cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Suppression of migration, invasion, and metastasis of cisplatin-resistant head and neck squamous cell carcinoma through IKKβ inhibition

We explored the role of the transcription factor, NF-κB, and its upstream kinase IKKβ in regulation of migration, invasion, and metastasis of cisplatin-resistant head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). We showed that cisplatin-resistant HNSCC cells have a stronger ability to migrate and invade, as well as display higher IKKβ/NF-κB activity compared to their parental partners. Importantly, we found that knockdown of IKKβ, but not NF-κB, dramatically impaired cell migration and invasion in these cells. Consistent with this, the IKKβ inhibitor, CmpdA, also inhibited cell migration and invasion. Previous studies have already shown that N-Cadherin, an epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) marker, and IL-6, a pro-inflammatory cytokine, play important roles in regulation of HNSCC migration, invasion, and metastasis. We found that cisplatin-resistant HNSCC expressed higher levels of N-Cadherin and IL-6, which were significantly inhibited by CmpdA. More importantly, we showed that CmpdA treatment dramatically abated cisplatin-resistant HNSCC cell metastasis to lungs in a mouse model. Our data demonstrated the crucial role of IKKβ in control of migration, invasion, and metastasis, and implicated that targeting IKKβ may be a potential therapy for cisplatin-resistant metastatic HNSCC.
MULTIMODALITY GUIDANCE OF ENDOMYOCARDIAL BIOPSY FOR CARDIAC MASS

Primary cardiac malignancies are very rare, but have a broad differential. Tissue diagnosis is crucial to treatment strategy, but may be difficult when a tumor is in proximity to important cardiac structures. A 30 year old man presented with acute worsening dyspnea. Initial workup discovered a
Decay of Ag 104 and Levels in Pd 104

The radioactive decay of the isomers of ${\mathrm{Ag}}^{104}$ has been investigated using scintillation spectrometers and a magnetic beta-ray spectrometer. Half-lives of (66\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}1) and (29.8\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.5) minutes were determined for the spin 5 and spin 2 isomers, respectively. Conversion electrons corresponding to 15 gamma rays assigned to ${\mathrm{Pd}}^{104}$ were observed. Two allowed positron transitions were detected: one of end-point energy (990\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}10) kev from the spin 5 isomer of ${\mathrm{Ag}}^{104}$; and the other of end-point energy (2705\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}15) kev from the spin 2 isomer. Gamma-gamma and beta-gamma coincidences were observed. The experimental data together with data obtained by other investigators is used to determine the spins and parities of the low-lying excited states of ${\mathrm{Pd}}^{104}$.
Rimmed Wheel Performance on the Mars Science Laboratory Scarecrow Rover

The Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) Curiosity rover experienced increasing wheel damage beginning in October 2013. While the wheels were designed to operate with considerable damage, the rate at which damage was occurring was unexpected and raised concerns regarding wheel life expectancy. As of Sol 2555 (10-14-19), there are two broken grousers on the left middle wheel, and one broken grouser on the right middle wheel. One possible scenario, albeit remote, is that enough grousers break on a wheel such that unconstrained portions of the wheel could contact the cable running from the rover motor controller assembly to the wheel's drive actuator. If the cable to a drive actuator is damaged, that wheel may no longer respond to commands. To make progress towards a navigation goal position, that wheel would need to be dragged. To mitigate the risk of damaging a cable running to a wheels drive actuator, the unconstrained portion of a wheel could be strategically shed by performing driving maneuvers on an immovable rock. What would remain after wheel shedding is a rimmed wheel (the outer 1/3 of the wheel). We studied the feasibility of remotely commanding the rover to perform the shed maneuver on one of its front wheels. To inform whether or not to shed the wheels, we tested the performance of driving on one or more rimmed wheels in flight. This led to a two-month test campaign in the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) Mars Yard using the Scarecrow testbed rover. Driving and steering performance was characterized on a variety of terrain types and slopes in a worst-case rimmed wheeled configuration. Test results indicate that if wheel shedding could be successfully executed in flight, Curiosity could continue to drive indefinitely on rimmed wheels.
The Fundamentals of Transesophageal Echocardiography

First introduced in 1987, transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) has become an essential imaging tool for the diagnosis of many cardiac conditions. In addition, TEE is routinely used during many surgical and percutaneous cardiac procedures for immediate assessment of cardiac function and structures. There are 20 standard TEE views that are acquired from esophageal and transgastric levels. This chapter orients the reader to the basic operations of the TEE device and highlights the necessary views to perform a comprehensive TEE exam.
The Role of the Automated Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (AICD) for Secondary Prevention in the COVID-19 Era

Life-threatening arrhythmias have been variably reported among patients hospitalized for COVID-19 infection. Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) in COVID-19 patients is an alarming concern for clinicians. Multiple factors play an important role in the development of SCA in patients with severe systemic illness. We describe a case of COVID-19 in a New York City hospital in Spring 2020 that rapidly developed SCA and, before discharge, received a single lead transvenous implantable cardioverter defibrillator for secondary prevention. This case highlights the use of an automated implantable cardioverter-defibrillator as a secondary preventive measure irrespective of left ventricular function as a means of preventing recurrence of SCA as a sequela of COVID-19.
This weird time we're in": How a sudden change to remote education impacted college students' self-regulated learning"

