cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Induction of p53 in mouse cells decreases mutagenesis by UV radiation.

The tumor supressor protein, p53, is proposed to have a critical role in maintaining the integrity of the genetic material. It has been established that p53 induces a cell cycle block in the G1 phase upon cellular DNA damage. Recent evidence also indicates the involvement of p53 directly and indirectly in nucleotide excision repair (NER). We have examined the role of p53 with respect to UV-induced mutagenesis. By gene transfer, we established a mouse fibroblast cell line overexpressing the val 135 temperature-sensitive p53 allele. In this line, p53 activity can be modulated through temperature shift, as confirmed by Western blot and by cell cycle analysis. This cell line was also constructed to contain a recoverable lambda phage shuttle vector carrying the supF mutation reporter gene. Induction of p53 was found to enhance the clonogenic survival of the cells following UV-irradiation compared to the p53-deficient parental mouse cell line. The transfectant line also displayed a 4-fold reduction in the frequency of UV-induced mutations as measured in the chromosomally integrated supF reporter gene. Our results are consistent with a p53-induced cell cycle block at G1 allowing cells to repair chromosomal damage before DNA replication. However, our data may also reflect a more direct role of p53 in the repair of UV-induced lesions as suggested by studies showing that p53 can interact directly with repair factors.
A containment and disposition strategy for tritium-contaminated groundwater at the Savannah River Site, South Carolina, United States

A containment and disposition water management strategy has been implemented at the Savannah River Site to minimize the discharge of tritiated groundwater from the Old Radioactive Waste Burial Ground to Fourmile Branch, a tributary of the Savannah River. This paper presents a general overview of the water management strategy, which includes a two-component (pond and irrigation) system, and a summary of operations and effectiveness for the first 3 yr of operations. Tritiated groundwater seep discharge was impounded by a dam and distributed via irrigation to a 22-ac (8.9-ha) upland forested area comprised of mixed pines (loblolly and slash) and hardwoods (primarily sweetgum and laurel oak). As of March 2004, the system has irrigated approximately 133.2 million L (35.2 million gal) and prevented approximately 1880 Ci of tritium from entering Fourmile Branch via forest evapotranspiration, as well as via pond storage and evaporation. Prior to installation of the containment and disposition strategy, tritium activity in Fourmile Branch downstream of the seep averaged approximately 500 pCi mL1. Six months after installation, tritium activity averaged approximately 200 pCi mL1 in Fourmile Branch. After 1 yr of operations, tritium activity averaged below 100 pCi mL1 in Fourmile Branch, and a range of 100–200 pCi mL1 tritium activity has been maintained as of March 2004. Complex hydrological factors and operational strategies influence remediation system success. Analyses may assist in developing groundwater management and remediation strategies for future projects at the Savannah River Site and other facilities located on similar landscapes.
The Effect of Cumulus Friction on the Simulation of the January Hadley Circulation by the GLAS Model of the General Circulation

A method of parameterizing the vertical mixing of horizontal momentum by cumulus convection was added to the GLAS model of the general circulation of the tropics. Addition of the cumulus friction term strengthened the winter Hadley circulation and smoothed the mean meridional wind field, with a slight increase in the eddy kinetic energy. The results showed that the intensity of the meridional circulation is regulated by the atmosphere's angular momentum budget, changes in the zonally-averaged Coriolis force correlate with the new cumulus friction term, and the intensification of Hadley circulation is a response of the mean meridional flow field to the downward cumulus field of relative angular momentum in the winter hemisphere.
Alterations in the secondary structure of mutant transthyretins associated with familial amyloidotic polyneuropathy after proteolysis by neutrophil serine proteases

Transthyretin (TTR), a tetrameric protein with two extensive β-sheets in each monomer, is the precursor protein of the amyloid fibril deposits in persons with an autosomal dominantly inherited disease termed familial amyloidotic polyneuropathy (FAP orATTR). The TTR isolated from four affected heterozygous individuals, each with a different mutation or at a different stage of disease was examined with respect to alteration in conformation after exposure to human neutrophil elastase (HNE) or cathepsin G by circular dichroism (CD), and their spectra compared to normal.Normal untreated TTR exhibits a negative minimum at 214 nm by CD analysis. After enzymatic digestion, minor changes are observed. The mutant TTRs differ from normal with a more marked alteration in β conformation after digestion. The degree of CD alteration of mutant TTR digested with HNE seemed to correlate with the severity of disease in each kinship. In addition, mutant TTRs that are more hydrophilic have more marked CD alteration.
Ability of Hamster Spermatozoa to Digest Their Own DNA

