cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Continuous dimethyldioxirane generation for polymer epoxidation

Post-polymerization modification of commodity polymers yields new applications for materials already produced industrially. Incorporation of small amounts of epoxides into unsaturated polymers such as polybutadiene expands their use for grafting and compatibilization applications, but controlled epoxidation of these polymers in a safe, scalable manner presents a challenge. Herein we describe the development of a reactor for the continuous flow generation and use of dimethyldioxirane (DMDO) and its application to the low-level epoxidation of unsaturated polymers. A continuous stirred tank reactor (CSTR) prevents reactor clogging by allowing solid precipitates to settle, enabling the pumping of a homogeneous solution of oxidant. Modification of relative concentrations, flow rates, and temperatures achieves variable epoxidation levels. This method has been demonstrated on gram scale.
Abstract PS17-34: Proto-oncogene PELP1 interactions with SETDB1 contribute to aberrant activation of AKT1 in breast cancer

BACKGROUND: Hyperactivation of PI3K/Akt signaling is implicated in breast cancer (BCa) progression. SETDB1, a methyltransferase, is also implicated in BCa, however, the mechanism remains elusive. Recent studies have shown SETDB1 can methylate non-histone substrates such as Akt1 and contribute to its aberrant activation, thus leading to tumor progression. PELP1 is a proto-oncogene which is overexpressed in BCa and participates in both the nuclear and extra nuclear functions of various nuclear receptors. In a subset of BCa, PELP1 uniquely localizes in the cytoplasm and contributes to endocrine therapy resistance. The objective of this study is to characterize the significance of PELP1 in SETDB1 mediated Akt signaling in BCa progression. METHODS: Using yeast two-hybrid screening, we identified PELP1 as a novel interacting protein of SETDB1. Functional significance of cross-talk was tested using MTT, proliferation, stemness and colony formation assays. Mechanistic studies were conducted using immunoprecipitation, RNA-seq, shRNA, overexpression, Western blotting, and RT-qPCR. Biological significance of PELP1 and SETDB1 in endocrine therapy resistance was also examined. RESULTS: Analyses of TCGA databases showed that SETDB1 is highly expressed in BCa and associated with poor clinical outcome. Further, SETDB1 expression is positively correlated with PELP1 expression in BCa (r=0.30, p CONCLUSIONS: Our study results suggest that the PELP1/SETDB1 interactome plays an important role in aberrant Akt activation. Drugs that target PELP1/SETDB1 axis may be useful in modulating aberrant Akt signaling. Supported by VA grant I01BX004545. Citation Format: Zexuan Liu, Junhao Liu, Weiwei Tang, Uday P. Pratap, Kristin A. Altwegg, Xiaonan Li, Suryavathi Viswanadhapalli, Ratna Vadlamudi. Proto-oncogene PELP1 interactions with SETDB1 contribute to aberrant activation of AKT1 in breast cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2020 San Antonio Breast Cancer Virtual Symposium; 2020 Dec 8-11; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2021;81(4 Suppl):Abstract nr PS17-34.
Metabolic imaging of single cells by mid-infrared photothermal microscopy

We developed a versatile mid-infrared photothermal (MIP) modality that enabled study of metabolic activities in living cells coupled with stable isotope probing. Performance of laser and light emitting diode were compared and system detection limit was demonstrated for different stable isotope probes. We treated the cancer and bacteria cells with deuterium, 13C and 15N labelled nutrients, and acquired the multi-spectral images with the MIP microscope. We observed the red shift in the infrared spectrum, indicating the incorporation of heavy atoms into cell metabolism. Sub-cellular spatial distribution of metabolites including carbohydrates, nucleic acids, proteins and lipids were profiled with high chemical specificity, sub-micrometer spatial resolution and high throughput.
A cyclic AMP related gene network in microglia is inversely regulated by morphine tolerance and withdrawal

Abstract Background Microglia have recently been implicated in opioid dependence and withdrawal. Mu Opioid (MOR) receptors are expressed in microglia, and microglia form intimate connections with nearby neurons. Accordingly, opioids have both direct (MOR mediated) and indirect (neuron-interaction mediated) effects on microglia function. Methods To investigate this directly, we used RNA sequencing of ribosome-associated RNAs from striatal microglia (RiboTag-Seq) after the induction of morphine tolerance and followed by naloxone precipitated withdrawal (n=16). We validated the RNA-Seq data by combining fluorescent in-situ hybridization with immunohistochemistry for microglia (n=18). Finally, we expressed and activated the Gi/o-coupled hM4Di DREADD receptor in CX3CR1-expressing cells during morphine withdrawal (n=18). Results We detected large, inverse changes in RNA translation following opioid tolerance and withdrawal. WGCNA analysis revealed an intriguing network of cAMP-associated genes that are known to be involved in microglial motility, morphology, and interactions with neurons that were downregulated with morphine tolerance and upregulated rapidly by withdrawal. Three-dimensional histological reconstruction of microglia allowed for volumetric, visual colocalization of mRNA within individual microglia that validated our bioinformatics results. Direct activation of Gi/o-coupled DREADD receptors in CX3CR1-expressing cells exacerbated signs of opioid withdrawal rather than mimicking the effects of morphine. Conclusions These results indicate that Gi-signaling and cAMP-associated gene networks are inversely engaged during opioid tolerance and early withdrawal, perhaps revealing a role of microglia in mitigating the consequences of opioids.
Sampling Rate Offset Estimation in Acoustic Sensor Networks

