cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Infection and Inflammation in Schizophrenia and Bipolar Disorder: A Genome Wide Study for Interactions with Genetic Variation

Inflammation and maternal or fetal infections have been suggested as risk factors for schizophrenia (SZ) and bipolar disorder (BP). It is likely that such environmental effects are contingent on genetic background. Here, in a genome-wide approach, we test the hypothesis that such exposures increase the risk for SZ and BP and that the increase is dependent on genetic variants. We use genome-wide genotype data, plasma IgG antibody measurements against Toxoplasma gondii, Herpes simplex virus type 1, Cytomegalovirus, Human Herpes Virus 6 and the food antigen gliadin as well as measurements of C-reactive protein (CRP), a peripheral marker of inflammation. The subjects are SZ cases, BP cases, parents of cases and screened controls. We look for higher levels of our immunity/infection variables and interactions between them and common genetic variation genome-wide. We find many of the antibody measurements higher in both disorders. While individual tests do not withstand correction for multiple comparisons, the number of nominally significant tests and the comparisons showing the expected direction are in significant excess (permutation p=0.019 and 0.004 respectively). We also find CRP levels highly elevated in SZ, BP and the mothers of BP cases, in agreement with existing literature, but possibly confounded by our inability to correct for smoking or body mass index. In our genome-wide interaction analysis no signal reached genome-wide significance, yet many plausible candidate genes emerged. In a hypothesis driven test, we found multiple interactions among SZ-associated SNPs in the HLA region on chromosome 6 and replicated an interaction between CMV infection and genotypes near the CTNNA3 gene reported by a recent GWAS. Our results support that inflammatory processes and infection may modify the risk for psychosis and suggest that the genotype at SZ-associated HLA loci modifies the effect of these variables on the risk to develop SZ.
Fundamental issues in the representation and propagation of uncertain equation of state information in shock hydrodynamics

Abstract Uncertainty quantification (UQ) deals with providing reasonable estimates of the uncertainties associated with an engineering model and propagating them to final engineering quantities of interest. We present a conceptual UQ framework for the case of shock hydrodynamics with Euler’s equations where the uncertainties are assumed to lie principally in the equation of state (EOS). In this paper we consider experimental data as providing both data and an estimate of data uncertainty. We propose a specific Bayesian inference approach for characterizing EOS uncertainty in thermodynamic phase space. We show how this approach provides a natural and efficient methodology for transferring data uncertainty to engineering outputs through an EOS representation that understands and deals consistently with parameter correlations as sensed in the data. Historically, complex multiphase EOSs have been built utilizing tables as the delivery mechanism in order to amortize the cost of creation of the tables over many subsequent continuum scale runs. Once UQ enters into the picture, however, the proper operational paradigm for multiphase tables become much less clear. Using a simple single-phase Mie–Gruneisen model we experiment with several approaches and demonstrate how uncertainty can be represented. We also show how the quality of the tabular representation is of key importance. As a first step, we demonstrate a particular tabular approach for the Mie–Gruneisen model which when extended to multiphase tables should have value for designing a UQ-enabled shock hydrodynamic modeling approach that is not only theoretically sound but also robust, useful, and acceptable to the modeling community. We also propose an approach to separate data uncertainty from modeling error in the EOS.
Status of DeepCore at the IceCube Neutrino Observatory

Abstract In February 2010, the IceCube collaboration completed the baseline deployment of the DeepCore. Complementing the original IceCube detector design, DeepCore provides sensitivity to neutrinos with energies as low as about 10 GeV. With optical modules concentrated in the extremely clear ice at the bottom-center of IceCube, DeepCore will utilize the surrounding IceCube detector as an active veto against the copious cosmic-ray muon background. In conjunction with its denser module spacing, the increased vetoing capability will not only lower the neutrino energy threshold but will also open up avenues for searches of low energy neutrinos over the full solid angle.
Crystal structure of the stress-inducible human heat shock protein 70 substrate-binding domain in complex with peptide substrate.

The HSP70 family of molecular chaperones function to maintain protein quality control and homeostasis. The major stress-induced form, HSP70 (also called HSP72 or HSPA1A) is considered an important anti-cancer drug target because it is constitutively overexpressed in a number of human cancers and promotes cancer cell survival. All HSP70 family members contain two functional domains: an N-terminal nucleotide binding domain (NBD) and a C-terminal protein substrate-binding domain (SBD); the latter is subdivided into SBDα and SBDβ subdomains. The NBD and SBD structures of the bacterial ortholog, DnaK, have been characterized, but only the isolated NBD and SBDα segments of eukaryotic HSP70 proteins have been determined. Here we report the crystal structure of the substrate-bound human HSP70-SBD to 2 angstrom resolution. The overall fold of this SBD is similar to the corresponding domain in the substrate-bound DnaK structures, confirming a similar overall architecture of the orthologous bacterial and human HSP70 proteins. However, conformational differences are observed in the peptide-HSP70-SBD complex, particularly in the loop Lα, β that bridges SBDα to SBDβ, and the loop LL,1 that connects the SBD and NBD. The interaction between the SBDα and SBDβ subdomains and the mode of substrate recognition is also different between DnaK and HSP70. This suggests that differences may exist in how different HSP70 proteins recognize their respective substrates. The high-resolution structure of the substrate-bound-HSP70-SBD complex provides a molecular platform for the rational design of small molecule compounds that preferentially target this C-terminal domain, in order to modulate human HSP70 function.
Representations by integral quadratic forms

