cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Quenched crystal mush and associated magma compositions as indicated by intercumulus glasses from Mt. Vesuvius, Italy

Abstract The presence of xenolithic accumulate rocks that contain combinations of clinopyroxene, olivine, biotitic phlogopite, and apatite in the ejecta of Somma-Vesuvius volcano verify that crystal fractionation was an operative process in the pretrogenesis of the leucite-bearing lavas. Many of the cumulates contain small quantities of pervasive interstitial glass that leads us to interpret these rocks as fragments of ejected crystal mush which was quenched upon rapid upward transport and ejection. Petrographic and chemical data indicate that the glasses represent liquids in equilibrium with the associated crystallizing phases and probably are representative of larger volumes of magma. Despite the fact that our glasses are in cumulate rocks mainly from the 1944 eruption, the compositions generally overlap the entire compositional range exhibited by lava compositions and tephra reported for the 2000-year life span of Vesuvius activity. Generally similar glass compositions also are exhibited by three samples that stratigraphically occur between two lava flows thought to be erupted, respectively, in 1440 and 1631, but the limited number of samples studied for this eruption does not allow us to determine if the range of compositions are as diverse as the 1944 suite. For the glasses (intercumulus liquids) of single eruptive episodes to exhibit such compositional ranges is strong evidence that the Vesuvius magma reservoir was heterogeneous. It may have existed as either a chemically zoned magma chamber, or a series of local magma pockets that evolved independently to different degrees, but were simultaneously traversed or tapped during these two eruptive episodes.
Suicide risk among transgender individuals

We examined the frequency and predictors of suicide attempts among gender minority individuals (N = 153) who were recruited at a transgender conference. Eighteen percent of the participants reported a past suicide attempt, with trans men reporting the highest rate of suicide attempts (41%), followed by trans women (20%). Factors associated with having a past suicide attempt included female sex assigned at birth, psychiatric hospitalisations, and having experienced transgender-related violence. Implications of these data are considered in the context of intervention development for this at-risk group.
Utility of Botulinum Toxin ELISA A, B, E, F kits for clinical laboratory investigations of human botulism

The Botulinum Toxin ELISA effectively provided presumptive identification of toxin in 1381 investigation samples including clinical specimens, suspect foods, and cultures. Additionally, the ELISA detected all toxins produced by a panel of stock strains representing known subtypes and was negative for non-botulinum toxin producing Clostridium and enteric pathogens. ELISA results were reproducible both within the same kit (CV < 9%) and among different production lots (CV < 23%). Fifty-five of 57 laboratories correctly identified unknown samples in a multi-laboratory study. The ELISA provides a rapid, robust in vitro screening method which will reduce animal dependence during laboratory investigations of botulism.
Cryopreservation and transplantation of immature rat retina into adult rat retina

A bank of freeze-stored donor retinas would free transplantation research from dependence on availability of fresh donor tissue. Donor retinas from E13, E16, E19 and E22 (P1) rat embryos were cryoprotected and stored in liquid nitrogen for up to 8 months. Cryopreserved and fresh donor retinas were grafted to adult rat retina. After 4 weeks survival, transplants were evaluated according to a scoring protocol for the criteria of size, viability, lamination and integration. All donor ages of fresh and cryopreserved retina resulted in successful transplants, with the exception of cryopreserved E13. Cryopreserved grafts were significantly less laminated than grafts of fresh tissue. The best lamination scores of cryopreserved transplants were achieved with donor age E16. Surviving transplants were found in the epiretinal and/or subretinal space. Subretinal transplants had higher viability scores than did epiretinal grafts; the difference was more pronounced with transplants of cryopreserved than with fresh tissue. Fresh subretinal transplants were also significantly better laminated than fresh epiretinal transplants. This study shows that (1) cryopreserved retinal donor tissue can successfully be transplanted to rat retina; and (2) the subretinal space appears to be more favorable than the epiretinal space for retinal transplants.
Where Should We Expect Social Change in Non-Ideal Theory?

This essay considers the relationship between ideal theory and non-ideal theory. It begins with Rawls’s conception of ideal theory and A. John Simmons’s articulation of non-ideal theory. Both defen...
DNA Complexing with Polyamidoamine Dendrimers: Implications for Transfection

DNA and polyamidamine (PAMAM) dendrimers form complexes on the basis of the electrostatic interactions between negatively charged phosphate groups of the nucleic acid and protonated (positively charged) amino groups of the polymers. Charge neutralization of both components and subsequent increases of the net positive charge of the complex result in changes in the physicochemistry and biological properties of the complexes. The formation of soluble, low-density and insoluble, high-density complexes was analyzed using UV light absorption and measurements of radioactive labeled DNA. Formation of high molecular weight and high-density complexes depended mainly on the DNA concentration and was enhanced by increasing the dendrimer-DNA charge ratio. Electrostatic charge related effects (attraction or repulsion of charged particles) appeared to be modulated by the generation of dendrimer (size of the polymer). With the progressive increases in the dendrimer-DNA charge ratio (above 20), an increase in the amount of low-density, soluble complexes was observed. Functional analysis revealed that the great majority (>90%) of transfection is carried by low-density, soluble, complexes which only represent approximately 10-20% of total complexed DNA. The ability of the dendrimer to complex and form aggregates with DNA is crucial for efficient transfection and the function of the complexed DNA.
DEMILITARISING THE POLITICAL PROCESS IN AFRICA: SOME BASIC ISSUES

