cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
SU-E-T-272: Commissioning an Orthovoltage Unit Used for Radiobiology Research.

Purpose: Orthovoltage X‐ray units are used to irradiate cell cultures or small animals in research. Beam characteristics of these units are often not well understood and only nominal dose specified is used by researchers in their studies. This work describes commissioning of an orthovoltage unit similar to that of a linear accelerator.Methods: The X‐Rad 320 Orthovoltage unit is a self‐contained x‐ray system which can be operatedwithin a wide range of kVp and mAs settings. This work characterizes the beam produced by this system. Various beam data, including depth dose, cross profiles, collimator and total scatter factors, have been measured.Collimator and total scatter measurements were done with cylindrical farmer chambers (0.6 cc and 0.057 cc volumes) for field sizes ranging from 2×2 to 20×20 cm2. Sc measurements were done in air at 50 cm SCD and Sc,p measurements were done in 2 cm depth of phantom at 50 cm SSD.The depth dose curves were generated for three different field sizes for depths up to 15 cm. A parallel plate chamber was used for surface and near surface dosemeasurements while the cylindrical chamber was used for other depths. Results:Measurements of Sc and Sc,p indicate minimal variation of these factors with field size, except for very small fields. The results of depth dosemeasurements produce results comparable with published data for similar beams and indicate a very small dose buildup at shallow depths. Conclusions: Proper characterization of an x‐ray beam and accurate dosimetry is of importance in radiobiology investigations which may lead to advent of new therapies for humans. This work investigates the beam characteristics of an orthovoltage unit to ensure accurate irradiation of samples. The data collected here could further be used for simulation of dose distribution within irradiated volume.
Multiphoton ionization studies of iron

Abstract The dissociation of Fe(CO) 5 by laser irradiation produces iron atoms for multiphoton ionization studies. Monitoring 56 Fe + , wavelength ionization spectra were taken in three dye wavelength regions and the observed transitions tabulated. The most intense lines were used to record the mass spectra of the Fe(CO) 5 . Dominating the spectra were the iron isotope ions with Fe(CO) + and Fe(CO) 2 + present at about 1% of the 56 Fe + . The most intense wavelength for iron ionization was at 277.7 nm, which represents a non-ground state transition.
Identification of an agonist ligand for estrogen-related receptors ERRβ/γ

In order to develop agonist ligands that are specific for the estrogen-related receptors ERRbeta/gamma, a hydrazone with a 4-hydroxy group at one phenyl ring and a 4-diethylamino moiety at the other phenyl ring was synthesized. We demonstrate that compound 3 (DY131; N'-{(1E)-[4-(diethylamino)phenyl]methylene}-4-hydroxybenzohydrazide) effectively and selectively activates ERRbeta/gamma. DY131 had no effect on the structurally related receptors ERRalpha or the estrogen receptors alpha and beta (ERalpha/beta). This work defines a convenient synthesis for a novel and selective pharmacologic tool that can be used to elucidate the biological activities of ERRbeta/gamma.
Caval Penetration by Retrievable Inferior Vena Cava Filters: A Retrospective Comparison of Option and Günther Tulip Filters

Abstract Purpose To compare the frequency of vena caval penetration by the struts of the Option and Gunther Tulip cone filters on postplacement computed tomography (CT) imaging. Materials and Methods All patients who had an Option or Gunther Tulip inferior vena cava (IVC) filter placed between January 2010 and May 2012 were identified retrospectively from medical records. Of the 208 IVC filters placed, the positions of 58 devices (21 Option filters, 37 Gunther Tulip filters [GTFs]) were documented on follow-up CT examinations obtained for reasons unrelated to filter placement. In cases when multiple CT studies were obtained after placement, each study was reviewed, for a total of 80 examinations. Images were assessed for evidence of caval wall penetration by filter components, noting the number of penetrating struts and any effect on pericaval tissues. Results Penetration of at least one strut was observed in 17% of all filters imaged by CT between 1 and 447 days following placement. Although there was no significant difference in the overall prevalence of penetration when comparing the Option filter and GTF (Option, 10%; GTF, 22%), only GTFs showed time-dependent penetration, with penetration becoming more likely after prolonged indwelling times. No patient had damage to pericaval tissues or documented symptoms attributed to penetration. Conclusions Although the Gunther Tulip and Option filters exhibit caval penetration at CT imaging, only the GTF exhibits progressive penetration over time.
Corticotronpin-releasing hormone inhibits maternal behavior and induces pup-killing

Abstract Behavioral responses to stressors and the effects of stressors on maternal behavior change with mothering experience. Corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) is released by stressors and produces stress-like behavioral effects. We tested the effects of ICV infusion of ovine CRH (0.5–4 ug) on pup-directed behaviors in ovariectomized, ovarian steroid-treated virgin rats that were either naive to pups or that had three days of mothering experience. CRH inhibited maternal behavior in naive and experience rats in a dose-related manner. The magnitude and duration of inhibition, especially at the 1 ug dose, were less in rats with mothering experience. Higher doses of CRH (1 – 4 ug) significantly increased pup-killing in rats that were naive to pups. In contrast, CRH produced no pup-killing in rats with mothering experience.
Effect of crystallization time on the properties of melt‐crystallized linear polyethylene