Acoustic sensor networks can achieve both a wide area coverage and coherent gain in a low-cost, scalable fashion. Their applications have been explored both in-air and underwater for robotic navigation, teleconferencing and target detection. While flexible and scalable, these networks bring new synchronization challenges to array processing. In this paper, we present methods for estimating the sampling rate offsets, or small deviations in sampling frequencies, of an entire collection of unsynchronized acoustic sensors in a single estimation procedure. We develop methods which improve upon existing techniques by leveraging the scale of the network to make the estimation more robust to noise and random source motion.
Hemoglobin Köln disease occurring as a fresh mutation: erythrocyte metabolism and survival.

Electrophoretic and fingerprinting studies in a patient with congenital hemolytic anemia revealed the presence of the unstable hemoglobin Koln (β98 val→met). Examination of parents and siblings gave normal results. Extensive blood group and isozyme studies were consistent with the thesis that Hb Koln disease in the propositus was the result of a fresh mutation in one of his parent’s gametes. In the propositus, the activities of enzymes of the Embden-Meyerhof and pentose phosphate pathways were increased, but the level of ATP was decreased. Methemoglobin reduction was delayed when the NADPH-dependent system was utilized with added methylene blue and gave a false-positive result in the glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase screening test. Methemoglobin reduction in the absence of methylene blue was normal. Increased methemoglobin and Heinz body formation, decreased osmotic fragility, decreased red cell deformability, and a disproportionate potassium loss without sodium gain occurred with metabolic depletion. The rate of decline of glutathione in propositus’ cells paralleled that in normal cells. Autologous survival of Hb Koln cells was decreased but was not compromised further by oxidant drugs. Marked splenic sequestration of Hb Koln erythrocytes was demonstrated, and an excellent response to splenectomy with improved erythrocyte survival was observed. The intracellular precipitation of unstable globin chains, intracellular dehydration, and increased membrane rigidity probably all contribute to the splenic entrapment of these erythrocytes.
A Conformation-Specific Monoclonal Antibody Reacting with Fusion-Active gp41 from the Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Envelope Glycoprotein

The gp41 subunit of the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) envelope glycoprotein plays a major role in the membrane fusion step of viral infection. The ectodomain of gp41 contains a six-helix structural domain that likely represents the core of the fusion-active conformation of the molecule. A monoclonal antibody (MAb), designated NC-1, was generated and cloned from a mouse immunized with the model polypeptide N36(L6)C34, which folds into a stable six-helix bundle. NC-1 binds specifically to both the α-helical core domain and the oligomeric forms of gp41. This conformation-dependent reactivity is dramatically reduced by point mutations within the N-terminal coiled-coil region of gp41 which impede formation of the gp41 core. NC-1 binds to the surfaces of HIV-1-infected cells only in the presence of soluble CD4. These results indicate that NC-1 is capable of reacting with fusion-active gp41 in a conformation-specific manner and can be used as a valuable biological reagent for studying the receptor-induced conformational changes in gp41 required for membrane fusion and HIV-1 infection.
A Call From the Panopticon to the Judicial Chamber â€œExpect Privacy!â€

Privacy is necessary in order for one to develop physically, mentally and affectively. Autonomy and self definition have been recognized by the United States Supreme Court as being values of privacy. In our technologically advanced, and fear driven society, however, our right to privacy has been severely eroded. Due to encroachment by government and business we have a diminished expectation of privacy. This article examines the detriments to self and society which result from a reduced sphere of privacy, as well as offering a modest suggestion for a method to reintroduce an improved conception of privacy into citizensâ€™ lives.
Hemodialysis Central Venous Catheter Dysfunction

Despite aggressive efforts to increase autogenous fistula prevalence, catheters remain an essential access modality to a large percentage of the hemodialysis population. Central venous catheter dysfunction, which includes catheter-related bacteremia and thrombotic occlusion, comprises the majority of complications which affect dialysis adequacy, patient quality of life, patient survival, and the economics of health care. This review provides a comprehensive overview of hemodialysis central venous catheter dysfunction, its epidemiology and risk factors, and avenues of prevention and treatment. Novel directions for future investigation are also addressed.
Solar Wind Parameters for Magnetospheric Magnetic Field Modeling