Abstract Let M and N be lattices on regular quadratic spaces over an algebraic number field and N (M, N) the number of essentially distinct primitive representations of N by M. Conditions are given under which N (M, N) can be expressed as a product of the corresponding local representation numbers N (Mp, Np). The related problem of extending an isometry between two regular sublattices of M to an element in the group of units of M is also considered.
Increasing Enrollment of Blacks at a Predominately White Southern University: Perceptions and Characteristics of Black Graduates.

-This study surveyed 566 black college graduates for their perceptions for attracting more minority students to the University. Academic programs and location were critical factors noted. A majority (93%) of black alumni rated their educational experience good-to-excellent and 84% indicated they would attend the University again. The study suggests marketing techniques regarding admission should be changed to strategies emphasizing needs of the institution, e.g., use of black alumni, black professors, and black students.
Effects of hycanthone on the neuromuscular transmission.

Abstract The effects of the antischistosomal drug, hycanthone, on the synaptic transmission at the frog neuromuscular junction were studied. The mean quantal content increased in the presence of 20 μM hycanthone. The amplitude of the miniature end-plate current was unaffected by 20 μM hycanthone, while 2 μM hycanthone decreased the ionophoretic ACh response (ACh induced current). The decay time constants of the evoked end-plate current and the miniature end-plate current were increased with 1–5 μM hycanthone, but were decreased at concentrations over 20 μM. Analysis of the ACh induced noise revealed that 1 μM hycanthone slightly increased the channel lifetime whereas the single channel conductance was not affected. It was concluded that the primary site of action of hycanthone is the ‘transient state’ or ACh bound but closed conformation of the ACh receptor ion channel, but this drug also has other sites of action (presynaptic nerve terminal and open conformation of ACh receptor-ion channel complex).
Dissociation of beta-adrenergic receptors from hormone responsiveness during maturation of the rat reticulocyte

Abstract Intact rat erythrocytes and reticulocytes have been studied in relation to their concentration of β-adrenergic receptors and their responsiveness to β-adrenergic catecholamines. Characteristics of the β-receptor, as determined by binding of 125I-labelled hydroxybenzylpindolol, were compared among control erythrocytes and reticulocytes. The dissociation constant (Kd=0.1−0.2 nM), association and dissociation kinetics, and stereospecificity for (−)-isomers of agonists and antagonists were similar in both cell types. The reticulocyte population contained four times more receptors per cell than the control erythrocytes. However, reticulocytes were 25 times more responsive than control cells to isoproterenol, as measured by the formation of cyclic AMP. After peak reticulocytosis, cells rapidly lost 95% of their maximum hormone responsiveness, but β-receptors declined much more slowly. The 4-fold decrease in β-receptors was associated with a 4-fold decrease in cell volume as the reticulocytes matured. The density of β-receptors was unchanged. However, responsiveness to isoproterenol in the reticulocytes when expressed on the basis of cell volume was still nine times greater than the control cells. Thus, maturation of reticulocytes is associated with an uncoupling of persistent β-receptors from catecholamine responsiveness.
Gas-phase ion-molecule reactions of transition metal complexes: the effect of different coordination spheres on complex reactivity.

Using a modified quadrupole ion trap mass spectrometer, a series of metal complex ions have been reacted with acetonitrile in the gas phase. Careful control of the coordination number and the type of coordinating functionality in diethylenetriamine-substituted ligands enable the effects of the coordination sphere on metal complex reactivity to be examined. The association reaction kinetics of acetonitrile with these pentacoordinate complexes are followed in order to obtain information about the starting complexes and the reaction dynamics. The kinetics and thermodynamics of acetonitrile addition to the metal complex ions are strongly affected by the chemical environment around the metal center such that significant differences in reactivity are observed for Co(II) and Cu(II) complexes with various coordination spheres. When thiophene, furan, or benzene moieties are present in the coordination sphere of the complex, addition of two acetonitrile molecules is readily observed. In contrast, ligands with better σ donors react mainly to add one acetonitrile molecule. Among the ligands with good σ donors, a clear trend in reactivity is observed in which complexes with nitrogen-containing ligands are the least reactive, sulfur-containing complexes are more reactive, and oxygen-containing complexes are the most reactive. In general, equilibrium and reaction rate constants seem to be consistent with the hard and soft acid and base (HSAB) principle. Interestingly, the presence of certain groups (e.g., pyridine and imidazole) in the coordination sphere clearly can change the acid character of the metal as seen by their effect on the binding properties of other functional groups in the same ligand. Finally, we conclude that because complexes with different coordination spheres react to noticeably different extents, ion-molecule (I-M) reactions may be potentially useful for obtaining coordination structure information for transition metal complexes.
Maximum entropy and MCE based HMM stream weight estimation for audio-visual ASR

