cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Changing organizationalculture to implement organizational change

With the advent of managed care and the restructuring of hospitals, health care is in a state of transition. In the past, healthcare executives seemed to believe that they were isolated from the changes that were occurring in corporate America. However, the need for change in both organizational culture and performance is here. To successfully navigate the "permanent white water" of health carechange, examples from business are needed. These examples include work redesign, restructuring, and behavior modification to promote the changes needed for health care to move forward.
Navigating the current landscape of clinical genetic testing for inherited retinal dystrophies

Inherited eye disorders are a significant cause of vision loss. Genetic testing can be particularly helpful for patients with inherited retinal dystrophies because of genetic heterogeneity and overlapping phenotypes. The need to identify a molecular diagnosis for retinal dystrophies is particularly important in the era of developing novel gene therapy-based treatments, such as the RPE65 gene-based clinical trials and others on the horizon, as well as recent advances in reproductive options. The introduction of massively parallel sequencing technologies has significantly advanced the identification of novel gene candidates and has expanded the landscape of genetic testing. In a relatively short time clinical medicine has progressed from limited testing options to a plethora of choices ranging from single-gene testing to whole-exome sequencing. This article outlines currently available genetic testing and factors to consider when selecting appropriate testing for patients with inherited retinal dystrophies.
Comparison of dose-response relationships for ethyl methanesulfonate and 1-ethyl-1-nitrosourea in Drosophila melanogaster spermatozoa

Abstract The relative importance of different sites of alkylation on DNA was determined by comparing two ethylating agents. 1-Ethyl-1-nitrosourea (ENU) ethylates DNA with a higher proportion of total adducts on ring oxygens than ethyl methanesulfonate, which ethylates with a higher proportion of total adducts on the N-7 of guanine. Research with somatic cells in culture and prokaryotes strongly suggests that O 6 -guanine (O 6 -G) is the principal genotoxic site. To determine the importance in germ-line mutagenesis of the O 6 -G site relative to the N-7 of guanine, dose-response curves were constructed for both ENU and EMS, where dose was measured as total adducts per deoxynucleotide (APdN) and response as sex-linked recessive lethals (SLRL) induced in Drosophila melanogaster spermatozoa. For both mutagens the dose response curve was linear and extrapolated to the origin. The dose-response curve for ENU was fit to an equation m = 6.2 D , and the dose response curve for EMS, from this and previous experiments, was m = 3.2 D where m = %SLRL and D = APdN x 10 −3 . Therefore, ENU is 1.9 times more efficient per adducts in inducing SLRL mutations than EMS. In vitro studies showed that ENU induced 9.5% of its total adducts on O 6 -G while EMS induced 2.0% of its adducts on O 6 -G. If O 6 -G was the sole genotoxic site, then ENU should be 4.8 times more efficient per adduct than EMS. In contrast, if N-7 G was the sole genotoxic site, ENU would be only 0.19 as effective as EMS. It was concluded that while O 6 -G was the principal genotoxic site, N-7 G made a significant contribution to germ-line mutagenesis.
Concomitant arterial and venous reconstruction with resection of lower extremity sarcomas.

Introduction Limb salvage can now be achieved in many cases of lower extremity sarcoma. Obtaining disease-free margins may require resection of adjacent vascular structures. We present our experience with a consecutive series of patients undergoing resection of lower extremity sarcomas en block with the artery and vein, focusing on the mid- and long-term outcomes of their vascular reconstruction. Methods Records were reviewed retrospectively for patient age, tumor location and type, procedure, and early and late outcomes. Between 1991 and 2004, 10 children (mean age 12 years, range 6-18 years) and 9 adults (mean age 48 years, range 24-73 years) underwent wide resection of lower extremity sarcomas to include the involved arterial and venous segments. All children had bone sarcomas, and because of their skeletal immaturity, they were treated with rotationplasty—a type of intercalary amputation that removes the distal thigh, knee, and proximal tibia while preserving the distal leg and foot. In rotationplasty, the distal residual limb is preserved, rotated 180 degrees, and attached to the thigh, positioning the ankle at the level of the former knee joint. In these cases, the residual vessels were reconstructed by primary anastomosis. All of the adults except one had soft tissue sarcomas; the resected vessels were reconstructed with contralateral saphenous vein. In all cases, the operative approach included shunting of artery and vein during tumor removal and orthopedic reconstruction. Results The mean follow-up was 5.7 years. Three patients died of metastatic disease, and one died from a postoperative pulmonary embolism. No patient had local recurrence. Two patients ultimately required above-knee amputation: one child for tissue loss secondary to reperfusion injury, and one adult because of graft thrombosis secondary to progression of peripheral arterial disease. Two patients required early re-exploration for perioperative graft thrombosis. Both required replacement of saphenous vein conduits with polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) prosthetic graft; one of the PTFE grafts became infected. Conclusions Limb salvage can be achieved in the majority of patients who have lower extremity sarcomas even when en bloc resection includes the artery and vein. Intraoperative shunting can limit ischemia and is especially useful when immediate vascular repair is delayed by orthopedic reconstruction. The long-term patency rate of the reconstructed vessels is high. Saphenous vein is the preferred conduit when it is of adequate caliber.
Kinetics and symmetry studies of the inner hydration sphere of Eu3+ ion using environment-sensitive laser excitation spectroscopy

