cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Targeted Droplet-Digital PCR as a Tool for Novel Deletion Discovery at the DFNB1 Locus

Pathogenic variants at the DFNB1 locus encompassing the GJB2 and GJB6 genes account for 50% of autosomal-recessive, congenital nonsyndromic hearing loss in the United States. Most cases are caused by sequence variants within the GJB2 gene, but a significant number of DFNB1 patients carry a large deletion (GJB6-D13S1830) in trans with a GJB2 variant. This deletion lies upstream of GJB2 and was shown to reduce GJB2 expression by disrupting unidentified regulatory elements. First-tier genetic testing for hearing loss includes GJB2 sequence and GJB6-D13S1830 deletion analysis; however, several other deletions in this locus, each with distinct breakpoints, have been reported in DFNB1 patients and are missed by current panels. Here, we report the development of a targeted droplet digital polymerase chain reaction-based assay for comprehensive copy-number analysis at the DFNB1 locus that detects all deletions reported to date. This assay increased detection rates in a multiethnic cohort of 87 hearing loss patients with only one identified pathogenic GJB2 variant. We identify two deletions, one of which is novel, in two patients (2/87 or 2.3%), suggesting that other pathogenic deletions at the DFNB1 locus may be missed. Mapping the assayed DFNB1 deletions also revealed a ∼ 95 kb critical region, which may harbor the GJB2 regulatory element(s).
Cutting Edge: TLR2-Mediated Proinflammatory Cytokine and Chemokine Production by Microglial Cells in Response to Herpes Simplex Virus

Recent studies indicate that TLRs are critical in generating innate immune responses during infection with HSV-1. In this study, we investigated the role of TLR2 signaling in regulating the production of neuroimmune mediators by examining cytokine and chemokine expression using primary microglial cells obtained from TLR2-/- as well as wild-type mice. Data presented here demonstrate that TLR2 signaling is required for the production of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines: TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, IL-6, IL-12, CCL7, CCL8, CCL9, CXCL1, CXCL2, CXCL4, and CXCL5. CXCL9 and CXCL10 were also induced by HSV, but their production was not dependent upon TLR2 signaling. Because TLR2-/- mice display significantly reduced mortality and diminished neuroinflammation in response to brain infection with HSV, the TLR2-dependent cytokines identified here might function as key players influencing viral neuropathogenesis.
GROUP EFFECTS AND BETA NONSTATIONARITY

Recent evidence indicates that while random diversification can lead to the elimination of the majority of systematic risk, the systematic selection of securities can result in significant group effects blocking this dissipation of unsystematic risk. The group effects associated with investment in growth, cyclical, stable and oil stocks found by Farrell and Martin and Klemkosky were reexamined while allowing for beta nonstationarity. It was found that the beta nonstationarity effect, while quite large for individual stocks and small portfolios tended diversify away quite quickly. It was further found that much of what has in the past been termed a group effect is actually the result of beta nonstationarity.
The Agricultural Adjustment Act and the Reports of the Brookings Institution

I. Introduction, 594.— II. Conditions of supply of agricultural products, 595.— III. Emergency problems of agriculture, 596.— IV. Fundamental agricultural problems, 597.— V. The Agricultural Adjustment Act in relation to the problems, 600.— VI. Wheat, 601.— VII. Cotton, 603.— VIII. Livestock, 605.— IX. Dairy industry, 609.— X. Tobacco, 613.— XI. Marketing agreements, 615.— XII. Summary and conclusions, 617.
A Stochastic Syntax Analysis Procedure and Its Application to Pattern Classification

A procedure is described for stochastic syntax analysis of context-free languages. The parsing algorithm utilizes a bottom-up technique used in precedence languages. All decisions encountered in the algorithm ate determined statistically. The stochastic choice is computed from the a priori probability distribution of the language. Also developed is a stochastic context-free language for use in pattern classification of chromosome images. Classification is based on statistical decision theory with the probability of occurrence of each pattern computed from the stochastic context-free grammar.
Adsorption of Cr (VI) by chitosan with different deacetylation degrees

ABSTRACTChitosan with different deacetylation degrees (DD) was used to remove Cr (VI) from aqueous solution by adsorption. Chitosan was obtained from shrimp wastes and characterized. The adsorption study was carried out by response surface methodology, equilibrium isotherms, thermodynamics, kinetic, and interactions. The results showed that the DD increase caused an increase in chitosan amino groups and changes in crystallinity were observed. The more appropriate conditions for Cr (VI) adsorption by chitosan were DD of 95% and pH 3. The Sips model was the more adequate to fit the experimental equilibrium data (R2 > 0.99 and ARE 0.99 and ARE < 2.00). It was verified interactions between Cr (VI) and chitosan-protonated amino g...
Sulfur mustard induces apoptosis in lung epithelial cells via a caspase amplification loop