[1] Magnetospheric magnetic field models are crucial for many space weather applications. However, the latest empirical models require solar wind and IMF data, which are not always available. Data gaps are especially common for times before the launch of the WIND spacecraft at the end of 1994, but even after then there are data gaps. We present a method to interpolate the solar wind characteristics across data gaps and to evaluate the W parameters needed for the TS05 model (Tsyganenko and Sitnov, 2005). Within some distance from the edge of a data gap, the solar wind parameters from our method yield a better estimate of the observed magnetic field than that which could be found using average values of the parameters. Deep within data gaps (far from measured values), the interpolated parameters are reasonable, or typical values, no better or worse than average values. We have created a database of hourly data with solar wind characteristics, G, and W parameters from 1963 to 31 May 2007, which is sufficient for use in all the Tsyganenko models, including the latest TS05 model. Our comparisons of the model and observed magnetic field at geosynchronous orbit give an estimate of the error in the model field as a function of status parameters defined by the interpolation scheme. We also show that the model field is on average just as accurate using the hourly data as that based on 5 min data (at least at geosynchronous orbit).
Appetite loss and neurocognitive deficits in late-life depression

Objectives This study aimed to examine the association of appetite loss symptoms to neurocognitive performance in late-life depression (LLD). Methods This study used cross-sectional data from individuals aged 60+ years with major depressive disorder (N = 322). Participants received clinical assessment of depression and neuropsychological testing. Factor analysis was used to characterize depression symptom factors, and composite scales were developed for episodic memory, psychomotor–executive functions, verbal fluency, and working memory span. Results Factor analysis produced a five-factor solution: (1) anhedonia/sadness; (2) suicidality/guilt; (3) appetite/weight loss; (4) sleep disturbance; and (5) anxiety/tension. In separate multivariate models for each neurocognitive domain and including all five depression factors, higher appetite-loss-related symptoms were associated with lower performance in episodic memory, psychomotor–executive functions, and verbal fluency; results were significant with covariates of age, education, race, sex, age of depression onset, and illness burden. No other depression factors were associated with neurocognitive performance in these models. In an additional set of models, the appetite factor mediated the association between global depression severity and neurocognitive performance. Discussion A factor of appetite and weight loss symptoms in LLD was uniquely associated with neurocognitive performance, in contrast to lack of association among other depression symptom factors. Conclusion Cognitive deficits are a major adverse outcome of LLD, and prominent appetite loss during acute depression may be a marker for these deficits, independent of overall depression severity. Research is needed to understand the mechanisms that may explain this association, and how it is related to the cognitive and symptomatic course of LLD. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Parameter estimation of a physiological model for heat exchange during cardio-pulmonary bypass

A model describing relations and interactions between local vessel resistances and tissue temperatures during extra-corporeal circulation (ECC) is described and developed from first principles. Unknown model parameters are estimated by means of an extended Kalman Filter from real patient data. Estimated model parameters produced good model performance in tracking patient data and produced meaningful physiological results. This approach is a necessary first step in modeling further physiological interactions in the body during hypothermic ECC.
The effects of asymmetric vs. symmetric probability of targets following probe and irrelevant stimuli in the complex trial protocol for detection of concealed information with P300

The complex trial protocol (CTP, [J.P. Rosenfeld, E. Labkovsky, M. Winograd, M.A. Lui, C. Vandenboom & E. Chedid (2008), The complex trial protocol (CTP): a new, countermeasure-resistant, accurate P300-based method for detection of concealed information. Psychophysiology, 45, 906-919.]) is a sensitive, new, countermeasure-resistant, P300-based concealed information protocol in which a first stimulus (Probe or Irrelevant) is followed after about 1.4-1.8 s by a Target or Non-Target second stimulus within one trial. It has been previously run with a potentially confounding asymmetric conditional probability of Targets following Probes vs. Irrelevants. This present study compared asymmetric vs. symmetric conditional probability groups and found no significant differences in detection rates or Probe-minus-Irrelevant P300 differences between groups. Group differences were seen in error rates and reaction times (RT) to second stimuli. These differences were, however, not diagnostic for deception vs. truth-telling, and were attributable to response perseveration.
Where Do We Stand? Views of Racial Conflict by Vietnamese American High-School Students in a Black-and-White Context.

This article, based on qualitative research, authorizes the voices and views of Vietnamese immigrant students regarding racial dynamics at an urban public high school. Though not included in public or school-based discussions about race relations following a violent clash between white and black students, Vietnamese students reported experiencing social exclusion and racial conflict as a daily reality in school. The informants mapped the roots of racial conflict in school as a struggle over space, including the classroom, hallways, cafeteria, gym, and bathrooms. The students also demonstrated a significant commitment to the school and expressed a desire to be included in efforts to improve race relations and the quality of life within the school. Their perspectives and experiences challenge the validity of the dominant black-and-white paradigm that defines the public understanding of race relations in the school, the city, and the society.
Bulk electronic structure of Si O 2

The electronic structures of crystalline and amorphous Si${\mathrm{O}}_{2}$ are examined via the tight-binding method. A new tight-binding Hamiltonian, fit to experiment and to the pseudopotential band structure of $\ensuremath{\alpha}$ quartz, is used to calculate densities of states for both $\ensuremath{\alpha}$ quartz and an Si${\mathrm{O}}_{2}$ Bethe lattice. These are shown to compare favorably with x-ray photoemission spectra of $\ensuremath{\alpha}$ quartz and amorphous Si${\mathrm{O}}_{2}$. The computational results are analyzed qualitatively using the bond-orbital approach. For both crystalline and amorphous Si${\mathrm{O}}_{2}$ it is suggested that oxygen $2s$ character in the lower conduction bands may be necessary to account for the large gap. Local symmetries of the lone-pair-like bands of possible relevance to the optical properties are discussed.
Characteristics of a Simple Energy Absorption Transducer

