cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Total synthesis of the marine toxin phorboxazole A using palladium(II)-mediated intramolecular alkoxycarbonylation for tetrahydropyran synthesis

The potent antitumor agent phorboxazole A was synthesized from six subunits comprising C1–C2 (115), C3–C8 (98), C9–C19 (74), C20–C32 (52), C33–C41 (84) and C42–C46 (85). Tetrahydropyrans B and C containing cis-2,6-disubstitution were fabricated via palladium(II)-mediated intramolecular alkoxycarbonylation which, in the case of tetrahydropyran C, was carried out with catalytic palladium(II) and p-benzoquinone as the stoichiometric re-oxidant. Tetrahydropyran D was obtained by a stereoselective tin(IV)-catalyzed coupling of a C9 aldehyde with an allylsilane, and the C19–C20 connection was made using a completely stereoselective Wittig–Schlosser (E) olefination. Coupling of the oxazole C32 methyl substituent with the intact C33–C46 δ-lactone 3 was accompanied by elimination of the vinyl bromide to a terminal alkyne, but the C32–C33 linkage was implemented successfully with 83 and C33–C41 lactone 84. The C42–C46 segment of the side chain was then appended via Julia–Kocienski olefination. The macrolide portion of phorboxazole A was completed by means of an Ando–Still–Gennari intramolecular (Z)-selective olefination at C2–C3 which required placement of a (dimethoxyphosphinyl)acetate moiety at C24. Final deprotection led to phorboxazole A via a route in which the longest linear sequence is 37 steps and the overall yield is 0.36%.
Providing Support for English Language Learners With Behavioral Needs

The group of students whose primary language is not English, commonly referred to as English language learners, is one of the fastest-growing groups of students. Teachers need to have a clear understanding that English learners may exhibit internalizing or externalizing behaviors related to their language development. When English learners exhibit behaviors that impede their learning or the learning of others, educators need to develop appropriate behavior plans that consider these language-learning factors. This article describes the impact that learning English may have on student behavior, as well as the necessary design modifications for appropriate functional assessments and behavior plans for this population.
Deleterious Effects of Hypertension on the Development of Aortic and Coronary Atherosclerosis in Stumptail Macaques (Macaca Speciosa) on an Atherogenic Diet

Utilizing the stumptail macaque, we studied the atherosclerotic lesions produced in the aorta and coronary arteries by an atherogenic diet alone and by the diet coupled with hypertension produced by a modified Goldblatt technique. One group of monkeys was subjected concomitantly to the diet and hypertension for 10-12 months; a second group was on the diet for 29-32 months, but hypertension was induced for only the last 7-9 months of this period. In both of these groups, hypertension led to more severe lesions in the aorta. When an index of coronary involvement was plotted as a function of either arterial systolic or diastolic blood pressure, a significant correlation was found in both groups of monkeys. Additionally, in the monkeys with hypertension, morphologic criteria indicated that increased amounts of elastic fibers were present in the plaques in a disorganized, fragmented manner; in the monkeys on the diet alone, the elastic fibers were disposed in well-formed, reduplicated lamellas. Fat deposition was also different between these two groups: fat was located in the depths and at the periphery of the lesions in the hypertensive monkeys, whereas it was evenly dispersed throughout the plaques in the monkeys on the atherogenic diet alone. Thus, hypertension coupled with an atherogenic diet increases the extent of aortic and coronary lesions in proportion to the elevation in arterial blood pressure and, furthermore, may modify the morphologic characteristics of the lesions.
Fluid displacement efficiency of in-situ foam: A mechanism of foam propagation in porous media

Abstract The fluid displacement efficiency of in-situ generated foam was studied and found to be dependent on applied pressure drop. There was an optimal pressure drop at which liquid recovery, at foam breakthrough, was a maximum. The pressure drop effect was shown to be related to the heterogeneity of the porous media. The following mechanism of foam propagation in porous media was found consistent with the results. At lower pressures, foam is generated in large pores. If these are blocked, a slightly higher gas injection pressure will cause the gas to flow and generate foam in smaller pores. This leads to additional liquid recovery. At higher injection pressures (total pressure drops), foam generated in large pores is displaced through interconnecting large pores faster than foam is generated in the small pores. This leads to a lower liquid recovery at foam breakthrough. Thus, there exists a gas injection pressure, for a given pore system, at which fluid displacement is maximum.
Quantitative 3-D elemental mapping by LA-ICP-MS of a basaltic clast from the Hanford 300 Area, Washington, USA.