In this paper, we propose a new fast and flexible algorithm based on the maximum entropy (MAXENT) criterion to estimate stream weights in a state-synchronous multi-stream HMM. The technique is compared to the minimum classification error (MCE) criterion and to a brute-force, grid-search optimization of the WER on both a small and a large vocabulary audio-visual continuous speech recognition task. When estimating global stream weights, the MAXENT approach gives comparable results to the grid-search and the MCE. Estimation of state dependent weights is also considered: We observe significant improvements in both the MAXENT and MCE criteria, which, however, do not result in significant WER gains.
An Analysis of Advertising Payments in Franchise Contracts

ABSTRACT National advertising is an important ongoing marketing activity in a franchise arrangement. A majority of franchisors require franchisees to pay an advertising royalty as a percentage of gross revenues while some require franchisees to pay a fixed advertising fee. These payments are earmarked for national advertising. We investigate the relationship between the franchisor's profits and the different types of advertising payments in franchise contracts. Our model incorporates the idea that the franchisor and franchisee are in an ongoing relationship where there is demand uncertainty. We show that specification of an advertising payment in the form of a fixed fee or a royalty is better than no specification since it commits the franchisor to invest the payments in advertising. We demonstrate that the advertising royalty specification is more flexible since it permits the advertising expenditure to be adjusted based on information that is not available at the time the contract is written.
Pharmacologic stress perfusion imaging with adenosine: Role of simultaneous low-level treadmill exercise

Adenosine is commonly used for pharmacologic stress myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI). However, it frequently results in adverse effects, and the subdiaphragmatic tracer uptake may interfere with the image interpretation. Our aim was to determine the feasibility of combining low-level treadmill exercise with adenosine MPI and its impact on adverse effects, image quality, and myocardial ischemia. Forty-one patients underwent technetium 99m sestamibi single photon emission computed tomography following adenosine and adenosine with low-level exercise (adenosine-Ex) on separate occasions and rest MPI. A comparison was made of symptoms, hemodynamic response, electrocardiographic changes, image quality, and image interpretation between the 2 protocols. With adenosine-Ex, fewer patients had one or more adverse effects (61% vs 90%; P = .006), more patients had ischemic electrocardiographic changes (34% vs 15%; P = .03), a higher percentage had excellent- or fair-quality images (88% vs 61%; P = .003), and they had higher heart-liver ratios (1.0 ± 0.37 vs 0.84 ± 0.29; P = .002) compared with adenosine alone. Four adenosine MPI studies, but only 2 adenosine-Ex studies, were uninter-pretable because of excessive subdiaphragmatic radiotracer activity. Of the 39 patients with at least 1 interpretable stress study, interpretation was discordant in 11 (28%): 7 showed greater ischemia with adenosine-Ex, 2 uninterpretable adenosine studies were interpretable with adenosine-Ex, and 2 studies interpreted as abnormal with adenosine were normal by adenosine-Ex (both had normal coronary angiograms). Simultaneous low-level treadmill exercise with adenosine Tc-99m sestamibi imaging is safe and feasible, significantly reduces unfavorable side effects, enhances image quality, and may result in greater ischemia detection compared with adenosine alone.
N-acetyltransferase activity during ovarian development in the mosquito Aedes aegypti following blood feeding

Abstract N -acetyltransferase (NAT) activity was demonstrated by high pressure liquid chromatograph with electrochemical detection in the developing ovary A. aegypti . Enzyme activity was induced by blood feeding, and was highest just prior to oviposition. N -acetyldopamine (NADA), a principle sclerotizing agent in insects and a derivative of dopamine, was synthesized by N -acetyltransferase in the presence of the cofactor acetyl CoA. The results of this investigation suggest that the metabolism of dopamine in the mosquito ovary is not different from the metabolic pathway involved in cuticular sclerotization, and that NAT may be involved in tanning of the egg chorion.
Effect of process dynamics on traditional controller tuning methods

Abstract Several tuning methods, including Ziegler-Nichols, have been used for decades in the process industries. These methods have the important advantage of ease of use and provide relatively good tuning for the majority of loops. The methods all use a “first-order plus dead time” (FOPDT) model of the process. However, processes do not always fit the FOPDT model; most have multiple lags. The degree to which the process fits the FOPDT model determines how well the traditional tuning methods will work with the process. This paper examines several tuning methods and presents some comparisons and evaluations based on experiments using computer simulations of loops with various combinations of multiple-lag and dead time dynamics. Guidelines for the applicability of the tuning methods are presented, and several aspects of the methods, including the training requirements, are discussed.
de Sitter QED

Attention is called to the fact that the well-known and straightforward generalization of electrodynamics to de Sitter space is incompatible with conformal invariance. In addition, there is difficulty in reconciling the space of one-photon states in de Sitter QED, for which the field carries no degree of freedom related to helicity, with that of flat space QED in which both signs of the helicity appear. The requirement of conformal invariance leads to the introduction of two vector potentials in de Sitter electrodynamics and resolves the helicity problem. A conformally invariant, indefinite metric quantization is carried out, and the nature of the flat space limit is clarified. Implications for a theory of composite massless particles are discussed, as well as applications to supersymmetry and supergravity.
The Developmental Processes for NANDA International Nursing Diagnoses

