cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Styles of language use : Individual and cultural variability in conversational indirectness

People differ in terms of whether they express their meanings directly or indirectly and whether they look for indirect meanings in remarks of others. Although many researchers have noted these differences, empirical research on this topic has been rare. This article reports the development and validation of a measure that assesses the production of indirectness (the extent to which a person phrases his or her remarks directly or indirectly) and the comprehension of indirectness (the extent to which a person looks for indirect meanings in the remarks of others). The author then used this measure to investigate intercultural communication (Koreans were more likely to speak indirectly and to look for indirect meanings than were Americans) and individual differences in conversation processing (people who scored high on the measure were more likely to comprehend certain indirect meanings and to be quicker at doing so than were those who scored low).
The Main Contributors to a Future Utopia

Which people, events, movements, institutions, and documents in the history of humankind have contributed most to the possible realization of a future utopia (i.e., a time when the Golden Rule is universally lived by)? This study consisted of two phases. The first phase involved generating nominated lists from over 100 graduate students and professionals in a variety of fields. In the second phase, the two resultant lists of 155 people and 122 events, movements, institutions, and documents were sent to a randomly-selected list of 400 tenured and tenure-track history and philosophy professors at 40 randomly-selected public Research 1 universities. These professors were asked to select who and what would be on their ‘A’ lists. The most frequently-selected people included Mohandas Gandhi, Martin Luther King, Jr., and Buddha. The most-frequently selected events, movements, institutions, and documents included: the Abolitionist movement, the American Bill of Rights, and the Abolishment of Apartheid in South Africa. The lists are presented and discussed.
Studies on the mode of action of sea urchin toxin. II. Enzymatic and immunological behavior.

Abstract The interaction of several sea urchin toxin preparations with certain substrates in mammalian serum produces dialyzable, heat-stable substances which cause contractions of the guinea pig's ileum and rat's uterus. Evidence is presented to show that the toxin acts kinetically as an enzyme and that one of the substrates is electrophoretically pure human α 2 -macroglobulin. Crude toxin preparations were also shown to be kininolytic with respect to the dialyzable reaction-product as well as to synthetic bradykinin. Rabbit antibodies to formalinized toxoids quantitatively precipitated active toxin, fixed complement, and protected mice against lethal intravenous doses in the usual quantitative protection and neutralization tests. Immunoelectrophoretic analysis brought out the existence of two distinct antigenic determinants, and additional serological tests showed that antibodies directed against the pedicellarial toxins of Tripneustes gratilla cross-reacted with test proteins of Strongylocentrotus purpuratus .
Negative‐ion mass spectra of some pyridines, pyrazines and their N‐oxides

The negative-ion mass spectra of some pyridines, pyrazines and their N-oxides are reported. All of the compounds examined fragment by generation of CN− ions. The alkylated derivatives readily form [M – 1] anions. Most of the N-oxides yield O− and OH− ions. Polar substituents control the fragmentation processes involving the heterocyclic ring to which they are bonded.
Women's motivation to participate in contraceptive efficacy trials☆

Abstract Background We sought to determine whether there are differences in subject's motivation to participate in hormonal and barrier method contraceptive efficacy studies. Study Design All women presenting for screening appointments for either barrier or hormonal contraceptive efficacy trials were asked to complete a survey including demographic questions and questions which utilized Likert scales to grade the importance of potential motivating factors for research participation. Results A total of 72 hormonal and 36 barrier method subjects completed the survey. More women in the barrier group cited an altruistic reason as their primary motivator for participation in comparison to the hormonal group (61.2% vs. 31.9%, respectively, p=.004). This difference continued to be statistically significant in multiple logistic regression controlling for demographic variables. The most common primary motivating factor cited by the barrier group was the belief that research is important (30.6%), whereas the most common reason cited by the hormonal group was the desire for free contraception (22.2%). Conclusion Women enrolling in barrier method studies are more likely than women enrolling in hormonal studies to cite an altruistic reason for their participation in these trials.
Soil aggregate formation and the accrual of particulate and mineral-associated organic matter

The degradation of soil aggregates appears to be a primary mechanism in the loss of organic matter caused by long-term cultivation, but little information exists on how the formation and stabilization of macroaggregates control the process of C aggradation when disturbance is reduced or eliminated. A chronosequence of restored tallgrass prairie was used to investigate the relationships between the formation of stable macroaggregates (> 212 μm dia) and the accrual of particulate and mineral-associated organic matter. Changes in the percentage of macroaggregates and in the accumulation of whole-soil organic C across the chronosequence were both described with a simple exponential model. The rate constant (k) for change in aggregation was more than 35 times the k for total organic C accumulation. Thus, the time required to reach 99% of equilibrium was 10.5 y for macroaggregates and 384 y for whole-soil organic C, providing evidence for the existence of a phased relationship between macroaggregate formation and C accrual. The input rate for whole-soil organic C to a 10-cm depth was estimated at 1.16 g kg−1 y−1 or 0.133 kg m−2 y−1 (assuming an average bulk density of 1150 kg m−3 for previously cultivated soils in the chronosequence). An increase in macroaggregate-associated C-to-N ratios with time since cultivation suggested that the accumulating organic matter was not “highly processed”, but less than 20% of the accrued C occurred in the form of particulate organic matter (density ≤ 1.85 g cm−3). Rather, most of the accumulated C occurred in the mineral-associated fraction of macroaggregates, suggesting that inputs of organic debris were rendered relatively rapidly into particles or colloids that are associated with mineral matter and thus are physically protected, slowing decomposition and promoting the development of stable microaggregates within macroaggregates.
Influence of environmental manipulation and nest‐box availability on reproductive success of captive cockatiels (Nymphicus hollandicus)