(1997). DEMILITARISING THE POLITICAL PROCESS IN AFRICA: SOME BASIC ISSUES. African Security Review: Vol. 6, No. 2, pp. 3-16.
Origin of Sunspots

ALTHOUGH astronomers have commonly believed that sunspots are deep-seated vortices, the chief characteristics of a spot (an intense magnetic field and a cool umbra) have never been successfully explained.
Microdetermination of monosaccharides in glycoproteins by gas-liquid chromatography

Abstract In a newly developed method for determining picomolar quantities of monosaccharides in glycoproteins, the methyl glycosides released by methanolysis of glycoproteins are separated as trifluoroacetates by gas-liquid chromatography and are detected with an electron capture detector. The application of the method has been demonstrated for the analysis of the carbohydrate moiety of secretory component isolated from human colostral immunoglobulin A.
Innovation in computational electromagnetics at Agilent technologies

In this presentation, insight will be provided in how the blend of science and product development at Agilent EEsof EDA led to abroad spectrum of EDA software solutions.
Sensitivity analysis for characterization of gold nanoparticles and agglomerates via surface plasmon scattering patterns

Abstract A sensitivity analysis is performed to determine the optimum conditions for characterization of gold nanoparticles and agglomerates via surface plasmon scattering. Sensitivity of the normalized scattering matrix elements, Mij, to different physical parameters are determined, including particle diameter, particle-surface distance, and particle agglomeration. The results, are reported as a function of the observation angle in the far-field, show that profiles of M12, M33, and M34 within certain range of angles are very sensitive to physical parameters of interest and can provide satisfactory characterization of nanosize particles. More specifically, the normalized scattering element M33, for observation angles between 110° and 150° in the far-field, is found to be sensitive enough to determine all the parameters investigated in this paper. These findings show, at least theoretically, the feasibility of characterization of gold nanoparticles and agglomerates via evanescent waves/surface plasmons scattering patterns.
Behavioral recovery in rats during chronic reserpine treatment.

Spontaneous locomotor activity, rotarod performance and shuttlebox avoidance behavior were measured in rats 24 hours after each of ten daily injections of reserpine. Locomotor activity was significantly depressed after the third and fourth daily injections. However, by the end of the treatment period, locomotor activity of reserpnized rats was significantly higher than that of saline-injected controls. Rotarod performance and shuttle-box avoidance behavior were significantly depressed following the third and fourth doses, respectively, and showed no recovery during the total period of treatment. Body weights dropped progressively after the third day but never fell below 74% of control. Possible explanations for the differential behavioral effects are discussed.
Is post-chemotherapy resection of seminomatous elements associated with higher acute morbidity?

ABSTRACTPurpose: A seminomatous element in patients undergoing retroperitoneal lymph node dissection for testicular cancer is associated with a desmoplastic reaction that renders retroperitoneal surgery more challenging. We examined the impact of seminomatous elements on the rate of complications and the need for additional intraoperative procedures in patients undergoing post-chemotherapy retroperitoneal lymph node dissection.Materials and Methods: The testis cancer data base at our institution was retrospectively reviewed and 1,366 patients were identified who underwent post-chemotherapy retroperitoneal lymph node dissection between 1973 and 2001. In 97 patients there was an element of seminoma in the dissection specimen and/or pure seminoma in the testicular primary specimen (seminoma group). The remaining 1,269 patients underwent post-chemotherapy retroperitoneal lymph node dissection for nonseminomatous testicular tumors. The rates of intraoperative complications and additional procedures as well as ...
An Empirically Supported Framework for Addressing Pediatric Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Outpatient Care

In the wake of the pediatric obesity epidemic, the prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has been rising. Standard care for pediatric NAFLD includes dietary and physical activity guidelines, but such recommendations are difficult for families to implement. Clinicians in medical settings may be called upon to address NAFLD; cognitive behavioral techniques that have been effectively used for pediatric obesity are likely applicable. However, given the unique circumstances surrounding NAFLD, it may be helpful also to incorporate community-based and telehealth strategies when assisting families. This treatment development report offers a framework for integrating cognitive behavioral techniques within a community-based, telehealth approach to treating NAFLD within a medical setting. A series of illustrative cases is presented to depict exemplary considerations for implementing this intervention.
Edward Orton: Pioneer in Petroleum Geology

Petroleum geology had its beginning in the nineteenth century. One of its leading adherents was Edward Orton of New York and Ohio. He left to that science an important body of writing, especially on the oil fields of the Cincinnati Arch province. His thought included an elaboration of the anticlinal theory. One of his classic works was The Trenton Limestone as a Source of Petoleum and Inflammable Gas in Ohio and Indiana (1889). That treatise and others too placed Orton in the forefront of petroleum geology in its formative period.
PSPACE-completeness of Modular Supervisory Control Problems

