cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Molecular cloning and genetic mapping of the DNA topoisomerase II gene of Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

Abstract The structural gene for DNA topoisomerase II from the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been cloned. The clones were selected from a YEp13 plasmid bank of yeast DNA by complementing a temperature-sensitive mutation (top2-1) in the topoisomerase II gene, TOP2. Chromosomal integrants of the clone were derived by homologous recombination in strains lacking the 2μ circle plasmid. Genetic analysis of these integrants indicates that we have cloned the TOP2 gene and not an extragenic suppressor. A YEp13-TOP2 hybrid plasmid integrant was used to localize the TOP2 gene to the left arm of chromosome XIV by the 2μ circle-directed marker loss method. Results from standard meiotic mapping experiments indicate that TOP2 is about 16 centiMorgans to the centromere proximal side of MET4. Northern blot analysis of TOP2 RNA isolated from a wild-type strain and from an rna2 mutant shows the RNA to be 4.5 kb long in both cases, thus indicating that the TOP2 gene has no large introns.
Cancer nanomedicine: from targeted delivery to combination therapy

The advent of nanomedicine marks an unparalleled opportunity to advance the treatment of various diseases, including cancer. The unique properties of nanoparticles (NPs), such as large surface-to-volume ratio, small size, the ability to encapsulate various drugs, and tunable surface chemistry, give them many advantages over their bulk counterparts. This includes multivalent surface modification with targeting ligands, efficient navigation of the complex in vivo environment, increased intracellular trafficking, and sustained release of drug payload. These advantages make NPs a mode of treatment potentially superior to conventional cancer therapies. This review highlights the most recent developments in cancer treatment using NPs as drug delivery vehicles, including promising opportunities in targeted and combination therapy.
Reduced genetic variation and the success of an invasive species

Despite the severe ecological and economic damage caused by introduced species, factors that allow invaders to become successful often remain elusive. Of invasive taxa, ants are among the most widespread and harmful. Highly invasive ants are often unicolonial, forming supercolonies in which workers and queens mix freely among physically separate nests. By reducing costs associated with territoriality, unicolonial species can attain high worker densities, allowing them to achieve interspecific dominance. Here we examine the behavior and population genetics of the invasive Argentine ant (Linepithema humile) in its native and introduced ranges, and we provide a mechanism to explain its success as an invader. Using microsatellite markers, we show that a population bottleneck has reduced the genetic diversity of introduced populations. This loss is associated with reduced intraspecific aggression among spatially separate nests, and leads to the formation of interspecifically dominant supercolonies. In contrast, native populations are more genetically variable and exhibit pronounced intraspecific aggression. Although reductions in genetic diversity are generally considered detrimental, these findings provide an example of how a genetic bottleneck can lead to widespread ecological success. In addition, these results provide insights into the origin and evolution of unicoloniality, which is often considered a challenge to kin selection theory.
Cloning, nucleotide sequencing and characterization of a polyurethanase gene (pueB) from Pseudomonas chlororaphis

Abstract A second gene (pueB, polyurethane esterase B) encoding an extracellular polyurethanase (PueB) was cloned from Pseudomonas chlororaphis into Escherichia coli. The recombinant polyurethanase showed esterase activity when assayed with various p-nitrophenyl substrates and lipase activity when assayed with triolein. Nucleotide sequencing of pueB showed an open reading frame of 1695 bp encoding a 60-kDa protein of 565 amino acid residues, with the serine hydrolase consensus sequence GXSXG and a C-terminal secretion signal (G-G-X-G-X-D-X-X-X). Unlike the PueA polyurethanase, PueB contains a putative N-terminal signal peptide. Comparison between the amino acid and nucleotide sequences of these two genes revealed that they share 42% and 59% identity respectfully. Parsimony analysis of the predicted amino acid sequences for the PueB, PueA, and other polyurethanase enzymes and similar lipase enzymes was performed. Interestingly the polyurethanase enzymes do not form a single cluster, but appear to be distributed among multiple lineages. These analyses suggest that the polyurethanase enzymes thus far studied have evolved from lipases, and are not derived from a single source.
Metabolism of receptor targeted 111In-DTPA-glycoproteins: Identification of 111In-DTPA-ϵ-lysine as the primary metabolic and excretory product

Abstract The hepatic and renal retention of indium-111 ( 111 In) from 111 In-labeled polypeptides has been the subject of many investigations. Because the lysosome is a common intracellular destination for the degradation of polypeptides, we studied the lysosomal metabolism of 111 In-DTPA-labeled glycoproteins targeted to cell surface receptors in vitro and in vivo . We found that 111 In-DTPA-glycoproteins were degraded to 111 In-DTPA-ϵ-lysine, which was slowly released from cells and recovered intact in urine and feces. These results suggest a mechanism for 111 In retention at target and non-target sites.
Patterns of psychological disturbance and pain report in patients with low back pain.