Environmental conditions greatly influenced breeding induced by nest-box presentation in pair-bonded cockatiels. Thirty-six pairs were first held under nonstimulatory environmental conditions for 13 weeks. To provide potential breeding cues, photoperiod, light intensity, ambient temperature, and humidity were then increased over a 12-day period; millet was replaced by a nutritionally adequate, crumbled diet; and nest-boxes were presented. Compared to previous trials performed under more constant conditions, number of pairs laying eggs, pair-day egg production, clutch size, and chick hatch weight were significantly increased. In experiment 2, either millet or crumbled diet was fed to 36 pairs during a 9-week nonstimulatory period. Both groups were then exposed to stimulatory environments, fed crumbled diet, and presented with nest-boxes. Their reproductive performances were not different, indicating that diet change was not required to stimulate breeding. In experiment 3, birds were fed crumbled diet throughout the trial. Nest-boxes were presented to 31 pairs during nonstimulatory conditions (group 1) or to 28 pairs during the transition to stimulatory conditions (group 2). Percent of pairs laying (85.7 v. 16.7), pair-day egg production (0.279 ± 0.036 v. 0.036 ± 0.014), and clutch size (9.1 ± 1.0 v. 4.6 ± 1.2) were greater in group 2, indicating that nest-box presentation is an insufficient stimulus to evoke maximal breeding under nonstimulatory environmental conditions.
Epigenetic stability increases extensively during Drosophila follicle stem cell differentiation

Stem and embryonic cells facilitate programming toward multiple daughter cell fates, whereas differentiated cells resist reprogramming and oncogenic transformation. How alterations in the chromatin-based machinery of epigenetic inheritance contribute to these differences remains poorly known. We observed random, heritable changes in GAL4/UAS transgene programming during Drosophila ovarian follicle stem cell differentiation and used them to measure the stage-specific epigenetic stability of gene programming. The frequency of GAL4/UAS reprogramming declines more than 100-fold over the nine divisions comprising this stem cell lineage. Stabilization acts in cis, suggesting that it is chromatin-based, and correlates with increased S phase length. Our results suggest that stem/early progenitor cells cannot accurately transmit nongenetic information to their progeny; full epigenetic competence is acquired only gradually during early differentiation. Modulating epigenetic inheritance may be a critical process controlling transitions between the pleuripotent and differentiated states.
Phosphatidylcholine biosynthesis in Tetrahymena pyriformis

Abstract 1. 1. Phosphatidylcholine biosynthesis in Tetrahymena pyriformis was investigated. Experiments in vivo using [Me-14C]methionine showed incorporation of radioactivity into the choline portion of phosphatidylcholine. No methylation of 2-aminoethylphosphonic acid was detected. Incorporation of the intact choline molecule into lecithin was demonstrated when the cells were grown on [Me-14C]choline. 2. 2. The transfer of the methyl group of [ Me- 14 C ] S - adenosyl - l - methionine to form lecithin was demonstrated in cell-free systems. The activity was localized in the microsomal cell fraction. The enzyme system accepted exogenous phosphatidylmonomethylethanolamine as substrate but not phosphatidylethanolamine or phosphatidyldimethylethanolamine. 3. 3. CDP-choline: diglyceride phosphocholinetransferase activity was localized in the mitochondria. The enzyme was twice as active with the optimal concentration of Mn2+ as Mg2+; the enzymatic activity was inhibited by low concentrations of Ca2+ or Hg2+.
The city and the subculture career: Professional street skateboarding in LA

This article provides a detailed ethnographic description of skateboarding’s main career opportunities and contributes to arguments about subculture theory and the impact of specific subcultures on cities. Professional street skateboarders perform tricks on obstacles in the urban environment and publish these tricks in magazines and videos to share with other members of the subculture. This need for documentation and dissemination of skateboard tricks, as well as the need to design and distribute subculture media, skateboards and skateboarding products, makes skateboarding a self-sustaining industry and provides skaters with an opportunity for subculture careers. These careers are in skating and also the ancillary careers necessary to support this industry. These subculture careers have a positive impact on individual skaters by providing opportunities, in many cases where none existed, and also upon the urban centers where this industry is most prominent by drawing creative, talented people to the city t...
The Authentic Enterprise: Another Buzz Word, or a True Driver of Quality Relationships?

