cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Abstract 44: Leukemia-associated DNMT3A R882 mutations and their role in anthracycline-induced DNA damage response and therapeutic resistance

Despite significant advances in cancer research and treatment, therapeutic resistance remains a major obstacle for achieving stable remission in cancer patients. Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is no exception, and most AML patients develop resistance to chemotherapy/targeted therapies, which results in disease relapse and progression. Recurrent mutations in the DNA methyltransferase 3A (DNMT3A) gene have been identified in 20-30% of AML cases and are predictive of unfavorable prognosis in patients treated with standard anti-leukemic regimens. In addition, DNMT3A-mutant AMLs appear to be relatively refractory to anthracycline family chemotherapeutics, such as daunorubicin. Half of all DNMT3A mutations affect amino acid residue R882, and recent work has shown that these mutants display decreased enzymatic activity and aberrant binding properties. In addition, previous studies have shown that wild-type DNMT3A functions as a pro-apoptotic switch in response to genotoxic stress induced by another anthracycline doxorubicin. We propose that mutant DNMT3A protects cells from apoptosis in response to DNA damage by altering molecular machinery involved in DNA-damage sensing, response and/or repair, through DNA methylation-dependent or independent mechanisms. Specifically, our data show that mutant DNMT3A affects recruitment of DNA repair proteins to chromatin, including aberrant distribution of homologous recombination marker RAD51. We are currently investigating molecular changes in DNA damage response in DNMT3A-mutant cells in vitro and ex vivo, and leukemogenic potential of the mutant Dnmt3a allele in vivo, whether alone or in combination with other cooperating oncogenes. Citation Format: Olga A. Guryanova, Kaitlyn Shank, Luisa Luciani, Evangelia Loizou, Matthew D. Keller, Abby R. Weinstein, Omar Abdel-Wahab, Siddhartha Mukherjee, Stephen S. Nimer, Ross L. Levine. Leukemia-associated DNMT3A R882 mutations and their role in anthracycline-induced DNA damage response and therapeutic resistance. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference: Cancer Susceptibility and Cancer Susceptibility Syndromes; Jan 29-Feb 1, 2014; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(23 Suppl):Abstract nr 44. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.CANSUSC14-44
Dental root agenesis secondary to irradiation therapy in a case of rhabdomyosarcoma of the middle ear

There have been only a few published reports on the dental-facial effects of radiation therapy and the subsequent oral management of these patients. A case involving a 13-year-old black male patient with a history of rhabdomyosarcoma is presented. The patient received 4,050 rads of radiation to the right middle ear when he was 2 years of age. His residual medical and dental difficulties are apparently complications from the initial therapy. Examination of the oral cavity revealed bimaxillary micrognathia and marked loss of vertical dimension. A Class II facial profile with Class I molar relationship was observed. The mandible was thin and hypoplastic, with a small knife-edge alveolar ridge. The remaining eighteen erupted permanent teeth were very mobile, and root development had ceased after only initial formation. All of the teeth except the first permanent molars were extracted, and immediate partial dentures were inserted at the time of surgery. A discussion of therapeutic considerations follows the case report.
The effects of rapid volume expansion on the right and left cardiac filling pressures after coronary artery bypass surgery.

Rapid volume expansion is a diagnostic procedure which can reveal typical hemodynamics of pericardial constriction in patients with pericardial disease who have normal hemodynamics in their baseline state. We studied 20 patients with previous coronary artery bypass surgery in order to determine whether this operation results in some degree of pericardial constriction which could be demonstrated by rapid volume expansion. After infusing 1 L of physiologic saline solution over six minutes, the right atrial pressure increased by 5±2 mm Hg, the right ventricular diastolic pressure by 4 ± 3 mm Hg, the pulmonary capillary wedge pressure by 7 ± 3 mm Hg, and the left ventricular diastolic pressure by 7 ±4 mm Hg (mean±SD). Equalization of the left and right cardiac pressures was not observed, and the normal respiratory variation of the pressures was not altered by rapid volume expansion. Thus, the pericardial manipulation associated with the performance of coronary artery bypass surgery does not commonly result in the development of subclinical pericardial constriction.
Identified neurons in mouse smi cortex which are postsynaptic to thalamocortical axon terminals: A combined golgi‐electron microscopic and degeneration study