Abstract Low back pain is described as more severe and more diffuse by patients who are psychologically disturbed than by patients who are not psychologically disturbed. In order to further elucidate the association between descriptions of pain and psychological disturbance, the relationship between pain and Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) profiles was studied. Three groups of patients, defined by MMPI profiles, were given a standard pain questionnaire. The first group, without clinically significant elevations on any MMPI scale, described the least pain. The second group, defined by a ‘conversion V’ MMPI profile, described increased sensory attributes of pain and increased general intensity. The third group, defined by clinically significant elevations on both the neurotic and psychotic MMPI triads, described sensory attributes and general intensity similar to the second group, but more severe anguish and suffering. These results suggest that magnification of mood-related attributes of pain may be associated with more openly admitted psychological disturbance.
Spatial disorientation in Alzheimer's disease: the remembrance of things passed.

Background: Patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and many older adults become lost even in familiar surroundings. This is commonly attributed to memory impairment, but it may reflect impaired spatial cognition. Methods: The authors examined the role of memory, perceptual, and cognitive mechanisms in spatial disorientation by comparing the performance of normal young (YN), middle-aged (MA), older adult (OA), and AD subjects on neuropsychological and spatial orientation tests. Results: The tendency to become lost is shared by almost all patients with AD (93%) and some OA subjects (38%). This impairment is not related to memory impairment. Instead, it reflects an inability to link recognized scenes with locations in the environment. Conclusions: Spatial disorientation reflects the impaired linking of landmarks and routes that should be assessed in conjunction with routine memory testing in elderly patients.
ADVANCES IN MODELING CARDIAC DEFIBRILLATION

This paper presents the development of a bidomain model of electrical defibrillation and post-shock arrhythmogenesis of the rabbit heart. The model incorporates a realistic representation of cardiac geometry, fiber structure, and membrane ionic processes. Fibrillation is induced in the rabbit heart with burst pacing. Defibrillation shocks of various strengths are delivered to the model in an attempt to terminate the arrhythmia. Two sets of defibrillation simulations are conducted based on the waveform of the defibrillation shock: monophasic and biphasic. The simulations presented here demonstrate the feasibility of modeling realistically the effect of the defibrillation shock on the heart.
Identification of endogenous retroviral sequences as potential donors for recombinational repair of mutant retroviruses: positions of crossover points.

Abstract Mutants of Moloney murine leukemia virus carrying deletions in essential regions of the genome can revert after infection of mouse cells by recombination with endogenous retroviral sequences. We have identified cloned DNAs containing potential donor sequences for two such recombination events and determined the nucleotide sequences in the relevant regions. Comparison of these sequences with that of the original mutants and the revertant viruses allowed a determination of the crossover points that were used in formation of the revenants. Each crossover occurred in short stretches (17–24 bp) of perfect homology between the two parent sequences.
Flexible N-terminal region of prion protein influences conformation of protease-resistant prion protein isoforms associated with cross-species scrapie infection in vivo and in vitro

Transmissible spongiform encephalopathy (TSE) diseases are characterized by the accumulation in brain of an abnormal protease-resistant form of the host-encoded prion protein (PrP), PrP-res. PrP-res conformation differs among TSE agents derived from various sources, and these conformational differences are thought to influence the biological characteristics of these agents. In this study, we introduced deletions into the flexible N-terminal region of PrP (residues 34-124) and investigated the effect of this region on the conformation of PrP-res generated in an in vitro cell-free conversion assay. PrP deleted from residues 34 to 99 generated 12-16-kDa protease-resistant bands with intact C termini but variable N termini. The variable N termini were the result of exposure of new protease cleavage sites in PrP-res between residues 130 and 157, suggesting that these new cleavage sites were caused by alterations in the conformation of the PrP-res generated. Similarly truncated 12-16-kDa PrP bands were also identified in brain homogenates from mice infected with mouse-passaged hamster scrapie as well as in the cell-free conversion assay using conditions that mimicked the hamster/mouse species barrier to infection. Thus, by its effects on PrP-res conformation, the flexible N-terminal region of PrP seemed to influence TSE pathogenesis and cross-species TSE transmission.
Sunspot geometry and pressure balance

Measurements on magnetic canopies extending from sunspots show that, at the outer penumbral edge, heights of the bases are independent of sunspot diameter and average 180 km. This places a lower limit on the outer penumbral base; with an assumed thickness of 250 km, the top is ∼ 430 km above z = 0 (τ c = 1) in the photosphere. Chistyakov's (1962) observations require the penumbral surface to be convex in radial section. The Wilson depression, able thus to be found only from limb-side penumbras, is 1360 km from his selected measurements. Averaged over all regular sunspots without special selection, this drops to 1040 km. Thus τ* = 1 in umbras lies around z = -610 km. Magnetic field-strength measurements relate probably to τ* ∼ 0.02, some 160 km higher, where z ≈ -450 km. The magnetic pressure of the typical 3250 G sunspot field would support the external-axial gas-pressure difference at z = -330 km, the difference of 120 km lying well within the uncertainties. Tension forces, commonly invoked to achieve pressure balance, do not exceed the uncertainties of measurement. Beyond the sunspot, the base of the sunspot field rises only slowly over at least 16 000 km horizontally, whereas Beckers (1963) found the inclination of Hα superpenumbral fibrils to be some 13°. These results are nicely compatible since the field angle is typically of this magnitude at the minimum heights where Hα fibrils will be observed, say 1400 km.
Developmental Programming: Exposure to Testosterone Excess Disrupts Steroidal and Metabolic Environment in Pregnant Sheep