PURPOSE. This study aims to provide a step-by-step procedural guideline for the development of a nursing diagnosis that meets the necessary criteria for inclusion in the NANDA International and NNN classification systems. DATA SOURCES. The guideline is based on the processes developed by the Diagnosis Development Committee of NANDA International and includes the necessary processes for development of Actual, Wellness, Health Promotion, and Risk nursing diagnoses. DATA SYNTHESIS. Definitions of Actual, Wellness, Health Promotion, and Risk nursing diagnoses along with inclusion criteria and taxonomy rules have been incorporated into the guideline to streamline the development and review processes for submitted diagnoses. CONCLUSIONS. A step-by-step procedural guideline will assist the submitter to move efficiently and effectively through the submission process, resulting in increased submissions and enhancement of the NANDA International and NNN classification systems.
Differential phase contrast CT — Characterics of signal and noise

The differential phase contrast CT (DPC-CT) implemented with x-ray tube and grating is emerging as a new technology to improve the contrast sensitivity of the conventional CT. Via system modeling, analysis and computer simulation, we investigate the DPC-CT's characteristics of signal and noise and compare them with the conventional CT. The preliminary data show that the DPC-CT possesses a modulation transfer function that is comparable with that of the conventional attenuation-based CT. However, the radical difference in the noise power spectrum between the DPC-CT (1/|k| trait) and the conventional CT (|k| trait) leads to the substantial difference in their spectrum of noise equivalent quanta NEQ(k), which accounts for the significant advantage in DPC-CT imaging performance over the conventional CT at high spatial resolution. It is believed that the finding reported in this paper can provide insightful guidelines on the research and development of DPC-CT for preclinical and clinical applications.
The Energetic and Structural Effects of Single Amino Acid Substitutions upon Capped α-Helical Peptides Containing 17 Amino Acid Residues. An ONIOM DFT/AM1 Study

We evaluate the effect of the amino acid mutations of glycine, leucine, valine, phenylalanine, serine, and proline for the 10th alanine in the capped peptide, acetly(Ala)17NH2, upon the energies of the α-helices and β-strands using ONIOM DFT/AM1 molecular orbital calculations. The relative stabilities of the α-helix (to the β-strand) derive from the differences between the effects upon not only the helix but the strand as well. Thus, Ala → Pro significantly destabilizes both but destabilizes the α-helix more, while Ala → Gly stabilizes both but stabilizes the β-strand more. The theoretical results are discussed in the context of the known experimental reports. We suggest that the solvation of the unfolded state drives the helix/coil equilibrium in solution.
A General Agreement on Higher Education: GATS, Globalization, and Imperialism.

Through successive rounds of negotiations, the World Trade Organization (WTO) encourages countries to commit their higher education system to the mandates of the General Agreement on Trade in Servi...
Computational synergetics: visualization and vortex dynamics

Abstract As a heuristic tool, used to explore complex dynamical behavior, computers allow us to discover unexpected linkages and new concepts in nonlinear dynamical and fluid systems. Recent developments in vortex dynamics are discussed. Some techniques for interactive visualization of evolving functions are discussed.
Signaling between the placenta and the uterus involving the mitogen-regulated protein/proliferins.

The aim of this investigation was to examine signaling between the placenta and uterus during pregnancy. To do this, we determined the tissue messenger RNA and protein levels of members of a glycopeptide hormone family known to stimulate the proliferation of uterine cells and related these levels to the growth of the uterus during pregnancy in the mouse. This hormone family is known as mitogen-regulated protein (MRP); alternatively proliferin (PLF). Three mrp/plf genes, plf1, mrp3 and mrp4, are expressed by the placenta with different developmental profiles. The major increase of about 4-fold in DNA content of the uterus occurs between days 9 and 14 when MRP/PLFs are present in the placenta. By contrast, the gestational changes in estradiol-17b levels in placental and uterine tissues and in circulation do not correlate with the period of uterine growth. The previously reported mitogenic activity of the MRP/PLFs and their gestational profiles suggest that one or more of these proteins stimulates uterine proliferation during gestation. Evidence is also presented that expression of MRP3 and/or PLF1, but not MRP4, is negatively regulated by feedback from the uterus. Our results are consistent with the hypothesis that MRP/PLFs stimulate uterine proliferation in vivo and that a uterine factor shuts off PLF1 and/or MRP3 synthesis in the latter half of gestation. (Endocrinology 140: 5239 ‐5249, 1999)
An Exploratory Study of Employee Silence: Issues that Employees Don’t Communicate Upward and Why*

