cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Polypeptide synthesis by extracts from Escherichia coli treated with T2 ghosts.

Abstract Infection of Escherichia coli B in inorganic salts-glycerol with a multiplicity of deoxyribonucleic acid-less T2 “ghosts” just sufficient to block all protein synthesis results in both viable and killed bacteria. We enriched for the viable cells by a combination of lysozyme treatment and filtration and measured the in vitro capacity of their extracts to synthesize polypeptides. Without added template ribonucleic acid (RNA), such “ghost extracts” incorporate amino acids (endogenous synthesis) at approximately one-half the rate as do extracts from uninfected bacteria. However, they are unable to use added synthetic or natural template RNAs for peptide synthesis. Some activity can be observed but only at high concentrations of Mg2+. These results suggest that ghost infection may result in a blockage of ribosomes during translation. Mixing experiments show that the incapacity of ghost extracts to translate added template RNA is due to a defect in the ribosomes.
Revisiting Default Description Logics – and Their Role in Aligning Ontologies

We present a new approach to extend the Web Ontology Language (OWL) with the capabilities to reason with defaults. This work improves upon the previously established results on integrating defaults with description logics (DLs), which were shown to be decidable only when the application of defaults is restricted to named individuals in the knowledge base. We demonstrate that the application of defaults (integrated with DLs) does not have to be restricted to named individuals to retain decidability and elaborate on the application of defaults in the context of ontology alignment and ontology-based systems.
Average-case optimized transistor-level technology mapping of extended burst-mode circuits

We describe an automated method (3D-map) for determining near-optimal decomposed generalized C-element (gC) implementations of extended burst-mode asynchronous controllers. Average-case optimization is performed so that frequent paths are accelerated, possibly at the expense of less frequent paths. The overall effect, as quantified using Elmore delay analysis, is a circuit that has near-optimal performance for the average or common case.
Photovoltaic devices based on fullerene derivatives as electron donors. Solubility and other characteristics for these electron donors

For possible use as electron donor material in an organic solar cell, several parameters were determined for 10 fullerene derivatives. The parameters analyzed are: solubility and energetic parameters for the structures mentioned above.
COBRA --- A Visualization Solution to Monitor and Analyze Consumer Generated Medias

Consumer Generated Medias (CGMs) --- such as blogs, news forums, message boards, and web pages --- are emerging as locations where consumers trade, discuss and influence each other's purchasing patterns. Leveraging such CGMs to provide valuable insight into consumer opinions and trends is becoming increasingly attractive to corporations. This paper describes COBRA (COrporate Brand and Reputation Analysis), a visual analytics solution that surfaces the text mining and statistical analysis capabilities described in our earlier COBRA papers. Our interaction technique of search , visualization , and monitor enables detailed analysis of many CGMs without overwhelming the user. A suite of visualization solutions expose a variety of embedded COBRA visual analytics capabilities. Real world client engagements and user studies demonstrate the effectiveness of our approach.
Social Ordering and Health

The sections in this article are: 1 Evidence for the Socioeconomic Status and Health Gradient 1.1 Socioeconomic Status and Mortality 1.2 Socioeconomic Status and Morbidity 2 Biopsychosocial Model of Socioeconomic Status and Disease 2.1 Environmental Factors 2.2 Psychological Factors 2.3 Differential Exposure to Stress 3 Psycho-Neuroendocrine-Immune Pathways 4 Summary and Conclusions
Radical Contexts: Puerto Rican Politics in the 1960s and 1970s and the Center for Puerto Rican Studies

Resumen en: Rooted in the radical political context of the late 1960s and 1970s, this historiography suggests that the Center for Puerto Rican Studies, which was fou...
ROLE OF OXY-RADICALS IN POSTISCHEMIC MYOCARDIAL DYSFUNCTION*

Coronary artery reperfusion by means of thrombolytic therapy, percutaneous transluminal angioplasty, or bypass surgery is rapidly emerging as the fundamental strategy in the management of acute ischemic syndromes in patients with coronary artery disease. The explosive growth of interventional recanalization, coupled with the widespread recognition that spontaneous reperfusion occurs commonly following coronary artery spasm or thrombosis, has provided the impetus to investigate the consequences of restoring blood flow to the ischemic myocardium. Experimental studies have demonstrated that although early reperfusion limits infarct size, this beneficial effect does not lead to immediate functional improvement; rather, the return of contractility in tissue salvaged by reperfusion is delayed for hours, days or even weeks (1–9), a phenomenon that has been termed “stunned myocardium” (10).
AWARE Pulse: An integrated portal to the AWARE platform

This paper presents the AWARE Pulse application that serves as a web portal to the AWARE platform that provides a mobile wireless network through the use of autonomous robotic agents. In particular, this paper discusses the overall application architecture including the various components within the application, the different roles of the application as well as the integration of AWARE Pulse into the existing AWARE platform.
SELECTION, INTERPRETATION, AND THE EMERGENCE OF LIVING SYSTEMS

