cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Abstract 3763: Ribonucleotide reductase subunit M2 plays important role in cisplatin resistance of cancer cells

Proceedings: AACR Annual Meeting 2014; April 5-9, 2014; San Diego, CA Background: Cisplatin is widely used as a cancer therapeutic for many types of cancers. It mediates the formation of DNA adducts which impair DNA replication and transcription, and consequently induces cell death when there is no prompt DNA repair. However, resistance to cisplatin continues to be the major hurdle to its optimal effect in cancer therapy. Ribonucleotide reductase subunit M2 (RRM2), an essential regulator of balanced deoxyribonucleotides (dNTPs), is critical for DNA replication and repair, and hence cell survival. It has been shown that overexpression of RRM2 is associated with resistance to chemotherapeutic agents including cisplatin. However, the exact mechanism needs to be further deciphered. Methods: We generated cisplatin-resistant H1299-ptR cells from the H1299 (non-small cell lung cancer) cell line for this study, and also employed KB-8-5 and KB-CP 0.5 cells, previously derived from the KB-3-1 (head and neck cancer) cell line. RRM2 expression level was compared between resistant vs. parental cell lines. In addition, the impact on cisplatin resistance was mechanistically pursued by using RRM2 silencing. Results: Based on EC50, we found that KB-8-5 and KB-CP 0.5 cell lines were 4- and 36-fold more resistant to cisplatin compared to their parental cell line KB-3-1, respectively. Similarly, H1299-ptR was 12-fold more resistant than its parental H1299 cell line. Interestingly, in all resistant cell lines, RRM2 expression level was found to be 2- to 4-fold higher than in the parental counterparts. Silencing of RRM2 in resistant cell lines induced cell apoptosis, along with enhanced DNA damage, which manifested as an elevated level of histone γ-H2AX. In KB-CP 0.5 cells, RRM2 knockdown resulted in increased level of p53 (∼60% apoptosis) and reduced activation of ATR-Chk1, indicating that inhibition of ssDNA damage repair system is attributable to cellular apoptosis. Strikingly, the ATR-Chk1 signaling pathway was found to be hyperactive in cisplatin resistant cells. Taken together, these findings suggest that RRM2 plays an active role in the development of cisplatin resistance through its action in the DNA repair system. Conclusions: Increased expression of RRM2 may induce drug-resistance potential in cancer cells, whereas RRM2 suppression reverses drug resistance and decreases proliferation. This study suggests that targeting RRM2 can be an effective approach to overcome drug resistance and potently induce apoptosis. (This work is supported by grants from NIH U01CA151802, P50CA128613). Citation Format: Mohammad Aminur Rahman, A.R.M. R. Amin, Xianghong Peng, Jun Zhang, Zhuo G. Chen, Dong M. Shin. Ribonucleotide reductase subunit M2 plays important role in cisplatin resistance of cancer cells. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr 3763. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-3763
Birefringent Optical Fibers: Modulational Instability in a Near-Integrable System

The propagation of light pulses in a nonlinear optical fiber operated near the zero-dispersion point is governed by the nonlinear Schrodinger (NLS) equation. For fibers having normal dispersion, the NLS equation is of de-focussing type so that the simplest exponential plane waves are stable.
Golgin‐84 is a rab1 Binding Partner Involved in Golgi Structure

Members of the golgin family of coiled-coil proteins have been implicated in the tethering of vesicles to Golgi membranes and cisternal membranes to each other. Many also bind to rab GTPases. Golgin-84 is a membrane-anchored golgin that we now show binds preferentially to the GTP form of the rab1 GTPase. It is also present throughout the Golgi stack by immuno-EM. Antibodies to golgin-84 inhibit stacking of cisternal membranes in a cell-free assay for Golgi reassembly, whereas the cytoplasmic domain of golgin-84 stimulates stacking and increases the length of re-assembled stacks. Transient expression of golgin-84 in NRK cells helps prevent the disassembly of the Golgi apparatus normally triggered by treatment with brefeldin A. Together these data suggest that golgin-84 is involved in generating and maintaining the architecture of the Golgi apparatus.
Carotid baroreflex activation therapy for resistant hypertension

Arterial baroreceptors are mechanosensitive sensory nerve endings in the walls of the carotid sinuses and aortic arch that buffer the increases and decreases in arterial blood pressure. Electrical field stimulation of the carotid sinus, known as carotid baroreflex activation therapy, holds promise as a novel device-based intervention to supplement, but not replace, drug therapy for patients with resistant hypertension. Acute electrical field stimulation of even one carotid sinus can cause a sufficiently large reflex decrease in blood pressure to overcome offsetting reflexes from the contralateral carotid baroreceptors and aortic baroreceptors that are not paced. However, the initial phase III Rheos Pivotal Trial on continuous carotid baroreceptor pacing for resistant hypertension with the first-generation baroreceptor pacemaker yielded equivocal data on efficacy and adverse effects due to facial nerve injury during surgical implantation. A miniaturized second-generation pacing electrode has seemingly overcome the safety issue, and early results with the new device suggest efficacy of unilateral carotid sinus stimulation in heart failure. A phase III trial of this new device for resistant hypertension has been registered.
Usefulness of the Lipid Index for Bioaccumulation Studies with Daphnia magna