Abstract The sharp absorption lines of Eu 3+ , studied with environment-sensitive laser excitation spectroscopy, are used to describe the properties of the inner hydration sphere of this ion. The spectral bandwidth is Lorentzian for the aqueous ion and correlates with the motions of ligands within the inner hydration sphere. It is narrowed by anion interactions with Eu 3+ in the inner hydration sphere (NO − 3 ) or stabilization of this sphere by a hydrogen-binding anion (F − ). Spectral splitting in the 21460 cm −1 regime for transitions to the fivefold degenerate 5 D 2 state determines the local symmetry of the Eu 3+ ion. Fourfold splitting is observed for Eu 3+ with a fully aquated inner hydration sphere indicating several symmetries compatible with eight or nine water molecules in the inner hydration sphere. Inner sphere NO − 3 anion reduces the hydration sphere symmetry. The data suggest a model where water molecules are mobile within the inner hydration sphere to produce a broadened bandwidth and a statistical distribution of local symmetries. Anions in the inner hydration sphere limit this mobility.
Motivated changes in the self-concept.

Abstract Two studies suggest that the content of people's self-conceptions at a given time may be influenced by the perceived desirability of different attributes. Subjects induced to theorize that a given attribute—extraversion or introversion—was related to academic success came to view themselves as possessing relatively higher degrees of that attribute. We propose that motivation may provoke such changes in temporary self-conceptions by guiding the memory search among the wide array of potentially relevant self-conceptions and leading to the activation of only those self-conceptions that are consistent with the currently desired view of the self.
A MARKET COVERAGE MODEL FOR PRODUCER SERVICES

We present a model of the optimum market size of a producer service firm that is based on that contact requirements of its service as well as the firm's distance to its prospective clients. The effects on market size of differing contact requirements are discussed from a comparative statics perspective. Optimum market sizes are shown to vary with different values of service duration and demand frequency. These differences may exist between producer service industries, and they may also arise from changes over time in the market requirements of a particular industry. The paper concludes with suggestions for improving the muscle. An impartial agenda for advancing the modeling interests of service-sector researchers also presented.
Trends of Mobility in Beijing: MAK Center, West Hollywood, June 25, 2009

(2010). Trends of Mobility in Beijing. Journal of Architectural Education: Vol. 63, No. 2, pp. 159-160.
Creep-fatigue behavior of directionally solidified and single crystal intermetallic Ni3AI(B, Hf) at an intermediate temperature

Directionally solidified and single crystal castings of intermetallic Ni3Al(B, Hf) were tested in cyclic load-controlled tests at 760 °C and at 1 Hz with a constant maximum stress of 931 MPa. Minimum stresses were varied from test to test to produce corresponding changes in the stress ranges and mean stresses so creep-fatigue behavior could be determined. Tests at higher mean stress levels caused creep induced damage, resulting in the inversion of the S-N curves. Ranking the results obtained with those previously obtained for the conventional wrought nickel-base superalloy UDIMET* 115 revealed the superior creep-fatigue resistance of Ni3Al(B, Hf). Detailed strain analysis further revealed the mean stress effect and showed cyclic stress hardening for the material. Transgranular Stage I fracture occurred by a {111} slip plane decohesion mode for both D.S. and S.C. specimens, resulting in cleavage-like markings. Embrittlement was observed in the directionally solidified specimens in the form of grain boundary decohesion which limited creep-fatigue life.
Observations of the giant radio lobes region of Centaurus A with SAS 3

Observations of the X-ray flux from the extended radio lobes of the galaxy Centaurus A obtained with the SAS 3 observatory are reported. The 15 x 15 deg region that includes the lobes was mapped by superposing data from raster scans with the horizontal tubular collimator detectors, which have a 1.7 deg FWHM circular field of view. Data obtained is consistent with the presence of superposed emission from the point sources NGC 5128 and MX 1312-42, a previously unreported source detected by the Einstein Observatory IPC. Fluxes of 4.63 + or - 0.14 x 10 to the -10th and 4.6 + or - 0.6 x 10 to the -11th ergs/sq cm per sec were measured for NGC 5128 and MX 1312-42, respectively, with best fit power law spectra of indices 0.83 + or - 0.04 and 0.62 + or - 0.10 and hydrogen column densities of 1.23 + or - 0.10 x 10 to the 23rd and 9.7 + or - 15.0 x 10 to the 21st atoms/sq cm. Results imply an upper limit of 2.9 x 10 to the 11th for the X-ray emission from the extended radio lobes of Cen A between 2 and 10 keV, which indicates a lower limit to the magnetic field in the lobes of 1.6 x 10 to the -6th gauss.
Synovial fluid proteins differentiate between the subtypes of juvenile idiopathic arthritis.