Linear polyethylene was crystallized isothermally from the melt. Specimens were removed at different crystallization times and quenched to room temperature. The density, static mechanical properties, and small-angle x-ray scattering (SAXS) behavior of these specimens were measured at room temperature. The density and Young's modulus increased with crystallization time, whereas the upper yield point decreased with crystallization time. SAXS data showed that a zero-angle peak gradually disappeared as crystallization time increased. Concurrently, the breadth of the SAXS peaks, the Bragg angle, and the integrated intensity decreased. Changes in the ratio of second- and first-order peak intensities were also noted. On the basis of the SAXS and density data, it was concluded that a competition exists between the thickening of existing crystals and the creation of new crystallites between the older ones. At relatively low crystallization times, numerous new crystals can form during quenching to room temperature, whereas quenching after prolonged crystallization primarily results in the additional thickening of existing crystals. No change in the density of the amorphous material is found. A model is given whereby the upper yield stress is coupled to these morphological changes through a stress concentration effect caused by a decreased population of chains connecting adjacent crystallites. The tie-chain population change occurs by their elimination as crystallites disappear.
Further aspects of the theory of multiple regression

This paper may be regarded as a sequel to a previous papers(1) in these Proceedings. The vector and matrix notation of that paper used for a statistical sample is systematized somewhat further, so that while a sample S refers as before to the matrix of nm values (a sample of m observations in one variate only being a row vector), we writefor the linear regression formula between the dependent and independent variates into which a sample is supposed partitioned (in place of equation (12) of (1)). More generally, a third submatrix S0 is partitioned off, and its effect eliminated (corresponding to equation (13) of (1)), but without loss of generality we assume that S2 in equation (1) above can always stand for S2.0 if necessary.
Anti‐myeloma activity of pamidronate in vivo

Two patients with progressive myeloma were treated with pamidronate disodium every 2-4 weeks. Pamidronate therapy resulted in a significant reduction of marrow plasmacytosis and plasma cell labelling index (PCLI), together with durable (> or = 20 months) stabilization of immunoglobulin (Ig) levels and an increase in bone mineral density in the first patient and > 50%, reduction in Ig levels and bone marrow plasmacytosis in the second. This, to our knowledge, is the first report of an anti-myeloma effect of bisphosphonates in humans and provides evidence that a therapeutic intervention largely directed at the myeloma microenvironment may alter the natural history of the disease.
Career concerns and accounting performance measures in nonprofit organizations

Abstract Many in the nonprofit sector view accounting-based performance measures to be overly influential and counterproductive in the evaluation of charities and their leaders. The contention is that such measures are imperfect and often biased, leading to dysfunctional rationing of fundraising and administrative infrastructure. To examine these concerns and the broader question of nonprofit executive incentives, we develop a model of nonprofit executives who are concerned with influencing external perceptions. In doing so, we demonstrate that accounting-based performance measures alter executive incentives in critical ways. In particular, disclosure of the functional classification of nonprofits’ expenses can reduce incentives to overinvest in fundraising and restore investments in programs; at the same time, it also comes with the potential downside of undermining key investments in long-term infrastructure.
Complex And Backward-Wave Modes In Dielectrically Loaded Lossy Circular Waveguides

The identification and subsequent classification of modes in many-layered circular waveguides are examined in this paper with special emphasis placed on the complex and backward-wave modes. The results of this investigation suggest a different designation for the backward-wave modes than is typically used From this, a revised concept of the modal cutoff frequency is identified when complex modes exist in the axial-wave-number trace.
Fluorescence Methods to Detect Phase Boundaries in Lipid Bilayer Mixtures

Phase diagrams of lipid mixtures can show several different regions of phase coexistence, which include liquid-disordered, liquid-ordered, and gel phases. Some phase regions are small, and some have sharp boundaries. The identity of the phases, their location in composition space, and the nature of the transitions between the phases are important for understanding the behavior of lipid mixtures. High fidelity phase boundary detection requires high compositional resolution, on the order of 2% compositional increments. Sample artifacts, especially the precipitation of crystals of anhydrous cholesterol, can occur at higher cholesterol concentrations unless precautions are taken. Fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) can be used quantitatively to find the phase boundaries and even partition coefficients of the dyes between coexisting phases, but only if data are properly corrected for non-FRET contributions. Self-quenching of the dye fluorescence can be significant, distorting the data at dye concentrations that intuitively might be considered acceptable. Even more simple than FRET experiments, measurements of single-dye fluorescence can be used to find phase boundaries. Both FRET and single-dye fluorescence readily detect the formation of phase domains that are much smaller than the wavelength of light, i.e. "nanoscopic" domains.
Origin of Gulf of Mexico, II: Additional Data: ABSTRACT