Bioaccumulation studies with Daphnia magna have become an important tool for hazard evaluation of potentially toxic materials released to aquatic environments. Despite widespread use of this test organism, little attention has been paid to the influence of stored lipids on uptake of xenobiotics. The authors drew upon principles of zooplankton population dynamics in the limnological literature to define experimental parameters for bioconcentration testing of organic compounds. Adult test populations were initially starved and monitored for lipid content and brood production. Mean lipid index values declined at 72 h to less than 50% of those observed at 24 h. The number of hatched young peaked at 48 h and was inversely related to lipid storage and ovary production. In a separate experiment, uptake kinetics of /sup 14/C-labelled quinoline were compared between two daphnid test groups with mean lipid scores of 5.4 and 2.8 respectively. Total radioactivity was significantly higher for the high lipid group at 8 h, and the coefficient of variation was lower. Estimated bioconcentration factors adjusted to dry weight were similar. Our studies indicated that lipid reserves of daphnid test populations can be routinely monitored as an indicator of stress in the laboratory. Bioaccumulation tests should be limited tomore » less than 24 h to avoid depletion of lipid stores, which may cause increased variation in tissue concentration over time. 19 references, 2 figures, 2 tables.« less
A high conversion efficiency 5.8 GHz rectenna

A high efficiency rectenna element has been designed and tested at 5.8 GHz for applications involving microwave power transmission. The dipole antenna and filtering circuitry are printed on a thin duroid substrate. A silicon Schottky-barrier mixer diode with a low breakdown voltage is used as the rectifying device; The rectenna element is tested inside a waveguide simulator and achieves an RF to DC conversion efficiency of 82% at an input power level of 50 mW. The antenna and circuit design is based on a full-wave electromagnetic simulator.
Different slopes for different folks: alpha and delta EEG power predict subsequent video game learning rate and improvements in cognitive control tasks.

We hypothesized that control processes, as measured using electrophysiological (EEG) variables, influence the rate of learning of complex tasks. Specifically, we measured alpha power, event-related spectral perturbations (ERSPs), and event-related brain potentials during early training of the Space Fortress task, and correlated these measures with subsequent learning rate and performance in transfer tasks. Once initial score was partialled out, the best predictors were frontal alpha power and alpha and delta ERSPs, but not P300. By combining these predictors, we could explain about 50% of the learning rate variance and 10%‐20% of the variance in transfer to other tasks using only pretraining EEG measures. Thus, control processes, as indexed by alpha and delta EEG oscillations, can predict learning and skill improvements. The results are of potential use to optimize training regimes. Descriptors: Video game training, Space Fortress, Electroencephalogram (EEG), Event-related spectral perturbations (ERSPs), Event-related brain potentials (ERPs), Skill learning, Cognitive control, Alpha rhythm
Penicillin- and Cephalosporin-Resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae: An Emerging Microbial Threat

Recent reports from South Africa,1 Spain,2 Hungary,3 Texas,4-6 and Memphis7,8 document an increasing incidence of penicillin-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae infections in children. The emergence of penicillin-resistant pneumococci that also demonstrate decreased susceptibility to extended-spectrum cephalosporins presents an even greater clinical challenge.6-9 This commentary reviews recent developments in the epidemiology, identification, and management of penicillin- and cephalosporin-resistant pneumococcal disease in children. Pneumococcal susceptibility to penicillin is defined as a minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) 1.0 µ/mL. Pneumococcal penicillin resistance is mediated by alterations in penicillin-binding proteins involved in cell wall synthesis.10
Effective Utilization of the Incident Command System in a High-Reliability Environment

The incident command system (ICS) is a standardized method of managing emergency incidents caused by fires, accidents, hazardous materials, and other natural or human-caused disasters. ICS is a flexible system that consists of established procedures for managing resources such as personnel, equipment, and communications. This study includes the examination of a suburban volunteer fire department’s use of ICS at all incidents. The utilization of interdisciplinary training methods, post-incident assessment techniques, and formation of strategic alliances are identified as the primary components that contribute to the effective management of an incident.
M.E.: Mexican American and Educated

For Marlen Vasquez, attending college was a transformative experience through which she learned to question extant social structures and reconnect with her Latina heritage. In this essay, Vasquez recounts two undergraduate experiences that transformed her worldview, renewed her sense of cultural pride, and allowed her to move beyond previous schooling experiences characterized by shame and a yearning to "fit in."
New capacity upper bounds and coding aspects for some channels with causal CSIT

We study two channels with causal CSIT: a finite state channel with input constraints and a finite-battery energy harvesting channel, considered in [1] and for the latter [2]–[5]. The capacity of these channels remains open and the calculation of the upper bounds often has a complexity double exponential in the block size N. In this paper we obtain an alternative upper bound which has a complexity linear in N. While, for any N, this bound is looser than the bound in [1], since it can be readily computed for very large values of N, it leads to numerically tighter bounds in many cases. Furthermore, for the energy harvesting channel we calculate the pairwise error probabilities of the ML decoder, which provides a useful guideline for the code design.
Ultrafast electro-optic field sensors for terahertz beams