The present study investigates the impacts that a sudden change to online instruction had on undergraduates' engagement in self-regulated learning during the COVID-19 global pandemic. Using reflexive thematic analysis to examine college students' written responses, we identified four themes that illustrated the challenges of emergency remote learning: feeling disconnected, discordant, and distracted;struggling to engage amid lost autonomy and personal stressors;experiencing academic burden and burnout;and encountering both caring and disregard from instructors. The implications of these findings highlight the importance that learning contexts and social connectedness have on undergraduates' willingness and ability to enact self-regulated learning behaviors and strategies.
Appraisal and development of evidence-based clinical decision support to enable perioperative pharmacogenomic application

Variable responses to medications complicates perioperative care. As a potential solution, we evaluated and synthesized pharmacogenomic evidence that may inform anesthesia and pain prescribing to identify clinically actionable drug/gene pairs. Clinical decision-support (CDS) summaries were developed and were evaluated using Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation (AGREE) II. We found that 93/180 (51%) of commonly-used perioperative medications had some published pharmacogenomic information, with 18 having actionable evidence: celecoxib/diclofenac/flurbiprofen/ibuprofen/piroxicam/CYP2C9, codeine/oxycodone/tramadol CYP2D6, desflurane/enflurane/halothane/isoflurane/sevoflurane/succinylcholine/RYR1/CACNA1S, diazepam/CYP2C19, phenytoin/CYP2C9, succinylcholine/mivacurium/BCHE, and morphine/OPRM1. Novel CDS summaries were developed for these 18 medications. AGREE II mean ± standard deviation scores were high for Scope and Purpose (95.0 ± 2.8), Rigor of Development (93.2 ± 2.8), Clarity of Presentation (87.3 ± 3.0), and Applicability (86.5 ± 3.7) (maximum score = 100). Overall mean guideline quality score was 6.7 ± 0.2 (maximum score = 7). All summaries were recommended for clinical implementation. A critical mass of pharmacogenomic evidence exists for select medications commonly used in the perioperative setting, warranting prospective examination for clinical utility.
Evaluating the Validity of the Dichotomous Choice Question Format in Contingent Valuation

Hypothetical and actual cash willingness to pay (WTP) for an art print were elicited with dichotomous choice and open-ended question formats. Comparing hypothetical and actual dichotomous choice responses using both a likelihood ratio test and the method of convolutions suggests we reject equality at the 0.05 but not the 0.01 level. Hypothetical WTP was roughly two times actual WTP with the dichotomous choice format. There were no significant differences between the open-ended and dichotomous choice question formats when both were used to estimate hypothetical WTP or both used to estimate actual WTP.
Left Atrial Myxoma

Abstract Phonocardiographic clues to the diagnosis of left atrial myxoma based on 3 cases are presented. Vibrations during the isovolumic period following a first heart sound of increased amplitude, along with simultaneous vibrations in the systolic upstroke of the apex cardiogram, are clues to the presence of a left atrial myxoma. These vibrations probably are associated with its movement (sudden acceleration and deceleration of the tumor and surrounding blood). Similar vibrations may be recorded phonocardiographically during the isovolumic relaxation period. The presence of a long Q-S 1 or short A 2 -EDS (early diastolic sound) interval is not helpful in differentiating left atrial myxoma from mitral stenosis. When the clinical findings suggest severe mitral stenosis, a long A 2 -EDS should raise suspicion of a left atrial myxoma. Systolic, diastolic and presystolic murmurs may occur either in mitral stenosis or with left atrial myxoma and are not of themselves helpful in differentiation, unless there is unusual temporal or postural variation, or both, in these murmurs.
Extraction, Characterization, and Cellular Localization of the Lipids of Staphylococcus aureus

Satisfactory extraction and assay procedures have been developed for the lipids of Staphylococcus aureus. The following lipids have been characterized in detail: the vitamin K(2), which is shown to exist as isoprenologues with side chains of 35, 40, and 45 carbon atoms; monoglucosyldiglyceride and diglucosyldiglyceride, which account for all the carbohydrate in the lipid extracts; the lysyl ester of phosphatidyl glycerol, phosphatidyl glycerol, and cardiolipin, which account for 98% of the phosphate in the lipid extract. The extraction procedure removes 98% of the total bacterial fatty acids. Acidification of the medium before harvest and refluxing in isopropanol are critical in the extraction procedure for the maximal recovery of lysyl-phosphatidyl glycerol and the glucolipids. The lipids have been shown to be a part of the same membrane as the respiratory pigments.
The thrombosed prosthetic valve: current recommendations based on evidence from the literature.