ABSTRACT There is evidence from a variety of sources that employees often do not feel comfortable speaking to their bosses about organizational problems or issues that concern them. The purpose of this study was to shed light on the types of issues that employees are reluctant to raise, and identify why employees sometimes decide to remain silent rather than voice their concerns. We interviewed 40 employees and found that most had been in situations where they were concerned about an issue but did not raise it to a supervisor. Silence spanned a range of organizational issues, with several of our respondents indicating that they did not feel comfortable speaking to those above them about any issues or concerns. The most frequently mentioned reason for remaining silent was the fear of being viewed or labeled negatively, and as a consequence, damaging valued relationships. From our data, we develop a model of how the perceived consequences of voice contribute to silence, and a model of how the social and relational implications of speaking up can take away employees’ ability to have influence within an organizational setting.
The motivational foundation of social networks

The origins of motivations for network behavior are found in modern theories of early childhood development. There are two types of early motivations: safety on the one hand and efficacy on the other. Safety corresponds to and is generated by networks of cohesion, while efficacy comes about from separation and corresponds to networks with structural holes and is typical of brokerage situations. Both cohesion and brokerage are necessarily involved in any network situation as a matter of fundamental theoretical necessity, but they occur under different circumstances in individual and organizational action. Studies are reviewed that show that effective relations both within and between organizations require both cohesive bases and brokerage between otherwise not well connected units.
Differential Expression of ERCC1 in Pancreas Adenocarcinoma: High Tumor Expression is Associated with Earlier Recurrence and Shortened Survival after Resection

Increased tumor expression of excision repair cross-complementing gene-1 (ERCC1) is associated with decreased survival in patients with various cancers. Its effect in pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PAC) is not defined. Ninety-five patients were selected from a prospective database of all patients (n = 220) who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy for PAC between January 2000 and October 2008. Tumor was isolated to perform immunohistochemistry for ERCC1 expression and was graded by a single pathologist. Main outcomes were recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS). Median age was 63 years; 50 patients (53%) were male and 73 (77%) received adjuvant chemotherapy. Median follow-up was 25 months. Median RFS and OS was 9 and 16 months. Median tumor size was 3 cm; 26% had a positive resection margin, 34% had poorly differentiated tumors, 61% had positive lymph nodes, 88% had perineural invasion, and 45% had lymphovascular invasion. Tumors exhibited differential ERCC1 expression in terms of intensity staining [none-weak: 61%; moderate-strong: 39%], percentage staining [0: 39%; 1–10: 29%; 11–50: 20%; 51–100: 12%], and overall expression [low: 84%; high: 16%]. High ERCC1 expression was associated with reduced RFS (6 vs. 10 months; P = 0.03) and decreased OS (9 vs. 18 months; P = 0.019). After accounting for adverse tumor factors, high ERCC1 expression persisted as a negative prognostic factor on multivariate Cox regression for both RFS and OS [hazards ratio (HR), 2.1; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.1–3.9; P = 0.02; HR, 3; 95% CI, 1.6–6; P = 0.001, respectively]. A subset analysis of only those 73 patients who received adjuvant therapy revealed the same negative effect of high ERCC1 expression on RFS (4 vs. 15 months; P = 0.001) and OS (9 vs. 20 months; P < 0.001). Pancreas cancer exhibits differential expression of ERCC1. High ERCC1 expression is associated with both reduced RFS and OS after resection. ERCC1 expression levels may help to predict patient outcome with adjuvant chemotherapy.
Fuel and ignition control methodologies for engines with articulated connecting rods

In this work fuel and ignition control techniques are developed for articulated rod, large-bore, two-stroke, natural-gas-fuelled engines. A Cooper-Bessemer GMV-4TF engine is utilized for the experimental investigation. Due to the articulation of the connecting rods, the even bank cylinders have different piston position and port opening profiles and different compression ratios than the odd bank cylinders. Additionally, due to the mechanical design of the engine, ignition and top dead centre (TDC) for the cylinders are not evenly spaced. The non-symmetric timing and articulated geometry result in different gas flow characteristics for each cylinder bank. These differences result in increased NOx emissions of the even cylinder bank compared with those of the odd bank. Results of engine testing have demonstrated that this difference can be compensated for through bank specific fuel and ignition control. Two separate control techniques were utilized for compensation. The first resulted in decreased fuel consumption at a constant NOx level, and the second produced reductions in NOx emissions at a constant fuel consumption. (A)
IDENTIFICATION OF ENZYMES INVOLVED IN THE METABOLISM OF ATRAZINE, TERBUTHYLAZINE, AMETRYNE, AND TERBUTRYNE IN HUMAN LIVER MICROSOMES