Laser ablation with inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) was used to measure elemental concentrations at the 100-μm scale in a 3-dimensional manner within a basaltic clast sample collected from the Hanford 300 Area in south-central Washington State, United States. A calibration method was developed to quantify the LA-ICP-MS signal response using a constant-sum mass fraction of eight major elements; the method produced reasonable concentration measurements for both major and trace elements when compared to a standard basalt sample with known concentrations. 3-Dimensional maps (stacked 2-D contour layers, each representing 2100 μm × 2100 μm) show relatively uniform concentration with depth for intrinsic elements such as Si, Na, and Sr. However, U and Cu accumulation were observed near the sample surface, consistent with the site’s release history of these contaminants. U and Cu show substantial heterogeneity in their concentration distributions within horizontal slices, while the intrins...
Electrically modulated membrane permeability

Abstract Double tracer flux experiments using the neutral solutes 3H2O and 14C-sucrose have demonstrated that an applied electric field can change the permeability of a charged membrane supporting a gradient in pH or salt concentration. The field selectively changed the membrane's permeability to 14C-sucrose, while permeability to 3H2O was minimally affected. Membrane ultrastructure and permeability were shown to depend on the membrane's fixed charge density and intramembrane salt content. The applied field, in turn, served to change the pH or salt concentration inside the membrane by means of an electrodiffusion process. This modulated electrostatic repulsion forces between membrane molecules and fibrils, thereby changing the interstitial separation distances which determine the effective pore size of the membrane. The proposed mechanism was tested using a theoretical model for membrane transport along with independent measurements of field-related transport properties. Our results suggest that the electric field acts as a switch to control the swelling state and the resulting pore size of the membrane.
Effect of water content on the piezoelectric properties of nylon 11 and nylon 7

A study of the effect of absorbed water on the piezoelectric properties of Nylon 11 and Nylon 7 films has been carried out. Films were prepared by slow cooling from the melt or by quenching rapidly into ice water. Poled films were soaked in distilledde-ionized water and the piezoelectric strain coefficientd 31, piezoelectric stress coefficiente 31, dielectric constantɛ, and elastic modulusc measured continuously as the films dried out in a stream of dry nitrogen gas. The results obtained show that the piezoelectric response of poled Nylon 11 and Nylon 7 films is sensitive to adsorbed water, the sensitivity being greater for Nylon 7 than for Nylon 11. These observations are discussed in terms of the effect of water on molecular relaxation of these polymers.
Cloning of the chromosome breakpoint of neoplastic B cells with the t(14;18) chromosome translocation

From an acute B-cell leukemia cell line, a DNA probe was obtained that was specific for chromosome 18 and flanked the heavy chain joining region of the immunoglobulin heavy chain locus on chromosome 14. This probe detected rearrangement of the homologous DNA segment in the leukemic cells and in follicular lymphoma cells with the t(14:18) chromosome translocation but not in other neoplastic or normal B or T cells. The probe appears to identify bcl-2, a gene locus on chromosome 18 (band q21) that is unrelated to known oncogenes and may be important in the pathogenesis of B-cell neoplasms with this translocation.
Some ice crystals that made halos

During low-level halo displays, ice crystals in the atmosphere at ground level were collected and studied. I discuss the crystals in connection with the halos present at the time of collection.
Ultrasonic scattering theory II: Scattering from composites

This is the second of two papers which present the fundamental concepts and terminology of acoustical scattering theory in a manner suitable for use by those involved in ultrasonic tissue characterization. The first paper [1] dealt with scattering by single objects. The present paper discusses scattering by collections of objects, including statistical aspects of scattering and the theory of the index of refraction for ultrasonic waves.
A numerical solution of developing temperature for laminar developing flow in eccentric annular ducts

Abstract The energy equation expressed in bipolar coordinates is used to determine the temperature distribution in the thermal entrance region of an eccentric annular duct. An implicit alternating-direction method is used in the numerical solution. The analysis of the hydrodynamic entrance region, which provides the velocity distributions needed for the thermal solution, was obtained from a published solution by the present authors. A published Graetz solution for an eccentric annulus and a published combined thermal and hydrodynamic entrance region solution for the circular tube are used in the verification of the present solution. In the present analysis 17 combinations of fundamental thermal boundary conditions, Prandtl number, and annular geometry are considered. The annular geometry with equal relative eccentricity and radius ratio of 0.5 is used to study the effects of eccentricity and Prandtl number on the fluid temperature and surface heat flux distributions.
Computational Prediction of Operons in Synechococcus sp. WH8102

We computationally predict operons in the Synechococcus sp. WH8102 genome based on three types of genomic data: intergenic distances, COG gene functions and phylogenetic profiles. In the proposed method, we first estimate a log-likelihood distribution for each type of genomic data, and then fuse these distribution information by a perceptron to discriminate pairs of genes within operons (WO pairs) from those across transcription unit borders (TUB pairs). Computational experiments demonstrated that WO pairs tend to have shorter intergenic distances, a higher probability being in the same COG functional categories and more similar phylogenetic profiles than TUB pairs, indicating their powerful capabilities for operon prediction. By testing the method on 236 known operons of Escherichia coli K12, an overall accuracy of 83.8% is obtained by joint learning from multiple types of genomic data, whereas individual information source yields accuracies of 80.4%, 74.4%, and 70.6% respectively. We have applied this new approach, in conjunction with our previous comparative genome analysis-based approach, to predict 556 (putative) operons in WH8102. All predicted data are available at (http://www.cs.ucr.edu/~xin/operons.htm) for public use.
The potential role of climate in the distribution and zonation of the introduced seagrass Zostera japonica in North America

