cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Relative growth and nutrient accumulation rates for tobacco

Tobacco plants (Nicotiana tabacum L.) were grown from transplanting until floral expression in the phytotron units of Southeastern Plant Environment Laboratories to evaluate the relationship between relative growth rate (RGR) and relative accumulation rates (RAR) of N, P, K, Ca, and Mg. RAR is calculated to be analogous to RGR. Plants were grown in both controlled-environment rooms with artificial light and air-conditioned greenhouses with natural light at three temperature conditions and three application rates of N-P-K. RGR and RAR were calculated only for the period of grand growth which occurred within the interval from 7 to 32 days after transplanting. In general, neither RGR nor RAR were affected by temperature or nutrient level. However, both temperature and nutrient level affected dry matter accumulation of the plants apparently by an influence on the rapidity with which plants adjusted to their new environment during the initial 7-day interval after transplanting. RAR for P and K were coequal with RGR of the whole plant; thus, the concentrations of P and K within the plant tended to remain constant during growth. RAR for N, Ca, and Mg were less than RGR for the whole plant; thus, internal concentrations of these nutrients declined during growth. RAR of N, Ca, and Mg for the whole plant were equivalent to RGR of the roots. As a rationale for the association of RGR of roots and RAR of N, it is proposed that the soluble carbohydrate pool in the roots concurrently influences both N absorption, as NO3 -, and growth of new roots of immature plants.
Moving disease biology from the lab to the clinic.

Multiple myeloma (MM) cells home to and adhere to extracellular matrix proteins and to bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs); and in the BM microenvironment, grow, survive, resist drugs, and migrate under the influence of cytokines including interleukin-6, vascular endothelial growth factor, tumor necrosis factor alpha, and insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1. Proliferation is via the Ras/Raf MAPK cascade, drug resistance via PI3-K/Akt signaling, and migration via PKC dependent pathways. Novel therapies that target not only the MM cell, but also the BM microenvironment, can overcome drug resistance in vitro and in vivo in murine human MM models. For example, immunomodulatory derivatives of thalidomide (IMiDs) and the proteasome inhibitor PS-341 both induce apoptosis of MM cell lines and patient cells refractory to melphalan, doxorubicin, and dexamethasone; abrogate MM cell binding to fibronectin and BMSCs and related protection against immune- and drug-induced apoptosis; block production of cytokines which promote MM cell growth, survival, drug resistance, and migration; inhibit angiogenesis; and stimulate host anti-tumor immunity. In the setting of relapsed refractory MM, a Phase I trial of the IMiD CC5013 shows stable paraprotein or better in 20 of 24 (79%) patients, with a favorable toxicity profile. In this same patient population 85% of 54 patients treated in a Phase II trial of PS-341 achieved either paraprotein response (50%) or stable disease (35%). Cellular and gene microarray studies comparing PS-341 and an IkappaB kinase inhibitor, PS-1145, suggest that selective NF-kappaB blockade cannot account for all the anti-MM activity of PS-341. Finally, cellular and signaling studies provide the preclinical rationale for combining these novel agents with conventional therapies, or with each other, to enhance efficacy. These novel therapeutics therefore represent a new treatment paradigm in MM targeting the tumor cell in its microenvironment to overcome classical drug resistance and improve patient outcome. Future studies should define the utility of these agents as primary therapy, treatment for first relapse, and maintenance therapy.
Utility of roof arc measurements in acetabular fractures

For patients with acetabular fractures, the extent to which a fracture involves the weight-bearing dome has been estimated with the “roof arc” measurement obtained on radiographs and computed tomographic (CT) studies. We present the method for measuring the roof arc on radiographs and estimating this arc on CT scans. We also studied the utility of these roof arc measurements for predicting surgical vs. conservative management.
Unwanted and illegal sexual experiences in childhood and adolescence

Three hundred forty-two anonymous surveys regarding unwanted sexual experiences (USE) were filled out in three clinic sites: a pediatric sexual abuse clinic, family practice clinic, and family planning clinic. In the latter two clinics, 40% of females and 16% of males had at least one unwanted sexual experience prior to turning 18 years old. Only 91% of the sexual abuse clinic patients indicated their experience was unwanted. In addition, 27% of the subjects had wanted sexual experiences that were illegal and underreported: These experiences involved a partner at least 4 years older or younger. While feelings of victimization were most common, self-blame and naivete about the abuse were also frequently reported, especially in those who had an USE with a peer. Ambivalence, self-blame, and peer pressure were associated with a lower tendency to disclose one's USE. Although unwanted and illegal sexual experiences were less common in Hispanic females, feelings of self-blame and ambivalence regarding their USE were more frequent in comparison with White females. These findings have important investigative and therapeutic implications for professionals who encounter victims of sexual abuse.
A quantitative method for the separation of the iodinated amino acids of thyroid tissue.

