cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Water quality trends in the Delaware River Basin (USA) from 1980 to 2005

In 1940, the tidal Delaware River was “one of the most grossly polluted areas in the United States.” During the 1950s, water quality was so poor along the river at Philadelphia that zero oxygen levels prevented migration of American shad leading to near extirpation of the species. Since then, water quality in the Delaware Basin has improved with implementation of the 1961 Delaware River Basin Compact and 1970s Federal Clean Water Act Amendments. At 15 gages along the Delaware River and major tributaries between 1980 and 2005, water quality for dissolved oxygen, phosphorus, nitrogen, and sediment improved at 39%, remained constant at 51%, and degraded at 10% of the stations. Since 1980, improved water-quality stations outnumbered degraded stations by a 4 to 1 margin. Water quality remains good in the nontidal river above Trenton and, while improved, remains fair to poor for phosphorus and nitrogen in the tidal estuary near Philadelphia and in the Lehigh and Schuylkill tributaries. Water quality is good in heavily forested watersheds (>50%) and poor in highly cultivated watersheds. Water quality recovery in the Delaware Basin is coincident with implementation of environmental laws enacted in the 1960s and 1970s and is congruent with return of striped bass, shad, blue crab, and bald eagle populations.
Response of manifolds pinned by quenched impurities to uniform and random perturbations.

The singular response in the thermodynamic and geometric properties of manifolds pinned by quenched disorder to local and global perturbations is considered. The averaged displacement of a linear-extent L manifold is proportional to ${\mathit{pL}}_{\mathit{p}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{\zeta}}+\mathrm{\ensuremath{\varphi}}}$, where p is the (small p${\mathit{L}}_{\mathit{p}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}1/\mathrm{\ensuremath{\varphi}}}$) magnitude of the perturbation, \ensuremath{\zeta} is the unperturbed roughness exponent, and ${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\varphi}}}_{\mathit{p}}$ is a crossover exponent which is calculated for a variety of uniform and random perturbations. Applications to random magnets, polymers, flux lines, and magnetoresistance of localized electrons are discussed.
Stationary heat conduction processes in bodies of randomly inhomogeneous structure

This work is devoted to the mathematical modeling of stationary heat conduction processes in randomly inhomogeneous multiphase structures. An integro-differential equation with a random kernel, whose solution is constructed in the form of a Neumann series, is put in correspondence with the boundary-value problem of heat conduction. We establish the conditions of absolute and uniform convergence of this series, in particular, the condition of boundedness of the body volume. It is shown that, for unbounded bodies, the condition of boundedness of the domain occupied by inclusions is necessary for convergence of the Neumann series.
Children's sore throats related to parental smoking.

Children's sore throats related to parental smoking There has been concern that the smoking of tobacco can adversely affect the health of non-smokers. This is most cogent in children who are subject to smoke at home. The aim of this study is to relate children's sore throats to the smoking habits of their parents. The parents of 154 children were asked about (1) the age, sex, birthweight, method of postnatal feeding and age at starting school or day nursery of the child, (2) the frequency of sore throats, smoking habits and history of tonsillectomy of all members of the household, (3) the size of family, (4) the dwelling size, and (5) the occupation of the father. Analysis by multiple regression showed a significant association between children's sore throats and maternal smoking. Reduction in domestic cigarette smoke exposure should benefit the child by reducing the number of sore throats he or she suffers.
Galactoside transport dissociated from proton movement in mutants of Escherichia coli

Abstract Two mutants of Escherichia coli have been described in which the transport of β-galactosides is partly uncoupled from the metabolic reactions which drive active transport. It is shown that the effective inflow of H+, caused by the addition of β-galactoside, is much less in these mutants than in the parental strains, and it is concluded that β-galactoside transport is partly uncoupled from H+ transport.
Serum suppresses the expression of hormonally induced functions in cultured granulosa cells

Growth and function of primary cultures of granulosa cells obtained from immature, hypophysectomized, estrogen-treated rats were compared in serum-containing and serum-free media. In serum-free medium (1:1 mixture of DMEM:F-12) supplemented with insulin, hydrocortisone, transferrin and fibronectin (4F medium), the cells remained healthy and steroidogenically responsive for at least 60 days in culture. The growth profile of the granulosa cells in 4F medium was similar to that obtained in serum-containing medium. In both media cell proliferation did not exceed more than one cell doubling. DMEM:F-12 alone did not support the cell viability. Upon FSH stimulation, the cells produced 25 fold more progestin and estrogen per cell in 4F medium than in medium supplemented with 5% serum. This effect was not directly related to serum proteins which mediate cell adhesion since cells cultured in dishes precoated with serum remained steroidogenically responsive to FSH. Cholera toxin and Bt2-cAMP readily stimulated progestin production in the presence of serum. The inhibitory effect of serum was not reversed by adding the four factors to serum-containing medium. The factors were essential for the FSH-induced steroidogenesis in serum-free medium. After four days of incubation in 4F medium, the cells showed a transient loss of their ability to produce progestin in response to FSH. In both 4F medium as well as in serum-containing medium, the cells regained their hormonal responsiveness after 35 days in culture. Since the loss of hormonal responsiveness occurred at the same time as growth was initiated in the cultures, it is suggested that the FSH-induced steroidogenesis is negatively controlled by growth-related processes.
SPAM and Fast-food “Glocalization” in the Philippines