A recently developed Golgi-electron microscopic technique (Fairen et al., '77) has been used to identify neurons in mouse SmI cortex which that thalamic axon terminals synapsed with dendrites of several distinct neuronal types whose cell bodies occurred either in layer III, IV or V. The procedures employed were as follows: electrolytic lesions were used to destroy the cortical projections of the nucleus ventralis posterior pars lateralis thalami (homologous to medial portion of ventrobasal complex) and the nucleus posterior thalami. These two thalamic nuclei project to the posteromedial barrel subfield (PMBSF) in mouse somatosensory cortex. Blocks of cortex containing the PMBSF were processed by the Golgi method, sectioned at 150 μm and examined with the light microscope. Neurons of interest were then selected for Golgi deimpregnation (Fairen et al., '77). Portions of these cells were serial thin sectioned and subsequently examined with the electron microscope to determine if they synapsed with degenerating axon terminals. Degenerating thalamocortical axon terminals synapsed at asymmetrical synaptic junctions with dendritic spines of pyramidal cells whose somata occurred in layers III and V, and with dendritic spines of spiny stellate cells with somata in layer IV. Only normal, symmetrical synapses occurred on the cell bodies of these neurons, and no degenerating axon terminals synapsed with the shafts of their dendrites. Two, unimpregnated, non-spiny stellate cells whose somata occurred in layers IV and IV/V were partially reconstructed from serial thin sections. Many degenerating thalamocortical axon terminals synapsed with the dendrites and somata of these non-spiny cells. In fact, for similar lengths of dendrite, the non-spiny stellate cells made the most synapses with thalamocortical axon terminals, followed in order of decreasing frequency by the layer IV spiny stellate cells, the layer III pyramids and finally the layer V pyramids which received only few synapses from thalamocortical axon terminals. Direct evidence has been provided that at least six different types of neurons whose somata occur in several layers of the neocortex receive synapses from thalamocortically projecting neurons. It has been proposed that the cortex is organized such that thalamic input is processed sequentially by neurons of increasingly complex response properties beginning with cells in layer IV and proceeding to cells in other layers (Hubel and Wiesel, '62, '68). The results of this study now suggest that any such hierarchical processing of thalamic input must occur in conjunction with the parallel, and perhaps simultaneous, processing of thalamic input by neurons at several hierarchical levels. The evidence for, and some implications of, a newly proposed model of cortical organization which combines hierarchical and parallel processing are discussed.
Morphological and molecular characterization of somatic hybrid plants between Lycopersicon esculentum and Solanum nigrum

Mesophyll protoplasts of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill. var. cerasiforme) and of an atrazine-resistant biotype of black nightshade, (Solanum nigrum L.), were fused by using polyethylene glycol/dimethyl sulfoxide (PEG/DMSO) solution and three somatic hybrid plants, each derived from a separate callus, were recovered. A twostep selection system was used: (1) protoplast culture medium (modified 8E) in which only tomato protoplasts formed calluses; and (2) regeneration medium (MS2Z) on which only S. nigrum calluses produced shoots. These selective steps were augmented by early isozyme analysis of putative hybrid shoots still in vitro. Phosphoglucoisomerase (PGI) and glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (GOT) mapped to five loci on four chromosomes in tomato confirmed the hybrid nature of the nuclei of regenerated shoots. The somatic hybrid plants had simple leaves, and intermediate flower and bud morphology, but anthesis was reduced to 5% due to premature bud abscission and the pollen grains were non-viable. Southern DNA blot hybridization using a pea 45 S ribosomal RNA gene probe reconfirmed the hybrid nature of the nuclear genome of the three plants. A 32P-labeled probe of Oenothera chloroplast DNA (cpDNA) hybridized to cpDNA restricted with EcoRI or EcoRV indicated the presence of the tomato cpDNA pattern in all three hybrids. Likewise, the plants were all found to be atrazine sensitive. Analysis with two mitochondrial (mt)DNA-specific probes, maize cytochrome oxidase subunit II and PmtSylSa8 from Nicotiana sylvestris, showed that, in addition to typical mitochondrial rearrangements, specific bands of both parents were present or missing in each somatic hybrid plant.
Vessel, Firm, and Lock Efficiency Measures in Lock Performance

The inland waterway system is made up of a set of rivers and associated locks and dams. Dams establish "pools" of water that allow rivers to be navigated, and locks allow barges to pass from pools of different elevations. Lock performance (i.e., the timely passage of barges through the waterway) depends on many factors. This study examines lock performance in terms of the structural design of locks; the characteristics of the flotilla (vessels and barges); a set of state conditions (weather, river levels, etc.); and characteristics of vessels, locks, and firms. Vessel, firm, and lock efficiency measures are developed by using panel data techniques, and observed factors that influence efficiency are evaluated. The results indicate considerable heterogeneity across vessels, firms, and locks, which results in significant differences in timely passage through the locks.
Reaction titration: a convenient method for titering reactive hydride agents (Red-Al, LiAlH4, DIBALH, L-Selectride, NaH, and KH) by No-D NMR spectroscopy.