In this paper we investigate computational issues associated with the supervision of concurrent processes modeled as modular discrete-event systems. Here, modular discrete-event systems are sets of deterministic finite-state automata whose interaction is modeled by the parallel composition operation. Even with such a simple model process model, we show that in general many problems related to the supervision of these systems are PSPACE-complete. This shows that although there may be space-efficient methods for avoiding the state-explosion problem inherent to concurrent processes, there are most likely no time-efficient solutions that would aid in the study of such "large-scale" systems. We show our results using a reduction from a special class of automata intersection problem introduced here where behavior is assumed to be prefix-closed. We find that deciding if there exists a supervisor for a modular system to achieve a global specification is PSPACE-complete. We also show many verification problems for system supervision are PSPACE-complete, even for prefix-closed cases. Supervisor admissibility and online supervision operations are also discussed.
Image and the impact of public affairs management on internal stakeholders

This paper examines both the direct and indirect effects of images of corporate social performance on internal stakeholders. The authors suggest that public affairs managers must be particularly concerned about the ways in which images that are intended for and projected at external stakeholders are reflected back to internal stakeholders. In this new era of extremely tight labour markets, minimal corporate loyalty and high job mobility, public affairs efforts will increasingly impact upon a firm's employees. By monitoring this process, managers may more quickly identify the moment when internal stakeholders have developed a perception that differs from their original intent. This will allow managers to make a better job of maintaining a consistent image of the firm both inside and outside, and of managing the culture of the firm and its key human resources. Copyright © 2001 Henry Stewart Publications
Reconstitution of a passive Ca2+-transport pathway from the basolateral plasma membrane of rat parotid gland acinar cells

We have previously reported that rat parotid gland basolateral plasma membrane vesicles (BLMV) have a relatively high affinity Ca2+ transport pathway and an unsaturable Ca2+ flux component (Lockwich et al., 1994. J. Membrane Biol. 141:289–296). In this study, we have solubilized BLMV with octylglucoside (1.5%) and have reconstituted the solubilized proteins into proteoliposomes (PrL) composed of E. coli bulk phospholipids, by using a detergent dilution method. PrL exhibited 3–5-fold higher 45Ca2+ influx than control liposomes (without protein). Ca2+ uptake into PrL was dependent on the [protein] in PrL and steady state [Ca2+] in PrL was in equilibrium with external [Ca2+]. These data demonstrate that a passive, protein-mediated Ca2+ transport has been reconstituted from BLMV into PrL. 45Ca2+ influx into liposomes did not saturate with increasing [Ca2+] in the assay medium. In contrast, PrL displayed saturable 45Ca2+ influx and exhibited a single Ca2+ flux component with an apparent Kca=242 ± 50.9 μm and Vmax=13.5 ± 1.14 nmoles Ca2+/mg protein/ minute. The Kca of Ca2+-transport in PrL was similar to that of the high affinity Ca2+ influx component in BLMV while the Vmax was about 4-fold higher. The unsaturable Ca2+ flux component was not detected in PrL. 45Ca2+ influx in PrL was inhibited by divalent cations in the order of efficacy, Zn2+>Mn2+>Co2+=Ni2+, and appeared to be more sensitive to lower concentrations of Zn2+ than in BLMV. Consistent with our observations with BLMV, the carboxyl group reagent N,N′-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (DCCD) inhibited the reconstituted Ca2+ transport in PrL. Importantly, in both BLMV and PrL, DCCD induced a 40–50% decrease in Vmax of Ca2+ transport without an alteration in Kca. These data strongly suggest that the high affinity, passive Ca2+ transport pathway present in BLMV has been functionally reconstituted into PrL. We suggest that this approach provides a useful experimental system towards isolation of the protein(s) involved in mediating Ca2+ influx in the rat parotid gland basolateral plasma membrane.
The Galenic and Hippocratic challenges to Aristotle's conception theory.

As a result of this case study, additional questions arise. These can be cast into at least three groups. The first concerns the development of critical empiricism in the ancient world: a topic of much interest in our own century, expecially with regard to the work of the logical empiricists. Many of the same arguments are present in the ancient world and were hotly debated from the Hippocratic writers through and beyond Galen. Some of the ways in which Galen reacts to Hippocratic and Aristotelian influences may, in part, be explained by Galen's own posture as a so-called Dogmatist. Both the Empirics and the Methodists offered alternative viewpoints on the place, role, and limits of observation in biomedical research. Though I have written on this relationship in the Hippocratic writers and Aristotle,44 it remains to be discussed in detailed fashion just how critical empiricism acted in Galen's evaluation of biomedical problems (aporiai). Contrasts between Galen and his predecessors might further clarify this issue both as a historical question and as it affects the construction of biological theory.
Fetal death in eclampsia: I. Its relation to low gestational age, retarded fetal growth and low birthweight.

