cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Simultaneous enumeration of denitrifying and nitrate reducing bacteria in soil by a microtiter most-probable-number (MPN) procedure

Abstract A rapid, precise and accurate microtiter most-probable-number (MPN) procedure has been developed and tested for simultaneous (two reagent addition) enumeration of denitrifier and nitrate reducer populations in an agricultural soil. Values from 0.12 × 10 6 to 0.22 × 10 6 denitrifiers g −1 soil were determined using two concentrations of each terminal electron acceptor (3.5 and 7.2 m m NO 2 − or 3.5 and 9.9 m m NO 3 − in nutrient broth. Nitrate reducer populations ranged from 0.97 × 10 6 to 1.1 × 10 6 organisms g −1 soil when two concentrations of NO 3 − (3.5 and 9.9 m m ) were employed. The denitrifiers thus constituted 12–20% of the nitrate reducer population. Neither method (tube or microtiter) or medium significantly altered the values obtained for these two groups of microorganisms.
Opioids in Pain and Cardiovascular Responses: Overview of Common Features

Common Opioid Actions in Pain and Cardiovascular Stress Responses. This overview describes three parallel aspects of the architecture and function of opioid action in nociceptive and cardiovascular spheres. First, in both circumstances, opioid secretion and receptor activation are essentially dormant during basal conditions and assume physiological importance only during stress. Second, in either context, opioids produce their responses by activating complementary mechanisms centrally and in the periphery. Third, endorphins act as “neuromodulators” of either type of response through a typical cellular architecture in which they diminish underlying excitatory neurotransmission.
A novel cell-free screen identifies a potent inhibitor of the fanconi anemia pathway

The Fanconi Anemia (FA) DNA damage response pathway is involved in the processing of DNA interstrand crosslinks (ICLs). As such, inhibition of the FA pathway could chemosensitize FA-competent tumor cells to commonly used ICL agents like cisplatin. Moreover, suppression of the FA pathway is synthetic lethal with deficiencies in several other DNA repair pathways, suggesting that FA pathway inhibitors could be used in targeted therapies against specific tumors. To identify such inhibitors, we designed a novel in vitro screening assay utilizing Xenopus egg extracts. Using the DNA-stimulated monoubiquitylation of Xenopus FANCD2 (xFANCD2-L) as readout, a chemical library screen identified DDN (2,3-dichloro-5,8-dihydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone) as a novel and potent FA pathway inhibitor. DDN inhibited xFANCD2-L formation in a dose-dependent manner in both extracts and human cells without disruption of the upstream FA core complex. DDN also inhibited the characteristic subnuclear FANCD2 foci formation following DNA damage. Moreover, DDN displayed a greater synergistic effect with cisplatin in a FA-proficient cancer cell line compared to its FA-deficient isogenic counterpart, suggesting that DDN might be a good lead candidate as cisplatin chemosensitizer in both FA-deficient and FA-competent tumors. This system constitutes the first cell-free screening assay for identifying compounds that inhibit the FA pathway and provides a new biochemical platform for mapping the functions of its various components with specific chemical inhibitors.
The sabbatical year: letting the fields lay fallow.

Sabbaticals are a time of professional development and renewal for nurse faculty members. Use of specific strategies to optimize the planning process, the sabbatical itself, and the return after a sabbatical increase the likelihood of personal and professional success.
Threshold photoelectron spectroscopy with velocity focusing: an ideal match for coincidence studies

Abstract Velocity focusing of low energy electrons has been used to collect threshold photoelectron spectra with a continuous tunable vacuum UV light source. Velocity focusing permits focusing the photoionization image from 5 mm×8 mm to 1 mm×1 mm, and thus to collect threshold electrons (less than 10 meV) with a collection efficiency close to 50%. The overall resolution for Xe + of 13 meV is limited primarily by the 12 meV band pass of the photon monochromator. The collection efficiency for energetic electrons of 1 eV is reduced 0.07%. This method of detecting threshold electrons has improved the resolution by a factor of 4 and increased the signal by a factor of 10. It is an ideal approach for photoelectron photoion coincidence (PEPICO) studies because it permits the collection of electrons and ions with relatively high electric fields of 20 V/cm, which are necessary to have narrow time of flight peaks for the coincident ion signals.
Urology in the 21st century: futuristic musings.

