cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Deciphering the molecular basis of breast cancer metastasis with mouse models.

Breast cancer begins as a localized disease, but has the potential to spread to distant sites within the body. This process—known as metastasis—is the leading cause of death from breast cancer. Whether the ability of cancer cells to metastasize is an intrinsic or acquired feature is currently a topic of considerable debate. Nevertheless, the key cellular events required for metastasis are generally accepted. These include invasion of the surrounding stromal tissue, intravasation, evasion of programmed cell death, arrest within the vasculature at a distant site, extravasation, and establishment and growth within a new microenvironment. The development of mouse models that faithfully mimic critical aspects of human neoplasia has been instrumental in framing our current understanding of multistage carcinogenesis. This review examines the advantages and limitations of existing murine models for mammary carcinogenesis for probing the molecular mechanisms that contribute to metastasis, as well as non-invasive tumor imaging approaches to facilitate these investigations.
Novel Alexa Fluor-488 labeled antagonist of the A2A adenosine receptor: Application to a fluorescence polarization-based receptor binding assay

Fluorescence polarization (FP) assay has many advantages over the traditional radioreceptor binding studies. We developed an A(2A) adenosine receptor (AR) FP assay using a newly synthesized fluorescent antagonist of the A(2A)AR (MRS5346), a pyrazolo[4,3-e][1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-c]pyrimidin-5-amine derivative conjugated to the fluorescent dye Alexa Fluor-488. MRS5346 displayed a K(i) value of 111+/-16nM in radioligand binding using [(3)H]CGS21680 and membranes prepared from HEK293 cells stably expressing the human A(2A)AR. In a cyclic AMP functional assay, MRS5346 was shown to be an A(2A)AR antagonist. MRS5346 did not show any effect on A(1) and A(3) ARs in binding or the A(2B)AR in a cyclic AMP assay at 10microM. Its suitability as a fluorescent tracer was indicated in an initial observation of an FP signal following A(2A)AR binding. The FP signal was optimal with 20nM MRS5346 and 150microg protein/mL HEK293 membranes. The association and dissociation kinetic parameters were readily determined using this FP assay. The K(d) value of MRS5346 calculated from kinetic parameters was 16.5+/-4.7nM. In FP competition binding experiments using MRS5346 as a tracer, K(i) values of known AR agonists and antagonists consistently agreed with K(i) values from radioligand binding. Thus, this FP assay, which eliminates using radioisotopes, appears to be appropriate for both routine receptor binding and high-throughput screening with respect to speed of analysis, displaceable signal and precision. The approach used in the present study could be generally applicable to other GPCRs.
A Causal Relationship Between the Balanced Scorecard Perspectives

Abstract An increasing number of hotel organizations endeavor to achieve long-term competitive advantages in the marketplace through the implementation of strategic performance measurement systems. These systems are designed to integrate and monitor strategic objectives throughout the business processes. This paper investigates the causal relationships between the strategic performance measures of hotel organizations, using The Balanced Scorecard (BSC) framework. This comparative study illustrates how hotel organizations plan, improve and monitor their strategic performance targets through the use of comprehensive performance measurement systems. The paper also recommends specific approaches for the implementation of the BSC for hotel organizations.
Chronic temporal lobe epilepsy is associated with severely declined dentate neurogenesis in the adult hippocampus

While it is clear that acute hippocampal injury or status epilepticus increases the production of new neurons in the adult dentate gyrus (DG), the effects of chronic epilepsy on dentate neurogenesis are unknown. We hypothesize that epileptogenic changes and spontaneous recurrent motor seizures (SRMS) that ensue after hippocampal injury or status epilepticus considerably decrease dentate neurogenesis. We addressed this issue by quantifying the number of cells that are positive for doublecortin (DCX, a marker of new neurons) in the DG of adult F344 rats at 16 days and 5 months after an intracerebroventricular kainic acid (ICV KA) administration or after graded intraperitoneal KA (IP KA) injections, models of temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). At early post-KA administration, the injured hippocampus exhibited increased dentate neurogenesis in both models. Conversely, at 5 months post-KA administration, the chronically epileptic hippocampus demonstrated severely declined neurogenesis, which was associated with considerable SRMS in both KA models. Additionally, stem/progenitor cell proliferation factors, FGF-2 and IGF-1, were decreased in the chronically epileptic hippocampus. Interestingly, the overall decrease in neurogenesis and the extent of SRMS were greater in rats receiving IP KA than rats receiving ICV KA, suggesting that the extent of neurogenesis during chronic TLE exhibits an inverse relationship with SRMS. These results provide novel evidence that chronic TLE is associated with extremely declined dentate neurogenesis. As fraction of newly born neurons become GABA-ergic interneurons, declined neurogenesis may contribute to the increased seizure-susceptibility of the DG in chronic TLE. Likewise, the hippocampal-dependent learning and memory deficits observed in chronic TLE could be linked at least partially to the declined neurogenesis.
Stable mixed chimerism and tolerance using a nonmyeloablative preparative regimen in a large-animal model

