cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Metastatic rectal carcinoid on In-111 octreotide SPECT-CT imaging.

A 65-year-old asymptomatic male who tested positive for fecal occult blood was found to have a rectal mass on colonoscopy. Staging workup included a CT scan of the abdomen which showed a neoplasm in the liver, with neuroendocrine features on fine needle aspiration. Planar 24 hours whole body In-111 octreotide scan showed a small focus of mildly increased activity in the lateral left lower chest, a very large focus of intense uptake in the liver, and 4 distinct foci of mild to moderately increased uptake in the lower abdomen and pelvis. SPECT-CT images localized these abnormalities to: focal uptake in the rectal wall thickening, 2 presacral lymph nodes, the liver mass, and multiple bone metastases (left ilium, L5 pedicle, and the left 6th rib). This rare case highlights the importance of SPECT-CT in staging carcinoid tumors with In-111 octreotide imaging.
The association of thymidine kinase activity and thymidine transport in Escherichia coli.

Abstract We have constructed a series of mutants within the putative nucleoside-binding site of the herpes simplex type-1 virus (HSV-1) thymidine kinase (TK)-encoding gene ( tk ), contained within an expression vector. While most mutations within this sequence produce an inactive protein, we find no absolute requirement for the wild-type He 166 and Ala 167 . The uptake of thymidine (dT) into Escherichia coli tdk − , lacking functional endogenous TK activity, is proportional to the amount of TK activity expressed from the heterologous HSV-1 tk gene. In contrast, there is no enhancement in deoxycytidine uptake into E. coli producing (HSV-1) TK. These results imply a specific role for TK in the active transport of dT into E. coli .
CCK-JMV-180: a peptide that distinguishes high-affinity cholecystokinin receptors from low-affinity cholecystokinin receptors.

When pancreatic acini are incubated with increasing concentrations of cholecystokinin octapeptide (CCK-8) the dose-response curve for stimulation of enzyme secretion increases, reaches a maximum and then decreases. The upstroke of the dose-response curve reflects occupation of high-affinity, stimulatory CCK receptors (Kd 69 pM), whereas the downstroke of the dose-response curve reflects occupation of low-affinity inhibitory CCK receptors (Kd 10 nM). In the present study, we used dispersed acini from rat pancreas to examine the effects of CCK-JMV-180, an analogue of the C-terminal heptapeptide of CCK (CCK-7) having the structure BOC-Tyr(SO3) Ahx-Gly-Trp-Ahx-Asp2 phenylethyl ester. CCK-JMV-180 inhibited binding of 125I-labelled CCK-8 to pancreatic acini. Computer analysis of the dose-inhibition curve indicated that CCK-JMV-180 interacted with both classes of CCK receptor and had a Kd of 2.2 nM for high-affinity CCK receptors and a Kd of 19 nM for low-affinity CCK receptors. Occupation of high-affinity CCK receptors by CCK-JMV-180 caused a 14-fold increase in amylase secretion, the same increase caused by occupation of these high-affinity receptors by CCK-7 or CCK-8. Occupation of low-affinity CCK receptors by CCK-JMV-180 did not alter amylase secretion, in contrast to occupation of these low-affinity receptors by CCK-7 or CCK-8, each of which caused inhibition of amylase secretion. Furthermore, occupation of the low-affinity CCK receptors by CCK-JMV-180 reversed the inhibition of amylase secretion caused by a supramaximal concentration of CCK-8. The present results indicate that CCK-JMV-180 interacts with high-affinity CCK receptors and with low-affinity CCK receptors, and has a functionally distinct action at each class of receptor: CCK-JMV-180 is an agonist at the high-affinity receptors and a competitive antagonist at low-affinity receptors.
Synthesis and Properties of Macrocyclic Vinylaromatic Polymers Containing a Single 1,4‐Benzylidene or 9,10‐Anthracenylidene Group

The synthesis is reported of well-defined and narrow molecular weight distribution macrocyclic poly(2-vinylnaphthalene) (P2VN) and poly(9,9-dimethyl-2-vinylfluorene) (PDMVF) containing a single 1,4-benzylidene or 9,10-anthracenylidene unit. The synthesis involves the potassium naphthalide (K-Naph) initiated polymerization of 2VN or DMVF in THF at -78 °C followed by end-to-end coupling of the resulting P2VN dianions under high dilution conditions (10 -6 -10 -4 M) with 1,4-bis(bromomethyl)benzene (DBX) or 9,10-bis(chloromethyl)anthracene (BCMA). The molecular characterization was carried out by size exclusion chromatography (SEC), NMR and MALDI-TOF.
Evidence from the northern Red Sea on the transition from continental to oceanic rifting

