cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Nephrotoxic potential of N-(3,5-dichlorophenyl)glutarimide and N-(3,5-dichlorophenyl)glutaramic acid in Fischer 344 rats

The agricultural fungicide N-(3,5-dichlorophenyl)succinimide (NDPS) produces kidney damage in rats. Although many NDPS analogues have been screened as possible nephrotoxicants, the one-carbon homologue, N-(3,5-dichlorophenyl)glutarimide (NDPG), has not been evaluated. This study examined the nephrotoxic potential of NDPG and a putative metabolite, N-(3,5-dichlorophenyl)glutaramic acid (NDPGA). Male Fischer 344 rats (N = 3-4 per group) were administered a single i.p. injection in corn oil of NDPG or NDPGA (0.4 or 1.0 mmol/kg), NDPS (0.4 mmol/kg), or corn oil alone. Renal function was monitored for 48 h. In contrast to NDPS, NDPG and NDPGA did not significantly alter renal function or kidney morphology when compared to corn oil-treated controls. These experiments show that replacement of the succinimide ring in NDPS with a glutarimide ring abolishes toxicity.
Role of the cocatalyst in the copolymerization of CO2 and cyclohexene oxide utilizing chromium salen complexes.

The mechanism of the copolymerization of cyclohexene oxide and carbon dioxide to afford poly(cyclohexylene)carbonate catalyzed by (salen)CrN3 (H2salen = N,N,‘-bis(3,5-di-tert-butylsalicylidene)-1,2-ethylene-diimine) in the presence of a broad range of cocatalysts has been studied. We have previously established the rate of copolymer formation to be very sensitive to both the electron-donating ability of the salen ligand and the [cocatalyst], where N-heterocyclic amines, phosphines, and ionic salts were effective cocatalysts. Significant increases in the rate of copolymerization have been achieved with turnover frequencies of ∼1200 h-1, thereby making these catalyst systems some of the most active and robust thus far uncovered. Herein we offer a detailed explanation of the role of the cocatalyst in the copolymerization of CO2 and cyclohexene oxide catalyzed by chromium salen derivatives. A salient feature of the N-heterocyclic amine- or phosphine-cocatalyzed processes is the presence of an initiation perio...
A tese da "nova clivagem" e a base social do apoio à direita radical

A ascensao da direita radical esta aberta a multiplas interpretacoes. A questao abordada neste artigo e saber se muitos desses partidos criaram uma base social duradoura entre os eleitores e, se assim for, quais setores sociais apresentam maior probabilidade de apoia-los. A primeira parte discute os marcos teoricos alternativos oferecidos pelos trabalhos classicos dos anos 1950 e 1960, a tese da "nova clivagem social" comum durante a ultima decada e a teoria do desalinhamento partidario. Em seguida, o artigo analisa hipoteses concorrentes sobre a base social do voto na direita radical em quinze paises, usando dados retirados do Survey Social Europeu de 2002 e do Estudo Comparativo de Sistemas Eleitorais, 1996-2001. A segunda parte trata do papel de indicadores socioeconomicos, enquanto a terceira parte examina a duradoura diferenca entre os sexos e os padroes geracionais de apoio. A conclusao considera as implicacoes desses resultados para compreender a base da popularidade da direita radical e para a estabilidade e longevidade desses partidos.
The Scene of Occupation

A year on, the Occupy movement is in shambles, according to skeptics. But was it ever anything but a shambles? A search for Occupy zombies in London and New York unearths the distinctive forms of dread and refuge on the scene of occupation. Can the zombies tell us how to disinter ourselves from the living graves of capitalism?
Band centrifugation of macromolecules in self‐generating density gradients. III. Conditions for convection‐free band sedimentation

The conditions for convection-free hand sedimentation are analyzed in terms of the negative density gradients associated with the leading edge of a band and the positive density gradients generated during the experiment. The amount of material necessary to perform a band-centrifugation experiment depends on the diffusion coefficient of the macromolecules, which determines the rate at which the concentration at band maximum decreases, and on the extinction coefficient at the wavelength of observation. The maximum negative gradients in bands of macromolecules with diffusion and extinction coefficients typical of proteins, nucleic acids, and viruses are calculated. Positive density gradients generated by diffusion of small molecules between the thin lamella and the bulk solution are calculated for bulk solutions such us 1M NaCl or 95% D2O. These “diffusion gradients” are generally adequate to stabilize bands of the above macromolecules. Positive density gradients generated by sedimentation of salts within the bulk solution may be significant in providing stability near the bottom of the cell. The effects of inadequate stabilizing gradients are discussed, and are found to cause forward spreading of the band.
The rate of plumping of uterine eggs immersed in an artificial uterine solution.