Bone marrow transplantation (BMT) has considerable potential for the treatment of malignancies, hemoglobinopathies, and autoimmune diseases, as well as the induction of transplantation allograft tolerance. Toxicities associated with standard preparative regimens for bone marrow transplantation, however, make this approach unacceptable for all but the most severe of these clinical situations. Here, we demonstrate that stable mixed hematopoietic cell chimerism and donor-specific tolerance can be established in miniature swine, using a relatively mild, non-myeloablative preparative regimen. We conditioned recipient swine with whole-body and thymic irradiation, and we depleted their T-cells by CD3 immunotoxin-treatment. Infusion of either bone marrow cells or cytokine-mobilized peripheral blood stem cells from leukocyte antigen-matched animals resulted in stable mixed chimerism, as detected by flow cytometry in the peripheral blood, thymus, and bone marrow, without any clinical evidence of graft-versus-host disease (GvHD). Long-term acceptance of donor skin and consistent rejection of third-party skin indicated that the recipients had developed donor-specific tolerance.
Before the loss: neuronal dysfunction in Niemann-Pick Type C disease.

Abstract Niemann–Pick Type C (NPC) disease is an autosomal recessive disorder caused by mutations in either the NPC1 or HE1 genes. Hallmarks of this presently incurable disease include abnormal intracellular accumulation of cholesterol and glycosphingolipids, progressive neuropathology and neurodegeneration, and premature death. There have been increased efforts to understand the effects of NPC disease on neurons of the brain, in part due to the recent development of improved research tools and reagents, and in part due to the rapidly growing appreciation of the importance of cholesterol and lipoproteins in the brain during neuronal development, function, and degeneration. Here, we highlight fundamental aspects of neurons that appear to be affected by NPC disease, including their morphology, metabolism, intracellular transport, electrical signaling, and response to environmental factors, and suggest other potentially important areas for future investigation. This provides a framework for acquiring additional insight to this disorder and shaping new therapeutic approaches to NPC disease.
Binding and suppression of the Myc transcriptional activation domain by p107

An amino-terminal transactivation domain is required for Myc to function as a transcription factor controlling cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. A complementary DNA expression library was screened with a Myc fusion protein to identify proteins interacting with this domain, and a clone encoding the Rb-related p107 protein was isolated. The p107 protein was shown to associate with Myc in vivo and to suppress the activity of the Myc transactivation domain. However, mutant forms of Myc from Burkitt lymphoma cells, which contain sequence alterations in the transactivation domain, were resistant to p107-mediated suppression. Thus, disruption of a regulatory interaction between Myc and p107 may be important in tumorigenesis.
The kenotic theology of Sergius Bulgakov

Bulgakov's comprehensive kenotic theory is a largely neglected aspect of his theology. The article situates Bulgakov's kenoticism in the context of nineteenth–twentieth century European and Russian theology. For Bulgakov kenosis was a feature not only of the divine incarnation, but also of creation and of the inner life of the Trinity. Bulgakov distinguishes between different aspects of the divine kenosis: the suffering of compassionate and sacrificial love; the restraint of omnipotence, omniscience and other perfections; the descent into the world of temporality and becoming; the acceptance of human emotions and suffering; the identification with sinful humanity; and ultimately the experience of Godforsakenness in the incarnation. God freely limits his actions in the world by time and space. According to Bulgakov, God always acts by persuasion and never by compulsion. Incarnation for Bulgakov is a kenotic act par excellence. Critically appropriating the ideas of Thomasius and Hegel, Bulgakov argues that in the incarnation the Word retains his divine nature, but divests himself of his glory. This entails that the Son empties himself of his foreknowledge, and becomes temporarily subordinate to the Father and the Holy Spirit. The Son's kenosis is matched by that of the Holy Spirit, who restricts his power in communicating his gifts to the world.
A family affair: contextual accounts from addicted youth growing up in substance using families

There are currently over 8 million children in the USA living in households where at least one parent is dependent on or abusing substances. Research has shown a link between parental substance use and children initiating substance use. This article uses qualitative data to give a contextual understanding of the experience of growing up in substance using homes. Results found that the habitus of homes was so immersed in substances that children's initiation into substance use was expected and became a ‘rite of passage’ into full acceptance as an adult member of the family. Furthermore, in many cases youth described a role reversal between child and parent roles or parentification in the family. The conclusion calls for early identification in treatment of youth who use substances with family members to target new norms and behaviors for the entire family posttreatment and to enhance successful recovery when returning to the family.
Functional characterization of gynodioecy in Fragaria vesca ssp. bracteata (Rosaceae).

