateral reinnervation the ChE was restored to normal levels. The ChE of the hyperneurotized muscle was not above normal. It is concluded that a decreased neuronal pool can, by virtue of collateral branching, maintain a normal level of ChE in the muscles it innervates. Furthermore, it appears that the upper and lower limits of ChE activity are established by factors intrinsic to the muscle, but that within these limits the enzymatic activity is proportional to the number of innervated muscle fibers.
Perception and practice of sublingual immunotherapy among practicing allergists.

Background Currently, little information is available regarding who is using sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) in the United States, what product they may be using, how they are dosing that product, and what perceived effect it may be having on patients. Objective To gather information regarding the perception and use of SLIT among practicing allergists in the United States. Methods On behalf of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) Immunotherapy and Diagnostics Committee, an electronic survey was sent to all practicing allergists of the ACAAI in March 2007. Results The survey response rate was 25.7% (828/3,217) in which 92.5% of the respondents (766/828) practiced in the United States. For 61.7% (471/763) the most cited reason for not using SLIT was lack of approval by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). If SLIT were an FDA-approved form of immunotherapy, 65.7% would use it to treat allergic rhinitis, 45.5% would use SLIT to treat patients younger than 5 years, and 40.9% would use it to treat moderate to severe asthma. A total of 5.9% (45/766) of US allergists reported using SLIT. Most perceived SLIT to be as effective (44.7%) or more effective (10.5%) than subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT). Most allergists who used SLIT (65.9%) had it reimbursed by patients paying out of pocket. The most commonly used extract (79.1%) was a commercially available extract used for SCIT. Some practitioners (53.5%) required their patients to administer doses of SLIT in their office, but 81.8% only required that this be done with the first dose. Practitioners gave epinephrine injectors to 41.5% of their patients receiving SLIT. Conclusions Although only 5.9% of US allergists reported using SLIT, most of the 828 surveyed (766 US allergists) viewed SLIT as safe and effective and would consider using SLIT if it were an FDA-approved therapy.
Attosecond time-resolved autoionization

Autoionization in argon atoms was studied by transient absorption spectroscopy with isolated attosecond XUV pulses. The peak position, line shape and population of the resonant states were modified by intense near infrared laser pulses.
High throughput solubility measurement with automated polarized light microscopy analysis

As a high throughput solubility assay, the solution-precipitation method using a dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) sample stock solution (DMSO-SP) has been widely used in drug discovery. However, the solid form of the precipitant has not been investigated. In this study, we investigated the experimental conditions of the DMSO-SP, focusing on the solid form of the precipitant. The final concentration of DMSO was 1% (v/v). The precipitant of more than a half of the model compounds was observed as crystalline by polarized light microscopy analysis. When the incubation time was 20 h and the precipitant was crystalline, the DMSO-SP solubility was similar to the solubility from a powder material (PWD). However, when the incubation time was 10 min and/or the precipitant was not crystalline, the DMSO-SP solubility was higher than the PWD solubility. These results suggested that the information regarding the solid form of the precipitant is important in interpreting the solubility data. In addition, we developed an automated birefringence diagnose system for drug discovery usage.
The role in lateritic nickel mining in Latin American countries with special reference to exmibal in Guatemala

Modern mining operations can result in significant economic development within the developing host countries. Lateritic nickel mining plays a role of varying importance in a number of Latin American countries, depending on natural resource endowments and government policies. Exploraciones y Explotaciones Mineras Izabal, SA (Exmibal) is a large-scale lateritic nickel mining operation that serves as an excellent case study in the analysis of mining-induced economic development at local, regional and national scales. Exmibal's turbulent history demonstrates the need to view mining dynamically and in the context of production and consumption restraints. Guatemala's experience will Exmibal may be generalized most successfully to other Latin American countries that have or may have one large nickel mining complex operated by a transnational enterprise.
runt Homology Domain Transcription Factors (Runx, Cbfa, and AML) Mediate Repression of the Bone Sialoprotein Promoter: Evidence for Promoter Context-Dependent Activity of Cbfa Proteins

Expression of the bone sialoprotein (BSP) gene, a marker of bone formation, is largely restricted to cells in mineralized tissues. Recent studies have shown that the Cbfa1 (also known as Runx2, AML-3, and PEBP2alphaA) transcription factor supports commitment and differentiation of progenitor cells to hypertrophic chondrocytes and osteoblasts. This study addresses the functional involvement of Cbfa sites in expression of the Gallus BSP gene. Gel mobility shift analyses with nuclear extracts from ROS 17/2.8 osteoblastic cells revealed that multiple Cbfa consensus sequences are functional Cbfa DNA binding sites. Responsiveness of the 1.2-kb Gallus BSP promoter to Cbfa factors Cbfa1, Cbfa2, and Cbfa3 was assayed in osseous and nonosseous cells. Each of the Cbfa factors mediated repression of the wild-type BSP promoter, in contrast to their well known activation of various hematopoietic and skeletal phenotypic genes. Suppression of BSP by Cbfa factors was not observed in BSP promoters in which Cbfa sites were deleted or mutated. Expression of the endogenous BSP gene in Gallus osteoblasts was similarly downregulated by forced expression of Cbfa factors. Our data indicate that Cbfa repression of the BSP promoter does not involve the transducin-like enhancer (TLE) proteins. Neither coexpression of TLE1 or TLE2 nor the absence of the TLE interaction motif of Cbfa1 (amino acids 501 to 513) influenced repressor activity. However, removal of the C terminus of Cbfa1 (amino acids 362 to 513) relieved suppression of the BSP promoter. Our results, together with the evolutionary conservation of the seven Cbfa sites in the Gallus and human BSP promoters, suggest that suppressor activity by Cbfa is of significant physiologic consequence and may contribute to spatiotemporal expression of BSP during bone development.
The non-specific cytotoxic cell receptor (NCCRP-1): molecular organization and signaling properties.

