cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Gene expression signature-based chemical genomic prediction identifies a novel class of HSP90 pathway modulators

Although androgen receptor (AR)-mediated signaling is central to prostate cancer, the ability to modulate AR signaling states is limited. Here we establish a chemical genomic approach for discovery and target prediction of modulators of cancer phenotypes, as exemplified by AR signaling. We first identify AR activation inhibitors, including a group of structurally related compounds comprising celastrol, gedunin, and derivatives. To develop an in silico approach for target pathway identification, we apply a gene expression-based analysis that classifies HSP90 inhibitors as having similar activity to celastrol and gedunin. Validating this prediction, we demonstrate that celastrol and gedunin inhibit HSP90 activity and HSP90 clients, including AR. Broadly, this work identifies new modes of HSP90 modulation through a gene expression-based strategy.
Dynactin mutations and promises for neurodegenerative pathology.

DCTN1 mutations in Perry syndrome Farrer et al. (2009) Nature Genetics 41(2):163–165
Genetic predisposition to colorectal cancer

High-penetrance mutations in several genes have been identified that contribute to hereditary colorectal cancer. The role of these mutations in cancer pathogenesis is well understood and their detection is successfully used in clinical diagnosis. In stark contrast, our understanding of the influence of low-penetrance mutations that account for most of the remaining familial cases of colorectal cancer, as well as an unknown proportion of sporadic cases, is far less advanced. Extensive ongoing research into low-penetrance, multifactorial predisposition to colorectal cancer is now beginning to bear fruit, with important implications for understanding disease aetiology and developing new diagnostic, preventive and therapeutic strategies.
Determination of dichloroacetate and its metabolites in human plasma by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry

Sodium dichloroacetate (DCA) is an investigational drug for the treatment of lactic acidosis, and is also a putative environmental toxicant. We developed and validated a gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) technique that simultaneously measures lactate, DCA and its metabolites, monochloroacetate (MCA), glyoxylate, glycolate and oxalate in human plasma. Following administration of [13C1,2]DCA to healthy volunteers, blood samples were collected at various time points and the drug and its metabolites present in plasma were derivatized to their methyl esters by reacting with 12% boron trifluoride-methanol complex. The methyl esters were extracted with methylene chloride and analyzed by GC-MS. The quantitation limits of DCA and metabolites ranged between 0.3 and 1.5 microM. The coefficients of variation of the standards within the entire calibration range were between 0.3 and 14.5%. The bias values ranged between -16.3% and 18.7%. Total recoveries from derivatization and extraction were between 46.9% and 78.5%. The coefficients (r2) of linear regression of the calibration curves were 0.9882 to 0.9996.
Classical economic growth theory: a global bifurcation analysis

Abstract This paper presents a global birfurcation analysis for the classical demoeconomic growth model, in which household income must exceed a threshold before children can survive to adulthood and/or until adults are willing to substitute childrearing for consumption. Convergence to a stationary or steady growth state occurs genetically, but persistent fluctuations are also generic (chaotic or cyclic) around a stationary state, or with expanding amplitude around a growth trend, when technology is advancing. Population can also overshoot its domain of viability, experience a drastic contraction, and then die out. These varied possibilities illustrate global dynamic analysis and may help explain some of the vicissitudes of human societies described in the archaeological and historical records.
Intraoperative evaluation of the spiral nerve cuff electrode on the femoral nerve trunk

Evaluation of the Case Western Reserve University spiral nerve cuff electrode on the femoral nerve trunk was performed intraoperatively in four subjects undergoing femoral-popliteal bypass surgery. The threshold, nerve size and selective activation capabilities of the electrode were examined. The activation thresholds for the first muscle to be recruited were 6.3, 9, 10.6, and 37.4 nC with pulse amplitudes ranging from 0.3 to 1 mA. The femoral nerve was found to have an elliptical cross-section with a major axis average length of 9 mm (8–12 mm) and a minor axis length of 1.5 mm. In all four subjects selective activation of the sartorius was obtained. In two subjects, the rectus femoris could also be selectively activated and in one subject the vastus medialis was selectively activated. Each electrode had four independent contacts that were evaluated separately. Small air bubbles were formed in the space over some contacts, preventing stimulation. This occurred in one contact in each electrode, leaving three effective stimulation channels. This issue has been corrected for future studies.
The joint evolution of mating system and pollen performance: Predictions regarding male gametophytic evolution in selfers vs. outcrossers