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Gynodioecy is a phylogenetically widespread and important sexual system where females coexist with hermaphrodites. Because dioecy can arise from gynodioecy, characterization of gynodioecy in close relatives of dioecious and sub-dioecious species can provide insight into this transition. Thus, we sought to determine whether Fragaria vesca ssp. bracteata, a close relative to F. chiloensis and F. virginiana, exhibits the functional and population genetic hallmarks of a gynodioecious species. METHODS: We compared reproductive allocation of females and hermaphrodites grown in the greenhouse and estimated genetic diversity (allelic diversity, heterozygosity) and inbreeding coefficients for field-collected adults of both sexes using simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. We estimated mating system and early seed fitness from open-pollinated families of both sex morphs. KEY RESULTS: Under greenhouse conditions, females and hermaphrodites allocated similarly to all reproductive traits except flower number, and, as a consequence, females produced 30 % fewer seeds per plant than hermaphrodites. Under natural conditions, hermaphrodites produce seeds by self-fertilization approx. 75 % of the time, and females produced outcrossed seeds with very little biparental inbreeding. Consistent with inbreeding depression, seeds from open-pollinated hermaphrodites were less likely to germinate than those from females, and family-level estimates of hermaphrodite selfing rates were negatively correlated with germination success and speed. Furthermore, estimates of inbreeding depression based on genetic markers and population genetic theory indicate that inbreeding depression in the field could be high. CONCLUSIONS: The joint consideration of allocation and mating system suggests that compensation may be sufficient to maintain females given the current understanding of sex determination. Fragaria vesca ssp. bracteata exhibited similar sex morph-dependent patterns of mating system and genetic diversity, but less reproductive trait dimorphism, than its sub-dioecious and dioecious congeners.
Two distinct forms of the 64,000 Mr protein of the cleavage stimulation factor are expressed in mouse male germ cells.

Polyadenylation in male germ cells differs from that in somatic cells. Many germ cell mRNAs do not contain the canonical AAUAAA in their 3′ ends but are efficiently polyadenylated. To determine whether the 64,000 Mr protein of the cleavage stimulation factor (CstF-64) is altered in male germ cells, we examined its expression in mouse testis. In addition to the 64,000 Mr form, we found a related ≈70,000 Mr protein that is abundant in testis, at low levels in brain, and undetectable in all other tissues examined. Expression of the ≈70,000 Mr CstF-64 was limited to meiotic spermatocytes and postmeiotic spermatids in testis. In contrast, the 64,000 Mr form was absent from spermatocytes, suggesting that the testis-specific CstF-64 might control expression of meiosis-specific genes. To determine why the 64,000 Mr CstF-64 is not expressed in spermatocytes, we mapped its chromosomal location to the X chromosome in both mouse and human. CstF-64 may, therefore, be absent in spermatocytes because the X chromosome is inactivated during male meiosis. By extension, the testis-specific CstF-64 may be expressed from an autosomal homolog of the X chromosomal gene.
The Logistics Impact of a Mixture of Order-Streams in a Manufacturer-Retailer System

We model a supply chain with two retail warehouses that place replenishment orders with a common manufacturing capacity. The two retailers differ in the variability of their order-streams. The order-stream from one retail warehouse is modeled as a Poisson process and from the other as a hyperexponential renewal process. Each retail warehouse uses a base-stock policy to place replenishment orders with the manufacturer. The manufacturer is modeled as a first-come-first-serve, single exponential server queue. We analyze the supply-side impact of this mixture of order-streams received by the manufacturer on both retailers. An exact analysis of this base-model generates closed-form expressions for distributions of the lead-time, outstanding orders, and expected inventory costs for each retailer, and leads to comparative results about the two retailers- performance measures. The base-model is extended to accommodate finished goods at the manufacturer, more than two retailers, and bulk-arrivals. We use the model to suggest managerial insights about the impact of the presence of a high-variability retailer on other retailers who share capacity, the distorting impact of manufacturer finished goods inventory on retailer incentives, and the incentives for retailers to participate in variability-reduction programs in the grocery industry.
Design and characterization of optimal FIR filters with arbitrary phase

An algorithm for designing a Chebyshev optimal FIR filter that approximates an arbitrary complex-valued frequency response is presented. This algorithm computes the optimal filter by solving the dual to the filter design problem. It is guaranteed to converge theoretically and requires O(N/sup 2/) computations per iteration for a filter of length N. For the first time, properties of the optimal filter are derived, and the case where the desired filter has arbitrary constant group delay is studied in detail. >
Calcium Homeostasis in Pullets of Two Lines Selected for Differences in Eggshell Strength

Abstract Lines were selected from the Cornell K Single Comb White Leghorn strain for two generations for high (HES) or low (LES) eggshell strength. Laying hens of both generations showed significant differences between lines in shell breaking strength. Hens of the second selected HES generation produced eggs with significantly better shell quality than did LES hens, as measured by shell breaking strength, shell thickness, or absolute or relative shell weight. However, the two lines had similar intrauterine egg residence times and times between successive ovipositions. The LES pullets showed significantly elevated ionized calcium and total calcium concentrations in blood in response to increased dietary calcium at 18 weeks of age. These results demonstrate fundamental differences in regulation of calcium homeostasis between the HES and LES lines which may relate to selected differences in their abilities to produce strong eggshells.
A novel nuclear structure containing the survival of motor neurons protein.

