cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Cyclin-dependent Kinase Inhibitor p21WAF1/Cip1 Is an Antiestrogen-regulated Inhibitor of Cdk4 in Human Breast Cancer Cells

The MCF-7 cell line is a model of estrogen-dependent, antiestrogen-sensitive human breast cancer. Antiestrogen treatment of MCF-7 cells causes dramatic decreases in both Cdk4 and Cdk2 activities, which leads to a G1phase cell cycle arrest. In this report, we investigate the mechanism(s) by which Cdk4 activity is regulated in MCF-7 cells. Through time course analysis, we demonstrate that changes in Cdk4 activity in response to estrogen or antiestrogen treatment do not correlate directly with cyclin D1 protein levels or association. In contrast, Cdk4 activity does correlate with changes in the level of the Cdk inhibitor p21WAF1/Cip1. Furthermore, we show that extracts of antiestrogen-treated cells contain a factor capable of inhibiting the Cdk4 activity present in extracts of estrogen-treated cells, and immunodepletion experiments identify this factor as p21WAF1/Cip1. These results identify p21WAF1/Cip1 as an important physiological regulator of Cdk4 complexes in human breast cancer cells.
Sequencing of the von Hippel-Lindau gene in canine renal carcinoma.

Background: Similarities in human and canine renal cell carcinoma (RCC) epidemiology and biologic behavior suggest that molecular mechanisms of tumorigenesis may be similar in both species. Approximately 75% of RCC in people are of the clear cell subtype, up to 85% of which are associated with mutation of the von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) gene. The canine VHL coding deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) shares 90% identity with the human VHL gene. Objective: To determine whether or not RCC in dogs are associated with VHL mutations, and if so determine the prevalence, type, and location of these mutations. Animals: Thirteen dogs with RCC, 2 dogs with primary renal sarcomas, and 10 dogs without neoplastic kidney disease. Methods: DNA was extracted from paraffin-embedded RCC tissue; DNA extracts from paraffin-embedded and snap-frozen nonneoplastic canine kidneys and canine whole blood were used as negative controls. Polymerase chain reaction and sequencing of the 3 VHL exons was performed, and results compared with the accessioned canine sequence. Results: All VHL exons were amplified from 9 of 13 canine RCC samples, both renal sarcomas, 8 of 10 nonneoplastic kidney samples, and canine whole blood; only exon 2 could be amplified from 2 RCC samples. Mutations were not identified in any exons. A maximal prevalence of 33.6% for VHL mutations in canine RCC was determined. Conclusion and Clinical Importance: Although similarities between canine and human RCC merit further investigation of the dog as a model for some subtypes of renal tumors, the lower prevalence of VHL mutations suggests that oncogenesis in these 2 species differs.
Corneal subepithelial infiltrate recurrence sine adenovirus

Corneal subepithelial infiltrates are a known complication of adenoviral conjunctivitis. In this article, we present a case of a 32-year-old man who developed these classic infiltrates after a well-documented adenoviral conjunctivitis. What is unique about this case is that the infiltrates recurred 8 months later after an upper respiratory infection without any clinical or laboratory evidence of a viral conjunctivitis. The possible confounding variable of corticosteroid withdrawal being responsible for the recurrence is highly unlikely because he had not used topical corticosteroids for almost 4 months.
Regulatory device approval for stroke: fair and balanced?

Dr Pena et al provide a regulatory perspective on the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) device approval process.1 Reflecting the growing importance of the topic, this is the second such review and accompanying editorial comment to appear in Stroke ,2,3 the first being prompted by the FDA’s clearance of the MERCI retriever device.4 For those more familiar with the FDA’s requirements for the introduction of a new pharmaceutical, the differences in the regulatory approach for device approval are striking. The FDA’s Premarket Notification 510(k) clearance process is the most frequently used and requires that a new device be substantially equivalent to a legally marketed predicate device (ie, the new device is substantially similar in design, function, and indication for use to one previously approved). The approval can be based entirely on preclinical data; no human testing is necessarily required. The assumption is that the new device represents an incremental change and does not compromise safety as compared with the older one. It might or might not have purported advantages as compared with a device or devices that are already in use for the same or similar purpose. Whether the new device is truly as safe or actually has the professed advantages does not need to be established through a comparative study. The analogy to a pharmaceutical might be a new drug for a specific indication that has a slightly altered chemical structure which is anticipated to increase its potency based on the results of studies conducted in tissue culture or in laboratory animals. In contrast to the situation for devices, such a drug would not achieve regulatory approval without adequate …
Quasielastic light-scattering studies on dinucleosomal-sized DNA: ionic-strength dependence.