Abstract The northern Red Sea is an active rift in the last stages of continental rifting which is beginning to undergo the transition to oceanic seafloor spreading. The rift can be divided into two distinct regions. The “marginal areas” consist of a series of bathymetric terraces, and as indicated by geophysical data, are underlain by a series of rotated fault blocks. The “axial depression”, which forms the axis of deep water, is a continuous region 10 to 25 km wide near the center of the sea which is characterized by high heat flow, a large gravity minimum and very deformed sediments. Both regions are divided along strike into segments roughly 60 km long by cross-trending transfer zones. The presently active tectonics are characterized by the concentration of extension and deformation in the axial depression and by the emplacement of a number of large intrusions. The intrusions occur at distinct sites located at the intersection of transfer zones with the faults bounding the rotated blocks in the marginal areas, and at deeps located in the axial depression halfway between transfer zones. Although extension is becoming concentrated in the axial depression, geophysical data imply that at least the upper few kilometers of the crust in that region consists of non-magnetic “continental type” material and that this ca'apace has been ruptured by large intrusions only at the deeps. A wide range of crustal seismic velocities has been observed in the northern Red Sea, including velocities normally associated with oceanic crust. The velocity variations appear spatially related to corresponding large variations in basement rock type observed on shore in the Eastern Desert of Egypt. The northern Red Sea is in an intermediate stage between a continental rift valley and a young ocean basin and delineation of its structure and tectonics allows a model to be developed for the evolution of a rifted continental margin. Rifting starts in a series of linked half grabens 50–60 km long and formed over detachment surfaces which probably penetrate no deeper than the mid or lower crust. This style of rifting can accommodate at least the amcunt of extension represented by the Gulf of Suez (35 km). At some greater amount of extension, the rift acquires a more symmetric shape, probably through the development of antithetically faulted blocks in the hanging wall. Extension in this stage is still distributed throughout the rift and is accommodated in the upper crust by rotation of fault blocks. At the stage represented by the northern Red Sea, extension becomes concentrated in an axial depression and begins to be partially accommodated by large intrusions which form deeps. The position of the deeps is controlled by the transfer zones established in the earliest stages of rifting. With further extension, the deeps serve as nucleation points that develop into small, discrete cells of seafloor spreading. These cells grow and coalesce to form a continuous mid-ocean ridge spreading center such as is found in the southern Red Sea.
Plasma phencyclidine pharmacokinetics in dog and monkey using a gas chromatography selected ion monitoring assay

Phencyclidine was determined by gas chromatography selected ion monitoring in six dogs and seven monkeys. Aliquots of venous blood were taken over 4 h in the monkey after 1.1 mg kg−1 and over 24 h in the dog after 1.0 mg kg−1 of phencyclidine i.v. Pentadeuterated phencyclidine was used as the internal standard. In the electron impact mode the most abundant fragments in the mass spectrum of phencyclidine were m/e 91 and 200, and 96 and 205 in the [2H5]phencyclidine spectrum. These fragments were used to quantitate the amount of phencyclidine present. In both species, a complex exponential decline of plasma phencyclidine was found in most animals that fit a two compartment open model. In monkey, the mean half-life (β phase) was 2.36 h and in the dog it was 2.86 h. Compared with the monkey, the dog exhibited considerable emergence delirium. The two species had rather different pharmacokinetics which may be relevant to the observed differences in degree of anesthesia and recovery.
RNA-Protein complexes responsible for replication and transcription of the double-stranded RNA bacteriophage φ6

Abstract RNA-protein complexes active for transcription and replication of the double-stranded RNA bacteriophage φ6 have been partially purified from lysates of infected Pseudomonas phaseolicola. Transcribing particles (filled procapsids) contain the three viral dsRNAs and all four procapsid proteins P1, P2, P4, and P7. Particles with replicase activity contain the same four proteins as well as single plus RNA strands duplexed with various extents of minus strands initiated in vivo. The in vitro replication reaction is insensitive to RNaseA. Sarkosyl destroys transcription complexes but does not reduce the activity of replication complexes, although the latter lose 80% of their P4 and the single-strand RNA template becomes sensitive to RNase. The detection of complexes that replicate small only, or both small and medium, RNA suggests that the RNAs are packaged sequentially in the order small, medium, large.
Formation of Methylaminocarbyne from Methyl Isocyanide on the Pt(111) Surface

Reflection absorption infrared spectroscopy and temperature-programmed desorption were used to investigate the adsorption of methyl isocyanide (CNCH3) on the Pt(111) surface and its reaction to form methylaminocarbyne (CNHCH3). In agreement with previous studies, methyl isocyanide is found to adsorb at on-top sites at low coverages and at both on-top and 2-fold bridge sites at higher coverages. Hydrogen reacts with the N-atom of methyl isocyanide adsorbed at on-top sites to form methylaminocarbyne, whereas at higher coverages where bridge-site occupation occurs the reaction is suppressed. The formation of an NH bond is indicated by the appearance of a sharp peak at 3405 cm-1 upon annealing a low coverage of methyl isocyanide to temperatures of 200 to 280 K. The formation of the NH bond is accompanied by loss of the intense isocyanide stretch at 2235 cm-1 and its replacement by a new set of peaks in the 1200−1500 cm-1 region that are readily assigned to the modes of methylaminocarbyne. Spectral assignments...
Theoretical framework for the continuous early validation (CEaVa) method