Summary form only given. To date, the measurement of terahertz pulse is primarily being carried out using ultrafast photoconductive antennas and far-infrared interferometric techniques. In this presentation, we report our recent work on ultrafast electro-optic field sensors for the coherent measurement of freely-propagating THz beams. The sensitivity of our ultra-wideband field sensors is improved to be comparable with the ultrafast photoconductive dipole antennas currently used.
p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase is required for TGFβ-mediated fibroblastic transdifferentiation and cell migration

Transforming growth factor beta (TGFbeta) contributes to tumor progression by inducing an epithelial to mesenchymal transdifferentiation (EMT) and cell migration. We found that TGFbeta-induced EMT was blocked by inhibiting activation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) with H-7, a protein kinase C inhibitor, and with SB202190, a direct inhibitor of p38MAPK. Inhibition of the p38MAPK pathway affected TGFbeta-mediated phosphorylation of ATF2, but did not inhibit phosphorylation of Smad2. SB202190 impaired TGFbeta-mediated changes in cell shape and reorganization of the actin cytoskeleton. Forced expression of dominant-negative (DN) MAPK kinase 3 (MKK3) inhibited TGFbeta-mediated activation of p38MAPK and EMT. Expression of DN-p38alpha impaired TGFbeta-induced EMT. Inhibition of p38MAPK blocked TGFbeta-induced migration of non-tumor and tumor mammary epithelial cells. TGFbeta induced activation of the p38MAPK pathway within 15 minutes. Expression of TGFbeta type II (TbetaRII) and type I (TbetaRI/Alk5) kinase-inactive receptors blocked EMT and activation of p38MAPK, whereas expression of constitutively active Alk5-T204D resulted in EMT and phosphorylation of MKK3/6 and p38MAPK. Finally, dominant-negative Rac1N17 blocked TGFbeta-induced activation of the p38MAPK pathway and EMT, suggesting that Rac1 mediates activation of the p38MAPK pathway. These studies suggest that the p38MAPK pathway is required for TGFbeta-mediated EMT and cell migration.
Combustion Behaviors Resulting from Bimodal Aluminum Size Distributions in Thermites

Studies that replace a portion of the micron-size aluminum (Al) with nano-Al particles in an energetic formulation demonstrate significant performance enhancement. Little is known, however, about the critical level of nano-sized fuel particles needed to enhance the performance of the energetic composite. Ignition sensitivity and combustion velocity experiments were performed using a thermite composed of Al and molybdenum trioxide (MoO 3 ). Both loose powders and compressed pellets were examined. A bimodal Al particle size distribution was prepared using 4 or 20-μm-diam Al fuel particles that were replaced in 10% increments by 80-nm-diam Al particles until the fuel was 100% nano-AI. Results show that with only 20% nano-Al content, the mixtures showed reduced ignition delay times by up to 2 orders of magnitude. The combustion velocity was shown to dramatically increase as more nano-Al particles replace micron-Al particles within the mixture. This increasing trend was attributed to incomplete reactions of the micron-Al particles or significantly slower reactions such that the micron-Al particles promote cooling or quenching of the reaction.
College attendance and its effect on drinking behaviors in a longitudinal study of adolescents.

Background: While college attendance has been shown to be associated with increased drinking behaviors, there are no studies to our knowledge that have examined whether college attendance moderates genetic influences for drinking. We first tested for changes in alcohol consumption in adolescents who did and did not subsequently attend college, and then tested for variation of the genetic and environmental determinants of drinking in these 2 groups. Methods: Participants eligible for this study were selected from 2 samples from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (Add Health), a national probability sample (n=7,083) and a sample of sibling pairs (n=855 pairs). Participants were assessed for measures of drinking behaviors as adolescents (wave I) and reinterviewed at 1 (wave II) and 6 years (wave III) following the initial survey. Changes in binge drinking and average quantity of alcohol consumed in the past year were estimated among 4 groups (2-year college students, 4-year college students, college withdrawers, noncollege participants) in sequential cohorts which spanned the ages of 13 to 24 across the 3 Add Health waves. Gene by environment interactions were then tested at wave III using biometrical models in the genetically informative pairs. Results: Participants who did not attend college reported more binge drinking and consumed greater quantities of alcohol as adolescents than participants who subsequently attended college. However, the college students not only surpassed their noncollege peers in alcohol use as young adults, but also exhibited a greater genetic influence on quantity of alcohol consumed per drinking episode. Conclusions: Exposure to a college environment acts as an environmental moderator, supporting the hypothesis that the magnitude of genetic influence on certain aspects of alcohol consumption is greater in environments where drinking behaviors are more likely to be promoted. Language: en
A technique for the measurement of mutual impedance of monolithic solid‐state quasioptical oscillators

