cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
EGFR inhibition evokes innate drug resistance in lung cancer cells by preventing Akt activity and thus inactivating Ets-1 function

Nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the leading cause of cancer death worldwide. About 14% of NSCLCs harbor mutations in epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). Despite remarkable progress in treatment with tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), only 5% of patients achieve tumor reduction >90%. The limited primary responses are attributed partly to drug resistance inherent in the tumor cells before therapy begins. Recent reports showed that activation of receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) is an important determinant of this innate drug resistance. In contrast, we demonstrate that EGFR inhibition promotes innate drug resistance despite blockade of RTK activity in NSCLC cells. EGFR TKIs decrease both the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and Akt protein kinase pathways for a short time, after which the Ras/MAPK pathway becomes reactivated. Akt inhibition selectively blocks the transcriptional activation of Ets-1, which inhibits its target gene, dual specificity phosphatase 6 (DUSP6), a negative regulator specific for ERK1/2. As a result, ERK1/2 is activated. Furthermore, elevated c-Src stimulates Ras GTP-loading and activates Raf and MEK kinases. These observations suggest that not only ERK1/2 but also Akt activity is essential to maintain Ets-1 in an active state. Therefore, despite high levels of ERK1/2, Ets-1 target genes including DUSP6 and cyclins D1, D3, and E2 remain suppressed by Akt inhibition. Reduction of DUSP6 in combination with elevated c-Src renews activation of the Ras/MAPK pathway, which enhances cell survival by accelerating Bim protein turnover. Thus, EGFR TKIs evoke innate drug resistance by preventing Akt activity and inactivating Ets-1 function in NSCLC cells.
Preferential binding of oxidized LDL to rat glomeruli in vivo and cultured mesangial cells in vitro.

Preferential binding of oxidized LDL to rat glomeruli in vivo and cultured mesangial cells in vitro. Hyperlipidemia may contribute to the pathogenesis of glomerular sclerosis. We therefore compared binding and uptake of native LDL and oxidized LDL (Ox-LDL) to cultured mesangial cells (MC) and the resulting effects on prostaglandin generation and cell proliferation. Ox-LDL, prepared from native LDL by incubation with copper, was bound to MC in a concentration dependent manner with a four- to fivefold increase in binding over LDL. In competition binding experiments Ox-LDL competed to 90% with LDL for binding sites, but LDL only displaced Ox-LDL to 15%. Furthermore polyinosinic acid, which blocks binding of Ox-LDL to macrophages, inhibited binding of Ox-LDL but not that of LDL to MC. Mesangial cells also preferentially took up Ox-LDL over LDL, and Ox-LDL resulted in higher [ 14 C] oleate incorporation into cholesteryl esters than LDL, findings consistent with different handling of Ox-LDL and LDL by MC. LDL slightly stimulated mesangial cell proliferation at low concentration (10 to 50 µg/ml of LDL) returning to control levels at 100 and 250 µg/ml. In contrast Ox-LDL inhibited cell proliferation in a concentration-dependent manner, starting at concentrations as low as 10 to 25 µg/ml of Ox-LDL. Direct observations of mesangial cells by phase contrast microscopy confirmed the cytotoxic effects of Ox-LDL. Addition of Ox-LDL to mesangial cells resulted in a concentration-dependent increase in PGE 2 synthesis within one hour, while at this time point LDL had no significant effect. To assess in vivo glomerular uptake, we infused radioiodinated native LDL and Ox-LDL into the suprarenal aorta of normal Sprague-Dawley rats and determined radioactivity in isolated glomeruli. These studies showed that glomerular uptake of Ox-LDL also markedly exceeded that of LDL, reaching levels observed in the liver, a major site of LDL and Ox-LDL uptake. In conclusion, MC have binding sites for both LDL and Ox-LDL. Uptake of Ox-LDL stimulates PGE 2 production and inhibits proliferation of mesangial cells, factors that may be of significance for lipid-induced glomerular injury.
Abnormal excitability in capsaicin-responsive DRG neurons from cats with feline interstitial cystitis.

Abstract Interstitial cystitis (IC) is a painful disorder which affects urinary bladder function in cats and humans. We used patch clamp techniques to measure firing properties and K+ currents of dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons (L4-S3) from normal cats and cats with feline interstitial cystitis (FIC) to examine the possibility that the properties of primary afferent neurons are changed in cats with FIC. We found that capsaicin (CAPS)-responsive neurons from FIC cats were increased in size, had increased firing in response to depolarizing current pulses and expressed more rapidly inactivating K+ currents. CAPS-sensitive neurons from FIC cats were 28% larger than those from normal cats but were otherwise similar with respect to membrane potential and action potential (AP) threshold. CAPS-responsive neurons from normal cats fired 1.5 APs in response to a 600 ms depolarizing current pulse, 60–200 pA in intensity. The number of APs was increased 4.5 fold in FIC neurons. Neurons from FIC cats also exhibited after hyperpolarization potentials which were on the average 2× slower than those in normal cat neurons. In addition, there was a lack of K+ currents in the critical voltage range of action potential generation (between −50 to −30 mV). These changes were not detected in CAPS-unresponsive neurons from normal and FIC cats. Our data suggest that FIC afferent neurons exhibit abnormal firing which may be due to changes in the behavior of K+ currents and show that these changes are restricted to a subpopulation of CAPS-responsive neurons.
Quinacrine antagonizes the effects of Na, K-ATPase inhibitors on renal prostaglandin E2 release but not their effects on renin secretion