The four most dreaded complications following mechanical prosthetic valve replacement are dehiscence/disruption/dysfunction, infection, embolism, and thrombosis (mnemonic). Thrombosis of a mechanical prosthetic valve (TPV) is a particularly pernicious complication because it is often associated with
The Electrostatic Nature of C3d-Complement Receptor 2 Association

The association of complement component C3d with B or T cell complement receptor 2 (CR2 or CD21) is a link between innate and adaptive immunity. It has been recognized in experimental studies that the C3d-CR2 association is pH- and ionic strength-dependent. This led us to perform electrostatic calculations to obtain a theoretical understanding of the mechanism of C3d-CR2 association. We used the crystallographic structures of human free C3d, free CR2 (short consensus repeat (SCR)1–2), and the C3d-CR2(SCR1–2) complex, and continuum solvent representation, to obtain a detailed atomic-level picture of the components of the two molecules that contribute to association. Based on the calculation of electrostatic potentials for the free and bound species and apparent pKa values for each ionizable residue, we show that C3d-CR2(SCR1–2) recognition is electrostatic in nature and involves not only the association interface, but also the whole molecules. Our results are in qualitative agreement with experimental data that measured the ionic strength and pH dependence of C3d-CR2 association. Also, our results for the native molecules and a number of theoretical mutants of C3d explain experimental mutagenesis studies of amino acid replacements away from the association interface that modulate binding of iC3b with full-length CR2. Finally, we discuss the packing of the two SCR domains. Overall, our data provide global and site-specific explanations of the physical causes that underlie the ionic strength dependence of C3d-CR2 association in a unified model that accounts for all experimental data, some of which were previously thought to be contradictory.
Treatment of symptomatic spondyloptosis in an adult previously treated with in situ fusion and instrumentation by L5 vertebrectomy and L4–S1 instrumented reduction

Abstract Background context One traditional treatment for spondylolisthesis is fusion. However, for high-grade spondylolisthesis and spondyloptosis, posterior fusion has had high rates of nonunion, progression, and persistent physical deformity. Thus, some surgeons have recommended reduction and instrumentation. One such technique (Gaines procedure) entails a two-stage procedure: L5 vertebrectomy anteriorly, followed by resection of the L5 posterior elements and instrumented reduction of L4 onto S1. However, to our knowledge, there is no report of reversing the fusion and deformity reduction in a symptomatic patient with previous solid fusion of the spondyloptosis at L5–S1. Purpose To present the first reported revision via the Gaines procedure for failed fusion secondary to spondyloptosis. Study design Patient report. Methods A 24-year-old woman, who had undergone multiple procedures for L5–S1 spondylolisthesis and a final fusion and instrumentation attempt, presented with continued urinary retention, leg and back pain, and inability to stand. She subsequently underwent posterior hardware removal, followed by anterior L5 vertebral body resection. In the second stage, she had posterior osteotomy of the previous L5–S1 fusion, resection of the posterior elements of L5, and reduction and instrumentation of L4 to S1. Results At the 2-year follow-up, she had full resolution of symptoms, full return of motor strength, and resolution of urinary retention. Conclusions The Gaines procedure has been performed successfully in patients without previous fusions at the level of spondylolisthesis or spondyloptosis. Patients for whom the traditional posterior fusion fails still may be candidates for this procedure, albeit at increased risk of neurologic injury.
Directed Spatial Organization of Zinc Oxide Nanorods

The ability to precisely place nanomaterials at predetermined locations is necessary for realizing applications using these new materials. Using an organic template, we demonstrate directed growth of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanorods on silver films from aqueous solution. Spatial organization of ZnO nanorods in prescribed arbitrary patterns was achieved, with unprecedented control in selectivity, crystal orientation, and nucleation density. Surprisingly, we found that caboxylate endgroups of ω-alkanethiol molecules strongly inhibit ZnO nucleation. The mechanism for this observed selectivity is discussed.
Altruism in surgery of AIDS patients.

There is usually a long period of time between infection with the AIDS virus and manifestation of symptoms. Asymptomatic patients often would benefit from elective surgery for diseases such as arthritis which are unrelated to their infection. The surgeons' decisions to accept the risks to themselves, their spouses, and their operating teams in order to relieve pain and suffering appear to be based upon two covenants; one concerns their role within the doctor-patient relationship, and the other concerns their relationship to what they see as the ultimate meaning in life.
Swirl flow characteristics and froth phase features in air-sparged hydrocyclone flotation as revealed by X-ray CT analysis

The time-averaged multiphase flow characteristics of air-sparged hydrocyclone flotation have been studied using X-ray computed tomography. Criteria of froth stability and the relationship between froth phase features and flotation response have been established. Quantification of the spatial extent of the different flow regimes has been done in order to characterize the flow behavior during steady-state operation of a nominal 2-inch diameter air-sparged hydrocyclone (ASH-2C). The influence of different operating and design variables on multiphase flow characteristics has also been established.
Cognitive complexity and alienation: A reexamination☆

Abstract The relationship between the content variable, alienation, and the structural variable, cognitive complexity, is reaxamined. The results suggest that contrary to previous research, the relationship between cognitive complexity and alienation varies, depending upon the dimension of alienation being examined with cognitive complexity. Also, the results raise serious validity questions about scales frequently used to measure alienation in marketing research. The findings have serious implications for development of effective communication strategies directed toward the alienated and strongly support the need for further study to validate current alienation scales or to develop new ones.
Understanding text corpora with multiple facets