A technique for the measurement of mutual impedance of monolithic solid-state quasioptical oscillators is described. Varying the spacing between one oscillator and its mirror image causes a frequency shift that can be used to calculate mutual coupling. The theory is confirmed through measurements of a 51-GHz monolithic IMPATT oscillator.
RF MEMS‐based tunable filters

This paper overviews the application of RF MEMS switches in tunable filters as well as circuit developments for bandpass filters covering 110 MHz to 2.8 GHz. RF MEMS have several desirable features, including small size, low power requirements, and low loss. The basic operation of Raytheon's RF MEMS capacitive membrane switch is described. An overview of the technique used to integrate the switch into a variable capacitor structure with sixteen capacitance states is provided. Variable capacitor structures are used to construct multipole lumped bandpass filter designs, each with sixteen states. Finally, measured data from two representative five- and six-pole bandpass filters are presented. Characterization data demonstrates that the insertion loss for the five-pole filter using on-chip inductors was between 6.6 and 7.3 dB, and between 3.7 and 4.2 dB for the six-pole filter using off-chip inductors. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Int J RF and Microwave CAE11: 276-284, 2001.
Aggregating Incomplete Individual Ratings in Group Resource Allocation Decisions

This paper addresses a decision to be made by a group of evaluators as to how to allocate a pool of monetary resources to a set of candidates. The group decision is an aggregation of the individual allocation recommendations by the evaluators. Evaluators may also be candidates to receive allocations and not allowed to vote a recommendation for themselves. Further, evaluators can elect to exclude some candidates from their evaluations because they do not believe they are qualified to judge some candidates. Two models are presented for aggregation of individual evaluations using the mean and median, respectively, as the basis for the group consensus. In circumstances where some evaluators do not recommend allocations for all candidates, the calculation of the mean recommendations requires the solution of a system of linear equations and the calculation of the median recommendations requires an iterative search algorithm. Conditions for existence of a group consensus allocation for each model are described and the strengths and weaknesses of each model are explored. The models can be applied to a variety of different group decisions, including rating of candidates for a job or allocating a budget.
The 'Century of Humiliation,' Then and Now: Changing Chinese Perceptions Of the International Order

China’s elites have long grappled with the legacy of the “century of humiliation,” the period between the beginning of the First Opium War in 1839 and the end of the Chinese civil war in 1949. The events of this period dealt an intense shock to China’s worldview and self-image, as it faced the intrusion of foreign powers that, for the first time, had both the inclination and the ability to force open China’s economy and topple its millennia-old political system. Where before China’s leaders had had little concept of an “international” arena, they were now exposed to a global system of power relationships whose dynamics – though almost entirely out of China’s control – would determine its fate. They came to believe that this system was one in which competition and struggle among nations are natural and unavoidable phenomena.In the 60 years since Mao's revolution ended the “Century of Humiliation," China has become quite adept at working within the international system that once threatened to subjugate it entirely. Today, the PRC’s participation in the global diplomatic, political, military, and economic arenas showcases a nation-state that is an apparently willing and increasingly successful participant in existing international arrangements. At the same time, however, public statements suggest that China’s elites continue to harbor a degree of dissatisfaction with the current international system, and they continue to reference China’s legacy of past “humiliation” as a justification for their suspicion about the intentions of other powers.This paper focuses on how China’s intellectual and political elites in the late Qing Dynasty and today have assessed the nature of the international system and China’s aspired role in it. I argue that where once China accepted that a competitive world system was "natural" and strove to learn how to prevail within it, today’s elites simultaneously seek to become competitive while also questioning the need to do so. Hence, while China’s elites today strive to show that their nation has accepted the values necessary to hold a leading position within the existing international system, many of them also urge that, in the longer run, the world should consider alternate arrangements. They argue further that China’s prior experience as a “humiliated” nation make it uniquely suited to guide the world into a more peaceful, non-competitive future, although the exact outlines of that future remain hazy.
Ellis–van Creveld Syndrome and Congenital Heart Defects: Presentation of an Additional 32 Cases

Ellis–van Creveld (EVC) syndrome is a rare genetic abnormality that has been linked to a mutation in the EVC or EVC2 genes. Common atrium (CA) is an uncommon cardiac malformation, and yet it is commonly found in patients with EVC. We performed a retrospective review of the cases submitted to the Pediatric Cardiac Care Consortium (PCCC) between 1982 and 2007. A review of the English-language literature for previously published cases, as well as current genetic research findings, was also performed. Thirty-two pediatric patients with congenital heart disease (CHD) and EVC syndrome were identified in the PCCC database. Twenty-eight (88%) had an endocardial cushion defect, with 15 of these having primary failure of atrial septation resulting in CA. Persistent left superior vena cava (LSVC) and pulmonary venous connection abnormalities were common. The incidence of persistent LSVC and pulmonary venous abnormalities were greater than previously reported for patients with EVC. Our study reviews the reported literature and adds 32 additional cases from the PCCC database. Review of the cardiac phenotype in patients with EVC syndrome reveals a characteristic pattern of atrioventricular canal defects with systemic and pulmonary venous abnormalities. The frequent association of these abnormalities is strongly reminiscent of the cardiac phenotype found in patients with heterotaxy syndromes. Emerging molecular and developmental studies suggest that EVC and EVC2 proteins may be important for cilia function, which is implicated in the pathogenesis of heterotaxy syndromes. It is speculated that coordinate function between the EVC proteins is required for a cilia-dependent cardiac morphogenesis.
Near‐field scanning optical microscopy imaging of individual threading dislocations on relaxed GexSi1−x films

