cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Corona Discharge Influences Ozone Concentrations Near Rats

Ozone can be produced by corona discharge either in dry air or when one electrode is submerged in water. Since ozone is toxic, we examined whether ozone production by corona near laboratory animals could reach levels of concern. Male rats were exposed to a corona discharge and the concentration of ozone produced was measured. The resulting concentration of ozone ranged from ambient levels to 250 ppb when animals were located 1 cm from a 10 kV source. Similar ozone concentrations were observed when a grounded water source was present. Possible explanations for, as well as concerns regarding, ozone production under these conditions are discussed.
Smart chemical sensing arrays using tin oxide sensors and analog winner-take-all signal processing

Traditionally, microelectronic chemical sensors have been plagued by a variety of performance problems related to drift, reproducibility, and selectivity. To address these problems, we have designed and fabricated collective analog VLSI circuitry that processes the outputs of an array of chemical sensors in a manner that allows robust chemical discrimination. In testing, this circuitry chooses the winner (the maximum output) and the loser (the minimum output) in an array of tin oxide sensors that are differentiated by temperature. The locations of the winner and loser and their relationships with neighboring sensors have proven sufficient to discriminate among several types of alcohol and smoke. We present this approach to chemical discrimination as a fast, inexpensive alternative to more traditional methods of chemical sensing.
Prethymic Expression of a Transgenic TCR β Chain on a Precursor of T-Cells☆☆☆

Abstract Mice carrying a rearranged TCR Vβ 8.2 transgene express the Vβ protein on the vast majority of peripheral T-cells. The bone marrow and peripheral blood, as well as other lymphoid organs of both untreated animals and animals depleted of T-cells by neonatal thymectomy and/or injection from birth of monoclonal anti-TCR antibodies, contain a small population of cells that express low levels of the Vβ transgene product, but no T-cell or other detectable lineage-specific phenotypic markers. When such TG-bearing BM cells are purified and injected directly into the non-TG thymus, they show the phenotypic maturation sequences of intrathymic T-cell development and, subsequently, mature TG-bearing peripheral T-cells. However, this population failed to support long-term recovery from lethal irradiation. Both Vβ 8.2 TG and CD3δ mRNA transcripts are strongly expressed in the cell population, but no CD3γ, CD3ϵ, CD3ζ, CD4, CD8β, pre-Tα, or RAG-1 transcript was detected. The transgeneencoded TCR component is not bound to the cell membrane exclusively by a phosphatidylinositol linkage. The data show that the fully rearranged TCR transgene and transcripts for at least one of the associated CD3 components, CD3δ, can be expressed on a subpopulation of BM and PBL cells that has not passed through the thymus. The phenotypic characteristics of this cell population resemble those described for the earliest thymocyte described by others. The TG protein molecule in this model may provide a specific developmental marker for a prothymocyte lineage subset that lacks pluripotential properties.
Advances in the Treatment of Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in American women and is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in this population. This review highlights how the use of a multidisciplinary approach to the management of diseases of the breast and the introduction of novel systemic therapies have improved the quality of life and survival in patients with breast cancer. Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics (2008) 83, 26–36; doi:10.1038/sj.clpt.6100449
CD controllability of proximity effect correction in EPL

In Electron Projection Lithography (EPL) that is desigend for 65nm production tool, proximity effect correction (PEC) is an important issue for an accurate feature size control. Reticle resizing meethod is adopted for its correction. High controllability (ΔCD within ±10%) of critical dimension (CD) is required after proximity effect correction. For estimating the CD controllability, we have evaluated its dependency on exposure dose and beam blur in resizing method for the first time in EPL using Nikon's EPL experimental column (acceleration voltage=100kV, magnification=1/4, sub field size=250×250μm). Evaluating patterns were the target size of 100nm isolated line and twin lines. Beam blur was controlled by changing focus and was measured by Aerial Image Sensor (AIS). Groups of different biased patterns were located at different distances from large pattern on the wafer respectively. As a result, CD variation by proximity effect was 35-40 nm for 100nm-isolated. Under our recommended condition that resizing range in puls side was equal to that in minus side (±20%), blur latitude and dose latitude satisfied our CD uniformity budget and mask enhanced error factor (MEF) was around 1, then reticle fabrication CD controllability from budget requirement was satisfied. Therefore it was shown that proposed proximity effect correction method achieved high CD controllability.
Japanese strategy in globally integrated manufacturing: lessons learned

Today, Japanese manufacturing firms are acknowledged technological leaders in many advanced areas. The Japanese government and industries have continually taken the initiatives to initiate new manufacturing strategy. Recently, Japanese industries have changed the traditional "factory integration" philosophy to a "virtual factory" management philosophy. This paper highlights the trends and strategies in the management of globally integrated manufacturing in Japan. First, an overview of strategies for globalisation in Japan will be presented; then, a summary on the principles of Japanese globally integrated manufacturing strategy is given.
Patterning micron-sized features in a cross-linked poly(acrylic acid) film by a wet etching process