Gestational exposure to excess T leads to intrauterine growth restriction, low birth weight, and adult metabolic/reproductive disorders in female sheep. We hypothesized that as early mediators of such disruptions, gestational T disrupts steroidal and metabolic homeostasis in both the mother and fetus by both androgenic and metabolic pathways. Maternal blood samples were measured weekly for levels of insulin, glucose, and progesterone from four groups of animals: control; gestational T (twice weekly im injections of 100 mg of T propionate from d 30 to d 90 of gestation); T plus an androgen antagonist, flutamide (15 mg/kg·d oral; T-Flutamide); and T plus the insulin sensitizer, rosiglitazone (0.11 mg/kg·d oral; T-Rosi) (n = 10–12/group). On day 90 of gestation, maternal and umbilical cord samples were collected after a 48-hour fast from a subset (n = 6/group) for the measurement of steroids, free fatty acids, amino acids, and acylcarnitines. Gestational T decreased maternal progesterone levels by 36.5% (P < .05), which was prevented by flutamide showing direct androgenic mediation. Gestational T also augmented maternal insulin levels and decreased medium chained acylcarnitines, suggesting increased mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation. These changes were prevented by rosiglitazone, suggesting alterations in maternal fuel use. Gestational T-induced increases in fetal estradiol were not prevented by either cotreatment. Gestational T disrupted associations of steroids with metabolites and progesterone with acylcarnitines, which was prevented either by androgen antagonist or insulin sensitizer cotreatment. These findings suggest a future combination of these treatments might be required to prevent alteration in maternal/fetal steroidal and metabolic milieu(s).
Single crystal cleavage of brittle materials

Cleavage of brittle single crystals is reviewed and the historical criteria for the phenomenon are critically examined. Previously proposed criteria, including those based on crystal structure (crystal growth planes, the planes bounding the unit cell, and planar atomic packing) and crystal properties (ionic charge of possible cleavage planes, bond density, elastic modulus, and surface free energy), are found to be applicable only to particular crystals or to isostructural groups, but each lacks universal application. It is concluded that the fracture toughness (K Ic) of the crystallographic planes is the most appropriate criterion. Measurements reveal that the ‘cleavage toughnesses’ of brittle single crystals are usually about 1 MPa m1/2 or less. Measurements of the fracture toughnesses of brittle polycrystalline aggregates are then compared to the single crystal cleavage values in those instances where reliable results are available for the same crystal structures. Polycrystalline toughnesses are consistently higher, in part because of the lack of continuity of cleavage cracks through the polycrystalline aggregates. However, the increment of toughness increase is only 1–2 MPa m1/2. The role of grain texture or preferred crystal orientation is also addressed. It is concluded that polycrystalline aggregate toughnesses are often highly anisotropic and that the values for intensely oriented microstructures may approach those for single crystal cleavage.
Cardiac allograft vasculopathy after heart transplantation: risk factors and management

Cardiovascular disease post-transplant, particularly ischemic heart disease, is a significant problem for all transplant recipients. The major risk factors-smoking, obesity, diabetes, dyslipidemia and hypertension-are often more prevalent in heart transplant populations than in the general population. One of the main risk factors influencing graft loss and patient survival is cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV). Because CAV affects between 30% and 60% of cardiac transplant recipients within 5 years of surgery, prevention is a key focus for cardiac transplant teams today. CAV is caused by both immunologic mechanisms (e.g., acute rejection and anti-HLA antibodies) and non-immunologic mechanisms relating to the transplant itself or the recipient (e.g., donor age, hypertension, hyperlipidemia and pre-existing diabetes) or to the side effects often associated with immunosuppression with calcineurin inhibitors or corticosteroids (e.g., cytomegalovirus infection, nephrotoxicity and new-onset diabetes after transplantation). The calcineurin inhibitors, cyclosporine and tacrolimus, effectively prevent acute rejection, but do not prevent the development of CAV. CAV prevention will require a combined approach of new adjunct immunosuppressant agents (e.g., the proliferation signal inhibitors) and reduction in cardiovascular risk. Hypertension, hyperlipidemia and diabetes are also associated with the immunosuppression required to prevent organ rejection. Some studies have shown that hypertension is present more frequently in cyclosporine-treated patients than in tacrolimus-treated patients and that tacrolimus may be associated with a more favorable lipid profile. On the other hand, tacrolimus may be more diabetogenic than cyclosporine with current data suggesting a trend but no statistically significant supporting evidence. New-onset diabetes after transplantation is at times difficult to manage and may be an important determinant along with hypertension and hyperlipidemia of ischemic heart disease, cerebrovascular disease and peripheral vascular disease. The choice of calcineurin inhibitor for an immunosuppressive regimen in heart transplantation should consider the associated relative cardiovascular risks.
Discourse processes and the social organization of group therapy sessions