We have identified individual threading dislocations on relaxed, compositionally graded GexSi1−x structures through simultaneous imaging of topography and photoresponse. The threading dislocations show shallow depressions in surface morphology and a 5%–10% reduction in photoresponse compared with the defect‐free regions. The average spatial extent of the reduced photoresponse is (0.66±0.16) μm, which is larger than the associated morphology. This study further demonstrates the application of near‐field scanning optical microscopy to characterization of electrically active defects. The spatial resolution is ten times higher than conventional optical techniques.
Textural Stability of Intermediate-Moisture Extrudates: Effects of Formulation

ABSTRACT Effects of formulation on the textural stability of intermediate-moisture, flour-based, “jerky”-type extrudates were assessed. Potato-based extrudates containing various particulate-meat concentrations and different plasticizers (sucrose, fructose, glycerol, and glucose) were produced and subjected to accelerated storage for three weeks. The elastic modulus of the samples was measured before storage and then weekly. The relative fluidity and moisture mobility of the specimens were assessed by dynamic mechanical spectrometry (DMS), electron spin resonance (ESR), and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). Samples were also evaluated by fluorometry and X-ray diffraction to determine the extent of browning reaction and degree of molecular ordering, respectively. While elastic modulus increased appreciably during storage, firming was progressively reduced by entrained meat content and also by plasticizers, especially glycerol; plasticized and meat-containing samples had correspondingly lower tan δ peak tem...
An Intelligent Sensor Framework for the Power Grid

The number of sensors connected to the electric power system is expected to grow by several orders of magnitude by 2020. However, the information networks which will transmit and analyze the resulting data are ill-equipped to handle the resulting volume with reliable real-time delivery. Without the ability to manage and use this data, deploying sensors such as phasor measurement units in the transmission system and smart meters in the distribution system will not result in the desired improvements in the power grid. The ability to exploit the massive data being generated by new sensors would allow for more efficient flow of power and increased survivability of the grid. Additionally, the power systems of today are not capable of managing two-way power flow to accommodate distributed generation capabilities due to concerns about system stability and lack of system flexibility. The research that we are performing creates a framework to add “intelligence” to the sensors and actuators being used today in the electric power system. Sensors that use our framework will be capable of sharing information through the various layers of the electric power system to enable two-way information flow to help facilitate integration of distributed resources. Several techniques are considered including use of peer-to-peer communication as well as distributed agents. Specifically, we will have software agents operating on systems with differing levels of computing power. The agents will cooperate to bring computation closer to the data. The types of computation considered are control decisions, data analysis, and demand/response. When paired with distributed autonomous controllers, the sensors form the basis of an information system that supports deployment of both micro-grids and islanding. Our efforts in the area of developing the next generation information infrastructure for sensors in the power grid form the basis of a broader strategy that enables better integration of distributed generation, distribution automation systems and decentralized control (micro-grids).Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Retinal ligatin recognizes glycoproteins bearing oligosaccharides terminating in phosphodiester-linked glucose

Abstract Ligatin is a filamentous, baseplate protein that binds and localizes peripheral glycoproteins to the external cell surface. Glycoproteins coisolated with ligatin from embryonic chicken neural retina and radiolabeled with 32 P are retained by an affinity column containing covalently bound retinal ligatin. Elution is achieved preferentially by α-glucose 1-phosphate and, to a limited extent, by mannose 6-phosphate. Treatment with endo-β-N-acetylglucosaminidase H prevents the proteins from binding to the column and results in the release of high-mannose-type oligosaccharides containing 32 P. The simplest of these oligosaccharides is unaffected by alkaline phosphatase unless the treatment is preceded by mild acid hydrolysis. Enzymatic and chemical analyses suggest that the phosphate is present in phosphodiester bonds linking penultimate mannose residues to terminal glucose residues.
Local multifocal oscillatory potential abnormalities in diabetes and early diabetic retinopathy.