Abstract Studies of sexual selection in plants historically have focused on pollinator attraction, pollen transfer, gametophytic competition, and post-fertilization discrimination by maternal plants. Pollen performance (the speeds of germination and pollen tube growth) in particular is thought to be strongly subject to intrasexual selection, but the effect of mating system on this process has not been rigorously evaluated. Here we propose four predictions derived from the logic that pollen performance should evolve with mating system as an adaptive response to: (1) the competitive environment among pollen genotypes and (2) variation among female genotypes regularly encountered by a given pollen genotype. First, as previously predicted, due to the higher potential for intense selection among diverse pollen genotypes in outcrossing relative to selfing taxa, pollen should evolve to germinate and/or to grow more rapidly in outcrossers than in selfers. Second, due to stronger selection on pollen performance in outcrossing than in selfing taxa, heritable variation in pollen tube growth rate is more likely to be purged in outcrossers. In selfers, by contrast, genetic variation in pollen tube growth rates may readily accumulate because selfing reduces the number of genetically distinct male gametophytes likely to be deposited on any given stigma, thereby relaxing selection on male gametophytic traits. A summary of published studies presented here provides preliminary support for this prediction. Third, due to the high probability that the pollen of outcrossing individuals will be exposed to multiple pistil genotypes, we predict that the pollen of habitually outcrossing taxa will evolve to perform more consistently across female genotypes than the pollen of selfing taxa. Fourth, we predict that epistatic interactions between pollen and pistil genotypes are more likely to evolve in selfers than in outcrossers. We suggest several empirical approaches that may be used to test these predictions.
Neurogenesis in the olfactory bulb of the frogXenopus Laevis shows unique patterns during embryonic development and metamorphosis

Abstract We determined the time of origin of neurons in the olfactory bulb of the South African clawed frog, Xenopus laevis . Tritiated thymidine injections were administered to frog embryos and tadpoles from gastrulation (stage 11/12) through metamorphosis (stage 65), paraffin sections were processed for autoradiography, and the distribution of heavily and lightly labeled cells was examined. In the ventral olfactory bulb, we observed that the mitral cells were born as early as stage 11/12 and continued to be generated through the end of metamorphosis. Interneurons (periglomerular and granule cells) were not born in the ventral bulb until stage 41, and birth of these cells also continued through metamorphosis. Labeled cells were observed in the accessory olfactory bulb, beginning at stage 41. In contrast, the cells of the dorsal olfactory bulb were not born until the onset of metamorphosis (stage 54); at this stage in the dorsal bulb, the genesis of mitral cells, interneurons, and glial cells completely overlapped. The results indicate that olfactory axon innervation is not necessary to induce early stages of neurogenesis in the ventral olfactory bulb. On the other hand, the results on the dorsal olfactory bulb are consistent with the hypothesis that innervation from new or transformed sensory neurons in the principal cavity induces neurogenesis in the dorsal bulb.
Consequentialism, Climate Harm and Individual Obligations

Does the decision to relax by taking a drive rather than by taking a walk cause harm? In particular, do the additional carbon emissions caused by such a decision make anyone worse off? Recently several philosophers have argued that the answer is no, and on this basis have gone on to claim that act-consequentialism cannot provide a moral reason for individuals to voluntarily reduce their emissions. The reasoning typically consists of two steps. First, the effect of individual emissions on the weather is miniscule: the planet’s meteorological system is so large, and the size of individual emissions so tiny, that whatever impact an individual emission has on the weather must be vanishingly small. Second, vanishingly small impacts aren’t morally relevant because no one could possibly tell the difference between such an impact occurring and it not occurring. In this paper, we show why both steps are mistaken, and hence why act-consequentialism implies that each of us has an individual obligation to do what we can to stop damaging the climate, including by refraining from, or perhaps by purchasing offsets against, our own individual luxury carbon emissions.
Effect of Temperature on the Complexation of Uranium(VI) with Fluoride in Aqueous Solutions

Complexation of U(VI) with fluoride at elevated temperatures in aqueous solutions was studied by spectrophotometry. Four successive complexes, UO{sub 2}F{sup +}, UO{sub 2}F{sub 2}(aq), UO{sub 2}F{sub 3}{sup -}, and UO{sub 2}F{sub 4}{sup 2-}, were identified, and the stability constants at 25, 40, 55, and 70 C were calculated. The stability of the complexes increased as the temperature was elevated. The enthalpies of complexation at 25 C were determined by microcalorimetry. Thermodynamic parameters indicate that the complexation of U(VI) with fluoride in aqueous solutions at 25 to 70 C is slightly endothermic and entropy-driven. The Specific Ion Interaction (SIT) approach was used to obtain the thermodynamic parameters of complexation at infinite dilution. Structural information on the U(VI)/fluoride complexes was obtained by extended X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy.
Construction and flow cytometric screening of targeted enzyme libraries.

Herein, we describe a methodology for the construction of targeted libraries intended to modify the substrate specificity of proteases expressed on the cell surface of Escherichia coli. The native outer membrane protease, OmpT, is used as a model system. The protocol relies on gene assembly using oligonucleotides and is easily adaptable to any enzyme in which information is available on the putative active site residues. Increasingly complex libraries can be generated in a systematic manner and screened using flow cytometry (fluorescence-activated cell sorting, FACS) for variants displaying altered function. Furthermore, if the substrate-binding pockets have not been elucidated, a protocol for partial multi-site saturation library construction is presented that allows for sampling a large number of residues, while maintaining an appropriate level of protein function. The entire procedure, from start to finish, should take approximately 2–3 weeks.
Urinary matrix metalloproteinase activity is not significantly altered in patients with renal cell carcinoma.