Abstract The current distribution of the introduced seagrass Zostera japonica is restricted to the mid- to upper intertidal zone in the coastal Pacific Northwest region of North America. The climate in this region is cool and wet, becoming hotter and dryer with increasing distance southward. Since temperature is likely to be an important factor affecting distribution of this species, growth of two populations located near the northern and southern limits of its established range along the Pacific Coast of North America were measured in an experimental setting across a range of temperatures typical of those in the field during the growing season (10, 20, and 30 °C). The effects of temperature and population were both significant. Leaf elongation, growth, and areal productivity rates of the northern population were consistently lower than those of the southern population. Across the range of temperatures, mean leaf elongation rates ranged from 0.47 to 1.40 cm 2 shoot −1 d −1 ; mean growth rates ranged from 0.19 to 0.52 mg dry wt shoot −1 d −1 . Mean areal productivity ranged from 0.54 to 1.92 g dry wt m −2 d −1 . Maximum rates of leaf elongation, growth, and areal productivity for both populations were observed at 20 °C. However, leaf elongation, growth, and areal productivity of the northern population declined markedly at 30 °C, whereas no comparable declines were observed for the southern population. This suggests that Z. japonica populations near the southern limits of its established range may be better adapted to warmer temperatures than populations near the northern range limits and further range extensions southward along the California coast may be likely. These differences could be important in predicting the outcome of competitive interactions between native and introduced seagrass species, and in determining future patterns of distribution and zonation of Pacific Coast seagrasses.
Cell Encapsulation in Sub-mm Sized Gel Modules Using Replica Molding

For many types of cells, behavior in two-dimensional (2D) culture differs from that in three-dimensional (3D) culture. Among biologists, 2D culture on treated plastic surfaces is currently the most popular method for cell culture. In 3D, no analogous standard method—one that is similarly convenient, flexible, and reproducible—exists. This paper describes a softlithographic method to encapsulate cells in 3D gel objects (modules) in a variety of simple shapes (cylinders, crosses, rectangular prisms) with lateral dimensions between 40 and 1000 mm, cell densities of 10 5 –1 0 8 cells/cm 3 , and total volumes between 1610 27 and 8610 24 cm 3 . By varying (i) the initial density of cells at seeding, and (ii) the dimensions of the modules, the number of cells per module ranged from 1 to 2500 cells. Modules were formed from a range of standard biopolymers, including collagen, Matrigel TM , and agarose, without the complex equipment often used in encapsulation. The small dimensions of the modules allowed rapid transport of nutrients by diffusion to cells at any location in the module, and therefore allowed generation of modules with cell densities near to those of dense tissues (10 8 –1 0 9 cells/cm 3 ). This modular method is based on soft lithography and requires little special equipment; the method is therefore accessible, flexible, and well suited to (i) understanding the behavior of cells in 3D environments at high densities of cells, as in dense tissues, and (ii) developing applications in tissue engineering.
Response to the letter by Mol.

We appreciate the interest in our paper. Please know that our focus on health policy evaluations in the USA does not imply a lack of interest in international research efforts. Rather, we were tasked with evaluating the US Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) regulatory actions and, hence, constrained from conducting a worldwide review of activities. We applaud Dr Mol’s work using rigorous designs to evaluate similar efforts in other countries. Evidence-informed health policy requires the same high methodological rigor as any healthcare intervention including robust study designs and methods that can produce trustworthy conclusions about effectiveness and costs. The necessary reliance on nonrandomized studies in most health policy evaluations means the potential for bias is great so even greater vigilance is needed.1 Evaluations of health policies are still uncommon and often conducted using weak study designs (e.g., uncontrolled, pre-post and cross-sectional) that are susceptible to biased conclusions. This is a global problem.
Facilitation of Ca2+‐dependent exocytosis by Rac1‐GTPase in bovine chromaffin cells

Rho family GTPases are primary mediators of cytoskeletal reorganization, although they have also been reported to regulate cell secretion. Yet, the extent to which Rho family GTPases are activated by secretory stimuli in neural and neuroendocrine cells remains unknown. In bovine adrenal chromaffin cells, we found Rac1, but not Cdc42, to be rapidly and selectively activated by secretory stimuli using an assay selective for the activated GTPases. To examine effects of activated Rac1 on secretion, constitutively active mutants of Rac1 (Rac1-V12, Rac1-L61) were transiently expressed in adrenal chromaffin cells. These mutants facilitated secretory responses elicited from populations of intact and digitonin-permeabilized cells as well as from cells under whole cell patch clamp. A dominant negative Rac1 mutant (Rac1-N17) produced no effect on secretion. Expression of RhoGDI, a negative regulator of Rac1, inhibited secretory responses while overexpression of effectors of Rac1, notably, p21-activated kinase (Pak1) and actin depolymerization factor (ADF) promoted evoked secretion. In addition, expression of effector domain mutants of Rac1-V12 that exhibit reduced activation of the cytoskeletal regulators Pak1 and Partner of Rac1 (POR1) resulted in a loss of Rac1-V12-mediated enhancement of evoked secretion. These findings suggest that Rac1, in part, functions to modulate secretion through actions on the cytoskeleton. Consistent with this hypothesis, the actin modifying drugs phalloidin and jasplakinolide enhanced secretion, while latrunculin-A inhibited secretion and eliminated the secretory effects of Rac1-V12. In summary, Rac1 was activated by secretory stimuli and modulated the secretory pathway downstream of Ca2+ influx, partly through regulation of cytoskeletal organization.
Antiretroviral combination therapy markedly reduces risk of heterosexual HIV-1 transmission

