cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Ado-trastuzumab for the treatment of metastatic HER2-positive breast cancer in patients previously treated with Pertuzumab.

Docetaxel in combination with two HER2-directed therapies, trastuzumab and pertuzumab, is the current standard frontline therapy for patients with metastatic HER2-positive breast cancer. Ado-trastuzumab (T-DM1), an antibody-drug conjugate of trastuzumab and a cytotoxic microtubule-inhibitory agent, emtansine, is approved in patients that have progressed with prior trastuzumab-based therapy. However, the benefit of T-DM1 in patients previously treated with pertuzumab therapy for metastatic breast cancer remains unclear. We identified thirty-three adults with metastatic HER2-positive breast cancer treated between March 2013 and July 2018 with T-DM1 either as subsequent therapy after progression on a pertuzumab-based regimen (i.e., “pertuzumab-pretreated”) or without prior exposure to pertuzumab (i.e., “pertuzumab-naive”). Collected data included patient demographics, treatment history, adverse events, and clinical outcomes. For both cohorts receiving T-DM1, the primary endpoint was PFS and secondary endpoints were overall survival (OS), overall response rate (ORR), clinical benefit rate (CBR), and T-DM1-related toxicity rate. Pertuzumab-pretreated patients (n = 23, with 21 evaluable for T-DM1 efficacy) had a median PFS of 9.5 months (95% CI: 2.9–NA), 1-year OS rate of 67.4% (95% CI: 50.0–90.9%) with an unreached median, ORR of 14.3% (95% CI: 3.0–36.3%), and CBR of 52.4% (95% CI: 29.8–74.3%), with none of these measures being statistically different than those estimated for the pertuzumab-naive group (n = 10). Treatment with T-DM1 after prior pertuzumab exposure (median T-DM1 duration 2.9 months) resulted in no grade ≥ 3 adverse events. In our cohort, prior exposure to pertuzumab did not significantly impact T-DM1’s clinical efficacy or safety profile as second- or later-line therapy in patients with metastatic HER2-positive breast cancer.
Parallel Minimum Cuts in O(m log2n) Work and Low Depth

We present a randomized O(m log^2 n) work, O(polylog n) depth parallel algorithm for minimum cut. This algorithm matches the work bounds of a recent sequential algorithm by Gawrychowski, Mozes, and Weimann [ICALP'20], and improves on the previously best parallel algorithm by Geissmann and Gianinazzi [SPAA'18], which performs O(m log^4 n) work in O(polylog n) depth. Our algorithm makes use of three components that might be of independent interest. Firstly, we design a parallel data structure that efficiently supports batched mixed queries and updates on trees. It generalizes and improves the work bounds of a previous data structure of Geissmann and Gianinazzi and is work efficient with respect to the best sequential algorithm. Secondly, we design a parallel algorithm for approximate minimum cut that improves on previous results by Karger and Motwani. We use this algorithm to give a work-efficient procedure to produce a tree packing, as in Karger's sequential algorithm for minimum cuts. Lastly, we design an efficient parallel algorithm for solving the minimum 2-respecting cut problem.
Patient Perspectives of Rural Kansas Maternity Care.

Introduction Pregnant women in rural areas face a unique set of challenges due to geographic maldistribution of obstetric services. The perspectives of rural Kansas women were sought regarding experience of birth and satisfaction with maternity care. Methods Medical student research assistants facilitated discussion groups and structured interviews in rural Kansas communities distributed throughout the state with women who had an uncomplicated delivery in the last 24 months. Participants were recruited via convenience sampling from clinic medical records and appointments over a two-to-three-week period. Guiding questions were used to facilitate discussion. Survey instruments were used to gather information about satisfaction with maternity care. Data for qualitative and quantitative analysis was aggregated using Rural Urban Commuting Area (RUCA) codes. Results Fourteen groups with 47 total participants completed the survey and discussion. Participants came from large rural, small rural, and isolated areas in Kansas as described by RUCA Code Four Category Classification. Survey results indicated that satisfaction with maternity care in participants' home county was significantly higher in small rural and isolated compared to large Rural RUCAs. Qualitative analysis results showed positive experiences related to doctor characteristics, relationship with doctor, doctor's involvement with care, alternative labor options, and distance convenience. Negative experiences were related to doctor bedside manner, doctor not there until delivery, and staff related complaints. Conclusions Kansas women in small rural and isolated RUCA codes appeared to be more satisfied with care.
Preventing Intimate Partner Homicide: The Long Road Ahead:

Intimate partner homicide (IPH) consists primarily of men killing women in the context of intimate partner violence. Researchers have described and identified risk factors associated with IPH; addi...
Sub-kHz Linewidth GaSb Semiconductor Diode Lasers Operating Near 2 Micrometers

We report on the phase noise properties of DFB lasers operating near 2.0 microns. Measured noise spectra indicate intrinsic laser linewidths below 1 kHz. An effective linewidth of less than 200 kHz for 5 ms measurement times is estimated.
An Improved Breast Epithelial Sampling Method for Molecular Profiling and Biomarker Analysis in Women at Risk for Breast Cancer