Quasielastic light-scattering (QELS) studies were performed on a monodisperse preparation of dinucleosomal-sized DNA having an average of 375 base pairs. The QELS data were obtained at several time intervals at each angle examined over the range 30° < θ < 60° for the ionic strength solvents 500, 50, 10, and 1 mM in KCl. What results from this study is that two relaxation domains persist over the entire ionic strength range where the “splitting” between these two domains increases as the ionic strength is lowered. The ordinate intercept of Dapp vs Cp/2Cs, where Cp is the polyion concentration and Cs is the added salt concentration, is shown to give the “true” hydrodynamic value for the diffusion coefficient. The “splitting phenomenon” is interpreted in terms of two models currently in vogue: small ion–polyion coupled modes and translational–rotational coupled modes for rigid rods in congested solutions. Although neither model is in perfect agreement with the experimental results, the small ion–polyion coupled mode theory appears to provide a better quantitative description of the observations.
Strategies to improve quality of life in adolescents with inflammatory bowel disease

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which encompasses Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), are chronic and debilitating conditions with unpredictable courses and complicated treatment. Pediatric IBD carries implications that extend beyond the health of the gastrointestinal tract. When these lifelong illnesses are diagnosed during adolescence, a critical developmental period, the transition to adulthood can be even more turbulent. Like other chronic diseases of childhood, patients with IBD are at risk for depression, anxiety, social isolation, and altered self-image, which can all negatively affect health-related quality of life (HRQOL). The review will draw from pertinent adult and pediatric literature about HRQOL over the past 10 years using a PubMed literature search to summarize instruments with which HRQOL is measured, and address factors that affect HRQOL in adolescents and young adults with IBD. Psychosocial interventions that have been utilized to improve quality of life in this population will also be covered. Identifying patients with impaired quality of life is of paramount importance, as is implementing strategies that may improve HRQOL, so that they may have an easier transition to adulthood while living with IBD.
Characterization of electron trapping defects on silicon by scanning tunneling microscopy

Abstract We have used scanning tunneling microscopy to locate and characterize electron trapping defects on in-situ oxidized Si(100) surfaces. When the tunneling tip is held stationary over a trap, the tunnel current switches between two well defined values. By changing the voltage on the tip we can establish the location of the trap in the tunneling direction and the trapping energies.
Bacteriophage T7 early promoters: nucleotide sequences of two RNA polymerase binding sites.

At two independent bacteriophage T7 early promoters, Escherichia coli RNA polymerase protects about 40 base-pairs of DNA from digestion by DNAase I. The DNA fragment from each promoter contains the information required to maintain a stable pre-initiation complex with RNA polymerase and it codes for about 18 bases of specific T7 early mRNA. The nucleotide sequence of each promoter fragment and the sequence of the mRNA coded by each fragment are presented. Comparison of these and other promoter sequences has led to the formulation of a model for promoter structure and function, which is put forth.
Undergraduate and graduate teaching assistants' perceptions of their responsibilities - Factors that help or hinder

Effective teaching assistants (TAs) are crucial for effective student learning. This is especially true in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) programs, where TAs are enabling large programs to transition to more student-centered learning environments. To ensure that TAs are able to support these types of learning environments, their perspectives of training, their abilities, and other work related aspects must be understood. In this paper a survey that was created based on interviews conducted with eight TAs is discussed. The survey has four primary categories of content that are critical for understanding TAs' perspectives: (1) background, (2) motivation, (3) training, and (4) grading and feedback. This research team is first utilizing this survey at Purdue University to test for validity and reliability of the instrument, as well as identifying ways to improve the experiences and effectiveness of the First-Year Engineering Program's TAs' support system, training, hiring process, and any other relevant components of the infrastructure. The more generalizable goal of this research is to further develop this survey to be used by any STEM program as a diagnostic tool for identifying opportunities to enhance the TA support systems and therefore improve student learning.
Scope and scale economies in merging hospitals prior to merger

During the 1980s, the impact of the Prospective Payment System and increased pressure from payers for discounts placed pressure on hospitals to become more efficient. An increase in the number of hospital mergers during this period suggests that merger was a strategy used by hospitals to improve efficiency. This hypothesis is tested by estimating multiproduct scope and scale economies in merging hospitals one year prior to the merger and comparing these with a group of controls using estimates from a hybrid translog cost function. Diseconomies of scale were present when the estimated hybrid translog cost function is evaluated at variable means. The results suggest that merging hospitals could obtain operational efficiencies through merger.
Portal hemodynamics during nitroglycerin administration in cirrhotic patients

Nitroglycerin is a potent venous dilator and a mild arterial vasodilator that has been shown to improve the hemodynamic response to vasopressin in portal hypertensive patients and to decrease portal pressure in experimental animals. In order to determine the effect of nitroglycerin on portal venous hemodynamics, we studied 11 patients with alcoholic cirrhosis before and during the administration of sublingual nitroglycerin (0.4 and 0.6 mg). The hepatic venous pressure gradient (which was obtained by subtracting the free hepatic venous pressure from the wedged hepatic venous pressure) decreased from 17.9 ± 6.5 mm Hg (mean ± S.D.) to 15.1 ± 5.1 mm Hg (p < 0.02) at the peak of the effect, which occurred from 2 to 12 min after nitroglycerin administration. The mean arterial pressure was reduced from 96 ± 10 mm Hg to a peak decrease of 76 ± 18 mm Hg (p < 0.001). The peak change in the hepatic venous pressure gradient induced by nitroglycerin correlated directly with the peak change in mean arterial pressure (r = 0.79, p < 0.01). There was a moderate increase in heart rate in response to the decrease in blood pressure (73 ± 15 to 83 ± 15 beats per min, p < 0.001). Two of the 11 patients did not reduce their hepatic venous pressure gradient after 0.6 mg nitroglycerin. Reductions in portal pressure were observed with both increases and moderate decreases in azygos blood flow, suggesting that, as observed in experimental animals, the portal-pressure-reducing effect of nitroglycerin could be due to two different and independent mechanisms, a reduction in portal blood flow or portal-collateral vasodilatation.
Accounting and conflict resolution in Ireland