Commentary on: MS Cohen, YQ Chen, M McCauley, et al.. Prevention of HIV-1 infection with early antiretroviral therapy.N Engl J Med2011;365:493–505.
Purification and structural characterization of insulin from a caecilian, Typhlonectes natans (Amphibia: Gymnophiona)

Abstract Despite the important position of amphibia in phylogeny, efforts at the structural characterization of amphibian neurohormonal peptides have largely been confined to the Anurans (frogs and toads). Insulin was purified from an extract of the pancreas of the caecilian, Typhlonectes natans . The primary structure of the peptide was established as: A-chain: Gly-Ile-Val-Glu-Lys 5 -Cys-Cys-Leu-Ser-Thr 10 -Cys-Ser-Leu-Tyr-Glu 15 -Leu-Glu-Ser-Tyr-Cys 20 -Asn B-chain: Ile-Ala-Asn-Gln-His 5 -Leu-Cys-Gly-Ser-His 10 -Leu-Val-Glu-Ala-Leu 15 -Tyr-Leu-Val-Cys-Ala 20 -Asp-Arg-Gly-Phe- Phe 25 -Tyr-Thr-Pro-Lys-Ser 30 This amino acid sequence contains several unusual substitutions (Gln → Lys at A5, His → Leu at A8, Gln → Glu at A15, and Gly → Ala at B20) that are not present in other amphibian insulins. The structure of insulin appears to be less well conserved among the different orders of amphibia, compared with reptiles and birds.
Improving online social presence through asynchronous video

Abstract Online learning has become a reality for many students in higher education. Unfortunately, something that has also become a reality is a sense of isolation in online courses, and Moore (1980) has warned that students' sense of distance can threaten their ability to learn. The community of inquiry framework (Garrison, Anderson, & Archer, 2000) has provided insight into ways that online interactions can improve students' and instructors' social presence and learning. Emerging video technologies may be able to improve these interactions and thus more easily support the development of communities of inquiry. In this study we interviewed students in three distinct courses using different video-based instructional strategies. A large majority of students indicated feeling that the video-based communication made their instructors seem more real, present, and familiar, and that these relationships were similar to face-to-face instruction. Video communication impacted students' social presence in similar ways, although to a lesser degree than they believed it impacted instructor social presence. We conclude with discussion for future research and practice.
Teaching Computer Communication Networks: Top-down or Bottom-up?

There are two major approaches for teaching computer communication networks, the top-down (from application-layer and go downwards) and the bottom-up (from physical-layer and go upwards) approach. Over the years, the top-down approach is favored by computer science instructors while bottom-up approach is favored by electrical engineering instructors, mainly because of their educational background, and there have been very few studies on which approach is more appropriate from the students' perspective. In this paper, we present our study on which approach is more appropriate for students to learn this subject. We compare the students' feedback from the same introductory class on computer communication networks offered by the School of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Purdue University in two different semesters, one taught with top-down approach and one taught with bottom-up approach. The result shows that students who are more experienced and hardware-oriented find the bottom-up approach more beneficial to them while lower-classmen and those who are more software-oriented favors the top-down approach
Hyperacuity thresholds of 1 sec: theoretical predictions and empirical validation

Bisection thresholds were measured as a function of the separation of the lines. For separations of less than 1.5 min, the addition of flanking lines facilitates bisection so that thresholds of less than 1 sec for discriminating the direction of offset could be reliably obtained. For larger separations an interval could be bisected to an accuracy of 1 part in 60. Experiments varying the length, luminance, and overlap of the lines suggest that different cues are used in these two regimes. A dual space-size analysis is presented that can account for these bisection thresholds over a wide range of experimental conditions. This quantitative analysis produces viewprints of the stimuli (analogous to the voiceprint of audition). Each viewprint shows the output of many spatial filters of different positions and sizes. A new filter shape is introduced that has advantages for modeling the visual system. The sensitivity of each filter is fixed by the contrast-response function. The analysis further shows that the limiting factors in spatial hyperacuity are both the contrast-response function and the spatial grain.
Absolute intensities of CO(2) lines in the 3140-3410-cm(-1) spectral region.