Mesure de l'energie de faisceau laser absorbee par un revetement de surface en vue d'evaluer l'efficacite du revetement. Mesure a 10,6 μ
Single vs. Dual Stage Actuators: Why and When

Higher TPI HDD requires lower disturbance and higher error rejection capability. One of the limitations to achieve high error rejection capability is the dynamics of the actuator. Dual stage actuator (DSA) has been considered to replace single stage actuator (SSA) someday because of system dynamics difference and more freedom in servo design that may avoid the constraint of single stage actuator dynamics on servo. SSA and DSA were compared based on their dynamics, servo designs, and TMR benefits. The extendibility and limitations of both systems were studied. The criteria on when DSA would be implemented are also discussed.Copyright © 2002 by ASME
The Ras/cAMP Pathway and the CDK-Like Kinase Ime2 Regulate the MAPK Smk1 and Spore Morphogenesis in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Meiotic development (sporulation) in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae is induced by nutritional deprivation. Smk1 is a meiosis-specific MAP kinase homolog that controls spore morphogenesis after the meiotic divisions have taken place. In this study, recessive mutants that suppress the sporulation defect of a smk1-2 temperature-sensitive hypomorph were isolated. The suppressors are partial function alleles of CDC25 and CYR1, which encode the Ras GDP/GTP exchange factor and adenyl cyclase, respectively, and MDS3, which encodes a kelch-domain protein previously implicated in Ras/cAMP signaling. Deletion of PMD1, which encodes a Mds3 paralog, also suppressed the smk1-2 phenotype, and a mds3-Delta pmd1-Delta double mutant was a more potent suppressor than either single mutant. The mds3-Delta, pmd1-Delta, and mds3-Delta pmd1-Delta mutants also exhibited mitotic Ras/cAMP phenotypes in the same rank order. The effect of Ras/cAMP pathway mutations on the smk1-2 phenotype required the presence of low levels of glucose. Ime2 is a meiosis-specific CDK-like kinase that is inhibited by low levels of glucose via its carboxy-terminal regulatory domain. IME2-DeltaC241, which removes the carboxy-terminal domain of Ime2, exacerbated the smk1-2 spore formation phenotype and prevented cyr1 mutations from suppressing smk1-2. Inhibition of Ime2 in meiotic cells shortly after Smk1 is expressed revealed that Ime2 promotes phosphorylation of Smk1's activation loop. These findings demonstrate that nutrients can negatively regulate Smk1 through the Ras/cAMP pathway and that Ime2 is a key activator of Smk1 signaling.
Pyruvate transport into inside-out vesicles isolated from human erythrocyte membranes.

Abstract 1. 1. A method has been developed for measuring the facilitated diffusion of pyruvate anions across the isolated human erythrocyte membrane. Ghosts were resealed in the presence of an excess of lactate dehydrogenase and NADH so that the influx of pyruvate could be followed by a continuous spectrophotometric recording of the oxidation of NADH (Rice, W.R. and Steck, T.L. (1976) Biochim. Biophys. Acta 433, 39–53). This approach has now been extended to sealed inside-out vesicles derived from the same membrane. 2. 2. Transport across inside-out and right-side-out membranes was similar in certain respects. In both cases, the influx of pyruvate was greatly stimulated by increasing the ionic strength in the external medium. Salts of transported anions (such as chloride) but not non-transported anions (such as malate or acetate) were inhibitory at high concentrations, presumably a competitive effect. The non-competitive inhibitors of anion flux, salicylate, 4-acetamido-4′-isothiocyanato-2,2′-stilbene disulfonate (SITS) and 1-fluoro-2,4-dinitrobenzene, reduced pyruvate transport from both sides of the membrane. 3. 3. Characteristic asymmetries in the transport of pyruvate were noted. Probenecid was found to act only at the cytoplasmic surface, although it inhibited flux in both directions. Mixtures of o- phenanthroline and CuSO 4 catalyzed the disulfide cross-linking of band 3, the purported anion transport protein, only at the membrane's cytoplasmic surface. This treatment stimulated pyruvate flux into resealed ghosts, but inhibited flux into inside-out vesicles. 4. 4. The binding of glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase and aldolase to the cytoplasmic surface of the membrane did not significantly alter pyruvate flux in either direction, even though these enzymes are known to associate specifically with band 3. Proteolytic excision of the cytoplasmic domain of band 3, amounting to approximately 40% of its mass, also had no effect on pyruvate flux.
Decreasing Diurnal Temperature Range in the United States and Canada from 1941 through 1980.

