cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Computer-Assisted Design of New Drugs Based on Retrometabolic Concepts

Abstract Retrometabolic drug design approaches incorporate metabolic and toxicological considerations into the drug design process and represent a novel, systematic methodology for the design of safe compounds. Two major design concepts aimed to increase the therapeutic index (the activity/toxicity ratio) of drugs were developed. Chemical delivery systems (CDS) are primarily used to allow targeting of the active biological molecules to specific target sites or organs based on predictable enzymatic activation. Soft drug approaches are used to design new drugs by building in the molecule, in addition to the activity, the most desired way in which the molecule is to be deactivated and detoxified subsequent to exerting its biological effects. Special computer programs were developed that starting from a lead compound generate complete libraries of possible soft analogs and then help ranking these candidates based on isosteric-isoelectronic comparisons, predicted solubility/partition properties, and estimated ...
Measuring Students’ Writing Ability on a Computer-Analytic Development Scale: Orchestrating the Dance Between Technology and the Teacher

Literacy educators and researchers have long recognized the importance of increasing students’ writing proficiency across age and grade levels. With the release of the Common Core State Standards (...
Likelihood methods for binary responses of present components in a cluster.

In some biomedical studies involving clustered binary responses (say, disease status) the cluster sizes can vary because some components of the cluster can be absent. When both the presence of a cluster component as well as the binary disease status of a present component are treated as responses of interest, we propose a novel two-stage random effects logistic regression framework. For the ease of interpretation of regression effects, both the marginal probability of presence/absence of a component as well as the conditional probability of disease status of a present component, preserve the approximate logistic regression forms. We present a maximum likelihood method of estimation implementable using standard statistical software. We compare our models and the physical interpretation of regression effects with competing methods from literature. We also present a simulation study to assess the robustness of our procedure to wrong specification of the random effects distribution and to compare finite sample performances of estimates with existing methods. The methodology is illustrated via analyzing a study of the periodontal health status in a diabetic Gullah population.
Not Making the Grade: Expansive Soils and Higher Education in Texas

Expansive soils are a serious geologic hazard in Texas; accordingly, one would expect Texas engineering colleges to offer a strong educational program on expansive soils at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. However, data from the geotechnical programs within the civil engineering departments of Texas engineering colleges suggest that while Texas educational programs cover the topic of expansive soils in varying degrees, the educational effort is highly skewed toward traditional geotechnical and foundation issues. In most cases, treatment of the expansive soil problem is limited and is not adequate when measured against the scope and extent of expansive soil problems in Texas.
Quality of pancreatic cancer care at Veterans Administration compared with non-Veterans Administration hospitals

Abstract Background National efforts are underway to monitor the quality of patient care at Veterans Administration (VA) hospitals. The objective of this study was to examine treatment utilization and outcomes for localized pancreatic cancer at VA compared with non-VA hospitals. Methods Using the National Cancer Data Base, patients with pretreatment clinical stage I/II pancreatic adenocarcinoma were identified. Treatment utilization and outcomes were assessed at VA compared with academic and community hospitals. Results Of 35,009 patients, 2% were seen at VA, 38% at academic, and 54% at community hospitals. VA hospitals were more likely to use surgery (odds ratio 2.20, 95% confidence interval 1.73–2.79) and to administer adjuvant chemotherapy (odds ratio 1.77, confidence interval 1.28–2.46) compared with community hospitals. Adjusted perioperative mortality and 3-year survival rates after surgery were similar at VA and academic hospitals. Conclusions For localized pancreatic cancer, patients treated at VA hospitals receive stage-specific treatments and have risk-adjusted perioperative and long-term survival rates that are comparable with those for patients treated at academic centers.
Effects of in vitro beta-adrenergic activation on rabbit bone marrow erythroid colony forming cells.

SummaryThe present study has demonstrated that terbutaline sulfate, a specific β-2 adrenergic agonist drug produces a direct in vitro action causing an increase in the number of CFU-E in the rabbit bone marrow cell compartment. Terbutaline in combination with Ep did not cause any greater increase in 59Fe incorporation into extracta-ble heme in vitro after 45-hr incubation than Ep alone. However, Ep and terbutaline in concentrations between 10-10 and 10-6M produced highly significant increases in the number of rabbit bone marrow erythroid colonies in an in vitro plasma clot system following 96-hr incubation compared with Ep alone. Erythroid colony growth in the plasma clot system was found to require Ep. It is postulated that the stimulatory effects of terbutaline on CFU-E are via β-adrener-gic receptors, in that erythroid colony formation was blocked by the β-adrenergic antagonist, DL-propranolol. The observation that terbutaline did not produce an increase in heme synthesis may indicate that this β-2 adr...
In situ scanning tunneling microscopy studies of bimetallic cluster growth: Pt–Rh on TiO2(110)

