cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Succinic acid dehydrogenase activity in the gill epithelium of euryhaline fishes

Abstract 1. 1. Mitochondria were isolated from the gill filaments of chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytsha), starry flounder (Pleuronectes stellatus), and staghorn sculpin (Leptocottus ormatus) by differential centrifugation. 2. 2. The succinate-cytochromc c-reductase activity from resuspended mitochondria was assayed. Vmaxfor salt-water-adapted fish was found to be 3·5 for chinook salmon, 5·1 for starry flounder and 8·0 for staghorn sculpin. In contrast, Vmax, for freshwater-adapted fish was 4·8 for chinook salmon and 4·1 for starry flounder. No values were obtained for staghorn sculpin. 3. 3. Quantitation of the mitochondria-rich cell population found in the gill filament was attempted. No significant differences could be found for chinook salmon which were either in steady-state conditions or undergoing transitory exposures.
Porting Applications to Grids and Clouds

A Grid enables remote, secure access to a set of distributed, networked computing and data resources. Clouds are a natural next step of Grids towards the provisioning of computing as a service. To “Grid-enable” applications, users have to cope with: complexity of grid architectures; different compute and data nodes; wide spectrum of grid middleware tools and services; the e-science application architectures, algorithms and programs. Therefore, the aim of this chapter is to guide users through the important stages of implementing applications on Grid and Cloud infrastructures, together with a discussion of important challenges and their potential solutions. As a case study, we present the DEISA Distributed European Infrastructure for Supercomputing Applications and describe the DEISA Extreme Computing Initiative DECI for porting and running scientific grand challenge applications on the DEIS� Grid. This chapter concludes with an outlook on Compute Clouds, and the top ten rules of building a sustainable Grid.
Simultaneous heterojunction organic solar cells with broad spectral sensitivity

We demonstrate organic solar cells incorporating two simultaneously active donor-acceptor heterojunctions contained within a single film with sensitivity extending across the visible solar spectrum into the near infrared (NIR). The NIR absorbing material, tin(II)-phthalocyanine (SnPc), is grown into nanocrystalline islands using organic vapor phase deposition. Using an optimized copper phthalocyanine (CuPc)∕SnPc∕C60 nanocrystalline network, we obtain a power conversion efficiency of (2.9±0.2)% under 100mW∕cm2, AM1.5G illumination. We find that the open circuit voltage of the simultaneous heterojunction is determined by the lowest voltage of the separate donor-acceptor constituent junctions.
Sequential testing effects and the relationship between recognition and recognition failure.

Tulving and Wiseman (1975) reported that there was a systematic relationship between the proportion of words recognized and the proportion of recallable words recognized. This relationship indicates a moderate positive covariation between recognition and recall across subject items, when each subject is given both types of test, recognition followed by recall. In this paper it is shown that the theoretical enterprise of trying to account for this relationship is fruitless unless the data are corrected for sequential testing effects. Evidence on the existence of these effects is reviewed, and then it is shown how they introduce a measure of dependency between recognition and recall. When the data are corrected, the theories proposed by Begg (1979) and Flexser and Tulving (1978) are shown to be poorly supported. The utility of the general enterprise of determining the relationship between recognition and recall by these means is also questioned.
Multi-start Method with Prior Learning for Image Registration

We propose an efficient image registration strategy that is based on learned prior distributions of transformation parameters. These priors are used to constrain a finite- time multi-start optimization method. Motivation for this approach comes from the fact that standard affine brain image registration methods, especially those based on gradient descent optimization alone, are affected by the initial search position. While global optimization methods can resolve this problem, they are are often very time consuming. Our goal is to build an explicit prior model of the gap between a typical registration solution and the solution gained by a global optimization method. We use this learned prior model to restrict randomized search in the relevant parameter space surrounding the initial solution. Global optimization in this restricted parameter space provides, in finite time, results that are superior to both gradient descent and the general multi-start strategy. The performance of our method is illustrated on a data set of 67 elderly and neurodegenerative brains. Our novel learning strategy and the associated registration method are shown to outperform other approaches. Theoretical, synthetic and real-world examples illustrate this improvement.
Symmetric functions and exact Lyapunov exponents

Abstract Newton's method applied to the elementary symmetric functions of polynomials generates a class of dynamical systems. These systems have invariant lines on which the Lyapunov exponents can be found analytically, thus predicting the exact parameter values for which these structures are chaotic attractors (in the sense of Milnor) and precisely when bifurcations, such as blowout, destroy their stability. Often, blowout bifurcations lead to a behavior called on-off intermittency. We also present evidence that the bursting mechanism of on-off intermittency frequently occurs in neighborhoods focal points, a common feature of maps that have singularities. Finally, because of an embedding property, this new class of examples can be extended to construct systems having this bifurcation in higher dimensions.
Pseudogene of dihydrolipoyl succinyltransferase (E2k) found by PCR amplification and direct sequencing of rodent-human cell hybrid DNAs.

