cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Abstract 2016: Novel dual cIAP1/XIAP antagonist ASTX660 activity in preclinical models of human papillomavirus(+) and (-) head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is the sixth most common cancer with a five-year survival of ~50%. HNSCC are linked to human papillomavirus (HPV+) or tobacco carcinogenesis (HPV-). The Cancer Genome Atlas recently analyzed 279 HNSCC, revealing that 30% overexpress FADD (Fas-Associated Death Domain), with or without BIRC2/3 genes encoding cellular Inhibitor of Apoptosis Proteins 1/2 (cIAP1/2), which are critical components of the Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) Receptor signaling pathways that determine cell death or survival. The frequency of such mutations provides a window for potential therapeutics, as IAP antagonists have been shown to switch cancer cell TNFα signaling from being pro-survival to pro-apoptotic. We recently showed that birinapant, a second mitochondrial activator of caspases (SMAC) mimetic that promotes IAP degradation, sensitizes HNSCC to cell death by TNFα and eradicates tumors in combination with radiation in HPV- HNSCC models overexpressing FADD+/-BIRC2. ASTX660 (developed by Astex Pharmaceuticals) is a novel dual cIAP1/XIAP antagonist currently in clinical trials for treating advanced solid tumors and lymphomas. The objective of the present study is to determine the therapeutic effects of ASTX660 in HPV+/- HNSCC preclinical models. ASTX660 at nanomolar concentrations was found to potently inhibit cell proliferation (measured using XTT assays) and induce apoptosis (Annexin/7-AAD flow cytometry), and displayed combinatorial activity with TNFα, TRAIL, or cisplatin in multiple human HPV+/- HNSCC cell lines. Western blotting showed near complete degradation of cIAP1 expression at nanomolar concentrations in human HNSCC cell lines. Flow cytometry revealed that ASTX660 in combination with either TNFα or cisplatin reduced MHC-I expression and increased PD-L1 expression, suggesting that potential synergistic efficacy could be observed in combination with immune checkpoint inhibitors. Our results demonstrate that ASTX660 is a potential therapeutic agent for both HPV+/- HNSCC. Experiments evaluating the anti-tumor effects of ASTX660 as a monotherapy and in combination with radiation, cisplatin, and anti-PD-1 therapies are ongoing, using both human HNSCC xenograft and syngeneic mouse oral cancer (MOC) models. Supported by NIDCD intramural projects (ZIA-DC-000016, 73 and 74). Citation Format: Roy Xiao, Yi An, Adeeb Derakhshan, Zhong Chen, Nicole C. Schmitt, Carter Van Waes. Novel dual cIAP1/XIAP antagonist ASTX660 activity in preclinical models of human papillomavirus(+) and (-) head and neck squamous cell carcinoma [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2017; 2017 Apr 1-5; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 2016. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2017-2016
Does (mixed‐)race matter? The role of race in interracial sex, dating, and marriage

Though sociologists have long focused on the role of race as a dynamic in romantic and sexual relationships, there is currently limited research on the experiences of mixed-race people and the ways their racial identities may be influencing how people navigate race and/or ethnicity as part of these intimate relationships. Due to the increase in the number of Americans—in both opposite-sex and same-sex relationships—reporting partners of a different race or ethnic background between the 2000 and 2010 censuses, race, and intimacy remain at the forefront of mainstream social concerns. However, research exploring how multiracial people—a rapidly growing population—fit in these trends is underrepresented. In this review, I discuss the existing research on race, dating, and marriage, particularly the meanings attached to interracial relationships in an online era. I also assess how recent research has begun to discuss the impact of mixed-race identity on intimate relationships both online and offline.
Long-term, Aerobic Training Increases Adiponectin Levels in Trained, Middle-aged Females more than in Comparable Males

Both aerobic training and the adipokine, adiponectin (ADPN), increase insulin sensitivity. Because the metabolic effects of aerobic training and ADPN are similar, aerobic training has been proposed to increase ADPN, which has been generally confirmed. However, in separate studies physically active adolescent females showed higher ADPN levels than sedentary controls, but trained young males showed no increase in ADPN levels. Because no direct comparison of males and females have been provided and because physically fit middle-aged adults have been largely neglected from studies on the effects of exercise on ADPN levels, we hypothesized that long-term (6 months), progressive long-distance training would increase ADPN levels more in trained, middle-aged females than in comparably trained, middle-aged males. We recruited aerobically trained, normal-weight, middle-aged females (n=8) and males (n=10) to participate in a prescribed marathon training protocol progressing from 10 to 90 km (6 to 55 miles) per week over 6 mos. We collected and stored fasting plasma samples and recorded body measurements at 0 (baseline) and 6 mos. Stored samples were analyzed for insulin, glucose, and ADPN. ADPN increased significantly among females [from 18.37 ± 10.39 (mean ± SD) to 22.50 ± 9.87 µg/ml; P<0.05], but non-significantly among males (from 6.69 ± 4.47 to 8.10 ± 5.57 µg/ml; P=0.2). No significant reduction in insulin resistance or anthropometric measurements occurred in either group. Our findings suggest that long-term, progressive aerobic training produces greater increases in circulating ADPN levels in trained, middle-aged, normal-weight females than in comparably trained males.
The Iowa Demonstration Laboratory for NDE Applications — A New Approach to NDE Technology Transfer

