cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
DIFFERENTIAL GENE EXPRESSION IN SV40-MEDIATED IMMORTALIZATION OF HUMAN FIBROBLASTS

Normal human diploid fibroblasts (HF) have a limited life span, undergo senescence, and rarely, if ever, spontaneously immortalize in culture. Introduction of the gene for T antigen encoded by the DNA virus SV40 extends the life span of HF and increases the frequency of immortalization; however, immortalization requires both T-dependent and T-independent functions. We previously generated independent SV40-transformed non-immortal (pre-immortal) HF cell lines from which we then obtained immortal sublines as part of a multifaceted approach to identify functions responsible for immortalization. In this study we undertook a search for cellular mRNAs which are differentially expressed upon immortalization. A λcDNA library was prepared from a pre-immortal SV40-transformed HF (HF-C). We screened the library with a subtracted probe enriched for sequences present in HF-C and reduced in immortal AR5 cells. A more limited screen was also employed for sequences overexpressed in AR5 using a different strategy. Alterations in the level of mRNAs in AR5 encoding functions relevant to signal transduction pathways were identified; however, most cDNAs encoded novel sequences. In an effort to clarify which of the altered mRNAs are most relevant to immortalization, we performed Northern analysis with RNA prepared from three paired sets of independent pre-immortal and immortal (4 cell lines) SV40-transformants using eight cloned cDNAs which show reduced expression in AR5. Three of these were reduced in additional immortal cell lines as well; one, J4-4 (unknown function) is reduced in all the immortal cell lines tested; a second, J4-3 (possible PP2C type phosphatase) is reduced in 2 of the 3 matched sets; and a third, J2-2 (unknown function) is redu ced in 2 unrelated immortal cell lines. Although the roles of these genes are as yet unclear, their further analysis should extend our understanding of the molecular bases for immortalization. In particular, the patterns of expression of J4-4 and J4-3 strongly suggest that they are involved in the process of immortalization and/or can serve as target genes for assessing regulators of gene expression in this process. J. Cell. Physiol. 171:325–335, 1997. © 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Substrate specificity of hepatic epoxide hydrase in microsomes and in a purified preparation: Evidence for homologous enzymes

Abstract A soluble preparation of epoxide hydrase, purified from guinea pig microsomes, catalyzes hydration of a wide variety of epoxides including styrene oxide (the substrate used in the purification procedure) 4-chlorophenyl 2,3-epoxypropyl ether, cyclohexene oxide, octene-1,2-oxide, indene-1,2-oxide, bisnorsqualene oxide, benzene oxide, naphthalene-1,2-oxide, and phenanthrene-9,10-oxide. The specific activity in the purified enzyme preparation and that in liver homogenates was determined for all of these substrates. The ratio of specific activities (the purification factor) was approximately the same (26–30) with the majority of these substrates indicating either the presence of a single epoxide hydrase with broad substrate specificity or the presence of a group of epoxide hydrases which have been purified to the same extent. However, in the case of benzene oxide, a markedly different purification factor of 4 was obtained, indicating the presence of at least one other epoxide hydrase in microsomes from guinea pig liver. The purification factor for squalene oxidocyclase activity was 0.08, clearly demonstrating that the cyclase is a different enzyme, which has been virtually removed during purification of epoxide hydrase(s).
Redox reforming based, integrated solar-natural gas plants: Reforming and thermodynamic cycle efficiency

Abstract As demand for energy continues to rise, the concern over the increase in emissions grows, prompting much interest in using renewable energy resources such as solar energy. However, there are numerous issues with using solar energy including intermittency and the need for storage. A potential solution is the concept of hybrid solar-fossil fuel power generation. Previous work has shown that utilizing solar reforming in conventional power cycles has higher performance compared to other integration methods. Most previous studies have focused on steam or dry reforming and on specific component analysis rather than a systems level analysis. In this article, a system analysis of a hybrid cycle utilizing redox reforming is presented. Important cycle design and operation parameters such as the oxidation temperature and reformer operating pressure are identified and their effect on both the reformer and cycle performance is discussed. Simulation results show that increasing oxidation temperature can improve reformer and cycle efficiency. Also shown is that increasing the amount of reforming water leads to a higher reformer efficiency, but can be detrimental to cycle efficiency depending on how the reforming water is utilized.
Polymer molecular weight and chain transfer during the photopolymerization of an aliphatic monoacrylate in a smectic liquid crystal