Background: There is a strong need to define the molecular changes in normal at-risk breast epithelium to identify biomarkers and new targets for breast cancer prevention and to develop a molecular signature for risk assessment. Improved methods of breast epithelial sampling are needed to promote whole-genome molecular profiling, increase ductal epithelial cell yield, and reduce sample cell heterogeneity. Methods: We developed an improved method of breast ductal sampling with ductal lavage through a 22-gauge catheter and collection of ductal samples with a microaspirator. Women at normal risk or increased risk for breast cancer were studied. Ductal epithelial samples were analyzed for cytopathologic changes, cellular yield, epithelial cell purity, quality and quantity of DNA and RNA, and use in multiple downstream molecular applications. Results: We studied 50 subjects, including 40 subjects at normal risk for breast cancer and 37 subjects with non-nipple aspirate fluid-yielding ducts. This method provided multiple 1.0 mL samples of high ductal epithelial cell content (median ≥8 samples per subject of ≥5,000 cells per sample) with 80%–100% epithelial cell purity. Extraction of a single intact ductal sample (fluid and cells) or the separate frozen cellular component provided DNA and RNA for multiple downstream studies, including quantitative reverse transcription- polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for microRNA, quantitative PCR for the human telomerase reverse transcriptase gene, whole-genome DNA amplification, and array comparative genomic hybridization analysis. Conclusion: An improved breast epithelial sampling method has been developed, which should significantly expand the acquisition and biomarker analysis of breast ductal epithelium in women at risk for breast cancer.
Ethanol consumption and serotonin-1A (5-HT1A) receptor function in heterozygous BDNF (+/-) mice

Heterozygous brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) (+/-) mice display abnormalities in central serotonergic neurotransmission, develop decrements in serotonergic innervation of the forebrain, and exhibit enhanced intermale aggressiveness. As disturbances of serotonin neurotransmission are implicated in alcohol abuse and aggression, we have examined in BDNF (+/-) mice alcohol drinking behavior, as well as central 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)1A receptor function at the level of 5-HT1A receptor-G protein interaction. BDNF (+/-) mice displayed increased ethanol intake in a two-bottle choice procedure. There was no difference in the preference ratio for non-alcoholic tastants (i.e. quinine or saccharin) between genotypes. In the brains of alcohol-naive mice, we measured [35S]GTP gamma S binding stimulated by the 5-HT1A receptor agonist (+/-)-8-hydroxy-2-dipropyl-aminotetralin hydrobromide (8-OH-DPAT; 1 microM). In BDNF (+/-) versus wild-type (WT) mice, 5-HT1A receptor-stimulated [35S]GTP gamma S binding was significantly attenuated in the median raphe nucleus. There was a decrease in (+/-)8-OH-DPAT-stimulated [35S]GTP gamma S binding in the dorsal raphe, which did not reach statistical significance. In the hippocampus, 5-HT1A receptor-stimulated [35S]GTP gamma S binding was significantly attenuated in BDNF (+/-) mice. 5-HT1A receptor-stimulated [35S]GTP gamma S binding was attenuated in the anterior cingulate cortex and lateral septum, although these reductions did not reach statistical significance. 5-HT1A receptor number was not different between genotypes in any area of brain examined, suggesting that 5-HT1A receptor function, specifically the capacity of the 5-HT1A receptor to activate G proteins, is attenuated in BDNF (+/-) mice.
Primary Care of the Patient with Chronic Kidney Disease

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is defined by reduced estimated glomerular filtration rate, increased proteinuria, or both. CKD affects more than 10% of US adults, or 20 million people, and the numbers are rising as the population ages. However, CKD remains underdiagnosed. Diabetes and hypertension are the most common causes of CKD. Although end-stage renal disease is a feared complication of CKD, patients with CKD have a much greater risk of dying of cardiovascular (CV) disease than progressing to kidney failure. Special effort should be made to address modifiable CV risk factors in patients with CKD.
Urbanization in Southeast Asia

During the last three decades, Southeast Asia has become one of the most economically dynamic realms in the world as a result of the success of a number of countries and the increased role of ASEAN in the world economy (Martin, 1988: 6). In the past, Southeast Asia had played a peripheral role in the world economy by providing raw materials and it was only recently that a number of countries of the realm began to industrialize. As the region has abundant natural resources, industrialization is expected to accelerate and urban population to grow (Figure 5:1), making greater imprints on the world economy.
Rapid Extraction of Genomic DNA from Medically Important Yeasts and Filamentous Fungi by High-Speed Cell Disruption