Purpose – This paper aims to contribute to the special issue by sharing reflections on and best practices derived from the successful five-year iteration of a semester-long, hybrid, international accounting course which centers on a short-term cultural immersion component in Ireland. The course provides students with an opportunity to learn about international business and to learn about the importance of tolerance and finding common ground with people. Design/methodology/approach – Discussion of the process the course designer used to combine traditional technical content with a “liberal arts,” soft-skills content and places both firmly within the international cultural context of a short-term, study abroad experience. The paper includes insight into how the authors choose a country to visit, develop international academic partners, administer an international case competition and assess student performance throughout the course. Findings – The paper identifies practices that were successful and implemen...
The Reggeon trajectory in exclusive and inclusive large momentum transfer reactions

Abstract A fundamental prediction of perturbative QCD is that the Reggeon trajectories α ϱ ( t ) and α A 2 ( t ) governing charge exchange reactions at high energies s ⪢ − t must monotonically approach zero at large spacelike momentum transfers. The asymptotic prediction lim − t →∞ α R ( t ) = 0 reflects the fact that a weakly interacting quark-antiquark pair is exchanged in the t -channel. However, measurements of the inclusive processes π − p → π 0 X at s ≅ 300 GeV 2 and 8 GeV 2 > − t > 2 GeV 2 indicate that the effective ϱ trajectory becomes negative at large − t . We resolve the apparent contradiction between the perturbative QCD predictions and the experimental data by showing that the hard QCD part of the trajectory is weakly coupled and that its contribution will be hidden until much higher energy. We also show that Reggeon contributions to exclusive and inclusive mesonic exchange hadron reactions can be systematically studied in perturbative QCD. In particular, the Reggeon contributions to the reaction π − p → π 0 X and π − p → π 0 n is discussed in detail.
Targeting of proteins into the eukaryotic secretory pathway: Signal peptide structure/function relationships

Much progress has been made in recent years regarding the mechanisms of targeting of secretory proteins to, and across, the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane. Many of the cellular components involved in mediating translocation across this bilayer have been identified and characterized. Polypeptide domains of secretory proteins, termed signal peptides, have been shown to be necessary, and in most cases sufficient, for entry of preproteins into the lumen of the ER. These NH2-terminal segments appear to serve multiple roles in targeting and translocation. The structural features which mediate their multiple functions are currently the subject of intense study.
Witten–Reshetikhin–Turaev Invariants of¶Seifert Manifolds

For Seifert homology spheres, we derive a holomorphic function of K whose value at integer K is the sl2 Witten–Reshetikhin–Turaev invariant, ZK, at q= exp 2πi/K. This function is expressed as a sum of terms, which can be naturally corresponded to the contributions of flat connections in the stationary phase expansion of the Witten–Chern–Simons path integral. The trivial connection contribution is found to have an asymptotic expansion in powers of K−1 which, for K an odd prime power, converges K-adically to the exact total value of the invariant ZK at that root of unity. Evaluations at rational $K$ are also discussed. Using similar techniques, an expression for the coloured Jones polynomial of a torus knot is obtained, providing a trivial connection contribution which is an analytic function of the colour. This demonstrates that the stationary phase expansion of the Chern–Simons–Witten theory is exact for Seifert manifolds and for torus knots in S3. The possibility of generalising such results is also discussed.
Frequency analysis of discrete breather modes using a continuous wavelet transform

Abstract Previous theoretical and numerical studies have shown the conditions for existence and stability properties of intrinsic localized modes (often refered to as discrete breathers) which exist in the gaps outside the linear dispersion bands in anharmonic lattices. We apply a continuous wavelet tranform to numerical simulations in order to verify some of the predicted frequency behaviour.
Comparison of Spherical Antennas Fabricated via Conformal Printing: Helix, Meanderline, and Hybrid Designs

The design tradeoffs between three spherically conformal electric monopoles-the spherical helix (SH), spherical meanderline (SM), and a hybrid design-are explored through both simulation and measurement. We show that the SH is efficient, but can be difficult to impedance match without external components. On the other hand, the SM antenna has a widely controllable impedance with slightly increased loss. Thus, a hybrid design is proposed that retains the desirable qualities of both the SH and SM. All three designs are fabricated using a conformal printing technique for comparison. We describe the design tradeoffs and physical insights gained through evaluating the efficiency, Q, and matching behavior of these antennas.
Utility of a brief screening tool for medication-related problems.