Text visualization becomes an increasingly more important research topic as the need to understand massive-scale textual information is proven to be imperative for many people and businesses. However, it is still very challenging to design effective visual metaphors to represent large corpora of text due to the unstructured and high-dimensional nature of text. In this paper, we propose a data model that can be used to represent most of the text corpora. Such a data model contains four basic types of facets: time, category, content (unstructured), and structured facet. To understand the corpus with such a data model, we develop a hybrid visualization by combining the trend graph with tag-clouds. We encode the four types of data facets with four separate visual dimensions. To help people discover evolutionary and correlation patterns, we also develop several visual interaction methods that allow people to interactively analyze text by one or more facets. Finally, we present two case studies to demonstrate the effectiveness of our solution in support of multi-faceted visual analysis of text corpora.
Radiolabeled monoclonal antibody B72.3 localization in metastatic lesions of colorectal cancer patients.

Abstract We have previously demonstrated a high degree of selective binding of monoclonal antibody (MAb) B72.3 to carcinomas of the colon, ovary, and breast in contrast to normal adult tissues using in vitro assays. In this report we demonstrate selective tumor localization in colorectal cancer patients after intravenously administering 131I-labeled MAb B72.3 IgG. Radiolocalization Indices (RI) (i.e. cpm 131I-labeled MAb per gram of tumor vs cpm per gram of normal tissues), were obtained by direct analyses of biopsy materials. Using an RI of ≥3 as a positive localization, tumor lesions in various sites from 17 20 patients scored positive. In eight of these patients, all tumor lesions demonstrated RIs of >3, while in five patients RIs of some lesions were > 10 and as high as 30–46. Seventy percent ( 99 142 ) of the tumor lesions showed RIs of > 3, while only 12 of 210 histologically confirmed normal tissues examined showed RIs of > 3. These tissues were either adjacent to the tumor or the draining tumor masses or, as in the case of two patients, was caused by high levels of circulating immune complexes that deposited in the spleen. Positive scintigraphic images (confirmed at surgery) were observed in 14 27 patients. No toxicity or adverse reactions were observed with either MAb. These studies provide absolute quantitative analyses of the actual delivery of radiolabeled MAb to carcinoma lesions vs a wide range of adjacent and distal normal tissues and establishes the means for other diagnostic and potential therapeutic applications of this antibody alone, or in combinations with other monoclonal antibodies.
Dynamic distributed predictive learning models that preserve privacy for hospitals with insufficient labeled data

A prediction model built dynamically using patient data from multiple hospitals can serve as a tool for suggestive knowledge in clinical decision support. Such a tool that accommodates queries based on attributes of interest is helpful in building a targeted model from multiple hospitals when a local clinical data repository does not have sufficient number of records to draw conclusions from. However, because of privacy concerns and legal ramifications, hospitals are reluctant to divulge raw medical records. Hence, mechanisms to build distributed prediction models using just the statistics of patient data are attractive. Distributed ID3-based decision tree (DIDT) algorithm is such a prediction model builder. In this study, we analyze National Inpatient Sample data for 3 years and demonstrate that DIDT can be used to help collaboratively build better predictive models when hospitals have insufficient number of records for good local models. Using 261 attributes for model building, we showed that collaborating hospitals with less than 100 cases of hospitalizations for a targeted disease were able to achieve good improvement in accuracies for predicting hospitalization collectively using a distributed model compared to local models. When relying on local models for predicting risks for sample diseases, more patients were misclassified and some local patients could not be classified. Our collaborative model effectively reduced misclassification providing accurate early diagnostics to additional patients. The profile of hospitals with sufficiently large number of patient records was explored to identify local models with specific characteristics that can serve the needs of hospitals with insufficient data.
Neural network computation with DNA strand displacement cascades

The impressive capabilities of the mammalian brain—ranging from perception, pattern recognition and memory formation to decision making and motor activity control—have inspired their re-creation in a wide range of artificial intelligence systems for applications such as face recognition, anomaly detection, medical diagnosis and robotic vehicle control. Yet before neuron-based brains evolved, complex biomolecular circuits provided individual cells with the ‘intelligent’ behaviour required for survival. However, the study of how molecules can ‘think’ has not produced an equal variety of computational models and applications of artificial chemical systems. Although biomolecular systems have been hypothesized to carry out neural-network-like computations in vivo and the synthesis of artificial chemical analogues has been proposed theoretically, experimental work has so far fallen short of fully implementing even a single neuron. Here, building on the richness of DNA computing and strand displacement circuitry, we show how molecular systems can exhibit autonomous brain-like behaviours. Using a simple DNA gate architecture that allows experimental scale-up of multilayer digital circuits, we systematically transform arbitrary linear threshold circuits (an artificial neural network model) into DNA strand displacement cascades that function as small neural networks. Our approach even allows us to implement a Hopfield associative memory with four fully connected artificial neurons that, after training in silico, remembers four single-stranded DNA patterns and recalls the most similar one when presented with an incomplete pattern. Our results suggest that DNA strand displacement cascades could be used to endow autonomous chemical systems with the capability of recognizing patterns of molecular events, making decisions and responding to the environment.
Intraparty Preferences, Heterogeneity, and the Origins of the Modern Congress: Progressive Reformers in the House and Senate, 1890–1920