Previous studies have indicated that the cDNA for the E2k component of the human α-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase complex (KGDHC) hybridized not only to a major locus on chromosome 14q24.3 in a region associated with familial Alzheimer's disease and with Joseph-Machado disease, but also to another locus on chromosome 1p31. We now report that PCR of genomic DNA and direct sequencing indicated that the chromosome 1 locus is an intronless pseudogene. PCR of genomic DNA amplified E2k fragments from mouse-human cell hybrids containing human chromosome 1 DNA but not from hybrids containing human chromosome 14 DNA. The resulting amplicons were of comparable sizes to those when the cDNA was used as template. The direct sequencing of these amplicons confirmed the lack of introns and indicated a frame shift, which led to the presence of four termination codons early in the coding region. PCR followed by direct sequencing of the amplicons appears to be a convenient method for identifying intronless pseudogenes.
Corporate governance in mutual insurance companies

Abstract The key corporate governance issues facing mutual insurance company managements are examined. Results of a comprehensive survey of the state of corporate governance in mutual property-liability insurance companies are presented. Recommendations for changes in governance practices by mutual companies are presented and their implications are discussed.
Effects of light on the accumulation of abscisic acid and expression of an early cysteine-labeled metallothionein gene in microspores of Triticum aestivum during induced embryogenic development

A cloned cDNA to the wheat (Triticum aestivum) early cysteine-labeled metallothionein has many characteristics of a molecular marker for pollen embryogenesis in this plant. This transcript was not detected in uninucleate microspores at the time of culture or in pollen at any stage during normal ontogeny; its mRNA did begin to increase in embryogenic microspores within 6 h of culture, peaked at around 24 h, declined, then leveled off through the 21-day-old embryoid stage. Additionally, the accumulation of the embryoid-abundant EcMt gene transcript showed a direct and positive correlation with an increase of ABA in embryogenic microspores and developing pollen embryoids. Irradiating cultures with high intensity white light or with far-red, or blue light, suppressed EcMt transcript accumulation and the ability of microspores to form embryoids; however, light did not affect ABA concentrations during the early stages of culture. These results suggest that although a promoter of pollen embryogenesis in bread wheat, ABA alone cannot maintain the sporophytic differentiation of microspores subjected to inhibitory regimes of light in vitro. Whether or not light acts directly or indirectly in suppressing EcMt gene expression and pollen embryogenesis remains unknown.
Clinical application of molecular profiling in breast cancer

Breast cancer is the leading type of cancer and second leading cause of cancer death in women. Breast cancer mortality has declined over the past 10 years largely due to early detection by mammographic screening, but also in part due to the increasing use of adjuvant hormonal therapy and chemotherapy. Indications for adjuvant chemotherapy have now expanded to include women who are at low risk of recurrence, resulting in overtreatment of most women to benefit a few, particularly those with favorable clinical features. New techniques have been evaluated that identify specific molecular signatures that may more accurately predict prognosis than clinical features, and that may also identify individuals who are more likely to benefit from endocrine therapy and/or chemotherapy. This review will focus on the clinical applications of these novel techniques reported to date, and how this may lead to the incorporation of molecular diagnostics into clinical practice. Two prospective, multicenter, multinational Phase III trials evaluating tumor genomic profiling in breast cancer are currently in development, and will be initiated within the forthcoming year. The completion of these important studies will represent the first step toward integrating molecular profiling into treatment selection for adjuvant therapy in breast cancer.
Thermo-responsive hydrogel-coated gold nanoshells

This manuscript describes the structural and optical properties of a new hybrid nanoparticle comprised of a gold shell/silica core structure (~120 nm in diameter) coated with an implantable hydrogel polymer overlayer (~20 nm in thickness). These nanoparticles are being developed as thermally modulated drug-delivery vehicles that respond to ambient changes in temperature. A unique feature of these materials is that the thermally sensitive hydrogel coatings can be modulated by exposure to light via excitation of the strong plasmon resonance of the gold shell/silica core particles. The gold nanoshell particles were tailored to absorb near-infrared light, which can pass readily through tissue and bone. The thermo-responsive hydrogel coating was prepared via radical polymerization of a selected mixture of N-isoproprylacrylamide and acrylic acid. The structure and morphology of the composite nanoparticles were examined by FE-SEM and TEM. UV-vis spectroscopy was used to characterize their optical properties, and DLS was used to determine their average hydrodynamic diameter as a function of temperature. As a whole, the results conclusively demonstrate that these composite nanoparticles can be reproducibly prepared, and their responses to changes in temperature are completely consistent with their use as nanoscale drug-delivery vehicles.
Religion or Opposition? Urban Protest Movements in Egypt

Recent years have witnessed a resurgence throughout the Muslim world of movements calling for radical social reforms and for changes in the form of government. These movements are characterised by a strong religious component. Their calls for reform are couched in the Muslim idiom — that is, in demands for social justice (adala) and the satisfaction of man's basic necessities, and are accompanied by demands for a return to an Islamic form of government, one that is ruled by the sharia. The supporters of such movements frequently are dressed differentlyfrom the rest of their compatriots, an outward manifestation of their allegiance to a Muslim-guided and a Muslim-oriented goal. It has become customary in the West to refer to such movements as Muslim fundamentalists, but the Arab world refers to them more correctly as Muslim organizations, or jamaat islamivya. This nomenclature covers a multitude of organizations with different principles and slogans, but all have one common denominator — their reformist appeals derive from religious belief and are asserted to be founded in Muslim principles.
Analysing mutation schemes for real-parameter genetic algorithms