Nondestructive evaluation plays an extremely important role in a number of the typically large, high-tech industries such as aerospace, nuclear, automotive, and petroleum. These industries and the federal government have made substantial investments to develop the equipment and perfect the various inspection techniques. With this substantial investment in the technology, there are many NDE tools currently available for transfer to the general manufacturing community. These tools are becoming increasingly important as companies, large and small, strive to improve product quality in order to increase customer satisfaction and maintain their particular market share.
EPIDEMIOLOGY OF VENTRICULAR ARRHYTHMIAS AND SUDDEN CARDIAC DEATH IN THE GENERAL POPULATION FOLLOWING INCIDENT MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION IN THE CURRENT REVASCULARIZATION ERA

Heart failure is a growing epidemic caused by cardiomyocyte depletion. Current therapies prolong survival by protecting remaining cardiomyocytes but are unable to overcome the fundamental problem of regenerating lost cardiomyocytes. Several strategies for promoting heart regeneration have emerged from decades of intensive study. Although some of these strategies remain confined to basic research, others are beginning to be tested in humans. We review strategies for cardiac regeneration and summarize progress of related clinical trials.
Print (“Good Luck!”): Measuring the Effect of Autogenerated Social Encouragement on Student Anxiety

Requesting and receiving messages of encouragement on social media has previously been shown to significantly reduce test anxiety for students. We present an empirical study to test whether autogenerated messages of encouragement on social media are as effective as those from real people. Our results both confirm and extend previous research by showing that social encouragement can lower anxiety, but knowingly receiving autogenerated encouragement severely diminishes this effect.
Control of transitions between locomotor-like and paw shake-like rhythms in a model of a multistable central pattern generator.

Little is known about how a single central pattern generator could produce multiple rhythms. We describe a novel mechanism for multistability of bursting regimes with strongly distinct periods. The...
Structural and functional studies of retroviral RNA pseudoknots involved in ribosomal frameshifting: nucleotides at the junction of the two stems are important for efficient ribosomal frameshifting.

Ribosomal frameshifting, a translational mechanism used during retroviral replication, involves a directed change in reading frame at a specific site at a defined frequency. Such programmed frameshifting at the mouse mammary tumor virus (MMTV) gag-pro shift site requires two mRNA signals: a heptanucleotide shifty sequence and a pseudoknot structure positioned downstream. Using in vitro translation assays and enzymatic and chemical probes for RNA structure, we have defined features of the pseudoknot that promote efficient frameshifting. Heterologous RNA structures, e.g. a hairpin, a tRNA or a synthetic pseudoknot, substituted downstream of the shifty site fail to promote frameshifting, suggesting that specific features of the MMTV pseudoknot are important for function. Site-directed mutations of the MMTV pseudoknot indicate that the pseudoknot junction, including an unpaired adenine nucleotide between the two stems, provides a specific structural determinant for efficient frameshifting. Pseudoknots derived from other retroviruses (i.e. the feline immunodeficiency virus and the simian retrovirus type 1) also promote frameshifting at the MMTV gag-pro shift site, dependent on the same structure at the junction of the two stems.
Desorption/ionization on porous silicon (DIOS) for metabolite imaging

Abstract: DIOS is a mass spectrometry (MS)-based technique capable of identification and quantification of low-mass species in complex samples. Porous silicon (PSi) substrates play a crucial role in DIOS by serving as an effective energy mediator to promote the conversion of photon energy from an irradiation laser to thermal energy for desorption and ionization of low-mass analytes of interest. The substrates also exhibit good stability under laser ablation. This good stability leads to reduced background and renders DIOS-MS an attractive tool for high resolution MS imaging of small molecules. In this chapter we summarize recent work on DIOS-MS, in particular its applications in two-dimensional imaging of metabolites. Various improved ionization approaches based on PSi will be presented as well, all with the aims of further enhancing spatial resolution, sensitivity, and reproducibility of DIOS MSI and pushing the technology envelop for broader applications.
Electromigration in gold nanowires under AC driving

We investigate the relationship between temperature and electron wind force in electromigration (EM) of ultrathin gold nanowires by monitoring power and current density at breakdown under a generalized AC bias (AC with a DC offset). Based on model calculations, our driving frequency of 10 MHz is low enough to maintain steady state self-heating behavior of our wires but high enough that the direction of the wind force switches quickly relative to the time-scale of atomic motion through the junction. The maximum and time-average of the squared current density (which dictate the temperature) both exhibit a minimum in DC offset (which dictates the wind force). This is explained by wind force driven annealing of the wire under long-range atomic displacements. Our hypothesis is supported by observations of changing device resistance on the voltage ramp prior to EM onset and by subsequent SEM inspection of electromigrated devices. The frequency dependence of pure AC EM breaking is also presented and interpreted in terms of the effectiveness of damage healing upon current reversal and the degree of wind force driven annealing.
FinFET for mm Wave - Technology and Circuit Design Challenges