Previous results have demonstrated that two inhibitors of Na-and-K-activated adenosine triphosphatase (ouabain, vanadate) lead to stimulated prostaglandin E2 release and to inhibited renin secretion in the rat renal cortical slice preparation. It was speculated that stimulation of phospholipase A2 activity accounted for the effect on prostaglandin E2 release. We used the same preparation in the present experiments, and showed that another inhibitor of Na-and-K-activated adenosine triphosphatase (K-free incubation medium) stimulates prostaglandin E2 release and inhibits renin secretion. Quinacrine antagonized the stimulatory effects of ouabain, vanadate, and K-free medium on prostaglandin E2 release (consistent with phospholipase A2 involvement), but did not antagonize their inhibitory effects on renin secretion. Collectively, these observations lend further weight to the argument against a mediatory role of prostaglandin synthesis in the renin secretory process.
The importance of functional impairment to mental health outcomes: A case for reassessing our goals in depression treatment research

Outcomes in depression treatment research include both changes in symptom severity and functional impairment. Symptom measures tend to be the standard outcome but we argue that there are benefits to considering functional outcomes. An exhaustive literature review shows that the relationship between symptoms and functioning remains unexpectedly weak and often bidirectional. Changes in functioning often lag symptom changes. As a result, functional outcomes might offer depression researchers more critical feedback and better guidance when studying depression treatment outcomes. The paper presents a case for the necessity of both functional and symptom outcomes in depression treatment research by addressing three aims-1) review the research relating symptoms and functioning, 2) provide a rationale for measuring both outcomes, and 3) discuss potential artifacts in measuring functional outcomes. The three aims are supported by an empirical review of the treatment outcome and epidemiological literatures.
Benefits of Cooperative Communication Applied to Robot Exploration

We define a wireless cooperative robotic communication network to be a network where robots cooperate in routing and/or improving the quality of transmission of each other's communication packets. The cooperation is especially useful when the channel between a robot and base (source and destination) is in a deep shadow-fading state. In this situation increasing the power level may either not resolve the problem or be too power consuming, while generating interference for other robots operating on the same channel. A cooperating robot, which has good propagation channels to both the source and the destination, may be used to relay the packets between them. This paper presents the comparison of the average amounts of power consumed by robots in a standard network that uses single-hop transmission and a cooperative network that uses two-hop transmission. It is shown that under certain conditions the ratio of the average power consumptions in the two networks, when N cooperating robots on average are available for the source and the destination, can be approximated by k In N + q . The constants k and q are related to the propagation channel. For a Nakagami fading channel with parameter m, k = 1/lnm and q = 1, while for a shadowing channel with standard deviation sigmadB, k = sigmadB / radicpi and q = 0.23 sigmadB dB.
The social predictors of adolescent alcohol misuse: a test of the social development model.

Objective: This study was conducted to investigate the ability of the social development model (SDM) to predict alcohol misuse at age 16 and to investigate the ability of the SDM to mediate the effects of alcohol use at age 14 on alcohol misuse at age 16. Method: The sample of 807 (411 males) is from the longitudinal panel of the Seattle Social Development Project which, in 1985, surveyed all consenting fifth-grade students from 18 elementary schools serving high-crime neighborhoods in Seattle, Washington. Alcohol use was measured at age 14, predictors of alcohol misuse were measured at age 15 and alcohol misuse was measured at age 16. Structural equation modeling was used to examine the fit of the model to the data. Results: All factor loadings were highly significant and the measurement model achieved a good fit with the data (Comparative Fit Index [CFI] = 0.93). A second-order structural model fit the data well (CFI = 0.91) and also explained 45% of the variance in alcohol misuse at age 16. The SDM par...
A community perspective on young people’s knowledge of HIV/AIDS in three African countries

Individual, household and community-level influences on young people's (15-24) knowledge of HIV/AIDS in three African countries (Burkina Faso, Ghana and Zambia) are explored. The focus of the analysis is on the roles of demographic, economic and behavioral dimensions of the community environment in shaping knowledge of HIV/AIDS. Data from Demographic and Health Surveys, collected independently for males and females in each of the countries, are analyzed. There are clear pathways through which the community environment shapes knowledge, and the community influences on knowledge vary greatly by country and gender. For young women, residences in communities with demographic and behavioral patterns that are indicative of greater opportunities are associated with increased knowledge of HIV/AIDS. The results highlight community-level factors that can be harnessed in the development of community-based interventions to improve knowledge of HIV/AIDS among young people, and reinforce the need to focus on the community environment in designing behavioral change interventions.
Autonomic nervous system and secretion across the intestinal mucosal surface

Chloride secretion is important because it is the driving force for fluid movement into the intestinal lumen. The flow of accumulated fluid flushes out invading micro-organisms in defense of the host. Chloride secretion is regulated by neurons in the submucosal plexus of the enteric nervous system. Mechanosensitive enterochromaffin cells that release 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and activate intrinsic afferent neurons in the submucosal plexus and initiate chloride secretion. Mechanical stimulation by distention may also trigger reflexes by a direct action on intrinsic afferent neurons. Dysregulation of 5-HT release or altered activity of intrinsic afferents is likely to occur in states of inflammation and other disorders.
Isoniazid levels in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of patients with pulmonary tuberculosis.

