cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cutaneous septic emboli from Candida tropicalis.

An 11-year-old girl with acute lymphoblastic leukemia presented 1 month after induction chemotherapy with febrile neutropenia, a new diastolic murmur, and a subtle asymptomatic persistent rash. The patient had seven asymmetrically distributed 1–6 mm erythematous macules and papules with dusky centres on her palms, cheek, and abdomen (fi gure). Histopathology of a punch biopsy from the patient’s abdomen revealed an ulcerated superfi cial abscess with yeast forms and pseudohyphae compatible with a candidal septic embolus (fi gure). CT scans of the patient’s abdomen and pelvis showed multifocal areas of hypoattenuation in the liver, spleen, and kidneys, suggestive of infectious abscesses (fi gure). Echocardiogram revealed echogenic foci on the mitral valve suspicious for fungal involvement. Candida tropicalis was subsequently isolated from her blood and splenic tissue. The patient was given liposomal amphotericin B 5 mg/kg per day for 19 days, after which all cutaneous lesions resolved with hyperpigmentation. Neutrophil counts recovered, the patient remained afebrile, and blood cultures were negative for C tropicalis. The patient was discharged from the hospital and prescribed daily oral fl uconazole. She developed spiking fevers 1 week after discharge and was noted to have persistent stable visceral abscesses. Triple therapy was begun with liposomal amphotericin B 5 mg/kg per day, fl uconazole 10 mg/kg per day, and fl ucytosine 1000 mg per day for 30 days. At 1 month follow-up, cutaneous lesions were absent and visceral lesions were reduced in size. Systemic candidiasis is associated with a high mortality rate and is usually caused by Candida albicans. However, clinicians should be aware that in cases of disseminated disease with cutaneous involvement and in patients with leukaemia, systemic candidiasis could be caused by C tropicalis. Because blood cultures might be negative or result in prolonged time to diagnosis, cutaneous histopathology and tissue culture are alternative options that can accelerate diagnosis and allow treatment to be started promptly.
Audio-Visual Methods in Teaching, Revised Edition, by Edgar Dale. The Dryden Press, 520 pp. $6.25

(1955). Audio-Visual Methods in Teaching, Revised Edition, by Edgar Dale. The Dryden Press, 520 pp. $6.25. The Educational Forum: Vol. 19, No. 2, pp. 244-244.
Metrics to evaluate vendor-developed software based on test case execution results

Various business considerations have led a growing number of organizations to rely on external vendors to develop software for their needs. Much of the day-to-day data from vendors are not available to the vendee, and typically the vendee organization ends up with its own system or acceptance test to validate the software. The 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney was one such project in which IBM evaluated vendor-delivered code to ensure that all elements of a highly complex system could be integrated successfully. The readiness of the vendor-delivered code was evaluated based primarily on the actual test execution results. New metrics were derived to measure the degree of risk associated with a variety of test case failures such as functionality not enabled, bad fixes, and defects not fixed during successive iterations. The relationship of these metrics to the actual cause was validated through explicit communications with the vendor and the subsequent actions to improve the quality and completeness of the delivered code. This paper describes how these metrics can be derived from the execution data and used in a software project execution environment. Even though we have applied these metrics in a vendor-related project, the underlying concepts are useful to many software projects.
Analysis of the Human Neurexin Genes: Alternative Splicing and the Generation of Protein Diversity

The neurexins are neuronal proteins that function as cell adhesion molecules during synaptogenesis and in intercellular signaling. Although mammalian genomes contain only three neurexin genes, thousands of neurexin isoforms may be expressed through the use of two alternative promoters and alternative splicing at up to five different positions in the pre-mRNA. To begin understanding how the expression of the neurexin genes is regulated, we have determined the complete nucleotide sequence of all three human neurexin genes: NRXN1, NRXN2, and NRXN3. Unexpectedly, two of these, NRXN1 (~ 1.1 Mb) and NRXN3 (~ 1.7 Mb), are among the largest known human genes. In addition, we have identified several conserved intronic sequence elements that may participate in the regulation of alternative splicing. The sequences of these genes provide insight into the mechanisms used to generate the diversity of neurexin protein isoforms and raise several interesting questions regarding the expression mechanism of large genes.
U.S. Healthcare Reform, 2009-2010: Implications for African Americans

This paper describes issues that need to be addressed to reform the U.S. healthcare delivery system, the solutions to some of these issues that are part of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (as amended), and the implications for African Americans of some of the recently enacted reforms. These reforms take the first steps toward eliminating the insurance coverage gap that keeps many from receiving needed care. The necessary and simultaneous emphasis on cost containment of this legislation, however, may limit access to health care for African Americans.
The Theory of the Cheating of the Masses in Modern Times: The Institutional Roots of Social Immorality under Capitalism and Socialism