Objective Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is a heterogeneous group of inflammatory diseases, and no clinically useful prognostic markers to predict disease outcome in children with JIA are currently available. Synovial fluid likely reflects the proteins present in the inflamed synovium. The purpose of this study was to delineate the synovial fluid proteome and determine whether protein expression differs in the different subtypes of JIA. Methods Synovial fluid samples obtained from children with oligoarticular JIA, polyarticular JIA, or systemic JIA were compared. Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis for protein separation and matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization−time-of-flight mass spectrometry and quadripole time-of-flight mass spectrometry for protein identification were used for this study. Synovial fluid cells were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the presence of haptoglobin messenger RNA (mRNA). Results The synovial fluid proteome of the samples was delineated. The majority of proteins showed overexpression in JIA synovial fluid as compared with noninflammatory control samples. There were 24 statistically significantly differentially expressed spots (>2-fold change; P < 0.05) between the subtypes of JIA. PCR analysis revealed haptoglobin mRNA, suggesting that haptoglobin is locally produced in an inflamed joint in JIA. Conclusion Despite the similar histologic appearance of inflamed joints in patients with different subtypes of JIA, there are differences in protein expression according to the subtype of JIA. Haptoglobin is differentially expressed between the subtypes of JIA and is locally produced in an inflamed joint in JIA. Haptoglobin and other differentially expressed proteins may be potential biomarkers in JIA.
Petrologic consequences of rift propagation on oceanic spreading ridges

Abstract The production of anomalously differentiated lava compositions at several mid-ocean spreading centers can be attributed to magmatic processes associated with propagating rifts. The degree of differentiation attained by magmas beneath oceanic spreading ridges depends mainly on the balance between cooling rate and the supply rate of new magma to shallow chambers. Low supply rates and moderate cooling rates allow advanced degrees of closed-system fractionation to occur. High supply rates result in open systems in which magma compositions are buffered by frequent replenishment with new hot magma. Propagating rift tips are a special class of ridge-transform intersection in which the balance between cooling and supply rates is conducive to the development of advanced degrees of differentiation over an expanded length of ridge. This balance is affected by the spreading rate, the propagation rate of the rift, the length of the bounding transform and proximity to hotspots. Maximum compositional variability and maximum degree of differentiation occur within 50 km of propagating rift tips and subsequently diminish with increasing distance. Rifts that propagate through plates in directions approximating their absolute motion relative to the lower mantle are characterized by the presence of anomalously differentiated lavas over longer ridge segments than are rifts that propagate against their absolute motion. Geochemical anomalies may persist, though changing in degree and extent, for several million years on ridge segments that stop propagating. The concept of “magnetic telechemistry” is generally supported by our study, but in the vicinity of hotspots, magnetic anomaly amplitude may be controlled more by bathymetric and/or thickened magnetic layer effects than by geochemistry.
Moist Thermodynamics of the Madden–Julian Oscillation in a Cloud-Resolving Simulation

AbstractThe moist thermodynamic processes that determine the time scale and energy of the Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO) are investigated using moisture and eddy available potential energy budget analyses on a cloud-resolving simulation. Two MJO episodes observed during the winter of 2007/08 are realistically simulated. During the inactive phase, moisture supplied by meridional moisture convergence and boundary layer diffusion generates shallow and congestus clouds that moisten the lower troposphere while horizontal mixing tends to dry it. As the lower troposphere is moistened, it becomes a source of moisture for the subsequent deep convection during the MJO active phase. As the active phase ends, the lower troposphere dries out primarily by condensation and horizontal divergence that dominates over the moisture supply by vertical transport. In the simulation, the characteristic time scales of convective vertical transport, mixing, and condensation of moisture in the midtroposphere are estimated to be ab...
Cross-linking the major proteins of the isolated erythrocyte membrane.

Abstract Isolated human red blood cell membranes were reacted with a series of protein cross-linking reagents. The consequences were assessed by electrophoresis of the polypeptides on polyacrylamide gels containing sodium dodecyl sulfate. Each agent caused distinctive alterations in the gel pattern. Certain bands diminished and disappeared while new bands of two or more times their molecular weight appeared in a reciprocal fashion. Some components were distinctly unreactive. The preferential cross-linking reactions suggest that some of the membrane polypeptides may exist in specific oligomeric associations rather than in a random array.
Stochastic approximation with virtual observations for dose-finding on discrete levels

Phase I clinical studies are experiments in which a new drug is administered to humans to determine the maximum dose that causes toxicity with a target probability. Phase I dose-finding is often formulated as a quantile estimation problem. For studies with a biological endpoint, it is common to define toxicity by dichotomizing the continuous biomarker expression. In this article, we propose a novel variant of the Robbins-Monro stochastic approximation that utilizes the continuous measurements for quantile estimation. The Robbins-Monro method has seldom seen clinical applications, because it does not perform well for quantile estimation with binary data and it works with a continuum of doses that are generally not available in practice. To address these issues, we formulate the dose-finding problem as root-finding for the mean of a continuous variable, for which the stochastic approximation procedure is efficient. To accommodate the use of discrete doses, we introduce the idea of virtual observation that is defined on a continuous dosage range. Our proposed method inherits the convergence properties of the stochastic approximation algorithm and its computational simplicity. Simulations based on real trial data show that our proposed method improves accuracy compared with the continual re-assessment method and produces results robust to model misspecification.
Abstract 456: ERG regulation of intracrine androgen production and castration-resistant prostate cancer progression