THE ability of a kieselguhr column to resolve mixtures of thyroxine, triiodothyronine and iodide (Gronkvist and Hellberg, 1951; and Gross and Pitt-Rivers, 1952) suggested that this column might be superior to starch (Dobyns and Barry, 1953) and cellulose (Rosenberg, 1951) columns for separating iodinated amino acids. In this paper Ave shall describe and evaluate an extension of the Gross and Pitt-Rivers kieselguhr technic which allows accurate separation and recovery of all the known iodinated compounds of the thyroid gland. In addition we have applied this technic to an evaluation of certain methods of hydrolysis of thyroid tissue. METHODS For the separation of thyroxine, triiodothyronine and iodide, the kieselguhr column procedure of Gross and Pitt-Rivers (1953), with a few exceptions, has been followed. We have not found that it is necessary to heat the kieselguhr3prior to use. Glass columns with an internal diameter of 13 mm. were used. The lower part of the kieselguhr column was prepared by mixing 6 gm.
Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen and ASF1 Modulate Silent Chromatin in Saccharomyces cerevisiae via Lysine 56 on Histone H3

The formation and stability of epigenetically regulated chromatin is influenced by DNA replication and factors that modulate post-translational modifications on histones. Here we describe evidence that PCNA can affect silencing in Saccharomyces cerevisiae by facilitating deposition of H3 K56ac onto chromosomes. We propose that PCNA participates in this process through a pathway that includes replication factor C, the chromatin assembly factor Asf1p, and the K56-specific acetyltransferase Rtt109p. We show that mutation of POL30 or loss of K56-acetylation in rtt109 and histone H3 mutants enhances silencing at the crippled HMR locus HMRae** via restoring Sir binding and that pol30 mutants with silencing phenotypes have reduced levels of H3 K56ac. Although loss of acetylation on H3 K56 was generally compatible with silencing, mutations at this residue also led to defects in silencing an ADE2 reporter at HMR and abolished silencing when combined with cac1 or pol30-8. These silencing phenotypes are analogous to those in asf1 mutants or pol30-6 and pol30-79 mutants with defects in ASF1-dependent pathways. On the basis of these findings, we propose that mutations in DNA replication factors alter acetylation of H3 K56. We show that this defect, in turn, contributes to misregulation of epigenetic processes as well as of cellular responses to DNA damage.
Consumerism, Activism, Intrinsic Motivation, and Balance: An Interview With Tim Kasser

A year after receiving his PhD in psychology from the University of Rochester, Tim Kasser accepted a position at Knox College, in Galesburg, Illinois, where he is currently professor of psychology....
PS1-20: Integrating Alcohol and Drug Use Screening for Adolescents into Mental Health Settings: Rationale, Missed Opportunities and Outcomes

Background/Aims Adolescent risk behaviors are often highly clustered, so screening in Mental Health (MH) settings may be even more important for this population than for adults. We examined the role of screening in MH by describing findings from adolescent studies that examined co-occurring MH and substance use (SU) disorders, treatment utilization, and outcomes in an integrated health plan.
Determination of niobium-oxygen bond distances and bond orders by Raman spectroscopy

Abstract An empirical correlation is established for relating Raman stretching frequencies of niobium-oxygen (NbO) bonds to their respective bond distances in niobium oxide compounds. The correlation is an exponential least-squares fit between measured Raman frequencies and reported crystallographic bond lengths. Niobium-oxygen bond strengths (in valence units) are also related to Raman stretching frequencies by incorporating the present result with that of a previously derived bond strength/bond length relation. The NbO correlation established in the present study is expected to offer invaluable insight into the structures of niobate species in chemical systems which are not amenable to analysis by diffraction or other spectroscopic techniques. In the present study, applications of the correlation are illustrated by predicting Raman stretching frequencies for perfect NbO4 and NbO6 structures, determining the NbO bond lengths in bismuth niobate, BiNbO4, as well as the bond length and bond strength of the terminal NbO bond for dehydrated surface niobate species in the Nb2O5/Al2O3 system.
Effect of moisture on leaf litter decomposition and its contribution to soil respiration in a temperate forest

The degree to which increased soil respiration rates following wetting is caused by plant (autotrophic) versus microbial (heterotrophic) processes, is still largely uninvestigated. Incubation studies suggest microbial processes play a role but it remains unclear whether there is a stimulation of the microbial population as a whole or an increase in the importance of specific substrates that become available with wetting of the soil. We took advantage of an ongoing manipulation of leaf litter 14C contents at the Oak Ridge Reservation, Oak Ridge, Tennessee, to (1) determine the degree to which an increase in soil respiration rates that accompanied wetting of litter and soil, following a short period of drought, could be explained by heterotrophic contributions; and (2) investigate the potential causes of increased heterotrophic respiration in incubated litter and 0–5 cm mineral soil. The contribution of leaf litter decomposition increased from 6 ± 3 mg C m−2 hr−1 during a transient drought, to 63 ± 18 mg C m−2 hr−1 immediately after water addition, corresponding to an increase in the contribution to soil respiration from 5 ± 2% to 37 ± 8%. The increased relative contribution was sufficient to explain all of the observed increase in soil respiration for this one wetting event in the late growing season. Temperature (13°C versus 25°C) and moisture (dry versus field capacity) conditions did not change the relative contributions of different decomposition substrates in incubations, suggesting that more slowly cycling C has at least the same sensitivity to decomposition as faster cycling organic C at the temperature and moisture conditions studied.
Definitive irradiation for localized non-Hodgkin's lymphoma of breast.