The unity of our spirit makes it impossible to work toward a certain end without thinking that this end can and must be achieved, even if only in the distant future and through the work of later generations… Objective examination in the ups and downs in the history of law cannot and must not extinguish our faith in justice as a supreme human ideal. Even in the face of events which represent a setback or a deviation, that ideal remains unshaken as a criterion of value; without it, deviation would be meaningless. Even if contradicted by empirical facts, this ideal does not lose its ethical and deontological truth. These contradictions between “is” and “ought to be” can be neither permanent nor general. Giorgio del Vecchio, Man and Nature
Effect of Overlapping Bands on Intensities in ATR FT-IR Spectra

In this study, several spectra were simulated, and the effect of spectral resolution and intensity is compared for ATR and transmission measurements. The analysis of ATR spectra shows that the intensity differences become more pronounced with the increasing band intensities and decreasing separation of the bands. The intensity ratio differences in ATR spectra are due to the superposition of the asymmetric dispersion bands of the refractive index spectrum. The difference between the spectral features in an overlapping region in ATR and transmission measurements is illustrated, and it is shown that the optical dispersion effect can be effectively eliminated by converting an ATR spectrum into its absorbance counterpart with the use of the Kramers-Kronig transform.
Antibacterial Mode of Action of Ib-AMP1 Against Escherichia coli O157:H7.

Continual occurrence of foodborne outbreaks, along with the increase in antibiotic resistance which burdens clinical treatments, has urged scientists to search for other potential promising antimicrobial agents. Antimicrobial peptides are emerging as one of the potential alternatives. The mode of action of a given AMP is critical and essential for future application; however, it is still not completely known for many of these compounds. Ib-AMP1 is a plant-derived AMP, purified from seeds of Impatiens balsamina and has been shown to exert antibacterial and antifungal activity at the micromolar level. A study had shown that the therapeutic index of Ib-AMP1 against eight human pathogens is 23.5. The objective of the present study was to determine the in vivo mode of action of Ib-AMP1 against Escherichia coli O157:H7. A concentration-dependent effect of Ib-AMP1 on the E. coli O157:H7 cell membrane occurred. Ib-AMP1 treatments resulted in efflux of K+ and ATP, suggesting pores of sufficient size to allow efflux of large molecules. Ib-AMP1 at sublethal concentrations exerts a greater effect at the intracellular level. In contrast, Ib-AMP1 at a lethal concentration permeabilizes cell membranes and may directly or indirectly inhibit intracellular macromolecule synthesis. Collectively, results of this study suggest Ib-AMP1 is bactericidal interfering within outer and inner membrane integrity permitting efflux of ATP and interfering with intracellular biosynthesis of DNA, RNA and protein.
The role of Rab5a GTPase in endocytosis and post-endocytic trafficking of the hCG-human luteinizing hormone receptor complex

This study examined the role of Rab5a GTPase in regulating hCG-induced internalization and trafficking of the hCG-LH receptor complex in transfected 293T cells. Coexpression of wild-type Rab5a (WT) or constitutively active Rab5a (Q79L) with LHR significantly increased hCG-induced LHR internalization. Conversely, coexpression of dominant negative Rab5a (S34N) with LHR reduced internalization. Confocal microscopy showed LHR colocalizing with Rab5a (WT) and Rab5a (Q79L) in punctuate structures. Coexpression of Rab5a (WT) and Rab5a (Q79L) with LHR significantly increased colocalization of LHR in early endosomes. Conversely, dominant negative Rab5a (S34N) decreased this colocalization. While Rab5a stimulated internalization of LHR, it significantly decreased LHR recycling to the cell surface and increased degradation. Dominant negative Rab5a (S34N) increased LHR recycling and decreased degradation. These results suggest that Rab5a plays a role in LHR trafficking by facilitating internalization and fusion to early endosomes, increasing the degradation of internalized receptor resulting in a reduction in LHR recycling.
The Pion Propagator in Relativistic Quantum Field Theories of the Nuclear Many Body Problem

Abstract Pion interactions in the nuclear medium are studied using renormalizable relativistic quantum field theories. Previous studies using pseudoscalar πN coupling encountered difficulties due to the large strength of the πNN vertex. We therefore formulate renormalizable field theories with pseudovector πN coupling using techniques introduced by Weinberg and Schwinger. Calculations are performed for two specific models: the scalar-vector theory of Walecka, extended to include π and ρ mesons in a non-chiral fashion, and the linear σ-model with an additional neutral vector meson. Both models qualitatively reproduce low-energy πN phenomenology and lead to nuclear matter saturation in the relativistic Hartree formalism, which includes baryon vacuum fluctuations. The pion propagator is evaluated in the onenucleon-loop approximation, which corresponds to a relativistic random-phase approximation built on the Hartree ground state. Virtual N N loops are included, and suitable renormalization techniques are illustrated. The local-density approximation is used to compare the threshold pion self-energy to the s-wave pion-nucleus optical potential. In the non-chiral model, s-wave pion-nucleus scattering is too large in both pseudoscalar and pseudovector calculations, indicating that additional constraints must be imposed on the lagrangian. In the chiral model, the threshold self-energy vanishes automatically in the pseudovector case, but does so for pseudoscalar coupling only if the baryon effective mass is chosen self-consistently. Since extrapolation from free space to nuclear density can lead to large effects, pion propagation in the medium can determine which πN coupling is more suitable for the relativistic nuclear many-body problem. Conversely, pion interactions constrain the model lagrangian and the nuclear matter equation of state. An approximately chiral model with pseudovector coupling is favored. The techniques developed here allow for a consistent treatment of these models using renormalizable relativistic quantum field theores.
Displacement induced fatigue cracks