The concentration of reactive metal hydride (Met-H) reducing agents can be determined (in ≤20 min) using No-D NMR spectroscopy. The method involves (i) reacting Met-H with an excess of p-methoxybenzaldehyde, (ii) quenching with excess acetic acid, (iii) recording the No-D NMR spectrum of this homogeneous mixture, and (iv) deducing the concentration of Met-H from the % conversion (as measured by integration). By a conceptually related method, the titer of the basic alkali metal hydrides KH and NaH can also be determined.
Opiate receptors, food intake and obesity

The present studies tested the effect of acute and chronic administration of naloxone on food intake of lean and genetically obese (ob/ob) mice. Acute administration of naloxone, a drug which blocks opiate receptors, produced a greater reduction of food intake in obese (ob/ob) mice than in the lean littermates. For chronic experiments with naloxone, the daily feeding period was shortened to eight hours and two injections of naloxone were given four hours apart. With this procedure of scheduled-feeding the food intake of both lean and obese mice was depressed during the first hour after injecting naloxone. However, beginning on the second day of treatment, the lean mice began to eat more food than the untreated controls during the eight hour feeding period. Food consumption by lean mice reached values 140 to 200% above the control levels between the fourth and sixth day. In the obese mice the rise in food intake was more gradual and did not reach 200% of the control value until the sixth day. Body weight changes reflected the changes in food intake. In contrast to naloxone, chronic treatment with morphine lowered food intake and blocked the stimulatory effect of naloxone. Our findings suggest that endogenous opioids may play a role in signalling satiety and in regulating long-term energy balance.
MOLECULAR THERAPEUTICS OF LIVER DISEASE

This article selectively summarizes clinically relevant developments in molecular therapeutics—gene-, cell-, and recombinant protein–based technologies that are likely to lead to effective therapies for liver diseases in the first part of this century. This endeavor inevitably involves some prophetizing, speculation which is inherently dangerous because today's prophet is often tomorrow's fool. Although specific details may be difficult to predict accurately, however, general trends may be forecast with less risk of future embarrassment. What can be predicted with confidence is that, compared with the last century, when medical therapy of patients with liver disease was based largely on astute clinical observation and empiricism, in the coming century treatment of patients with liver disease will increasingly be guided by fundamental scientific advances. Basic advances in the understanding of liver cell biology, molecular genetics, immunology, virology, and cancer biology will eventually lead to improved therapies that will revolutionize treatment of patients across the entire spectrum of acute and chronic liver diseases, including cirrhosis, acute liver failure, chronic hepatitis, primary and metastatic liver cancer, and inborn errors of metabolism. The distinction between gene-, cell-, and protein-based therapies used in this article is admittedly artificial. For example, into which of these categories should the transplantation of genetically modified cells that secrete a recombinant protein be placed? Nonetheless, the distinction is made to highlight different approaches to molecular therapeutics and the obstacles currently preventing broad clinical application of these technologies. Because of space limitations, many important areas are not addressed. Indeed, to discuss thoroughly the profound effect that molecular therapeutics will have on the future practice of hepatology would require a multivolume text. Accordingly, frequent reference is made to recent reviews for readers interested in a more detailed treatment.
Engineering Education in Turbomachinery

The recent upsurge in the utilization of turbomachinery in the various industries has created a great interest in various educational programs in this area. The scope of engineering education in turbomachines is very broad. The undergraduate student and his initial relationship with this subject is only the first phase of this education. Extension coruses at various levels to the practicing engineer is another important phase. Graduate courses in this area with their inherent research projects rounds out the entire picture. The paper outlines the various courses of study for the different phases and also interrelates these phases to show how by an exchange of information the various groups might benefit from each other. The paper also deals with various basic research and educational test rigs which may be setup to benefit both graduate and undergraduate students.Copyright © 1974 by ASME
Sulfation of tibolone metabolites by human postmenopausal liver and small intestinal sulfotransferases (SULTs).

Sulfation is a major pathway in humans for the biotransformation of steroid hormones and structurally related therapeutic agents. Tibolone is a synthetic steroid used for the treat- ment for climacteric symptoms and postmenopausal osteoporosis. Sulfation inactivates the hydroxylated metabolites, 3-hydroxytibolone (3-OH-tibolone) and 3-hydroxytibolone (3-OH-tibolone), and contributes to the regulation of tissue responses to tibolone. We detected SULT1A1, SULT1A3, SULT1E1 and SULT2A1 mRNA expression by RT-PCR in post- menopausal liver and small intestine. Liver pool (n = 5) SULT activities measured with tibolone substrates reflected COS-1 expressed SULT2A1 and SULT1E1 activities. Liver SULT2A1 activity (1.8 ± 0.3 units/mg protein, n = 8, mean ± SEM), and activities with 3-OH- tibolone (0.6 ± 0.1, n = 8) and 3-OH-tibolone (0.9 ± 0.2, n = 8) were higher than SULT1E1 activ- ities (<0.05, n = 10). SULT1E1 activities were low or not detected in many samples. Mean small intestinal activities were 0.03 ± 0.01 with 3-OH-tibolone and 0.04 ± 0.01 with 3-OH- tibolone (n = 3). In conclusion, SULT2A1 is the major endogenous enzyme responsible for sulfation of the tibolone metabolites in human postmenopausal tissues. The results sup- port the occurrence of pre-receptor enzymatic regulation of hydroxytibolone metabolites and prompt further investigation of the tissue-selective regulation of tibolone effects.
Purification of bovine liver microsomal NADH-cytochrome b5 reductase using affinity chromatography

