cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Characterization of a dominant-active STAT that promotes tumorigenesis in Drosophila

Little is known about the molecular mechanisms by which STAT proteins promote tumorigenesis. Drosophila is an ideal system for investigating this issue, as there is a single STAT (Stat92E), and its hyperactivation causes overgrowths resembling human tumors. Here we report the first identification of a dominant-active Stat92E protein, Stat92EΔNΔC, which lacks both N- and C-termini. Mis-expression of Stat92EΔNΔC in vivo causes melanotic tumors, while in vitro it transactivates a Stat92E-luciferase reporter in the absence of stimulation. These gain-of-function phenotypes require phosphorylation of Y711 and dimer formation with full-length Stat92E. Furthermore, a single point mutation, an R442P substitution in the DNA-binding domain, abolishes Stat92E function. Recombinant Stat92ER442P translocates to the nucleus following activation but fails to function in all assays tested. Interestingly, R442 is conserved in most STATs in higher organisms, suggesting conservation of function. Modeling of Stat92E indicates that R442 may contact the minor groove of DNA via invariant TC bases in the consensus binding element bound by all STAT proteins. We conclude that the N- and C- termini function unexpectedly in negatively regulating Stat92E activity, possibly by decreasing dimer dephosphorylation or increasing stability of DNA interaction, and that Stat92ER442 has a nuclear function by altering dimer:DNA binding.
Misdiagnosis of Niemann-Pick disease type C as Gaucher disease

Niemann-Pick disease type C (NPC) is a model for inborn errors of metabolism whose gene product mediates molecular trafficking rather than catabolizing macromolecules, as in classic lipidoses. We report the case of an infant who presented with hepatosplenomegaly without neurological abnormalities. Decreased activity of acid β-glucosidase and elevated serum chitotriosidase and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase on repeated measurements led to initial diagnosis of Gaucher disease (GD). Failure to respond to enzyme replacement therapy after one year, however, put the diagnosis in question. Cholesterol esterification assays in cultured skin fibroblasts and NPC gene analysis led to the correct diagnosis of NPC. The patient had markedly reduced cholesterol esterification and was a compound heterozygote for a known and a novel mutation in the NPC gene (395delC and 2068insTCCC), which are both predicted to lead to protein truncation. Although the full phenotype of NPC involves hepatosplenomegaly and neurodegenerative disease, the initial presentation in a pediatric patient may be restricted to visceral disease. Of interest, this patient had decreased activity of leukocyte acid β-glucosidase activity and elevated serum chitotriosidase to levels often seen in GD. Although acid β-glucosidase activity in leukocytes was low, it was in the normal range in skin fibroblasts. Therefore, diagnostic delay may occur in NPC due to false positive testing for GD. Diagnosis of NPC requires a high index of suspicion and should be considered in a patient with hepatosplenomegaly even in the absence of neurodevelopmental signs. Prompt diagnosis will become increasingly important as effective therapies are developed for NPC.
Evaluation of the co-mutagenicity of ethanol and Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol with Trenimon

The mutagenic potential of chronic treatments of male CF-1 mice with ethanol and delta 9-tetrahydrocannibinol (THC), and their comutagenic potential with a known mutagenic agent, Trenimon, were examined. This was accomplished by measuring the frequency of dominant lethal mutations arising from mating of treated males with nontreated females. Adult male mice were treated with 5% (v/v) ethanol as part of a liquid diet (28% ethanol-derived calories) for five weeks; 10 mg/kg body weight (p.o.) THC every two days for five weeks; a single injection of Trenimon (0.125 mg/kg, i.p.) on day 28 of diet treatment; and all combinations of treatments. The control group was pair-fed a liquid diet in which isocaloric sucrose replaced ethanol; these males were also given sesame oil (vehicle for THC) and saline (vehicle for Trenimon) on the same schedule as that for the treated males. Neither body weights nor hematocrits were adversely affected by any treatment. Both ethanol and Trenimon treatments resulted in a small (8-9%; p less than 0.05) decrease in testicular weight. The effect of combined treatment with ethanol and Trenimon was roughly additive. Treatment with THC had no effect on testicular weight. Seminal vesicle weights were not affected by any treatment. Treatments were without significant effect on fertility, as measured by the frequency of males producing pregnancies. Ethanol and Trenimon treatments produced approximately 3- and 7-fold increases, respectively in the frequencies of preimplantational loss over that seen for the control group (7.3%), resulting in significant ethanol and Trenimon effects (p less than 0.001). No interactive effects of ethanol and Trenimon treatments were noted. Frequencies of dead fetuses per pregnancy in the ethanol- and Trenimon-treated groups were increased approximately 2.5- and 4-fold, respectively, over the control value of approximately 16%. However, the effect of combined treatments was not greater than that due to Trenimon alone, resulting in Trenimon and ethanol effects (p less than 0.001) and ethanol-Trenimon interaction (p less than 0.001). The calculated mutation index resulting from each treatment yielded significant (p less than 0.001) ethanol- and Trenimon-induced effects. In contrast to effects of ethanol and Trenimon treatments, THC, given alone, or in combination with ethanol and/or Trenimon, had no effect on either preimplantational loss, fetal mortality or the resulting mutation index. The data suggest that chronic ethanol treatment, at levels resulting in minimal fertility impairment, increases the frequency of dominant lethal mutations. In contrast, chronic treatment with THC, as administered in the present study, appears to be without effect.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Effect of operating conditions and precursors on optoelectronic properties of OMVPE grown ZnSe