Abstract Polymer/liquid crystal (LC) composites offer a unique opportunity to study polymerizations in ordered media, specifically the potential effect mesophase order can have on polymer properties including molecular weight. To develop successful polymer/LC composites for display applications, it is important to understand the effect of mesophase order on polymer molecular weight in order to optimize the electro-optic (EO) properties of the polymer/LC composite. Polymer molecular weight may be influenced in a LC by changes in polymerization rate as LC order is modulated and by chain transfer. This work focuses on the photopolymerization of an aliphatic monoacrylate monomer, decyl acrylate (DA), both in the ordered LC phases of 8CB as well as in isotropic solutions with LC and co-solvent. When DA is polymerized using the LC as the solvent, enhanced polymerization rates and polymer molecular weights are observed in the highly ordered smectic phase compared to the less ordered nematic and isotropic phases. When conducted strictly in an isotropic environment using a co-solvent with increasing 8CB percentages, a dramatic decrease in the polymerization rate and a significant reduction of the polymer molecular weight is observed, implying degradative chain transfer to the LC. NMR results show that this chain transfer is a result of hydrogen abstraction from the liquid crystals, which leads to the reduction in the polymerization rate with increasing 8CB concentration. The most likely site of hydrogen abstraction is from the benzyl hydrogens of the alkyl chain of 8CB. This chain transfer also plays a role for polymerizations performed in the ordered phases of the LC. Chain transfer appears to be less significant when polymerizations are conducted in the smectic phase due to the anti-parallel association of the LC molecules. When polymerizations occur in the less ordered phases, chain transfer dominates leading to a large reduction in polymer molecular weight and polymerization rate.
Decolonization of nostrils and skin of nasal carriers of S. aureus at admission prevented hospital-associated infection

Source Citation Bode LG, Kluytmans JA, Wertheim HF, et al. Preventing surgical-site infections in nasal carriers of Staphylococcus aureus. N Engl J Med. 2010;362:9-17. 20054045
Experimental study of reacting gas jets in liquids : heat release effects

Abstract An experimental study of a hydrogen chloride gas jet reacting in an aqueous solution of ammonia was conducted. The profile of the gaseous jet penetration (“plume”) exhibited a periodic or cylic change, involving spherical growth, axial expansion, and necking often accompanied by detachment and collapse. Similar periodic fluctuations were observed in the bath pressure measurements. It is believed that the observed plume mostly consists of ammonia vapor produced due to reaction heat release and that the periodic behavior is caused by the growth and collapse of the ammonia vapor. It was possible to correlate a large amount of plume lenght data based on the notion that the plume length is determined by the distance required for condensation of the ammonia vapor. The characteristics of pressure fluctuations depended strongly on the bath subcooling, resembling those for vapor jets condensing in liquids.
Fruit storage at subatmospheric pressures.

The storage life of bananas and other fruits is prolonged by ventilating them with air at less than atmospheric pressure. This procedure accelerates the escape of the ripening hormone ethylene from the tissue; by reducing the oxygen tension it also lowers the fruit9s sensitivity to the hormone.
Three Novel Pathways to Stabilize the Conductive Conformation of a Voltage-Gated K+ Channel

Voltage-gated K+ channels (Kv) are tetrameric assemblies in which 4 voltage sensors open a shared K+ selective pore located at the center of the array at activating membrane potentials. A feature of many Kv channels- indispensable for the repolarization of the membrane potential following depolarization of neuronal cells- is to shut off their flux after prolonged activation. Here we show that in KvLm, a well characterized bacterial voltage-gated channel, the premature closing of the pore is bypassed by the association of the filter gate of the pore with three distinct and novel open-conformation stabilizers: A positively charged lipid, a small-molecule anti-depressant, and a protein toxin. This analysis is based on an extensive set of single channel current measurements of purified KvLm and its sensorless pore reconstituted in symmetric and asymmetric lipid bilayer membranes. Comparative assessment of the consequences produced by the three modulators in relieving the “inactivation” establishes that stabilization of the open conformation proceeds in the absence or presence of the sensors. We propose two plausible mechanisms by which all three modulators exert their demands on the pore.This work was supported by NIH grant GM 49711.
The Effect of Solute Atoms on Aluminum Grain Boundary Sliding at Elevated Temperature

Grain boundary sliding (GBS) is an important deformation mechanism for elevated temperature forming processes. Molecular dynamics simulations are used to investigate the effect of solute atoms in near grain boundaries (GBs) on the sliding of Al bicrystals at 750 K (477 °C). The threshold stress for GBS is computed for a variety of GBs with different structures and energies. Without solute atoms, low-energy GBs tend to exhibit significantly less sliding than high-energy GBs. Simulation results show that elements which tend to phase segregate from Al, such as Si, can enhance GBS in high-energy GBs by weakening Al bonds and by increasing atomic mobility. In comparison, intermetallic forming elements, such as Mg, will form immobile Mg-Al clusters, decrease diffusivity, and inhibit GBS.
Brief or New: Student Learning Portfolios: Balancing Tradition with Innovation

SUMMARYFor decades, educators have used traditional assessment measures to evaluate student learning and performance. Though these measures may have been successful in the past, the shifting culture of universities requires educators to seek more innovative methods which not only assess student learning but also elicit professional development and higher thinking skills. To keep pace with a rapidly changing health care market, educators not only need to teach better, but also evaluate smarter. Student learning portfolios are one way educators can assess a student's performance based on a learning paradigm which encourages active learning, enhances professional development, and integrates cumulative knowledge.
A simplified method for recording basal body temperature