Abstract INTRODUCTION IT IS a well known fact that the egg white approximately doubles its weight while the egg is in the uterus. This increase is due to the passage of a uterine secretion through the shell membranes. Beadle, Conrad, and Scott (1938) found that the uterine secretion is not albuminous but is a mineral solution consisting chiefly of sodium, calcium, and potassium, present as chlorides and bicarbonates. The purpose of this investigation was to obtain a measure of the rate at which eggs in different stages of uterine development take up this secretion. METHODS AND MATERIAL The data reported here were obtained from White Leghorn and crossbred (White Leghorn × Rhode Island Red) hens, during January, 1938, and from a second group of White Leghorns during December, 1938. All birds were from the University of Illinois farm flock and were kept in a laying battery. The technic of determining when . . .
Multiple xanthogranulomas in an adult: case report and literature review

An otherwise healthy 30-year-old male developed multiple xanthogranulomas over a 1-year period. A review of the literature on adult xanthogranulomas and a tabulated outline of the differential diagnosis is presented.
Spatial and nonspatial Morris maze learning: impaired behavioral flexibility in mice with ectopias located in the prefrontal cortex.

About half of BXSB/MpJ-Yaa (BXSB) mice have neocortical ectopias (misplaced clusters of neurons located in layer I of cortex). Previous behavioral studies have suggested that ectopic mice have superior spatial, but equivalent nonspatial, reference memory learning. However, since spatial and nonspatial learning were not assessed in the same apparatus and with the same testing procedure, it is unclear if this conclusion is accurate. We have created a new nonspatial Morris maze for mice that differs from the spatial task only in the type of cues that must be utilized to efficiently locate the platform (intra-maze black/white patterns vs. extra-maze room cues) and does not differ in the level of task complexity or the presence of objects within the maze. Ectopic mice were very good in utilizing extra-maze cues when learning the spatial version and in utilizing intra-maze cues when learning the nonspatial version of the Morris maze, while non-ectopics were not, suggesting that ectopics have superior spatial and nonspatial reference memory. Ectopias in BXSB mice are usually located in prefrontal and/or motor cortex. The prefrontal cortex is involved in behavioral flexibility (e.g. being able to easily switch from using spatial to nonspatial cues). Only ectopic mice with ectopias specifically located in the prefrontal region of cortex demonstrated difficulty switching from using extra-maze to intra-maze cues and vice versa. Thus, the presence of one or more ectopias in the prefrontal region of cortex disrupted one of the normal functions of the prefrontal cortex.
Repolarization of hepatocytes in culture

We have evaluated the biochemical, morphological, and functional redevelopment of polarity in freshly isolated hepatocytes cultured using a double layer collagen gel sandwich technique. Western blot analysis showed increased cellular levels of the cell adhesion protein uvomorulin as cultured hepatocytes repolarized. Immunofluorescence studies using antibodies against domain-specific membrane proteins showed polarity as early as 48 hours, although the pattern of the polymeric Immunoglobulin-A receptor (pIgA-R) differed from in vivo liver. Electron microscopy showed developing bile canaliculi at 1 day. However, the functional presence of tight junctions was absent at 1 day, but present at 5 days. We further showed functional polarity to be present at 4 days by documenting the ability of cultured hepatocytes to metabolize and excrete fluorescein diacetate into visible bile canaliculi. We conclude that hepatocytes cultured appropriately develop morphological and functional polarity. Hepatocyte culture is therefore a useful tool for the study of mechanisms responsible for the development of polarized function.
A free boundary problem arising in flame propagation

Abstract We study a free boundary problem describing the propagation of laminar flames. The problem arises as the limit of a singular perturbation problem. We introduce the notion of viscosity solutions for the problem to show the maximum principle-type property of the solutions. Using this property we show the uniform convergence of the approximating solutions and the uniqueness of the viscosity solution under several geometric conditions on the initial data.
Access to Safe Water: A Paradox in Developed Nations

A sight all too common in urban areas of the United States is water being used to clean sidewalks near residential and commercial properties. The water is clean, safe, and drinkable, no different f...
Radiosensitivity to high energy iron ions is influenced by heterozygosity for Atm, Rad9 and Brca1

Loss of function of DNA repair genes has been implicated in the development of many types of cancer. In the last several years, heterozygosity leading to haploinsufficiency for proteins involved in DNA repair was shown to play a role in genomic instability and carcinogenesis after DNA damage is induced, for example by ionizing radiation. Since the effect of heterozygosity for one gene is relatively small, we hypothesize that predisposition to cancer could be a result of the additive effect of heterozygosity for two or more genes critical to pathways that control DNA damage signaling, repair or apoptosis. We investigated the role of heterozygosity for Atm, Rad9 and Brca1 on cell oncogenic transformation and cell survival induced by 1GeV/n 56Fe ions. Our results show that cells heterozygous for both Atm and Rad9 or Atm and Brca1 have high survival rates and are more sensitive to transformation by high energy Iron ions when compared with wild-type controls or cells haploinsufficient for only one of these proteins. Since mutations or polymorphisms for similar genes exist in a small percentage of the human population, we have identified a radiosensitive sub-population. This finding has several implications. First, the existence of a radiosensitive sub-population may distort the shape of the dose-response relationship. Second, it would not be ethical to put exceptionally radiosensitive individuals into a setting where they may potentially be exposed to substantial doses of radiation.
Tubal metaplasia: a cytologic study with comparison to other neoplastic and non-neoplastic conditions of the endocervix