Paleomagnetic data indicate that North America is now moving northward, and has had a measurable northward component of motion since late in Paleozoic time. The Gulf of Mexico is thought to have formed as a tensional feature in the wake of the continent. Twenty-two lines of supporting evidence include: earthquake-epicenter alignments, first-motion data (still very scanty), new offset information on a major fault, migration rates from paleomagnetic data, a new east-west graben, the apparently tensional nature of features such as the Mexico and Cayman Trenches, Appalachian?-type strata recently described from Mexico, tensional effects in the central Mississippi Valley, tensional indications along the St. Lawrence Valley, long-term subsidence of the Blake Plateau, the tapere shape of the Atlantic coastal plain, diapirism in the coastal plain, and several well-known items such as the general east-west orientation of grabens in, for example, Louisiana and southeastern Mexico. The rate of north-south widening during Mesozoic and Cenozoic time has been approximately 2 cm/yr. This should have produced a Gulf 1,000-2,000 km wide in the north-south direction. A time summary of 12 specific deformational events shows that the southeastern part of North America underwent an important change in tectonic style, during the Pennsylvanian-Permian-Triassic interval. The "Paleozoic style" can be described in terms of compression and left-lateral displacement along the southern Appalachian trend; the "Mesozoic-Cenozoic style" can be characterized in terms of north-south tension (and its corollary, right-lateral displacement along the same trend). Part of the difficulty inherent in understanding the tectonic history of the southern and southeastern part of North America arises from this major reversal. The northward migration of the continent in Mesozoic and Cenozoic time appears to have had the second-order result of thinning from east to west. This hinning may have caused a gentle widening (over a period of about 108 years) of the North Atlantic basin. The proposed widening was not, however, nearly as great as that envisaged in the Wegener-du Toit hypothesis of continental drift. End_of_Article - Last_Page 1825------------
Selective inhibition of leukotriene C4 synthesis and natural killer activity by ethacrynic acid.

Abstract We have investigated the role of arachidonic acid (AA) metabolism in natural killer (NK) cell activity. Human nonadherent (NA) peripheral blood lymphocytes were used as effector cells against 51Cr-labeled K562 target cells. Synthesis of leukotriene C4 (LTC4) is dependent on glutathione S-transferase (GST). We have chosen to study three putative GST inhibitors, namely, ethacrynic acid (ET), caffeic acid (CA) and ferulic acid (FA), with regard to NK activity and with regard to their effect on AA metabolism. The GST inhibitors inhibited NK lysis when added directly to the NK assay. The GST inhibitors inhibited LTC4 synthesis as induced by calcium ionophore A23187 in a dose-dependent manner similar to their inhibition of NK activity. However, only ET was selective, for it had little effect on LTB4, 5-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid, and prostaglandin E2 synthesis. LTC4 synthesis was associated with the NK-enriched fractions obtained from discontinuous Percoll gradients. NK-specific anti-Leu-11b antibody and C treatment could abrogate NK activity and LTC4 synthesis. ET was also inhibitory when NA cells were cultured at 37 °C for 18 hr. In this case, LTC4 could reverse the inhibitory effect of ET. Our data suggest that LTC4 plays an important role in NK activity.
TRPA1 is a candidate for the mechanosensitive transduction channel of vertebrate hair cells

Mechanical deflection of the sensory hair bundles of receptor cells in the inner ear causes ion channels located at the tips of the bundle to open, thereby initiating the perception of sound. Although some protein constituents of the transduction apparatus are known, the mechanically gated transduction channels have not been identified in higher vertebrates. Here, we investigate TRP (transient receptor potential) ion channels as candidates and find one, TRPA1 (also known as ANKTM1), that meets criteria for the transduction channel. The appearance of TRPA1 messenger RNA expression in hair cell epithelia coincides developmentally with the onset of mechanosensitivity. Antibodies to TRPA1 label hair bundles, especially at their tips, and tip labelling disappears when the transduction apparatus is chemically disrupted. Inhibition of TRPA1 protein expression in zebrafish and mouse inner ears inhibits receptor cell function, as assessed with electrical recording and with accumulation of a channel-permeant fluorescent dye. TRPA1 is probably a component of the transduction channel itself.
An Experimental Study of the Flow Around a Formula One Racing Car Tire

The wake of the front tires affects the airflow over the remainder of a fenderless race car. The tires can also be responsible for up to 40% of the vehicle’s drag. Prior experiments have used compromised models with solid, symmetric hubs and nondeformable tires. The present experiment acquires particle image velocimetry measurements around a 60% scale model of a deformable pneumatic tire fitted to a spoked Formula 1 wheel with complete brake geometry and supplementary brake cooling ducts. The results show reversed flow regions in the tire wake, asymmetric longitudinal vortex structures behind the tire, and a tire wake profile that is unlike previous experimental results and postulations. The flow through the hub of the wheel causes a shift of the wake inboard (toward the car) so that the outboard side of the wake does not extend past the outline of the tire.
Carbon dioxide recycling

The recycling of carbon dioxide to methanol and dimethyl ether is seen to offer a substantial route to renewable and environmentally carbon neutral fuels. One of the authors has championed the ‘‘Methanol Economy’’ in articles and a book. By recycling ambient CO2, the authors argue that we do not contribute new GHG to the atmosphere but remove a quantity for a short time period. Methanol is extolled for its combustion characteristics and proved utility as a fuel in internal combustion engines. Syngas sources from the water gas shift reaction are considered as a means of current methanol manufacture. Reaction strategies leading to dimethyl ether and higher molecular weight organics are scrutinized. Hydrogen production is a very important component of the scheme to use CO2. Many of the conversion techniques for hydrogen gas are highly endothermic which leads to energy costs to conduct the conversion. Energy to drive the cycle is derived from available forms of renewable energy such as solar, wind, hydro, geothermal and oceans. This carbon neutral cycle perspective requires further elucidation of the connection of the reaction components at production scale. It is good to see established chemists trying to organize solutions to the current fuel crisis. Energy CO2 --> CH3OH
Rectal Propranolol Controls Paroxysmal Sympathetic Hyperactivity: A Case Report