Abstract The growth of Pt on clusters on TiO 2 (1 1 0) in the presence and absence of Rh was investigated by scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) for Pt deposited on top of 0.3 ML Rh clusters (Rh + Pt). In situ STM studies of Pt growth at room temperature show that bimetallic clusters are produced when Pt is directly incorporated into existing Rh clusters or when newly nucleated clusters of pure Pt coalesce with existing Rh clusters. Low energy ion scattering experiments demonstrate that Rh is still present at the surface of the clusters even after deposition of 2 ML of Pt, indicating that Rh atoms can diffuse to the cluster surface at room temperature. Rh clusters were found to seed the growth of Pt clusters at room temperature as well as 100 K and 450 K. Furthermore, clusters as large as 100 atoms were observed to be mobile on the surface at room temperature and 450 K, but not at 100 K. Pt deposition at 100 K exhibited more two-dimensional cluster growth and higher cluster densities compared to room temperature experiments due to the lower diffusion rate. Increased diffusion rates at 450 K resulted in more three-dimensional cluster growth and lower densities for pure Pt growth, but cluster densities for Pt + Rh growth were the same as at room temperature.
Hormonal induction of alkaline phosphatase in human cells in tissue culture.

DURING an investigation of differences between established lines of human cells in culture, the alkaline phosphatase content was found to vary from high activity in certain epithelial lines to trace or no detectable activity in other epithelial lines. In a series of six HeLa lines the variation in alkaline phosphatase was as great as among cell lineo derived from other tissues and from different species. Among the six lines of uncloned HeLa cells four showed marked ‘constitutive’ alkaline phosphatase activity and two showed trace or no activity (Table 1).
ELECTRO-DISCHARGE MACHINING OF TRANSFORMATION TOUGHENED ZrO - NbC CERAMIC COMPOSITE

ABSTRACT Electroconductive transformation toughened ZrO2 and NbC ceramic composite was machined with an electro-discharge machining (EDM) method. Effects of EDM conditions on roughness of machined surfaces were examined. Surface damage caused during machining was evaluated with flexural strength of machined specimens. Fracture surfaces of EDMed bending specimens were observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). It was observed that the strength of EDMed members was decreased with increases in pulse current, pulse duration and duty factor. Pulse duration and pulse current had a great influence on the roughness of machined surfaces. When the pulse duration was large enough, noticeable delaraination in the surface layer occurred. The highest flexural strength of an EDMed specimen attained was about 1 GPa. The X-ray diffraction patterns of surface layers were changed by machining.
Compositionally Modified Hydroxyapatite Nanocrystals for Polymer/Ceramic Scaffold Applications

The polymer/bioceramic composite materials attract much attention for the development of bioresorbable implants and tissue engineering scaffolds. Hydroxyapatite (HA) is the most commonly used bioceramic material due to its similarity to the major mineral component of the hard tissue. We synthesized carbonated and Mg-substituted HA nanocrystals with various concentrations of CO3 2− and Mg2+ ions by chemical precipitation in the range of the process temperatures from 25 °C to 100 °C. The HA nanocrystals were mixed with several polymeric materials (PCL, PLA, PVA, collagen) to fabricate bulk and nanofiber polymer/HA nanoparticle composites with the HA loading up to 80 % by weight. The HA nanocrystals and polymer/HA composites were characterized by X-ray diffraction, FT-IR spectroscopy, scanning electron and atomic force microscopy. Mechanical properties of the composites were investigated using nanoindentation technique.
Development of micropower ultrawideband impulse radar medical diagnostic systems for continuous monitoring applications and austere environments

This paper discusses the application of Micropower Ultrawideband Impulse Radar (MUIR) technology to the detection and monitoring of intracranial hemorrhage. MUIR is ideally suited for medical diagnostic and monitoring applications because the emitted electromagnetic radiation is non-ionizing and has both peak and average power levels that are orders of magnitude lower than those of a hand-held cell phone. Furthermore, MUIR can be readily packaged into handheld, battery operated form factors. There are numerous applications for such a device: rural settings with limited CT access; field use where excessive hemodynamic instability may preclude patient transport; natural disaster or conflict events that require on-site triage; and for hospital bedside monitoring. In experimental phantoms and in a small human subjects study, MUIR technology successfully detects reflected signals from near-surface hematomas. These investigations suggest the feasibility of developing MUIR-based systems for pre-hospital or bedside diagnostic applications to assist with early diagnosis, triage, and treatment planning.
Effect of high pressure on the solid–liquid phase change of a nickel base superalloy during hot isostatic pressing

Abstract Effects of high pressure during a hot isostatic pressing (HIPing) on the solid–liquid phase change and the microstructure of a directionally solidified (DS) nickel base superalloy were studied. This alloy was treated under various HIP cycles at temperatures of 1330 or 1340 °C, higher than the liquidus of the alloy. The evolution of the microstructure, composition, crystallographic orientation of the texture and the hardness of the alloy was analyzed for the evaluation of the high isostatic pressure effect. The microstructural analysis revealed that high pressure around 120 MPa has a great influence not only on the metallography but also on the crystallography of the alloy at the processing temperature. The DS grain structure was preserved for some HIPed specimens, suggesting an increase in the melting temperature of the alloy at least by 10 K at 120 MPa. All the findings of this work were elucidated in terms of the change in the Gibbs free energy due to volume changes upon solid–solid and liquid–solid phase transformation and of the migration of constituent elements to mitigate the Gibbs free energy under a high isostatic pressure condition.
Glucose utilization rates are linked to the internal free glucose gradient in the rat tapeworm.