Tubal metaplasia of the endocervix (TME), a condition that may be confused morphologically with glandular neoplasia, is frequently found in cone or hysterectomy specimens. To determine the frequency of detecting TME in cytologic smears, we retrospectively reviewed 28 Papanicolaou (Pap) smears from 22 women (mean age 39.1 yr; range 25-60 yr) with histologically proven TME. Our criteria for TME were the presence of two cell types in addition to endocervical secretory cells, i.e., peg cells (cells with dark and granular cytoplasm and elongate nuclei) and ciliated cells. All women had cervical cytology specimens obtained with an endocervical brush shortly before the procedures in which TME was diagnosed, and five also had at least one post-procedure smear. Of 20 smears with an adequate, non-neoplastic endocervical component, TME was found in 2 (10%). In these two, TME cells constituted 10% and < 5% of all the glandular cells, respectively, and the percentage of ciliated cells in the TME was approximately 25% and 75%. In conclusion, TME was noted infrequently (10%) on the cervical cytosmears of women with histologically-proven TME. This result corresponds to the histologic finding that TME typically involves the upper endocervix and glandular epithelium, with only 13% of the women having TME on the surface of the lower endocervix. Atypical glandular cells on cervical cytology are a problem for clinicians and pathologists alike. The differential diagnosis of such atypia, including TME, cells of the lower uterine segment, squamous intraepithelial lesion in glands and glandular neoplasia, is discussed.
The Dehydration of Allylic and Bezylic Cycloalkanols by Molecular Sieves

Abstract A mild procedure for the quantitative dehydration of 1-vinyl- and 1-phenylcycloalkanols has been developed.
On Non-Detects in qPCR Data

Motivation: Quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) is one of the most widely used methods to measure gene expression. Despite extensive research in qPCR laboratory protocols, normalization, and statistical analysis, little attention has been given to qPCR non-detects – those reactions failing to produce a minimum amount of signal. Results: We show that the common methods of handling qPCR non-detects lead to biased inference. Furthermore, we show that non-detects do not represent data missing completely at random and likely represent missing data occurring not at random. We propose a model of the missing data mechanism and develop a method to directly model non-detects as missing data. Finally, we show that our approach results in a sizeable reduction in bias when estimating both absolute and differential gene expression. Availability: The proposed algorithm is implemented in the R package, nondetects. This package also contains the raw data for the three example data sets used in this manuscript. The package is freely available at http://mnmccall.com/software and as part of the Bioconductor project.
Target tracking in heterogeneous sensor networks using audio and video sensor fusion

Heterogeneous sensor networks (HSNs) with multiple sensing modalities are gaining popularity in diverse fields. Tracking is an application that can benefit from multiple sensing modalities. If a moving target emits sound then both audio and video sensors can be utilized. These modalities can complement each other in the presence of high background noise that impairs the audio or visual clutter affecting the video. Audio-video tracking can also provide cues for the other modality for actuation. In this paper, we describe an approach for target tracking in urban environments utilizing an HSN of mote class devices equipped with acoustic sensor boards and embedded PCs equipped with web cameras. Our system employs a Markov Chain Monte Carlo Data Association algorithm for tracking vehicles emitting engine noise. Experimental results from a deployment in an urban environment are used to demonstrate our approach.
Surgery for thoracic outlet syndrome may be hazardous to your health

We are reporting five patients who suffered serious injuries from surgery for thoracic outlet syndrome, which has been a controversial subject from many aspects. Many argue that it is much overdiagnosed and overtreated. The term "disputed thoracic outlet syndrome" has recently been applied to the majority of cases in which there are little or no clinical findings. The much more rare true neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome does have associated neurologic and electrical findings. Recently, the use and misuse of electrodiagnostic studies in the diagnosis of disputed thoracic outlet syndrome has been discussed in the literature. The cases that we are reporting are especially tragic because the elective surgeries were performed in patients who had little or no clinical abnormalities on examination prior to the surgery.
Deuterium enrichment of retinol in humans determined by gas chromatography electron capture negative chemical ionization mass spectrometry

Abstract A new application of electron capture negative chemical ionization mass spectrometry method has been developed for detecting vitamin A enrichment in human serum. Octadeuterated all-trans retinyl acetate 1.5 mg was fed to a volunteer and blood samples were collected over a period of 32 days. Serum samples were extracted and isolated by high performance liquid chromatography to collect the fraction containing retinol. The retinol fraction was derivatized to a trimethylsilyl ether, which was analyzed by gas chromatograph (GC)/mass spectrometry using a capillary column coated with DB-1 followed by methane electron capture negative chemical ionization/mass spectrometry (ECNCI-MS). Although ECNCI-MS of derivatized retinol produced no molecular ion, it produced a single negatively charged fragment ion at m/z 268 for natural retinol (m/z 276 for octadeuterated retinol) due to loss of the silyl group. The serum enrichment of labeled retinol was detectable at 7 hours, reached a maximum of 2.6% at 24 hours, and declined thereafter but was still at 0.07% at 32 days. In 200 μL of serum, the minimum detectable enrichment of retinol-d8 was 0.01%. The GC/ECNCI-MS method for detecting retinol in serum is at least 10 times more sensitive than any previously published mass spectrometry method.
Effect of the northward-migrating Mendocino triple junction on the Eel River forearc basin, California: Stratigraphic development