Current methods of DNA extraction from different fungal pathogens are often time-consuming and require the use of toxic chemicals. DNA isolation from some fungal organisms is difficult due to cell walls or capsules that are not readily susceptible to lysis. We therefore investigated a new and rapid DNA isolation method using high-speed cell disruption (HSCD) incorporating chaotropic reagents and lysing matrices in comparison to standard phenol-chloroform (PC) extraction protocols for isolation of DNA from three medically important yeasts (Candida albicans, Cryptococcus neoformans, and Trichosporon beigelii) and two filamentous fungi (Aspergillus fumigatus and Fusarium solani). Additional extractions by HSCD were performed on Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Pseudallescheria boydii, and Rhizopus arrhizus. Two different inocula (10(8) and 10(7) CFU) were compared for optimization of obtained yields. The entire extraction procedure was performed on as many as 12 samples within 1 h compared to 6 h for PC extraction. In comparison to the PC procedure, HSCD DNA extraction demonstrated significantly greater yields for 10(8) CFU of C. albicans, T. beigelii, A. fumigatus, and F. solani (P < or = 0.005), 10(7) CFU of C. neoformans (P < or = 0.05), and 10(7) CFU of A. fumigatus (P < or = 0.01). Yields were within the same range for 10(8) CFU of C. neoformans and l0(7) CFU of C. albicans for both HSCD extraction and PC extraction. For 10(7) CFU of T. beigelii, PC extraction resulted in a greater yield than did HSCD (P < or = 0.05). Yields obtained from 10(8) and 10(7) CFU were significantly greater for filamentous fungi than for yeasts by the HSCD extraction procedure (P < 0.0001). By the PC extraction procedure, differences were not significant. For all eight organisms, the rapid extraction procedure resulted in good yield, integrity, and quality of DNA as demonstrated by restriction fragment length polymorphism, PCR, and random amplified polymorphic DNA. We conclude that mechanical disruption of fungal cells by HSCD is a safe, rapid, and efficient procedure for extracting genomic DNA from medically important yeasts and especially from filamentous fungi.
Synthesis of hydrogels via ring-opening metathesis polymerization: factors affecting gelation

Ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) was used to synthesize hydrogels via copolymerization of a diamine monomer 3 and a novel cross-linker 5 using Grubbs' third generation catalyst as initiator. Reactions were performed at two different monomer concentrations and at various initial molar ratios of cross-linker to initiator. At low monomer concentration, gelation occurred at initial cross-linker to initiator ratios of 1.5 and greater, which decreased to values of 1.05 and greater when increasing the monomer concentration. This result is in agreement with the Flory–Stockmayer theory. The gel yield and swelling properties were also found to be dependent on the cross-linker to initiator molar ratios. GPC data of the sol fractions showed quantitative consumption of both the monomer and the cross-linker. The molecular weight of the sol fraction was independent of the initiator concentration at constant cross-linker concentration of 2.5 mol%. Gels were found to swell up to 72 times their weight in 0.9% NaCl solution.
Mainstreaming during the Early Childhood Years

Issues surrounding the implementation of the integration imperative during infancy and early childhood present formidable challenges to education and community providers. Key among these issues is how professionals provide high-quality services to young children with disabilities in mainstream environments. This article explores current issues related to integration and reexamines the concept of “best practices” as it applies to mainstreaming during the early childhood years. The author recommends an integrated set of indicators for high-quality programs and describes an outcomes-based process for making administrative and pedagogical decisions.
Trends of Sr and Nd isotopes through time near the Japan Sea in northeastern Japan

Nd and Sr isotopic analyses were made on selected volcanic rocks of known stratigraphic age from a limited area in the “Green Tuff” region, northeastern Japan, and in adjacent areas. Two ultramafic inclusions from Ichinomegata were also analyzed. The volcanic rocks range in age from 27 to 6 Ma, and vary in e_(Nd) from −0.9 to 5.7 and in e_(Sr) from 14.1 to −16.3. The isotopic data plot generally along the region of the “mantle array”. When plotted against time, the isotopic ratios are found to be a regular function of geologic age. The results indicate that: (1) the volcanic rocks in the area are part of a “related” sequence or evolutionary pattern over a time period of 27 Ma; (2) the “evolutionary” pattern goes from an initially enriched source to that of a very depleted source. The shift in isotopic composition appears to reflect the ongoing lining of magma conduits or the decreasing extraction of lower crustal contributions with increasing infiltration of oceanic magma types in an environment where the crust is thinning. Based on the geotectonic development of this area due to the back-arc spreading of the Japan Sea, we identify two different stages: the pre-opening stage (> 15 Ma) and the post-opening stage (< 15 Ma). The volcanic rocks of the pre-opening stage are characterized by an enriched isotopic signature, and those of the post-opening era by a depleted signature. The host rocks of the Kuroko ore deposit lie within this evolutionary trend and contain a substantial amount of continentally derived materials processed through an oceanic environment. In general, we infer that the degree of continental crust involvement is high during the pre-opening stages of a back-arc basin when it is associated with a rifted continental mass.
Fast track article: Hydra: Efficient multicast routing in MANETs using sender-initiated multicast meshes

We present Hydra, the first multicast routing protocol for MANETs that establishes a multicast routing structure approximating the set of source-rooted shortest-path trees from multicast sources to receivers, without requiring the dissemination of control packets from each source of a multicast group. Hydra accomplishes this by dynamically electing a core for the mesh of a multicast group among the sources of the group, and aggregating multicast routing state in the nodes participating in multicast meshes, so that only control packets from the core are disseminated towards the receivers of a group. We prove that Hydra establishes correct routes from senders to receivers of a multicast group when multicast state information is aggregated. We also present simulation results illustrating that Hydra attains comparable or higher delivery ratios than the On-Demand Multicast Routing Protocol (ODMRP), but with considerably lower end-to-end delays and far less communication overhead. Results are shown for scenarios using 802.11 DCF and TDMA as the MAC layer protocols and using random waypoint and group mobility as mobility models.
End-Organ Effects of Thyroid Hormones: Subcellular Interactions in Cultured Cells