This study contributes to relationship management research by introducing a new construct—authenticity—as the mediating variable between symmetrical communication and relationship quality, and investigating the behavioral outcomes of perceived organization–public relationship quality. We propose a structural model of symmetrical communication, authentic organizational behavior, organization–public relationships, and two behavioral outcomes—positive and negative messaging. The results support all the hypothesized linkages, and shed new light on the process of relationship management.
Analysis of the Factors that Influenced on Team Creativity in Product Conception Design Stage

Now, the application of team is wider and wider, the studies about team are more and more. If a team can always maintain high design creativity, its advantage in the industry can last forever. In the industrial design activity, product design preliminary stage is the major part of creating process. Management of team makes it carry out the design effectively. Especially, the management of team creativity is crucial to team members, it makes team members keep efficient creativity and improve the team's kernel competitive power. This study discussed the industrial design team creativity in this particular field, summarized team’s responsibilities and factors that influenced on team creativity in product conception design stage. Team managers need to optimize and ameliorate these factors, and then they can further improve the design team creativity.
Effect of 90 Degree Flap on the Aerodynamics of a Two-Element Airfoil

The aerodynamic performance of a two-element airfoil with a 90-deg trailing edge flap was experimentally investigated. The 5 percent-chord long flap, significantly increased the lift of the baseline airfoil, throughout a wide range of angles of attack. The maximum lift coefficient of the flapped wing increased too, whereas the lift/drag ratio decreased.
WE-D-304A-03: Quantitative Image Analysis for Prognosis in Newly Diagnosed Breast Cancer Patients with Sonographically Normal Appearing Lymph Nodes

Purpose: To investigate whether a computerized quantitative image analysis (QIA) system for diagnostic breast ultrasound can predict whether a breast cancer lesion has metastasized in patients with sonographically normal appearing axillary lymph nodes. Method and Materials: This study used a database of sonographic images of breast cancers in patients who presented with a single cancerous lesion and axillary lymph nodes that appeared normal on diagnostic breast ultrasound. The dataset contained images of 50 patients. In 20 patients, the breast cancer had metastasized and in 30 patients the cancer remained localized at the time of surgery. The truth regarding disease grade/pathology was obtained from the final breast surgery and lymphadectomy. Features including both lesion and parenchymal characteristics were calculated for each lesion. A leave‐one‐case‐out analysis was performed and each iteration stepwise feature selection was combined with the training of an LDA classifier for the task of distinguishing between cancerous lesions that metastasized and ones that remained localized. Results: In the leave‐one‐case‐out analysis, the most frequently selected combination consisted of 3 features. In this set, a single feature pertained to the lesion itself and the other 2 features described a difference between the lesion and the surrounding parenchyma. The features were the lesion echogenicity, the difference in echogenicity, and the difference in entropy. The LDA classifier yielded an area under the ROC curve (AUC value) of 0.80 (standard error 0.06) for the task of distinguishing between metastasized breast cancer index lesions and localized breast cancers.Conclusion: The QIA scheme obtained promising performance in this preliminary study and shows potential to diagnose metastatic disease. It is important to note that this study was performed using images only of patients for whom pre‐surgery imaging studies suggested that the breast cancer had remained localized. Conflict of Interest: Grants NIH and DOE. Stockholder, grant, royalties Hologic.
Alternative treatments for childhood brain tumors.

The treatment options for children with brain tumors are quite limited. Advances in tumor biology and neuroscience have opened new avenues of treatment. New approaches include gene therapy, agents designed to interfere with signal transduction, antiangiogenesis drugs, maturation agents, immunotherapy, and immunoconjugates. New means of drug/agent delivery, including drugs that selectively open the tumor–blood barrier and convection-infusional appproaches, are under study. Such innovative treatments will be more widely employed in the years ahead and may improve outcome for children with brain tumors.
Differences in Social Participation: Blacks and Whites

Three prominent explanations of ethnic differences in social participation-the isolation, compensation, and ethnic community theories-are critically examined and found wanting on several grounds. As an alternative, a socialpsychological approach emphasizing self-efficacy and system-blaming is proposed. A test of the explanation shows that, with some modification, it is an adequate representation of the participation patterns noted among blacks and whites. The findings indicate greater differences within races than between them, a pattern predicted by the proposed theory. Prior explanations, it is concluded, have not adequately accounted for the complexity of social participation; hence much of the debate about their relative viability has been misplaced. Differences in the extent of social participation have long attracted the attention of social scientists. Much of the research centered on the differential involvement of blacks and whites (cf. London; Myrdal et al.; Olsen; Orum; Wright and Hyman) and, more recently, their comparison with Mexican Americans (Antunes and Gaitz; Williams et al.). Three explanations have been commonly offered stressing compensation, isolation, and ethnic communal identity. 1 Central as these interpretations are to an evaluation of potential intergroup conflict and societal integration, they have been rendered only as ex post facto explanations of sample-specific findings. They have not been fully explicated or directly tested. To further confound matters, the explanations have either been viewed as antithetical (Babchuk and Thompson; Orum), suggesting they are not equally viable, or as complementary in that they have been seen as relevant to different
Ballistic transport in GaAs