The social organization of group therapy sessions held in a community mental health center is investigated by analysing transcripts of audiotaped and videotaped sessions as well as ethnographic data (field notes and interviews). After describing the structural (i.e. hierarchical and sequential organization of activities during sessions, discourse processes by which group members accomplish this structure are examined. Analyses of participants' communicative strategies provide insights into the cognitive and behavioral components of the interactive competence required of group members. In contrast to findings of previous research on group therapy, interactive control is found to be distributed among certain clients as well as the therapists.
Abraham Lincoln, Management Guru! Lessons for Library Leadership on Resilience, True Grit, and Bouncing Forward

This has been a big year for Abraham Lincoln. Museums, libraries, and re-enactors all over the nation continued to celebrate the Civil War sesquicentennial. Stephen Spielberg made a movie simply entitled Lincoln, Daniel Day Lewis won the Best Actor Academy Award for his portrayal of Lincoln in that movie, and a recent article by Nancy Koehn in the New York Times entitled “Lincoln’s School of Management,” discussed his leadership qualities and drew a Twitter of comments hailing Lincoln as a prototype management guru. 1 As Koehn’s article points out, many CEOs and Presidents have drawn inspiration from President Lincoln. But what are the lessons we lesser mortals might gain from studying him? Very few of us are destined to be challenged by the larger issues of the country as Lincoln was – slavery, property rights, homesteading, and of course, the Civil War. Koehn’s article and other Lincoln-inspired writings offer a slew of reasons why Lincoln’s life and work offer meaningful lessons for today’s leaders and managers. Take a look at Spielberg’s Lincoln for instance – a movie tells a story. It is not offered to the public as a factual record of events. Artistic license is a given. And yet, some of the most stirring parts of the movie come from hearing Lincoln’s own words – his speeches, diaries, letters (and those of others), ably documented by Doris Kearns Goodwin and other prominent historians. It makes us long – not for a demagogue (we have seen and continue to see, plenty of those) – but a true leader who passionately articulates her
Ornithine dissimilation by Treponema denticola

Treponema denticola convertedl-ornithine, a product ofl-arginine catabolism, to putrescine via a decarboxylation reaction and to proline via a deamination reaction. Ornithine decarboxylation byT. denticola extracts was stimulated by pyridoxal 5′-phosphate. In the absence of pyridoxal 5′-phosphate, (NH4)2SO4-fractionated extracts converted ornithine to proline and ammonia. This activity was not stimulated by α-keto acids, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide or ADP. Neither ornithine δ-transaminase (l-ornithine: 2-oxoacid aminotransferase, EC 2.6.1.13) nor Δ1 reductase [l-proline: NAD(P) 5-oxidoreductase, EC 1.5.1.2.] activity was detectable in cell extracts. These results indicate that formation of proline from ornithine inT. denticola is catalyzed by an enzyme system analogous to the ornithine cyclase (deaminating) ofClostridium sporogenes. Exogenous ornithine inhibited the growth ofT. denticola. Thus, in addition to generating putrescine and proline, the ornithine dissimilatory pathways may serve to prevent accumulation of inhibitory concentrations of ornithine in the spirochete's environment.
Solid state spin densities in triplet-exciton TCNQ salts

Abstract The combination of molecular spin densities and of structural data is shown to provide a sensitive test for the fine structure splittings and principal axes of triplet spin excitons in organic ion-radical crystals, in support of weakly-perturbed molecular sites in these solids. The exchange pathway in Rb(TCNQ) and the occurrence of dimer radicals, with fractional charges, in several tetrameric (TCNQ) 4 2− stacks illustrate the comparisons afforded by computations of fine structure parameters for triplets states in the solid.
Research on Discipline: The State of the Art, Deficits, and Implications

CONTROVERSIES ABOUT how to discipline children are of concern to parents, other adults who care for children, clinicians, and policymakers. There are disparate views about some aspects of the advisability and effects of different forms of discipline and substantial variability in the amount and quality of the research that informs these opinions. To address these issues, a conference—Research on Discipline: The State of the Art, Deficits, and Implications—was sponsored by the National Institutes of Child Health and Human Development Family and Child Well-being Research Network, Chapel Hill, NC, April 25-26, 1996. The focus of the conference was on discipline research conceptualization, methodology, issues of causality, outcomes, and interventions. The aim was to review what we may conclude from previous work and to identify deficits that might be addressed in future research. Three of the papers from the conference are presented in this issue of theArchives. We highlight herein some
Common deletion of mitochondrial DNA in a 5-year-old girl with failure to thrive, ptosis, ophthalmoplegia and ragged-red fibers

