cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A theoretical study of the C2 fragmentation energy of C60 and C70

The energetics of the loss of C2 units from C60 and C70 has been extensively studied experimentally, but no consensus has yet been reached as to the energy of C2 dissociation from these fullerenes. We have used the Hartree—Fock self-consistent field theory and a hybrid of Hartree—Fock and density functional theory to calculate the C2 dissociation energy for C60 and C70. Our best theoretical predictions are 11.8 and 11.5 eV, respectively.
Antistriated muscle-antibodies during clinical dysreflexia: case report

The object of the following study is the research of an immunological mechanism related to the clinical dysreflexia found in tetraplegic patients. Dysreflexia is known to be associated with automatic mechanisms during bladder distention in patients with lesions about T5.
Oxidative metabolism of isolated brain mitochondria: Changes caused by aminooxyacetate

Abstract The effect of aminooxyacetate on the metabolism of 14 C-labelled substrates by mitochondria, isolated from cerebral hemispheres of guinea pigs, was determined. Aminooxyacetate inhibited the conversion of the carbons of glutamate, aspartate and gamma aminobutyrate to carbon dioxide, but did not affect the conversion of the carboxyl carbon of pyruvate or the gamma carboxyl carbon of alpha ketoglutarate to carbon dioxide. However, aminooxyacetate increased the amount of the carbonyl carbon of added pyruvate converted to carbon dioxide. All of the changes were reasonable on the basis of the inhibition of the B 6 -dependent aminotransferases by aminooxyacetate.
Methods for determining ploidy in amphibians: Nucleolar number and erythrocyte size

Diploid and triploidXenopus can be easily and reliably distinguished by the size of their erythrocytes. This method has several advantages over other methods, such as counting metaphase chromosomes and counting nucleoli. One problem with the latter method is the reduction in cells with a full complement of nucleoli when regenerating tissue is used.
Isolation of a Saccharomyces cerevisiae long chain fatty acyl : CoA synthetase gene (FAA1) and assessment of its role in protein N-myristoylation

Regulation of myristoylCoA pools in Saccharomyces cerevisiae plays an important role in modulating the activity of myristoylCoA:protein N-myristoyltransferase (NMT), an essential enzyme with an ordered Bi Bi reaction that catalyzes the transfer of myristate from myristoylCoA to greater than or equal to 12 cellular proteins. At least two pathways are available for generating myristoylCoA: de novo synthesis by the multifunctional, multisubunit fatty acid synthetase complex (FAS) and activation of exogenous myristate by acylCoA synthetase. The FAA1 (fatty acid activation) gene has been isolated by genetic complementation of a faal mutant. This single copy gene, which maps to the right arm of chromosome XV, specifies a long chain acylCoA synthetase of 700 amino acids. Analyses of strains containing NMT1 and a faal null mutation indicated that FAA1 is not essential for vegetative growth when an active de novo pathway for fatty acid synthesis is present. The role of FAA1 in cellular lipid metabolism and protein N-myristoylation was therefore assessed in strains subjected to biochemical or genetic blockade of FAS. At 36 degrees C, FAA1 is required for the utilization of exogenous myristate by NMT and for the synthesis of several phospholipid species. This requirement is not apparent at 24 or 30 degrees C, suggesting that S. cerevisiae contains another acylCoA synthetase activity whose chain length and/or temperature optima may differ from Faalp.
Possible serotonergic mediation of tonic immobility: effects of morphine and serotonin blockade.

Small doses of morphine, within the range of 0.02 mg/kg to 10.15 mg/kg were administered to chickens (Gallus gallus) and the effect on the fear-based tonic immobility (TI) response determined. All doses at and above 0.13 mg/kg enhanced the TI response significantly above the levels produced for the 0.02 mg/kg dose and the distilled water control group. Administration of a single large dose of p-chlorophenylalanine prevented the morphine-induced enhancement of TI. It was suggested that serotonin systems mediate morphine effects on tonic immobility in chickens.
The CMU Master of Software Engineering Core Curriculum

There is an increasing demand for application-specific software. For example, the software to control a machine on a factory floor is different from the software to manipulate large databases. The software engineer building software to control a motor that powers a piece of machinery needs some understanding of the motor''s servo system; whereas a software engineer who designs the software to manage large databases for the NASA Space Station needs specific knowledge about database models as well as the types of data handled on a long-term space vehicle. Specialization tracks within the Master of Software Engineering (MSE) Program at Carnegie Mellon University would enable students to gain application knowledge while developing fundamental software engineering skills. This report proposes a model for establishing specialization tracks within a graduate software engineering program.
A novel device for ablation of abnormal esophageal mucosa (with video)