Summary Of 173 eclamptics admitted to the only public maternity hospital in Cali, Colombia 44 had stillbirths making a rate of 25.4 per cent. Fetuses delivered before 32 weeks had nearly four times the stillbirth rate of those delivered at term. Those weighing less than 1600 g. had stillbirth rates about six times higher than those weighing above 2500 g. An attempt was made to divide the risk conveyed by low birthweight into two components; that which was due to low gestational age, and that which was due to an abnormally low rate of growth during the gestational time available. Deviation of birthweight below that expected for age (retarded fetal growth, RFG) was used as a measure of the latter component. RFG became more common as gestation progressed and was associated with fetal death only in the latter part of gestation and with marginal statistical significance. After 35 weeks, fetuses at or below two standard deviations from Gruenwald's mean weight for gestational age (Gruenwald, 1966) had a fetal death rate five times higher than those at the mean. The risk of fetal (intrauterine) death conveyed by low gestational age has not been definitively explained. Alternative pathophysiological mechanisms are discussed.
Event simulation and track reconstruction in the SDC experiment

Abstract The proposal for the SDC experiment has placed substantial emphasis on charged particle tracking. This paper will describe event simulation and track reconstruction studies, focussing on three topics: measurement of isolated leptons from the decay of a Higgs boson; track reconstruction inside QCD jets; and identifying b quark jets with secondary vertices in top quark events.
An example of simulation use in Army weapon system development

The use of modeling and simulation in the development of military weapon systems began to expand several years ago as the costs of flight testing began to rise. Since then, the role of modeling and simulation has expanded to include areas such as planning and conducting warfare, system development, and acquisition in an effort to minimize system development and acquisition costs. The paper discusses the use of modeling and simulation in the development of the Pre-planned Product Improvement (P3I) Brilliant Anti-Armor BAT submunition. A high-fidelity flight simulation (HFS) is being developed that combines the tactical flight software, high fidelity infrared/millimeter wave seeker model, 6-Degree-of-Freedom flight dynamics model, and validated infrared and millimeter wave synthetic imagery into one integrated digital simulation. The HFS development methodology emphasizes the use of tactical software, legacy models, and high fidelity imagery and encourages commonality between the HFS, hardware-in-the-loop, and system effectiveness simulations. Animated graphical displays provide visualization of both the trajectory and the scene/environment. The use of this methodology is increasing the accuracy of the simulation and reducing development costs. The HFS development is on schedule with the master program plan, and is being utilized for captive flight test prediction analyses and system performance studies.
Treatment of canine idiopathic immune-mediated haemolytic anaemia with mycophenolate mofetil and glucocorticoids: 30 cases (2007 to 2011).

Objective To compare short-term outcome and frequency of adverse events for dogs with idiopathic immune-mediated haemolytic anaemia treated with glucocorticoids and mycophenolate mofetil vs alternate immunosuppressive protocols. Methods A retrospective study of medical case records of dogs with immune-mediated haemolytic anaemia was conducted. Data collected included signalment, clinicopathological data, medications administered, duration of hospitalization, short-term survival and adverse events. Variables were compared between dogs treated with glucocorticoids and mycophenolate mofetil (mycophenolate mofetil group) vs dogs treated with other two-drug immunosuppressive protocols (combined group). Results Sixty-four cases of idiopathic immune-mediated haemolytic anaemia were identified. Two dogs were euthanased without treatment, three received glucocorticoids alone, and seven received two additional drugs. Fifty-two dogs received glucocorticoids and additional immunosuppressive medications: 30 mycophenolate mofetil, 15 cyclosporine, 6 azathioprine and 1 human immunoglobulin. There was no significant difference between the discharge rate, 30-day or 60-day survival rates between the mycophenolate mofetil and the combined groups (Fisher's exact; P=0·272, 0·518, 1·000, respectively). The sole adverse event observed in the mycophenolate mofetil group was diarrhoea (n=5). Clinical Significance Administration of mycophenolate mofetil appears safe in dogs with idiopathic immune-mediated haemolytic anaemia. The combination of glucocorticoids and mycophenolate mofetil has similar efficacy to alternate immunosuppressive protocols used to treat this disease.
Collagen content in normal, pressure, and pressure-volume overloaded developing human hearts

Abstract Increased myocardial collagen accompanies pressure overload of the adult left ventricle. This phenomenon is poorly understood in infants. This study compares the myocardial volume fraction of collagen in infants who did not have primary heart disease with infants with isolated pressure overload of the right ventricle (tetralogy of Fallot [ToF]), and with infants with combined volume and pressure overload (aortic valve atresia [AVA]). The distribution of collagen in the neonatal myocardium was also determined. We measured the volume fraction of collagen from right ventricular biopsy specimens of cadaver hearts in normal infants (1 to 9 months old; n = 7), infants with ToF (1 day to 9 months old; n = 9), newborns with AVA (AVA-NB) (1 to 4 days old; n = 5), and older patients with AVA (AVA-I) (5 to 8 months old; n = 5). Myocardium from 3 patients undergoing repair of ToF (6 to 8 months old) was also analyzed. Specimens were stained with Masson's trichrome and myocardial volume fraction of collagen determined by point counting. Myocardial volume fraction of collagen was significantly higher (p = 0.02) in AVA-I patients (8.0 ± 3.5%) versus normal (3.3 ± 2.7%), ToF (3.2 ± 1.8%), and AVA-NB (3.5 ± 2.3%) patients. There was a tendency for increased collagen in the subendocardium, especially in AVA-I patients (p > 0.05). We conclude that patients with AVA-I have increased collagen relative to normal subjects, patients with ToF, and patients with AVA-NB, and that this increase is greatest in the subendocardium.
Quantitation of trace aqueous halides by volatilization into a microwave-induced helium plasma