. The autocell proposal for the emergence of life and natural selection through the interaction of two reciprocally coupled self-organizing processes specifically provides a protein-first model for the origin of life that can be explored by computer simulations and experiment. Beyond the specific proposal it can be considered more generally as a thought experiment in which the principles deduced for the autocell could apply to other possible detailed chemical scenarios of catalytic polymers and protometabolism, including living systems emerging within membranelike barriers. The autocell model allows for the analysis of the emergence of not only agency and purpose but also of interpretation and semiosis as true living systems arise.
DRIH-MAC: A Distributed Receiver-Initiated Harvesting-Aware MAC for Nanonetworks

In this paper, we introduce DRIH-MAC, a distributed receiver-initiated medium access control protocol for communication among nanonodes in a wireless electromagnetic nanonetwork. DRIH-MAC is developed based on the following principles: 1) communication starts via the receiver with the goal of maximizing the energy utilization; 2) the distributed scheme for accessing the medium is designed based on graph coloring; and 3) communication scheduling works in coordination with the energy harvesting process. DRIH-MAC is based on a probabilistic scheme to create a scalable and light-weight solution, which minimizes collisions and maximizes the utilization of harvested energy, and can be used in a wide variety of applications. Through simulation experiments, we demonstrate the efficiency of DRIH-MAC in a sample medical monitoring application. In particular, DRIH-MAC can improve energy utilization by 50% as compared to a random MAC protocol. Furthermore, it can satisfy application requirements such as delay, even with low energy harvesting rates.
Predictors of engaging in problem gambling treatment: Data from the West Virginia Problem Gamblers Help Network.

Gambling help-lines are an essential access point, or frontline resource, for treatment seeking. This study investigated treatment engagement after calling a gambling help-line. From 2000-2007 over 2,900 unique callers were offered an in-person assessment appointment. Logistic regression analyses assessed predictors of (a) accepting the referral to the in-person assessment appointment and (b) attending the in-person assessment appointment. Over 76% of callers accepted the referral and 55% of all callers attended the in-person assessment appointment. This treatment engagement rate is higher than typically found for other help-lines. Demographic factors and clinical factors such as gender, severity of gambling problems, amount of gambling debt, and coercion by legal and social networks predicted engagement in treatment. Programmatic factors such as offering an appointment within 72 hr also aided treatment engagement. Results suggest gambling help-lines can be a convenient and confidential way for many individuals with gambling problems to access gambling-specific treatment. Alternative services such as telephone counseling may be beneficial for those who do not engage in treatment.
Charge-collection and trapping effects in cryogenic silicon detectors

The physics of charge measurement in silicon at low temperature (T < 0.5 K) and low applied electric field (E = 0.1–100 V/cm) has been examined in a variety of high purity, p-type silicon samples with room temperature resistivity in the range 2–40 kΩ cm. Charge collection under these conditions is necessary for background suppression, through the simultaneous measurement of phonons and ionization, in a very low event rate dark matter search. Recent improvement in the data analysis of our phonons and ionization experiment is given. Charge loss at low electric field due to trapping during charge drift is present but the data suggest that another charge-loss mechanism is also important. We present results which indicate that a significant fraction of the total charge loss (compared to full collection) occurs in the initial charge cloud near the event location. In addition, measurements of the lateral size, transverse to the applied electric field, of the initial electron-hole cloud indicate large transverse diffusion lengths. At the lowest fields a lateral diameter on the order of 1 mm is found.
Pressure volume curves in arrested heterotopic rat heart isografts: role of improved myocardial protection.

Background. To minimize decreases in left ventricular (LV) compliance immediately after rat heart transplantation, we tested several different methods of myocardial protection. Materials and methods. Five groups of ACI rat hearts (n = 6 each) were arrested by coronary perfusion with 5 ml of UW (University of Wisconsin), UW-BDM (UW with 2,3-butanedione monoxime), CU (Columbia University), or CU-BDM solution or by LV injection of potassium chloride and Ringer's lactate immersion (KCl/RL). After abdominal isografting and blood reperfusion for 15 min, transplanted hearts (TxH) were arrested and excised. Diastolic LV pressure-volume curves (LVPVCs) were correlated with myocardial water content (MWC). Native hearts (NH) were arrested identically to TxH and maintained at 4°C by immersion. LVPVCs were measured at 15-min intervals for 90 min. Results. In three of four pressure intervals at Time 0, normalized LV volume (LVV) was smaller (P < 0.05, ANOVA) in KCl/RL native hearts than in the four perfusion groups. LVV decreased significantly in NH after 45–75 min; LVV decreased similarly with time in all groups. In TxH, postarrest LVVs were higher with UW-BDM, CU-BDM, and CU than with UW or KCl/RL (P < 0.05, ANOVA). Expressing LVV of TxH as a percentage of NH, UW-BDM, CU, and CU-BDM provided qualitatively better diastolic properties than KCl/RL and UW. Conclusions. Thus rat LVPVCs can be improved after heart transplantation with alternative strategies of myocardial protection. KCl arrest decreases LV filling volume in this model and should be avoided.
Cyclic Voltammetry in a Perfluorocarbon Emulsion Blood Substitute

Cyclic voltammetry in a perfluorocarbon emulsion based blood substitute (PEBS) was evaluated. The intent was to determine how PEBS affects the voltammetry of four representative electroactive compounds: potassium ferricyanide, ruthenium(II) trisbipyridine (rutris), hydroquinone, and 2,6-dichloroindophenol (DCIP). Voltammograms in 0–20% PEBS-Tris buffer mixtures are affected by PEBS, but reasonably well-defined voltammograms are obtained in as much as 20% v/v. This report also shows that PEBS has only a small effect on amperometric detection of the reaction between DCIP and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH), which has importance in clinical homogeneous immunoassays. Results support continued exploration of voltammetry/amperometry for quantitative analysis in this medium.
The MST technique—a brief review