Abstract Background Medication therapy management (MTM) services position pharmacists to prevent, detect, and resolve medication-related problems (MRPs.) However, selecting patients for MTM who are most at risk for MRPs is a challenge. Using self-administered scales that are practical for use in clinical practice are one approach. Objective The objective of this study was to estimate the psychometric properties of a brief self-administered scale as a screening tool for MRPs. Methods This was a non-randomized study utilizing questionnaires administered cross-sectionally. In Phase 1, patients ( n = 394) at community pharmacies and outpatient clinics completed 78 items, provided to the study team by item authors, assessing perceived MRPs. These data were used to select items for further investigation as a brief, self-administered scale, and estimate the reliability and construct validity of the resulting instrument. In Phase 2, a convenience sample of patients ( n = 200) at community pharmacies completed a nine-item, self-administered scale. After completion, they were engaged in a comprehensive medication review by their pharmacist who was blinded to questionnaire responses. The main outcome measure for estimating the criterion-related validity of the scale was the number of pharmacist-identified medication-related problems (MRPs.) Item statistics were computed as well as bivariate associations between scale scores and other variables with MRPs. A multivariate model was constructed to examine the influence of scale scores on MRPs after controlling for other significant variables. Results Higher scores on the questionnaire were positively correlated with more pharmacist-identified MRPs ( r = 0.24; P = 0.001) and scores remained as a significant predictor ( P = 0.031) when controlling for other relevant variables in a multivariate regression model ( R 2 = 0.21; P Conclusions Patient responses on the scale may have a modest role in predicting MRPs. The use of self-administered questionnaires such as this may supplement other available patient data in developing patient eligibility criteria for MTM, however, additional research is warranted.
Discretionary allocation of corporate income to segments

Abstract The SEC continues to view companies' segment disclosures, including segment earnings, as needing improvement. Under a controversial provision of FAS 131, the sum of a company's segment earnings need not equal corporate net income. We refer to the difference between summed segment earnings and corporate-level income, when it exists, as the Gap. This study examines why Gaps exist. We find that the existence and direction of Gaps appear to reflect both reporting decisions intended to better reflect segment operating results and reporting incentives to obscure differences in profitability across segments. Gaps created for the former reason are shown to provide useful information to investors. We also find that summed segment earnings are, on average, more useful than corporate earnings (i.e. more persistent, predictable and informative) when there are negative Gaps (aggregated segment earnings exceed comparable corporate earnings), but less useful, on average, when positive Gaps are observed. On balance the evidence suggests that the FASB's decision in FAS 131 to allow segment-related income Gaps was justified.
Cost-Minimizing Mobile Access Point Deployment in Workflow-Based Mobile Sensor Networks

In mission-based mobile environments such as airplane maintenance, workflow-based mobile sensor networks emerge, where mobile users (MUs) with sensing devices visit sequences of mission-driven locations defined by workflows, and demand the gathering of sensory data within mission durations. To satisfy this demand in a cost-efficient manner, mobile access point (AP) deployment needs to be part of the overall solution. Therefore, we study the mobile AP deployment in workflow-based mobile sensor networks. We categorize MUs' workflows according to a priori knowledge of MUs' staying durations at mission locations into complete and incomplete information workflows. In both categories, we formulate the cost-minimizing mobile AP deployment problem into multiple (mixed) integer optimization problems, satisfying MUs' QoS constraints. We prove that the formulated optimization problems are NP-hard and design approximation algorithms with guaranteed approximation ratios. We demonstrate using simulations that the AP deployment cost calculated using our algorithms is 50-60% less than the stationary baseline approach and fairly close to the optimal AP deployment cost. In addition, the run times of our approximation algorithms are only 10-25% of those of the branch-and-bound algorithm used to derive the optimal AP deployment cost.
Toward a Cultural Theory of Human Rights

Although the term `human rights' is traditionally taken to refer to fundamental rights enshrined in formal documents, certain basic `normative rights', such as turn-taking, are central to everyday ...
Applications of multilayers to synchrotron radiation

Abstract Multilayer optics for the X-ray, soft X-ray and extreme ultraviolet have promise for extending normal optical techniques into these spectral domains. Realization of this potential is dependent on extension of multilayer synthesis technology to new materials, demonstration of the effeciency and the quality of multilayer optics and development of multilayer optical devices. Properties of multilayer optics that have made them very attractive include high reflectivities over a wide spectral range from below 100 eV to many keV, the ability to coat figured optics, and tolerance to high thermal loads. It is clear that these three properties alone make multilayers ideal for synchrotron radiation applications.
Quantile interval estimation

As an alternative to the conventional sample quantile, Kaigh and Lachenbruch (1982) propose a certain U-statistic as a non-parametric estimator of a continuous population quantile. Other related quantile estimators are introduced and studied here. The jackknife procedure is applied to obtain sample variance estimates for the construction of symmetric asymptotic confidence intervals for population quantiles and Monte Carlo studies are employed to investigate validity for small samples.
Inhibition by indomethacin of naloxone-precipitated opiate withdrawal contraction in isolated guinea pig myenteric plexus-longitudinal muscle preparation

Abstract The isolated myenteric plexus-longitudinal muscle preparation from guinea pigs which had previously been administered morphine chronically 100mg/kg/day, 7 days) shows a pronounced contraction when exposed to naloxone. Exposure of the preparation to indomethacin (6.7ug/ml) for 10 minutes prior to naloxone inhibits this withdrawal response. A single dose of indomethacin, 1mg/kg, given on the 6th day on morphine, also inhibits the naloxone contraction. These results suggest the involvement of a prostaglandin in the opiate withdrawal response in the ileum.
Scanning-probe-microscopy studies of superlattice structures and density-wave structures in 2H-NbSe2, 2H-TaSe2, and 2H-TaS2 induced by Fe doping.