Abstract A diagnosis of primary non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) confined to the breast or breast and ipsilateral lymph nodes was biopsy proven in 19 patients who presented to our institution between 1970 and 1984. Four patients were treated with a modified radical mastectomy, and one with chemotherapy only. The remaining 14 patients comprise the basis of this study. All patients were clinically staged. There were 12 patients with 1A-E disease and two with IIA-E disease. All patients were treated with breast radiation. The axillary nodes were included in seven of the patients and two, in addition, received “mantle” irradiation. The majority of the patients received between 3500–4400 cGy, but four received lower doses. One patient, with Stage IIA-E disease, received 6 months of systemic chemotherapy, followed by 3500 cGy to the breast and axilla. Three of the 14 patients relapsed within the treated area, with a local control rate of 78%. One was salvaged with a mastectomy and remains alive and well 15 years after diagnosis. Seven of the 14 patients relapsed distantly, including two with local failures, but only three have died of disease. An additional two patients have died of other causes without evidence of disease, for a survival of 66% at 48 months (Kaplan-Meier Calculations).
Recombination modulates how selection affects linked sites in Drosophila

One of the most influential observations in molecular evolution has been a strong association between regional recombination rate and amount of nucleotide polymorphism in those genomic regions, interpreted as evidence for ubiquitous natural selection. The alternative explanation, that recombination is mutagenic, has been rejected by the absence of a similar association between regional recombination rate and nucleotide divergence between species. However, many recent studies show that recombination rates are often very different even in closely related species, questioning whether an association between recombination rate and divergence between species has been tested satisfactorily. To circumvent this problem, we directly surveyed recombination across approximately 43% of the D. pseudoobscura physical genome in two separate recombination maps, and 31.3% of the D. miranda physical genome, and we identified both global and local differences in recombination rate between these two closely related species. Using only regions with conserved recombination rates between and within species and accounting for multiple covariates, our data support the conclusion that recombination is positively related to diversity because recombination modulates hitchhiking in the genome. Finally, our data show that diversity around nonsynonymous substitutions is recovered at closer distances in areas of higher recombination than in areas of lower recombination — empirically demonstrating that recombination rate can limit the size and severity of potential selective sweeps.
On the electron donor and electron acceptor properties of the γ-alumina surface

Abstract Direct spectroscopic evidence is presented that it is the radical anion, not the radical cation of perylene that is generated on the surface of a suitably prepared γ-alumina surface. The implications of this result as concerns the nature of the donor and acceptor sites on this surface are developed. A model involving cooperative interaction between the two types of redox sites, similar to that proposed by Pines for acid-base sites on this surface, is developed to explain the chemistry of aromatic hydrocarbons adsorbed on this form of alumina.
Prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorders in Hispanic and Non-Hispanic White Children

OBJECTIVE: The number of individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) continues to increase in the United States and other developed countries; however, ASD is diagnosed less commonly in Hispanic than in non-Hispanic white individuals. This report analyzes differences in ASD prevalence between Hispanic and non-Hispanic whites in a large, population-based sample of 8-year-old children, and explores how prevalence has changed over time. METHODS: Population-based surveillance of ASD was conducted on 142 717 8-year-old children. Evaluation of clinical and educational records resulted in 1212 children meeting the case definition criteria in 4 study years between 2000 and 2006. RESULTS: ASD prevalence in Hispanic children was lower than in non-Hispanic white children ( P < .005) for all study years. More Hispanic than non-Hispanic white children met the case definition for intellectual disability ( P < .05) in study years 2004 and 2006. Prevalence of ASD diagnosis increased in both groups; the Hispanic prevalence almost tripled, from 2.7 per 1000 in 2000 to 7.9 per 1000 in 2006. A comparison of prevalence ratios found that Hispanic and non-Hispanic white ASD prevalence became significantly more similar from 2000 to 2006 (χ2 = 124.89, P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: The ASD prevalence for Hispanic individuals in this population-based sample is substantially higher than previously reported. Nonetheless, Hispanic children continue to have a significantly lower ASD prevalence in comparison with non-Hispanic whites. The prevalence of ASD is increasing in both populations, and results indicate that the gap in prevalence between groups is decreasing. * Abbreviations: ADDM — : Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network ADDSP — : Arizona Developmental Disabilities Surveillance Program ASD — : autism spectrum disorder CI — : confidence interval ID — : intellectual disability NH white — : non-Hispanic white OR — : odds ratio
Tapping-mode AFM - Force Measurement Capabilities on Compliant Surfaces

We investigate the feasibility of tapping-mode atomic force microscopy (TM-AFM) as a force measurement tool for compliant surfaces. For quantitative extraction of the tip-sample interactions, numerical modeling of the cantilever dynamics is required using a defined form for the interaction, with the results compared to experiment. Through TM force measurements on silicon, we illustrate that a forced damped harmonic oscillator model sufficiently represents the motion of the cantilever. Particularly for liquid operation, distance-dependent dissipation must be included in the model for accurate quantification of the tip-sample interactions and for successful reproduction of experimental force curves. This dissipation is not due to damping from the bulk viscous medium, but is likely frictional in origin. This investigation shows that TM force measurement in liquid is feasible and could be particularly advantageous for the measurement of intermolecular interactions from soft and easily deformed molecular layers.
Evaluation of aluminum and nickel alloy materials produced by spray deposition