Abstract The interaction of the various components of a bridge structure under regular truck or train traffic has frequently resulted in cracking in unexpected locations in relatively short periods of time. In welded girder type bridges this cracking has often occurred in the web at short gaps between transverse connection plates and the girder flanges. This paper examines two cases of fatigue cracking at such short gap conditions. Strain measurements and a detailed analysis are used to demonstrate that such cracking results from the out-of-plane movements of the web in the short gap region. The study demonstrates that the most reliable means of preventing this type of cracking is to connect the transverse connecting plates to both top and bottom flanges.
The radiation crosslinking process and new products

Abstract In 1988 there were over 90 EB accelerators for industrial use in Japan. The number one industrial application was Wire and Cable, the 2nd was PE foam and Curing, and the 3rd was Precure of tyre. R & D has a very high ration of EB accelerator use. Low energy industrial applications were coated steel (white board), plaster slab, coated paper, magnetic tape and floppy disks. As a new application of the radiation crosslinking process, we have studied radiation crosslinking of engineering plastics and succeeded in improving the hea tresistivity without using glass fibers. Many kinds of polyfunctional monomers used as crosslinking reagents of irradiated Nylon and PBT were studied.
The Bioethical Concept of Life for Life in Judaism, Catholicism, and Islam: Abortion When the Mother’s Life is in Danger

Modern secular bioethics has focused on developing a set of universal principles to guide clinical decision making. However, this ignores the important role of religion in resolving bioethical questions. It is imperative that healthcare providers understand these belief systems in order to traverse value conflicts and provide the highest quality care to a diverse population. This paper focuses on the process of bioethical deliberation in Judaism, Catholicism, and Islam. Abortion is normatively prohibited in each faith and through examining how each ethical code allows for abortion when the mother’s life is in peril due to the fetus, we highlight the value of unborn life in each faith. Orthodox Judaism uses the concept of rodef , or pursuer, to permit abortion in this scenario, Catholicism uses the moral concept of “double effect,” while Islamic law cites the maqasid, higher objectives of the law, to permit abortion in this scenario. http://dx.doi.org/10.5915/42-3-5351
PhoPQ-mediated regulation produces a more robust permeability barrier in the outer membrane of Salmonella enterica serovar typhimurium.

The PhoPQ two-component system of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium produces a remodeling of the lipid A domain of the lipopolysaccharide, including the PagP-catalyzed addition of palmitoyl residue, the PmrAB-regulated addition of the cationic sugar 4-aminoarabinose and phosphoethanolamine, and the LpxO-catalyzed addition of a 2-OH group onto one of the fatty acids. By using the diffusion rates of the dyes ethidium, Nile red, and eosin Y across the outer membrane, as well as the susceptibility of cells to large, lipophilic agents, we evaluated the function of this membrane as a permeability barrier. We found that the remodeling process in PhoP-constitutive strains produces an outer membrane that serves as a very effective permeability barrier in an environment that is poor in divalent cations or that contains cationic peptides, whereas its absence in phoP null mutants produces an outer membrane severely compromised in its barrier function under these conditions. Removing combinations of the lipid A-remodeling functions from a PhoP-constitutive strain showed that the known modification reactions explain a major part of the PhoPQ-regulated changes in permeability. We believe that the increased barrier property of the remodeled bilayer is important in making the pathogen more resistant to the stresses that it encounters in the host, including attack by the cationic antimicrobial peptides. On the other hand, drug-induced killing assays suggest that the outer membrane containing unmodified lipid A may serve as a better barrier in the presence of high concentrations (e.g., 5 mM) of Mg2+.
SEEING OURSELVES AS PRIMATES

There has been a marked expansion in our human knowledge in recent decades, and much of this new information about ourselves and our world has yet to be integrated into our human self-image. I maintain that understanding how we fit within the spectrum of lifeforms as the primates that we are will enable us to take a more active role in choosing ecologically responsible behavior and will allow us to address more effectively our major problems of overpopulation, overconsumption, and militarism.
Integrative mechanisms for multiteam integration: Findings from five case studies

Many product development programs contain multiple integrated product teams (IPTs) and functional support groups. Interteam information dependencies greatly affect program success. Organization integration has thus become an issue of increasing interest. This paper focuses on the realm of team interdependence and categorizes and explores several integrative mechanisms (IMs) that facilitate interteam integration. IMs are strategies and tools for effectively coordinating actions across groups within a program. The IM categorization scheme should prove useful to those developing an integration “tool kit.” This paper explores the use of IMs in real programs, summarizing findings from five case studies at Chrysler, General Electric Aircraft Engines, Boeing, Sundstrand, and Raytheon Systems. As the appropriateness of a given IM varies as a function of many parameters—such as program stage, size, complexity, risk, etc.—this research does not formulate a universal template for IM application. Rather, the hope is that the lessons learned by these five programs will help others determine the suitability of particular IMs in their situations. This paper centers on studies in the defense aerospace industry (with two commercial cases and one nonaerospace case), but the implications extend to any system development program. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Syst Eng 1: 95—112, 1998
Amino and carboxyl propeptides in bone collagen fibrils during embryogenesis.