Proceedings: AACR Annual Meeting 2014; April 5-9, 2014; San Diego, CA Introduction and Objective: Intratumoral androgen synthesis in prostate cancer (PC) contributes to the development of castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). Several enzymes responsible for androgen biosynthesis have been shown to be overexpressed in CRPC, thus, contributing to CRPC in a castrated environment. However, little is known regarding their mode of regulation and expression in this context. The TMPRSS2-ERG transcription factor has been shown to be present in primary PC tumors as well as CRPC tumors; however, its biological function contributing to the development CRPC in the context of intratumoral androgen synthesis is not known. We hypothesize that TMPRSS2-ERG fusions regulate androgen biosynthetic enzyme (ABE) gene expression and the production of androgens, which contributes to the development of CRPC. Methods: We used a variety of methods including lentiviral knockdown and overexpression of ERG, qPCR, Western blot, ChIP-PCR, and Mass Spectrometry. Results: We found that (a) shRNA knockdown of ERG in VCaP PC cells significantly reduces the expression of ABE's AKR1C3, HSD17B6, and HSD17B4; (b) overexpression of truncated ERG or wild-type ERG in LNCaP PC cells significantly increases the expression of AKR1C3 and HSD17B6; (c) ERG binds to the AKR1C3 gene in VCaP PC cells; and (d) DHT synthesis is reduced in VCaP shERG cells treated with 5α-Androstanedione, a DHT precursor metabolite, compared to VCaP shScrambled controls. Conclusions: These data suggest that AKR1C3 catalyzes the biochemical reduction of 5α-Androstanedione to DHT in PC cells, and that ERG may regulate this step through upregulation of AKR1C3 expression. Elucidation of ERG regulation of ABEs in CRPC may help to stratify TMPRSS2-ERG fusion-positive PC patients in the clinic for anti-hormone driven therapies. Additionally, not all PC tumors express CYP17A1 enzyme, therefore this study emphasizes the importance of investigating ABEs other than CYP17A1, such as AKR1C3 and HSD17B6. In summary, this study addresses alternative ABE drug targets as well as possible drug resistance modes in PC treatment. Citation Format: Katelyn A. Powell, Louie Semaan, Krishna R. Maddipati, Katie (Mary) Conley-Lacomb, Yanfeng Li, Michael Cher, Sreenivasa R. Chinni. ERG regulation of intracrine androgen production and castration-resistant prostate cancer progression. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr 456. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-456
Television tape for evaluation of treatment response.

One of the facts of life in psychiatric research is that the cornerstone index of the condition of the patient is the subjective and qualitative impression of the clinician. It is interesting that the pressure for improvement in the methods for evaluating mental patients followed on the effective therapies, primarily the pharmacotherapies. Real progress has been made toward quantification, or at least quasi-quantitative evaluations through the introduction of rating scales and schedules. Some workers have expressed resistance to the basic operation required for quantification, namely integration across bits of pathology to obtain a sum total of morbidity. These reservations notwithstanding, it is clear that the scales pernlit statistical operations which are not possible without them. We should keep in mind that studies evaluating the scales and schedules tend to use psychiatric impressions as their criterion measure. And we should also remember that the scales ultimately depend on the clinical impression; they simply provide a convenient method for the reporting of impressions.
Human immunodeficiency virus: nuclear RNA export unwound.

The ways in which HIV can subvert cellular processes for its own ends seem boundless. The latest discovery — a cellular enzyme that helps to export HIV RNA from the nucleus — reveals a possible drug target.
Acid-stable bound phosphoserine in Escherichia coli

Abstract Acid-stable bound phosphoserine has been identified in Escherichia coli cells and in various subcellular fractions prepared from the cells. The highest quantity, 2.5 mμ-moles of phosphoserine per milligram of protein, was found in the membrane fraction. Phosphate was not renewed in the bound phosphoserine during bacterial growth. Efforts to demonstrate a casein or phosvitin phosphokinase in extracts prepared from E. coli were unsuccessful.
Botanical dietary supplement use in peri- and postmenopausal women.

Objective To determine use of botanical dietary supplements (BDS) in women between the ages of 40 and 60 years at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) clinics, including information about commonly used BDS, the reason for use, information resources used, and the overall perception of safety and efficacy of BDS. Design Five hundred female outpatients at UIC clinics were interviewed by healthcare practitioners using a botanical/drug history questionnaire. Respondents were 46.8% African American, 39.6% Caucasian, 11.7% Hispanic, and 1.5% Asian, with a mean age of 50.34 years. Results BDS were used by 79% of respondents ( = 395), of which 36.5% used BDS daily. Of the positive respondents, 51.7% used one or two BDS, whereas 48.4% used three or more. Commonly used botanicals included soy (42%), green tea (34.68%), chamomile (20.76%), gingko (20.51%), ginseng (17.97%), Echinacea (15.44%), and St. John's wort (7.34%). Black cohosh, garlic, red clover, kava, valerian, evening primrose, and ephedra were used by less than 15% of respondents. Efficacy ratings were high for BDS, and 68% claimed to have no side effects. Only 3% of respondents obtained BDS information from healthcare professionals, and 70% of respondents were not informing their physician of BDS use. Conclusions A high percentage of women at UIC clinics were using multiple BDS. The respondents believed that these products were both safe and effective for the treatment of common ailments. Concomitant BDS use with prescription and over-the-counter medications was commonplace, often without a physician's knowledge. Consumer education about the possible benefits and risks associated with BDS use is urgently needed.
Nonaqueous capillary electrophoresis equipped with amperometric detection for analysis of chlorinated phenolic compounds