Abstract The as-cast characteristics and mechanical properties of 7075 (Al-5.2wt.%Zn-2.4wt.%Mg-1.4wt.%Cu), CU78 (Al-8wt.%Fe-4wt.%Ce) and Astroloy (Ni-18.5wt.%Co-15.0wt.%Cr-5.0wt.%Mo-3.4wt.%Ti-4.3wt.%Al) preforms produced by the Osprey process have been determined. Wrought products were fabricated from Astroloy and Al-8wt.%Fe-4wt.%Ce preforms. Comparisons are made with conventional IM and PM products with the same alloy compositions. Results indicate that this process is a viable approach for 7075 and Astroloy; however, process optimization is required before this process can be used to produce AlFeCe stock.
Scalp potentials of normal and hearing-impaired subjects in response to sinusoidally amplitude-modulated tones.

Abstract None of the current electrical audiometric procedures, alone or in combination, has yet achieved the precision of conventional audiometric testing that is used to assess hearing in verbally capable children and adults. The reason for this, in part, lies in the use of stimuli which have a wide frequency content. We have measured scalp potentials which follow the envelopes of sinusoidally amplitude-modulated tones: a frequency-specific stimulus. In normal subjects such amplitude-modulation following responses (AMFRs) appear to be generated by two sources. One source has a latency of about 30 ms, generates large responses and is only observed at modulations below 55 Hz, while the other source has a latency of 7–9 ms, generates smaller responses, and is only observed at modulations from 100–350 Hz. The latencies of these two sources are consistent with origins in the cortex and midhrain. respectively. We examined AMFRs to low frequency (50 Hz) modulations as a possible audiometric tool. In normal subjects, the amplitude of the AMFR increased as a function of intensity, decreased as a function of carrier frequency, and could be evoked across the whole audiometric range (250–8000 Hz). In hearing-impaired subjects, the AMFR amplitudes as a function of carrier frequency accurately reflected the pattern of hearing loss on a frequency-by-frequency basis. In most subjects, the threshold for evoking the AMFR was within 0–25 dB of hearing threshold. It therefore appears that the AMFR may be a potentially useful tool to assess hearing in those unable to undergo conventional audiometric testing.
Overurbanization and underdevelopment in sub-Saharan Africa: a cross-national study.

"This paper discusses both the urban bias and world-system theories of overurbanization and presents a cross-national analysis of 32 African nations to test these perspectives. The analysis is divided into three parts. First, the effects of urban bias (i.e., the disparity in welfare between rural and urban areas) and economic dependence on overurbanization are examined. Next, the association between overurbanization and (1) the structure of the labor force and (2) economic growth is tested. Finally, the relationship between the structure of the labor force and economic growth is evaluated." The results indicate that "the rural-urban disparity and foreign investment facilitate overurbanization, and that an increase in level of overurbanization has a deleterious impact on both the structure of the labor force and economic growth. Furthermore, there is strong evidence indicating that an increase in service-sector employment has a negative effect on economic growth."
Metabolic signatures of human breast cancer

Metabolomics has emerged as a new discovery tool with the promise of identifying therapeutic targets in cancer. Recent discoveries described essential metabolomic pathways in breast cancer and characterized oncometabolites that drive tumor growth and progression. Oncogenes like MYC and tumor suppressor genes like TP53 prominently affect breast cancer biology through regulation of cell metabolism and mitochondrial biogenesis. These findings indicate that tumors with dominant mutations could be susceptible to inhibitors of disease metabolism. Moreover, various pre-clinical and clinical studies have linked tumor metabolism to therapeutic response and patient survival. Thus, recent advances suggest that metabolic profiling provides new opportunities to improve outcomes in breast cancer. In this review, we have summarized some of the identified roles of oncometabolites in breast cancer biology and highlight their clinical utility.
Effects of Implicit Memory on Memory-Based versus Stimulus-Based Brand Choice:

Abstract The author introduces implicit (versus explicit) memory to examine advertising effects on brand choice. Whereas explicit memory is demonstrated by the conscious recollection of an event, implicit memory is inferred by an improvement in some task performance as the result of having experienced the event. This research shows that memory-based choice benefits from advertising that enhances conceptually driven implicit memory whereas stimulus-based choice benefits from advertising that enhances perceptually driven implicit memory. The findings provide evidence that the two types of implicit memory and explicit memory are distinct constructs of memory; the findings also suggest that implicit memory measures may be more useful indicators of advertising effectiveness than explicit memory measures.
Ubiquitination, Ubiquitin-like Modifiers, and Deubiquitination in Viral Infection

Ubiquitin is important for nearly every aspect of cellular physiology. All viruses rely extensively on host machinery for replication; therefore, it is not surprising that viruses connect to the ubiquitin pathway at many levels. Viral involvement with ubiquitin occurs either adventitiously because of the unavoidable usurpation of cellular processes, or for some specific purpose selected for by the virus to enhance viral replication. Here, we review current knowledge of how the ubiquitin pathway alters viral replication and how viruses influence the ubiquitin pathway to enhance their own replication.
Long-term outcomes of ventriculoperitoneal shunt surgery in patients with hydrocephalus.