The intercalation of Fe into the van der Waals gap in the 2H phase transition-metal dichalcogenides ${\mathrm{NbSe}}_{2}$, ${\mathrm{TaSe}}_{2}$, and ${\mathrm{TaS}}_{2}$ produces many interesting electronic, magnetic, and structural effects. The scanning tunneling microscope (STM) and atomic force microscope (AFM) prove to be very sensitive to these changes and we report a wide range of results as a function of Fe concentration. All three materials support similar 3${\mathbf{a}}_{0}$\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}3${\mathbf{a}}_{0}$ charge-density-wave (CDW) structures in the pure state at low temperatures. At low concentrations of Fe the CDW superlattice is still strong at 4.2 K and persists to high concentrations of Fe. At high concentrations, the Fe becomes ordered in the octahedral holes in the van der Waals gaps, and superlattices of the form 2${\mathbf{a}}_{0}$\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}2${\mathbf{a}}_{0}$ and \ensuremath{\surd}3 ${\mathbf{a}}_{0}$\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{} \ensuremath{\surd}3 ${\mathbf{a}}_{0}$ are observed. These can be detected at both 300 and 4.2 K. STM spectroscopy at 4.2 K shows that in 2H-${\mathrm{Fe}}_{\mathit{x}}$${\mathrm{NbSe}}_{2}$ and 2H-${\mathrm{Fe}}_{\mathit{x}}$${\mathrm{TaSe}}_{2}$ the energy gap in the electronic spectrum is initially reduced, but stabilizes at higher Fe concentrations and remains well defined for the ordered 2${\mathbf{a}}_{0}$\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}2${\mathbf{a}}_{0}$ phase. A transition from a CDW to a mixed CDW and spin-density-wave state is indicated, since these high Fe concentration phases are antiferromagnetic. In 2H-${\mathrm{Fe}}_{\mathit{x}}$${\mathrm{TaS}}_{2}$ both 2${\mathbf{a}}_{0}$\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}2${\mathbf{a}}_{0}$ and \ensuremath{\surd}3 ${\mathbf{a}}_{0}$\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{} \ensuremath{\surd}3 ${\mathbf{a}}_{0}$ superlattices are observed. The 2${\mathbf{a}}_{0}$\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}2${\mathbf{a}}_{0}$ regions show a large energy gap, while the \ensuremath{\surd}3 ${\mathbf{a}}_{0}$\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{} \ensuremath{\surd}3 ${\mathbf{a}}_{0}$ do not. The latter phase is ferromagnetic and would not be expected to exhibit a gap. The development of the electronic structures over the entire range of Fe concentrations has been followed by STM and AFM and can be tracked in detail.
A study of calcium oxalate monohydrate using dynamic differential scanning calorimetry and other thermoanalytical techniques

Abstract The focus of this work is the characterization of the order-disorder phase transition of calcium oxalate monohydrate. MDSC™, power-compensated DSC, EGA/MS, XRD, TG, and TMA were utilized to investigate the reproducibility, reversibility, and heating rate dependence of this transition. Flowing atmospheres saturated with water vapor were used to shift the dehydration equilibrium to a higher temperature so as to better resolve the order-disorder phase transition from the dehydration. Differences in thermal behavior of the sample due to the use of open versus semi-closed sample pans were also investigated. Correlations were made with spectroscopic (Raman, DRIFTS/MS, IR emission) and XRD results from the literature. This article reports the first MDSC™, DSC and TMA results for the order-disorder phase transition of CaC2O4·H2O.
Hairpins create minute inversions in non-coding regions of chloroplast DNA

Minute inversions (4 bp in length), associated with probable hairpin secondary structures, were inferred from comparative analysis of rpl16 intron sequences from the chloroplast genomes of Chusquea species and related bamboos (Poaceae). The inverted sequences, which appear to have arisen independently on several occasions, comprise entire loops of the putative hairpins. The process of inversion seems dependent upon the stem length of the hairpin and its estimated free energy of formation. A similar inversion was uncovered for other plants in a previously published data set for a different non-coding region of the chloroplast genome, suggesting that the inversional process may be a common feature of non-coding DNA evolution. Several implications for phylogenetic analysis are noted.
HPLC Analysis of Fungal Melanin Intermediates and Related Metabolites