Mammalian sperm chromatin is bound by protamines into highly condensed toroids with approximately 50 kilobases (kb) of DNA. It is also organized into loop domains of about the same size that are attached at their bases to the proteinaceous nuclear matrix. In this work, we test our model that each sperm DNA-loop domain is condensed into a single protamine toroid. Our model predicts that the protamine toroids are linked by chromatin that is more sensitive to nucleases than the DNA within the toroids. To test this model, we treated hamster sperm nuclei with DNase I and found that the sperm chromatin was digested into fragments with an average size of about 50 kb, by pulse-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). Surprisingly, we also found that spermatozoa treated with 0.25% Triton X-100 (TX) and 20 mM MgCl2 overnight resulted in the same type of degradation, suggesting that sperm nuclei have a mechanism for digesting their own DNA at the bases of the loop domains. We extracted the nuclei with 2 M NaCl and 10 mM dithiothreitol (DTT) to make nuclear halos. Nuclear matrices prepared from DNase I-treated spermatozoa had no DNA attached, suggesting that DNase I digested the DNA at the bases of the loop domains. TX-treated spermatozoa still had their entire DNA associated with the nuclear matrix, even though the DNA was digested into 50-kb fragments as revealed by PFGE. The data support our donut-loop model for sperm chromatin structure and suggest a functional role for this type of organization in that sperm can digest its own DNA at the sites of attachment to the nuclear matrix. gamete biology, sperm, testis
Data Readiness Level for Unstructured Data

When time or computational resources is a constraint, dealing with large amount of data can be painful for many organizations. In this paper, we proposed a new concept called Data Readiness Level(DRL). It will measures the readiness of a file very quickly. We define readiness as ready for immediate analytical purposes. DRL is pair-wised measure, one is PKSS value, another is PVI value. One can see PKSS as the degree of similarity to the objective. PVI exhibits how much valuable information the file has. In the real word, not every data contains valuable information. Even if it is, it is not guaranteed that it will be relevant to the objective. With the aid of DRL, users can simply analyze those data with higher DRL values when time is a constraint. We collected 40,000 PDF files by hand from IEEE Xplore digital library and spriger. The experimental result was quite encouraging.
On Deposit: A Handshake and a Lawsuit

This essay underscores the importance of using widely recognized formal procedures and terminology in the execution of a deed of gift. The archives of the Partisan Review were accepted by Rutgers University through what now appears to be a very informal transaction. When the relationship between the prominent literary journal and the large state university changed and the Partisan Review found a new home at another university, the transaction was challenged, mostly on the meaning and use of the term deposit. The legal case brought about by that challenge is detailed, and advice for avoiding the misunderstandings that can lead to such litigation is provided.
Breast Cancer Screening Among Women in Their Forties: An Overview of the Issues

This article summarizes the issues prompting a recent NIH Consensus Conference on mammography screening for women in their forties. To date, eight randomized controlled trials of breast cancer screening have been conducted, and a reduction in breast cancer mortality has emerged after 10 to 15 years of follow-up among women offered screening in their forties. No effect appears for at least eight years, and the reason for the delay, compared to that seen in women aged 50-69, is not clear. Two possibilities include cancer-stage shift due to screening in younger women and the aging of women into their fifties during the course of screening. Possible adverse effects of screening include radiation risk, although this is low, false-negative and false-positive screening tests, and overdiagnosis due to detection of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). In order to make appropriate decisions regarding mammography, women need age-related information about both the benefits and potential risks of screening.
Ionic Conductivity of Elevated Pressure TMAHCO 3 / MeOH / CO 2 Mixtures

Carbon-dioxide-based elevated pressure cleaning mixtures for photoresist and plasma etch residue removal are being considered as alternative environmentally benign approaches for back end of line microelectronic device manufacture. Despite many attractive features, CO 2 has little solvating power for photoresist or inorganic materials. Addition of a basic modifier such as tetramethylammonium bicarbonate (TMAHCO 3 ) to CO 2 , can yield a mixture suitable for residue removal. In this work, characterization of the TMAHCO 3 /methanol-modified fluids was performed by measuring the ionic conductivity as a function of concentration and mole fraction of CO 2 at room temperature and various pressures. The conductivity displays a strong dependence on the dielectric properties of the fluid medium.
LABORATORY PROPAGATION OF CEUTHORRHYNCHIDIUS HORRIDUS (COLEOPTERA: CURCULIONIDAE), AN INTRODUCED WEEVIL FOR BIOCONTROL OF CARDUUS THISTLES

The development of Ceuthorrhynchidius horridus (Panzer) was observed on five diets consisting of less than 15% dry weight of host-plant material. Adult yields per inoculated larvae were low (less than 1%), although yields from uncontaminated last instars reached as high as 16.6%. Comparisons of diet versus plant-reared weevils showed that (1) larval weight gain at 28 days was significantly greater for plant-reared larvae, (2) plant-reared adults were significantly larger than diet-grown weevils, but there was no difference in fertility, and (3) egg size, viability, and first instar head capsule widths were not significantly different for progeny from diet and plant-reared weevils.
Note on the swimming deceleration of a dolphin