Abstract Chloride and bromide in aqueous solutions are determined using chemical vaporization occupied with a 500-W helium microwave-induced plasma emission system. The halide is converted to the corresponding hydrogen halide by mixing with concentrated sulfuric acid in a continuously flow cell. The observed linear ranges cover 2–3 orders of magnitude. Detection limits for chloride and bromide are 0.2 and 0.3 mg l −1 , respectively. The sample throughput is 6–10 h −1 . Matrix matching is needed for real samples.
The use of senna with docusate for postoperative constipation after pelvic reconstructive surgery: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

Objective The objective of the study was to compare time to first bowel movement (BM) after surgery in subjects randomized to placebo or senna with docusate. Study Design Ninety-six subjects completed a baseline 7-day bowel diary before and after surgery. After pelvic reconstructive surgery, the subjects were randomized to either placebo (n = 45) or senna (8.6 mg) with docusate (50 mg) (n = 48). Time to first BM and postoperative use of magnesium citrate were compared. Results There was a significant difference in the time to first BM in those receiving senna with docusate vs placebo (3.00 ± 1.50 vs 4.05 ± 1.50 days; P P Conclusion The use of senna with docusate decreases time to first BM in those undergoing pelvic reconstructive surgery compared with placebo. Subjects using senna with docusate are also significantly less likely to use magnesium citrate.
Acoustic Instabilities Driven by Slip Between a Condensed Phase and the Gas Phase in Combustion Systems

In the context of gas turbine combustion chambers, this study describes how slip affects the response time of fuel sprays to pressure fluctuations in a gaseous flow field. Slip between the condensed and gas phases is shown to cause fuel vapor mass fraction fluctuations upstream of the reaction zone. A resulting oscillating heat release can drive the pressure fluctuations, depending on the phase difference between them. This generates an acoustic instability. With relevance to previous experimental results, differences are explored in the evaporation characteristics among three different fuel sprays (JP-4, JP-5, and D-2) in relation to their effect on the magnitude of the fuel vapor mass fraction perturbations.
Physiologic and behavioral responses to stress, temperament, and incidence of infection and atopic disorders in the first year of life: a pilot study

The purpose of this pilot study was to explore relationships among physiologic and behavioral responses to a standardized stressor (routine immunization), parent-reported temperament, and numbers of infections and atopic disorders in the first year of life. Infants were studied during 2- (n = 30) and 4-month (n = 24) routine clinic visits. Behavioral data were coded from videotapes filmed for 90 seconds after immunizations. Salivary cortisol measured physiologic arousal; specimens were obtained before and after immunizations. Two-month-old infants with higher levels of cortisol required more time to calm after immunization. Relationships were found between the temperament characteristics of persistence and adaptability and infections at 12 months.
Abstract 4414: EC0531: A potent folate-targeted tubulysin conjugate

Proceedings: AACR 101st Annual Meeting 2010‐‐ Apr 17‐21, 2010; Washington, DC Our lab is focused on the discovery and development of highly potent chemotherapeutic agents that target folate receptor (FR) expressing malignancies. One such compound, EC0305, represents a folate-tubulysin B construct capable of specifically eradicating well-established, FR-positive subcutaneous tumors from mice [Cancer Res (2008) 68:9839]. Recently, multiple polar carbohydrate segments (e.g. 1-amino-1-deoxy-glucitolyl–glutamate) were placed in-between the folate and tubulysin B moieties (i.e. the spacer region) of EC0305 to create a new compound with more desirable biological properties. When tested in culture, this novel agent, herein referred to as EC0531, was found to specifically inhibit the growth of FR-positive cells (IC50 of ∼ 2 nM) in a dose-dependent manner. Its cytotoxic activity was blocked in the presence of an excess of folic acid, and no activity was observed against FR-negative cells, thereby demonstrating this compound's target specificity. EC0531′s potency was confirmed againstin a human KB xenograft-nu/nu mice cancer model. Here, EC0531 therapy displayed remarkable anti-tumor activity (5/5 cures) with dose levels that did not cause weight loss or major organ tissue degeneration. In contrast, the anti-tumor activity was completely abolished (0/5 remissions) in EC0531-treated animals that were co-dosed with a benign folate-containing analog. The advantage provided by folate conjugation was further proven by the un-targeted free drug, which was found to be completely inactive (0/5 remissions) at both tolerable and highly toxic dose levels. Collectively, these results show that this potent anti-proliferative tubulysin compound can be specifically delivered to FR-positive tumors to provide substantial therapeutic benefit using well tolerated dosing regimens. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 4414.
Functional role of intracellular labile zinc in pulmonary endothelium.