Abstract Hymenolepis diminuta is able to acquire plasma-borne glucose 3- O -[ 14 C]methyiglucose) in vivo . Free glucose concentrations estimated for this helminth in vivo are comparable to that of the host intestine. Both in vivo and in vitro examinations indicate that the scolex-neck regions (first quartile) of this tapeworm have the highest glucose content, and an anterior-posterior gradient along the second, third, and fourth quartiles was observed. Substrate concentration was rate affecting for glucose utilization rates (measured as substrate depletion from the medium in vitro ). Glucose utilization per minute exceeds glucose content by a factor of more than 5. The half-life of glucose was about 10 sec, emphasizing that sugar metabolism is a very rapid process. In addition, utilization was highest in the first quartile and decreased in succession in the second, third, and fourth quartiles. It is concluded that while the exogenous glucose concentration remains stable, regional differences in glucose utilization rates are linked ( R = 0.98; P H. diminuta .
Reflector sidelobe degradation due to random surface errors

It is well known that the sidelobe structure of a reflector antenna is highly susceptible to random surface errors, and that in most applications it is not adequate to investigate only the average behavior of the antenna. In this study, an attempt is made to determine the probability distribution of the sidelobe level of a reflector antenna subject to some random surface errors. Specifically, the random pattern function is considered and its sidelobe level studied using the level-upcrossing theory. Both the degradation of the maximum sidelobe and the degradation of the sidelobe region with respect to an International Radio Consultative Committee (CCIR) sidelobe envelope are obtained. The theoretical results are found in excellent agreement with those obtained by Monte Carlo simulations. Finally, some useful tolerance charts are presented.
Effects of glucosamine hydrochloride and chondroitin sulphate, alone and in combination, on normal and interleukin-1 conditioned equine articular cartilage explant metabolism

Summary Reasons for performing study: Clinical trials in human and veterinary literature have documented the benefits of oral nutraceutical joint supplements containing glucosamine (GU) and chondroitin sulphate (CS) to treat mild to moderate osteoarthritis, but the effects of these components have not yet been conclusively determined. Objectives: To assess varying dosages of GU and CS on normal and interleukin-1α (IL-1) conditioned equine cartilage explants and rationalise the use of these products. Hypothesis: Treatment would not be detrimental to cartilage metabolism and higher dosages and the combination of GU and CS would be more beneficial than lower dosages and GU or CS alone. Methods: Articular cartilage explants collected from the femoral trochlea and condyles were cultured in normal and IL-1 conditioned media. Treatment groups included 0, 12.5, 25, 125 and 250 μg/ml concentrations of GU alone, CS alone, or GU+CS in combination. Glycosaminoglycan (GAG) synthesis and total GAG content in the explants and media were analysed. Results: There were no detrimental effects of GU, CS or GU+CS on cartilage metabolism. High dosages of GU+CS reduced total GAG release into the media (degradation). Conclusions: Our results suggests that GU+CS may prevent cartilage GAG degradation. Potential relevance: The combination of GU and CS may be more effective in preventing or treating osteoarthritis in horses than either product alone.
PYOCYANIN AND METABOLIC PATHWAYS IN LIVER SLICES IN VITRO.

Abstract The effect of pyocyanin, an oxidation-reduction mediator, on the metabolism of 14 C-labeled mannose, fructose, glycerol, pyruvate, acetate, propionate, butyrate, and CO 2 in rat-liver slices has been studied. In general, pyocyanin markedly increased the oxidation to CO 2 of those substrates expected to be metabolized significantly via the phosphogluconate pathway. However, while fructose and glycerol are presumed to enter the Embden-Meyerhof pathway at the triose level, glycerol but not fructose oxidation to CO 2 was increased by pyocyanin addition. Pyocyanin decreased the incorporation of the labeled substrates into glycogen and fatty acids and also the oxidation of pyruvate, acetate, propionate, and butyrate to CO 2 . Pyocyanin thus appears to have effects on pathways in addition to the phosphogluconate pathway.
Pyrolysis mass spectrometry and gas chromatography of plasma-polymerized benzene and xylene

Pyrolysis mass spectra and gas chromatograms of plasma-polymerized benzene (PPB) and p-xylene (PPX) have been studied. Both polymers gave mass spectra that indicated the presence of disubstitution in an aromatic ring and of product molecules, such as biphenyl and ethylbenzene, trapped in the polymer matrix. The PPB spectrum showed fragments originating from C6H4n structures and the PPX spectrum fragments originated from CH2C6H4CH2n structures. Both the pyrolysis mass spectrum and chromatogram contained peaks that distinguished PPX from commercial polystyrene samples. A chain mechanism which involves H abstraction reactions under plasma activation is proposed. The highly crosslinked structures of the polymers are attributed to the subsequent addition of free radicals to the double bonds of a fragmented chain formed as a result of the scission of the CC aromatic bond(s).
Unilateral left pulmonary T1-201 uptake on raw data images of dual-isotope gated SPECT due to pulmonary infiltrates and atelectasis