Ballistic transport in GaAs has been studied using an ensemble Monte Carlo simulation. Duration and spatial extent of ballistic transport for a hot electron distribution can be defined from such studies. Mean displacement of the ensemble increases quadratically with time for a specified interval. This observation provides a phenomenological definition of ensemble ballistic transport. This phenomenological definition is compared with a theoretical definition based on time at which a significant fraction of an ensemble have experienced at least one collision. From these studies, times and distances are given for which a single-particle ballistic equation and a Langevin equation accurately describe ensemble transport in GaAs.
Inhibitors of an enkephalin degrading membrane-bound metalloendopeptidase: Analgesic properties and effects on striatal enkephalin levels

Intraperitoneal administration of N-[1-(R,S)-carboxy-2-phenylethyl-Phe-p-aminobenzoate, synthesized in this laboratory as a potent inhibitor of membrane-bound metalloendopeptidase (EC 3.4.24.11) caused a prolonged but weak analgesic effect on rats as measured by the tail flick test. It also caused a transitory but significant increase in striatal [Leu5]- and [Met5]enkephalin levels 3 h, after administration. Analogs of the inhibitor in which the phenylalanyl residue was replaced by an alanyl or glycyl residue also elicited prolonged analgesic responses although their inhibitory potencies were 75 and more than 1500 times lower respectively. The glycine containing derivative did not alter striatal enkephalin levels 3 h, after administration. The data suggest that inhibition of the metalloendopeptidase decreases the rate of degradation of endogenous enkephalins, however the analgesic properties of the inhibitors do not seem to be related to their inhibitory potencies. Factors other than changes in striatal enkephalin levels may contribute to the analgesic effect of the three N-carboxyphenylethyl derivatives.
A 5E Nature of Science Introduction: Preparing Students to Learn about Evolution

ABSTRACT Teachers often struggle with controversy when teaching biological evolution in American schools. Research indicates that curriculum with a nature of science (NOS) focus quells controversy (McComas 2004; Scharmann 2005; Staver 2003). This article presents a 5E NOS series that is a first step in a NOS curriculum that situates student understanding of evolution and controversy.
Spin-orbit and paramagnon effects on magnetoconductance and tunneling

Spin-splitting effects on the density of states and magnetoconductivity in disordered conductors with spin-orbit scattering are calculated. Particular attention is given to "paramagnon-enhanced" materials, in which spin-splitting effects are largest.
Influence of phosphate and phosphoesters on the decomposition pathway of 1,2-bis(methylsulfonyl)-1-(2-chloroethyhydrazine (90CE), the active anticancer moiety generated by Laromustine, KS119, and KS119W.

Prodrugs of the short-lived chloroethylating agent 1,2-bis(methylsulfonyl)-1-(2-chloroethyl)hydrazine (90CE) and its methylating analogue 1,2-bis(methylsulfonyl)-1-(methyl)hydrazine (KS90) are potentially useful anticancer agents. This class of agents frequently yields higher ratios of therapeutically active oxophilic electrophiles responsible for DNA O6-guanine alkylations to other electrophiles with lower therapeutic relevance than the nitrosoureas. This results in improved selectivity toward tumors with diminished levels of O6-alkylguanine-DNA alkyltransferase (MGMT), the resistance protein responsible for O6-alkylguanine repair. The formation of O6-(2-chloroethyl)guanine, which leads to the formation of a DNA–DNA interstrand cross-link, accounts for the bulk of the anticancer activity of 90CE prodrugs. Herein, we describe a new decomposition pathway that is available to 90CE but not to its methylating counterpart. This pathway appears to be subject to general/acid base catalysis with phosphate (Pi), phosphomonoesters, and phosphodiesters, being particularly effective. This pathway does not yield a chloroethylating species and results in a major change in nucleophile preference since thiophilic rather than oxophilic electrophiles are produced. Thus, a Pi concentration dependent decrease in DNA–DNA interstand cross-link formation was observed. Changes in 90CE decomposition products but not alkylation kinetics occurred in the presence of Pi since the prebranch point elimination of the N-1 methanesulfinate moiety remained the rate-limiting step. The Pi catalyzed route is expected to dominate at Pi and phosphoester concentrations totaling >25–35 mM. In view of the abundance of Pi and phosphoesters in cells, this pathway may have important effects on agent toxicity, tumor selectivity, and resistance to prodrugs of 90CE. Furthermore, it may be possible to design analogues that diminish this thiophile-generating pathway, which is likely superfluous at best and potentially detrimental to the targeting of hypoxic regions where Pi concentrations can be significantly elevated.
The Adoption of Radical and Incremental Innovations: An Empirical Analysis