Nonaqueous capillary electrophoresis (NACE) equipped with amperometric detection has been developed for separation and detection of an 11-member model mixture of chlorinated phenolic compounds. With triacetyl-beta-cyclodextrin (TACD) as a novel selectivity selector, acetonitrile proved to be an excellent solvent for this water-insoluble cyclodextrin derivative. Resolution of the analytes was achieved by using an optimized acetonitrile medium consisting of 500 mM acetic acid, 10 mM sodium acetate, 12 mM TACD and 50 mM tetrabutylammonium perchlorate. Separation of analytes was attributed to differential electrostatic and/or inductive interactions of the analytes with the TACD/TBA+ complex and charged tetrabutylammonium phases. A simple end-column amperometric detector (Pt vs. Ag/AgCl, poised at +1.6 V) in conjunction with NACE was used to analyze chlorophenols. Amperometric detection of such target compounds in acetonitrile-based media offers high sensitivity and alleviates electrode fouling compared to aqueous buffers. The detection limits obtained, ranging from 30 nM to 500 nM, are 3-8-fold lower than those obtained with aqueous buffers.
Interaction of bovine skeletal muscle lactate dehydrogenase with liposomes. Comparison with the data for the heart enzyme

The effects of pH, salt concentration and the presence of oxidized and reduced forms of coenzyme on the interaction of skeletal muscle lactate dehydrogenase with the liposomes derived from the total fraction of bovine erythrocyte lipids were investigated by ultracentrifugation and were compared with those results obtained using the heart-rate isoenzyme which we have previously studied. Liposomes are good adsorptive systems for both types of isoenzyme. In the presence of erythrocyte lipid liposomes, bovine muscle and heart lactate dehydrogenases form two kinds of complex: lactate dehydrogenase adsorbed to liposomes and soluble lactate dehydrogenase-phospholipid complexes. Soluble protein-phospholipid complexes reveal different dependences of their stabilities on pH values and it seems that the nature of the binding site in either isozyme is different. In addition, absorption of the isoenzymes on the liposomes also reveals in difference in the effects of NAD and NADH. While the presence of NAD dissociates LDH-H4 from the liposomes and NADH does not influence its adsorption, NAD promotes the binding of LDH-M4, and NADH favors the dissociation.
Series elasticity in the intact heart. Evidence for the application of the Hill model for muscle to the intact left ventricle.

Several recent studies have shown that the contractile state of the intact heart may be described by the instantaneous relationships between contractile element velocity, length and stress. However, there is little direct evidence that the intact heart can be described by a model containing at least a contractile element and a series elastic component (SEC). In isolated muscle the series elastic component can be analyzed by determining the length changes following quick releases to known loads during contraction. The characteristics of the effective SEC of the intact left ventricle (LV) were determined by a quick release method in 8 dogs in which the left ventricle contracted isovolumically against a balloon inserted via the mitral annulus. During active contraction, sequential withdrawals of 0.5 to 7.0 ml of fluid were performed rapidly (5–18 msec) by an electrically-timed, spring-loaded syringe. From these releases the calculated maximum extension of the SEC averaged 4.03±0.27% of LV circumference at LV pressures averaging 79/6 mmHg (systolic/end-diastolic; range 66–107/0–15 mmHg.) The reductions of the left ventricular midwall circumference were plotted against the corresponding changes in mean wall stress. The load extension curve determined in this manner was unchanged by varying the time of release and by norepinephrine infusion. These data support a model for the intact LV that contains an undamped SEC, the characteristics of which resemble those of isolated cardiac muscle.
The pH dependence of tyrosine cyanuration in proteins.

The pH, temperature, and reagent concentration dependences of the cyanuration of tyrosines within proteins are compared with those of the free amino acid. The results indicate that the mechanism of the cyanuration reaction is a nucleophilic aromatic substitution of the SN2 type, where the tyrosine oxygen acts as a nucleophile and the displacement takes places at a carbon atom which is part of the six-membered ring of the s-triazene. This reaction must compete with the hydrolysis of cyanuric fluoride in aqueous media. These competing reactions generate curves for the pH dependence of the reactivity of tyrosine with cyanuric fluoride whihc vary in a predictable manner with the extent of ionization of tyrosine and the concentration of cyanuric fluoride. In the case of proteins, the dependence of the degree of tyrosine reactivity on pH and temperature within the pH range of full reactivity of the free amino acid reflects constraints imposed by the microenvironment of these groups within the three-dimensional structure of the macromolecule.
To SABR or Not to SABR? Indications and Contraindications for Stereotactic Ablative Radiotherapy in the Treatment of Early-Stage, Oligometastatic, or Oligoprogressive Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer

Stereotactic ablative radiotherapy (SABR) is a highly effective treatment for early-stage non–small cell lung cancer. Although direct comparisons from randomized trials are not available, rates of both primary tumor control and distant metastasis are similar between SABR and surgery. Overall survival is lower after SABR compared with surgery, largely reflecting that a primary selection criterion for SABR has been medical inoperability because of decreased cardiopulmonary function and other comorbidities that lead to decreased survival independent of non–small cell lung cancer. Survival outcomes between SABR and surgery are much more similar in propensity-matched cohorts. Newer potential indications for SABR include treatment of operable patients; of oligometastatic lung cancer, in which SABR has emerged as an alternative to metastasectomy; and of oligoprogressive lung cancer, an attractive concept especially as improved personalized systemic therapies emerge, and prospective trials are currently being conducted in these settings. Although toxicity in modern series is low, SABR is clearly capable of producing fatal complications, and understanding the risk factors and approaches for mitigating them has been emerging in recent years. Thus, appropriate patient selection is a vital, evolving, and controversial topic.
Cisplatin DNA cross-links do not inhibit S-phase and cause only a G2/M arrest in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Cisplatin (CDDP) has been used as a DNA cross-linking agent to evaluate whether there is a specific cell cycle checkpoint response to such damage in Saccharomyces cerevisiae (S. cerevisiae). Fluorescent-activated cell sorting (FACS) analysis showed only a G2/M checkpoint, normal exit from G1 and progression through S-phase following alpha-factor arrest and CDDP treatment. Of the checkpoint mutants tested, rad9, rad17 and rad24, did not show increased sensitivity to CDDP compared to isogenic wild-type cells. However, other checkpoint mutants tested (mec1, mec3 and rad53) showed increased sensitivity to CDDP, as did controls with a defect in excision repair (rad1 and rad14) or a defect in recombination (rad51 and rad52). Thus, by survival and cell cycle kinetics, it appears that DNA cross-links do not inhibit entry into S-phase or slow DNA replication and that replication continues after cisplatin treatment in yeast.
The Urban Geography of Subsidiary Headquarters in North America: Explorations by sector and Foreign Linkage

The complexity of the firm is a hallmark of the current economy. Corporate subsidiaries and their headquarters are a key expression of the development of businesses today. The analysis presented here extends on previous subsidiary research by analyzing the evolving headquarters location of foreign and domestic subsidiaries in the United States and Canada from 1996 to 2004. This study finds that certain U.S. and Canadian sectors are home to disproportionate numbers of subsidiaries. It also shows that different sectors in each country have seen major changes in their subsidiary communities, that foreign and domestic subsidiaries in the United States and Canada exhibit distinctive geographies, and that parent corporations from various countries follow distinctive strategies in locating their U.S. and Canadian subsidiary headquarters. The study argues that this line of research is one component in the strengthening of theory related to the location of elite corporate activities.
Evidence that forskolin activates turkey erythrocyte adenylate cyclase through a noncatalytic site

The diterpene forskolin has been reported to activate adenylate cyclase in a manner consistent with an interaction at the catalytic unit. However, some of its actions are more consistent with an interaction at the coupling unit that links the hormone receptor to the adenylate cyclase activity. This report adds support to the latter possibility. Under conditions that lead to stimulation of adenylate cyclase in turkey erythrocyte membranes by GTP, forskolin also becomes more active. Additional evidence to support an influence of forskolin upon adenylate cyclase via the GTP-coupling protein N includes the following: (i) forskolin, at submaximal concentrations, leads to enhanced sensitivity and responsiveness of isoproterenol-dependent adenylate cyclase activity in turkey erythrocyte membranes; (ii) under specified conditions, the nucleotide GDP, an inhibitor of the stimulating nucleotide GTP and its analog, guanyl imidodiphosphate (Gpp(NH)p), also markedly inhibits the action of forskolin; (iii) both Gpp(NH)p and forskolin are associated with a decrease in agonist affinity for the beta-adrenergic receptor. However, actions of forskolin in the turkey erythrocyte are not identical to those of GTP: (i) forskolin is never as potent as Gpp(NH)p in activating adenylate cyclase; (ii) the magnitude of synergism between isoproterenol and forskolin is not equal to that observed with isoproterenol and Gpp(NH)p; (iii) at high concentrations, forskolin inhibits antagonist binding to the beta-receptor. Forskolin appears to have several sites of action in the turkey erythrocyte membrane, including an influence upon the adenylate cyclase regulatory protein N.
Diarrhea in adult horses

Diarrhea in adult horses occurs as a result of disorders affecting the cecum and large colon. Colitis, or inflammation of the colon, can result in diarrhea, fever, endotoxemia, and shock. The severity of the effects of colitis stem from the disruption of the normal physiologic processes of the colon, the release of virulence factors by bacterial pathogens, and the horse's own inflammatory response which, while designed to kill invading pathogens, often is more deleterious to the horse. There are several potential causes of colitis, and, in fact, in a large percentage of cases a d e r i v e diagnosis is not made. Infectious agents which have been associated with acute equine colitis inelude several serotypes of Salmonella enteritidis,1 Ehrlichia risticii (l'otomae Horse Fever, PHF) 2, and Clostridial species. 3 To~date, no virus has been confirmed as a causative agent of colitis in adult horses. Other agents or conditions that can adversely affect the colonic mieroenvironment and mueosainclude nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs 4, anti~ i a l s , s and overingestion of grain, s " ~ e daily volume of fluid entering the cecum and colon as a result of ingestion of water and secretion of water into
Linkage analysis of the hph-1 mutation and the GTP cyclohydrolase I structural gene.