Objectives Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are proteins that degrade the extracellular matrix and have been shown to be elevated in the urine of patients with cancer. One action of MMPs is the degradation of collagen IV that plays a role in tumor invasion and metastasis. This degradation can be measured by a fluorescent microplate activity assay that has been suggested to identify patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Our aim was to confirm the utility of urinary MMP activity as a diagnostic test for RCC. Methods Urine samples from 21 patients undergoing nephrectomy for renal masses, as well as from 2 patients undergoing retroperitoneal mass excision for presumed local recurrence, were collected. Urine samples from 47 healthy volunteers were also collected. After concentration, the urine samples were incubated with fluorescein-labeled collagen IV. The fluorescence activity in each sample was measured using a conventional fluorescent microplate reader to determine the degree of collagen IV degradation in each specimen. Results Of the 21 patients undergoing nephrectomy, 15 had RCC, and both patients undergoing retroperitoneal mass excision had pathologically confirmed RCC recurrence. The mean number of fluorescence units emitted from the urine of patients with RCC was 48,924 units (range 0 to 275,879). The mean number of fluorescence units emitted from the urine of healthy patients was 29,834 units (range 0 to 400,086). This difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.34). Conclusions Despite previous evidence, urinary MMP activity was not an adequate test to identify RCC. Most normal urine samples had significant MMP activity.
Responsibility or Liability?: Student Loan Debt and Time Use in College

Recent research shows that student loans may affect persistence and completion among undergraduates, but few have examined the association between debt and everyday college experiences. We use data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Freshmen to assess the relationship between student loan debt and the foundation of campus life—time use. On a basic level, we find that debt is related to students’ time spent on activities such as working for pay, consuming media, and athletics. We then focus on results from a latent class analysis, which suggest that college activities coalesce into three distinct student lifestyles that are differentially associated with debt. Although many debt-free students develop active non-academic agendas in the “Socially Engaged” lifestyle, indebted students may exhibit one of two divergent types: the “Serious Students,” who spend their time on academics and working for pay, or the “Inactive,” who are comparatively uninvolved in campus life. These patterns suggest that either student loan debt is a stratifying mechanism for students’ college experiences, or that it acts as a proxy for students’ selection into particular time use patterns.
A Simple Method for the Isolation of Pregnant Mare Serum Gonadotropin

A simple procedure is described for the purification of pregnant mare serum gonadotropin (PMSG). The purification of PMSG from serum employed pH fractionation with metaphosphoric acid, alcohol precipitation, gel-filtration on Sephadex G-100, and chromatography on sulfoethyl-Sephadex C-50. The specific activity of the final product averaged 15,800 IU/mg and was obtained in yields of 50-80% of the activity initially present in unfractionated serum. The preparation obtained by this procedure has been characterized with respect to biological activity, electrophoresis on columns of polyacrylamide, and ultracentrifugation. (Endocrinology 80: 699, 1967)
Molecular dynamics in protein-single stranded DNA complexes. Two distinct nucleoside mobilities in poly(deoxythymidylic acid)-gene 5 protein complexes.

Abstract A set of differently spin labeled (dT)c is used to evaluate thymidine dynamics and some of the structural features in a (dT) n-gene 5 protein complex. ESR evidence is presented that only one of the four thymidine residues bound in the DNA binding channel shows strong immobilization, whereas the other three display significant mobility of the order of nanoseconds. It is hypothesized that the accessability of such mobile bases could be critical to the recognition of the (dT)n-gene 5 protein complex in auxiliary interactions with other proteins and competitive DNAs.
Three electronic transitions of sulfur dioxide in the vacuum ultraviolet

Abstract Three electronic transitions in the 1140–1390 A region, composed of diffuse bands in which no K -structure could be observed, have been vibrationally analyzed. The results have been used with the Franck-Condon principle to determine possible geometrical structures of the excited electronic states. From the possible structures, the best structures have been determined by the use of intensity contours calculated by a perturbed symmetric rotor program. The contour studies have also yielded the polarizations of two transitions.
Neuro-ophthalmology at its best: A special session dedicated to Professor William F. Hoyt on the occasion of his 75th birthday

(2002). Neuro-ophthalmology at its best: A special session dedicated to Professor William F. Hoyt on the occasion of his 75th birthday. Neuro-Ophthalmology: Vol. 27, No. 1-3, pp. 5-7.
Ab initio investigation of barium-scandium-oxygen coatings on tungsten for electron emitting cathodes