This paper proposes and empirically tests whether different models are needed to predict the adoption of technical process innovations that contain a high degree of new knowledge radical innovations and a low degree of new knowledge incremental innovations. Results from a sample of 40 footwear manufacturers suggest that extensive knowledge depth measured by the number of technical specialists is important for the adoption of both innovation types. Larger firms are likely to have both more technical specialists and to adopt radical innovations. The study did not find associations between the adoption of either innovation type and decentralized decision making, managerial attitudes toward change, and exposure to external information. By implication, managers trying to encourage technical process innovation adoption need not be as concerned about modifying centralization of decision making, managerial attitudes and exposure to external information as would managers trying to encourage other types of innovation adoption, e.g., innovations in social services where these factors have been found to be important. Instead, investment in human capital in the form of technical specialists appears to be a major facilitator of technical process innovation adoption.
Developing Public Policy Theory: Perspectives from Empirical Research*

There has been considerable interest in the development of theories of public policy formation, but theoretical efforts to date have not demonstrated adequate recognition of the distinctive qualities of the dependent variable as a focus of research. Facets of public policy are far more difficult to study systematically than most other phenomena investigated empirically by political scientists. Our attempt to test hypotheses with some rigor demonstrated that public policy becomes troublesome as a research focus because of inherent complexity–specifically because of the temporal nature of the process, the multiplicity of participants and of policy provisions, and the contingent nature of theoretical effects. We use examples of policy making taken from the case study literature to show concretely how such complexity makes it essentially impossible to test apparently significant hypotheses as they are presented by Lowi, Dahl, Banfield, and others. Our effort here is to enhance theoretical development by carefully specifying and clarifying the major shortcomings and pointing out the apparent directions of remedy.
Performance of binary‐encounter‐Bethe (BEB) theory for electron‐impact ionization cross sections of molecules containing heavy elements (Z > 10)

The binary-encounter-Bethe (BEB) theory developed by Kim and coworkers has been successful for computing electron-impact ionization cross sections of many molecules. However, some recent publications have stated that BEB theory performs poorly for molecules that contain heavier elements such as chlorine and sulfur. We have found that the BEB calculations in those publications were performed incorrectly. When performed correctly, BEB predictions are as good for heavy-element molecules as for light-element molecules. We recommended recently that an alternative, less-confusing procedure be used for molecules that contain heavier elements. The alternative procedure, based upon effective core potentials (ECPs), does not require explicit kinetic energy corrections. For peak cross sections of a group of 18 molecules, the root-mean-square difference between BEB predictions and experimental values is 13%. Results are presented for CCl 3 CN, C 2 Cl 6 , C 2 HCl 5 , C 2 Cl 4 , both isomers of C 2 H 2 Cl 4 , CCl 4 , TiCl 4 , CBr 4 , CHBr 3 , CH 2 Br 2 , GaCl, CS 2 , H 2 S, CH 3 I, Al(CH 3 ) 3 , Ga(CH 3 ) 3 , and hexamethyldisiloxane. Incorrect BEB calculations have been reported in the literature for several of these molecules.
Catastrophic hemorrhage on sternal reentry: still a dreaded complication?

Abstract Background . To define the incidence of catastrophic hemorrhage (CH) during reoperations, the experience of the University of New Mexico was reviewed and compared with the practice of surgeons contacted by questionnaire. Methods . At the University of New Mexico, 610 reoperations were reviewed and 210 deemed high risk because of multiple reoperation, aneurysm, patent grafts, chamber's enlargement, conduit or previous mediastinitis. In the questionnaire, we asked about reentry technique, occurrence and outcome of CH, and precautions for high-risk patients. Results . At the University of New Mexico there were 4 CH with 1 death, and in the questionnaire there were 2,046 CH with 392 deaths. Our rate per surgeon was lower than that of the questionnaire. Rate of CH according to the saw was 2.09 for reciprocating, 2.0 for sagittal, and 1.74 for stryker in the questionnaire. Our rate was lower (0.65) with a micro sagittal saw. High-risk category predicted CH during sternotomy ( p = 0.01) but only conduit ( p = 0.005) was significant by univariate analysis. Conclusions . The risk of CH could be as high as 1%. The sagittal micro oscillating saw is the safest reported to date. Presence of a conduit increases the risk by 2.5 fold.
Pharmacokinetic and Pharmacodynamic Modeling of Recombinant Human Erythropoietin after Intravenous and Subcutaneous Administration in Rats

The pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamics (PD) of recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO) were studied in rats after single i.v. and s.c. administration at three dose levels (450, 1350, and 4050 IU/kg). The plasma concentrations of rHuEPO and its erythropoietic effects including reticulocyte (RET), red blood cell (RBC), and hemoglobin (Hb) levels were determined. A two-compartment model with dual input rate and nonlinear disposition was used to characterize the PK of rHuEPO. The catenary indirect response model with several compartments reflecting the bone marrow and circulating erythropoietic cells was applied. The s.c. doses exhibited slow absorption (T(max) = 12 h) and incomplete bioavailability (F = 0.59). In placebo groups, RBC and Hb values gradually increased over time with growth of the rats, and the changes in the baselines monitored from 8 to 32 weeks of age were described by a nonlinear growth function. All doses resulted in dose-dependent increases in RET counts followed by an immediate decline below the baseline at around 6 days and returned to the predose level in 21-24 days after dosing. A subsequent steady increase of RBC and Hb levels followed and reached peaks at 6 days. A tolerance phenomenon observed at all dose levels was modeled by a negative feedback inhibition with the relative change in Hb level. The PK/PD model well described the erythropoietic effects of rHuEPO as well as tolerance, thereby yielding important PD parameters (S(max) = 1.87 and SC(50) = 65.37 mIU/ml) and mean lifespans of major erythropoietic cell populations in rats.
Combined state-parameter estimation for shallow water equations