Objective Ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt surgery is the predominant mode of therapy for patients with hydrocephalus. However, it has potential complications that may require multiple surgical procedures during a patient's lifetime. The objective of this study is to review our long-term experience and evaluate the risk factors for VP shunt failure after initial shunt surgery and after subsequent revisions. Methods Patients who underwent VP shunt surgery for hydrocephalus were included. Medical charts, operative reports, imaging studies, and clinical follow-up evaluations were reviewed and analyzed retrospectively. Results A total of 1015 patients with the median age of 41.6 (range, 0–90.3) years at the time of VP shunt surgery were included. The mean and median follow up was 9.2 and 6.5 years, respectively. Adult patients (≥17 years) accounted for 70.0% of the patients. The overall shunt failure rate requiring shunt revision(s) was 46.3%, and the majority of shunt revisions occurred during the first 6 months after shunt placement. The shunt revision rate was significantly greater in pediatric ( 17 years) patients (78.2% vs. 32.5%, P 17 years) patients; male patients had greater odds for multiple revisions than female patients. Conclusion The findings of the study indicate that age at shunt placement, etiology of hydrocephalus, type of hydrocephalus, and previous treatments before shunt surgery were independently significantly associated with the shunt survival. Prospective controlled studies are required to address the observed associations between the risk factors and incidence of shunt revisions in these patients.
Molecular Wound Assessments: Matrix Metalloproteinases

Significance: The process of wound healing includes the regulated destruction of proteins via enzymes called proteinases. However, when the proteolytic process becomes excessive, pro-healing factors are destroyed and the wound healing process stalls. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are one key class of proteinases that have been observed to be elevated in many cases of failed wound healing. Recent Advances: Two key advances have been made in recent years. First is that, until recently, MMPs were only implicated in impaired healing of chronic wounds. Measurements of MMPs in wound fluids and serum from individuals with acute traumatic wounds have revealed that elevated MMPs are predictive of both impaired healing and of dehiscence of surgically closed wounds. The second advance is in the development of at least three clinically viable methods for measuring MMPs at the point of care. Critical Issues: At present there is no objective method of determining proteinase levels within a wound. Since elevated MMPs...
Walker‐Warburg syndrome: Prenatal ultrasound findings

The prenatal sonographic findings in a case of Walker-Warburg syndrome are described. The patient was not at risk for this condition. Ultrasound examination at 34 weeks' gestation revealed hydrocephaly, Dandy-Walker anomaly, and striking ocular abnormalities. From a review of the literature it appears that while intracranial abnormalities can lead to the diagnosis in cases at risk for this syndrome, ocular abnormalities are rather characteristic for this syndrome and they should be searched for in every case of hydrocephaly or encephalocele.
Crystallization of certain chalcogenide glasses

Abstract The structure and crystallization behavior of Te85Ge15, Te81Ge15Sb4, and Te81Ge15As4 glasses has been investigated by transmission electron microscopy. The vapor deposited films showed coherently scattering regions of 15–25 A. On subsequent heating, crystalline tellurium appeared followed by cubic or distorted cubic GeTe. An intermediate phase was detected in the Te81Ge15Sb4 phase. These results are discussed in terms of the thermodynamics of amorphous to crystalline transformation.
Filament-Wrapped Cotton Yarn Made from Card Web

Two mechanical drafting devices have been developed for drafting and aligning fibers in a strip of card web for the purpose of producing filament-wrapped yarns. Both devices, one an apron drafter, and the other a roller drafter, are fully described in this report. Yarns ranging from 25 to 48 tex were made at production rates ranging from 21 to 48 m/min. Yarns produced from the two drafters were compared and analyzed. The apron drafter made yarns with higher strength, elongation, and better uniformity and appearance than the roller drafter.
A conserved molecular mechanism is responsible for the auto-up-regulation of glucocorticoid receptor gene promoters.

Glucocorticoid (GC) hormones are widely used in the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Whereas a high level of GC receptor (GR) protein is associated with the sensitivity of ALL cells to steroid-mediated apoptosis, the auto-up-regulation of human (h)GR mRNA and protein is also found in hormone-sensitive ALL cell lines. We have characterized the hGR gene-proximal promoters for DNA sequences and transcription factors required for hormone responsiveness in T lymphoblasts. Sequences at −4559/−4525 and −2956/−2916, relative to the translation start site, function as strong composite GC response units (GRUs). Both GRUs include adjacent protein recognition sequences for the c-Myb transcription factor and the GR as a DNA cassette. An Ets-binding sequence overlaps the GR-binding site in the −4559/−4525 GRU, whereas an Ets-binding site present in the −2956/−2916 GRU does not overlap the GR/c-Myb-binding cassette. The Ets protein family member, PU.1, blocks hormonal activation of the −4559/−4525 GR/c-Myb-binding cassette but does not interfere with the responsiveness of the −2956/−2916 GRU. Thus, the hGR 1A GRU (described previously), the −4559/−4525 GRU, and the −2956/−2916 GRU have a similar structure and can mediate cell type-specific hormonal auto-up-regulation of hGR promoter activity in steroid-sensitive ALL cells. However, subtle differences in the GRU architecture result in differential sensitivity of the promoters to Ets family members such as PU.1. The architecture of the GRU and the spectrum of specific transcription factors present in different types of ALL might allow the development of a tailored therapy to enhance steroid sensitivity in ALL patients.
Oral Bisphosphonates: Implications for Dentoalveolar Surgery