Diffuse pulmonary thallium 201 uptake on dual-isotope gated single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) at rest is usually bilateral and related to coronary artery disease (CAD). We present a patient who had unilateral left pulmonary T1-201 uptake and normal left ventricular (LV) perfusion and function. The abnormal diffuse pulmonary Tl-201 uptake in the left lung corresponded to infiltrates and atelectasis on the concurrent radiograph and computed tomogram of the chest.
The interaction of group III metal alkyls with crown ethers. The synthesis and structure of [Ga(CH3)3]2[dibenzo18-crown-6] and [Al(CH3)3]2[dicyclohexano-18-crown-6]

Abstract [Ga(CH 3 ) 3 ] 2 [dibenzo-18-crown-6] and [Al(CH 3 ) 3 ] 2 [dicyclohexyl-18-crown-6] were prepared by the reaction of Ga(CH 3 ) 3 or Al(CH 3 ) 3 with the appropriate crown ether in toluene. After filtering and cooling, both products were obtained as colorless, air-sensitive, rectangular crystals. The structures of both compounds were determined from single crystal X-ray diffraction data collected on a CAD-4 diffractomer. [Ga(CH 3 ) 3 ] 2 [dibenzo-18-crown-6] belongs to the monoclinic space group P 2 1 / c with unit cell parameters a 11.460(5), b 18.000(7), c 7.495(4) A, β 105.65(4)°, and ϱ(calc) 1.32 g cm −3 for Z  2. Least-squares refinement gave a final R value of 0.061 for 1179 independent observed reflections. The molecule resides on a crystallographic center of inversion. The Ga-O distance of 2.198(8) A is among the longest yet observed. In order to accommodate the two trialkygallium units, the crown ether is forced to adopt a chair configuration. [Al(CH 3 ) 3 ] 2 [dicyclohexano-18-crown-6] crystallizes in the space group P 2 1 / a with cell parameters a 16.423(7), b 9.812(5), c 20.935(8) A, β 107.41(5)°, and ϱ(calc) 1.07 g cm −3 for Z  4. Least-squares refinement gave a final R value of 0.079. The flexibility of the crown ether in this case allows the bonded oxygen atoms to be positioned on the outside of the crown, with all six oxygen atoms in a near-planar arrangement.
ISOLATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF MURINE LACTOFERRIN

Lactoferrin, a non-heme, iron-binding glycoprotein, was isolated from mouse milk. The purification procedure involved an initial centrifugation to remove much of the casein and to separate the fat from the whey, followed by ammonium sulfate precipitation and chromatography on carboxymethyl-Sephadex. The lactoferrin preparation obtained was highly purified as judged by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis under both non-denaturing and denaturing conditions, and the presence of lysine as the only NH2-terminal amino acid. Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulfate indicated a single component having a molecular weight of 78 000 +/- 2800. Sedimentation equilibrium ultracentrifugation studies suggested that in addition to monomers of molecular weight 75 000 +/- 1000, other oligomeric forms of the protein were also present. Amino acid and amino sugar analyses revealed that there were 5 methionine, 10 histidine, 10 tryptophan and 5 glucosamine residues per mol of protein. Isoelectric focusing of lactoferrin in a polyacrylamide gel stabilized pH gradient indicated a single component having an isoelectric point of about 9; however, depending on the preparation examined, a range of 8.7-9.6 was noted. A single precipitin line was observed with rabbit anti-mouse lactoferrin when examined by immunodiffusion and immunoelectrophoresis. No immunological cross-reaction was observed between mouse lactoferrin and mouse transferrin.
Life history traits and phenotypic selection among sunflower crop–wild hybrids and their wild counterpart: implications for crop allele introgression

Hybridization produces strong evolutionary forces. In hybrid zones, selection can differentially occur on traits and selection intensities may differ among hybrid generations. Understanding these dynamics in crop–wild hybrid zones can clarify crop-like traits likely to introgress into wild populations and the particular hybrid generations through which introgression proceeds. In a field experiment with four crop–wild hybrid Helianthus annuus (sunflower) cross types, we measured growth and life history traits and performed phenotypic selection analysis on early season traits to ascertain the likelihood, and routes, of crop allele introgression into wild sunflower populations. All cross types overwintered, emerged in the spring, and survived until flowering, indicating no early life history barriers to crop allele introgression. While selection indirectly favored earlier seedling emergence and taller early season seedlings, direct selection only favored greater early season leaf length. Further, there was cross type variation in the intensity of selection operating on leaf length. Thus, introgression of multiple early season crop-like traits, due to direct selection for greater early season leaf length, should not be impeded by any cross type and may proceed at different rates among generations. In sum, alleles underlying early season sunflower crop-like traits are likely to introgress into wild sunflower populations.
A flapping-wing microrobot with a differential angle-of-attack mechanism

Control of insect-scale flapping-wing robots is challenging due to weight constraints and inherent instabilities. Instead of adding more actuators to increase the controllability of the flapping-wing robot, we use a single actuator to drive a system of mechanical linkages to cause bilaterally asymmetric changes in the wing hinge spring rest angle of the left and right wings. We show in simulation that such a control input can generate wing motions which produce yaw and roll torques. A kinematic model of the mechanism was developed and an at-scale prototype of this concept was built. High speed videos of its wing motions are consistent with the kinematic model and according to the simulation, are capable of generating adequate yaw and roll torques for attitude control.
Structure of bis(2-pyridine-N-oxide) diselenide and its formation from tetraphenylantimony(V) selenopyridine-N-oxide