The Eel River forearc basin, northern California, lies at the southern end of the Cascadia subduction zone and at the leading edge of the migrating Mendocino triple junction. Stratigraphic relationships within the Eel River forearc basin suggest that the current outer-arc high formed between ca. 3 and 2 Ma when the margin switched from a nonaccretionary to an accretionary phase and then uplifted to attain critical taper. Between ca. 2 and 1 Ma, an influx of sedimentation from the ancestral Klamath and Eel River systems increased the width of the northern California margin and caused continued uplift followed by widespread erosion of the western margin of the basin at ca. 1 Ma. In the northeastern part of the forearc basin, localized erosion of the shelf occurred at ca. 500 ka. The arrival of the northward-migrating Mendocino triple junction at ca. 500 ka is documented by uplift, northward tilting, erosion of the margin as much as 20 km north of Cape Mendocino, and reduced deposition within the forearc basin as much as 80 km north of the current position of the triple junction. Terrestrial sediments delivered to the continental margin and eroded sediments near the triple junction largely bypassed the southern part of the basin and were likely deposited in northern areas of the basin or flowed down the Eel Canyon to be deposited within the Gorda Fan.
Adaptive Ratio-Size Gates for Minimum-Energy Operation

Minimum-energy operation is a function of the gate-size ratio at different values of the power supply. In this brief, circuit designs that are capable of responding to changes in the power supply voltage and adjusting the gate-size ratio accordingly for minimum-energy operation are presented. The dynamically adjustable gate-size ratio allows the gate to preserve a symmetric voltage transfer characteristic at both normal supply and subthreshold operations. This translates to maximized noise margins over the whole range of the supply voltage. Simulation results show that the performance of the proposed circuits is superior to fixed gate sizes aimed at fixed-supply operation. The proposed adaptive gate circuit designs provide up to six times reduction in the power-delay product in comparison with the fixed-size gate. The proposed designs represent a complete solution for circuits that have to adapt to wide variations in the power supply while preserving relative characteristics
Nearest neighbor projective fuser for function estimation

There is currently a wide choice of function estimators, and it is often more effective and practical to fuse them rather than choosing a "best" one. An optimal projective fuser was proposed earlier based on the lower envelope of error regressions of the estimators. In most practical cases, however, the error regressions are not available and only a finite sample is given. Consequently this optimal fuser is hard to implement and furthermore guarantees only the asymptotic consistency. In this paper, we propose a projective fuser based on the nearest neighbor concept, which is easy to implement. Under fairly general smoothness and non-smoothness conditions on the individual estimators, we show that this fuser's expected error is close to optimal with a high probability, for a finite sample and irrespective of the underlying distributions. This performance guarantee is stronger than the previous ones for projective fusers and also implies asymptotic consistency. The required smoothness condition, namely Lipschitz continuity, is satisfied by sigmoid neural networks and certain radial-basis functions. The non-smoothness condition requires bounded variation which is satisfied by k-nearest neighbor, regressogram,regression tree, Nadaraya-Watson and feedforward threshold network estimators.
The Evolving Role of Monoclonal Antibodies in Colorectal Cancer: Early Presumptions and Impact on Clinical Trial Development

Targeted biologic agents have an established role in treating metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). Bevacizumab, a recombinant monoclonal antibody against the vascular endothelial growth factor ligand is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for bevacizumab-naive patients. Cetuximab, a chimeric monoclonal antibody (mAb) against the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is FDA approved as a single agent, or in combination with irinotecan, in both irinotecan-naive and refractory patients, and has additional efficacy in combination with oxaliplatin. Panitumumab, a fully human EGFR mAb, is FDA approved as a single agent in refractory patients but has additional efficacy in combination with chemotherapy. After reaching a temporary therapeutic plateau of FDA-approved agents for the treatment of mCRC, pivotal results have developed that critically affect the care for these patients. Correlative data from randomized trials of EGFR inhibitors across disease settings have demonstrated higher response rates, specifically for patients with wild-type K-RAS tumors. The interpretation of the B-RAF mutation and other molecular markers may further define the appropriateness of anti-EGFR therapy. Recent literature revealed that the first-line use of combined anti-EGFR therapy plus bevacizumab resulted in inferior outcomes and additional toxicities. Furthermore, the role of biologic agents for locally advanced colon cancer cannot be advocated at this time. With impending changes in the health care system, the economic impact of mAbs will continue to be scrutinized. Hence, as the significance of molecular markers continues to develop, their role as it pertains to the appropriate use of biologic agents in the treatment of mCRC will continue to evolve.
Why are not all chilies hot? A trade-off limits pungency