In this article, a method for assimilating data into the shallow water equations when some of the model parameters are unknown is presented. The one dimensional Saint-Venant equations are used as a model of water flow in open channels. Using these equations, a nonlinear state-space model is obtained. Lagrangian measurements of the flow velocity field are used as observations or measurements. These measurements may be obtained from a group of drifters equipped with GPS receivers and communication capabilities which move with the flow and report their position at every time step. Using the derived state-space model, the extended Kalman filter is used to estimate the state and the unknown model parameters given the latest measurements. The performance of the method is evaluated using data collected from an experiment performed at the USDA-ARS Hydraulic Engineering Research Unit (HERU) in Stillwater, Oklahoma in November 2009.
Removing singularities of resolved motion rate control of mechanisms, including self-motion

Resolved motion rate control is an algorithm for solving the path-tracking problem in robotic control which can fail at singular points of the kinematic function. The questions of existence and smoothness of solutions to the path tracking problem at singular points have not heretofore been addressed. In this paper we find a new second-order condition which, when satisfied, ensures the existence of a solution path with continuous, bounded joint rates. The condition is related to the curvature of the path at the singular value. We prove that a modification of the usual resolved motion rate control algorithm can successfully compute this solution path. As an application, we give a sufficient condition for the existence of self-motion for redundant manipulators at singular points. We derive a simple formula for the rate of recovery of the manipulability measure near the singularity. Several realistic examples are presented, for which we compute exact solutions to typical path tracking problems passing through singular points.
Numerical investigation of the spatial estimation error in sensor guidance used for the localization of a gaseous source in a 2D domain

An undesirable release of a gaseous substance in the atmosphere can pose a significant threat. To minimize the negative impact of this release, it is important to predict the state of the release as well as the proximity of the source location. This work investigates the real time detection and state estimation of an aerial release due to a stationary or moving source in a 2D domain. A mobile sensing agent is used to provide state measurements at desired locations using a Lyapunov based guidance scheme. Several computational results illustrate the success of the sensor guidance scheme. State reduction and state dependent grid adaptation are utilized to increase computational efficiency and to provide real time state estimation results.
Dexrazoxane Diminishes Doxorubicin-Induced Acute Ovarian Damage and Preserves Ovarian Function and Fecundity in Mice.

Advances in cancer treatment utilizing multiple chemotherapies have dramatically increased cancer survivorship. Female cancer survivors treated with doxorubicin (DXR) chemotherapy often suffer from an acute impairment of ovarian function, which can persist as long-term, permanent ovarian insufficiency. Dexrazoxane (Dexra) pretreatment reduces DXR-induced insult in the heart, and protects in vitro cultured murine and non-human primate ovaries, demonstrating a drug-based shield to prevent DXR insult. The present study tested the ability of Dexra pretreatment to mitigate acute DXR chemotherapy ovarian toxicity in mice through the first 24 hours post-treatment, and improve subsequent long-term fertility throughout the reproductive lifespan. Adolescent CD-1 mice were treated with Dexra 1 hour prior to DXR treatment in a 1:1 mg or 10:1 mg Dexra:DXR ratio. During the acute injury period (2–24 hours post-injection), Dexra pretreatment at a 1:1 mg ratio decreased the extent of double strand DNA breaks, diminished γH2FAX activation, and reduced subsequent follicular cellular demise caused by DXR. In fertility and fecundity studies, dams pretreated with either Dexra:DXR dose ratio exhibited litter sizes larger than DXR-treated dams, and mice treated with a 1:1 mg Dexra:DXR ratio delivered pups with birth weights greater than DXR-treated females. While DXR significantly increased the “infertility index” (quantifying the percentage of dams failing to achieve pregnancy) through 6 gestations following treatment, Dexra pretreatment significantly reduced the infertility index following DXR treatment, improving fecundity. Low dose Dexra not only protected the ovaries, but also bestowed a considerable survival advantage following exposure to DXR chemotherapy. Mouse survivorship increased from 25% post-DXR treatment to over 80% with Dexra pretreatment. These data demonstrate that Dexra provides acute ovarian protection from DXR toxicity, improving reproductive health in a mouse model, suggesting this clinically available drug may provide ovarian protection for cancer patients.
Two molecular forms of gonadotropin-releasing hormone from the brain of the frog, Rana ribibunda: purification, characterization, and distribution

The molecular forms of GnRH in amphibia have not been characterized structurally. An antiserum to mammalian GnRH that shows appreciable cross-reactivity with chicken GnRH-I ([Gln8]GnRH), chicken GnRH-II ([His5,Trp7,Tyr8]GnRH), and salmon GnRH ([Trp7, Leu8]GnRH) was used in a RIA to detect GnRH-related peptides in an extract of the brain of the European green frog, Rana ridibunda. Two peptides were purified to apparent homogeneity, and determination of their primary structures showed that they are identical to mammalian GnRH and chicken GnRH-II. Salmon GnRH and lamprey GnRH-I ([Tyr3,Leu5,Glu6,Trp7,Lys8]GnRH) were not identified in this species of frog. Immunocytochemical analysis using specific antisera has identified regions of the frog diencephalon and telencephalon in which chicken GnRH-II and mammalian GnRH are localized to different populations of neurons. This differential distribution suggests distinct physiological roles for the two forms of GnRH in amphibia.
Effectiveness of hsp90 inhibitors as anti-cancer drugs.