Absolute intensities for 430 transitions belonging to eleven rotation-vibration bands of (C-12)(O-16)2, (C-13)(O-16)2, and (O-16)(C-18)(O-18) in the 3140-3410/cm spectral region have been determined by analyzing spectra recorded at 0.01/cm resolution with the Fourier transform spectrometer in the McMath solar telescope complex at the National Solar Observatory on Kitt Peak. The data were recorded at room temperature and low pressures (less than 10 torr) using a natural sample of carbon dioxide. Intensities were derived using a nonlinear least-squares spectral fitting procedure, and the values obtained for each band have been analyzed to determine the vibrational band intensity and nonrigid rotor coefficients. An alternative mathematical formulation is shown in the case of bands for which the Coriolis effect is large and the Q-branch line intensities were not determinable either because they were severely blended or absent from the spectra. Comparison are made between the results obtained in this study and other published values.
Aggregational behavior in water, of some polyamphiphiles derived from reactive polymers

Selected polyamphiphiles were prepared by the method of reactive polymers, i.e., interaction of polymaleic anhydride and polyacryloyl chloride with certain long chain alcohols. The aggregational behavior of these polyamphiphiles in water was studied by video-enhanced differential interference contrast microscopy, as well as by absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy. The formation of large aggregates was observed by video technique, while inter- and intramolecular micelles were detected by spectroscopic © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Differential elasticity for network resilience

Networked computers and systems are by nature vulnerable to malicious attacks such as denial of service attacks. Many approaches have been developed for creating resiliency within networks through redundancy in functionality and communication. The underlying principle behind such redundancy is that should one node or one path become unavailable, other nodes or paths can be used in its stead filling the same role. A form of redundancy that has been proposed in the literature consists of k-connectivity where k is a natural number; the higher k, the higher is the redundancy and the more resilient is the network. K-connectivity is the property by which the network will stay connected even after any k-1 nodes have become incapacitated. This type of redundancy can be seen as adding “thickness” to the network. The network is effectively a tissue with k-layers whose integrity will take more than k attacks to be disrupted. While effective, this approach is costly. In this paper, we build on the concept of k-connectivity by choosing to make the network, 1. Combining thickness with elasticity through an adaptive and dynamic concept of connectivity. 2. Using selective directions of elasticity. Not all nodes are subjected to the same pressures and not all tears are equally critical. We use critical paths in the network to select directions of elasticity. Initial simulation results will be used to validate this approach.
Impact of Oxidative Stress in Fetal Programming

Intrauterine stress induces increased risk of adult disease through fetal programming mechanisms. Oxidative stress can be generated by several conditions, such as, prenatal hypoxia, maternal under- and overnutrition, and excessive glucocorticoid exposure. The role of oxidant molecules as signaling factors in fetal programming via epigenetic mechanisms is discussed. By linking oxidative stress with dysregulation of specific target genes, we may be able to develop therapeutic strategies that protect against organ dysfunction in the programmed offspring.
Effects of a Digitalis Glycoside on Coronary and Systemic Dynamics in Conscious Dogs

The effects of ouabain (G-strophanthin), 20 µg/kg were compared in 12 conscious dogs with Doppler flow transducers on the ascending aorta and left circumflex coronary artery and pressure gauges in the aorta, and in 9 of these dogs after general anesthesia with Na pentobarbital. In conscious dogs ouabain caused an initial bradycardia, but heart rate returned almost to control at 15 to 30 minutes, while arterial pressure rose and remained elevated. Cardiac output and coronary blood flow decreased initially, returned to control by 5 minutes and then remained constant. Systemic, mean, and late diastolic coronary resistances were elevated within 1 minute and remained elevated for 30 minutes. After anesthesia, ouabain caused similar increases in arterial pressure and slightly greater increases in systemic resistance, but the bradycardia and reduction of cardiac output were more profound and sustained. In the anesthetized state, coronary resistance rose when heart rate was allowed to slow after ouabain but was not elevated when heart rate was returned to control. Thus, in the conscious state, ouabain caused a distinct elevation in coronary and systemic resistances with no change in cardiac output, while in the anesthetized state ouabain reduced cardiac output and when heart rate was controlled, did not alter coronary resistance.
A data model driven database query tool

The paper describes a conceptual data model driven programming tool for database query processes. Existing data retrieval and manipulation systems require the use of query languages which demand a more or less extensive knowledge of database (DB) systems, language syntax and control structure. To the typical end-user, the mastery of these languages is highly time consuming and frustrating. On the other hand, a CDM-based approach to DB query design allows for logical abstraction of problems and queries. This means that DB querying can be performed at an abstract level. The authors show that the use of the CDM-based method enables DB queries that require neither the knowledge of any specific query languages nor the knowledge of multiple join paths for complex queries by users. With needed additions and tailoring, the approach can be extended to other database applications. >
The parameters for quantitative analysis of mutation rates with cultured mammalian somatic cells.