T reader should know why I am writing this editorial. The concept began 6 years ago when I inquired of the then Chair of Obstetrics/Gynecology (Ob/Gyn) at the University of Washington (Dr. Morton Stenchever) about the local and national intentions of Gyn in the field that I was then calling Female Urology. This wonderful man gently reminded me that Gyn had a long and productive history in the same field, which they were calling Urogynecology, was enthusiastic about our two departments joining forces, and informed me, by way of encouragement, of a national intention of their specialty to develop a professional fellowship program and eventually a formal subspecialty of Urogynecology, much as they had already accomplished in other Ob/Gyn subspecialties. I later learned that these subspecialties were Gynecological Oncology, Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, and Maternal and Fetal Medicine; and that each had formalized nationally approved fellowships, board examinations, and official diplomas. In a most benevolent way, Dr. Stenchever then inquired why, over the years, Urology had allowed so many of their concerns to gravitate to other specialties while we “danced unconcerned around the maypole of the prostate.” He mentioned as proof of this assertion, the loss to Urology of dialysis, transplantation, and recently (in his view) much of acute urinary obstruction, what with percutaneous nephrostomy and upper tract imaging in most places in this country now under the purview of Radiology. Of course, I immediately wondered if our field of Female Urology could be next. Over the succeeding years, I gained much information about the organization of Ob/Gyn, pondered these well-intentioned commentaries on Urology, and came to the viewpoints contained herein. Indeed, these viewpoints were solidified as early as 1998, when I wrote a lengthy letter to the American Board of Urology and the American Urological Association Leadership detailing my concerns and suggestions. Then, as now, these concerns began and are primarily focused on our field of Female Urology. Since that letter, I have talked with many Urology and some Ob/Gyn leaders, given several talks on this issue at national Urology meetings, and (having made enough noise in various arenas) was asked, 2 years ago, by Alan Partin to write an editorial on Urology’s future. Yet, I hesitated, because my viewpoints are controversial and radical and may not be politically wise for someone aspiring to continue as an academic leader, but mostly because these views may be wrong. However, I have come to believe that they need to be publicly aired and debated.
Estimating Nested Logit Models with Censored Data

The presented methodology estimates parameters of a nested logit model when decision makers who choose one of the alternatives are systematically excluded from the sample data that are used to estimate the model (i.e., censored). Unlike existing methods for estimating discrete choice model parameters with censored data, which require exogenous information beyond the specification of the model to be estimated and the available sampled observations, the proposed method requires no additional outside information. It is demonstrated empirically that this approach can recover not only generic model parameters that apply to common attributes of all alternatives but also parameters for alternative-specific constants and variables associated with both observed and censored alternatives. Although the standard errors of the estimated parameters are larger than those of models estimated with uncensored data, censored data methods still hold great potential for applications in which uncensored data are expensive or i...
THE THERMAL PROPERTIES OF FROZEN INVERT SUGAR SOLUTIONS

The thermal conductivity, thermal diffusivity, apparent heat capacity and density of frozen invert sugar solutions were found for 40, 50, 60 and 95% sugar inversion, each in concentrations from 2 to 35%, between -40°C and 3.9°C at 2.78°C temperature intervals. The apparatus and instrumentation used was identical with that reported by Keppeler and Boose (1970).
EXCLUDING THE POOR FROM LOW INCOME HOUSING PROGRAMS: THE ROLES OF STATE AGENCIES AND USAID IN JAMAICA*

This paper investigates why low-income housing agencies in Jamaica do not accomplish their self-imposed progressive mandates to assist large numbers of poor people. To expose what produces gaps between policy and practice, the analysis focuses on how housing programs are organized, both in Jamaica's two largest state agencies and in USAID. The crucial organizational features include the housing agencies' sources of funding, reliance on the private sector, and associated motives and interests. Among the three agencies, a set of inter-related forces block low income access to housing assistance: (1) most of the policy influences of international development agencies such as USAID, (2) the pervasiveness and increased penetration of market logic into low-income housing programs, (3) state agency bureaucratization and careerism, and (4) an elitist neglect of the housing needs of the poor. Prejudices against the poor based on the belief that they do not repay housing loans are not justified by empirical evidence, much less by the fact that the programs were explicitly created to improve their housing conditions.
Guidelines on improving the maintainability and consulation of rule-based expert systems

Abstract This paper deals with the issues of maintenance and consultation of rule-based expert systems. General approaches to knowledge-base design to improve the maintainability of expert systems are reviewed. The paper focuses on guidelines on developing rules to improve the maintainability and consultation. Existing guidelines are presented, some guidelines expanded, and new ones proposed. The concept of cohesive rule is introduced by applying the principle of functional cohesion to development of rules. The paper also examines the problem of redundant questions during consultation and presents guidelines to minimize the problem.
Soluble myelin-associated glycoprotein released from damaged white matter inhibits axonal regeneration.

The adult, mammalian CNS does not regenerate after injury largely because of a glial scar and inhibitors of regeneration in myelin. To date, two myelin inhibitors, myelin-associated glycoprotein (MAG) and Nogo, both transmembrane proteins, have been identified. No secreted inhibitors of regeneration have been described. However, a proteolytic fragment of MAG (dMAG), consisting of the entire extracellular domain, is readily released from myelin and is found in vivo. Here, we show, first, that a soluble, chimeric form of MAG (MAG-Fc), when secreted from CHO cells in a collagen gel and hence in the absence of a fixed substrate, inhibits/deflects neurite outgrowth from P6 dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons. This inhibition was blocked when a MAG monoclonal antibody was included in the gel and a control chimera sialoadhesin-Fc (Sn-Fc), which, like MAG, binds neurons in a sialic acid-dependent manner but does not inhibit axonal growth, had no effect. Using the same assay system we showed that factors secreted from damaged white matter inhibited/deflected neurite outgrowth. This inhibition was neutralized when a MAG monoclonal antibody was included in the gel and there was no inhibition when white matter from a MAG knockout mouse was used. Factors secreted from damaged white matter from wild-type mice had no effect on neurite outgrowth from E18 DRG neurons. These results show that factors secreted from damaged white matter inhibit axonal regeneration and that the majority of inhibitory activity can be accounted for by dMAG. Thus, released dMAG is likely to play an important role in preventing regeneration, immediately after injury before the glial scar forms.
Oral toxicity of carbaryl to adult honey bees.