The structure of bis(2-pyridine-N-oxide) diselenide was determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction. The compound crystallized in the triclinic system and the structure was solved in the space group\(P\bar 1\). The lattice constants were determined to bea=7.174(2),b=7.176(2),c=11.070(2) A, α=87.67(2)°, β=73.68(2)°, and γ=89.57(2)°;Z=2,Dx=1.906 Mg m−3. The final least squares refinement based on 1942 independent observed reflections yieldedR=0.033,wR=0.044. The Se−Se′ bond length is 2.326(1) A and each Se is coordinated to the O atom of the corresponding N-oxide moiety at a distance of about 2.6 A.
Meeting the information needs of students and professionals: the Health Informatics Education Center at the Houston Academy of Medicine-Texas Medical Center Library.

(1998). Meeting the Information Needs of Students and Professionals: The Health Informatics Education Center at the Houston Academy of Medicine-Texas Medical Center Library. Medical Reference Services Quarterly: Vol. 17, No. 4, pp. 85-90.
The fragmented QRS: does it really indicate a ventricular abnormality?

ObjectiveNotching of R and S waves in the QRS complex can result from myocardial infarction. As defined in recent studies, the ‘fragmented QRS’ (fQRS) showed high sensitivity and specificity for the presence of myocardial scar as imaged by myocardial perfusion scanning in participants studied for is
Does the photon-diffusion coefficient depend on absorption?

We investigate the controversy over the precise form of the photon diffusion coefficient and suggest that it is largely independent of absorption, i.e., D0=v/3µs′. After presentation of the general theoretical arguments underlying this assertion, Monte Carlo simulations are performed and explicitly reveal that the absorption-independent diffusion coefficient gives better agreement with theory than the traditionally accepted photon diffusion coefficient, Dμa=v/3(μs′+μa). The importance of resolving this controversy for the proper characterization of the material optical properties is discussed.
Abstract 5629: Arginine depravation therapy with arginine deiminase and autophagy inhibition is a novel therapeutic approach for the treatment of metastatic sarcomas that lack argininosuccinate synthetase expression

While sarcomas are a rare group of tumors, the poor response to current clinical regimens represents an important unmet need in oncology. A better therapeutic understanding of the biology and metabolism of sarcoma growth is necessary to develop novel therapies to treat patients with this group of tumors. Argininosuccinate synthase 1 (ASS1) is the rate-limiting enzyme in the conversion of citrulline to arginine. When ASS1 is not expressed arginine becomes an essential amino acid to a cancer cell that must be delivered from the diet. Immunohistochemical analysis of 701 patient specimens representing 45 subtypes of sarcoma demonstrates that ASS1 is not expressed in over 85% of sarcomas (619 of 701 patient samples). This suggests that sarcomas may be sensitive to the arginine deprivation therapy using pegylated arginine deiminase (ADI-PEG20). Treatment of a panel of leiomyosarcoma, osteosarcoma, alveolar soft part sarcoma, malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor and Ewing9s sarcoma cell lines with ADI-PEG20 resulted in cell cycle arrest but not apoptosis when ASS1 expression was low, whereas the ASS1 high osteosarcoma cell line MG63 continued to divide. Response in sarcoma cell lines is dependent on ASS1 expression, as bone sarcomas, soft tissue sarcomas, complex cytogenetic sarcomas and translocation dependent sarcomas all demonstrate cell cycle inhibition upon treatment with ADI-PEG20. The IC50 for treated cell lines treated with ADI-PEG20 ranged from 0.02-0.1ug/mL in ASS1 low sensitive cell lines. Treatment of sarcomas that lack ASS1 with ADI-PEG20 induces autophagy. Depletion of arginine by ADI-PEG20 in ASS1 negative sarcomas when combined with chloroquine, an inhibitor of autophagy, induces cell death as measured by Annexin V. Xenograft of the ASS1 low expressing osteosarcoma cell line MNNG into nude mice followed by treatment with ADI-PEG20 demonstrated a significantly slower tumor growth rate as compared to PBS treated controls. Experiments are now ongoing in mice using the combination of chloroquine and ADI-PEG20. Successful control of tumor burden by using arginine deprivation therapy and autophagy inhibition in our preclinical studies will help to justify and orient future clinical trials for this innovative treatment for patients with sarcoma that lack ASS1 expression. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 5629. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-5629
Factors Influencing Growth and Body Condition of Alewives in Connecticut Lakes

ABSTRACT Alewives were collected by nighttime gill netting during summer 1999 from 12 Connecticut lakes that support landlocked populations to determine relationships between population characteristics and physicochemical lake variables. Mean catch-per-unit-effort (CPUE) ranged from 0.2 to 16.4 age-1 and older alewives per net hour. Maximum ages of alewives among lakes ranged from two to five years, and mean back-calculated length-at-age-1, used to index growth rate, ranged from 78 to 146 mm. Mean back-calculated length-at-age-1 was positively correlated with mean relative condition factor (Kn), watershed area:lake surface area ratio, watershed area:lake volume ratio, lake surface area:lake volume ratio, conductivity, total nitrogen, alkalinity, calcium, magnesium, and chlorophyll a, and negatively correlated with retention time, maximum lake depth, mean lake depth, and transparency. Mean Kn ranged from 0.93 to 1.23 and was positively correlated with mean back-calculated length-at-age-1, watershed area:la...
Approaches to Augmenting the Immunogenicity of Melanoma Gangliosides: From Whole Melanoma Cells to Ganglioside‐KLH Conjugate Vaccines