Hsp90 is a chaperone with over 100 identified client proteins. What makes Hsp90 especially promising as a target for anti-cancer drugs is that many of its client proteins are in signaling and chromatin-remodeling pathways, and these pathways are often disrupted in many types of cancers. Recently, it was determined that Hsp90 bound to a client protein in a co-chaperone complex has a higher ATPase activity and binds to the geldanamycin inhibitor with over 100- fold higher affinity than the low-ATPase form. Consequently, despite Hsp90 being an abundant protein in most cell types, Hsp90 inhibitors accumulate at high levels primarily in tumor cells because tumor cells are "oncogene addicted" and re- quire especially high levels of the high-ATPase form of Hsp90. Numerous classes of Hsp90 inhibitors have recently been developed, such as the anasamysin geldanamycin and derivatives 17-AAG and 17-DMAG; the macrolide radicicol and derivatives; purine-scaffold derivatives; pyrazoles; and shepherdins that bind to the N-terminal high-affinity ATP-binding domain of Hsp90. Other inhibitors have recently been shown to bind to the C-terminal dimerization domain of Hsp90, such as cisplatin and novobiocin, or modify Hsp90 postranslationally, such as histone deacetylase or proteasome inhibi- tors. In this mini-review, we present hypothetical mechanisms for Hsp90 inhibitors in treating cancers, preliminary studies in early clinical trials, and potential tumor-killing and tumor-promoting activities of Hsp90 inhibitors.
Improved accuracy of vascular wall shear rate measurements

Wall shear rate (WSR) is the derivative of blood velocity with respect to vessel radius. Low and oscillating WSR has been identified as a necessary factor in increasing endothelial cell (EC) permeability leading to arterial wall remodeling and atherosclerosis. Accurate WSR estimates require both high spatial resolution and high sensitivity to slow-flow velocities. Conventional velocity estimators involve narrowband pulses with autocorrelation estimators or broadband pulses with cross correlation (CC) estimators. Both approaches yield noisy or biased WSR estimates. We propose a time-domain method designed to simultaneously achieve high spatial resolution and high sensitivity for slow flow by transmitting a phase-modulated code to increase echo signal-to-noise ratio (eSNR). Regularized CC estimators are used to estimate velocity and thus WSR. One dimensional simulation results and experimental data from a flow phantom show coded pulses generate the least WSR bias (5%) and lowest estimation variance compared to other uncoded pulses (16% bias for narrowband and 32% bias for broadband) under noise-limited conditions. Implementation of coded excitation techniques makes it possible to achieve precise and accurate WSR measurements with higher center frequency transmissions. This may extend the use of noninvasive ultrasound to new areas in the study of atherosclerosis.
Longitudinal vortices in natural convection flow on inclined plates

Experiments are performed to demonstrate the occurrence and explore the characteristics of a secondary flow superposed upon the natural convection main flow on an inclined plate. A flow visualization technique is employed whereby the flow pattern is made visible by local changes of colour of the fluid itself, the colour change being brought about by a change in pH. The secondary flow consists of longitudinal vortices or rolls distributed more or less periodically across the width of the plate. The number of such vortices increases with the temperature difference between the surface and the ambient fluid, but appears to be relatively insensitive to the inclination angle of the plate. The secondary flow results from the destabilizing effect of the buoyancy force component, which acts normal to the plate surface. The longitudinal vortices are the first stage of the laminarturbulent transition process. This is in contrast to the case of natural convection on a vertical plate, where the first stage of transition is Tollmien-Schlichting waves.
Isolation, Growth, and Metabolism of an Obligately Anaerobic, Selenate-Respiring Bacterium, Strain SES-3