/f/y^ INTRA-PARTY PREFERENCES, HETEROGENEITY, AND THE ORIGINS OF THE MODERN CONGRESS: PROGRESSIVE REFORMERS IN THE HOUSE AND SENATE, I890-I920 David W. Brady INSTITUTE lEiifAL STlJOfFS UMk iY MAR - 7 1991 UNIVEeSIIY OF Working Paper 91-10 INSTITUTE OF GOVERNMENTAL STUDIES UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA AT BERKELEY IRNIA
Mechanical characteristics and functional length of canine expiratory muscles

Abstract The expiratory muscles of the abdominal region actively contribute to breathing. In dogs, the transversus abdominis appears to be the main abdominal muscle of expiration. The in vitro mechanical properties of the transversus abdominis have not been reported to date, and formed the basis of the present investigation. Moreover, in order to understand better the nature of the mechanical interplay between the various abdominal muscle groups, we also evaluated the effects of posture on the operational length of canine transversus abdominis and external oblique muscles and related their in situ length to optimal length. The experiments were performed on twelve mongrel dogs, anesthetized with pentobarbital sodium. Contractile properties of excised transversus abdominis muscle strips were evaluated at 37°C and revealed similar twitch, force-frequency and length-tension properties as previously reported in canine external oblique (Farkas and Rochester, J. Appl. Physiol. 65: 2427–2433, 1988). In the supine posture, we noted that external oblique was operating at 88% Lo, while the transversus abdominis was operating at a significantly shorter length of 74% Lo. Thus, in the supine posture, the external oblique is better situated than the transversus abdominis to generate tension. In the prone posture, however, we noted that both abdominal muscles were located at similar positions along their length-tension curve, operating at a length of roughly 77% Lo. Since both muscles share common length-tension characteristics, the present results indicate that the tension generating potential of both muscles in prone dogs is equal for a given neural input. However, we conclude that the preferential recruitment of the transversus abdominis in prone animals must be related to factors other than simple tension generation.
Sources of bias in weighted average inferences of environmental conditions

Weighted averaging is widely used for inferring environmental conditions from an observed species assemblage. However, weighted average inferences are known to be systematically biased, and linear corrections (i.e., deshrinking functions) are commonly applied to adjust for this bias. In this analysis, the magnitude of the biases in weighted average inferences (and therefore the values of the deshrinking coefficients) are shown to depend upon the range of conditions sampled in the calibration data set and the true optima and niche breadths of the species observed in the calibration data set. Since the range of conditions and the observed species can differ between the calibration data set and the new data set for which environmental conditions are inferred, the coefficients for the deshrinking function derived using the calibration data may not be applicable to inferences computed using a new data set. Thus, environmental inferences may still exhibit systematic errors even after application of the linear correction. The findings from the theoretical analysis are demonstrated using stream temperature and macroinvertebrate data collected from wadeable streams in the western United States.
Where are we with Haptic Visualization

There is a growing interest into non-visual forms of data communication, not only driven by the need for accessible representations but also because researchers are realizing the potential of understanding information better or differently through other modalities. Thus, haptic visualization is an immature but exciting area; it represents the abstract realization of information through the use of tactile or force-feedback devices. Through such a realization the user can gain quantitative, qualitative or nominal understanding of some underlying data. This paper presents the growth and development of haptic visualization, shows current trends, and acts as a snapshot of history. In fact, we remember the past based on temporal landmarks: we remember what we were doing when we heard the news of 9/11. Thus it is interesting and useful to look at the subject in the context of key events and seminal work. Moreover, it helps us to not re-invent the wheel: something that is far too common with interdisciplinary work. Thus, we take a holistic approach to the literature and place the research in context of important historic events and seminal work, which shows the reader where we have been, and points towards the future
Stability and composition of terrestrially derived dissolved organic nitrogen in continental shelf surface waters

Abstract A linear decrease in dissolved organic carbon and nitrogen with increasing salinity offshore from the Georgia coast suggests that organic nitrogen compounds contributed to coastal waters by rivers are stable during the period (2–3 months) of their transfer over the continental shelf. While the C/N ratio decreased with distance from shore, total dissolved organic nitrogen (DON), total amino nitrogen, and primary amino nitrogen showed similar relative decreases, suggesting that nitrogen is associated with refractory organic compounds. Measured amino nitrogen accounted for about 20% of the total DON, leaving about 80% of the organic nitrogen undefined.
Effect of two major N-nitroso hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX) metabolites on earthworm reproductive success.