Abstract The growth of ZnSe on (100)GaAs substrates by low pressure organometallic vapor phase epitaxy (OMVPE) has been investigated in a vertical reactor. Dimethylzinc (DMZn) was used as the Zn precursor, while three selenium sources were employed: diethylselenide (DESe), methylallylselenide (MASe) and hydrogen selenide (H 2 Se). Films grown at the optimal conditions, corresponding to each source combination, contain different impurities. The optically active impurities are analyzed by comparing photoluminescence spectra of as-grown films. The source combination H 2 Se/DMZn produces the best quality ZnSe epilayers. The effect of operating conditions on the electrical and photoluminescence properties of films grown from H 2 Se/DMZn is examined. Chlorine is determined to be the major shallow donor impurity of these films and an increase in the growth temperature is demonstrated to be a simple way to control the residual chlorine impurities. Finally, a relationship between electrical properties and photoluminescence characteristics is proposed and examined in view of data from this study as well as from previously reported OMVPE and molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) studies.
Radical‐Anion polymerization

Two cases of initiation of vinyl polymerization by radical-ions are considered. In the one case the transfer from radical-ion to monomer is instantaneous and virtually complete. Here the relative amount of free radical propagation as compared to anionic propagation is negligibly small. In the second case a continuous feed of radical-ion initiator is considered. Here the relative amount of free radical propagation as compared to anionic propagation may be considereable. Exact expressions are developed for this relative radical versus ionic propagation as a function of conversion. It is suggested that the results of lithium-initiated copolymerization of methyl methacrylate and styrene may be understood in terms of a model similar to the second case of radical-ion initiation considered in this paper.
If a mouse clicks at home, will the library hear the sound?

ABSTRACT As the online public library becomes a creation of the Internet, will taxpayers continue to support an institution that is potentially “just another address”? And will the public library have to compete in the image and likeness of Barnes and Noble.com?
Dynamic-probabilistic particle swarms

The particle swarm algorithm is usually a dynamic process, where a point in the search space to be tested depends on the previous point and the direction of movement. The process can be decomposed, and probability distributions around a center can be used instead of the usual trajectory approach. A version that is both dynamic and Gaussian looks very promising.
Benefits of Stepfamily Education: One-Year Post-Program

There has been an increase in the prevalence of stepfamilies, and being a member of a stepfamily carries with it unique challenges. Stepfamily education programs have tried to address these specific challenges. Although it is believed these programs can have a positive influence on the lives of stepfamilies, little research has been done to evaluate the effects of such stepfamily education. The aim of this article is to address the lasting effects of stepfamily education by examining findings from qualitative interviews conducted 1 year after post-program with participants attending a research-based stepfamily program.
A study on linear process control

Critical limits of controller parameters (PID) and critical cycling periods are derived for several linear processes. A method for determining the approximate dynamic characteristics of a process is developed. A pressure control system is analyzed by this method and its behavior interpreted.
Stability Analysis of XCP Congestion Control Systems

This paper studies the stability of eXplicit Control Protocol (XCP). The control-theoretic framework used in most of the previous work is linear system theory. Based on the linearization of nonlinear congestion control systems, classical linear techniques, such as the Nyquist or Bode criteria, are applied for the analysis of stability. The success of the linearization method depends on the assumption that the equilibrium is far away from the zero queue length point so that the linearization is well-defined. In this paper, taking account of the physical constraint of the queue length, i.e., queue lengths never being negative, the dynamics of XCP is modeled as one class of linear switched time-delay systems. For such systems, classic linear approaches do not work any more. Instead, we employ Lyapunov approach by constructing one piecewise continuous quadratic Lyapunov functional. Under such Lyapunov functional, stability results are established for determining the parameters of XCP systems. This Lyapunov method actually also provides us a technique of handling linear switched time-delay systems.
Progress toward an ERL extension to CESR