AbstractThis paper examines SPAM consumption in the Philippines within the context of glocalization. Specifically, it considers the ways in which this global product has been indigenized by Filipinos as both a commodity and a cultural symbol. Of particular significance is the emergence of SPAM within the country's burgeoning fast-food scene. The recent opening of a restaurant chain serving a SPAM only menu illustrates how a global product can be reimagined and reinvigorated by local populations in new and surprising ways.
Skin and Soft Tissue Infections

Primary skin infections (ie, pyodermas) typically are initiated by some breach in the epidermis, resulting in infection by organisms, such as Streptococcus pyogenes and Staphylococcus aureus, that colonize the skin. Hostassociated factors, such as immunosuppression, vasculopathy, neuropathy, or decreased lymphatic drainage, may predispose to skin infection. The clinical syndromes associated with skin infections are often characteristic and are defined most simplistically by anatomic distribution (Fig. 1). Although often mild and self-limited, skin infections can be more aggressive and involve deeper structures, including fascia and muscle. This article discusses skin and soft tissue infections, including impetigo, hair follicle-associated infections (ie, folliculitis, furuncles, and carbuncles), erysipelas, cellulitis, necrotizing fasciitis, pyomyositis, septic bursitis, and tenosynovitis. Impetigo Impetigo is a superficial skin infection that typically presents with multiple vesicular lesions on an erythematous base that eventually crust over. The microbiology of these infections consists primarily of S aureus and S pyogenes, either alone or in combination. Recent trends have shown an increasing incidence of S aureus–associated impetigo. Although usually seen in children aged 2 to 5 years, these infections can occur in individuals of any age. Impetigo is more common in humid and warm climates, but also can occur in cooler climates during the fall and summer months. It usually occurs on exposed parts of the body, including the face, extremities, and scalp. Predisposing factors include skin abrasions; minor trauma; burns; poor
On the scents of smell in the salamander

Our sense of smell is based on a remarkable chemical-detection system that possesses high sensitivity, broad discriminability and plastic, yet stable, function. Understanding how olfactory stimuli translate into perception is a problem of daunting complexity. How do odour-coding events in single cells correlate with emergent properties from the ensemble, and with behaviour? For comprehensive descriptions of neural function, analysis must extend from examination of how elemental principles relate to the function of the whole. The tiger salamander has long been used as an experimental model in studies of olfaction, enabling general questions about olfactory function to be approached.
Nonlinear carbon dioxide at high pressures and temperatures.

A nonlinear molecular carbon dioxide phase IV was discovered by laser heating $\mathrm{CO}{}_{2}\ensuremath{-}\mathrm{III}\phantom{\rule{0ex}{0ex}}(\mathrm{Cmca})$ between 12 and 30 GPa, followed by quenching to 300 K. The Raman spectrum of quenched $\mathrm{CO}{}_{2}\ensuremath{-}\mathrm{IV}$ exhibits a triplet bending mode ${\ensuremath{\nu}}_{2}(\mathrm{O}=\mathrm{C}=\mathrm{O})$ near $650\mathrm{cm}{}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$, suggesting a broken inversion symmetry because of bending. The $650\mathrm{cm}{}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ bending modes soften with increasing pressure, indicating an enhanced intermolecular interaction among neighboring bent $\mathrm{CO}{}_{2}$ molecules. At 80 GPa, the low-frequency vibron collapses into high-frequency phonons, and $\mathrm{CO}{}_{2}\ensuremath{-}\mathrm{IV}$ becomes an extended amorphous solid.
Center-of-mass and breathing oscillations in small complex plasma disks.

Center-of-mass and breathing oscillations of a complex (dusty) plasma disk are excited for n=3 and 5 microspheres ({approx_equal}10 {mu}m diameter) with neutral argon pressures P{approx_equal}1-4 Pa. The mode frequencies and damping rates are determined directly from measured resonance curves. Millikan's coefficient for the Epstein drag force, the Debye length, and the particle charge is found by comparison with theory. The damping rates are the same for both modes and for n=3 and 5, as predicted. Millikan's coefficient is found to be {delta}=1.55{+-}0.16, in agreement with {delta}=1.44 for diffuse reflection. A consistent value of the Debye length that decreases with pressure is measured. The average particle charge for n=3 particles is found to be more negative than that for n=5 particles for the same conditions, indicating that the effective ion collection area of the particles increases as their separation decreases.
Bring Race to the Center: The Importance of Race in Racially Diverse Religious Organizations

In recent decades we have witnessed increased interest in racially diverse religious organizations. Similar trends are occuring in other institutions, like education and business. In this article I discuss the importance of understanding the role that race, as a system that advantages whites, plays in the congregational life of racially integrated churches. Drawing upon the critical race literature, I propose that because race is central to how our society is organized, interracial chruches will need to placate white members' and affirm their religiocultural preferences and interests in order to sustain a racially diverse congregation. I offer some evidence supporting this claim. I also discuss the strengths and limitations of other perspectives used to explain racially diverse religious organizations.
The culture gap and its needed closures