Microwave, x-ray, and radio-frequency radiation sources require a cathode emitting electrons into vacuum. Thermionic B-type dispenser cathodes consist of ${\text{Ba}}_{x}{\text{O}}_{z}$ coatings on tungsten (W), where the surface coatings lower the W work function and enhance electron emission. The new and promising class of scandate cathodes modifies the B-type surface through inclusion of Sc, and their superior emissive properties are also believed to stem from the formation of a low work function surface alloy. In order to better understand these cathode systems, density-functional theory (DFT)-based ab initio modeling is used to explore the stability and work function of ${\text{Ba}}_{x}{\text{Sc}}_{y}{\text{O}}_{z}$ on W(001) monolayer-type surface structures. It is demonstrated how surface depolarization effects can be calculated easily using ab initio calculations and fitted to an analytic depolarization equation. This approach enables the rapid extraction of the complete depolarization curve (work function versus coverage relation) from relatively few DFT calculations, useful for understanding and characterizing the emitting properties of novel cathode materials. It is generally believed that the B-type cathode has some concentration of Ba-O dimers on the W surface, although their structure is not known. Calculations suggest that tilted Ba-O dimers are the stable dimer surface configuration and can explain the observed work function reduction corresponding to various dimer coverages. Tilted Ba-O dimers represent a new surface coating structure not previously proposed for the activated B-type cathode. The thermodynamically stable phase of Ba and O on the W surface was identified to be the ${\text{Ba}}_{0.25}\text{O}$ configuration, possessing a significantly lower $\ensuremath{\Phi}$ value than any of the Ba-O dimer configurations investigated. The identification of a more stable ${\text{Ba}}_{0.25}\text{O}$ phase implies that if Ba-O dimers cover the surface of emitting B-type cathodes, then a nonequilibrium steady state must dominate the emitting surface. The identification of a stable and low work function ${\text{Ba}}_{0.25}{\text{Sc}}_{0.25}\text{O}$ structure suggests that addition of Sc to the B-type cathode surface could form this alloy structure under operating conditions, leading to improved cathode performance and stability. Detailed comparison to previous experimental results of ${\text{Ba}}_{x}{\text{Sc}}_{y}{\text{O}}_{z}$ on W surface coatings are made to both validate the modeling and aid in interpretation of experimental data. The studies presented here demonstrate that ab initio methods are powerful for understanding the fundamental physics of electron emitting materials systems and can potentially aid in the development of improved cathodes.
A bulky hydrophobic residue is not required to maintain the V-conformation of enzyme-bound thiamin diphosphate.

It is widely accepted that, in thiamin diphosphate (ThDP)-dependent enzymes, much of the rate acceleration is provided by the cofactor. Inter alia, the reactive conformation of ThDP, known as the V-conformation, has been attributed to the presence of a bulky hydrophobic residue located directly below the cofactor. Here we report the use of site-saturation mutagenesis to generate variants of this residue (Leu403) in benzoylformate decarboxylase. The observed 3 orders of magnitude range in kcat/Km values suggested that conformational changes in the cofactor could be influencing catalysis. However, X-ray structures of several variants were determined, and there was remarkably little change in ThDP conformation. Rather, it seemed that, once the V-conformation was attained, residue size and hydrophobicity were more important for enzyme activity.
The Viral Restriction Factor IFITM3 Promotes Hemifusion but Blocks Full Fusion of Influenza Virus

Interferon-induced transmembrane proteins (IFITMs) are up-regulated as part of a cell's defense against viral challenges. These small proteins inhibit entry of diverse viruses, such as influenza A (IAV), West Nile and dengue virus. The mechanism by which IFITMs block viral entry is not understood. Recent reports suggest that IFITMs inhibits viral hemifusion (merger of proximal leaflets of the viral and cellular membranes), presumably by disrupting cholesterol trafficking and causing aberrant cholesterol accumulation in late endosomes. Here we employed time-resolved single IAV imaging to identify fusion step(s) affected by IFITM3 protein ectopically expressed in lung epithelial cells. These experiments revealed that, contrary to previous reports, lipid mixing between IAV and endosomes was, in fact, promoted upon IFITM3 expression. In contrast, virus-cell fusion assays monitoring the release of the viral content showed marked inhibition of fusion pore formation by IFITM3. This effect was not due to excessive cholesterol accumulation in endosomes or to reduced endosome acidity in IFITM3-expressing cells. Furthermore, conditions that induced the accumulation of cholesterol in late endosomes/lysosomes did not restrict IAV fusion. To conclude, IFITM3 blocks IAV fusion by disfavoring the formation of fusion pores, and this phenomenon is independent of cholesterol levels. We propose that IFITM3 can block viral fusion at a post-hemifusion stage either directly, by inserting into and stabilizing the cytosolic leaflet of endosomal membranes, or indirectly, by altering the lipid composition and thus disfavoring the formation of fusion pores. This work was partially supported by the NIH R01 GM054787 (to GBM) and 1R01AI091786 (to ALB) grants.
Serial Defibrillation Threshold Measures in Man: A Prospective Controlled Study