Both actinomycin D and puromycin suppress the formation of colonies by cultured human kidney epithelial cells (T-l), but inactivation by puromycin is partially reversed with thyroid hormones. Uptake by the cells of L-thyroxine labeled with iodine-125, 60 to 80 percent of which is nuclear, is depressed by actinomycin and enhanced by puromycin. Genome and possibly nuclear membrane are implicated as initiating loci.
Isolation and characterization of complement receptor type 1 from rat glomerular epithelial cells

Isolation and characterization of complement receptor type 1 from rat glomerular epithelial cells. Complement receptor type 1 (C3b/C4b receptor, CR1) is known to be present in human glomerular epithelial cells (GEC) in vivo . The presence of CR1 has not been documented in rat glomeruli, although cultured rat GEC appear to express CR1 based upon their ability to rosette with complement-coated erythrocytes. In this study, we establish that CR1 is present in cultured rat GEC: (1) by isolating a 200 kDa protein from detergent-solubilized cultured rat GEC through the use of C3b affinity chromatography; (2) by Western blotting studies demonstrating reactivity of anti-human CR1 antibodies with this protein from cultured GEC; and (3) by demonstrating that C3b binding to GEC monolayers exhibits low affinity and that an estimate of the number of binding sites is 6700 per cell, both of which are comparable to that seen for CR1 in human blood cells. Furthermore, we show that CR1 is also present in rat glomeruli by Western blotting studies with anti-human CR1. Anti-human CR1 also identifies a 70 kDa protein from cultured GEC and isolated glomeruli. This 70 kDa protein is likely to be the CR1-like protein, designated Crry, which was initially identified in the mouse and has significant homology to human CR1. Crry may be present in rat GEC instead of decay accelerating factor, which is present in human GEC.
Puget sound underwater networking TestBed

Underwater communications is the necessary enabler for several next-generation engineering and scientific applications such as distributed undersea monitoring, persistent surveillance, and long-range high fidelity navigation. Underwater acoustic channels (characterized by long propagation delays and small coherence bandwidths) continue to present significant challenges and reliable networked communications remains a future goal. To this end, a joint collaboration between a number of partner universities (Ocean-TUNE project, funded by the U.S. National Science Foundation), seeks to implement an underwater networking testbed to conduct field tests for better understanding of the underwater acoustic channel characteristics. A key feature of the deployment is a new multicarrier (OFDM) modem — a first for such a testbed to the best of our knowledge — complemented with a software driven protocol stack implementation that allows adaptation to acoustic channel characteristics. In this paper, we first provide an architectural overview of our network testbed, followed by initial results from preliminary testing in Lake Union (Puget Sound), WA. We conclude the paper with a brief description of future plans.
NEW EXPLICIT MULTIPLICATIVE RELATIONS BETWEEN GAUSS SUMS

We study multiplicative identities between Gauss sums. If such an identity does not follow from the Davenport–Hasse relation and the norm relation, it is called a sign ambiguity. Until recently only a finite number of explicit sign ambiguities were known. We generalize the first infinite family of sign ambiguities as found by Murray.
SOME OBSERVATIONS AND MEASUREMENTS OF THE PANUM PHENOMENON.

The angular separation between the “binocular” and the “monocular” line of Panum’s limiting case was systematically varied under conditions in which the changes in seen relative depth could be quantified. Stereoscopic, equidistant, and anomalous depth localizations were seen. A criterion of variability of depth localization was utilized to differentiate the mechanism operative in determining the seen depth. When stereopsis is clearly present, depth in Panum’s limiting case is predictable and reveals a one-to-one relationship with the angle of lateral separation of the stereoscopic stimuli, i.e., the odd line cooperates in free binocular vision with both of the paired lines to give “true” stereoscopic depth. The range of angular separation over which Panum’s limiting case will give rise to stereoscopic depth is increased by free eye movements well beyond the usually reported limits of Panum’s retinal areas.
Methodological Tips for Overcoming Formative Evaluation Challenges The Case of the Arthritis Foundation Walk With Ease Program

Formative evaluation is an effective first step in guiding program improvement by identifying participant preferences and yielding information pertinent to making program decisions. As program evaluators working with service providers are increasingly encouraged to adopt evidence-based health promotion programs, a discrete set of real-world recommendations may help extend the use of this methodology to respond to community-specific contexts and improve health impact. This article describes the authors' step-by-step process of conducting a formative evaluation of the Arthritis Foundation Walk With Ease (WWE) program. Data collection targets (leaders, coordinators, and participants in the original program and leaders and participants in the revised piloted program) as well as methods (written surveys, focus groups, structured telephone interviews, and expert reviews) were triangulated. The authors describe the challenges they faced and conclude with practical methodological recommendations about managing time and resources, communications with respondents, and accountability systems for organizing triangulated data.
Molecular reorganization of paired assemblies of T-shaped rod-coil amphiphilic molecule at the air-water interface.