Compounds of the s-triazine family are among the most heavily used herbicides over the last 30 years. Some of these derivatives are suspected to be carcinogens. In this study the identity of specific phase-I enzymes involved in the metabolism of s-triazine derivatives (atrazine, terbuthylazine, ametryne, and terbutryne) by human liver microsomes was determined. Kinetic studies demonstrated biphasic kinetics for all pathways examined (S-oxidation, N-dealkylation, and side-chain C-oxidation). Low K(m) values were in a range of about 1-20 microM, whereas high K(m) values were up to 2 orders of magnitude higher. For a correlation study, 30 human liver microsomal preparations were screened for seven specific P450 activities, and these were compared to activities for the metabolites derived from these s-triazines. A highly significant correlation in the high-affinity concentration range was seen with cytochrome P450 1A2 activities. Chemical inhibition was most effective with alpha-naphthoflavone and furafylline at low s-triazine concentrations and additionally with ketoconazole and gestodene at high substrate concentrations. Studies with 10 heterologously expressed P450 forms demonstrated that several P450 enzymes are capable of oxidizing these s-triazines, with different affinities and regioselectivities. P450 1A2 was confirmed to be the low-K(m) P450 enzyme involved in the metabolism of these s-triazines. A potential participation of flavin-containing monooxygenases (FMOs) in sulfoxidation reactions of the thiomethyl derivatives ametryne and terbutryne in human liver was also evaluated. Sulfoxide formation in human liver microsomes as a function of pH, heat, and chemical inhibition indicated no significant involvement of FMOs. Finally, purified recombinant FMO3, the major FMO in human liver, exhibited no significant activity (< 0.1 nmol (nmol of FMO3)-1 min-1) in the formation of the parent sulfoxides of ametryne and terbutryne. Therefore, P450 1A2 alone is likely to be responsible for the hepatic oxidative phase-I metabolism of the s-triazine derivatives in exposed humans.
Isothermal melt processing of Bi-2212 thick films

Abstract An alternative melt-processing technique has been developed for the fabrication of Bi 2 Sr 2 CaCu 2 O y (Bi-2212) thick films at temperatures over 100°C lower than those employed in conventional Bi-2212 melt processing. Isothermal melt processing combines the melting and solidification steps at the same temperature [T.G. Holesinger et al., Appl. Phys. Lett. 63 (1993) 982]. This technique is possible due to the large drop in the solidus temperature with decreasing oxygen partial pressure. High-quality thick films were processed at temperatures as low as 770°C. Such films were found to be well-textured, contain relatively few secondary phases, and possess critical current densities over 1 × 10 5 A/cm 2 at 4 K in self-field.
Making forensic science more scientific

The US Congress should create an office to study, standardize and certify those who apply science to crime as well as the techniques they use, urge Peter Neufeld and Barry Scheck.
Binocular rivalry is not chaotic.

Time series of the durations each eye was dominant during binocular rivalry were obtained psychophysically. The oscillations showed an adaptation effect with mean and standard deviations of rivalry dominance durations increasing as a square root function of time over the course of a trial. The data were corrected for this non-stationarity. Dominance durations had a log-normal probability distribution and the autocorrelation function revealed no short term correlations in the time series. In an attempt to distinguish whether the variability of durations was due to a deterministic, low-dimensional chaotic attractor or to a stochastic process, the data were subjected to two tests. The first was calculation of correlation dimensions and the second was nonlinear forecasting of the time series. Both tests included comparisons with randomized `surrogate data' as controls. In neither case was there a large difference between test results for actual data and surrogate data. We conclude that chaos is not a major factor underlying variability in binocular rivalry.
Blood osmolality changes in sheep at satiety

The intention of this study was to explore blood dilution as a factor in terminating water consumption. Using 12 female sheep, 11 months old, results indicate that blood dilution from a dehydrated state to ad lib levels is not coincident with termination of water intake. The results further indicate that blood dilution as a mechanism instrumental in terminating drinking behavior cannot be generalized across all species.
RNA and protein synthesis required for entry of cells into mitosis and during the mitotic cycle.

Abstract As a means of studying metabolic requisites for mitosis, actinomycin D, in two concentrations, and puromycin were compared in their respective inhibitions of RNA and protein synthesis during the predivision period. Treatment of the cells with levels of puromycin which reduce the gross rate of protein synthesis to about 20 per cent of the control level rapidly inhibits the entry of cells into mitosis. In agreement with the findings of others, the kinetics of this effect suggest that new protein molecules must be synthesized within a 30–60 min period prior to metaphase for division to occur. Low concentrations of actinomycin (0.04 μg/ml) which selectively inhibit nucleolar RNA synthesis do not affect the entry of cells into division for periods of up to 3 hr. This suggests that cells in the latter part of the mitotic cycle already contain a 1–3 hr supply of ribosomes which can be utilized for the syntheses involved in preparing cells for division. Removal of these low concentrations of AMD from the medium after a 3-hr period allows division to occur, but cells treated early in their mitotic cycle require more time to get to division. Cells treated during G2 or late S are not delayed in entering division but their next mitotic cycle is prolonged. A high concentration of AMD (4 μg/ml) affects the entry of cells into division almost as rapidly as puromycin. Several alternative possibilities are presented to account for this finding.
Detection of canine transitional cell carcinoma using a bladder tumor antigen urine dipstick test