Abstract An appreciable number of nonurban stations in the United States and Canada have been identified with statistically significant (at the 90% level) decreasing trends in the monthly mean diurnal temperature range between 1941–80. The percentage of stations in the network showing the decrease is higher than expected due to chance throughout the year, with a maximum reached during late summer and early autumn and a minimum in December. Monte Carlo tests indicate that during five months the field significance of the decreasing range is above the 99% level, and in 12 months above the 95% level. There is a negligible probability that such a result is due to chance. In contrast, trends of increasing or decreasing monthly mean maximum or minimum temperatures have at most only two months with field significance at or above the 90% level. This is related to the tendency toward increasing temperature in the western portions of North America and decreasing temperature in the east. The physical mechanism respon...
Effect of radiotherapy and chemotherapy on composition of tumor membrane phospholipids

Phospholipid extracts were made of a murine mammary adenocarcinoma implanted in the dorsum of the foot of C3H/He mice before and 96 h after 17 Gy irradiation or 150 mg/kg cyclophosphamide. Extracts of untreated tumors, which had grown for a further 96 h, were also studied. Although previous studies have shown significant changes in the precursors and catabolites of phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine following therapy, 31P nuclear magnetic resonance analysis of extracts showed no changes in these membrane constituents and other observed phospholipid species. A significant decrease in 1-alkyl-2-acyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine, however, was observed 96 h following cyclophosphamide treatment.
Shifts in Fear of Success in Men and Women from 1968 to 1987

A follow-up study on feat of success was completed 19 years after Horner collected her data in 1968. It was hypothesized that cultural changes relating to women's liberation would result in fewer women and more men exhibiting fear of success compared to Horner's findings. 25 men and 25 women were tested using Horner's procedures to facilitate comparisons. A higher percentage of men exhibited fear of success than Horner reported; however, the percentage of women remained about the same. Apparently, the impact of societal changes on men has been greater than on women.
Novel Approaches to the Study of Postmortem Brain in Psychiatric Illness: Old Limitations and New Challenges

Biological psychiatry has made significant advances through the development of postmortem studies, animal models, and studies with living humans. Although these approaches each have advantages and disadvantages, the postmortem field is undergoing a significant shift toward more complex and informative methodologies. In the first part of this review, we summarize the long-standing methodologic challenges facing this field. In the second part of the article, we discuss the innovative approaches being used for postmortem studies, including laser capture microdissection and subcellular fractionization. These techniques will permit scientists working in the postmortem field to ask and answer the largest possible questions, providing new targets for drug discovery and improved treatments for severe mental illness.
Blocking in Compound Dispersion Experiments

In quality design, a dispersion experiment attempts to estimate the effects of control factors on the dispersion introduced by error factors—that is, the effect of product design on the stability of the performance of the product as its operating environment changes. In conducting a dispersion experiment, it is important to distinguish the sources of dispersion that one wishes to control from extraneous sources of dispersion, so blocking is often necessary. This is especially true when the quality or utility of a product is appraised subjectively, as in conjoint analysis. Compound designs for dispersion experiments are orthogonal array designs that generalize Taguchi's direct product designs. Compared to direct product designs, compound designs are often stronger for a given size or smaller for a given strength. This article discusses blocked compound dispersion experiments. Providing that blocks form an orthogonal array of strength 1 for the error factors, dispersion within blocks may be pooled to estima...
Religious Economy or Organizational Field? Predicting Bishops' Votes at the Second Vatican Council

This article explores the national factors that predict bishops’ votes on two of the most contentious issues at the Second Vatican Council. Using data obtained from the Vatican Secret Archive, analyses demonstrate that rational choice oriented theory in the sociology of religion that focuses on competition is limited. While competition is important to religious leaders’ actions, its effects can be understood only in relation to other crucial characteristics of the social environment within which leaders operate. These characteristics, which we derive from Neo-Institutional Theory (NIT), shape leaders’ interests and often lead them to prioritize concerns about their institutions’ legitimacy over the concerns about efficiency and growth rational choice theorists assume are predominant. Most NIT studies examine the population of firms within one organizational field. Because we hold firm constant and examine how variation in the type of organizational field (supplied by the more than 100 countries in our ana...
Ambient Low Temperature Plasma Etching of Polymer Films for Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry Molecular Depth Profiling

The feasibility of a low temperature plasma (LTP) probe as a way to prepare polymer bevel cross sections for secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) applications was investigated. Poly(lactic acid) and poly(methyl methacrylate) films were etched using He LTP, and the resulting crater walls were depth profiled using time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) to examine changes in chemistry over the depth of the film. ToF-SIMS results showed that while exposure to even 1 s of plasma resulted in integration of atmospheric nitrogen and contaminants to the newly exposed surface, the actual chemical modification to the polymer backbone was found to be chemistry-dependent. For PLA, sample modification was confined to the top 15 nm of the PLA surface regardless of plasma exposure dose, while measurable change was not seen for PMMA. The confinement of chemical modification to 15 nm or less of the top surface suggests that LTP can be used as a simple method to prepare cross sections or bevels of polym...
Semisynthetic modification of hygromycin A. 1. Synthesis and antibacterial activity of vinyl methyl and amide analogs.