This paper describes a photolithographic method to create sub-micron-scale patterns of cation-cross-linked poly(acrylic acid) (CCL-PAA). PAA can be cross-linked with a wide range of metal cations—including, but not limited to, Ag+, Ca2+, Pd2+, Al3+, La3+, and Ti4+. Upon patterning a positive photoresist (diazonaphthoquinone-novolac resin) on a film of CCL-PAA, the exposed regions of CCL-PAA were etched by either an aqueous NaOH or EDTA solution. The initial cross-linking cation could be exchanged for a second cation that could not be patterned photolithographically. We used these patterned films of CCL-PAA i) to host and template the reduction of metallic cations to metallic nanoparticles, and ii) to fabricate porous, low-k dielectric substrates.
A contemporary credo of clinical ethics in terminal care.

This article summarizes the convictions of a profes sional ethicist and director of a hospital-based bioeth ics institute with regard to decisions of clinical ethics, especially those surrounding care of the terminally ill.An ethical and legal distinction is made between refusal of treatment on the one hand, and assisted suicide and euthanasia on the other. However, no ethical distinction is maintained between withholding treatment or withdrawing it when it seems inappro priate.The importance of consent for all invasive medical treatment is emphasized, including all artificial deliv ery of nutrition and hydration. The rights of patients and legitimate proxies to refuse treatment on the basis of burdensomeness and uselessness are under scored.The importance of palliative care is noted, brain death is considered, organ donation is encouraged, and the article ends with a reminder that life is a basic, but not absolute, value.
Stress and the union steward's role

Summary This paper develops and tests hypotheses concerning some psychological correlates of role ambiguity and role conflict in a population that has not been extensively studied in relation to stress, union stewards. Survey data on role ambiguity and role conflict, the indicators of stress, were collected from 285 stewards at the local union steward meeting, with the stewards perceiving a moderate amount of role ambiguity and perceiving a lesser amount of role conflict. The stewards were also asked about their role expectations, their motivations for remaining a steward, their grievance handling strategies, and their affective commitment toward the union and employer. Each of those four sets of variables was hypothesized to be related to role ambiguity and role conflict and each was influential in explaining variance. As predicted, those stewards who were more motivated to remain stewards for personal reasons had both higher role ambiguity and higher role conflict. Further, the conditions of being more motivated to remain a steward to help the union and employees and having higher union commitment were associated with lower role conflict, but, opposite to the hypotheses, higher role ambiguity.
Rhetorical questions as catalyst in grammaticalization: Deriving Korean discourse marker KETUN from conditional connective

Abstract This paper is concerned with a lexical item ketun , which has two functions in Modern Korean: as a conditional connective and as a sentence-terminal discourse marker. The discourse marker is typically found when the speaker clarifies, makes excuses, apologizes, provides background information, mitigates illocutionary forces, or redresses face-threatening acts (FTAs) a la Brown and Levinson, 1987 . Despite its apparent direct connection, the character of the functional shift of ketun from a conjunction to a discourse marker is not immediately clear. To date, there is no satisfactory analysis of the grammaticalization processes involved. The chief reason for this seems to lie in the technical difficulty in describing the discourse marker; ketun is represented in a wide range of functional variations. Because of such functional multiplicity, the discourse marker ketun is often described in a diffuse manner, as the ‘explicative’ ketun , the ‘apologetic’ ketun , the ‘redressive’ ketun , the ‘background-laying’ ketun, and the like. The purpose of the present thesis is to provide a principled account of the discourse marker ketun by characterizing it as the ‘authenticative’ marker. This approach allows the essential function of the authenticative discourse marker ketun to be captured and reveals how ketun serves as an effective discourse marker. This paper also shows that the sentence-terminal discourse marker is a direct descendant of the ketun antecedent associated with rhetorical questions, which plays an intriguing catalyst role in the grammaticalization process.
In-plane anisotropy in thin-film media: physical origins of orientation ratio

Variations of in-plane magnetic properties are observed in most commercial thin-film media. Magnetic anisotropies of varied origins give rise to preferred orientations quantified by the term orientation ratio (OR). Several mechanisms for in-plane anisotropy have been proposed. Oblique angle of incidence effects from vacuum deposition can lead to the formation of tilted columnar or curved grains resulting in a strong shape anisotropy. The most effort has been involved in understanding 'scratch' anisotropy in textured media where OR develops along texture lines. Mechanisms involving stress, preferred orientation, circumferential alignment of grain c-axes, and radial out of plane c-axis effects have been proposed. Recent experiments and calculations suggest that isotropic media, (OR=1), are superior in signal to media noise, S/N/sub m/, at high recording densities. It is thus important to understand the origin of in-plane anisotropies in thin-film media so as to control them for possible recording property improvements or eliminate them altogether to achieve an isotropic media.
Modeling air-void systems in hydrated cement paste

: Multiple techniques for modeling the air-void system in hydrated cement paste are proposed based on uniformly dispersed spheres following a given diameter distribution. The model is developed for the analysis of air voids intersecting a random plane passed through the volume. the model is then modified for the calculation of the protected paste volume, which is the fraction of the volume contained within a given distribution of overlapping spheres. Applications of this model to other fields of study are suggested.
High-resolution images reveal rate and pattern of shrub encroachment over six decades in New Mexico, U.S.A.