Abstract The purpose of this paper is to briefly review the MST (mesosphere-stratosphere-troposphere) radar technique for remotely observing the atmosphere in the height range 1–100 km. Particular emphasis will be directed here toward aspects of the subject related to the equatorial atmosphere—a region in which the overall circulation and dynamics is poorly understood. Some of the current MST capabilities will be demonstrated via data obtained from existing observatories located in the tropics. A case will be made for the necessity of having additional equatorial-region observatories, and an example of a reasonably economical system will be discussed.
Fragility analysis of a highway over-crossing bridge with consideration of soil–structure interactions

Seismic fragility relationships, including the soil–structure interaction (SSI) of a common bridge configuration in central and eastern USA, are derived in this study. Four different modelling methods are adopted to represent abutments and foundations of the bridge, namely, (a) fixed abutments and foundations, (b) lumped springs developed from conventional pile analysis of piles at abutments and foundations, (c) lumped springs developed from three-dimensional finite element (3D FE) analysis of abutments and foundations and (d) 3D FE models. Seismic demand on the bridge components is estimated from inelastic response history analysis of the SSI systems. Finally, fragility curves of the components and bridge system are derived. The four different SSI approaches result in different seismic fragility. The implication of this work is that careful consideration is necessary when selecting an analytical representation of a soil and foundation system to obtain reliable earthquake impact assessment. In addition, i...
Abstract 762: Prevention and reversion of multidrug resistance (MDR) in cancer by NSC23925

Proceedings: AACR Annual Meeting 2014; April 5-9, 2014; San Diego, CA The major limitation to the success of chemotherapy in cancer is the development of multidrug resistance (MDR). Preventing the emergence of MDR during chemotherapy treatment has been a high priority of clinical and investigational oncology, but remains an elusive goal. NSC23925 has recently been identified as a novel and potent MDR reversal agent. However, whether NSC23925 can prevent the development of MDR in cancer is unknown. Therefore, this study was to evaluate the effects of NSC23925 on prevention and reversion of MDR. Human osteosarcoma cell line U-2OS and Saos were exposed to increasing concentrations of taxol alone or in combination with NSC23925 for 6 months. The results showed that cells selected with increasing concentrations of taxol alone developed MDR with resistance to taxol and other Pgp substrates, while cells cultured with taxol-NSC23925 simultaneously prevented the development of MDR and cells remained sensitive to chemotherapeutic agents. Taxol selected resistant cells showed high expression and activity of drug transporter P-glycoprotein (Pgp), whereas taxol-NSC23925 combination treatment prevented the expression of Pgp. Our findings suggest that NSC23925 may prevent the development of MDR by specifically preventing the overexpression of Pgp. Moreover, NSC23925 can reverse MDR in drug resistant cells by modulating Pgp activity. Given the significant incidence of MDR in cancer and the lack of effective agents for prevention and revision of MDR, NSC23925 and derivatives hold the potential to improve the outcome of cancer patients with poor prognosis due to drug resistance. Citation Format: Xiaoqian Yang, Francis Hornicek, Zhenfeng Duan. Prevention and reversion of multidrug resistance (MDR) in cancer by NSC23925. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr 762. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-762
Using alfalfa leaf meal as a supplement in late-gestation beef heifer and nursing beef calf diets

Two experiments were conducted to investigate using alfalfa leaf meal (ALM; 22% CP, DM basis) in beef cattle diets. In Exp. 1, a total of 24 late-gestation Angus heifers (initial BW 470 +/- 9 kg) were blocked by BW, calving date, and BCS to 1 of 4 dietary treatments in a randomized complete block design. All heifers were offered a basal hay diet (7.4% CP and 67.6% NDF, DM basis). Treatments were arranged as a 2 x 2 factorial consisting of CP supplied at 100 or 112.5% of the recommended daily intake using either soybean meal (SBM) or ALM as the supplemental protein source. Treatments were fed for an average of 100 d before calving. Total DMI was unaffected by supplemental protein source, although heifers consumed more (P < 0.001) ALM supplement than SBM supplement at the expense of hay and corn. Feeding 112.5% of recommended CP to heifers increased precalving rate of BW gain (P = 0.004) and DM digestibility (P = 0.003). Protein source did not affect DM digestibility (P = 0.17). Neither supplemental protein source nor protein amount affected changes in BCS or calving traits. In Exp. 2, replicates of treatments were conducted over 2 consecutive years at 2 locations in northern Minnesota to determine the effects of including ALM in creep-fed supplements on nursing calf performance, supplement BW gain efficiency (GF; BW gain over control/supplement intake), and cow performance. Treatments were control (no supplement), ALM supplement (58% ALM, as-fed basis), or a wheat middling- and soybean hull-based supplement (MIDD). Milk intake (estimated by the weigh-suckle-weigh technique) was similar among treatments. Creep-fed calves had greater (P < 0.001) ADG than control calves, whereas calves offered MIDD tended to have greater ADG (P = 0.05) than those offered ALM (1.38 vs. 1.30 kg/d, respectively). Calves offered MIDD had greater (P < 0.001) creep feed DMI than those offered ALM (2.6 vs. 1.3 kg/d, respectively). A year x treatment interaction was noted for GF (P = 0.02). In yr 1, GF for calves offered ALM was greater (P = 0.006) than GF for calves offered MIDD, but in yr 2, there were no differences. Alfalfa leaf meal may substitute for SBM in beef heifer wintering diets and conventional creep feed ingredients. When included in creep feed diets, ALM can result in slightly less ADG and less DMI, but supplement conversion efficiency may be increased.
Oxazepam, prazepam, and aggression in mice.