A girl aged 4 years and 10 months presented with failure to thrive, ptosis, ragged-red fibers and the common 4.9 kb mitochondrial DNA deletion. She had elevated serum lactic and pyruvic acids. The onset was at around 18 months. There were no signs of retinitis, and abnormal renal, liver or pancreatic functions. She later developed mild ophthalmoplegia at 6 years of age. Additional features of chronic progressive external ophthalmoplegia (CPEO) or Kearns-Sayre syndrome (KSS) are the conditions that should be watched and investigated in the long-term follow-up of this girl.
Mapping surface soil moisture using an aircraft-based passive microwave instrument: algorithm and example

Abstract Microwave remote sensing at L-band (21 cm wavelength) can provide a direct measurement of the surface soil moisture for a range of cover conditions and within reasonable error bounds. Surface soil moisture observations are rare and, therefore, the use of these data in hydrology and other disciplines has not been fully explored or developed. Without satellite-based observing systems, the only way to collect these data in large-scale studies is with an aircraft platform. Recently, aircraft systems such as the push broom microwave radiometer (PBMR) and the electronically scanned thinned array radiometer (ESTAR) have been developed to facilitate such investigations. In addition, field experiments have attempted to collect the passive microwave data as part of an integrated set of hydrologic data. One of the most ambitious of these investigations was the Washita'92 experiment. Preliminary analysis of these data has shown that the microwave observations are indicative of deterministic spatial and temporal variations in the surface soil moisture. Users of these data should be aware of a number of issues related to using aircraft-based systems and practical approaches to applying soil moisture estimation algorithms to large data sets. This paper outlines the process of mapping surface soil moisture from an aircraft-based passive microwave radiometer system for the Washita'92 experiment.
Gain vs temperature effects in NaI(Tl) photomultiplier scintillation detectors using 10 and 14 stage tubes

Abstract The manner in which the gain of a scintillation detector, comprised of 2″ × 2″ NaI(Tl) crystal, and either a 5-inch 10-stage or 2-inch 14-stage photomultiplier tube viewing a Cs137 source, varies with ambient temperature changes over the range of 0°C to 50°C has been investigated. Gain vs temperature response curves are presented and operating temperatures which minimize gain variations are delineated. A method is given for evaluating the magnitude of gain variations encountered from the curves. Some comments on the general behavior of this type of radiation detector when subjected to ambient temperature variations, are included.
Leveraging Social Networks to Embed Trust in Rideshare Programs

Traffic congestion, high gas price and inadequate public transportation are major challenges for any country, business or individual. The traditional approach to solving these problems has been to improve public transportation and use greener energy. These approaches require huge investment, research and time, and can only be carried out by governments or businesses. An alternative solution seeks to reduce the number of vehicles on the road based on ridesharing. Nevertheless, ridesharing is not a popular form of public transportation.In this paper, we summarize the results of a rideshare needs assessment survey conducted within the [university] community. The purpose behind this study was to understand commuter travel patterns, their needs and to identify their preferences for private vehicles and public transit for a variety of travel needs. Our results indicate that users are willing to increase participation in ridesharing programs if three core issues are addressed - trust, convenience and incentives.
Abstract IA11: Using publicly available databases for the functional characterization of cancer genes

It is now known that tumors are complex ‘organs’ consisting of multiple malignant and nonmalignant cells, blood vessels, and many other cell types, which are frequently lumped together as tumor stroma because their individual characteristics and roles in tumor progression and metastasis are not well defined. Despite the universal presence of cancer-associated stroma in solid tumors and wide clinical use as a prognostic marker, the origin of stromal cells in tumors is still the subject of extensive debate. The dynamic bi-directional interaction between the cancer cells and stroma is also not well understood although it is becoming increasingly apparent that the stroma can modify the aggressiveness of tumor cells and that tumor cells re-program the stroma to generate a nurturing microenvironment that is crucial for tumor survival, progression, and metastasis. Because of the prominent role of stroma in most aspects of tumor progression, it is believed that rational anticancer therapy design should not only target the cancer cells but also the stroma. Therefore, a better understanding of the cancer-stroma interaction and the identification of molecular events whose disruption may undermine tumor progression are required steps toward successful anticancer therapy. Most public expression profile databases contain information from tumors with variable amounts of stroma. Thus, a snapshot of cross-signaling between cancer and stroma is captured in such transcription profiles although it is difficult to deconvolve the source and direction of the signals. The intensities of the signals are also difficult to determine because analysis of total mRNA from tissues dampens signals from rare cell types, such as cancer stem cells and activated fibroblasts. Expression profile databases that contain laser capture-microdissected samples or single-cell samples provide more information about specific cell types but typically suffer from a small number of patient samples. Through integration of multiple expression profile databases, we identified a set of highly co-regulated genes that are associated with poor patient survival. These genes are induced as a result of the epithelial-stromal interaction and define a microenvironment that serves as a favorable niche for ovarian cancer stem cells, thereby leading to chemotherapy resistance and metastasis and, ultimately, poor overall survival. Citation Format: Dong-Joo Cheon, Jessica Beach, Yunguang Tong, Xiaojiang Cui, Mourad Tighiouart, Zhenqiu Liu, Ann E. Walts, Beth Y. Karlan, Sandra Orsulic. Using publicly available databases for the functional characterization of cancer genes. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Advances in Ovarian Cancer Research: From Concept to Clinic; Sep 18-21, 2013; Miami, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2013;19(19 Suppl):Abstract nr IA11.
Tyrosine kinase inhibitors and Ca2+ signaling: direct interactions with fura-2.