Abstract A convenient method to concentrate and separate intermediates and related secondary products of the pentaketide pathway leading to melanin biosynthes is has been developed. Twelve of the fourteen known compounds were separated using reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography with a 12 to 42% linear gradient of acetonitrile in 2% acetic acid. The remaining two, highly water soluble isomers, were isocraticly separated on the same column with 5% acetonitrile in 2% acetic acid. Solid phase extraction and concentration of representitive compounds in acidified aqueous brine was accomplished with reverse phase Sep-Pak cartridges. The effectiveness of the method was evaluated by determining the pentaketides produced by cell-free homogenates of Verticillium dahliae supplied with scytalone as the substrate and by cultures of two V. dahliae mutants. The method has the potential for quantifying all known pentaketide melanin metabolites and thus will allow for more comprehensive studies of fungal me...
Scattering of elastic anti-plane shear waves by multilayered eccentric scatterers

The concept of multiple scattering in single scatterers is utilized to analyse scattering of elastic SH waves by a cylindrical scatterer consisting of two eccentric layers. The solution follows the physical process of multiple scattering within the layered scatterer, leading to an analytically exact solution. Numerical computations are performed for eccentric circular cylindrical scatterers. Effects on the propagation pattern of the scattered wave due to changes in the eccentricity are examined. It is observed that when the wavelength in the host medium is comparable to the outer diameter of the scatterer, all the geometric parameters of the inner layer, namely, the eccentricity, orientation and radius, have drastic effects on the propagation pattern of the scattered wave.
Identification of gastric cyclic AMP binding proteins

Abstract The photoaffinity ligand 8-azidoadenosine 3′,5-monophosphate was employed to label cAMP binding proteins in both fractionated and freeze-thawed rabbit gastric glands. Fractionated glands incorporated the azido-cAMP label primarily into two cytosolic proteins with apparent molecular weights of 58 000 and 48 000. No enrichment of label was found in fractions containing basolateral or apical membranes. DEAE-cellulose chromatography of the cytosolic proteins resulted in the separation of two cAMP-dependent protein kinase peaks. Azido cAMP labelling of each peak suggested the initial peak contained type I cAMP-dependent protein kinase while the second peak contained the type II kinase. Labelling of ‘resting’ gastric glands resulted in radioactive proteins of apparent molecular weights of 58 000.and 48 000. When gastric glands were stimulated to produce acid by the addition of 10 −4 M histamine or 1 mM dibutyryl cAMP there was 32–44% dimunition of ligand incorporation compared to control glands. The results strongly suggest that histamine- mediated stimulus-secretion coupling in gastric glands involves activation of parietal cell cAMP-dependent protein kinases.
Assessing the Human Factors of a Human Engineering Standard

For many years, the Department of Defense (DOD) Design Criteria Standard: Human Engineering (MIL-STD-1472F) was the premier standard in the field of Human Factors; however, over the past 20 years Human Factors knowledge has advanced more rapidly than the standard. Not only is the standard technologically out of date, but it lacks basic usability features. This paper describes the survey undertaken to kick-off the first major update to this standard in many years. 58 typical users of the standard were surveyed on a variety of topics including format, data, technology, and user needs. Results indicate several areas for improvement such as including more references and adding recent technological innovations. Additionally, while a majority of the participants expressed a preference for an electronic version of the standard, many users still wished to maintain a hard-copy version. The results of this survey will be used to drive a major revision to MIL-STD-1472. Language: en
Children's use of moral behavior in selective trust: discrimination versus learning.

Does valence play a role in children’s sensitivity to and use of moral information in the service of selective learning? In the present experiment, we explored this question by presenting three- to five-year-old children with informants who behaved in ways consistent or inconsistent with socio-moral norms, such as helping a peer retrieve a toy, or deliberately tearing a peer’s artwork. ‘Good’ versus ‘bad’ informants were contrasted with putatively neutral-behaving informants. In an effort to specify the role that moral information plays in guiding children’s selective trust, we measured children’s ability to discriminate the informants as well as their willingness to learn from them. We found that children were significantly more likely to discriminate negatively-behaving agents from neutral ones than they were to discriminate positively-behaving agents from neutral ones. In contrast, children did not differ in the degree to which they used negative versus positive moral information in their selective learning; both types of information were used to guide trust across domains of knowledge. Results are discussed in terms of the positive-negative asymmetry observed and the different forms that a negativity bias might take.
ζ-Crystallin: A Lens-specific Promoter and the Gene Recruitment of an Enzyme as a Crystallin

A novel enzyme with quinone oxidoreductase activity has undergone gene recruitment in certain mammals, acquiring a second function as the lens structural protein zeta-crystallin. Here we show that recruitment of this enzyme crystallin can be explained by the lens specificity of an alternative promoter which does not require host-specific factors. The strong lens preference of this promoter is apparent in both cultured cell transfections and in transgenic mice. While proximal regions of the promoter have some activity in the brain of transgenic mice this is abolished by the addition of more distal regions. The minimal active promoter is differentially footprinted by extracts from lens and non-lens cells. Deletion within the major region footprinted in lens, ZPE (zeta protected element), abolishes promoter function. This is the first example of a lens-specific promoter in an enzyme crystallin gene and the first demonstration of gene recruitment by this mechanism.
An equiprobability model of risk-taking