The development of an enormous culture gap, in which no individuals of advanced societies possess even a billionth of the non‐genetic information possessed by their entire society, has threatened a global collapse of civilisation. Critical parts of that gap must be rapidly bridged so that problems such as climate disruption, toxification of the Earth, loss of biodiversity and ecosystem services, and the decay of the epidemiological environment can be satisfactorily attacked. The essential need is to alter human behaviour to put society on a route to sustainability; one cheering development is a growing interest in the Millennium Assessment of Human Behaviour (MAHB), whose goal is to do just that.
Feeding effects of hypothalamic injection of melanocortin 4 receptor ligands.

It has been reported that intraventricular administration of the melanocortin 4 receptor (MC4-R) agonist MT II and antagonist SHU9119 alter food intake. We found that MT II and SHU9119 have extremely potent effects on feeding when injected in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN), a site where MC4-R gene expression is very high. Our finding provides direct evidence that MC4-R signaling is important is mediating food intake and that melanocortin neurons in the PVN exert a tonic inhibition of feeding behavior. Chronic disruption of this inhibitory signal is a possible explanation of the agouti-obesity syndrome.
FLLL12 induces apoptosis in lung cancer cells through a p53/p73-independent but death receptor 5-dependent pathway

Abstract Unlike chemotherapy drugs, the safety of natural compounds such as curcumin has been well established. However, the potential use of curcumin in cancer has been compromised by its low bioavailability, limited tissue distribution and rapid biotransformation leading to low in vivo efficacy. To circumvent these problems, more potent and bioavailable analogs have been synthesized. In the current study, we investigated the mechanism of anti-tumor effect of one such analog, FLLL12, in lung cancers. IC 50 values measured by sulforhodamine B (SRB) assay at 72 h and apoptosis assays (annexin V staining, cleavage of PARP and caspase-3) suggest that FLLL12 is 5–10-fold more potent than curcumin against a panel of premalignant and malignant lung cancer cell lines, depending on the cell line. Moreover, FLLL12 induced the expression of death receptor-5 (DR5). Ablation of the expression of the components of the extrinsic apoptotic pathway (DR5, caspase-8 and Bid) by siRNA significantly protected cells from FLLL12-induced apoptosis (p
A regionally-applicable model for the study of the growth of organized labor

The research in this paper contains the design and application of a model to study the regional growth of union membership. It provides techniques to analyze both aggregate regional union membership and the ratio of aggregate regional union membership to aggregate regional employment.
Where is "it"? Event Synchronization in Gaze-Speech Input Systems

The relationship between gaze and speech is explored for the simple task of moving an object from one location to another on a computer screen. The subject moves a designated object from a group of objects to a new location on the screen by stating, "Move it there". Gaze and speech data are captured to determine if we can robustly predict the selected object and destination position. We have found that the source fixation closest to the desired object begins, with high probability, before the beginning of the word "Move". An analysis of all fixations before and after speech onset time shows that the fixation that best identifies the object to be moved occurs, on average, 630 milliseconds before speech onset with a range of 150 to 1200 milliseconds for individual subjects. The variance in these times for individuals is relatively small although the variance across subjects is large. Selecting a fixation closest to the onset of the word "Move" as the designator of the object to be moved gives a system accuracy close to 95% for all subjects. Thus, although significant differences exist between subjects, we believe that the speech and gaze integration patterns can be modeled reliably for individual users and therefore be used to improve the performance of multimodal systems.
Encapsulated alkaline earth metallocenes. 3: Structural influences on phase transformations alkaline earth complexes

Reaction of two equivalents of KCp3i (Cp3i ≡ 1,2,4-(i-Pr)3C5H2) with MgBr2 in Et2O produces the base-free metallocene (Cp3i)2Mg in high yield; the similarly prepared organocalcium complex (Cp3i)2Ca, although initally isolated as an oil, forms a crystalline solid on standing for several months. Crystals of (Cp3i)2 CA are tetragonal, space group P42/n, with a = 18.147(4), c = 15.996(4) A, A and Dcalc = 1.066 g cm−3 for Z = 8. Lease-squares refinement based on 2044 reflections led to a final R-value of 0.072. The complex possesses a metallocene geometry that is slightly bent; the average Ca–C distance is 2.62(2) A and the right centroid–Ca–ring centroid angle is 169.7°. Comparison of these complexes with previously reported alkaline earth metallocenes suggests that the volatility of the metallocenses depends primarily on the degree of aggregation in the solid state, whereas the melting point of the nonomeric compounds varies with the asymmetry and ligan flexibility in the complex.
Uptake and phosphorylation of 2-deoxy-D-glucose by wild type and respiration-deficient baker's yeast