Mutation is an important operator in genetic algorithms GAs, as it ensures maintenance of diversity in evolving populations of GAs. Real-parameter GAs RGAs handle real-valued variables directly without going to a binary string representation of variables. Although RGAs were first suggested in early '90s, the mutation operator is still implemented variable-wise - in a manner that is independent to each variable. In this paper, we investigate the effect of five different mutation schemes for RGAs using two different mutation operators - polynomial and Gaussian mutation operators. Based on extensive simulation studies, it is observed that a mutation clock implementation is computationally quick and also efficient in finding a solution close to the optimum on four different problems used in this study for both mutation operators. Moreover, parametric studies with their associated parameters reveal suitable working ranges of the parameters. Interestingly, both mutation operators with their respective optimal parameter settings are found to possess a similar inherent probability of offspring creation, a matter that is believed to be the reason for their superior working. This study signifies that the long suggested mutation clock operator should be considered as a valuable mutation operator for RGAs.
Template capacity of chromatin from normal and neoplastic tissues

Abstract The capacities of purified chromatin preparations from neoplastic and adjacent normal tissues to serve as a template for RNA synthesis were compared in vitro. In the malignant neoplasms studied, the template capacity of tumor chromatin per microgram of DNA was less than that of chromatin from normal tissue. Total chromatin obtained from tumor tissue (on the basis of DNA content) was 1.4 to 4 times that from normal tissue. It is concluded that chromatin from these neoplasms is not extensively “de-repressed” and on the basis of DNA content is actually repressed as template for RNA synthesis.
Prolonged Oxaliplatin Exposure Alters Intracellular Calcium Signaling: A New Mechanism to Explain Oxaliplatin-Associated Peripheral Neuropathy

Abstract Background Oxaliplatin is a platinum-based cytotoxic agent commonly used to treat colorectal cancers. Despite its effectiveness, oxaliplatin administration is associated with the development of cold-induced peripheral neuropathy. This potentially permanent side effect is provoked by cold exposure and can range from mild and self limited to severe and debilitating. Even with tumor shrinkage, these painful side effects can force dose reduction or discontinuation of treatment. Neither the mechanism of action of oxaliplatin nor that of cold-induced neuropathy is understood. Paclitaxel, an entirely different chemotherapeutic agent used to treat a variety of malignancies, also is associated with the development of peripheral neuropathy. Unlike oxaliplatin, neurotoxicity arising from paclitaxel treatment was previously found to have profound effects on intracellular calcium signaling. Methods and Results In this study we examined the effects of oxaliplatin on calcium signaling pathways and found that acute exposure of either a neuroblastoma cell line or primary neurons with therapeutic concentrations of oxaliplatin had no effect on intracellular calcium signaling. We also found that cellular temperature sensors (transient receptor potential [TRP] channels) were also not activated by oxaliplatin. Interestingly, prolonged exposure of oxaliplatin sensitized cells to subsequent stimuli and enhanced the magnitude of intracellular calcium responses. Conclusions Taken together, our results suggest that acute oxaliplatin exposure will not induce abnormal calcium signaling but oxaliplatin-primed cells do exhibit enhanced sensitivity. These findings provide new insight to the mechanism behind oxaliplatin-induced neuropathy.
Establishment, maintenance, and remodeling of curvature in biology

A new hypothesis is presented, which explains how exponential tissue concentration gradients of biphasic morphogens that inhibit and stimulate basic growth rates of cells at high and low concentration respectively, determine curvatures of folds and invaginations, tubular, dome-shaped, lenticular, and spherical biological structures. For example, TGF-β induces endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells to form tubular, vessel-like structures in vitro and blood vessels in vivo. The morphogen modulates cell growth rates via inhibitory and stimulatory receptor pathways respectively, forming a concave curvature as seen from the source concentration end of a radial, vessel-wall diffusion/perfusion driven exponential morphogen concentration gradient. From the source, inhibition declines along the radial gradient, switching to increasing stimulation beyond a neutral point, at which growth inhibition equals growth stimulation. The source concentration, shape of the gradient, and nature of the inhibitory and stimulatory pathways determine mural curvature, independent of mural-cell basic growth rate.
Transistor design and thermal stability

A model has been developed for the computation of forward second breakdown due to lateral thermal instability in power transistors. The method of analysis is to derive the steady-state current density and temperature distribution of a given transistor design under specified operating conditions, and then to calculate the response of the device to a temperature impulse suddenly applied internally. The current flow calculations have been carried out by using a distributed transistor model, and for the time-dependent heat flow problem the finite difference approach was used. The effect of device design parameters such as chip thickness, base width, emitter width, base impurity concentration, etc., on the thermal stability has been calculated. Also, the effect on transistor stability of the current and voltage operating point, as well as the heat sink temperature, has been analyzed. Information on the stability of a power transistor under pulsed condition is derived by calculating the time constant for thermal runaway. The results of this analysis indicate that the delay time is of the order of 1 ms.
The role of thoracoscopic staging of esophageal cancer patients