Abstract Formation of the peracetate of hygromycin A, followed by sodium borohydride reduction and oxidative cleavage, affords an aldehyde which serves as a key intermediate for preparation of vinyl methyl and amide analogs. Several analogs of each type were prepared and tested for activity against Serpulina hyodysenteriae, the causative organism of swine dysentery.
Bone cells, sclerostin, and FGF23: what’s bred in the bone will come out in the flesh

Bone metabolism is linked to systemic diseases, and new research shows that the bone cells have endocrine functions that affect multiple organs. They secrete sclerostin, FGF23, prostaglandins, and osteocalcin. Pereira et al. examined gene expression of cells grown from bone biopsies of adolescents with renal osteodystrophy, as a first step to understanding how the bone-cell abnormalities contribute to cardiovascular and metabolic problems in these patients.
Abstract 1390: Interferon-gamma potentiates the targeted phenotypic reversion of erbb2/her2/neu transformed human tumor cells

Proceedings: AACR Annual Meeting 2014; April 5-9, 2014; San Diego, CA Oncogenic erbB2/HER2 is a major transforming determinant of human breast cancer and its amplification is prognostic of poor survival. Monoclonal antibody (mAb)-based therapy to specifically target erbB2/HER2 has been effective in patients with HER2-positive breast cancer; however, some patients do not respond and those who do frequently relapse despite ongoing therapy. The evolution of tumors that resist targeted therapy is complex and involves the emergence of complex transcriptional functions. Snail is overexpressed in recurrent tumors of transgenic HER2/neu mice and snail expression participates in tumor recurrence. Previous studies from our laboratory and others have revealed that targeted therapy requires cooperation with elements of the endogenous immune system for optimal tumor regression activity. The cytokine interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) is relevant to the regression process although the mechanism by which IFN operates on targeted cells remains undefined and the effects of IFN on the transformed cell have not been studied during phenotypic reversion. In the present study, we utilized cell biological and biochemical-based assays to define if targeted therapy could be improved through the addition of IFN-γ and unexpectedly defined a unique mechanism operative to achieve this end. Cell culture model systems were used to examine the co-treatment of erbB2/HER2 targeting with IFN-γ to eliminate issues such as aberrant immune responses, which arise as a consequence of adding IFN-γ to cells. We defined that while mAb targeting of erbB2 reversed the transformed phenotype of HER2-positive breast cancer cells reversion of phenotype was increased upon inclusion of IFN-γ. Co-treatment with the erbB2 mAb and IFN-γ resulted in a greater reduction of snail protein levels compared to either modality alone. Snail degradation was dependent on GSK3-β and active proteasome dependent elimination processes. Furthermore, IFN-γ activated GSK3-β in mAb treated cells to the extent of that observed in cells treated with specific small molecule inhibitors to erbB receptors. Our findings provide a mechanistic explanation as to how to use IFN-γ to optimize mAb-mediated tumor regression. The implication of this study is improvement of targeted efficacy could lead to more comprehensive therapy options that may eliminate tumor recurrence. Citation Format: Edwin Aaron Runkle, Peter Young, Yasuhiro Nagai, Hiromichi Tsuchiya, Hongtao Zhang, Mark I. Greene. Interferon-gamma potentiates the targeted phenotypic reversion of erbb2/her2/neu transformed human tumor cells. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr 1390. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-1390
Techniques for initial condition estimation in linear systems

Abstract Techniques for estimating the initial conditions of deterministic and stochastic linear systems are presented and investigated. Difficulties in implementation of existing and proposed algorithms for initial condition estimation are noted and methods for overcoming these difficulties are formulated.
Ectoadenylate kinase and plasma membrane ATP synthase activities of human vascular endothelial cells.

Formation of ATP from ADP on the external surface of vascular endothelial cells has been attributed to plasma membrane ATP synthase, ectoadenylate kinase (ecto-AK), and/or ectonucleoside diphosphokinase. These enzymes or their catalytic products have been causatively linked to the elaboration of vascular networks and the regulation of capillary function. The amount of ATP generated extracellularly is small, requiring sensitive analytical methods for quantification. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells were used to revisit extracellular ATP synthesis using a reliable tetrazolium reduction assay and multiwell plate cultures. Test conditions compatible with AK stability were established. Extracellular AK activity was found to be
Resistance to external sodium sulfate attack for early-opening-to-traffic Portland cement concrete

Abstract The results of a study on sulfate resistance of early opening-to-traffic concretes with accelerating admixture, also known as fast-track concretes (FTC), are presented. A total of 11 concretes made with four different cement factors and three different cement types were investigated at both opening and maturity (28 days) ages. Upon curing, the test samples were immersed in a 5% sodium sulfate solution. Length change, mass loss, and compressive strength were monitored for a period of 270 days to evaluate the performance of the test specimens exposed to severe sulfate attack. The influence of immersion period, curing age and cement type and factor on bulk characteristics and sulfate resistance were evaluated. The study produced FTC with excellent sulfate resistance. Length change of FTC incorporating accelerating admixture increased with increasing immersion age and stabilized within 3 months from initial contact. No mass of concrete residues nor notable strength loss were found in any opening time fast track concretes used in the investigation.
A new technique for the observation of EeV and ZeV cosmic rays