Abstract 1. 1. Wild type baker's yeast grown aerobically concentrates 2-deoxy- D -glucose intracellularly as the sugar phosphate. Maintenance of this phosphorylated sugar pool requires a continuous energy supply; interruption of the energy supply results in hydrolysis of the sugar phosphate and subsequent leakage of the free sugar from the cell. 2. 2. The determination of intracellular free 2-deoxy- d -glucose in aerobically-grown wild type baker's yeast is complicated by the accumulation of significant quantities of 2,2′-dideoxy-α,α′-trehalose in the non-anionic sugar pool. This complication is absent in a respiration deficient petite mutant; such a mutant did not accumulate this dideoxy trehalose analog, even under energy-sufficient growth conditions. 3. 3. The petite mutant also concentrated 2-deoxy- D -glucose phosphate, when incubated with 2-deoxy- D -glucose, and with sucrose as an energy source.There was no concentration of free 2-deoxy- D -glucose, however, indicating the absence of an active transport system for the accumulation of the free sugar against a concentration gradient. 4. 4. Pulse labeling experiments, designed to determine the temporal sequence of appearance of 2-deoxy- D -glucose in intracellular free sugar and sugar-phosphate pools, respectively, indicated that 2-deoxy- D -glucose first appeared in the cell in the phosphorylated from. These results are discussed in terms of a possible groups translocation system for the transport of 2-deoxy- D -glucose and by analogy, for D -glucose, that involves phosphorylation during transport.
Breast cancer patients' personality style, age, and treatment decision making

Background Previous studies have shown that whereas nearly all cancer patients want information, far fewer wish to make treatment decisions. Although breast cancer patients who were given a choice of lumpectomy versus mastectomy and were encouraged to make the decision were believed to do better psychologically, a 1994 study refuted this. Some authors suggest that patient personality style is an important consideration in decisional preference. Methods Newly diagnosed breast cancer patients (n = 76) were surveyed within 6 months of surgery. They answered seven questions about patient and physician roles in the decision-making process. Additionally, they completed the Miller Behavioral Style Scale (MBSS), which categorizes “monitors,” or information seekers, and “blunters,” or information avoiders. Chi-square analyses were used to explore the relationship of personality style and age to treatment decision-making preferences. Results Although 80% of women wanted a role in decision making, 74% wanted their surgeons to make a recommendation and when given, 94% followed the recommended treatment plan. Monitors and blunters were equally likely to want physician recommendations. Younger women, particularly those under age 40, were more likely to want a physician's recommendation. Of those women who had specific fears about their cancer (76%), only half of them revealed such fears to their doctors. Conclusions The notion that health care consumers, particularly younger ones, desire an independent choice of treatment was contradicted in this study. Physicians are encouraged to provide information and to probe regarding the fears of breast cancer patients in order to reduce anxiety while recognizing that treatment recommendations are desired by most women. © 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Differential protein expression for geothermal Agrostis scabra and turf-type Agrostis stolonifera differing in heat tolerance

Abstract Heat stress is a major factor limiting the growth of cool-season grasses in warm climatic regions by affecting many physiological processes, including protein metabolism. Protein degradation often occurs with increasing temperatures, but certain specific proteins such as heat shock proteins (HSPs) may be induced or enhanced in their expression under supraoptimal temperatures. The objectives of this study were to determine the critical temperature that causes protein induction or degradation in two Agrostis grass species differing in heat tolerance and to compare protein profiles between the two species under different temperature regimes. Plants of heat-tolerant Agrostis scabra and two cultivars of heat-sensitive Agrostis stolonifera (‘L-93’ and ‘Penncross’) were exposed to constant day/night temperatures of 20, 30, 35, 40, or 45 °C for 14 d. Leaf photochemical efficiency (Fv/Fm), chlorophyll and carotenoid contents, and soluble protein content declined with increasing temperatures. The decreases were the least severe for A. scabra , intermediate for ‘L-93’, and the most severe for ‘Penncross’, indicating interspecific and intraspecific variations in heat tolerance in Agrostis species. Protein degradation was observed at 30–45 °C in both cultivars of A. stolonifera , and at 40–45 °C in A. scabra . HSPs were induced or enhanced at 35–45 °C in ‘L-93’ and A. scabra , and at 40–45 °C in ‘Penncross’. Immunoblotting also revealed stronger expressions of HSP60 and HSP70 in A. scabra or ‘L-93’ than in ‘Penncross’ at 35–45 °C after 3 d. The results suggested the superior heat tolerance of Agrostis grass species and cultivars could be attributed to the early induction of HSPs, particularly small molecular weight (23 kDa), at a lower level of heat stress and the maintenance of protein thermostability, particularly high-molecular weight proteins (83 kDa and large units of Rubisco).
Two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of chromatin proteins of normal rat liver and Novikoff hepatoma ascites cells.