Background Current ablation devices for Barrett's esophagus are effective but have significant limitations. Objective To evaluate a new ablation device. Design and Setting Laboratory and animal model evaluation of the CryoBalloon, a compliant balloon that is simultaneously inflated and cooled by liquid nitrous oxide delivered by using a small, disposable, handheld unit. Intervention Cryoablation of esophageal mucosa was performed in 11 swine. Multiple ablations were created in each animal at various ablation times. Main Outcome Measurements Animals were euthanized at 4 days (n = 6) or 28 days (n = 5), and histological assessments were performed. At 4 days, the percentage of esophageal mucosa successfully ablated was measured. At 28 days, the circumference of the esophagus at the center of the ablation zone was measured to assess for stricture formation. Results The CryoBalloon was simple to operate, and balloon contact with tissue was easily maintained. As the ablation time was increased from 6 to 12 seconds, the percentage of mucosa ablated increased from below 60% to above 90%. Maximal effect on the mucosa was reached at 12 seconds. Ablation of up to 14 seconds resulted in minimal luminal narrowing. As the ablation duration increased from 14 to 22 seconds, there was progressive stricture formation evident at 28 days. All of the animals tolerated the treatments without difficulty and, regardless of ablation duration, were able to continue oral intake and gain weight after the procedure. Limitations Ablation of normal porcine squamous mucosa may differ from that of human Barrett's esophagus. Conclusion The CryoBalloon device enables circumferential mucosal ablation in a 1-step process by using a novel, through-the-scope balloon. The maximal effect on the mucosa is achieved with a 12-second application time. Because of its ease of use, this new device merits further study so that we can find its possible role in the treatment of Barrett's esophagus.
Quality of Iceberg (Lactuca sativa L.) and Romaine (L. sativa L. var. longifolial) lettuce treated by combinations of sanitizer, surfactant, and ultrasound

The effects of sonication, sanitizers and sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) on the quality of fresh-cut Iceberg and Romaine lettuce were examined. Lettuce samples were treated for 1 min with and without ultrasound with one of the following solutions: tap water, chlorine, Tsunami, and a combination of Tsunami with 1 g/L SDS. Washed samples were packed under modified atmosphere conditions and stored at 4 °C for up to 14 days. Changes in headspace gases, texture, color, tissue damage, visual quality, and natural flora were determined. The O2 concentrations and CO2 accumulation in Romaine lettuce were not significantly different among the treatments. In Iceberg lettuce, a lower O2 and high CO2 content in the headspace of samples treated with Tsunami and Tsunami + SDS were recorded. After 14-day storage, the tissue damage expressed by electrolyte leakage, total color difference, firmness, and total aerobic plate counts were not significantly different among treatments in two types of lettuce samples. Treatment of Iceberg lettuce with sonication in combination with Tsunami or Tsunami + SDS did not degrade quality compared to samples treated with chlorine alone, whereas for Romaine lettuce, chlorine-treated samples had a significantly higher overall quality score than that from the other treatments.
Gene Expression Profiling Identifies Lobe-Specific and Common Disruptions of Multiple Gene Networks in Testosterone-Supported, 17β-Estradiol- or Diethylstilbestrol-Induced Prostate Dysplasia in Noble Rats

The xenoestrogen diethylstilbestrol (DES) is commonly believed to mimic the action of the natural estrogen 17β-estradiol (E 2 ). To determine if these two estrogens exert similar actions in prostate carcinogenesis, we elevated circulating levels of estrogen in Noble (NBL) rats with E 2 /DES-filled implants, while maintaining physiological levels of testosterone (T) in the animals with T-filled implants. The two estrogens induced dysplasia in a lobe-specific manner, with E 2 targeting only the lateral prostate (LP) and DES impacting only the ventral prostate (VP). Gene expression profiling identified distinct and common E 2 -disrupted versus DES-disrupted gene networks in each lobe. More importantly, hierarchical clustering analyses revealed that T + E 2 treatment primarily affected the gene expression pattern in the LP, whereas T + DES treatment primarily affected the gene expression profile in the VP. Gene ontology analyses and pathway mapping suggest that the two hormone treatments disrupt unique and/or common cellular processes, including cell development, proliferation, motility, apoptosis, and estrogen signaling, which may be linked to dysplasia development in the rat prostate. These findings suggest that the effects of xenoestrogens and natural estrogens on the rat prostate are more divergent than previously suspected and that these differences may explain the lobe-specific carcinogenic actions of the hormones.
Evidence for three carbohydrate prosthetic groups on mouse histocompatibility antigens H-2Kd and H-2Db

Abstract Previous studies have determined that H-2K b molecules have two glycosyl units which are attached at asparagine-86 and asparagine-176. Investigations concerning the number and location of carbohydrate groups in the H-2D b and,H-2K d antigens were carried out on [ 3 H]glucosamine-labelled material isolated from EL-4 (H-2 b ) and C14 (H-2 d ) tumor cells, respectively. The present study, employing CNBr cleavage, indicates that H-2K d and H-2D b have, in addition to those reported for H-2K b , a third glycosyl unit located between residues 229 and the papain cleavage site near residue 281.
Using your friends: social mechanics in social games

This paper analyzes the social mechanics in top social games. It identifies several mechanisms by which social games encourage sociality: the friend bar, gifting, visiting, challenge/competition, and communication. Different implementations of these components result in varying gameplay experiences. However, no mechanics were found to offer very deep or sustained social interactions between players.
Development of fatty livers in fasted male mice bearing a transplantable lymphosarcoma.