Abstract Microsomal NADH-cytochrome b 5 reductase has been purified from bovine liver by an improved procedure which employs affinity chromatography on ADP-agarose in combination with anion exchange chromatography. The reductase was extracted from a 105,000 × g microsomal pellet with Triton X-100. The overall purification from isolated microsomes was 98-fold and the yield was 10%. The preparation was nearly homogeneous on SDS-PAGE. This procedure requires less time and effort than previously described procedures. Partially purified cytochrome b 5 is also obtained.
Crystallization of linear low density polyethylene under two-dimensional confinement in high barrier blend systems

Abstract Blends of linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) and ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) with different weight fractions are extruded to fabricate thin films. The extruded blend film morphology is investigated by atomic force microscopy (AFM). The extruded blend films have shown extended morphology along the extrusion direction (ED) and dispersed morphology along the transverse direction (TD). We report that due to this morphology, a two-dimensional (2-D) confined crystallization occurs. The EVOH has successfully confined the LLDPE from both film normal direction (ND) and transverse direction (TD) in this study. The confinement from ND results in an on-edge orientation of LLDPE, while the confinement from TD forces the on-edge oriented LLDPE crystals to further elongate and extend along the extrusion direction (ED). This specific crystal orientation is different from one-dimensional (1-D) confined crystallization observed in multilayered films. Both wide angle X-ray scattering (WAXS) and small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) are utilized to investigate the crystal orientations of LLDPE in the extruded blend films. Moreover, due to the morphology, the extruded blend films have shown high oxygen barrier properties, which make this material valuable in packaging applications.
Analysis of a Screen Heat Exchanger

Heat transfer in a fluid-to-fluid screen heat exchanger is analyzed from first principles. The screens are treated as an ensemble of pin fins and an empirical heat transfer coefficient accounts for convection heat transfer at the fin surface. Pressure drop and simultaneous axial conduction in the screen matrix and the wall separating the fluid streams are modeled. Expressions are obtained that relate dimensionless length ratios to exchanger effectiveness and pressure drop. The “mesh ratio,” defined as the ratio of fin diameter (d) to spacing (s), prevails throughout the results. The key findings are: (1) the existence of an optimal ratio of fin length (a) to fin diameter that maximizes thermal performance (arising from the competition between the fin-length dependent heat transfer coefficient and fin surface area), (2) increasing a/d greater than optimal increases exchanger length and reduces pressure drop; for a/d less than optimal heat transfer is depressed and pressure drop increased, and (3) the pressure drop is linear with overall Ntu and varies as d−2 , (1 + d/s)6 , and approximately the square of the mass flow rate per width of exchanger. An exact solution for axial conduction is presented that is valid in the limit of large Ntu and equal fluid capacity rates. Axial conduction is seen to decrease with increasing Ntu and mass flow rates and reduced fin a/d ratio. Predictions from the model are validated by comparing with published effectiveness and pressure-drop data.
6.5.3 THE DESIGN LIFE AFFECTS SYSTEM DESIGN

When a system is being designed, one of the system requirements will specify the intended duration of life for the system, which is called the design life, the system life, the expected operational life or the service life. This specification is an important driver of the total life cycle cost. This paper suggests how specifying this design life affects the design and the cost of the system. If the customer requires a longer design life, then the system will cost more. Figure 1 shows the manufacturer's suggested list price (dollars) as a function of design life (number of pages) for 166 laser printers (Computer Select, 1994). The cost increases as the design life increases. The correlation for these data is high, 0.84.
Development of XFCT imaging strategy for monitoring the spatial distribution of platinum-based chemodrugs: instrumentation and phantom validation.

Purpose: Developing an imaging method to directly monitor the spatial distribution of platinum-based (Pt) drugs at the tumor region is of critical importance for early assessment of treatment efficacy and personalized treatment. In this study, the authors investigated the feasibility of imaging platinum (Pt)-based drug distribution using x-ray fluorescence (XRF, a.k.a. characteristic x ray) CT (XFCT). Methods: A 5-mm-diameter pencil beam produced by a polychromatic x-ray source equipped with a tungsten anode was used to stimulate emission of XRF photons from Pt drug embedded within a water phantom. The phantom was translated and rotated relative to the stationary pencil beam in a first-generation CT geometry. The x-ray energy spectrum was collected for 18 s at each position using a cadmium telluride detector. The spectra were then used for the K-shell XRF peak isolation and sinogram generation for Pt. The distribution and concentration of Pt were reconstructed with an iterative maximum likelihood expectation maximization algorithm. The capability of XFCT to multiplexed imaging of Pt, gadolinium (Gd), and iodine (I) within a water phantom was also investigated. Results: Measured XRF spectrum showed a sharp peak characteristic of Pt with a narrow full-width at half-maximum (FWHM) (FWHMKα1 = 1.138 keV, FWHMKα2 = 1.052 keV). The distribution of Pt drug in the water phantom was clearly identifiable on the reconstructed XRF images. Our results showed a linear relationship between the XRF intensity of Pt and its concentrations (R 2 = 0.995), suggesting that XFCT is capable of quantitative imaging. A transmission CT image was also obtained to show the potential of the approach for providing attenuation correction and morphological information. Finally, the distribution of Pt, Gd, and I in the water phantom was clearly identifiable in the reconstructed images from XFCT multiplexed imaging. Conclusions: XFCT is a promising modality for monitoring the spatial distribution of Pt drugs. The technique may be useful in tailoring tumor treatment regimen in the future.
Direct comparison of urinary free cortisol excretion in patients with depression and panic disorder