Isoniazid (INH) is one of the most important first line drugs in the treatment of tuberculosis. We utilized high performance liquid chromatography with a hydrazone extraction technique to measure INH in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid specimens from six patients with active pulmonary tuberculosis. We found BAL fluid INH levels to be similar to 2-h peak serum levels. The concentration of INH in BAL fluid from lobes with infiltrate was similar to the concentration of INH in BAL fluid from lobes without infiltrate (0.062 μg/ml and 0.073 μg/ml, respectively). After adjusting for protein concentration in the BAL fluid, INH levels in lobes with infiltrate were threefold lower than in lobes without infiltrate. The correlation between the concentration of INH in serum and BAL fluid approached significance after correcting for protein (lobes with infiltrate, r 2= 0.60 (p= 0.07); lobes without infiltrate, r 2= 0.50 (p= 0.12)). INH penetrates into bronchoalveolar fluid, and concentrations of INH in the BAL fluid suggest that assessment of the INH serum concentration is adequate to evaluate bioavailability of the drug in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis.
HUMAN FACTORS CONSIDERATIONS FOR A COMBINED BRAKE- ACCELERATOR PEDAL

Abstract The results of a series of nine experiments over a three-year period arc reported, Experiments One through Six. previously published, indicated that a pedal which actuated an accelerator upon depression of the toe and actuated the brake upon depression of the heel saved 0·2 sec (one car length at 60 mph) over the conventional separate controls. Experiment Seven investigated the effect on reaction time of: the angle the pedal made with the floor; the force required to actuate the brake control; the force required to actuate the accelerator control; and the seat reference distance. The minimum time was 0·241 see. Little penalty resulted when the pedal angle was between 30 and 40°, brake actuation force was between 13 and 21 lb, accelerator actuation force was between 4 and 8 lb, and seat reference distance was between 4n and 55% of the person's height. Experiment Eight investigated the effect on reaction time of; the angle the pedal made with the floor; seat height from the floor; the angle of twis...
Integrated logistics support (ILS): How and why

Defines the Integrated Logistics Support (ILS) function and illustrates the application of a large company's resources in providing ILS to a major defense program. Ancient and modern examples of ILS are presented as is the concept of ILS as an investment. The implementation of the defined functions-Reliability, Maintainability, Provisioning, and Maintenance Engineering are then considered as is their integration toward a common purpose-system support. This ILS is justified by consideration of the Life Cycle Cost elements.
Water Permeability of Thin Lipid Membranes

The osmotic permeability coefficient, Pf, and the tagged water permeability coefficient, Pd, were determined for thin ( Pd can be attributed to the presence of unstirred layers in the experimental determination of Pd. Thus, there is no evidence for the existence of aqueous pores in these thin phospholipid membranes. The adsorption onto the membrane of a protein that lowers its electrical resistance by a factor of 103 was found not to affect its water permeability; however, glucose and sucrose were found to interact with the membrane to modify Pf. Possible mechanisms of water transport across these films are discussed, together with the implications of data obtained on these structures for plasma membranes.
A population-based, community estimate of total colon examination: the impact on compliance with screening for colorectal cancer.

OBJECTIVE: Colorectal cancer screening is underutilized. Total colon examination (TCE), such as with colonoscopy, can have a significant effect on the measured compliance with screening, as colonoscopy may be able to be performed as infrequently as once every 10 yr. In a population-based survey we determined the prevalence and validated the self-reporting of TCE and assessed its impact on compliance with screening. METHODS: We interviewed an age- and sex-stratified random sample of 50- to 79-yr-old residents in two communities in southwestern Pennsylvania. Subjects reported ever having had and duration since last use of fecal occult blood testing (FOBT), flexible sigmoidoscopy (FS), rigid proctoscopy, barium enema, and colonoscopy. Self-reports of colorectal testing were validated via retrieval of procedure reports. RESULTS: Out of 1223 individuals sampled, 496 completed a telephone interview (40.6% overall and 58.3% of eligible contacts). In those without personal or family histories of colorectal cancer or personal histories of polyps (n = 377), 50%, 19.6%, 39.8%, and 17.5% reported ever having had FOBT, FS, barium enema, and colonoscopy, respectively. Thirty-one percent reported having FOBT within the previous year or FS within the previous 5 yr. Including TCE within the previous 5 yr increased the measured compliance to 39.7%. Compliance was significantly greater among subjects with family histories of colorectal cancer (62.9% vs 39.7%, odds ratio = 2.6, 95% CI = 1.3–5.2). Self-reports of recent colonoscopy were verified in 29 of 35 instances (83%). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of TCE in this population was significant, and including TCE substantially increased measured compliance with colorectal cancer screening. Self-reported use of colonoscopy was validated as accurate.
Improved probe and analysis for VISAR