Gangliosides are neuraminic acid containing glycosphingolipids that are anchored into the lipid bilayer of the plasma membrane by their lipophilic ceramide moiety. They are overexpressed on tissues of neuroectodermal origin, particularly in tumors such as melanomas, sarcomas, neuroblastomas and astrocytomas. With the ganglioside-KLH plus immunological adjuvant QS-21 conjugate vaccine, GM2 and GD2 have been shown to be consistently immunogenic, inducing cytotoxic IgM antibodies in most patients. The immunogenicity of other gangliosides also expressed on melanoma cells such as 9-0-acetyl GD3 and GD3 lactone is currently being tested with this conjugate vaccine approach. From the initiation of our adjuvant vaccine trials in 1975 to the present, the immunogenicity of ganglioside vaccines has increased significantly as vaccine development has progressed. For instance, GM2 antibody responses increased from low titer IgM antibodies induced in occasional patients after whole cell vaccines, to moderate titer IgM antibodies in 86% of patients after GM2/BCG vaccines, to higher titer IgM antibodies in 100% of patients treated with the GM2-KLH plus QS-21 vaccine. These antibodies are capable of mediating complement mediated cytotoxicity of GM2 expressing melanoma cells in the majority of patients and such antibodies, whether naturally produced or vaccine induced, have been associated with a significantly improved disease-free and overall survival. An initial double-blind randomized trial in AJCC Stage III melanoma patients comparing GM2/BCG with BCG alone, demonstrated a 14% improvement in disease-free interval at 4 years and an 11% improvement in overall survival, though neither result achieved statistical significance. Based on these encouraging clinical results and the clearly improved immunogenicity of the GM2-KLH plus QS-21 vaccine compared to the previous GM2/BCG vaccine, the following two large clinical trials are anticipated to begin in 1995-1996. The GM2-KLH plus QS-21 vaccine will be tested in the intergroup setting by ECOG in 450 patients with AJCC Stage II or III melanoma who are free of disease after surgery. Also to be tested in a multicenter trial is a GM2-KLH plus GD2-KLH plus QS-21 vaccine in patients with high risk AJCC Stage II-IV sarcoma after surgical excision of all known disease.
The APC tumor suppressor is required for epithelial cell polarization and three-dimensional morphogenesis.

The Adenomatous Polyposis Coli (APC) tumor suppressor has been previously implicated in the control of apical-basal polarity; yet, the consequence of APC loss-of-function in epithelial polarization and morphogenesis has not been characterized. To test the hypothesis that APC is required for the establishment of normal epithelial polarity and morphogenesis programs, we generated APC-knockdown epithelial cell lines. APC depletion resulted in loss of polarity and multi-layering on permeable supports, and enlarged, filled spheroids with disrupted polarity in 3D culture. Importantly, these effects of APC knockdown were independent of Wnt/β-catenin signaling, but were rescued with either full-length or a carboxy (c)-terminal segment of APC. Moreover, we identified a gene expression signature associated with APC knockdown that points to several candidates known to regulate cell-cell and cell-matrix communication. Analysis of epithelial tissues from mice and humans carrying heterozygous APC mutations further support the importance of APC as a regulator of epithelial behavior and tissue architecture. These data also suggest that the initiation of epithelial-derived tumors as a result of APC mutation or gene silencing may be driven by loss of polarity and dysmorphogenesis.
Analysis of Student–Instructor Interaction Patterns in Real-Time, Scientific Online Discourse

The characteristics of the online environment alter how students and instructors interact. Scientific discourse among students and instructors in an online text-only synchronous environment was analyzed. In converting dialogue to text, many of the nonverbal cues, such as facial expression and tone of voice, which instructors use to gauge student understanding are lost. The participants adapt their communication style to the medium, and we present a new interaction pattern for student–instructor communication found prevalent in the synchronous, text-only, online environment. This study has implications for instructors who use synchronous, text-based communication for their courses, namely the value of posing additional questions from the instructor to verify student understanding.
An anthropological approach to research in the mental hospital community.

This paper has attempted to deal briefly with the anthropologist's role as researcher into the action program of a small mental hospital, and to discuss some of the problems encountered. An anthropological view of the mental hospital community is presented, with emphasis on its structure as a professional community and its interprofessional competition for the patient. The basic anthropological technique, participant observation, is discussed, and some analogies with the clinical method are pointed out. The clinician's view of the anthropologist's data, while derived with a somewhat similar method, is shown to contain many reservations. At times the hospital attempts to use existing service personnel as research personnel also, as a way of upgrading them and establishing closer links with the research team, but some unexpected consequences of this use are shown. Problems of doing, controlled research in the medical setting are discussed, and ways of dealing with the problem in an action research program are illustrated.
Can internal heat contribute to the high surface temperature of Venus

It is shown that current observational data on conditions at the Venusian surface are adequate to exclude the possibility that thermal energy from a hot interior contributes to the high surface temperature of the planet. The maximum energy flux conducted from the interior is estimated by assigning a maximum thermal conductivity and a minimum thickness to the crust. It is found that the crust must be at least 10 km thick and that the maximum thermal flux for this thickness is about 6 millionths of a calorie per sq cm/sec. The relative importance of this internal energy source is assessed by comparing it with the amount of solar energy deposited at the surface. The result demonstrates that the absorbed solar energy is at least one and probably two orders of magnitude higher than the minimum flux conducted from the interior. It is concluded that a very efficient atmospheric trapping mechanism (the greenhouse effect) is operating on Venus.
the general theory of crime: how general is it?