SummaryThe development of fatty livers has been noted in 8-week-old fasted CBA male mice bearing a transplantable lymphosarcoma of varying age. Similar mice free of the tumor fail to develop fatty livers following a 48-hour fast under comparable conditions, nor does the growth of the tumor in fed mice result in fatty livers. Adrenalectomy has no inhibitory effect on the development of a fatty liver under these conditions.
A provisionally unique syndrome of macrosomia, bone overgrowth, macrocephaly, and tall stature†

We report a young man with intrauterine macrosomia, macrocephaly, and bony abnormalities. Excessive growth continued throughout infancy and childhood. Bone age was advanced. He developed contractures of the large joints and was confined to a wheelchair. Extensive laboratory studies, repeated on multiple occasions were all normal. Intellectually, he was normal. His near final height was 234 cm. The constellation of findings in this patient is at variance with previously described syndromes of tall stature. We postulate that excessive size and bone overgrowth in this young man is caused by a receptor/post-receptor abnormality involving a growth on/off mechanism at the cellular level.
Comparative Effects of Various Analogues of Thyroxine on Amino Acid Incorporation Into Protein

The effects of a number of analogues with varying degrees of thyroxinelike biological activity in vivo have been compared with those of L-thyroxine on amino acid incorporation into protein in cell-free rat liver preparations. D-Thyroxine, administered in vivo in doses at which L-thyroxine clearly stimulates amino acid incorporation, is without effect. When added directly to the reaction mixtures containing the cell-free preparations, D-thyroxine is as effective as Lthyroxine in stimulating amino acid incorporation over a range of concentrations. LTriiodothyronine and tetraiodothyroacetic acid stimulate amino acid incorporation after both in vivo and in vitro administration. In vivo they are both at least as active as Lthyroxine. In vitro, however, triiodothyronine has only a fractional part of the activity of L-thyroxine, but tetraiodothyroacetic acid is considerably more active than L-thyroxine, and its optimal concentration is one fourth that of L-thyroxine. The in vitro effect of tetraiodothyroacetic a...
The effect of ageing and exercise on skeletal muscle function

The contractile and selected biochemical properties of fast- and slow-twitch skeletal muscle were studied at 9, 18, and 28 months of age in sedentary and regularly exercised rats. The isometric twitch duration was prolonged with aging in both the fast- and slow-twitch muscle. This effect was primarily due to a prolonged one-half relaxation time (1/2RT), which developed late in life. Regular exercise tended to further prolong the twitch duration, particularly in the slow-twitch soleus. Surprisingly, twitch and tetanic tension (Po), peak rate of tension development and decline, and the maximal shortening velocity were all unaltered between 9 and 28 months of age. Furthermore, regular exercise (running or swimming) had little or no effect on these properties. The prolonged 1/2RT with aging could not be explained by a decreased rate of Ca2+ sequestration by the sarcoplasmic reticulum, as the rate of Ca2+ uptake measured in muscle homogenates was unaltered in any of the muscles studied between 9 and 28 months. The degree of muscle fatigue (decline in Po) with 30 min of contractile activity in the slow-twitch soleus was not affected by aging. However, lactate reached two-fold higher levels and glycogen fell to considerably lower levels in the muscles of the old rats. This suggests an increased glycolysis and glycogen utilization during contractile activity in aged rats.
Application of first-principles calculations to the design of rechargeable Li-batteries

Abstract Rechargeable Li batteries consist of an anode, electrolyte, and cathode. The cathode is typically an oxide that intercalates Li at very low chemical potential ensuring a large open-cell voltage for the battery. We show how first-principles pseudopotential calculations can be used to predict the intercalation voltage for these materials. By means of a series of computational experiments on virtual structures, we identify the parameters that are important in determining the intercalation voltage of a compound. We found that Li intercalation causes significant electron transfer to the oxygen ions in the structure. Results are presented for LiTiO2, LiVO2, LiMnO2, LiCoO2, LiNiO2, and LiZnO2.
LIVING AMONG STRANGERS: THE NEEDS AND FUNCTIONING OF PERSONS WITH SCHIZOPHRENIA RESIDING IN AN ASSISTED LIVING FACILITY

Objectives: The purposes of this research were to describe the quality of care for severe and persistent mentally ill persons with schizophrenia who reside in an assisted living facility and to explore the characteristics related to the identification of need and the level of functioning of these individuals. The specific objectives of the study were to (a) describe characteristics of the residents, (b) identify relationships among characteristics of residents and the level of functioning, and (c) analyze relationships among these characteristics and resident needs. Design: Correlational, quasi-experimental design. Population/ Sample/Setting: Face-to-face semistructured interviews were conducted with 58 ALF residents with schizophrenia and eight direct caregivers from eight assisted living facilities in Florida, resulting in representation of 20% of the public assisted living facilities in one county. Method: Face to face, semi-structured interviews utilizing multiple scales and instruments. Findings: Fin...
B-Corps—A Growing Form of Social Enterprise: Tracing Their Progress and Assessing Their Performance