Paroxysmal sympathetic hyperactivity (PSH) affects approximately 10% of survivors of acquired brain injury and is associated with substantial morbidity. The most effective maintenance therapies include oral β-blockers and α-2 antagonists. We report the use of rectal propranolol for symptomatic control of PSH in a critically ill patient with an altered gastrointestinal tract for whom oral intake was contraindicated. A 15-year-old Caucasian male with no past medical history was admitted status post all-terrain vehicle rollover with multiple intra-abdominal injuries. On hospital day 40, the patient experienced cardiac arrest with a subsequent anoxic brain injury, which was complicated by the development of PSH on post-arrest day 1. Because of his altered gastrointestinal tract, he was symptomatically managed with propranolol 40 mg per rectum every 6 hours in the form of specially prepared suppositories, intravenously infused morphine and dexmedetomidine, and a transdermal clonidine patch. The patient improved clinically during this treatment and was transferred to a rehabilitation facility. This is the first case report to describe successful use of propranolol suppositories in a clinical environment. This case supports the use of propranolol suppositories as a potential alternative route when oral administration is not possible.
Synthesis of HIV-1 Ψ-site RNA sequences with site specific incorporation of the fluorescent base analog 2-aminopurine

Abstract Fluorescent nucleotide based analogs can serve as sensitive probes of the local structure and chemical environment of the base within a nucleic acid sequence. A significant strength of these base analogs is their similarity in molecular constitution and chemical properties to natural bases. While chemical synthesis has afforded the ability to generate oligonucleotides in good yield with sequence-specific incorporation of fluorescent based analogs, this method is limited in practice to the synthesis of relatively small RNAs of less than ∼80 nucleotides. Since most RNAs of biological interest are greater than 80 nucleotides in length, methods for synthesizing these larger RNAs in good yield, while maintaining the ability to site-specifically incorporate base analogs that allow for fluorescence measurements, could be of broad interest. Here we describe an approach for synthesis of large RNA molecules (>100 nt) that uses T4 RNA ligase to segmentally join a sequence fragment of an RNA, chemically synthesized with a fluorescent based analog, with the remaining unmodified portion of the RNA oligonucleotide, synthesized through in vitro transcription with T7 polymerase. This method is demonstrated through synthesis of the packaging sequence (Ψ-site) derived from the HIV-1 genomic RNA leader sequence (∼120 nt) with the fluorescent based analog, 2-aminopurine (2-AP), selectively incorporated into the dimerization initiation site (DIS) stem-loop. Using 2-AP fluorescence, RNA conformational changes associated with the formation of non-covalent DIS mediated Ψ-site dimers have been analyzed.
Evaluation of a solid KRS-5 grism for infrared astronomy

We discuss the design and performance of a solid KRS-5 grism used in NSFCAM, a 1-5.5 micrometers facility IR camera at the NASA IR telescope Facility on Mauna Kea. The grism was built by Carl Zeiss, Jena-Germany, and cost 13,800 dollars. It is used with order-sorting filters in the L-, K- and H-bands, and provides a spectral resolution of R equals 280. We also discus the advantages and disadvantages of solid grisms over replica resin grisms, and illustrate the performance of the grism with some astronomical observations.
Mammalian carbamyl phosphate : glucose phosphotransferase and glucose-6-phosphate phosphohydrolase: extended tissue distribution.

Abstract Carbamyl phosphate : glucose phosphotransferase and glucose-6-phosphate ( Glc -6-P ) phosphohydrolase activities have been demonstrated in pancreas, adrenals, brain, testes, spleen, and lung. Catalysis of these activities by classical multifunctional glucose-6-phosphatase ( d -glucose-6-phosphate phosphohydrolase; EC 3.1.3.9) has been firmly established for the first four of these tissues on the basis of characteristic catalytic properties of the transferase, pH-activity profiles, apparent K m values for carbamyl phosphate and glucose, substrate specificity, susceptibility to inhibition by molybdate, and activation by deoxycholate. Additional such activity due to non-specific acid (and alkaline) phosphatase action also is indicated at very high glucose concentrations. The possible physiological significance of the newly-elucidated presence of glucose-6-phosphatase-phosphotransferase in these various tissues, in addition to previously extensively studied liver, kidney, and mucosa of small intestine, is discussed briefly.
Seismic and hydroacoustic tremor generated by colliding icebergs