Gottfredson and Hirschi's (1990) general theory of crime is one of the most widely cited in the deviance literature (Wright 2000), and has been used to predict several analogous (i.e., deviant) beh...
Soil phosphorus requirements for maximum growth of northern California subclover‐annual grass pastures

Abstract Annual grassland soils of California are generally quite deficient in phosphorus (P), but the amount of fertilizer P required to obtain optimum pasture production is quite variable. This paper reports on the relationships between five soil‐P tests and the amount of applied P required to obtain near maximum growth of subclovergrass pasture on 12 sites representing four soil series in the north coastal range of California. Dry matter (DM) yield response curves resulting from application of nine levels of P were fitted to the Mitscherlich equation: y = a{l‐b([EXP(‐cx)]}, where: y = DM when x = kg/ha of P were applied, a = maximum DM when P was not limiting, and b and c are constants that were adjusted to give the best fitting curves buy an iterative algorithm. This equation was used to calculate the amount of P required to bring yields to 90% of the maximum DM represented by “a”; in the equation. Then the regression equations relating P requirements to soil‐P extracted by the Bray‐1, Olsen, and modi...
Energy levels of 237Np (II). High resolution study of transitions in the decay of 237U

Abstract The internal conversion electron and gamma-ray spectra from the decay of 237U have been studied with use of a high-resolution π√2 iron-free spectrometer and solid-state gamma-ray spectrometers. In addition to the previously known transitions, several new lines were observed and fitted into the 237Np level scheme. Absolute conversion coefficients for most of the transitions were determined. The presence of the previously undiscovered level at 281.35 keV, confirmed by the observation of a very strong 13.81 keV M1-E2 transition and a weak 221.8 keV crossover transition, establishes that the 267.54 keV 3 − 2 level is the lowest member of a K = 1 − 2 band.
Anomalous sputtering effects in the AES grain boundary analysis of reversible temper embrittled low alloy steels

Abstract The present research indicates that the morphology of the Ni segregated to grain boundaries in the low alloy steel exists over a thickness of approximately a monolayer in depth at the surface. The Ni segregation kinetics indicate a partial monolayer grain boundary morphology. Ni is strongly bonded to the grain and is therefore relatively difficult to remove with inert ion sputtering. The resulting slower sputter rate of the segregated Ni provides an explanation for the seemingly deeper concentration enrichment and degree of Ni segregation suggested by experiments involving AES in conjunction with IIS for low alloy steels.
Newspapers in Singapore: a mass ceremony in the imagining of the nation

This discussion examines the ideology and practices of the mass daily press in Singapore within the socio-political context of ‘imagining’ the nation (Anderson, 1991). Most discussions see Singapore’s press as synonymous with the strict controls under which it operates; however, even this is rarely examined within the context of its interaction with the larger agenda of nation-building. Yet, when Brigadier General (BG) Lee Hsien Loong (then Trade and Industry Minister; Second Minister for Defence) outlined his mandate for the national press before members of the Singapore Press Club (Lee, 1988), he made it very clear that their primary purpose was to ‘contribute to nation building. Anyone endeavouring to do this and working towards these goals can hold his head high in the full confidence that his is an honourable profession’. There are three main parts to this discussion. In the first, I will establish the presence of the mass press in the daily lives of Singaporeans, and its position within the imagining of the nation. I will then unpack how specifically that position within the national agenda has been defined and practised. The last section focuses on the various forms of control on the press, and how the government’s intervention is conditioned by the socio-political and ideological climate of the nation.
PLANKTONIC ALGAE AS INDICATORS OF LAKE TYPES, WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO THE DESMIDIACEAE

The biological classification of lakes is briefly reviewed and the value and limitations of phytoplankton quotients for the assessment of trophic status are discussed. Comparisons are made between quotient determinations and the characterization of lakes in terms of their dominant phytoplankton species. The sensitivity of algal plankton to changes in water chemistry is examined in the light of experiments with mineral fertilizers and observations of natural or seminatural eutrophication. Special attention is paid to the use of desmids as indicators of trophic status. Studies of the British freshwater plankton have shown that many taxa of this supposedly oligotrophic algal group are most frequently associated with eutrophic waters.
Groupware: the next wave or just another advertising slogan?