Abstract Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a common, often fatal, autosomal recessive disease leading to progressive muscle wasting and paralysis as a result of degeneration of anterior horn cells of the spinal cord. A gene termed survival of motor neurons (SMN), at 5q13, has been identified as the determining gene of SMA (Lefebvre et al., 1995). The SMN gene is deleted in > 98% of SMA patients, but the function of the SMN protein is unknown. In searching for hnRNP-interacting proteins we found that SMN interacts with the RGG box region of hnRNP U, with itself, with fibrillarin and with several novel proteins. We have produced monoclonal antibodies to the SMN protein, and we report here on its striking cellular localization pattern. Immunolocalization studies using SMN monoclonal antibodies show several intense dots in HeLa cell nuclei. These structures are similar in number (2-6) and size (0.1-1.0 micron) to coiled bodies, and frequently are found near or associated with coiled bodies. We term these prominent nuclear structures gems, for Gemini of coiled bodies.
Structural abnormalities in the frontal system in schizophrenia. A magnetic resonance imaging study.

.• Thirty-eight schizophrenics and 49 normal controls underwent magnetic resonance imaging. Midline sagittal cuts indicated that the schizophrenics had significantly smaller frontal lobes, as well as smaller cerebrums and craniums. The findings are consistent with some type of early developmental abnormality that might retard brain growth and therefore skull growth. These findings are confirmed on a smaller sample of patients on whom we have coronal cuts. Decreased cerebral and cranial size are associated with prominent negative symptoms, although decreased frontal size is not. Decreased cranial and cerebral size was also associated with impairment on some cognitive tests. These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that some schizophrenics may have a type of early developmental abnormality associated with prominent negative symptoms and cognitive impairment. Further, the results suggest that schizophrenics may have a type of structural frontal system impairment. Thus, they provide anatomic evidence for the "hypofrontality hypothesis."
High brightness sources for colliders

Different possible sources are considered, and the importance of the gun for linear colliders is discussed. Low-emittance electron guns suitable for SLC (SLAC Linear Collider) are available, and the author discusses current work that could also provide high polarization. The relative merits of gamma , e/sup +or-/, and p/sup +or-/ are discussed, along with how the Next Linear Collider (NLC) naturally provides both e/sup +or-/ and gamma . Particular emphasis is placed on meeting the stability demands of LCs without sacrificing flexibility. A general-purpose, versatile source is described that can collimate and/or tailor the bunch shape. Some interesting experiments for SLC (SLAC Linear Collider) are discussed that could provide good physics while testing such ideas for the next-generation machine. >
Inhibition of Alumina Deposition during Tungsten Chemical Mechanical Planarization Through the Use of Citric Acid

The beneficial effects of citric acid in inhibiting alumina particle deposition onto silica areas during tungsten chemical mechanical planarization were investigated. The electrokinetics of alumina in the presence of citric acid and the uptake of citric acid by alumina were studied experimentally. At a pH of 4, as the citric acid concentration was increased, the zeta potential of alumina became less positive and reversed sign. Slurry dip tests and small‐scale polishing experiments were carried out and the surface cleanliness of contaminated oxide surfaces was characterized with a field emission scanning electron microscope and image analysis. It has been demonstrated that citric acid is very effective in controlling alumina contamination on oxide surfaces when added into the slurry. Electrochemical tests showed that citric acid does not significantly attack tungsten films. A mechanism for the interaction between citric acid and alumina particles has been proposed. © 1999 The Electrochemical Society. All rights reserved.
A Yeast Sir2 Mutant Temperature Sensitive for Silencing

A screen for Saccharomyces cerevisiae temperature-sensitive silencing mutants identified a strain with a point mutation in the SIR2 gene. The mutation changed Ser276 to Cys. This amino acid is in the highly conserved NAD+ binding pocket of the Sir2 family of proteins. Haploid strains of either mating type carrying the mutation were severely defective at mating at 37° but normal at 25°. Measurements of RNA from the HMR locus demonstrated that silencing was lost rapidly upon shifting the mutant from the low to the high temperature, but it took >8 hours to reestablish silencing after a shift back to 25°. Silencing at the rDNA locus was also temperature sensitive. On the other hand, telomeric silencing was totally defective at both temperatures. Enzymatic activity of the recombinant wild-type and mutant Sir2 protein was compared by three different assays. The mutant exhibited less deacetylase activity than the wild-type protein at both 37° and 25°. Interestingly, the mutant had much more NAD+–nicotinamide exchange activity than wild type, as did a mutation in the same region of the protein in the Sir2 homolog, Hst2. Thus, mutations in this region of the NAD+ binding pocket of the protein are able to carry out cleavage of NAD+ to nicotinamide but are defective at the subsequent deacetylation step of the reaction.
P Granule Assembly and Function in Caenorhabditis elegans Germ Cells

Germ granules are large, non-membrane-bound, ribonucleoprotein (RNP) organelles found in the germ line cytoplasm of most, if not all, animals. The term germ granule is synonymous with the perinuclear nuage in mouse and human germ cells. These large RNPs are complexed with germ line-specific cytoplasmic structures such as the mitochondrial cloud, intermitochondrial cement, and chromatoid bodies. The widespread presence of germ granules across species and the associated germ line defects when germ granules are compromised suggest that germ granules are key determinants of the identity and special properties of germ cells. The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans has been a very fruitful model system for the study of germ granules, wherein they are referred to as P granules. P granules contain a heterogeneous mixture of RNAs and proteins. To date, most of the known germ granule proteins across species, and all of the known P granule components in C elegans, are associated with RNA metabolism, which suggests that a main function of germ granules is posttranscriptional regulation. Here we review P granule structure and localization, P granule composition, the genetic pathway of P granule assembly, and the consequences in the germ line when P granule components are lost. The findings in C elegans have important implications for the germ granule function during postnatal germ cell differentiation in mammals.
Autoregulation of Sinorhizobium meliloti exoR gene expression