Summary Diets containing 0.05% oxazepam and 0.02% prazepam did not reduce aggression in groups of male mice. Indeed, males fed prazepam for six days before grouping showed more aggressive encounters than controls. Increased combat-related mortality was seen among oxazepam treated males after two weeks on the diet. Oxazepam appears to alter agonistic behavior patterns only after a minimum treatment duration of about 14 days.
Dynamic Behavior of Adsorbed NO and CO under Transient Conditions on Pd/Al2O3☆

Abstract The dynamic behavior of adsorbed NO and CO under transient NO–CO reaction conditions on Pd/Al2O3has been studied byin situinfrared (IR) spectroscopy coupled with TPR and pulse reaction techniques in the 303–673 K range. Below the light-off temperature (i.e., 561 K), Pd0–NO and Pd0–CO are the dominant adsorbates on the Pd surface. Pd0–NO competes favorably over Pd0–CO for the same reduced Pd0site when the temperature is increased. Pulse reaction studies at 473 K suggest that Pd0–NO dissociates to form adsorbed nitrogen and adsorbed oxygen. Adsorbed oxygen further reacts with Pd0–CO to produce CO2. Concentration profiles of CO2and Pd0–CO during the pulse reaction studies indicate that removal of adsorbed oxygen from the Pd surface to produce CO2is the rate-limiting step. Prolonged exposure of the catalyst to the NO flow at 473 K results in oxidation of Pd0to Pd+and produces Pd–NO+; the presence of gaseous CO reduces Pd+to Pd0and increases the surface coverage of Pd0–NO. Above the light-off temperature, Pd–NO+, Al–NCO, nitrate, and carbonate species are the dominant adsorbates. The presence of Pd–NO+indicates that the process for Pd0oxidation to Pd+by NO is faster than that of Pd+reduction to Pd0by CO. This study demonstrates that careful selection of transient IR techniques allows (i) determination of the modes of adsorbed NO and CO participating in the reaction and (ii) development of a comprehensive mechanism for the NO–CO reaction on Pd/Al2O3catalyst.
Archaeology in African museums

Museums curate, document, conserve, and protect the earth's diverse natural and cultural heritage for purposes of educating humankind. Through research, exhibitions, and other activities that stress our common demominators and achievements, museums help us to forge and affirm local, ethnic, national, and international identities, unity, and pride. To accomplish such diverse goals, museums require dynamic, dedicated, ethical, and fairly well-educated staff. Museums must also be well-funded and should have local, national, and international support systems. This paper discusses the challenges faced by museum professionals in Africa, especially archaeologists, as they attempt to unearth, and in some cases reinterpret, Africa's cultural history.
Modern Adaptation of Prandtl's Classic Lifting-Line Theory

The classical solution to Prandtl's well-known lifting-line theory applies only to a single lifting surface with no sweep and no dihedral. However, Prandtl's original model of a finite lifting surface has much broader applicability. A general numerical lifting-line method based on Prandtl's model is presented. Whereas classical lifting-line theory is based on applying the two-dimensional Kutta-Joukowski law to a three-dimensional flow, the present method is based on a fully three-dimensional vortex lifting law. The method can be used for systems of lifting surfaces with arbitrary camber, sweep, and dihedral. The accuracy realized from this method is shown to be comparable to that obtained from numerical panel methods and inviscid computational fluid dynamics solutions, but at a small fraction of the computational cost
CHARACTERIZATION OF BAKED BEAN PROCESSING WASTEWATER AND ITS ASSIMILATION BY Aspergillus foetidus

Baked bean processing wastewater is high in BOD (biochemical oxygen demand) and produces noxious odors when treated in municipal activated sludge systems. The present study describes a process for the assimilation of this wastewater by the mycelium of Aspergillus foetidus NRRL 337. The fungus is capable of rapidly digesting over 80% of the BOD and produces no foul odors. The mycelium has a crude protein content of greater than 50% and is readily harvested by simple filtration. The optimal conditions for the fungal process are as follows: pH, 3.3; temperature, 30°C; incubation time, 24 hr; and aeration rate, 2 mMO2/liter/hr.
Immobilization of MP-11 into a Mesoporous Metal–Organic Framework, MP-11@mesoMOF: A New Platform for Enzymatic Catalysis

Microperoxidase-11 has for the first time been successfully immobilized into a mesoporous metal–organic framework (MOF) consisting of nanoscopic cages and it demonstrates superior enzymatic catalysis performances compared to its mesoporous silica counterpart.
Variance decomposition and global sensitivity for structural systems