Canine transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) carries a poor prognosis in part due to late disease detection. The measurement of specific tumor markers shed in the urine may aid in sensitive, early disease detection and therefore improved prognosis. A 1-year prospective clinical trial was designed to assess the efficacy, sensitivity and specificity of the first generation Bard BTA test to diagnose TCC in dogs. This test is a qualitative, rapid, latex agglutination, dipstick test run on voided urine, which measures a glycoprotein antigen complex associated with bladder cancer in human patients. Sixty-five dogs were entered in the study: 20 TCC confirmed patients, 19 healthy controls and 26 urologic controls with a variety of conditions including urinary tract infection, crystalluria and proteinuria. Overall test sensitivity was 90% and specificity was 78%. False positive test results were noted in the presence of significant glucosuria (4+), proteinuria (4+), and pyuria or hematuria (> 30-40 WBC or RBC per hpf). Urine parameters that had no effect on efficacy included collection method (cystocentesis or free catch), pH, specific gravity, crystalluria, bilirubinuria, bacteriuria and casts. These data indicated that the Bard BTA test was sensitive for the detection of the bladder tumor-associated antigen complex in canine TCC. As evaluated, this test may serve as a useful adjunct to diagnosis, especially when cytology or biopsy is questionable or impractical. Furthermore, because of the high sensitivity of the test, it may be a practical screening test to rule out TCC in geriatric patients or patients with clinical signs related to the lower urinary tract, particularly before pyuria and hematuria develop which may interfere with test results.
Abstract 2951: Vitamin C is selectively toxic to cancer cells harboring KRAS or BRAF mutations by targeting GAPDH

Although more than half of colorectal cancer patients have either KRAS or BRAF mutations, targeted therapies for these subgroups of cancer patients are still lacking. Here, we report that KRAS or BRAF mutant cells exhibit a significant increase in the uptake of oxidized vitamin C, dehydroascorbate (DHA), via the GLUT1 glucose transporter. Increased uptake of DHA in the mutant cell lines causes oxidative stress as intracellular DHA is immediately reduced back to vitamin C by reduced glutathione. Elevated reactive oxygen species inactivate GAPDH and thus divert glycolytic flux into the pentose phosphate pathway. Because KRAS or BRAF mutant cells are highly dependent on glycolysis, this altered glucose metabolism induced by vitamin C ultimately leads to an energy deficit in KRAS or BRAF mutant cells and thereby cell death. There are currently a growing number of clinical trials in phases I/II examining the effect of high dose vitamin C as a treatment for cancers, including colorectal cancers. Our results provide a rationale for the pharmacological use of vitamin C as a therapeutic agent to treat colorectal cancer patients with oncogenic KRAS or BRAF mutations. Citation Format: Jihye Yun, Adam Kavalier, Edouard Mullarky, Kaitlyn Bosch, Jatin Roper, Carlo Rago, Jihye Paik, John Asara, Steven Gross, Bert Vogelstein, Nickolas Papadopoulos, Lewis Cantley. Vitamin C is selectively toxic to cancer cells harboring KRAS or BRAF mutations by targeting GAPDH. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr 2951. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-2951
Congenital inclusion tumours in spinal dysraphism

Objective To review the presentation, diagnosis and management of children with spinal dysraphism and CIT.
A Flexible Framework for Fusing Image Collections into Panoramas

Panoramas create summary views of multiple images, which make them a valuable means of analyzing huge quantities of image and video data. This paper introduces the Ray Graph - a general framework for panorama construction. With rays as its vertices, the Ray Graph uses its edges to specify a set of coherency relationships among all input rays. Consequently, by using a set of simple graph traversal rules, a diverse set of panorama structures can be enumerated, which can be used to efficiently and robustly generate panoramic images from image collections. To demonstrate this framework, we first use it to recreate both 360 degree and street panoramas. We further introduce two new panorama models, the centipede panorama - a hybrid of 360 degree and street panoramas, and the storytelling panorama - a time encoding panorama. Finally, we demonstrate the flexibility of this framework by enabling interactive brushing of panoramic regions for removal of undesired features such as occlusions and moving objects.
Perceptual vs. hardware performance in advanced acoustic interface design

This panel brings together experts in the field of non-speech auditory displays with points of view ranging from long-term basic research in human perception to the timely production of useable tools in commercial systems. The panel will examine issues of perceptual validity and engineering performance from several different perspectives representative of current work in the field, and discuss how such issues can or should impact decisions made during technology development. Panelists' perspectives include: levels of analysis in designing and using auditory interfaces (Gaver), an example of what can be learned about implementation requirements for low-level psychophysical studies (Wenzel), designing integrated systems to encompass sonification in a three-dimensional environment (Foster), issues in the study of information transfer in representational acoustic signals (Levkowitz), and the design of a generalized technology platform for acoustic signal presentation (Powell).
Adsorbate effect on the mechanical stability of atomically thin metallic wires

Abstract We have studied electrochemically controlled molecular adsorption onto metallic nanowires with quantized conductance. Each nanowire is created mechanically by separating two Au electrodes in contact, and is atomically thin when its conductance is reduced to the lowest few quantum steps. The presence of molecular adsorbates greatly increases the probability of forming a nanowire with conductance at a fractional quantum step. In addition the average length that a nanowire can be stretched before its conductance jumps to a lower step increases by as many as three to four times. The degree of the adsorbate effects correlates with the binding strengths of the three molecules studied, 2,2′-bipyridine (22BPY), adenine and mercaptopropionic acid (MPA), to Au electrodes. Our study shows that molecular adsorbates can affect the atomic configuration and the stability of atomically thin metallic wires.
Conformational Studies and Stereochemical Assignment of a Bicyclic Lactam-Containing Peptide Fragment by Two-Dimensional NMR Spectroscopy

