cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Role of Telomere Dysfunction in Driving Genomic Instability

The mechanistic role of radiation-induced genomic instability in radiation carcinogenesis is an attractive hypothesis that remains to be rigorously tested. There are few in vivo studies on which to base judgments, but work in our laboratory with mouse models of radiogenic mammary neoplasia provided the first indications that certain forms of genetically predisposed radiation-induced genomic instability may contribute to tumor development. Most recently, we have focused on the induction of telomere dysfunction following exposure to ionizing radiation and the role of DNA-PKcs in this process. In the present studies, characterization of dysfunctional telomeres in DNA-PKcs-defi cient backgrounds, including BALB/ c, provides evidence supporting our model that these uncapped telomeres behave as double-strand breaks (DSBs), despite the presence of an ample telomeric sequence. Further, we demonstrate that inappropriate interstitial telomeric sequence at sites of DSBs involves the nonhomologous end-joining (NHEJ) pathway and that autophosphorylation of DNA-PKcs plays an important role. Thus, impaired telomere function, as a significant source of spontaneous and radiation-induced chromosomal instability, has the potential to contribute to the cancer-prone phenotype associated with even partial DSB repair defi ciency.
Ganglion cyst of the spinal anterior longitudinal ligament presenting as a retropharyngeal mass.

Cervical spinal synovial and/or ganglion cysts can occur at various periarticular sites and should be considered in the differential diagnosis of intraspinal-extradural or paraspinal masses of the cervical spine. The first report of a ganglion cyst of the cervical anterior longitudinal ligament presenting as a retropharyngeal mass, is presented. The histopathology, etiology, and clinical aspects of synovial and ganglion cysts of the cervical spine are briefly reviewed.
Gate-first TiAlN P-gate electrode for cost effective high-k metal gate implementation

Gate-first (GF) high-k metal gate (HKMG) for LSTP/LOP logic and DRAM periphery applications requires an efficient and low-cost effective work function (eWF) solution. We demonstrated TiAlN for pFET eWF tuning without appreciable EOT, Jg, and interface degradation. Hence TiAlN is shown to be a key enabler to realize process-friendly and cost-effective GF HKMG implementation.
Undecidable boundedness problems for datalog programs

Abstract A given Datalog program is bounded if its depth of recursion is independent of the input database. Deciding boundedness is a basic task for the analysis of database logic programs. The undecidability of Datalog boundedness was first demonstrated by Gaifman et al. [7]. We introduce new techniques for proving the undecidability of (various kinds of) boundedness, which allow us to considerably strengthen the results of Gaifman et al. [7]. In particular, (1) we use a new generic reduction technique to show that program boundedness is undecidable for arity 2 predicates, even with linear rules; (2) we use the mortality problem of Turing machines to show that uniform boundedness is undecidable for arity 3 predicates and for arity 1 predicates when ≠ is also allowed; (3) by encoding all possible transitions of a two-counter machine in a single rule, we show that program (resp., predicate) boundedness is undecidable for two linear rules (resp., one rule and a projection) and one initialization rule, where all predicates have small arities (6 or 7).
Sorption of Perfluorinated Surfactants on Sediments

The sorption of anionic perfluorochemical (PFC) surfactants of varying chain lengths to sediments was investigated using natural sediments of varying iron oxide and organic carbon content. Three classes of PFC surfactants were evaluated for sorptive potential: perfluorocarboxylates, perfluorosulfonates, and perfluorooctyl sulfonamide acetic acids. PFC surfactant sorption was influenced by both sediment-specific and solution-specific parameters. Sediment organic carbon, rather than sediment iron oxide content, was the dominant sediment-parameter affecting sorption, indicating the importance of hydrophobic interactions. However, sorption also increased with increasing solution [Ca2+] and decreasing pH, suggesting that electrostatic interactions play a role. Perfluorocarbon chain length was the dominant structural feature influencing sorption, with each CF2 moiety contributing 0.50−0.60 log units to the measured distribution coefficients. The sulfonate moiety contributed an additional 0.23 log units to the ...
On the Margins of Science and Civilization: W. K. Gordon's 1895 Geological Reconnaissance in the Trans-Pecos Borderlands

In 1895, self-trained mining engineer William K. Gordon, Sr (1862-1949) conducted a geological reconnaissance trip to far West Texas in search of coal deposits. A report from that trip reveals how Gordon's training in geology (acquired largely through reading) and his intrinsic interest in stratigraphy and geomorphology helped him effectively advise the Texas and Pacific Coal Company about the bleak prospects there. In 2005, using Gordon's never-before consulted field report, the author retraced, or rather re-hiked, Gordon's route. Gordon's report features hand-drawn maps and a geological cross-section that were field checked and compared to later data. The author concludes that Gordon enthusiastically, but often inaccurately, described the complex petrology in the rugged, semi-arid Eagle Mountains. Gordon was evidently vexed by how to identify some of the highly varied extrusive igneous rocks here. Nevertheless, Gordon's work should be recognized as the earliest serious geological reconnaissance in a rem...
A non-transformed oligodendrocyte precursor cell line, OL-1, facilitates studies of insulin-like growth factor-I signaling during oligodendrocyte development