A series of decelerative swimming motions of a dolphin were recorded underwater showing that the animal decelerated more rapidly than could be accounted for by frictional drag. The theory of swimming slender bodies was used to calculate the mean thrust on the dolphin produced by the observed motions. It is shown that the dolphin is decelerating by producing a swimming thrust opposite to the direction of swimming.
Zonas arqueológicas de Italia y Grecia restauradas con hormigón armado. Valoración de su estado

This interesting study is one of the pioneers in examining in depth the effects of reinforced concrete in the restoration of important archaeological monuments of the past in Italy and Greece. It is a privilege to observe and compare the similar criteria adopted in the firsthalfofthe20thcenturyinmanywell-knownplaces, such as the Parthenon, the Palace of Knossos, the Temple of Selinunte, the city of Pompeii or the city of Lindos, and the negative effect of the reinforced concrete that characterises all these interventions on the conservation of these monuments in the long term, with the current problems arising from the need to de-restore the monument.
Lmo genes regulate behavioral responses to ethanol in Drosophila melanogaster and the mouse.

Background—Previous work from our laboratory demonstrated a role for the Drosophila Limonly (dLmo) gene in regulating behavioral responses to cocaine. Herein, we examined whether dLmo influences the flies’ sensitivity to ethanol’s sedating effects. We also investigated whether 1 of the mammalian homologs of dLmo, Lmo3, is involved in behavioral responses to ethanol in mice. Methods—To examine dLmo function in ethanol-induced sedation, mutant flies with reduced or increased dLmo expression were tested using the loss of righting (LOR) assay. To determine whether mouse Lmo3 regulates behavioral responses to ethanol, we generated transgenic mice expressing a short-hairpin RNA targeting Lmo3 for RNA interference-mediated knockdown by lentiviral infection of single cell embryos. Adult founder mice, expressing varying amounts of Lmo3 in the brain, were tested using ethanol loss-of-righting-reflex (LORR) and 2-bottle choice ethanol consumption assays. Results—We found that in flies, reduced dLmo activity increased sensitivity to ethanol-induced sedation, whereas increased expression of dLmo led to increased resistance to ethanol-induced sedation. In mice, reduced levels of Lmo3 were correlated with increased sedation time in the LORR test and decreased ethanol consumption in the 2-bottle choice protocol. Conclusions—These data describe a novel and conserved role for Lmo genes in flies and mice in behavioral responses to ethanol. These studies also demonstrate the feasibility of rapidly translating findings from invertebrate systems to mammalian models of alcohol abuse by combining RNA interference in transgenic mice and behavioral testing.
Home range and homing experiments with the St. Kilda field-mouse

After twenty-seven years of human absence on Hirta, the St. Kilda field-mouse population in the Village Glen was numorically unaffected over two years, by a large-scale military task-force operation. The movements of field-mice were experimentally examined. The trap revealed home range of a breeding male was about three-quarters of an acre. Mice transported distances of up to 1,600 feet were able to return to the trap-site in probably less than three hours. Fewer were able to do this over 2,800 feet. Mice were able to move up-and downhill with equal facility. More mice were caught in the hour during and after dusk, than during the remainder of the night. A detailed summary is given.
Servo Signal Quality for Perpendicular Recording in Servo Write Process

In servo-writing with perpendicular recording, we have clarified that quality deterioration of the servo signal occurs in specific magnetized media. The key point is that the flux flows through the writer to the reader. For this study, we specifically investigated servo-write quality and servo performance and found that the erasing conditions strongly affected the servo-write quality, especially in the reading process.
The jovian rings: new results derived from Cassini, Galileo, Voyager, and Earth-based observations

Cassini’s Imaging Science Subsystem (ISS) instrument took nearly 1200 images of the Jupiter ring system during the spacecraft’s 6-month encounter with Jupiter (Porco et al., 2003, Science 299, 1541–1547). These observations constitute the most complete data set of the ring taken by a single instrument, both in phase angle (0.5 ◦ –120 ◦ at seven angles) and wavelength (0.45–0.93 µm through eight filters). The main ring was detected in all targeted exposures; the halo and gossamer rings were too faint to be detected above the planet’s stray light. The optical depth and radial profile of the main ring are consistent with previous observations. No broad asymmetries within the ring were seen; we did identify possible hints of 1000 km-scale azimuthal clumps within the ring. Cassini observations taken within 0.02 ◦ of the ring plane place an upper limit on the ring’s full thickness of 80 km at a phase angle of 64 ◦ . We have combined the Cassini ISS and VIMS (Visible and Infrared Mapping Spectrometer) observations with those from Voyager, HST (Hubble Space Telescope), Keck, Galileo, Palomar, and IRTF (Infrared Telescope Facility). We have fit the entire suite of data using a photometric mode l that includes microscopic silicate dust grains as well as larger, long-lived ‘parent bodies’ that engender this dust. Our best-fit model to all the data indicates an optical depth of small particles of τs = 4.7 × 10 −6 and large bodies τl = 1.3 × 10 −6 . The dust’s cross-sectional area peaks near 15 µm. The data are fit significantly better using non-spherical rather than spherical dust grains. The parent bodies themselves must be very red from 0.4–2.5 µm, and may have absorption features near 0.8 and 2.2 µm.  2004 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Does creatine supplementation increase the risk of rhabdomyolysis