Sulfur mustard (SM [bis-(2-chloroethyl) sulfide]) is a chemical warfare agent that causes skin blisters presumably due to DNA alkylation and cross-links. We recently showed that SM also induces apoptotic death in cultured normal human bronchial/tracheal epithelial (NHBE) cells and small airway epithelial cells (SAEC) in vitro. In this process, caspases-8 and -3, but not caspase-9, were strongly activated; this suggests a death receptor pathway for apoptosis. We now show that rat lungs were induced to undergo apoptosis in vivo following exposure of rats to SM by inhalation. Further study of the mechanism of apoptosis due to SM was performed with cultured NHBE cells and SAEC using tetrapeptide inhibitors of caspases-3, and -8. Inhibition of caspase-8 drastically reduced the activation of caspase-3 and almost eliminated that of caspase-9. Moreover, caspase-3 inhibition markedly reduced the activation of caspase-8 and also almost completely inhibited activation of caspase-9. These results suggest a death receptor pathway of apoptosis that utilizes a feedback amplification mechanism involving an activated death receptor complex that leads to the activation of caspase-9 via a caspase-3 pathway. These results may be important for the design of inhibitors of these pathways for therapeutic intervention to attenuate SM injury in respiratory tract lesions.
Random Fractals Determined by Lévy Processes

Several indices, such as the Blumenthal-Getoor indices, have been defined to help describe various sample path properties for Levy processes. These indices can be used to obtain bounds on the Hausdorff dimension of the range, graph, and zero set for a special subclass of Levy processes. However, there has yet to be found an index that precisely determines the dimension of the graph for a general Levy process. While surveying many of these results with a focus on general Levy processes, some of the results are generalized or improved. The culmination of this synthesis is a new index that specifies the dimension of the graph of a general multidimensional Levy process.
Non-equilibrium transport in alloy based resonant tunneling systems

Abstract The transit and dynamic response times for a semiconductor alloy-based double barrier quantum well structure are calculated within the coherent potential approximation. The formalism is based on a non-equilibrium Green's function formulation of the transport process including vertex corrections. The tunneling current is expressed as a sum of coherent and sequential distributions respectively corresponding to tunneling with and without multiple alloy scattering in the well region. This distinction is significant in nanostructures exhibiting quantum interference effects. The calculated characteristic times are of practical importance because they determine the achievable high frequency performance of device structures.
The effect of age and diet on sulfadiazine/trimethoprim disposition following oral and subcutaneous administration to calves.

Thirty milligrams per kilogram of sulfadiazine/trimethoprim (SDZ/TMP, Tribrissen) was given orally and subcutaneously (s.c.) to two groups of male, Holstein calves. One group was fed milk-replacer throughout the 13-week period of the study while the second group was weaned onto a chopped grain-fiber mixture when 5 weeks old. Serum and urine were assayed for concentrations of unchanged drug. Trimethoprim bioavailability, following oral administration at 1, 6 and 12 weeks of age, is higher in milk-fed calves (non-ruminants) than in grain-fiber-fed calves (ruminants); bioavailability decreases with increasing age in both groups of calves. Serum concentrations above 0.1 micrograms/ml (the level of sensitivity of the assay) could not be obtained in ruminating calves. The rate of SDZ absorption following oral administration, as determined by the Wagner-Nelson method, was very slow in all the calves in this study with average half-life values ranging from 8.2-12.67 h; absorption was slightly faster in ruminating calves. Absorption of SDZ is rate-limiting and determines the biological half-life of the drug; SDZ serum concentrations above 2 micrograms/ml were maintained in all calves for at least 24 h. Following s.c. administration of Tribrissen to 7-and 13-week-old calves, urinary excretion patterns indicated that TMP was slowly released from the injection site; serum concentrations were below 0.1 micrograms/ml. In contrast, absorption of SDZ was very rapid; values for tmax were 1.5-1.8 h. The pharmacokinetic parameters for SDZ were calculated according to a one-compartment open model; neither diet nor age had a significant effect on SDZ disposition following s.c. injection. Subcutaneous administration of 30 mg/kg Tribrissen, b.i.d., may be the best therapeutic regimen; even though measureable concentrations of TMP cannot be achieved in the serum following a single s.c. dose, TMP concentrations should accumulate and, because of its sustained release, provide almost continual potentiation of SDZ.
Parameter discovery for stochastic computational models in systems biology using Bayesian model checking

Parameterized probabilistic complex computational (P 2 C 2 ) models are being increasingly used in computational systems biology for analyzing biological systems. A key challenge is to build mechanistic P 2 C 2 models by combining prior knowledge and empirical data, given that certain system properties are unknown. These unknown components are incorporated into a model as parameters and determining their values has traditionally been a process of trial and error. We present a new algorithmic procedure for discovering parameters in agent-based models of biological systems against behavioral specifications mined from large data-sets. Our approach uses Bayesian model checking, sequential hypothesis testing, and stochastic optimization to synthesize parameters of P 2 C 2 models. We demonstrate our algorithm by discovering the amount and schedule of doses of bacterial lipopolysaccharide in a clinical agent-based model of the dynamics of acute inflammation that guarantee a set of desired clinical outcomes with high probability.
On the Elementarity of Measurement in General Relativity: Toward a General Theory