Abstract Selective inhibitors were used to study the role of tyrosine kinases in α1A-adrenoceptor-mediated responses in transfected PC12 cells. Ca2+ responses to noradrenaline were measured using fura-2, and the effects of genistein, tyrphostin A25, and herbimycin A were examined. Neither genistein nor herbimycin A pretreatment altered noradrenaline-induced Ca2+ responses, although tyrphostin A25 pretreatment caused some reduction. However, acute addition of genistein quickly reversed the apparent noradrenaline response, apparently, through a direct interaction with cytoplasmic fura-2. Both genistein and tyrphostin A25, at concentrations similar to those used to inhibit tyrosine kinases, markedly reduced fluorescence of fura-2 excited by both 340 and 380 nm, and genistein also reduced the 340/380 ratio. Tyrosine kinase inhibitors did not alter noradrenaline stimulated inositol phosphate formation in α1A-PC12 cells. These results suggest that tyrosine kinases are not involved in second messenger responses to α1A-adrenoceptors, but that tyrosine kinase inhibitors can interact directly with fura-2.
Subduction origin on early Earth: A hypothesis

I propose a hypothesis for the origin of subduction on early Earth that is directly coupled with mantle upwelling and the formation of mafi c crust. The hypothesis invokes spatial and temporal overlap of both endogenic and exogenic processes, broad quasi-cylindrical mantle upwelling and large bolide impact, respectively, leading to subduction and spreading, two signature processes of modern plate tectonics. The spatial and temporal intersection of these processes could have occurred variably across early Earth, and thus subduction could have begun at different locations and times globally. The hypothesis postulates that the ability of a terrestrial planet to evolve plate tectonics results from a balance between the strength of its lithosphere and the size bolide it can attract and survive; both factors, to a fi rst order, are a function of planet size.
Stable potentials. I

A family of stable one-dimensional potentials is shown not to be decomposable into the sum of a non-negative function and a function of non-negative type. This settles in the negative a question raised by Ruelle.
Wave-current interaction: Effect on the wave field in a semi-enclosed basin

Abstract The effect on waves of the Wave–Current Interaction (WCI) process in the semi-enclosed Gulf of Venice (northern region of the Adriatic Sea) was investigated using the Coupled Ocean–Atmosphere–Wave–Sediment Transport (COAWST) modeling system. COAWST relies on the ocean model ROMS (Regional Ocean Modeling System), the wave model SWAN (Simulating WAves Nearshore), and the CSTMS (Community Sediment Transport Modeling System) routines. The two-way data transfer between circulation and wave models was synchronous via MCT (Model Coupling Toolkit), with ROMS providing: current field, free surface elevation, and bathymetry to SWAN. For coupling, the 3-D current profiles were averaged using a formulation which integrated the near-surface velocity over a depth controlled by the spectral mean wavenumber. COAWST system was implemented on a parent grid (with horizontal resolution of 2.0 km) covering the whole Adriatic Sea with one-way nesting to a child grid resolving the northern area (Gulf of Venice) at a resolution of 0.5 km. The meteorological forcings provided by the operational meteorological model COSMO-I7 (a mesoscale model developed in the framework of the COSMO Consortium) were used to drive the modeling system in the period bracketing September 2010–August 2011. The adopted winds and the simulated waves were compared with observations at the CNR-ISMAR Acqua Alta oceanographic tower, located off the Venice littoral. Wave heights and sea surface winds were also compared with satellite-derived data. The analysis of WCI was performed on the child grid over the winter season (January–March 2011) with particular focus on the waves generated by prevailing and dominant winds blowing on the Adriatic Sea: Bora and Sirocco. Due to the variable wind direction with respect to the ocean current direction different effects on WCI were depicted, showing that within the northern Adriatic Sea the ocean–wave interactions are strongly dependent on the wind forcing direction. Further investigations reveal that, when applied to intense storms, the effect of coupling on waves results in variations of significant wave height up to 0.6 m, with some areas experiencing significant increase/decrease of wave spectral energy for opposite/following currents respectively.
“You can't be grandma; You're a boy”: Events within the thematic fantasy play context that contribute to story comprehension