Systems being developed today make extensive and complex use of advanced technology. Many, if not most, of these systems are being produced but are not used or useful on delivery because the wrong problem was solved. A major cause for this shortfall in system development is due to changes in the operational environment of the intended system while the development process is ongoing. Significant sections of the literature discuss the need to get stakeholders involved earlier in the development process to correct this problem. However, no one has developed a detailed framework that accomplishes this intent. This paper defines a method involving a four-step sequence that validates the entire system design process early and continuously to ensure that the right problem is being solved. The method is called Continuous Early Validation (CEaVa). It is a method that increases the likelihood of producing the correct system. The method develops visibility of potential disconnects among stakeholders' needs, original written requirements, organizational policy, and derived requirements. The CEaVa method validates the external and internal consistency of the problem statement. Additionally, CEaVa facilitates consensus on trade offs and priorities, resolving the potential disconnects with decision analytical reasoning for trade-off analysis. The CEaVa method improves the development process and ultimately the system itself by increasing the likelihood of building the right system within budget and schedule.
Direct observation of laser filamentation in high-order harmonic generation

We investigate the spatial evolution of a laser pulse used to generate high-order harmonics (orders ranging from 45 to 91) in a semi-infinite helium-filled gas cell. The 5 mJ, 30 fs laser pulses experience elongated focusing with two distinct waists when focused with f/125 optics in 80 Torr of helium. Extended phase matching for the generation of harmonics occurs in the region between the double foci of the laser, where the laser beam changes from diverging to converging.
Externalist Self-Knowledge and the Scope of the A Priori

Recently, Michael McKinsey (1991) and Jessica Brown (1995) have developed a challenge to externalist views of content, an argument that externalism entails a priori access to external facts of a kind that is obviously unavailable. Because their objection does not rely on disputed claims about a subject's capacity to compare the content of her present mental state with contents of remote ones (claims which are disputed in Falvey and Owens (1994) and Ludlow (1995), for example), this is, I think, the most powerful challenge that externalism has as yet sustained. But externalists can rest easy. Contrary to Brown's and McKinsey's assumptions, a subject's access to the external facts that externalism connects with content is no less a priori than her access to the content of her own thoughts. McKinsey first laid out the general pattern of the challenge, arguing that externalism would combine with a priori knowledge of the content of one's mental states to generate a priori knowledge of external facts which 'you obviously can't know a priori' (1991: 16). In calling knowledge 'a priori', McKinsey stipulates, he means 'obtained independently of empirical investigation' (1991: 9). The pattern needs to be filled in with a description of an external fact which could fairly be characterized as a condition which externalism imposes on possession of a content and which could plausibly be said obviously to be discernible only on the basis of empirical investigation.1 This specification is Brown's achievement. In her version, the 'general and acute problem for any form of anti-individualism' (1995: 156) is created by the conflict between three propositions about Putnam's Earthling, Oscar.
Vasospasm following subarachnoid hemorrhage: evidence against functional upregulation of Rho kinase constrictor pathway.

This study tested the hypothesis that vasospasm due to subarachnoid hemorrhage involves the functional upregulation of protein kinase C. Spasm of the rabbit basilar artery was achieved using a double hemorrhage model, which we previously demonstrated was endothelin-1 dependent. In situ effects of agents were determined by direct measurement of vessel diameter following their suffusion in a cranial window. Chelerythrine, a protein kinase C inhibitor, relaxed the spasm. However, relaxations to chelerythrine were not significantly greater in endothelin-1 constricted spastic vessels initially relaxed with the endothelin converting enzyme inhibitor, phosphoramidon, as compared to endothelin-1 constricted control vessels. These results suggest that subarachnoid hemorrhage induced vasospasm does not involve functional upregulation of protein kinase C.
Fragrance material review on 3,7-dimethyl-7-methoxyoctan-2-ol.

Abstract A toxicologic and dermatologic review of 3,7-dimethyl-7-methoxyoctan-2-ol when used as a fragrance ingredient is presented. 3,7-Dimethyl-7-methoxyoctan-2-ol is a member of the fragrance structural group branched chain saturated alcohols. The common characteristic structural elements of the alcohols with saturated branched chain are one hydroxyl group per molecule, and a C4–C12 carbon chain with one or several methyl side chains. This review contains a detailed summary of all available toxicology and dermatology papers that are related to this individual fragrance ingredient and is not intended as a stand-alone document. A safety assessment of the entire branched chain saturated alcohol group will be published simultaneously with this document; please refer to Belsito et al. (2010) for an overall assessment of the safe use of this material and all other branched chain saturated alcohols in fragrances.
Studies by biointeraction chromatography of binding by phenytoin metabolites to human serum albumin.