We have designed and used for several years now a ¼ inch O.D., 11.5 inch length optical probe for imaging light from a surface area inside a confined space. The design is based on a commercial SelFoc gradient index objective and relay rod combination with acceptance angle +-30 degrees. We have used our probe both for framing camera images and for imaging spots on a surface onto a fiber array for interferometry. Probe efficiency is 1x10-6 at an object distance of 10 centimeters, where, for imaging onto the array, the probe has a depth of field from 2 cm to infinity. If a spot size of 1 mm is acceptable, the object can be brought within a few mm. For interferometry, the probe images enough of the surface to require automation from the analysis software. Below we report our probe construction and performance calculations, and software automation and analysis improvements.
On characterizing equilibrium points in two person strictly competitive games

A game is strictly competitive if all possible outcomes are Pareto optimal. It has been known that ifs′ = (s′1,s′2) ands″ = (s″1s″2) are equilibrium points in a two person strictly competitive game, then payoffs are the same ats′ as ats″ and that (s′1,s″2) and (s″1s′2) are equilibrium points as well. It is proved in this paper that, for 0 ⩽k⩽1,ks′ + (1−k)s″ is also an equilibrium point.
Myocardial tagging with SSFP

This work presents the first implementation of myocardial tagging with refocused steady-state free precession (SSFP) and magnetization preparation. The combination of myocardial tagging (a noninvasive method for quantitative measurement of regional and global cardiac function) with the high tissue signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) obtained with SSFP is shown to yield improvements in terms of the myocardium-tag contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) and tag persistence when compared to the current standard fast gradient-echo (FGRE) tagging protocol. Myocardium-tag CNR and tag persistence were studied using numerical simulations as well as phantom and human experiments. Both quantities were found to decrease with increasing imaging flip angle (alpha) due to an increased tag decay rate and a decrease in myocardial steady-state signal. However, higher alpha yielded better blood-myocardium contrast, indicating that optimal alpha is dependent on the application: higher alpha for better blood-myocardium boundary visualization, and lower alpha for better tag persistence. SSFP tagging provided the same myocardium-tag CNR as FGRE tagging when acquired at four times the bandwidth and better tag- and blood-myocardium CNRs than FGRE tagging when acquired at equal or twice the receiver bandwidth (RBW). The increased acquisition efficiency of SSFP allowed decreases in breath-hold duration, or increases in temporal resolution, as compared to FGRE.
Breeding experience and breeding efficiency in the ring dove

Abstract The efficiency was measured of various aspects of the breeding activity of ring doves Streptopelia risoria in pairs matched for age, but differing in previous breeding experience. In one experiment, the breeding efficiency of pairs with previous breeding experience was compared with that of pairs without previous breeding experience. In a second experiment, the comparison was made between pairs in which only the female had had previous breeding experience, and pairs in which only the male had had such experience. The data collected assessed: (a) the readiness with which the female produced eggs as a result of stimulation by the male; (b) the efficiency of incubation behaviour; (c) the efficiency of parental care of young after hatching; and finally (d) over-all breeding effectiveness. It was found that (a) experienced pairs were superior to inexperienced pairs with respect to all of these measures, and (b) the experience both of the male and of the female contributes to this difference, except that the shorter latency to egg-laying in experienced pairs is due to the increased responsiveness of experienced females, rather than to the increased effectiveness of experienced males.
Interactions of IgG and β-VLDL with aortic valve endothelium from hypercholesterolemic rabbits

The adhesion of immunoglobulins (IgG) and beta-migrating very low density lipoproteins (beta-VLDL) to aortic valve cusps from normolipidemic and hypercholesterolemic rabbits is associated with cytochemical changes in the endothelial glycocalyx. Endothelial surface changes are characterized by (1) enzymatic degradations with neuraminidase (NEU), chondroitinase ABC (CABC) or AC, and heparitinase (HPT); and (2) affinity cytochemistry with avidin-ferritin, protein A-HRP, and beta-VLDL-colloidal gold. NEU facilitated IgG deposition on cells from normolipid animals; however, tandem treatment with NEU and CABC increased beta-VLDL but prevented IgG interactions. The addition of HPT was required to eliminate beta-VLDL activity. The cells lining the arterial surfaces of cusps from hypercholesterolemic animals were reactive for endogenous IgG and beta-VLDL-gold. CABC enhanced the binding of the latter but removed most of the IgG. All reactivity was prevented by CABC and HPT. These findings suggest that the reduction of sialic acid residues and exposure of deeper lying glycosaminoglycans in the endothelial glycocalyx favor the interaction of blood-borne elements at natural sites of disturbed blood flow in dietary hypercholesterolemia.
Synthesis of N-aryl-N-glycolyl hydroxamic acids: Nonmicrosomal metabolites of nitrosoaromatics