In their classic paper which demonstrated the preadaptive origin of phage resistance in bacteria, Luria and Delbriick (1943) proposed the use of the fluctuation test to estimate mutation rates in a bacterial population. Subsequently, a number of investigators have examined this problem from various angles, including formal derivations (Newcombe, 1948), mathematical models (Stocker, 1949), mutant distribution (Lea and Coulson, 1950) and statistical theories (Armitage, 1952, 1953). The study in this problem has been continued until recently (Kondo, 1972; Gilbert, 1980), all dealing with the formulae and methods for estimating mutation rates in bacteria. Since the initial demonstration of experimental mutagenesis in cultured mammalian cells (Chu and Malling, 1968; Kao and Puck, 1968), fluctuation analysis has been applied for quantitative estimation of mutation rates (Shapiro et al., 1972; Morrow, 1975). There has nevertheless been a great disparity among published rate estimates from experiments with a variety of cells and genetic marker systems; using the same genetic marker in the same cell types, differences in mutation rates have even been found in different experiments by the same laboratory. For instance, Albertini and DeMars (1973) estimated the spontaneous mutation rate to 8-azaguanine resistance in human diploid fibroblasts and obtained values in 5 Expts. varying by a factor of 14 (0.788 x 10 6 to 1.115 x 10 -5 per cell per generation. There are at least 3 sources of error that may be responsible for such differences. The most obvious would be the sampling error, but it is too big a range of values to be the sole source. The second source of error may be biological, which has been described in some detail by Abbondandolo (1977). The third type of error may originate from differences in experimental design. There are at least 5 different methods for the estimation of mutation rates, namely, the mean, the upper quartile, the median, the Po and the maximum likelihood methods (Luria and Delbr~ick, 1943; Newcombe, 1948; Lea and Coulson, 1950; Armitage, 1952; 1953; Kondo,
Overexpression of the Hda DnaA-related protein in Escherichia coli inhibits multiplication, affects membrane permeability, and induces the SOS response.

The Hda protein, a recently identified DnaA-related protein from Escherichia coli , is part of the AAA+ ATPase family known to be involved with various aspects of initiation of DNA replication in prokaryotes. We report here that overexpression of this membrane-associated protein inhibits
Market Competition and Earnings Management

We show that product market competition reduces agency problems by curtailing misleading earnings management and improving earnings informativeness. Using the Herfindahl-Hirschman Index from the Census of Manufacturers to proxy for product market competition, we find that firms in more competitive industries are less likely to engage in earnings management as measured by the absolute value of discretionary accruals and they are more likely to engage in earnings smoothing improving earnings informativeness about future cash flows. Earnings smoothing ratios are higher in competitive markets and the positive relation between current discretionary accruals and future changes in operating cash flows is stronger in such markets. Moreover, we find that firms in competitive industries have lower analysts' earnings forecast errors and lower dispersion of earnings forecasts, suggesting lower information asymmetry between managers and the market. Stock-price informativeness is also higher in more competitive markets. Furthermore, forced earnings restatements and security fraud lawsuits are less common in such markets. When firms engage in misleading upward earnings management, in a competitive market they are more harshly punished by the stock market when the market learns about the misleading management. We find that firms engaging in such management experience worse long-term stock performance in competitive markets. In addition, the negative market reaction to the announcements of forced earnings restatements is stronger in competitive markets. Overall, our findings suggest that product market competition is an effective mechanism improving the accuracy of financial reporting and reducing the information asymmetry between managers and the market. Moreover, product market competition achieves more accurate reporting without incurring substantial costs often associated with government regulations of financial reporting or corporate governance.
Society Membership Trend Determinants For Sustainability: An Analysis In Insurance Industry

This study investigates the impact of age based gender effect on CPCU society membership trend. Trade associations, membership societies, and other similar groups/unions are no different than any for-profit organizations during different economic cycles, specifically during an economic downturn. When economic condition gets tough, membership related expenses can prove difficult to attain and may cause descent in the membership trend. However, demographic factors, such as, age groups and genders of society members are also factors that impact the process of society membership trend. In our analysis, after controlling for younger age groups, higher age groups are found to be instrumental in impacting the process of trend of CPCU society’s membership. This suggests that gender influence on the process of society membership trend is age dependent. Furthermore, gender effect is substantially higher for older age groups in comparison to younger age groups.
The Employer’s Unilateral Act – A Per Se Violation – Sometimes

The National Labor Relations Board has held that absent certain narrow defenses. all unilateral changes by an employer are 'per se' violative of the National Labor Relations Act. The Supreme Court has not adopted such a sweeping approach, but it has set forth some language that seems to conflict with the purposes of the Act. In this article Professor Schatzki analyzes the Board's approach to the problem, the Court's decisions in the area, and the distinctions that the Court is drawing among various types of unilateral acts. He then suggests an approach for the Board that is consistent with the purposes of the Act and the holdings of the Court.
Interactive model-based search with reactive resource allocation