Abstract Biointeraction studies based on high performance affinity chromatography were used to investigate the binding of human serum albumin (HSA) to two major phenytoin metabolites: 5-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-5-phenylhydantoin (m-HPPH) and 5-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-5-phenylhydantoin (p-HPPH). This was initially examined by conducting self-competition zonal elution experiments in which m-HPPH or p-HPPH were placed in both the mobile phase and injected sample. It was found that each metabolite had a single major binding site on HSA. Competitive zonal elution experiments using l -tryptophan, warfarin, digitoxin, and cis-clomiphene as site-selective probes indicated that m-HPPH and p-HPPH were interacting with the indole-benzodiazepine site of HSA. The estimated association equilibrium constants for m-HPPH and p-HPPH at this site were 3.2 (±1.2) × 103 and 5.7 (±0.7) × 103 M−1, respectively, at pH 7.4 and 37 °C. Use of these metabolites as competing agents for injections of phenytoin demonstrated that m-HPPH and p-HPPH had direct competition with this drug at the indole-benzodiazepine site. However, the use of phenytoin as a competing agent indicated that this drug had additional negative allosteric interactions on the binding of these metabolites to HSA. These results agreed with previous studies on the binding of phenytoin to HSA and its effects on the interactions of HSA with site-selective probes for the indole-benzodiazepine site.
Life history trade-offs and response to selection on egg size in the polychaete worm Hydroides elegans

In order to examine the genetic relationships among life-history traits in a hermaphroditic species we used artificial selection for increased egg size and measured correlated responses across the life cycle of the serpulid polychaete Hydroides elegans, a protandrous sequential hermaphrodite. We recorded sex ratios across generations, and measured egg size, egg energy, larval volume at two time points, juvenile tube length, adult dry weight and fecundity after selection. Selection for larger eggs produced positive correlated responses in egg energy, fecundity and larval size at competence. Selection for increased egg size was also manifested by earlier sex change and this resulted in selected individuals spending less time as males relative to controls. We propose that egg size is negatively correlated with duration of andromorphy, that is, that female fitness trades off with male fitness.
Evaluation of safety, serum levels, and urinary excretion of hetacillin in normal volunteers.

Abstract The safety, side effects, serum levels, and urinary excretion of orally administered hetacillin were evaluated in normal volunteers in comparison with placebo-treated controls over a 28-day treatment period. There was no evidence of accumulation of the drug when given in total daily doses of 2.0 and 4.0 g. Mild diarrhea and some occult blood in the stools occurred in subjects receiving 4 g of hetacillin daily. Safety and side effects of 2 g of hetacillin given daily were indistinguishable from placebo. Serum levels reached a peak of approximately 2 and 4 μg/ml after 500 and 1000 mg of hetacillin, respectively, and were still measurable 4 hours after drug administration. Approximately o one-sixth to one-seventh of an orally administered dose was excreted in the urine in the first 4 hours. Serum levels and urinary excretion of hetacillin were found to be directly related to the size of the orally administered dose. These results indicate that hetacillin given orally in divided doses up to 4.0 daily for 28 consecutive days can be considered reasonably safe.
Wireless diffusion and mobile computing: implications for the digital divide

Abstract Despite significant improvements in nominal levels, severe gaps of digital inclusion still exist in the American economy. This paper argues that, for certain groups, migration towards mobile computing and digital inclusion may transpire from 2G voice centric mobile telecommunications to data centric mobile computing devices. Accordingly, this analysis employs a large data set to investigate what socio-economic factors are determinant for the diffusion of mobile telecommunications; how these findings can be extended to help close the digital divide; and how these findings can inform policy making concerning the digital divide.
Multi agent based energy management control for commercial buildings

This paper discusses the use of Multi-Agent- Systems to control various systems in a commercial building in order to achieve maximum energy efficiency while maintaining comfort for the occupants and allowing a possible interconnection with a smart-grid. An approximated optimal control is proposed in this paper, where on-line training of a Bayesian state-machine learns the system for a given utility function. Different aspects and challenges associated with the control of a building will be discussed, and a control scheme using Multi-Agent-Systems technology is proposed.
Context and leadership: An examination of the nine-factor full-range leadership theory using the Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire.

In this study, we examined the validity of the measurement model and factor structure of Bass and Avolio’s Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire (MLQ) (Form 5X). We hypothesized that evaluations of leadership—and hence the psychometric properties of leadership instruments—may be affected by the context in which leadership is observed and evaluated. Using largely homogenous business samples consisting of 2279 pooled male and 1089 pooled female raters who evaluated same-gender leaders, we found support for the nine-factor leadership model proposed by Bass and Avolio. The model was configurally and partially metrically invariant—suggesting that the same constructs were validly measured in the male and female groups. Mean differences were found between the male and female samples on four leadership factors (Study 1). Next, using factor-level data of 18 independently gathered samples (N=6525 raters) clustered into prototypically homogenous contexts, we tested the nine-factor model and found it was stable (i.e., fully invariant) within homogenous contexts (Study 2). The contextual factors comprised environmental risk, leader–follower gender, and leader hierarchical level. Implications for use of the MLQ and nine-factor model are discussed.
A study of aminolevulinic acid-induced protoporphyrin IX fluorescence kinetics in the canine oral cavity.