The evolution of theoretical physics, from the earliest studies in the Greek era to the present period, is characterized by one essential feature — an aim at generalization in the underlying bases for natural phenomena. When one takes to its logical extreme the premise which asserts the existence of the generalization that is sought, the conclusion is reached that all of the fundamental processes are, in fact, manifestations of a unified theory of the universe. The approach that will be taken in this lecture assumes that such a theory does indeed exist. It will be argued that if a logically consistent generalization were to be built from present day theories, then it must necessarily reject a part of their underlying premises. Nevertheless, it will be assumed that a reasonable direction to be taken in the construction of a general theory may indeed be guided by the mathematically consistent features of the earlier developed formulations which have yielded predictions that agree with a large group of facts. This would ensure, from the outset, that the newly constructed general theory will agree, in particular limits, with the successful predictions of the standard formalisms. In this way, the investigation that will be discussed attempts to build on the scientific knowledge that has been acquired in the previously developed theories.
Passivation of Zn3P2 substrates by aqueous chemical etching and air oxidation

Surface recombination velocities measured by time-resolved photoluminescence and compositions of Zn_(3)P_2 surfaces measured by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) have been correlated for a series of wet chemical etches of Zn_(3)P_2 substrates. Zn_(3)P_2 substrates that were etched with Br_2 in methanol exhibited surface recombination velocity values of 2.8 × 10^4 cm s^(−1), whereas substrates that were further treated by aqueous HF–H_(2)O_2 exhibited surface recombination velocity values of 1.0 × 10^4 cm s^(−1). Zn_(3)P_2 substrates that were etched with Br_2 in methanol and exposed to air for 1 week exhibited surface recombination velocity values of 1.8 × 10^3 cm s^(−1), as well as improved ideality in metal/insulator/semiconductor devices.
Controllability and stabilizability of higher-order nonholonomic systems

This paper studies the nonlinear modeling and control problem for systems with higher-order nonholonomic constraints using tools from differential geometry. A number of control-theoretic properties such as nonintegrability, controllability, and stabilizability are first derived. The applicability of the theoretical development is illustrated through a third-order nonholonomic system example: a planar PPR robot manipulator subject to a jerk constraint. In particular, it is shown that although the system is not asymptotically stabilizable to a given equilibrium configuration using a time-invariant continuous feedback, it is strongly accessible and small-time locally controllable at any equilibrium.
Nondestructive System for Analyzing Carbon in the Soil

Carbon is an essential component of life and, in its organic form, plays a pivotal role in the soil's fertility, productivity, and water retention. It is an integral part of the atmospheric-terrestrial C exchange cycle mediated via photosynthesis; furthermore, it emerged recently as a new trading commodity, i.e., "carbon credits." When carefully manipulated, C sequestration by the soil could balance and mitigate anthropogenic CO 2 emissions into the atmosphere that are believed to contribute to global warming. The pressing need for assessing the soil's C stocks at local, regional, and global scales, now in the forefront of much research, is considerably hindered by the problems besetting dry-combustion chemical analyses, even with state-of-the-art procedures. To overcome these issues, we developed a new method based on gamma-ray spectroscopy induced by inelastic neutron scattering (INS). The INS method is an in situ, nondestructive, multielemental technique that can be used in stationary or continuous-scanning modes of operation. The results from data acquired from an investigated soil mass of a few hundred kilograms to an approximate depth of 30 cm are reported immediately. Our initial experiments have demonstrated the feasibility of our proposed approach; we obtained a linear response with C concentration and a detection limit between 0.5 and 1% C by weight.
Radiation-enhanced diffusion in Ni/Zr diffusion couples

Radiation‐enhanced diffusion and ion‐beam mixing in Ni/Zr diffusion couples were investigated. The Kirkendall geometry was employed for this experiment to determine the radiation‐enhanced diffusivities of both Ni and Zr in the amorphous (a‐) NiZr interdiffusion zone. W, Au, and Hf were employed as markers. The activation enthalpy for radiation‐enhanced interdiffusion was determined to be ≊0.4 eV, and Ni was found to be the faster moving species. The dose‐rate dependence of the interdiffusion coefficient in the a‐NiZr was typical of that of crystalline materials and suggests a point‐defect‐like diffusion mechanism in irradiated metallic glasses.
The protective role of the spray mechanism of the bombardier beetle, Brachynus ballistarius Lec.☆

Abstract Bombardier beetles, Brachynus ballistarius Lec., subjected to controlled traumatic stimuli or to predator attacks, always responded instantly by ejecting a spray from the tips of their abdomens. The spray was not directed at random, but through rotation of the end of the abdomen was always aimed accurately toward the particular appendage or quarter of the body that had been stimulated. More than 20 consecutive discharges could often be elicited from a single bombardier. All of the predators tested, including certain ants, carabids, mantids, and spiders, were almost invariably repelled by the spray before they could inflict noticeable injury. Following impact of the spray, the ants and carabids showed transient behavioural abnormalities, probably attributable to the toxicity of the secretion.
A computerized process design system for manufacturing shells and other cup-shaped components

A computerized system, called CPDSSM, was developed/or design and optimization of the forming operations used in manufacturing artillery shells. The system is capable of simulating the cabbaging, piercing, drawing, and nosing processes, and it can also design streamlined dies for drawing and nosing preforms. This system is augmented by interactive computer graphics and can also be applied in manufacturing cupshaped products other than shells. For a given set of input data, which includes the billet, die, punch geometries, and the processing conditions such as temperatures, ram speed, and interface conditions, CPDSSM predicts the deformation geometry and the loaddisplacement relationship in a step-by-step fashion.
An interview with Klaus G. Saur