When laboratory tests were made to determine the oral toxicity of carbaryl fed with a microapplicator to adult Apis mellifera L., the LD50 at 32°C, based on mortality at 24 hours, Avas 0.178 fig per bee.
Radiofrequency exposure from wireless LANs utilizing Wi-Fi technology.

Abstract—This survey measured radiofrequency (RF) fields from wireless local area networks (WLANs) using Wi-Fi technology against a background of RF fields in the environment over the frequency range 75 MHz–3 GHz. A total of 356 measurements were conducted at 55 sites (including private residences,
Efficient processing of relational calculus expressions using range query theory

In this paper we define a language based on a broad subset of the relational calculus and show all expressions in this language can be evaluated in space O(N) and time O(N logdN), where d is a small constant whose value depends on the particular predicate and where N is the number of records stored in the data base. We currently have no hard statistics, but a reasonable guess seems to be that a standard sequential random access machine can handle 95% or more of commercial requests in time O(N log N) and memory O(N) using this technique.
Testing Electroweak Models With Polarized Moller Scattering

Abstract Moller scattering (e−e− → e−e−) at the Single Loop Collider (SLC) at SLAC with longitudinally polarized beams provides an easy method for distinguishing among electroweak models. We show that Moller scattering can easily distinguish the standard model from a recently proposed left-right symmetric model with a low right-handed mass scale.
INCOMPETENCE OF PREOVULATORY MOUSE OOCYTES TO UNDERGO CORTICAL GRANULE EXOCYTOSIS FOLLOWING INDUCED CALCIUM OSCILLATIONS

Immature oocytes of many species are incompetent to undergo cortical granule (CG) exocytosis upon fertilization. In mouse eggs, CG exocytosis is dependent primarily on an inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3)-mediated elevation of intracellular calcium ([Ca2+]i). While deficiencies upstream of [Ca2+]i release are known, this study examined whether downstream deficiencies also contribute to the incompetence of preovulatory mouse oocytes to release CGs. The experimental strategy was to bypass upstream deficiencies by inducing normal, fertilization-like [Ca2+]i oscillations in fully grown, germinal vesicle (GV) stage oocytes and determine if the extent of CG exocytosis was restored to levels observed in mature, metaphase II (MII)-stage eggs. Because IP3 does not stimulate a normal Ca2+ response in GV-stage oocytes, three alternate methods were used to induce oscillations: thimerosal treatment, electroporation, and sperm factor injection. Long-lasting oscillations from thimerosal treatment resulted in 64 and 10% mean CG release at the MII and GV stages, respectively (P < 0.001). Three electrical pulses induced mean [Ca2+]i elevations of approximately 730 and 650 nM in MII- and GV-stage oocytes, respectively, and 31% CG release in MII-stage eggs and 9% in GV-stage oocytes (P < 0.001). Sperm factor microinjection resulted in 86% CG release in MII-stage eggs, while similarly treated GV-stage oocytes exhibited < 1% CG release (P < 0.001). Taken together, these results demonstrate a deficiency downstream of [Ca2+]i release which is developmentally regulated in the 12 h prior to ovulation.
Isometric exercise training lowers resting blood pressure

Both rhythmic and "resistive" (weight lifting) exercise training can produce modest decreases in resting blood pressure. The next logical point along an exercise continuum consisting of different proportions of rhythmic and isometric efforts is a strictly isometric effort. The purpose of these studies was to assess the effects of isometric, handgrip exercise training on resting blood pressure. To avoid the extreme pressor responses elicited by fatiguing isometric efforts, the isometric exercise training used in this study consisted of brief handgrip contractions separated by rest periods. Modest repeated rises in systolic and diastolic pressures therefore served as the putative stimuli for training adaptations in resting blood pressures. Human subjects in study 1 trained with four, 2-min isometric handgrip contractions with 3-min rests between contractions. The intensity of the contractions was equal to 30% of their maximal effort for each day. The bouts of isometric exercise were performed three times per week for 8 wk. Study 2 training consisted of four contractions of 50% of maximum effort held for a duration of 45 s with 1-min rests. These were performed 5 d.wk-1 for 5 wk. In Study 1, all eight trained subjects had a significant decline in both systolic and diastolic resting blood pressures, with group averages of 12.5 and 14.9 mm Hg, respectively. Seven matched control subjects who did not train had no change in resting pressures. In study 2, subjects were trained in their home or workplace and experienced significant mean declines in resting systolic and diastolic pressures of 9.5 and 8.9 mm Hg.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Effect of temperature on the self-luminescence of SrCl2 doped with 244Cm or 253Es: Observation of host defect emissions