Encroachment of the shrub Prosopis glandulosa Torr. (honey mesquite) into semi-arid grasslands is a serious concern in the south-western United States, yet little is known about the long-term dynamics of the invasion process. We used ten high-resolution aerial and satellite images taken from 1936 to 1996 to track the population dynamics and spatial pattern of all P. glandulosa greater than 2 m in diameter on a 75 ha area in southern New Mexico. Shrub cover and patch numbers increased from 1936 to the 1970s, then stabilized at 43% cover and 83 patches ha−1. Individual patches were extremely persistent: 95% of the area occupied by shrub patches in 1936 was still occupied in 1996. Recruitment into the 2 m size class was more variable: 0·6–5·2% year−1 (mean 0·8% year−1). Patch-shape complexity increased from 1936 to 1983 as adjacent shrubs merged, and then declined as those clusters filled in and became rounder. Spatial pattern of shrubs showed a distinct trend over time: strongly clustered in 1936 at lag distances up to 250 m, then random arrangement at all scales, and by 1983 pattern was regular at lag distances greater than 100 m. There was no clear relationship with precipitation. The use of remote sensing imagery allowed us to examine one site over time, and revealed patterns in population dynamics and spatial pattern that would not have been visible otherwise. Comparison of field estimates collected in 2001 with 1996 image data suggest that the canopy cover estimates were accurate, but shrub densities were seriously underestimated in the satellite photographs, which do not show shrubs smaller than 2 m diameter. As long as limitations of the imagery are understood, these methods can be applied over a larger and more heterogeneous area to examine environmental correlates of invasion success.
The influence of resonator structure on the linewidth enhancement factor of semiconductor lasers

The phenomenon of intensity-phase coupling in semiconductor lasers is studied in the linear regime in terms of an effective linewidth enhancement factor. The circumstances under which the longitudinal laser structure of a distributed feedback laser may influence this coupling are determined. For the case of uniform gain and carrier density no effect is expected from a periodic or quasi-periodic corrugation. However, when the gain layer is corrugated or a periodic gain is otherwise implemented, the influence may be considerable. It is shown that the degree of gain coupling between right- and left-travelling waves and the specific mechanism by which variations in the carrier density influence this coupling are of key importance. It is found that depending on the degree and nature of the gain coupling the effective linewidth enhancement factor may be considerably reduced or enhanced. >
The Periodontium of Ageing Humans

T H E R E IS LITTLE INFORMATION on the periodontium of ageing humans. Patients in the fifth, sixth, and seventh decades of life, and older, are viewed with caution by dentists. Their treatment, however, is much the same as that given to younger adults. The main differences are that extensive elective surgery is avoided and fewer complex restorations are placed. This approach is probably based on the thought that the older patient may not be able to endure extensive dental treatment or even that he doesn't have long to live. It is not based on any broad knowledge of the dento-periodontal structures of the aged and their functional and reparative capacities.
Simian Virus 40 Large T Antigen Induces Chromosome Damage that Precedes and Coincides with Complete Neoplastic Transformation

In the early 1900s, Theodor Boveri made some rather remarkable predictions.(1) On the basis of his observations of mitoses in sea urchin eggs, he postulated the involvement of abnormal chromosomes in oncogenesis and even postulated the existence of “chromosomes which inhibit division.” Such early work laid the foundation for the theory that tumorigenesis is a series of genetic mutations. In the early 1980s, actual mutations in growth regulatory genes, termed oncogenes, were described.(2,3) Pairs of oncogenes deregulated by mutation were found sufficient to induce tumorigenesis in rodent cells.(4,5) Then negative regulators of cell growth, the antithesis of the oncogenes, called tumor suppressor genes received renewed and intense attention on identification of the retinoblastoma gene.(6,7) It is now clear that the loss of function of tumor suppressor genes is as important, if not more so, in the tumor-forming process than the activation of oncogenes.(8–12) Thus, recently, heritable changes have been found at the level of single-base-pair changes that, when combined to form a sufficient cadre of changes, enable a cell to become deregulated to the point of autonomy.
Developing weight management messages and interventions for baby boomer men.