AbstractAfter iron, zinc is the most abundant essential trace metal. Intracellular zinc ([Zn]i) is maintained across a wide range of cells and species in a tight quota (100 to 500 μM) by a dynamic process of transport, intracellular vesicular storage, and binding to a large number of proteins (estimated at 3–10% of human proteome). As such, zinc is an integral component of numerous metalloenzymes, structural proteins, and transcription factors. It is generally assumed that a vanishingly small component of [Zn]i, referred to as free or labile zinc, and operationally defined as the pool sensitive to chelation (by agents such as N, N, N’, N’-tetrakis [2-pyridylmethyl] ethylenediamine [TPEN]) and capable of detection by a variety of chemical and genetic sensors, participates in signal transduction pathways. Zinc deficiencies, per se, can arise from acquired (malnutrition, alcoholism) or genetic (mutations in molecules affecting zinc homeostasis, the informative and first example being acrodermatitis enteropat...
Liquid Chromatographic-Electro-Chemical Technique for Determination of Ethylenethiourea Residues

Abstract A high performance liquid chromatographic-electrochemical (HPLC-EC) technique was developed to selectively determine ethylenethiourea (ETU) at residue levels without derivatization. ETU was eluted from a C-8 column with water, a phosphoric acid electrolyte solution was added to the column eluate, and then ETU was detected with an electrochemical detector containing a Au/Hg working electrode. The HPLC-EC system produced a sharp chromatographic peak for ETU that was detected by the Au/Hg electrode at an applied potential of +0.36 V. With detector sensitivity adjusted so that 10 ng ETU produced a 50% full scale deflection peak (1% baseline noise), the detector's response was linear from 2 to 400 ng ETU. No peaks were observed in potato and spinach controls, and only small apparent ETU peaks of 7 and 3 ppb, respectively, were found in apple and grape controls. Detector response was equivalent to 90% of actual ETU added (0.1 ppm) to purified spinach extracts. Crop coextractives from apples, grapes and...
Sparse-data bias accompanying overly fine stratification in an analysis of beryllium exposure and lung cancer risk.

Abstract Purpose Beryllium's classification as a carcinogen is based on limited human data that show inconsistent associations with lung cancer. Therefore, a thorough examination of those data is warranted. We reanalyzed data from the largest study of occupational beryllium exposure, conducted by the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). Methods Data had been analyzed using stratification and standardization. We reviewed the strata in the original analysis, and reanalyzed using fewer strata. We also fit a Poisson regression, and analyzed simulated datasets that generated lung cancer cases randomly without regard to exposure. Results The strongest association reported in the NIOSH study, a standardized rate ratio for death from lung cancer of 3.68 for the highest versus lowest category of time since first employment, is affected by sparse-data bias, stemming from stratifying 545 lung cancer cases and their associated person-time into 1792 categories. For time since first employment, the measure of beryllium exposure with the strongest reported association with lung cancer, there were no strata without zeroes in at least one of the two contrasting exposure categories. Reanalysis using fewer strata or with regression models gave substantially smaller effect estimates. Simulations confirmed that the original stratified analysis was upwardly biased. Other metrics used in the NIOSH study found weaker associations and were less affected by sparse-data bias. Conclusions The strongest association reported in the NIOSH study seems to be biased as a result of non-overlap of data across the numerous strata. Simulation results indicate that most of the effect reported in the NIOSH paper for time since first employment is attributable to sparse-data bias.
Collagen prolyl hydroxylase activation in dermal cell primary cultures.

Abstract 1. 1. Prolyl hydroxylase enzyme activity (EC 1.14.11.2) is decreased after treatment of dermal tissue with proteolytic enzymes. 2. 2. Prolyl hydroxylase enzyme activity is reactivated by incubation of dermal cells for 135min after proteolytic enzyme isolation.
Optimal contest design for simple agents

Incentives are more likely to elicit desired outcomes when they are designed based on accurate models of agents’ strategic behavior. A growing literature, however, suggests that people do not quite behave like standard economic agents in a variety of environments, both online and offline. What consequences might such differences have for the optimal design of mechanisms in these environments? In this article, we explore this question in the context of optimal contest design for simple agents—agents who strategically reason about whether or not to participate in a system, but not about the input they provide to it. Specifically, consider a contest where n potential contestants with types (qi, ci) each choose between participating and producing a submission of quality qi at cost ci, versus not participating at all to maximize their utilities. How should a principal distribute a total prize V among the n ranks to maximize some increasing function of the qualities of elicited submissions in a contest with such simple agents?We first solve the optimal contest design problem for settings where agents have homogenous participation costs ci = c. Here, the contest that maximizes every increasing function of the elicited contributions is always a simple contest, awarding equal prizes of V/ja each to the top ja=V/c − Θ(√V/(c ln (V/c))) contestants. This is in contrast to the optimal contest structure in comparable models with strategic effort choices, where the optimal contest is either a winner-take-all contest or awards possibly unequal prizes, depending on the curvature of agents’ effort cost functions. We next address the general case with heterogenous costs where agents’ types (qi, ci) are inherently two dimensional, significantly complicating equilibrium analysis. With heterogenous costs, the optimal contest depends on the objective being maximized: our main result here is that the winner-take-all contest is a 3-approximation of the optimal contest when the principal’s objective is to maximize the quality of the best elicited contribution. The proof of this result hinges around a “subequilibrium” lemma establishing a stochastic dominance relation between the distribution of qualities elicited in an equilibrium and a subequilibrium—a strategy profile that is a best response for all agents who choose to participate in that strategy profile; this relation between equilibria and subequilibria may be of more general interest.
Regulation of Lysyl Oxidase by Interferon-γ in Rat Aortic Smooth Muscle Cells