A T-shaped aromatic amphiphilic molecule based on linear oligo(ethylene oxide) was synthesized. We suggest that its peculiar interfacial behavior at the air−water interface and the structure of the Langmuir−Blodgett monolayer are associated with its peculiar T-shape and competing steric and amphiphilic interactions at different surface pressures. At low surface pressure, uniform and smooth monolayers were formed. Upon compression, the molecular reorganization from spherical to cylindrical transformation occurred, as caused by the submerging of the oligo(ethylene oxide) chains, providing for efficient π−π interactions of the central core. At the highest surface pressure, the monolayer collapses into bilayer domains, following a bicontinuous network formation which tends to transform into a perforated film. The unique shape of T-like rigid aromatic cores makes their structural reorganization very peculiar with paired, dimerlike molecular packing dominating in gas and solid states. This paired aggregation is...
MEASURES OF VOLTAGE INSTABILITY AND VOLTAGE COLLAPSE, PART I: THEORETICAL DEVELOPMENT

The purpose of this paper is to present a theoretical foundation for modeling, analysis, and testing of systems experiencing voltage collapse. The boundary theorem of the load flow feasibility region (FR), the steady-state stability margin and the sensitivity of the stability margin to bus voltages and bus injections are defined. The theoretical concept of feasibility region and practical multiple load flow solutions are unified and presented in this paper. The voltage-weak points and key contributing factors affecting the system voltage instability can be identified according to the values of the sensitivity of the stability margin to bus voltages and bus injections.
Shearing of Polymer Drops with Interface Modification

The influence of block copolymers (BCP) and interfacial reaction on the deformation of 30−100 μm polymer drops inside an immiscible polymer matrix was visualized in a parallel plate, counterrotating apparatus. Symmetric diblock copolymers were blended into polypropylene (PP), poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), and polyethylene (PE) homopolymers. These were dispersed as drops in a polystyrene (PS) matrix. Addition of BCP significantly increased the amount of area the deforming drop generates when subjected to simple shear flow. Polymers with terminal amine groups (PMMA and PS) were coupled with maleic anhydride functional PS and PE. This reaction results in the formation of graft copolymer at the interface. These reactive pairs appear to be even more effective than BCP at generating interfacial area. The enhancement in area may be attributed to reduction in interfacial tension or to reduction in slip, but more likely a combination of both and a gradient in interfacial tension.
Anterior and Thoracoscopic Scoliosis Surgery for Idiopathic Scoliosis

Surgical management of idiopathic scoliosis is based on the natural history of this spinal disorder and on the likelihood of developing a worsening deformity. Anterior surgical treatments continue to evolve and provide advantages over posterior procedures in specific instances. Open and thoracoscopic anterior approaches allow direct access to the anterior stabilizing structures of the spine, enable mobilization of a rigid deformity, and provide a large surface area for arthrodesis. Thoracoscopic procedures provide a more cosmetically appealing alternative to a large midline posterior or anterolateral thoracotomy scar. Although the indications and contraindications for anterior versus posterior surgical intervention (for thoracic and thoracolumbar curve patterns) have been defined to some degree, there remains appropriate flexibility in the decision-making process, allowing the surgeon to make an optimal recommendation for each patient based on surgeon experience and patient needs.
IBMX Relaxes Guinea Pig Urinary Bladder Smooth Muscle via Activation of Large Conductance Ca2+-Activated K+ Channels

Stimulation of cyclic nucleotide signaling pathways leads to activation of the large conductance voltage- and Ca2+-activated K+ (BK) channels, thereby inhibiting urinary bladder smooth muscle (UBSM) contractility. We tested the hypothesis that nonselective inhibition of phosphodiesterases (PDEs) with 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (IBMX) can reduce guinea pig UBSM phasic contractions by stimulating the BK channel activity.In UBSM isolated strips, IBMX (10 μM) significantly reduced the spontaneous phasic contraction amplitude, muscle force integral, duration, frequency, and tone by 74%, 95%, 50%, 55%, and 32%, respectively (n=8; P 0.05).In conclusion, nonselective inhibition of PDEs with IBMX effectively reduces guinea pig UBSM excitability and contractility through direct BK channel activation, increase in TBKCs frequency, and cell membrane hyperpolarization.Supported by NIH DK084284 & DK083687 to Georgi V. Petkov
Effects of residue harvesting on water runoff, soil erosion and nutrient loss

Abstract The effect of corn ( rZea mays L.) stover harvest on water funoff, soil erosion and nutrient transport under a reudced tillaage and no-till plant system was investigated in the northwestern Corn Belt (U.S.A.). Increased levels of corn stover harvest resulted in increased water runoff and soil erosion. Nutrient removal from the cropping system generally exceeded standard fertilization practices when either high levels of corn stover were harvested or soil erosion levels approached the soil loss tolerance levekl of 11.2 tons ha −1 year −1 .
Tau is hyperphosphorylated in the insulin-like growth factor-I null brain