Abstract The self-luminescence of SrCl 2 crystals doped with 244 Cm or 253 Es was studied at 77–700°K in the wavelength range 300–700 nm. Two types of emission spectra were observed for either dopant and which are a function of sample temperature. The 77°K to room temperature spectra correspond to a predominant blue, and the 500–700°K spectra to a predominant yellow-orange emission. The luminescence intensity at 500–700°K remains relatively constant with time, suggesting the possible application of this material as a radioisotopic light source in this temperature region.
Inhibition of Angiotensin II- and Potassium-Mediated Aldosterone Secretion by KN-62 Suggests Involvement of Ca2+-Calmodulin-Dependent Protein Kinase II in Aldosterone Secretion

Calcium is now acknowledged to play a major role as a cellular mediator of aldosterone secretion. However, the intricacies of the involvement of calcium in aldosterone secretion have not been clearly defined. We have shown here that calmodulin-dependent kinase II is involved in angiotensin II- and potassium-evoked aldosterone secretion as judged by the marked inhibitory effect of KN-62, a specific inhibitor of such a kinase, on aldosterone secretion and this inhibition was similar to that produced by calmodulin inhibitor, W-7. These results further strengthen the case for the participatory role of calcium-calmodulin system in aldosterone secretion.
Preferential reaction of the carcinogen N-acetoxy-2-acetylaminofluorene with satellite DNA.

Abstract The carcinogens N -acetoxy-2-acetylaminofluorene ( N -acetoxy-AAF) and N -hydroxy-2-aminofluorene ( N -hydroxy-AF) were incubated with calf thymus DNA to determine if reaction occurred preferentially with discrete regions within the DNA. Derivative melting profiles indicated that both compounds decreased satellite transitions and that N -acetoxy-AAF depressed the melting of higher temperature regions. These data suggest that N -acetoxy-AAF reacted to a greater extent with G + C-rich regions and, because the resulting adduct disrupted the helix, the cooperativity of melting decreased. Reaction of N -acetoxy-AAF with purified satellite III DNA confirmed the preferential interaction of this carcinogen with G + C-rich regions as compared to main component DNA. The derivative melting profile of λ DNA in the presence of actinomycin D further demonstrated that this type of analysis can detect preferential interactions with specific DNA sequences.
Does standard Monte Carlo give justice to instantons

Abstract The results of the standard local Monte Carlo are changed by offering instantons as candidates in the Metropolis procedure. We also define an O(3) topological charge with no contribution from planar dislocations. The RG behavior is still not recovered.
S-and Se-dimethylarsino derivatives of thio- and selonopyrimidines and purines

The synthesis of dimethylarsinothio-and dimethylarsinoselonopyrimidines and -purines which utilizes diethylaminodimethylarsine is described. A series of these derivatives, with different substituents on the heterocyclic ring, has been investigated by infrared, nmr, and mass spectroscopic methods. Attempts to prepare O-or N- arsinous acid derivatives from oxy- and aminopyrimidines were unsuccessful.
Effects of menstrual cycle and urinary tract instrumentation on uroflowmetry.

We sought to compare bladder emptying function in normal women during the proliferative and secretory phases of the menstrual cycle and to evaluate whether urethral catheterization affected uroflowmetry parameters. Forty-nine normal volunteers (ages 19–42 years) were recruited and underwent uroflowmetry in the proliferative and secretory phases of the menstrual cycle. A serum progesterone level of <3.0 ng/mL defined the proliferative phase. During the proliferative phase, volunteers underwent uroflowmetry analysis when a sensation of fullness was appreciated. A post-void residual volume was determined, and the bladder was filled with 400 mL of normal saline. Repeat uroflowmetry analysis was then performed. This two-step procedure was repeated at a separate visit during the secretory phase. Voided volume, residual volume, maximum and average flow rates, time-to-maximum flow, and duration of flow were recorded. Wilcoxon signed-rank tests were used for statistical analysis. A two-tailed α value of <0.05 defined statistical significance. Our analysis was limited to the 33 patients whose predicted menstrual dating correlated with the obtained progesterone levels. During the follicular phase, we found significantly faster maximum (P < 0.0001) and average flow rates (P = 0.01), along with a shorter time-to-maximum flow (P < 0.0001) and shorter duration of flow (P < 0.0001), during the pre-catheterized void than the post-catheterized void. Similar results were observed in the secretory phase with the exception of a slightly higher residual volume (P = 0.05). No difference was seen in any measured uroflowmetry parameter when comparing similar voids between phases of the menstrual cycle. We conclude that when evaluating pre-menopausal patients, uroflowmetry may be scheduled and performed during either phase of the menstrual cycle. Neurourol. Urodynam. 19:147–152. © 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Vegetative propagule production and allocation of carbon and nitrogen by monoecious Hydrilla verticillata (L.f.) Royle grown at two photoperiods

Abstract Plants of Hydrilla verticillata (L.f.) Royle were grown under two photoperiods (11 or 15 h) in a greenhouse. Under the 11 h photoperiod, Hydrilla produced geotropic shoots after 34 days, tubers were first observed at 48 days, and turions after 76 days. During this study, Hydrilla plants grown under the 11 h photoperiod produced 317 tubers, and those grown under the 15 h photoperiod produced two tubers. C and N were directed from other plant structures, especially shoots and roots, into newly formed tubers and turions. C was allocated to new tubers at a rate that was about 43 times that for N. After 12 weeks, about 15 times more C and N were allocated to tuber production than to turion production. Nutrient use efficiency for N increased significantly in both photoperiods. N use efficiency was not a good indicator of the onset of tuber or turion production.
Nonalloyed ohmic contacts to n‐Si using a strained Si0.50Ge0.50 buffer layer