Background and Objective 5-Aminolevulinic acid–induced protoporphyrin IX is a promising photosensitizer that could enhance the spectroscopic contrast between normal and diseased oral tissues. Knowledge of the pharmacokinetics and effects on tissue type are important for diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. Study Design/Materials and Methods Dogs randomly were administered five doses of 5-aminolevulinic acid: 5, 25, 50, 75, and 100 mg/kg. The fluorescence was recorded from buccal mucosa, gums, tongue, and facial skin using a fiberoptic probe connected to an optical multichannel analyzer. Blood samples were collected for hematologic and serum biochemical analysis. Pharmacokinetic parameters of interest were estimated using a compartmental model. Results Protoporphyrin fluorescence at all sites reached a peak in 2–6 hours, and returned to baseline in 24–31 hours, depending on the dose. Plasma protoporphyrin peaked earlier than oral tissues. Conclusion The rate of synthesis of protoporphyrin, and its conversion to heme products are dose dependent. Different tissues have different pharmacokinetic response. Lasers Surg. Med. 26:405–414, 2000. © 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Automated micro-transfer printing with cantilevered stamps

Abstract This paper demonstrates the use of a flexible instrumented stamp to enable automated micro transfer printing as a route to large-area, deterministic assembly of microstructured device components or ‘inks’. The ability to instrument the stamp, a critical component for retrieval and placement of a micro device, to detect contact and monitor localized forces during critical events in the printing process not only allows for the development of a robust manufacturing process, but also for a unique vantage point from which to study fundamental issues and phenomena associated with adhesion and delamination of thin films from a variety of substrate materials. This paper presents basic design analysis on the requirements of the cantilevers for compatibility with a typical transfer printing environment. Off-the-shelf thin film strain gages are integrated with a thin elastomeric post as a preliminary prototype and the feasibility of transfer printing with it is demonstrated. Further, the set-up is calibrated to produce force signals for event detection and in situ diagnosis of the process.
IQ and Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms in Children Exposed to Interpersonal Violence

Background: The literature is mixed as to the relationship between intelligence quotient (IQ) and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) symptomatology in adult populations. Even less is known about the relationship in children who have been traumatized.
Anomalous solubility behaviour of C60

SOLUBILITIES of solids in liquids exhibit a temperature dependence that is correlated with the energetics of dissolution. For organic solutes in organic solvents the common experience is that solubility increases on warming (that is, dissolution is normally endothermic), forming the basis for purification by crystallization by slow cooling of hot solutions1. Interactions between inorganic compounds and water are often more energetic, and may lead to complicated temperature-dependent solubilities, often associated with the formation of hydrated solid phases2. We have investigated the temperature-dependent solubility of C60 in hexane, toluene and CS2. We observe a solubility maximum near room temperature (around 280 K) for all three solvents. Although the solubility of C60 in these three solvents differs by several orders of magnitude, the temperature dependence of the relative solubilities is much the same in each case. We conclude that dissolution is endothermic below room temperature and exothermic above. We interpret this change as being due to a phase change in solid C60 presumably the phase change observed previously in the absence of a solvent3–5, modified by solvent wetting. A solubility maximum (or minimum) for organic compounds in non-electrolytes is highly unusual, and may be unprecedented. The effect may have consequences for solvent-extraction techniques of fullerene purification.
Spaceborne sensors observe El Niño's effects on ocean and atmosphere in North Pacific

Three regions of simultaneous anomalous warming observed in the North Pacific Ocean at the end of May 1997 (Figure 1) are related to wind anomalies through different mechanisms, NASA's high-resolution Scatterometer (NSCAT) [Liu et al., 1998] reveals. The anomalous warming along the equator is part of the developing El Nino and is related to the westerly wind anomalies in the central equatorial Pacific and the relaxation of the trade winds. The equatorial westerly wind anomalies are related to the anomalous cyclonic wind pattern in the northeast Pacific.
Scientific research and the public trust.

This essay analyzes the concept of public trust in science and offers some guidance for ethicists, scientists, and policymakers who use this idea defend ethical rules or policies pertaining to the conduct of research. While the notion that public trusts science makes sense in the abstract, it may not be sufficiently focused to support the various rules and policies that authors have tried to derive from it, because the public is not a uniform body with a common set of interests. Well-focused arguments that use public trust to support rules or policies for the conduct of research should specify (a) which public is being referred to (e.g. the general public or a specific public, such as a particular community or group); (b) what this public expects from scientists; (c) how the rule or policy will ensure that these expectations are met; and (d) why is it important to meet these expectations.
Neural networks for image coding: a survey

Neural networks are highly parallel architectures, which have been used successfully in pattern matching, clustering, and image coding applications. In this paper, we review neural network based techniques that have been used in image coding applications. The neural networks covered in this paper include multilayer perceptron (MLP), competitive neural network (CNN), frequency sensitive competitive neural network (FS-CNN), and self-organizing feature map network (SOFM). All of the above mentioned neural networks except MLP are trained using competitive learning and used for designing the vector quantizer codebook. The major problem with the competitive learning is that some of the neurons may get a little or no chance at all to win the competition. This may lead to a codebook containing several untrained codevectors or the codevectors that have not been trained enough. There are several possible ways to solve this problem, FS-CNN and SOFM offer solution to under-utilization of neurons. We present design algorithms for above mentioned neural networks as well as evaluate and compare their performance on several standard monochrome images.© (1999) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Sequential and Single-Step, One-Pot Strategies for the Transformation of Hydrolytically Degradable Polyesters into Multifunctional Systems