patients treated with a parenteral bisphosphonate who underwent surgery, 21 showed acceptable healing. Sixteen sites of osteonecrosis of the maxilla associated with a parenteral bisphosphonate showed acceptable signs of healing postoperatively. Three patients demonstrated the presence of refractory disease at five sites in the mandible with a range of 10-60 days postoperatively, all of whom were taking a parenteral bisphosphonate. One patient demonstrated two sites of new primary disease postoperatively. This information reveals that resection of necrotic bone associated with bisphosphonate medications can result in resolution of the disease process. In particular, the striking revelation is that bisphosphonate related osteonecrosis of the mandible and maxilla associated with oral bisphosphonates is very responsive to properly performed resection surgery. While resolution of disease is less predictable in patients taking a parenteral bisphosphonate, all 16 sites of osteonecrosis of the maxilla in these patients showed acceptable healing.
Absolute Measurements of Anomalous ε β + -Decay Branching Ratios

Absolute values of $\frac{\ensuremath{\epsilon}}{{\ensuremath{\beta}}^{+}}$-decay branching ratios for decay of $^{145}\mathrm{Gd}$ to twelve levels in $^{145}\mathrm{Eu}$ have been measured. These measurements are all shown to deviate substantially from the calculated $\frac{\ensuremath{\epsilon}}{{\ensuremath{\beta}}^{+}}$ ratios of Gove and Martin. Skew ratios (exp/theor) are found to range from 1.5 to 40. These "anomalies" are ascribed to second-order corrections to allowed decay which have not been included in the calculations.
Pancreatic and bile duct brushing cytology in 1000 cases: Review of findings and comparison of preparation methods

BACKGROUND Duct brushing cytology is an important tool in evaluation of the extrahepatic biliary tract and large pancreatic ducts. The emergence of neoadjuvant therapies underscores the importance of accurate preoperative diagnosis by noninvasive means. Liquid-based preparation methods, such as ThinPrep, have become popular for nongynecologic cytology specimens. METHODS Findings from bile and pancreatic duct brushings were reviewed over the 10-year period of 1994-2003. Cytologic material, imaging reports, and clinical data were reviewed and pathologic and clinical follow-up data were obtained. The slides were prepared by direct smear only (18.8%), direct smear plus cytospin (14.4%), or direct smear plus ThinPrep (66.8%). RESULTS A total of 1118 specimens were identified (1008 bile duct, 110 pancreatic duct) from 864 patients. The cytologic findings were: 53.5% negative, 16.5% malignant, 18.2% suspicious for malignancy, 11% atypical/inconclusive, 0.8% inadequate. Follow-up in the form of either histology or at least 6 months clinical observation was available for 82.2% of cases (n = 971). Overall operating characteristics were: 52.6% sensitivity, 99.4% specificity, 98.9% positive predictive value, 67.1% negative predictive value, and 75.7% accuracy. Diagnostic agreement between cytology and follow-up was the main variable analyzed. Agreement was significantly affected by characteristics of the sampled lesion, with ductal narrowing having the lowest rate of malignancy. In addition, the ThinPrep method showed superior sensitivity and accuracy compared with other preparation methods (P = .02). Nonsignificant associations were noted for patient age and gender, site of lesion, and the presence of either stones or prior stent. CONCLUSION In a large dataset from a single institution, brushing cytology showed modest sensitivity and high specificity. Diagnostic agreement was considerably better for benign cases. The combination of direct smear and the ThinPrep method showed superior sensitivity and accuracy. Cancer (Cancer Cytopathol) 2006. © 2006 American Cancer Society.
Epinephrine metabolism in phenylketonuria.

SummaryData have been presented showing a decrease of norepinephrine and epinephrine in the plasma and of dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine in the urine of phenylketonuric children. These changes were reversed when the patients were treated with a low-phenylalanine diet. Since plasma tyrosine levels remained unchanged, this decrease appears to be caused by inhibition of dopa decarboxylase by the derivatives of phenylalanine. This would provide further in vivo evidence that the pyridoxal-phosphate dependent decarboxylases represent related or identical enzyme systems.
Who's really in control: microbial regulation of protein trafficking in the epithelium