The goal of this study was to explore the weight management experiences of Baby Boomer men (born between 1946 and 1964) and to use the information to develop targeted messages and interventions. Tw...
Correlation Between Ti-Silicided Shallow Junction Diode Leakage and Titaniun Diffusion during TISI2 Fornation

Deep level transient spectroscopy (DLTS) in conjunction with other analytical techniques was used to establish a correlation between the leakage current in the TiSi 2 /p + /n-Si shallow diodes (0.25 micron) and the Ti-related E c - 0.23 eV deep trap. It was found that Ti diffused into the junction region durin the TiSi 2 formation and caused leakage currents with values up to 2 × 10 −8 A/cm 2 . Further increases of the leakage current were related to the formation of a TiSi 2 /n-Si Schottky barrier.
New ferromagnetic 5:4 compounds in the rare earth silicon and germanium systems

Abstract The rare earth elements Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, and Er form compounds with Ge and Si at the 5 : 4 stoichiometry which have orthorhombic crystal structures. The suicides and germanides are in the same space group and have very similar lattice constants, but incomplete solid solubility in the system Gd 5 Si 4 Gd 5 Ge 4 indicates that they are not isostructural. Magnetic measurements show that the suicides are ferromagnetic with relatively high ordering temperatures. The germanides are antiferromagnetic, but replacement of a small amount of Ge by Si in Gd 5 Ge 4 produces solid solutions which are ferromagnetic at low temperatures and have intermediate transitions to antiferromagnetism before becoming paramagnetic.
A new acceleration factor for the testing of corrosion protective coatings: flow-induced coating degradation

For corrosion protective coatings that are designed to give lifetimes of protection that may extend to 50 years, valid accelerated test methods are necessary to develop improved systems and validate performance. Fluid flow over metals has long been believed to influence the corrosion process. Studies have been focused on the effects of flow rate on the corrosion of bare metals. The influence of fluid flow on the degradation of metal-protective coatings has received less attention. This paper describes a preliminary study on the influence of laminar flow on organic coatings. A Hele-Shaw cell and its associated fluid control apparatuses are incorporated into the electrochemical cell setup. The barrier properties of the coating as a function of immersion time and flow rate have been monitored by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. We observe that the barrier properties of the coating measured electrochemically decrease exponentially with the increasing flow rate. We propose that the flowing electrolyte solution could be used in acceleration tests for the lifetime prediction of organic coatings as the acceleration of failure we have observed does not appear to change the mechanism of failure. Further analysis is proposed to validate immersion flow rate as a universal accelerating parameter for coating failure.
Adsorption of Ce ( III ) on Anodized Aluminum

An acoustic test method has shown that cations adsorb reversibly on anodized Al so as to increase the zeta potential of the oxide in the porous anodized layer. Adsorption of anionic chromate species on the identically prepared surfaces decreases the zeta potential. The role played by in improving the corrosion resistance of anodized Al differs significantly from that provided by hexavalent chromium oxo‐anions. ©2000 The Electrochemical Society
Using visualizations to increase compliance in experience sampling

Experience sampling method (or ESM) is a common data collection method to understand user behavior and to evaluate ubiquitous computing technologies. However, ESM studies often demand too much time and commitment from participants, which leads to attrition and low compliance among participants. We introduce a new approach called experience sampling with feedback or ES+feedback that improves compliance by giving feedback to participants through various visualizations. Providing feedback to users makes the information personally relevant and increases the value of the study to participants, which increases their compliance. Our exploratory study shows that ES+feedback increases the compliance rate by 23%.
Achieving high mass-throughput of therapeutic proteins through parvovirus retentive filters

Parvovirus retentive filters that assure removal of viruses and virus-like particles during the production of therapeutic proteins significantly contribute to total manufacturing costs. Operational approaches that can increase throughput and reduce filtration area would result in a significant cost savings. A combination of methods was used to achieve high throughputs of an antibody or therapeutic protein solution through three parvovirus retentive filters. These methods included evaluation of diatomaceous earth or size-based prefilters, the addition of additives, and the optimization of protein concentration, temperature, buffer composition, and solution pH. An optimum temperature of 35°C was found for maximizing throughput through the Virosart CPV and Viresolve Pro filters. Mass-throughput values of 7.3, 26.4, and 76.2 kg/m(2) were achieved through the Asahi Planova 20N, Virosart CPV, and Viresolve Pro filters, respectively, in 4 h of processing. Mass-throughput values of 73, 137, and 192 kg/m(2) were achieved through a Millipore Viresolve Pro filter in 4.0, 8.8, and 22.1 h of processing, respectively, during a single experiment. However, large-scale parvovirus filtration operations are typically controlled to limit volumetric throughput to below the level achieved during small-scale virus spiking experiments. The virus spike may cause significant filter plugging, limiting throughput. Therefore newer parvovirus filter spiking strategies should be adopted that may lead to more representative viral clearance data and higher utilization of large-scale filter capacity.
National patterns of heart failure hospitalizations and mortality by sex and age