Abstract Chromatin was prepared from the citric acid nuclei of normal rat liver and Novikoff hepatoma ascites cells. After sulfuric acid extraction, the dehistonized chromatin was solubilized by digestion with deoxyribonuclease I. The proteins of normal liver and of Novikoff hepatoma chromatin fractions were analyzed by two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The liver pattern contained 69 components and the hepatoma pattern contained 84 components. Comparison of the two patterns revealed two dense protein spots migrating in the B region in the liver pattern that were absent from the tumor pattern and two dense protein spots migrating in the C region in the tumor pattern that were absent from the liver pattern.
On Optimal Consecutive k -out-of- n : F Systems Subject to a Fixed Product of Failure Probabilities

A consecutive−k−out−of−n:F system is an n−vertex graph where the system fails if and only if some k consecutive vertices all fail. Assuming that the n vertices have, independently, the respective failure probabilities q1,…, qn, the problem is to find, subject to πqi = Q (a constant), a set of q1,…, qn so as to maximize the system reliability. In the case that the graph is a circle (or cycle), Chang and Hwang [1] conjectured that q1 =… = qn, = Q1/n is optimal if n and k are relatively prime. In this paper, it is shown that the conjecture is true for sufficiently small Q. It is also shown by counterexample that the conjecture is not true in general.
Hierarchical blocking and data flow analysis for numerical linear algebra

The optimization of BLAS2 and BLAS3 for linear algebra on computers with hierarchical memory systems is discussed. A novel blocking strategy called hierarchical blocking and data-flow analysis is proposed, and its applications are given. Numerical results on IBM RISC System/6000 Model 530 are given. It is shown that data flow direction and leading dimensions are crucial factors in optimizing linear algebra programs. Since the proposed method follows the data flow of a program, it can reveal the effect of pipelining between data loading units and computational units. >
Modernity and the emerging futurism in neurosurgery tempora mutantur nos et mutamur in illis

Abstract This article discusses the emergence of neurosurgery in its ‘modern’ form during the second half of the 20th century and presents the apertures to the 21st century that are apparent in establishing an evolving futurism in the field. Factors of primary positive impetus and challenges are discussed. Copyright 2000 Harcourt Publishers LtdCopyright 2000 Harcourt Publishers Ltd DOI: 10.1054/ jocn.2000.0182, available online at http://www.idealibrary.com on
Freeze fracture of sperm and vegetative cells in Zea mays pollen

Abstract In freeze-fractured pollen of Zea mays , sperm cells were surrounded by concentric paired membranes. The sperm nucleus lacked nuclear pores. Sperm cytoplasm included mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, and several classes of single-membrane vesicles. No distinctive fracture patterns were observed on any sperm cell membranes.
Abstract 5234: Sequential multi-modality imaging to detect metabolic changes during tumor growth

Proceedings: AACR 101st Annual Meeting 2010‐‐ Apr 17‐21, 2010; Washington, DC The expression and activity of lactate dehydrogenase A (LDH-A) in malignant tissue is considered a prognostic marker of poor outcome in many tumors. A limitation of tissue LDH-A measurements is the requirement of tissue for assay. The development of new non-invasive methods is highly demanded for clinical evaluation. One mechanistic link between tumor cell metabolism and the activity of lactate dehydrogenase A (LDH-A) is based on the HIF-1 transcription factor and its upregulation in tumors. HIF-1 binds to the LDH-A promoter and increases LDH-A expression; this in turn results in increased lactic acid production. The objective of this study was to detect the metabolic changes during tumor growth using a multi-modality imaging approach. To monitor HIF-1 pathway activity by bioluminescence imaging (BLI), we cloned an external Gaussia luciferase (exGLuc) reporter gene into an -IRES-GFP cassette, and placed the cassette in a self-inactivated retroviral vector under the control of an enhancer, containing multiple copies of the binding sites for the HIF-1 transcription factor. 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG)/microPET imaging was used for the detection of glucose metabolism in tumors, while lactate production was measured by proton magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging (MRI/S). To validate this multi-modality imaging approach, human glioblastoma U87MG cells were transduced with the HIF-1 reporter vector and the HIF-1 reporter response was validated in vitro by exposure cells to hypoxia (1% O2) and to CoCl2 or DFO (deferoxamine mesylate). Despite a high basal level of HIF-1 transcriptional activity in the U87MG reporter cells, a strong correlation between oxygen deprivation and the level of exGLuc/GFP expression (indicating HIF-1 transcriptional activation) was detected, and this increase corresponded with a significant increase in LDH-A expression, assessed by immunoblotting. In vivo experiments using U87 reporter-xenografts also demonstrated a correspondence between the levels of HIF-1 expression and lactate production assessed by MRI/S. The measurement of lactate production using MRI/S with consecutive BLI imaging of HIF-1 activity and 18F fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG)/microPET confirmed the feasibility of a multi-modality imaging approach to study the link between the HIF-1 activity and a lactate production, as well as the level of glucose (FDG) uptake in growing xenografts. This multi-modal imaging paradigm can provide new and relevant information, and the opportunity to initiate and monitor more effective treatment strategies to arrest tumor growth. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 5234.
C-terminal tensin-like protein mediates invasion of human lung cancer cells and is regulated by signal transducer and activator of transcription 3.