Collagen fibrillogenesis was studied in tibiae of chick embryos, 9, 11, and 14 days old. Specimens were incubated with antibodies against the amino and the carboxyl propeptides of type-I collagen and subjected to ferritin-la-belling immuno-electron microscopy. The amino propeptide was found in thin fibrils, 20–40 nm in diameter, distributed at 60-nm periodicity. The carboxyl propeptide antibody labelled a wide spectrum of fibrils, although the majority were in the range of 40–100 nm, distinctly larger than those labelled with the amino propeptide antibody. The presence of pN (amino propeptide plus collagen) and pC (carboxyl propeptide plus collagen) collagen was also demonstrated by Western blotting in all specimens. This study suggests that the sequence of propeptide removal may regulate collagen fibril diameter.
PRODUCING EPISTEMOLOGIES OF IGNORANCE IN THE POLITICAL ASYLUM APPLICATION PROCESS 1

The granting of political asylum is implicated in other often competing agendas and discourses, including national security, the obligation to provide safe haven, the histories of past immigrants and asylum seekers, and the criminalization of people who cross borders illegally, for whatever motive. Political asylum serves two sometimes contradictory ends: protection of the state and refuge for the applicant. This contradiction is at the root of the production of ignorance in a process that overtly seeks to generate knowledge. Restricted access to knowledge is part of persecution both as a form of control, and in the classification of knowledge as illicit, covert, or traitorous. We examine the conditions for producing knowledge and ignorance in the political asylum process in which the stories presented by applicants are evaluated by bureaucrats to determine whether they are credible and whether they meet the criteria of a well-founded fear of return to the homeland. We discuss narratives told by both asyl...
Differentiation between Gallionella and Metallogenium

The DNA base composition and the sensitivity to iron of an ironoxidizing Metallogenium was determined. A comparison of the organism with Gallionella ferruginea suggests that the iron-oxidizing Metallogenium may be a common contaminant of G. ferruginea cultures.
Detection of Cutting Phenomena Using Sensor Fusion

This paper presents an investigation of the application of a suite of sensors for simultaneous in-situ measurements of machining processes. While not every individual sensor responds to all machining phenomena, the suite of sensors together responds to many machining phenomena of interest, including chip segmentation, chip breakage, and vibrations. The simultaneous use of a suite of sensors with modest data-acquisition equipment and the use of careful preliminary laboratory testing for optimizing sensor performance distinguishes this present proof-of-concept work from prior process monitoring efforts using individual sensors. This paper includes a discussion of pre-deployment laboratory measurements and a full description of the instrumented tool holder, associated circuitry, and data analysis methods. The deployment of multiple sensors of varying sophistication and cost lays a technical foundation for the ultimate objective of industrially practical measurement and monitoring systems for metal cutting processes.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Hearing Assessment: A Guide for the Educational Diagnostician:

It is the responsibility of the educational diagnostician to evaluate children who may present any one of a number of different problems, including hearing impairment. The purpose of this paper is to present information regarding the major components of a basic audiology test battery and the effects of hearing impairment on certain areas of development. Pure tone audiometry, speech audiometry, impedance testing, and types of hearing loss are discussed. The contribution of each of the tests is pointed out and illustrative audiometric findings are presented.
A survey of chemical dosimetric systems

Abstract This survey covers the literature published on chemical dosimetry for electrons, γ- and X-rays, during the past ten years. A brief discussion of ionization chamber measurements is given as well as the most recent values of W for various gases. The dosimeters listed include liquid, solid and gaseous systems with brief comments concerning each.
Unmet service needs in methadone maintenance.

Most drug abuse treatment agencies maintain a wide array of ancillary services, either on-site or through off-site referral resources, for helping meet the diverse social, medical, and psychological needs of clients. The extent to which these needs are met may be an important factor in client retention and outcomes. Perceived unmet service needs and their relationship to client outcomes were therefore studied in relationship to a framework for studying drug abuse treatment process factors. The outcomes in the present study were time in treatment and relapse to opioid use during treatment, and these were examined in relation to perceived need for services and their delivery (whether or not these services were received). The sample consisted of 590 methadone maintenance clients in 21 clinics in the RTI/TOPS data system. The results showed that the measure of unmet needs for services was not significantly related to time to relapse or to time in treatment. However, there appeared to be an indirect effect. Th...
The psoralens adversely affect reproductive function in male wistar rats.