The process by which oligodendrocyte progenitors differentiate into mature oligodendrocytes is complex and incompletely understood in part because of the paucity of oligodendrocyte precursors cell lines that can be studied in culture. We have developed a non-immortalized rat oligodendrocyte precursor line, called OL-1, which behaves in a fashion consistent with developing oligodendrocytes in vivo. This OL-1 line provides a model for the study of oligodendrocyte development and offers an alternative to the CG-4 cell line. When OL-1 cells are propagated in conditioned growth media, they have morphology consistent with immature oligodendrocytes and exhibit A2B5 antigen positive and myelin basic protein-negative immunoreactivity. Withdrawal of conditioned growth media and culture in serum-free medium results in OL-1 cell maturation, manifested by a shift to myelin basic protein-positive immunoreactivity, A2B5 antigen-negative immunoreactivity, decreased NG2 mRNA expression, increased expression of proteolipid protein mRNA, and increased expression of CNP protein. In addition, the expression of proteolipid protein and its splicing variant DM-20 exhibit a pattern that is similar to brain proteolipid protein expression during development. When OL-1 cells are exposed to Insulin-like growth factor-I, there are significant increases in proteolipid protein mRNA expression (p < 0.05), the number of cell processes (p < 0.05), and cell number (p < 0.05). Treatment with the caspase inhibitors Z-DEVD-FMK and Z-VAD-FMK (inhibitors of caspases 3, 6, 7, 8, 10 and 1, 3, 4, respectively), Insulin-like growth factor-I, or both, results in a similar increase in cell number. Because Insulin-like growth factor-I does not substantially increase the BrdU labeling of OL-1 cells, these data collectively indicate that Insulin-like growth factor-I increases OL-1 cell number predominately by promoting survival, rather than stimulating proliferation. This non-immortalized oligodendrocyte precursor cell line, therefore, exhibits behavior consistent with the in vivo development of oligodendrocytes and provides an excellent model for the study of developing oligodendrocytes.
Interaction of human-plasma low-density lipoproteins with discoidal complexes of apolipoprotein A-I and phosphatidylcholine, and characterization of the interaction products

Abstract Interaction of human low-density lipoproteins (LDL) with discoidal complexes comprised of egg yolk phosphatidylcholine and human apolipoprotein A-I (molar ratio, 88:1, respectively) was investigated. The multicomponent gradient gel electrophoretic pattern of LDL is transformed to one that includes a predominant component with an apparent particle diameter larger than that of the initial major LDL but still in the size range of normal LDL. The apparent particle diameter increase (range, 0.2–3.5 nm) is proportional to the increase (range, 6–40%) in LDL phospholipid/protein weight ratio following incubation (37°C; 6 and 24 h); the smaller the initial LDL diameter, the greater the apparent particle diameter increase and percentage of phospholipid uptake. The LDL unesterified cholesterol/protein weight ratio decreases (range, 33–39%), but does not correlate with the increase in apparent particle diameter value. Interaction products are round particles with intact apolipoprotein B and show no evidence of phospholipid degradation. The products appear more dense than expected from the size vs. density relationship observed for nonincubated LDL subspecies. In addition to products in the normal LDL size range, larger components (apparent particle diameter range, 29.0–41.2 nm) also form and may be association complexes of phospholipid-modified LDL. Our results indicate that phospholipid uptake by LDL may contribute to the particle size polydispersity observed in plasma LDL.
Benchmarking of High Capacity Battery Module/Pack Design for Automatic Assembly System

Electric vehicles (EV), including plug-in hybrid and extend-range EVs, rely on high power and high capacity batteries, such as lithium-ion batteries, as the main source of propulsion energy. The EV battery technology is progressing rapidly as a plurality of battery designs in cells, modules and packs are emerging on the market. Current EV battery pack assembly is mostly manual and has faced significant challenges in coping with such fast development of automotive batteries. Meanwhile, there is a lack of systematic study on the implications of varieties in battery designs on assembly system. This paper reviews various battery module or pack designs and characterizes them from the assembly process perspective, and discusses their implications with respect to assembly methods, process flexibility and automation feasibility. The associated cost, quality, and safety issues of assembly are also addressed and research opportunities and innovations are discussed. This study can assist in creating guidelines on the development of new generations of battery products that enables highly efficient and responsive battery assembly.Copyright © 2010 by ASME and General Motors
A small part of myosin IIB takes on a big role in cell polarity

A migrating cell must establish front-to-back polarity in order to move. In this issue, Juanes-Garcia et al. (2015. J. Cell Biol. http://dx.doi.org/10.1083/jcb.201407059) report that a short serine-rich motif in nonmuscle myosin IIB is required to establish the cell’s rear. This motif represents a new paradigm for what determines directional cell migration.
Steroid and peptide regulation of insulin-like growth factor-binding proteins secreted by human endometrial stromal cells is dependent on stromal differentiation.