Abstract Soil and topical tests were employed to investigate the effect of two N-nitroso metabolites of RDX (hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine) on earthworm reproduction. The lowest observed effect concentration (LOEC) for cocoon production and hatching was 50 mg/kg for both hexahydro-1-nitroso-3,5-dinitro-1,3,5-triazine (MNX) and hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitroso-1,3,5-triazine (TNX) in soil. MNX and TNX also significantly affected cocoon hatching in soil (p
Molecular composition and orientation in myelin figures characterized by coherent anti-stokes Raman scattering microscopy.

The molecular organization inside myelin figures of various surfactants are studied by laser scanning coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) microscopy that permits three-dimension vibrationa...
Fine structure of the vaccinia virion determined by controlled degradation and immunolocalization

The vaccinia virion is a membraned, slightly flattened, barrel-shaped particle, with a complex internal structure featuring a biconcave core flanked by lateral bodies. Although the architecture of the purified mature virion has been intensely characterized by electron microscopy, the distribution of the proteins within the virion has been examined primarily using biochemical procedures. Thus, it has been shown that non-ionic and ionic detergents combined or not with a sulfhydryl reagent can be used to disrupt virions and, to a limited degree, separate the constituent proteins in different fractions. Applying a controlled degradation technique to virions adsorbed on EM grids, we were able to immuno-localize viral proteins within the virion particle. Our results show after NP40 and DTT treatment, membrane proteins are removed from the virion surface revealing proteins that are associated with the lateral bodies and the outer layer of the core wall. Combined treatment using high salt and high DTT removed lateral body proteins and exposed proteins of the internal core wall. Cores treated with proteases could be disrupted and the internal components were exposed. Cts8, a mutant in the A3 protein, produces aberrant virus that, when treated with NP-40 and DTT, releases to the exterior the virus DNA associated with other internal core proteins. With these results, we are able to propose a model for the structure the vaccinia virion.
An examination and evaluation of frequency-based personality measurement

Abstract This study assessed the efficacy of using a frequency-based response format as a unique alternative to traditional Likert-type response formats to obtain a measure of temporal stability on the Big Five personality dimensions. The results of Study 1 (N = 143) showed that dimension scale reliabilities and convergent validity coefficients were similar across the two rating formats. The results from Study 2 (N = 120) demonstrated that a measure of temporal stability obtained via the frequency-based response format (which was not available with the Likert-type format) moderated self/other agreement for extraversion, agreeableness, and emotional stability. Thus, frequency-based response formats may be a valuable alternative to Likert-type response formats for personality measurement.
An examination of the radioprotective and radiorecovery activities of Fe(III)(3,5-diisopropylsalicylate)3 and Mn(III)2(II)(μ3-O))(3,5-diisopropylsalicylate)6

Manganese(III)2(II)(μ3-O))(3,5-diisopropylsalicylate)6 [Mn3(O)(3,5-DIPS)6] and iron(III)(3,5-diisopropylsalicylate)3 [Fe(3,5-DIPS)3] were used to treat LD100/30 irradiated mice before or after irradiation to compare their efficacy in the prevention or recovery from radiation-induced systemic inflammatory disease, loss of body mass, and in increasing survival. Two hundred C57BL/6 mice were divided into eight groups of twenty-five mice with four groups given doses of 0, 40, 80, or 160 μmol/kg body mass of Mn3(O)(3,5-DIPS)6 by oral administration prior to irradiation, and four groups given doses of 0, 20, 40, or 80 μmol/kg body mass post-irradiation. A dose of 0, 20, 40, or 80 Fe(3,5-DIPS)3 μmol/kg was administered subcutaneously prior to irradiation or 0, 10, 20, or 40 μmol/kg after irradiation. Treatment with either Mn3(O)(3,5-DIPS)6 or Fe(3,5-DIPS)3 failed to prevent the radiation-induced decrease in body mass however both the Mn and Fe complex-treated groups generally appeared to lose less body mass and recovered with a higher rate of increase in body mass than the vehicle-treated control groups. Treatment with 20 μmol/kg Fe(3,5-DIPS)3 prior to irradiation produced a 200% increase in survival compared to the vehicle-treated control group while treatment with doses of 40 μmol/kg or 80 μmol/kg Fe(3,5-DIPS)3 did not increase survival. No dose of Fe(3,5-DIPS)3 given after irradiation increased survival. Mn3(O)(3,5-DIPS)6-treated mice fared better. However, statistically significant (p≤0.05) improvement in survival was only found for the group given 160 μmol/kg Mn3(O)(3,5-DIPS)6 orally prior to irradiation.
Measurement of Contemporary Thermal Properties in Sedimentary Basins: ABSTRACT