We describe a new technique tor the detection of EeV (1018 eV) and ZeV (1021 eV) cosmic rays in the atmosphere. The technique uses the fact that the Cerenkov light emitted by atmospheric extensive showers generated by primaries in this energy range is brighter than the fluctuations in the ambient light of the night sky, even with a full moon present. The Cerenkov light is also brighter than fluctuations in the twilight sky, and can even be of similar size as fluctuations in direct sunlight. For the highest energy cosmic rays (E > 1 ZeV), this may allow optical detection with on-time efficiency limited only by the weather. The energy, angular, and Xmax resolution of the technique is examined as a function of the background day and night sky conditions. Using a “shadowing” method for determining the direction of the original cosmic ray primary, angular resolution between 0.3° to − 3 ° is possible, depending upon the zenith angle and energy of the primary, and the amount of background light. This resolution is equal to or better than the expected angular resolution obtained through the usual timing techniques. The technique gives an energy resolution 3% < ΔE/E < 40%, and Xmax resolution 18 g cm−2 < δXmax < 70 g cm−2, dependent upon primary energy, zenith angle, and sky conditions.
Dynamic co-management of persistent RAM main memory and storage resources

This paper proposes Memorage, a novel system architecture that synergistically manages persistent RAM (PRAM) main memory and a PRAM storage device. Memorage leverages the existing OS virtual memory manager to globally manage PRAM resources and to enhance the utilization of the available PRAM resources. Preliminary experimental and analytical evaluation suggests that Memorage can improve the performance of memory-intensive workloads (by 4.6X on average and up to 9.4X under the examined configuration). It also increases PRAM utilization and significantly extends the longetivity of the PRAM main memory (by 8X).
Application of CBT in an Inpatient Setting Case Illustration of an Adult Male With Anxiety, Depression, and Axis II Symptoms

The following case illustration demonstrates the utility and scope of the cognitive-behavioral modality in treating coexisting Axis I and Axis II symptoms in an inpatient setting. The client, who i...
Hyperphagia after ventral tegmental lesions and food intake responses of rats fed disproportionate amounts of dietary amino acids

Abstract Bilateral electrolytic lesions in the ventral midbrain tegmental nucleus of male 260 g Sprague Dawley rats produced hyperphagia with a greater than 50% increase in food intake when fed a 6% casein basal diet or a threonine basal amino acid diet (balanced amino acid diet with threonine as the most limiting amino acid for growth). However, hyperphagic rats with tegmental lesions reduced their food intake drastically as compared to the intact controls when fed the threonine imbalanced or threonine devoid diet. These animals regained their hyperphagia after re-feeding with the 6% casein basal diet but again exhibited marked food intake depression and slower adaptation when fed a high protein diet (75% casein). The ventral noradrenergic bundle has been known to traverse through the ventral tegmental nucleus. The destruction or damage of this nucleus, although raising the food intake of balanced amino acid diets, did not prevent the food intake depression of rats fed diets containing imbalanced or deficient amino acid mixtures or balanced amino acid mixtures present in excess. Thus, neither the ventral tegmental nucleus nor the noradrenergic food intake inhibitory system appears to mediate the inhibition of food intake of rats fed diets containing disproportionate amounts of amino acids. Lesions placed in areas anterior to the ventral tegmental areas produced varying degress of temporary aphagia for up to 12 days when rats were fed the 6% casein diet, but normal eating was resumed with the 6% casein or the threonine basal amino acid diet. These animals showed food intake depression similar to that of the intact controls when fed the threonine imbalanced or devoid diet. Refeeding the 6% casein diet produced normal feeding once again. However, they curtailed their food intake drastically, as did the intact controls, when fed the 75% casein diet. Present results indicate that neural fibers that are reported to course through the above mentioned neural areas are not important in mediating the control of food intake of rats fed disproportionate quantities of dietary amino acids.
Searching for “Voices”: Feminism, Anthropology, and the Global Debate over Female Genital Operations

This article lays the groundwork for a feminist and anthropological political response to female genital "operations" that transcends the current debate over the phenomenon which is couched in terms of cultural relativism or of politically-informed outrage. After an introduction the study considers the politics involved in assigning a name to the procedure and explains the authors reason for choosing female genital "operation" over the more commonly used "circumcision" "mutilation" or "torture." In the next section clitoridectomy is contextualized through a recounting of the circumstances under which the procedure was performed in the western Kenyan village of Kikhome in 1988. This discussion focuses on the ceremonies surrounding the circumcisions of young men and women the authors attempts to discover how the young women involved really felt about the tradition and a review of the anthropological literature on the significance and impact of these practices. The analysis then examines the international controversy surrounding female genital mutilation and provides an overview of the colonial discourse on female genital mutilation in Africa to expose 1) the origins of justifications for colonial dominance in the dominance of non-Western women by non-Western men and 2) the fact that use of cultural arguments that fuse women and tradition can support culturally-defined power relationships. The article concludes with a consideration of who is qualified to speak out against female genital mutilation given the fact that all women and all debates are the products of longstanding tenacious power relationships.
Benefit-Cost Analysis: A Pedagogical Note:

All major pubic finance texts offer some treatment of benefit-cost analysis. The typical treatment, however, glosses over the welfare economic foundations of modern benefit-cost analysis and theref...
Inflammasomes and anti-viral immunity.