The present study was undertaken to evaluate thermocrystalography as a means of simplifying the recording of basal body temperature (BBT) for the purpose of determining the time of ovulation. Accordingly, BBT, as recorded by disposable oral thermocrystal thermometers manufactured for fever detection, was compared with that obtained by a conventional rectal glass thermometer to establish reliability of the method within the normal temperature range. The readings by both methods were comparable, with a nonsignificant difference between 109 readings when analyzed by a paired t test. A biphasic curve was easily discernable in each of the eight cycles monitored. The use of disposable thermocrystal thermometers provides an alternative to the conventional method of BBT determination, which is faster, easier to read, and potentially more acceptable because of its oral use.
Nonflammable electrolytes for Li-ion batteries based on a fluorinated phosphate

In this work we demonstrate that the fluorination of alkyl substituents on phosphate can reduce the viscosity, enhance flameretarding efficiency, and increase electrochemical stability of the cosolvents. Therefore the new flame retardant can be used at a concentration greater than 20% in the electrolyte, as a cosolvent, in order to formulate a completely nonflammable electrolyte that works in lithium-ion cells. This new electrolyte formulation not only increases the safety feature of the lithium-ion battery, while maintaining the capacity utilization and rate capability, but also improves the capacity retention of the cell. The trade-off between electrolyte nonflammability and performance in the cell is thus alleviated by the introduction of fluorine in the structure of the flame retardants. The flammability of electrolyte solvents used in the state-of-theart lithium ion technology has caused serious safety concern, especially for high-energy battery packs designed for electric vehicle ~EV! or hybrid electric vehicle ~HEV! applications. 1-3 Recent efforts to address this problem have focused on developing flame retardants ~FRs! as electrolyte additives/cosolvents, which are exclusively based on organophosphorus~V! compounds. 4-7 So far, attempts to formulate an electrolyte that is nonflammable and also works well in lithium-ion cells has not been very successful. There always exists a trade-off between electrolyte flammability and its performance in cell either due to the electrochemical instability on graphitic anode ~e.g., triethylphosphate, TEP, and trimethylphosphate, TMP! or due to other adverse properties of FRs, such as high melting point and high viscosity ~e.g., hexamethylcyclophosphazene, HMPN!. Low efficiency of these FRs in flame retarding further worsens the above trade-off, 8 because as higher FR content is needed in the electrolyte to reduce the flammability to a certain level, the negative impact on performance increases proportionally with FR content. In order to identify an ideal FR that is ~i! more efficient in flame retarding and ~ii! electrochemically stable on both cathode and graphitic anode, we modified the structure of these FRs and synthesized a series of fluorinated organophosphorus compounds, with the known information that ~i! fluorinated substituents in carbonate molecules help forming stable solid electrolyte interface ~SEI! on the anode surface; 9 ~ii! fluorinated substituents also suppress the flammability of the molecule; 10 ~iii! introduction of fluorine into organic molecules usually reduces its boiling temperature and viscosity. 11 Among these new FRs synthesized and currently being investigated in our lab is the fluorinated version of TEP, tris ~2,2,2-trifluoroethyl ! phosphate ~TFP!
A non-local diffusion equation arising in terminally attached polymer chains

We consider a polymer melt in a domain Ω whereby each polymer chain is attached at one endpoint to a fixed surface S contained in ∂Ω. Denote by G ( x, t;y ) the normalized number density of all subchains from x to y of length t . Then, according to the selfconsistent mean field theory, G satisfies, for each y : G t - Δ 2 G + σϕ G = 0, where σ is a real parameter, and ϕ is a functional of G (·, ·; ·) both non-local and nonlinear. We establish the existence of G and C ∞ regularity of ϕ, as a function of x .
Aggression as a function of vulnerability to attack

Thirty high-need achievers and thirty low-need achievers competed in a task involving reaction time with opponents who attempted to give them increasing shocks. It was observed that counteraggression varied as a function of the degree to which S was vulnerable to the opponent’s attack. All conditions of vulnerability evidenced an increase in counteraggression. However, as predicted, the equal-vulnerability condition evidenced the greatest increase in aggression. Achievement motivation had little effect on aggression.
Confidence measures of optical flow estimation suitable for multiframe superresolution

Multi-frame super-resolution of images containing complex motion fields remains an elusive target requiring precise estimation of such motion between the frames. Although accuracy of optical flow algorithms has been increasing steadily it is not yet sufficient to provide confident subpixel resolution enhancement during super-resolution reconstruction. One way to approach the problem is to augment optical flow estimation input into super-resolution procedure by reliable confidence measure. Numerous optical flow confidence or conversely uncertainty measures have been developed recently. However, their performance has been studied and evaluated with respect to error metric involving optical flow vectors, namely angular and end point errors averaged over the entire image. Super-resolution processing requires consideration of interpolation error i.e. the difference between the reference image and the motion compensated image. This work presents comparative evaluation of optical flow confidence measures and makes conclusions of their usefulness to applications utilizing image compensation.
A classification of tournaments having an acyclic tournament as a minimum feedback arc set

Given a tournament with an acyclic tournament as a feedback arc set we give necessary and sufficient conditions for this feedback arc set to have minimum size.
A microfluidic device for bacteria detection in aqueous samples.