IGF action has been implicated in the promotion of oxidative stress and aging in invertebrate and murine models. However, some in vitro models suggest that IGF-I specifically prevents neuronal oxidative damage. To investigate whether IGF-I promotes or retards brain aging, we evaluated signs of oxidative stress and neuropathological aging in brains from 400-d-old Igf1-/- and wild-type (WT) mice. Lipofuscin pigment accumulation reflects oxidative stress and aging, but we found no difference in lipofuscin deposition in Igf1-/- and WT brains. Likewise, there was no apparent difference in accumulation of nitrotyrosine residues in Igf1-/- and WT brains, except for layer IV/V of the cerebral cortex, where these proteins were about 20% higher in the Igf1-/- brain (P = 0.03). We found no difference in the levels of oxidative stress-related enzymes, neuronal nitric oxide synthase, inducible nitric oxide synthase, and superoxide dismutase in Igf1-/- and WT brains. Tau is a microtubule-associated protein that causes the formation of neurofibrillary tangles and senile plaques as it becomes hyperphosphorylated in the aging brain. Tau phosphorylation was dramatically increased on two specific residues, Ser-396 and Ser-202, both glycogen synthase kinases target sites implicated in neurodegeneration. These observations indicate that IGF-I has a major role in regulating tau phosphorylation in the aging brain, whereas its role in promoting or preventing oxidative stress remains uncertain.
Solid Phase Synthesis of Polyamides Containing Imidazole and Pyrrole Amino Acids

The solid phase synthesis of sequence specific DNA binding polyamides containing N-methylimidazole (Im) and N-methylpyrrole (Py) amino acids is described. Two monomer building blocks, Boc-Py-OBt ester and Boc-Im acid, are prepared on a 50 g scale without column chromatography. Using commercially available Boc-beta-alanine-Pam resin, cycling protocols were optimized to afford high stepwise coupling yields (>99%). Deprotection by aminolysis affords up to 100 mg quantities of polyamide. Solid phase methodology increases both the number and complexity of minor groove binding polyamides which can be synthesized and analyzed with regard to DNA binding affinity and sequence specificity. The solid phase synthesis of a representative eight-residue polyamide is reported.
Energy Decay of Solutions to the Boussinesq, Primitive, and Planetary Geostrophic Equations

Abstract In this paper we study the long time behavior of the energy of solutions to the Boussinesq, planetary geostrophic, and primitive equations. The equations are considered in the whole space R 3 . The asymptotic behavior will depend on the type of data and how many damping constants are nonzero in the equations. In several cases we are able to establish an algebraic rate of decay of the same order as the solutions of the underlying linear equations. In the case with less damping our results establish that either the energy of the solutions decays with no rate to an equilibrium or it will be oscillating.
Bioavailability of citrate from two different preparations of potassium citrate

The bioavailability of citrate from two different preparations of potassium citrate was examined in eighteen normal volunteers during three phases of study. After stabilization on a constant metabolic diet, subjects took a single dose of placebo, "slow-release" potassium citrate tablets (60 meq) or rapid-release liquid potassium citrate preparation (60 meq). Timed urine specimens were collected for 24 hours and analyzed for citrate, potassium, and pH. Similar biochemical findings were observed following administration of the two different preparations with the onset and decline of changes being slightly more rapid for the liquid potassium citrate than the tablet preparation. These equivalent bioavailability data indicate that the liquid preparation is a comparable therapeutic alternative to the tablet form.
A computational analysis of uniqueness points in auditory word recognition

To determine the extent to which words in isolation may be recognized prior to their offsets,uniqueness points oroptimal discrimination points were computed for all words in a 20,000-word computerized lexicon with more than two phonemes. The results of this analysis revealed that the frequency-weighted probability of a word’s diverging from all other words in the lexicon prior to the last phoneme was only 39. This finding suggests that an optimally efficient strategy of word recognition may be severely limited in scope due to structural properties of the mental lexicon.
Finding dual flexible contingency plans for optimal generalized linear systems

Abstract Designing optimal linear systems has extended the traditional optimization method (i.e. finding an optimal point for a given system) to finding an optimal solution structure. This structure consists of optimal systems and their optimal contingency plans which can cope with various decision situations under uncertainty. Multi-criteria and multi-constraint-levels (MC2) simplex method is a primary tool used in designing optimal systems. In this paper, a new approach to designing optimal systems is proposed to find dual flexible contingency plans (DFCP) for generalized good systems (GGS). GGS goes beyond the assumption of selecting opportunities for a potentially good system, while DFCP utilizes all possible slack resources and converts non-optimal solutions into optimal ones. This approach enriches the theoretical framework of designing optimal systems. A numerical example is used to illustrate the proposed approach.
Intense Resonance Line Sources for Photochemical Work in the Vacuum Ultraviolet Region

A simple, completely sealed, discharge resonance lamp operated by a 2450 Mc/sec microwave power is described which emits atomic lines of sufficient intensity to be useful as a photochemical light source.When a water impurity is present in the lamp, many emission lines appear in the region of wavelength from 1500 to 2000 A. These impurity lines can be effectively removed by means of a getter or by a suitable cold trap. The pressures of pure Xe or Kr in the resonance lamp, required to give maximum intensity (approximately 5×1014 quanta/sec), are 0.7 and 1.0 mm, respectively. The presence of a CO impurity does not affect the intensity of the resonance lines. After passing through a 1-mm LiF window, the intensity of the Xe resonance line at 1295 A is about 2% of that at 1470 A and the intensity of the Kr line at 1165 A is about 28% of that at 1236 A. A mixture of the rare gas and He gives more intense light than the pure gas. The lifetime of the rare-gas resonance lamps is approximately 10 h. Lyman alpha (1216 A) line from excited atomic hydrogen and a group of lines at 1743–45 A from excited atomic nitrogen may be used as a photochemical light source.
Limiting performance analysis of toepan padding for mitigating lower limb injuries