Our research establishes genetic linkage between the hph-1 mutation and the GTP-CH I structural gene. Our results indicate that these two loci are within an 8 cM region with 95% confidence. This finding lends additional support for the use of the hph-1 mouse mutant as a bona fide model system for the human disorder GTP-CH I to further our understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in the disease pathology of GTP-CH I deficiency.
Characterization of selective oxidation catalysts from polyoxometalate precursors using ammonia adsorption microcalorimetry and methanol oxidation studies

Abstract Phosphomolybdic acid (H 3 PMo 12 O 40 ) along with niobium, pyridine and niobium/pyridine exchanged phosphomolybdic acid compounds were prepared. These compounds were converted to selective oxidation catalysts by pre-treating to 693 K in an inert atmosphere. As shown previously, the active catalyst consists of partially decomposed, partially reduced Keggin units and MoO x fragments with some MoO x fragments collected around the Nb. The amount of surface Mo species reduced to the 5+ oxidation state varied among the catalysts. Ammonia adsorption microcalorimetry and methanol oxidation studies were carried out to investigate the acid sites strength and the acid/base/redox properties of each catalyst. The addition of niobium, pyridine or both increased the ammonia heat of adsorption by 30–40 kJ/mol and the total ammonia uptake. The catalyst with both niobium and pyridine demonstrated the largest number of strong sites. For the parent H 3 PMo 12 O 40 catalyst, methanol oxidation favors the redox product (∼95% selectivity). However, catalyst deactivation occurs. The presence of niobium results in similar selectivity to redox products (∼93%) but also results in no catalyst deactivation. Incorporation of pyridine to the precursor compound, in contrast, changes the selectivity to initially favor the acid product (∼62%). Again, the catalyst deactivated and selectivity changed during deactivation to favor the redox product (∼55%). Finally, the inclusion of both niobium and pyridine results in strong selectivity to the acid product (∼95%) while also showing no catalyst deactivation and stable selectivity. Specific activity for the niobium and pyridine exchanged catalyst for the methanol oxidation reaction was twice any other catalyst. Selectivity to acid products was correlated with the amount of reduced surface Mo species. Thus, the presence of pyridine appears to enhance the acid property of the active site in the catalyst while niobium appears to stabilize the active site.
Sieve methods for polynomial rings over finite fields

Abstract Basic theorems concerning both the Selberg sieve and the large sieve are shown to hold for polynomial rings over finite fields. Some applications to irreducibles in arithmetic progression and primitive roots are given.
Rapid Determination of Aspartate Enantiomers in Tissue Samples by Microdialysis Coupled On-Line with Capillary Electrophoresis

Microdialysis was coupled on-line with derivatization by o-phthalaldehyde and β-mercaptoethanol and optically gated capillary electrophoresis to determine d- and l-aspartate in tissue samples obtained from rats. The microdialysis probe was inserted into a homogenized tissue sample which allowed generation of a continuous sample stream that was filtered and deproteinated. With 7.5 mM β-cyclodextrin (CD) in the electrophoresis buffer, the enantiomers of interest could be resolved in 3 s with an electric field of 2500 V/cm over a separation length of 15 mm. Values of d- and l-aspartate in different tissues agreed well with those obtained by an HPLC procedure that required protein precipitation, centrifugation, and extraction. The speed and compatibility with automation of the microdialysis/CE method may make it a general approach for a variety of applications involving high-throughput analysis or sensorlike operation.
A holistic approach to market assessment for a manufacturing company in an emerging economy

Abstract Assessing the potential for a new market is challenging both for new businesses and for already existing businesses that are trying to expand. The primary challenge is the difficulty in identifying the important factors that influence market potential. The other challenge is that once the influencing factors are identified, there are very few structured mechanisms available to show how these factors affect the bottom line of the business. In this paper, the authors present a three step market assessment methodology and illustrate it with an example of a manufacturing company. The proposed methodology is applicable especially to the case of an already existing company trying to expand its operations and sales to a new country or emerging market. The first step assesses the broad market potential of a country; the second step estimates the sales potential for a specific company, and the third step calculates return on investment for the company based on the resources required. Each step of the methodology accounts for several external and internal factors. An example of a fastener manufacturer targeting the Mexican market is used to demonstrate the application of the proposed methodology.
Neurotrophin-mediated degradation of histone methyltransferase by S-nitrosylation cascade regulates neuronal differentiation