Purpose To study retinal dysfunction in diabetes and early nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) using a new method to analyze local multifocal electroretinogram oscillatory potentials (mfOPs). Methods One eye of each of 26 normal subjects, 16 diabetic subjects without retinopathy (NoR), and 16 diabetic subjects with early NPDR was examined. Slow-flash multifocal electroretinograms (sf-mfERGs) were recorded from the central 45 degrees, and stereo fundus photographs of the diabetic eyes were taken. The first-order (K1), induced first-order (K1i), and second-order (K2) response components were extracted from each retinal location, and K1i and K2 were added to create Ks2. Responses from 35 contiguous areas were digitally filtered 90 to 225 Hz to isolate the mfOPs. The signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the mfOPs was calculated, and abnormality was defined as SNR below the fifth percentile of the normal subjects. Results Combining the K1i and K2 components to form Ks2 before isolation of the mfOPs by digital filtering increased the SNR. Mean Ks2 and K1 mfOP SNRs were abnormal in 25% and 19% of the NoR eyes, respectively, and both were abnormal in 62% of the NPDR eyes. The retinal distributions of the local Ks2 and K1 mfOP abnormalities overlapped, but they differed. Furthermore, local Ks2 mfOP abnormalities were preferentially associated with retinal sites containing NPDR but K1 mfOP abnormalities were not. Conclusions The cells that contribute to the generation of local mfOPs are affected by diabetes and, to a greater degree, by early NPDR. The results suggest that fast adaptive mechanisms influencing the mfOPs are most abnormal at retinal sites containing NPDR.
Ultraslow relaxation of confined DNA

Polymers are ubiquitous and occur in many diverse forms, including cross-linked synthetic polymers (e.g., rubber and plastic) and biopolymers such as DNA and proteins. DNA has long been used as a model system for polymer science because long, chemically well-defined DNA chains can be prepared using its ability to self-replicate, and because it can be analyzed at the single-molecule level. For instance, the relaxation dynamics of a distorted DNA molecule eventually reverting to its lowest-energy configuration have been investigated extensively ( 1 ). There has been growing interest in understanding the relaxation of spatially confined polymers. How biopolymers such as DNA and proteins behave under high spatial confinement is important because they often experience such conditions—for example, when DNA passes through a narrow pore during viral packaging or bacterial conjugation. With the advent of nanotechnology (DNA is 2 nm in diameter), it has now become possible to study the relaxation dynamics of DNA confined in one ( 2 ) and two ( 3 ) dimensions. Berndsen et al. ( 4 ) have undertaken the first characterization of DNA relaxation under extreme confinement in three dimensions. Remarkably, they find that DNA relaxation under such circumstances is slowed by a factor of more than 60,000, presenting a daunting challenge for the biological machines that need to compact DNA reliably into tight spaces.
Skin problems from marine arthropods

While the majority of the phylum Arthropoda are terrestrial, some of the aquatic members can be harmful to human skin. While none of the aquatic arthropods are known to be venomous, traumatic injuries from claws or spines can cause penetrating and laceration injuries which may lead to secondary infection. Bite reactions, poisoning from ingestion, and contact reactions are also seen due to marine arthropods. Preventive measures and treatment are discussed.
Mechanism for the differential toxicity of neonicotinoid insecticides in the honey bee, Apis mellifera

Abstract Laboratory bioassays were conducted to determine the contact honey bee toxicity of commercial and candidate neonicotinoid insecticides. The nitro-substituted compounds were the most toxic to the honey bee in our laboratory studies with LD50 values of 18 ng/bee for imidacloprid, 22 ng for clothianidin, 30 ng for thiamethoxam, 75 ng for dinotefuran and 138 ng for nitenpyram. The cyano-substituted neonicotinoids exhibited a much lower toxicity with LD50 values for acetamiprid and thiacloprid of 7.1 and 14.6 μg/bee, respectively. Piperonyl butoxide, triflumizole and propiconazole increased honey bee toxicity of acetamiprid 6.0-, 244- and 105-fold and thiacloprid 154-, 1,141- and 559-fold, respectively, but had a minimal effect on imidacloprid (1.70, 1.85 and 1.52-fold, respectively). The acetamiprid metabolites, N-demethyl acetamiprid, 6-chloro-3-pyridylmethanol and 6-chloro-nicotinic acid when applied topically, produced no mortality at 50 μg/bee. These results suggest that P450s are an important mechanism for acetamiprid and thiacloprid detoxification and their low toxicity to honey bees. When honey bees were placed in cages in forced contact with alfalfa treated with acetamiprid and the synergist, triflumizole, in combination at their maximum recommended application rates, no mortality was detected above that of the control.
An ethical dilemma: Information control in cancer care

Cancer is a group of diseases that are complicated by various treatment choices available. Information exchange between a patient and physician is critical in helping people to understand what is happening to them and what options for therapy are recommended and available. When information is not exchanged, information control by one or both of the participants occurs. Information needs to be taken into account by both health care professional and patients in making decisions during the crucial phases of care. The phases of care presented are a diagnosis, treatment, the decision, and a recurrence. Factors that influence effective information exchange among patient-provider systems are discussed.
Cometary origin of carbon and water on the terrestrial planets

The origin of carbon and water on the terresbial planets is not trivial, because their presence seems to be excluded by the high temperatures requested by the accretion disk models (Morfill 1988) as well as by Lewis’ (1973) adiabat that can explain the different densities of the planets. These high temperatures imply that all dust was outgassed and dehydrated and most carbon stored in CO, that is in the gas phase, before the separation of dust from gas, that occurred by dust sedimentation to the mid-plane of the accretion disk. Thermochemical equilibrium was easily reached, since chemical kinetics (Lewis & Prinn 1980) had time constants shorter than the time needed to agglomerate the first planetesimals (Weidenschilling 1988).
Excitability of the infraspinatus, but not the middle deltoid, is affected by shoulder elevation angle