As next-generation communication systems continue to push to higher operating frequencies, one thing that has grown more uncertain is the technology node which is most suitable for implementing these systems. FinFET CMOS is a viable candidate, offering high-density and low-leakage digital transistors. However, the millimeter-wave (mmWave) capabilities of these devices remain relatively unknown by many. In this paper, we assess the mmWave performance of a FinFET process and discuss the key challenges to mmWave design in deeply-scaled technologies along with design techniques and insight to overcome such challenges. We also demonstrate the suitability of modern FinFET devices for the design of energy-efficient mmWave systems as demonstrated by a 75GHz LNA and PA implemented in Intel's 22FFL process which achieve state-of-art performance.
Stem and Leaf Hardiness of 12 Abelia Taxa

Abstract Twelve taxa of Abelia were evaluated using laboratory procedures to determine maximum stem and leaf hardiness and to evaluate timing of acclimation and deacclimation over a two-year period...
A Catalytic Asymmetric Total Synthesis of (—)-Perophoramidine.

The asymmetric key step of the new protocol is the molybdenum-catalyzed allylic alkylation of the oxindole (II) to give (III) with high enantioselectivity.
Current Dimensions in Sales Forecasting

A sales forecast is an estimate by a firm of the dollar or unit sales expected by that firm in a specific time period with a specific marketing program in a specific economic environment. The sales forecast is characteristically an estimate. The utility of the estimate is enhanced when the forecast is in a decision compelling form; thus sales forecasts are often generated for products, potential customers, and geographic areas.
Ecosystem management applications of resource objective wildfires in forests of the Grand Canyon National Park, USA

Forest managers of the western United States are increasingly interested in utilising naturally ignited wildfires to achieve management objectives. Wildfires can accomplish a range of objectives, from maintenance of intact ecological conditions, to ecosystem restoration, to playing vital natural disturbance roles; however, few studies have carefully evaluated long-term effectiveness and outcomes of wildfire applications across multiple forest types. We remeasured monitoring plots more than 10 years after ‘resource objective’ (RO) fires were allowed to burn in three main south-western forest types. Results showed minimal effects and effective maintenance of open conditions in an intact pine-oak site. Higher-severity fire and delayed mortality of larger and older trees contributed to reductions in basal area and canopy cover at the mixed-conifer and spruce-fir sites. Species dominance shifted towards ponderosa pine in both the mixed-conifer and spruce-fir sites. Although fires resulted in 46–68% mortality of smaller trees initially, substantial ingrowth brought tree density to near pre-fire levels in all forest types after 12 years. Overall, the 2003 RO fires were broadly successful at maintaining or creating open and heterogeneous conditions and resulted in fire- and drought-tolerant species composition. These conditions are likely to be resilient to changing climate, at least in the short term. Substantial mortality of large trees and continuing loss of basal area, however, are a concern, given further climate warming.
Correction to: Impact of age on morbidity and mortality following bariatric surgery.

This article was updated to correct the spelling of Nicholas Dugan’s first name: it is correct as displayed here.
Fast three-color single-molecule FRET using statistical inference

We describe theory, experiments, and analyses of three-color Forster resonance energy transfer (FRET) spectroscopy for probing sub-millisecond conformational dynamics of protein folding and binding of disordered proteins. We devise a scheme that uses single continuous-wave laser excitation of the donor instead of alternating excitation of the donor and one of the acceptors. This scheme alleviates photophysical problems of acceptors such as rapid photobleaching, which is crucial for high time resolution experiments with elevated illumination intensity. Our method exploits the molecular species with one of the acceptors absent or photobleached, from which two-color FRET data is collected in the same experiment. We show that three FRET efficiencies and kinetic parameters can be determined without alternating excitation from a global maximum likelihood analysis of two-color and three-color photon trajectories. We implement co-parallelization of CPU-GPU processing, which leads to a significant reduction of the likelihood calculation time for efficient parameter determination. Three-colour FRET is a powerful tool to study macromolecular conformational dynamics, but is temporally limited due to the experimental complexity. Here the authors develop experimental and analytical methods for probing submillisecond-time scale dynamics using single continuous-wave excitation.
Ocular Fundus Abnormalities in Acute Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: The FOTO-ICU Study