The stereochemistry and conformation of a key bicyclic lactam-based Leu–Pro building block and the conformation of the surrounding peptide fragment were assigned using a combination of 2D-NOE data and coupling constants from an NMR simulation. The work confirmed that the initial stereochemistry of the building block had not been lost during its incorporation into the peptide. The proline portion of the building block was found to be in a predominantlyendoconformation. The six-membered ring lactam that was used to constrain the leucine portion of the building block was found to be in a half-chair conformation. The peptide fragment on both sides of the building block was found to be in an extended conformation. © 1997 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evidence on the existence of speculative bubbles in farmland prices

We conduct tests for the contribution of speculative bubbles to farmland prices. These tests are carried out under the hypothesis that farmland investors rationally form expectations. The outcome of tests reported here allows us to infer whether farmland prices are determined by market fundamentals-discounted returns from the highest economic land use-or whether rumors about farmland price movements are self-fulfilling. The tests are stationarity and cointegration tests relating farmland prices to rents. The tests are carried out using data from three farm production regions-the Corn Belt, the Northern Plains, and the Lake States. In each region, we find little evidence to reject the hypothesis that market fundamentals determine farmland prices.
The Fountain Hills impact-modified CB chondrite and thermal history of the CB asteroid

Fountain Hills is a metal-rich chondrite with mineral and whole chondrite oxygen isotope compositions that suggest it is a CB chondrite. However, its petrologic characteristics suggest that it has been modified by shock and recrystallization to a greater degree than other CB chondrites. It differs texturally from the CB chondrites in that its metal is interstitial to the silicate and does not occur as discrete clasts as in the other CB chondrites. Portions of Fountain Hills appear to be recrystallized and it contains large (mm-size) olivine rimmed by pyroxene. A characteristic of the CB chondrites is the presence of small sulfide blebs in large metal clasts and anomalously heavy (15N-enriched) nitrogen often associated with metal surrounding the sulfide blebs, but Fountain Hills lacks sulfide and its nitrogen is relatively light. The differences between Fountain Hills and the other CB chondrites can be attributed to a secondary process, most likely impact-melting and recrystallization, that overprinted its primary features and it is inferred that Fountain Hills is an impact-modified CB chondrite.
Device Performance Evaluation of PMOS Devices Fabricated by B 2 H 6 PIII/PLAD Process on Poly-Si Gate Doping

It has been shown that the PIII/PLAD poly-Si gate doping process offers unique advantages over conventional beam line systems, including system simplification, lower cost, higher throughput, and device performance equivalence or improvement. PMOS devices fabricated by a B 2 H 6 /H 2 PIII/PLAD process on P+poly-gate doping are intensively evaluated in this paper. In addition to higher throughput, PMOS devices fabricated by a PLAD process showed an equivalent electrical performance to those fabricated by conventional beam line ion implantation, including similar poly-Si gate resistance and depletion, threshold and sub-threshold characteristics, drive current, and gate-oxide integrity.
Photonic nanojet-enhanced nanometer-scale germanium photodiode

A design challenge for photodiodes yielding both high speed and responsivity is the necessity to concentrate incident light into a subwavelength active volume region. Photonic nanojets have been reported in the literature as a means to focus an incident plane wave to a subwavelength-waist propagating beam with applications ranging from next-generation DVDs to characterizing subwavelength features within dielectric targets. In the present work, a new application of photonic nanojets is proposed, focusing electromagnetic energy into a photodiode. Three-dimensional finite-difference time-domain solutions are conducted to determine the advantages of photonic nanojet-enhanced photodiodes at near-infrared wavelengths (1310 nm). We find that photonic nanojets provide a factor of 26 increase in the volume-integrated electric field within the subwavelength active volume of the photodiode of size 0.0045 μm³. Furthermore, this increase is achieved independent of the incident polarization and over a broad bandwidth. Photonic nanojets may thus serve as an attractive alternative to plasmonics for some applications.
Conservative preparation designs for Class II amalgam restorations.

Abstract This study evaluates whether improvements in the physical properties of dental amalgam affect the use of Class II preparations without an occlusal dovetail. Four amalgam alloys were selected providing combinations of particle shape and copper content. The amalgams were characterized for their 24-h compressive and tensile strengths. High-copper amalgams were significantly stronger in compression, but weaker in tension than low-copper amalgams. Five Class II preparation designs were evaluated in cast metal replicas of prepared teeth. Controlling for the amalgam used, the proximal boxonly designs required significantly higher loads for restoration failure than did designs with occlusal dovetails. Of the two physical properties tested prior to the metal die tests, tensile strength was more predictive of load required for restoration failure than compressive strength. Neither copper content nor particle shape of the alloys had a discernible effect on load required for restoration failure. The results indicate that box-only restorations should be tested clinically for their suitability in routine operative dentistry.