Although both the rotator cuff and deltoid muscle serve as shoulder abductors, they play different roles in shoulder movement. While the deltoid is a primary abductor, the rotator cuff is a stabilizer. They have different anatomic structures for force production and demonstrate different neuromuscular control at different shoulder angles, as measured by electromyographic activity. Corticospinal excitability may be associated with different neuromuscular control of the deltoid and rotator cuff at different angles. The purpose of this study was to investigate how shoulder joint position influences the corticospinal excitability of the deltoid and rotator cuff muscles. Transcranial magnetic stimulation was used to measure the corticospinal excitability of the middle deltoid and infraspinatus at 0° and 90° of arm elevation. Three parameters, a plateau value, exponential parameter, and threshold, were calculated from the input–output curve of the corticospinal pathway. The plateau value of the infraspinatus was significantly higher at 90° of arm elevation, while there is no difference in the excitability in the middle deltoid between elevation angles. The plateau value of the middle deltoid at 90° was 5 % lower than that at 0°, but the plateau value of infraspinatus at 90° was 55 % higher than that at 0°. This suggests that the modulation of excitability varies with shoulder angle and reveals different neurological mechanism for the roles of the deltoid and rotator cuff.
Increased protein degradation after eccentric exercise

The purposes of these experiments were to compare the activities of glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH) and the lysosomal enzyme N-acetyl-beta-glucosaminidase (NAG) in rat muscles and to assess protein degradation after eccentric exercise (running down a 18 degrees grade). The following results were obtained: (1) Muscles in which the G6PDH activity was increased also showed an increase in NAG activity that was smaller and occurred later and/or was more prolonged than the increase in G6PDH activity. (2) The urinary 3-methylhistidine/creatinine ratio was statistically elevated for 3 days after eccentric exercise and this increase was much larger and more prolonged than previously observed in rats run on the level. Taken together our results suggest that increased protein degradation after exercise is due to increased proteolysis of muscle tissue damaged during the exercise bout and that lysosomal enzymes may be involved in this degradation.
The estimation and applicability of confidence intervals for Stander's Similarity Index (SIMI) in algal assemblage comparisons

Stander's Similarity Index (SIMI) has become a popular measure for comparing algal assemblages. The interpretation of the value produced by this index, however, has been highly variable between studies. Using replicate sampling of natural algal assemblages and computer simulation techniques, a method by which confidence intervals could be applied to SIMI was developed. This paper presents that method and gives an example using hypothetical species counts of two algal assemblages. Since a more realistic range of the actual similarity between two assemblages is produced, the estimation of confidence intervals when using SIMI is recommended.
Sex Differences in Early Labor Force Experience: Harbinger of Things to Come*

The increased participation of youngsters in the formal labor force raises questions about how early in individuals' occupational histories sex differences in labor force participation, and the rewards thereof, begin. Analysis of current and retrospective data obtainedfrom 3,101 suburban 10th and 11th graders about theirfirst and subsequent jobs shows that (a) adolescents' first jobs are significantly segregated by sex; (b) girls work fewer hours per week than boys; (c) girls typically earn lower hourly wages than boys; and (d) hourly wages are higher in job types that are dominated by males. In general, differences are maintained over youngsters' early job histories. These findings mirror well-known facts about sex differences in the adult occupational structure and are interpreted in terms of differential opportunity and differential socialization. It is well-known and well-documented that fewer adult women than men are employed; that employed women work fewer hours than men, even if both hold full-time jobs; that adult working women are clustered, in higher proportion than men, in lower paying occupational categories; and that even within the same broad occupational category (e.g., the professions, sales jobs) women earn less than men (U.S. Bureau of the Census). These striking social and economic realities raise questions that have not received adequate attention to date. When does the pattern of lower female partici*This study is part of a larger program of research on the costs and benefits of early work experience to adolescent development. The research was funded by the National Institute of Education; dissemination of policy-relevant papers is supported by the Ford Foundation. The authors, who are Co-Principal Investigators of the research program, share equal responsibility for preparation of this report. We thank staff members of the Adolescent Work Project for their assistance in the cleaning, coding, and analysis of data. We owe a special debt to Margaret M. Marini for her extensive review of an earlier version of this paper and the revision to which it led. Linda S. Gottfredson and Aage B. Sorensen also made helpful suggestions on the initial draft. Address correspondence to the authors, Program in Social
Ventricular Resynchronization by Multisite Pacing Improves Myocardial Performance in the Postoperative Single-Ventricle Patient