Evolutionary biologists increasingly recognize that evolution can be constrained by trade-offs, yet our understanding of how and when such constraints are manifested and whether they restrict adaptive divergence in populations remains limited. Here,we show that spatialheterogeneity in moisture maintains a polymorphism for pungency (heat)among natural populations of wild chilies(Capsicum chacoense) because traitsinfluencing water-use efficiency are functionally integrated with traits controlling pungency (the production of capsaicinoids). Pungent and non-pungent chilies occur along a cline in moisture that spans their native range in Bolivia, and the proportion of pungent plants in populations increases with greater moisture availability. In high moisture environments, pungency is beneficial because capsaicinoids protect the fruit from pathogenic fungi, and is not costly because pungent and non-pungent chilies grown in well-watered conditions produce equal numbers of seeds. In low moisture environments, pungency is less beneficial as the risk of fungal infectionislower, andcarriesasignificantcostbecause,underdroughtstress,seedproductioninpungentchiliesis reduced by 50 per cent relative to non-pungent plants grown in identical conditions. This large difference in seed production under water-stressed (WS) conditions explains the existence of populations dominated by non-pungentplants,andappearstoresultfromageneticcorrelationbetweenpungencyandstomataldensity: non-pungent plants, segregating from intra-population crosses, exhibit significantly lower stomatal density (p ¼ 0.003),therebyreducinggasexchangeunderWSconditions.Theseresultsdemonstratetheimportance of trait integration in constraining adaptive divergence among populations.
The relationship between sensorimotor gating and clinical improvement in acutely ill schizophrenia patients

It has been suggested that sensorimotor gating deficits as indexed by prepulse inhibition (PPI) of the acoustic startle reflex represent an endophenotypic marker of psychotic conditions such as schizophrenia (SCZ). This hypothesis has been questioned as several studies have found that PPI levels change with improvement in symptoms and are responsive to medications. We tested PPI in a sample of acutely decompensated schizophrenia patients who were re-tested after 2 weeks of hospital treatment. PPI was assessed at three interstimulus intervals (30, 60, and 120 ms) in 23 SCID-diagnosed SCZ patients shortly after admission to an inpatient psychiatric hospital. Eight of these patients were initially tested in a medication-free state, and all were re-tested approximately 2 weeks later after initiation or increase/change of antipsychotic medications. Symptom ratings were collected at both sessions. 20 nonpatient comparison subjects (NCS) were also tested at a 2-week interval. While SCZ patients showed lower PPI at the first session than NCS, after 2 weeks of treatment their PPI increased to levels not different than those of NCS. In contrast, the PPI of NCS remained consistent over a 2-week period. For the SCZ patients, increase in PPI was correlated with a decrease in symptom scores. Our results suggest that PPI can be improved by short-term treatment, and that improvement in sensorimotor gating is associated with treatment-related improvement of symptoms of schizophrenia.
Mitochondrial localization of ERα and ERβ in human MCF7 cells

We observed previously that estrogen treatment increased the transcript levels of several mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA)-encoded genes for mitochondrial respiratory chain (MRC) proteins and MRC activity...
The Structure of Human Argonaute-2 in Complex with miR-20a

Argonaute proteins lie at the heart of the RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC), wherein they use small RNA guides to recognize targets. Initial insight into the architecture of Argonautes came from studies of prokaryotic proteins, revealing a crescent-shaped base made up of the amino-terminal, PAZ, middle, and PIWI domains. The recently reported crystal structure of human Argonaute-2 (hAgo2), the “slicer” in RNA interference, in complex with a mixed population of RNAs derived from insect cells provides insight into the architecture of a eukaryotic Argonaute protein with defined biochemical and biological functions. Here, we report the structure of human Ago2 bound to a physiologically relevant microRNA, microRNA-20a, at 2.2 A resolution. The miRNA is anchored at both ends by the Mid and PAZ domains and makes several kinks and turns along the binding groove. Interestingly, miRNA binding confers remarkable stability on hAgo2, locking this otherwise flexible enzyme into a stable conformation.
Achieving periodic leg trajectories to evolve a quadruped gallop

For most large quadrupedal mammals, galloping is the preferred gait for high-speed locomotion. In this paper we evolve a gallop gait in a simulated quadruped robot at speeds from 3.0 to 10.0 m/s. To do so, we must generate periodic trajectories for the body and legs. An evolutionary algorithm known as set-based stochastic optimization (SBSO) is used to find the body trajectory while alternative methods are used to find periodic leg trajectories. The focus of this paper will be to evaluate three different methods for generating periodic leg trajectories. The combined solutions for the body and legs yield biological characteristics that are emergent properties of the underlying high-speed dynamic running gait.
Relative Frequencies of Different Kinds of Spontaneous and Induced Mutants of Pneumococci and Streptococci Capable of Growth in the Presence of Streptomycin