Objectives C-terminal tensin-like (Cten) protein, a component of focal adhesions, contributes to cell motility and invasion in multiple human cancers. Epidermal growth factor can activate signal transducer and activator of transcription 3, and both contribute to invasion through focal adhesion interactions. We hypothesize that Cten may mediate invasion of lung cancer cells provided by epidermal growth factor via signal transducer and activator of transcription 3. Methods Four human non–small cell lung cancer cell lines were treated with epidermal growth factor to evaluate activation of the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 pathway and induction of Cten expression. Chemical inhibition of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 was used to evaluate the effect on epidermal growth factor–induced Cten expression. Protein expression was quantified by Western blot. H125 and A549 cells were transduced with short-hairpin RNA via lentiviral vector to knockdown expression of Cten. An in vitro transwell invasion assay was used to assess the effects of Cten knockdown on cell invasion (n = 3 for all experiments). Results Stimulation of lung cancer cells with epidermal growth factor activated the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 pathway and induced expression of Cten in all cell lines. Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 inhibition significantly reduced epidermal growth factor–induced expression of Cten in H125 ( P P = .006), and H441 ( P = .014) cells in a dose-dependent manner. Knockdown of Cten expression resulted in significant decreases in cellular invasion in both H125 ( P = .0036) and A549 ( P = .0006) cells. Conclusions These are the first findings in lung cancer to demonstrate that Cten expression mediates invasion of human lung cancer cells and is upregulated by epidermal growth factor via signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 pathway. Cten should be considered a potential therapeutic target for lung cancer.
Insecticides Applied to a Nursery Colony of Little Brown Bats (Myotis lucifugus): Lethal Concentrations in Brain Tissues

Forty-six Myotis lucifugus were collected in May and June 1974 at a nursery colony in Hillsborough County, New Hampshire, that had been sprayed with DDT and chlordane in August and September 1973. When collected, 27 bats were alive, two were convulsing, and 17 were dead. Brains, carcasses, and milk and masticated insects from stomachs were analyzed for organochlorine insecticides and poly-chlorinated biphenyls (PCB's). Concentrations of chemical residues in brains of surviving bats were compared with those of dead and convulsing bats. These comparisons indicated that DDT was the cause of death. Lethal brain concentrations of DDT in adult females averaged 24.52 parts per million (ppm) and suggested that adult M. lucifugus are approximately twice as sensitive to DDT as are adult laboratory rats and mice. Juvenile bats were about 1.5 times more sensitive than adult bats. Large chemical residues were present in milk. We found a statistically significant relationship between declines in carcass residues in lactating females and uterine regression for six of 10 toxicants. Among juveniles, there were corresponding, significant increases (for nine of 10 toxicants) in carcass levels of residues correlated with increasing age (growth of forearm).
A solid phase fluorescent immunoassay for the measurement of human urinary albumin

Human urinary albumin excretion (UAE) has been measured by radial immunodiffusion [1], nephelometry [2], and radioimmunoassay (RIA) [3]. RIA measures nanogram quantities of urinary albumin and, to our knowledge, is the most sensitive available method for quantitating UAE not detectable by Albustix. Recent studies argue that increased microalbuminuria in patients with insulin-dependent diabetes may be predictive of nephropathy risk [4, 5]. Because RIA poses potential health hazards, requires expensive equipment, and is technically complex, we evaluated a non-isotopic immunoassay to measure UAE. This fluorescent immunoassay (FIA) resembles the RIA, requiring specific antiserum and similar incubation and separation techniques [6]. The FIA is more sensitive than radial immunodiffusion methods and has been shown to accurately measure human albumin and immunoglobulin levels in saliva [7]. Herein, we report our studies on the sensitivity, accuracy, and reproducibility of the FIA for measuring UAE in normal subjects. Methods. Thirty-two healthy adults (14 females) hospitalized for evaluation as potential kidney transplant donors served as the subjects. Thus, BP, urinalysis, urine culture, serum creatinine, 24-hr urine collection for creatinine clearance, UAE, and an intravenous pyelogram (IVP) were obtained on all subjects. These subjects, ranging in age from 17 to 61 years (mean, 32.3 years), had normal BP (mean, 116/78 mm Hg), serum creatinine levels (mean, 0.92 mg/dl), and normal creatinine clearances (mean, 105 ml/min/1.73 m2). All other studies were within normal limits. Serum albumin levels were measured in 22 of these subjects and were normal (mean, 4.08 g/dl). Informed consent was obtained from all participants. A 5-ml aliquot from a measured 24-hr urine collection was preserved with 25 p1 of 2% sodium azide (NaN3) and stored at —20°C until evaluated. Reagents. Immunobead reagent for antibody coupling was obtained from Bio-Rad Laboratories, Richmond, California. Both fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) conjugated and unconjugated goat antisera to human albumin (GAHA) (IgG fraction) were purchased from Cappel Laboratories, Cochranville, Pennsylvania. Chicken egg albumin grade V and human albumin were obtained from Sigma Chemical Company, St. Louis, Missouri. Lyophyllized immunobead matrix and antisera to human albumin were reconstituted according to package in-
All‐visual retrieval: How people search and respond to an affect‐driven visual information retrieval system