Abstract The present study examined the relative contribution of play, metaplay, and productive language competence, within the thematic-fantasy play context, to comprehension of familiar and unfamiliar stories. One hundred twenty lower-middle-class kindergarten children with a mean age of 73.08 months were assigned to 30 play groups (2 boys and 2 girls in each). Each group heard, discussed, and reenacted three familiar fairy tales over a 3-day period with virtually no adult tuition. Videotapes were made during play sessions to measure amounts of play and metaplay. Immediately after the third reenactment, comprehension was measured using a retelling task, a picture sequence task, and a 10-item criterion-referenced test. On day 4, subjects were read an unfamiliar story and similarly tested. A task to measure productive language competence was also administered on day 4. Maintenance of comprehension was measured 1 week later with the same tests. Multiple regression analyses indicated that metaplay and productive language competence are independent constructs, and both contribute to comprehension while play does not. Additionally, only one component of metaplay—directing—contributed significantly to comprehension.
JETA: A knowledge-based approach to aircraft gas turbine engine maintenance

Aircraft gas turbine engine maintenance is a complex task requiring not only specialized technical skill but effective integration of many sources of information. Traditionally, military maintenance technicians make extensive use of common sense knowledge, equipment manuals, pilot reports, instrument readings, engine settings and physical observations. Reasoning based upon patterns in sensor data, case histories and past maintenance is infrequently carried out. Difficulties in maintenance arise from the need to quickly restore the engines to an operational state, the frequent reassignment of technicians and the awkward access to, and interpretation of, data. There is a need to overcome these factors. This paper describes a knowledge-based diagnostic system for military gas turbine aero-engines. The objectives were to develop a system which encodes the heuristics of technicians and to provide an expandable framework for automating the technical manuals and incorporating explanations, data interpretation, as well as case history and model-based reasoning. The eventual goal is to apply the system to the maintenance of complex mechanical equipment and have it reason, in an on-line mode, with data obtained from a data acquisition system. A description of the application area and the features of the system, in its current stage of development, are discussed. This paper will be of practical benefit to those developing knowledge-based maintenance systems for complex mechanical equipment.
THE MAINTENANCE OF SEX BY PARASITISM AND MUTATION ACCUMULATION UNDER EPISTATIC FITNESS FUNCTIONS

The mutation accumulation hypothesis predicts that sex functions to reduce the population mutational load, while the Red Queen hypothesis holds that sex is adaptive as a defense against coevolving pathogens. We used computer simulations to examine the combined and separate effects of selection against deleterious mutations and host-parasite coevolution on the spread of a clone into an outcrossing sexual population. The results suggest that the two processes operating simultaneously may select for sex independent of the exact shape of the function that maps mutation number onto host fitness.
Effects of digestion, chemical separation, and deposition on Po-210 quantitative analysis

The purpose of this work was to determine polonium losses from a variety of sample types (soil, cotton fiber, and air filter) due to digestion technique, chemical separation, and deposition method for alpha energy analysis. Results demonstrated that yields from a perchloric acid wet-ash (87 ± 5 %) were similar to that from a microwave digestion (100 ± 7 %), but both were greater than the dry-ash procedure (38 ± 5 %). The polonium was separated from an SRM soil using an AG1X8 ion exchange column and deposited on a Ag disk with a recovery of 83 ± 7 % of polonium-209 (Po-209). Deposition yields without chemical separation averaged 90 ± 5 % of Po-209. The polonium-210 content was successfully measured in the three matrix types and quantitated using alpha spectroscopy.
Anisotropic thermal conduction in polymer melts in uniaxial elongation flows

Anisotropic thermal conduction was measured in two amorphous polymers that were quenched immediately after being subjected to uniaxial elongation in the molten state. The quenching is performed so that the flow-induced orientation is retained and the samples are essentially in a stress-free state. A novel optical technique based on forced Rayleigh scattering is used to measure the two independent components of the thermal diffusivity tensor as a function of strain and strain rate. The thermal diffusivity is found to increase in the direction parallel, and decrease in the direction perpendicular, to the direction of elongation. Thermal diffusivity data along with measurements of the tensile stress at the point of quenching were used to evaluate the stress-thermal rule, which is analogous to the well-known stress-optic rule. The stress-thermal rule was found to be valid for both polymers over a range of strains and strain rates. Since the quenched samples have orientation only, it appears that the primary source of anisotropy in thermal conductivity is the anisotropy of polymer chain orientation.
Good continuation affects visual detection

This research shows that the principle of good continuation can predict forced-choice de-tection of an element imbedded in a briefly presented visual array. The present experiments show the configurational effect in a manner that is difficult for feature-analytic theories to explain. The research adds good continuation to good form as Gestalt-like organizational principles affecting detection performance, and it shows the necessity for including organiza-tional principles in a theory of visual detection.
Archaeoglobus fulgidus RNase HII in DNA replication: enzymological functions and activity regulation via metal cofactors.