Abstract Urinary free cortisol (UFC) excretion in 31 patients with major depression is directly compared to UFC levels in 65 patients with panic disorder and 36 controls. Patients with depression demonstrated significantly higher UFC excretion [43 ± 37 μg/g creatinine (cr)] than patients with panic disorder (29 ± 13 μg/g-cr) or controls (22 ± 10 μg/g-cr) (F = 5.5, dƒ = 129, p
Novel ionic polymer–metal composites equipped with physically loaded particulate electrodes as biomimetic sensors, actuators and artificial muscles

Abstract Described is a novel fabrication process of manufacturing ionic polymer–metal composites (IPMCs) equipped with physically loaded electrodes as biomimetic sensors, actuators and artificial muscles. The underlying principle of processing this novel IPMCs is to first physically load a conductive primary powder layer into the polymer (ionomeric) network forming a dispersed particulate layer. This primary layer functions as a major conductive medium in the composite. Subsequently, this primary layer of dispersed particles of a conductive material is further secured within the polymer network with smaller secondary particles via chemical plating, which uses reducing agents to load another phase of conductive particles within the first layer. In turn, both primary and secondary particles can be secured within the polymer network and reduce the potential intrinsic contact resistance between large primary particles. Furthermore, electroplating can be applied to integrate the entire primary and secondary conductive phases and serve as another effective electrode. In this paper, we describe the details of this newly developed technique to efficiently produce an IPMC loaded with spherical silver particles ( D 10 D 50 D 90 A sur 2 /g) and subsequently secured by palladium ( D p ∼50 nm, via a chemical reducing process). It has been established that such an IPMC is quite comparable in force and displacement performance with the traditional platinum loaded and gold electroplated IPMCs but can be manufactured at about 1/10th of the cost. Yet it produces a low surface resistivity (less than 1 Ω per square), which is highly desirable in creating more uniform deformation.
Promotion of PDT efficacy by HA14-1

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) can target the members of the Bcl-2 family that protect cells from the initiation of apoptosis, a well-known death pathway. We examined the ability of HA14-1, a non-peptidic Bcl-2/Bcl-xL antagonist, to promote the efficacy of PDT. The photosensitizer was the porphycene CPO that causes photodamage to Bcl-2 located in the endoplasmic reticulum. Using low PDT doses together with LD5-20 concentrations of HA14-1, we found a marked synergistic effect. These results indicate that such an effect occurs when PDT is coupled with pharmacologic suppression of Bcl-2 function. HA14-1 is an unstable compound that decomposes in aqueous solution. This resulted in a rapid (~60 sec) burst of fluorescence that closely mimicked the properties of many fluorescent probes, but was traced to an effect produced when HA14-1 contacts serum proteins. Other Bcl-2 antagonists that do not produce any intrinsic fluorescence also promoted PDT efficacy. Moreover, briefly storing HA14-1 in aqueous medium until the fluorescent burst is over does not inhibit a subsequent synergistic promotion of PDT efficacy. We conclude that Bcl-2 antagonists can promote the efficacy of low-dose PDT in a manner unrelated to ROS production. The most likely explanation is an enhanced loss of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 family function such that a threshold for initiation of apoptosis is crossed.
Carbon nanotube reinforced porous magnesium composite: 3D nondestructive microstructure characterization using x-ray micro-computed tomography

Abstract A nondestructive x-ray micro-computed tomography technique was utilized to investigate 3D microstructure of porous magnesium composite reinforced by multi-walled carbon nanotubes. The overall porosity of the sample is ~48.5%. The pores distribute uniformly. The pore size is in the range of 1.5–145 μm and its occurrence density increases with the decrease of pore size. The introduction of pores significantly increases the specific surface area. These microstructure features make the material suitable for hydrogen storage and biomedical applications.
U.S. energy product supply elasticities: A survey and application to the U.S. oil market

Abstract We survey studies of simple energy supply models to find the most promising technique for developing supply elasticities in the U.S. crude oil market. The two dozen studies located include direct estimates of energy supply elasticities or cost studies from which supply or reserve elasticities can be inferred. We include all available studies for all forms of energy both primary and secondary. We find direct estimates of oil supply to obtain weak results unless depletion and price expectations are included. Oil product supply elasticities vary widely across studies but appear to be elastic. Studies that estimate reserve price elasticities by computing reserve costs appear to be the most promising for estimating reserve elasticities for fossil fuel supply. Hence we apply this technique to US oil reserves and find a reserve elasticity of 1.27.
Task Design Influences Prosociality in Captive Chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes)