Ravin, Arnold W. (University of Rochester, Rochester, N.Y.), and Ajit K. Mishra. Relative frequencies of different kinds of spontaneous and induced mutants of pneumococci and streptococci capable of growth in the presence of streptomycin. J. Bacteriol. 90:1161-1173. 1965.-Mutations conferring ability to grow in the presence of streptomycin arise spontaneously and can be induced in pneumococci and streptococci. They prove to be of several phenotypic and genetic types, which may be classified as follows: VLR, LR, and HR, which confer resistance, respectively, to less than 50, between 50 and 500, and 500 or more mug/ml of streptomycin. VLR and LR mutations recombine with each other, whereas HR mutations generally replace (do not recombine with) several of the VLR and LR mutations. Spontaneously, the VLR type is several times more frequent than the LR and HR types, which are equally frequent relative to each other. Nitrous acid treatment of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) in vitro or ultraviolet irradiation of cells tends to produce the VLR and LR type of mutation. Streptomycin-dependent mutations are rare in the pneumococci and streptococci. One such mutation, requiring 500 to 1,000 mug/ml of streptomycin for optimal growth, arose spontaneously in a group A streptococcal strain, and was transferred via a DNA-mediated transformation to a pneumococcal strain. In the latter, the mutation proved to be very closely linked to the genetic locus at which the streptomycin-resistance mutations arise.
Ultrafast optical delay line by use of a time-prism pair

We demonstrate an all-fiber, programmable, ultrafast optical delay line based on reversible frequency conversion by use of a time-prism pair. Using electro-optic phase modulators to provide the time-prism phase profile, we show a record scanning rate of 0.5 GHz and a delay range of 19.0 ps. Computer modeling suggests that aberration correction in the time-prism system can extend the delay range to 28.0 ps. Finally, limitations and potential improvement of our techniques are discussed.
Work in progress - national center for engineering and technology education

The National Center for Engineering and Technology Education (NCETE) links technology educators with engineering educators in a symbiotic alliance to build capacity for research, nurture a cadre of talented, diverse leaders in engineering and technology education and infuses engineering design and analytical skills into K-12 schools. NCETE recently received funding from National Science Foundation as one of the 17 Centers for Teaching and Learning in the country. NCETE addresses an important niche in the overall portfolio for the NSF-funded Centers for learning and teaching program as the only center addressing technology and engineering education. This powerful combination of research, graduate education, and professional development could be applied to many levels. We have chosen to focus on grades 9 to 12.
Construction-Based MT Lexicons

This paper presents a novel view of the boundary between the generalizable and the idiosyncratic in MT lexicons. We argue that the domain of the idiosyncratic should, in fact, be broader than in most current approaches. While at present most MT systems involve phrasal lexicons, these typically contain terminology from a particular field. In order to facilitate naturalness of translation, specifically, to carry the level of “conventionality” of meaning expression across languages, it becomes necessary to use the concept of a grammatical construction, a (possibly, discontiguous) syntactic structure or productive syntactic pattern whose meaning it is often impossible to derive solely based on the meanings of its components. Identification of constructions allows an MT system to select the most appropriate conventional way of expressing a meaning from among the available ways. After discussing the notion of construction, we suggest the format for a construction lexicon for a knowledge-based MT system.
The Federal Effort to Control Community Noise

Though hearing loss is the most clearly understood noise hazard, other serious threats to health are posed by noise, in particular those illnesses called diseases of stress. Important links have been researched between noise exposures and cardiovascular problems, especially, and growing evidence associates noise with psychological, social and economic effects. Although present knowledge of these effects is sufficient to support present regulatory efforts, indications of additional and serious effects from noise call for greater research investigation. In an effort to reduce these adverse effects, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has developed a series of strategies to control noise from major sources. Using urban traffic and freeway noise as examples, the contribution of these sources to public exposure has been analyzed and emission levels set for interstate motor carriers, trucks, buses and motorcycles, with other motor vehicle sources to be regulated in the future. To hold surface transportation noise levels at no higher than those of today will require substantial further action. Significant advances in available technology must be made to lower emission levels. EPA currently conducts and coordinates Federal research activities, but the total Federal research budget has declined drastically since 1973 when the Noise Control Act was enacted. This reduction in funds is a constraining factor on noise standard setting. There are 15 million people impacted by aircraft noise, but the Noise Control Act provides EPA with no effective way of reducing aircraft noise emissions. Another constraint in promulgating effective regulations is the lack of adequate measurement methodologies for many products. The greatest future needs are for products subject to labeling, particularly household and consumer products. In order to deal effectively with these problems, strong state and local noise control programs are essential, without which the Federal efforts would not be fully effective. The states can play major roles in promoting local ordinances, and enforcing standards. Because national ambient standards have not been mandated by Congress, the noise program includes a unique set of assistance programs to states and localities. Among these are model ordinances and model product specifications, demonstration projects, training of elected officials, noise control officials and police officers, using trained volunteers to deliver technical assistance and senior citizens to implement certain portions of the local effort.
De la révélation de soi à l’auto-compréhension : Assia Djebar, L’Amour, la fantasia et Nulle part dans la maison de mon père