Endometrial stromal cells undergo decidual transformation, in response to epidermal growth factor (EGF) and progesterone. Since insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) and IGF-binding proteins (IGFBPs) are believed to be involved in endometrial differentiation, and insulin regulates IGFBP production in a variety of cells, we have investigated the modulatory roles of EGF, progesterone, and insulin on IGFBP secretion by long term cultures of human endometrial stromal cells. Without insulin, the principal IGFBP secreted into conditioned medium, detected by Western ligand blotting, was a 28-kilodalton (kDa) IGFBP, identified by immunoprecipitation as IGFBP-1. This was observed only when the stromal cells were decidualized. With increasing insulin, IGFBP-1 decreased to undetectable levels. Concomitantly, IGFBP-2 increased, as did a 24-kDa IGFBP (believed to be IGFBP-4) and a 28-kDa IGFBP, shown to be a glycoprotein by endoglycosidase sensitivity (and believed to be glycosylated IGFBP-4). In the nondecidualized stat...
Note on the spectrophotometric grading of vegetable oilson the N″ Lovibond scale

On the basis of data published by McNicholas, it is shown that there is no significant correlation between the lightness or darkness of an oil and the Lovibond grade assigned to the oil by the practical color grader. The Lovibond color grade of a vegetable oil may therefore be computed from its spectral transmittance by colorimetric methods without taking into account the luminous transmittance of the oil. This method of grading might serve to settle disputes among the oil chemists as to the correct Lovibond grade of an oil.
Correlation of Direct and Remote Measurements on a Hollow Cathode Plasma Discharge

Summary form only given. Results are presented of measurements made on a hollow-cathode-generated plasma using direct and remotely located probes. Based on previous life tests where erosion was observed on hollow cathode assembly components, it is important to characterize the plasma flow field created nearby of hollow cathode discharges. Experimental data are presented of large amplitude plasma potential oscillations. These measurements were made using a floating emissive probe, and potentials ranged from 20 V to 80 V within a 35 V discharge. In addition to the emissive probe, a direct measurement triple Langmuir probe was used to study plasma potential, density, and electron temperature. Data are also presented from an electrostatic analyzer (ESA) that was placed outside of the plasma discharge and used to measure the energy of the ions falling from plasma to the ESA. A model is presented for correlation of the measurements that are made from the direct and remotely located probes.
Passive compliance and length of the hamstring muscles of healthy men anc women.

Abstract This study examined the passive compliance and length of the hamstring muscles of 15 healthy men and 15 healthy women (ages 21–37) with passive straight-leg-raising between 65° and 80°. Subjects were positioned on their left sides with the pelvis stabilized and the right thigh fixed at 90° on a horizontal platform. After three practice trials of maximal passive knee extension, subjects received three trials for data collection. Muscle activity was monitored with surface EMG and passive resistance to knee extension was measured with a dynamometer as the limb was photographed at six force-dependent positions. The passive compliance was computed as the ratio of the change in the knee angle (ΔAngle) to the change in passive torque (ΔTorque), (ΔAngle/ΔTorque). Hamstring muscle lengths were measured simultaneously. An ANovA revealed a difference (P = 0·001) between the passive compliance ratios of the men (1·4 ± 0·-03) and women (2·2 ± 0·08) but not between their initial knee angles or their maximal knee angles. Independent t-tests showed a difference (P
Influence of organism age on metal toxicity to Daphnia magna.

Aquatic organisms living in surface water experience contaminant exposure at different life stages. While some investigators have examined the influence of organism age on the toxicity of pollutants, the general assumption in toxicology has been that young organisms were more sensitive than older organisms. In fact, some standardized toxicity tests call for the use of organisms less than 24 h old. This research characterized the age sensitivity of the water flea Daphnia magna to copper, zinc, selenium, and arsenic. During 21-d toxicity tests, organisms were exposed to a single 12-h pulse of either 70 μg/L Cu, 750 μg/L Zn, 1,000 μg/L Se, or 5,000 μg/L As at different ages ranging from 3 h to 10 d old. Mortality and reproduction were compiled over 21 d. During the juvenile stage, mortality increased and cumulative reproduction decreased with age, respectively. However, mortality decreased and cumulative reproduction increased with age when organisms became adult. Peak sensitivity occurred in 4-d-old organisms exposed to Cu and Zn, while 2- to 3-d-old organisms were most sensitive to As and Se. Growth of D. magna over 21 d was not affected by the 12-h pulse of Cu, Zn, Se, or As given at any organism age. This indicates the recovery of the organisms after exposure termination.
Simultaneous ellipsometric and microgravimetric measurements during the electrochemical growth of polyaniline

Abstract We describe an experimental system for simultaneous quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) and ellipsometric measurements performed in situ during the growth of a thin film on an electrode surface. The film studied is grown on a Pt electrode sputtered onto a quartz crystal, which serves as the microbalance. The quartz crystal is positioned in a semicylindrical cell equipped with glass windows, allowing continuous optical probing of the electrode surface. The automatic elllipsometer readings are taken simultaneously with the QCM measurements. The information obtained from the two techniques is complementary: the QCM measures the overall mass increase during film growth, whereas the ellipsometer measures the optical properties of the film and its thickness. From such combined simultaneous measurements, the apparent density of the film can be derived. We describe here results of such combined measurements performed during the anodic growth of polyaniline in aqueous acid solutions showing substantial variations in film density as a function of electrochemical growth conditions.
Prostaglandins and skin tumor promotion: inhibition of tumor promoter-induced ornithine decarboxylase activity in epidermis by inhibitors of prostaglandin synthesis.