B-Corps are a growing group of social enterprises with a high level of commitment to maintaining a balance between profit motive and corporate social responsibility (CSR). This study has two purposes. First, it reviews the 6-year history of the rapid development of B-Corps (which currently number more than 800). Second, the study investigates the growth rate of total revenue and of employee productivity of B-Corps during a recent period and compares it with that of approximately 1,206 public companies and 3,600 non–B-Corps private firms. These measurements add to the discussion about whether socially and environmentally responsible firms generate revenue and productivity at levels similar to their competitors. The study also examines differences in the financial and productivity performance among B-Corps based on their scores on qualitative CSR performance factors. These measurements add to the discussion as to whether or not stronger CSR performance is associated with stronger financial performance and w...
Inhibition of platelet thromboxane synthesis by 7-(1-imidazolyl) heptanoic acid: dissociation from inhibition of aggregation

Abstract The effects of 7-(1-imidazolyl)heptanoic acid (7-IHA), a thromboxane synthetase inhibitor, and indomethacin on platelet aggregation and immunoreactive thromboxane B2 (iTXB2) synthesis were studied in human platelet rich plasma. The ID50 for inhibition of arachidonic acid induced iTXB2 synthesis by 7-IHA was 1.9 μM but the ID50 for inhibition of platelet aggregation was estimated to be 1.35 mM. 7-IHA (0.5 mM) inhibited arachidonic acid induced iTXB2 synthesis to values less than that obtained in the presence of indomethacin (10 μM); but did not inhibit aggregation, while indomethacin completely inhibited platelet aggregation. 7-IHA had no effect on platelet fatty acid cyclooxygenase; did not promote synergism with ADP or arachidonic acid; arachidonic acid plus ADP or stable PGH2 analogs. We conclude: 1) that 7-IHA is a specific inhibitor of platelet thromboxane synthesis which at the same concentrations does not inhibit arachidonic acid induced platelet aggregation and 2) that inhibition of platelet TXA2 synthesis by thromboxane synthetase inhibitors may not necessarily inhibit arachidonic acid induced platelet aggregation.
Selenoprotein P regulation by the glucocorticoid receptor

Maintenance of the antioxidant activity of selenoproteins is one potential mechanism of the beneficial health effects of selenium. Selenoprotein P is the primary selenium distribution protein of the body as well as the major selenium containing protein in serum. The transcriptional regulation of selenoprotein P is of interest since the extrahepatic expression of this gene has demonstrated differentiation-dependent expression in development as well as under different disease states. SEPP1 displays patterned expression in numerous tissues during development and the loss of SEPP1 expression has been observed in malignancy. In addition, factors that influence inflammatory processes like cytokines and their regulators have been implicated in selenoprotein P transcriptional control. Herein, we identify a retinoid responsive element and describe a mechanism where the glucocorticoid receptor negatively regulates expression of selenoprotein P. Luciferase reporter assays and quantitative PCR were used to measure selenoprotein P transcription in engineered HEK-293 cells. When stimulated with ecdysone analogs, selenoprotein P expression was increased with the use of a fusion transcription factor that contains the glucocorticoid receptor DNA binding domain, an ecdysone ligand-binding domain, and a strong transactivation domain as well as the retinoid X receptor. The native glucocorticoid receptor inhibited selenoprotein P transactivation, and selenoprotein P was further attenuated in the presence of dexamethasone. Our results may provide insight into a potential mechanism by which selenium is redistributed during development, differentiation or under conditions of critical illness, where glucocorticoid levels are typically increased.
Affective commitment in the public sector: the case of IT employees

To improve our understanding of individual motivations to remain employed in governmental agencies this study focuses on a specific segment of a state government agency workforce. Information technology (IT) employees possess skills that transfer easily to other sectors, which make them an important group when examining factors that influence the affective commitment and job satisfaction of individuals working in public agencies. Findings indicate that role ambiguity, perceived organizational support, leader member exchange, and task variety are the independent variables that explain most of the variance in affective public sector commitment and job satisfaction.
Peripheral Arterial Disease in Hemodialysis Access

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a major health concern and its incidence increases with age. End stage renal disease is a major risk factor for developing PAD and is associated with a remarkably high incidence of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality [1]. In patients with end stage renal disease (ESRD), the estimated prevalence of PAD ranges between 17 and 48 % [2, 3]. Data on the prevalence of clinically significant upper extremity PAD are scarce, however, a 10–20 fold lower incidence may be appreciated compared to that affecting the lower extremity [4].
Provenance Collection in Reservoir Management Workflow Environments

There has been a recent push towards applying information technology principles, such as workflows, to bring greater efficiency to reservoir management tasks. These workflows are data intensive in nature, and the data is derived from heterogenous data sources. This has placed an emphasis on the quality and reliability of data that is used in reservoir engineering applications. Data provenance is metadata that pertains to the history of the data and can be used to assess data quality. In this paper, we present an approach for collecting provenance information from application logs in the domain of reservoir engineering. In doing so, we address challenges due to: 1) the lack of a workflow orchestration framework in reservoir engineering and 2) the inability of many reservoir engineering applications to collect provenance information. We present an approach that uses the workflow instances detection algorithm and the Open Provenance Model (OPM) for capturing provenance information from the logs.
A New and Improved Design for Multiobject Iterative Auctions