Abstract This paper applies the Sobol’ decomposition of a function of many random variables to a problem in structural mechanics, namely the collapse of a two story two bay frame under gravity load. Prior to introduction of this example application, the Sobol’ decomposition itself is reviewed and extended to cover the case in which the input random variables have Gaussian distribution. Then, an illustrative example is given for a polynomial function of 3 random variables. In the structural example, the Sobol’ decomposition is used to decompose the variance of the response, the collapse load, into contributions from the individual input variables. This decomposition reveals the relative importance of the individual member yield stresses in determining the collapse load of the frame. In applying the Sobol’ decomposition to this structural problem the following issues are addressed: Calculation of the components of the Sobol’ decomposition by Monte Carlo simulation; the effect of input distribution on the Sobol’ decomposition; convergence of estimates of the Sobol’ decomposition with sample size using various sampling schemes; the possibility of model reduction guided by the results of the Sobol’ decomposition.
Adrenomedullin Gene Delivery Reduces Blood Pressure in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats

Adrenomedullin (ADM) is a potent vasoactive peptide. In this study, we explored the effects of a continuous supply of ADM by somatic gene delivery on spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). DNA constructs containing the human ADM cDNA fused to either the cytomegalovirus promoter (CMV-cADM) or Rous Sarcoma virus 3'-long terminal repeat (RSV-cADM) were intravenously injected into SHR through the tail vein. Expression of human ADM in SHR was identified in the kidney, adrenal gland, heart, and lung by radioimmunoassay and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction followed by Southern blot analysis. A single injection of ADM plasmid DNA in young adult SHR (7 wk old) caused a significant reduction in systolic blood pressure for up to 5 wk (p < 0.05). A second injection of CMV-cADM 5 wk after the first delivery resulted in a further reduction in blood pressure for another 3 wk (p < 0.001). A maximal blood pressure reduction of 22 mmHg in SHR was observed 7 wk after injection of CMV-cADM plasmid DNA (185 +/- 1.7 mmHg, n = 6, p < 0.001), and a reduction of 15 mmHg was observed after injection of RSV-cADM (192 +/- 2.7 mmHg, n = 6, p < 0.001), as compared with control rats given vector DNA (207 +/- 2.4 mmHg, n = 6). Similarly, injection of CMV-cADM plasmid DNA in adult SHR (10 wk old) resulted in a significant reduction in blood pressure for up to 6 wk. Antibodies to either human ADM or its plasmid DNA were not detected in rat sera after the second injection. These studies indicate that intravenous injection of the human ADM gene in hypertensive rats results in expression of the foreign gene and induces a long-lasting reduction in blood pressure.
Why customers won't relate: Obstacles to relationship marketing engagement

Abstract Due to the challenges associated with reaching consumers using traditional marketing approaches, firms increasingly rely on relational marketing tactics to increase customer patronage with the firm. Yet, consumers often actively avoid relational devices. Thus, firms have a heightened interest in factors that affect customer engagement in relationship marketing efforts. This research provides an empirical test of a model based on equity theory and previous findings regarding psychological engagement. The model predicts whether customers are willing to engage in different relational tactics offered by firms, measured by a formative, actionable Relationship Program Receptiveness (RPR) Index. The results indicate customer perceptions of the inconvenience and anticipated benefits, two factors controlled by the firm, affect RPR. In addition, customer factors, including general privacy concerns, involvement and shopping frequency, affect RPR. Managerially, the results suggest specific actions firms can take to increase the likelihood that consumers engage in relational marketing efforts.
On thermal buckling of patched beam-plates

Abstract The behavior of uniformly heated plates is considered for the situation where a patch is adhered over a region of the structure. A variational formulation results in a self-consistent set of equations and conditions, which governs the response of the system. The nonlinear problems are solved analytically, yielding exact results within the context of the mathematical model employed. A stability criterion is established for the class of problems considered, based on the second variation of the potential energy of the composite structure, and issues of stability are assessed in this context. Three non-dimensional parameters that characterize the response of the structure are identified. These are a `loading parameter', a `critical temperature' and a `critical membrane force'. Results of numerical simulations are presented for various loading and support conditions, patch lengths, and mechanical properties of the components. It is seen that bifurcation buckling, `asymptotic buckling', and `sling-shot buckling' are all possible scenarios for the class of structures of interest.
A Method to Examine Content Domain Structures

After a test is developed, most content validation analyses shift from ascertaining domain definition to studying domain representation and relevance because the domain is assumed to be set once a test exists. We present an approach that allows for the examination of alternative domain structures based on extant test items. In our example based on the 59 items from the 2004 Arizona state high school mathematics test, we asked 34 subject matter experts (SMEs) to judge the similarity of items based on any characteristics deemed important to them. After sorting items into categories, SME similarity data were scaled using multidimensional analysis. Scale values were then cluster analyzed to examine the domain structure derived from SME group responses. The SME similarity data yielded a cluster configuration that shared some commonality with the state model as stipulated in test specifications, but differed in critical ways. Confirmatory factor analysis of student item responses indicated that although both mo...
The Validity of an Academic Study-Time Questionnaire for College Students:

For a sample of 70 university students the validity of a questionnaire on academic study time entitled Student Study Time Survey (SSTS) was estimated in relation to data provided by a criterion measure called Student Study Time Interview Schedule (SSTIS). This schedule contains a record sheet of an interview involving an in-depth interactive discussion between an interviewer and student. During the interview the student indicates participation hour by hour over the previous week in a variety of activities. Two sets of scores on the SSTS representing student perceptions of (a) number of hours spent studying outside of class during the previous week and (b) average number of weekly study hours devoted outside of class over the entire semester yielded correlation coefficients of .65 (p < .001) and .67 (p < .001), respectively, with the estimate of the number of study hours during the previous week of classes as determined from the SSTIS. For a different sample of 33 students a test-retest estimate of .68 for...
Locomotor stimulant effects of novel phenyltropanes in the mouse

Abstract With the hypothesis that 3-phenyltropane analogs of cocaine might be useful as cocaine medications, 17 analogs (RTI-51, RTI-55, RTI-108, RTI-112, RTI-113, RTI-116, RTI-120, RTI-121, RTI-126, RTI-139, RTI-141, RTI-150, RTI-171, RTI-177, RTI-199, RTI-204, and RTI-219) were characterized for their potency and selectivity at the monoamine transporters in a previous study. Based on their affinities to the transporters in this earlier study, the analogs were classified as nonselective (cocaine, RTI-51, RTI-55, RTI-108, RTI-112, RTI-116, RTI-126, and RTI-139) or dopamine transporter (DAT) selective (RTI-113, RTI-120, RTI-121, RTI-141, RTI-150, RTI-171, RTI-177, RTI-199, RTI-204, and RTI-219). In the present study, the locomotor stimulating effects of these analogs were compared to those of cocaine to obtain a measure of in vivo activity. Each analog was more potent than cocaine in the in vivo assay, as observed in the earlier in vitro studies. Most of these compounds were as efficacious as cocaine, but RTI-51, RTI-108, RTI-113, RTI-121, RTI-139, RTI-141, RTI-177, RTI-204, and RTI-219 were longer acting. Although no correlation between chemical structure and transporter selectivity was found, the short-acting DAT-selective analogs, RTI-120, RTI-150, RTI-171, and RTI-199, all contained a methyl group in the X position of the WIN 35,065-2 molecule. The positive correlation of the IC 50 s for the DAT to potencies for increasing locomotor activity suggested that binding to DAT was responsible for some, if not most, of the locomotor effects of these compounds. Several compounds, including RTI-113 and RTI-177, exhibited properties ideal for medications for cocaine abusers, such as an equivalent efficacy, a higher potency, and a longer duration of action as compared to cocaine.
Children's classifications of nature and artifact pictures into female and male categories

Associations of the concepts of nature and artifact with the concepts of female and male were examined using a category inference picture-grouping game with 22 second-grade subjects. In a first session, subjects grouped pictures of objects, such as a tree and a cup, on the basis of a nature/artifact distinction. The purpose of this session was to teach the categorization procedure on an easy task and to highlight the nature/artifact distinction. In a second session, pictures of people, clothing, and accessories were grouped on the basis of a female/male distinction. A new set of pictures containing nature and artifact items was then categorized into the female and male groups. Natural items were assigned more often to the female category while artifact items were assigned more often to the male category. The role of such associations in the development of gender concepts is discussed.
Recovery and determination of 3H-tetracycline from whole bones

Abstract A method has been described for quantitatively extracting and analyzing 3H-tetracycline from whole dog and rat bones. This method depends upon the complete decalcification of bone with cold dilute hydrochloric acid and liquid scintillation counting of the radioactivity. The assay has a 100-fold increase in sensitivity over fluorometric measurements. The quantification was independent of the age of the bone and the elapsed time after labeling. It was demonstrated in bones doubly labeled with 3H-tetracycline and 3H-proline that the two isotopes were quantitatively separated without cross contamination.
Abstract 2260: Novel molecular therapy targeting Mcl-1 and modulating autophagy in castration-resistant prostate cancer

Proceedings: AACR 103rd Annual Meeting 2012‐‐ Mar 31‐Apr 4, 2012; Chicago, IL Chemo/radioresistance markedly impair the efficacy of cancer therapy. Anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 family proteins such as Bcl-xL, Bcl-2 and Mcl-1 are overexpressed in castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) and contribute to prostate tumor initiation, progression and resistance to radiotherapy. A natural BH3-mimetic small molecule inhibitor of Bcl-2, (-)-gossypol, shows promise in ongoing Phase II clinical trials for human prostate cancer. We have recently shown that (-)-gossypol preferentially induces autophagy in CRPC cells that have high levels of Bcl-2 and are resistant to apoptosis, both in vitro and in vivo, but not in androgen-dependent cells with low Bcl-2 and sensitive to apoptosis. We have explored a series of gossypol derivatives and identified two novel BH3-mimetic lead compounds that are more potent than the parental compound in inducing autophagic cell death in CRPC. A novel pan-Bcl-2 inhibitor, apogossypolone (ApoG2), a derivative of (-)-gossypol, has a better binding affinity to Mcl-1 and an improved antitumor activity, and shows promising efficacy on a variety of cancers in vitro and in vivo. Treatment with the ApoG2 prior to radiotherapy enhances cell death via autophagic pathway in cancer cells which have high Mcl-1 and resistant to apoptosis. In addition to abrogating Bcl-2/Mcl-1–Beclin1 interactions, ApoG2 activates the autophagic pathway Atg5-dependently which synergizes with the effect of radiation. We further investigated the precise mechanism governing the influence of ApoG2 on IR-induced cell death. Our data suggest that, ApoG2 pretreatment suppresses IR induced Akt activation and mTOR phosphorylation. In this way, it serves as a potent radiosensitizer to affect autophagic cell death in cancer cells. Administration of ApoG2 prior to IR further delayed tumor growth of castration resistant prostate cancer xenograft model and increased autophagic cell death in vivo. Together, our data demonstrate a novel mode of action of ApoG2 as an enhancer of radiation induced autophagic cell death and provide mechanistic details of its tumor cell killing activities. These new insights into different modes of cell death induced by Mcl-1 inhibitors may facilitate the rational design of clinical trials by selecting patients most likely to benefit from the Mcl-1-targeted molecular therapy. 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 2260. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-2260
Desmoid fibromatosis in children and adolescents: a conservative approach to management.