Abstract RNA primer removal during DNA replication is dependent on ribonucleotide- and structure-specific RNase H and FEN-1 nuclease activities. A specific RNase H involved in this reaction has long been sought. RNase HII is the only open reading frame in Archaeoglobus fulgidus genome, while multiple RNases H exist in eukaryotic cells. Data presented here show that RNase HII from A. fulgidus (aRNase HII) specifically recognizes RNA–DNA junctions and generates products suited for the FEN-1 nuclease, indicating its role in DNA replication. Biochemical characterization of aRNase HII activity in the presence of various divalent metal ions reveals a broad metal tolerance with a preference for Mg2+ and Mn2+. Combined mutagenesis, biochemical competitions, and metal-dependent activity assays further clarify the functions of the identified amino acid residues in substrate binding or catalysis, respectively. These experiments also reveal that Asp129 form a second-metal binding site, and thus contribute to activity attenuation.
GaAsSb/InGaAs type-II quantum wells for long-wavelength lasers on GaAs substrates

The authors have investigated the properties of GaAsSb/InGaAs type-II bilayer quantum well structures grown by molecule beam epitaxy for use in long-wavelength lasers on GaAs substrates. Structures with layer, strains and thicknesses designed to be thermodynamically stable against dislocation formation exhibit room-temperature photoluminescence at wavelengths as long as 1.43 {mu}m. The photoluminescence emission wavelength is significantly affected by growth temperature and the sequence of layer growth (InGaAs/GaAsSb vs GaAsSb/InGaAs), suggesting that Sb and/or In segregation results in non-ideal interfaces under certain growth conditions. At low injection currents, double heterostructure lasers with GaAsSb/InGaAs bilayer quantum well active regions display electroluminescence at wavelengths comparable to those obtained in photoluminescence, but at higher currents the electroluminescence shifts to shorter wavelengths. Lasers have been obtained with threshold current densities as low as 120 A/cm{sup 2} at 1.17 {mu}m, and 2.1 kA/cm{sup 2} at 1.21 {mu}m.
The independent sets of rank k of a matroid

We determine the minimum number of independent sets of arbitrary fixed rank contained in a matroid M as M varies over all simple (respectively loopless) matroids of fixed rank and cardinality.
Interannual variability of Greenland ice losses from satellite gravimetry

[1] Using extended satellite gravity measurements from the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE), here we show that ice losses in southeast Greenland appear to have slowed down dramatically since late 2007, while those in the west, especially northwest Greenland show continued accelerations in recent years. Over the period April 2002 to November 2009, averaged ice loss rates in eastern Greenland (120 ± 31 Gt/yr) are still significantly larger than those in the west (86.3 ± 22 Gt/yr). However, the estimated ice loss rate from glaciers in northwest Greenland has increased from 30.9 ± 8 Gt/yr over the first few years (2002–2005) to 128.2 ± 33 Gt/yr for the more recent period (2007–2009), while the loss rate in southeast Greenland for the more recent period has become almost negligible, down from 109 ± 28 Gt/yr of just a few years ago. The rapid change in the nature of the regional ice mass in southeast and northwest Greenland, in the course of only several years, further reinforces the idea that the Greenland ice sheet mass balance is very vulnerable to regional climate conditions. The dramatic slow down of ice loss in southeast Greenland observed by GRACE provides an independent verification of similar reports from other remote sensing data. The observed significant interannual variability of Greenland ice mass change suggests that it is very challenging to quantify Greenland's long-term ice mass change rates, and some observed apparent accelerations might simply be a reflection of the interannual variability.
Stereochemistry of pteriatoxins A, B, and C

The C34- and C2′-stereochemistry of pteriatoxins A-C has been established. The availability of all the stereoisomers via total synthesis has played an indispensable role.
Oxalate Nephropathy Due to ‘Juicing’: Case Report and Review

A patient presented with oxalate-induced acute renal failure that was attributable to consumption of oxalate-rich fruit and vegetable juices obtained from juicing. We describe the case and also review the clinical presentation of 65 patients seen at Mayo Clinic (Rochester, MN) from 1985 through 2010 with renal failure and biopsy-proven renal calcium oxalate crystals. The cause of renal oxalosis was identified for all patients: a single cause for 36 patients and at least 2 causes for 29 patients. Three patients, including our index patient, had presumed diet-induced oxalate nephropathy in the context of chronic kidney disease. Identification of calcium oxalate crystals in a kidney biopsy should prompt an evaluation for causes of renal oxalosis, including a detailed dietary history. Clinicians should be aware that an oxalate-rich diet may potentially precipitate acute renal failure in patients with chronic kidney disease. Juicing followed by heavy consumption of oxalate-rich juices appears to be a potential cause of oxalate nephropathy and acute renal failure.
Using electron backscatter diffraction patterns to examine recrystallization in polar ice sheets

The fabric of polycrystalline ice is typically described using the c-axis orientation alone, but this is insufficient for a full description of grain orientations in this hexagonal material. Electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) provides full c- and a-axis orientation of individual grains, and is used here to study Greenland Ice Sheet Project 2 (GISP2) ice specimens from depths of 1551, 1642 and 1745 m. Complete orientation data are used to compare nearest-neighbor relationships to overall fabric and to differentiate between recrystallization mechanisms. Changes in orientation between grains and subgrains in GISP2 specimens were correlated with the appearance of grain boundaries on thin sections and used to identify grain sets that were probably produced by polygonization. Comparison of grain misorientations that take into account both c- and a-axis differences with those derived from c-axis directions alone reveals the presence of polygonization and illustrates the usefulness of this technique.