Abstract Application of 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate to mouse skin led to a dramatic induction of epidermal ornithine decarboxylase (EC 4.1.1.17; L-ornithine carboxy-lyase) activity. The degree of induction was remarkably depressed by prior treatment of skin with indomethacin, acetylsalicylic acid or flufenamic acid, inhibitors of prostaglandin synthesis. In contrast, dexamethasone, a steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, was ineffective. The inhibition of tumor promoter-induced ornithine decarboxylase activity by the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs was completely counteracted by treatment with prostaglandin E1 and E2 but not with prostaglandin F1α or F2α.
Pharmacokinetics of recombinant human superoxide dismutase in healthy volunteers.

We studied the pharmacokinetics and effects of recombinant human superoxide dismutase (rhSOD) in 32 normal human volunteers after intravenous bolus doses from 1 mg/kg to 45 mg/kg in a single-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover design. The drug was well tolerated. Neither cardiovascular nor renal function, such as the echocardiographically determined cardiac index, inulin or para-aminohippurate clearances, or the urinary excretion of β2-microglobulin or N-acetylglucosaminidase, was affected. Pharmacokinetic analysis by use of noncompartmental methods showed an overall half-life of rhSOD to be about 4 hours for doses from 3 mg/kg to 45 mg/kg. The peak concentrations ranged from 24 to 837 mg/L, and urinary excretion increased from 3% to 57% of total dose after single intravenous bolus administrations of the drug from 1 mg/kg to 45 mg/kg. The mean renal clearance of rhSOD initially increased with dose then plateaued at the highest dose, whereas the nonrenal clearance decreased with dose to a plateau; total clearance remained essentially constant. The progressive increase in renal clearance may be explained by saturation of the tubular reabsorption and degradation of the protein, a mechanism previously described in animal models. Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics (1991) 50, 713–720; doi:10.1038/clpt.1991.211
Prospective study of factors influencing the development of craving associated with smoking cessation

There have been few prospective studies of craving following smoking cessation. This paper presents findings from a prospective examination of factors associated with craving over an 8-week treatment period. Two findings merit attention: (1) dependence, as measured by the Dependence Index (DI), was associated with craving at 48 h, 4 and 8 weeks post-cessation. The magnitude of the association between the DI and short-term craving was, at the least, comparable to that previously reported among several biochemical measures of smoke intake; (2) a measure of craving obtained 48 h after smoking cessation was associated with treatment outcome. Forty-three per cent of participants with low initial craving scores were abstinent at a 2-month follow-up compared to only 26% of those with high craving scores. The DI was also associated with participants' status at follow-up. This result is interesting because evidence that craving or other abstinence effects are prospectively associated with outcome has been lacking.
An 8kB EEPROM-Emulation DataFLASH Module for Automotive MCU

An 8 kB E2FLASH test-chip is fabricated and reliability tests are executed. The paper shows the P/E cycle dependence of the threshold-voltage distribution and program/erase time. The threshold-voltage distribution does not degrade, and maintains enough margin to the wordline level (4.5 V) even after 1M P/E cycles. Erase time is 10 ms/block (average) for the first P/E cycle and 20 ms/block (average) after 1M P/E cycles. This is almost the same erase performance as on-board EEPROM, due to the DCNOR structure that does not use the read channel during program operation. On the other hand, program time increase is caused by charge trapping at tunnel oxide, but program time is 500 mus/word (average) even after 1M P/E cycles. The threshold-voltage shift value is only -1V after 1000 hr bake at Ta = 250 degC. These results indicate that the 8 kB E2FLASH is able to replace on-board EEPROM.
Defective complement activity in chronic lymphocytic leukemia

Patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) are at an increased risk for infections with bacteria which require complement for osponization. We explored the possibility that patients with CLL have a defect in binding the potent opsonin C3b to bacteria. Bacteria selected for these experiments included Streptococcus pneumoniae type 3, which binds C3 by activating the classical complement pathway (CCP), type 25, which can bind normal amounts of C3b by the alternative complement pathway (ACP), type 14, which can activate both the CCP and ACP, and Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, both of which activate the CCP. Bacteria were treated with normal serum or serum from 15 patients with CLL, and the bound C3b was quantified spectrophotofluorometrically. Despite normal serum concentrations of C3, C4, Factor B, C-reactive protein, and total hemolytic complement activity, all 15 CLL sera bound reduced amounts of C3b to at least one bacterial species; 9 to S pneumoniae type 3, 8 to types 14 and 25, 11 to S aureus, and 13 to E coli. Mixing normal serum with CLL serum restored C3b binding to all bacteria, suggesting a deficiency rather than an inhibitor of activity. Serum from ten hypogammaglobulinemic CLL patients bound less C3b (62.7 +/- 5% of normal) (means +/- SEM) than those with normal immunoglobulin levels (81.9 +/- 5%) (p less than .005). Nevertheless, the addition of specific antibacterial antibodies to CLL serum did not enhance C3b binding to any of the bacteria. Serum from patients with a history of a bacterial infection bound less C3b (62.3 +/- 5%) than those without a history of infections (76.1 +/- 6%) (p less than .05). Thus, there is a defect in either the activation or activity of C3 in CLL serum which may contribute to the increased incidence of infections in these patients.
Constraint effects on fracture toughness of impact-loaded, precracked Charpy specimens