The successful nitrogen-fixing symbiosis between the Gram-negative soil bacterium Sinorhizobium meliloti and its leguminous plant host alfalfa (Medicago sativa) requires the bacterial exopolysaccharide succinoglycan. Succinoglycan and flagellum production, along with the ability to metabolize more than 20 different carbon sources and control the expression of a large number of S. meliloti genes, is regulated by the ExoR–ExoS/ChvI signalling pathway. The ExoR protein interacts with and suppresses the sensing activities of ExoS, the membrane-bound sensor of the ExoS/ChvI two-component regulatory system. Here we show that exoR expression is clearly upregulated in the absence of any functional ExoR protein. This upregulation was suppressed by the presence of the wild-type ExoR protein but not by a mutated ExoR protein lacking signal peptide. The levels of exoR expression could be directly modified in real time by changing the levels of total ExoR protein. The expression of exoR was also upregulated by the constitutively active sensor mutation exoS96, and blocked by two single mutations, exoS* and exoSsupA, in the ExoS sensing domain. Presence of the wild-type ExoS protein further elevated the levels of exoR expression in the absence of functional ExoR protein, and reversed the effects of exoS96, exoS* and exoSsupA mutations. Altogether, these data suggest that ExoR protein autoregulates exoR expression through the ExoS/ChvI system, allowing S. meliloti cells to maintain the levels of exoR expression based on the amount of total ExoR protein.
Reliability study of gallium arsenide transistors

GaAs signal transistors of the MESFET and HEMT (high electron mobility transistor) technologies were evaluated in an accelerated life test to determine their reliability for space-borne applications. It was found that GaAs MESFET technology is sufficiently mature and reliable for space systems, but that the GaAs HEMT technology is not. Secondary electron and source current imaging of an NE 202 HEMT which had failed during life testing show a bright spot indicating a subsurface defect. The effect of this defect is to short the transistor so that it cannot be turned off. It is concluded that the subsurface defect causing failure in the NE 202 HEMT was either a latent defect present originally in the GaAs material or created during the aging test by the thermal runaway/bridging phenomenon. >
(3,3‐Difluoroallyl)Trimethylsilane

(3,3-difluoroallyl)trimethylsilane reactant: dibromodifluoromethane (83.9 g, 36.5 mL, 0.4 mol) intermediate: (1,3-dibromo-3,3-difluoropropyl)trimethylsilane (78.3 g, 0.25 mol) intermediate: 3-bromo-3,3-difluoropropyltrimethylsilane product: (3,3-difluoroallyl)trimethylsilane Keywords: addition, to CC; elimination, dehydrohalogenation; reduction, CX CH; replacement reactions, halogen by hydrogen; replacement reactions, halogen by various groups
Improving realism of topic tracking evaluation

Topic tracking and information filtering are models of interactive tasks, but their evaluations are generally done in a way that does not reflect likely usage. The models either force frequent judgments or disallow any at all, assume the user is always available to make a judgment, and do not allow for user fatigue. In this study we extend the evaluation framework for topic tracking to incorporate those more realistic issues. We demonstrate that tracking can be done in a realistic interactive setting with minimal impact on tracking cost and with substantial reduction in required interaction.
Characterization of surface water storage changes in Arctic lakes using simulated SWOT measurements

The planned Surface Water and Ocean Topography (SWOT) satellite mission will measure freshwater storage changes in global lakes. Herein, the anticipated SWOT storage change accuracy is evaluated for the lakes in the Peace-Athabasca Delta, Northern Alaska and Western Siberia. Because of the significant lack of Arctic lake measurements, we simulated realistic daily to seasonal changes in water elevations in the study region using a combination of data from lake gauges, satellite radar altimeter, and satellite imagery. This 'truth' dataset is sampled with several candidate SWOT orbits and then corrupted with expected instrument errors to simulate SWOT observed storage changes. The number of revisits increases with increasing or decreasing latitude for a given repeat cycle (e.g. four to eight revisits for a 22-day cycle), allowing us to investigate storage change errors at monthly sampling. SWOT storage change accuracy is primarily controlled by lake size. Lakes larger than 1 km2 have relative errors generally less than 5% whereas one-hectare size lakes are about 20%. We concluded that the storage change accuracy is insensitive to the orbital inclination or repeat periods, but is sensitive to lake shapes.
Pathogenicity of Two Recombinant Avian Leukosis Viruses