Because of the significant interest in synthetic polymer systems with increasing degrees of complexity, we have focused attention upon the development of chemistries for the conversion of polyester backbones into functional materials. Facile conjugation strategies involving the reactions of both aminooxy and sulfonyl hydrazide nucleophiles with poly(e-caprolactone-co-2-oxepane-1,5-dione) (P(CL-co-OPD)) are studied as general methodologies employing a sequential vs a single-step approach. Agreement between product and feed stoichiometries was achieved with both of the model hydroxylamines, O-dodecylhydroxylamine or O-benzylhydroxylamine. However, when sequential reactions were performed with either hydroxylamine together with dansyl hydrazide, considerable deviations in the product composition, relative to the reaction feed stoichiometries, were noted. For a sequential series of reactions, the successful use of aminooxy and sulfonyl hydrazide molecules required ketoxime ether formation prior to sulfonyl hy...
Role of biomechanics in intervertebral disc degeneration and regenerative therapies: what needs repairing in the disc and what are promising biomaterials for its repair?

Abstract Background context Degeneration and injuries of the intervertebral disc (IVD) result in large alterations in biomechanical behaviors. Repair strategies using biomaterials can be optimized based on the biomechanical and biological requirements of the IVD. Purpose To review the present literature on the effects of degeneration, simulated degeneration, and injury on biomechanics of the IVD, with special attention paid to needle puncture injuries, which are a pathway for diagnostics and regenerative therapies and the promising biomaterials for disc repair with a focus on how those biomaterials may promote biomechanical repair. Study design A narrative review to evaluate the role of biomechanics on disc degeneration and regenerative therapies with a focus on what biomechanical properties need to be repaired and how to evaluate and accomplish such repairs using biomaterials. Model systems for the screening of such repair strategies are also briefly described. Methods Articles were selected from two main PubMed searches using keywords: intervertebral AND biomechanics (1,823 articles) and intervertebral AND biomaterials (361 articles). Additional keywords (injury, needle puncture, nucleus pressurization, biomaterials, hydrogel, sealant, tissue engineering) were used to narrow the articles down to the topics most relevant to this review. Results Degeneration and acute disc injuries have the capacity to influence nucleus pulposus (NP) pressurization and annulus fibrosus (AF) integrity, which are necessary for an effective disc function and, therefore, require repair. Needle injection injuries are of particular clinical relevance with the potential to influence disc biomechanics, cellularity, and metabolism, yet these effects are localized or small and more research is required to evaluate and reduce the potential clinical morbidity using such techniques. NP replacement strategies, such as hydrogels, are required to restore the NP pressurization or the lost volume. AF repair strategies including cross-linked hydrogels, fibrous composites, and sealants offer promise for regenerative therapies to restore AF integrity. Tissue engineered IVD structures, as a single implantable construct, may promote greater tissue integration due to the improved repair capacity of the vertebral bone. Conclusions IVD height, neutral zone characteristics, and torsional biomechanics are sensitive to specific alterations in the NP pressurization and AF integrity and must be addressed for an effective functional repair. Synthetic and natural biomaterials offer promise for NP replacement, AF repair, as an AF sealant, or whole disc replacement. Meeting mechanical and biological compatibilities are necessary for the efficacy and longevity of the repair.
Two-stage evolution model for the Altyn Tagh fault, China

The northeastern extension of the Altyn Tagh fault, China, beyond the apparently truncated Qilian Shan has been controversial since the recognition of this large left-slip fault. We propose that the Altyn Tagh fault may have been contiguous with the east-northeast to northeast-trending, currently inactive (but apparently active during the Cenozoic) Alxa–East Mongolia fault; the latter truncated the Beishan orogen to the northwest and the Inner Mongolia orogen to the southeast. The Beishan orogen can be correlated with the Inner Mongolia orogen on the basis of the recognition of three offset petrotectonic units and two offset sutures. This correlation requires 400 ± 50 km of left-lateral offset along the Alxa–East Mongolia fault, identical to the slip along the northern segment of the Altyn Tagh fault inferred by P. Molnar and P. Tapponnier. We suggest a two-stage model for fault evolution: during the first stage, 400 km of displacement separated the Inner Mongolia orogen from the originally contiguous Beishan orogen along a continuous Altyn Tagh–Alxa–East Mongolia fault. During the second stage, the Alxa–East Mongolia fault became inactive, and additional offset along the Altyn Tagh fault has been mainly accommodated by shortening of the Qilian Shan and the Qaidam basin. We infer that the first stage of movement along the Altyn Tagh–Alxa–East Mongolia fault system may have begun around Oligocene time; the region transformed to the second stage of fault movement ca. 13–16 Ma, probably because of thinning of the lithospheric mantle beneath northern Tibet. The proposed model suggests that the Derbur fault in northernmost China and beyond is an extension of the Alxa–East Mongolia fault, and has a history of strike-slip movement. The nearly 400 km of offset on the Alxa–East Mongolia fault may have been accommodated mainly by subduction in the Sea of Okhotsk.
The fragile-X premutation: a maturing perspective.