The case report by Robinson 1 in this issue of The Journal represents the most serious published re­ port to date of an adverse effect in a person taking oral creatine supplements. In light of its severity, it is prudent to speculate on the likelihood that this man's creatine consumption contributed to his rhabdomyolysis. Rhabdomyolysis results from a breakdown of the muscle cell wall, which leads to cell necrosis. It is thought to be the result of a plasma membrane defect or a disturbance in the sodium-potassium pump that allows an influx of calcium into the cell, which triggers a cascade of events leading to cell necrosis. 2 Robinson speculates that intracellular water retention led to increased skeletal muscle compartment pressures, which placed the patient at risk for cellular wall breakdown. Such a hypothesis is simplistic yet worthy of consideration. It is accepted that oral creatine sup­ plementation results in a rapid weight gain, easily noted within 24 hours. 3 ,4 Clearly, 24 hours is not enough to induce skeletal muscle hypertrophy; the gain is the result of intracellular and extracellular fluid retention. Although no studies have evaluated creatine supplementation and its effect on muscle compartment pressures, anecdotal evidence of ath­ letes feeling "tight" or "cramped" abounds. Muscle cramping remains one of the most common side effects reported by those taking creatine. 5 ,6 Risk factors for rhabdomyolysis include dehy­ dration, alcoholism, illicit drug use, trauma, stren­ uous exercise, hypophosphatemia, and a hyperos­ molal state. 2 ,7,8 Robinson's patient had exercised the day before Robinson saw him, though his fluid and electrolyte status were not known. It has been hypothesized that creatine supplementation in­ creases the risk of dehydration from intravascular volume depletion. Even creatine manufacturers
The contemporary and historical budget of atmospheric CO211This article is part of a Special Issue that honours the work of Dr. Donald M. Hunten FRSC who passed away in December 2010 after a very illustrious career.

Observations of CO2 and O2 are interpreted to develop an understanding of the changes in the abundance of atmospheric CO2 that have arisen over the period 1995–2007. Fossil fuels accounted for an a...
Quality of Financial Reporting Choice: Determinants and Economic Consequences

I investigate the determinants and economic consequences associated with firms' financial reporting choices. Recognizing the endogeneity associated with these choices, I find evidence of a positive association between investors' demands for firm-specific information and financial reporting quality. I also find that higher proprietary costs are associated with a lower quality of financial information. As for the economic consequences, the evidence suggests that firms with high quality financial reporting policies have reduced information asymmetries. However, after accounting for the endogeneity associated with the reporting quality choice, I find no significant evidence that firms choosing to provide financial information of higher quality enjoy a lower cost of equity capital. These results demonstrate the importance of explicitly modeling the endogeneity of financial reporting choices in investigating the associated economic consequences.
Response of a Marine Sediment Microbial Community Exposed to 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic Acid

Acclimation of a marine sediment microbial community to the herbicide 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) was examined by comparing its ability to metabolize 2,4-D before and after exposure to the herbicide. The experimental treatments (control: 2-week exposure, seawater only; test: 2-week exposure, seawater plus 100 ppm 2,4-D) took place under simulated in situ conditions, in an incubation chamber, which maintained the physical and chemical gradient structure of the sediment community. The surface of the sediment was exposed to recirculating seawater on a tidal cycle. 2,4-D (100 ppm) was added to the seawater so that its availability to the sediment microbes mimicked the natural situation. Before and after treatment, bacterial abundance, productivity, and transformation of 2,4-D were determined. After 2 weeks, bacterial populations were similar in the 2,4-D treatment and the initial sediment sample, but higher in the seawater-only treatment. Bacterial productivity was higher in both 2-week treatments, compared to productivity measured before treatment, but rates were the same in 2,4-D and seawater treatments. In contrast, 2,4-D transformation rates increased 28% in the 2-week 100-ppm 2,4-D treatment, compared to the average of the seawater control and the initial sample. This increased transformation rate indicates that the sediment community acclimated to the selective pressure of 2,4-D treatment by increasing its ability to utilize this compound as a substrate.
Gender and the Internet: Women Communicating and Men Searching

This research examined gender differences in Internet use and factors responsible for these differences. A sample of 630 Anglo American undergraduates completed the Student Computer and Internet Survey that contained questions about e-mail and Web use, and about potential affective and cognitive mediators of use. Based on a general model of Internet use, we predicted and found that females used e-mail more than did males, males used the Web more than did females, and females reported more computer anxiety, less computer self-efficacy, and less favorable and less stereotypic computer attitudes. Path analysis to identify mediators of gender differences in Internet use revealed that computer self-efficacy, loneliness, and depression accounted in part for gender differences, but that gender continued to have a direct effect on use after these factors were considered. Implications for realizing the democratizing potential and benefits of Internet use are discussed.
Stability Analysis of the NASA ARES I Crew Launch Vehicle Control System