Chimpanzees confer benefits on group members, both in the wild and in captive populations. Experimental studies of how animals allocate resources can provide useful insights about the motivations underlying prosocial behavior, and understanding the relationship between task design and prosocial behavior provides an important foundation for future research exploring these animals' social preferences. A number of studies have been designed to assess chimpanzees' preferences for outcomes that benefit others (prosocial preferences), but these studies vary greatly in both the results obtained and the methods used, and in most cases employ procedures that reduce critical features of naturalistic social interactions, such as partner choice. The focus of the current study is on understanding the link between experimental methodology and prosocial behavior in captive chimpanzees, rather than on describing these animals' social motivations themselves. We introduce a task design that avoids isolating subjects and allows them to freely decide whether to participate in the experiment. We explore key elements of the methods utilized in previous experiments in an effort to evaluate two possibilities that have been offered to explain why different experimental designs produce different results: (a) chimpanzees are less likely to deliver food to others when they obtain food for themselves, and (b) evidence of prosociality may be obscured by more “complex” experimental apparatuses (e.g., those including more components or alternative choices). Our results suggest that the complexity of laboratory tasks may generate observed variation in prosocial behavior in laboratory experiments, and highlights the need for more naturalistic research designs while also providing one example of such a paradigm.
The association between nutrition facts label utilization and comprehension among Latinos in two east Los Angeles neighborhoods.

Abstract Background The Nutrition Facts label can facilitate healthy dietary practices. There is a dearth of research on Latinos' utilization and comprehension of the Nutrition Facts label. Objective To measure use and comprehension of the Nutrition Facts label and to identify correlates among Latinos in East Los Angeles, CA. Design Cross-sectional interviewer-administered survey using computer-assisted personal interview software, conducted in either English or Spanish in the participant's home. Participants/setting Eligibility criteria were: living in a household within the block clusters identified, being age 18 years or older, speaking English or Spanish, identifying as Latino and as the household's main food purchaser and preparer. Analyses were based on 269 eligible respondents. Statistical analyses performed χ 2 test and multivariate logistic regression analysis assessed the associations among the main outcomes and demographics. Multiple imputations addressed missing data. Results Sixty percent reported using the label; only 13% showed adequate comprehension of the label. Utilization was associated with being female, speaking Spanish, and being below the poverty line. Comprehension was associated with younger age, not being married, and higher education. Utilization was not associated with comprehension. Conclusions Latinos who are using the Nutrition Facts label are not correctly interpreting the available information. Targeted education is needed to improve use and comprehension of the Nutrition Facts label to directly improve diet, particularly among males, older Latinos, and those with less than a high school education.
Research in teacher competency and teaching tasks

(1980). Research in teacher competency and teaching tasks. Theory Into Practice: Vol. 19, Teacher Development, pp. 294-301.
Gay pornographic and sex paraphernalia shops: An ethnography of expressive work settings

In this paper we present findings from a study of pornographic bookstores and sex paraphernalia shops. Our focus was on the Salon and Tack Room, two work settings located in a major U.S. city and catering to the sexual interests of the gay community. The most important finding was that the settings manifested an expressive orientation to work with the convergence of work and individual identity clearly evident. This was not the case with the majority of other stores we examined. The paper includes transcription of rich and colorful interview material and a discussion of the implications of these findings.
Production Evaluation Techniques Based on Lactation Curves

Test day data on milk yield for individual cows were generated using Monte Carlo simulation consisting of 1000 herds. Each herd contained 30 second lactation cows for each of 2 yr. Three scenarios were simulated with increasing effects of test day and seasonality. For each test day, several statistics were calculated for each cow: test day data on yield deviated from expectations, deviated test day data on yield transformed to account for correlation of consecutive test day data on yields, 305-d mature equivalent estimates, and changes in these values from the previous test day. A probability value for each herd was calculated for test of month of lactation effects using ANOVA models with and without cows in the model. No month of lactation effects were simulated. The distribution of generated probability values were tested for uniformity using a chi-square test. The distribution of probability values associated with the change in test day deviations were most nearly uniform, and results for these variables were similar when the cow effect was removed from the analysis model. The transformed variables also provided a fairly uniform set of probability values, although interpretation of these statistical tests was more difficult. Tests based on mature equivalent, 305-d records were oversensitive.
Demulsification of oil-rich emulsion from enzyme-assisted aqueous extraction of extruded soybean flakes