We demonstrate the use of a microfluidic device that accurately monitors bacteria levels in water. Fluorescent antibody labelled E.coli K12 bacteria in aqueous samples are flowed through the device, and spikes in the emission signal correspond to the presence of bacteria. Target bacteria could also be detected while suspended in a suspension of very low antibody concentration, suggesting that washing of bacteria could be avoided to make the detection automated and more rapid. Use of a microfluidic device will eventually enable quick on‐site detection of bacteria using small quantities of sample.
Mechanism-based inhibition of the melatonin rhythm enzyme: pharmacologic exploitation of active site functional plasticity.

Serotonin N-acetyltransferase is the enzyme responsible for the diurnal rhythm of melatonin production in the pineal gland of animals and humans. Inhibitors of this enzyme active in cell culture have not been reported previously. The compound N-bromoacetyltryptamine was shown to be a potent inhibitor of this enzyme in vitro and in a pineal cell culture assay (IC50 ≈ 500 nM). The mechanism of inhibition is suggested to involve a serotonin N-acetyltransferase-catalyzed alkylation reaction between N-bromoacetyltryptamine and reduced CoA, resulting in the production of a tight-binding bisubstrate analog inhibitor. This alkyltransferase activity is apparently catalyzed at a functionally distinct site compared with the acetyltransferase activity active site on serotonin N-acetyltransferase. Such active site plasticity is suggested to result from a subtle conformational alteration in the protein. This plasticity allows for an unusual form of mechanism-based inhibition with multiple turnovers, resulting in “molecular fratricide.” N-bromoacetyltryptamine should serve as a useful tool for dissecting the role of melatonin in circadian rhythm as well as a potential lead compound for therapeutic use in mood and sleep disorders.
ASTER emergency backup system

THe ASTER Emergency Backup System (AEBS) provides limited post AM-I platform launch capability for data ingest, processing and distribution of ASTER level 1 and level 2 products to the ASTER Science Team. This system is designed based on a request for the Goddard Space Flight Center's Earth Science Data and Information System, Project Manager when the Earth Observing System Data and Information Systems Core System contractor slipped delivery schedules.
Quality control of thermal barrier coatings using acoustic emission

Thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) are used to protect underlying metal from heat generated during combustion of fuel, especially in truck engines and jet turbines. These coatings are thin, partially stabilized zirconia, separated from the substrate metal by an interface layer, which serves to enhance bonding and reduce the thermal expansion mismatch between the metal and the ceramic. The reliability of these coatings is currently not predictable. The work described in this paper focused on the use of acoustic emission (AE) as a quality control test for TBCs. The test specimens were commercially sprayed straps. The data show that differences in spraying parameters and microstructure are clearly visible in the emissions during thermal cycling. This work indicates that the failure mechanism can be predicted from the AEs during the first thermal cycle.
Clinical correlations of midline spikes in children.

Abstract Here we describe the clinical characteristics of children with isolated midline spikes, comparing patients with and without epilepsy, and examining the evolution of midline spikes on repeat EEGs. EEGs and clinical information of 69 patients with isolated midline spikes identified from our EEG database were reviewed. Forty-three patients had a history of seizures. Most patients had complex partial seizures, and had an approximately five times higher chance of having new discharges at other sites on repeat EEGs than the nonepilepsy group (odds ratio = 4.95). Most children without epilepsy had developmental delay, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and pervasive developmental disorder. Their repeat EEGs showed disappearance or persistence of the midline discharges, with a two times higher probability of normal repeat EEG (58%) than the epilepsy group (24%) (odds ratio = 2.40). Isolated midline spikes may represent focal epileptiform activity, but are also found in normal children and in children with developmental and behavioral problems.
Genetic deletion of the Pten tumor suppressor gene promotes cell motility by activation of Rac1 and Cdc42 GTPases.

Abstract Pten (Phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome 10) is a recently identified tumor suppressor gene which is deleted or mutated in a variety of primary human cancers and in three cancer predisposition syndromes [1]. Pten regulates apoptosis and cell cycle progression through its phosphatase activity on phosphatidylinositol (PI) 3,4,5-trisphosphate (PI(3,4,5)P 3 ), a product of PI 3-kinase [2–5]. Pten has also been implicated in controlling cell migration [6], but the exact mechanism is not very clear. Using the isogenic Pten +/+ and Pten −/− mouse fibroblast lines, here we show that Pten deficiency led to increased cell motility. Reintroducing the wild-type Pten , but not the catalytically inactive Pten C124S or lipid-phosphatase-deficient Pten G129E mutant, reduced the enhanced cell motility of Pten-deficient cells. Moreover, phosphorylation of the focal adhesion kinase p125 FAK was not changed in Pten −/− cells. Instead, significant increases in the endogenous activities of Rac1 and Cdc42, two small GTPases involved in regulating the actin cytoskeleton [7], were observed in Pten −/− cells. Overexpression of dominant-negative mutant forms of Rac1 and Cdc42 reversed the cell migration phenotype of Pten −/− cells. Thus, our studies suggest that Pten negatively controls cell motility through its lipid phosphatase activity by down-regulating Rac1 and Cdc42.
Axial dispersion through tube constrictions

Tracer gas dispersion was measured for laminar flow through three different tube constrictions, at orifice Reynolds numbers between 10 and 5000 and Schmidt numbers of 0.213 and 0.769. Each constriction generates a confined jet which significantly enhances axial dispersion at intermediate Reynolds numbers ranging from 100 to 1000.
Brønsted acid catalyzed α'-functionalization of silylenol ethers with indoles.