Abstract —Lysyl oxidase is an essential catalyst for the cross-linking of extracellular collagen and elastin. Abnormalities in lysyl oxidase activity may contribute to the pathogenesis of arterial diseases characterized by abnormal matrix remodeling. This study tested the hypothesis that interferon (IFN)-γ, a proinflammatory cytokine present in aortic aneurysm and arteriosclerotic plaque rupture, downregulates lysyl oxidase gene expression in rat aortic smooth muscle cells. Steady-state lysyl oxidase mRNA levels decreased in a concentration- and time-dependent manner to 30% of control levels after 24 hours of treatment with IFN-γ. Cell layer lysyl oxidase activity decreased in parallel with the observed changes in steady-state mRNA. Nuclear runoff studies suggested that transcriptional regulation was responsible for at least 40% of the observed downregulation. mRNA decay studies suggested that IFN-γ also decreased lysyl oxidase mRNA half-life from 9 to 6 hours. Downregulation of lysyl oxidase by IFN-γ did not appear to require new protein synthesis. This study documents that IFN-γ downregulates lysyl oxidase gene expression in rat aortic smooth muscle cells by transcriptional and posttranscriptional mechanisms. If similar regulation occurs in vivo, it is possible that IFN-γ–mediated changes in lysyl oxidase may contribute to arterial diseases characterized by abnormal extracellular matrix.
Effects of fatty acids on hepatic gene expression.

Abstract Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) have dramatic effects on hepatic lipid metabolism by regulating the transcription of specific genes encoding enzymes involved in glycolysis and lipogenesis. The S14 gene, a putative lipogenic protein, has been used as a model to define the molecular basis of PUFA action on hepatic gene expression. We have shown that PUFA-regulated hepatic transcription factors target cis-regulatory elements located between −220 and −80 bp upstream from the 5′ end of the S14 gene. Peroxisomal proliferators (PP) also have dramatic effects on hepatic lipid metabolism through effects on gene expression. The mechanism of PP action is mediated, at least in part, through nuclear receptors, i.e. PP activated receptor (PPAR). We found that the potent PP, i.e. WY14,643, suppressed mRNA S14 and the activity of an S14CAT fusion gene in cultured primary hepatocytes. Preliminary mapping studies showed that WY14,643 cis-regulatory elements were located either within the S14 proximal promoter (−290 and +19), the S14 TRE (−2900 to −2500) or both regions. Gel shift analysis showed that PPAR did not bind S14 promoter elements. These studies suggest that PUFA- and PP-regulated factors may share common cis-acting elements within the S14 promoter. However, if PUFA control of S14 gene transcription is mediated by PPAR, this mechanism does not involve direct interaction of PPAR with the S14 proximal promoter.
Periferia segmentada y no-lugares en Barrio (1998) de Fernando León de Aranoa

AbstractBarrio (1998), segundo largometraje de Fernando Leon de Aranoa, narra las vivencias de tres adolescentes en la periferia madrilena a finales del siglo XX. Este articulo examina Barrio como un proyecto critico que va mas alla de la narracion de las vidas de los adolescentes de la periferia, ya que la representacion del espacio denuncia la segmentacion espacial y vivencial que crearon los deficientes planes urbanisticos de la capital espanola. En consecuencia, la critica social no se propone tanto a traves del argumento como de la mirada que la camara ofrece del espacio en el que los personajes viven. Para mostrar los fracasos urbanisticos, este ensayo se centra en el protagonismo que ciertas espacialidades, como las rutas de acceso a Madrid, puentes, el metro y los descampados, adquieren a lo largo de la narracion. Por una parte, examino estos espacios en relacion a los proyectos urbanisticos llevados a cabo en Madrid durante la dictadura y primeros anos de la democracia y, por otra parte, siguiend...
Evidence that cysteine, not selenocysteine, is in the catalytic site of type II iodothyronine deiodinase.