The status of plans for an energy-recovery linac (ERL) X-ray facility at Cornell University are described. Cornell currently operates the Cornell high energy synchrotron source (CHESS) at the CESR ring. The ERL is planned to be an extension to that ring by a 5-GeV superconducting c.w. linac. The very small electron-beam emittances would produce an X-ray source that is considerably better than any existing storage-ring light source. The ERL design that is presented has to allow for non-destructive transport of these small emittances. It includes up to 18 X-ray beamlines for specific areas of research that are currently being defined by an international community. Special attention is given to reuse of many of the existing ring components. Here it is described which subjects are being investigated or will have to be studied at Cornell to prepare for the construction of this new hard X-ray source; references to other contributions to this conference (PAC07) demonstrate this effort. This project illustrates how existing storage rings could be upgraded as ERL light sources with vastly improved beam qualities and with limited dark time for X-ray users. The presented list of research topics shows R&D issues for any such upgrade project.
Effects of In Vitro Laminar Shear Stress as an Exercise Mimetic on Endothelial Cell Health

Endothelial dysfunction has been associated with a host of cardiovascular diseases and is thought to be an important contributor to many of them. Exercise training is a potent nonpharmacological modality to improve endothelial dysfunction. It is thought that the elevated intravascular shear stress is what leads to exercise-induced improvements in endothelial function. Microarray studies show that the gene expression profile of endothelial cells is dramatically altered by high physiological levels of laminar shear stress. Overwhelmingly, the genetic program of protein expression in response to in vitro laminar shear stress is vasoprotective and atheroprotective. There are three purposes of this chapter: (1) to review endothelial dysfunction at the cellular level, (2) to describe the different types of shear stress to which endothelial cells are exposed and the methodology used to examine them; and (3) to specifically describe the effects of high physiological levels of laminar shear stress on the expression of genes and proteins directly related to endothelial health.
Question-Negotiation and Information Seeking in Libraries.

Seekers of information in libraries either go through a librarian intermediary or they help themselves. When they go through librarians they must develop their questions through four levels of need, referred to here as the visceral, conscious, formalized, and compromised needs. In his pre-search interview with an information-seeker the reference librarian attempts to help him arrive at an understanding of his “compromised” need by determining: (1) the subject of his interest; (2) his motivation; (3) his personal characteristics; (4) the relationship of the inquiry to file organization; and (5) anticipated answers. The author contends that research is needed into the techniques of conducting this negotiation between the user and the reference librarian.
Ethylene Biosynthesis and Cadmium Toxicity in Leaf Tissue of Beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.).

Stress ethylene production in bean ( Phaseolus vulgaris L., cv. Taylor9s Horticultural) leaf tissue was stimulated by Cd 2+ at concentrations above 1 micromolar. Cd 2+ -induced ethylene biosynthesis was dependent upon synthesis of 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC) by ACC synthase. Activity of ACC synthase and ethylene production rate peaked at 8 h of treatment. The subsequent decline in enzyme activity was most likely due to inactivation of the enzyme by Cd 2+ , which inhibited ACC synthase activity in vitro at concentrations as low as 0.1 micromolar. Decrease in ethylene production rate was accompanied by leakage of solutes and increasing inhibition of ACC-dependent ethylene production. Ca 2+ , present during a 2-hour preincubation, reduced the effect of Cd 2+ on leakage and ACC conversion. This suggests that Cd 2+ exerts its toxicity through membrane damage and inactivation of enzymes. The possibility of an indirect stimulation of ethylene biosynthesis through a wound signal from injured cells is discussed.
Neomycin and plasma lipoproteins in type II hyperlipoproteinemia

Neomycin, a nonabsorbable aminoglycoside antibiotic, has been shown to exert a hypocholesterolemic effect in man. In a 9-mo, double-blind, randomized, crossover, placebo-controlled clinical trial, the effect of neomycin, 2 gm/day, on plasma lipoproteins, as well as its safety, was described in 20 subjects with type II hyperlipoproteinemia. A 15% (50 mg%) decline in plasma cholesterol concentration was observed with neomycin. Most of this effect resulted from a 41 mg% (16%) decrease in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentration. No significant or consistent effect on the concentration of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol was observed. Monthly audiologic and renal evaluation disclosed no oto- or nephrotoxicity. Neomycin treatment in patients with type II hyperlipoproteinemia is an inexpensive and effective means of lowering the concentration of low-density lipoproteins and is free of significant side effects over a 3-mo period. Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics (1984) 36, 555–565; doi:10.1038/clpt.1984.219
Planning and integrating a behavioural sciences curriculum.