AbstractThe potential application of using toepan padding for the prevention and reduction of lower limb injuries is investigated computationally in this paper. A two-mass lower limb injury model is developed on the basis of impact tests using post-mortem human surrogates. A limiting performance analysis is used to find the best possible physical performance and characteristics of passive and active padding for the minimization of peak tibia force. Computational results indicate that, for the prevention and reduction of lower limb injuries, the active padding is superior to the passive padding.
Actuator fault diagnosis for uncertain T–S fuzzy systems with local nonlinear models

This article investigates the problem of fault diagnosis (FD) for a class of nonlinear state-feedback control systems subject to parameter uncertainties. The considered nonlinear systems are described by T–S fuzzy models with local nonlinear parts and uncertain grades of membership. First, a general actuator fault model is proposed, which considers bias faults and gain faults. Then, a switching technique is introduced to address the unknown membership functions, external disturbances, faults, and their coupling. Furthermore, an adaptive FD observer design method combined with the switching technique is proposed to estimate the occurred actuator fault. It is noted that the obtained fault errors converge exponentially to zero. Finally, a numerical example of NSV reentry dynamic model is given to confirm the effectiveness of the new results.
Structural relatedness of mouse lactate dehydrogenase isozymes, a4 (muscle), b4 (heart), and c4 (testis).

Three homotetrameric lactate dehydrogenase isozymes, LDH-M(A4), LDH-H(B4), and LDH-X(C4), from DBA/2J mice have been purified by affinity chromatography. The amino acid compositions of the subunits A, B, and C, based on a molecular weight of 36,000, have been determined. The compositional relatedness of these isozymes indicates that subunits A (muscle) and B (heart) are more closely related to each other than to subunit C (testis). Tryptic peptide maps and amino acid compositions of some active site peptides appear to confirm the compositional relatedness among these isozymes. The sequence of the loop region of mouse C subunit seems to be markedly different from all known A and B sequences, and the structural and functional implications are discussed.
High-pressure deflection behavior of laser micromachined bulk 6H-SiC MEMS sensor diaphragms

Abstract Single crystalline silicon carbide (SiC) in bulk or thin film form has the potential to be a durable and reliable MEMS pressure sensor in high-temperature and harsh chemical environments. Laser micromachining can fabricate SiC diaphragms for pressure sensors much faster than electrochemical etching, photochemical etching, or deep reactive ion etching without the complicated masking procedures that hinder mass production. In this paper, we present the deflection behavior of laser micromachined 6H-SiC MEMS diaphragms under high pressures and high temperatures. For this purpose, oversized MEMS square diaphragms, 1.5 mm × 1.5 mm and 2.5 mm × 2.5 mm, were intentionally built from bulk 250 μm thick single crystal 6H-SiC wafers using a Q-switched Nd:YAG laser with a wavelength of 1064 nm, pulse repetition rate of 3 kHz, pulse width of 100 ns, and average power of 0.35 W. The diaphragms had an average thickness of 100 μm that included a nearly 50% thick black layer composed of a complex mixture of Si, C, SiC 2 , Si 2 C, SiO and SiO 2 . Pressure-deflection tests up to 425 K revealed that the diaphragms remained hermetically sealed under gas pressure as high as 3.0 MPa (435 psi) and that the black layer had a significant effect on the deflection behavior. An analytical model of bending thin plate under hinged boundary conditions and finite element simulations validated the experimental results.
Prostaglandin F2α Inhibits 3',5'-Adenosine Monophosphate Accumulation and Parathyroid Hormone Release from Dispersed Bovine Parathyroid Cells

Prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) effected a significant reduction (75–90%) in catecholamine-[i.e. (–)isoproterenol and dopamine] and methylisobutylxanthine-stimulated cAMP accumulation and parathyroid hormone (PTH) release in a dispersed bovine parathyroid cell preparation. The IC50 for the PGF2α effect on cAMP was between 10-7-10-6 M for the catecholamines, and was independent of the concentration of (-)isoproterenol employed (10-7-10-5 M). The inhibition was rapid, appearing as early as 5 min if PGF2α was added concomitantly with the agonist. Since the inhibition was additive with that of (–)norepinephrine and was not blocked by phentolamine, it was unlikely that PGF2α was acting through the α-adrenergic receptor previously described in this system. Binding of d,l-[125I]hydroxybenzylpindolol to the β-adrenergic receptor was not reduced by PGF2α indicating that the locus of inhibition lies at some point distal to the interaction of agonist with its receptor. Examination of the dose-response relationship of (–)i...
The putative "nucleation site" in human H-chain ferritin is not required for mineralization of the iron core.