[1] Iceberg harmonic tremor (IHT) emanating from tabular icebergs in the Southern Ocean and along calving margins of the Antarctic Ice Sheet is a complex, evolving signal at frequencies above approximately 0.5 Hz. IHT has been observed as T phases on islands in the equatorial Pacific, as hydroacoustic signals in the Indian Ocean, and by local and regional Antarctic seismic networks. To identify the IHT source mechanism and to understand its relevance to iceberg calving, evolution, and breakup, we deployed seismometers on a giant (25 by 50 km) tabular iceberg called C16 in the Ross Sea, Antarctica, during a uniquely accessible period (austral summer, 2003–2004) when it was aground against the northern shore of Ross Island. During the deployment period, C16 was in sporadic contact with another giant tabular iceberg, B15A, that was moving under the influence of local ocean currents. This study reveals that the C16-associated IHT was a manifestation of extended episodes of discrete, repeating stick-slip icequakes (typically thousands of individual subevents per hour) produced when the cliff-like edges of the tabular icebergs underwent glancing, strike-slip collisions. The IHT signal that we observed is thus not a phenomenon associated with iceberg elastic or fluid resonance modes, but is instead the consequence of long sequences of very regularly spaced and similar pulses of seismic radiation from these constituent stick-slip subevents. IHT represents a newly identified glaciogenic source of seismicity that can be used to improve our understanding of iceberg dynamics and possibly of ice shelf disintegration processes.
Stability analysis of linear systems subject to regenerative switchings

This paper investigates the stability of switched linear systems whose switching signal is modeled as a stochastic process called a regenerative process. We show that the mean stability of such a switched system is characterized by the spectral radius of a matrix. The matrix is obtained by taking the expectation of the transition matrix of the system on one cycle of the underlying regenerative process. The characterization generalizes Floquet’s theorem for the stability analysis of linear time-periodic systems. We illustrate the result with the stability analysis of a linear system with a failure-prone controller under periodic maintenance.
Female leadership advantage and disadvantage: Resolving the contradictions

In the United States, women are increasingly praised for having excellent skills for leadership and, in fact, women, more than men, manifest leadership styles associated with effective performance as leaders. Nevertheless, more people prefer male than female bosses, and it is more difficult for women than men to become leaders and to succeed in male-dominated leadership roles. This mix of apparent advantage and disadvantage that women leaders experience reflects the considerable progress toward gender equality that has taken place in both attitudes and behavior, coupled with the lack of complete attainment of this goal.
Superconductivity in heavy-Fermion systems

Abstract DeHaas-van Alphen experiments have established the character of the heavy mass: an enhancement factor of 15 to 40 from f-electron many-body effects occurs in the quasi-particle mass, and the band mass is comparable to 10 me or less. From this, we show that “Migdal's theorem” holds in superconductivity theory for heavy-Fermion systems. The mass-renormalization alone, in combination with the usual coulomb and phonon-mediated interactions (in compounds that are the same except for absence of f-electrons), cannot cause the heavy-Fermion superconductivity to occur. Some kind of “Kondo boson” interaction peculiar to the heavy-Fermion metal must therefore definitely occur.
From vice to virtue: Insights from sensitization in the nonhuman primate

Repeated, intermittent administration of psychomotor stimulants, or D1 agonists in dopamine-deficient states, induces behavioral sensitization, characterized by an enhanced response to a subsequent acute low dose challenge, which may be manifested in form of altered behavior or cognitive function. Amphetamine sensitization in the nonhuman primate encompasses profound and enduring changes to similar neuronal and neurochemical substrates that occur in rodents. The process of sensitization in the monkey also results in a long-lasting depression in baseline behavioral responding, as well as emergence of hallucinatory-like behaviors reminiscent of human psychosis in response to an acute challenge. Nonhuman primates show a reduction in spine density and dendritic length in prefrontal neurons and a marked reduction in basal dopamine turnover in both prefrontal cortex and striatum. A major hallmark of amphetamine sensitization in both nonhuman primates and rodents is the manifestation of deficits in executive function and working memory which rely upon the integrity of prefrontal cortex and thereby, may yield significant insights into the cognitive dysfunction associated with addiction. Together with evidence from human and rodent studies, it can be concluded that repeated exposure to psychomotor stimulants can lead to a corruption of neuroadaptive systems in the brain by an extraordinary influence on synaptic plasticity, learning, and memory. Actively harnessing this same process by repeated, intermittent D1 agonist administration may be the key to improved working memory and decision making in addiction and other dopamine dysfunctional states, such as schizophrenia.
Structure and thermodynamic insights on acetylaminofluorene-modified deletion DNA duplexes as models for frameshift mutagenesis.

2-Acetylaminofluorene (AAF) is a prototype arylamine carcinogen that forms C8-substituted dG-AAF and dG-AF as the major DNA lesions. The bulky N-acetylated dG-AAF lesion can induce various frameshift mutations depending on the base sequence around the lesion. We hypothesized that the thermodynamic stability of bulged-out slipped mutagenic intermediates (SMIs) is directly related to deletion mutations. The objective of the present study was to probe the structural/conformational basis of various dG-AAF-induced SMIs formed during translesion synthesis. We performed spectroscopic, thermodynamic, and molecular dynamics studies of several AAF-modified 16-mer model DNA duplexes, including fully paired and −1, −2, and −3 deletion duplexes of the 5′-CTCTCGATG[FAAF]CCATCAC-3′ sequence and an additional −1 deletion duplex of the 5′-CTCTCGGCG[FAAF]CCATCAC-3′ NarI sequence. Modified deletion duplexes existed in a mixture of external B and stacked S conformers, with the population of the S conformer being ‘GC’–1 (73%)...
Power Shifts and Economic Development: When Will China Overtake the USA?:

A dynamic pattern that historically played an important role in the rise and fall of the major powers involves the early attainment of power supremacy by comparatively small countries that developed earlier and subsequently lost their status to larger countries that developed later. Cases in point are the staggered rise in power of the UK, France, Germany, Italy, and Japan, and their subsequent loss of status to the USA and the USSR. The development of China and, at some point in the future, of India has the potential of pushing these countries to superpower status while pushing the USA and a revitalized Russia to substantially lower power ranks. If this sequence of events comes to pass, it will fit the same fundamental dynamics that rendered the USA and the USSR superpowers to begin with. The thesis that the economic development of large countries can produce power shifts of major consequence is the focal theme of this article. First, this thesis is discussed in general terms, is related to a number of l...
What are we learning from the cancer genome

Massively parallel approaches to nucleic acid sequencing have matured from proof-of-concept to commercial products during the past 5 years. These technologies are now widely accessible, increasingly affordable, and have already exerted a transformative influence on the study of human cancer. Here, we review new features of cancer genomes that are being revealed by large-scale applications of these technologies. We focus on those insights most likely to affect future clinical practice. Foremost among these lessons, we summarize the formidable genetic heterogeneity within given cancer types that is appreciable with higher resolution profiling and larger sample sets. We discuss the inherent challenges of defining driving genomic events in a given cancer genome amidst thousands of other somatic events. Finally, we explore the organizational, regulatory and societal challenges impeding precision cancer medicine based on genomic profiling from assuming its place as standard-of-care.
Decision Support Tool (DST) for Characterization, Treatment, and Beneficial Use of Unconventional Gas Frac Flowback and Produced Water

Selection of water treatment processes is a complex task and has to consider many parameters including changes in water quality and quantity and overall economics. The DST is intended to help designers, utilities, and regulators to select treatment trains considering options for beneficial use of treated domestic wastewater. The VBA-based DST is fully automated and selects treatment trains based on input data such as feed water quality and target water quality requirements and other performance criteria. The development of the DST starts with the establishment of a comprehensive water quality and quantity database. Water quality data is compared to beneficial use target water quality requirements and contaminants that need to be treated to meet this beneficial use requirement are selected for treatment based on concentration in feed water. The DST finally suggests a combinations of treatment technologies (a treatment train) capable of providing the required treatment for the intended beneficial use for a given flow back and produced water quality. Meeting the desired treatment level is a priority in the selection process. However, the DST considers additional selection criteria such as footprint, chemical and energy demand, modularity, mobility, and several other factors.
Isolation of NAD-dependent and NAD-independent lactate dehydrogenases from extracts of butyribacterium rettgeri

Abstract 1. 1. Cell extracts of lactate-grown Butyribacterium rettgeri catalyze the reduction of pyruvate to lactate with NADH2 and also catalyze the reduction of ferricyanide or DCIP by lactate without the participation of NAD coenzymes. 2. 2. Both types of lactate dehydrogenase are “soluble”, i.e., both activities are quantitatively recovered in the supernatant fluid after centrifugation of cell-free extracts at 144 000 × g for 90 min. 3. 3. The two types of lactate dehydrogenase activity have been separated from one another by a combination of (NH4)2SO4 fractionations and DEAE-cellulose chromatography. 4. 4. The isolated NAD-independent enzyme activity is extremely labile to storage and is stimulated by relatively high concentrations of certain inorganic salts. In contrast, the isolated NAD-linked enzyme activity is stable to storage and is unaffected by inorganic salts. 5. 5. NAD-independent enzyme preparations, isolated by DEAE-cellulose chromatography, utilize either d (−)- or l (+)-lactate as a substrate for dye reduction. These preparations have been shown to contain two stereospecific lactate dehydrogenases. 6. 6. Other properties of the NAD-independent enzyme system are given and its role in lactate degradation is discussed.
Most Admired Leader/Most Admired Follower

In introducing concepts of leadership and followership to students, this experiential exercise highlights qualities associated with the leader and follower roles. Various learning objectives guide the development of the exercise. They focus on identification of behavioral qualities possessed by both leaders and followers and on the importance of the leader-follower relationship to the organization’s achievement of goals. Theoretical underpinnings are stressed throughout. In the exercise, students individually develop a list of characteristics associated with their own most admired leader or follower and then share their lists in small groups. In plenary discussion, groups share all characteristics identified, and the instructor leads discussion to achieve stated learning objectives. Exercise handouts, instructions for facilitating classroom discussion, and a summary of theories that may be used as a postexercise student handout are provided.
Assessing Earthquake Risks in the Pacific Northwest

Megaquakes, which are subduction earthquakes with magnitudes of 8 or greater, occur about every 500 years on average along the Cascadia Subduction Zone in the Pacific Northwest. The earthquakes and related tsunamis can cause enormous damage. However, they may not be the most urgent seismic threat in the region, according to John Clague, a professor and expert on natural hazards at Simon Fraser University (SFU) in British Columbia.
Characterization of a Mumps Virus Nucleocapsidlike Particle