The design of information retrieval (IR) systems must respond to the goals, intentionality and prior domain knowledge of the users. During focus groups conducted, end users complained that instead of looking for specific-items, they might be interested in a spectrum of concepts – all things related to something or all things of a particular color. To respond to these needs, an entirely visuals-driven information retrieval system project was developed using a test-bed of copyright-free images reflecting monographs, graphics, and work collections. In the absence of such IR systems, not much is known about how users will interact with a visuals-only retrieval system. This poster describes the project in general and its usage to explore (a) how users interact with graphic-only retrieval for exploring traditional and non-traditional access points and (b) how the affective component impacts the use of such systems. Findings based on the study will help shed light on research based on visual information systems and user behavior when interacting with such systems. The findings will be useful both in designing systems that respond to user needs, and add to prior research in information seeking and retrieval.
Low-temperature isomers of the water hexamer as predicted by q-TIP4P/F and TTM3-F potentials

The hexamer is the smallest non-planar water cluster exhibiting several isomeric forms whose equilibria are governed by the subtle interplay between energetic and entropic contributions affected significantly by nuclear quantum effects. The hexamer thus can serve as a sensitive test for model potential energy surfaces (PESs), probing both the relative depth and shape of the minima corresponding to the different isomers. Here we report on the equilibrium populations of the hexamer isomers in the temperature range from 30 K to 150 K as predicted by two popular flexible force fields (q-TIP4P/F and TTM3-F) and compare them against the results obtained recently for an ab initio-based potential (WHBB). The calculations were performed using path-integral molecular dynamics combined with the replica exchange method.
Ascomycetes of New Zealand 8. Xylaria

Abstract A floristic monograph of the genus Xylaria (Fungi, Ascomycetes) in New Zealand is presented. Nineteen taxa are recorded including one new species, X. wellingtonensis; two new varieties, X. luteostromata var. macrospora and X. theissenii var. macrospora; and two unnamed taxa related to X. filiformis. Cultural characteristics and anamorphs are described for most of the taxa. Most species of New Zealand Xylaria differ, often subtly, from the same species found elsewhere. These differences are recorded or discussed in the notes following formal descriptions of taxa.
Approximations for spatial separation

Strict application of the theory governing ignition by radiation would demand tedious calculations to determine distances between buildings sufficient to prevent fire spread. The author proposes simple formulae that can be used with relative ease to estimate safe separation distances.
Maximal power grasp and three-jaw chuck pinch force as a function of wrist position, age, and glove type

Abstract In many industries, environmental and/or safety considerations require the use of gloves in combination with awkward wrist positions for a diverse workforce. In an effort to quantify the effects of wrist position, glove type, age, gender, and dominant/non-dominant hand on power grasp and three-jaw chuck pinch force magnitudes, a study was performed. Maximal voluntary power grasp and three-jaw chuck pinch force for both the dominant and non-dominant hand were used as the dependent measures of physical capabilities. Six glove types: bare hand, thermal, knit, reinforced knit, a layered combination of thermal and knit, and a layered combination of thermal and reinforced knit were used as one of the independent variables. For each glove condition, one of five wrist positions was employed: 65° extensions, neutral, 45° flexion. Male and female subjects were selected from three age categories (20–25, 40–45, and 60–65). Five subjects within each age-gender category were tested giving a total of 30 subjects. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) for the dependent variable power grasp demonstrated that gender, glove type, hand, and wrist position had a significant impact on the magnitude of force exerted. The ANOVA on the dependent variable three-jaw pinch showed that gender, hand and wrist position were significant, as found for grasp; however, glove type was not significant for pinch. The Pearson product-moment correlation between grasp and three-jaw chuck pinch was calculated overall and calculated by significant effects. While the correlations were statistically significant, the level of correlation was not acceptable. A linear regression was performed to predict peak three-jaw chuck pinch from maximal power grasp force. As found with the correlations, a statistically significant regression was performed with a resultant unacceptable R2 value.
From Galactic to Extragalactic Jets: A Review

An analysis of the data that have recently become available from observing campaigns, including VLA, VLBA, and satellite instruments, shows some remarkable similarities and significant differences in the data from some epochs of galactic microquasars, including GRS 1915+105, the concurrent radio and X-ray data [3] on Centaurus A (NGC 5128), 3C120 [35], and 3C454.3 as reported by Bonning et al. [16], which showed the first results from the Fermi Space Telescope for the concurrent variability at optical, UV, IR, and g-ray variability of that source. In combination with observations from microquasars and quasars from the MOJAVE Collaboration [32], these data provide time-dependent evolutions of radio data at mas (i.e., parsec for AGNs, and Astronomical Unit scales for microquasars). These sources all show a remarkable richness of patterns of variability for astrophysical jets across the entire electromagnetic spectrum. It is likely that these patterns of variability arise from the complex structures through which the jets propagate, but it is also possible that the jets constitution, initial energy, and collimation have significant observational consequences. On the other hand, Ulrich et al. [42] suggest that this picture is complicated for radio-quiet AGN by the presence of significant emission from accretion disks in those sources. Consistent with the jet-ambient-medium hypothesis, the observed concurrent radio and X-ray variability of Centaurus A [3] could have been caused by the launch of a jet element from Cen A’s central source and that jet’s interaction with the interstellar medium in the core region of that galaxy.
Coherence and persistent currents in mesoscopic rings.