We have grown an 80‐A‐thick strained Si0.50Ge0.50 layer on n‐Si by molecular‐beam epitaxy. The strained layer is used to lower the Schottky barrier height for making a nonalloyed shallow ohmic contact to the n‐Si. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy was employed to investigate the Si 2p and Ge 3d core‐level binding energies of the strained and the relaxed Si0.50Ge0.50 and to determine their relative Fermi‐level positions. Rutherford backscattering and Auger depth profiling were employed to determine the contact reactions using Ti, W, or Pt as contact metals. In the case of Pt, a 500‐A W diffusion barrier can protect the ohmic behavior up to 550 °C for 30 min. The specific contact resistance of the metal/Si0.50Ge0.50/n‐Si contact extracted from the D‐type cross‐bridge Kelvin resistor was 3.5×10−5 Ω cm2.
Collection of Charge on Junction Nodes from Ion Tracks

The collection of charge from ion tracks can produce logic upset and memory change in high density integrated circuits. It has been experimentally observed that drift conduction usually plays a dominant role when the ion track penetrates a junction. The first charge collection analysis concentrated on the diffusion conduction process. A recent analysis emphasizes drift conduction and describes the "funnel" which produces drift collection from the substrate. The funneling phenomenon has been modelled using two-dimensional computer simulations. It is extremely desirable to develop analytical solutions tp better understand the problem and to provide the basis for modelling the effect in circuit and system analysis computer codes such as SYSCAP. This paper develops an approximate analytic solution expressed as I(t) = Io [exp(-?t) - exp (-st)] (1) where Io is approximately the maximum current, 1/? is the collection time constant of the junction, and 1/s is the time constant for initially establishing the ion track. The junction time constant is shown to be K?o/q?ND, and it increases slowly with funnel length when a funnel is present. The analysis shows that the excess carriers move almost exclusively by ambipolar diffusion for very early times, and that the fields present in semiconductor devices, including p-n junction fields, collapse. Ambipolar diffusion proceeds until the excess carrier concentration is reduced to approximately the background doping density at which time the junction field is restored and the carriers move by drift.
Acquisition of an embryonal biochemical feature by rat hepatomas.

Nachweis, dass experimentelle Hepatome in der Ratte eine hohe Glutathionase-Aktivitat bewirken. Dasselbe gilt auch fur die embryonale, nicht aber fur die adulte Rattenleber.
Relationships between Learning Styles and Solutions Based on Analogies or Background Knowledge

100 students completed Schmeck's Inventory of Learning Processes and tried to solve a medical problem after reading one or two analogies, first before and again after a hint to consider the stories just read. Two analogies made it more likely that those emphasizing Deep Processing (concept formation) would apply the analogies, but two analogies were usually not enough for those emphasizing Elaborative Processing (association) or Fact Retention. The hint helped, especially after two analogies. Students who used more Deep or Elaborative Processing also were more likely to devise solutions from their background knowledge and indicate interest in learning a greater variety of information than those relying on retention of fact.
Orthogonal Double-pulse versus Single-pulse laser ablation at different air pressures: A comparison of the mass removal mechanisms

Abstract The mass removal mechanisms occurring during the ablation of an aluminum target, induced by an Nd:YAG laser at λ = 1064 nm in air at different laser fluences, were investigated at different pressures and in the orthogonal double pulse configuration. Both the spectroscopic analysis of the plasma emission and the microscopic analysis of the craters, providing complementary information on the laser ablation process, were performed. The first technique allowed the calculation of the plasma thermodynamic parameters and an estimation of its atomized mass, while the latter led to the calculation of their volume, as well as a qualitative inspection of the craters profile and appearance. The results obtained at different fluences suggest a complex picture where the air pressure strongly drives the laser shielding effect, which in turn affects the relevance of melt displacement, melt expulsion and phase explosion mechanisms. The measurements performed in double pulse configuration suggest that in this case the ablation process is very similar to that induced at low air pressure. Phase explosion seems to occur in double pulse laser ablation while it seems inhibited in single pulse ablation at atmospheric pressure. Differently, melt splashing is much more efficient in single pulse ablation at atmospheric pressure than in double pulse ablation.
Inactivation of Apc in the Mouse Prostate Causes Prostate Carcinoma

Alterations of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway are positively associated with the development and progression of human cancer, including carcinoma of the prostate. To determine the role of activated Wnt/β-catenin signaling in mouse prostate carcinogenesis, we created a mouse prostate tumor model using probasin-Cre–mediated deletion of Apc . Prostate tumors induced by the deletion of Apc have elevated levels of β-catenin protein and are highly proliferative. Tumor formation is fully penetrant and follows a consistent pattern of progression. Hyperplasia is observed as early as 4.5 weeks of age, and adenocarcinoma is observed by 7 months. Continued tumor growth usually necessitated sacrifice between 12 and 15 months of age. Despite the high proliferation rate, we have not observed metastasis of these tumors to the lymph nodes or other organs. Surgical castration of 6-week-old mice inhibited tumor formation, and castration of mice with more advanced tumors resulted in the partial regression of specific prostate glands. However, significant areas of carcinoma remained 2 months postcastration, suggesting that tumors induced by Apc loss of function are capable of growth under conditions of androgen depletion. We conclude that the prostate-specific deletion of Apc and the increased expression of β-catenin associated with prostate carcinoma suggests a role for β-catenin in prostate cancer and offers an appropriate animal model to investigate the interaction of Wnt signaling with other genetic and epigenetic signals in prostate carcinogenesis. [Cancer Res 2007;67(6):2490–6]
Contribution of the Kir3.1 Subunit to the Muscarinic-gated Atrial Potassium Channel IKACh