It is widely believed that the putative nucleation site (Glu61, Glu64, and Glu67) in mammalian H-chain ferritin plays an important role in mineral core formation in this protein. Studies of nucleation site variant A2 (E61A/E64A/E67A) of H-chain ferritin have traditionally shown impaired iron oxidation activity and mineralization. However, recent measurements have suggested that the previously observed impairment may be due to disruption of the ferroxidase site of the protein since Glu61 is a shared ligand of the ferroxidase and nucleation sites of the protein. This study employed a new nucleation site variant A1 (E64A/E67A) which retains the ferroxidase site ligand Glu61. The data (O2 uptake, iron binding, and conventional and stopped-flow kinetics measurements) show that variant A1 retains a completely functional ferroxidase site and has iron oxidation and mineralization properties similar to those of the wild-type human H-chain protein. Thus, in contrast to previously published literature, this study de...
Mobile video chat: issues and challenges

The next generation of cellular communication needs to endure a higher demand for enhanced real-time multimedia support to end users. Among interactive video applications, use of mobile video chat is on the rise in both the enterprise and consumer worlds. Mobile video chats are resource-constrained and heterogenous with varying display sizes, processing powers, network conditions, and battery levels, and pose real-time delivery constraints unlike traditional video streaming applications. With the demand for anywhere any time connectivity for video chat, it becomes quintessential to develop techniques that adapt to the underlying network, optimize the device architectures, and provide the best possible video chat experience to end users. In this article, we identify main limitations and challenges in mobile video chat. We further discuss possible solutions and propose research directions to make video chat a good experience.
An Optically Linked Telemetry System for Use with Electromagnetic-Field Measurement Probes

A battery-powered optical telemetry transmitter, 2.5 X 2.5 X 3 cm, has been developed for use with various electromagneticfield hazard probes. The electrical outputs from one of these probes, containing three orthogonal sensors, are electrooptically converted to three separate optical pulse trains so that a dc to 2-kHz information bandwidth is established in the transmitter using frequency-modulation techniques. The three optical pulse tains are transmitted over a 4.6-m fiber-optics bundle to one of two types of receivers. These units reconvert the information to either an analog replica of the transmitter input waveform, or to a three-digit, scaled numerical display of the time-averaged value of the input signal. Practical applications involving field-strength measurements in the 1-MHz to 12-GHz region are presented. Advantages over hardwire data links are discussed, and significate reductions in RF interference and cable backscatter during field-strength measurements are described.
Temperatures of fragment kinetic energy spectra.

Multifragmentation reactions without large compression in the initial state (proton-induced reactions, reverse kinematics, projectile fragmentation) are examined, and it is verified quantitatively that the high temperatures obtained from fragment kinetic energy spectra and lower temperatures obtained from observables such as level population or isotope ratios can be understood in a common framework.
Autoregulation of the N-myc gene is operative in neuroblastoma and involves histone deacetylase 2

BACKGROUND Autoregulation of the myc gene family is a negative feedback mechanism known to occur at high levels of Myc expression. Loss of this mechanism and associated Myc overexpression has been observed in human tumors, thereby contributing to tumorigenesis. The childhood tumor neuroblastoma is characterized by N-myc amplification in aggressive and highly proliferative tumors that occur in a subset of patients. The precise molecular mechanism of autoregulation is unknown, and previous observations indicated that N-myc autoregulation was intact only in single-copy neuroblastoma cell lines. METHODS Transient reporter assays and trichostatin A (TSA) experiments were performed to evaluate several candidate genes, including Mxi1, c-myc promoter binding protein 1 (MBP-1), Miz, and histone deacetylase 2 (HDAC2), for their involvement in N-myc autoregulation. Mxi1 and HDAC2 were examined further for their expression levels and effects on endogenous N-myc levels. Finally, their recruitments to the N-myc promoter were investigated by chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP). RESULTS The autoregulatory circuit was operative, even in amplified cell lines. Mxi1 consistently showed a modest effect in down-regulating N-myc in transient reporter assays. Overexpression of the c-myc, Mxi1, and mHDAC2 genes resulted in a threefold to fourfold decrease in endogenous N-myc levels. Mxi1 and HDAC2 were up-regulated by N-Myc in an myc-inducible cell line and in N-myc-expressing cell lines. In addition, down-regulation of the N-myc promoter was relieved in the presence of TSA. Increased association of HDAC2 with the autoregulatory region within the N-myc promoter by ChIP was observed upon down-regulation of endogenous N-myc. CONCLUSIONS The autoregulatory circuit was intact in both amplified and single-copy neuroblastoma cell lines. Furthermore, myc gene autoregulation occurred through histone deacetylation. Cancer 2004. © 2004 American Cancer Society.
Structural Implications of the Elliptical Form of Small-Angle Reflections in Oriented Semicrystalline Polymers

The intensity maxima of lamellar reflections in small-angle scattering patterns from uniaxially oriented polymers such as fibers do not generally fall on a straight layer line or on a circular arc....
Reason giving in children's supplicatory compliance gaining

This study investigated children's reason giving in a supplication situation. The participants were 60 children, 10 each at ages three through eight. A speech act analysis was used to establish categories of reasons. Results indicated that the categories may be identified as discrete entities and that the data were best analyzed using child response patterns rather than chronological age. Findings demonstrate clearly the development of reason giving strategies in children. Reason giving is defended as a type of compliance gaining.