A method for the synthesis of N-aryl-N-glycolyl hydroxamic acids is described. This method consists of N-acylation of an arylhydroxylamine by glycolic acid in the presence of dicyclohexylcarbodiimide.
Turning straw into gold: directing cell fate for regenerative medicine

Regenerative medicine offers the hope that cells for disease research and therapy might be created from readily available sources. To fulfil this promise, the cells available need to be converted into the desired cell types. We review two main approaches to accomplishing this goal: in vitro directed differentiation, which is used to push pluripotent stem cells, including embryonic stem cells or induced pluripotent stem cells, through steps similar to those that occur during embryonic development; and reprogramming (also known as transdifferentiation), in which a differentiated cell is converted directly into the cell of interest without proceeding through a pluripotent intermediate. We analyse the status of progress made using these strategies and highlight challenges that must be overcome to achieve the goal of cell-replacement therapy.
Creep, corrosion and marginal fracture of dental amalgams

Summary An analysis of the available information on creep and corrosion of dental amalgams is presented in an attempt to understand their role in the marginal breakdown of amalgam restorations.
Growth problems for avoidable words

Abstract A word W is said to avoid a word U if no block (subword, factor) of W is the image of U under a homomorphism of free semigroups without unit. The theory of words avoiding xx (square-free words) has been much studied. The word U is said to be avoidable on n letters if there are arbitrarily long words on an n-letter alphabet that avoid U. If U is avoidable on n letters for some n, let μ(U) be the minimum possible such n. We show that μ(U) has a linear bound in terms of the alphabet size of U. We further show that there exists a word that is avoidable on four letters but not on three letters. Moreover, if U is this word, the number of words of length L on a μ(U)-letter alphabet that avoid U has a polynomial bound in terms of L, so that the question of the existence of such an example is resolved in the affirmative. In contrast, for xx the bound is known to be exponential.
7173 In vitro study of lymph node characteristics that predict malignant involvement.

Aim: To study prospectively the sonographic features of lymph nodes that might predict malignant involvement. Methods: Resected specimens of colon, gastric, esophageal, pancreatic, rectal, and non-small cell lung cancer were scanned in a water bath using the Pentax FG-3630 and FG-36UX curved linear array endoscopic ultrasound probes. Scanning examination included analysis of the lymph nodes' size, shape, echogenicity, homogeneity, border, and distance from the primary tumor. Additionally, the echogenicity and histology of the tumor were recorded to compare to those of the lymph nodes. After the nodes were identified, a pathologist dissected and labeled them for histologic analysis. Malignant involvement was reported as present or absent with notation of diffuse vs. focal involvement. Comparisons between malignant and benign lymph nodes were made, as well as comparisons to the primary tumor. Results: Initial results show that lymph node involvement cannot be predicted by their size, shape, echogenicity, or border characteristics. However, hypoechoic foci within the nodes might predict malignant involvement. Conclusion: New EUS criteria to predict lymph node involvement need to be established.
Investigation of Transport Efficiency of Pneumatic Nebulization for Dissolved Solids in Flame and Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectrometry

Abstract The use of a pneumatic nebulization with impaction bead system for sample introduction of dissolved solids in flame and furnace atomic absorption spectrometry is investigated. The distance between the aerosol emerging from the capillary tip and the impaction bead is critical for dissolved solids in terms of nebulization efficiency, imprecision, absorbance signal, and interferences. The experimental results are considered to be dependent on the particle size generated by the pneumatic nebulization with impaction bead system.
Gas phase photolysis of pinonaldehyde in the presence of sunlight

The photolysis of pinonaldehyde in the presence of sunlight and in the presence/absence of an OH radical scavenger (cyclohexane) was studied in a large outdoor smog chamber. More than nine reaction products were identified or tentatively identified and quantified in this study using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Carbon yields for pinonaldehyde photolysis in the absence of an OH scavenger are: norpinonaldehyde (21.7%); pinonic acid (11.2%); 3-acetyl-2,2-dimethyl-cyclobutyl-methanol (5.3%); 2,2,3-trimethyl-cyclobutylethanone (2.9%); and 10-oxonorpinonaldehyde (1.9%). Carbon yields for pinonaldehyde photolysis in the presence of cyclohexane are: norpinonaldehyde (20.1%); pinonic acid (0.4%); 3-acetyl-2,2-dimethyl-cyclobutyl-methanol (2.7%); 2,2,3-trimethyl-cyclobutyl-ethanone (1.3%); and 10-oxonorpinonaldehyde (1.0%). The uncertainty in the yield data is estimated to be ∼26%. The results show that pinonaldehyde photolysis is an important part of its overall atmospheric chemistry. A detailed mechanism for pinonaldehyde photolysis in the presence/absence of cyclohexane is proposed, and a kinetic mechanism was used to simulate the gas phase reactions of pinonaldehyde. Observed temporal profiles of pinonaldehyde and its photooxidation products were used to estimate photolysis quantum yields for pinonaldehyde. The atmospheric implications of the data are discussed.
Indian summer as a characteristic weather type of the eastern United States