The NASA Crew Launch Vehicle is a two-stage orbital launch vehicle designed to meet NASA’s current as well as future needs for human space flight. In order to free the designers to explore more possibilities during the design phase, a need exists for the ability to quickly perform stability analysis on both the baseline vehicle as well as the vehicle after proposed changes due to mission planning, vehicle configuration and avionics changes, proposed new guidance and control algorithms, and any other contingencies the designers may wish to consider. Further, after the vehicle is designed and built, the need will remain for such analysis in the event of future mission planning. An easily reconfigurable, modular, nonlinear six-degree-of-freedom simulation matching NASA Marshall’s in-house highfidelity simulator is created with the ability to quickly enable stability analysis of the Crew Launch Vehicle throughout the entire launch profile. Stability analysis results are presented and discussed.
Harnessing apoptosis to kill breast cancer cells.

Abstract #ES-2 Most of the therapies that are used to treat breast cancer induce programmed cell death via the intrinsic apoptosis pathway. The key step in commiting to cell death via this pathway is permeabilization of the mitochondrion with subsequent release of proapoptotic factors. Control over permeabilization is mainly exerted by the BCL-2 family of proteins which consists of both pro- and anti- apoptotic proteins. However, it is generally poorly understood how the targeting of intracellular niches by both conventional and targeted therapies ultimately signals to the BCL-2 family. I will discuss how conventional chemotherapy as well as more modern targeted therapies enlist pro-apoptotic BCL-2 family proteins to induce apoptosis. Furthermore, I will discuss the potential role of novel drugs that specifically target the apoptotic pathway in the treatment of breast cancer. Citation Information: Cancer Res 2009;69(2 Suppl):Abstract nr ES-2.
Thermal system field performance predictions from laboratory and field measurements

Laboratory measurements on thermal imaging systems are critical to understanding their performance in a field environment. However, it is rarely a straightforward process to directly inject thermal measurements into thermal performance modeling software to acquire meaningful results. Some of the sources of discrepancies between laboratory and field measurements are sensor gain and level, dynamic range, sensor display and display brightness, and the environment where the sensor is operating. If measurements for the aforementioned parameters could be performed, a more accurate description of sensor performance in a particular environment is possible. This research will also include the procedure for turning both laboratory and field measurements into a system model.
Inoculation of Voles, Chinese Hamsters, Gerbils and Guinea-pigs with Scrapie Brain Material

Summary The susceptibility to scrapie of certain laboratory animal species was examined. A comparatively high level of susceptibility was shown in the vole in which the disease was characterised by its relatively short incubation period, sudden onset of marked clinical signs and short duration of illness. The Chinese hamster was also susceptible, the period of incubation resembling that in the mouse and being shorter than that in the golden hamster. Gerbils also constituted a potential laboratory model albeit with a longer incubation period. Both the vole and Chinese hamster have potential value for studies on scrapie, particularly in view of their comparatively short incubation periods; use of these new laboratory models may be of interest to those concerned with ultra-structural, tissue culture, cytogenetic and other aspects of scrapie. Furthermore, those concerned with research on degenerative diseases of the central nervous system of man may find these species of interest. The possible relationship between scrapie incubation periods in different species, and the size of the host species, their life spans and metabolic rates are discussed. Clinical scrapie was not observed in guinea-pigs during one year after inoculation with scrapie brain material.
Power, territory, and interstate conflict:

This paper examines how territorial claims between states condition the effect of power on interstate conflict. I argue that when the weaker state in a dyad controls a piece of contested territory,...
Force and torque on spherical particles in micro-channel flows using computational fluid dynamics

To delineate the influence of hemodynamic force on cell adhesion processes, model in vitro fluidic assays that mimic physiological conditions are commonly employed. Herein, we offer a framework for solution of the three-dimensional Navier–Stokes equations using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to estimate the forces resulting from fluid flow near a plane acting on a sphere that is either stationary or in free flow, and we compare these results to a widely used theoretical model that assumes Stokes flow with a constant shear rate. We find that while the full three-dimensional solutions using a parabolic velocity profile in CFD simulations yield similar translational velocities to those predicted by the theoretical method, the CFD approach results in approximately 50% larger rotational velocities over the wall shear stress range of 0.1–5.0 dynes cm−2. This leads to an approximately 25% difference in force and torque calculations between the two methods. When compared with experimental measurements of translational and rotational velocities of microspheres or cells perfused in microfluidic channels, the CFD simulations yield significantly less error. We propose that CFD modelling can provide better estimations of hemodynamic force levels acting on perfused microspheres and cells in flow fields through microfluidic devices used for cell adhesion dynamics analysis.
Receptor-Mediated Carcinogenesis