Klaus Saur, director of K.G. Saur Verlag, recently celebrated both his sixtieth birthday and the fiftieth anniversary of his company. This interview revisits his company’s accomplishments over this period, discusses the post-war history of the German publishing industry, and the keys to success, or conversely the reasons for failure, in the reference and scholarly book publishing world.
Using the News: An Examination of the Value and Use of News Sources in CMC

This study examines one facet of the penetration of personal computers into everyday life. It seeks to discover how members of a Usenet newsgroup value and use news sources. Electronic news sources predominated. An important finding is that media use was not tied to the user's local geographic. The study raises several questions for future research: What are the rhetorical dimensions of media use in electronic communities? How might our understanding of readers and communities be affected by new patterns of media use in electronic communities?
Preparation and Pharmacological Properties of Some Benzyl Derivatives of Diphenylacetic Acid

Benzyl derivatives of diphenylacetic acid were prepared from the starting material 2-chlorodiphenylacetyl chloride. The compounds synthesized were the N-benzyl derivatives of 2-chloro-, 2-hydroxy-, 2-acetoxy-, 2-dimethylaminoethoxy-, and 2-benzylaminodiphenylacetamide; N-benzyl-N-methyl derivatives of 2-chloro- and 2-hydroxydiphenylacetamide; O-benzyl derivatives of 2-chloro- and 2-hydroxy-diphenylacetamide; and the compound 2-benzylaminodiphenylacetamide. The compounds have limited aqueous solubility so the full extent of the possible pharmacologic actions could not be studied. These agents orally in doses of 1 Gm./Kg. produced no toxic symptoms but the N-benzyl-N-methyl-2-chloro- and the N-benzyl-2-hydroxy-diphenylacetamides inhibited the passage of a charcoal meal, indicating antispasmodic activity similar in potency to that of atropine. Intravenously, the compounds were without cardiovascular or respiratory effects. Intraperitoneally, N-benzyl-2-hydroxy and N-benzyl-2-acetoxy diphenylacetamides showed antipenta-methylene tetrazol activity, and one of these also abolished the convulsive actions of electrical shock.
A nonequilibrium theory of a slurry

A nonequilibrium theory of a slurry is developed and its practical use is illustrated by a simple stability analysis. Here a slurry is defined as a deformable continuum consisting of a liquid phase containing in suspension a large number of small solid particles which have formed by solidification from the liquid. The liquid is assumed to consist of two components and the solid to contain only one of the two. Consequently, the process of change of phase requires redistribution of material on the scale of the solid particles. This process is assumed to take a finite amount of time, requiring a nonequilibrium macroscopic theory. This theory contains four thermodynamic variables, three to represent the equilibrium state of the binary system and a fourth measuring the departure from thermodynamic equilibrium. The process of microscale diffusion of material is parameterized in the macroscale theory, leading to a Landau-type relaxation term in the equation of evolution of the fourth variable. The theory is simplified to yield a Boussinesq-like set of governing equations. Their practical use is illustrated by analyzing the stability of a simple steady solution of the equations and the effects of a non-zero relaxation time are discussed. A novel instability mechanism involving sedimentation of particles, previously found to occur in the equilibrium case, is found to persist in nonequilibrium, but disappears in the limit of no change of phase.
liver Transplantation for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Results With Preoperative - Chemoembolization

At the University of California, San Francisco, 17 patients who met the following criteria–hepatic tumor unresectable because of location or inadequate liver reserve, no metastases, HBsAg negative, no tumor larger than 5 cm in diameter, and no more than three tumors–were enrolled prospectively in a protocol employing preoperative chemoembolization to assess whether orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) could cure a majority of highly selected patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Thirteen patients had biopsy-proven HCC, 2 had the fibrolamellar variant, and 2 had radiological findings of HCC but no biopsy confirmation. Fourteen had underlying liver disease. All arteriographically apparent lesions were chemoembolized using a mixture including Gelfoam powder, doxorubicin, mitomycin-c, and cisplatin. Eight patients with poor hepatic reserve were chemoembolized when a donor organ became available, whereas 9 patients were chemoembolized and then placed on the waiting list. The only complication of chemoembolization was a gangrenous gallbladder in 1 patient. Thirteen patients underwent liver transplantation (2 patients without prior histological confirmation of carcinoma had no identifiable tumor at OLT); 3 patients developed metastases between the time of enrollment and donor organ availability and subsequently died; and 1 patient underwent a trisegmentectomy. Ten of the 11 patients with biopsy-proven HCC who underwent transplantation remain free of recurrent cancer at a median of 40 months; 1 patient died at 6 months of lymphoproliferative disease with no cancer found at autopsy. Although the role of chemoembolization is uncertain, these data show that the majority of carefully selected patients with HCC may achieve long-term survival with OLT Copyright © 1995 by the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases.
Effects of reactive blending temperature on impact toughness of poly(lactic acid) ternary blends

Abstract Reactive blending of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) with an ethylene/n-butyl acrylate/glycidyl methacrylate terpolymer elastomer (EBA-GMA) and a zinc ionomer of ethylene/methacrylic acid copolymer (EMAA-Zn) was performed at various temperatures using a twin screw extruder. Notched Izod impact strength, dynamic mechanical properties and morphological structure of the resulting blends were studied. A sharp brittle–ductile transition (BDT) of the resulting blends occurred when the blending temperature increased to 195∼210 °C and the EBA-GMA/EMAA-Zn ratio was equal to or large than 1. The influences of blending temperature on interfacial compatibilization and croslinking of the elastomer were also studied. Supertough PLA ternary blends were achieved by this reactive approach.
THE EFFECT OF YTTRIUM ON THE RECRYSTALLIZATION AND GRAIN GROWTH OF TANTALUM