Carriers of premutation alleles (55–200 CGG repeats) of the fragile-X mental retardation 1 (FMR1) gene are often regarded as being clinically uninvolved. However, it is now apparent that such individuals can present with one (or more) of three distinct clinical disorders: mild cognitive and/or behavioral deficits on the fragile-X spectrum; premature ovarian failure; and a newly described, neurodegenerative disorder of older adult carriers, fragile-X–associated tremor/ataxia syndrome (FXTAS). Awareness of these clinical presentations is important for proper diagnosis and therapeutic intervention, not only among families with known cases of fragile-X syndrome but also more broadly for adults with tremor, gait ataxia, and parkinsonism who are seen in movement-disorders clinics.
Abstract 5448: Common targets of epigenetic dysfunction in distinct target tissues of arsenic and cadmium induced malignant transformation

Proceedings: AACR 103rd Annual Meeting 2012‐‐ Mar 31‐Apr 4, 2012; Chicago, IL Arsenic and cadmium are known human carcinogens and rank as number one and seven respectively on the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) substance priority list. Accumulating evidence suggests that long-term exposure to arsenic or cadmium induces epigenetic dysfunction and this effect may be an important aspect of their carcinogenic activity. To this end we analyzed the epigenetic dysfunction associated with arsenic or cadmium induced malignant transformation of immortalized urothelial and prostate epithelial cells. Using methyl-DNA immunoprecipitations coupled to human promoter microarrays as well as Sequenom MassArray, we found that arsenic and cadmium mediated malignant transformation of immortalized urothelial and prostate epithelial cells produced thousands of DNA methylation changes. Many of the DNA hypermethylation events appear to be localized to individual genes whereas others cluster into groups that are within large genomic regions on the order of 100kb. Significant aggregates of DNA hypermethylation events occur within the protocadherin and HOX gene clusters. Intersecting the arsenic induced hypermethylation events from the two distinct models results in an overlap of 113kb of DNA which represents roughly 100 genes. This overlap is significantly more than expected by chance, suggesting these genes are targeted for aberrant DNA methylation in both models of arsenic induced malignant transformation. A similar result is seen in the cell lines transformed by cadmium, and the cadmium induced DNA hypermethylation events are highly concordant with the hypermethylation profiles induced by arsenic. Most of the DNA hypermethylated regions found in the arsenic or cadmium transformed cells are also targets of aberrant DNA hypermethylation in human bladder tumors. Comparing the hypermethylated regions from our models to publicly available H3K27me3 ChIP-seq data from embryonic stem cells revealed that the targets of DNA hypermethylation fall disproportionately within H3K27me3 domains of human stem cells. H3K27me3 chromatin immunoprecipitations coupled to real-time PCR confirmed that the promoters of candidate genes NPR3 and LTK are marked with H3K27me3 in normal and immortalized cells before becoming DNA hypermethylated in the arsenic transformed cells. This H3K27me3 data supports the previously discovered association between H3K27me3 marked regions of normal cells and DNA hypermethylation in malignant cells. All together, these observations suggest commonality in the mechanisms of epigenetic change induced by carcinogenic metals. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 5448. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-5448
Preliminary findings: behavioral worsening on donepezil in patients with frontotemporal dementia.

Objective The objective of this study was to evaluate donepezil, an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, in the treatment of frontotemporal dementia (FTD). Methods Twelve patients with FTD who received donepezil for six months were compared with 12 FTD controls on behavioral measures. Results The groups did not differ on most variables at baseline or at six months; however, the donepezil group had greater worsening on the FTD Inventory. Four treated patients had increased disinhibited or compulsive acts, which abated with discontinuation of the medication. Conclusion There were no changes in global cognitive performance or dementia severity; however, a subgroup of patients with FTD can experience worsening of symptoms with donepezil.
How shall we study individual differences in cognitive abilities?—Methodological and theoretical perspectives☆

Abstract Selected studies in recent research literature are examined with regard to (a) their methodological adequacy in establishing dimensions of individual differences in information-processing abilities, and (b) the theoretical problems involved in inferring psychological processes from individual difference dimensions. Many methodological inadequacies are noted, including use of small N s, questionable procedures in establishing variables (e.g., use of raw difference scores), improper or inadequate use of factor analysis and other multivariate statistical techniques, and poor presentation of results. On the whole, little progress has been made thus far in identifying psychological processes through research in individual differences, even though this research approach is viable and potentially useful. Serious theoretical difficulties arise in attempting to infer the nature and operation of psychological processes merely from the identification of individual difference trait dimensions. Promising research, however, is represented by studies in which an effort is made to analyze tasks into their components, to vary task characteristics, and/or to consider the strategies that individuals can employ in performing the tasks.
The ACT of Enrollment: The College Enrollment Effects of State-Required College Entrance Exam Testing