The nucleocapsid protein (NP) of mumps virus (MuV), a paramyxovirus, was coexpressed with the phosphoprotein (P) in Escherichia coli. The NP and P proteins form a soluble complex containing RNA. Under a transmission electron microscope, the NP-RNA complex appears as a nucleocapsidlike ring that has a diameter of approximately 20 nm with 13 subunits. There is a piece of single-stranded RNA with a length of 78 nucleotides in the NP-RNA ring. Shorter RNA pieces are also visible. The MuV NP protein may provide weaker protection of the RNA than the NP protein of some other negative-strand RNA viruses, reflecting the degree of NP protein association.
137: Ultrasonographic evaluation of cervical length (CL) and myometrial thickness (MT) as predictors of latency interval in PPROM

THICKNESS (MT) AS PREDICTORS OF LATENCY INTERVAL IN PPROM CHRISTIAN M. PETTKER, HUMBERTO AZPURUA, MERT O. BAHTIYAR, ANNA SFAKIANAKI, STEPHEN F. THUNG, IRINA A. BUHIMSCHI, CATALIN S. BUHIMSCHI, Yale University, Ob./ Gyn.&Reprod Sci., New Haven, Connecticut OBJECTIVE: Cervical shortening and myometrial thickness have been independently shown to correlate with latency interval in women with PPROM. This study was conducted to determine whether the combination of CL and MT or addition of other ultrasound parameters strengthens the association of CL with latency. STUDY DESIGN: We prospectively measured CL and lower uterine segment (LUS) MT in 40 women with PPROM (GA 30.4 2.9wks). On admission, transvaginal ultrasound was used to determine cervical length and thickness (anterior and posterior lip). Transabdominal ultrasound was used to measure LUS MT, AFI, and EFW. Latency was defined as the time from sonographic measurements to delivery. All patients were managed based on institutional protocols which included antibiotics and steroids. Parametric, nonparametric, linear regression and ROC analyses were employed as appropriate. RESULTS: 1) The median latency interval overall was 2 [0-35] days, and 43% (17/40) of women went into spontaneous labor. 2) Women with CL 2.5cm (n 19) had a significantly shorter median latency interval (CL 2.5: 1 [1-5] vs CL 2.5: 7 [0-35] days, p 0.001). 3) A CL 2.5cm had 89% sensitivity, 76% specificity, LR 3.8, and –LR 0.1 in predicting delivery within 48 hours. 4) Addition of neither LUS MT nor the other sonographic parameters improved test performance in ROC analysis. CONCLUSION: We provide evidence that in women with PPROM, CL evaluation is a useful clinical test to aid the managing team in predicting the latency interval. A cervical length 2.5cm is highly suggestive of delivery in 48 hours. This information is important for patient counseling and mobilization of resources. Addition of LUS MT measurements or other ultrasound parameters does not aid in the predictive value of CL measurements.
Progression of liver pathology in patients undergoing the Fontan procedure: Chronic passive congestion, cardiac cirrhosis, hepatic adenoma, and hepatocellular carcinoma.

Background Staged palliative surgical procedures have been an effective treatment of complex congenital heart defects. The Fontan procedure has been of particular benefit to infants with functional single-ventricle complexes but with the consequence of a sustained increase of right-sided venous pressure. Methods We reviewed the clinical and pathologic features of 9 autopsied patients having undergone the Fontan procedure, with special attention given to their liver pathology. Results The 9 patients died from a few hours to 18 years after the Fontan operation. Chronic passive congestion was seen in 7 patients, and 4 patients surviving 4 to 18 years also had cardiac cirrhosis. Hepatic adenoma in the setting of cardiac cirrhosis was found in a patient surviving for 9 years. One patient surviving for 18 years had hepatocellular carcinoma superimposed on cardiac cirrhosis. Rupture of the hepatoma in this case led to fatal hemorrhage. Conclusion The study shows that chronically increased hepatic venous pressure from the Fontan procedure might lead to chronic passive congestion, cardiac cirrhosis, hepatic adenoma, and hepatocellular carcinoma.
Advanced Extrauterine Pregnancy at 33 Weeks with a Healthy Newborn

Abdominal pregnancy is a very rare form of ectopic pregnancy, associated with high morbidity and mortality for both fetus and mother. It is, and often, seen in poor resource nations, where early diagnosis is often a major challenge due to poor prenatal care and lack of medical resources. An advanced abdominal pregnancy with a good fetal and maternal outcome is therefore a more extraordinary occurrence in the modern developed world. We present a case of an abdominal pregnancy at 33.4 weeks in an individual with no documented prenatal care, who arrived in a hospital in the Bronx, in June 25th 2014, with symptoms of generalized, severe lower abdominal pain. Upon examination it was found that due to category III fetal tracing an emergent cesarean section was performed. At the time of laparotomy the fetus was located in the pelvis covered by the uterine serosa, with distortion of the entire right adnexa and invasion to the right parametrium. The placenta invaded the pouch of Douglas and the lower part of the sigmoid colon. A massive hemorrhage followed, followed by a supracervical hysterectomy. A viable infant was delivered and mother discharged on postoperative day 4.
Climate and ecosystem linkages explain widespread declines in North American Atlantic salmon populations