The psoralens occur naturally in produce and are widely used in skin therapy. Studies show that 5-methoxypsoralen and 8-methoxypsoralen reduced birth rates in rats. We determined the effect of psoralens on reproductive function in male rats. Male Wistar rats were dosed daily with 5-methoxypsoralen or 8-methoxypsoralen (75 or 150 mg/kg, p.o.), or vehicle control. Treated males had significantly smaller pituitary glands, fewer sperm per ejaculate, and fewer sperm in the vasa defferentia and epididymides than controls. Dosing significantly elevated levels of testosterone and increased relative testis weight, but did not directly affect testicular weight. Females bred to dosed males required more time to become pregnant, and these males required more breeding attempts. The findings demonstrate the importance of determining the potential risk for infertility and/or birth defects in humans who are exposed to therapeutic, dietary, or occupational psoralens.
Beam profile flattener for Gaussian beams

We describe a novel technique to make a Gaussian laser beam profile spatially flat. We exploit the angular dependence of the transmission of an etalon to tailor the spatial profile to the desired form. A simple analysis shows why our method works so well and how an etalon could be tuned to give the optimum results at all wavelengths. This technique has enormous advantages over other methods.
T Cells' Immunological Synapses Induce Polarization of Brain Astrocytes In Vivo and In Vitro : A Novel Astrocyte Response Mechanism to Cellular Injury

Background: Astrocytes usually respond to trauma, stroke, or neurodegeneration by undergoing cellular hypertrophy, yet, their response to a specific immune attack by T cells is poorly understood. Effector T cells establish specific contacts with target cells, known as immunological synapses, during clearance of virally infected cells from the brain. Immunological synapses mediate intercellular communication between T cells and target cells, both in vitro and in vivo. How target virally infected astrocytes respond to the formation of immunological synapses established by effector T cells is unknown. Findings: Herein we demonstrate that, as a consequence of T cell attack, infected astrocytes undergo dramatic morphological changes. From normally multipolar cells, they become unipolar, extending a major protrusion towards the immunological synapse formed by the effector T cells, and withdrawing most of their finer processes. Thus, target astrocytes become polarized towards the contacting T cells. The MTOC, the organizer of cell polarity, is localized to the base of the protrusion, and Golgi stacks are distributed throughout the protrusion, reaching distally towards the immunological synapse. Thus, rather than causing astrocyte hypertrophy, antiviral T cells cause a major structural reorganization of target virally infected astrocytes. Conclusions: Astrocyte polarization, as opposed to hypertrophy, in response to T cell attack may be due to T cells providing a very focused attack, and thus, astrocytes responding in a polarized manner. A similar polarization of Golgi stacks towards contacting T cells was also detected using an in vitro allogeneic model. Thus, different T cells are able to induce polarization of target astrocytes. Polarization of target astrocytes in response to immunological synapses may play an important role in regulating the outcome of the response of astrocytes to attacking effector T cells, whether during antiviral (e.g. infected during HIV, HTLV-1, HSV-1 or LCMV infection), anti-transplant, autoimmune, or anti-tumor immune responses in vivo and in vitro. Citation: Barcia C, Sanderson NSR, Barrett RJ, Wawrowsky K, Kroeger KM, et al. (2008) T Cells’ Immunological Synapses Induce Polarization of Brain Astrocytes In
Abstract LB-22: A subset of small cell lung cancer (SCLC) cell lines is Mcl-1-dependent and responds to cyclin-dependent kinase (cdk)9 inhibition in vitro and in vivo

Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) accounts for approximately 13% of lung cancer cases, and current treatment options are limited to radiation and/or chemotherapy, which frequently lead to drug resistance. Recently, multiple SCLC cell lines have been found to be responsive to the Bcl-2/Bcl-xL inhibitor, ABT-737, both in vitro and in vivo. Clinical trials of the related orally-bioavailable compound ABT-263 have shown promising activity in SCLC patients. However, a subset of SCLC cell lines that express Mcl-1, another anti-apoptotic protein, are resistant to ABT-737. Therefore, drugs targeting Mcl-1 may be particularly useful in this disease. Here, we have investigated dependence of a panel of SCLC cell lines on Mcl-1 for survival. A subset of Mcl-1-expressing SCLC cell lines, including NCI-H82, NCI-N417 and SHP-77, demonstrate apoptosis upon Mcl-1 knockdown. However, other SCLC cell lines, including NCI-H69, NCI-H196 and SW1271, are not responsive to Mcl-1 knockdown. In addition, the dependence of SCLC cell lines on Mcl-1 for survival can be predicted by BH3 profiling, a methodology that measures dependence of a cell on a variety of anti-apoptotic proteins. We have also investigated the efficacy of Flavopiridol, a potent inhibitor of the transcriptional cyclin-dependent kinase (cdk)9, against the panel of SCLC cell lines. Flavopiridol acutely down-regulates Mcl-1 expression in all SCLC cell lines tested; however, only Mcl-1-dependent cells, including NCI-H82, NCI-N417 and SHP-77, undergo abrupt apoptosis. In contrast, cells that were not found to be Mcl-1 dependent are not effectively killed by Flavopiridol. We have further investigated the activity of Flavopiridol against Mcl-1-dependent SCLC in vivo utilizing nude mice bearing NCI-H82 xenografts. Flavopiridol treatment results in substantial tumor growth inhibition in this aggressive and chemotherapy-refractory model. To potentially stratify patients who would be predicted to be responsive to Flavopiridol treatment, we have performed MCL-1 gene fluorescence in situ hybridization in SCLC cell lines and deidentified patient specimens. MCL-1 gene copy number gains exist in both patient and cell line samples, and copy number gain of MCL-1 or MYC in cell lines correlates with Mcl-1 dependence. Strategies for targeting MCL-1 and MYC copy number gains will be discussed further. Finally, we have demonstrated that the combination of Flavopiridol and ABT-737 significantly reduces viability in Mcl-1-independent SW1271 cells compared to treatment with either drug alone. Taken together, our studies suggest that Flavopiridol-mediated cdk9 inhibition may effectively target Mcl-1-dependent SCLCs, including those resistant to Bcl-2/Bcl-xL inhibition. 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 2016. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-2016
Postnatal Expression and Induction by Pregnenolone-16α-Carbonitrile of the Organic Anion-Transporting Polypeptide 2 in Rat Liver