Abstract Impact-loaded, precracked Charpy specimens often play a crucial role in irradiation surveillance programs for nuclear power plants. However, the small specimen size B = W = 10 mm limits the maximum value of cleavage fracture toughness Jc that can be measured under elastic—plastic conditions without loss of crack tip constraint. In this investigation, plane strain impact analyses provide detailed resolution of crack tip fields for impact-loaded specimens. Crack tip stress fields are characterized in terms of J—Q trajectories and the toughness-scaling model which is applicable for a cleavage fracture mechanism. Results of the analyses suggest deformation limits at fracture in the form of b > MJc/σ0, where M approaches 25–30 for a strongly rate-sensitive material at impact velocities of 3–6 m s−1. Based on direct comparison of the static and dynamic J values computed using a domain integral formulation, a new proposal emerges for the transition time, the time after impact at which interial effects diminish sufficiently for simple evaluation of J using the plastic η factor approach.
Youth Mentoring: What Is It and What Do We Know?

This article serves as a review of the mentoring literature. Specifically, it seeks to review discussions on the issues, particularly the difficulties of defining the term mentor. Next there is an examination of any empirical evidence of possible benefits resulting from mentoring relationships. Lastly, the article explores the mentoring relationship in an effort to determine which, if any, specific characteristics may impact any positive outcomes.
Analysis of protein-glutathione mixed disulfides by high performance liquid chromatography.

After precipitation of proteins; serum, hepatocytes, or glutathione-derivatized bovine serum albumin, by perchloric acid, dithiotheritol was used to reduce glutathione-protein mixed disulfides in the ether-washed, resuspended pellet. Following neutralization and S-carboxymethylation of free sulfhydral groups in the acid soluble fraction by iodoacetic acid, 2,4-dinitrophenyl derivatives of released compounds were produced by addition of ethanolic fluorodinitrobenzene. The 2,4-dinitrophenyl derivative of S-carboxymethylglutathione was measured by high-performance liquid chromatography. The method was found to be reproducible and limited only by the sensitivity of the glutathione analysis (about 10 pmol/sample). Quantitation of protein-bound glutathione was shown to be indepedent of the ratio of bound to soluble glutathione as well as the protein concentration in the sample. This method was found to produce glutathione values identical to those measured after borohydride reduction without the problems of foaming, sample loss, and the need of continuous pH adjustment during reduction.
Generalization of the twist-Kirchhoff theory of plate elements to arbitrary quadrilaterals and assessment of convergence

Abstract We generalize the recently introduced twist-Kirchhoff theory of rectangular plate elements to arbitrary quadrilateral elements. A key feature is the use of Raviart–Thomas vector-field approximations for rotations. To preserve continuity of the normal components of the rotation vector across mesh edges, we employ the Piola transformation to map the rotations from the parent domain to the physical domain. These elements possess a unique combination of efficiency and robustness in that minimal quadrature rules are sufficient to guarantee stability without rank deficiency. In particular, only one-point Gauss quadrature is required for the lowest-order element in the twist-Kirchhoff family. We numerically study the convergence and accuracy of the first two members of the twist-Kirchhoff family of quadrilateral elements on square, rhombic and circular plate problems.
Enzymatic synthesis of esters in organic medium with lipase from Byssochlamys fulva

Enzymatic esterification of sugars and fatty acids in tertiary butyl alcohol with lipase from Byssochlamys fulva NTG 9 was studied. Of different fatty acids examined, linoleic acid yielded the highest percentage of esterification of sugar (65.5%). Fructose gave a much higher percentage of esterification of fatty acid (71.3%) than glucose (47.8%), lactose (0%), maltose (67%) and sucrose (36.6%).
Accumulation of ethoxyquin in the tissue

Ethoxyquin (EQ) residue levels in the mouse tissue were determined by the HPLC-fluorometric detection method. Mice were given powdered feed containing 0, 0.125, and 0.5% EQ HCl and the EQ residue levels in liver, kidney, lung, and brain tissues were determined after 2, 4, 6, 10, and 14 wk (4 mice/group). The tissue samples were homogenized in 10 volumes (w/v) of acetonitrile-water (7:3, v/v), centrifuged, and the supernatants were stored in a freezer for 2-3 h or until the two layers separated; then the clear upper layers were analyzed. The mean EQ residue levels in the tissue ranged 0.84-4.58 micrograms EQ/g liver and 0.11-0.92 micrograms EQ/g brain. The relative weight of the liver (5.21-7.07% body weight) and the hepatic glutathione level (5.99-7.83 microM GSH/g tissue) of mice that received EQ were significantly higher than those of the controls (4.67-5.05% body weight and 4.30-5.78 microM GSH/g tissue, respectively). The mean hepatic mitochondrial glutathione level of the higher EQ feeding group, following dietary administration of EQ for 14 wk, was approximately twofold (1.68 nM GSH/mg protein) of both the control and the lower EQ feeding groups (0.83 and 0.74 nM GSH/mg protein, respectively).
Dynamic response of a fluid-filled spheroidal shell—An improved model for studying head injury