Abstract Background Earlier work has demonstrated significant sex and age disparities in ischemic heart disease. However, it remains unclear if an age or sex gap exists for heart failure (HF) patients. Methods and Results Using data from the 2007–2008 Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project, we constructed hierarchic regression models to examine sex differences and age-sex interactions in HF hospitalizations and in-hospital mortality. Among 430,665 HF discharges, 51% were women and 0.3%, 27%, and 73% were aged 64 years respectively. There were significant sex differences among HF risk factors, with a higher prevalence of coronary disease among men. Men had higher hospitalization rates for HF and in-hospital mortality across virtually all ages. The relationship between age and HF mortality appeared U-shaped; mortality rates for ages 64 years were 2.9%, 1.4%, and 3.8%, respectively. No age-sex interaction was found for in-hospital mortality for adults >25 years old. Conclusions Using a large nationally representative administrative dataset we found age and sex disparities in HF outcomes. In general, men fared worse than women regardless of age. Furthermore, we found a U-shaped relationship between age and in-hospital mortality during an HF hospitalization, such that young adults have similar mortality rates to older adults. Additional studies are warranted to elucidate the patient-specific and treatment characteristics that result in these patterns.
The NIST microforce realization and measurement project

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has launched a five-year Microforce Realization and Measurement Project focusing on the development of an instrument and laboratory capable of realizing and measuring the SI unit of force below 5/spl times/10/sup -6/ N using the electrical units as the link to the International System of Units (SI). As a proof of principle, a prototype electromechanical balance has been developed to allow comparisons between mechanically and electrically derived forces up to 300 /spl mu/N with a resolution of 15 nN. Results from force comparisons using 1-, 10-, and 20-mg deadweights are presented.
Biomedical aspects of Botulinum Toxin

Clostridium botulinum produces a potent neurotoxin, which causes the neuroparalytic illness in humans and animals known as botulism. Seven immunologically distinct neurotoxins are recognized, which are designated by the letters A through G. the different serotypes of botulinum toxin vary in the animal species that they affect and the severity and duration of paralysis that they evoke. Botulinum toxin type A has become an important pharmaceutical for the treatment of segmental movement disorders, spasticity, pain syndromes, and various other neuronal disorders. Botulinum toxin specifically and tightly binds to cholinergic neurons. Upon endocytosis and internalization into the nerve terminal, the toxin acts to block or slow the exocytotic release of neurotransmitters, particularly acetylcholine. Selective injection of botulinum toxin into neuromuscular regions produces a local weakening of proximal muscles and relief from excessive involuntary muscle contractions In addition to directly affecting cholinergi...
The Fourth Stage: Wole Soyinka and the Social Character of Ibadan.

This article traces the origin and development of modern African literature in Ibadan, in the 1960s. It argues that Soyinka's famous concept, the Fourth Stage, is his attempt to capture the unique and transformative character of the city of Ibadan. A major portion of African literary history is mostly available through writers' autobiographies such as Soyinka's Ibadan. This article promotes the idea of reading more of these autobiographies as literary history in order to recover the specificity and spirit of African literary production. Indeed, the ways in which the founding texts of African literature are reflective of the social character of the city might be lost if the history of local publication is not resurrected. By locating the origins of the idea of the Fourth Stage in Ibadan, I set the stage for the sequel to this paper that argues that although the African Writers Series published by Heinemann Educational Books canonized African literature, the process of that canonization was already well underway through Mbari publication that was located in Ibadan. Taken together, these two articles underscore the significance of Mbari publication as the outcome of literary activities centered on the Mbari literary club in the heart of Ibadan; the club and the publication were unique to the social character of the city as such.
Captures of Western Corn Rootworm (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) Adults with Pherocon AM and Vial Traps in Four Crops in East Central Illinois

It is hypothesized that the long-term rotation of maize (Zea mays L.) and soybean (Glycine max L.) in east central Illinois has caused a significant change in the ovipositional behavior of the western corn rootworm, Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte. Since the mid 1990s in east central Illinois, western corn rootworm adults have been observed feeding on soybean foliage and also now use soybean fields as egg laying sites. This behavioral adaptation has greatly decreased the effectiveness of rotation as a pest management tactic. By using Pherocon AM and vial traps, we evaluated the influence of maize, soybean, oat stubble (Avena sativa L.), and alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) on male and female adult western corn rootworm densities from April 1998 through September 2000 near Urbana, IL. Our results indicated that western corn rootworm adults are common inhabitants of maize, soybean, oat stubble, and alfalfa. Trapping efforts with both Pherocon AM (attractive) and vial traps (passive) revealed that initial densities of both male and female western corn rootworm adults were greater in maize. Soon after emergence, densities of females began to decline within maize and increase in other crops (soybean, oat stubble, and alfalfa). Results from this experiment support the hypothesis that variant western corn rootworm females in east central Illinois are colonizing crops other than maize at densities of potential economic importance. Those producers who choose to rotate maize with soybean or alfalfa may remain at risk to economic larval injury to maize roots. Potentially, oat stubble also may support levels of western corn rootworm females resulting in sufficient oviposition to cause economic losses to rotated maize the following season.
In vivo evidence for binding of p53 to consensus binding sites in the p21 and GADD45 genes in response to ionizing radiation