In this paper we present a new improved design for multiobject auctions and report on the results of experimental tests of that design. We merge the better features of two extant but very different auction processes, the Simultaneous Multiple Round (SMR) design used by the FCC to auction the electromagnetic spectrum and the Adaptive User Selection Mechanism (AUSM) of Banks et al. (1989, "Allocating uncertain and unresponsive resources: An experimental approach," RAND Journal of Economics, Vol. 20, No. 1, pp. 1-25). Then, by adding one crucial new feature, we are able to create a new design, the Resource Allocation Design (RAD) auction process, which performs better than both. Our experiments demonstrate that the RAD auction achieves higher efficiencies, lower bidder losses, higher net revenues, and faster times to completion without increasing the complexity of a bidder's problem.
Pilot validation of objective malnutrition—inflammation scores in pediatric and adolescent cohort on chronic maintenance dialysis:

Background:In recognition of the challenges inherent with the use of single-item indices for the diagnosis of malnutrition–inflammation morbidity in pediatric dialysis patients, to enhance accuracy...
Experimental analysis of spiral integrated inductors on low cost integrated circuit processes

Integrated spiral inductors are investigated to obtain an optimal design for low cost IC processes. For this study, different inductor structures were fabricated to determine the best topology suited for optimizing the Q factor. The inductor structures studied include patterned ground shield, hollow spiral and stacked inductors. A new design for stacked inductor using two metal layers is developed to reduce the resistive loss of integrated inductors. The hollow spiral inductors and planar spiral inductors have 4.5 turns and 8 turns, respectively. A patterned ground shield is found to enhance the Q factor from 1.9 up to 3.8 in hollow spiral inductors, and from 1.6 up to 2.5 in planar inductors. The new stacked spiral inductors show slightly lower peak inductance values and resonance frequencies. Nevertheless, due to the reduction of resistive loss of inductor traces, the Q factors of the new stacked structure of inductors are improved by about 14%.
Spin-current induced magnetotransport in Co/Cu/Co nanostructures

We report measurements on sub-100-nm Co-Cu-Co spin-valves with the current perpendicular-to-plane. The giant magnetoresistance versus applied magnetic field shows switching in the individually patterned Co nanomagnets. Spin-transfer from the spin-polarized current to the nanomagnets becomes significant for large currents and small devices. The resistance versus applied current shows spin-transfer effects, including current-induced nanomagnet switching and resistance steps indicative of current-induced magnetic precession.
Statewide dissemination of a rural, non-chain restaurant intervention: adoption, implementation and maintenance

The obesity epidemic calls for greater dissemination of nutrition-related programs, yet there remain few studies of the dissemination process. This study, guided by elements of the RE-AIM model, describes the statewide dissemination of a simple, point-of-purchase restaurant intervention. Conducted in rural counties of the Midwest, United States, the study targeted randomly selected, non-chain, family-style restaurants. Owners were recruited through mail, then telephone follow-up. Data were collected through telephone at baseline, and 3, 6, 12 and 18 months post-adoption. Using mixed methods, measures captured the program adoption rate, characteristics of adopters and non-adopters, program implementation and maintenance issues, and owner and customer satisfaction. Analyses involved descriptive statistics and summaries of qualitative data. The program adoption rate was 28%. Adopters were similar to responding non-adopters demographically, but varied in attitudes. The majority of restaurants maintained the program for at least 12 months. Adopters and their customers expressed satisfaction with the program. With some adjustments, the RE-AIM model was helpful in guiding evaluation of this process. Results provide implications for future dissemination of this and other programs with regard to research procedures and potential barriers that may be encountered. Research on alternative strategies for widespread dissemination of such programs is needed in this and other settings.
Relationship between the energetic cost of burrowing and genetic variability among populations of the pocket gopher, T. bottae: does physiological fitness correlate with genetic variability?

SUMMARY Many studies have reported relationships between genetic variability and fitness characters in invertebrates, but there is a paucity of such studies in mammals. Here, we use a statistically powerful paired sampling design to test whether the metabolic cost of burrowing, an important physiological trait in the pocket gopher, Thomomys bottae, correlates with genetic variability. Three pairs of pocket gopher populations were used, with each pair selected from a different subspecies and comprising one high genetic variability and one low genetic variability population. Genetic variability was measured using average allozyme heterozygosity and two measures of DNA fingerprint band sharing. In addition, the cost of burrowing for individuals from each population was determined from the oxygen consumption per gram of body mass per unit of work performed. Our results indicate that the cost of burrowing was significantly higher in populations with lower genetic variability (3-way ANCOVA, P=0.0150); mass-adjusted cost of burrowing in the low variability populations averaged 0.57±0.24 ml O2 g–1 kgm–1 and that in the high variability populations averaged 0.42±0.19 ml O2 g–1 kgm–1. The magnitude of the population differences in cost of burrowing was associated with the magnitude of difference in genetic variability. We conclude that population differences in genetic variability are reflected in physiological fitness differences for a trait that is essential to gopher survival.
DNA Analysis of Urine Stained Material