Introduction: This study was designed to compare thoracoscopy/1aparoscopy (TS/LS) staging with non-invasive clinical staging by CT and EUS for patients with esophageal carcinoma. Methods and results: CT and EUS followed by TS/LS were used to stage 88 patients with EGD proven esophageal carcinoma. Thoracoscopic staging was done in 82 patients and found N1 in 11 patients. Fifty-four patients had laparoscopy which detected N1 in 21 patients. Thirty-four cases had chemoradiation followed by surgery. Esophagectomy was performed in 47 patients after thoracoscopic staging and 33 with laparoscopic staging. Of these 47 resected patients, thoracoscopic staging showed N0 in 42 patients and N1 in five patients with an accuracy of 93.6%. Laparoscopic staging detected normal celiac lymph nodes in 20 patients and diseased LN in 11 patients with an accuracy of 93.9%. Comparing with final resection pathology, the sensitivity, specificity and positive predictive value of staging for N1 disease in the chest was 62.5, 100.0 and 100.0% by TS; 75.0, 75.6, and 23.1% by CT and 0.0, 51.4 and 5.5% by EUS, respectively. For N1 disease in the abdomen it was 84.6, 100.0 and 100.0% by Ls; 0.0, 97.1 and 0.0% by CT and 22.2, 81.5 and 28.6% by EUS, respectively. Conclusion: TS/LS staging of esophageal cancer patients with or without preoperative chemoradiation has a higher specificity and accuracy than CT and EUS, especially for N1 disease in the chest. It also allows individualization of preoperative radiotherapy fields. q 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
The role of the spinodal region in one-dimensional martensitic phase transitions

Abstract A common approach in modeling martensitic phase transitions in the framework of continuum mechanics involves a nonconvex energy. This paper analyzes the influence of the spinodal region, or the region where the energy density is concave, on the resulting equilibria. We compare a one-dimensional model with a degenerate spinodal region to models with a finite spinodal region. In all models we consider an elastic bar with a nonconvex energy placed on a rigid elastic foundation, to mimic elastic interactions between different phases in higher dimensions. Interfacial energy is modeled by a strain-gradient term. We find that when the spinodal region is small, global minima are not affected, and the minimum energy as a function of the overall strain exhibits nonsmooth oscillations associated with sudden finite phase nucleation. However, a sufficiently wide spinodal region results in the partial smoothening of the global minimum energy and infinitesimal phase nucleation in the interior of the bar. This involves gradual growth of a pretransitional nucleus with strain in the spinodal region. We show a hysteresis path using an energetic strategy of switching between branches of local minima.
Computer-Controlled Automation of Radioimmunoassay Based on Gel Entrapment of Antibody

We describe a new, broadly applicable approach to radioimmunoassay. Solid-phase binding reagent is prepared by entrapping antibody in polyacrylamide gel. This gel is then fragmented, sieved, and dehydrated in 95% ethanol. Upon evaporation of the ethanol, the dry antibody—gel particles are dispensed into miniature disposable plastic columns. A unidirectional flowing stream configuration is used to construct a standard curve for the polypeptide hormone, angiotensin I, used here to exemplify the technique. Good reproducibility of this standard curve is demonstrated. The analytical system includes a computer-controlled sample turntable, digital pipet, and liquid-switching assembly.
Addressing unmet need for long-acting family planning in Ethiopia: Uptake of single-rod progestogen contraceptive implants (Implanon) and characteristics of users☆

article i nfo Objective: To describe women who accept single-rod progestogen contraceptive implants (Implanon; N.V. Organon, Oss, Netherlands) from community health workers in Ethiopia and to assess whether community- based provision addresses unmet need for contraception. Methods: Women who accepted Implanon during training events in 4 regions were asked about their characteristics and use of family planning. They were com- pared with implant users nationally and women with unmet need in the Ethiopia Demographic and Health Survey (DHS). Differences between groups were tested using 2-sample comparisons of proportions and means. Results: On average, Implanon acceptors were younger and had more years of education and fewer chil- dren than implant users nationally. Almost one-quarter (22.9%) of all participants had never used contraception before; this was slightly higher among women who chose Implanon (23.1% vs 16.4%; P = 0.04). Acceptors were also less likely than non-acceptors to be using contraception (70.8% vs 77.3%; P b 0.05) but all women interviewed were more likely to be using contraception than the rural population. Women who accepted Implanon were younger but more educated than women with unmet need for contraception in the 2005 DHS. Conclusion: Provision of Implanon at the community level through community health workers is effective in reaching women with the greatest need for contraception. © 2013 Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd. on behalf of International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics.
Sufficient Progesterone-Priming Prior to Estradiol Stimulation Is Required for Optimal Induction of the Cervical Prostaglandin System in Pregnant Sheep at 0.7 Gestations

Abstract The purposes of this study were to determine the separate and interactive functions of progesterone and estradiol in regulating the cervical prostaglandin (PG) system in pregnant sheep at 0.7 gestations. At 106–108 days of gestational age (dGA), ewes were treated with vehicle for 14 days (n = 5) or vehicle for 12 days followed by estradiol 5 mg twice a day, intramuscularly for 2 days (n = 5) or progesterone 100 mg, twice a day, intramuscularly for 14 days (n = 5) or progesterone 100 mg twice a day, intramuscularly for 10 days and then 2 days vehicle followed by estradiol 5 mg twice a day intramuscularly for 2 days (n = 5). At 121–123 dGA, cervical tissues were obtained under halothane anesthesia. Cervical RNA and protein were extracted and analyzed for prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 (COX2), two PGE2 receptors, PTGER2 and PTGER4, and estrogen receptor alpha (ESR1) by Northern and Western blot analysis. Immunocytochemistry and in situ hybridization were applied to localize cellular distribut...
Pulmonary disorders and exercise.