Extraction of soybean oil from flaked and extruded soybeans using enzyme-assisted aqueous extraction processing (EAEP) is a promising alternative to conventional hexane extraction. The efficiencies of four proteases releasing oil from extruded material were compared. Protex 51FP, Protex 6L and Protex 7L each extracted 90% of the total oil available while Protex 50FP gave similar extraction yield as the control (without enzyme treatment). During EAEP, however, a stable emulsion forms that must be broken in order to recover free soybean oil. The potential of various proteases and phospholipases to destabilize the emulsion was determined. Two enzymes, a phospholipase A2 (LysoMax) and a protease (Protex 51FP) were selected to determine the effect of enzyme concentration on demulsification. Although at a 2% concentration (w/w, enzyme/(cream+free oil)), each enzyme tested was effective in totally destabilizing the cream; the protease released significantly more free oil than did the phospholipase at concentrations less than 2%. At 0.2% concentration, 88 and 48% of free oil were obtained with the protease and phospholipase, respectively. Reducing the pH of the cream also destabilized the cream with maximum demulsification at the isoelectric point of soy proteins. These results provide destabilization strategies for the oil-rich emulsion formed during aqueous extraction processing of extruded flakes and significantly contribute to the development of this environmentally-friendly technology.
Determination of Oebalus pugnax (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) Spatial Pattern in Rice and Development of Visual Sampling Methods and Population Sampling Plans

Abstract Commercial rice, Oryza sativa L., fields in southeastern Texas were sampled during 2003 and 2004, and visual samples were compared with sweep net samples. Fields were sampled at different stages of panicle development, times of day, and by different operators. Significant differences were found between perimeter and within field sweep net samples, indicating that samples taken 9 m from the field margin overestimate within field Oebalus pugnax (F.) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) populations. Time of day did not significantly affect the number of O. pugnax caught with the sweep net; however, there was a trend to capture more insects during morning than afternoon. For all sampling methods evaluated during this study, O. pugnax was found to have an aggregated spatial pattern at most densities. When comparing sweep net with visual sampling methods, one sweep of the “long stick” and two sweeps of the “sweep stick” correlated well with the sweep net (r2 = 0.639 and r2 = 0.815, respectively). This relationshi...
Classification of Diesel Engine Health Using Sparse Linear Discriminant Analysis (SLDA)

With requirements for on-board diagnostics on diesel engines becoming more stringent for the coming model years, diesel engine manufacturers must improve their ability to identify fault conditions that lead to increased exhaust emissions. This paper proposes a statistical classifier model to identify the state of the engine, i.e. healthy or faulty, using an optimal number of sensors based on the data acquired from the engine. The classification model proposed in this paper is based on Sparse Linear Discriminant Analysis. This technique performs Linear Discriminant Analysis with a sparseness criterion imposed such that classification, dimension reduction and feature selection are merged into one step. It was concluded that the analysis technique could produce 0% misclassification rate for the steady-state data acquired from the diesel engine using five input variables. The classifier model was also extended to transient operation of the engine. The misclassification rate in the case of transient data was reduced from 31% to 26% by using the steady-state data trained classifier using thirteen variables.
ENTROPY AND EVIL

. This paper explores a possible relationship between entropy and evil in terms of metaphor. After presenting the various meanings of entropy in classical thermodynamics and statical mechanics, and the Augustinian and Irenaean theodicies, several similarities and dissimilarities between entropy and evil are described. Underlying the concepts of evil and entropy is the assumption that time has a direction. After examining the scientific basis for this assumption, it is hypothesized that, if evil is real in nature, entropy is what one would expect to find at the level of physical processes, and conversely that, if entropy is coupled to a physical arrow of time, one could expect to find dissipative yet catalytic processes in history and religious experience.
Relationship of early hyperglycemia to mortality in trauma patients.

Introduction:Recent randomized prospective data suggest that early hyperglycemia is associated with excess mortality in critically ill patients, and tight glucose control leads to improved outcome. This concept has not been carefully examined in trauma patients, and the relationship of early hypergl
Searches for lepton flavour changing neutral currents using τ

This paper reviews searches for lepton flavour-changing neutral currents in Z decays at LEP. Presented results of all four LEP collaborations are preliminary.
Baselevel, Lithosphere Surface, and Time-Stratigraphy

Certain ideas pertaining to baselevel appear to be valid. Among these are the notions: that it is an imaginary surface delimiting the depth of erosion potential (Powell, 1875); that it embodies the concept of balance or equilibrium (Rice, 1897); and that it is a nearly horizontal surface as significant to sedimentation as it is to erosion (Barrell, 1917). Contrary to Barrell, baselevel as a surface is a forceless abstraction which is without control over geological processes; and contrary to Hayes (1899) and Dunbar and Rodgers (1957), the notion of a horizontal baselevel plane gives rise to needless inconsistencies. Baselevel relates directly to deposition and erosion, which occur only at the lithosphere surface; therefore, the baselevel surface configuration may be conceived only in its relationship to the lithic surface. This and the seemingly valid notions of Powell, Rice, and Barrell permit only a single, abstract, ever-present (worldwide), baselevel “sphere” constantly undulating in response to the ever-changing, erosion and deposition-controlling, supply-energy patterns as they impinge on the lithosphere surface. Baselevel rises above the lithic surface wherever deposition begins and drops beneath it wherever erosion commences, thus making at any place alternate upward and downward transits, and thereby providing a baselevel transit cycle. The preserved record of the depositional phase of the principal baselevel transit cycles in earth history comprises the major unconformity-bounded sequences. The equally important but nonrecorded parts of the cycle constitute the lacuna, which consists of the hiatus and the degradation vacuity. The degradation vacuity may also be combined with its corresponding sequence to reconstitute the holostrome or original depositional cyclic phase. Significantly, the boundaries separating all of these abstract time-stratigraphic entities are traces of the area-time migration of either the upward or downward transits of baselevel (migration of the intersections of baselevel and the lithosphere surface). Configurational relationships imply the existence of positive, negative, and neutral aspects of time-stratigraphy.
Two-photon scattering of a tightly focused weak light beam from a small atomic ensemble: An optical probe to detect atomic level structures