Abstract Suitability of the DNA content in urine stained material was evaluated for use in forensic analysis. High molecular weight (HMW) DNA (>20 kb, where 1kb equals 1000 base pairs) was obtained in only 9% (4 out of 44) of laboratory produced urine stains using an organic extraction method. Slot blot hybridization analysis with a human specific repeat probe (SLI332) showed that these stains contained DNA of human origin. A group of 12 urine stains from the original 44 that did not yield any DNA was subjected to Chelex resin extraction followed by PCR amplification for genotyping of the Human Leucocyte Antigen (HLA) DQA1 locus. Typing was successfull on 5 of the 12 samples. The concentrated sediment from the original liquid urine portion of the samples was similarly subjected to Chelex extraction and HLA DQA1 typing. Six out of ten samples were successfully typed. Blood specimens collected from the urine donors to serve as typing controls yielded identical genotypes in all cases. PCR based analysis of u...
Influence of the sampling time on the kinematics of turbulent diffusion from a continuous source

A kinematic description is presented of how turbulent diffusion from a continuous source varies with the sampling time in stationary, homogeneous turbulence. Unlike most previous theories, the sampling is assumed to take place at fixed downstream distances from the source. It is shown that the sampling-time effects depend on two-particle velocity statistics. Thus, time-average diffusion at fixed downstream distances is more akin to relative diffusion than to absolute diffusion. Two simple diffusion models are developed from the kinematic equations. These models are in fairly good agreement with diffusion data obtained both in a wind tunnel and in the field. Moreover, these models have significant practical implications. For example, the models indicate that care must be taken when using band-pass spectral filtering as a paradigm for turbulent diffusion. Also, the models show that the mean flow speed U has an important influence on the sampling-time effects. To account for U properly, diffusion measurements with differing sampling times Λ should be compared using the product U Λ, and not just Λ.
Histological, histochemical and ultrastructural studies on the interrenal and chromaffin cells of the fathead minnow, Pimephales promelas Rafmesque

Light and electron microscopic examination of fathead minnow head kidneys revealed that the interrenal and chromaffin cells were intermingled and always closely associated with the cardinal veins and their tributaries. Histochemical tests for lipids in the interrenal cells were positive, and two types of chromaffin cells were indicated by chromaffin reactions. Interrenal cells contained abundant smooth endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria with tubulo-vesicular cristae, characteristic of steroid-producing cells. Only one interrenal cell type was found. Two types of chromaffin cells were present with differences in cytoplasmic density and in types of granules. In light cells, adrenaline granules were most common, and in dark cells noradrenaline granules predominated.
An 8×8 IEEE-Compliant Lifting-Based Multiplierless IDCT Structure and Algorithm

In this paper we propose a lifting-based 8times8 IDCT structure and its EEEE-1180 compliant approximation solution. Derived from an efficient Loeffler's 11-multiply IDCT structure, the proposed scheme comprises of butterflies and dyadic-rational lifting steps that can be implemented using only shift and add operations. Our approach also allows the computational scalability with different accuracy-versus-complexity trade-offs. Furthermore, the lifting construction allows a simple construction of the corresponding multiplierless forward DCT, providing bit-exact reconstruction if pairing with our proposed IDCT Our high-accuracy solution provides a very close approximation of the floating-point IDCT. The experiments in MPEG-2 and MPEG-4 video coders under the worst-case assumptions show almost drifting-free reconstructions.
ANISOPLANATIC EFFECTS IN FINITE-APERTURE OPTICAL SYSTEMS

Modal decomposition of the phase variance between the wave front that is sampled to make a correction and the desired wave front allows inappropriate piston and tilt terms to be excluded from statistical estimates. Mathematical techniques that were developed for calculating Zernike-mode covariances for multiaperture optical systems lead to statistical expressions for angular and focal anisoplanatism and combinations thereof. The 5/3-law dependence that characterizes the angular dependence and also appears in connection with the standard Greenwood frequency is shown to be an artifact of infinite outer scale that is entirely removable by exclusion of the piston. Large piston and/or tilt components significantly affect critical angle and frequency estimates under conditions of practical interest. A finite inner scale or the removal of high-frequency components also produces a characteristic deviation from the 5/3 power law, including a substantial quadratic region for small angles.
Neurologic Disorders Associated with AIDS Retroviral Infection

Neurologic disease occurs frequently in patients infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and a large body of literature now exists detailing the various infections, neoplasms, and other conditions that can affect the central nervous system (CNS) or the peripheral nervous system in children and adults with AIDS, persistent generalized lymphadenopathy, or (in some cases) only serologic evidence of retroviral infection. Although certain opportunistic infections (toxoplasmosis, cryptococcosis, progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy, and herpesviral infections) and CNS lymphomas often produce CNS disease in patients with AIDS, it is now clear that many cases of neurologic disease are caused by a group of disorders thought to be related to direct CNS infection by the AIDS retrovirus. Disease of the peripheral nervous system is also being increasingly recognized; some cases probably have an autoimmune basis.
Distribution of radioactivity following intravenous administration of trivalent chromium 51 in the rat and rabbit.