Abstract The human head is modelled by considering the skull to be an elastic prolate spheroidal shell enclosing an acoustic medium which represents the brain. A suddenly applied, uniformly distributed, pressure is applied to the shell surface. Time histories of the distribution of stress in the shell and pressure in the fluid are obtained for material and geometrical parameters representative of a human head. It is found that there is a significant difference in the results obtained using this model from those obtained when the assumption of zero eccentricity, i.e. spherical geometry, is made, but not in the important maximum negative pressure developed in the fluid.
Stereoselective synthesis of an advanced taxusin intermediate: an application of the type 2 intramolecular Diels–Alder reaction

Abstract Stereoselective synthesis of an advanced taxusin intermediate is described. The key step is the successful application of the type 2 intramolecular Diels–Alder (IMDA) reaction for the assembly of the tricyclic core of this natural product.
The roles of internal audit in complying with the Sarbanes–Oxley Act

This paper discusses the professional standards and research findings pertaining to the roles of internal audit in the Sarbanes–Oxley era, particularly under the new Auditing Standard No. 5 Guidelines for the implementation of the Act's Section 404. The paper explains how internal audit resources have been used and should be used to assist corporate management, audit committees, and external auditors in their corporate governance duties. Hence, the analyses in this paper are useful for internal auditors, external auditors, corporate management, and audit committee members. The paper obtains its information from professional auditing standards as well as published research studies pertaining to the roles of internal audit in the Sarbanes–Oxley era.
Comments on Integer Hulls of Two Linear Constraints

This paper establishes an intrinsic complexity for the integer-programming problem that goes well beyond the computational complexities of linear programming. To this end, it describes a procedure with the following property: given any two independent linear constraints in two dimensions and any number N however large, the procedure determines two other linear constraints with integer coefficients arbitrarily "close" to the given constraints such that the two new constraints have at least N faces in their integer hull. It is possible for the integer-programming optimum to occur at any extreme point of this hull, and the number of extreme points is one less than the number of faces. In contrast, the linear-programming problem consisting of two inequalities in the plane is a triviality. The paper has an expository style and illustrates its highly geometrical arguments with figures.
Demonstration of a net movement of water through the lens

Des cristallins de lapins couves dans des dimethylsilicones secretent un fluide a leur surface anterieure. Ce fluide peut prendre le meme aspect et la meme reticulation qu'un morceau du tissu de la surface posterieure, si le cristallin est excise promptement apres la mort.
Molecular-clinical correlative studies in non-small cell lung cancer: application of a three-tiered approach.

Alterations in key oncogenes, tumor suppressor genes, and cell cycle regulatory proteins are common in lung cancer (Table 1), and distinguish non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) from small cell lung cancer (SCLC) [1,2]. These genotypic abnormalities provide the basis for molecular–clinical correlative studies in several areas of interest, including: (1) carcinogenesis; (2) epidemiology; (3) prognosis; (4) predictive value of therapeutic benefit; and (5) therapy selection based on the molecular profile of an individual patients tumor. Here we describe the relative incidence of identified abnormalities, preliminary studies investigating the prognostic and predictive value of selected molecular abnormalities (p53, K-RAS, HER2/neu, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), beta-tubulin, and p27), the potential for customized or ‘genotypic’ therapy, and application of a three-tiered approach to molecular– clinical correlative studies of new therapeutic agents.
Amplitude and Timing of Central Aortic Pressure Wave Reflections in Heart Transplant Recipients

Abstract Background Hypertension (HTN) assessed by sphygmomanometer is a common finding in heart transplant recipients (HTR); however, little is known about the contribution of arterial wave reflection to central aortic pressure in these patients. The aim of this study was to measure the central aortic pressure wave in HTR on antihypertensive therapy and determine the effects of amplitude and timing of wave reflection on the various components of the wave. Methods A total of 53 stable adult HTR on antihypertensive medication underwent brachial artery blood pressure ([BP]; by sphygmomanometry) and central aortic pressure (by noninvasive radial artery applanation tonometry and use of a generalized transfer function) measurements at rest. Central aortic augmentation index (AIa), an indicator of arterial stiffness, was calculated from the aortic pressure waveform. Patients were divided into three groups (A, B, and C) based on the amplitude of AIa. Results Mean brachial BP was 136 ± 15/84 ± 9.4 mm Hg. Group A patients (n = 25) had a higher AIa (average 21% ± 7.6%) than group B (n = 18, AIa = 6.5% ± 3.0%, P Conclusions Noninvasive analysis of the central aortic pressure wave identified a subgroup of hypertensive HTR with increased arterial stiffness, increased propagation of the reflected wave, and augmented aortic systolic and pulse pressure not identified with the sphygmomanometer.
BOOK REVIEW: Precautionary Tools for Reshaping Environmental Policy