Newborn rats are more sensitive to the toxic effects of cardiac glycosides than are adult rats. This is associated with a decreased ability to remove cardiac glycosides from blood into the liver. Pregnenolone-16alpha-carbonitrile (PCN), a prototypical rodent CYP3A inducer and pregnane-X-receptor (PXR) ligand, stimulates the hepatic clearance of cardiac glycosides in newborn rats, which results in decreased toxicity of the cardiac glycosides. The mechanism responsible for this phenomenon is not clear; however, if elucidated, it would help in understanding and preventing potential drug-drug interactions. The recently cloned rat organic anion-transporting polypeptide 2 (oatp2) (Slc21a5) is a sinusoidal hepatic uptake transporter, with very high affinities for cardiac glycosides, and thus it was hypothesized that rat oatp2 increases during postnatal development and is inducible by PCN. In the present study, livers were removed from Sprague-Dawley rats from postnatal days (pnd) 0 to 45, in 5-day increments; as well as from pnd 10 to 90, in 10-day increments, after PCN (75 mg/kg i.p., for 4 days) or corn oil (vehicle for PCN) treatment. The protein and mRNA levels of rat oatp2 were determined by Western blot analysis and branched DNA signal amplification technique, respectively. Expression of rat oatp2 protein and mRNA increased gradually during postnatal development. PCN treatment increased liver to body weight ratio in both genders, and dramatically accelerated the maturation of hepatic oatp2 protein and mRNA levels. In summary, rat oatp2 undergoes age-dependent and chemical regulation during postnatal development, and is a potential target for drug-drug and age-drug interactions.
Mixed-Weibull parameter estimation for burn-in data using the Bayesian approach

Abstract A Bayesian approach is presented for both grouped and ungrouped burn-in test data, to come up with the posterior parameters of the bimodal mixed-Weibull distribution. The concepts of belonging probabilities and fractional ranks are introduced for this approach. A numerical comparison is made by conducting the Kolmogorov-Smirnov goodness-of-fit test on the parameter estimates obtained by Jensen's graphical method, by the Bayesian approach using the conventional separation plotting method and by the Bayesian approach using the fractional rank plotting method . It turns out that the Bayesian approach with the fractional rank plotting method yields the best results.
Let's blame the physicians ... again: physician legalism and countertransference.

Christy Rentmeester and Constance George (2009) introduce an interesting and potentially helpful twist which incorporates the notion of “countertransference” into the language of medical ethics. Th...
Multiplex Approach to the Photometric Detection of Planets

If the hypothesis is correct that most solar-like stars have planetary systems and have planets in inner orbits, then approximately 1% of these stars should have planets with orbital planes close enough to our line of sight to show transits. To get a statistically significant estimate of the fraction of stars that have planets in inner orbits, it is necessary to monitor thousands of stars continuously for a period of several years. To accomplish this requires the use of a multi-channel photometer system. We present here several multi-channel methods that have been used for ground-based observations and a concept for applying multi-channel photometry to the detection of numerous Earth-sized planets.
Effect of CaSO4 and NaCl on mineral content ofLeucaena leucocephala

The effects of varying CaSO4 and NaCl levels on the nutrient content ofLeucaena leucocephala were established by examining the concentrations of Na, Ca, Cl, K and Mg in leucaena roots, stems and leaves. Leucaena was grown in nutrient solution at four levels of CaSO4 (0.5, 1.0, 2.5 and 5.0 mM) and NaCl (1, 25, 50 and 100 mM), in randomized blocks with five replications. Leucaena excluded sodium from stems and leaves when NaCl concentration was 50 mM or less. Sodium uptake decreased as CaSO4 concentration increased. Calcium uptake was affected by NaCl concentration when substrate CaSO4 concentration was 0.5 mM. At this level, 100 mM NaCl caused a marked decrease in leaf calcium and a marked increase in leaf Cl. In all other treatments, Cl uptake was not affected by CaSO4 concentration. Potassium uptake was strongly depressed as NaCl concentration increased at low Ca concentration, but this effect was offset at high Ca. Magnesium uptake decreased as CaSO4 levels increased.
Nuclear localization of C-terminal domains of the kinesin-like protein MKLP-1.