The muscarinic-gated atrial potassium (I(KACh)) channel contributes to the heart rate decrease triggered by the parasympathetic nervous system. I(KACh) is a heteromultimeric complex formed by Kir3.1 and Kir3.4 subunits, although Kir3.4 homomultimers have also been proposed to contribute to this conductance. While Kir3.4 homomultimers evince many properties of I(KACh), the contribution of Kir3.1 to I(KACh) is less well understood. Here, we explored the significance of Kir3.1 using knock-out mice. Kir3.1 knock-out mice were viable and appeared normal. The loss of Kir3.1 did not affect the level of atrial Kir3.4 protein but was correlated with a loss of carbachol-induced current in atrial myocytes. Low level channel activity resembling recombinant Kir3.4 homomultimers was observed in 40% of the cell-attached patches from Kir3.1 knock-out myocytes. Channel activity typically ran down quickly, however, and was not recovered in the inside-out configuration despite the addition of GTP and ATP to the bath. Both Kir3.1 knock-out and Kir3.4 knock-out mice exhibited mild resting tachycardias and blunted responses to pharmacological manipulation intended to activate I(KACh). We conclude that Kir3.1 confers properties to I(KACh) that enhance channel activity and that Kir3.4 homomultimers do not contribute significantly to the muscarinic-gated potassium current.
Stability of single-wall silicon carbide nanotubes – molecular dynamics simulations

Abstract One-dimensional silicon carbide (SiC) nanotubes and nanowires are both realizable and may co-exist. The stability of SiC nanotubes relative to nanowires and against heating is still unknown. Using classical molecular dynamics simulations, the authors investigate the stabilities of SiC nanotubes; as a first step, the study focuses on single-wall nanotubes (SWNTs). The results show that SiC nanotubes are more stable than nanowires below a critical diameter of about 1.6 nm, while SiC nanowires are more stable than nanotubes beyond that. As temperature increases, melting takes place at about 1620 K in SiC nanotubes by heterogeneous nucleation from the non-hexagonal defects due to reconstruction at a free end, and at about 1820 K in nanotubes without free ends by homogeneous nucleation within the wall from thermally activated 5-7-7-5 defects. In both cases formation of Si–Si and C–C bonds proceeds melting.
Disease Modifying Therapies for Multiple Sclerosis

Over the last few decades the treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS) has been approached from a number of different perspectives. The initial successes in MS therapy involved the use of corticosteroid treatments to induce short term improvements in neurological function, and symptomatic therapies for some of the complications of MS. More recently, with improved understanding of the immunological events occurring during progression of the disease, therapies that modify the natural history of the disease have become available. Interferon beta-1b (‘Betaseron’) is the first new treatment for MS to be licensed by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the last 30 years. In a multicentre, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, the drug reduced the exacerbation rate and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) evidence of disease activity. Other interferon preparations are currently undergoing clinical testing, and a second recombinant interferon beta has also shown evidence of clinical efficacy in a recently completed trial. Copolymer-1 has also reduced relapse rate in patients with replasing-remitting MS.
"Big picture": mixed-initiative visual analytics of big data

Information graphics have been used for thousands of years to help illustrate ideas and communicate information. However, it requires skills and time to hand craft high-quality, customized information graphics for specific situations (e.g., data characteristics and user tasks). The problem becomes more acute when we must deal with big data. To address this problem, we are researching and developing mixed-initiative visual analytic systems that leverage both the intelligence of humans and machines to aid users in deriving insights from massive data. On the one hand, such a system automatically guides users to perform their data analytic tasks by recommending suitable visualization and discovery paths in context. On the other hand, users interactively explore, verify, and improve visual analytic results, which in turn helps the system to learn from users' behavior and improve its quality over time. In this talk, I will present key technologies that we have developed in building mixed-initiative visual analytic systems, including feature-based visualization recommendation and optimization-based approaches to dynamic data transformation for more effective visualization. I will also use concrete applications to demonstrate the use and value of mixed-initiative visual analytic systems, and discuss existing challenges and future directions in this area.
Effect of genetic heterogeneity and assortative mating on linkage analysis: a simulation study.