Epigenetic regulation of histones mediates neurotrophin actions with histone acetylation enhancing cAMP response element-binding (CREB)-associated transcription elicited by brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and nerve-growth factor (NGF). Roles for histone methylation in CREB's transcriptional activity have not been well characterized. We show that depletion of the histone methyltransferase suppressor of variegation 3–9 homolog 1 (SUV39H1) selectively augments BDNF- and NGF-mediated neurite outgrowth. SUV39H1 is the principal enzyme responsible for trimethylation of histone H3 at lysine 9, a molecular mark associated with transcriptional silencing. BDNF and NGF act via a signaling cascade wherein degradation of SUV39H1 down-regulates trimethylation of H3K9 in a nitric oxide-dependent pathway. BDNF activates neuronal NOS with the nitrosylated GAPDH/seven in absentia (Siah) homolog complex translocating to the nucleus. Degradation of SUV39H1 by Siah facilitates histone H3 on lysine 9 acetylation, CREB binding to DNA, enhanced expression of CREB-regulated genes and neurite outgrowth.
The effects of interface alloying on the optical absorption of a-Si:H/a-SixNx:H multilayers☆

Abstract A model for the optical absorption of a-Si:H/a-Si x N 1-x :H multilayers has been developed which takes into account the effects of alloying in the interface regions between the a-Si:H and a-Si x N 1-x :H layers. We report here on the predictions of this model for the dependence of the multilayer dielectric function ϵ M on the a-Si:H layer thickness d Si and on the interface thickness d I . These results indicate that lower optical absorption and a broadening of the multilayer absorption edge occur as d Si decreases or as d I increases. Interface alloying, however, apparently does not contribute appreciably to an increase in the optical energy gap of the a-Si:H layer in the limit of decreasing layer thickness.
L X-RAY MEASUREMENT OF ACTINIDE METABOLISM USING 243Am IN MICE

A method is described which uses L X-ray counting, rather than α-counting, for studies of the metabolism of certain actinide elements in mice. To demonstrate the effectiveness of this method, mice were injected with citrated 243Am and two separate metabolic patterns were determined based on data obtained from two different photopeaks: One was from the L X-rays and the other from the 74 keV γ-ray. The results were comparable, and indicate L X-ray counting will be useful in studies of actinide elements that do not emit abundant γ-rays.
The Rotation of Spiral Galaxies

There is accumulating evidence that as much as 90 percent of the mass of the universe is nonluminous and is clumped, halo-like, around individual galaxies. The gravitational force of this dark matter is presumed to be responsible for the high rotational velocities of stars and gas in the disks of spiral galaxie. At present, the form of the dark matter is unknown. Possible candidates span a range in mass of 1070, from non-zero-mass neutrinos to massive black holes.
A rapid computerized method for quantitation of cellular mediated immunity in biological systems

The aim of this study was to compare the quantitation of cellular mediated immunity (CMI) assessed by leukocyte migration (LM) using a Hewlett Packard Model 9825A Desk-top computer interfaced to a Talos Cyber Graphics Digitizer vs. the standard quantitation done by tracing the projected profile of the migrated leukocytes on papers, cutting and weighing. The computerized quantitation resulted in a percentage migration mean of 75.91 as compared to standard quantitation by weighing (76.37) (P greater than 0.05). The unweighted least squares linear regression resulted in R2 0.9987, an indication of a high correlation between the data obtained by both methods. The advantages of computerized quantitation of cellular mediated immunity are discussed.
Myxedema and upper esophageal dysmotility.

A patient with dysphagia secondary to presumed myxedematous infiltration of the cricopharyngeus is described. Manometric and barium studies of the upper esophagus are presented. Abnormalities in the esophageal motility tracing and subjective symptoms abated after thyroid replacement.
Objective Bayesian analysis for a capture-recapture model

In this paper, we study a special capture–recapture model, the $$M_t$$ model, using objective Bayesian methods. The challenge is to find a justified objective prior for an unknown population size $$N$$ . We develop an asymptotic objective prior for the discrete parameter $$N$$ and the Jeffreys’ prior for the capture probabilities $$\varvec{\theta }$$ . Simulation studies are conducted and the results show that the reference prior has advantages over ad-hoc non-informative priors. In the end, two real data examples are presented.
Numerical Investigation of Oxygen-Enriched Pulverized Coal Combustion

This paper presents calculations of oxygen-enriched coal combustion. Enriching combustion air with oxygen is considered one of the most effective methods to improve thermal efficiency, reduce pollutant emissions such as NOx , and facilitate capture of CO2 pollutant from flue gas. In addition to solving transport equations for the continuous phase (gas), a discrete second phase (spherical particles) is simulated in the Lagrangian frame of reference. Reaction is modeled by a two-mixture fractions/PDF approach. Discrete phase modeling is used for the prediction of discrete phase trajectory and heat and mass transfer to and from particles. The coal used is a Canadian high sulfur bituminous coal. The mass fraction of oxygen in the combustion air was varied from 21% (air) to 100% (pure oxygen). The results show that the temperatures of the gas phase and coal particles increase, respectively, by 13% and 9% when the mass fraction of oxygen is increased from 21% to 100%. One important result is that the CO2 in the oxygen/coal exhaust stream is at a much higher concentration (50% higher) compared with the air and coal exhaust stream highly diluted by N2 . This will help the capture of CO2 emissions from flue gas and consequently reduce the CO2 capture costs.Copyright © 2003 by ASME