We study two-photon scattering of a tightly focused weak light beam from a small atomic ensemble of two-level atoms (2LAs). This is similar to the scattering of photons from an atomic ensemble in a one-dimensional waveguide. The scaling of two-photon nonlinearity at single-photon resonance shows a nonmonotonic behavior with an increasing number of few identical 2LAs. The two-photon nonlinearity decays monotonically with an increasing number of atoms for incident photons detuned from single-photon resonance. Single-photon transport in two 2LAs is similar to that in a single $V$-type three-level atom (3LA). However, two-photon transport in these two systems shows very different line shapes. When single-photon transmission is zero in these systems, two transmitted photons are bunched together in a $V$-type 3LA, while their correlation is zero in two 2LAs. The difference in the two-photon line shape persists for few 2LAs and 3LAs. Therefore, the two-photon scattering of a tightly focused weak light beam can be used as a probe to detect atomic level structures of different atoms with similar transition energies.
Induction of DNA synthesis in isolated nuclei by cytoplasmic factors from spontaneously proliferating and mitogen-activated lymphoid cells.

Abstract Cytoplasmic extracts, prepared from continuously proliferating lymphoblastoid cells, as well as mitogen-activated normal lymphocytes, contain an extractable factor capable of inducing DNA synthesis in isolated quiescent nuclei. This factor is not detectable in resting cells. It is nondialyzable, precipitable by 30–50% saturated ammonium sulfate, and inactivated by trypsin. It is heat sensitive, but stable to cold and lyophilization. The molecular weight of the factor is greater than 100,000. This Cytoplasmic activator of nuclear DNA replication is not released from the cell, and has no effect on intact cells. This suggests that it serves as an intracellular mitogenic signal in replicating cells.
Are biomarkers useful treatment aids for promoting health behavior change? An empirical review.

Abstract Background: Nearly half of the leading causes of death in our society are attributable to behavioral risk factors. As such, it is critical that we continue to develop and refine effective interventions for health behavior change. Some researchers have suggested that using biomarkers to educate individuals about their health status and disease risk may be an effective strategy to promote behavior change. This tactic is also commonly employed by healthcare providers, but its empirical support is unclear. This article reviews the research literature to determine the effectiveness of using biomarker feedback to motivate and enable health behavior change. Potential limitations of this treatment strategy and issues requiring additional research are also discussed. Methods: Articles were identified through PubMed (MEDLINE), PsychInfo, and the reference lists of pertinent manuscripts and book chapters. Results: Eight published, randomized trials were identified that met criteria for review. The results of this work were mixed, but suggest that biological information conveying harm exposure, disease risk, or impaired physical functioning may increase motivation to change. Subsequent behavior change is also affected by the availability and intensity of concomitant treatment. Conclusions: Preliminary findings suggest that combining biomarkers with appropriate behavioral treatment may enhance health behavior change, but more research in this area is warranted.
Operational Aerosol Observations (AEROBS) from AVHRR/3 On Board NOAA-KLM Satellites

Since 1988, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has provided operational aerosol observations (AEROBS) from the Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR/2) on board the afternoon NOAA satellites [nominal equator crossing time, (EXT) ;1330]. Aerosol optical depth (AOD) has been retrieved over oceans from channel 1 of AVHRR/2 on board NOAA-11 (1988‐94) and -14 (1995‐2000) using the first- and second-generation algorithms, respectively. With the launch of the NOAA-KLM series of satellites, in particular NOAA-16 (L) in September 2000 (EXT ;1400), and NOAA-17 (M) in June 2002 (EXT ;1000), an extended and improved third-generation algorithm was enabled. Like its predecessors, this algorithm continues to employ a single-channel methodology, by which all parameters in the retrieval algorithm (excluding AOD) are set globally as nonvariables. But now, in addition to AOD from channel 1, t1 (l1 5 0.63 mm), the algorithm also retrieves t 2 and t3 in AVHRR/3 channels 2 (l 2 5 0.83 mm) and 3A (l3 5 1.61 mm). The retrievals are made with more accurate and flexible, satellite- and channel-specific lookup tables generated with the Second Simulation of the Satellite Signal in the Solar Spectrum (6S) radiative transfer code. From pairs of ti and tj, t