Summary Linkage studies of complex genetic traits raise questions about the effects of genetic heterogeneity and assortative mating on linkage analysis. To further understand these problems, I have simulated and analyzed family data for a complex genetic disease in which disease phenotype is determined by two unlinked disease loci. Two models were studied, a two-locus threshold model and a two-locus heterogeneity model. Information was generated for a marker locus linked to one of the disease-defining loci. Random-mating and assortative-mating samples were generated. Linkage analysis was then carried out by use of standard methods, under the assumptions of a single-locus disease trait and a random-mating population. Results were compared with those from analysis of a single-locus homogeneous trait in samples with the same levels of assortative mating as those considered for the two-locus traits. The results show that (1) introduction of assortative mating does not, in itself, markedly affect the estimate of the recombination fraction; (2) the power of the analysis, reflected in the LOD scores, is somewhat lower with assortative rather than random mating. Loss of power is greater with increasing levels of assortative mating; and (3) for a heterogeneous genetic disease, regardless of mating type, heterogeneity analysis permits more accurate estimate of the recombination fraction but may be of limited use in distinguishing which families belong to each homogeneous subset. These simulations also confirmed earlier observations that linkage to a disease "locus" can be detected even if the disease is incorrectly defined as a single-locus (homogeneous) trait, although the estimated recombination fraction will be significantly greater than the true recombination fraction between the linked disease-defining locus and the marker locus.
Controlling the metal to semiconductor transition of MoS2 and WS2 in solution

Lithiation-exfoliation produces single to few-layered MoS2 and WS2 sheets dispersible in water. However, the process transforms them from the pristine semiconducting 2H phase to a distorted metallic phase. Recovery of the semiconducting properties typically involves heating of the chemically exfoliated sheets at elevated temperatures. Therefore, it has been largely limited to sheets deposited on solid substrates. Here, we report the dispersion of chemically exfoliated MoS2 sheets in high boiling point organic solvents enabled by surface functionalization and the controllable recovery of their semiconducting properties directly in solution. This process connects the scalability of chemical exfoliation with the simplicity of solution processing, ultimately enabling a facile method for tuning the metal to semiconductor transitions of MoS2 and WS2 within a liquid medium.
Interrelationship between nuclear histone binding and cell proliferation

Abstract 1. 1. Binding of non-enzymatically [methyl-14C]-labeled histone H3 to nuclei isolated from young and old rat livers, regenerating rat liver, and tumor cells has been investigated. 2. 2. Scatchard plot analysis indicated that various cell types had different binding capacity and different dissociation constant (Kd). 3. 3. Nuclei isolated from younger rats had fewer binding sites and lower Kd (or higher Ka) values for [methyl-14C]H3 than those from older rats. 4. 4. Fewer binding sites and lower Kd values were also observed with nuclei isolated from the maximally regenerating liver (24 hr after partial hepatectomy) and the fast-growing ascites tumor and Novikoff hepatomas. 5. 5. These results strongly suggest that the number of binding sites and affinity of histone H3 for nuclei appears to be correlated with the degree of cell proliferation. 6. 6. Fractionation of the [methyl-14C]H3 bound nuclei into nuclear membrane and nucleoplasm demonstrates that approx. 94% of radioactivity is associated with the former in which less than 6% of DNA is found, whereas 94% of total DNA is found in nucleoplasm. 7. 7. This suggests that the binding of [methyl-14C]H3 to nuclei is independent of DNA present in each fraction.
Tension pneumoperitoneum after heart-lung transplantation

Tension pneumoperitoneum is a medical emergency. We report 2 cases in which tension pneumoperitoneum occurred after heart-lung transplantation and was related to positive-pressure ventilation and a transdiaphragmatic passage of omentum used to wrap the airway anastomosis. Management in these patients was targeted toward decompression of intraperitoneal air with percutaneous needle or tube placement without exploratory laparotomy, and tube thoracostomy for the concomitant pneumothorax.
Thermostability and molecular encapsulation within an engineered caged protein scaffold

Self-assembling biological complexes such as viral capsids have been manipulated to function in innovative nanotechnology applications. The E2 component of pyruvate dehydrogenase from Bacillus stearothermophilus forms a dodecahedral complex and potentially provides another platform for these purposes. In this investigation, we show that this protein assembly exhibits unusual stability and can be modified to encapsulate model drug molecules. To distill the E2 protein down to its structural scaffold core, we synthesized a truncated gene optimized for expression in Escherichia coli. The correct assembly and dodecahedral structure of the resulting scaffold was confirmed with dynamic light scattering and transmission electron microscopy. Using circular dichroism and differential scanning calorimetry, we found the thermostability of the complex to be unusually high, with an onset temperature of unfolding at 81.1 +/- 0.9 degrees C and an apparent midpoint unfolding temperature of 91.4 +/- 1.4 degrees C. To evaluate the potential of this scaffold for encapsulation of guest molecules, we made variants at residues 381 and 239 which altered the physicochemical properties of the hollow internal cavity. These mutants, yielding 60 and 120 mutations within this cavity, assembled into the correct architecture and exhibited high thermostability that was comparable to the wild-type scaffold. To show the applicability of this scaffold, two different fluorescent dye molecules were covalently coupled to the cysteine mutant at site 381. We demonstrate that these mutations can introduce non-native functionality and enable molecular encapsulation within the cavity while still retaining the dodecahedral structure. The unusually robust nature of this scaffold and its amenability to internal changes reveal its potential for nanoscale applications.
County Government Resources Associated with Dependent-Adult Abuse Investigations in Iowa