Abstract Previous research has emphasized changes in individual risk preferences in accounting for group shifts in risk-taking. The present study examines the predictive viability of certain social combination rules in accounting for group decision making when individual risk preferences are assumed to be fixed. Sequential risk decisions of subjects preferring to work in groups (GP) were compared with decisions made by subjects choosing to work alone (IP). The subjects were assigned to either an individual (Isolated or Co-Acting), or a group (Dictator, Unanimity, or Free Responding) condition. The group conditions showed a higher proportion of risky choices than the individual conditions. Comparative predictions of the overall proportion of risky group choices, as well as trial by trial distributions, were generated by the two-stage ( Zajonc, Wolosin, Wolosin, & Sherman, 1969 ), and equiprobability models. Both models produced accurate predictions. Personality data was supportive of the hypothesized equalitarian process underlying the equiprobability model.
2009 Special Issue: Ascertaining neuron importance by information theoretical analysis in motor Brain-Machine Interfaces

Point process modeling of neural spike recordings has the potential to capture with high specificity the information contained in spike time occurrence. In Brain-Machine Interfaces (BMIs) the neural tuning characteristic assessed from neural spike recordings can distinguish neuron importance in terms of its modulation with the movement task. Consequently, it improves generalization and reduces significantly computation in previous decoding algorithms, where models reconstruct the kinematics from recorded activities of hundreds of neurons. We propose to apply information theoretical analysis based on an instantaneous tuning model to extract the important neuron subsets for point process decoding on BMI. The cortical distribution of extracted neuron subsets is analyzed and the statistical decoding performance using subset selection is studied with respect to different number of neurons and compared to the one by the full neuron ensemble. With much less computation, the extracted importance neurons provide comparable kinematic reconstructions compared to the full neuron ensemble. The performance of the extracted subset is compared to the random selected subset with same number of neurons to further validate the effectiveness of the subset-extraction approach.
Anterior granulomatous uveitis as an ophthalmic manifestation of multiple sclerosis

Abstract Uveitis is not infrequently reported as an ophthalmic manifestation of multiple sclerosis. This is usually in the form of a peripheral uveitis, but granulomatous uveitis has occasionally also been described. The patient in this case study was hospitalized for signs and symptoms suggestive of multiple sclerosis, which was later confirmed by neurologic exam and magnetic resonance imaging. In addition to internuclear ophthalmoplegia causing complaints of diplopia, a granulomatous uveitis in the right eye was found, contributing to a decreased acuity in that eye. Other neurological inflammatory causes were ruled out, and the uveitis was attributed to the multiple sclerosis.
Density of solid argon at melting

Lattice parameters for crystalline argon along its melting line are reported with an estimated experimental uncertainty of 40 ppm. The X-ray data span the range of melting temperatures from 86.7 to 124.3 K. An upper limit of roughly 3 × 10−3 for vacancy concentrations along the melting line is obtained by comparing these data to bulk densities.
Preliminary silicone putty casts: Diagnosis to final impression for complete dentures

Silicone putty casts are useful for articulating existing dentures for evaluation and problem solving before relining procedures are performed or a new prosthesis is made. Tissue health may require significant modification of the existing dentures and treatment with tissue-conditioning material before final impressions are made. This practical procedure uses a functional impression that substitutes for a quality preliminary impression and combines tissue conditioning, a functional impression, silicone putty cast, custom final impression tray, and a final impression for a complete denture.
Neighborhood Participation in Community Development: A Comparison of Strategic Approaches

This study compares the ability of community development corporations to mobilize residents of low income neighborhoods to participate in redevelopment efforts. The evidence and argument show that community development corporations have not been more successful than other types of community-based organizations in (1) the degree to which organizational leadership has been recruited from the neighborhood; (2) the type of control exercised by residents over redevelopment policy, and; (3) the degree of fiscal autonomy achieved by the organization. The policy ramifications of the findings are discussed and analyzed.
Preferences and intake measures of salt and sugar, and their relation to personality traits.

Abstract The inter-relationship of personality with dietary intake of salt and sugar, and with hedonic responses to saltiness and sweetness, was examined among 62 female and 38 male university students. Thirty-five personality traits were assessed using five standard questionnaires: (1) Sixteen Personality Factor (16PF), (2) Jenkins Activity Survey (JAS), (3) Eysenck Personality Questionnaire (EPQ), (4) Multidimensional Health Locus of Control (MHLC), and (5) Sensation Seeking Scale (SSS). Dietary intakes of salty and of sweet foods were estimated from dietary-frequency questionnaires. Hedonic responses to sodium chloride in beef broth and to sucrose in lemonade were measured by category scaling of like/dislike and by ad libitum addition to maximum preference. While subjects with a high salt intake liked saltier broths (p
ALLELIC DIVERGENCE PRECEDES AND PROMOTES GENE DUPLICATION