Serial DFT Measures in Man. Introduction; The defibrillation threshold (DFT) may change throughout the first year following implantation of a cardioverter defibrillator, but it remains uncertain if changes are a consequence of changes in clinical condition or are related to fundamental alterations at the electrode-tissue interface. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the extent and time course of DFT changes over the first year following implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) surgery when extraneous clinical and device variables potentially affecting the DFT were excluded. Methods and Results.: We prospectively enrolled 61 patients undergoing epicardial or non-thoracotomy/transvenous ICD therapy into a series of follow-up studies where the DFT was measured at implant and at 1, 6,12, and 52 weeks following implantation in a uniform manner. Stored energy DFT was measured and recorded for all patients. Patient exclusion criteria were: (1) inability to complete all five measures of the DFT; (2) institution of Class I or Class III antiarrhythmic drugs at any time during the study; (3) lead system changes (relocation or new leads) or programming changes in pulse width or current pathway; or (4) development of a significant change in their clinical status, such as decompensated congestive heart failure or acute ischemia. Only 20 of the 61 patients satisfied the criteria required to complete the study. Two of the excluded patients developed high DFTs, which required reprogramming of the current pathway. Eight patients had an epicardial lead system, and 12 had a nonthoracotomy lead system. The rise in DFT over the first 12 weeks was significant for the eight epicardial lead system patients (P = 0.05) and for the 12 nonthoracotomy lead system patients (P = 0.004). The peak rise in DFT occurred at 1 week for the patients with an epicardial lead system (3.4 ± 1.8 J to 7.9 ± 3.8 J) and at 12 weeks for the patients with a transvenous lead system (10.3 ± 5.3 J to 16.1 ± 7.4 J). Conclusions: This study confirms a transient significant rise in the DFT in the first 12 weeks following ICD surgery that partially returns to the implant value over the remainder of the year. Because specific clinical and technical variables were excluded from this study, the observations made in this patient population suggest that the rise in DFT may be a consequence of changes at the electrode-tissue interface.
The computer controlled VME high voltage system for the D-Zero detector

Abstract We have designed and prototyped a new VME based high voltage system for the D-Zero experiment at Fermilab [1,2]. The power supply and control system are both new designs and combined have more flexibility and dynamic range than anything available on the commercial market.
Local elastic constants in thin films of an fcc crystal

In this work we present a formalism for the calculation of the local elastic constants in inhomogeneous systems based on a method of planes. Unlike previous work, this formalism does not require the partitioning of the system into a set of finite volumes over which average elastic constants are calculated. Results for the calculation of the local elastic constants of a nearest-neighbor Lennard-Jones fcc crystal in the bulk and in a thin film are presented. The local constants are calculated at exact planes of the (001) face of the crystal. The average elastic constants of the bulk system are also computed and are consistent with the local constants. Additionally we present the local stress profiles in the thin film when a small uniaxial strain is applied. The resulting stress profile compares favorably with the stress profile predicted via the local elastic constants. The surface melting of a model for argon for which experimental and simulation data are available is also studied within the framework of this formalism.
Duality, Pulsating Instability, and Product Dissociation in Burner-Stabilized Flames

Abstract The stabilization and diffusional-thermal pulsating instability of burner-stabilized flames, with and without product dissociation, are studied via activation energy asymptotics. The steady solution is characterized by the existence of two flame speeds either for the same heat loss rate or for the same flame standoff distance, while the stability analysis shows that the dual solutions for both cases can be stable, These provide a unified theoretical interpretation of the experimental observations of Spalding and Yumlu for the existence of two flame speeds with the same heat loss rate, and of Ferguson and Keck for the existence of two flame speeds for the same flame standoff distance. Additional results show that the flame speed can exceed the adiabatic value for a highly mobile dissociated product, that the effect of product dissociation is mostly stabilizing, and that the preferential diffusion of the deficient reactant and the dissociated product can be either stabilizing or destabilizing, depe...
Specific inhibition of the halogenase for radicicol biosynthesis by bromide at the transcriptional level in Pochonia chlamydosporia.

Pochonia chlamydosporia produces radicicol (1), a potent antifungal and anticancer product. NaBr, but not NaF, NaCl or NaI, inhibited the biosynthesis of 1 in P. chlamydosporia in a dose-dependent manner, accompanied by the formation chlorine-lacking monocillins II–V (2–5), indicating that the dedicated halogenase, Rdc2 had been inhibited. RT-PCR analysis confirmed that transcription of rdc2 was selectively inhibited by Br−, whereas the putative P450 epoxidase gene, rdc4, was not affected.
Central Arctic paleoceanography for the last 50 kyr based on ostracode faunal assemblages