The author's studies of the weather maps which characterize Indian Summer weather have led him to recognize a type of pressure distribution which uniformly gives several days of weather commonly called Indian Summer. This pressure distribution was described as a more or less stagnant area of high pressure over the southeastern States and a weak cyclonic area passing slowly down the Saint Lawrence Valley. The resulting winds are light, and the moderate chill of the early morning and evening resulting from a fairly well marked diurnal range of temperature is swept away by the genial warmth of the light southerly winds, and by the strong isolation of the daytime.
An Impossible Journey? The Development of Plasmodium falciparum NF54 in Culex quinquefasciatus

Although Anopheles mosquitoes are the vectors for human Plasmodium spp., there are also other mosquito species–among them culicines (Culex spp., Aedes spp.)–present in malaria-endemic areas. Culicine mosquitoes transmit arboviruses and filarial worms to humans and are vectors for avian Plasmodium spp., but have never been observed to transmit human Plasmodium spp. When ingested by a culicine mosquito, parasites could either face an environment that does not allow development due to biologic incompatibility or be actively killed by the mosquito’s immune system. In the latter case, the molecular mechanism of killing must be sufficiently powerful that Plasmodium is not able to overcome it. To investigate how human malaria parasites develop in culicine mosquitoes, we infected Culex quinquefasciatus with Plasmodium falciparum NF54 and monitored development of parasites in the blood bolus and midgut epithelium at different time points. Our results reveal that ookinetes develop in the midgut lumen of C. quinquefasciatus in slightly lower numbers than in Anopheles gambiae G3. After 30 hours, parasites have invaded the midgut and can be observed on the basal side of the midgut epithelium by confocal and transmission electron microscopy. Very few of the parasites in C. quinquefasciatus are alive, most of them are lysed. Eight days after the mosquito’s blood meal, no oocysts can be found in C. quinquefasciatus. Our results suggest that the mosquito immune system could be involved in parasite killing early in development after ookinetes have crossed the midgut epithelium and come in contact with the mosquito hemolymph.
Stabilizing the Korea Peninsula Through Economic Cooperation

Because of the complex historical backgrounds, stabilizing the Korea Peninsula will be a long-term process. In the face of enormous pressure from the powerful ROK-US Alliance and South Korea’s advanced economic development, North Korea will continue to pursue its military-first policy in the foreseeable future and is unwilling to fully open its doors. As a junction of Eurasia, North Korea has a unique geopolitical advantage. When it starts conduct an economic open door policy it would achieve great economic performance in future. Nowadays although North Korean officials do not recognize the reform and opening up policy, the fact is that North Korea has begun exploring the road to economic development. The promotion of peace and further development through economic cooperation is a more realistic and feasible means of bringing about effective resolutions. Economic cooperation on the Korean Peninsula will benefit the economic development of Northeast Asia and the rest of the world, But North Korea cannot conduct fundamental economic development without an improved external environment. Promoting economic cooperation should not only the core task of North Korea, but also the common focus of interested countries. Taking steps to improve North–South bilateral relations and avoiding military conflict are ongoing short-term concerns. In future, the international community also needs to improve economic cooperation with North Korea.
Fluoride Solid Lubricants for Extreme Temperatures and Corrosive Environments

Chemical and thermal stability of fluoride solid lubricants measured and tested for aerospace environment
Pharmacogenomics of Anti-platelet and Anti-coagulation Therapy

Arterial thrombosis is a major component of vascular disease, especially myocardial infarction (MI) and stroke. Current anti-thrombotic therapies such as warfarin and clopidogrel are effective in inhibiting cardiovascular events; however, there is great inter-individual variability in response to these medications. In recent years, it has been recognized that genetic factors play a significant role in drug response, and, subsequently, common variants in genes responsible for metabolism and drug action have been identified. These discoveries along with new diagnostic targets and therapeutic strategies hold promise for more effective individualized anti-coagulation and anti-platelet therapy.
Coordinate binding studies of the substrate (factor X) with the cofactor (factor VIII) in the assembly of the factor X activating complex on the activated platelet surface.

The assembly of the factor X activating complex on the platelet surface requires the occupancy of three receptors: (1) enzyme factor IXa, (2) cofactor factor VIII(a), and (3) substrate factor X. T...
Coping as a mediator of the impact of sociocultural factors on health behavior among HIV-positive latino gay men

In a sample of 140 HIV-positive immigrant Latino gay men, we tested a mediational model of the impact of sociocultural factors (i.e., poverty, discrimination, and U.S. acculturation) on active engagement of health-promoting behaviors (i.e., practicing good health habits). The role of coping as a mediator was examined. We proposed that the experience of social discrimination, together with acculturation, has a negative influence on active coping, which in turn would impact health behaviors. Regression analyses supported the role of coping as a mediator between sociocultural factors (specifically discrimination based on race or ethnicity and acculturation to the U.S.) and health-promoting behaviors. Findings from this study contribute to explaining the way in which sociocultural factors impact health among those who are HIV-positive and most vulnerable in our society.
An exploratory analysis of demand for the public library lending service