This study evaluated on a county level the association of Iowa's domestic dependent-adult abuse investigations with the location of adult protective services (APS) offices, rurality, government resources, felony charges and prosecutions, child abuse reports, and census demographics. In 2003, the rate of dependent-adult abuse investigations for Iowa was 0.70 per 1,000 population age 18 and older. Higher rates of child abuse investigations, felony prosecutions, sheriff's annual salary, and lower rates of child abuse substantiations are associated with higher rates of dependent-adult abuse investigations and substantiations.
PSEUDOSCALAR MESONS WITH APPLICATIONS TO MESON-NUCLEON SCATTERING AND PHOTOPRODUCTION

The scattering of ${\ensuremath{\pi}}^{+}$ and ${\ensuremath{\pi}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ mesons by protons and the production of ${\ensuremath{\pi}}^{+}$ mesons by gamma-rays incident on protons are studied with the quantized theory of pseudoscalar mesons with pseudoscalar coupling. The Dyson transformation is applied to the Hamiltonian to yield a new representation in which the velocity-independent aspects of the nucleon dynamics are more readily identified. A large "core" term appears in the meson-nucleon interaction in this representation and is incorporated into the zero-order Hamiltonian. The remaining interaction terms are treated perturbation-wise or according to the Heitler damping procedure. It is found that even after separating out the large core term, this method of approach fails to give agreement between theory and experiment. It does, however, improve on the results of the straight perturbation approximation and brings the theory in closer accord with the observations. It is suggested that a direct test of the role of the "core" term is possible in the process of double meson production by gamma-rays incident on protons.
Octopamine alters rhythmic activity in the isolated cardiac ganglion of the crab, Portunus sanguinolentus

Abstract When applied to the isolated cardiac ganglion of Portunus , octopamine decreases the ganglionic burst frequency and increases the burst duration in a dose-dependent manner over the concentration range 10 −8 M to 10 −6 M. These effects are accompanied by a hyperpolarization (maximum 5 mV) of the cardiac ganglion motor neurones and a decrease in the magnitude of the interburst pacemaker potential in these neurones. The evidence that octopamine plays a cardiomodulatory role in vivo is discussed.
Dynamics of Interaction of Magnesium Atoms on Methoxy-Terminated Self-Assembled Monolayers: An Example of a Reactive Metal with a Low Sticking Probability

The collision of low-flux vapor-generated Mg atoms with a methoxy-terminated self-assembled monolayer (SAM) at room temperature results primarily in nonreactive scattering from the surface. Those atoms that adsorb undergo reaction via O-C bond insertion to form Mg-O-R products, with an estimated activation energy of 38 ± 9 kJ mol -1 . These products, in turn, provide nucleation sites for the subsequent formation of Mg clusters. As growth continues, a nonuniform Mg overlayer eventually forms. These behaviors contrast with that of vapor-deposited Al (which shows a high sticking probability and low chemical reactivity under the same experimental conditions). This behavior is consistent with quantum chemical predictions of differences in the ability of the -OCH 3 group to stabilize these metal atoms. Overall, these results highlight the importance of dynamic processes in controlling the interfacial chemistry and metal overlayer morphology in vapor-deposited films on organic surfaces.
Performance obstacles of intensive care nurses.

Background The work environment of intensive care nurses may have substantial impact on both nursing outcomes and patient safety. The factors in a nurse's immediate work environment, in the local work context, have not been studied in detail to provide useful, specific information for work redesign efforts to improve nurse's work and patient safety. Performance obstacles are the factors that hinder intensive care nurses' capacity to perform their jobs and that are associated closely with their immediate work environment. Objectives To identify the performance obstacles experienced by intensive care nurses in their work environment. Methods A multisite, cross-sectional study was conducted. Data were collected using a 36-item questionnaire and analyzed using univariate statistical analysis. The frequencies of performance obstacles reported by intensive care nurses were computed. Results Nurses (n = 272) from 17 intensive care units (ICUs) of seven hospitals in Wisconsin participated in the study. The most frequently experienced performance obstacles included noisy work environment (46%), distractions from families (42%), hectic (40%) and crowded work environments (37%), delay in getting medications from pharmacy (36%), spending considerable amount of time teaching families (34%), equipment not being available-someone else using it (32%), patient rooms not well-stocked (32%), insufficient workspace for completing paperwork (26%), seeking for supplies (24%) or patients' charts (23%), receiving many phone calls from families (23%), delay in seeing new medical orders (21%), and misplaced equipment (20%). Discussion Intensive care nurses experience a variety of performance obstacles in their work environment. Future research should investigate the impact of various performance obstacles on nursing workload, nursing quality of working life, and quality and safety of care, as well as the impact of interventions aimed at redesigning the work system of ICU nurses to remove performance obstacles.
LEED structures due to interaction of CO and O2 with (0001) and (101̄0) Re at 20°C to 920°C☆

Clean Re surfaces were produced by the Ar(+) ion bombardment technique. Results reported previously by Farnsworth and Zehner (1969) for the adsorption of CO and molecular oxygen on the (0001) Re surface were confirmed. The exposure of a (0001) Re surface to CO at elevated crystal temperatures produced no additional structures. Neither increased surface defect densities nor excitation of the adsorbate enhanced the adsorption characteristics of CO or molecular oxygen on the surfaces studied.