The respiratory system rarely limits exercise in the normal subject; however, in patients with chronic pulmonary processes or in the elite athlete, the respiratory system may indeed be the limiting factor. Common respiratory disorders include chest pain syndromes, cough, exercise-induced asthma, and vocal cord dysfunction. Chronic lung diseases such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and interstitial lung disease impact exercise capacity and endurance. Exercise testing can be useful to distinguish acute and chronic pulmonary causes of dyspnea during exercise as well as to differentiate between cardiac and pulmonary causes.
Optimized stratified sampling for approximate query processing

The ability to approximately answer aggregation queries accurately and efficiently is of great benefit for decision support and data mining tools. In contrast to previous sampling-based studies, we treat the problem as an optimization problem where, given a workload of queries, we select a stratified random sample of the original data such that the error in answering the workload queries using the sample is minimized. A key novelty of our approach is that we can tailor the choice of samples to be robust, even for workloads that are “similar” but not necessarily identical to the given workload. Finally, our techniques recognize the importance of taking into account the variance in the data distribution in a principled manner. We show how our solution can be implemented on a database system, and present results of extensive experiments on Microsoft SQL Server that demonstrate the superior quality of our method compared to previous work.
Electrophysiological evidence for notation independence in numerical processing

A dominant view in numerical cognition is that numerical comparisons operate on a notation independent representation (Dehaene, 1992). Although previous human neurophysiological studies using scalp-recorded event-related potentials (ERPs) on the numerical distance effect have been interpreted as supporting this idea, differences in the electrophysiological correlates of the numerical distance effect in symbolic notations (e.g. Arabic numerals) and non-symbolic notations (e.g. a set of visually presented dots of a certain number) are not entirely consistent with this view. Two experiments were conducted to resolve these discrepancies. In Experiment 1, participants performed a symbolic and a non-symbolic numerical comparison task ("smaller or larger than 5?") with numerical values 1–4 and 6–9 while ERPs were recorded. Consistent with a previous report (Temple & Posner, 1998), in the symbolic condition the amplitude of the P2p ERP component (210–250 ms post-stimulus) was larger for values near to the standard than for values far from the standard whereas this pattern was reversed in the non-symbolic condition. However, closer analysis indicated that the reversal in polarity was likely due to the presence of a confounding stimulus effect on the early sensory ERP components for small versus larger numerical values in the non-symbolic condition. In Experiment 2 exclusively large numerosities (8–30) were used, thereby rendering sensory differences negligible, and with this control in place the numerical distance effect in the non-symbolic condition mirrored the symbolic condition of Experiment 1. Collectively, the results support the claim of an abstract semantic processing stage for numerical comparisons that is independent of input notation.
S-(−)-5-Heptyl-2-Pyrrolidinone. Chiral Bicyclic Lactams as Templates for Pyrrolidines and Pyrrolidinones

S-(−)-5-heptyl-2-pyrrolidinone. Chiral bicyclic lactams as templates for pyrrolidines and pyrrolidinones intermediate: (+)-3-Phenyl-5-oxo-7a-heptyl-2,3,5,6,7,7a-hexahydropyrrolo[2,1-b]oxazole reactant: 8.56 g of (S)-(+)-2-Phenylglycinol (62.4 mmol) product: S-(−)-5-Heptyl-2-pyrrolidinone intermediate: 12.4 g of (+)-N-[2-(1-hydroxy-2-phenethyl)]-5-heptyl-2-pyrrolidinone (40.8 mmol) Keywords: annulation, heterocyclic-[M,N]; cleavage, miscellaneous; cyclization, condensation; deprotection, nitrogen; oxidation, miscellaneous; reduction, miscellaneous; reduction, miscellaneous; replacement reactions, miscellaneous; ring opening reactions; stereoselective reactions, diastereoselective; stereoselective reactions, diastereoselective; stereoselective reactions, enantioselective; dichloromethane (methylene chloride); ammonia; phenethyl alcohol, inhibitor of RNA and DNA synthesis; titanium tetrachloride
Molecular analysis of formaldehyde-induced mutations in human lymphoblasts and E. coli.