BACKGROUND Ocular fundus abnormalities, especially intraocular hemorrhage, may represent a clinically useful prognostic marker in patients with acute subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). OBJECTIVE To evaluate associations between ocular fundus abnormalities and clinical outcomes in acute SAH. METHODS Prospective evaluation of acute SAH patients with ocular fundus photography at bedside. Multivariable logistic models were used to evaluate associations between fundus abnormalities and poor outcome (inpatient death, care withdrawal, or discharge Glasgow Outcome Score <4) and intensive care unit (ICU) and hospital lengths-of-stay, controlling for APACHE II score, respiratory failure at ICU admission, Hunt & Hess score, aneurysmal etiology, age, and sex. RESULTS Fundus abnormalities were present in 29/79 patients with acute SAH (35.4%), and 20/79 (25.3%) had intraocular hemorrhage. In univariate analyses, poor outcomes were more likely among patients with fundus abnormalities vs without (15/28 [53.6%] vs 15/51 [29.4%], P = .03); median length of ICU stay was longer in patients with intraocular hemorrhage than without (18 d [interquartile range (IQR) 12-25] vs 11 [IQR 7-17], P = .03). Logistic regression with fundus abnormality as predictor of interest showed that male sex (odds ratio [OR] 5.33 [95% CI 1.09-26.0], P = .045), higher APACHE II (OR, per 1-point increase, 1.35 [95% CI 1.08-1.78], P = .01), and aneurysmal etiology (OR 4.35 [95% CI 1.01-22.9], P = .048), but not fundus abnormalities (OR 1.56 [95% CI 0.43-5.65], P = .49) or intraocular hemorrhage (OR 1.28 [95% CI 0.26-5.59], P = .75) were associated with poor outcome. CONCLUSION Although ocular fundus abnormalities are associated with disease severity in SAH, they do not add value to patients' acute management beyond other risk factors already in use.
Characterization of the water retention curves of Everglades wetland soils

Abstract Alterations to the natural hydrology of wetlands like the Everglades have increased the presence of unsaturated zones in typically inundated soil environments. Understanding soil moisture dynamics through numerical modeling requires a large dataset of soil hydraulic parameters (SHPs) due to the spatially variable nature of hydromorphic soils typically found in wetlands. Furthermore, the application of conventional parameterization models is challenging due to shrinkage with desaturation observed in these organic-rich soils. The objective of this work was to investigate water retention, shrinkage, and the effect of shrinkage on the SHPs of Everglades soils. This study used pressure plate extractors to determine the soil water retention curves (SWRCs) and corresponding shrinkage from triplicates for 53 sites across the Everglades. In addition, the organic content (OC), and fiber content (FC) were measured in the laboratory. An agglomerative clustering method applied to the retention and shrinkage data identified three distinct clusters: marl, mixed marl-peat and peat. Marl had higher volumetric water contents (VWCs) than marl-peat or peat particularly at higher pressures. The susceptibility of peat to shrinkage resulted in lower VWCs compared to the other two soils. When shrinkage was accounted for in the vGM model, a significantly higher α and lower n were observed. In addition, some deviations from typical SWRC behavior, attributed to the collapse of macro-pores, caused poor model fit. Northern marshes with predominantly fibric peat had steeper SWRCs due to the inverse relationship between FC and VWC at higher pressures. Further work is required to determine the influence of vegetation on the SWRC.
Brainstem Neuronal Circuitries Controlling Gastric Tonic and Phasic Contractions: A Review

This review is on how current knowledge of brainstem control of gastric mechanical function unfolded over nearly four decades from the perspective of our research group. It describes data from a multitude of different types of studies involving retrograde neuronal tracing, microinjection of drugs, whole-cell recordings from rodent brain slices, receptive relaxation reflex, accommodation reflex, c-Fos experiments, immunohistochemical methods, electron microscopy, transgenic mice, optogenetics, and GABAergic signaling. Data obtained indicate the following: (1) nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS)—dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus (DMV) noradrenergic connection is required for reflex control of the fundus; (2) second-order nitrergic neurons in the NTS are also required for reflex control of the fundus; (3) a NTS GABAergic connection is required for reflex control of the antrum; (4) a single DMV efferent pathway is involved in brainstem control of gastric mechanical function under most experimental conditions excluding the accommodation reflex. Dual-vagal effectors controlling cholinergic and non-adrenergic and non-cholinergic (NANC) input to the stomach may be part of the circuitry of this reflex. (5) GABAergic signaling within the NTS via Sst-GABA interneurons determine the basal (resting) state of gastric tone and phasic contractions. (6) For the vagal–vagal reflex to become operational, an endogenous opioid in the NTS is released and the activity of Sst-GABA interneurons is suppressed. From the data, we suggest that the CNS has the capacity to provide region-specific control over the proximal (fundus) and distal (antrum) stomach through engaging phenotypically different efferent inputs to the DMV.
Cruise Ships, COVID-19, and Port/Flag State Obligations

The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed additional weaknesses of the already troubling “flag of convenience” practices under international law; the passenger cruise industry was especially impacted. Most...
Use of Transcarotid IMPELLA 2.5 Axial-Flow Pump Device for Left Ventricle Unloading During VA-ECMO Support in Pediatric Acute Heart Failure:

An alternative strategy for left ventricular (LV) venting during short-term mechanical circulatory support is use of Impella axial-flow pump. We present our transcarotid Impella 2.5 implantation te...
Toward Taming the Overhead Monster for Data-flow Integrity