Abstract Purpose Desmoid fibromatosis is associated with frequent recurrence and significant morbidity, but no metastases. To examine the impact of initial non-operative management on event-free survival (EFS) in children, we reviewed our institutional experience with this tumor. Methods We retrospectively reviewed our institutional database for pediatric cases of desmoid fibromatosis treated between 1970 and 2010. Survival was analyzed using the Kaplan–Meier method and log-rank test. Results Ninety-three patients were identified, with a median follow-up of 6years. Median age at diagnosis was 16years. Forty-seven patients presented with primary tumors, and forty-six had recurrent or progressing disease. Five-year OS was 100%, and 5-year EFS was 31.8%, with a median time to event of 1.48years. There was no significant difference in 5-year EFS between patients who were managed expectantly and those who initially received treatment (21% versus 34%, P =.09). Sex, race, history of trauma, or familial adenomatous polyposis, multifocality, tumor size, tumor location, and resection status did not correlate with EFS. Conclusion Our findings support a conservative initial approach in the management of desmoid fibromatosis. In patients at risk for morbid procedures, upfront resection should be reserved for select tumors that demonstrate aggressive growth or cause serious symptoms.
PARAVALVULAR LEAK AFTER TRANSCATHETER AORTIC VALVE REPLACEMENT (TAVR) IS ASSOCIATED WITH ASCENDING AORTA AND ARCH ANATOMY

Paravalvular leak (PVL) is recognized in 9-22% of patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). It is an independent risk factor for mortality at short-and mid-term follow-up. Recognized causes include inadequate valve stent dilation and eccentric aortic valve calcification.
Three-dimensional structure of the AAH26994.1 protein from Mus musculus, a putative eukaryotic Urm1

We have used NMR spectroscopy to determine the solution structure of protein AAH26994.1 from Mus musculus and propose that it represents the first three-dimensional structure of a ubiquitin-related modifier 1 (Urm1) protein. Amino acid sequence comparisons indicate that AAH26994.1 belongs to the Urm1 family of ubiquitin-like modifier proteins. The best characterized member of this family has been shown to be involved in nutrient sensing, invasive growth, and budding in yeast. Proteins in this family have only a weak sequence similarity to ubiquitin, and the structure of AAH26994.1 showed a much closer resemblance to MoaD subunits of molybdopterin synthases (known structures are of three bacterial MoaD proteins with 14%-26% sequence identity to AAH26994.1). The structures of AAH26994.1 and the MoaD proteins each contain the signature ubiquitin secondary structure fold, but all differ from ubiquitin largely in regions outside of this fold. This structural similarity bolsters the hypothesis that ubiquitin and ubiquitin-related proteins evolved from a protein-based sulfide donor system of the molybdopterin synthase type.
Improving service quality: Learning from manufacturing

Abstract As economies of industrialized countries become ever more dominated by services and competition in service businesses increasingly is global, many service firms are realizing that quality will be the major determinant of their success. Yet producing consistently high quality in services has not received as much attention as in manufacturing firms. Characteristics of services have led many managers to believe that quality improvement methods used successfully in manufacturing are not applicable in service organizations. This paper will argue that this is not true and, in fact, approaches such as just-in-time, total quality management and work teams, suitably adapted, can work also in service firms. The importance of a proper service philosophy and strategy is crucial to establishing high quality and continual improvement in services. How a firm can develop this philosophy and the programs that support it, are discussed with examples of high quality service organizations cited.
When the Smad signaling pathway is impaired, fibroblasts advance open wound contraction