An examination is made of the nature of groupware, the different approaches to its design, and its potential for integrating computer-based work. A definition is presented of a software system known as groupware. The three basic starting points discussed are: devices and tools, structured construction, and language action. Groupware as the base for integration is discussed. >
The changing geography of male joblessness in urban America: 1970 to 2000

Abstract High rates of male joblessness not only drain communities of the social and economic resources that sustain neighborhood institutions, they also limit children's exposure to mainstream role models, reduce the pool of marriageable men, and make illicit activities more attractive to young males. This study uses tract‐level census data to examine how the geography of male joblessness changed in metropolitan areas between 1970 and 2000. The number of neighborhoods in which the majority of working‐age men are jobless has risen sharply over the past three decades. Metropolises in the Northeast, Midwest, and South and those with larger black populations have experienced the greatest increases in concentrated male joblessness. As the number of neighborhoods with low male employment has grown, their social and demographic characteristics have diverged from those of other neighborhoods, with increasing percentages of racial and ethnic minorities, female‐headed families, and impoverished people and more vac...
The Role of Endothelial Dysfunction on Development and Progression of Atherosclerosis and Methods to Assess Vascular Function and Structure

The endothelium was orig­ inally thought to be just a semiperme­ able barrier between the vessel wall and the bloodstream, but today we now realize that it is actually a highly active autocrine, paracrine, and endocrine organ. Researchers have also begun to realize that the endo­ thelium plays a key role in the devel­ opment of atherosclerosis as well as other diseases. This increased recog­ nition has resulted in considerable effort by both researchers and clini­ cians to develop accurate and reliable methods to measure and track changes in both vascular structure and function. In addition, research interest has focused on var­ ious cardiovascular risk factors (eg, age, gender, obesity, physical inac­ tivity) and the effect they have on vascular structure and function. In this review, the authors discuss dif­ ferent research and clinical meth­ ods to assess vascular structure and function as well as the effect of vari­ ous cardiovascular risk factors on the endothelium and the vascular system. They also discuss the ability to mod­ ify vascular structure and function through various lifestyle modifica­ tions such as weight loss and exercise.
Distal-less 3 haploinsufficiency results in elevated placental oxidative stress and altered fetal growth kinetics in the mouse

Distal-less 3 (Dlx3) �/ � mice die at E9.5 presumably due to an abnormal placental phenotype including reduced placental vasculature and secretion of placental growth factor. To examine the role of Dlx3 specifically within the epiblast, Dlx3 conditional knockout mice were generated using an epiblastspecific Meox2 CreSor allele. Dlx3 �/ fl , Meox2 CreSor animals were born at expected frequencies and survived to weaning providing indirect evidence that loss of Dlx3 within the trophoectoderm plays a critical role in fetal survival in the Dlx3 �/ � mouse. We next examined the hypothesis that loss of a single Dlx3 allele would have a negative impact on placental and fetal fitness. Dlx3 þ/� mice displayed reduced fetal growth beginning at E12.5 compared with Dlx3 þ/þ controls. Altered fetal growth trajectory occurred coincident with elevated oxidative stress and apoptosis within Dlx3 þ/� placentas. Oral supplementation with the superoxide dismutase mimetic, Tempol, rescued the fetal growth and placental cell death phenotypes in Dlx3 þ/� mice. To determine the potential mechanisms associated with elevated oxidative stress on the Dlx3 þ/� placentas, we next examined vascular characteristics within the feto-placental unit. Studies revealed reduced maternal spiral artery luminal area in the Dlx3 þ/� mice receiving water; Dlx3 þ/ � mice receiving Tempol displayed maternal spiral artery luminal area similar to control Dlx3 þ/þ mice. We conclude that reduced Dlx3 gene dose results in diminished fetal fitness associated with elevated placental cell oxidative stress and apoptosis coincident with altered vascular remodeling. Administration of antioxidant therapy ameliorated this feto-placental phenotype, suggesting that Dlx3 may be required for adaptation to oxidative stresses within the intrauterine environment.
Reliability and Human Factors in Geotechnical Engineering

Reliability methods have been applied successfully to two primary categories of uncertainties encountered in geotechnical engineering: Natural variabilities and modeling uncertainties. There are several additional categories of uncertainties that have not been addressed, primarily those due to human, organizational, and knowledge related factors. This paper proposes reliability based engineering approaches and strategies that can be used to help address these additional sources of uncertainties. The approaches and strategies have proven to provide useful insights regarding the potential effectiveness of proposed programs to improve quality and reliability of geotechnical engineered systems; facilitating development of rational decisions and judgements concerning trade-offs, costs, and benefits.
The Constraints of Culture: Evidence from the Chicago Dyke March

Drawing on an ethnographic study of the Chicago Dyke March, this article focuses on an instance in which a movement's ideology and identity contradict in order to advance, the theoretical question of how culture `works'. In forming as a reaction to perceived exclusions by the national and annual Gay Pride parades, Dyke March organizers developed an ideological commitment to inclusion.This ideology affected the March in three key areas: constructing an organizing structure, establishing recruitment and outreach procedures, and engaging in framing processes. However, the Dyke March's broad ideological commitment to inclusion conflicted with organizers' narrower collective identity, which formed around and celebrated a specific type of movement participant, and thus undermined their mobilization efforts. This study suggests that organizational dilemmas can arise for movements when their culture has internally contradictory elements. It introduces new theoretical perspectives about the conditions under which ...