We calculate, to first order in the screened electron-electron interaction, the grand potential and the equilibrium current in a mesoscopic normal-metal ring threaded by a magnetic flux. The average current in an ensemble of such rings is found to be periodic in the flux with period h/2e, and to be given at zero temperature in order of magnitude by I\ensuremath{\sim}${\mathit{ev}}_{\mathit{F}}$l/${\mathit{L}}^{2}$, where l is the mean free path and L the circumference of the ring. Interference between time-reversed paths, as in the theory of weak localization, is the crucial ingredient. The effect decreases exponentially with temperature on a scale determined by the coherence energy \ensuremath{\sim}hD/${\mathit{L}}^{2}$, where D is the electronic diffusion constant. The results are in good agreement with recent measurements.
Assessing sources of airborne mineral dust and other aerosols, in Iraq

Abstract Most airborne particulate matter in Iraq comes from mineral dust sources. This paper describes the statistics and modeling of chemical results, specifically those from Teflon® filter samples collected at Tikrit, Balad, Taji, Baghdad, Tallil and Al Asad, in Iraq, in 2006/2007. Methodologies applied to the analytical results include calculation of correlation coefficients, Principal Components Analysis (PCA), and Positive Matrix Factorization (PMF) modeling. PCA provided a measure of the covariance within the data set, thereby identifying likely point sources and events. These include airborne mineral dusts of silicate and carbonate minerals, gypsum and salts, as well as anthropogenic sources of metallic fumes, possibly from battery smelting operations, and emissions of leaded gasoline vehicles. Five individual PMF factors (source categories) were modeled, four of which being assigned to components of geological dust, and the fifth to gasoline vehicle emissions together with battery smelting operations. The four modeled geological components, dust-siliceous, dust-calcic, dust-gypsum, and evaporate occur in variable ratios for each site and size fraction (TSP, PM10, and PM2.5), and also vary by season. In general, Tikrit and Taji have the largest and Al Asad the smallest percentages of siliceous dust. In contrast, Al Asad has the largest proportion of gypsum, in part representing the gypsiferous soils in that region. Baghdad has the highest proportions of evaporite in both size fractions, ascribed to the highly salinized agricultural soils, following millennia of irrigation along the Tigris River valley. Although dust storms along the Tigris and Euphrates River valleys originate from distal sources, the mineralogy bears signatures of local soils and air pollutants.
The Structural and Functional Analysis of the Hemoglobin D Component from Chicken

Abstract Oxygen binding by chicken blood shows enhanced cooperativity at high levels of oxygen saturation. This implies that deoxy hemoglobin tetramers self-associate. The crystal structure of an R-state form of chicken hemoglobin D has been solved to 2.3-A resolution using molecular replacement phases derived from human oxyhemoglobin. The model consists of an α2β2 tetramer in the asymmetric unit and has been refined to a R-factor of 0.222 (R-free = 0.257) for 29,702 reflections between 10.0- and 2.3-A resolution. Chicken Hb D differs most from human oxyhemoglobin in the AB and GH corners of the α subunits and the EF corner of the β subunits. Reanalysis of published oxygen binding data for chicken Hbs shows that both chicken Hb A and Hb D possess enhanced cooperativity in vitro when inositol hexaphosphate is present. The electrostatic surface potential for a calculated model of chicken deoxy-Hb D tetramers shows a pronounced hydrophobic patch that involves parts of the D and E helices of the β subunits. This hydrophobic patch is a promising candidate for a tetramer-tetramer interface that could regulate oxygen binding via the distal histidine.
Prior experience as a stimulus category confound: an example using facial expressions of emotion

Facial expressions of emotion represent a stimulus set widely used to assess a broad range of psychological processes. However, a consideration of systematic differences between expression categories, other than differences relating to characteristics of the expressions themselves, has remained largely unaddressed. By collecting experience rankings in a large sample of undergraduates, we observed that the amount of reported experience individuals have had with different facial expressions of emotion systematically differed between all expression categories. These findings shed light on the potential for identifying confounds inherent to comparing some stimulus categories and, in this case, may aid in the interpretation of observed between-expression category findings.
A reference model for designing effective reputation information systems

Reputation is a socially constructed, distributed knowledge phenomenon that creates powerful incentives for good behavior. The idea of using an information system to make reputation explicit and measurable is promising and not new. Well-known examples include Amazon's seller ranking system and eBay's feedback forum. The thesis of this article is that future reputation information systems can be more effective and useful than existing systems if their designs are informed by multi-disciplinary research on reputation. The contribution of this article is a reference model, or meta-specification, that describes the essential functionality and behavior that embedded information systems need to provide to be effective and useful mechanisms for making reputation explicit and measurable. The reference model specified in the industry-standard Unified Modeling Language (UML) is based on a multi-disciplinary understanding of reputation. The model addresses systems that focus on personal reputation. Extensions for organizational reputation are discussed along with other challenges for future research.