Since 2001 Colorado, Illinois, and Maine have all enacted policies that require high school juniors to take college entrance exams—the SAT or the ACT. One goal of these policies was to increase college enrollment based on the belief that requiring students to take these exams would make students more likely to consider college as a viable option. Relying on quasi-experimental methods and synthetic control comparison groups, this article presents the effects of this state-mandated college entrance exam testing. Based on both state- and individual-level analyses, I find evidence that entrance exam policies were associated with increases in overall college enrollment in Illinois and that such policies re-sorted students in all three states between different types of institutions. In particular, Colorado saw an increase in enrollment at private 4-year institutions, whereas Illinois and Maine both saw a decrease in enrollment at pubic 2-year institutions. Increases in enrollment at schools that require entranc...
Nonparametric regression with dependent errors

We study minimax rates of convergence for nonparametric regression under a random design with dependent errors. It is shown that when the errors are independent of the explanatory variables, long-range dependence among the errors does not necessarily hurt regression estimation, which at first glance contradicts with earlier results by Hall and Hart, Wang, and Johnstone and Silverman under a fixed design. In fact we show that, in general, the minimax rate of convergence under the square $L_2$ loss is simply at the worse of two quantities: one determined by the massiveness of the class alone and the other by the severity of the dependence among the errors alone. The clear separation of the effects of the function class and dependence among the errors in determining the minimax rate of convergence is somewhat surprising. Examples of function classes under different covariance structures including both short- and long-range dependences are given.
Having It Both Ways? Land Use Change in a U.S. Midwestern Agricultural Ecoregion

Urbanization has been directly linked to decreases in area of agricultural lands and, as such, has been considered a threat to food security. Although the area of land used to produce food has diminished, often overlooked have been changes in agricultural output. The Eastern Corn Belt Plains (ECBP) is an important agricultural region in the U.S. Midwest. It has both gained a significant amount of urban land, primarily from the conversion of agricultural land between 1973 and 2000, and at the same time continued to produce ever-increasing quantities of agricultural products. By 2002, more corn, soybeans, and hogs were produced on a smaller agricultural land base than in 1974. In the last quarter of the twentieth century, ECBP ecoregion society appeared to have “had it both ways”: more urbanization along with increased agricultural output.
A MIXED FINITE ELEMENT FORMULATION OF TRIPHASIC MECHANO-ELECTROCHEMICAL THEORY FOR CHARGED, HYDRATED BIOLOGICAL SOFT TISSUES

An equivalent new expression of the triphasic mechano-electrochemical theory [9] is presented and a mixed finite element formulation is developed using the standard Galerkin weighted residual method. Solid displacement us, modified electrochemical/chemical potentials ϵw, ϵ+and ϵ− (with dimensions of concentration) for water, cation and anion are chosen as the four primary degrees of freedom (DOFs) and are independently interpolated. The modified Newton–Raphson iterative procedure is employed to handle the non-linear terms. The resulting first-order Ordinary Differential Equations (ODEs) with respect to time are solved using the implicit Euler backward scheme which is unconditionally stable. One-dimensional (1-D) linear isoparametric element is developed. The final algebraic equations form a non-symmetric but sparse matrix system. With the current choice of primary DOFs, the formulation has the advantage of small amount of storage, and the jump conditions between elements and across the interface boundary are satisfied automatically. The finite element formulation has been used to investigate a 1-D triphasic stress relaxation problem in the confined compression configuration and a 1-D triphasic free swelling problem. The formulation accuracy and convergence for 1-D cases are examined with independent finite difference methods. The FEM results are in excellent agreement with those obtained from the other methods. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
DEOXYRIBONUCLEIC ACID CONTENT OF THE THREE CELL TYPES OF PHAEODACTYLUM TRICORNUTUM BOHLIN(1).

SUMMARY There is no significant difference in the DNA content of the oval, fusiform, and triradiate cell types of Phaeodactylum tricornutum, suggesting that they do not represent an alternation of haploid and diploid generations. The triradiate cells have a shorter generation time than the oval or fusiform cells.
Initial contributing area of a small watershed

Abstract The initial contributing area (ICA) of a watershed at the onset of rain is defined as consisting of the stream surface and the area of surface saturation caused by the groundwater table intersecting the land surface above the elevation of the stream. Subsurface flow discharges upward within this area, so the ICA exhibits zero infiltration capacity and potential storage for rainfall. Thus, the ICA is the initial runoff-producing area in variable-source-area generation of storm runoff. The ICA of a 42-ha east-central Pennsylvania watershed is shown to be a function of prestorm baseflow; a prediction equation is developed using rainfall-runoff data from small rainstorms. This equation could be incorporated directly into a continuous streamflow model where a baseflow value is part of the simulation, or into an event-based hydrograph model where prestorm baseflow is specified as a design parameter.