The molecular nature of formaldehyde (HCHO)-induced mutations was studied in both human lymphoblasts and E. coli. Thirty HPRT/sup -/ human lymphoblast colonies induced by eight repetitive 150 ..mu..M HCHO treatments were characterized by Southern blot analysis. Fourteen of these mutants (47%) had visible deletions of some or all of the X-linked HPRT bands, indicating that HCHO can induce large losses of DNA in human lymphoblasts. In E. coli., DNA alterations induced by HCHO were characterized with use of the xanthine guanine phosphoribosyl transferase (gpt) gene as the genetic target. Exposure of E. coli to 4 mM HCHO for 1 hr induced large insertions (41%), large deletions (18%), and point mutations (41%). Dideoxy DNA sequencing revealed that most of the point mutations were transversions at GC base pairs. In contrast, exposure of E. coli to 40 mM HCHO for 1 hr produced 92% point mutations, 62% of which were transitions at a single AT base pair in the gene. Therefore, HCHO is capable of producing different genetic alterations in E. coli at different concentrations, suggesting fundamental differences in the mutagenic mechanisms operating at the two concentrations used. Naked pSV2gpt plasmid DNA was exposed to 3.3 or 10 mM HCHO and transformedmore » into E. coli. Most of the resulting mutations were frameshifts, again suggesting a different mutagenic mechanism.« less
External validation of the San Francisco Syncope Rule.

Study objective We externally validate the ability of the San Francisco Syncope Rule to accurately identify syncope patients who will experience a 7-day serious clinical event. Methods Patients who presented to a single academic emergency department (ED) between 8 am and 10 pm with syncope or near-syncope were prospectively enrolled. Treating physicians recorded the presence or absence of all San Francisco Syncope Rule risk factors. Patients were contacted by telephone at 14 days for a structured interview. A 3-physician panel, blinded to the San Francisco Syncope Rule score, reviewed ED medical records, hospital records, and telephone interview forms to identify predefined serious clinical events. The primary outcome was the ability of the San Francisco Syncope Rule to predict any 7-day serious clinical event. A secondary outcome was the ability of the San Francisco Syncope Rule to predict 7-day serious clinical events that were not identified during the initial ED evaluation. Results Of 592 eligible patients, 477 (81%) provided informed consent. Direct telephone contact or admission/outpatient records were successfully obtained for 463 (97%) patients. There were 56 (12%) patients who had a serious 7-day clinical event, including 16 (3%) who received a diagnosis after the initial ED evaluation. Sensitivity and specificity of the San Francisco Syncope Rule for the primary outcome were 89% (95% confidence interval [CI] 81% to 97%) and 42% (95% CI 37% to 48%), respectively, and 69% (95% CI 46% to 92%) and 42% (95% CI 37% to 48%), respectively, for the secondary outcome. Estimates of sensitivity were minimally affected by missing data and most optimistic assumptions for missing follow-up information. Conclusion In this external validation cohort, the San Francisco Syncope Rule had a lower sensitivity and specificity than in previous reports.
Areas Of Cross-Cultural Difference In The Workplace

In the last 30 years, there has been a shift towards using multicultural management strategies. The constant shifts taking place in multi-ethnic, multicultural, and multinational workforces indicate that both administrators of these organizations and higher education practices must evolve to adapt to needs for changing skill sets. A multicultural workforce offers advantages in that businesses may reach out effectively to various stakeholders. Leaders do well to cultivate an organizational culture that incorporates flexibility, understanding, and acceptance of alternate values, especially when working in foreign locations or multi-national organizations. Understanding of differences in cultural values and customs may reduce conflict and increase collaboration. To meet these challenges, leaders must be trained and educated to develop flexibility, understanding, and acceptance of alternate values when working in foreign locations or multi-national organizations. This article points out important areas of difference for organizations to address.
Habitone analysis of quaking aspen in the Utah Book Cliffs: Effects of site water demand and conifer cover

Abstract Quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides Michx.) is the most widely distributed tree species in North America, but its presence is declining across much of the Western United States. Aspen decline is complex, but results largely from two factors widely divergent in temporal scale: (1) Holocene climatic drying of the region has led to water limitation of aspen seedling recruitment, and (2) anthropogenic fire suppression during the 20th century has allowed shading of aspen clones by fire-intolerant conifers. These processes interact variously and often diffusely, but traditional, binary habitat mapping approaches can only resolve their net effect after complete loss of aspen patches. To provide information for preemptive land management in the Book Cliffs – a biogeographic link between the Utah and Colorado Rocky Mountains and a location experiencing aspen decline typical of the region – we developed a regression-based generalization of niche/habitat analyses that is usable in GIS, is capable of detecting anomalies in cover before complete patch conversion, and can be incorporated smoothly into the decision-making process. We estimated the realized Hutchinsonian niche of quaking aspen to potential evapotranspiration (PET) by nonparametric, likelihood-based regression techniques, projected (continuous) values of aspen's niche expectation and uncertainty geographically, and correlated differences between observed and expected aspen cover to remotely sensed conifer cover. Results confirm the strong constraint of site water demand on aspen cover and suggest that conifer cover decreases aspen cover beneath its expectation given the PET environment. Compared to sites without quaking aspen, our aspen sites have lower PET in every month of the growing season, but the difference increases over the growing season as drought effects become more extreme. Superimposed on this broader environmental constraint, conifer cover displaces aspen cover and shows a positive correlation with model deviance (r = 0.344). Ultimately, the thematic information conserved by our approach allowed us to resolve detailed rasters of management potential and map a modest potential increase of aspen cover – 14.63 ha (0.14%) of the study area, or +2.46% of current aspen cover – within one management cycle.
A Review of: “State Postsecondary Education Research: New Methods to Inform Policy and Practice Kathleen M. Shaw and Donald E. Heller (Eds.)”