We revisit the interactive model-based approach to global optimization proposed in Wang and Garcia (J Glob Optim 61(3):479---495, 2015) in which parallel threads independently execute a model-based search method and periodically interact through a simple acceptance-rejection rule aimed at preventing duplication of search efforts. In that paper it was assumed that each thread successfully identifies a locally optimal solution every time the acceptance-rejection rule is implemented. Under this stylized model of computational time, the rate of convergence to a globally optimal solution was shown to increase exponentially in the number of threads. In practice however, the computational time required to identify a locally optimal solution varies greatly. Therefore, when the acceptance-rejection rule is implemented, several threads may fail to identify a locally optimal solution. This situation calls for reallocation of computational resources in order to speed up the identification of local optima when one or more threads repeatedly fail to do so. In this paper we consider an implementation of the interactive model-based approach that accounts for real time, that is, it takes into account the possibility that several threads may fail to identify a locally optimal solution whenever the acceptance-rejection rule is implemented. We propose a modified acceptance-rejection rule that alternates between enforcing diverse search (in order to prevent duplication) and reallocation of computational effort (in order to speed up the identification of local optima). We show that the rate of convergence in real-time increases with the number of threads. This result formalizes the idea that in parallel computing, exploitation and exploration can be complementary provided relatively simple rules for interaction are implemented. We report the results from extensive numerical experiments which are illustrate the theoretical analysis of performance.
Effects of endothelin-1 and homologous trout endothelin on cardiovascular function in rainbow trout.

The cardiovascular effects of endothelin (ET)-1 and the recently sequenced homologous trout ET were examined in unanesthetized trout, and vascular capacitance curves were constructed to evaluate th...
Visual research and the new documentary

ABSTRACTThis paper reflects upon theoretical, practical and ethical issues facing the production of interactive documentary cinema projects that are based on in-depth, disciplinary, intellectual and/or artistic research questions, such of those concerning anthropological observation and visual studies. The paper considers ways in which perceptions of how documentary images function in digital environments impact documentary practice and production. The interdisciplinary paper draws upon writings in poetry, philosophy, visual studies, cinema studies and art with special attention given to the writings of Dai Vaughn, Nelson Goodman, Charles Bernstein, John Berger, Alain Robbe-Grillet, and Michael Renov, as well as to cinematic and digital works by Sharon Daniels, the Labyrinth Project, Jean Rouch, Samuel Bollendorf and Abel Segretin, among others.
Different MR systems yield variable kinetic characteristics of malignant breast lesions.

Abstract #4025 Background: Dynamic contrast enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCEMRI) has demonstrated superior sensitivity for detecting earlier cancers compared with x-ray mammography, and is being used increasingly for high-risk screening, diagnostic imaging and to evaluate extent of malignant disease. When assessing lesion malignancy both the morphology and contrast uptake and washout—or kinetics—of the lesion are important. At our institution DCEMRI breast examinations have been performed on three different MR systems. The purpose of this study was to compare the MR kinetic curve data of malignant lesions acquired by these systems. Methods: 445 patients with 485 malignant lesions were selected for an IRB approved review. The lesions were classified as ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) and 9other9. Dynamic MR protocol: 1 pre and 3-7 post-contrast images, acquired on a system using a non fat-suppressed dynamic sequence (NFS) and 2 newer systems by different manufacturers using fat suppressed dynamic sequences (FS1 and FS2). Kinetic curve data was processed and displayed on a CADstream workstation. Analysis of kinetic curve shape was made by an experienced radiologist according to the BI-RADS lexicon. Several quantitative kinetic parameters were calculated, both directly from the curve data and after fitting to an empirical mathematical model (EMM). The kinetic parameters of malignant lesions were compared between the three systems. Results: 299 malignant lesions (185 IDC, 57 DCIS) were imaged on NFS, 104 lesions (69 IDC, 21 DCIS) on FS1, and 82 on FS2 (61 IDC, 17 DCIS). Compared to both systems NFS and FS1, IDC lesions acquired on FS2 demonstrated significantly lower initial enhancement, longer time to peak enhancement and slower washout rate (p Citation Information: Cancer Res 2009;69(2 Suppl):Abstract nr 4025.
External Reviewers’ Influence on Citations of Articles Published in Pedagogical Business Journals: Holding Acceptance Rate Constant

An analysis of covariance with a 4 x 3 factorial design was used to compare the citation means of 560 articles published in 28 pedagogy journals. The independent variables were four business fields: accounting, economics and finance, general management, and marketing; three levels of external reviewers were used as the other independent variable. The dependent variable was the number of citations of articles. We found that the means differed on the main effects of four levels of business fields and three levels of external reviewers when acceptance rate was a covariate. The number of citations increase as the number of reviewers increases from one to two.
Linear Cryptanalysis of Quasigroup Block Cipher