A new method which enables carbon-carbon bond formation at the α'-position of silylenol ethers by using catalytic amounts of pyridinium triflate is reported. This chemistry successfully produces, structurally challenging, highly substituted indole-containing silylenol ethers in excellent yields with complete regiocontrol, presumably through silyloxyallyl cation intermediates. Despite the use of Bronsted acid, the silylenol ether moiety does not undergo protodesilylation, thus underscoring the very mild reaction conditions.
Short-circuit power dissipation estimation for CMOS logic gates

Short-circuit power dissipation contributes significantly to the overall power dissipation in ICs. A new formula has been developed for the estimation of short-circuit power dissipation in CMOS logic gates based on the /spl alpha/-power law model that includes velocity saturation effects of short channel MOSFETs. A technique is developed for the measurement of short-circuit current and power dissipation of CMOS logic gates for use in circuit simulation. SPICE simulation results show that the new formula is significantly more accurate than existing formulae. >
LIFE CYCLE INVENTORY ANALYSIS IN THE PRODUCTION OF METALS USED IN PHOTOVOLTAICS.

Material flows and emissions in all the stages of production of zinc, copper, aluminum, cadmium, indium, germanium, gallium, selenium, tellurium, and molybdenum were investigated. These metals are used selectively in the manufacture of solar cells, and emission and energy factors in their production are used in the Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) of photovoltaics. Significant changes have occurred in the production and associated emissions for these metals over the last 10 years, which are not described in the LCA databases. Furthermore, emission and energy factors for several of the by-products of the base metal production were lacking. This report aims in updating the life-cycle inventories associated with the production of the base metals (Zn, Cu, Al, Mo) and in defining the emission and energy allocations for the minor metals (Cd, In, Ge, Se, Te and Ga) used in photovoltaics.
New methods for capturing the mystery lipid, PtdIns5P.

The enormous versatility of phosphatidylinositol as a mediator of intracellular signalling is due to its variable phosphorylation on every combination of the 3′, 4′ and 5′ positions, as well as an even more complex range of phosphorylated products when inositol phosphate is released by phospholipase C activity. The phosphoinositides are produced by distinct enzymes in distinct intracellular membranes, and recruit and regulate downstream signalling proteins containing binding domains [PH (pleckstrin homology), PX (Phox homology), FYVE etc.] that are relatively specific for these lipids. Specific recruitment of downstream proteins presumably involves a coincidence detection mechanism, in which a combination of lipid–protein and protein–protein interactions define specificity. Of the seven intrucellular phosphoinositide, quantification of PtdIns5P levels in intact cells has remained difficult. In this issue of the Biochemical Journal, Sarkes and Rameh describe a novel HPLC-based approach which makes possible an analysis of the subcellular distribution of PtdIns5P and other phosphoinositides.
Sampling method comparisons for estimation of parasitism of Musca domestica (Diptera: Muscidae) pupae in accumulated poultry manure.

Estimates of parasitism of house fly, Musca domestica L., pupae were compared among manure samples, pupae traps, and sentinel pupae in an enclosed caged-layer poultry house. Frequencies of viable, nonviable, and parasitized pupae were significantly dependent on sampling method and manure moisture. Frequencies of parasitized pupae were higher than expected in manure samples, and lower than expected in pupae traps at all but very wet manure moisture levels. Frequencies of nonviable pupae were higher in manure samples and sentinel pupae bags than in pupae traps at higher manure moisture levels. Frequencies of parasitized pupae were higher in all samples at lower manure moisture levels. Four parasitoid species— Spalangia cameroni Perkins, S. endius Walker, S. nigroaenea Curtis, and Muscidifurax raptor Girault and Sanders—emerged from the parasitized pupae. Parasitism by S. cameroni was higher than expected and S. nigroaenea was lower than expected in sentinel pupae bags compared with the other sampling methods. The results indicated that each sampling method may lead to biased estimates of house fly pupae viability and parasitism, but that estimates from pupae traps may be least biased and most efficiently obtained.
Opioid modulation of resting-state anterior cingulate cortex functional connectivity

Individuals misuse oxycodone, a widely prescribed opioid analgesic, in part to self-medicate physical and emotional pain. Physical and emotional pain is thought to be represented in the brain by a 'pain matrix,' consisting of the insula, thalamus, and somatosensory cortices, with processing of the affective dimension of pain in the dorsal and rostral anterior cingulate cortex (ACC). The current study examined oxycodone's effects on resting-state functional connectivity between the dorsal ACC, rostral ACC, and other regions of the pain matrix using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). In a within-subjects, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, dose-response design, 14 healthy subjects completed a resting-state scan following ingestion of placebo, 10 mg, or 20 mg of oxycodone. Functional correlations between the dorsal and rostral ACC seed regions and the pain matrix were examined and compared across sessions. Both doses of oxycodone reduced functional coupling between the dorsal ACC and bilateral anterior insula/putamen and the rostral ACC and right insula relative to placebo (no differences between doses). The findings do not withstand correction for multiple comparisons, and thus should be considered preliminary. However, they are consistent with the idea that oxycodone may produce its physical and emotional 'analgesic' effects through disruption of ACC-insula and ACC-putamen connectivity.
Changes in leucyl-tRNA species of pea leaves during senescence and after zeatin treatment