State Postsecondary Education Research: New Methods to Inform Policy and Practice, edited by Kathleen Shaw and Donald Heller, is a comprehensive collection of six chapters written by several pionee...
Targeted Imaging of the Atypical Chemokine Receptor 3 (ACKR3/CXCR7) in Human Cancer Xenografts

The atypical chemokine receptor ACKR3 (formerly CXCR7), overexpressed in various cancers compared with normal tissues, plays a pivotal role in adhesion, angiogenesis, tumorigenesis, metastasis, and tumor cell survival. ACKR3 modulates the tumor microenvironment and regulates tumor growth. The therapeutic potential of ACKR3 has also been demonstrated in various murine models of human cancer. Literature findings underscore the importance of ACKR3 in disease progression and suggest it as an important diagnostic marker for noninvasive imaging of ACKR3-overexpressing malignancies. There are currently no reports on direct receptor-specific detection of ACKR3 expression. Here we report the evaluation of a radiolabeled ACKR3-targeted monoclonal antibody (ACKR3-mAb) for the noninvasive in vivo nuclear imaging of ACKR3 expression in human breast, lung, and esophageal squamous cell carcinoma cancer xenografts. Methods: ACKR3 expression data were extracted from Cancer Cell Line Encyclopedia, The Cancer Genome Atlas, and the Clinical Lung Cancer Genome Project. 89Zr-ACKR3-mAb was evaluated in vitro and subsequently in vivo by PET and ex vivo biodistribution studies in mice xenografted with breast (MDA-MB-231-ACKR3 [231-ACKR3], MDA-MB-231 [231], MCF7), lung (HCC95), or esophageal (KYSE520) cancer cells. In addition, ACKR3-mAb was radiolabeled with 125I and evaluated by SPECT imaging and ex vivo biodistribution studies. Results: ACKR3 transcript levels were highest in lung squamous cell carcinoma among the 21 cancer type data extracted from The Cancer Genome Atlas. Also, Clinical Lung Cancer Genome Project data showed that lung squamous cell carcinoma had the highest CXCR7 transcript levels compared with other lung cancer subtypes. The 89Zr-ACKR3-mAb was produced in 80% ± 5% radiochemical yields with greater than 98% radiochemical purity. In vitro cell uptake of 89Zr-ACKR3-mAb correlated with gradient levels of cell surface ACKR3 expression observed by flow cytometry. In vivo PET imaging and ex vivo biodistribution studies in mice with breast, lung, and esophageal cancer xenografts consistently showed enhanced 89Zr-ACKR3-mAb uptake in high-ACKR3-expressing tumors. SPECT imaging of 125I-ACKR3-mAb showed the versatility of ACKR3-mAb for in vivo monitoring of ACKR3 expression. Conclusion: Data from this study suggest ACKR3 to be a viable diagnostic marker and demonstrate the utility of radiolabeled ACKR3-mAb for in vivo visualization of ACKR3-overexpressing malignancies.
Direct synthesis of Z -alkenyl halides through catalytic cross-metathesis

Olefin metathesis has had a large impact on modern organic chemistry, but important shortcomings remain: for example, the lack of efficient processes that can be used to generate acyclic alkenyl halides. Halo-substituted ruthenium carbene complexes decompose rapidly or deliver low activity and/or minimal stereoselectivity, and our understanding of the corresponding high-oxidation-state systems is limited. Here we show that previously unknown halo-substituted molybdenum alkylidene species are exceptionally reactive and are able to participate in high-yielding olefin metathesis reactions that afford acyclic 1,2-disubstituted Z-alkenyl halides. Transformations are promoted by small amounts of a catalyst that is generated in situ and used with unpurified, commercially available and easy-to-handle liquid 1,2-dihaloethene reagents, and proceed to high conversion at ambient temperature within four hours. We obtain many alkenyl chlorides, bromides and fluorides in up to 91 per cent yield and complete Z selectivity. This method can be used to synthesize biologically active compounds readily and to perform site- and stereoselective fluorination of complex organic molecules.
AIRS II Flight Determination of Turboprop Transport Aeroplane Lift, Drag and Propulsive Efficiency Effects in Freezing Drizzle Icing