A variety of xenobiotics such as dioxin, peroxisome proliferators, hormones, and phorbol esters result in tumors without directly damaging DNA. Instead, these compounds are classified as tumor promoters and their mode of action includes affecting cellular proliferation, apoptosis, or differentiation. The manner in which the aforementioned chemicals affect cellular fate is by altering gene expression initiated by interacting with soluble, intracellular receptors. The targets of receptor-mediated carcinogens include nuclear hormone receptors, the aryl hydrocarbon receptor, protein kinase C, and protein phosphatase 2A. In this chapter, the structure, function, and regulation of these proteins, as well as the downstream events that result from tumor promoters interacting with their cognate receptor, are described.
Culturing: Looking it up in our gut

A new, publicly available, collection of cultured bacterial species from the mouse gut, the Mouse Intestinal Bacterial Collection, opens up opportunities for deepening microbiome research. Cultured isolates allow the functions of specific species and controlled consortia to be determined through in vitro experimentation.
Virus Variation and the Epidemiology and Control of Rhinoviruses

As a background to this chapter it seems important to give first a brief outline of current concepts of the basic structure, biology, and replication of rhinoviruses since these have been changing fast recently. How these affect the epidemiology and the possibility of control by drugs or vaccines will then be discussed. The aim will be to show how changes in the nucleotide sequences of the genetic material are reflected in the behavior of the virus at the biologic level, as it interacts with the host and environment, produces disease, and provides an immune response. We have not reached that point yet, but there is interesting and encouraging progress to report.
Factors Associated With Survival Following Radium-223 Treatment for Metastatic Castration-resistant Prostate Cancer

Abstract Background Radium-223 ( 223 Ra) improves survival in patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). This retrospective analysis was performed to better understand its efficacy in routine clinical practice and identify factors associated with survival. Materials and Methods Sixty-four patients with mCRPC who received 223 Ra between 2013 and 2015 were the basis of this retrospective study. Clinical outcomes and patient characteristics were obtained. Potential prognostic factors for survival were evaluated by univariate analysis using the log-rank test and multivariate analysis using the Cox proportional hazard method. Results The median survival was 12.9 months. Twenty-one patients (33%) developed a skeletal event, and the median time to the first skeletal event was 4.4 months. In univariate analysis, factors significantly associated with survival included: no prior chemotherapy, ≤ 5 bone metastases, baseline prostate-specific antigen (PSA) ≤ 36 ng/mL, baseline alkaline phosphatase (ALP) 12 g/dL, ALP response after 223 Ra treatment, PSA decrease during 223 Ra treatment, and absence of > 25% PSA increase during 223 Ra treatment. In multivariate analysis, 4 factors remained significant: no prior chemotherapy, ≤ 5 bone metastases, baseline ALP 223 Ra treatment. Conclusion When 223 Ra is administered in routine clinical practice, clinical outcomes can be more variable than those reported in the randomized study owing to patient heterogeneity. Four factors were identified to be significantly associated with survival after 223 Ra treatment. These pretreatment factors may be used as stratification factors in future studies to investigate whether 223 Ra would be more effective for patients with newly diagnosed metastatic disease that is sensitive to androgen deprivation therapy.
Wnt signaling, a novel pathway regulating blood pressure? State of the art review

Abstract Recent antihypertensive trials show conflicting results on blood pressure (BP) targets in patient populations with different metabolic profiles, with lowest benefit from tight BP control observed in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. This paradox could arise from the heterogeneity of study populations and underscores the importance of precision medicine initiatives towards understanding and treating hypertension. Wnt signaling pathways and genetic variations in its signaling peptides have been recently associated with metabolic syndrome, hypertension and diabetes, generating a breakthrough for advancement of precision medicine in the field of hypertension. We performed a review of PubMed for publications addressing the contributions of Wnt to BP regulation and hypertension. In addition, we performed a manual search of the reference lists for relevant articles, and included unpublished observations from our laboratory. There is emerging evidence for Wnt's role in BP regulation and its involvement in the pathogenesis of hypertension. Wnt signaling has pleiotropic effects on distinct pathways that involve vascular smooth muscle plasticity, and cardiac, renal, and neural physiology. Hypertension is a heterogeneous disease with unique molecular pathways regulating its response to therapy. Recognition of these pathways is a prerequisite to identify novel targets for drug development and personalizing medicine. A review of Wnt signaling reveals its emerging role in BP regulation and as a target for novel drug development that has the potential to transform the therapy of hypertension in specific populations.
State Requirements for School Personnel Suicide Prevention Training: Where Do We Go From Here?