Abstract Background Ventricular resynchronization with multisite pacing in heart failure patients results in acute improvement of myocardial performance, but the mechanism is unknown. Our goals were to determine whether multisite pacing results in acute improvement of myocardial performance in postoperative single-ventricle patients, and to elucidate the mechanism by assessing the synchronization of regional ventricular contraction during multisite pacing using real-time three-dimensional echocardiographic imaging. Methods Multisite pacing studies were performed in 26 single-ventricle patients (mean age, 28 months; range, 7 days to 11 years) undergoing some form of single-ventricle palliation (stage I Norwood, 4; aortopulmonary shunt, 1; cavopulmonary shunt, 9; Fontan, 8; Fontan revision, 3; valve replacement, 1). Electrocardiogram, blood pressure, mixed-venous oxygen saturation, and three-dimensional echocardiograms (n = 10) were recorded at baseline and during multisite pacing. Data were analyzed to obtain regional volume-time curves for 16 three-dimensional segments of the systemic ventricle. An index of asynchrony was calculated at baseline and during pacing as the standard deviation of all segmental volume-time curves from onset to end of ejection. Results With multisite pacing performed at a median postoperative day 2 (range, 0 to 9), QRS duration decreased in 24 of 26 patients (93.9 ± 17.5 versus 71.7 ± 10.8 ms; p p −1 · m −2 ; p p Conclusions Multisite pacing improves cardiac performance after single-ventricle palliation. Real-time three-dimensional echocardiography demonstrated that multisite pacing improved the synchrony of ventricular contraction.
Subsonic and Transonic Low-Reynolds-Number Airfoils with Reduced Pitching Moments

A subsonic and a transonic airfoil are presented for application in a high-altitude long-endurance aircraft and a very-high-altitude aircraft, respectively. The subsonic airfoil is designed for a lift coefficient c(l) = 1.4 at a chord Reynolds number Re = 700,000 and a very low Mach number. The transonic airfoil is designed for c(l) = 1.0 at Re = 500,000 and a transonic Mach number M = 0.7. Both airfoils are developed to perform as well or better than previously designed airfoils. However, the present airfoils are developed for a constrained pitching moment to reduce aircraft trim drag and to relieve, to some extent, the torsional loads in the typically high-aspect-ratio wings. The beneficial effects of a cruise flap and of boundary-layer transition control on the off-design performance characteristics are illustrated.
Identification of lithium–sulfur battery discharge products through 6Li and 33S solid-state MAS and 7Li solution NMR spectroscopy

Abstract 6Li and 33S solid-state magic angle spinning (MAS) nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy was used to identify the discharge products in lithium–sulfur (Li–S) battery cathodes. Cathodes were stopped at different potentials throughout battery discharge and measured ex-situ to obtain chemical shifts and T2 relaxation rates of the products formed. The chemical shifts in the spectra of both 6Li and 33S NMR demonstrate that long-chain, soluble lithium polysulfide species formed at the beginning of discharge are indistinguishable from each other (similar chemical shifts), while short-chain, insoluble polysulfide species that form at the end of discharge (presumably Li2S2 and Li2S) have a different chemical shift, thus distinguishing them from the soluble long-chain products. T2 relaxation measurements of discharged cathodes were also performed which resulted in two groupings of T2 rates that follow a trend and support the previous conclusions that long-chain polysulfide species are converted to shorter chain species during discharge. Through the complementary techniques of 1-D 6Li and 33S solid-state MAS NMR spectroscopy, solution 7Li and 1H NMR spectroscopy, and T2 relaxation rate measurements, structural information about the discharge products of Li–S batteries is obtained.
Induction of apoptosis in murine tumors by cyclophosphamide

Whereas there have been several recent reports of the induction of apoptosis by chemotherapy agents in cell culture systems, much less is known about the role of this mode of cell death in tumors treated in vivo. We therefore quantitated the proportion of apoptotic cells induced as a function of time and dose in two murine tumors treated with cyclophosphamide in vivo. The two tumors were a mammary adenocarcinoma, MCa-4, and an ovarian adenocarcinoma, OCa-1. The percent apoptosis was scored from stained histological sections of the tumors using a system based on the characteristic features of the apoptotic nuclei. The kinetics of apoptosis development were determined over a 5-day period following treatment of the mice with 200 mg/kg. The percent apoptosis peaked between 10-18 h in both tumors and then slowly declined to background levels by 5 days after treatment. The dose responses showed that even much lower doses, 25 mg/kg, could induce significant apoptosis and that the proportion of apoptotic cells plateaued at doses higher than 100 mg/kg. These results are compared and contrasted with our previous reports on apoptosis induction in these same tumors with ionizing radiation.
Libraries “like to move it, move it”

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present a review of selected mobile technology literature and to inform librarians about the following seven mobile initiatives: Library Web sites; SMS Reference; MOPACs (Mobile OPACs) and Integrated Library Systems; Mobile Collections; eBooks and Mobile Reading; Mobile Instruction; Mobile Audio/Video Tours.Design/methodology/approach – A literature review is gathered from periodical articles as well as a number of well‐known blogs discussing mobile initiatives in libraries.Findings – Listed in order of importance to most patrons, the seven initiatives examined were chosen because their widespread discussion in the literature, at presentations, and on blogs suggests that they are moving beyond mere trends and are becoming best practices. The development and implementation of these mobile services can range from work‐intensive and expensive to scalable, inexpensive solutions.Originality/value – The information may be used by libraries seeking to add mobile technolo...