Data-Flow Integrity (DFI) is a well-known approach to effectively detecting a wide range of software attacks. However, its real-world application has been quite limited so far because of the prohib...
Prospective, Randomized, Contralateral Eye Comparison of Wavefront-Guided Laser in Situ Keratomileusis (WFG-LASIK) and Small Incision Lenticule Extraction (SMILE) refractive surgeries

Abstarct Purpose Wave-front guided laser in situ keratomileusis (WFG-LASIK) and small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) are keratorefractive surgeries that can improve uncorrected visual acuity in myopic patients. Comparison of visual outcomes in myopic patients treated with LASIK and SMILE are needed. Design Prospective, randomized contralateral eye-controlled trial Methods We performed a single-center prospective, randomized, contralateral eye comparison of WFG-LASIK and SMILE (NCT03067077). Myopic patients with low levels of astigmatism were treated with WFG-LASIK in one eye and SMILE in the fellow eye from March 2017 to March 2021. Treatments were randomized by ocular dominance. WFG-LASIK and SMILE were performed. Postoperative evaluation at 1 day consisted of UDVA, wavefront aberrometry, and a slit lamp examination. On subsequent postoperative visits at 1-mo, 3-mo, 6-mo, and 12-mo, UDVA, manifest refraction, 5% and 25% low-contrast visual acuity, wavefront aberrometry, and slit lamp examination were performed. Main Outcome Measure The primary outcome measure was uncorrected distance visual acuity at twelve months Results Eighty-eight (88) eyes of 44 patients with myopia were enrolled in the study. Seventy-four eyes of 37 patients had successful treatments and ccompleted 12 months of follow-up. At postoperative month 12, there was significantly higher proportion of WFG-LASIK eyes who had >= 20/20 uncorrected distance visual acuity compared with SMILE eyes (94% vs 83%, p 0.05); there was no difference in higher order aberrations, including coma, trefoil, and spherical aberrations (p>0.05); and there was significantly higher proportion of WFG-LASIK eyes who had improved 5% and 25% low contrast visual acuity compared with SMILE eyes (p Conclusions WFG-LASIK and SMILE both offered significant improvements in corrected distance visual acuity and excellent predictability in both eyes. Compared with SMILE, WFG-LASIK resulted in faster visual recovery, better low contrast visual acuity, and greater gains in uncorrected visual acuity.
Case-Based Examples of Complications Associated with Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement

As with any new procedure, the complications associated with transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) are just as important as its therapeutic clinical benefits. A skilled operator must be able to quickly identify and mitigate any associated complications. The following is a list of the different types of TAVR-related complications an operator can experience before and during valve deployment.
What’s at Stake

What would the world look like if everyone practiced prevention in their sexual encounters? What if there were no AIDS, no syphilis, no gonorrhea? What if no one had to die of any of these diseases? What would a society be like with no unplanned or unwanted children, if mothers gave birth only when they themselves were fully developed, fully functioning adults? What if no infants were born infected with STDs? Although such goals may seem nearly impossible, this is the ideal to which this volume is dedicated: An end to the worldwide suffering caused by disease and death from STDs and a halt to the intergenerational cycles of poverty and deprivation associated with teen pregnancy. Abundant resources could be made available to support children and families in positive ways when there is no longer a need for the tertiary interventions currently required, such as medical treatment, foster care, protective services, welfare services, and a multitude of other costly remedies. This is the goal of the work described in this volume.
Subepicardial adipose tissue producing echocardiographic appearance of pericardial effusion

An isolated anterior echo-free space is generally regarded as a false-positive echocardiographic finding for pericardial effusion. Even when an anterior echo-free space is accompanied by a posterior echo-free space, the echo-free spaces have been occasionally reported to be falsely positive for pericardial effusion, principally in patients with cardiac neoplasms. The basis for these findings has never been adequately explained. In the present study, evaluation by computed tomographic imaging or necropsy examination of 5 patients in whom there was either an anterior or posterior echo-free space or both demonstrated that subepicardial adipose tissue is the echocardiographic imitator of pericardial effusion.
[24] Using the RNA-capture assay to assess the RNA-binding activity of viral proteins

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the assessment of the RNA-binding activity of viral proteins by using the RNA-capture assay. The characterization of RNA-binding proteins can provide key insights into the mechanisms of viral replication as well as basic information on protein and RNA structure and function. Several methods have been used successfully to describe the interactions of protein and nucleic acids; these include gel mobility-shift electrophoresis, nucleic acid-conjugated column chromatography, filter binding assay, nucleic acid–protein photo-cross linking, nuclease protection (that is, footprinting), electron microscopy, and, recently, the crystallization of nucleic acid–protein complexes. The chapter describes an alternative technique, the RNA-capture assay, which is successfully used to detect and analyze the specificity of two rotavirus RNA-binding proteins. The RNA-capture assay employs immune-adsorbed protein as an affinity matrix to analyze RNA-binding activity. The RNA-capture assay depends primarily on the availability of a monospecific antibody that binds with reasonable affinity to the protein whose RNA-binding activity is to be assessed. Additionally, the assay requires that the selected antibody not perturb the RNA-binding activity of the protein. Some of the major advantages of the RNA-capture assay are as follows: (1) RNA probes of unlimited size can be used to examine RNA-binding activity; (3) the RNA-binding protein need not be purified a priori or subjected to harsh, possibly denaturing, conditions; and (3) the RNA-binding protein may be a component of large multimeric protein complexes.
Reusable templates of human performance in space shuttle procedures