The public library lending service is an important source of information for many people. Perhaps equally important is the supply of material for leisure reading. The service is characterized by its free availability and the fact that it is a multi-product service. Provision of the public library service has been dependent almost entirely on finance from the rate fund of the controlling local authority, although since 1967, the cost of the service has been taken into account in calculating the rate-support grant given by the central government to local authorities. Many librarians and indeed the central government regard the provision of the public library service as being inadequate in a number of respects. 1 In order to answer the question of just how much should be supplied, it would seem helpful to know which are the factors that influence demand for the public library lending service. In addition, information concerning the form of the relationship between demand and factors influencing demand would ...
Sol gel ZnO films doped with Mg and Li evaluated for charged particle detectors

In this work we assess the feasibility of ZnO films deposited from a sol gel precursor as a material for thin film charged particle detectors. There are many reports of polycrystalline ZnO thin film transistors (TFTs) in the literature, deposited by sputtering, pulsed laser deposition, and sol gel. There are also reports of sol gel derived ZnO doped with Li or Mg to increase the resistivity, however, these works only measure resistivity of the films, without determining the effect of doping on the carrier concentration. We study the effects of doping the ZnO with Mg and Li as well as the effects of thickness on the films’ resistivity, mobility, and carrier concentration, since these material parameters are critical for a charged particle sensor. Carrier concentration is particularly important because it must be kept low in order for the intrinsic region of a p-i-n diode to be depleted. In order to accomplish this we fabricate and electrically characterize test structures for resistivity, test structures for hall measurement, common back-gate TFTs, and metal-insulator-semiconductor (MIS) capacitors. We also conduct physical characterization techniques such as x-ray diffraction (XRD), atomic force microscopy (AFM), electron microscopy, UV-Vis spectroscopy, and ellipsometry to determine the effect of doping and film thickness on the microstructure and optical properties of the ZnO.
Site-specific chemistry of carbon tetrachloride decomposition on GaAs(001)

, it was discovered that this molecule dissociatively adsorbs onto Ga dimers and second-layer Ga atoms at 473 K. Upon heating to 673 K, the chlorine desorbs from these sites as GaCl, thereby reducing the Ga coverage. Scanning tunneling micrographs reveal that GaCl desorption produces a highly disordered (2×4)surface, and transforms the (4×2) into a new (3×2) reconstruction. The (3×2) surface appears to be stabilized by carbon incorporation.
Multiplex PCR detection of Campylobacter jejuni and Arcobacter butzleri in food products.

Arcobacter is a recently described species, previously considered part of the Campylobacter family. A sensitive assay such as that provided by PCR could help to distinguish the closely related Arcobacter from Campylobacter. A PCR method to specifically detect both Campylobacter jejuni and Arcobacter butzleri in the same reaction tube has been developed. C. jejuni and A. butzleri were inoculated into a range of dairy products, raw and ready-to-eat foods. The presence of these two organisms was detected in these test foods by the multiplex PCR assay. A product of 159 bp was apparent when C. jejuni was present, while a 1223 bp product was seen when A. butzleri was present. When both organisms were present, both bands could be detected on the agarose gel. All organisms were confirmed by standard microbiological methods. There was complete agreement between the PCR and standard methods. This PCR assay will allow detection of both organisms within the same PCR tube and can be performed within an 8 h day. The presence of these two human pathogens, which are difficult to distinguish by standard biochemical methods, can now be identified using this PCR assay.
The third chromophore of DNA photolyase: Trp-277 of Escherichia coli DNA photolyase repairs thymine dimers by direct electron transfer.

Abstract Photolyases repair pyrimidine dimers in DNA by converting the light energy of 300- to 500-nm photons into chemical energy. Enzymes from various organisms contain two chromophore cofactors (FADH2 and either methenyltetrahydrofolate or 8-hydroxy-5-deazaflavin) that absorb the low-energy photons and initiate splitting of the cyclobutane ring by a radical mechanism. Here, we show that, in addition to these two chromophores, in the far UV range, direct excitation of one specific tryptophan residue (out of 15 total) in the polypeptide chain of Escherichia coli photolyase leads to splitting of the cyclobutane ring with high quantum yield (phi = 0.56), independent of the other chromophores. The specific tryptophan residue responsible for photosensitized repair was identified as Trp-277 by site-specific mutagenesis.
Optical properties of Ni doped 3C-SiC with ab initio calculations

The optical properties of Ni doped 3C-SiC, with different concentrations, were studied by using the full potential linearized augmented plane wave (FP-LAPW) method with the generalized gradient approximation (GGA) and GGA Modified Becke Johnson (GGA-mBJ) within Wien2k package. The obtained results within GGA-mBJ approximation are in good agreement with experimental data. The electrical conductivity increases with increasing Ni concentration in doped 3C-SiC. The optical absorption, transmission and refractive index are also investigated.
Overview and Quality Assurance for the Oral Health Component of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), 2003‐04