Abstract The paleoceanography of the central Arctic Ocean was reconstructed for the last 50 kyr (Marine Isotope Stages (MIS) 1–3) based on ostracode assemblages from 21 14C-dated sediment cores from the Mendeleev, Lomonosov, and Gakkel Ridges. Arctic sediments deposited during the Holocene interglacial period (MIS 1), the Bolling–Allerod, and larger interstadial Dansgaard–Oeschger (DO) events (3–4, 8, and 12) contain abundant Cytheropteron spp., Henryhowella asperrima, and Krithe spp. at intermediate/deep-depths (~ 1000 to 3000 m). These assemblages suggest a ventilated deep, Arctic Ocean water mass similar to the modern Arctic Ocean Deep Water (AODW) during these time periods. In contrast, sediment deposited during stadial events corresponding to Heinrich events 1, 2, 3, and 4, (also possibly the Younger Dryas; YD), contain abundant Polycope spp. (60–80%) suggesting a greater influence of the Atlantic Layer (AL) on the Arctic Intermediate Water (AIW) and AODW. Reduced sea-ice during the early Holocene, the last deglacial, and MIS 3 interstadials is indicated by the reoccurrence of Acetabulastoma arcticum, an epipelagic species that is parasitic on sea-ice dwelling amphipods. One hypothesis to explain these oceanographic changes during longer stadial events, particularly within the last glacial period (MIS 2), involves sluggish ocean circulation, thicker sea-ice cover, and a deeper halocline with ocean exchange between Greenland Sea and Arctic Ocean deep-water through the Fram Strait.
“Relax and enjoy these disasters”: news media consumption and family life in Don DeLillo’s White Noise

This essay constitutes an analytical exploration of the contemporary media-saturated environment and, concomitantly, the television’s palpable effects upon everyday (and family) life—issues manifest throughout Don DeLillo’s fiction and, more specifically, in what has been deemed his “breakout book”: White Noise. Significant theories vis-a-vis the consequences of media and the data gathered and interpreted by media reception ethnographers (e.g., David Morley, Jean Baudrillard) are brought to bear. Ultimate conclusions point to the fact that media sources do, in fact, provide impetus for the sharing of human concerns and fears, and thus embody a cohesive and pragmatic “apparatus” of family life.
Pathology and failure in the design and implementation of adaptive management.

The conceptual underpinnings for adaptive management are simple; there will always be inherent uncertainty and unpredictability in the dynamics and behavior of complex ecological systems as a result non-linear interactions among components and emergence, yet management decisions must still be made. The strength of adaptive management is in the recognition and confrontation of such uncertainty. Rather than ignore uncertainty, or use it to preclude management actions, adaptive management can foster resilience and flexibility to cope with an uncertain future, and develop safe to fail management approaches that acknowledge inevitable changes and surprises. Since its initial introduction, adaptive management has been hailed as a solution to endless trial and error approaches to complex natural resource management challenges. However, its implementation has failed more often than not. It does not produce easy answers, and it is appropriate in only a subset of natural resource management problems. Clearly adaptive management has great potential when applied appropriately. Just as clearly adaptive management has seemingly failed to live up to its high expectations. Why? We outline nine pathologies and challenges that can lead to failure in adaptive management programs. We focus on general sources of failures in adaptive management, so that others can avoid these pitfalls in the future. Adaptive management can be a powerful and beneficial tool when applied correctly to appropriate
Cystic Thyroid and Parathyroid Lesions in Cats

Reports of cystic thyroid and parathyroid masses in cats are uncommon. Herein, the authors describe a series of four cats with cystic ventral cervical lesions, among them thyroid cyst (n=1), thyroid cystadenoma (n=2), and parathyroid adenocarcinoma (n=1). Presentations ranged from completely asymptomatic cervical swellings to signs related to local compression of adjacent structures (e.g., trachea). Ultrasonographic evaluation was helpful in localization of the mass in two cases. Hormone analysis and concentration of cystic fluid were performed in one cat. Surgical excision was performed successfully in three cases. Histopathological examination was performed in all four cases. Long-term prognosis was excellent for those cases in which follow-up was available.
The long arm of adolescence: school health behavioral environments, tobacco and alcohol co-use, and the 5HTTLPR gene.

Although sociologists, demographers, and others have thoroughly studied contextual and life course influences on tobacco and alcohol use in adolescence and young adulthood, far less attention has been paid to the determinants of tobacco and alcohol co-use. This is important to remedy because co-use has a nonadditive effect on long-term health. In this article, we use nationally representative, longitudinal data from adolescents and young adults to examine patterns of joint tobacco and alcohol use behaviors across the life course. Importantly, we describe how these trajectories are linked to respondents’ high school’s joint profile of tobacco and alcohol use, measured two ways: as the proportion of tobacco and alcohol co-users, and as the “excess proportion” above that expected based on the marginal probabilities of smoking and drinking in that school. Joint tobacco and alcohol use is associated with both measures, emphasizing the “long arm” of adolescent contexts. Furthermore, we extend previous research ...
Acceptability of self-sample human papillomavirus testing among medically underserved women visiting the emergency department.