Summary. This paper describes methods of planning and integrating an introductory course in human behaviour for first-year medical students, from a primary care perspective. The conceptual model is based on a synthesis of the literature on stress, stress responses and human development. An experiential component integrates didactic material and clinical experience. The teaching methods are based on formats, such as grand-rounds, used by postgraduate doctors. Specific techniques are described to integrate the diverse components of the curriculum: (1) timing of learning experiences; (2) training of academic staff; (3) preparation of patient volunteers; and (4) use of student representatives.
A subtle clue to the histopathologic diagnosis of early α1-antitrypsin deficiency panniculitis

An excisional biopsy specimen of a lesion of several days' duration in an 18-year-old woman revealed moderate splaying of neutrophils between collagen bundles throughout the reticular dermis and incipient necrosis of the dermis and subcutaneous fat, Mild infiltration of neutrophils and macrophages was seen in the septal and lobular panniculus. A biopsy performed on one of the patient's more chronic lesions demonstrated dermal necrosis, degeneration and fibrosis of septa, acute lobular panniculitis with a large number of neutrophils, and foci of subcutaneous fat necrosis with islands of sparing. Splaying of neutrophils between the collagen bundles in the reticular dermis appears to be the earliest histopathologic finding of α 1 -antitrypsin deficiency panniculitis.
Disseminated coccidioidomycosis with cutaneous lesions clinically mimicking mycosis fungoides

This report describes the second known case of disseminated coccidioidomycosis mimicking mycosis fungoides since the original description more than 100 years ago. Coccidioidomycosis should be considered in persons from an endemic area presenting with nonhealing or suspicious skin lesions. Diagnosis is established by skin biopsy and silver staining showing granulomas and classic Coccidioides immitis spherules. Disseminated coccidioidomycosis most commonly involves the skin and can have a variety of cutaneous manifestations. The first description of a Coccidioides immitis infection in 1892 was initially diagnosed as mycosis fungoides. We present the second case of coccidioidomycosis masquerading as mycosis fungoides.
First North American record of the ascidian Perophora japonica

Colonies of the phlebobranch ascidian Perophora japonica were found in August 2003 in Humboldt Bay, northern California, growing on a submerged settling panel. This species has a unique terminal budding in addition to the usual subterminal stolonial budding: bright yellow stellate plaques form at the tips of many stolons. The plaques break off, float away and reattach, subsequently forming new stolons and new colonies. The presence of these plaques, and the larger size of the zooids, distinguish it from the native Perophora annectens . This is the first North American record for this species.
A role for aberrant protein palmitoylation in FFA-induced ER stress and β-cell death.

Exposure of insulin-producing cells to elevated levels of the free fatty acid (FFA) palmitate results in the loss of β-cell function and induction of apoptosis. The induction of endoplasmic reticul...
Medical School Experiences Associated with Change in Implicit Racial Bias Among 3547 Students: A Medical Student CHANGES Study Report

BACKGROUND Physician implicit (unconscious, automatic) bias has been shown to contribute to racial disparities in medical care. The impact of medical education on implicit racial bias is unknown.
Long-term Success of Stump Sprouts in High-graded Baldcypress-water Tupelo Swamps in the Mississippi Delta

Regeneration of baldcypress (Taxodium distichum (L.) Rich.) and water tupelo (Nyssa aquatica L.) in swamps of the deltaic plain of the Mississippi River are of major importance for ecosystem sustainability and forest management in the context of regional hydrological changes. Water tupelo often forms prolific sprouts from cut stumps, and baldcypress is one of few conifers to produce stump sprouts capable of becoming full-grown trees. Previous studies have addressed early survival of baldcypress stump sprouts, but have not addressed the likelihood of sprouts becoming an important component of mature stands. We surveyed stands in southeastern Louisiana that were partially logged 10–41 years ago to determine if stump sprouts are an important mechanism of regeneration. At each site we inventoried stumps and measured stump height and diameter, presence and number of sprouts, sprout height, and water depth. We determined age and diameter growth rate for the largest sprout from each stump from increment cores. The majority of stumps did not have surviving sprouts. Baldcypress sprout survival was about the same (median 10%) as previously found for stumps up to 7 years old, so it appears that, although mortality is high soon after sprouting, it is low after age 10. Water tupelo sprouting was rare at our sites but it was not clear whether this may have been because trees were not cut at our sample locations. Baldcypress stump sprouts were more likely to survive on shorter, smaller-diameter stumps, and baldcypress sprout growth was greatest on drier sites with less competition from overstory trees. Surviving baldcypress stump sprouts had high growth rates, but were not regularly spatially distributed within stands and many had advancing decay from stumps into sprouts. # 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Auer rods galore! Acute promyelocytic leukemia.

The diagnostic intracellular inclusions (Auer rods) found in this touch preparation of a core bone marrow biopsy helped provide basis for the diagnosis in this case. The patient, a 48-year-old man, presented with increasing fatigue and pancytopenia. A bone marrow biopsy demonstrated a marked increase in hypergranular, immature myeloid cells, as well as a plethora of Auer rods. The diagnosis was confirmed by cytogenetic studies which showed a C15:17 translocation [t(15:17)].
Evaluation of equine peripheral blood apheresis product, bone marrow, and adipose tissue as sources of mesenchymal stem cells and their differentation potential