The tumor suppressor protein p53 has a transcriptional activation activity thought to mediate its biologic function including G1 arrest and perhaps apoptosis. To learn more about p53's transactivator function in vivo, we performed genomic footprinting experiments examining p53-DNA interactions in the regulatory regions of the p53-regulated genes p21, GADD45, and MDM2. Using ionizing radiation to induce DNA damage in human ML-1 myeloblastic leukemia cells, the promoter and intronic regions of these genes containing p53-consensus binding sites were examined for in vivo footprints. There was a uniform and sustained expression of p53 protein as well as a strong induction of p21, GADD45, and MDM2 mRNA following irradiation. At the two p53 consensus binding sites in the p21 promoter, reduced DNaseI cleavage was observed in irradiated cells beginning 1 to 2 h after irradiation, being most pronounced after 2 h and diminishing after 8 h. A partial in vivo footprint was also observed in the third intron of the GADD45 gene beginning 2 h after irradiation. No in vivo footprints were seen at the two p53 binding sites in the MDM2 gene. Our study provides direct evidence that the DNA damage-induced activity of p53 is mediated by its consensus DNA binding sites in the p21 and GADD45 genes. We suggest that the transient nature and relative instability of p53-DNA interactions in vivo may make the p53 protein more accessible to a rapid turnover pathway which might be impaired under conditions when the protein is stably bound to DNA.
Comparison of Lyophilized and Frozen Microtiter Systems for Routine MIC Testing in the Clinical Laboratory

Frozen microtiter plates (Micro-Media Systems, Inc.) and lyophilized microtiter plates (Sensititre--Seward Laboratory/Gibco Diagnostics) were used to perform simultaneous MIC determinations. Specimens were obtained from blood, urine and other clinical isolates. The authors found that there was good correspondence of results with the frozen microtiter MIC plates and the lyophilized microtiter MIC plates. After careful evaluation, the authors conclude that the lyophilized product is as stable and as reproducible as the frozen product. The lyophilized product is more easily and conveniently stored, has a longer shelf life and is more flexible.
Aiming High — Changing the Trajectory for Cancer

The coalescence of new scientific insights and technological innovations has improved our prospects for success against cancer. The cancer “moonshot” aims to increase the resources devoted to fighting cancer and break down silos to unite the cancer-fighting community.
Synergistic Action of Amphotericin Band Rifampin against Candida Species

Amphotericin B and rifampin act synergistically against certain yeasts in vitro. Whether this synergism is a general phenomenon or whether the effect has strict species and strain requirements was studied. Included in a survey of the genus Candida were eight human isolates of Candida albicans and one strain each of Candida krusei, Candida tropicalis, Candida pseudotropicalis, Candida parapsilosis, Candida guilliermodnii, and Candida stellatoidea. Cultures in both control and drug-containing liquid medium were incubated at 37 C with aeration. Effects of the drugs were determined from viability assays performed at zero-time and at 17 hr. Amphotericin C and rifampin were judged to be synergistic if any one of three different sets of criteria was met. Combined activity greater than the sums of individual drug effects was required in each set of criteria. Partially inhibitory or fungistatic levels of amphotericin B and noninhibitory concentrations of rifampin acted synergistically against all strains of Candida examined. Within the genus Candida, synergism of amphotericin B and rifampin appears to be a rather general phenomenon.
Blood pressure and heart rate responses in volunteer firefighters while wearing personal protective equipment.

Background Hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and obesity are global health problems and are a large concern for firefighters. The leading cause of death among firefighters is cardiac-related; hence, it is important to understand how firefighter personal protective equipment (PPE) affects cardiovascular responses to different activities. Volunteer firefighters represent 70% of all firefighters and are an understudied population. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to report blood pressure (BP) responses in volunteer firefighters. Methods and results Thirty-six male, nonsmoking volunteer firefighters (27.8±9.7 years) underwent two maximal treadmill tests within 2 weeks, one in regular gym clothes and one in PPE. We found that while wearing PPE, which weighs 54.2±3.5 lbs, BP responses are exaggerated during work and in recovery. Systolic BP and heart rate were significantly (P Conclusion BP responses are exaggerated while wearing full fire protective gear and remain elevated during recovery. Awareness of how firefighting activities affect BP is important; so future studies should examine how the BP increase relates to resting BP levels, to PPE weight, and to the thermal effects of the PPE.
"Disorienting, Fun or Meaningful?": Looking beyond the Boundaries of the Museum.