Abstract We have recently described the isolation and molecular characteristics of two recombinant avian leukosis subgroup J viruses (ALV J) with an avian leukosis virus subgroup A envelope (r5701A and r6803A). In the present study, we examined the role of the subgroup A envelope in the pathogenesis of these recombinant viruses. Chickens of line 1515 × 71 were inoculated at 1 day of age with r5701A, r6803A, Rous-associated virus type 1 (RAV-1), or strain ADOL-Hcl of ALV-J. At 2, 4, 10, 18, and 32 wk postinoculation (PI), chickens were tested for avian leukosis virus (ALV)-induced viremia, shedding, and neutralizing antibodies. All except one chicken inoculated with the recombinant viruses (98%) developed neutralizing antibodies by 10 wk PI compared with only 16% and 46% of the ADOL-Hcl and RAV-1–inoculated birds, respectively. ALV-induced tumors and mortality in the two groups inoculated with recombinant viruses were different. The incidence of tumors in groups inoculated with r5701A or RAV-1 was 100% com...
Comparison of inhibition of bone resorption and escape with calcitonin and dibutyryl 3',5' cyclic adenosine monophosphate.

Both parathyroid hormone (PTH) and calcitonin (CT) can increase the concentration of cyclic 3′, 5′ adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) in fetal rat bone in organ culture. Moreover, dibutyryl cAMP (dbcAMP) can both stimulate and inhibit 45Ca release from such bones depending on dose and experimental conditions, in this study we compared dbcAMP and CT for their effects on bones pretreated with PTH. Both compounds produced transient inhibition of bone resorption followed by escape. Escape from dbcAMP was independent of prostaglandin synthesis, since it occurred both in the presence and absence of indomethacin, a prostaglandin cyclo-oxygenase inhibitor.
The Color of Success: Asian Americans and the Origins of the Model Minority. By Ellen Wu

(2014). The Color of Success: Asian Americans and the Origins of the Model Minority. By Ellen Wu. Amerasia Journal: Vol. 40, Asian American Religions in a Globalized World, pp. 118-121.
Assessing the therapeutic efficacy of oxime therapies against percutaneous organophosphorus pesticide and nerve agent challenges in the Hartley guinea pig.

Given the rapid onset of symptoms from intoxication by organophosphate (OP) compounds, a quick-acting, efficacious therapeutic regimen is needed. A primary component of anti-OP therapy is an oxime reactivator to rescue OP-inhibited acetylcholinesterases. Male guinea pigs, clipped of hair, received neat applications of either VR, VX, parathion, or phorate oxon (PHO) at the 85(th) percentile lethal dose, and, beginning with presentation of toxicosis, received the human equivalent dose therapy by intramuscular injection with two additional follow-on treatments at 3-hr intervals. Each therapy consisted of atropine free base at 0.4 mg/kg followed by one of eight candidate oximes. Lethality rates were obtained at 24 hr after VR, VX and PHO challenges, and at 48 hr after challenge with parathion. Lethality rates among symptomatic, oxime-treated groups were compared with that of positive control (OP-challenged and atropine-only treated) guinea pigs composited across the test days. Significant (p ≤ 0.05) protective therapy was afforded by 1,1-methylene bis(4(hydroxyimino- methyl)pyridinium) dimethanesulfonate (MMB4 DMS) against challenges of VR (p ≤ 0.001) and VX (p ≤ 0.05). Lethal effects of VX were also significantly (p ≤ 0.05) mitigated by treatments with oxo-[[1-[[4-(oxoazaniumylmethylidene)pyridin-1-yl]methoxymethyl]pyridin-4-ylidene]methyl]azanium dichloride (obidoxime Cl2) and 1-(((4-(aminocarbonyl) pyridinio)methoxy)methyl)-2,4-bis((hydroxyimino)methyl)pyridinium dimethanesulfonate (HLo-7 DMS). Against parathion, significant protective therapy was afforded by obidoxime dichloride (p ≤ 0.001) and 1,1'-propane-1,3-diylbis{4-[(E)-(hydroxyimino)methyl]pyridinium} dibromide (TMB-4, p ≤ 0.01). None of the oximes evaluated was therapeutically effective against PHO. Across the spectrum of OP chemicals tested, the oximes that offered the highest level of therapy were MMB4 DMS and obidoxime dichloride.
The Effects of Anticipated Events and Uncertainty on Price in the Financial Markets

This paper explains why a security's price will overcompensate during anticipation of an expected event. Once the event takes place, price will make a correction in the opposite direction. The paper states four main premises to support the main idea. 1. The indifference curve between expected return and risk is not stationary but moves continuously. 2. All security price changes are a result of either a change in risk tolerance or fundamentals. 3. The market's risk tolerance is a function of investor attitudes, particularly concerning anticipation and uncertainty. Events that are assumed to have a positive effect on the markets make investors more bullish and more risk tolerant. Events that are perceived as negative for the market make investors more bearish and more risk-averse. 4. Systematic and idiosyncratic anticipations and uncertainties are combined to make an indifference curve for a single security. Securities are priced according to fundamentals that allow investors to determine the expected risk and return of the asset. Prices are then adjusted when changes in investor risk tolerance move the expected return/risk indifference curve. Anticipation and uncertainty influence risk tolerance. Once the market recognizes a perceived event, the fundamentals of that information are immediately discounted into the security's price. Nevertheless, until the event is known with certainty, investors will become either more risk tolerant or risk averse to the security based on whether the event will be positive or negative. This allows price to overcompensate for the bad or good news.
Elevated Translation Initiation Factor eIF4E Is an Attractive Therapeutic Target in Multiple Myeloma