It is telling that this otherwise useful and informative overview of the principles and application of the precautionary principle would include a chapter entitled “Answering the Critics.” The prob...
Stability Charts for 3D Failures of Steep Slopes Subjected to Seismic Excitation

Design of slopes and analysis of existing slopes subjected to seismic shaking are carried out routinely using approximations of plane strain and substitution of a quasi-static load for the seismic excitation. A three-dimensional (3D) analysis of slopes is carried out, based on the kinematic theorem of limit analysis. A rotational failure mechanism is used with the failure surface in the shape of a curvilinear cone sector passing through the slope toe, typical of steep slopes. A quasi-static approach is used to develop stability charts allowing assessment of the factor of safety of slopes without the need for an iterative procedure. The charts are of practical importance in cases of excavation slopes and whenever a slope is physically constrained, preventing a plane failure.
Primary care is the de facto mental health system.

● Many medical presentations contain significant psychological comorbidity. Strosahl and Robinson point out in Chap. 8 that presentations that are for specific psychological or substance abuse issues are infrequent. More often, psychological issues are found to be part of acute medical issues, such as sleeping problems, headache or gastrointestinal problems, as well as complex chronic medical conditions such as diabetes, cardiac conditions or pain.
Quantifying Condition-Dependent Intracellular Protein Levels Enables High-Precision Fitness Estimates

Countless studies monitor the growth rate of microbial populations as a measure of fitness. However, an enormous gap separates growth-rate differences measurable in the laboratory from those that natural selection can distinguish efficiently. Taking advantage of the recent discovery that transcript and protein levels in budding yeast closely track growth rate, we explore the possibility that growth rate can be more sensitively inferred by monitoring the proteomic response to growth, rather than growth itself. We find a set of proteins whose levels, in aggregate, enable prediction of growth rate to a higher precision than direct measurements. However, we find little overlap between these proteins and those that closely track growth rate in other studies. These results suggest that, in yeast, the pathways that set the pace of cell division can differ depending on the growth-altering stimulus. Still, with proper validation, protein measurements can provide high-precision growth estimates that allow extension of phenotypic growth-based assays closer to the limits of evolutionary selection.
The mass distribution of the phosphatidylcholines in subcellular fractions of rat brain.

Whole brains from 20-22-day-old rats were separated into the 15,000 g supernatant, myelin, nerve ending and mitochondrial fractions. Gas chromatography of the trimethylsilyl derivatives of 1,2-diglycerides obtained by hydrolysis with phospholipase C of the phosphatidylcholine from each fraction showed marked differences of carbon number distribution (i.e. the sum of the carbon atoms in the two fatty acids of the diglyceride) among the different membranous fractions. Further characterization of each diglyceride was obtained by preparative gas chromatography of the diglyceride-trimethylsilyl ethers and determination of the acyl moieties after collection, methanolysis and gas chromatography. The results indicate that at least three distinct populations of phosphatidylcholine exist in the brain. Nerve endings and the 15,000 g supernatant fraction exhibit a very similar diglyceride pattern with dipalmitoylglycerophosphorylcholine representing over 30 per cent of the species present. Myelin has a unique phosphatidylcholine composition with much less polyenoic species in the 36 and 38 carbon number peaks. Mitochondria contain phosphatidylcholines with relatively more long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids. TLC of the phosphatidylcholines yielded partial separation into two spots, which differed in distribution of fatty acids. The faster migrating spot contained most of the polyenoic acids, whereas the slower migrating spot contained most of the palmitic, stearic and oleic acids.
A Consumer Satisfaction Measure for Parent-Child Treatments and Its Relation to Measures of Child Behavior Change

The Therapy Attitude Inventory (TAI), a brief consumer satisfaction measure of parent training, parent-child treatments, and family therapy, was psychometrically evaluated. Participants were 62 mothers of clinic-referred children who met diagnostic criteria for a disruptive behavior disorder and participated in parent-child interaction therapy. Cronbach's alpha for the TAI was excellent (.91) and the stability coefficient across a 4-month period was also high (.85). External validity was demonstrated by moderate correlations (.36 to .49) between TAI scores (total and factor) and changes during treatment measured by pre- to posttreatment difference scores on the Eyberg Child Behavior Inventory and on behavioral observations of compliance. Satisfaction with process was related to changes in parent behavior ratings, and satisfaction with outcome was related to changes in observed compliance. Correlations between TAI scores and behavior problem severity after treatment were not significant. Results suggest that parent satisfaction ratings on the TAI are more closely linked to symptom changes during treatment than to the absolute level of child behavior problems after treatment, and they support the psychometric strength of the TAI.
Medical students' perceptions of racial diversity and gender equality.