In wound healing transforming growth factor β1 (TGFβ1), utilizing the Smad signaling pathway, advances connective tissue deposition, the transformation of fibroblasts into myofibroblasts and wound contraction. The compound SB-505124 disrupts the Smad signaling pathway by blocking activin receptor-like kinase phosphorylation of select Smad signaling proteins. Four full thickness excisional square 2 × 2 cm wounds were made on the rat dorsum. On day 2, the pair of wounds on the left received 1 μM SB-505124 in gel, and the pair on the right, controls, received gel alone. Wounds were covered with nonocclusive dressings and treated redressed daily for 4 days. No differences in day 14 wound sizes between treatment groups were found. H&E stained sections revealed increased cell density in SB-505124 treated wounds. Polarized light microscopy showed collagen fiber bundles birefringence intensity and organization were equivalent between treatment groups. Myofibroblast populations, identified by α-smooth muscle actin staining, were the norm in controls but absent in SB-505124 treated wounds, which was confirmed by Western blot analysis. Blocking the Smad signaling pathway diminished connective tissue deposition and generated a deficiency in myofibroblast numbers, but wound contraction was unimpaired. The absence of myofibroblasts may be related to the blocking of the Smad signaling pathway or it may be related to the generation of less tension in treated wounds, related to reduce deposited connective tissue. These findings support the notion that wound contraction does not require the generation of myofibroblast contractile forces, but rather the organization of newly deposited collagen fiber bundles by forces related to fibroblast locomotion.
A two-dimensional infinite element for Maxwell's equations

Abstract The paper describes an implementation of the infinite element for two-dimensional steady-state Maxwell's equations, proposed by L. Demkowicz and M. Pal (Comput. Meth. Appl. Mech. Engrg., in press). The element is compatible with the hp FE element discretizations for Maxwell's equations in bounded domains reported in L. Demkowicz and L. Vardapetyan (Comput. Meth. Appl. Mech. Engrg. 152 (1/2) (1996) 103–124) and W. Rachowicz and L. Demkowicz (Comput. Meth. Appl. Mech. Engrg., in press).
T1N0 to T2N0 Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Glottic Larynx Treated With Definitive Radiotherapy

Purpose To report the treatment outcomes of definitive radiotherapy (RT) for early-stage squamous cell carcinoma (SCCA) of the glottic larynx. Methods and Materials We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 585 patients with T1N0 to T2N0 invasive SCCA of the glottic larynx treated between 1964 and 2006 with RT alone. All patients had at least 2 years of follow-up, had histologic diagnosis of invasive SCCA, and received continuous-course RT. None of these patients received chemotherapy or had elective nodal RT. The probabilities of local control (LC), ultimate LC, ultimate LC with larynx preservation, neck control, cause-specific survival (CSS), and overall survival (OS) were calculated by the Kaplan-Meier product-limit method. Results The median follow-up for survivors was 12 years. Five-year LC rates were as follows: T1A, 94%; T1B, 93%; T2A, 80%; and T2B, 70%. Multivariate analysis revealed that overall treatment time greater than 41 days ( p = 0.001) and poorly differentiated histology ( p = 0.016) adversely affected LC. Five-year rates of ultimate LC with laryngeal preservation were: T1A, 95%; T1B, 94%, T2A, 81%; and T2B, 74%. Twenty-four (4%) of 585 patients failed in the neck; only 7 neck failures (1%) were isolated. Five-year CSS and OS rates were as follows: T1A, 97% and 82%; T1B, 99% and 83%; T2A, 94% and 76%; and T2B, 90% and 78%, respectively. Ten (1.7%) patients had severe and/or fatal complications. One patient died of a radiation-induced carotid artery angiosarcoma. Conclusion Based on our study results, RT cures a high proportion of patients with T1N0 to T2N0 glottic SCCAs and has a low rate of severe complications.
Paraaminosalicylate blocks that ileal injury induced by phorbol myristate acetate.

Activation of neutrophils with the release of oxidant radicals has been implicated in the pathogenesis of gut injury in inflammatory bowel disease (180). The pathogenesis of gut injury in the multiple organ dys­ function syndrome associated with acute lung injury, although less focal, appears to be similar. Paraamino­ salicylate (PAS) has been shown to be effective in treating 180, most likely because of its ability to scavenge oxidant radicals. The present study was therefore designed to test the hypothesis that PAS attenuates the gut injury typically seen during systemic neutrophil activation by phorbol myristate acetate (PMA). We as­ sessed gut injury by measuring the concentration ratio of lymph to plasma protein (CL/Cp) at steady-state lymph flows in autopertused cat ileum preparations. As expected, the CL/Cp increased in animals given PMA (15I!g/kb; n = 6) compared with control animals (n = 5) (0.205 ± 0.033 versus 0.118 ± 0.004; P = 0.04) and were accompanied by morphologic alterations. In contrast, the intravenous administration of PAS (100 mg/kg) to animals prior to PMA infusion (n = 5) yielded a CL/Cp value indistinguishable from that in control animals (0.113 ± 0.017versus 0.118 ± 0.004). Additional in vitro studies suggested that the pro­ tective effects of PAS were not the result of altered neutrophil margination, chemotaxis, or oxidant burst. Although PAS appeared to protect the ileum from PMA-induced microvascular injury, it had no protective effects on the lungs. Overdahl MC, Julian MW, Weisbrode SE, Davis WB, Dorinsky PM. Paraaminosalicy­ late blocks the ileal injury induced by phorbol myristate acetate. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 1994; 149:1640-7. For years, sulfasalazine (SAl) has been proven beneficial in treat­ ing inflammatory bowel disease (180) (1, 2). The active moiety of the SAZ molecule has been shown to be 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) (2-4), and its protective effects appear to be related to its ability to inhibit the action of several neutrophil products released during the inflammatory response. Specifically, 5-ASA scavenges extracellular superoxide and hydroxyl radicals, which appear to playa role in the pathogenesis of mucosal damage in