Recent cloning of the cDNA for Type I iodothyronine deiodinase revealed that the mRNA contains a UGA codon encoding the amino acid selenocysteine. Mutagenesis of the selenocysteine codon to a cysteine codon produced a protein with lower deiodinase activity. The presence or absence of selenocysteine in Type II deiodinase, which differs from the Type I enzyme in a number of parameters, has not been determined. Gold inhibits the activity of both the Type I deiodinase and the only other known eukaryotic selenocysteine-enzyme, glutathione peroxidase. Substitution of cysteine for selenocysteine in Type I deiodinase reduced its sensitivity to inhibition by gold 500-fold. We found that gold thioglucose was a competitive inhibitor with respect to the iodothyronine substrate of both deiodinases. However, the Type II enzyme from brown fat and pituitary was 100 to 1000-fold less sensitive to gold than was Type I activity in liver and pituitary, similar to the results with the cysteinesubstituted Type I enzyme. This s...
Preparing high- and low-aspect ratio AlB 2 flakes from borax or boron oxide

The commercial preparation of aluminum-diboride flakes in aluminum relies on relatively expensive starting materials. A new synthesis has been developed that allows AlB2 to be prepared directly from the reaction of borax (Na2B4O7·10H2O) or boron oxide (B2O3) with aluminum. Aluminum metal at temperatures higher than 900°C has been shown to reduce these boron-containing compounds, producing an Al2O3-containing slag and AlB2. A natural separation occurs, leaving AlB2 in the molten aluminum and Al2O3 as part of a slag that forms at the melt surface. Samples containing up to 10 vol.% AlB2 in an aluminum matrix have been directly prepared using this method.
Wavefront sensor performance in strong turbulence with an extended beacon

Adaptive optics (AO) systems on airborne platforms must be able to sense fields degraded by strong turbulence such as that associated with long horizontal propagation paths. The self-referencing interferometer (SRI) is a wavefront sensor that has been shown to be insensitive to scintillation. However, the limitations of the SRI have not been fully examined for extended beacons, which may have an angular extent larger than the isoplanatic angle of the atmosphere. This work presents results of computer simulations that examine the open-loop performance of an SRI wavefront sensor using an extended beacon and compares this performance with that of a Shack-Hartmann wavefront sensor.
The complexity of scheduling job families about a common due date

Family scheduling problems are characterized by a setup time structure where setups are only required between jobs from different families. We consider the problem of scheduling job families on parallel machines to minimize weighted deviation about a common due date. Various special cases of this problem have been considered in the literature. This note summarizes known complexity results and introduces new complexity results. We show that the total earliness/tardiness problem is unary NP-hard when the number of machines and families are arbitrary, thus generalizing an earlier result and answering a longstanding open question in the literature.
The new electrical and computer engineering curricula at University of California-Davis

In Fall 1993 the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department at the University of California, Davis introduced a new electrical engineering and a new computer engineering curriculum, each characterized by a well-coordinated junior core leading to a carefully chosen set of senior design elective courses. Through integration of a select but powerful set of computer tools into the junior core, students will be able to concentrate on understanding basic engineering principals while simultaneously obtaining important analytic and computer skills for senior elective courses. The number of required courses has been decreased but the number of units has remained roughly the same while maintaining the lower-division (freshman and sophomore) program essentially unchanged as required by the California higher education plan. The result is a curriculum that focuses on fundamentals through modern design techniques in such a way that both on-campus students and community college transfer students will be able to complete the engineering curriculum in four years. >
Off-host aggregation behavior and sensory basis of arrestment by Cimex lectularius (Heteroptera: Cimicidae).

The bed bug, Cimex lectularius, aggregates under filter paper disks previously stained by adults. A multiple-choice assay was used to determine differences in aggregation behavior among two strains, multiple lifestages, and levels of starvation. There were no differences in level of aggregation between established and recently derived strains, or among adults and nymphs of different instars. Propensity to aggregate decreased with time since feeding, but preference for stained disks remained high. We also examined which sensory structures mediate aggregation, and whether antennectomy affected movement, orientation, and arrestment under stained disks. Bed bugs that were left intact, blinded, or surgically altered by the removal of probosci or the distal antennal segments exhibited high levels of aggregation under stained disks. However, the removal of the pedicel significantly reduced aggregation compared to intact bugs. Video recordings of movement and orientation by bugs with intact, partial and complete antennectomies demonstrated that neither partial nor complete antennectomies affected walking speed, path straightness, direction of movement or frequency of encounters with either stained or clean disks. However, complete removal of both antennae significantly reduced the percentage of encounters with stained disks that resulted in arrestment. These findings suggest aggregation by bed bugs is a result of arrestment mediated by direct, close-range contact between sensilla on the pedicel and stained disks.
Measurement of the lithium 10 p fine structure interval and absolute energy

We report a measurement of the fine structure interval of the $^{7}\mathrm{Li}$ $10p$ atomic state with a precision significantly better than previous measurements of fine structure intervals of Rydberg $^{7}\mathrm{Li}$ $p$ states. Our result of $74.97(74)$ MHz provides an experimental value for the only $n=10$ fine structure interval which is yet to be calculated. We also report a measurement of the absolute energy of the $10p$ state and its quantum defect, which are, respectively, $42379.498(23){\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ and $0.04694(10)$. These results are in good agreement with recent calculations.