Abstract Objective Self-sample human papillomavirus (HPV) testing in public emergency departments (EDs) may be a viable strategy to opportunistically screen women who otherwise do not attend for regular Papanicolaou test-based cervical cancer screening. We describe the acceptability of self-sample HPV testing among women presenting to two high-volume, urban EDs that primarily care for the medically underserved. Methods In 2014, a total of 210 women 21years of age and older were recruited from two public ED waiting areas following a two-stage cluster sampling design. Questionnaire items inquired about demographics, healthcare access and utilization, history of cervical cancer screening, and acceptability of self-sample HPV testing. Descriptive analyses were performed. Results Overall, 34.8% of participants were considered screening non-attendees based on their adherence to the current guidelines for Pap testing every three years. Acceptability of self-sample HPV testing was high, with over 85% of participants reporting that they would be willing to use the test if available. A smaller proportion (58%) was deemed likely to accept self-sample HPV testing in a public ED restroom setting. Primary concerns expressed by women were that the sampling may not be done correctly (64%) and that they may not know how to perform the sampling (39%). Conclusions Opportunistic self-sample HPV testing is acceptable to women seeking care at a high-volume, urban emergency care center. The use of this intervention potentially offers a unique strategy to improve cervical cancer screening among high-risk women who otherwise do not attend for regular screening.
Encapsulation of graphene interconnects with 2D Layered Insulator for improved performance

The key material behavior of graphene, a single layer of carbon lattice, is extremely sensitive to its dielectric environment. We demonstrate improvement in electronic performance of graphene nanowire interconnects with full encapsulation by lattice-matching, chemically inert, 2D layered insulator hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN). A novel layer-based transfer technique is developed to construct the h-BN/MLG/h-BN heterostructures. The encapsulated graphene wires are characterized and compared with that on SiO2 or h-BN substrate without top passivating h-BN layer. Significant improvements in maximum current-carrying density, breakdown threshold, and maximum power density in encapsulated graphene wires are observed. These critical improvements are achieved without compromising the carrier transport characteristics in graphene. Furthermore, graphene wires exhibit electrical behavior much less insensitive to ambient conditions, as compared with the non-passivated ones. Overall, h-BN/graphene/h-BN heterostructure presents a robust material platform towards the implementation of high-performance carbon-based interconnects.
Kinetic evolution and acceleration of the solar wind

We investigate the eects of kinetic wave- particle interactions on the solar wind using a global hybrid model. The model follows the evolution of the particle dis- tributions along an inhomogeneous eld line under the influ- ence of wave-particle interactions, an ambipolar electric eld that is consistent with the particle distributions themselves, and Coulomb collisions. This represents the \rst results" of global evolutionary study of the solar wind that take into account these kinetic eects. The model can account for the bulk acceleration of the solar wind, the preferential heating of the helium ions over the protons, as well as the occasion- ally observed double-peaked proton velocity distributions. 1. Motivation
Adhesion of maleic anhydride functionalized polyolefins and blends

We study three new classes of olefin-based polymer, low-molecular-weight homopolypropylene (LMW-hPP), syndiotactic-rich polypropylene (srPP), and random propylene polymer (RPP). RPP is a random propylene/ethylene copolymer. By blending LMW-hPP with 20 wt % of a maleic anhydride (MA) functionalized srPP (MA-srPP) or MA functionalized RPP (MA-RPP) instead of a commercial MA-iPP (maleic anhydride-grafted-isotactic polypropylene), adhesion to a polar substrate, such as polyester (Mylar), is greatly enhanced. Effects of crystallinity controlled by either stereoregularity or comonomer incorporation and molecular weight of these MA functionalized propylene-based polymers on adhesive performance are discussed. To further understand the mechanisms of enhanced adhesion, Sum Frequency Generation (SFG) spectroscopy is used to evaluate the migration of MA-srPP in LMW-hPP towards the interface when contacting a polar sapphire substrate. It shows that the buried interface between the LMW-hPP/MA-srPP blend (wt ratio = 80/20) and sapphire has the same characteristic spectrum as the MA-srPP/sapphire interface, suggesting the enrichment of MA-srPP in the interfacial polymer when the blend is in contact with sapphire. Also, vibrational modes of C=O have been detected at both the blend/sapphire and MA-srPP/sapphire interfaces, further indicating that the interfacial polymer contains MA groups. Besides Mylar, adhesion to the non-polar iPP substrate is also studied. The adhesion mechanisms to these polar and non-polar substrates are explained in terms of our adhesion model. Applications of these MA functionalized polyolefins and blends are envisioned in the tie-layer and adhesive areas. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 39855.
In vivo contribution of h‐channels in the septal pacemaker to theta rhythm generation