Objective—To evaluate effects of apheresis on mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and compare those MSCs with MSCs obtained from adipose tissue or bone marrow (BM). Sample Population—Samples obtained from 6 adult horses. Procedures—Samples of blood from a peripheral vein, adipose tissue, and BM aspirate were obtained from each horse. Samples were processed via apheresis of blood and techniques reported elsewhere for adipose tissue and BM. Cultures were maintained until adherence and subsequently were subjected to differentiation protocols to evaluate adipogenic, osteoblastogenic, and chondrogenic potential. Results—Apheresis product had a significantly higher mononuclear percentage, higher platelet count, and lower RBC count, compared with values for peripheral blood. No cell adherence to the tissue culture plates was detected for the apheresis product. Adherence was detected for 6 of 6 adipose-derived and 4 of 6 BM-derived samples. Variations in efficiency were detected for differentiation of adipose- and BM-d...
Models of repair mechanisms for future treatment modalities of Parkinson’s disease

Parkinson's disease is one of the most likely neurological disorders to be fully treatable by drugs and new therapeutic modalities. The age-dependent and multifactorial nature of its pathogenesis allows for many strategies of intervention and repair. Most data indicate that the selectively vulnerable dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra of patients that have developed Parkinson's disease can be modified by protective and reparative therapies. First, the oxidative stress, protein abnormalities, and cellular inclusions typically seen could be dealt with by anti-oxidants, trophic factors, and proteolytic enhancements. Secondly, if the delay of degeneration is not sufficient, then immature dopamine neurons can be placed in the parkinsonian brain by transplantation. Such neurons can be derived from stem cell sources or even stimulated to repair from endogenous stem cells. Novel molecular and cellular treatments provide new tools to prevent and alleviate Parkinson's disease.
Reduction of renal stone risk by potassium-magnesium citrate during 5 weeks of bed rest.

Purpose: Exposure to the microgravity environment of space increases the risk of kidney stone formation, particularly for calcium oxalate and uric acid stones. This study was performed to evaluate the efficacy of potassium alkali as potassium-magnesium citrate in reducing renal stone risk and bone turnover.Materials and Methods: This study was performed as a double-blind, placebo controlled trial. We studied 20 normocalciuric subjects randomized to either placebo or potassium-magnesium citrate (42 mEq potassium, 21 mEq magnesium, 63 mEq citrate per day) before and during 5 weeks of strict bed rest. The study was performed in the General Clinical Research Center and under a controlled dietary regimen composed of 100 mEq of sodium, 800 mg of calcium, 0.8 gm/kg animal protein and 2,200 kcal per day. Two 24-hour urine collections were obtained under oil each week for assessment of stone risk parameters and relative saturation of calcium oxalate, brushite and undissociated uric acid. Blood was also collected f...
The Egoism and Altruism of Intergenerational Behavior

Some of the most important issues in society today affect more than one generation of people. In this article, the authors offer a conceptual overview and integration of the research on intergenerational dilemmas—decisions that entail a tradeoff between one’s own self-interest in the present and the interests of other people in the future. Intergenerational decisions are characterized by a combination of intertemporal (i.e., behaviors that affect the future) and interpersonal (i.e., behaviors that affect other people) components. Research on intergenerational dilemmas identifies factors that emerge from these dimensions and how they interact with each other to influence intergenerational beneficence. Critically, phenomena that result from the intersection of these two dimensions—such as immortality striving through legacy creation—are especially important in distinguishing intergenerational decisions from other related decision contexts.
A new approach for global optimization of a class of MINLP problems with applications to water management and pooling problems

One of the biggest challenges in solving optimization engineering problems is rooted in the nonlinearities and nonconvexities, which arise from bilinear terms corresponding to component material balances and/or concave functions used to estimate capital cost of equipments. The procedure proposed uses an MILP lower bound constructed using partitioning of certain variables, similar to the one used by other approaches. The core of the method is to bound contract a set of variables that are not necessarily the ones being partitioned. The procedure for bound contraction consists of a novel interval elimination procedure that has several variants. Once bound contraction is exhausted the method increases the number of intervals or resorts to a branch and bound strategy where bound contraction takes place at each node. The procedure is illustrated with examples of water management and pooling problems. © 2011 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 58: 2320–2335, 2012
Phase I trial of the combination of daily estramustine phosphate and intermittent docetaxel in patients with metastatic hormone refractory prostate carcinoma.