A growing body of research highlights how informal science learning environments (ISLE’s) can alter modes of participation in science for youth who are traditionally marginalized in science (Calabrese Barton and Tan in J Learn Sci 19(2):187–229, 2010). While these findings reveal successful examples of ISLE’s potential to bridge science and everyday life in powerful ways for traditionally marginalized youth, questions remain regarding the equitable access to designed learning environments such as museums for youth and families from these same communities (Feinstein and Meshoulam in J Res Sci Teach 51(3):368–394, 2014). In their article, Archer, Dawson, Seakins and Wong aptly attend to equity issues in designed ISLE’s and the notion of altering participation for youth and families from traditionally marginalized communities. In this response, I extend the conversation beyond the boundaries of the museum by (1) looking deeper into the issue of access and accessibility by discussing the collective experiences of marginalized youth across contexts and its impact on science participation and (2) arguing that altering participation requires transforming conceptions of learning and doing science that are often employed when designing and analyzing learning experiences for youth from traditionally marginalized communities.
Circulating Tumor Cells: A Review of Present Methods and the Need to Identify Heterogeneous Phenotypes

The measurement and characterization of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) hold promise for ad- vancing personalized therapeutics. CTCs are the precursor to metastatic cancer and thus have the potential to radically alter patient treatment and outcome. Currently, clinical information provided by the enumera- tion of CTCs is limited to predicting clinical outcome. Other areas of interest in advancing the practice of pathology include: using CTCs for early detection of potential metastasis, determining and monitoring the efficacy of individualized treatment regimens, and predicting site-specific metastasis. Important hurdles to overcome in obtaining this type of clinical information involve present limitations in defining, detecting, and isolating CTCs. Currently, CTCs are detected using epithelial markers. The definition of what distin - guishes a CTC should be expanded to include CTCs with heterogeneous phenotypes, and markers should be identified to enable a more comprehensive capture. Additionally, most methods available for detecting CTCs do not capture functionally viable CTCs. Retaining functional viability would provide a significant advantage in characterizing CTC-subtypes that may predict the site of metastatic invasion and thus assist in selecting effective treatment regimens. In this review we describe areas of clinical interest followed by a sum - mary of current circulating cell-separation technologies and present limitations. Lastly, we provide insight into what is required to overcome these limitations as they relate to applications in advancing the practice of pathology and laboratory medicine.
Protein Analysis by Ambient Ionization Mass Spectrometry Using Trypsin-Immobilized Organosiloxane Polymer Surfaces.

In the growing field of proteomic research, rapid and simple protein analysis is a crucial component of protein identification. We report the use of immobilized trypsin on hybrid organic–inorganic organosiloxane (T-OSX) polymers for the on-surface, in situ digestion of four model proteins: melittin, cytochrome c, myoglobin, and bovine serum albumin. Tryptic digestion products were sampled, detected, and identified using desorption electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (DESI-MS) and nanoDESI-MS. These novel, reusable T-OSX arrays on glass slides allow for protein digestion in methanol:water solvents (1:1, v/v) and analysis directly from the same polymer surface without the need for sample preparation, high temperature, and pH conditions typically required for in-solution trypsin digestions. Digestion reactions were conducted with 2 μL protein sample droplets (0.35 mM) at incubation temperatures of 4, 25, 37, and 65 °C and digestion reaction times between 2 and 24 h. Sequence coverages were dependent on...
Adult Intake of Minimally Processed Fruits and Vegetables: Associations with Cardiometabolic Disease Risk Factors

Abstract Background The US Department of Agriculture launched ChooseMyPlate.gov nutrition recommendations designed to encourage increased fruit and vegetable intake, in part, as a strategy for improving weight control through the consumption of high-satiation foods. Objective The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to assess the relationship between adults' reported daily intake of fruits and nonstarchy vegetables (ie, those thought to have the lowest energy density) expressed as a proportion of their total daily food intake and objectively measured cardiovascular and metabolic disease risk factors using data from the 2009-2010 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Physical activity was included as a moderator variable. Design This study employed a cross-sectional examination of 2009-2010 NHANES data to assess how daily fruit and nonstarchy vegetable intake was associated with anthropometric measures and cardiometabolic blood chemistry markers. Participants/setting Adults free of cardiac or metabolic disease (n=1,197) participated in 24-hour dietary recalls; a variety of cardiometabolic biomarkers and anthropometric measures were also collected from participants. Main outcome measures Among participants with complete data on all variables, the ratio of the combined cup-equivalents of fruit and nonstarchy vegetable intake to the total gram weight of all foods consumed daily (F/V ratio) served as the primary independent variable. Main dependent measures included fasting glucose, insulin, glycosylated hemoglobin, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, total cholesterol, waist circumference, and body mass index. Statistical analyses performed Demographic and behavioral predictors of the F/V ratio and the association between the F/V ratio and cardiometabolic disease risk factors were examined using multivariate regression. Results Body mass index (β=−2.58; 95% CI −3.88 to −1.28), waist circumference (β=−6.33; 95% CI −9.81 to −2.84), and insulin (β=−0.21; 95% CI −0.37 to −0.05) were inversely associated with the F/V ratio. These associations were weakened for the subset that adhered to federal physical activity recommendations. No other statistically significant associations were found between F/V ratio and main dependent measures. Conclusions In this nationally representative sample, predicted inverse associations between the proportion of daily fruit and nonstarchy vegetable intake relative to total intake and measures reflective of body fat composition and fasting insulin were confirmed. Future research should examine whether a similar association is observed for other sources of resistant starch, such as whole grains, which are arguably more strongly linked with satiety and host insulin levels.
Radio-frequency flexible and stretchable electronics (Key note)