Type I Interferons are the hallmark cytokines deployed during infection to combat invading viruses. However, inflammatory cytokines such as Interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-18 also play important roles in anti-viral defenses. The activity of IL-1β and IL18 are regulated at the level of expression, processing, and secretion. Several classes of innate immune receptors control the expression of these cytokines, which must then be proteolytically processed via caspase-1. In this review, we provide an overview of how caspase-1-activating inflammasomes participate during viral infections and their role in regulating anti-viral immunity.
Atomic-absorption determination of beryllium in geological materials by use of electrothermal atomization.

Abstract A method is described for the atomic-absorption determination of beryllium in geological materials, that utilizes electrothermal atomization after a separation by solvent extraction. Samples are decomposed with hydrofluoric acid and nitric acid in Teflon-lined pressure decomposition vessels. Beryllium is isolated by its extraction as beryllium acetylacetonate at pH 8 into xylene and back-extraction in 3M hydrochloric acid. The method has been successfully applied to the determination of beryllium in 14 U.S. Geological Survey standard rocks. Four subsamples from four bottles of each standard sample were analysed in random order. The mean beryllium contents (ppm) are: AGV-1, 1.98; PCC-1, 0.024; MAG-1, 2.84; BHVO-1, 0.90; DTS-1, 0.026; SCo-1, 1.74; SDC-1, 2.52; BCR-1, 1.44; GSP-1, 1.22; SGR-1, 0.86; QLO-1, 1.83; RGM-1, 2.21; STM-1, 8.75; G-2, 2.29. An analysis of variance shows that all the samples may be considered homogeneous at F0.95 except AGV-1 and DTS-1 which may be considered homogeneous at F0.99.
Task-specific image quality metrics for lossy compression of FLIR images

In this paper we evaluate two lossy compression methods, JPEG and SPIHT, using a metric computation system which evaluates the distortion effects of lossy compression as it affects the task of target segmentation with morphological filtering. Using Forward Looking Infrared Radar images to develop the approach, our goal is to contrast the results of the identical tasks with and without compression using traditional metrics, local/target area traditional metrics, and binary metrics applied to the component representing the selected target mask. Thus, our metrics are specifically targeted to measure the degree of invariance of the processing to the presence of an initial compression- decompression step. The two segmentation methods used are the fuzzy c-means and the median cut. The results indicate that even though SPIHT is better than JPEG, this is not always the case in terms of the binary metrics. In addition, the fuzzy c-means segmentation method is better than the median cut in most cases. Another interesting effect observed is that small changes in traditional metrics can sometimes lead to a drastic change in the task-specific metrics.
Attenuation of shear-waves in the lithosphere for frequencies from 0.05 to 25 Hz

Abstract Q for shear-waves in the crust and upper mantle was determined as a function of frequency in the range 1–25 Hz, using band-pass filtered records of about 900 earthquakes occurring in the central Japan area with focal depths from 0 to 150 km. The data were supplied from two stations in the Kanto region, operated by the Earthquake Research Institute, University of Tokyo. The method is taken from Aki and Chouet (1975) and Rautian and Khalturin (1978), and is based on elimination of the source effect from observed spectra of shear-waves, by taking the ratio of their amplitudes to those of coda-waves (measured at a fixed lapse time). The effect of radiation patterns is removed by averaging the ratio over many events. The experimental procedure uses basically a single-station method, and its validity was confirmed by the agreement between results obtained from station Tsukuba and those from Dodaira. We found that Q shows a strong dependence on frequency: Q increases with frequency f proportionally to f n , where n was found to be 0.8 in the northeastern part of Kanto (area A), and 0.6 in the rest of the region (areas B + C). Previously, a value for n of 0.5 had been determined for the Garm area in central Asia by Rautian and Khalturin. In general, our results agree with those of Fedotov and Boldyrev (1969), who obtained values of n around 0.6 for the Kuril-Islands, using a single-station method based on assumptions more restrictive than those adopted here. Q values for the lithosphere have been estimated by various workers using surface-waves with periods greater than 15 s. If we combine the results from surface-waves with those obtained from the S- to coda-amplitude ratio, we find that the frequency-dependence of Q −1 is similar to that obtained from a simple relaxation model, with the peak somewhere around 0.5 Hz.
Ionophoric material derived from eel membrane preparations

Ionophoric material isolated by tryptic digestion of (Na++K+)-ATPase containing electroplax membranes shows fluctuating discrete current levels in oxidized cholesterol membranes with conductance amplitudes ranging from 10−10 to 10−9 mhos, suggesting pore formation. The rate of pore formation is dependent on the imposed voltage. If the voltage is maintained for a short time (5 to 10 sec), pore formation is reversible, whereas permanent pores are formed when the voltage is maintained for more than 10 sec. At pH=7 the permeability ratio for sodium versus chloride is 5 and for potassium versus sodium, 1.7. The permeability of the ionophoric material is dependent on pH. At pH=6 a conversion takes place from more cation-permeable to more anionpermeable pores, suggesting that histidine plays a role in the permeation mechanism. A model is proposed to account for the observed ionophoric properties.