Summary Background: To apply our preclinical findings of cytotoxic synergy with the combination of estramustine phosphate (EP) and docetaxel as the basis of treatment of hormone refractory metastatic prostate cancer in man. To determine the optimal dosage and the toxicities of these two agents for future trials. Patients and methods: Seventeen patients with hormone refractory metastatic prostate cancer who were ambulatory with performance status < 2, normal marrow, renal and hepatic function were entered. Prior exposure to EP or a taxane were exclusion factors. EP was given orally at a dose of 14 mg/kg of body weight daily with concurrent docetaxel administered every 21 days as an intravenous infusion over 1 hour with dexamethasone 8 mg. PO BID for five days. EP dosages were kept static; docetaxel dosages were explored in a minimum of three patients per level for dosages of 40, 60, 70, and 80 mg/m 2 . Patients were evaluated weekly. Prostate specific antigen (PSA) was measured every three weeks. Results: Five patients were entered at a docetaxel dose of 40 mg/m 2 , three at 60 mg/m 2 , six at 70 mg/m 2 , and three at 80 mg/m 2 . Only one patient had received prior chemotherapy. Grades 1 or 2 hypocalcemia and hypophosphatemia were seen at all dosage levels. Other grade 2 or less toxicities not related to dosage included alopecia, anorexia, stomatitis, diarrhea, and epigastric pain. Dose limiting toxicities (DLT) as grade 4 leukopenia and grade 4 fatigue were seen at 80 mg/m 2 . The phase II dose was defined at 70 mg/m 2 with rapidly reversible leukopenia and minor liver function abnormalities. At this dosing level, dose intensity was 88% and 86% over consecutive cycles for docetaxel and EP, respectively. Two vascular events occurred at this dose level (70 mg/m 2 ): one arterial and the other venous. PSA decreases greater than 50% from baseline were seen in 14 of 17 patients at all dosage levels. Four of the 17 patients demonstrated a complete biochemical response (PSA ^4 ng/ml). One patient had a partial response with measurable lung and liver lesions. Conclusion: EP given continuously with every three-week docetaxel at a dose of 70 mg/m 2 is tolerable with evidence of antitumor activity based upon significant declines in PSA in the majority of patients and improvement of lung metastasis in one patient. Larger phase II studies of this combination in a homogenous population are warranted.
THE EFFECT OF PHYTOHORMONES ON GROWTH AND ARTEMISININ PRODUCTION IN ARTEMISIA ANNUA HAIRY ROOTS

Few studies have focused on the effect of a broad range of phytohormones on growth and secondary metabolism of a single hairy root species. We measured growth, development, and production of the antimalarial drug, artemisinin, in Artemisia annua hairy roots in response to the five main hormones: auxins, cytokinins, ethylene, gibberellins (GA), and abscisic acid (ABA). Single roots grown in six-well plates in medium B5 with 0.01 mgl−1 (0.029 μM) GA3 produced the highest values overall in terms of the number of lateral roots, length of the primary root, lateral root tip density, total lateral root length, and total root length. When the total root lengths are compared, the best conditions for stimulating elongation appear to be: GA 0.01 mgl−1 (0.029μM)> ABA 1.0 mgl−1 (3.78μM)=GA 0.02 mgl−1 (0.058μM). Bulk yields of biomass were inversely proportional to the concentration of each hormone tested. All cultures provided with ABA yielded the highest amount of biomass. Both 6-benzylaminopurine and 2-isopentenyladenine inhibited root growth, however, only 2-isopentenyladenine stimulated artemisinin production, more than twice that of the B5 controls, and more than any other hormone studied. These results will prove useful in increasing hairy root growth and artemisinin production.
One Size Does Not Fit All: A Smarter Way to Develop Computer Assisted Interventions for Children with ASD

The number of individuals seeking treatment for autism spectrum disorders (ASD) is increasing quickly and families often have difficulty accessing effective therapy. A number of computer assisted interventions (CAI) have been developed in an attempt to address these needs. However, most development of CAI has taken place in the absence of an understanding of how variability in ASD behavioral phenotypes may affect CAI effectiveness. The current effort describes the first step towards developing a framework to understand how behavioral phenotypes among those diagnosed with ASD can inform the design of CAI. Specifically, we propose a four-step methodology to better inform the design and development of such CAI. Generally, these steps involve by (1) identifying a need where CAI is appropriate, (2) identifying a technology or set of technologies that are relevant for that population, (3) identifying an appropriate population that stands to benefit from our CAI, and (4) identifying specific content to be included in our CAI. We also describe the results of an effort applying this proposed methodology for the development of our CAI.
Foreign Objectives and Domestic Grievances: Assessing the Interaction between Foreign Intervention and Political Displacement and its Effects on Target State Stability