During the course of the inflight phase of the Second Alliance Icing Research Study (AIRS II), ‘pitch-up’ and ‘power-step’ manoeuvres were conducted for the characterisation of the effects of icing upon lift, profile drag, ∆CDo, induced drag parameter (for combined viscid and inviscid effects), and propulsive efficiency of the NRC Convair 580 research aeroplane. Preliminary analyses of the manoeuvre combination have been conducted. Results are represented for two cases of icing accretion in conditions of freezing drizzle, -22°C and -13°C air temperature, both midaltitude. In the case of the -22°C encounter, installed propulsive efficiency was reduced approximately 5%, liftcurve slope was reduced 13%, CDo was increased 18-37% (two pitch-up manoeuvres) and the rate of change of CD with CL 2 (∂CD/∂CL 2 ) increased 44-66%. For the -13°C encounter, the initial freezing drizzle lateral extent was approximately 20 nautical miles air distance, and was encountered with airframe ice protection OFF, engine/propellor ice protection functioning normally. Propulsive efficiency reduced markedly (approximately 14%), lift-curve slope was reduced 8%, CDo was increased 15% and ∂CD/∂CL 2 was increased 67%. With airframe ice protection subsequently selected ON, and a further 42 minutes flight within smaller scale areas of freezing drizzle, the propulsive efficiency recovered, CDo increased 44% overall; ∂CD/∂CL 2 recovered and reduced to about 14% below the non-iced value. The large rise and fall in ∂CD/∂CL 2 was likely associated with localised deleterious leading edge flow separation on the one hand and possibly favourable boundary layer turbulation by rivulet icing accretion on the other.
Design Space Exploration for Quantifying and Improving the Reliability of System Models

A major challenge in system design, especially for multidisciplinary systems, is to predict the e ects of design decisions at the point these decisions are being made. This challenge is aggravated because decisions at the beginning of system design, when the least is known about the new system, have the greatest impact on the system. Predicting system behavior using compositional system models created from discipline-speci c models enables design decisions to be validated throughout system design. Compositional system models, however, add many additional failure modes, which decreases their reliability as compared to stand-alone system models. In addition, these compositional system models change frequently as component and system designs are re ned, increasing the likelihood of system model failure. To be relied upon for design validation, compositional system models must reliably compute results even through design changes. This paper 1) formulates system model reliability for compositional system models, 2) develops a design space exploration algorithm to quantify the reliability of system models and identi es their primary failure modes, and 3) illustrates this algorithm using a solar-powered unmanned aerial vehicle model.
Intentional Infliction by Internet: The Case for a Criminal Law Theory of Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress

Words hurt! Recent news stories about cyber bulling make clear that a word can cause as much pain as a punch. Unfortunately, the law redresses those who suffer injury from harmful speech through a series of seemingly innocuous remedies, including financial remuneration or retribution through minimal criminal penalties. The law stops, however, at imposing the same type of criminal punishment on those who intend to cause emotional harm through words, as it does those who intend to cause physical harm. In other words, legislatures and courts have been unwilling to elevate an actor’s intentional use of harmful words to the same jurisprudential echelon as the intentional use of physical force. Consider the recent case of Lori Drew. Ms. Drew a 49-year-old woman was charged in the first federal cyber bullying case for using a fake “my space” account to torment a 13-year-old girl. The girl committed suicide in response to the hoax. A federal jury found Ms. Drew guilty of three counts of gaining unauthorized access to a web site - misdemeanors that carry minimum punishment. The “slap on the wrist” conviction was the only remedy available under the current law. Society could best condone the conduct of cyberbullies like Ms. Drew if jurisdictions were to include intentional infliction of emotional distress (IIED) in their bundle of criminalized intentional torts. A criminal statute for IIED would not only allow retributive measures, but would serve to deter others from committing similar crimes. This article will explore the appropriateness of criminalizing IIED. Part I will discuss the history and purposes of assessing civil and criminal remedies for the intentional actions of assault, battery, and false imprisonment as well as evaluating the elements of criminalized intentional torts. Part II will explore the limits of IIED and will evaluate whether those causing IIED impart the same type of harm that society punishes through these other intentional criminalized torts. Part III will evaluate whether it is appropriate to criminalize IIED. The article will ultimately conclude that given recent neuroscientific findings, criminalizing IIED makes sense.
Alcohol use and latent profiles of intimate partner violence

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a widespread social problem that is associated with alcohol misuse. Victim-survivors (n = 1,045) were interviewed after police-involved IPV incidents. Latent profile analysis resulted in 2 classes of IPV perpetrators. The severe IPV class was characterized by more frequent and severe physical violence, stalking and harassment, risk of future homicide, and increased psychological consequences of IPV for the victim-survivor. Logistic regression found that the frequency of perpetrator alcohol misuse was associated with membership in the severe IPV class. Social workers must intervene effectively when cooccurring alcohol misuse and IPV perpetration are present.
Morphology of PAFCC Prepared by Coal Gangue Leaching Method

The morphological structure and characterization of the polymeric aluminum ferric chloride calcium(PAFCC) flocculant were studied using TEM,EDS,IR spectroscope and X-ray diffraction analysis techniques.The morphology,feature groups and microcrystalline phase structure of noncalcined synthetic products and calcined synthetic PAFCC products were compared.The results showed that the calcined products are silicic acid(aluminum) substance with high activity and the noncalcined synthetic products are compound mainly contained sodium,aluminium,iron,calcium,chlorine and other elements with short columnar crystal morphology.PAFCC has hollow tube of columnar crystals morphology and it is an inorganic polymer which has chloride,aluminum ferric polyhydroxy.The calcination process enhanced coal gangue activity and played an important role in the synthesis process of PAFCC.Using kaolin wastewater,the coagulation effect of PAFCC is superior to that of noncalcined synthetic products and PAC.