A gram-negative, strictly anaerobic, motile vibrio was isolated from a selenate-respiring enrichment culture. The isolate, designated strain SES-3, grew by coupling the oxidation of lactate to acetate plus CO(2) with the concomitant reduction of selenate to selenite or of nitrate to ammonium. No growth was observed on sulfate or selenite, but cell suspensions readily reduced selenite to elemental selenium (Se). Hence, SES-3 can carry out a complete reduction of selenate to Se. Washed cell suspensions of selenate-grown cells did not reduce nitrate, and nitrate-grown cells did not reduce selenate, indicating that these reductions are achieved by separate inducible enzyme systems. However, both nitrate-grown and selenate-grown cells have a constitutive ability to reduce selenite or nitrite. The oxidation of [C]lactate to CO(2) coupled to the reduction of selenate or nitrate by cell suspensions was inhibited by CCCP (carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenylhydrazone), cyanide, and azide. High concentrations of selenite (5 mM) were readily reduced to Se by selenate-grown cells, but selenite appeared to block the synthesis of pyruvate dehydrogenase. Tracer experiments with [Se]selenite indicated that cell suspensions could achieve a rapid and quantitative reduction of selenite to Se. This reduction was totally inhibited by sulfite, partially inhibited by selenate or nitrite, but unaffected by sulfate or nitrate. Cell suspensions could reduce thiosulfate, but not sulfite, to sulfide. These results suggest that reduction of selenite to Se may proceed, in part, by some of the components of a dissimilatory system for sulfur oxyanions.
Emergency room use after being released from incarceration

This study investigates opiate use in mediating the impact of history of incarceration on emergency department (ED) use. Data were collected from 1,341 clients who underwent HIV and STI screening in an outpatient care center in Long Beach, California. The Risk Behavior Assessment (RBA, baseline) and Risk Behavior Follow-Up Assessment (RBFA, follow-up) were administered to each client with at least a three months interval between assessments. Of 1341 participants in the study, 931 (69.43%) reported previous incarceration. Having a history of incarceration was significantly associated with emergency room use as well as a history of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), injection drug use, opiate use, and survival sex trading, defined as sex for money or drugs. The relationship between previous incarceration and ED use was mediated by opiate use for men but not for women. The findings suggested that the effect of history of incarceration on ED use was exacerbated when the individuals were male and opiate users. Targeted interventions in treatment and rehabilitation programs could help prevent unnecessary ED use and reduce the use of EDs through drug treatment during incarceration and after release.
Molecular pathways: Estrogen pathway in colorectal cancer.

Worldwide, colorectal cancer has a higher incidence rate in men than in women, suggesting a protective role for sex hormones in the development of the disease. Preclinical data support a role for estrogen and its receptors in the initiation and progression of colorectal cancer and establishes that protective effects of estrogen are exerted through ERβ. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in postmenopausal women as well as consumption of soy reduces the incidence of colorectal cancer. In the Women9s Health Initiative trial, use of HRT in postmenopausal women reduced the risk of colon cancer by 56% [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.38–0.81; P = 0.003]. A recent meta-analysis showed that in women, consumption of soy reduced the risk of colon cancer by 21% (95% CI, 0.03–0.35; P = 0.026). In this review, using the preclinical data, we translate the findings in the clinical trials and observational studies to define the role of estrogen in the prevention of colorectal cancer. We hypothesize that sometime during the tumorigenesis process ERβ expression in colonocytes is lost and the estrogen ligand, HRT, or soy products, exerts its effects through preventing this loss. Thus, in the adenoma-to-carcinoma continuum, timing of HRT is a significant determinant of the observed benefit from this intervention. We further argue that the protective effects of estrogen are limited to certain molecular subtypes. Successful development of estrogen modulators for prevention of colorectal cancer depends on identification of susceptible colorectal cancer population(s). Thus, research to better understand the estrogen pathway is fundamental for clinical delivery of these agents. Clin Cancer Res; 19(21); 5842–8. ©2013 AACR .
Microcontact Printing via a Polymer-Induced Liquid-Precursor (PILP) Process

Our biomimetic approach for patterned crystallization is based on the combination of the Micro-Contact Printing technique and a novel mineralization process, called the Polymer-Induced-Liquid-Precursor (PILP) process, which enables the deposition of mineral films under low-temperature and aqueous-based conditions. We demonstrate that a liquid-phase mineral precursor is deposited onto specific areas templated with self-assembled monolayers of alkanethiolate on gold, and then the patterned calcitic films grow under constrained conditions via transformation of the PILP phase, leading to control over the location and morphology of calcitic films.
The differential effects of additional cortical lesions in rats with single- or multiple-stage lesions of the visual cortex

Male albino rats relearned a black-white discrimination for food after posterior neocortex was bilaterally removed in a single operation (“single stage”) or in two unilateral operations (“multiple stage”). Single-stage animals showed no savings in relearning (relearning errors = learning errors). Multiple-stage animals showed positive savings (relearning errors < learning errors). To assess cortical reorganization, the rats were given additional lesions and again retrained. Cortex either contiguous or noncontiguous with the posterior lesion was removed bilaterally. Contiguous and noncontiguous lesions produced different effects only among animals with prior multiple-stage posterior lesions. Rats with single-stage posterior lesions and contiguous or noncontiguous lesions showed positive savings and did not differ from each other or from rats with multiple-stage posterior and noncontiguous lesions. Rats with multiple-stage posterior and contiguous lesions made more errors and showed negative savings. The role of contiguous cortex in the serial lesion effect was also tested with two additional groups. Rats given noncontiguous cortex lesions prior to multiple-stage posterior lesions showed positive savings in retraining. Rats given contiguous cortex lesions prior to multiple-stage posterior lesions showed negative savings.