Foreign-imposed regime change has long been considered a legitimate form of statecraft used by great powers in their dealings with weaker states. On August 26th 2011, after months of armed conflict, NATO-assisted domestic militant groups overthrew Libyan leader, Muammar Gadhafi, ending his forty-two year rule. This is the most recent manifestation of successful executive decapitation, the practice of external powers removing other heads of state with or without the cooperation of domestic actors in the target state. Recent developments, including the death of Gadhafi and international recognition of the National Transitional Council have instilled optimism in the minds of the people of Libya and international policymakers. The policy of forced executive removal is based on the belief that eradicating the “toxic” elements of foreign governments will pave the way for political stability. History, however, tells us that outcomes of forced leadership change vary greatly. In this paper, I argue that part of this variance has to do with the failure of western powers to formulate policies that are informed by the specific social, political and economic context of the countries in which they intervene. In their promotion of democracy, foreign powers have often ignored cultural norms and exacerbated social and ethnic cleavages, worsening the very instability that they have intervened to resolve. For example, in 2003, the United States’ policy of de-Baathification in Iraq exacerbated relations between Sunnis and Shi’ites living in the country, which led to a prolonged and violent insurgency. A basic understanding of Iraqi history would have demonstrated that a policy of widespread exclusion would be highly inadvisable. One could argue that the instability following intervention is caused by variables such as weak institutions, poor economic growth, or ethnic polarization, to name but a few. I do not dispute this. What I do argue is that more attention needs to be devoted to the way in which the international community “does” intervention. I will use various historical case studies including the U.S. invasion of Iraq and the U.S. invasion of Vietnam in 1963 to illustrate the disastrous effects of ill-informed foreign intervention. I will then discuss the implications of these historical cases for potential developments in Libya as the international community struggles to ascertain exactly what its role in the state should be at this time.
Echoes of Colonial Repression: The Long-Term Effects of the 1947 Revolt upon Political Attitudes in Madagascar

The repression of the 1947 Madagascar revolt has been regarded as one of the bloodiest episodes in the history of Colonial Africa. While some historians and anthropologists claim the brutality of this event has traumatized the population in significant ways, no systematic evidence has been provided to date to support these hypotheses. In this article, we undertake an empirical strategy that combines recent individual-level survey data with geographic and ethnographic information about the rebellion to estimate the long-term effects of this event upon current self-reported levels of freedom of expression. Applying two different matching methods and a regression discontinuity design that exploits plausible exogenous variation in exposure to the rebellion generated by a mountain range, we find a negative treatment effect. The results are robust to controls for individual characteristics and a host of district-level variables such as rainfall, temperature, elevation, land area, and distance to the nearest industrial town.
The Wrong Word, Part 1

When you use a word incorrectly, you hurt your credibility. Even if the mistake is an understandable typographical error, you lose the reader for a moment, and you send the subtle message that you don't know or don't care what the correct word is. Here are some common word mistakes in two categories.
The acute effects of multi-ingredient pre-workout ingestion on strength performance, lower body power, and anaerobic capacity

Multi-ingredient pre-workout supplements (MIPS) are popular among resistance trained individuals. Previous research has indicated that acute MIPS ingestion may increase muscular endurance when using a hypertrophy-based protocol but less is known in regard to their effects on strength performance and high intensity running capacity. Therefore, the purpose was to determine if short-term, MIPS ingestion influences strength performance and anaerobic running capacity. In a double-blind, randomized, placebo controlled, crossover design; 12 males (19 ± 1 yrs.; 180 ± 12 cm; 89.3 ± 11 kg; 13.6 ± 4.9 %BF) had their body composition assessed followed by 5-repetition maximum (5RM) determination of back squat (BS; 119.3 ± 17.7 kg) and bench press (BP; 92.1 ± 17.8 kg) exercises. On two separate occasions subjects ingested a MIPS or a placebo (P) 30-minutes prior to performing a counter movement vertical jump test, 5 sets of 5 repetitions at 85 % of 5RM of BS and BP, followed by a single set to failure, and an anaerobic capacity sprint test to assess peak and mean power. Subjective markers of energy levels and fatigue were also assessed. Subjects returned one week later for a second testing session using counter treatment. MIPS resulted in a greater number of repetitions performed in the final set to failure in the BP (MIPS, 9.8 ± 1.7 repetitions; P, 9.1 ± 2; p = 0.03, d = 0.38), which led to a greater total volume load (set x repetitions x load) in the MIPS (753 ± 211 kg) compared to P (710 ± 226 kg; p =0.03, d = .20). MIPS ingestion improved subjective markers of fatigue (p = 0.01, d = 3.78) and alertness (p = 0.048, d = 2.72) following a bout of resistance training. An increase in mean power was observed in the MIPS condition (p = 0.03, d = 0.25) during the anaerobic sprint test. Results suggest that acute ingestion of a MIPS study may increase upper body muscular endurance. In addition, acute MIPS ingestion improved mean power output during an anaerobic capacity sprint test. However, the practical significance of these performance related outcomes may be minimal due to the small effect sizes observed. MIPS ingestion does appear to positively influence subjective markers of fatigue and alertness during high-intensity exercise.
A TWIST for ultracold, polar molecules

We present a ThinWIre electroStatic Trap (TWIST) for ultracold, polar NaCs molecules formed via photoassociation from a mixed species MOT. The TWIST is superimposed onto the atom clouds, enabling a continous accumulation of molecules.
An Understanding of Equipment Demonstration