A writer of fiction since the late 1950s, Assia Djebar began introducing autobiographical elements into her texts with her fifth novel, L’amour, la fantasia , (1985) published in English as Fantasia, An Algerian Cavalcade (1985). Fully aware that subjectivity in life and fiction are often considered transgressions in Algerian culture, the novelist responds to by implementing narrative strategies in the text that signal an original approach to autobiography -- fragmented autobiography, polyphonic discourse, and autofiction. Two decades later, Djebar offers her readers, Nulle part dans la maison de mon pere (2007), a personal history that sheds further light on a life story that is both exemplary and unique. This text is crucial to our understanding of the novelist’s autobiographical project for several reasons. First, we can now view Djebar’s narrative unveiling as a two-stage process that began as a collective project but has resulted in the production of a singular life, a singular voice. Second, her previous focus upon unearthing occulted colonial history is now a personal quest, as she recovers, through memory, hidden personal history. Third, we see more clearly the ambiguous relationship between the young girl and the father who is alternately liberator and censor, a conflict that reflects, in part, the tension between the writer and the French language. Fourth, as we witness the unfolding of the autobiographical project, we become aware that Djebar, trained as a historian, is first and foremost a novelist, someone for whom the construction of a literary persona is a cornerstone of her craft, the blending of fact and fiction an important component of her writing. Finally, her approach to self-representation forces readers to consider two related questions that concern the Algerian writer’s work in particular and the realm of women’s autobiography in general: Does the autobiographical process heal the fragmented narrating self? Does it effectively challenge patriarchal structures and ideology or merely create nostalgia for a lost Eden in which women are jealous guardians of tradition?
Chromatin Remodeling Enzyme CHD7 Negatively Regulate Hematopoietic Stem Cell Function

ATP-dependent chromatin remodeling enzymes alter histone/DNA interactions, and are involved in the regulation of transcription, chromosome segregation, DNA replication and repair. We identified Chromodomain Helicase DNA binding protein 7 (CHD7) as a negative regulator of hematopoietic stem cell function. Autosomal dominant CHD7 mutations are associated with CHARGE syndrome (Coloboma of the eye, Heart defects, Atresia of the choanae, Retardation of growth and/or development, Genital and/or urinary abnormalities, and Ear abnormalities and deafness). Although several cases of T and B cell immunodeficiency in a subset of CHARGE syndrome patients have been reported, no previous role for CHD7 in hematopoiesis had been proposed. We show that morpholino knockdown of Chd7 in zebrafish embryos results in an increased number of runx1 and c-myb expressing hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells in the aorta/gonad/mesonephros (AGM) region, and this effect is cell autonomous as determined by blastula transplantation. Heterozygous germline Chd7 deletion in mice also results in an increased number of phenotypic hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (Runx1+c-kit+CD31+) in the AGM region. Downstream lineages such as myeloid and erythroid cells are expanded in zebrafish, and similarly conditional pan-hematopoietic deletion of Chd7 in mice with Vav1-Cre results in myeloid lineage expansion and increased granulocyte/monocyte progenitors. Consistent with these results, microarray analysis of murine CD48- CD150+ Lin- Sca-1+ c-kit+ (SLAM LSK) phenotypic long term repopulating HSCs shows up-regulation of genes in several subclasses of the myeloid lineages. Interestingly, although CHD7 deficient mouse bone marrow had a normal frequency of SLAM LSK cells, it had a two-fold higher frequency of functional LT-HSCs as determined by whole bone marrow, purified LSK and SLAM LSK limiting dilution transplants. ChIP-seq performed in human CD34+ hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells show CHD7 localizes to genes encoding many key hematopoietic transcription factors including MYB and RUNX1 . The most abundant transcription factor motif under CHD7 genomic binding sites is a RUNX motif, indicating that CHD7 and Runx1 function together. We show CHD7, Runx1 and c-Myb interact both physically and genetically. CHD7 function in hematopoietic stem cells is dependent on both Runx1 and c-Myb since the increase in hematopoiesis in fish upon morpholino knockdown of Chd7 is abolished when either Runx1 or c-Myb is mutated. In summary, our study identifies CHD7 as a novel evolutionarily conserved negative epigenetic regulator of HSCs and progenitors through its interaction with Runx1 and c-Myb. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Recurrent thrombocytopenia in Gaucher's disease responding to a second "splenectomy": report of a case.

A 33-year-old housewife with Gaucher's disease had sustained correction of thrombocytopenia following an initial splenectomy. A year later the patient again had a decreased number of circulating platelets, associated with signs of easy bruisability. Shortly thereafter, the fortuitous identification and removal of an accessory spleen at the time of a cholecystectomy corrected the thrombocytopenic condition for the second time.
Enhanced Hydrodeoxygenation of m-Cresol over Bimetallic Pt–Mo Catalysts through an Oxophilic Metal-Induced Tautomerization Pathway