The successful execution of mitosis in mammalian cells requires the activities of numerous kinesin-like proteins. The Mitotic Kinesin-Like Protein-1 (MKLP-1) localizes to the spindle equator and is believed to participate in the separation of spindle poles during anaphase B. Injection of antibodies against MKLP-1 into dividing cells results in cell cycle arrest, suggesting that MKLP-1 is essential for mitosis. To further characterize MKLP-1, constructs encoding C-terminal domains of MKLP-1 were expressed as fusions to the green fluorescent protein and localized in HeLa cells. All constructs localized to the nucleus indicating the presence of at least one nuclear localization sequence in the C-terminus of the protein. C-terminal domains of MKLP-1 expressed in insect cells also localized to the nucleus as shown by subcellular fractionation. These proteins remained tightly associated with the nucleus following both detergent and salt extraction, suggesting a tight interaction with a component of the nucleus.
Adding artificial feedback to a simple aquatic ecosystem: the cybernetic nature of ecosystems revisited

A cybernetic system can be defined as one controlled by feedback, that is, a system in which input is partially determined by output. I explored the cybernetic properties of a simple planktonic ecosystem by introducing an artificial feedback loop; light energy delivered to the system was linked to the ecosystem's productivity and respiration. Specifically, I programmed a computer to turn lights on and off when dissolved oxygen reached low and high setpoints, respectively. Three treatments were applied that differed in light intensity and in range between high and low setpoints. Experiments were repeated under high and low nutrient conditions. The added feedback did not substantially alter responses to limiting factors from those expected under fixed duration lighting. However, several novel features were observed, including poor coupling between productivity and respiration, similar patterns in energy demand among treatments, and oscillations in primary productivity. These observations can be viewed as support for a holistic, cybernetic view of ecological systems. This view complements the dominant mechanistic-reductionist perspective on causality in ecosystems. The experimental addition of new feedback is apparently a useful means of investigating the self-organizational properties of ecosystems and may also improve our understanding of the consequences of anthropogenically induced feedback in natural and managed systems.
Aged rat hearts are not more susceptible to ischemia-reperfusion injury in vivo: role of glutathione

The current study tested the hypothesis that ischemia-reperfusion (I-R) can cause more severe myocardial dysfunction and oxidative damage in senescent rats than young adult rats. Male Fischer 344 rats at the age of 6 (adult) and 24 (old) months were subjected to an open-chest heart surgery and randomly assigned to one of the following treatments: ischemia only (I), with the occlusion of the main descending branch of the left coronary artery (LCA) for 30 min; I-R, with the release of LCA occlusion for 20 min; or sham (S) operation. Heart mechanical performance was monitored using a fluid-filled catheter inserted in the right carotid artery and advanced to the left ventricle. Ischemia caused similar reductions of left ventricle systolic pressure (LVSP) and contractility (±dP/dt) in adult and aged hearts. After I-R, adult hearts regained 82% (P 0.05) of LVSP. There was no significant difference in the reduction of ±dP/dt with I-R between adult and aged hearts. Old rats had lower pre-ischemic heart rate than adult rats, however, I-R caused no reduction of heart rate, and a smaller reduction of pressure-rate double product in the aged rats (10%, P>0.05) than the adult rats (23%, P<0.01). Aged rats demonstrated greater myocardial and plasma glutathione (GSH) concentrations prior to surgery, and maintained higher GSH levels and GSH:glutathione disulfide (GSSG) ratio with I-R. Aged hearts also had higher GSH peroxidase, GSH reductase and GSH sulfur-transferase activities than adult hearts, while I-R induced lipid peroxidation was similar. It is concluded that senescent hearts with intact circulatory and neural inputs are not more susceptible to I-R injury than adult hearts during myocardial I-R, partly because they have a greater GSH antioxidant protection.
Dynamics with expectations

Abstract We present a dynamical model of interacting agents that make decisions based on expectations about the future, along with imperfect knowledge about the present and the past. We show in particular how a diversity of expectations among the agents, coupled to reward mechanisms, can generate overall dynamics characterized by cycles of almost stable behavior interrupted by sudden crashes. This process is accompanied by an ever-changing diversity in the composition of the system.
An annotated bibliography on computers and the physically handicapped Part V-A: The speech impaired and hearing impaired, 1975-1980

This is the fifth in a series of articles reviewing the scientific literature on computers and the physically hadicapped. Please see the Spring, 1983 issue of the SIGCAPH newsletter (No. 32) for a description of this series. This article is a bibliography of articles appearing in the literature between January, 1975 and December, 1980 concerning the speech impaired and the hearing impaired. Note that Part IV, Vol. 35 was erroneously titled Part V. It should be Part IV. The literature 1975-1090 is large enough to be listed in two parts, V-A and V-B. Articles are backordered and the publishing schedule will depend on their arrival.
BERNOULLI PARTITION-EQUIVALENCE OF INTERMITTENT NEURONAL DISCHARGE PATTERNS

The binary partition of the range of values for a series of interspike intervals necessary to generate the growth rate of the longest run equivalent to that observed in a Bernoulli, fair coin sequence was found to discriminate three classes of intermittently firing brain stem neurons more clearly than either the higher statistical moments or the leading Lyapunov exponent.
Separating oil-water nanoemulsions using flux-enhanced hierarchical membranes.