SummaryUsing Cr51 as the tracer, chromic chloride was administered intravenously to rats and rabbits for distribution studies. At the end of 24 hours up to 40% was excreted by the kidneys, while the greatest concentration of Cr51 occurred in the bone marrow. It is suggested that in addition to binding with plasma proteins, the trivalent chromium deposits in the reticulo-endothelial system in a pattern similar to that of small size colloids of a slow clearing nature. The Cr51 in the sites of localization appeared to be bound to protein.
Abstract 1692: SR16388 impairs protein homeostasis and induces autophagy in diverse human cancer cell lines.

Proceedings: AACR 104th Annual Meeting 2013; Apr 6-10, 2013; Washington, DC SR16388 is a novel amino steroid that targets estrogen-binding proteins including genomic estrogen receptors (ERs). Preclinical studies have demonstrated that SR16388 is a well-tolerated, orally active compound with compelling properties as an experimental antitumor agent: SR16388 has been demonstrated to 1) inhibit the proliferation and viability of diverse human cancer cell lines in vitro; 2) have antiangiogenic activity in vivo; and 3) reduce the growth of human tumor xenografts in mice. SR16388, which binds to and potently inhibits ERα and ERβ in breast cancer cells, also inhibits the widely expressed orphan nuclear receptor ERRα that has been implicated in the development of various human malignancies. ERRα is thought to regulate tumor cell energy metabolism associated with energy stress within solid tumor microenvironments. We have been exploring potential mechanisms that could explain SR16388’s broad anti-proliferative effects toward human tumor cell lines with different genotypes and tissues of origin. In these studies, we observed that SR16388 can initiate a cell-cycle arrest at G1 or G2 and ultimately cause cytotoxicity (e.g., by apoptosis) even in cells that do not express ERs or ERRα. We recently observed that SR16388 can induce persistent macroautophagy (autophagy) in diverse tumor cells, including cells from hematopoietic malignancies (e.g., multiple myeloma/MM cells) in addition to carcinomas such as prostate and breast cancers. We demonstrated induction of autophagy by using established assays (e.g., LC3I/II processing; fluorescent reporters for acidic vacuole formation; long-lived protein degradation). Here we present results demonstrating that SR16388 can rapidly and potently induce autophagy in cultures of MM cells (U266, RPMI-8226) and PC3 prostate cancer cells. Induction of autophagy in PC3 cells, in particular, was detected in tumor xenografts as early as 3 hours after dosing of mice with a therapeutic dose level of SR16388. We will present data supporting the hypothesis that SR16388 exerts its anti-proliferative and anti-tumor effects in part through the induction of stress pathways modulated by perturbations of protein homeostasis. These effects could yield therapeutic benefits that derive from targets within solid tumor microenvironments. Citation Format: Lidia C. Sambucetti, Wei Zhou, Joy Calaoagan, Laurie Kara, Xiaohe Liu, Barbara Sato, Steve Samuelson, Nathan Collins, Keith Laderoute. SR16388 impairs protein homeostasis and induces autophagy in diverse human cancer cell lines. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 1692. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-1692
Varieties of American Indian Autobiography

Published autobiographies by Native Americans constitute a small but significant part of American literature. Standard bibliographies usually identify some fifty works, almost all of which have been published since 1900.1 Although some of these are virtually impossible to locate, having been printed in small runs at obscure places, many titles-My People the Sioux, Black Elk Speaks, and The Way to Rainy Mountain among them-are widely known. Indian autobiographies deserve our attention not only because they are truly and indisputably American or because, as Luther Standing Bear said about his own story, "No one is able to understand the Indian race like the Indian."2 They also represent a diverse and complex literary genre, one that obliges us to consider the nature of autobiographical expression in traditional Indian cultures, the role of outside white influence in the recording of personal experience, and the ultimate esthetic as well as documentary value of the work. To these weighty considerations we must also add the obvious fact that public autobiography (printed autobiography, that is, not traditional forms like family stories or informal personal expression in journals and correspondence) has served different functions for its creators and their people at different times. To some extent it is even possible to examine Native American autobiographies historically as an index to changing Indian attitudes towards their own cultures and their relationships with white civilization.
Phase II study of the clinical and biological activity of cetuximab and celecoxib in patients (pts) with refractory colorectal cancer (CRC)

14516 Background: The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) pathways play key roles in colon carcinogenesis. EGFR and COX-2 signaling can be mutually reinforcing. Cel...
The conversion of orotic acid into uridine 5′-monophosphate by isolated perfused normal and regenerating rat livers

The release of 14CO2 from [7-14C]orotic acid was measured in isolated perfused normal and regenerating rat livers. With some limitations, the release of 14CO2 from [7-14C]orotic acid can be used to estimate UMP synthesis in perfused livers. Isolated perfused livers rapidly pick up labelled orotic acid added to perfusate and convert most of it into UMP. Perfused regenerating livers produce approx. 2.5 times as much UMP/g of liver as do perfused normal livers. However, the absolute amount of orotic acid converted into UMP is higher in perfused normal livers than in perfused regenerating livers. Perfused regenerating livers do not differ in their orotic acid uptake and UMP synthesis from livers of comparable size in which regeneration is not taking place. The total amount of orotic acid taken up by the liver (rather than the rate of uptake) and the size of the liver appear to be the determining factors in UMP production. The results suggest that the decrease in liver size caused by partial hepatectomy may be in itself sufficient to account for an increase in the flow of metabolites in the pyrimidine pathway at the early stages of liver regeneration.
BZ Oscillating Reactions