Abstract The recrystallization and grain growth behavior of tantalum-yttrium alloys containing 14 p.p.m. to 72 p.p.m. yttrium was studied. The recrystallization temperature for highly cold-worked alloys was found to be between 1500°C and 1750°C for one hour anneals compared to 1050°C for high-purity tantalum. Little grain growth was observed in the alloys after 1 h anneals up to 2250°C. An anneal at 1900°C for 1000 h showed essentially no grain growth over that found for a 1 h anneal at the same temperature. Although loss of yttrium was not observed during heat-treatment, yttrium was lost during welding operations. Calculations indicate a critical concentration of approximately 5 p.p.m. yttrium is required to obtain the effects observed. The elevation of the recrystallization temperature and the retardation of grain growth is shown to be due to segregation of yttrium to grain boundaries. Yttrium in the alloys in excess of the critical content is shown to segregate to dislocations and to be present as particulate matter which has little effect on recrystallization and grain growth behavior.
INDUSTRY PROSPECTS AND ACQUIRER RETURNS IN DIVERSIFYING TAKEOVERS

We use a sample of 816 diversifying takeovers from 1978 to 2003 to examine whether takeover announcements release negative information about the future prospects of the acquirer's main industry. We find that rivals that are most similar to the acquirer (homogeneous rivals) experience significant negative cumulative abnormal returns (CAR) around takeover announcements. Takeovers that result in negative wealth effects to acquirers are associated with negative abnormal revisions in analysts' forecasts of homogeneous rivals' earnings per share. We also find a decline in the posttakeover operating performance of rival firms. The decline is especially pronounced for homogeneous rivals and for takeovers with negative wealth effects to acquirers. Our findings imply that CAR-based estimates of acquirer wealth gains from takeovers that do not account for industrywide information releases are significantly biased downward.
Stabilizing Corn Leaf Protoplasts with n-Propyl Gallate

Summary Corn mesophyll protoplasts are unstable and rapidly deteriorate in culture. Under normalcircumstances, all protoplasts died within 3 days of isolation. Supplementing the protoplast isolation and culture media with the lipoxygenase inhibitor n-propyl gallate (0.25 mM) significantly reduced protoplast lysis. Many of the surviving protoplasts regenerated a cell wall and remained viable for 2 - 3 weeks.
Final and primary yields and dispersions for strongly damped reaction of /sup 86/Kr + /sup 124/Sn

Fragment mass numbers, charges, and kinetic energies were measured by time of flight and ..delta..E techniques for reactions of /sup 124/Sn targets with /sup 86/Kr projectiles at laboratory bombarding energies of 440 and 720 MeV. Dispersions in kinetic energy and mass for fixed atomic number fragments are reported for strongly damped fragments; estimates of the primary dispersions in fragment excitation, kinetic energy, and mass are presented by using the statistical model to estimate broadening due to particle emission. The standard deviation in Q value is found to be nearly a constant 13% of the Q value at both bombarding energies. The experimental yield distributions are shown to be consistent with a division of excitation which is proportional to mass.
Characterizing the microstructure and mechanical behavior of a two-phase NiCoCrAlY bond coat for thermal barrier systems

Abstract The performance and reliability of thermal barrier systems are greatly affected by the behavior of their bond coats. Microsample tensile experiments conducted on commercial two-phase NiCoCrAlY bond coats have unveiled impressive room temperature strength and tensile ductility; in the as-processed state yield strengths exceeding 1200 MPa and elongations to failure of up to 0.75% plastic strain have been measured. Thermally cycled specimens show a lower yield strength of 660 MPa and up to 1.5% plastic strain. Elevated temperature microsample experiments revealed less impressive properties. Transmission electron microscopy points to the importance of nano-scale γ′ precipitates as a contributor to room temperature strength. Thermal cycling has been related to a general coarsening of the microstructure and a modest reduction in room temperature strength. Thermal cycling also results in the transformation of β-grains from an ordered B2 structure to L1 0 martensite, but the significance of this transformation remains to be elucidated.
Serine/Threonine Kinase 17A Is a Novel Candidate for Therapeutic Targeting in Glioblastoma

STK17A is a relatively uncharacterized member of the death-associated protein family of serine/threonine kinases which have previously been associated with cell death and apoptosis. Our prior work established that STK17A is a novel p53 target gene that is induced by a variety of DNA damaging agents in a p53-dependent manner. In this study we have uncovered an additional, unanticipated role for STK17A as a candidate promoter of cell proliferation and survival in glioblastoma (GBM). Unexpectedly, it was found that STK17A is highly overexpressed in a grade-dependent manner in gliomas compared to normal brain and other cancer cell types with the highest level of expression in GBM. Knockdown of STK17A in GBM cells results in a dramatic alteration in cell shape that is associated with decreased proliferation, clonogenicity, migration, invasion and anchorage independent colony formation. STK17A knockdown also sensitizes GBM cells to genotoxic stress. STK17A overexpression is associated with a significant survival disadvantage among patients with glioma which is independent of age, molecular phenotype, IDH1 mutation, PTEN loss, and alterations in the p53 pathway and partially independent of grade. In summary, we demonstrate that STK17A provides a proliferative and survival advantage to GBM cells and is a potential target to be exploited therapeutically in patients with glioma.
The relationships among the fetal biophysical profile, umbilical cord pH, and Apgar scores.