One way to model human behavior easily and accurately is to decompose a complex task into a set of primitive operations to 'which performance parameters may be assigned. This allows reuse of models at the task level by means of behavioral templates. Performance predictions generated from reusable templates were tested against data from an experiment on space shuttle procedures. The experiment used different participant populations (novice pilots vs. expert astronauts) in different workload conditions (single vs. multiple malfunctions). A phrase-reading template was found to predict performance for the different groups in the different conditions, and a screen-touching template was found to predict performance for astronauts, but there was not enough data to evaluate cross-group and cross-condition predictions. Templates appear to be a useful tool for making predictions of human performance.
Assessing Delay Discounting in Mice

Delay discounting (also intertemporal choice or impulsive choice) is the process by which delayed outcomes, such as delayed food delivery, are valued less than the same outcomes delivered immediately or with a shorter delay. This process is of interest because many psychopathologies, including substance dependence, pathological gambling, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and conduct disorder, are characterized by heightened levels of delay discounting. Some of these disorders are heritable, and data indicate that delay discounting also has a genetic component. To identify the genes underlying the delay discounting decision-making process and genetic correlates of heightened discounting, researchers have used mouse models. This unit describes a protocol for generating delay discounting behavior in mice and discusses analysis techniques for such behavior.
The May 1915 Eruptions of Lassen Peak, California, I: Characteristics of Events Occurring on 19 May

Eyewitness accounts, conventional and computer-assisted analysis of photographs, and sedimentological studies indicate the likely occurrence of a volcanic blast associated with the eruption of a dacite lava flow and the emplacement of a major lahar at Lassen Peak, California, on the night of 19 May 1915. Although early investigators arrived at this conclusion, it was subsequently abandoned in favor of an interpretation that stressed the generation of the lahar by heat exchange between a dacite lava flow and the residual snow pack. The existence of a deposit with many of the characteristics of those formed by volcanic blasts, including charred organic material, and the planimetric distribution of the effects of the eruption are the strongest evidence for a volcanic blast on the night of 19 May. The cause of the blast is, however, problematic. The preferred candidate mechanism involves the physical disruption and avalanching of the dacite lava down the steep eastern slope of Lassen Peak, with intimate mixing and heat exchange between snow and hot fragments of dacite causing an explosive production of steam and leading to a volcanic blast and a subsequent lahar.
Analysis of acoustic backscatter in the vicinity of the Dry Tortugas

Experimental measurements of the bottom backscattering strength from carbonate sediments were made with a 200-kHz multibeam sonar mounted on a remotely operated vehicle. Results were obtained from eight different sites, which may be grouped into three categories, labeled soft, medium and hard, according to measured sediment sound speed. Sediment samples were gathered at or near each site to help interpret the acoustic results. The acoustic results are compared with extant published data and with the BOGGART bottom backscatter model. Backscattering strength values measured in the soft and medium sites fell within the main cluster of previously published values from sediments of similar grain sizes. The values from the hard region fell close to the upper limit. Dependence of the apparent backscattering strength on sonar height above bottom, particularly for the lower values of height above bottom, was observed, which suggests that the scattering process is a multiple-scattering one.
Relationships between carbon isotopic composition and mode of binding of natural organic matter in selected marine sediments

Abstract We have investigated the relationships between radiocarbon (14C) and stable carbon (13C) isotopic composition and the different modes of binding of organic matter (OM) in surficial sediments selected from near-shore and continental margin sites that vary in terms of input and depositional conditions. To improve our understanding of the entire OM pool, isotopic analysis of sedimentary sub-fractions, as opposed to individual compounds, was performed. This was achieved by sequentially treating sediments via solvent extraction to examine unbound compounds, followed by saponification to cleave ester linked moieties. Isotopic analysis was performed on the bulk sediment and resulting residues. The molecular composition of the extracts was examined using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) and the relative contributions of terrestrial and marine biomarkers were assessed. Radiocarbon abundances (Δ14C) of the bulk sediment reflect a mixture of modern, pre-aged and fossil carbon. Offsets in Δ14C between the bulk sediment and sediment residues demonstrate varying associations of these carbon pools. For the majority of sites, a negative offset between extracted (EX-RES) and saponified (SA-RES) sediment residues results from the removal of relatively 14C-rich material during saponification. Saponification extracts (SAEs) are mainly composed of short chain (n-C12 to n-C24) alkanoic acids with an even/odd dominance, indicating a predominantly marine algal or microbial source. This provides evidence for the protection of labile marine carbon by chemical binding. This study bridges the gap between molecular level and bulk OM analysis of marine sediments.
Micromechanical Model for Predicting Coefficient of Thermal Expansion of Concrete