Suicide is a leading cause of death among youth and emerging adults in the USA. Because youth suicide imposes serious burdens and has profound implications, federal priorities include suicide prevention training among school personnel, in part, because school personnel can assume an important role in suicide prevention given their work with youth. Many states now have policies for school personnel suicide prevention training, in response to federal priorities encouraging the establishment of suicide prevention training requirements among school personnel. However, because federal priorities do not specifically define these training requirements, there is considerable variation in state-level policy and practice. Consequently, state-level youth suicide rates are examined in relation to variable state policies, to explore how suicide rates may differ as a function of variable policies, in order to determine if particular policies or practices are correlated with greater harm or benefit to youth. Statistical analyses suggest that state-level policies are not strongly correlated with rates of youth suicide, indicating that current policies have not had significant impact on youth suicide. Alternatively, statistical analyses suggest that rates of youth suicide are correlated with youth population percentages per state and rural areas. Five important policy and training considerations are discussed relating to training duration, training frequency, training content, application of skills, and inclusion of technology. These five policy and training considerations outline specific issues that should be considered when developing state requirements for suicide prevention training among school personnel, including the creation of precise definitions and rigorous standards, review of the evidence base around training approaches, and the creation of standards around evaluation of training programs. Further exploring these five particular policy and training considerations will increasingly unite federal priorities and state-specific youth suicide prevention efforts, which may more effectively moderate rates of youth suicide.
Narrowband communication with free-running 2.4GHz ring oscillators

Ring oscillators have area and power advantages over LC tanks, but conventional wisdom is that rings must be locked to a high-Q external reference to be useful in RF communications. In this paper we explore performance of a 2.4GHz receiver incorporating only a free-running ring as a local oscillator. Using a simple technique to compensate for frequency error, we find that a minimum-size ring fabricated in 65nm CMOS and consuming only 105μW is able to demodulate 75% of received 802.15.4 packets and, if the FSK tone deviation is doubled from 802.15.4 spec, packet receive rate exceeds 99.8%.
Single-Couple and Group Sex Therapy: A Comparison:

Treatment of a sexually dysfunctional couple has usually been done on a single-couple basis. Three couples who suffered from common dysfunctions were selected to join a group led by a male and a fe...
Basic Wave Analysis of Acoustic Emission

Acoustic emission or stress wave emission is the phenomenon of transient elastic wave generation due to a rapid release of strain energy caused by a structural alteration in a solid material. Generally these structural alterations are a result of either internally or externally applied mechanical or thermal stress. Depending on the source mechanism, acoustic emission signals may occur with frequencies ranging from several hertz up to tens of megahertz. Often the observed acoustic emission signals are classified as one of two types: burst and continuous. As shown in Fig. 1, the burst type emission resembles a damped oscillation, while the continuous type emission appears to consist of an overlapping sequence of individual bursts. The importance of acoustic emission monitoring lies in the fact that proper detection and analysis of acoustic emission signals can permit remote identification of source mechanisms and the associated structural alteration of solid materials. This information in turn can augment understanding of material behavior, can be used as a quality control method during materials processing and fabrication, and as a nondestructive evaluation technique for assessing the structural integrity of materials under service conditions.
Role of Guanine Nucleotide Regulatory Proteins and Inositol Phosphates in the Hormone Induced Mobilization of Hepatocyte Calcium

Many hormones and neurotransmitters exert their effects in the liver by increasing the concentration of free ionized Ca2+ in the cytoplasm.1,2,3 Examples of such agonists are norepinephrine and epinephrine acting via α1-adrenergic receptors, vasopressin acting on V1 receptors, ATP and ADP acting on P2 purinergic receptors and angiotensin II. Each agonist, after binding to its specific cell surface receptor, provokes the hydrolysis of PI 4,5-P2 by a phospholipase C activity to give rise to DAG and Ins 1,4,5-P3.4,5 The DAG functions to activate protein kinase C while Ins 1,4,5-P3 mobilizes Ca2+ from elements of the endoplasmic reticulum.4,5 Recent studies have implicated the involvement of a guanine nucleotide binding protein which couples the various hormone receptors to the PI 4,5-p2 specific phospholipase C6. The existence of a novel inositol phosphate ester, Ins 1,3,4,5-P4, has also been described.7 The purpose of this article is to present our data on these two aspects of hormone action in the liver.
Investigating the effectiveness of retailers’ mobile applications in determining customer satisfaction and repatronage intentions? A congruency perspective

Abstract With the increasing use of handheld digital devices for shopping, retailers are trying to effectively implement mobile applications. Drawing from extant literature on customer value, this research explores the factors that drive customer satisfaction with retailers’ mobile applications (mobile apps) and the subsequent effect on repatronage intentions with the retailer. Data were collected from customers who use retailer mobile apps, and PLS-SEM was used for analysis. We find that the fit between retailer brand image and the mobile application positively affects customer satisfaction with the retailer mobile app. In addition, functional value and hedonic value of retailers’ mobile applications positively influence customer satisfaction with the retailer mobile app. Finally, satisfaction with the retailer mobile app partially mediates the relationships between congruency, functional, hedonic and social values and repatronage intentions towards the retailer. Theoretically, this paper provides a better understanding of how the retail app-brand fit plays a vital role in determining satisfaction and repatronage intentions in an increasingly competitive retail app environment. From a managerial perspective, current paper emphasizes the importance of functional and hedonic values in providing the same experience at each retail touch point for companies that decide to go with omnichannel retailing.
A Model for Using DataCite DOIs in Observatory Bibliographies