Due to evolutionary pressure, there are many complex interactions at the interface between pathogens and eukaryotic host cells wherein host cells attempt to clear invading microorganisms and pathogens counter these mechanisms to colonize and invade host tissues. One striking observation from studies focused on this interface is that pathogens have multiple mechanisms to modulate and disrupt normal cellular physiology to establish replication niches and avoid clearance. The precision by which pathogens exert their effects on host cells makes them excellent tools to answer questions about cell physiology of eukaryotic cells. Furthermore, an understanding of these mechanisms at the host-pathogen interface will benefit our understanding of how pathogens cause disease. In this review, we describe a few examples of how pathogens disrupt normal cellular physiology and protein trafficking at epithelial cell barriers to underscore how pathogens modulate cellular processes to cause disease and how this knowledge has been utilized to learn about cellular physiology.
Weight and length in conservative regional french

Abstract This paper investigates the degree to which, in a Moraic Phonology framework, coda weight can be seen as responsible for nuclear length in several varieties of French. First, I outline the distribution of vowel length as detailed in conservative variants of French (Passy, 1913; Grammont, 1928). The proposed analysis discusses several length-related processes that are claimed to result from a very simple operation: the removal of an association line that links the moraic tier to certain terminal segments in the melody. Extraprosodicity at the word-level is shown to play a crucial role in determining which elements qualify as mora-bearing units. The second part carries the same analysis into the realm of a variety of regional French, that of Lower Normandy (LNRF), where length contrasts regulate a large part of the phonology. Two features stand out as separating LNRF from Conservative French: the lexical aspect of length — considerably more enhanced in LNRF — and the relationship between nucleus length and the weight of a subset of latent coda consonants — sporadic in Conservative French, systematic in LNRF.
Pharmaceutical and biomedical applications of capillary electrophoresis/electrochemistry

The use of capillary electrophoresis/electrochemistry (CEEC) for the analysis of microdialysis samples obtained for pharmacokinetic and neurochemical studies is described, as well as the development of new types of electrodes and waveforms which increase the selectivity of this technique for specific classes of analytes. CEEC with a carbon fiber electrode was employed for the analysis of microdialysis samples. Microdialysis is an in vivo sampling technique that yields very small samples for analysis (less than 1 microL). Therefore, capillary electrophoresis, with its small volume requirements, is an excellent choice for the analytical method. CEEC was used to study the pharmacokinetics of L-dopa and the release of aspartate and glutamate following a high K+ infusion in the brain. Several modified electrodes which increase the applicability of CEEC in pharmaceutical and biomedical analysis are described. One of these is a gold/mercury electrode which is highly selective for thiols and was used for the determination of glutathione in a rat brain. An alternative method for the detection of thiols employed a chemically modified electrode containing cobalt phthalocyanine. In this case, an electrocatalyst reduces the overpotential of thiols at the carbon electrode and makes it possible to detect them at a much lower and more selective oxidation potential. This electrode was used for the detection of cysteine in urine. The development of pulsed amperometric detection for capillary electrophoresis is also described and is demonstrated by the detection of glucose in blood. Lastly, a method for the detection of peptides based on the formation of a copper complex and detection at a carbon fiber electrode is discussed.
Polarization-sensitive Fourier domain optical coherence tomography

A fiber based polarization-sensitive Fourier domain optical coherence tomography system was demonstrated. The complex fringe signal containing amplitude and phase information was acquired by cancellation of DC and autocorrelation terms as well as the mirror image using an electro-optic phase modulator. The Stokes vectors of the reflected and scattered light from sample were determined by processing the analytical complex fringe signals from two perpendicular polarization-detection channels. From the Stokes vectors for four different input polarization states, the birefringence image and the polarization diversity intensity image were obtained.
Students are Important Consumers: Assessing Satisfaction in a Higher Education Context

Satisfaction assessment is a vital dimension of strategic marketing consciousness and practice. Yet the study of student satisfaction in higher education is underdeveloped. This empirical study tests, and demonstrates, the utility of the disconfirmation perspective of consumer satisfaction as a theoretical foundation and method for evaluating student satisfaction within the context of an MBA program.
Silicon photonic crystal fiber

A hollow-core photonic crystal fiber (PCF) made of silicon is reported for the first time. The fiber is obtained by converting silica fiber to porous silicon using magnesiothermic reduction.
Laboratory Observations of Plasma Instabilities in a Dipole Magnetic Field

THERE have been a number of laboratory experimental investigations concerning the nature of plasma motion in a dipole magnetic field. Recently results have been reported concerning an investigation of a stable trapped plasma belt in the field of a small, permanent, uniformly magnetized sphere1.
Lanthanide‐induced shifts of diastereotopic groups

The chemical shift differences of diastereotopic protons in aliphatic acyclic alcohols, mostly of the type RCH2CR′R″(CH2)nOH, have been investigated. Fairly small amounts of Eu(dpm)3 cause the spectra of these materials to simplify dramatically; indeed, even diastereotopic protons rather far removed form the hydroxyl group give discrete signals in the presence of the shift reagent. Large shift differences were realized in the γ-protons (n = 1) and the δ-protons (n = 2), particularly if R is bulky and R' and R″ have different steric requirements. Semi-quantitative conformational preferences can be determined from the data obtained.
TNFerade Biologic: Preclinical toxicology of a novel adenovector with a radiation-inducible promoter, carrying the human tumor necrosis factor alpha gene