Flexible and stretchable electronics have broad applications and will further change our life and improve our life quality in numerous ways in the near future. While low frequency flexible electronics and stretchable electronics have been well developed and have penetrated into many applications, the high-frequency (beyond GHz in the microwave frequency range) counterparts have faced great challenges. To realize high frequency applications, high quality semiconductor materials with high mobility/overshoot/saturation velocities and good mechanical bending properties are needed. Here, we review the development of flexible electronic devices that operate in microwave frequencies using a variety of materials, such as silicon, III-V compound semiconductors and 2D materials like MoS2 and graphene.
NMR Measurement of Rare Earth Ion in an Excited State by Indirect Optical Detection

The study of the hyperfine splittings of excited states of ions in solids is usually restricted to levels which match available light sources [1]. In this paper, an indirect optical-nuclear double resonance detection scheme is used to study the hyperfine interaction of trivalent Praseodymium in an electronic level at 9700 cm−1 using a narrowband laser source to pump another electronic level at 16740 cm−1 and by observing broadband luminescence from the pumped level.
Chapter 15 – Transcriptional Regulation of Matrix Metalloproteinases

Publisher Summary Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) is a family of enzymes that, collectively, degrade all components of the extracellular matrix. There are at least 26 members of this family—all are active at neutral pH, require Ca2+ for activity, and contain a central zinc atom as part of their structure. Most MMPs are secreted into the extracellular space in a latent form, requiring proteolytic cleavage in order to be enzymatically active. However, one subgroup of MMPs is anchored in the membrane, and these enzymes are activated intracellularly by a furin-like mechanism. MMP-11 (stromelysin 3) is the only nonmembrane-bound MMP that is also activated intracellularly. Most cells in the body can express MMPs, although the expression of certain enzymes is often associated with a particular cell type. Inflammatory cytokines and growth factors and malignant transformation lead to a marked increase in MMP expression. Excess MMP production is, therefore, associated with many diseases, including periodontitis, atherosclerosis, tumor invasion and metastasis, and arthritic disease. Several MMPs may be involved in the pathophysiology of any of these diseases. Mechanisms regulating the expression of these enzymes under normal conditions and in the various diseases are complex, permitting both the coordinate expression of some MMPs and the tissue-specific expression of others. Posttranscriptional mechanisms, i.e., changes in mRNA stability, are used for controlling MMP gene expression. The regulation of gene expression at the level of transcription appears to play a major role in regulating these genes. This chapter focuses on the cis-acting sequences within the MMP promoters and the trans-acting factors that regulate transcription of the MMPs in different cell types and tissues.
Gaseous hydrocarbons associated with black layer induced by the interaction of cyanobacteria and Desulfovibrio desulfuricans

Black layer is a condition of high-sand-content golf greens that results in a subsurface blackened layer in the sand produced by sulfate-reducing bacteria. Black layer can be the product of an interaction of cyanobacteria and sulfate-reducing bacteria and may or may not be toxic to the grass growing on the sand. The organic byproducts of the cyanobacteria coat and plug the sand thereby creating an anoxic environment for development of the sulfate- reducing bacteria. The present study was initiated to determine the range of gaseous hydrocarbons evolved from black layered sand produced by the interaction of two genera of cyanobacteria, Nostoc and Oscillatoria, and Desulfovibrio desulfuricans. The gaseous hydrocarbons measured included methane, ethane, ethylene, and propylene. In nonblackened sand, Nostoc evolved the highest levels of these gases, Oscillatoria evolved relatively low levels except for propylene, and D. desulfuricans evolved the smallest quantities of the gases. When the cyanobacteria and D. desulfuricans were combined to develop black layered sand some changes occurred in the evolution of the gases. Evolution of the gases from Nostoc + D. desulfuricans decreased or remained the same relative to Nostoc alone, and increased relative to D. desulfuricans alone. Except for propylene evolution, gases from Oscillatoria + D. desulfuricans increased relative to Oscillatoria or D. desulfuricans alone. Propylene evolution from Oscillatoria + D. desulfuricans remained unchanged relative to Oscillatoria alone, but increased relative to D. desulfuricans alone. The gases measured are discussed relative to the organisms observed and the conditions of the study.
STRATEGIC SATISFICING? A BEHAVIORAL--AGENCY THEORY PERSPECTIVE ON STOCK REPURCHASE PROGRAM ANNOUNCEMENTS

Executives confront potentially conflicting pressures—maximizing shareholder wealth in the long term and appeasing shareholders in the near term. Because they must address near-term pressures to pr...
Inpatient Management of Heart Failure: Are We Shooting at the Right Target?

McQuade and colleagues present the current evidence on natriuretic peptides (NPs) as markers of readiness for hospital discharge in patients with heart failure. The editorialists discuss the findin...