The relationships among the fetal biophysical profile, umbilical cord blood pH, and Apgar scores were investigated in 124 patients undergoing cesarean section before the onset of labor. Based on a standard for the diagnosis of fetal acidosis of an umbilical cord arterial pH
Morphological divergence and flow‐induced phenotypic plasticity in a native fish from anthropogenically altered stream habitats

Understanding population-level responses to human-induced changes to habitats can elucidate the evolutionary consequences of rapid habitat alteration. Reservoirs constructed on streams expose stream fishes to novel selective pressures in these habitats. Assessing the drivers of trait divergence facilitated by these habitats will help identify evolutionary and ecological consequences of reservoir habitats. We tested for morphological divergence in a stream fish that occupies both stream and reservoir habitats. To assess contributions of genetic-level differences and phenotypic plasticity induced by flow variation, we spawned and reared individuals from both habitats types in flow and no flow conditions. Body shape significantly and consistently diverged in reservoir habitats compared with streams; individuals from reservoirs were shallower bodied with smaller heads compared with individuals from streams. Significant population-level differences in morphology persisted in offspring but morphological variation compared with field-collected individuals was limited to the head region. Populations demonstrated dissimilar flow-induced phenotypic plasticity when reared under flow, but phenotypic plasticity in response to flow variation was an unlikely explanation for observed phenotypic divergence in the field. Our results, together with previous investigations, suggest the environmental conditions currently thought to drive morphological change in reservoirs (i.e., predation and flow regimes) may not be the sole drivers of phenotypic change.
Re-entry: a guide to success?

This article is based upon a former prisoner/parolee’s first hand account and analyzes some of the more obvious obstacles awaiting parolees when released from prison. Included is an examination of some basic resources the author considered necessary for successful re-entry. Potential conflicts between providing helpful resources and the status quo within the current Prison-Industrial Complex are also considered.
Personnel Attitudes before and after Unitization

The CTE was administered to three groups of nursing personnel before and one year after the unit system was introduced at a state mental hospital. The original scales were oriented towards patients and their pathologies or symptoms. A 1969 revision of the scales is oriented towards the environment and its characteristics on the original scales almost no statistically significant differences were obtained, suggesting that the immediate treatment environment of the patient was unaltered. The “new” scales showed that an appreciable number of statistically significant changes in the environment did take place.
Two step dependence of critical temperature on oxygen content for the Bi-Pb-Sr-Ca-Cu-O superconductor

Abstract Single phase Bi 1.8 Pb 0.33 Sr 1.99 Ca 1.86 Cu 3 O γ superconducting powder was prepared by a solid-state reaction. The weight loss (Δ w ) due to the oxygen desorption was investigated in Ar gas by thermogravimetric analysis, and the critical temperature ( T c ) was measured for the powder which was quenched from 500°C–830°C to room temperature in Ar gas. For the powder quenched from 500°C, the T c was 107 K. The value of T c decreased to 98 K when Δ w reached 0.41 wt.%. In this Δ w range, |d T c / dΔ w | decreased with increasing Δ w . In the Δ w range of 0.41 wt.%–0.53 wt.%, the T c remarkably decreased from 98 K to 88 K with increasing Δ w . In the Δ w range of 0.53 wt.%–0.73 wt.%, the T c was almost constant. That is, the double step behavior was observed in the T c versus oxygen content curve for the 110 K phase. The oxygen sites for variable stoichiometry were discussed on the basis of the results of thermal analyses and the change in lattice parameters in addition to this.
Identification of a Short (C15) ChainZ-Isoprenyl Diphosphate Synthase and a Homologous Long (C50) Chain Isoprenyl Diphosphate Synthase in Mycobacterium tuberculosis

We report the cloning, overexpression, and partial characterization of two unique Z-isoprenyl diphosphate synthase homologs from Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The first enzyme, Rv1086, adds one isoprene unit to ω,E-geranyl diphosphate. The product, ω,E,Z-farnesyl diphosphate, is the putative substrate of the second enzyme, Rv2361c. This enzyme adds seven more isoprene units to ω,E,Z-farnesyl diphosphate and releases decaprenyl diphosphate. Both open reading frames were cloned from the M. tuberculosis H37Rv genome and overexpressed in M. smegmatis. Membrane and cytosol fractions from wild type and the two recombinant strains were assayed for [14C]isopentenyl diphosphate incorporation into isoprenyl diphosphates in the presence of various allylic isoprenyl diphosphate acceptors. Membrane fractions of recombinant cells overexpressing Rv2361c incubated with farnesyl diphosphate showed a 10-fold increase of [14C]isopentenyl diphosphate incorporation into decaprenyl diphosphate. Membrane fractions of recombinant cells overexpressing Rv1086 incubated with geranyl diphosphate showed a 5-fold increase of [14C]isopentenyl diphosphate incorporation into farnesyl diphosphate. Analysis of the stereochemistry revealed that all of the overexpressed farnesyl diphosphate was in the ω,E,Z-configuration. This is the first description of a short chain isoprenyl diphosphate synthase that generates products with Z-stereochemistry. Previously, all known short chain isoprenyl diphosphate synthases catalyze the synthesis of products with E-stereochemistry.
Interacting Head Mechanism of Microtubule-Kinesin ATPase