One of the striking observations from recent whole-genome comparisons is that changes in the number of specialized genes in existing gene families, as opposed to novel taxon-specific gene families, are responsible for the majority of the difference in genome composition between major taxa. Previous models of duplicate gene evolution focused primarily on the role that neutral processes can play in evolutionary divergence after the duplicates are already fixed in the population. By instead including the entire cycle of duplication and divergence, we show that specialized functions are most likely to evolve through strong selection acting on segregating alleles at a single locus, even before the duplicate arises. We show that the fitness relationships that allow divergent alleles to evolve at a single locus largely overlap with the conditions that allow divergence of previously duplicated genes. Thus, a solution to the paradox of the origin of organismal complexity via the expansion of gene families exists in the form of the deterministic spread of novel duplicates via natural selection.
ILLUMINATION AND TURBULENCE EFFECTS ON RELATIVE GROWTH IN DAPHNIA1

ABSTRACIThe relative importance of illumination and turbulence on the helmet length: carapace length ratio in Daphnia galeata mendotae was evaluated. Both factors showed significant positive effects. The influence of several levels of turbulence on the postnatal allometric rate of helmet growth was also evaluated. The light-turbulent rate was significantly greater than the dark-turbulent and light-nonturbulcnt rates at all levels considered. No relationship was found between level of turbulence and the allometric growth rate. Evidence is presented that light acts both directly and indirectly on relative helmet growth.
Fetal methotrexate syndrome

Fetal methotrexate syndrome was first described several decades ago when this agent was being used as abortifacient. After this first trimester drug exposure was associated with fetal anomalies, this use as abortifacient became rare. Over the last several years the use of methotrexate for termination of pregnancy and medical management of ectopic pregnancies has again become more widespread. Case: A 23 year old G3 P2 female sought an abortion at 8 weeks of gestation. She was given an unknown dose of methotrexate. She had no follow-up until she presented at 10 weeks of gestation. At that time she was noted to have a viable intrauterine gestation. An ultrasound was done that showed a normal scan for 10 weeks of gestation. The patient had no prenatal care until she presented at 39 weeks of gestation. At that time she was noted to have severe preecalmpsia and HELLP syndrome. The fetus on ultrasound was symmetrically growth retarded with estimated fetal weight at less than the 5th percentile. Secondary to a breech presentation the infant was delivered by cesarean section. The infant was small for gestational age at 2050grams which is at the first percentile by the Lubcenco intrauterine growth standard. On physical exam the infant was hypotonic with the following anomalies: mild dolichocephaly, high forehead, prominent, broad nose, hypertelorism., small palpebral fissures, sacral crease, small mouth, clinodactaly, and hypoplastic toe nails. The infant's hospital course was complicated by temperature instability. A head CT and ultrasound were negative for any pathology. Chromosomes were normal. After a 7 day hospital course the infant was discharged home with a cardiac and respiratory monitor. Discussion: Methotrexate have been extensively use in autoimmune disorder and as chemotherapy. Since their use is becoming more extensive as a abortifacient and for the medical management of ectopic pregnancies, we will see many cases of first trimester exposure of fetuses to this agent. This exposure should be considered when readily offered by the mother.
Phonological patterning in German verse

While numerous tentative conclusions might be drawn from the data presented here, the following generalizations are consistently supported by the results of the Phonological Frames Program:
Stochastic development of stem cells

Abstract The stochastic model of Till, McCulloch & Siminovitch (1964) for the development of a colony from a stem cell is generalized, and expressions are derived for the moments of any order of the stem cell distribution, especially mean and standard deviation. Furthermore, expressions for the probability for the extinction of a colony are given. The model is applied principally to the development of erythroblastic colonies. Values of the stem cell percentage and total cell number, as calculated from the model, and experimentally observed in developing colonies, are in satisfactory agreement, provided the chain of differentiating erythroblasts is expanded.
Erythropoietin potentiates EDHF-mediated dilations in rat middle cerebral arteries.

ABSTRACT The neuroprotective effects of exogenous erythropoietin (EPO) in animals and humans after brain injury may be afforded, in part, by the influence of EPO on cerebral arteries. We tested (1)...
An enantioselective synthesis of (−)-alloyohimbane

Abstract A conceptually novel total synthesis of (−)-alloyohimbane is reported. The key step utilizes a group-selective nitrogen insertion process on a meso bicyclic ketone.
Protonolysis of Cationic Pt−C Bonds with Mild Acids: Can Ligand Torsional Effects Speed Associative Processes?

Tridentate phosphine pincer ligands facilitate the protonolysis of cationic Pt−CH3 compounds (to Pt dications and CH4) with the ammonium acid Ph2NH2·BF4. Large rate enhancements over nonpincer analogues (>50 000) are observed. A mechanism is proposed wherein ring strain present in the planar ground-state arrangement of three phosphine ligands is released in putative five-coordinate intermediates and transition states.
Archaeopteryx: Notice of a "New" Specimen

A fourth specimen of Archaeopteryx (cf. lithographica), the oldest known fossil bird, was recently found in the collections of the Teyler Museum in the Netherlands. Unique preservation of the horny sheaths of the manus claws provides new evidence that may be relevant to the question of the origins of avian flight. Tentative interpretation suggests a cursorial rather than arboreal origin.