End_Page 238------------------------------Searches for new and innovative ways to explore for hydrocarbons have included consideration of various thermal techniques possessing the possibility of making significant contributions to exploration technology. The recognition of hydrocarbon maturation as basically a thermal process has made the relatively accurate determination of sedimentary-basin temperature history important. Whereas many thousands of bottom-hole temperature measurements have been made in hydrocarbon exploration holes in sedimentary basin, the necessarily marginal quality of these data has limited the application of heat flow, geothermal-gradient, and temperature techniques to hydrocarbon exploration and to the investigation of thermal properties of sedimentary basins. There is no substitute for detailed and accurate temperature-depth logs made in holes that have reached thermal equilibrium. From these measurements, a large amount of thermal information can be determined, such as the effective in-situ thermal conductivity of the units encountered by the drill and evaluation of active migration phenomenon in the vicinity of the drill hole. Correlation of thermal conductivity with log properties can be used to extend throughout a sedimentary basin the detailed information from the few holes suitable for equilibrium temperature measurements. Actual logging experience and comparison of relative in-situ thermal-conductivity values with values in equivalent units measured in the laboratory demonstrate major discrepancies and emphasize the need for, and im ortance of, in-situ data. End_of_Article - Last_Page 239------------
MgO:Fe as an absolute radiation dosimeter.

Iron impurities can take the 1+, 2+, or 3+ valence state in substitutional lattice sites in MgO. Virtually no Fe3 + remains after annealing in a reducing atmosphere. Upon irradiation with x rays or electrons, holes are trapped at Fe2 + sites. The resulting Fe3 + ion absorbs ultraviolet photons at 285 nm. Monitoring the radiation‐induced growth of the Fe3 +optical absorption band provides the basis of using MgO:Fe as a solid‐state dosimeter analogous to the ferrous sulfate chemical dosimeter.
Measurement of lipid nanodomain (raft) formation and size in sphingomyelin/POPC/cholesterol vesicles shows TX-100 and transmembrane helices increase domain size by coalescing preexisting nanodomains but do not induce domain formation.

Mixtures of unsaturated lipids, sphingolipids, and cholesterol form coexisting liquid-disordered and sphingolipid and cholesterol-rich liquid-ordered (Lo) phases in water. The detergent Triton X-100 does not readily solubilize Lo domains, but does solubilize liquid-disordered domains, and is commonly used to prepare detergent-resistant membranes from cells and model membranes. However, it has been proposed that in membranes with mixtures of sphingomyelin (SM), 1-palmitoyl 2-oleoyl phosphatidylcholine (POPC), and cholesterol Triton X-100 may induce Lo domain formation, and therefore detergent-resistant membranes may not reflect the presence of preexisting domains. To examine this hypothesis, the effect of Triton on Lo domain formation was measured in SM/POPC/cholesterol vesicles. Nitroxide quenching methods that can detect ordered nanodomains with radii >12 A showed that in the absence of Triton X-100 this mixture formed ordered state domains that melt with a midpoint (= Tmid) at ∼45°C. However, Tmid was lower when detected using various fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) pairs. Furthermore, the Tmid value was Ro dependent, and decreased as Ro increased. Because FRET can only readily detect domains with radii >Ro, this result can be explained by domain radii that are close to Ro and decrease as temperature increases. An analysis of FRET and quenching data suggests that nanodomain radius gradually decreases from ≥150 A to <40 A as temperature increases from 10 to 45°C. Interestingly, the presence of Triton X-100 or a transmembrane-type peptide did not stabilize ordered state formation when detected by nitroxide quenching, i.e., did not increase Tmid. However, FRET-detected Tmid did increase in the presence of Triton X-100 or a transmembrane peptide, indicating that both increased domain size. Controls showed that the results could not be accounted for by probe-induced perturbations. Thus, SM/POPC/cholesterol, a mixture similar to that in the outer leaflet of plasma membranes, forms nanodomains at physiological temperatures, and TX-100 does not induce domain formation or increase the fraction of the bilayer in the ordered state, although it does increase domain size by coalescing preexisting domains.
Optimal Distributed Algorithms for Sorting and Ranking

We study the problems of sorting and ranking n processors that have initial values (not necessarily distinct) in a distributed system. Sorting means that the initial values have to move around in the network and be assigned to the processors according to their distinct identities, while ranking means that the numbers 1, 2,..., n have to be assigned to the processors according to their initial values; ties between initial values can be broken in any chosen way. Assuming a tree network, and assuming that a message can contain an initial value, an identity, or a rank, we present an algorithm for the ranking problem that uses, in the worst case, at most n2/2+O(n) such messages. The algorithm is then extended to perform sorting, using in the worst case at most 3n2/4+O(n) messages. Both algorithms are using a total of O(n) space. The algorithms are extended to general networks. The expected behavior of these algorithms for three classes of trees is discussed. Assuming that the initial values, identities, and ranks can be compared only within themselves, lower bounds of n2/2 and 3n2/4 messages are proved for a worst case execution of any algorithm to solve the ranking and sorting problems, respectively.
Purification and Characterization of a Cytostatic Factor from the Bitter Melon Momordica Charantia