One of the most intriguing network-level inferences made on the basis of in vitro and modelling data regarding the role of I h current was that they participate in rhythmogenesis in different parts of the brain. The nature of I h contribution to various neuronal oscillations is far from uniform however, and the proper evaluation of the role of I h in each particular structure requires in situ investigations in the intact brain. In this study we tested the effect of I h blockade in the medial septum on hippocampal theta rhythm in anaesthetized and freely behaving rats. We could not confirm the recent report of elimination of theta by septal injection of ZD7288 [C. Xu et al. (2004) Eur. J. Neurosci., 19, 2299-2309]; the observed effects were more subtle and more specific. We found that I h blockade in the medial septum substantially decreased the frequency of hippocampal oscillations without changing the context in which theta occurred, i.e. specific behaviours in freely moving rats and spontaneous switching and brainstem stimulation under anaesthesia. Septal injection of ZD7288 eliminated atropine-resistant theta elicited by high intensity electrical stimulation of the reticular formation in anaesthetized rats but was ineffective in combination with the muscarinic agonist, carbachol. Thus, functional I h was necessary for the septum to generate or transmit high frequency theta rhythm elicited by strong ascending activation, whereas low frequency theta persisted after I h blockade. These results suggest that I h plays a specific role in septal theta generation by promoting fast oscillations during exploratory behaviour and rapid eye movement sleep.
Breaking Bad: Commitment Uncertainty, Alternative Monitoring, and Relationship Termination in Young Adults

Commitment uncertainty represents an ongoing state of conflicted feelings or thoughts about the future of a relationship. It is currently an underexplored dynamic within romantic relationships and may be a key component of young adult relationships that may influence the likelihood of relationship termination. When commitment is uncertain, individuals may engage in serious monitoring of relationship alternatives. The authors examined the associations between commitment uncertainty, serious alternative monitoring, attachment style, and relationship termination. Results supported the hypothesis that higher levels of commitment uncertainty are related to greater likelihood of termination. Interestingly, serious monitoring of alternatives was not related to relationship termination. Implications are offered for the management of these important relational processes.
Design of kinematically redundant mechanisms

It has been noted that obstacles in the workspace can effectively reduce the number of degrees of freedom of a robot mechanism. For a nonredundant mechanism this can result in reduced functionallity, but it need not be a problem when there are extra degrees of freedom. Indeed. it is possible to design motion planning algorithms which in the process of steering the manipulator away from obstacles also resolve the redundancy.
The use of [32P] polyphosphoric acid as a Phosphorylating Agent: Syntheses of Phosphorus-32 Labeled Sugar Phosphates†‡

Phosphorylation of D-fructose with [32P]polyphosphoric acid followed by prolonged mild acid hydrolysis at 35 °C gave [32P]D-fructose 1, 6-diphosphate. The diphosphate was purified by conversion to the acid-barium salt. [32P]D-fructose 6-phosphate was prepared by two methods : Degradation of the diphosphate by heating with 1N HBr for 1 hour at 88-90 °C, or, replacing the prolonged mild acid hydrolysis of the phosphorylation mixture in the case of the diphosphate with a one hour treatment at 88-90 °C. [32P]D-glucose 6-phosphate was prepared by dissolving the barium salt of [32P]D-fructose 6-phosphate in water and adding a dialyzed solution of phosphoglucose isomerase. The highly insoluble heptahydrate of the barium salt of [32P]D-glucose 6-phosphate readily crystallized from solution. Phosphorylation of D-mannose with [32P]polyphosphoric acid gave [32P]D-mannose 6-phosphate, which upon reduction with KBH4, yielded [32P]D-mannitol 1-phosphate.
Multivalent Binding in the Design of Bioactive Compounds

Over the past several years, much research has centered on the development of small molecules that, through multivalent binding interactions, enhance the regulation of fundamental biological functions. The design of a wide range of potential therapeutics focuses on mimicking natural systems that control the biological effect of protein-ligand interactions through multivalency. In this review, the various approaches to achieving multivalency are discussed. Recent advances in the design of multivalent ligands are also presented.
Tariff Revenue and Tariff Caps

We characterize the design of an optimal trade agreement when governments are privately informed about the value of tariff revenue. We show that the problem of designing an optimal trade agreement in this setting can be represented as an optimal delegation problem when a money burning instrument is available. In a specification with quadratic payoffs and a uniform distribution, we find that the tariff cap and the probability of binding overhang are higher when the upper bound of the support distribution is higher and when the support distribution has greater width.
Selective inhibition by progesterone of androgen-induced behavior in male ring doves (Streptopelia risoria).

Male ring doves (Streptopelia risoria) were castrated and then tested 7 days later, when both the bowing-coo and the nest-call (2 items of male sexual behavior) had disappeared. They were then injected daily for 14 days with testosterone propionate (.2 mg/day/bird), after which the occurrence of these 2 behavior patterns was again assessed. Both items of behavior had been significantly reinstated as a result of the androgen replacement therapy. The birds were then divided into 4 groups for a further period of 7 days of treatment, as follows: 1) (N=10) testosterone propionate treatment continued; 2) (N=10) testosterone propionate continued with added progesterone (.1 mg/day/ bird); 3) (N = 7) no hormone treatment; 4) (N =9) progesterone treatment alone (.1 mg/day /bird). Progesterone, in the presence of the circulating androgen, virtually completely inhibited the occurrence of the bowing-coo. The effect of adding progesterone to the administered androgen during these 7 days was the same as that of withdraw...