Supported bimetallic catalysts consisting of a noble metal (e.g., Pt) and an oxophilic metal (e.g., Mo) have received considerable attention for the hydrodeoxygenation of oxygenated aromatic compounds produced from biomass fast pyrolysis. Here, we report that PtMo can catalyze m-cresol deoxygenation via a pathway involving an initial tautomerization step. In contrast, the dominant mechanism on monometallic Pt/Al2O3 was found to be sequential Pt-catalyzed ring hydrogenation followed by dehydration on the support. Bimetallic Pt10Mo1 and Pt1Mo1 catalysts were found to produce the completely hydrogenated and deoxygenated product, methylcyclohexane (MCH), with much higher yields than monometallic Pt catalysts with comparable metal loadings and surface areas. Over an inert carbon support, MCH formation was found to be slow over monometallic Pt catalysts, while deoxygenation was significant for PtMo catalysts even in the absence of an acidic support material. Experimental studies of m-cresol deoxygenation togeth...
Suffer the Servants

Servant Leadership is a problematic concept--at worst, a coercive tool in the hands of sectarian groups or the politically powerful; at best, a condition of individual choice filled with uncertainty and perhaps pain. This essay elaborates and justifies the problems and paradoxes associated with the concept.
Development of an Abrasive Waterjet Kerf Cutting Model for Brittle Materials

The erosion mechanisms in an abrasive waterjet(AWJ) kerf cutting process are studied using scanning electron microscopy. It is concluded that the cutting process is associated with abrasive particle impacts at low incidence angles and that material removal of ceramic target materials is caused by intergranular cracking and plastic flow. An equation to predict the depth of cut is derived by relating the macro material removal rate on the cutting front to the accumulated micro material removal rate by individual abrasive particles. The macro material removal rate is calculated based on a previous study of energy dissipation in the AWJ cutting process. An elasto-plastic model, derived previously for brittle material removal due to low incidence impacts of single particle, is used to evaluate the micro material removal rate. A new material characteristic parameter, called “Erosion Resistance”, is defined based on the equation for depth of cut.
Development of medication errors reporting system: an object-oriented approach

Medication errors pose a serious threat in the healthcare industry. This paper aims at developing a medication error reporting system (MERS) that enables medical professionals to anonymously report medication errors by opening a case in the MERS database. The object-oriented approach was used to analyse and design the MERS system. The systems requirements are first gathered with the use of questionnaires and interviews with practitioners; then, analysed based on unified modelling language techniques such as use case, class, and sequence diagrams. Implementing a MERS into hospitals allows medical professionals to analyse error patterns by referencing archived cases in the database; thus enhancing clinical practices that prevent future errors.
Historical Cover Trends in a Sagebrush Steppe Ecosystem from 1985 to 2013: Links with Climate, Disturbance, and Management

Understanding the causes and consequences of component change in sagebrush steppe is crucial for evaluating ecosystem sustainability. The sagebrush (Artemisia spp.) steppe ecosystem of the northwest USA has been impacted by the invasion of exotic grasses, increasing fire return intervals, changing land management practices, and fragmentation, often lowering the overall resilience to change. We utilized contemporary and historical Landsat imagery, field data, and regression tree models to produce fractional cover maps of rangeland components (shrub, sagebrush, herbaceous, bare ground, and litter) through the last 30 years. Our main goals were to (1) investigate rangeland component trends over 30 years, (2) evaluate the magnitude and direction of trends in components and climate drivers and their relationship, and (3) assess component trends influenced by climate. Results indicated that over the study period, shrub, sage, herbaceous, and litter cover decreased, while bare ground cover increased. Measured rates of change ranged from − 0.14% decade−1 for shrub cover to 0.05% decade−1 for bare ground, whereas herbaceous and litter cover trends were negligible. Net landscape cover changes were consistent with expectations of climate change and disturbance producing a loss of biotic cover, and converting a portion of shrub and sagebrush to herbaceous cover. Overall, fire and related successional recovery was the greatest change agent for all components in terms of area and cover change, while increasing minimum temperature, at a rate of 0.66°C decade−1, was found to be the most significant climate driver.
Applied Linear Statistical Methods

(1984). Applied Linear Statistical Methods. Journal of Quality Technology: Vol. 16, No. 4, pp. 240-240.
Catch 22 faculty tenure for public universities: new evidence employing Färe–Primont productivity indexes

ABSTRACTWith decreases in funding support, U.S. public universities have increasingly substituted less costly nontenure eligible faculty for tenured and tenure-track faculty while newly imposed funding mandates require evidence of productivity improvements tied to student graduation success. Universities have been forced into a Catch 22 dilemma as to what faculty mix produces optimal student/funding outcomes. To date, guidance provided by empirical evidence is mixed. This article offers new evidence employing Fare–Primont productivity indexes and parametric estimates to determine how faculty status affects graduation productivity. Results indicate that a reversal in the employment trend is in order so as to increase tenured relative to nontenure eligible faculty and improve student graduation success and, ultimately, university funding.
14 – Ferroelectricity and Structural Phase Transitions

A modern physicist on examining Galileo's works is surprised to find how Utile experiment had to do with the establishment of the foundations of mechanics. His principle appeal is to the common sense and 'il lume natural'. He always assumes that the true theory will be found to be a simple and natural one.