Abstract In this report we describe the purification and characterization of a cytostatic factor from the bitter melon (Momordica charantia). As determined by gel filtration and sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), this purified factor is a single component with an apparent molecular weight of 11,000, The factor is not sensitive to boiling or to pretreatments with trypsin, ribonuclease (RNAse), or deoxyribonuclease (DNAse). As determined by radioactive precursor uptake studies, the purified factor preferentially inhibits RNA synthesis in intact tissue culture cells. Some inhibition of protein synthesis and DNA synthesis also occurs. The factor is preferentially cytostatic for IM9 human leukemic lymphocytes when compared to normal human peripheral blood lymphocytes.
Identification of a Corticotropin-Releasing Factor-Binding Protein in the Plasma Membrane of AtT-20 Mouse Pituitary Tumor Cells and Its Regulation by Dexamethasone*

stimulates the synthesis and secretion of proopiomelanocortin-derived peptides from AtT-20 mouse pituitary tumor cells. This study has shown that there is a specific binding site for CRF located on the plasma membrane of these cells. Both [125I]iodo-Tyr°CRF and noniodinated CRF (lO-11- 10-7 M) stimulated, in a dose-dependent manner, the secretion of equimolar amounts of β-endorphin-like immunoactivity from AtT-20 cells. Disuccinimidyl suberate, a cross-linking agent, was used to demonstrate specific binding of [125I]iodo-Tyr°CRF to plasma membranes from these cells. After cross-linking [126I] iodo-Tyr°CRF, the membrane proteins were solubilized with sodium dodecyl sulfate and electrophoresed on a 10% polyacrylamide gel. A single radioactively labeled band, corresponding to a mol wt of 66,000, was identified by autoradiography. [125I]Iodo- Tyr°CRF binding to these membranes was inhibited by 10-7 M unlabeled CRF or an equimolar concentration of the CRF analog sauvagine. Similar concentrations (10-7 M) of TR...
Specialized foster care and group home care: Similarities and differences in the characteristics of children in care☆

Abstract Until recently, foster children who presented special medical or behavioral problems were largely served in group care environments. Specialized (or “treatment”) foster care has recently been developed to serve some of these challenging children. Although growing evidence points to the special needs of children in foster care, much is still unknown about how children placed in various out-of-home care settings differ from one another. The growth of specialized foster care as an alternative placement to group care, calls for examination of how children in these settings compare on demographic, educational, health, and behavioral characteristics. A cross-sectional mailed survey was distributed to all group care and specialized foster care agencies in a large state to address topics related to children's characteristics. Comparisons point to two groups of very difficult children, with unique mental health and health needs.
English Business Communication Needs of Mexican Executives in a Distance-Learning Class

Many firms within and outside the United States operate in multilingual environments that require executives to do business in English as well as in other languages. Executives for whom English is a second language often face special challenges communicating in such settings. This study examines how 115 executives in a distance-learning business communication class in Mexico used English to conduct business and their perceived strengths and weaknesses in the language. Although most executives used English regularly at work and in their classes, many continued to have language problems. They cited vocabulary, writing, and grammar as critical areas to improve, followed by pronunciation and speaking. Their audiences consisted of native and nonnative speakers of English who faced their own language challenges. E-mail and phone were the most commonly used channels for English communication. The study results have implications for teaching international students in U.S. MBA and international executive programs....
Extracorporeal life support for adult cardiopulmonary failure

The use of extracorporeal life support (ECLS) or extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), as it is also known, has rapidly expanded over the past decade. The increase in ECMO use is a consequence of multiple factors including significant advancements in extracorporeal technology, the emergence of data supporting its use, and a growing number of potential clinical applications. This review focuses on the various modes of ECLS as well as the clinical indications and available evidence for the use of extracorporeal support.
Interferon and uninfected cells.

ConclusionsThe effect of purified chicken interferon on growth of uninfected chick cells in tissue culture was studied. The criteria for growth used were the increase in amounts of protein, DNA and RNA, and the synthetic rates of protein and RNA. Doses of interferon that were strongly inhibitory to viral growth caused no changes in these parameters.
SV40 Late Protein VP4 Forms Toroidal Pores To Disrupt Membranes for Viral Release

Nonenveloped viruses are generally released from the cell by the timely lysis of host cell membranes. SV40 has been used as a model virus for the study of the lytic nonenveloped virus life cycle. The expression of SV40 VP4 at later times during infection is concomitant with cell lysis. To investigate the role of VP4 in viral release and its mechanism of action, VP4 was expressed and purified from bacteria as a fusion protein for use in membrane disruption assays. Purified VP4 perforated membranes as demonstrated by the release of fluorescent markers encapsulated within large unilamellar vesicles or liposomes. Dynamic light scattering results found that VP4 treatment did not cause membrane lysis or change the size of the liposomes. Liposomes encapsulated with bodipy-labeled streptavidin were used to show that VP4 formed stable pores in membranes. These VP4 pores had an inner diameter of between 1 and 5 nm. Asymmetrical liposomes containing pyrene-labeled lipids in the outer monolayer were employed to monitor transbilayer lipid diffusion. Consistent with VP4 forming toroidal pore structures in membranes, VP4 induced transbilayer lipid diffusion or lipid flip-flop. Altogether, these studies support a central role for VP4 acting as a viroporin in the disruption of cellular membranes to trigger SV40 viral release by forming toroidal pores that unite the outer and inner leaflets of membrane bilayers.