Abstract Four major leucyl-tRNA peaks were observed from pea leaves as compared to six peaks from soybean cotyledons by fractionation on Freon columns (RPC-2). Correlated with yellowing of pea leaves the late-eluting peaks (tRNA 5 & 6 Leu ) decreased while the other 2 peaks (tRNA 1 & 2 Leu ) remained about the same. Foliar applications of 6-(4-hydroxy-3-methyl- rans -2-butenylamino)purine to intact pea plants delayed yellowing of the leaves and maintained the level of tRNA 5 & 6 Leu . Pea cotyledons contain mainly leucyl-tRNA 1 & 2 while pea leaves and soybean cotyledons contain tRNA 1,2,5 & 6 Leu and tRNA 1−6 Leu , respectively. Transfer RNA isolated from chloroplast preparation of peas contained a higher ratio of tRNA 5 Leu to tRNA 1 & 2 Leu than the whole leaf. The loss in specific tRNAs during senescence of pea and soybean leaves may be related to a general loss of tRNA from the chloroplast.
The impact of energy saving technologies on electric distribution system power quality

This paper contains a discussion of several energy saving technologies and their impact on electric power distribution systems. The reduced power demand of these energy saving devices reduces the peak system demand. However, there are increased distribution transformer and distribution network losses due to the distorted load current waveshape. These losses, when integrated over many services and over the year, represent a significant cost due to fuel costs and higher peak. The main focus of the discussion relates to ASD heat pumps and electronic ballast fluorescent lighting. >
Stability conditions for discrete time fault tolerant control systems in noisy environments

A new discrete time fault tolerant control system (DTFTCS) model is developed. The model represents a discrete version of fault tolerant control systems with Markovian parameters (FTCSMP). The proposed model is consistent with the general class of FTCSMP by defining two Markovian processes: one for fault detection and isolation (FDI) and the second represents the failures in control actuators. Stability definitions for DTFTCS are stated and necessary and sufficient conditions for the second moment stability are derived. Second moment stability conditions for a given controller are constructed in terms of feasibility solutions of linear matrix inequalities (LMI).
Interleukin-6 signals activating junB and TIS11 gene transcription in a B-cell hybridoma.

Abstract The events in interleukin-6 (IL-6) signal transduction leading to primary response gene activation were analyzed in murine B-cell hybridoma and plasmacytoma cells which require IL-6 for growth. IL-6 stimulation of IL-6-deprived cells resulted in the rapid and transient tyrosine phosphorylation of a 160-kDa cellular protein (p160). This was followed by the highly selective induction of two primary response genes, junB/AP-1 transcription factor and TIS11. junB and TIS11 inductions were unaffected by cycloheximide, suggesting that posttranslational modifications accounted for their activation. Activation of junB and TIS11 transcription required rapid tyrosine kinase activity as well as a different protein kinase activity sensitive to the potent kinase inhibitor, H7, and activated following p160 tyrosine phosphorylation. This H7-sensitive kinase appears to be distinct from any well-characterized protein kinase-second messenger system. On the basis of these findings, we propose that IL-6-induced signal transduction proceeds through a novel protein kinase cascade which activates junB and TIS11 gene transcription.
On-target endoglycosidase digestion matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry of glycopeptides.

The digestion of glycopeptides with endoglycosidases can be used in the process of their structural characterization, and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS) is often used to analyze the products of these digestions. In the currently accepted protocol for the endoglycosidase digestion of glycopeptides on the MALDI target, the target must be incubated at 37 degrees C, and an hour or more is needed for digestion. We have modified the procedure so that the process can be performed at room temperature in 5 to 15 min, and digestions are performed in the presence of a MALDI matrix. The endoglycosidases used for digestion were endoglycosidase H and peptide-N-glycosidase F. Glycopeptides from asialofetuin and endopolygalacturonase (EPG) II were used as standards because their glycan structures have been previously characterized. Glycopeptides with unknown glycan structures were also digested, including glycopeptides from pectate lyase, EPG I, and pectin methylesterase from Aspergillus niger.
ATTENUATION OF THE GANGLION CELL LAYER IN A PREMATURE INFANT REVEALED WITH HANDHELD SPECTRAL DOMAIN OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY.

Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) is a disease that causes abnormal blood vessel growth and the formation of scar tissue in premature infants. Color fundus imaging has been used to document these changes resulting from ROP.1 More recently, handheld spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) has been shown to provide valuable information in this challenging clinical population by multiple groups. Spectral domain optical coherence tomography has been used to identify cystoid macular edema and to quantify retinal development in premature neonates.2–5 The handheld probe allows for noncontact imaging and 3-dimensional imaging of the retina demonstrating findings that have not been seen in 2-dimensional photography. This may allow for more comprehensive and quantifiable screenings for ROP and other retinal disorders that affect this critical population.2–4 We report a case in which the Bioptigen handheld SD-OCT was being used during routine screening for ROP and cystoid macular edema, and severe attenuation of the ganglion cell layer and a thin nerve fiber layer was noted.
Simultaneous Determination of % Kinds of Estrogens in Meat of Livestock and Poultry by Solid-phase Extraction and-Liquid Chromatography

[Objective]To research and establish a rapid and sensitive Solid-phase extraction(SPE) high performance liquid chromatographic method for the determination of 5 estrogens(estradiol,estriol,estrone,ethynylestradiol,and diethylstilbestrol) in meat of livestock and poultry. [Methods]The SPE experimental conditions were optimized and the method of extraction and purification was studied to improve the sensitivity and accuracy.The SPE column was Oasis HLB 6 cc/200 mg.The elutropic liquid was acetonitrile.Chromatographic column was Eclipse XDB-C18 5 μm 4.6 mm×150 mm,Diode array detector detecting wavelength was 245 nm. [Results]Good separation was achieved in the 5 kinds of estrogens and the standard curve showing a direct ratio between the concentration and the peak area were obtained,correlation coefficient r0.999 3.Detection limits were in the range of 19.2~24.2 ng/g.The method precision and accuracy were satisfactory with recovery percentages ranging from 79% to 95% and relative standard deviations lower than 5%. [Conclusion]The method is proved to be satisfactory in precision,accuracy and sensitivity and adapt to the daily detection of livestock and poultry meat hormone.
Predicting Rat and Human Pregnane X Receptor Activators Using Bayesian Classification Models.

The pregnane X receptor (PXR) is a ligand-activated transcription factor that acts as a master regulator of metabolizing enzymes and transporters. To avoid adverse drug–drug interactions and diseases such as steatosis and cancers associated with PXR activation, identifying drugs and chemicals that activate PXR is of crucial importance. In this work, we developed ligand-based predictive computational models for both rat and human PXR activation, which allowed us to identify potentially harmful chemicals and evaluate species-specific effects of a given compound. We utilized a large publicly available data set of nearly 2000 compounds screened in cell-based reporter gene assays to develop Bayesian quantitative structure–activity relationship models using physicochemical properties and structural descriptors. Our analysis showed that PXR activators tend to be hydrophobic and significantly different from nonactivators in terms of their physicochemical properties such as molecular weight, logP, number of rings,...
Tell-Tale Trees: Historical Dendroarchaeology of Log Structures at Rocky Mount, Piney Flats, Tennessee

The Rocky Mount site has important historical and cultural significance for the State of Tennessee because it was built by one of its earliest settlers and served as the capital of the territory from 1790 to 1792. Questions arose concerning whether the two main log structures—known as the Cobb House with adjoining dining room—were built by William Cobb between 1770 and 1772. The authors used tree-ring dating to determine the year(s) of construction of these two log structures. Three nearby reference tree-ring chronologies anchored the Rocky Mount tree-ring chronology from 1667 to 1829. Cutting dates obtained from 19 logs revealed that the Cobb House was built beginning in 1827 and finished by 1828, while the dining room was begun in 1829 and finished by 1830. An additional six logs had outermost dates between 1820 and 1825. These 25 logs demonstrate, instead, that Michael Massengill constructed the house and dining room between 1827 and 1830.
Use of interactive iBooks for patient education in otology.

Abstract Introduction Physicians in the ambulatory setting face challenges in adequately educating patients in a brief office encounter. Objective To evaluate the efficacy of an iPad-based interactive educational module (iBook) in various otologic pathologies. Methods Patients presenting with symptoms of tinnitus, dizziness, hearing loss, or cochlear implant evaluation were included. In total, 44 patients received the iBook and 22 patients served as controls. Prior to viewing the iBook, patients completed a pre-survey to assess baseline knowledge. After viewing the iBook, patients completed a post-survey to assess changes in perception and knowledge of their disease. Results were compared to that of the control group who did not receive iBook supplementation prior to being seen by the physician. Results Paired t-test analysis showed significant improvements (p Conclusion Patients who viewed the iBook, personalized to their diagnosis, displayed significantly improved understanding of their condition. Increased use of interactive educational modalities, such as the iBook, can be of benefit to an otologic practice in improving patient education and satisfaction.
Pediatric Medulloblastoma: a Case of Recurrent Disease and Resiliency

As advances in treatment have evolved over the past several years, a diagnosis of a brain tumor in childhood is no longer a universal lethal disease. In fact, the overall survival rate of children with medulloblastoma brain tumors is over 70% (Ward et al., CA Cancer J Clin 64:83–103, 2014). Medical and cognitive late effects are common in this population, although advances in treatment have focused on reducing the detrimental effects of cranial radiation therapy (RT) and chemotherapy. This article will provide an overview of the epidemiology, pathophysiology, and treatment approaches to medulloblastoma (the most frequently occurring embryonic brain tumor; Ostrom et al., Neuro Oncol 17:iv1–iv62, 2015), as well as complications, common medical and neurocognitive late effects, and protective factors. Innovative and emerging treatments and strategies to improve neuropsychological function and quality of life are also reviewed. We present a case study that highlights many of these challenges and conclude with a conceptualization that integrates the research reviewed with the unique characteristics of this most extraordinary young man.
Climate change, weather and road deaths