Membranes that separate oil-water mixtures based on contrasting wetting properties have recently received significant attention. Separation of nanoemulsions, i.e. oil-water mixtures containing sub-micron droplets, still remains a key challenge. Tradeoffs between geometric constraints, high breakthrough pressure for selectivity, high flux and mechanical durability make it challenging to design effective membranes. In this paper, we fabricate a hierarchical membrane by the phase inversion process that consists of a nanoporous separation skin layer supported by an integrated microporous layer. We demonstrate the separation of water-in-oil emulsions well below 1 μm in size. In addition, we tune the parameters of the hierarchical membrane fabrication to control the skin layer thickness and increase the total flux by a factor of four. These simple yet robust hierarchical membranes with engineered wetting characteristics show promise for large-scale, efficient separation systems.
EVOLUTION OF PHACUS (EUGLENOPHYCEAE) AS INFERRED FROM PELLICLE MORPHOLOGY AND SSU rDNA

This research integrates a large morphological data set into a molecular context. Nineteen pellicle characters and 62 states from 13 euglenid taxa were analyzed cladistically. The pellicle morphology of Euglena tripteris (Klebs), Lepocinclis ovata (Conrad), Phacus brachykentron (Pochmann), P. oscillans (Klebs), P. pyrum (Stein), and P. triqueter (Dujardin) is described comprehensively. These data are compared with new information on the pellicle morphology of Euglena acus (Ehrenberg), E. stellata (Mainx), and Peranema trichophorum (Stein) in addition to published data on Entosiphon sulcatum (Dujardin), Euglena gracilis (Klebs), Distigma proteus (Pringsheim), and Petalomonas cantuscygni (Cann and Pennick). Nuclear small subunit (SSU) rDNA sequences provided an independent test for establishing a robust organismal pedigree of the same taxa. A synthetic tree derived from the combined phylogenetic analyses of pellicle morphology and SSU rDNA enabled us to parsimoniously map morphological character states. This approach demonstrated the utility of pellicle morphology for inferring phylogenetic relationships of euglenids and establishing apomorphy-based clade definitions. Three robust clades with unambiguous pellicle-based apomorphies can be recognized within taxa traditionally classified as Phacus: (1) L. ovata and P. pyrum, (2) E. tripteris and P. triqueter, and (3) P. brachykentron and P. oscillans. Taxonomic concerns that emerged from these results are discussed.
Tourism and sustainability: development, globalisation and new tourism in the Third World (3rd ed.)

The book critically explores issues and challenges that have emerged around the debate of development, globalisation and sustainability using the lenses of tourism. It places local discussion of th...
Relation of Temperature and Rainfall to Development of Xanthomonas and Pantoea Leaf Blights of Onion in Colorado

During the 1996 to 1999 growing seasons, some areas of Colorado's onion-growing regions experienced a complex of bacterial diseases including leaf blights caused by Xanthomonas campestris and Pantoea ananatis. Crop losses varied depending on adverse weather (associated with rain, storm, and temperature patterns) and stage of onion plant development. Environmental conditions during vegetative development had no significant association with the initial appearance or subsequent intensity of disease. Both pathogens were active at average high temperatures that ranged from 28 to 35°C during bulbing. Multiple regression models were developed to predict the initial appearance (growing degree day [GDD]) and subsequent Xanthomonas leaf blight intensity (final proportion of disease [FPD]) using macroclimatic meteorological conditions, including July average daily high temperature (Tjmax), August cumulative rainfall (Pa), and cumulative rainfall in July and August (Pja). Initial disease appearance and disease intensity were described by GDD10 = -6,153.43 + 215.50Tjmax - 0.92Pa and FPD = 222.79 - 6.92Tjmax + 0.52Pja, respectively. Pantoea leaf blight initial appearance was strongly associated with July average daily temperatures (Tj) and was described by GDD10 = -5,930.43 + 289.07Tj. Results are discussed in relation to an integrated pest management strategy in Colorado.
Fostering Worth and Belonging: Applying the Interpersonal Theory of Suicide to the Workplace

Suicide, one of the leading causes of death worldwide, is a topic too often ignored in occupational research. Given the negative impact an employee's suicide can have on surviving coworkers and the overall organization, it is essential that employers understand (a) why people die by suicide and (b) how they can mitigate suicide risk. This article introduces the interpersonal theory of suicide, an empirically based explanatory framework for understanding lethal self-injury. Practical recommendations to reduce employees' risk for suicidal behavior are offered with an emphasis on fostering worth and belonging, two key concepts in suicide prevention.