The reaction known as the Belousov-Zhabotinskii reaction is an important oscillating reaction discovered by the Russian Boris Belousov (1951), a biochemist, and is described in an unpublished paper, which was contemptuously rejected by a journal editor; at the time the accepted dogma was that oscillating reactions were simply not possible. A translation of the original article is given in the book edited by Field and Burger (1985). Eventually Belousov (1959) published a brief note in the obscure proceedings of a Russian medical meeting. Basically he found oscillations in the ratio of concentrations of the catalyst; in Belousov’s reaction it was cerium in the oxidation of citric acid by bromate. The oscillation manifested itself via a colour change as the cerium changed from Ce3+ to Ce4+ although it is more dramatic with an iron ion, ferroin where the colour is brick red when in the Fe2e state and bright blue in the Fe3e state. The study of this reaction was continued by Zhabotinskii (1964) and is now known as the Belousov-Zhabotinskii reaction or simply the BZ reaction. When the details of this important reaction and some of its dramatic oscillatory and wavelike properties finally reached the West in the 1970’s it provoked widespread interest and research. Belousov’s seminal work was finally, but posthumously, recognised in 1980 by his being awarded the Lenin Prize. Winfree (1984) gives a brief interesting description of the history of the Belousov-Zhabotinskii reaction. When the reactants can also diffuse a diverse menagerie of complex patterns can be formed and it is the latter which has sustained the continuing widespread interest among both biological and physical scientists.
A TDMA-based MAC between Gateway and devices in M2M networks

Machine-to-Machine (M2M) networks require more elaborate design of medium access control (MAC) due to their higher complexity in system management. In many applications of M2M networking, the major traffic pattern consists of data collected from several source nodes to a sink through a unidirectional tree. Earlier prevalence of Carrier-Sense Multiple Access (CSMA) has continuously been being switched to Time-Division Multiple Access (TDMA). The main drawback of CSMA is idle listening, which refers to the fact that the nodes have to unnecessarily wake up due to lack of schedule. Energy inefficiency of a network gets higher as the number of nodes committed to idle listening, which seriously limits the scalability of a network. Recent enhancement of hardware has been enabling sufficiently accurate synchronization while keeping energy consumption low enough, which mitigates the main drawback of TDMA. This paper proposes a TDMA-based MAC protocol that achieves higher energy efficiency in centralized M2M communications. As a TDMA-based protocol, the proposed protocol is fully scheduled and hence no idle listening occurs. Moreover, the protocol reduces the length of a multi-hop transaction which results in higher energy efficiency as well as lower latency. Simulation results show that the proposed MAC protocol outperforms the conventional CSMA and other popular MAC schemes, in terms of energy consumption, delay, and packet delivery ratio (PDR).
Base Erosion and Profit Shifting

This chapter covers several cross-border base erosion and profit shifting (BEPS) schemes (e.g. lack of Economic Substance, the Dual Non-Residence, Abusive Tax Structure). These have allowed multinational enterprises to save money, while depriving tax authorities from collecting due taxes. The chapter moves on to discuss the three popular mechanisms used by taxpayers: hybrid mismatches, special purpose entities, and transfer pricing.
Effects of Low-Intensity Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy on Erectile Dysfunction: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract Introduction Low-intensity extracorporeal shock wave therapy (Li-ESWT) has been proposed as an effective non-invasive treatment option for erectile dysfunction (ED). Aim To use systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the efficacy of Li-ESWT by comparing change in erectile function as assessed by the erectile function domain of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-EF) in men undergoing Li-ESWT vs sham therapy for the treatment of ED. Methods Systematic search was conducted of MEDLINE, EMBASE, and ClinicalTrials.gov for randomized controlled trials that were published in peer-reviewed journals or presented in abstract form of Li-ESWT used for the treatment of ED from January 2010 through March 2016. Randomized controlled trials were eligible for inclusion if they were published in the peer-reviewed literature and assessed erectile function outcomes using the IIEF-EF score. Estimates were pooled using random-effects meta-analysis. Main Outcome Measures Change in IIEF-EF score after treatment with Li-ESWT in patients treated with active treatment vs sham Li-ESWT probes. Results Data were extracted from seven trials involving 602 participants. The average age was 60.7 years and the average follow-up was 19.8 weeks. There was a statistically significant improvement in pooled change in IIEF-EF score from baseline to follow-up in men undergoing Li-ESWT vs those undergoing sham therapy (6.40 points; 95% CI = 1.78–11.02; I 2 = 98.7%; P 2 = 64.6%; P P = .047). Significant between-group differences were found for total treatment shocks received by patients ( P Conclusion In this meta-analysis of seven randomized controlled trials, treatment of ED with Li-ESWT resulted in a significant increase in IIEF-EF scores.