TNFerade Biologic (TNFerade) is a second-generation (E1-, E3-, and E4-deleted) replication-deficient adenovector carrying the transgene encoding for human tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha), regulated by the radiation-sensitive promoter Early Growth Response (Egr-1). We hypothesized that intratumoral injection of TNFerade followed by radiation would result in potentially therapeutic levels of TNFalpha with minimal toxicity. Three preclinical studies were conducted, the purpose of which was to characterize the toxicity and pharmacokinetics of TNFerade in conjunction with radiation in nude as well as immune-competent (Balb/c) mice. A total of 80 mice in the nude mouse toxicology study, all bearing human squamous cell carcinoma xenografts, 120 mice in the Balb/c study, and 33 nude mice in the pharmacokinetic study were used. Doses ranging from 4x10(9) to 4x10(10) particle units (pu) (4x10(11) pu in the Balb/c study) were explored, with and without radiation. In the nude mice studies, TNFerade was injected intratumorally, whereas in the Balb/c study, TNFerade was administered by subcutaneous injection. TNFerade was well tolerated. In the nude mice studies, no significant toxicity occurred in any dose group. In the Balb/c study, 6/40 mice at the top dose (4x10(11) pu) were sacrificed in moribund condition (5/20 in the TNFerade+radiation group, 1/20 in the TNFerade alone group). Necropsy showed local necrosis and ulceration at the site of the injection. No deaths or significant toxicity were observed at the lower dose levels (4x10(9) and 4x10(10) pu), indicating a large safety margin for initial studies in humans. The pharmacokinetic study demonstrated high sustained levels of TNFalpha in the tumor homogenate with no "spillover" to plasma, where TNFalpha levels were below the level of detection. Radiation increased intratumoral levels of TNFalpha by a factor of 12 (from 0.998 to 11.55 ng/g). In conclusion, a gene therapy approach with TNFerade, in combination with radiation, represents a potential way to utilize the potent anticancer activity of TNFalpha without systemic toxicity.
Physical-modeling investigations for wind engineering: Applications beyond wind-load determinations

Abstract Physical modeling (PM) has a long history of development and use for studies of hydraulic, aeronautical, mechanical, and chemical engineering problems with complex fluid flow and boundary conditions. Applications of PM to wind engineering (WE) were delayed until the ability to model flow characteristics of natural wind was realized by development of boundary-layer wind tunnels (BLWT's) in the 1960's. Following development of BLWT's, PM of wind loads on building and structures became the primary source of wind-load data. This aspect of PM is only summarized herein and emphasis is given to three relatively new applications of PM to WE: 1) determination of local wind characteristics, 2) quantification of atmospheric transport of mass and heat, and 3) transmission of sound and light. These classes of PM applications are described by reference to specific examples.
The Adhesion Between a Microvillus-Bearing Cell and a Ligand-Coated Substrate: A Monte Carlo Study

In biology, specific cell adhesion is mediated by receptor–ligand interactions. Consequently, its strength correlates with the strength of single receptor–ligand bonds that can be measured with a variety of techniques. However, whether single receptor–ligand bonds are truly present in an experiment is often a concern. In this paper, we present a Monte Carlo simulation of the adhesion between a microvillus-bearing cell and a ligand-coated substrate. In the simulation, ligands were immobilized on the substrate either uniformly or in clusters of three and seven, while receptors were distributed uniformly on the microvillus tip and they moved randomly on the cellular surface. How ligand clustering affects the adhesion frequency and forward rate constant was studied. Other factors that were studied include receptor aggregation on the microvillus tip, ligand density, receptor density, contact time, and binding pocket size. In the case of uniformly distributed ligands, our simulation results agree well with those obtained from probabilistic analysis. We found that, even with clustered ligands on the substrate, most of the adhesion events were mediated by a single bond if the total adhesion frequency was less than 20%. Besides, ligand clustering decreased the total adhesion frequency and forward rate constant, but increased the single-bond adhesion frequency under comparable conditions. These findings should lend us some assistance in identifying single bonds in cell–substrate or cell–bead adhesion measurements and in illustrating some biological mechanisms that involve clustered ligands.
Effect of diverse mammalian and nonmammalian gonadotropins on isolated rat Leydig cells

Abstract The isolated rat Leydig cell assay was employed to study species specificity in biological action. Eight mammalian luteinizing hormones (LHs), human chorionic gonadotropin, and pregnant mare serum gonadotropin stimulated testosterone production in this assay with a 250-fold potency range. A high potency correlated with a high carbohydrate content. Comparison of the potencies of these hormones in the Leydig assay, the ovarian ascorbic acid depletion assay, and the Xenopus ovulation assay showed the results of the two rat assays to be the most similar, demonstrating that the receptor as well as the hormone play a role in determining species specificity. The LH specificity of the assay was reexamined and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) was found to have a small intrinsic activity. Nonmammalian LHs, which generally possess little or no activity in in vivo mammalian assays, were able to stimulate rat Leydig cells, at 1000x mammalian LH doses. LH specificity was retained with nonmammalian LHs but the potency differences between nonmammalian LHs and FSHs were much less than mammalian LHs and FSHs.