In 2015, a 7% increase in road deaths per population in the USA reversed the 35-year downward trend. Here I test the hypothesis that weather influenced the change in trend. I used linear regression to estimate the effect of temperature and precipitation on miles driven per capita in urbanizedurbanised areas of the USA during 2010. I matched date and county of death with temperature on that date and number of people exposed to that temperature to calculate the risk per persons exposed to specific temperatures. I employed logistic regression analysis of temperature, precipitation and other risk factors prevalent in 2014 to project expected deaths in 2015 among the 100 most populous counties in the USA. Comparison of actual and projected deaths provided an estimate of deaths expected without the temperature increase.
Evaluating the Effectiveness of Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy in Reducing Mastectomy for Women With Breast Cancer

Background Neoadjuvant chemotherapy in breast cancer reduced mastectomy rates by 7% to 13% in randomized trials. However, the differential effects for women with different stages, receptor subtypes, and ages are unknown. We compared mastectomy rates in women who did vs did not receive neoadjuvant chemotherapy in 18 patient subgroups. The main objective was to quantify the potential benefit from neoadjuvant chemotherapy in reducing mastectomy rates for each subgroup. Methods Our retrospective analysis used data from the National Cancer Data Base, which includes approximately 70% of incident cancers across the United States. Absolute risk reductions for mastectomy were determined for 18 subgroups of clinical stage, receptor subtype, and age group. In each subgroup, propensity score weighting balanced measured covariates between women treated with vs without neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Results A total of 55 709 patients were analyzed. In clinical stage IIA disease, only patients with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive tumors had reduced mastectomy rates associated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy (age < 60 years, 12%; age ≥ 60 years, 12.6%). For stage IIB cancers, neoadjuvant chemotherapy was associated with an absolute reduction in mastectomy rates of 5.9% in women younger than age 60 years with hormone receptor-positive/HER2- disease, 8.2% to 10.7% for triple-negative disease, and 11.7% to 17.4% for HER2+ disease. For stage IIIA, the reductions in mastectomy rates ranged from 6.6% to 15.9%. Conclusions In an analysis of patients treated across the United States, we found that neoadjuvant chemotherapy was associated with a reduction in mastectomy rates to a similar magnitude overall as shown in randomized trials, but this benefit varied widely by patient subgroup. This study provides novel information to help women make informed decisions regarding treatment.
Proton-Coupled Conformational Allostery Modulates the Inhibitor Selectivity for β-Secretase

Many important pharmaceutical targets, such as aspartyl proteases and kinases, exhibit pH-dependent dynamics, functions and inhibition. Accurate prediction of their binding free energies is challenging because current computational techniques neglect the effects of pH. Here we combine free energy perturbation calculations with continuous constant pH molecular dynamics to explore the selectivity of a small-molecule inhibitor for β-secretase (BACE1), an important drug target for Alzheimer’s disease. The calculations predicted identical affinity for BACE1 and the closely related cathepsin D at high pH; however, at pH 4.6 the inhibitor is selective for BACE1 by 1.3 kcal/mol, in excellent agreement with experiment. Surprisingly, the pH-dependent selectivity can be attributed to the protonation of His45, which allosterically modulates a loop–inhibitor interaction. Allosteric regulation induced by proton binding is likely common in biology; considering such allosteric sites could lead to exciting new opportuniti...
Using multilevel regression to examine hierarchical data: investigating differences in reading performance between immigrant and native-born children / El uso de la regresión multinivel en el examen de datos jerárquicos: un estudio sobre las diferencias existentes en el rendimiento en la lectura entre niños de origen inmigrante y niños nativos

A persistent problem in examining culture and education is the entanglement of individual and group aspects of norms, beliefs and behaviour. The challenge often concerns the proper specification an...
Crystallization Histories of Alkaline Intrusions in West Texas: Some Paradoxes and Answers

Publisher Summary This chapter illustrates the use of the compositional zoning of ternary feldspars. The Big Bend region of West Texas is the site of numerous hypabyssal alkaline intrusions that range from basaltic to quartz trachytic and rhyolitic. Alkali feldspars play a major role in the formation of these rocks and compositional zoning in the feldspars allows deduction of the crystallization history of many intrusions. Metastable crystallization is shown by epitaxial overgrowth of feldspar phases. In some instances the fractionation path of the magma follows the expected trend, determined from experimental studies. In others the path, paradoxically, is counter to the expected trend. These relations are illustrated in detailed studies of quartz microsyenite plugs. More mafic intrusions typically contain isolated bodies of syenite, whose distribution, shape, and composition suggest in situ differentiation. Compositional variation of minerals, especially feldspars, shows that fractionation of initial mafic magma leads to syenitic residuum that matches the syenite bodies. Syenite bodies occur around the world in alkaline mafic sills. Generally, either a separate injection of syenitic magma after the intrusion of the sill or the settling of mafic phenocrysts to leave a leucocratic residuum has been invoked. Neither mechanism can explain the sills in West Texas, but a proposed explanation seems to answer the paradox.