eIF4E is the key regulator of protein translation and critical for translation. The oncogenic potential of tumorigenesis, which is highly contingent on cap-dependent eIF4E, also arises from the critical role in the nuclear export and cytosolic translation of oncogenic transcripts. Inhibition of Exportin1 (XPO1), which is the major nuclear export protein for eIF4E-bound oncoprotein mRNAs, results in decreased tumor cell growth in vitro and in vivo, suggesting that eIF4E is critical in multiple myeloma. Indeed, we found that eIF4E is overexpressed in myeloma cell lines and primary myeloma cells compared with normal plasma cells. Although stable overexpression of eIF4E in multiple myeloma cells significantly increases tumorigenesis, knockdown of eIF4E impairs multiple myeloma tumor progression in a human xenograft mouse model. Using a tet-on-inducible eIF4E-knockdown system, eIF4E downregulation blocks multiple myeloma tumor growth in vivo, correlating with decreased eIF4E expression. Further overexpression and knockdown of eIF4E revealed that eIF4E regulates translation of mRNAs with highly complex 5'-untranslated regions, such as c-MYC and C/EBPβ, and subsequently proliferation in multiple myeloma cells, but not in nonmalignant bone marrow stromal cells. Because many transcription factors that are critical for multiple myeloma proliferation exhibit a higher dependency on protein translation, eIF4E is an ideal and selective tool to target multiple myeloma cell growth. Mol Cancer Ther; 15(4); 711-9. ©2016 AACR.
Assessing Interprofessional Education Collaborative Competencies in Service-Learning Course

Objective. To investigate the effect of an interprofessional service-learning course on health professions students' self-assessment of Interprofessional Education Collaborative (IPEC) competencies. Design. The semester-long elective course consisted of two components: a service component where students provided patient care in an interprofessional student-run free clinic and bi-weekly workshops in which students reflected on their experiences and discussed roles, team dynamics, communication skills, and challenges with underserved patient populations. Assessment. All fifteen students enrolled in the course completed a validated 42-question survey in a retrospective post-then-pre design. The survey instrument assessed IPEC competencies in four domains: Values and Ethics, Roles and Responsibilities, Interprofessional Communication, and Teams and Teamwork. Students' self-assessment of IPEC competencies significantly improved in all four domains after completion of the course. Conclusion. Completing an interprofessional service-learning course had a positive effect on students' self-assessment of interprofessional competencies, suggesting service-learning is an effective pedagogical platform for interprofessional education.
Analysis of surveillance of iodized salt in Shenzhen City from 2004 to 2011

Objective To understand the situation of the iodized salt coverage in Shenzhen from 2004 to 2011,to analyze the existing problems and the measures of the future work.Methods According to The Iodine Salt Monitored Implementation of China and Monitoring Scheme of IDD in Guangdong Province,stratified sampling method and direct titrimetric method(GB/T 13025.7-1999) were used to sampling and analyze.Results Coverage rate of iodized salt was above 90%,the qualified rate of iodized salt was above 90%,the non-iodized salt rate was below 7%.Conclusion The indicator of the 2004-2011 iodized salt monitoring in Shenzhen was good,and has reached the standard for monitoring iodized salt in stage goal of elimination of IDD.
Intracellular Po 2 decreases with increasing stimulation frequency in contracting singleXenopus muscle fibers

There is currently some controversy regarding the manner in which skeletal muscle intracellular Po 2changes with work intensity. Therefore, this study investigated the relationship between intracel...
Optical wireless communications for airport surface operations: Opportunities and challenges

Application of optical wireless communication (OWC) for vehicular communications has witnessed tremendous progress and development during the last decade. In OWC vehicular links, lights from vehicles and road infrastructure (e.g., lighting and signages) are used to establish vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) and vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) links to exchange information for efficient and safer road operation. In this paper, we motivate the research of using OWC to facilitate the Data Communications (Data Comm) capability of the NextGen framework by investigating the potential of using OWC during ground operations. We discuss the opportunities and advantages of using OWC in airports as well the challenges. We also present and discuss different possible solutions for such challenges.
Hydrated Ions: From Individual Ions to Ion Pairs to Ion Clusters.

The structure of hydrated ions plays a central role in chemical and biological sciences. In the present paper, five ions, namely, Na+, K+, Mg2+, Ca2+ and Cl–, are examined using molecular dynamics simulations. In addition to hydrated individual ions and ion pairs identified previously, hydrated ion clusters containing 3, 4, 5, or more ions are identified in the present paper. The dependence of hydration numbers and mole fractions of individual ions, ion pairs, and larger ion clusters on the electrolyte concentration is determined. As the electrolyte concentration increases, the mole fraction of hydrated individual ions decreases, and the mole fraction of hydrated larger ion clusters increases. The results also reveal that the hydrogen bonding numbers of the H2O molecules of the first hydration shells of individual ions, ion pairs, and larger ion clusters are insensitive to the electrolyte concentration, but sensitive to the nature and conformation of ions.
Find Me the Right Content! Diversity-Based Sampling of Social Media Spaces for Topic-Centric Search.