This paper presents the results of a linear cryptanalysis of quasigroup block cipher. The quasigroup block cipher is being developed for resource constrained environments, especially SCADA systems. Here we determine if any key material can be found by conducting a linear cryptanalysis on a simplified quasigroup block cipher. Using Matsui's algorithm we seek to determine a suitable linear approximation of the quasigroup block cipher, the number of plaintext-ciphertext pairs to test, and the amount of time and space required to mount a known-plaintext attack on the quasigroup block cipher. Since the quasigroup does not use a Feistel network, the focus of the linear cryptanalysis is on the keyed transformation during table lookup operations of the quasigroup in order to 1) determine how the key bits used during encryption impact the ciphertext and from this 2) find a linear approximation that is non-negligible. Our results showed that no key material is recovered using linear cryptanalysis and consequently quasigroup cipher is resistant to such an attack.
Abstract 1862: NY-ESO-1 and clinicopathological features in ovarian cancer

Ovarian cancer ranks fifth in cancer deaths among women and the American Cancer Society estimates that in the US about 15,460 women will die from this disease in 2011. NY-ESO-1 is an 18 kDa member of the cancer/testis 6 antigen family which is thought to play a role in germ cell differentiation. In healthy adults, NY-ESO-1 is restricted to the testis. NY-ESO-1 expression has been found in various malignant neoplasms, including melanomas, neuroblastomas, soft tissue sarcomas, and carcinomas from the breast and endometrium. To further delineate the role of NY-ESO-1 in epithelial ovarian cancer, we constructed a tissue microarray of archived formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded paired tumor and normal control specimens from ovarian cancer patients. NY-ESO-1 expression was correlated with clinicopathologic features and overall survival. Specimens were collected from 242 patients who underwent cytoreductive surgery for ovarian cancer between 1989 and 2009. Immunohistochemical staining was performed with mouse monoclonal antibody clone E978 specific for NY-ESO-1. Stained slides were digitized with the Aperio ScanScope XT and images were analyzed using DEFINENS Tissue Studio software. Histological scores (H-scores) based on intensity of NY-ESO-1 staining and percent positive cells were calculated for all specimens. Positive NY-ESO-1 expression was found in 21% of papillary serous carcinomas, 18% of endometrioid carcinomas, and 20% of clear cell carcinomas. Ovarian cancer tissue had significantly higher H-scores compared to normal tissue controls from the same patients. H-scores increased with increasing FIGO stage and grade of the tumors. Caucasians had higher H-scores compared to African Americans and Asians. H-scores did not correlate with overall survival. Similarly, no differences in overall survival based on NY-ESO-1 expression levels were detected when patients were stratified by their histologic subtype. In conclusion, NY-ESO-1 is expressed in all histologic subtypes of epithelial ovarian cancer but not in normal tissues, therefore making it an ideal candidate for the development of targeted therapeutic approaches in ovarian cancer. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 1862. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-1862
Personal Control as a Mediator Between Perceptions of Supervisory Behaviors and Employee Reactions

The article assesses the construct of personal control in an organizational setting using a base model of personal control in organizations. The difference between control possessed and control des...
Construction of a High-efficient Expression Vector for Maize Phosphoenolpyruvate Carboxylase Gene and Its Transformation in Wheat

Transferring of key enzymes gene of C4 photosynthetic character is an important pathway to improve the photosynthesis efficiency and seed yield of C3 crop wheat.Phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase(PEPC) plays an important role in C4 photosynthetic pathways.In order to obtain high photosynthetic efficiency transgenic wheat germplasm with C4 photosynthetic characteristics,a full-length cDNA sequence coding for maize PEPCase gene was cloned into the high-efficiency binary expression vector pCAMBIA3301,and was introduced into wheat by particle bombardment mediated transformation.The copy number of different transgenic lines were analyzed by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR.PCR and double enzymes digestion determined that maize C4-specific PEPLase gene was cloned into the high-efficiency binary expression vector pCAMBIA3301,named as p3301-pepc;the expected 164 bp fragment was present in 342 of the 400 resistant plants;Among the fifteen positive transgenic lines,seven had one copy three had two copies,two had three copies,one had five copies,one had eight copies and one had seventeen copies.The results preliminary proofed that maize C4-specific PEPLase gene was integrated into wheat genome,and the copy number was different in transgenic lines,which would provide experimental materials for further function study of pepc gene in wheat genome.
Small SWaP TEC-less SWIR camera with current mirror pixel and temperature dependent non-uniformity corrections

Previously, we have reported on advances made with our CTIA based TEC-less SWIR cameras [1, 2, 3, 4]. Here, we present our next generation TEC-less small SWaP SWIR cameras which are built upon a current mirror type pixel. The standard packaged FPAs are modified by replacing the TECs with copper shims. These FPAs are incorporated into cameras with similar electronics to our COTS cameras (CSX and JSX series), and then fully characterized from -30 °C to 60 °C. From these data, we developed algorithms that provide temperature-based corrections resulting in nonuniformity of approximately 0.5 % over the entire operating temperature. Additionally, over this range, the 640 x 512 resolution camera exhibited power consumption in the 1.2-1.3 W range, whereas the 1280 x 1024 camera exhibited power consumption in the 1.3-1.4 W range.