Abstract Kinetic and equilibrium properties are compared for a monomeric kinesin construct (K332) and a dimeric construct (K379). MtK379 has a low affinity (5 × 104 M−1) and a high affinity (5 × 106 M−1) binding site for mant ADP while MtK332 has a single low affinity site (5 × 104 M−1). Rate constants of dissociation of mant ADP are <1 s−1 for the high affinity site and 75-100 s−1 for the low affinity site for MtK379. For MtK332, the effective rate constant is 200-300 s−1. It is proposed that the two heads of the dimer are different through the interaction with the microtubule, a strongly bound head with low affinity for 2′-(3′)-O-(N-methylanthraniloyl) adenosine 5′-diphosphate (mant ADP), similar to the single strongly bound head of the monomer and a weakly bound or detached head with high affinity for mant ADP. Rate of binding of mant ADP gave an “S“-shaped dependence on concentration for MtK379 and a hyperbolic dependence for MtK332. Binding of K379·mant ADP dimer to microtubules releases only one mant ADP at a rate of 50 s−1. The second strongly bound mant ADP is released by binding of nucleotides to the other head. Rates are 100 s−1 for ATP, 30 s−1 for AMPPNP or ATPγS, and 2 s−1 for ADP. The rate of binding of mant ATP to MtK379 showed an “S“-shaped concentration dependence and limiting rate at zero concentration is <1 s−1 while MtK332 gave a hyperbolic dependence and limiting rate of 100 s−1. The limiting rate is determined by the rate of dissociation of mant ADP in the hydrolysis cycle. The evidence is consistent with an interacting site model in which binding of ATP to one head is required for release of ADP from the other head in the hydrolysis cycle. This model, in which the cycles are maintained partly out of phase, is an extension of the alternating site model of Hackney (Hackney, D. D. (1994) Proc. Nat. Acad. Sci. U. S. A. 91, 6865-6869). It provides a basis for a processive mechanism.
Structure of the apical cells of the testis of the tenebrionid beetles: Tenebrio molitor and Zophobas rugipes

The developmental cytology of the apical tissue of the testis of Tenebrio molitor and Zophobas rugipes was studied with light and electron microscopy. In the early larvae of both species the tisue was found to be a thickened protrusion of nongerminal cells appearing at the apical end of each testis follicle following gonadal differentiation. The cells persist through pupal and adult stages in both species, becoming more prominent at these stages in Z. rugipes, despite tracheal invasion in both species. In older adults the apical tissue regresses and ultimately distintegrates. Ultrastructurally the apical cells are distinguished from adjacent germinal cells by their (1) small, rounded or oval nuclei, (2) highly convoluted plasma membrane, (3) electron-opaque cytoplasm, (4) profuse concentrically-stacked, granular endoplasmic reticulum, (5) large aggregates of glycogen-like granules, (6) numerous small, tubular mitochondria, (7) well-developed Golgi centers and (8) striking arrays of microtubules. These cells have many cytological features in common with the androgenic gland cells of crustaceans, but not with the steroidogenic cells of vertebrates. Evidence for the formation of protein granules is also lacking. As yet, experimental procedures have not indicated an endocrine function for these cells in tenebrionids. However, their cytology is consistent with secretory activity of some kind.
3D microstructure of supercritical fluid extrudates I: melt rheology and microstructure formation.

Abstract The influence of melt rheology and processing conditions on the expansion and 3D microstructure of biopolymeric foams produced by supercritical fluid extrusion (SCFX) were investigated. Starch-based SCFX extrudates with five whey protein isolate (WPI) concentrations (0–18 wt%) and four SC-CO 2 levels (0–0.75 wt%) were produced. Melt rheology was studied with an online slit die rheometer. The 3D microstructure of foams was determined using X-ray microtomography. The starch-based melt showed shear-thinning behavior, with a lower consistency coefficient and higher flow behavior index with the addition of SC-CO 2 . Whey protein acted as a diluent, which resulted in reduced melt viscosity. SC-CO 2 increased the expansion of whey protein added starch-based extrudates. However, structural collapse was observed at the 0.75 wt% SC-CO 2 level during post-extrusion drying at 85 °C. The cross-sectional expansion ratio of SCFX extrudates decreased by 48.9% with the addition of 18 wt% WPI. The cell number densities per unit volume and average cell size of SCFX extrudates were 1.4 × 10 3 –1.9 × 10 4 cells/cm 3 and 310.0–724.4 μm, respectively, depending on WPI and SC-CO 2 levels. A decrease in melt viscosity due to the addition of whey protein might be responsible for the lower cell number density and related decrease in expansion. Processing parameters and whey protein levels were critical to controlling the microstructure of starch-based SCFX extrudates.
Exploring the Myths of Coping with a National Trauma: A Longitudinal Study of Responses to the September 11th Terrorist Attacks

A longitudinal investigation of psychological responses to the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks was conducted on a U.S. national probability sample. Using an anonymous Web-based survey methodology, data were collected among over 1,900 adults at 2 weeks and 12 months post-9/11 to consider whether direct and proximal exposure were necessary preconditions for high levels of acute and posttraumatic stress symptoms, and whether greater exposure/proximity led to greater traumatic stress symptoms. Results suggest that the requirement of direct and proximal exposure to the attacks and the expectation of a dose-response relationship between exposure and traumatic stress response are myths.
The magnitude of the naturally occurring isotopic enrichment of 13C in exhaled CO2 is directly proportional to exercise intensity in humans.