This paper discusses some focused problems on equipment demonstration,including need demonstration,type demonstration and operational adaptability.The meaning of demonstration is explained,and some viewpoints are presented as follows:structural requirement analysis methodology should be emphasized;process simulation is the main tool for effectiveness evaluation;demonstration team should consist of qualified system analysts who know overall knowledge of equipment.Based on discussion of the trade-off analysis and the relationship between demonstration and decision,it is proposed that one's scientific analyzing ability should be enhanced in the process of comprehensive demonstration.
THE REVIEW OF SOLVING THE DAMAGE OF RICE GREEN SMUT IN JILIN PROVINCE BY USING AND SELECTING RESISTANT CULTIVAR

The green smut of rice happenes both in native and abroad. The harmfulness is becoming more serious. It reduces the output and quality of rice, and is toxicity if people or animals eat much of it. For the aim of high yield, good quality, low toxicity and low cost, the best way to solve the damage of green smut of rice is to select and use disease resistant cultivars. The identifying, selecting and using method of disease resistant cultivars is discussed
The study of disease status of measles before and after supplementary immunization in Yichun city

Objective To evaluate the epidemiological characters of measles before and after supplementary immunization from January 2006 to December 2012,and to provide evidence for better management of measles elimination. Methods According to the report of supplementary immunization inoculation rate from the information system of disease prevention and control of China and Yichun city,the method of descriptive epidemiology was adopted,and disease status of measles before and after supplementary immunization in Yichun city was analyzed. Results Total 1107 cases were reported in Yichun city during 2006-2012.The male/female ratio and average incidence per year were 2.2∶1 and 2.88/ 100,000 respectively.Most of the cases were sporadic,the onset age with15 years old and age at2 years were the most(χ2=52.64,P0.05).The higher incidence was happened from April to August,and the April had the highest incidence.After the supplementary immunization,the case count decreased by 95.49%(χ2=709.48,P0.05).The annual average incidence in the top five were Wanzai county,Fencheng city,Gaoan city,Jinan county and Yuanzhou district respectively,and the droop rate of annual average incidence of measles before and after supplementary immunization in each county were all575%,in which the morbidity of Tonggu county was 0% in the last 3 years. Conclusion The prevalence of measles in Yichun city is scattered,and the incidences are significant decrease in the different age and area after supplementary immunization.However,the cases still can be found after supplementary immunization,especially among children at 0-2 yeas old.Our suggestion is to carry out supplementary immunization for the interval of two to three years on the basis of routine immunization,so as to protect susceptibility population,form a strong immune barrier,and to keep the incidence of measles with low incidence.
Compatibilization of HDPE/PS Blends by Tapered Diblock PE-PS Copolymers

Addition of diblock copolymers is a well-known technique for production of polymer blends with enhanced mechanical performance. This paper investigates some of the relationships between the molecular structure of PE-co-PS tapered diblock copolymers and the compatibilization produced by their addition in HDPE/PS blends. The emulsification generated by the addition of a given amount of copolymer molecules was found to be directly related to the block copolymer molecular weight; the higher the copolymer molecular weight, the finer the HDPE dispersion. On the other hand, an optimum molecular weight seemed to exist when the fracture resistance of compatibilized blends is considered. Improvement of blends fracture resistance was only observed upon addition of the intermediate molecular weight copolymer (PS520-PE2320). Both the low (PS480-PE80) and high (PS375-PE6950) molecular weight copolymers did not improve the fracture resistance of 15 wt% HDPE/PS blends. The lack of homopolymer-copolymer molecular entanglement could explain the poor performance of the low molecular weight copolymer while the formation of a dry brush was postulated in blends compatibilized by the high molecular weight material.
Clinical evaluation of flufenisal, a long-acting analgesic.

The analgesic activity of 300 and 600 mg. of flufenisal, a fluorinated phenyl derivative of aspirin, was compared to 600 and 1,200 mg. of aspirin and to placebo under randomized double-blind conditions in 100 patients with pain due to episiotomy. Over the 8 hours of evaluation, pain reduction greater than 50 per cent was observed in at least 60 per cent of patients treated with both doses of flufenisal, whereas it was 40 per cent with 600 mg. of aspirin, 55 per cent with 1,200 mg. of aspirin, and 26 per cent with placebo. On a time-effect basis with the two graded doses of both flufenisal and aspirin, pain relief, as measured by pain intensity differences, was similar with respect to time of onset and maximal effect attained. However, with the flufenisal significant analgesia persisted at the eighth hour (p < 0.02), while with the aspirin there was none after the fifth hour. On the basis of these data, flufenisal at one fourth to one half the dose of aspirin appears to provide analgesia of almost double the duration of aspirin and is equivalent to aspirin in time of onset and degree of relief of episiotomy pain. This raises the possibility that in some clinical conditions flufenisal may be effective in providing prolonged pain relief.
Practitioner advice: ERLDAT–A web-based tool to design and analyze EWMA control charts

The performance of a control chart is completely characterized by its run length distribution. Quality practitioners usually do not have access to the run length distribution but rely on the average run length (ARL) to design and evaluate the performanc..