OBJECTIVES To assess attitudes of medical students toward issues of racial diversity and gender equality and to ascertain changes in these attitudes during the pre-clinical curriculum. METHODS Attitudes toward multiculturalism and gender equality were assessed using a 43-item questionnaire. The survey was completed by incoming Year 1 students in 2000 and 2001, and was completed again in 2002 by the students who had entered in 2000. Mean scores were analysed at baseline by gender, ethnic group and political affiliation using analysis of variance. The paired scores of the first and follow-up surveys of the 2000 entering class were compared using paired t-tests. RESULTS Upon entry into medical school, women, minority group students and Democrats scored significantly higher on the cultural sensitivity scale than their comparison groups. No significant changes were seen overall in the matched data. However, minority groups showed a significant increase in scores, while Republicans and white men experienced a non-significant decline. In addition, incoming students judged cultural competency education to be important. The perceived need to increase the numbers of minority group doctors varied by gender, ethnic group and political affiliation. CONCLUSIONS Among incoming medical students, perceptions of racial diversity and gender equality vary along ethnic, gender and political lines. Additionally, pre-clinical education was associated with increased cultural sensitivity by minority group students, but not by others. These findings demonstrate the continuing need for diversity in medical school and for medical students to recognise and address their personal and group biases.
IMPROVING PREFERENCE PREDICTION ACCURACY WITH FEATURE LEARNING

Motivated by continued interest within the design community to model design preferences, this paper investigates the question of predicting preferences with particular application to consumer purchase behavior: How can we obtain high prediction accuracy in a consumer preference model using market purchase data? To this end, we employ sparse coding and sparse restricted Boltzmann machines, recent methods from machine learning, to transform the original market data into a sparse and high-dimensional representation. We show that these ‘feature learning’ techniques, which are independent from the preference model itself (e.g., logit model), can complement existing efforts towards high-accuracy preference prediction. Using actual passenger car market data, we achieve significant improvement in prediction accuracy on a binary preference task by properly transforming the original consumer variables and passenger car variables to a sparse and high-dimensional representation.
Scatterometer and Model Wind and Wind Stress in the Oregon–Northern California Coastal Zone

Measurements of surface wind stress by the SeaWinds scatterometer on NASA’s Quick Scatterometer (QuikSCAT) satellite are analyzed and compared with several different atmospheric model products, from an operational model and two high-resolution nested regional models, during two summer periods, June through September 2000 and 2001, in the coastal region west of Oregon and northern California. The mean summer wind stress had a southward component over the entire region in both years. Orographic intensifications of both the mean and fluctuating wind stress occurred near Cape Blanco, Cape Mendocino, and Point Arena. Substantial differences between the model products are found for the mean, variable, and diurnal wind stress fields. Temporal correlations with the QuikSCAT observations are highest for the operational model, and are not improved by either nested model. The highest-resolution nested model most accurately reproduced the mean observed stress fields, but slightly degrades the temporal correlations due to incoherent high-frequency (0.5‐2 cpd) fluctuations. The QuikSCAT data reveal surprisingly strong diurnal fluctuations that extend offshore 150 km or more with magnitudes that are a significant fraction of the mean wind stress. Wind stress curl fields from QuikSCAT and the models show local cyclonic and anticyclonic maxima associated with the orographic wind intensification around the capes. The present results are consistent with the hypothesis of a wind-driven mechanism for coastal jet separation and cold water plume and anticyclonic eddy formation in the California Current System south of Cape Blanco.
ML Module Mania: A Type-Safe, Separately Compiled, Extensible Interpreter

To illustrate the utility of a powerful modules language, this paper presents the embedded interpreter Lua-ML. The interpreter combines extensibility and separate compilation without compromising type safety. Its types are extended by applying a sum constructor to built-in types and to extensions, then tying a recursive knot using a two-level type; the sum constructor is written using an ML functor. The initial basis is extended by composing initialization functions from individual extensions, also using ML functors.
A temperature dependent large-signal drain current neural model for the dual-gate MESFET

In this paper, we present a temperature dependent large-signal drain current neural network model for the dual-gate MESFET. We have modeled an on-wafer symmetric 6/spl times/100 /spl mu/m dual gate MESFET manufactured by Nortel Networks. The measurements of the drain current were taken in a wide range of DC bias points (for V/sub gs1/, V/sub gs2/ and V/sub ds/) and over different values of device temperature. Device temperature is set by mounting the wafer on a temperature controlled thermal chuck. We have tested three neural model types, a three-layer, a four-layer, and a five-layer perceptron neural models. It was found that the five-layer's model with 21 neurons gives better results for similar number of neurons than those of the three and the four layers. The five-layer model showed an excellent fit to the measurement data. The model error is less than 1%.
Nutritional Evaluation of Egg Shell Meal

Abstract Egg breaking plant waste was converted to egg shell meal and evaluated in laying hen rations. Two types of dryers were used. Meal processed in a triple pass rotary dehydrator supported the highest egg production. Meal dried in a flash tubular dryer increased egg weight in the full fed diet and specific gravity when the diet was control fed. The amino acid availability from egg shell meal was comparable to that from a combination of wheat middlings and meat and bone meal or soybean meal. Calcium from egg shell meal was readily utilized. The availability was equal to ground limestone. Reducing the protein and energy intake 10% by feed restriction, decreased egg production and egg weight. Egg shell quality was not improved by restricting feed intake.