The oral health component for the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) was changed in 2005 from an examination conducted by dentists to an oral health screening conducted by health technologists rather than dental professionals. The oral health screening included a person-based assessment for dental caries, restorations, and sealants. This report provides oral health content information and presents results of data quality analyses that include dental examiner reliability statistics for data collected during NHANES 2005-08. Oral health data are available on 15,342 persons aged 5 years and older representing the civilian, noninstitutionalized population of the United States who participated in NHANES 2005-08. Overall, interrater reliability findings indicate that health technologist performance was excellent with concordance between examination teams and the survey reference examiner being almost perfect for a number of assessments. Concordance for dental caries and sealants (kappa statistics) between health technologists and the survey reference examiner ranged from 0.82 to 0.90 for the combined 4-year period. These findings support the use of health technologists in the assessment of person-based estimators of dental caries and sealant prevalence as part of an oral health surveillance system.
Estimates of the effects of folic-acid fortification and folic-acid bioavailability for women

Abstract Objective: With the recent implementation of the folic-acid–fortification program, our objective was to estimate its benefits in adult women and account for the higher bioavailability of synthetic folic acid in fortification programs and supplements. Methods: The study used a cross-sectional design. Dietary assessment data were collected with a quantitative food-frequency questionnaire, the Nutrition DISCovery program. Fortification was simulated with the use of fortification standards (140 μg/100 g of flour) and new bioavailability standards for synthetic folic acid. Data were collected from 289 women 18 to 89 y old. Subjects were recruited from participants in two health-screening events in autumn of 1997. Chi-square tests were used to estimate the differences between categoric variables, and F tests were used in analysis of variance for continuous outcome measures. Results were considered significant at P Results: Estimated mean dietary intake of folate increased considerably with simulation of fortification (320 to 608 μg of dietary folate equivalents). Women in the lower quartiles for age (18 to 39 and 40 to 46 y) consumed more servings from the bread group than women did in the upper quartile (55 to 89 y). Thus, the improvement in folate intake with fortification was significantly greater for the younger than for the older women ( P Conclusions: Based on this sample of well-educated, adult women, the current level of folic-acid fortification should improve the intakes of a large proportion of women, especially when accompanied by supplements containing folic acid. These improvements in folate intake might not be seen in groups with limited resources, however. Further, under existing standards and practices, many women will not meet current recommendations for prevention of neural-tube defects.
Blazed pyramidal gratings for enhanced light trapping in very thin film solar cells

The periodic dielectric blazed grating structure has been employed in this paper to enhance light absorption in amorphous silicon thin film solar cells (TFSC). An AZO pyramidal grating at the back of a very thin film of a-Si:H (165 nm). The blazed grating structure is able to scatter the incident light at angles greater than the critical angle, resulting in total internal reflection at the top surface. Light is trapped within the solar cell due to repeated total internal reflection. Full wave simulations show that the designed grating structure can enhance light absorption in the semiconductor layer from 600 nm to 700 nm. We are able to achieve a short circuit current (Jsc) of 15.34 mA/cm2 with an equivalent Si thickness of 165 nm. The calculated Jsc is enhanced by 38.7% at normal incidence while the surface area is increased by only 7.62% relative to a planar TFSC of a-Si thickness 165 nm. Preliminary fabrication of AZO films with a thickness gradient is achieved using the glancing angle deposition method.
Toward Developing a Structured Approach to the Diagnosis and Resolution of Nonperforming Loans: The Case of China and India1

This article addresses the issue of nonperforming loans (NPLs) from a public policy perspective. The focus is on three aspects of NPLs that we consider essential for a proper analysis: the degree of the NPL problem, the causes of NPLs and the solutions adopted to address an identified NPL issue. This research analyses the diverse definitions and measurements of an NPL. Further, it introduces the distinction between systemic and situational causes of NPLs. Arguing that different causes require different cures, this study emphasizes a mix of short-term and long-term remedial measures as judicious in dealing with the NPL problem. This framework is then applied to two case studies: China and India. The conclusion identifies future directions of research, such as the study of a threshold level beyond which NPLs may pose a barrier to a country's growth and productivity.
Drugs in development for chronic hepatitis C: a promising future.

Introduction: The approval of the first direct-acting antiviral (DAA) drugs for treatment of HCV in 2011 has lead to improved sustained viral response rates of up to 79% in treatment-naive or relapse genotype 1 patients. Areas covered: Clinical trial data, the clinical skills required for the use of DAA drugs, the use of genetic tests and HCV RNA assays, new small molecules, resistance-associated variants, combinations of two or more DAAs, treatment of special populations, and future directions. The results of the pivotal Phase III trials with telaprevir and boceprevir, including the efficacy, safety and tolerability, drug–drug interactions and management of the most common side-effects. Resistance-associated variant data and treatment strategies implemented to minimize the development of resistance with these first-generation protease inhibitors. Expert opinion: Combination therapies of protease inhibitors with nucleoside or non-nucleoside polymerase inhibitors, non-structural protein 5A (NS5A) inhibitor...