Due to various biochemical fractionation processes during lipid synthesis, the lipid molecules in the body contain substantially lower concentrations of 13C than the nonlipid molecules. Because of the isotopic differences between these two endogenous nutrient pools, any shift toward nonlipid fuel oxidation would be expected to increase in the δ13C of the exhaled breath. Interestingly, the possibility of whether or not an exercise-induced change actually occurs has been debated in literature for over two decades and researchers have still not reached a consensus. We measured ventilatory and metabolic variables before, during, and after exercise in forty-eight adults (n = 25 females, n = 23 males; 20.1 ± 1.9 years) assigned to either a resting treatment or one of three exercising treatments where they maintained a heart rate of 130, 150, or 170 bpm for 56 min. We found that the mean metabolic rates of the exercising groups increased 4.4-fold, 6.1-fold, and 7.7-fold above resting values, respectively. Exercise caused small increases in respiratory exchange ratios (e.g., from 0.83 ± 0.08 to 0.86 ± 0.10) indicative of increased carbohydrate oxidation, but these changes were too variable to be reliably correlated with exercise intensity. In contrast, the δ13C of the exhaled breath increased by 0.62 ± 0.19‰, 1.14 ± 0.29‰, and 1.79 ± 0.50‰, respectively, for the three groups and was significantly correlated with the intensity of exercise. We also show that the isotopic difference of the lipid and nonlipids of the body is similar (~ 2.7‰) even when consuming bulk diets that are isotopically distinct (> 8‰). If not corrected for, these exercise-induced changes in δ13C of the breath would be sufficiently large to skew the results of studies investigating the oxidative fates of exogenous nutritional supplements.
The effect of Pt oxidation state and concentration on the photocatalytic removal of aqueous ammonia with Pt-modified titania

Abstract Platinum-modified titanium (IV) oxide (Pt-TiO 2 ) was used to photocatalytically oxidize aqueous ammonia selectively to nitrogen gas. The photocatalyst was solvent deposited on acrylic (PMMA) supports for use in simple distributive reactors. Pt was photodeposited on the titania surface within each reactor with concentrations ranging from 0.4% (w/w) to 5.1% (w/w) Pt. The oxidation state of the deposited Pt was subsequently modified using reduced phosphotungstic acid. Time-dependent kinetic studies were used to demonstrate the effect of oxidation state on the photocatalytic activity of the Pt-TiO 2 . It was determined that treatment with reduced phosphotungstic acid enhanced the reaction rate and selectivity to nitrogen gas of the Pt-TiO 2 photocatalysts. Most significantly, treatment of Pt-TiO 2 with reduced phosphotungstic acid shifts the optimum Pt concentration to higher Pt loadings. The reactor containing 3.2% (w/w) post-treated Pt demonstrated the most favorable combination of NH 3 degradation rate and selectivity to N 2 , resulting in the removal of 28.34% total nitrogen from 1.7 L of a 45.5 ppm NH 3 -N solution within 72 h.
WHEY PROTEIN CONCENTRATES IN A PROCESSED MEAT LOAF

Processed meat loaves were prepared with dry whey, and ultrafiltrated whey protein concentrates containing 18.7% (WPC-1520) and 32.5% (WPC-3035) protein, along with a control containing nonfat dry milk (NDM). Binding strength; as measured by Instron shear, and tenderness, as evaluated by a taste panel, of the NDM and three whey treatments were not different. A taste panel, using the triangle test, could not differentiate the NDM and WPC-1520 (P > 0.05), but did differentiate all other comparisons (P < 0.05). Higher sensory panel ratings for flavor were given to samples containing dry whey (P < 0.05), possibly because of flavor enhancement resulting from the high level of lactose contributed by dry whey. Similarly more desirable juiciness ratings by the panel given to samples containing WPC-3035 (P<0.05) may possibly be attributed to the water-binding characteristics of the high levels of whey protein.
A Longitudinal Analysis of Satisfaction and Profitability

Abstract Recently, significant attention has been focused on customer satisfaction. However, few studies link satisfaction with performance, and even fewer studies examine this link through the use of time-series data. In this study, a longitudinal analysis of satisfaction and performance for a national chain of fast-food restaurants is conducted. A total of 342,308 consumer responses, 3,009 employee responses, and 12 months of restaurant performance measures are analyzed. Whereas there is a positive and significant relationship between customer satisfaction and employee satisfaction in any one given time period, no significant relationship between customer satisfaction and performance, and employee satisfaction and performance, is uncovered in this cross-sectional analysis. However, the analysis of time-series data reveals that a positive and significant relationship exists between changes in customer satisfaction and changes in the performance of the firm. Therefore, the impact of an increase in customer satisfaction on profits, although obscured in the short run by many factors, is significantly positive in the long run.