North American Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) populations experienced substantial declines in the early 1990s, and many populations have persisted at low abundances in recent years. Abundance and productivity declined in a coherent manner across major regions of North America, and this coherence points toward a potential shift in marine survivorship, rather than local, river-specific factors. The major declines in Atlantic salmon populations occurred against a backdrop of physical and biological shifts in Northwest Atlantic ecosystems. Analyses of changes in climate, physical, and lower trophic level biological factors provide substantial evidence that climate conditions directly and indirectly influence the abundance and productivity of North American Atlantic salmon populations. A major decline in salmon abundance after 1990 was preceded by a series of changes across multiple levels of the ecosystem, and a subsequent population change in 1997, primarily related to salmon productivity, followed an unusually low NAO event. Pairwise correlations further demonstrate that climate and physical conditions are associated with changes in plankton communities and prey availability, which are ultimately linked to Atlantic salmon populations. Results suggest that poor trophic conditions, likely due to climate-driven environmental factors, and warmer ocean temperatures throughout their marine habitat area are constraining the productivity and recovery of North American Atlantic salmon populations.
Quantitative determination of famotidine in human maternal plasma, umbilical cord plasma and urine using high-performance liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry

Liquid chromatography with electrospray ionization mass spectrometry for the quantitative determination of famotidine in human urine, maternal and umbilical cord plasma was developed and validated. The plasma samples were alkalized with ammonium hydroxide and extracted twice with ethyl acetate. The extraction recovery of famotidine in maternal and umbilical cord plasma ranged from 53 to 64% and 72 to 79%, respectively. Urine samples were directly diluted with the initial mobile phase then injected into the HPLC system. Chromatographic separation of famotidine was achieved by using a Phenomenex Synergi™ Hydro-RP™ column with a gradient elution of acetonitrile and 10 mm ammonium acetate aqueous solution (pH 8.3, adjusted with ammonium hydroxide). Mass spectrometric detection of famotidine was set in the positive mode and used a selected ion monitoring method. Carbon-13-labeled famotidine was used as internal standard. The calibration curves were linear (r2 > 0.99) in the concentration ranges of 0.631–252 ng/mL for umbilical and maternal plasma samples and 0.075–30.0 µg/mL for urine samples. The relative deviation of method was <14% for intra- and inter-day assays, and the accuracy ranged between 93 and 110%. The matrix effect of famotidine in human urine, maternal and umbilical cord plasma was less than 17%. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Study of relative quantification of Tc-99 m with partial volume effect and spillover correction for SPECT oncology imaging

The apparent concentration of activity in structures in nuclear medicine images depends on their size relative to the system spatial resolution. This dependence is called the partial volume effect (PVE). Spillover (SO) or the blurring into a structure of counts originating in nearby structures also alters the apparent concentration of activity. In combination these effects impact the detection of lesions and quantification of activity within structures in the slices. The increased accessibility of dual-modality imaging systems makes available high-resolution anatomical information which is registered with the emission slices and can be used in correcting for the PVE and SO. In this study we investigated the use of the template projection-reconstruction method for correction of the PVE and SO. We examined the impact of correction on visual image quality and the quantification of activity in simulated spheres of varying contrast relative to a uniform background distribution of activity. Our enhancements to the template projection-reconstruction methodology included both an improvement in the matching of the blurring in the reconstructed templates of structures to the actual blurring in the reconstructed slices, and accounting for the fractional presence of structures in SPECT voxels. We determined that such corrections for the PVE and SO can dramatically improve both the visualization and quantification of activity within the source distributions we investigated.
1Mb 0.41 µm 2 2T-2R cell nonvolatile TCAM with two-bit encoding and clocked self-referenced sensing

This work demonstrates the first fabricated nonvolatile TCAM using 2-transistor/2-resistive-storage (2T-2R) cells to achieve >10× smaller cell size than SRAM-based TCAMs at the same technology node. The test chip was designed and fabricated in IBM 90nm CMOS technology and mushroom phase-change memory (PCM) process. To ensure reliable search operation with such compact cells, two enabling techniques were developed and implemented in hardware: 1) two-bit encoding, and 2) a clocked self-referenced sensing scheme (CSRSS). The 1Mb chip demonstrates reliable low voltage search operation (VDDmin~750mV) and a match delay of 1.9 ns under nominal operating conditions.
Extracellular Lipid of Thiobacillus thiooxidans

The extracellular lipid of Thiobacillus thiooxidans is a heterogeneous mixture of phospholipid and neutral lipid, primarily free fatty acids.
Refined techniques for staining plagioclase and alkali feldspars in thin section

Staining of thin sections for plagioclase and alkali feldspar has not become a universally applied petrographic tool, probably due to difficulties encountered in effectively staining plagioclase. Modifications of standard techniques are described for rapidly producing stained thin sections of high quality. Critical steps in the procedure include pre-polishing with wet 600-grit abrasive paper, using adequate etching times, and applying a K-rhodizonate solution of 0.02 g per 30 ml water, or weaker.