The use of DOI persistent identifiers has become an attractive mechanism for citing datasets in articles. However, taking the users’ interests into account requires careful consideration of the way in which we apply these identifiers.Our objective is the application of DOIs in such a way that individual datasets are properly cited while presenting the citations to the reader in a user-friendly manner.This is achieved by making judicious use of the metadata structure provided by DataCite.
Chapter 13 – Applications of Thermodynamics to Phase Equilibria Studies of Pure Substances

This chapter uses thermodynamic relationships to describe phase equilibria of pure substances. To differentiate among the varieties of phase equilibria that occur, a classification of phase transitions is proposed, which is based upon the behavior of the chemical potential of the system as it passes through the phase transition. In a first order transition, two phases co-exist at the transition temperature. From the Gibbs phase rule, if thermodynamic equilibrium is maintained, these phases can only co-exist at a single temperature (for a fixed pressure). At that temperature there are two values for the entropy, enthalpy, and volume. Properties associated with continuous or critical phase transitions behave similarly as one approaches the critical point. In addition, the exponents measured for a given property, such as heat capacity or the order parameter, are found to be the same within experimental error in a wide variety of substances. Certain experimental techniques, including neutron and optical scattering, show that properties, like the order parameter, fluctuate significantly about the average in a bulk sample as one approaches the critical temperature. Continuous phase transitions can result from many different types of effects, but they all have many common characteristics. Modern theories of phase transitions have shown that the classification scheme fails at orders higher than one.
Improving the Capacity of Terrestrial and Submarine Systems via Channel Power Optimization

We review techniques for channel power optimization in terrestrial and submarine systems. In terrestrial systems, including mesh networks and point-to-point links, we can formulate the maximization of capacity as a convex optimization problem. We model Kerr nonlinearities using a discretized version of the Gaussian noise model. In ultra-long submarine links, capacity is limited also by the electrical power available to the undersea amplifiers. Recent works have focused on maximizing capacity by optimizing the number of spatial dimensions. We show, however, that by also optimizing channel power and data allocation over wavelength to take account of amplifier physics, the capacity per fiber may be further doubled with respect to recently published results.
Mechanisms of fear learning and extinction: synaptic plasticity-fear memory connection.

The ability to memorize threat-associated cues and subsequently react to them, exhibiting escape or avoidance responses, is an essential, often life-saving behavioral mechanism that can be experimentally studied using the fear (threat) conditioning training paradigm. Presently, there is substantial evidence supporting the Synaptic Plasticity–Memory (SPM) hypothesis in relation to the mechanisms underlying the acquisition, retention, and extinction of conditioned fear memory. The purpose of this review article is to summarize findings supporting the SPM hypothesis in the context of conditioned fear control, applying the set of criteria and tests which were proposed as necessary to causally link lasting changes in synaptic transmission in corresponding neural circuits to fear memory acquisition and extinction with an emphasis on their pharmacological diversity. The mechanisms of synaptic plasticity in fear circuits exhibit complex pharmacological profiles and satisfy all four SPM criteria—detectability, anterograde alteration, retrograde alteration, and mimicry. The reviewed findings, accumulated over the last two decades, provide support for both necessity and sufficiency of synaptic plasticity in fear circuits for fear memory acquisition and retention, and, in part, for fear extinction, with the latter requiring additional experimental work.
Does What Goes Around Always Come Around

In the ongoing search for drugs to treat disease, the emphasis is on new. Occasionally, an old abandoned drug will make a comeback and be reintroduced into clinical practice. Infectious disease specialists encounter this more often than practitioners in other disciplines, and there is literature on
Numerical Modeling of Surfactant Effects in Interfacial Fluid Dynamics

Surfactants are substances that preferentially accumulate at interfaces between two fluids, altering the local surface tension. An imposed flow can produce a non-uniform distribution of surfactant. In regions of high surfactant concentration the surface tension is low, so the interface offers less resistance to deformation and can become highly curved, allowing very small droplets or bubbles to pinch off. A numerical method to simulate interfacial surfactant mechanics within a volume of fluid method has been developed. To conserve surfactant, the surfactant mass and the interfacial surface area are tracked as the interface evolves, and then the surfactant concentration is reconstructed. The algorithm is coupled to an incompressible flow solver that uses a continuum method to incorporate both the normal and tangential components of the surface tension force into the momentum equation.
Teen with Neurofibromatosis Type 1 Presents with Large Scrotal Mass and Large Tumor Burden

Case Report: An 11-year-old male with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF-1) and severe kyphoscoliosis presented to our pediatric emergency department for evaluation of a large scrotal mass that was growing and causing discomfort. Upon further questioning, it was revealed that he had presented to an outside hospital for the same complaint four years prior, and had been lost to follow-up with pediatric urology. Examination was significant for a mildly dysmorphic face with widely spaced eyes and frontal bossing, multiple cafe-au-lait spots, axillary freckling, cutaneous neurofibromas and severe thoracic kyphoscoliosis. Genitourinary exam revealed …