Abstract The evolutionary precursor to mammalian natural killer cells in teleost fish is called non-specific cytotoxic cells (NCC). NCC collaborate with other non-specific effector mechanisms to provide innate resistance during acute stress responses. The NCC receptor protein (NCCRP-1) contains 238 amino acid residues and is believed to be a type III membrane protein with three distinct functional domains. The antigen-binding domain has been mapped to amino acids nos. 104–119. The intracellular C-terminus contains a high concentration of potential phosphorylation sites (Y, S, T). Indeed, we have shown that activation of NCC by crosslinking of NCCRP-1 leads to receptor tyrosine and serine phosphorylation. The N-terminus of the molecule is also inside the cells and has as well signature amino acids, proline-rich motifs (PRM), that are indicative of functional relevance. The cytokine/hormone receptor-like PRMs are known docking sites for JAK kinases. We have evidence that following activation, NCCRP-1 comes in contact with JAK kinase and as a result of this interaction, STAT 6 is translocated into the nucleus. These results suggest that NCCRP-1 may play a dual role in the activation of NCC: first, as an antigen recognition molecule necessary for target cell lysis, and second, as an initiator of cytokine release from NCC. Both of these processes are required for a competent innate immune response.
Succession as A Sociopolitical Process: Internal Impediments to Outsider Selection

Although traditional adaptive theory implies that poor organizational performance will directly increase the likelihood that an outsider will be selected to succeed a firm's chief executive, we dev...
Folding dynamics of phenylalanine hydroxylase depends on the enzyme’s metallation state: the native metal, iron, protects against aggregate intermediates

Phenylalanine hydroxylase (PAH), a non-heme iron enzyme, is responsible for the phenylalanine conversion to tyrosine. Its malfunction causes phenylketonuria (PKU). To better understand how protein structure and folding profiles are affected by the metal cofactor, we investigated the chemical (un)folding of apo- and holo-PAH from Chromobacterium violaceum (cPAH) using circular dichroism (CD) and analytical ultracentrifugation (AUC). Holo-cPAH shows a two-state unfolding transition. In contrast, the unfolding profile for apo-cPAH reveals a three-state (un)folding pathway and accumulation of an intermediate (apo-cPAHI). This intermediate is also observed in refolding experiments. Fluorescence studies are consistent with the CD findings. The intermediate apo-cPAHI and unfolded state(s) of apo- and holo-cPAHU have been characterized by analytical ultracentrifugation (AUC). At 2.4 and 2.8 M GuHCl, 90% of the signal for apo-cPAH has a weight average sedimentation coefficient in water at 20°C (s20,w) of about 48 S, representing multiple aggregate species made of multiple monomers of cPAH. Aggregate formation for apo-cPAH is also confirmed by dynamic light scattering and electron microscopy giving a hydrodynamic radius (RH) of 41 nm for apo-cPAHI versus 3.5 nm for the native protein.
Sedimentary Basin Effects in Seattle, Washington: Ground-Motion Observations and 3D Simulations

Seismograms of local earthquakes recorded in Seattle exhibit surface waves in the Seattle basin and basin-edge focusing of S waves. Spectral ratios of S waves and later arrivals at 1 Hz for stiff-soil sites in the Seattle basin show a dependence on the direction to the earthquake, with earthquakes to the south and southwest producing higher average amplification. Earthquakes to the southwest typically produce larger basin surface waves relative to S waves than earthquakes to the north and northwest, probably because of the velocity contrast across the Seattle fault along the southern margin of the Seattle basin. S to P conversions are observed for some events and are likely converted at the bottom of the Seattle basin. We model five earthquakes, including the M 6.8 Nisqually earthquake, using 3D finite-difference simulations accurate up to 1 Hz. The simulations reproduce the observed dependence of amplification on the direction to the earthquake. The simulations generally match the timing and character of basin surface waves observed for many events. The 3D simulation for the Nisqually earthquake produces focusing of S waves along the southern margin of the Seattle basin near the area in west Seattle that experienced increased chimney damage from the earthquake, similar to the results of the higher-frequency 2D simulation reported by Stephenson et al. (2006). Waveforms from the 3D simulations show reasonable agreement with the data at low frequencies (0.2–0.4 Hz) for the Nisqually earthquake and an M 4.8 deep earthquake west of Seattle.