Social media and networking websites, such as Twitter and Facebook, generate large quantities of information and have become mechanisms for real-time content dissipation to users. An important question that arises is: how do we sample such social media information spaces in order to deliver relevant content on a topic to end users? Notice that these largescale information spaces are inherently ‘diverse’, featuring a wide array of attributes such as location, recency, degree of diffusion effects in the network and so on. Naturally, for the end user, different levels of diversity in social media content can significantly impact the information consumption experience: low diversity can provide focused content that may be simpler to understand, while high diversity can increase breadth in the exposure to multiple opinions and perspectives. Hence to address our research question, we turn to diversity as a core concept in our proposed sampling methodology. Here we are motivated by ideas in the “compressive sensing” literature and utilize the notion of sparsity in social media information to represent such large spaces via a small number of basis components. Thereafter we use a greedy iterative clustering technique on this transformed space to construct samples matching a desired level of diversity. Based on Twitter Firehose data, we demonstrate quantitatively that our method is robust, and performs better than other baseline techniques over a variety of trending topics. In a user study, we further show that users find samples generated by our method to be more interesting and subjectively engaging compared to techniques inspired by state-of-the-art systems, with improvements in the range of 15–45%.
Metal hydride based thermal energy storage system requirements for high performance concentrating solar power plants

Abstract High temperature concentrating solar power plants require suitable thermal energy storage systems to produce electric power efficiently. Thermochemical energy storage based on metal hydrides represents a very appealing prospect for low cost and high efficient solar storage systems. The objective of the paper is to assess the properties required by the metal hydride systems to achieve the U.S. Department of Energy's SunShot techno-economic targets. A simplified model has been developed to evaluate the cost and the exergetic efficiency of hydride-based storage systems. Results demonstrate that metal hydride materials, operating at temperatures higher than 650 °C, with reaction enthalpy on the order of 95–110 kJ/molH2, raw material cost on the order of 1.4–2 $/kg, weight capacities on the order of 3–4% and operating pressures on the order of tens of bars have the potential to closely approach the targets. Selected sensitivity analyses have also been carried out showing that the raw material cost, the material weight capacity and the metal hydride reaction enthalpy are the properties that strongly affect the performance of the storage system.
Improved performance of three-mirror beam-shaping systems and application to step-tunable converters

It is sometimes the case that a two-mirror beam-shaping system cannot transform the input beam to a desired target beam with sufficient accuracy. The transformation can be improved by using a third mirror in the shaping system. Also, there can be an infinite number of solutions possible for a three-mirror beam-shaping system. We have used such three-mirror systems to explore optimized solutions for mode converters for step-tunable gyrotrons.
Born this way

How and why do the sexes differ? And why do we care? Few questions generate as much controversy and debatein both scientific and public arenas. In her book Testosterone Rex: Myths of Sex, Science, and Society, Cordelia Fine tackles the question from the perspective that has generated the most discussion: biological contributions to sex differences.
Insight into the roles of selection in speciation from genomic patterns of divergence and introgression in secondary contact in venomous rattlesnakes

Investigating secondary contact of historically isolated lineages can provide insight into how selection and drift influence genomic divergence and admixture. Here, we studied the genomic landscape of divergence and introgression following secondary contact between lineages of the Western Diamondback Rattlesnake (Crotalus atrox) to determine whether genomic regions under selection in allopatry also contribute to reproductive isolation during introgression. We used thousands of nuclear loci to study genomic differentiation between two lineages that have experienced recent secondary contact following isolation, and incorporated sampling from a zone of secondary contact to identify loci that are resistant to gene flow in hybrids. Comparisons of patterns of divergence and introgression revealed a positive relationship between allelic differentiation and resistance to introgression across the genome, and greater-than-expected overlap between genes linked to lineage-specific divergence and loci that resist introgression. Genes linked to putatively selected markers were related to prominent aspects of rattlesnake biology that differ between populations of Western Diamondback rattlesnakes (i.e., venom and reproductive phenotypes). We also found evidence for selection against introgression of genes that may contribute to cytonuclear incompatibility, consistent with previously observed biased patterns of nuclear and mitochondrial alleles suggestive of partial reproductive isolation due to cytonuclear incompatibilities. Our results provide a genome-scale perspective on the relationships between divergence and introgression in secondary contact that is relevant for understanding the roles of selection in maintaining partial isolation of lineages, causing admixing lineages to not completely homogenize.
Flocculation of fine coal using synthetic and biologically derived flocculants

The flocculation of coal is typically accomplished by the addition of commercially available polymeric flocculants. Recently it was shown that biopolymers derived from microorganisms can also be used. The biopolymers flocculate coal efficiently and make the coal more hydrophobic. This increase in hydrophobicity can be utilized to separate coal flocs and can be used for reducing the moisture content of the flocculated coal. In this regard, flocculation and settling tests using biopolymers and synthetic flocculants were performed on fine coal. The experimental results are discussed and a transport model is presented for the time-dependent settling of fine coal.