AbstractThermal cracking of Portland cement concrete (PCC) decreases rideability and accelerates deterioration of concrete pavements. Coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) is one of the most important parameters to evaluate the thermal sensitivity of PCC. The AASHTO mechanistic-empirical pavement design guide (MEPDG) requires CTE as a basic input for concrete pavement design, which has increased interest in studies related to concrete CTE in the United States. Several test methods have been developed and used to determine concrete CTE. Nevertheless, concrete CTE testing is time-consuming. Most of the currently available concrete CTE prediction models are empirical and do not reflect the microstructure of PCC. This paper developed a micromechanical model based on thermal mechanical analysis to predict concrete CTE. Concrete CTE data found in the literature validated the applicability of the developed model. Factors affecting concrete CTE were examined using the proposed model. The model has the potential ...
Limnologic Analysis of Gusev Crater Paleolake, Mars

Abstract The survey of the hydrogeologic system formed by Gusev crater and Ma'adim Vallis (Aeolis subquadrangle of Mars) points out evidence for the existence of an ice-covered lake in Gusev crater. A first lake was formed by the drainage of the aquifer in the region surrounding Gusev before the entry of Ma'adim Vallis in the crater. The existence of a former lake in Gusev is deduced from the morphology of the Ma'adim delta. Its comparison with terrestrial Antarctic analogs argues for the presence of an ice-covered lake in Gusev at the time that the southern part of the crater's rampart was breached by Ma'adim first release, and for a subice–lacustrine construction of the valley's delta. Our survey shows that Ma'adim Vallis may have entered Gusev crater as late as Late Hesperian/Early Amazonian as part of a second lake episode. The relationship between the variation of the Gusev lake water-level, the volume of the lake, and the surface of the lake bed is established by our bathymetric model. The elevation of the former lake is deduced from the elevation of the mesa-like structures in the delta of Ma'adim Vallis. Furthermore, the correlation of the crater frequency of Gusev rampart with Mars' stratigraphic age shows that lakes may have occupied Gusev crater over a period of time covering 2 Gyrs., from the formation of the crater to the last episode of water release from Ma'adim Vallis. Though it is most likely that the lake was episodical, the recurrence of abundant water in Gusev crater makes this site a high priority for missions, either for martian resource exploration, or for the search of life.
Ultrastructure of the Turkey’s Basilar Papilla and the Damping Elements in the Scala Media

Abstract The ultrastructure of the turkey’s inner ear was investigated by use of scanning and transmission electron microscopes. It was shown that hair cells of the basilar papilla are separated from each other by microvilli of the supporting cells. Organized compartments in the lower surface of the tectorial membrane of the turkey are arranged in polarized fashion as are the hair bundles. Kinocilia were not idenified in the hair bundles examined in this study. Well-organized filamentous elements were observed in the cuticular plates. The continuation of these filamentous elements into the stereocilia indicates that the theory of adjustable resistor in generating cochlear potential may be closely associated with these elements. Membrane bound homogeneous material was found in the scala media between the tegmentum vasculosum and the tectorial membrane. The presence of this homogeneous damping material is believed to be essential in offsetting the sensitivity and enhancing the time resolution ability of the relatively short avian cochlea.
Genetic variation in histidine ammonia-lyase activity in the mouse

Summary The activity of liver histidine ammonia-lyase differs markedly among several different strains of inbred mice. Variations in urocanase activities were less marked and were not correlated with histidine ammonia-lyase levels. Enzyme levels in the F 1 progeny of matings between some of these strains indicate that two types of strains with low histidine ammonia-lyase levels exist. It is postulated that in one of these a mutation has occurred in the structural gene for histidine ammonia-lyase while in the other a mutation has occurred in a regulatory element.
Diastereoselective aldol reaction of an α-alkoxycarbonylamino aldehyde with a silyl enol ether

Abstract The aldol reaction of optically active α-alkoxycarbonylamino aldehydes with a silyl enol ether in the presence of a Lewis acid afforded γ-amino-β-hydroxyketones diastereoselectively. The effect of the α-amide proton on the diastereoselectivity is discussed.
Myocardial imaging in the noninvasive evaluation of patients with suspected ischemic heart disease

Abstract Three noninvasive radioactive tracer techniques for evaluating patients with ischemic heart disease are described: (1) myocardial perfusion imaging, (2) acute infarct imaging, and (3) the gated blood pool scan. Myocardial perfusion imaging with tracers that distribute in the myocardium in relation to regional blood flow allows detection of patients with transmural and nontransmural infarction by the finding of decreased tracer concentration in the affected region of the myocardium. If these tracers are injected at the time of maximal stress to patients with significant coronary arterial stenosis but without infarction, areas of transient ischemia can be identified as zones of decreased tracer concentration not found when an examination is performed at rest. Acute infarct imaging with tracers that localize in acutely damaged tissue permits separation of patients with acute myocardial necrosis from those without infarction and those with more chronic damage. The gated blood pool scan permits assessment of left ventricular function and regional wall motion. The measurement of ventricular volumes, ejection fraction and regional wall motion adds significantly to the determination of hemodynamic variables in assessing patients with acute infarction. The technique also permits detection of right ventricular dysfunction. Performance of a combination of these radioactive tracer techniques is often advantageous, particularly in patients with suspected infarction. The techniques can establish whether infarction is present, whether it is acute, where the damage is located and how extensive it is; they can also provide a measure of the effect of this damage on left ventricular function.
Applications of integrated photonics technology - from optical interconnects to neurophotonics

The IBM Silicon Nanophotonics technology enables cost-efficient optical links that connect racks, modules, and chips together with ultra-low power single-die optical transceivers. I will give an overview of its historical development, technology differentiators, current status and a roadmap. Article not available.
Disruption of Mediator rescues the stunted growth of a lignin-deficient Arabidopsis mutant

Lignin is a phenylpropanoid-derived heteropolymer important for the strength and rigidity of the plant secondary cell wall. Genetic disruption of lignin biosynthesis has been proposed as a means to improve forage and bioenergy crops, but frequently results in stunted growth and developmental abnormalities, the mechanisms of which are poorly understood. Here we show that the phenotype of a lignin-deficient Arabidopsis mutant is dependent on the transcriptional co-regulatory complex, Mediator. Disruption of the Mediator complex subunits MED5a (also known as REF4) and MED5b (also known as RFR1) rescues the stunted growth, lignin deficiency and widespread changes in gene expression seen in the phenylpropanoid pathway mutant ref8, without restoring the synthesis of guaiacyl and syringyl lignin subunits. Cell walls of rescued med5a/5b ref8 plants instead contain a novel lignin consisting almost exclusively of p-hydroxyphenyl lignin subunits, and moreover exhibit substantially facilitated polysaccharide saccharification. These results demonstrate that guaiacyl and syringyl lignin subunits are largely dispensable for normal growth and development, implicate Mediator in an active transcriptional process responsible for dwarfing and inhibition of lignin biosynthesis, and suggest that the transcription machinery and signalling pathways responding to cell wall defects may be important targets to include in efforts to reduce biomass recalcitrance.
Morphological gradients in sensory hair cells of the amphibian papilla of the frog, Rana pipiens pipiens

Abstract The sensory hair cells of the amphibian papilla (AP) of the northern leopard frog were examined in a light-microscopic analysis. Hair cell length and cross-sectional area were found to vary systematically along the rostro-caudal axis of the endorgan. The AP was readily divided into three morphological regions. Rostrally-located hair cells are tall, cylindrically-shaped cells with large crosssectional areas and long stereocilia; caudally-located hair cells are short, goblet-shaped cells with small cross-sectional areas and short stereocilia. In the middle region, hair cells exhibit features intermediate to those of hair cells located at the AP extremes. The detailed pattern of changes in hair cell morphology along the endorgan correlates well with its observed tonotopy and may have implications for the intrinsic tuning of the AP.
Making magnetic recording commercial: 1920–1955

Abstract Although magnetic recording had been invented in 1898, it was not until the late 1920s that the technology was successfully marketed to the public. Firms in Germany, the United Kingdom, and the United States developed and sold magnetic recorders for specialized markets in broadcasting and telephone systems through the 1930s. The demands of World War II considerably expanded the use of magnetic recording, and with the end of the war, firms in the United States sought to bring magnetic recording to home and professional music recording. Using a combination of captured German technology and American wartime research, American companies such as Ampex, Magnecord, 3M, the Brush Development Company, and others created a vast new industry. By the mid-1950s, magnetic recording was firmly established as a method for recording both sound and data.
The role of geography in extending biodiversity gap analaysis

Abstract The loss of biological diversity is a serious ecological problem and a central component in current strategies for managing environmental change. Global biodiversity is declining at an accelerated rate. This is both a biological and social concern: it may lead to dysfunctions at genetic, species or ecosystem levels, and lost species or habitats may have important commodity and/or socio-cultural values. Human action, particularly land uses that alter habitat, is a key cause of biodiversity loss. Research is needed to understand and manage biodiversity loss. Biodiversity gap analysis is being developed by biologists to map biodiversity and identify gaps in its protection. Several biological variables, such as vegetation, vertebrate distributions and endangered species, are entered into a GIS, from which biodiversity maps are generated, which are then overlaid with land management and ownership status. Unprotected components of biodiversity are identified as ‘gaps’. Gap analysis efforts are now underway in many locations but the technique needs to be extended to include socioeconomic factors, such as population change, so that habitat change and biodiversity loss can be described and predicted. Geography has a role in developing this ‘extended gap analysis’ technique. This paper discusses the measurement, importance, and causes of biodiversity loss, describes the biodiversity gap analysis technique and its proposed socioeconomic extension, provides a worked example of extended gap analysis, offers a rationale for geography's involvement in such efforts, and suggests a research agenda for geographers interested in biodiversity gap analysis.